bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibrinogen-cellular prion protein complex formation on astrocytes
Authors: Charkviani Mariam , Muradashvili Nino , Sulimai Nurul , Lominadze David
Published: July 2020

For the first time we showed that fibrinogen (Fg) can associate with cellular prion protein (PrPC) on the surface of cultured mouse brain astrocytes. At high levels, Fg causes upregulation of astrocyte PrPC and astrocyte activation accompanied with overexpression of tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), which results in nitric oxide (NO) production and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Fg/PrPC interaction can be a triggering mechanism for TrkB-NO-ROS axis activation and the resultant astrocyte-mediated neurodegeneration.
Seismic Response Analysis of Pier considering Durability Damage Repair
Authors: Liang Yan , Li Liangliang , Mao Ruimin , Shi Xiaoye
Published: July 2020

At present, most of the research studies on the seismic performance of the durability degraded reinforced concrete structure only consider the influence of a single factor. This paper comprehensively considers the factors such as concrete carbonization, steel corrosion, and bond slip performance degradation caused by other durability factors and durability damage repair and studies the influence of the above factors on the seismic performance of bridge structures. Based on the finite element model considering the bond slip and the material parameters of time‐varying durability damage, the seismic performance analysis model of the pier is established considering material durability damage repair in different service periods. Then, the effect of material durability damage repair on the seismic performance of the pier is examined. The results show that the displacement of the pier top increases, the curvature of the pier bottom decreases, and the moment‐curvature curve pinching phenomenon is further evident when considering the bond slip. When considering the durability damage repair of materials, the curvature considerably decreases (the maximum value is approximately 16.04%) with the extension of the service time of the bridge, and the pier damage is substantially reduced.
Computational Identification of Tumor Suppressor Genes Based on Gene Expression Profiles in Normal and Cancerous Gastrointestinal Tissues
Authors: Sun Qingrong , Uddin Md. Nazim , Li Mengyuan , Wang Xiaosheng , Lai Maode
Published: July 2020

Cancer prevails in various gastrointestinal (GI) organs, such as esophagus, stomach, and colon. However, the small intestine has an extremely low cancer risk. It is interesting to investigate the molecular cues that could explain the significant difference in cancer incidence rates among different GI tissues. Using several large-scale normal and cancer tissue genomics datasets, we compared the gene expression profiling between small intestine and other GI tissues and between GI cancers and normal tissues. We identified 17 tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) which showed significantly higher expression levels in small intestine than in other GI tissues and significantly lower expression levels in GI cancers than in normal tissues. These TSGs were mainly involved in metabolism, immune, and cell growth signaling-associated pathways. Many TSGs had a positive expression correlation with survival prognosis in various cancers, confirming their tumor suppressive function. We demonstrated that the downregulation of many TSGs was associated with their hypermethylation in cancer. Moreover, we showed that the expression of many TSGs inversely correlated with tumor purity and positively correlated with antitumor immune response in various cancers, suggesting that these TSGs may exert their tumor suppressive function by promoting antitumor immunity. Furthermore, we identified a transcriptional regulatory network of the TSGs and their master transcriptional regulators (MTRs). Many of MTRs have been recognized as tumor suppressors, such as HNF4A, ZBTB7A, p53, and RUNX3. The TSGs could provide new molecular cues associated with tumorigenesis and tumor development and have potential clinical implications for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Placental Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (PMSCs) and PMSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (PMSC-EVs) Attenuated Renal Fibrosis in Rats with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) by Regulating CD4+ T Cell Polarization
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Han Chaonan , Xian Shuli , Zhuang Feng , Ding Feng , Zhang Wei , Liu Yingli
Published: July 2020

Purpose. Recent evidence has shown that CD4+ T helper (Th) cells are involved in renal inflammation and fibrosis. However, whether renal fibrosis can be alleviated by intervening in the polarization of CD4+ T cells remains unknown. Our research investigated the effects of intravenously administered placenta mesenchymal stromal cells (PMSCs) or treatment with extracellular EVs (EVs) derived from PMSCs (PMSC-EVs) on the polarization of CD4+ T cells in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). We further verified how PMSCs affect inflammatory factor secretion and the levels of regulatory T (Treg) and Th17 CD4+ T cells in vitro. Materials and Methods. We evaluated renal interstitial inflammation and fibrosis by pathological section staining, tested the polarization of CD4+ T cells (Th17 and Treg phenotypes) by flow cytometry (FCM) and immunohistochemistry, and detected the cytokines secreted by CD4+ T cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Compared with that of control rats, the renal tissue of PMSC-treated rats exhibited lower renal Masson scores and more Foxp3+ cell infiltration, with a significantly decreased IL17A+CD4+ T cell/CD4+ T cell ratio and a significantly elevated anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) level. When CD4+ T cells were cocultured with PMSCs, CD4+IL17A+ cell percentages were decreased in a UUO model after 7 days of coculture with PMSCs. The secretion of TGF-β and IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the secretion of IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-6 was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the PMSC coculture group. Moreover, after treatment with PMSC-EVs, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was alleviated, and Foxp3+/IL-17+ cell infiltration was increased in the kidneys of UUO model animals on day 7. Conclusions. PMSCs can convert the inflammatory environment into an anti-inflammatory environment by affecting the polarization of CD4+ T cells and macrophages, inhibiting the inflammatory factors IFN-γ and IL-17, and upregulating the expression of the anti-inflammatory factors TGF-β and IL-10, ultimately leading to renal protection. Such functions may be mediated by the paracrine activity of PMSC-EVs.
Chinese Propolis Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Gastric Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Jiang Xia-sen , Xie Hong-qing , Li Chun-guang , You Meng-meng , Zheng Yu-fei , Li George Q. , Chen Xiang , Zhang Cui-ping , Hu Fu-liang
Published: July 2020

Special Chinese propolis sourced from the Changbai Mountains (CBMP) in Northeast China is rich in specific flavonoids and phenolic acids and its bioactivity has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative effect of CBMP on cancer cells and its molecular mechanisms. Different cancer cell lines were treated with the ethanol extracts of CBMP for 24 hours before the cell viability and mechanism measurements. The results showed CBMP had weak activities against human pancreatic cancer cell PANC1, human lung cancer cell A549, human colon cancer cell HCT116, human liver cancer cell HepG2, human bladder cancer cell T24, and human breast cancer cell MDA‐MB‐231, but it significantly inhibited the growth of human gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells, caused cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in S phase, with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The results indicate that Chinese propolis sourced from the Changbai Mountains selectively inhibits the proliferation of human gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells by inducing both death receptor‐induced apoptosis and mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in S phase. These activities and mechanisms help understand the anticancer action of propolis and its active compounds.
Antimicrobial and Alpha‐Amylase Inhibitory Activities of Organic Extracts of Selected Sri Lankan Bryophytes
Authors: Kirisanth Annalingam , Nafas M. N. M. , Dissanayake Ranga K. , Wijayabandara Jayantha
Published: July 2020

Medicinal plants have been the main focus of natural product research. However, recent research has revealed that lower plants including bryophytes are also a major resource of biologically active compounds with novel structures. Sri Lanka is considered as a biodiversity hotspot with a higher degree of endemism flora including bryophytes. In this study, different species of bryophytes were investigated for their antimicrobial and alpha‐amylase inhibitory activities. The air‐dried plant materials of 6 different bryophyte species, Marchantia sp., Fissidens sp., Plagiochila sp., Sematophyllum demissum, Hypnum cupressiforme, and Calymperes motley, were subjected to sequential cold extraction with 3 different organic solvents. All three types of organic crude extracts were subjected to screening of antimicrobial bioassays using the disc‐diffusion method against 3 bacterial strains and 1 fungal strain. According to the results obtained, 6 extracts out of 18 showed antibacterial activity for tested Gram‐positive bacteria and 1 active against Gram‐negative bacteria. Two extracts showed activity against the pathogenic fungus strain. Extracts from some plants were active against tested bacterial as well as fungal species. TLC‐based bioautographic study was carried out to identify the corresponding active bands which is useful for active compound isolation. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extracts were subjected to evaluate alpha‐amylase inhibitory activity where three extracts out of six extracts showed moderate inhibitory activity for alpha‐amylase with IC50 ranging 8–30%.
Determination of Caffeine Content in Commercial Energy Beverages Available in Saudi Arabian Market by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric Analysis
Authors: Al-Bratty Mohammed , Alhazmi Hassan A. , Rehman Zia ur , Javed Sadique A. , Ahsan Waquar , Najmi Asim , Khuwaja Gulrana , Makeen Hafiz A. , Khalid Asaad
Published: July 2020

The popularity of energy beverages among young adult population is high. These drinks are claimed to boost energy and performance and contain high concentration of caffeine as one of the several ingredients. Discrepancies have been encountered by some of the previous studies between the actual quantity of caffeine present in the product and the amount mentioned on the label, making the determination of caffeine content in these drinks very important. Thus, in this study, we analyzed the caffeine concentration in most popular energy drinks available in Saudi Arabia. The energy drink samples (n = 9) were procured from retail outlets. Sample solutions were prepared in methanol and analyzed for caffeine content by GC-MS. Chromatographic parameters were optimized to achieve optimum resolution and various validation parameters were evaluated. The method was successfully applied for the quantification of caffeine in energy drinks by directly injecting the multifold diluted samples in methanol. The method was linear (r2 = 0.999) over a concentration range of 5–25 µg/mL, specific, precise (%RSD of peak area = 0.56–0.78), and accurate (%recovery = 99.3–101.2%). The amounts of caffeine determined were found in the range of 20.82–33.72 mg/100 mL (52.05–84.3 mg/pack). Results revealed that the amount of caffeine actually present in the tested drinks varied within ±10% range from the amount specified on the product labels. The amounts of caffeine detected in tested beverages were within the USFDA safe upper limit of per-day caffeine consumption, which has indicated that the consumption of one serving of energy drink is unlikely to produce any adverse health effect.
Multilayered Connective Tissue Grafting Technique to Improve Aesthetics after Failed GBR: A Clinical Case Report of 16 Months Follow-Up
Authors: Villa Gabriele , Bellucci Gionata , Magnolo Simone , Asa’ad Farah
Published: July 2020

Objective. This case report describes soft-tissue management after a failed GBR procedure to enhance the soft-tissue quality, quantity, and aesthetic outcomes. Case Presentation. A 38-year-old patient visited the Dental Clinic of the Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, for a chief complaint of unsatisfactory aesthetics of the anterior maxillary area. Dental history disclosed failed preimplant vertical bone augmentation with GBR procedure in the area of the left maxillary central incisor resulting in a severe gingival recession of adjacent teeth and compromised soft-tissue quantity and quality and severe ridge atrophy (class III). Multilayered connective tissue grafting technique, in a two-step mucogingival surgery, was used to cover the gingival recessions, reach even gingival margin, and reconstruct the defect. Frenectomy was done after the second mucogingival surgery to relieve the muscle attachment. A definitive cantilever bridge was placed to restore the left and right maxillary central incisors, and a satisfactory aesthetic outcome was reached. Conclusions. Multilayered connective tissue grafting technique might be successful in correcting soft-tissue quantity and quality in class III ridge defects.
Isolation and Characterization of Probiotic LAB from Kimchi and Spontaneously Fermented Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Batter: Their Effects on Phenolic Content of Teff during Fermentation
Authors: Gebru Yoseph Asmelash , Sbhatu Desta Berhe
Published: July 2020

Microbial fermentation is proven to induce molecular transformations and produce bioactive compounds thereby enhancing sensory and nutritional quality of flour‐based fermented foods. In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from Korean kimchi and Ethiopian fermented teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) flour batter. Isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and characterized for various probiotic properties. Few trains were selected for further teff flour batter fermentation and evaluating their effects on phenolic contents and compositions. Out of 200 bacterial isolates, 44 of them showed considerable acid and bile tolerance and 22 were tested positive for protease activity. A large number of the isolates showed antimicrobial activities against Salmonella gallinarium indicator strains. Majority of these probiotic strains belonged to Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis species. All the strains used for fermentation of teff were able to significantly increase total phenolic contents (TPC). An increase in TPC of up to 7‐fold was observed in some strains.
Concentrations, Spatial Distributions, and Sources of Heavy Metals in Surface Soils of the Coal Mining City Wuhai, China
Authors: Bu Qingwei , Li Qingshan , Zhang Handan , Cao Hongmei , Gong Wenwen , Zhang Xin , Ling Ke , Cao Yibo
Published: July 2020

Various studies have shown that soils surrounding mining areas are seriously polluted by heavy metals. In this study, 58 topsoil samples were systematically collected throughout the coal mining city Wuhai, located within the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. The concentrations of As, Hg, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in these samples were measured and statistically analyzed. The mean concentrations of all heavy metals were lower than their Grade I values defined by the Chinese Soil Quality Standard. However, the mean concentrations of individual heavy metals in many samples exceeded their background values. The spatial distribution of heavy metals was analyzed by the ordinary kriging interpolation method. The positive matrix factorization model was used to ascertain contamination sources of the eight heavy metals and to apportion the contribution of each source. The most severely polluted area was the Wuhushan mine site in the Wuda district of Wuhai. Our results showed that coal mining strongly affected heavy metal contamination of the local soils. Results of source apportionment indicated that contributions from industrial activities, atmospheric deposition, agricultural activities, and natural sources were 31.3%, 26.3%, 21.9%, and 20.5%, respectively. This clearly demonstrates that anthropogenic activities have markedly higher contribution rates than natural sources to heavy metal pollution in soils in this area.
ROS-Mediated Therapeutic Strategy in Chemo-/Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Huang Gan , Pan Shu-Ting
Published: July 2020

Head and neck cancer is a highly genetic and metabolic heterogeneous collection of malignancies of the lip, oral cavity, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, paranasal sinuses, and larynx with five-year survival rates ranging from 12% to 93%. Patients with head and neck cancer typically present with advanced stage III, IVa, or IVb disease and are treated with comprehensive modality including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Despite advancements in treatment modality and technique, noisome recurrence, invasiveness, and resistance as well as posttreatment complications severely influence survival rate and quality of life. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed that offer enhanced efficacy with less toxicity. ROS in cancer cells plays a vital role in regulating cell death, DNA repair, stemness maintenance, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor microenvironment, all of which have been implicated in resistance to chemo-/radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. Adjusting ROS generation and elimination to reverse the resistance of cancer cells without impairing normal cells show great hope in improving the therapeutic efficacy of chemo-/radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. In the current review, we discuss the pivotal and targetable redox-regulating system including superoxide dismutases (SODs), tripeptide glutathione (GSH), thioredoxin (Trxs), peroxiredoxins (PRXs), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2/keap1), and mitochondria electron transporter chain (ETC) complexes and their roles in regulating ROS levels and their clinical significance implicated in chemo-/radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. We also summarize several old drugs (referred to as the non-anti-cancer drugs used in other diseases for a long time) and small molecular compounds as well as natural herbs which effectively modulate cellular ROS of head and neck cancer to synergize the efficacy of conventional chemo-/radiotherapy. Emerging interdisciplinary techniques including photodynamic, nanoparticle system, and Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) therapy are promising measures to broaden the potency of ROS modulation for the benefit of chemo-/radiotherapy in head and neck cancer.
Autophagy Upregulation by the TFEB Inducer Trehalose Protects against Oxidative Damage and Cell Death Associated with NRF2 Inhibition in Human RPE Cells
Authors: Abokyi Samuel , Shan Sze wan , To Chi-ho , Chan Henry Ho-lung , Tse Dennis Yan-yin
Published: July 2020

Trehalose is a natural dietary molecule that has shown antiaging and neuroprotective effects in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. The role of trehalose in the management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is yet to be investigated and whether trehalose could be a remedy for the treatment of diseases linked to oxidative stress and NRF2 dysregulation. Here, we showed that incubation of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with trehalose enhanced the mRNA and protein expressions of TFEB, autophagy genes ATG5 and ATG7, as well as protein expressions of macroautophagy markers, LC3B and p62/SQTM1, and the chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) receptor LAMP2. Cathepsin D, a hydrolytic lysosomal enzyme, was also increased by trehalose, indicating higher proteolytic activity. Moreover, trehalose upregulated autophagy flux evident by an increase in the endogenous LC3B level, and accumulation of GFP-LC3B puncta and free GFP fragments in GFP-LC3 ̶ expressing cells in the presence of chloroquine. In addition, the mRNA levels of key molecular targets implicated in RPE damage and AMD, such as vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) A and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), were downregulated, whereas NRF2 was upregulated by trehalose. Subsequently, we mimicked in vitro AMD conditions using hydroquinone (HQ) as the oxidative insult on RPE cells and evaluated the cytoprotective effect of trehalose compared to vehicle treatment. HQ depleted NRF2, increased oxidative stress, and reduced the viability of cells, while trehalose pretreatment protected against HQ-induced toxicity. The cytoprotection by trehalose was dependent on autophagy but not NRF2 activation, since autophagy inhibition by shRNA knockdown of ATG5 led to a loss of the protective effect. The results support the transcriptional upregulation of TFEB and autophagy by trehalose and its protection against HQ-induced oxidative damage in RPE cells. Further investigation is, therefore, warranted into the therapeutic value of trehalose in alleviating AMD and retinal diseases associated with impaired NRF2 antioxidant defense.
Bu-Shen-Yi-Sui Capsule, an Herbal Medicine Formula, Promotes Remyelination by Modulating the Molecular Signals via Exosomes in Mice with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zhao Pei-Yuan , Ji Jing , Liu Xi-Hong , Zhao Hui , Xue Bin , Jin Liang-Yun , Fan Yong-Ping , Zhao Wen-Jing , Wang Lei
Published: July 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Bu-shen-yi-sui capsule (BSYSC) could significantly reduce the relapse rate, prevent the progression of MS, and enhance remyelination following neurological injury in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an established model of MS; however, the mechanism underlying the effect of BSYSC on remyelination has not been well elucidated. This study showed that exosomes carrying biological information are involved in the pathological process of MS and that modified exosomes can promote remyelination by modulating related proteins and microRNAs (miRs). Here, the mechanism by which BSYSC promoted remyelination via exosome-mediated molecular signals was investigated in EAE mice and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in vitro. The results showed that BSYSC treatment significantly improved the body weight and clinical scores of EAE mice, alleviated inflammatory infiltration and nerve fiber injury, protected the ultrastructural integrity of the myelin sheath, and significantly increased the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) in EAE mice. In an in vitro OPC study, BSYSC-containing serum, especially 20% BSYSC, promoted the proliferation and migration of OPCs and induced OPCs to differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes that expressed MBP. Furthermore, BSYSC treatment regulated the expression of neuropilin- (NRP-) 1 and GTX, downregulated the expression of miR-16, let-7, miR-15, miR-98, miR-486, and miR-182, and upregulated the level of miR-146 in serum exosomes of EAE mice. In conclusion, these results suggested that BSYSC has a neuroprotective effect and facilitates remyelination and that the mechanism underlying the effect of BSYSC on remyelination probably involves regulation of the NRP-1 and GTX proteins and miRs in serum exosomes, which drive promyelination.
Dynamic Model and Quantitative Analysis of Stick-Slip Vibration in Horizontal Well
Authors: Wang Baojin , Wang Zhongyang , Ren Fushen
Published: July 2020

Stick-slip is very harmful to the service life of drillstring. The extended Hamilton principle is applied in the paper. Then, finite element method (FEM) is employed to describe the model. The drillstring-borehole impact and friction, fluid-structure interaction, bit-rock interaction, and gravity are considered in this model. The influence of axial and torsional excitation on stick-slip is analyzed. The nonlinear motion predicted by the model is consistent with the observation results in the experiments. The research shows that the fluctuation amplitude of the bit angular velocity also increases along with the increase of driving angular velocity (torsional excitation). However, both the ratio of the maximum angular velocity of the stick-slip vibration and the fluctuation of the angular velocity are continuously reduced. Meanwhile, the strength of the stick-slip vibration has a tendency to slow down. As the axial load (axial excitation) increases, the fluctuation of the maximum angular speed of the stick-slip vibration does not change significantly, but the smaller load causes a smaller stick duration.
P53 and PIK3CA Mutations in KRAS/HER2 Negative Ovarian Intestinal-Type Mucinous Carcinoma Associated with Mature Teratoma
Authors: Bouri Sarah , Simon Philippe , D’Haene Nicky , Catteau Xavier , Noël Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2020

Primary ovarian intestinal-type mucinous carcinomas associated with mature teratoma are rare and represent less than 3% of all primary ovarian neoplasms. The molecular profile of these tumors is still controversial. We report here the first case of mucinous ovarian tumor in which mutation of the PIK3CA and P53 genes could be demonstrated by the next generation sequencing technique without KRAS mutation or HER2 amplification. Our data suggest that these mucinous carcinoma variants probably present an extremely complex molecular biology profile that should be known in the future to stratify therapeutic outcomes and potential targeted therapies, particularly in recurrent disease.
A Glass Fiber-Reinforced Resin Composite Splint to Stabilize and Replace Teeth in a Periodontally Compromised Patient
Authors: Rauch Angelika , Mehlhorn Sebastian , Mühle Manja , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: July 2020

Combined periodontal and prosthodontic treatment demands of patients require a structured coordination of pretreatments and an adequate choice of restorations. This is especially true if multiple teeth are missing and insufficient crown-root ratios are obvious. A 40-year-old patient with a severe periodontitis (Stage IV, Grade C) was treated with active, nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Afterwards, a supportive periodontal therapy was provided with a recall interval of three to four months. Due to a high tooth mobility of the anterior teeth in the upper jaw and a missing left canine, a combination of a resin composite (Signum composite, Kulzer, Hanau, Germany) and a unidirectional glass prepreg fiber (Tender Fiber Quattro, MICERIUM, Avegno, Italy) was utilized to fabricate a splint in a labside approach to stabilize the remaining teeth. Moreover, an artificial denture tooth was adhesively luted to the splint. A temporary polymer-based material (Vita CAD-Temp, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) was selected to supply the posterior teeth of the patient with a 3-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP), and both restorations were adhesively cemented. 19 months after insertion, a fracture of the fiber-reinforced resin composite splint occurred that was intraorally repaired. In spite of the fracture of the splint, all materials were functionally and esthetically stable over the follow-up period of 22 months.
Time Allocation and Optimization in Time-Reversal Wireless Powered Communication Networks
Authors: Li Fangwei , Wu Yue , Nie Yifang , Shi Ce
Published: July 2020

This paper studies optimal resource allocation in the wireless powered communication networks (WPCN) combined with time reversal (TR) in which one hybrid access point (H-AP) broadcasts constant wireless energy to a set of distributed users in the downlink (DL) and receives information from the users via space division multiple access (SDMA) in the uplink (UL). Inevitable interferences will occur when users transmit information in the UL simultaneously and the special space-time focusing of TR is used to suppress the interferences. An efficient protocol is proposed to support wireless energy transfer (WET) and TR in the DL and wireless information transmission in the UL for the proposed TR-WPCN. We optimize the time allocations to the H-AP for DL WET, DL TR, and UL WIT to maximize the sum throughput. Due to the nonconvexity of the studied optimization problem, we optimize variables successively, where the nonconvex optimization problem is transformed into the convex optimization problem. The approximate convex optimization problem can then be solved iteratively combined with the dichotomy method. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can effectively suppress interferences and improve system performance.
Bismuth as Smart Material and Its Application in the Ninth Principle of Sustainable Chemistry
Authors: Odularu Ayodele Temidayo
Published: July 2020

This paper reports an overview of Green Chemistry and the concept of its twelve principles. This study focusses on the ninth principle of Green Chemistry, that is, catalysis. A report on catalysis, in line with its definition, background, classification, properties, and applications, is provided. The study also entails a green element called bismuth. Bismuth’s low toxicity and low cost have made researchers focus on its wide applications in catalysis. It exhibits smartness in all the catalytic activities with the highest catalytic performance among other metals.
COVID-19 y APV: Limitaciones del proyecto que propone el retiro de fondos
Authors: López Fernando
Published: July 2020

La iniciativa tiene al menos tres inconvenientes. Primero, desactiva los incentivos tributarios del pilar de ahorro voluntario que tienen como propósito mejorar las pensiones futuras. Segundo, la medida es altamente regresiva, beneficiando en mayor grado a personas de altos ingresos que ya han recibido generosos beneficios tributarios por su APV. Tercero, bajo supuestos muy conservadores, el proyecto conlleva exenciones fiscales que superarían los US$1.200 millones si se aplicara sin restricciones de elegibilidad. Continuar leyendo...
Temas Macros Financieros Críticos
Authors: García Carlos
Published: July 2020

La complejidad de la pandemia se está traspasando no solo en el mercado de bienes y del trabajo sino también al financiero.  Hasta ahora el Banco Central estaba seriamente limitado para hacer una política monetaria moderna porque su Ley Orgánica Constitucional (artículo 27) señalaba que “el Banco podrá otorgar financiamiento o refinanciamiento sólo a las empresas bancarias y sociedades financieras. De manera alguna podrá otorgar a ellas su garantía, ni adquirir documentos emitidos por el Estado, sus organismos o empresas". Continuar leyendo...
Abnormal and Euthyroid Ranges of Thyroid Hormones in Serum and Liver Cancer Mortality: A Cohort Study
Authors: Sohn Won , Chang Yoosoo , Cho Yong Kyun , Kim Yejin , Shin Hocheol , Ryu Seungho
Published: July 2020

Background:

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid hormone concentration with liver cancer mortality.

Methods:

A cohort of 517,996 Korean adults, who did not have liver cancer at baseline and attended a health screening including free thyroxine (FT4) and TSH, were followed for up to 16 years. High and low TSH and FT4 were defined as those above the upper bound of reference interval and those below the lower bound of reference interval of their corresponding reference intervals, respectively. Mortality information was ascertained through National Death Records. The adjusted HR (aHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a Cox proportional hazard model.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 8.1 years, 376 deaths from liver cancer were identified. Subjects with low FT4 levels were associated with an elevated risk of liver cancer mortality with a corresponding multivariable aHR 2.25 (95% CI: 1.62–3.12) compared with those with normal FT4 levels. Within the euthyroid range, there was also a dose-dependent inverse relationship between FT4 level and liver cancer mortality (P < 0.001). Levels of TSH and free T3 had no significant association with liver cancer mortality.

Conclusions:

The risk of liver cancer mortality increased as FT4 level decreased, both within the normal and abnormal ranges of thyroid function.

Impact:

Thyroid function within the abnormal and normal ranges might affect liver cancer mortality. Further study is warranted to elucidate the role of thyroid hormone in development of liver cancer including the underlying biological mechanism.
Premature Stroke Secondary to Severe Hypertension Results from Liddle Syndrome Caused by a Novel SCNN1B Mutation
Authors: Fan Peng , Zhang Di , Pan Xiao-Cheng , Yang Kun-Qi  , Zhang Qiong-Yu , Lu Yi-Ting , Zhang Ying , Liu Xue-Ying , Ma Wen-Jun , Zhang Hui-Min , Song Lei , Cai Jun , Liu Ya-Xin , Zhou Xian-Liang
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Liddle syndrome (LS), an autosomal dominant and inherited monogenic hypertension syndrome caused by pathogenic mutations in the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) genes SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G. Objective: This study was designed to identify a novel SCNN1B missense mutation in a Chinese family with a history of stroke, and to confirm that the identified mutation is responsible for LS in this family. Methods: DNA samples were collected from the proband and 11 additional relatives. Next-generation sequencing was performed in the proband to find candidate variants. In order to exclude genetic polymorphism, the candidate variantin SCNN1B was verified in other family members, 100 hypertensives, and 100 healthy controls by Sanger sequencing. Results: Genetic testing revealeda novel and rare heterozygous variant in SCNN1B in the proband. This variant resulted in a substitution of threonine instead of proline at codon 617, altering the PY motif of β-ENaC. The identified mutation was only verified in 5 relatives. In silico analyses indicated that this variant was highly pathogenic. In this family, phenotypic heterogeneity was present among 6 LS patients. Tailored medicine with amiloride was effective in controlling hypertension and improving the serum potassium concentration in patients with LS. Conclusions:We identified a novel SCNN1B mutation (c.1849C>A) in a family affected by LS. Patients with LS, especially those with severe hypertension, should be alert for the occurrence of premature stroke. Timely diagnosis using genetic testing and tailored treatment with amiloride can help LS patients to avoid severe complications.
The Challenges of Using UK Renal Registry Data to Audit the Care of Patients with Diabetes on Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Cox Louise , Wong Esther , Evans Katharine M. , Medcalf James , Pyart Rhodri
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Diabetes is a major cause of CKD and of mortality in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT). Auditing the care of patients with diabetes on RRT against published guidelines relies on robust data collection. Objective: This article assesses the completeness of data items collected by the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) that are required to audit the care of patients with diabetes on RRT. Methods: The UKRR receives data on all patients receiving RRT in the UK. Patients with diabetes, diabetes type, and method of renal diagnosis were identified from primary renal disease (PRD) codes and comorbidity data for patients commencing RRT at one of the 57 renal centres in England and Wales between 2010 and 2016. The completeness of demographic and clinical data (blood pressure, cholesterol, glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c], and smoking status) was assessed for the first year of RRT. Results: Ninety-three per cent of all patients on RRT irrespective of diagnosis had a PRD code, but only 28/57 renal centres had comorbidity data completeness ≥70%; 34.9% of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) had type 1 diabetes, but this varied between centres (9.2–100%). Overall, 4.2% of DN diagnoses were by biopsy. Data completeness in the first year of RRT for cardiovascular risk factors ranged between 50.0 and 80.0%, with HbA1c data completeness being 63.0%. Of 57 centres, 20 had HbA1c data for ≥70% of patients in the first year of RRT. Conclusions: There is persistent variation between renal centres in the completeness of data collected on patients with diabetes on RRT, impacting on the ability to undertake robust audit. Data linkages and expanded data permissions could see registry data play a key role in ongoing audit and research into patients with diabetes and CKD, provided adequate data can be collected.
Assessment of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Predicting Mortality and Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes of Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Schamroth Pravda Miri , Cohen Hagai Keren , Topaz Guy , Schamroth Pravda Nili , Makhoul Nadeen , Shuvy Mony , Benchetrit Sydney , Assali Abid , Pereg David
Published: July 2020

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing chronic hemodialysis are at high mortality and cardiovascular risk. This study was aimed to assess whether the CHA2DS2-VASc score may be used for risk stratification of this population. Methods: Included were patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis at Meir Medical Center. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated for each patient at the initiation of hemodialysis. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score: 0–3 (low), 4–5 (intermediate), and ≥6 (high). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke during the first year of hemodialysis. Results: Of the 457 patients with ESRD, 181 (40%) had low, 193 (42%) intermediate, and 83 (18%) high CHA2DS2-VASc scores. During the first year of hemodialysis, 109 (23.8%) patients died, 17 (3.7%) had a stroke, and 28 (6.1%) had a myocardial infarction. Compared to patients in the low CHA2DS2-VASc score group, those in the intermediate and high score groups had higher risk for the composite endpoint (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6–4.2, p < 0.01 and OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.3–7.5, p < 0.01, respectively). Each 1-point increase in CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with a 38% increased risk for the composite endpoint, a 19% increased risk for 1-year myocardial infarction, and a 29% increased risk for 1-year stroke. Conclusions: Patients with ESRD are at an extremely high mortality and cardiovascular risk within the first year of hemodialysis. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was strongly associated with adverse outcomes and may be used for risk stratification of these patients.
Brain Imaging Signs and Health-Related Quality of Life after Acute Ischemic Stroke: Analysis of ENCHANTED Alteplase Dose Arm
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Delcourt Candice , Sun Lingli , Zhou Zien , Yoshimura Sohei , You Shoujiang , Malavera Alejandra , Torii-Yoshimura Takako , Carcel Cheryl , Arima Hisatomi , Hackett Maree L. , Robinson Thompson , Song Lili , Wang Xia , Lindley Richard I. , Chalmers John , Anderson Craig S. ,   for the ENCHANTED Investigators
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose: The influence of specific brain lesions on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is uncertain. We aimed to identify imaging predictors of poor HRQoL in alteplase-treated participants of the alteplase dose arm of the Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED). Methods: ENCHANTED was an international trial of low- versus standard-dose intravenous alteplase in AIS patients, with functional outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS]) and HRQoL on the 5-dimension European Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D) assessed at 90 days post-randomization. Brain images were analyzed centrally by trained assessors. Multivariable logistic regression was undertaken in the study population randomly divided (2:1) into training (development) and validation (performance) groups, with age (per 10-year increase), ethnicity, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, diabetes mellitus, premorbid function (mRS score 0 or 1), and proxy respondent, forced into all models. Data are presented with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Eight prediction models were developed and validated in 2,526 AIS patients (median age 67.5 years; 38.4% female; 61.7% Asian) with complete brain imaging and 90-day EQ-5D utility score data. The best performance model included acute ischemic changes in the right (OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.24–2.29) and deep (OR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03–2.19) middle cerebral artery (MCA) regions. Several background features of brain frailty – atrophy, white matter change, and old infarcts – were significantly associated with adverse physical but not emotional HRQoL domains. Conclusions: In thrombolysed AIS patients, right-sided and deep ischemia within the MCA territory predict poor overall HRQoL, whilst features of old cerebral ischemia are associated with reduced physical HRQoL.
Tagebücher und Memoiren deutschsprachiger Immigranten in Brasilien. Zum Selbstbild und zur Wahrnehmung des Anderen
Authors: Broering Izabela Drozdowska
Published: July 2020

After the abolition of slavery in 1888, the Brazilian economy turned towards cheap workforce, which attracted many Middle European settlers, among them German-speaking settlers and refugees seeking better life conditions. This article verifies the perception of “others” and the self-image (including resignifications of self and acculturation) in some mostly unedited diaries and memoirs of German-speaking immigrants in Brazil in 19th and 20th century. Among other topics, the target group and function of each memoir, its construction, and the omitted and disparate representations of topics and events are analyzed.
Chastening and Disciplining Comparison: Bruce Lincoln and Oliver Freiberger on the Comparative Method in the Study of Religion
Authors: Yelle Robert A.
Published: July 2020

The article reviews two recent books on comparison in the study of religion authored by prominent scholars. Long out of vogue, comparison now must be defended as a or even the central methodology for religious studies. Both philology and critical theory have collaborated to undermine the universalist assumptions on which earlier grand comparisons in the study of religion based themselves. The question is whether the two books considered here manage to rescue comparison from its critics. My reading here suggests that a more robust defense may be needed.
A new species of Podosphaera sect. Sphaerotheca subsect. Magnicellulatae from India and a key to all species reported on Fabaceae

Authors: YADAV SANJAY , VERMA SANJEET KUMAR , SINGH RAGHVENDRA , SINGH VINAY KUMAR , KUSHWAHA PRAKASH
Published: July 2020

Podosphaera thermopsidicola, a new sexual morph form of powdery mildew was discovered on living leaves of Thermopsis barbata Benth. (Fabaceae). It is described, illustrated and compared with other Podosphaera species reported on Fabaceae. The phylogeny of this species has been inferred from partial nuclear ribosomal 28S large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequence data. On the basis of LSU, P. thermopsidicola represents characteristic feature of Podosphaera s. str. Phylogenetically, P. thermopsidicola is closer to P. erigerontis-canadensis but differs in having larger chasmothecia, longer appendages, thick-walled asci, smaller oculi and smaller ascospores.
Selaginella coriaceifolia (sect. Heterostachys; Selaginellaceae), a new lycophyte species from central Vietnam

Authors: YE ZI-YU , LU NGAN THI , ZHANG LIANG , ZHOU XIN-MAO , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: July 2020

A new species, Selaginella coriaceifolia, is described and illustrated from central Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from other species in Asia by its habit epilithic, main stem nearly isotomously branched, leaves strongly leathery, ventral leaves imbricate on stem and branch, dorsal leaves with reflexed arista at apex, and sporophylls nearly monomorphic. Molecular and morphological studies of the new species and its allies in S. subg. Heterostachys Baker sect. Heterostachys (Baker) Li Bing Zhang & X.M.Zhou are conducted.
Nomenclatural updates in Dyschoriste and Hygrophila (Acanthaceae)

Authors: MONTEIRO FERNANDA KALINA DA SILVA , DANIEL THOMAS F. , DE MELO JOSÉ IRANILDO MIRANDA
Published: July 2020

Dyschoriste and Hygrophila (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) comprise two complex and morphologically similar genera with numerous as yet unresolved nomenclatural issues. In this study, the names D. erythrorhiza and Homotropium erythrorhyzum var. latifolium are lectotypified and H. erythrorhyzum var. latifolium and H. angusta are reduced to synonymy under D. erythrorhiza and H. guianiensis, respectively. Hygrophila oblongifolia is shown to be an illegitimate name and synonymous with H. acutangula. A new name, H. nordestina, is proposed for H. sessilifolia.
A note on the nomenclature of Justicia micrantha Wall. ex C.B. Clarke (Acanthaceae) and its lectotypification

Authors: SOUMYA PULIYAKODE , SUNOJKUMAR PURAYIDATHKANDY
Published: July 2020

Rostellaria crinita Nees (1832: 101) was described with referencing to Wallich’s designation “Justicia micrantha” Wall. (1830: 2449), which is a nomen nudum without diagnosis or description. As the name Rostellaria Nees (1832: 100) was pre-occupied for a different genus, Nees (1847) transferred all species under Rostellaria Nees to Rostellularia Reichb. (1837: 190). But, Clarke (1885) in Hooker’s Flora of British India reused Wallich’s name for the same species, Justicia micrantha Wall. ex C.B. Clarke (1885: 536). Under Art. 6.11 of ICN (Turland et al. 2018), this name is a replacement name for Rostellaria crinita because of existence of the name Justicia crinita Thunberg (1794: 338). While revising the genus Justicia for the Flora of Hassan District, Ramamoorthy (1976) considered Justicia micrantha Wall. ex C.B. Clarke to be the later homonym of Justicia micrantha Pohl ex Nees (1847: 408) and hence he proposed a new name, Justicia neesii Ramamoorthy (1976: 551). As part of the ongoing systematic studies on the genus Justicia in Peninsular India, we found that the name Justicia micrantha Pohl ex Nees was not validly published because it was cited in the synonymy when published according to Art. 36.1(b). Therefore, the name Justicia neesii is an illegitimate superfluous name according to Art. 52.1, 52.2 of ICN (Turland et al. 2018).
New troglobitic species of Xangoniscus (Isopoda: Styloniscidae) from Brazil, with notes on their habitats and threats
Authors: CARDOSO GIOVANNA MONTICELLI , BASTOS-PEREIRA RAFAELA , SOUZA LEILA APARECIDA , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: July 2020

In the present work, five new species of Xangoniscus are described, increasing to eight the number of the known troglobitic species for the genus. Xangoniscus species can be distinguished from each other by the shape of pleonites epimera, the number and size of aesthetascs in the distal article of antennula, the modifications on pereopods, the shape of male pleopods and the proportion between uropod rami. Species from this genus are known for the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia with Xangoniscus aganju representing the northernmost occurrence, and X. lundi n. sp. and X. dagua n. sp. the southernmost occurrences. Of the six caves where specimens were collected, four are not registered in the national speleological database, what points to all the potential to yet be discovered regarding number of cavities and the associated biodiversity in Brazil. Some of the here mentioned type localities are not located inside protected areas, therefore exposing the species to risks related to the adjacent land use and consequent influence on water table level and input of food resources. The contribution of this work with descriptions of new troglobitic species provides support to consider them as plausible candidates to be assessed in the next list of threatened species as well as to elaborate conservation actions for the species, the caves where they inhabit and the surrounding landscape.