bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel, genetically induced mouse model that recapitulates the histological morphology and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of metastatic peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Tseng Ssu-Hsueh , Park Sung-Taek , Lam Brandon , Tsai Ya-Chea , Cheng Max A , Farmer Emily , Xing Deyin , Hung Chien-Fu
Published: February 2020

Background

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a hallmark of advanced peritoneal tumor progression, particularly for tubal/ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs). Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis have poor survival rates and are difficult to treat clinically due to widespread tumor dissemination in the peritoneal cavity.

Methods

We developed a clinically relevant, genetically induced, peritoneal carcinomatosis model that recapitulates the histological morphology and immunosuppressive state of the tumor microenvironment of metastatic peritoneal HGSCs by intraperitoneally injecting shp53, AKT, c-Myc, luciferase and sleeping beauty transposase, followed by electroporation (EP) in the peritoneal cavity of immunocompetent mice (intraperitoneal (IP)/EP mice).

Results

Similar to the spread of human ovarian cancers, IP/EP mice displayed multiple tumor nodules attached to the surface of the abdomen. Histopathological analysis indicated that these tumors were epithelial in origin. These IP/EP mice also displayed a loss of CD3+T cell infiltration in tumors, highly expressed inhibitory checkpoint molecules in tumor-infiltrating and global CD4+and CD8+T cells, and increased levels of transforming growth factor-β in the ascites, all of which contribute to the promotion of tumor growth.

Conclusions

Overall, our tumor model recapitulates clinical peritoneal HGSC metastasis, which makes it ideal for preclinical drug screening, testing of immunotherapy-based therapeutics and studying of the tumor biology of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Support from superiors reduces depression in Republic of Korea military officers
Authors: Woo Seon Yeong , Kim H J , Kim B R , Ahn H C , Jang B N , Park E-C
Published: February 2020

Background

The prevalence of depression is relatively high in the Korean military. Social support is a protective factor against depression and is classified into four categories: emotional support—having the sense of feeling loved; instrumental support—receiving material assistance; informational support—receiving advice; appraisal support—feeling valued and respected for one's abilities.

Objective

To investigate the effect of support from one’s superior on depression among Republic of Korea (ROK) military officers.

Methods

2047 participants from the 2015 Military Health Survey were included in the study. The Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory was used to measure depression, and a self-reported questionnaire was used to assess support from one’s superior. A chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression were used to analyse the data.

Results

Of the 2047 participants, 177 (8.6%) had depression. Military officers who did not receive support from their superior were more likely to have depression than than those who did receive support (OR=2.09, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.36). Additionally, military personnel who did not receive emotional or appraisal support were more likely to have depression (emotional support: OR=2.37, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.29; appraisal support: OR=1.56, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.75).

Conclusions

Our study found that depression in military officers was associated with lack of support from superiors. In particular, emotional support and appraisal support had a statistically significant effect. Therefore, we suggest that the ROK armed forces consider early intervention and management for high-risk groups. A social support programme and organisational atmosphere are also needed to improve supportive ability and skills of superiors.
Oxygen migration through a cover with capillary barrier effects colonized by roots
Authors: Proteau Alex , Guittonny Marie , Bussière Bruno , Maqsoud Abdelkabir
Published: February 2020

Covers with capillary barrier effects (CCBEs) are multi-layered oxygen barrier covers used in humid climates to reclaim reactive mine tailings and limit the generation of acid mine drainage. Once constructed, CCBEs are colonized by surrounding plants. Roots modify water storage and respire oxygen. The performance of CCBEs could evolve over time due to root colonization. Twenty-five plots with varying vegetation were investigated at a 17-year-old CCBE in the mixed forest of Quebec, Canada. Geotechnical parameters and root colonization of the moisture-retaining layer (MRL) of the CCBE were characterized. The performance of the MRL to control oxygen migration was assessed using oxygen consumption tests and numerical modeling. Despite root colonization at the surface of the MRL, oxygen fluxes generally complied with the CCBE’s design criteria. Root presence created oxygen consumption in the MRL, which could be expressed with a reactivity coefficient (Kr). A positive correlation (R2 = 0.65) was found between root length density and Kr. Oxygen consumption by root respiration helped to lower oxygen fluxes by 0.5 to 76 g/m2/year, with a mean of 13 g/m2/year. These results will help to better understand the influence of roots on CCBEs’ performance to control oxygen migration.
Differences in melanin type and content among color variations in American mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Grabolus Dominika , Wacławik Patrycja , Zatoń-Dobrowolska Magdalena
Published: February 2020

Coat colour is one of the most important qualitative traits of fur animals. Determining melanin pigments forming the basics of visible coat colour may contribute to a better understanding of the process of creating different coat colour variations in fur-bearing animals. This study aimed to (i) isolate pigment cells from the hair of American mink of 11 colour variations (standard brown, silverblue, palomino, black, wild type, sapphire, black cross, pearl, palomino cross, glow, and amber) using acid and alkali; and (ii) characterise the melanin pigments obtained. The purified pigment cells were observed under a light microscope and verified by spectrophotometry scanning and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The method allowed for obtaining pure melanin specimens. Using acid and alkali to extract eumelanosomes did not affect their shape and structure; it also allowed for obtaining pheomelanin from the hair. The results have proven that the hair colour of the American mink is based on all types of melanin, and that its variations differ in terms of how much eumelanin and pheomelanin the hair contains.
Testing dark matter distributions by neutrino–dark matter interactions
Authors: Penacchioni A.V. , Civitarese O. , Argüelles C. R.
Published: February 2020

At present, a variety of dark matter (DM) density profiles are available in the literature, able to fit the observed rotation velocity curves in galaxies. These distributions may be classified according to nature and mass of the DM candidate, and their estimation of the concentration of DM on halo scales, as well as through their central regions. Examples of these distributions are the (empiric) Einasto or isotropic, the (N-body-simulation-based) Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW), or the (elementary-particle-based) Ruffini–Argüelles–Rueda (RAR), among others. In this work, we calculate the cross-sections for the interaction between neutrinos coming from astrophysical sources and DM particles subject to some of these distributions. Furthermore, we explore the changes in the neutrino oscillation patterns due to the different DM profiles used to represent the environment. From the results of the calculations it is concluded that both the cross-section and the neutrino oscillation pattern depend on the features of each of the adopted models for the DM distributions. For the case of the NFW and isotropic DM distributions the expected effects at Earth, for neutrinos coming from an extragalactic source, are noticeable while in the case of the RAR distribution the effects are restricted to a narrow region around the galactic center.
Why $$\alpha _s$$ cannot be determined from hadronic processes without simultaneously determining the parton distributions
Authors: Forte Stefano , Kassabov Zahari
Published: February 2020

We show that any determination of the strong coupling $$\alpha _s$$αs from a process which depends on parton distributions, such as hadronic processes or deep-inelastic scattering, generally does not lead to a correct result unless the parton distributions (PDFs) are determined simultaneously along with $$\alpha _s$$αs. We establish the result by first showing an explicit example, and then arguing that the example is representative of a generic situation which we explain using models for the shape of equal $$\chi ^2$$χ2 contours in the joint space of $$\alpha _s$$αs and the PDF parameters.
Cortical Asymmetries and Connectivity Patterns in the Valence Dimension of the Emotional Brain
Authors: Sorinas Jennifer , Fernandez-Troyano Juan C. , Ferrandez Jose Manuel , Fernandez Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Understanding the neurophysiology of emotions, the neuronal structures involved in processing emotional information and the circuits by which they act, is key to designing applications in the field of affective neuroscience, to advance both new treatments and applications of brain–computer interactions. However, efforts have focused on developing computational models capable of emotion classification instead of on studying the neural substrates involved in the emotional process. In this context, we have carried out a study of cortical asymmetries and functional cortical connectivity based on the electroencephalographic signal of 24 subjects stimulated with videos of positive and negative emotional content to bring some light to the neurobiology behind emotional processes. Our results show opposite interhemispheric asymmetry patterns throughout the cortex for both emotional categories and specific connectivity patterns regarding each of the studied emotional categories. However, in general, the same key areas, such as the right hemisphere and more anterior cortical regions, presented higher levels of activity during the processing of both valence emotional categories. These results suggest a common neural pathway for processing positive and negative emotions, but with different activation patterns. These preliminary results are encouraging for elucidating the neuronal circuits of the emotional valence dimension.
Ginkgo biloba Induces Thrombomodulin Expression and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Secretion via the Activation of Krüppel-Like Factor 2 within Endothelial Cells
Authors: Chiu Yi-Lin , Tsai Wei-Che , Wu Chih-Hsien , Wu Chun-Hsien , Cheng Cheng-Chung , Lin Wei-Shing , Tsai Tsung-Neng , Wu Lian-Shan
Published: February 2020

The effects of thrombo-prevention, such as antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity, have been reported with the usage of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE); however, the detailed mechanism has not yet been fully investigated, especially the role of Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). This study aimed to investigate whether GbE can activate KLF2 and then induce thrombomodulin (TM) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) secretion to enhance the effects of thrombo-prevention. Different concentrations of GbE were incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to evaluate its effect on endothelial cells. We found that KLF2 expression is correlated to the risk of atherosclerosis and venous thromboembolism in clinical practice. In the HUVEC cell model, GbE stimulated the expression of KLF2 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, TM and t-PA secretion increased when the cells were cultured with GbE. Both the expressions and activities of TM and t-PA in the GbE-treated cells declined after KLF2 was blocked by shKLF2. In sum, with GbE treatment, KLF2 expression in human endothelial cells was significantly activated, which in turn induced an increase in the protein expression and activity of TM and t-PA. After shRNA inhibited the KLF2 expression, GbE stopped inducing the expression and activity of TM and t-PA. These findings suggest that GbE exerts an antithrombotic effect on endothelial cells by increasing the TM expression and t-PA secretion; further, KLF2 is a key factor in this mechanism.
Probing the Glashow resonance at electron–positron colliders
Authors: Alikhanov I.
Published: February 2020

The Glashow resonance is a rapid enhancement of the cross-section for scattering of electron antineutrinos on electrons at the [Formula: see text] boson production threshold due to the [Formula: see text]-channel contribution. This resonance is being searched for at large volume neutrino detectors in which the reaction [Formula: see text] to be initiated by cosmic ray antineutrinos of energies about 6.3 PeV. The relatively small neutrino flux reaching the Earth together with the necessity of analyzing ultra-high-energy final states make such searches challenging. We argue here that the Glashow resonance may contribute to the process [Formula: see text]. By extending the method of the effective (equivalent) particles to the neutral leptons, we relate the distribution of the effective neutrinos in the electron to the total cross-section for [Formula: see text]. Our approach gives a good fit to the existing experimental data measured at the collider LEP at CERN and allows one to interpret these measurements as an observation of the Glashow resonance. We also discuss an advantage of future electron–positron colliders for probing the resonance.
Analysis of single-particle nonlocality through the prism of weak measurements
Authors: Georgiev Danko , Cohen Eliahu
Published: February 2020

Although regarded today as an important resource in quantum information, nonlocality has yielded over the years many conceptual conundrums. Among the latter are nonlocal aspects of single particles which have been of major interest. In this paper, the nonlocality of single quanta is studied in a square nested Mach–Zehnder interferometer with spatially separated detectors using a delayed choice modification of quantum measurement outcomes that depend on the complex-valued weak values. We show that if spacelike separated Bob and Alice are allowed to freely control their quantum devices, the geometry of the setup constrains the local hidden variable models. In particular, hidden signaling and a list of contextual instructions are required to split a quantum state characterized by a positive Wigner function into two quantum states with nonpositive Wigner functions. This implies that local hidden variable models could rely neither on only two hidden variables for position and momentum, nor on simultaneous factorizability of both the hidden probability densities and weights of splitting to reproduce the correct quantum distributions. While our analysis does not fully exclude the existence of nonfactorizable local hidden variable models, it demonstrates that the recently proposed weak values of quantum histories necessitate contextual splitting of prior commitments to measurement outcomes, due to functional dependence on the total Feynman sum that yields the complex-valued quantum probability amplitude for the studied quantum transition. This analysis also highlights the quantum nature of weak measurements.
The sedimentology and tsunamigenic potential of the Byron submarine landslide off New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Mollison Kendall C. , Power Hannah E. , Clarke Samantha L. , Baxter Alan T. , Lane Emily M. , Hubble Thomas C. T.
Published: February 2020

Extensive evidence for submarine landslide failure is found along the east Australian continental margin. This paper assesses the sedimentological properties and models the failure event that created the Byron landslide scar, located on the SE Australian continental margin,
c.
34 km off the coast of Byron Bay, New South Wales. Sedimentological analyses and dating (radiocarbon and biostratigraphic) were conducted on three gravity cores collected from within the Byron landslide scar. A paraconformity, identified in one of the three cores by a distinct colour change, was found to represent a distinct radiocarbon age gap of at least 25 ka and probably represents the detachment surface of the slide plane. The core-derived sediment properties for the Byron landslide scar were used to inform hydrodynamic modelling using the freely available numerical modelling software, Basilisk. Model results highlight the important role of sediment rheology on the tsunamigenic potential of the slide and on the resulting inundation along the east Australian coastline, therefore providing a greater understanding of the modern hazard posed by comparable future submarine landslide events for the east Australian coastline.
Predicting success in an undergraduate exercise science program using science-based admission courses
Authors: Esmat Tiffany A. , Pitts Joshua D.
Published: February 2020

Student success is an important focus within higher education as it relates to retention, progression, and graduation rates. Limited research exists examining the predictors of success within an undergraduate Exercise Science program. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the viability of an admission policy implemented within an undergraduate Exercise Science program as a method of predicting student success. Data from 652 students from 2012 through 2018 were collected from the University’s Enterprise Information Management system. Regression analysis indicated ES 2100, an introductory Exercise Science course, was the best predictor of student performance in required major courses. Furthermore, the results indicated performance in general education courses, including English Composition II, Precalculus, General Chemistry II Laboratory, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, and General Psychology were also significantly related to performance in the required major courses, after controlling for performance in other courses. The results of the investigation provide insight regarding future success within required major courses in the program. This knowledge can be valuable when examining methods to improve retention of students, progression, minimizing repeat attempts at courses, and improving graduation rates. In conclusion, the identification of these courses, related to student success, may provide valuable insight for other Exercise Science-related programs that are considering implementing a program admission policy.
Prevalence and Predictors of Nonadherence to Diet and Physical Activity Recommendations among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zeleke Negera Getandale , Charles Epiphanio Dariowani
Published: February 2020

Background. Nonadherence to lifestyle modification recommendations is a major challenge in the management of diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted to measure the prevalence and predictors of nonadherence to diet and physical activity recommendations among type 2 diabetes patients (T2D). Methods. A cross-sectional study involving 322 type 2 diabetes patients was conducted from April 1 to June 30, 2019. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured and pretested questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics were collected. Descriptive analytical results were reported in text, tables, and figures. Logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of nonadherence to diet and physical activity. Variables with p value ≤0.25 in bivariate logistic regression were considered as candidates for multivariable regression. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals together with p value <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Result. The rate of nonadherence to physical activity and diet was 64.3% and 36%, respectively. Female gender (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI [1.52–4.56]), age > 60 years (AOR: 2.9, 95% CI [1.12–7.42]), being illiterate (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI [1.86–9.73]), diabetes duration of >5 years (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI [1.42–4.41]), and lack of social support (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI [1.42–4.35]) were independent predictors of nonadherence to physical activity recommendations. Factors associated with nonadherence to dietary recommendations were being male (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: [1.35–5.65]), age > 60 years (AOR = 6.3, 95% CI: [2.21–18.17]), khat chewing (AOR = 8.0, 95% CI: [3.86–16.7]), lack of social support (AOR = 15.26, 95% CI = [7.45–32.8]), and doctor’s instructions or advice regarding diet (AOR = 8.9, 95% CI = [4.26–18.9]). Conclusion. The rate of nonadherence to diet and physical activity recommendations was high in the study area. Predictors of nonadherence to physical activity are female gender, age > 60 years, being illiterate, diabetes duration of >5 years, and lack of social support. Predictors of nonadherence to diet are being male, khat chewing, lack of social support, and doctor’s instructions or advice regarding diet.
On a New Model Based on Third-Order Nonlinear Multisingular Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Sabir Zulqurnain , Günerhan Hatıra , Guirao Juan L. G.
Published: February 2020

In this study, a novel mathematical model based on third-order nonlinear multisingular functional differential equations (MS-FDEs) is presented. The designed model is solved by using a well-known differential transformation (DT) scheme that is a very credible tool for solving the nonlinear third-order nonlinear MS-FDEs. In order to check the exactness, efficacy, and convergence of the scheme, some numerical examples are presented based on nonlinear third-order MS-FDEs and numerically solved by using DT scheme. The scheme of differential transformation allows us to find a complete solution and a closed approximate solution of the differential equation. The distinctive advantage of the computational technique is to deal with the complex and monotonous physical problems that are obtained in various branches of engineering and natural sciences. Moreover, a comparison of the obtained numerical outcomes from the exact solutions shows the correctness, accurateness, and exactness of the designed model as well as the presented scheme.
Periodic Coulomb Dynamics of Three Equal Negative Charges in the Field of Equal Positive Charges Fixed in Octagon Vertices
Authors: Skrypnik W. I.
Published: February 2020

Periodic solutions of the Coulomb equation motion for three equal negative point charges in the field of six equal positive point charges fixed in vertices of a convex octagon are found. The system possesses an equilibrium configuration. The Lyapunov center theorem is applied.
Inverse Method of Centrifugal Pump Blade Based on Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Zhang Renhui , Zhao Xutao
Published: February 2020

The inverse problem is always one of the important issues in the field of fluid machinery for the complex relationship among the blade shape, the hydraulic performance, and the inner flow structure. Based on Bayesian theory of posterior probability obtained from known prior probability, the inverse methods for the centrifugal pump blade based on the single-output Gaussian process regression (SOGPR) and the multioutput Gaussian process regression (MOGPR) were proposed, respectively. The training sample set consists of the blade shape parameters and the distribution of flow parameters. The hyperparameters in the inverse problem models were trained by using the maximum likelihood estimation and the gradient descent algorithm. The blade shape corresponding to the objective blade load can be achieved by the trained inverse problem models. The MH48-12.5 low specific speed centrifugal pump was selected to verify the proposed inverse methods. The reliability and accuracy of both inverse problem models were confirmed and compared by implementing leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validation and extrapolation characteristic analysis. The results show that the blade shapes within the sample space can be reconstructed exactly by both models. The root mean square errors of the MOGPR inverse problem model for the pump blade are generally lower than those of the SOGPR inverse problem model in the LOO cross-validation. The extrapolation characteristic of the MOGPR inverse problem model is better than that of the SOGPR inverse problem model for the correlation between the blade shape parameters can be fully considered by the correlation matrix of the MOGPR model. The proposed inverse methods can efficiently solve the inverse problem of centrifugal pump blade with sufficient accuracy.
Acupotomy Alleviates Energy Crisis at Rat Myofascial Trigger Points
Authors: Zhang Yi , Du Ning-Yu , Chen Chen , Wang Tong , Wang Li-Juan , Shi Xiao-Lu , Li Shu-Ming , Guo Chang-Qing
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of acupotomy on energy crises in rat trigger points (TrPs) by measuring mechanical pain thresholds (MPTs) and levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), free sarcoplasmic calcium (Ca2+), adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP), adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP), substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in rat muscle TrP tissue. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 32) were randomly divided into four groups: control, TrP, acupotomy, and lidocaine injection. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure AChE, and free sarcoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations were determined by fluorescent staining with Fura‐2 AM; high‐performance liquid chromatography was used to measure ATP and AMP, and SP and CGRP were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, free sarcoplasmic Ca2+, AMP, SP, and CGRP were higher in the model group, while MPT, AChE, and ATP were lower. Treatment with acupotomy or lidocaine injection reduced free sarcoplasmic Ca2+, SP, and CGRP and increased MPTs and AChE levels compared with the model group. However, only acupotomy also led to decreased AMP and increased ATP levels relative to the model group. We conclude that acupotomy can alleviate energy crises at TrPs.
Mobile Phone Technologies in Coping with the Challenges and Opportunities of CPEC by the Youth of Rural Mountainous Areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Authors: Rahim Sabit , Qutoshi Sadruddin Bahadur , Sahar Gul , Jabeen Gul , Ali Imran
Published: February 2020

The study aims to explore the access of mobile phone, emerging technologies, and use of the mobile phone by the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan, for learning and safety and security purposes. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. The descriptive statistics was employed to test the research model. Among the 300 distributed sample size, 272 participants responded back including 133 male and 139 female students of Karakoram International University (KIU) from eight districts of GB as research participants for data collection. Only 1 male and 6 females responded that they do not have their own mobile phone, comprising of 90.6% response rate. The results show that 97% of students of rural mountainous areas own a mobile phone. The study contributes valuable findings about the access and positive use of mobile phones for learning and safety and security purposes. The result also shows that the youth of GB have enough skills of mobile phone technologies to cope with the future challenges of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by taking advantages of China Pakistan Information Corridor (CPIC is a fiber optics cable laid down from the China border to Islamabad Pakistan for the purpose of providing the fast internet facility including 5G). This is the baseline survey and future study will be based on this survey.
Corallodiscus flabellata B.L. Burtt Extracts Stimulate Diuretic Activity and Regulate the Renal Expression of Aquaporins
Authors: Kan Yuxuan , Zeng Mengnan , Zhang Beibei , Li Benke , Wang Shenchao , Wang Yangyang , Xu Ruiqi , Wu Yuanyuan , Zheng Xiaoke , Feng Weisheng
Published: February 2020

Corallodiscus flabellata B. L. Burtt is a traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies in our laboratory showed that C. flabellata alleviated symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a rat model of AD and increased healthy rats’ urine volume. The aims of this study were to explore the diuretic activity of different extracts from C. flabellata and to identify the underlying mechanisms of action. Different doses of a C. flabellata extract (CF‐L, CF‐M, and CF‐H) were administered orally to male KM mice in a single dose. In another procedure, C. flabellata (CF), water extract, and 20%, 30%, and 40% ethanol extracts of C. flabellata (CF‐WE, CF‐20, CF‐30, and CF‐40) were administered orally daily for 5 days. The urinary excretion rate, osmolality, and electrolyte levels in urine and serum, renal expression of aquaporins (AQPs), apoptosis‐related protein, and MAPK‐related protein were analyzed. The results showed that single doses of CF‐M and CF‐H increased urinary volume significantly, as well as daily administration of CF, CF‐WE, CF‐20, CF‐30, and CF‐40. Furthermore, CF‐20 and CF‐30 increased the concentration of Na+ in the urine. Treatment with CF‐40 increased the urine osmolality and Na+ and Cl− concentrations and decreased the concentration of Na+ in the serum. Also, CF, CF‐WE, CF‐20, CF‐30, and CF‐40 decreased the renal expression of AQPs, as well as the ratios of Bcl‐2/Bax, p‐ERK/ERK, p‐JNK/JNK, and p‐p38/p38. In sum, the medium and high doses of the C. flabellata extract and CF‐WE, CF‐20, CF‐30, and CF‐40 were found to have a diuretic activity. They may inhibit the renal expression of AQPs and apoptosis‐related proteins by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby achieving diuretic effects.
Pata-Type Fixed-Point Theorems in Kaleva–Seikkala’s Type Fuzzy Metric Space
Authors: Sima Ao-Lei , He Fei , Lu Ning
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this paper is to generalize the fixed-point theorems for Banach–Pata-type contraction and Kannan–Pata-type contraction from metric spaces to Kaleva–Seikkala’s type fuzzy metric spaces. Moreover, two examples are given for the support of our results.
The Status of Occupational Burnout and Its Influence on the Psychological Health of Factory Workers and Miners in Wulumuqi, China
Authors: Lu Yaoqin , Zhang Zhe , Gao Sunyujie , Yan Huan , Zhang Lijiang , Liu Jiwen
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of occupational burnout and its influence on the psychological health of factory workers and miners, in order to provide theoretical basis and reference for alleviating occupational burnout and promoting psychological health. The cross‐sectional study investigated 6130 factory workers and miners with online questionnaire; the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI) and Symptom Check List‐90 (SCL‐90) were used. In total, 6120 valid questionnaires were collected; effectiveness was 99.8%. The percentage of the factory workers and miners suffering from occupational burnout was 85.98% and psychological health problems was 38.27%. A statistically significant difference was observed in relation to the prevalence of occupational burnout among factory workers and miners of different sex, education level, labor contracts, work schedule, monthly incomes, weight, hypertension, age, working years, working hours per day, working hours per week, coal dust, silica dust, asbestos dust, benzene, lead, and noise. The detection rate of psychological health was higher for males than females. The detection rate of psychological health was higher for working days per week less than 5 days than more than 5 days. The detection rate of psychological health with high school education, senior professional title, night shift, divorced, monthly income less than 3000 yuan, weight more than 75 kg, age more than 45 years, and working years between 25 and 30 years was higher than that of the other groups. The results showed that sex, education level, professional title, work schedule, monthly income, hypertension, age, working years, asbestos dust, benzene, and occupational burnout affected psychological health among factory workers and miners. Factory workers and miners had high levels of occupational burnout, and occupational burnout was a risk factor that can lead to psychological health.
Improved Therapeutic Effect of Puerarin-Encapsulated PEG-PLGA Nanoparticle on an In Vitro Cerebral Infarction Model
Authors: Li Lei , Li Yan , Miao Cheng , Liu Rui
Published: February 2020

This study was to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of puerarin (PUE) combined with PEGylated nanoparticles on a rat cerebral infarction cell model. In this context, PEG-PLGA/PUE nanoparticles were prepared by the thin-film hydration method, and the toxicity of PEG-PLGA/PUE nanoparticles to brain capillary endothelial cell (BCEC) was detected by MTT. The BCEC/TF cell model was obtained by induction of BCEC cells with TNF-α. The BCEC/TF cell model was identified by immunofluorescence; the protein expression was detected by western blotting; the expression level of miR-424 in cells was measured by RT-qPCR; the targeting relationship between miR-424 and PDCD4 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. We found that PEG-PLGA/PUE nanoparticles prepared by the thin-film hydration method had uniform particle size, regular shape, and good stability and were not toxic to cells. The vWF was widely expressed in the cytoplasm in BCECs. The BCEC/TF cell model was obtained after TNF-α treatment, and tissue factor (TF) was widely expressed on the cell membrane of BCEC/TF cells. Furthermore, it was observed that the PEG-PLGA/PUE nanoparticles showed better therapeutic effect on the BCEC/TF cell model than PUE. PEG-PLGA/PUE nanoparticles and PUE inhibited the expression of PDCD4 protein by increasing the expression of miR-424 in BCEC/TF cells. In summary, the therapeutic effect of PEG-PLGA/PUE nanoparticles on the in vitro cell model of cerebral infarction is better than that of PUE. Moreover, PEG-PLGA/PUE inhibits the expression of PDCD4 protein by lowering the expression level of miR-424 in cells, thereby reducing the hazard of cerebral infarction.
Lamellar Keratoplasty Combined with Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for the Treatment of Corneal Perforations: A Clinical and In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Study
Authors: Ke Lan , Shen Dan , Wang Haoyu , Qiao Chen , Zeng Qingyan
Published: February 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical and in vivo confocal microscopy outcome of lamellar keratoplasty combined with amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of corneal perforations. Methods. In this retrospective, noncomparative, and interventional case series, 13 eyes of 13 patients with corneal perforation were included. All eyes were treated with lamellar keratoplasty combined with amniotic membrane transplantation for corneal reconstruction. Age, underlying etiology, location, size of corneal ulcer, size of corneal perforation, hospitalization days and follow‐up time, and corneal confocal microscopy were investigated. Aqueous leakage, anterior chamber formation, epithelial healing time, and visual acuity (VA) were monitored after operation. Results. The cause of corneal perforation (n = 13) was classified as infectious (n = 1) and noninfectious (n = 12). Most of the locations of corneal perforation were paracentral, and 2 of them were center. The anterior chambers were formed without aqueous leakage and other complications at postoperative day. The mean time of regained a smooth corneal surface was 7.5 ± 2.9 (ranging from 4 to 14) days. The mean hospitalization day was 13.1 ± 4.5 (ranging from 7 to 22) days. The mean follow‐up time is 22.5 ± 14.5 (ranging from 4 to 43) months. The AM appeared as a high‐reflective reflection in the corneal stroma after surgery about half a year and is almost transparent at about one year. Corneal stroma‐derived cells were populated in the AM at about 1 month, increased at 2 months, and almost not obviously at 20 months postoperatively. The size and density of endothelial cells were stable after 1 year near the perforation site. The VA improved to varying degrees in 9 eyes, remained unchanged in 2 eyes, and decreased in 2 eyes. One eye recurrence and no side effects occurred during the follow‐up time. Conclusion. Lamellar keratoplasty combined with amniotic membrane transplantation may be an alternative, safe, and effective surgical therapy in the treatment of corneal perforations in the absence of a fresh donor cornea. We recommend this surgery to treat with the size of corneal perforation of <4 mm in diameter no matter peripheral or central corneal perforation, especially who had immune‐related diseases.
Left Ventricular End Diastolic Volume and Ejection Fraction Calculation: Correlation between Three Echocardiographic Methods
Authors: Benyounes Nadia , Van Der Vynckt Clélie , Tibi Thierry , Iglesias Alexandra , Gout Olivier , Lang Sylvie , Salomon Laurence
Published: February 2020

Background. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and end diastolic volume (EDV) are measured using Simpson’s biplane (SB), 3-dimensional method (3DE), and speckle tracking (STE). Comparisons between methods in routine practice are limited. Our purpose was to compare and to determine the correlations between these three methods in clinical setting. Methods. LVEF and EDV were measured by three methods in 474 consecutive patients and compared using multiple Bland–Altman (BA) plots. The correlations (R) between methods were calculated. Results. Median (IQR) LVEF_SB, LVEF_STE, and LVEF_3DE were 63.0% (60–69)%, 61% (57–65)%, and 62% (57–68)%. Median (IQR) EDV_SB, EDV_STE, and EDV_3DE were 85 ml (71–106) ml, 82 ml (69–100) ml, and 73 ml (59–89) ml. R between LVEF_SB and LVEF_3DE was 0.65 when echogenicity was good and 0.43 when poor. R for EDV_SB and EDV_3DE was 0.75 when echogenicity was good and 0.45 when poor. On BA analysis, biases were acceptable (<3.5% for LVEF) but limits of agreement (LOA) were large: 95% of the differences were between −15.4% and +18.8% for LVEF as evaluated by SB in comparison with 3DE, with a bias of 1.7%. In the comparison EDV_SB and EDV_3DE, the bias was 14 ml and the LOA were between −24 ml and +53 ml. On linear regressions, LVEF_3DE = 17.92 + 0.69 LVEF_SB and EDV_3DE = 18.94 + 0.63 EDV_SB. Conclusions. The three methods were feasible and led to acceptable bias but large LOA. Although these methods are not interchangeable, our results allow 3DE value prediction from SB, the most commonly used method.
Research on Wavelet Threshold Denoising Method for UWB Tunnel Personnel Motion Location
Authors: Liu Ning , Zhang Ranqiao , Su Zhong , Fu Guodong , He Jingang
Published: February 2020

In the process of tunnel construction, the problems of strong sealing, inconvenient communication, and harsh environment pose a serious threat to the personal safety of construction workers. Therefore, personnel positioning technology has important application value in tunnel safety construction. A special environment for tunnel personnel positioning and the ultrawideband (UWB) positioning system are affected by personnel movement, which leads to the problem of lowering positioning accuracy. A wavelet threshold denoising method for motion positioning of people in tunnels is proposed. The positioning algorithm of the method adopts a three-sided positioning algorithm based on symmetric double-sided two-way ranging. The wavelet analysis is used to decompose the motion signal of the personnel in the tunnel, and the low frequency coefficient and high frequency coefficient of the signal are decomposed to determine the influence of the motion noise of the personnel on the UWB positioning. The soft threshold function and the hard threshold function are, respectively, selected to perform wavelet threshold denoising on the motion positioning result in the tunnel. According to the denoising effect, the db5 wavelet 5-layer decomposition, under the heuristic threshold estimation criterion, the soft threshold function denoising is the best denoising method. The verification by the positioning experiment shows that the method is suitable for tunnel personnel positioning. The wavelet threshold denoising method can weaken the influence of outliers in the motion positioning of UWB personnel and improve the positioning accuracy.
Identification of F5 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Yi , Liao Xi-Wen , Qin Yu-Zhou , Mo Xian-Wei , Luo Shan-Shan
Published: February 2020

Association of Coagulation factor V (F5) polymorphisms with the occurrence of many types of cancers has been widely reported, but whether it is of prognostic relevance in some cancers remain to be resolved. The RNA‐sequencing dataset was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The potential of F5 genes to predict the survival time of gastric cancer (GC) patients was investigated using univariate and multivariate survival analysis whereas “Kaplan‐Meier plotter” (KM‐plotter) online tools were employed to validate the outcomes. TCGA data revealed that F5 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in gastric cancer samples. Survival analysis confirmed that high levels of F5 mRNA correlated with short overall survival (OS) in gastric cancer patients, and the area under the curve (AUC) values of 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐year OS rate were 0.554, 0.593, and 0.603, respectively. Survival analysis by KM‐plotter indicated that the high expression of F5 mRNA was significantly associated with a shorter OS compared with the low expression level in all patients with GC, and this was also the case for patients in stage III (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.78, P = 0.017). These findings suggest that the F5 gene is significantly upregulated in GC tumour tissues, and may be a potential prognostic biomarker for GC.
Plasma DNA End-Motif Profiling as a Fragmentomic Marker in Cancer, Pregnancy, and Transplantation
Authors: Jiang Peiyong , Sun Kun , Peng Wenlei , Cheng Suk Hang , Ni Meng , Yeung Philip C. , Heung Macy M.S. , Xie Tingting , Shang Huimin , Zhou Ze , Chan Rebecca W.Y. , Wong John , Wong Vincent W.S. , Poon Liona C. , Leung Tak Yeung , Lam W.K. Jacky , Chan Jason Y.K. , Chan Henry L.Y. , Chan K.C. Allen , Chiu Rossa W.K. , Lo Y.M. Dennis
Published: February 2020

Plasma DNA fragmentomics is an emerging area of research covering plasma DNA sizes, end points, and nucleosome footprints. In the present study, we found a significant increase in the diversity of plasma DNA end motifs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared with patients without HCC, patients with HCC showed a preferential pattern of 4-mer end motifs. In particular, the abundance of plasma DNA motif CCCA was much lower in patients with HCC than in subjects without HCC. The aberrant end motifs were also observed in patients with other cancer types, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We further observed that the profile of plasma DNA end motifs originating from the same organ, such as the liver, placenta, and hematopoietic cells, generally clustered together. The profile of end motifs may therefore serve as a class of biomarkers for liquid biopsy in oncology, noninvasive prenatal testing, and transplantation monitoring.

Significance:

Plasma DNA molecules originating from the liver, HCC and other cancers, placenta, and hematopoietic cells each harbor a set of characteristic plasma DNA end motifs. Such markers carry tissue-of-origin information and represent a new class of biomarkers in the nascent field of fragmentomics.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 627
Effects of Edaravone on Neurological Function and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Interleukin 8 Levels in Patients with Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Li Xiushan , Ma Dongzhou , Sun Guozhu
Published: February 2020

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the effects of edaravone on neurological function, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-8 levels in patients with cerebral infarction. Methods: A total of 96 patients with cerebral ­infarction who were admitted to the department of neurology in our hospital were enrolled in the present study, and they were randomly assigned to Group A (n = 48) and Group B (n = 48). Group A was treated with conventional therapy plus edaravone for 2 weeks and Group B with conventional therapy alone for 2 weeks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine serum TNF-α and IL-8 levels before and after treatment, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between serum TNF-α and IL-8 levels as well as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Results: After treatment, Group A had a lower NIHSS score and serum TNF-α and IL-8 levels as well as higher activities of daily living score than Group B (all p < 0.05). In addition, after treatment, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of the presence of adverse reactions (p > 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between serum TNF-α and IL-8 levels as well as NIHSS score (r = –0.567 and r = –0.556, both p < 0.05). Conclusion: Edaravone can improve the neurological function of patients without causing evident adverse reactions, thereby improving quality of life, which may be correlated to decreased serum TNF-α and IL-8 levels.
Saliva for Assessing Vitamin A Status in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Diagnostic Study
Authors: Rakshasbhuvankar Abhijeet A. , Clarke Michael W. , Simmer Karen , Patole Sanjay K. , Pillow J. Jane
Published: February 2020

Background: Salivary measurement of hormones and vitamins is gaining prominence as a minimally invasive procedure with the negligible potential for harm. We aimed to assess the utility of saliva for assessing vitamin A status in extremely preterm infants. Methods: Paired saliva and blood samples were collected at 4 weeks of age from infants born <28 weeks of gestation using a proprietary polymer swab. Plasma retinol was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, and salivary retinol was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Thirty infants were recruited with a median (IQR) gestation and birth weight of 26.2 weeks (24.8–27.2) and 865 g (718–1,002), respectively. An adequate volume of saliva (>50 µL) was obtained in 68%. There was no significant correlation (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.16, p = 0.3) between individual plasma and salivary retinol levels. Bland-Altman analysis showed wide limits of agreement (–113 to +119%) between individual plasma and salivary retinol levels. Conclusion: Individual vitamin A status cannot be determined reliably from saliva in extremely preterm infants using current collection materials and analysis techniques.
Inflammation, Hippocampal Volume, and Therapeutic Outcome following Electroconvulsive Therapy in Depressive Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Belge Jan-Baptist , van Diermen Linda , Sabbe Bernard , Parizel Paul , Morrens Manuel , Coppens Violette , Constant Eric , de Timary Philippe , Sienaert Pascal , Schrijvers Didier , van Eijndhoven Philip
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) influences the concentration of peripheral inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In which way this immune effect contributes to the impact of ECT on the central nervous system in depression remains unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether the hippocampal volumetric increase in depressed patients treated with ECT is related to changes in peripheral IL-6 and TNF-α levels. Methods: IL-6 and TNF-α plasma levels were measured in 62 patients 1 week before and after an acute course of ECT. Hippocampal volumes were analyzed in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subsample of 13 patients at the same time points. Results: A significant decrease in IL-6 levels was observed in the total sample and a significant increase in hippocampal volume in the MRI subsample. The reduction of peripheral IL-6 correlated with an increase in total hippocampal volume. A more limited decrease of TNF-α correlated with a more limited increase of both the total and left hippocampus volumes. Conclusion: This pilot study is the first to highlight the link between peripheral immune changes and hippocampal volume increase following ECT. Further research is required to conclude whether ECT indeed exerts its central effect on the brain via changes of peripheral inflammatory markers.