bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the evidence for the use of potassium permanganate for wound care?
Authors: Rai Varinder
Published: March 2020

Topics forDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin(DTB) review articles are selected by DTB’s editorial board to provide concise overviews of medicines and other treatments to help patients get the best care. Articles include a summary of key points and a brief overview for patients. Articles may also have a series of multiple choice CME questions.
Guideline review: British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PSC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Nicoletti Alberto , Maurice James B , Thorburn Douglas
Published: March 2020

New British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PSC guidelines have recently discussed the current state-of-the-art on primary sclerosing cholangitis and outlined key elements for the management of this disease. The current lack of effective pharmacological treatments to prevent progression of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis limits our ability to modify the natural history of the disease. However, a personalised approach and structured follow-up could allow earlier diagnosis and management of complications and favour access to liver transplantation, which remains the only available treatment. Our commentary overviews the updates and summarises the key recommendations of the recent guidelines for the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Outcomes of precut sphincterotomy techniques in cases of difficult biliary access
Authors: Rejeski Jared , Hines Marc , Jones Jason , Conway Jason , Mishra Girish , Evans John , Pawa Rishi
Published: March 2020

Goals

Our study aims to define success and complication rates of precut sphincterotomy with the needle-knife and transpancreatic papillary septotomy (TPS) techniques as experienced at a single, high-volume endoscopy centre.

Background

Complication rates rise with increasing number of failed attempts at biliary cannulation; therefore, early precut sphincterotomy (PS) has been recommended. Selecting the ideal method for PS can be challenging and there is a paucity of data to help guide this decision.

Study

We performed a retrospective analysis over 37 months of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) experience at a single institution. We identified all ERCPs performed and stratified based on the presence of PS; if PS occurred, a thorough chart review was performed to identify success and complication rates. Patients received guideline-driven management for post-ERCP pancreatitis including rectal indomethacin and pancreatic duct stenting when appropriate.

Results

We identified 1808 ERCP procedures performed during this time. Successful biliary cannulation was achieved in 1748 cases, yielding a success rate of 96.7% (Grades I–IV ERCP difficulty/complexity). PS was required in 232 cases (12.8%); we identified 88 TPS cases and 114 needle-knife precut sphincterotomy (NKPS) cases. Complications following PS procedures occurred in 9.1% of TPS patients and 11.4% of NKPS patients. Success rates for TPS and NKPS were 97.7% and 81.6%, respectively—a statistically significant difference (p<0.001).

Conclusion

This data supports TPS as a safe and effective option for biliary access in difficult cannulation settings when performed by experienced advanced endoscopists.
Exposure to secondhand aerosol of electronic cigarettes in indoor settings in 12 European countries: data from the TackSHS survey
Authors: Amalia Beladenta , Liu Xiaoqiu , Lugo Alessandra , Fu Marcela , Odone Anna , van den Brandt Piet A , Semple Sean , Clancy Luke , Soriano Joan B , Fernández Esteve , Gallus Silvano
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Exposure to secondhand aerosol from e-cigarette (SHA) may pose harmful effects to bystanders. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, duration and determinants of SHA exposure in various indoor settings in 12 European countries.

Methods

In 2017–2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study, the TackSHS survey, on a representative sample of the population aged ≥15 years in 12 European countries (Bulgaria, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain). We described the prevalence and duration of exposure to SHA in several indoor settings among 11 604 e-cigarette non-users. Individual-level and country-level characteristics associated with SHA exposure were also explored using multilevel logistic regression analyses.

Results

Overall, 16.0% of e-cigarette non-users were exposed to SHA in any indoor setting at least weekly, ranging from 4.3% in Spain to 29.6% in England. The median duration of SHA exposure among those who were exposed was 43 min/day. ‘Other indoor settings’ (eg, bar and restaurant) was reported as the place where most of e-cigarette non-users were exposed (8.3%), followed by workplace/educational venues (6.4%), home (5.8%), public transportation (3.5%) and private transportation (2.7%). SHA exposure was more likely to occur in certain groups of non-users: men, younger age groups, those with higher level of education, e-cigarette past users, current smokers, those perceiving SHA harmless and living in countries with a higher e-cigarette use prevalence.

Conclusions

We found inequalities of SHA exposure across and within European countries. Governments should consider extending their tobacco smoke-free legislation to e-cigarettes to protect bystanders, particularly vulnerable populations such as young people.

Trial registration number

NCT02928536.
A hydrogen-bonded polymer constructed from mechanically interlocked, suit[1]ane monomers
Authors: Zhu Kelong , Loeb Stephen J.
Published: March 2020

A T-shaped 2,4,7-substituted benzimidazolium “axle” with two ester functionalities and a 24-membered crown ether “wheel” with appendages containing terminal olefin groups were threaded — axle through wheel — to form a [2]pseudorotaxane. Grubbs’ ring-closing metathesis (RCM) was then used to form a third loop and create a bicyclic cage that fully encapsulates the axle and permanently interlocks the two molecular components creating a suit[1]ane. There are no bulky groups on the axle to prevent unthreading, but the axle is trapped due to the cage-like nature of the newly created polyether host. After hydrolysis of the esters groups to carboxylic acids, this novel mechanically interlocked molecule (MIM) polymerizes in the solid state. The structure of the resulting supramolecular polymer was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and contains linear one-dimensional tapes of suit[1]ane monomers linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic acid groups.
Searching for periodic signals in kinematic distributions using continuous wavelet transforms
Authors: Beauchesne Hugues , Kats Yevgeny
Published: March 2020

Many models of physics beyond the Standard Model include towers of particles whose masses follow an approximately periodic pattern with little spacing between them. These resonances might be too weak to detect individually, but could be discovered as a group by looking for periodic signals in kinematic distributions. The continuous wavelet transform, which indicates how much a given frequency is present in a signal at a given time, is an ideal tool for this. In this paper, we present a series of methods through which continuous wavelet transforms can be used to discover periodic signals in kinematic distributions. Some of these methods are based on a simple test statistic, while others make use of machine learning techniques. Some of the methods are meant to be used with a particular model in mind, while others are model-independent. We find that continuous wavelet transforms can give bounds comparable to current searches and, in some cases, be sensitive to signals that would go undetected by standard experimental strategies.
Search for missing links between two extreme wind speed profiles: dark energy accretion and adiabatic fluid accretion
Authors: Roy Parthajit , Biswas Ritabrata
Published: March 2020

In the recent past, progress in accretion studies onto general relativistically gravitating central objects viz. a Schwarzschild singularity reveals that the accretion flow should be transonic. Regarding such cases, radial inward speed gradient might be written as a numerator over denominator form among which the denominator vanishes somewhere in between infinite distance to the event horizon of the attractor. For sustainability of a physical solution, the numerator should also have to be equal to zero at the same radial distance where the denominator does vanish. From this point, using L’Hospital’s rule, we obtain a second degree first order differential equation of radial inward speed. Hence, using the initial conditions at the said radial distance, we obtain two branches of flow by the virtue of two first order differential equations. These branches are named as accretion and wind. For adiabatic accretion case, the slope of the wind curve in speed vs radial distance plane is formed to be more or less parallel to the radial distance axis as we move far from the central object. For dark energy accretion, alignment of this curve is parallel to the radial velocity axis. Here we face a question why there is no fluid speed profile in between these two extremities. While searching for the reasons, we follow that dark energy, if treated as an accreting object, should stay around the central compact star and hence will contaminate the metric which properties the compact star. In this research work, we have proposed a model with a rotating black hole embedded in quintessence where quintessence equation of state and spin parameter of the black hole are together working as the regulatory factors of the model. The resulting accretion and wind curves are studied. The Effect of negative pressure of dark energy is found to get catalyzed by the entry of the spin of the black hole. We tally our results with observations of accretion or outflow phenomenon near to different quasars.
Simulation of a research reactor reactivity transient with deterministic and GPU-assisted Monte Carlo reactor kinetics codes
Authors: Böröczki Z. I. , Klujber G. , Tolnai G. , Molnár B. , Légrády D. , Gabrielli F. , Rineiski A. , Szieberth M.
Published: March 2020

Reactor kinetic codes are crucial in safety assessment. Validating spatial and high temporal resolution kinetic solvers without thermal feedback is problematic as measurements seldom involve detailed spatial and fine temporal resolution. Benchmarking of deterministic codes thus often resorts to code-to-code comparison against Monte Carlo codes, which can only recently treat direct time dependence. In this paper, we have attempted to compare results from the GUARDYAN directly time-dependent Monte Carlo code and the SEnTRi transient driver developed for the PARTISN deterministic transport code to low power transient measured at the BME Training Reactor. Code-to-measurement comparisons were successful, despite a major uncertainty in the actual timing of the reactivity insertion and withdrawal originating from the instrumentation of the pneumatic rabbit system. Code-to-code comparisons concluded that time dependence was correctly implemented in both GUARDYAN and SEnTRi; furthermore, a hypothetical scenario was set up involving an instantaneous insertion of a negative reactivity into the BME TR core in order to compare spatially and temporally dependent fluxes. The simulations demonstrated the appearance of higher-order modes, and results showed a relatively good match, although fidelity of the comparison could be further improved by reducing the statistical uncertainty of the results provided by GUARDYAN.
Well-posedness and blow-up criterion for the Chaplygin gas equations in ℝN
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wu Xinglong
Published: March 2020

We establish a well-posedness theory and a blow-up criterion for the Chaplygin gas equations in [Formula: see text] for any dimension [Formula: see text]. First, given [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], we prove the well-posedness property for solutions [Formula: see text] in the space [Formula: see text] for the Cauchy problem associated with the Chaplygin gas equations, provided the initial density [Formula: see text] is bounded below. We also prove that the solution of the Chaplygin gas equations depends continuously upon its initial data [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], and we state a blow-up criterion for the solutions in the classical BMO space. Finally, using Osgood’s modulus of continuity, we establish a refined blow-up criterion of the solutions.
Stability of Poiseuille-type flows for an MHD model of an incompressible polymeric fluid
Authors: Blokhin A. M. , Tkachev D. L.
Published: March 2020

We study a new rheological model describing flows of melts and solutions of incompressible viscoelastic polymeric media in an external uniform magnetic field in the presence of a temperature drop and a conduction current. We derive an asymptotic representation of the spectrum of the linear problem resulting from the linearization of the initial boundary value problem in an infinite plane channel about a Poiseuille-type flow. For this Poiseuille-type flow, we also determine the parameter domain of linear Lyapunov stability.
Cu-BTC-Assisted DSSCs with Improved Photovoltaic Performances
Authors: Tang Bo , Ji Li , Dai Yuanzhe , Chen Haiqun , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Zhengwei , Li Sen
Published: March 2020

MOF-based composite material is adopted to modify photoanode, and the obtained large BET area is found meaningful to the dye loading amount, which brings about a high short circuit current and incident photon to current conversion efficiency. Meanwhile, three-dimensional graphene networks (3DGNs) are employed to provide a fast transport channel for photo-induced electrons. The morphology is analyzed by SEM, TEM, XRD and Raman spectrum, and the photovoltaic performances are recorded to reveal the specific functions of MOF and 3DGNs. The synergy between MOF, 3DGNs and TiO2is achieved by adjusting their mass fraction. Moreover, the average size of MOF exerts a significant influence on the resulting properties resulting from the scattering ability to incident light. After corresponding optimizing, the short circuit current, open circuit voltaic, fill factor and energy conversion efficiency reach 20.5[Formula: see text]mAcm[Formula: see text], 680[Formula: see text]mV, 0.619% and 8.63%.
The programmable CPG model based on Matsuoka oscillator and its application to robot locomotion
Authors: Lu Qiang , Zhang Zhaochen , Yue Chao
Published: March 2020

The central pattern generator (CPG) is an important functional unit in the spinal cord which can produce rhythmic signals to control locomotion. Recently, there has been a growing interest in programmable central pattern generators (PCPG). In this paper, a new PCPG oscillator and a generic PCPG model based on the Matsuoka oscillator are presented. The perturbation method is used to determine the convergence of the generic PCPG model. The sine signal, the mix signal and chaotic signals are provided as inputs to the model, and the simulation results show that the generic PCPG can learn arbitrary periodic signals. In this paper, the generic PCPGs are allocated at each joint of the compass-like and the three-link robots and their outputs are chosen as joint position commands. The simulations show that the generic PCPG can be used to control robot locomotion effectively. The contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) A new PCPG oscillator based on the Matsuoka oscillator is presented as a beneficial enhancement to the PCPG oscillators. (2) A generic PCPG model is built comprising three PCPG oscillators. It can learn any periodic input signal. These findings are a significant contribution to generic PCPG research.
3D-ReG
Authors: Li Bing , Doppa Janardhan Rao , Pande Partha Pratim , Chakrabarty Krishnendu , Qiu Joe X. , Li Hai (Helen)
Published: March 2020

Deep neural network (DNN) models are being expanded to a broader range of applications. The computational capability of traditional hardware platforms cannot accommodate the growth of model complexity. Among recent technologies to accelerate DNN, resistive memory (ReRAM)-based processing-in-memory (PIM) emerged as a promising solution for DNN inference due to its high efficiency for matrix-based computation. We face two major technical challenges in extending the use of ReRAM-based accelerators for training: (1) full-precision data is essential in back-propagation; (2) the need to support both feed-forward and back-propagation aggravates the data-movement burden. We propose a heterogeneous architecture named as 3D-ReG, which leverages full-precision GPU to ensure training accuracy and low-overhead 3D integration to provide low-cost data movements. Moreover, we introduce
conservative
and
aggressive
task-mapping schemes, which partition the computation phases in different ways to balance execution efficiency and training accuracy. We evaluate 3D-ReG implemented with two 3D integration technologies, through-silicon vias (TSVs) and monolithic inter-tier vias (MIVs), and compare them with GPU-only and PIM-only counterparts. Various GPU-only platforms using two main-memory technologies (DRAM, ReRAM) and three interconnect technologies (2D, TSV, MIV) are evaluated as well. Experimental results show that 3D-ReG can achieve on average 5.64× training speedup and 3.56× higher energy efficiency compared with the GPU with DRAM as main memory, at the cost of 0.05%–3.39% accuracy drop. We define a new metric, gain-loss ratio (GLR), which quantitatively evaluates the capability of a DNN training hardware in terms of the model accuracy and hardware efficiency. The results of our comparison show that the
aggressive
task-mapping scheme on MIV-based 3D-ReG outperforms the other methods.
The Bernays-Schönfinkel-Ramsey Class of Separation Logic with Uninterpreted Predicates
Authors: Echenim Mnacho , Iosif Radu , Peltier Nicolas
Published: March 2020

This article investigates the satisfiability problem for Separation Logic with
k
record fields, with unrestricted nesting of separating conjunctions and implications. It focuses on prenex formulæ with a quantifier prefix in the language ∃*∀* that contain uninterpreted (heap-independent) predicate symbols. In analogy with first-order logic, we call this fragment
Bernays-Schönfinkel-Ramsey Separation Logic
[BSR(SL

k

)]. In contrast with existing work on Separation Logic, in which the universe of possible locations is assumed to be infinite, we consider both finite and infinite universes in the present article. We show that, unlike in first-order logic, the (in)finite satisfiability problem is undecidable for BSR(SL

k

). Then we define two non-trivial subsets thereof, for which the finite and infinite satisfiability problems are PSPACE-complete, respectively, assuming that the maximum arity of the uninterpreted predicate symbols does not depend on the input. These fragments are defined by controlling the polarity of the occurrences of separating implications, as well as the occurrences of universally quantified variables within their scope. These decidability results have natural applications in program verification, as they allow to automatically prove lemmas that occur in, e.g., entailment checking between inductively defined predicates and validity checking of Hoare triples expressing partial correctness conditions.
Making block-based programming accessible to people with cognitive disabilities
Authors: Koushik Varsha
Published: March 2020

Block-based programming languages are a popular way to introduce programming concepts to novice learners. However, block-based languages have inaccessible representations, which can create cognitive difficulties in manipulating blocks, assembling programs, and interpreting code. In my dissertation, I plan to address these problems by developing techniques to make programming accessible using a touch screen device. I will evaluate my designs through usability studies with adults with cognitive disabilities, special educators, and caregivers. My research aims to provide empirical findings on accessible representations and alternative interaction techniques in block-based languages.
Toward fairness in AI for people with disabilities SBG@a research roadmap
Authors: Guo Anhong , Kamar Ece , Vaughan Jennifer Wortman , Wallach Hanna , Morris Meredith Ringel
Published: March 2020

AI technologies have the potential to dramatically impact the lives of people with disabilities (PWD). Indeed, improving the lives of PWD is a motivator for many state-of-the-art AI systems, such as automated speech recognition tools that can caption videos for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, or language prediction algorithms that can augment communication for people with speech or cognitive disabilities. However, widely deployed AI systems may not work properly for PWD, or worse, may actively discriminate against them. These considerations regarding fairness in AI for PWD have thus far received little attention. In this position paper, we identify potential areas of concern regarding how several AI technology categories may impact particular disability constituencies if care is not taken in their design, development, and testing. We intend for this risk assessment of how various classes of AI might interact with various classes of disability to provide a roadmap for future research that is needed to gather data, test these hypotheses, and build more inclusive algorithms.
Fairness of AI for people with disabilities
Authors: White Jason J. G.
Published: March 2020

There are several respects in which recent developments in machine learning-based artificial intelligence pose challenges of fairness for people with disabilities. In this paper, some of the central problems are identified, and briefly reviewed from a philosophical perspective motivated by a broad concern for social justice, emphasizing the role of ethical considerations in informing the problem analysis.
What is the point of fairness?
Authors: Bennett Cynthia L. , Keyes Os
Published: March 2020

Work integrating conversations around AI and Disability is vital and valued, particularly when done through a lens of fairness. Yet at the same time, analysing the ethical implications of AI for disabled people solely through the lens of a singular idea of "fairness" risks reinforcing existing power dynamics, either through reinforcing the position of existing medical gatekeepers, or promoting tools and techniques that benefit otherwise-privileged disabled people while harming those who are rendered outliers in multiple ways. In this paper we present two case studies from within computer vision - a subdiscipline of AI focused on training algorithms that can "see" - of technologies putatively intended to help disabled people but, through failures to consider structural injustices in their design, are likely to result in harms not addressed by a "fairness" framing of ethics. Drawing on disability studies and critical data science, we call on researchers into AI ethics and disability to move beyond simplistic notions of fairness, and towards notions of justice.
SpokeSense
Authors: Carrington Patrick , Laput Gierad , Bigham Jeffrey P.
Published: March 2020

SpokeSense is an easy-to-install sensing solution intended for wheelchair basketball players. Our aim with SpokeSense is to provide support for both long-term and real-time analysis of performance information for wheelchair court sport athletes. We developed and tested SpokeSense in the context of wheelchair basketball. We extend prior work quantifying wheelchair court-sport activity by enabling real-time review of performance data and other important events as well as supporting long-term logging. Our secondary focus was on creating a means of tracking activity that would be accurate, safe to use, and practical. In this article, we discuss the design of our sensor to support practical use during wheelchair basketball activities, provide access to relevant accurate data, and support real-time and post-hoc review. We discuss the performance of our sensor and the initial interface to support data review. Finally, we discuss broader implications for the design of assistive technologies for physical activity.
Lighting Up Live-Cell and In Vivo Central Carbon Metabolism with Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Sensors
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Cheng Xiawei , Zhao Yuzheng , Yang Yi
Published: March 2020

As the core component of cell metabolism, central carbon metabolism, consisting of glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle converts nutrients into metabolic precursors for biomass and energy to sustain the life of virtually all extant species. The metabolite levels or distributions in central carbon metabolism often change dynamically with cell fates, development, and disease progression. However, traditional biochemical methods require cell lysis, making it challenging to obtain spatiotemporal information about metabolites in living cells and in vivo. Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors allow the rapid, sensitive, specific, and real-time readout of metabolite dynamics in living organisms, thereby offering the potential to fill the gap in current techniques. In this review, we introduce recent progress made in the development of genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for central carbon metabolism and discuss their advantages, disadvantages, and applications. Moreover, several future directions of metabolite sensors are also proposed.
Review—Flexible and Stretchable Electrochemical Sensing Systems: Materials, Energy Sources, and Integrations
Authors: Jeerapan Itthipon , Poorahong Sujittra
Published: March 2020

This review details the key progress made on flexible and stretchable electrochemical sensing systems, along with their relevant challenges and opportunities for the future. Stepping forward from traditional rigid electrodes, recent advancements in non-rigid electrochemical sensors offer new and exciting opportunities for various applications, such as biomedical, fitness, or environmental monitoring. The key factors in developing such devices are the materials and integrated systems needed to retain mechanical compliance while maintaining electrochemical functions. This requires a devotion to judiciously engineer both the underlying substrates and electrode materials. However, the realization of compliant electrochemical sensing devices still faces many obstacles. The requirements and potential strategies to enable flexible and stretchable electrodes are further discussed in this review. In addition to such sensing units, which mainly consist of electrodes and functionalized transducers, integrated systems also require miniaturized viable and mechanically compliant energy sources, as well as low-power electronics for controlling the device and wirelessly communicating with users. Such advancements, alongside other attractive functionalities such as self-healing and transparent properties, are also discussed. The innovative flexible and stretchable sensing systems will extend a variety of non‐invasive, minimally invasive, wearable, and implantable applications to patients. Examples of compliant sensing systems and relevant challenges are included alongside perspectives of this emerging technology.
Effect of Barrier Layer on Corrosion Resistance of Porous-Type Anodic Films Formed on AA2055 Al–Cu–Li Alloy and Pure Aluminum
Authors: Ma Y. , Li K. , Zhou X. , Wu H. , Zhu P. , Yang B. , Liao Y. , He S.
Published: March 2020

It is known that typical porous-type anodic films formed on aluminum and its alloys consist of two layers, i.e. a thick porous layer and thin barrier layer. However, the effect of the two layers on corrosion resistance of the anodic film is still not clear, which prevents a thorough understanding of the protection mechanism of the anodic film, thereby limiting the potential to further optimize the anodizing treatment. Herein, an electrochemical barrier layer thinning (EBLT) process was employed to reduce the thickness of the barrier layer of the porous-type anodic films formed on an AA2055 Al–Cu–Li alloy and pure aluminum. Then the structure and composition of the anodic films before and after immersion in a NaCl solution were studied in a comparison manner. It was found that the EBLT process evidently decreased the corrosion resistance of the anodic films formed on AA2055 alloy and pure aluminum. Thus, it was conclusively validated that the barrier layer of the porous-type anodic film played a decisive role in controlling the corrosion resistance of anodized aluminum and aluminum alloys prior to post sealing.
Perturbed mitochondrial dynamics, an emerging aspect of epithelial-microbe interactions
Authors: McKay Derek M. , Mancini Nicole L. , Shearer Jane , Shutt Timothy
Published: March 2020

Mitochondria exist in a complex network that is constantly remodeling via the processes of fission and fusion in response to intracellular conditions and extracellular stimuli. Excessive fragmentation of the mitochondrial network because of an imbalance between fission and fusion reduces the cells’ capacity to generate ATP and can be a forerunner to cell death. Given the critical roles mitochondria play in cellular homeostasis and innate immunity, it is not surprising that many microbial pathogens can disrupt mitochondrial activity. Here we note the putative contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to gut disease and review data showing that infection with microbial pathogens can alter the balance between mitochondrial fragmentation and fusion, preventing normal remodeling (i.e., dynamics) and can lead to cell death. Current data indicate that infection of epithelia or macrophages with microbial pathogens will ultimately result in excessive fragmentation of the mitochondrial network. Concerted research efforts are required to elucidate fully the processes that regulate mitochondrial dynamics, the mechanisms by which microbes affect epithelial mitochondrial fission and/or fusion, and the implications of this for susceptibility to infectious disease. We speculate that the commensal microbiome of the gut may be important for normal epithelial mitochondrial form and function. Drugs designed to counteract the effect of microbial pathogen interference with mitochondrial dynamics may be a new approach to infectious disease at mucosal surfaces.
Unraveling the transcriptional determinants of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell specialization
Authors: de Haan Willeke , Øie Cristina , Benkheil Mohammed , Dheedene Wouter , Vinckier Stefan , Coppiello Giulia , Aranguren Xabier López , Beerens Manu , Jaekers Joris , Topal Baki , Verfaillie Catherine , Smedsrød Bård , Luttun Aernout
Published: March 2020

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are the first liver cells to encounter waste macromolecules, pathogens, and toxins in the blood and are highly specialized. Although some transcription factors are known to play a role in LSEC specialization, information about the specialized LSEC signature and its transcriptional determinants remains incomplete. Here, we show that C-MAF, GATA4, and MEIS2 are important transcriptional regulators of the unique LSEC signature and that they affect the interaction of LSECs with viruses.
Gene knockout of the Na+-glucose cotransporter SGLT2 in a murine model of acute kidney injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Nespoux Josselin , Patel Rohit , Zhang Haiyan , Huang Winnie , Freeman Brent , Sanders Paul W. , Kim Young Chul , Vallon Volker
Published: March 2020

In the early proximal tubule, Na+-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) mediates the bulk of renal glucose reabsorption. Gene deletion in mice ( Sglt2−/−) was used to determine the role of SGLT2 in acute kidney injury induced by bilateral ischemia-reperfusion (IR). In Sglt2−/− and littermate wild-type mice, plasma creatinine increased similarly on day 1 after IR. This was associated with an equal increase in both genotypes in the urinary kidney injury molecule-1-to-creatinine ratio, a tubular injury marker, and similarly reduced urine osmolality and increased plasma osmolality, indicating impaired urine concentration. In both IR groups, FITC-sinistrin glomerular filtration rate was equally reduced on day 14, and plasma creatinine was similarly and incompletely restored on day 23. In Sglt2−/− mice subjected to IR, fractional urinary glucose excretion was increased on day 1 but reduced and associated with normal renal Na+-glucose cotransporter 1 (Sglt1) mRNA expression on day 23, suggesting temporary SGLT1 suppression. In wild-type mice subjected to IR, renal Sglt1 mRNA was likewise normal on day 23, whereas Sglt2 mRNA was reduced by 57%. In both genotypes, IR equally reduced urine osmolality and renal mRNA expression of the Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter and renin on day 23, suggesting thick ascending limb dysfunction, and similarly increased renal mRNA expression of markers of injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis (kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β1, NADPH oxidase-2, and collagen type 1). This was associated with equal increases in kidney histological damage scores and similar degree of capillary loss in both genotypes. The data indicate that genetic deletion of SGLT2 did not protect the kidneys in the initial injury phase or the subsequent recovery phase in a mouse model of IR-induced acute kidney injury.
Fetal ovine skeletal and cardiac muscle transcriptomics are differentially altered by increased maternal cortisol during gestation
Authors: Joseph Serene , Alava Bryan , Antolic Andrew , Richards Elaine M. , Wood Charles E. , Keller-Wood Maureen
Published: March 2020

We have previously found that in utero exposure to excess maternal cortisol (1 mg/kg/day) in late gestation increases the incidence of stillbirth during labor and produces fetal bradycardia at birth. In the interventricular septum, mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) was decreased, and transcriptomics and metabolomics were consistent with altered mitochondrial metabolism. The present study uses transcriptomics to model effects of increased maternal cortisol on fetal biceps femoris. Transcriptomic modeling revealed that pathways related to mitochondrial metabolism were downregulated, whereas pathways for regulation of reactive oxygen species and activation of the apoptotic cascade were upregulated. Mt-DNA and the protein levels of cytochrome C were significantly decreased in the biceps femoris. RT-PCR validation of the pathways confirmed a significant decrease in SLC2A4 mRNA levels and a significant increase in PDK4, TXNIP, ANGPTL4 mRNA levels, suggesting that insulin sensitivity of the biceps femoris muscle may be reduced in cortisol offspring. We also tested for changes in gene expression in diaphragm by rt-PCR. PDK4, TXNIP, and ANGPTL4 mRNA were also increased in the diaphragm, but SLC2A4, cytochrome C protein, and mt-DNA were unchanged. Comparison of the change in gene expression in biceps femoris to that in cardiac interventricular septum and left ventricle showed few common genes and little overlap in specific metabolic or signaling pathways, despite reduction in mt-DNA in both heart and biceps femoris. Our results suggest that glucocorticoid exposure alters expression of nuclear genes important to mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress in both cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues, but that these effects are tissue-specific.
Oxidative Stress in Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Ping Zhang , Peng Yang , Lang Hong , Xinyong Cai , Zhiyi Zeng , Xiaocheng Wu , Hong Zeng , Liang Shao
Published: March 2020

There is a distinct increase in the risk of heart disease in people exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is one of the adverse side effects when people are exposed to ionizing radiation. IR may come from various forms, such as diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy for cancer treatment, nuclear disasters, and accidents. However, RIHD was mainly observed after radiotherapy for chest malignant tumors, especially left breast cancer. Radiation therapy (RT) has become one of the main ways to treat all kinds of cancer, which is used to reduce the recurrence of cancer and improve the survival rate of patients. The potential cause of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity is unclear, but it may be relevant to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupts intracellular homeostasis through chemical modification and damages proteins, lipids, and DNA; therefore, it results in a series of related pathophysiological changes. The purpose of this review was to summarise the studies of oxidative stress in radiotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and provide prevention and treatment methods to reduce cardiac damage.
Unusual Presentation of Bilateral Radiation-Induced Angiosarcoma of the Breast
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Nagodavithane Kavinda , Basnayake Oshan , Seneviratne Sanjeewa
Published: March 2020

Radiation-induced sarcoma of the breast is an iatrogenic malignancy that occurs secondary to radiotherapy, which is most commonly given following breast conservation surgery. It has an incidence of 3.2 per 1,000 patients at 15 years and is associated with a poor prognosis. We report a 62-year-old female with a history of bilateral breast conservation surgery and radiotherapy 5 years ago presenting with bilateral angiosarcoma. This case report highlights the importance of considering radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast as a differential diagnosis in a patient with recurrent breast neoplasms. The challenges in the management with recent evidence on new treatment modalities are discussed.
An Efficient Alternating Segment Parallel Difference Method for the Time Fractional Telegraph Equation
Authors: Wu Lifei , Yang Xiaozhong
Published: March 2020

The fractional telegraph equation is a kind of important evolution equation, which has an important application in signal analysis such as transmission and propagation of electrical signals. However, it is difficult to obtain the corresponding analytical solution, so it is of great practical value to study the numerical solution. In this paper, the alternating segment pure explicit-implicit (PASE-I) and implicit-explicit (PASI-E) parallel difference schemes are constructed for time fractional telegraph equation. Based on the alternating segment technology, the PASE-I and PASI-E schemes are constructed of the classic explicit scheme and implicit scheme. It can be concluded that the schemes are unconditionally stable and convergent by theoretical analysis. The convergence order of the PASE-I and PASI-E methods is second order in spatial direction and 3-α order in temporal direction. The numerical results are in agreement with the theoretical analysis, which shows that the PASE-I and PASI-E schemes are superior to the classical implicit schemes in both accuracy and efficiency. This implies that the parallel difference schemes are efficient for solving the time fractional telegraph equation.
Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes among Children Aged 11-14 Years Old in Vietnam
Authors: Phan Duong H. , Do Vuong V. , Khuong Long Q. , Nguyen Hung T. , Minh Hoang V.
Published: March 2020

Aim. Diabetes in children is becoming more prevalent in some countries. However, in most countries, little is known about the epidemiology of this disease. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes among children in Vietnam and examining factors associated with the conditions. Methods. A total of 2880 students aged 11-14 years old were recruited for the survey, using a school-based and nationally representative sampling frame. Capillary blood samples of participants were collected to measure fasting glucose level, using glucose meter OneTouch Verio Pro+. Diabetes and impaired fasting plasma glucose were initially diagnosed based on the cut-off points of the American Diabetes Association criteria. Diabetes status and type of diabetes of participants were confirmed at a hospital. Additionally, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were conducted following a standardized procedure. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between outcome and independent variables. Results. The overall prevalence of diabetes among the participants was 1.04‰ (three cases), with 2 cases (0.75‰) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (one known and one newly diagnosed) and 1 case newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (0.35‰). The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 6.1%. Body mass index, place of residence, and age were found to be significantly associated with the impaired fasting glucose condition in participants. Conclusion. The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children in Vietnam is lower than that in some other countries reported recently. However, there is a high prevalence in impaired fasting glucose, requiring attention from policymakers to take action to prevent the occurrence of the epidemic of type 2 diabetes in children in the future.
Salmonella spp. in Wild Free‐Living Birds from Atlantic Forest Fragments in Southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Eliege Jullia Eudoxia , Azevedo Rafaela Porto , Lopes Amanda Teixeira Sampaio , Rocha Josiane Moreira , Albuquerque George Rêgo , Wenceslau Amauri Arias , Miranda Flávia Regina , Rodrigues Dalia dos Prazeres , Maciel Bianca Mendes
Published: March 2020

Wild animals have an ecological function and can serve as sentinels to identify infectious agents and as indicators of environmental health. Among the zoonotic pathogens, Salmonella spp. deserve special attention due to their high worldwide prevalence and their ubiquity of hosts. With the aim of investigating the presence of Salmonella spp. in wild birds from the Atlantic Forest in southern Bahia, Brazil, we collected 114 fecal samples of wild birds (14 families) between 2016 and 2017. Fecal samples were collected by means of cloacal swab and subjected to microbiological culture to isolate and serotype Salmonella spp. specifically. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion test protocol. Only one bird, Ceratopipra rubrocapilla, tested positive for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Agona, which is the first record for this bird species. This isolate exhibited intermediate sensitivity to amikacin and gentamicin and sensitivity to the other 13 antibiotics tested. Results may indicate environmental preservation since the studied areas had minimal human activity and good sanitary quality. Despite the low prevalence, it is necessary to monitor wildlife and establish disease control and surveillance systems, especially for zoonotic diseases.
The Impact of Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Life Quality in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Kutlu Nazlı , Özden Ali Veysel , Alptekin Hasan Kerem , Alptekin Jülide Öncü
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of auricular vagus nerve stimulation, applied in conjunction with an exercise treatment program, on pain and life quality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). To achieve the study objectives, 60 female patients between the ages 18 and 50, with diagnosed FMS according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 diagnostic criteria, were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30. The first group was assigned 20 sessions of a home‐based exercise program, while the second group was assigned 20 sessions of auricular vagus nerve stimulation and 20 sessions of a home‐based exercise program. Patients were assessed before and after the treatments using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Beck Depression Scale for depression, Beck Anxiety Scale for anxiety, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) for functional evaluation, and Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) for life quality. In this randomized controlled trial, comparisons within the groups revealed that both groups had statistically significant improvements in pain, depression, anxiety, functionality, and life quality scores (p < 0.05), while comparisons across the groups revealed that the group experiencing the vagus nerve stimulation had no statistically significant differences between the baseline scores, except for those of SF‐36’s subparameters of physical function, social functionality, and pain. In fact, comparisons across the groups after the interventions revealed that the group experiencing the vagus nerve stimulation had better scores but not statistically significant. From analysis of this data, we observed that vagus nerve stimulation in FMS treatment did not give additional benefit together with exercise, except for three subparameters of SF‐36. It was identified that further studies which separately investigate the effects of vagus nerve stimulation and exercise on FMS with longer follow‐up periods and an increased number of patients are needed.
Gastric Cancer in Young Adults: A Different Clinical Entity from Carcinogenesis to Prognosis
Authors: Li Jian
Published: March 2020

Approximately 5.0% of gastric cancer (GC) patients are diagnosed before the age of 40 and are not candidates for screening programs in most countries and regions. The incidence of gastric cancer in young adults (GCYA) has declined over time in most countries except in the United States. Genetic alterations, environmental factors, and lifestyle may predispose some young adults to GC. According to molecular classifications, the cancer of most GCYA patients belongs to the genomically stable or microsatellite stable/epithelial-mesenchymal transition subtype, with the common genetic aberrations being mutations in CDH1. What characterizes GCYA are a higher prevalence in females, more aggressive tumor behaviors, diagnosis at advanced stages, fewer comorbidities and being better treatment candidates, and a similar or better survival outcome when compared with older patients. Considering the greater loss of life-years in younger patients, lowering the incidence of GC and diagnosing at a relatively early stage are the two most effective ways to decrease GC mortality. To achieve these goals, the low awareness of GCYA among general people, policy-makers, clinicians, and researchers should be changed.