bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infections in children with left ventricular assist device
Authors: Şen Semra , Ülger Zülal , Şahbudak Bal Zümrüt , Özbaran Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Background

There are limited data about pediatric left ventricular assist device (VAD) infections in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate device postimplantation infectious complications and their pathogenic profile.

Methods

Data were analyzed from patient charts involving 27 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent left VAD implantation at a leading tertiary care center in Turkey.

Results

The study included 17 boys and ten girls with a median age of 12.22 years (range 17 months to 18 years). Nineteen patients were diagnosed with idiopathic, and three were diagnosed with familial dilated cardiomyopathy. Twenty‐two out of 27 subjects (%81.48) developed 80 infection episodes in total. The most common type of left VAD‐specific infection was the exit site of the driveline. Infected patients with left VAD had a significantly prolonged hospitalization compared with the patients without infection (P = .014). Infection‐induced pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) admission was higher in patients with fungal infection(P = .023). Gram‐positive staphylococci were the most commonly isolated bacterial pathogens, followed by Gram‐negative bacteria. Five patients developed fungal infections. None of the fungal infection patients underwent transplantation(P = .035). Seven deaths occurred in our study group. All deaths were in the infected group. Mortality was associated with the presence of multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacterial infections (P = .015), an increased number of infection episodes (P = .003), and hospitalization due to infection (P = .003).

Conclusion

Ventricular assist device‐related infections were frequent among our study patients. The predominantly isolated agents were Gram‐positive bacterial pathogens. However, the emergence of relatively high rate of Gram‐negative bacterial and fungal infections was associated with mortality before the transplantation. Establishing local programs for surveillance data, controlling for infection rates, and antibiotic stewardship are essential to reduce mortality of VAD patients in developing countries.
Lessons learned from early compassionate use of convalescent plasma on critically ill patients with Covid‐19
Authors: Liu Miao , Chen Zhen , Dai Meng‐Yuan , Yang Jun‐Hui , Chen Xiao‐Bing , Chen Di , You Hua , Guo Xin , Leng Yan , Yu Li , Zhang Meng‐Li , Wu Xian , Yang Junyu , Gao Chong , Tenen Daniel G , Chai Li , Ai Fen
Published: August 2020

Background

The management of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by a new human virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is challenging. Recently, there have been several reports with inconsistent results after treatment with convalescent plasma (CP) on critically ill patients with COVID‐19, which was produced with a neutralizing antibody titer and tested in a P3 or P4 laboratory. However, due to the limitation of the conditions on mass production of plasma, most producers hardly had the capability to isolate the neutralizing antibody. Here, we report the clinical courses of three critically ill patients with COVID‐19 receiving CP treatments by total immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer collection.

Methods

Three patients with COVID‐19 in this study were laboratory confirmed to be positive for SARS‐CoV‐2, with radiographic and clinical features of pneumonia. CP was collected by total IgG titer of 160 (range, 200‐225 mL), and patients were transfused between 20 and 30 days after disease onset at the critical illness stage as a trial in addition to standard care. The clinical courses of these patients, including laboratory results and pulmonary functional and image studies after receiving convalescent plasma infusions, were reviewed.

Results

No therapeutic effect of CP was observed in any of the patients; instead, all three patients deteriorated and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment. A potential cytokine storm 4 hours after infusion of CP in Patient 2 was observed. No more patients were put on the trial of CP transfusion.

Conclusions

We recommend extreme caution in using CP in critically ill patients more than 2 weeks after the onset of COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Red blood cell alloimmunization prevalence and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in Israel: A retrospective study
Authors: Rahimi‐Levene Naomi , Chezar Judith , Yahalom Vered ,   The Israeli HDFN Study Group Investigators
Published: August 2020

Background

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a severe form of anemia caused by maternal antibodies against fetal red blood cells (RBC) that can cause intrauterine and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and specificities of alloantibodies among Israeli pregnant women and clinical outcomes for their fetuses and newborns are unknown.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective study of women who gave birth between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011, was performed. Data were obtained for obstetric admissions from 16 of 27 hospitals, which included results of maternal ABO, D, antibody screens, antibody identification, and requirements for intrauterine or newborn exchange transfusions.

Results

Data on 90 948 women representing 70% of all births during 2011 were analyzed. Antibody screen was positive in 5245 (5.8%) women. Alloantibodies, excluding anti‐D titer (<16) were identified in 900 (1.0%) women. Of 191 D– women, 75 (39.3%) had anti‐D titer of 16 or greater. Other common clinically significant antibodies were anti‐E (204, 23%), anti‐K (145, 16%), and anti‐c (97, 10.8%) alone or in antibody combinations. Multiple alloantibodies were observed in 132 of 900 (15%) of women. Severe HDFN developed in 6.8% (9/132) of these pregnancies. Seventeen fetuses and newborns (0.02% of births) including one set of twins required RBC transfusions. Two fetuses whose mothers had multiple alloantibodies received intrauterine transfusions; one of them was hydropic and died.

Conclusion

The prevalence of RBC alloantibodies was 1.0% among Israeli pregnant women. Transfusion was required in 0.02% of the fetuses and newborns. Severe HDFN developed in 6.8% of pregnancies with multiple maternal alloantibodies.
Analysis of the Legal Measures Concerning Risk Assessment and Control for High-Speed Rail: Experience and Lessons from the European Union
Authors: Liu Kai
Published: August 2020

In a context of the emerging risks that may lead to the high speed rail accidents and so the deaths, the question is to know what the roles of different actors prescribed in the legal system and what instruments have been established, and whether the legal framework is sufficient to promote risk assessment. This research studied the European Union legal system and pointed out its experience that could be enlighting as well as its weaknesses.
Inhibitory role of long non‐coding RNA OIP5‐AS1 in rheumatoid arthritis progression through the microRNA‐448–paraoxonase 1–toll‐like receptor 3–nuclear factor κB axis
Authors: Qing Pingying , Liu Yi
Published: August 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the functions of long non‐coding (lnc) RNA OIP5‐AS1 in development of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation and what is the molecular mechanism?

What is the main finding and its importance?

LncRNA OIP5‐AS1 mitigates rheumatoid arthritis progression through the competitive endogenous RNA network involving the miR‐448–paraoxonase 1 axis and through the inactivation of the toll‐like receptor 3–nuclear factor κB signalling pathway. This study may offer new ideas for molecularly based control of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder with dysregulation of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) possibly involved. This study aimed to inquire into the roles of lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 in RA progression. A rat model of RA was induced. Overexpression of OIP5‐AS1 was introduced in the model rats, and the changes in paw swelling, RA severity and the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐10, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor α were measured. Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) from RA patients were collected for in vitro experiments. A gain‐ and loss‐of function study of OIP5‐AS1, miR‐448 and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) was performed to explore their roles in RA‐FLS growth, apoptosis and inflammation. A toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3)‐specific agonist, polyinosine‐polycytidylic acid, or a nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB)‐specific antagonist, QNZ, was administrated in RA‐FLSs. Consequently, overexpression of OIP5‐AS1 reduced the symptom severity and the levels of inflammatory factors in RA rats. OIP5‐AS1 could bind to miR‐448 to up‐regulate PON1 expression. Further overexpression of miR‐448 reversed the effects of OIP5‐AS1, while overexpression of PON1 inhibited RA‐FLS growth and inflammation. In addition, TLR3 activation promoted RA progression. To conclude, this study evidenced that lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 may mitigate RA progression through the miR‐448–PON1 axis and through the inactivation of the TLR3–NF‐κB signalling pathway.
Data Fairy in Engineering Land: The Magic of Data Analysis as a Sociotechnical Process in Engineering Companies
Authors: Eckert Claudia , Isaksson Ola , Eckert Calandra , Coeckelbergh Mark , Hagström Malin Hane
Published: August 2020

In the era of digitalization, manufacturing companies expect their growing access to data to lead to improvements and innovations. Manufacturing engineers will have to collaborate with data scientists to analyze the ever-increasing volume of data. This process of adopting data science techniques into an engineering organization is a sociotechnical process fraught with challenges. This article uses a participant observation case study to investigate and discuss the sociotechnical nature of the adoption data science technology into an engineering organization. In the case study, a young data scientist/statistician interacted with experienced production engineers in a global automotive organization to mutual satisfaction. However, the case study highlights the mis-aligned expectations between engineers and data scientists and knowledge in what is necessary to successfully benefit from manufacturing process data.

The results reveal that the engineers had an initially romantic and idealistic view on how data scientists can bring value out of dispersed and complex information residing in the multisite manufacturing organization’s datasets in a “magic” way. Conversely, the data scientist had not enough engineering and contextual understanding to ask the right questions. The case reveals important shortcomings in the sociotechnical processes that undergo changes as digitalization is brought into mature engineering organizations and points to a lack of knowledge on multiple levels of the data analysis process and the ethical implications this could have.
Advanced Welding Manufacturing: A Brief Analysis and Review of Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Zhang Yu Ming , Yang Yu-Ping , Zhang Wei , Na Suck-Joo
Published: August 2020

Welding is a major manufacturing process that joins two or more pieces of materials together through heating/mixing them followed by cooling/solidification. The goal of welding manufacturing is to join materials together to meet service requirements at lowest costs. Advanced welding manufacturing is to use scientific methods to realize this goal. This paper views advanced welding manufacturing as a three step approach: (1) pre-design that selects process and joint design based on available processes (properties, capabilities, and costs); (2) design that uses models to predict the result from a given set of welding parameters and minimizes a cost function for optimizing the welding parameters; and (3) real-time sensing and control that overcome the deviations of welding conditions from their nominal ones used in optimizing the welding parameters by adjusting the welding parameters based on such real-time sensing and feedback control. The paper analyzes how these three steps depend on process properties/capabilities, process innovations, predictive models, numerical models for fluid dynamics, numerical models for structures, real-time sensing, and dynamic control. The paper also identifies the challenges in obtaining ideal solutions and reviews/analyzes the existing efforts toward better solutions. Special attention and analysis have been given to (1) gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW) as benchmark processes for penetration and materials filling; (2) keyhole plasma arc welding (PAW), keyhole-tungsten inert gas (K-TIG), and keyhole laser welding as improved/capable penetrative processes; (3) friction stir welding (FSW) as a special penetrative low heat input process; (4) alternating current (AC) GMAW and double-electrode GMAW as improved materials filling processes; (5) efforts in numerical modeling for fluid dynamics; (6) efforts in numerical modeling for structures; (7) challenges and efforts in seam tracking and weld pool monitoring; (8) challenges and efforts in monitoring of keyhole laser welding and FSW; and (9) efforts in advanced sensing, data fusion/sensor fusion, and process control using machine learning/deep learning, model predictive control (MPC), and adaptive control.
Recent Studies of Fuels Used in Wankel Rotary Engines
Authors: Otchere Peter , Pan Jianfeng , Fan Baowei , Chen Wei , Lu Yao
Published: August 2020

During the decades past, the engine industries have witnessed a remarkable upsurge in the research and development (R&D) of modern technologies due to factors such as energy security and environmental concerns. Focus is on improved engine performance, sustainable energy, fuel economy, and minimal harmful exhaust emissions. Even though globally large database now captures modern engine technologies, a skillful presentation of those data is a demanding task. Based on this analogy, the authors made a conscious effort to brief audience on the various fuels used in Wankel rotary engine (RE) which is a type of internal combustion engine (ICE). Wankel REs various operating models, their merits, and demerits regarding modern engine technologies, the type of fuels and their utilization methods, and the future prospect of biofuel as its engine fuel has been made accessible in a subtle manner in this paper. In summary, this paper provides a wide scope review of basic principles that govern practical Wankel RE design and operation, the widely used single fuels and multi fuels in Wankel RE operation with their properties as well as emissions, and the practical Wankel RE design and operation in the present era and the prospects in the near future. It also outlines simplified frameworks of modern Wankel RE technologies structured in a systematic way to contribute to enhanced engine performance, sustainable energy, reduce fuel consumption, and reduce exhaust emissions in this pragmatic field.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Environmental Vibrio cholerae Strain, 2012Env-25, Obtained Using Nanopore Sequencing Technology
Authors: Jose V Lyju , Pileggi Matthew T. , Alam Meer Taifur , Ali Afsar , Wong Adam C. N.
Published: August 2020

Vibrio cholerae
is a halophilic Gram-negative bacterial species and the etiological agent of cholera. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of an environmental
V. cholerae
strain, 2012Env-25, obtained using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) to provide insights into the ecology, evolution, and pathogenic potential of this bacterium.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three
Clostridia
Isolates Involved in Lactate-Based Chain Elongation
Authors: Liu Bin , Popp Denny , Sträuber Heike , Harms Hauke , Kleinsteuber Sabine
Published: August 2020

Hitherto, few species have been reported to convert lactate to
n
-caproate. Here, we report the high-quality draft genomes of three
Clostridia
strains isolated on lactate as the sole carbon source. The genomes were assembled using a hybrid short- and long-read sequencing approach. The genes involved in lactate-based chain elongation were identified.
The UK defence anaesthesia experience with the Zambia Anaesthesia Development Programme
Authors: Davies Rhys L , Boyd M , Lewin I JS , Duffield C , Woolley T GD , Hall D P , Coley E
Published: August 2020

For 18 months UK military anaesthetic trainees have been travelling to Zambia for a 3-month fellowship under the auspices of the Zambia Anaesthesia Development Programme. In this article we will discuss the history, current state and future intent of the fellowship in order to better inform the anaesthetic cadre and wider UK Defence Medical Services.
Role of serum HBV RNA and hepatitis B surface antigen levels in identifying Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B suitable for entecavir cessation
Authors: Seto Wai-Kay , Liu Kevin SH , Mak Lung-Yi , Cloherty Gavin , Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Gersch Jeffrey , Lam Yuk-Fai , Cheung Ka-Shing , Chow Ning , Ko Kwan-Lung , To Wai-Pan , Fung James , Yuen Man-Fung
Published: August 2020

Background

Treatment cessation in chronic HBV infection may be durable in certain patient subgroups before hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. The role of serum HBV RNA in determining treatment cessation suitability has not been well-investigated.

Methods

Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) treatment was discontinued in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic HBV with serum HBsAg <200 IU/mL and fulfilling internationally recommended criteria for treatment cessation. Patients were monitored till 48 weeks with baseline and serial measurements of serum HBsAg, HBV RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen. NUCs were resumed when HBV DNA reaches >2000 IU/mL regardless of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.

Results

114 entecavir-treated patients (median age 58.4 years, median serum HBsAg 54.4 IU/mL) with median treatment duration of 6.7 years were recruited. The 48-week cumulative rate of HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL was 58.1%. End-of-treatment serum HBV RNA and off-treatment serial HBV RNA were both independently associated with HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL (HR 2.959, 95% CI 1.776 to 4.926, p<0.001; HR 2.278, 95% CI 1.151 to 4.525, p=0.018, respectively). Patients with HBV RNA ≥44.6 U/mL had a cumulative 48-week rate of 93.2%, while combining HBV RNA undetectability and HBsAg <10 IU/mL had a cumulative 48-week rate of 9.1%. 24 patients (38.7%) developed off-treatment ALT elevation, highest peak ALT was 1515 U/L. 8 patients (median serum HBsAg 2.6 IU/mL) developed HBsAg seroclearance.

Conclusion

Serum HBV RNA measurement is essential for deciding on entecavir cessation in patients with chronic HBV, especially with low HBsAg levels. Patients can be stratified on their risk of off-treatment relapse based on both viral determinants.

Trial registration number

NCT02738554
Molecules in pathogenesis: angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)
Authors: Wiese Owen , Zemlin Annalise E , Pillay Tahir S
Published: August 2020

The renin–angiotensin system is mainly associated with the regulation of blood pressure, but recently many other functions of this system have been described. ACE2, an 805-amino acid monocarboxypeptidase type I transmembrane glycoprotein, was discovered in 2000 and has sequence similarity to two other proteins, namely ACE and collectrin. The ACE2 gene is located on Xp22 and is highly polymorphic. ACE2 is expressed in numerous tissues especially the lung alveolar epithelial cells, heart, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. Animal studies have found that ACE2 is central in diseases affecting almost all organ systems, among other cardiac, respiratory, renal and endocrine functions. ACE2 was identified as the cellular contact point for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the global pandemic (COVID-19), and is a potential drug target. SARS-CoV-2 infection has several effects on the renin–angiotensin system and conversely, regulation of this receptor may affect the progress of infection. We describe the genetics and functions of ACE2, explore its various physiological functions in the renin–angiotensin system and discuss its role in the pathophysiology of disease. ACE2 opposes the vasopressor ACE pathway of the renin–angiotensin system by converting angiotensin (Ang) I to Ang (1–9) and Ang II to Ang (1–7) which initiates the vasodilatory pathway. ACE2 may have a protective effect in the lung and kidney as knockout mice display susceptibility to acute respiratory distress and hypertensive nephropathy. Binding of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent fusion and downregulation of this pathway during SARS-CoV-2 infection may explain some of the unusual sequelae seen in COVID-19.
Extracorporeal CO2removal (ECCO2R) in patients with stable COPD with chronic hypercapnia: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Pisani Lara , Nava Stefano , Desiderio Emilia , Polverino Mario , Tonetti Tommaso , Ranieri V Marco
Published: August 2020

Domiciliary non-invasive ventilation (NIV) effectively reduces arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) in patients with stable hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but a consistent percentage of them may remain hypercapnic. We hypothesised that extracorporeal CO2removal (ECCO2R) may lower their PaCO2. Ten patients hypercapnic despite ≥6 months of NIV underwent a 24-hour trial of ECCO2R. Six patients completed the ECCO2R-trial with a PaCO2drop ranging between 23% and 47%. Time to return to baseline after interruption ranged 48–96 hours. In four patients, mechanical events led to ECCO2R premature interruption, despite a decreased in PaCO2. This time window ‘free’ from hypercapnia might allow to propose the concept of ‘CO2dialysis’.
Induction of ferroptosis-like cell death of eosinophils exerts synergistic effects with glucocorticoids in allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Wu Yanping , Chen Haixia , Xuan Nanxia , Zhou Lingren , Wu Yinfang , Zhu Chen , Li Miao , Weng Qingyu , Shen Jiaxin , Zhang Hao , Zhang Bin , Lan Fen , Xia Lixia , Xiong Xuefang , Li Zhouyang , Zhao Yun , Wu Mindan , Ying Songmin , Li Wen , Shen Huahao , Chen Zhihua
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Eosinophils are critical in allergic disorders, and promoting eosinophil death effectively attenuates allergic airway inflammation. Ferroptosis is a recently described novel form of cell death; however, little is known about ferroptosis in eosinophils and related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ferroptosis-inducing agents (FINs) on eosinophil death and allergic airway inflammation, and to explore their potential synergistic effect with glucocorticoids (GCs).

Methods

Eosinophils isolated from the peripheral blood of humans or mice were incubated with FINs, and eosinophil ferroptosis was assessed. The in vivo effects of FINs alone or in combination with dexamethasone (DXMS) were examined in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue were collected to examine airway inflammation.

Results

Treatment with FINs time and dose dependency induced cell death in human and mouse eosinophils. Interestingly, FINs induced non-canonical ferroptosis in eosinophils, which generated morphological characteristics unique to ferroptosis and was iron dependent but was independent of lipid peroxidation. The antioxidants glutathione and N-acetylcysteine significantly attenuated FIN-induced cell death. Treatment with FINs triggered eosinophil death in vivo and eventually relieved eosinophilic airway inflammation in mice. Furthermore, FINs exerted a synergistic effect with DXMS to induce eosinophil death in vitro and to alleviate allergic airway inflammation in vivo.

Conclusions

FINs induced ferroptosis-like cell death of eosinophils, suggesting their use as a promising therapeutic strategy for eosinophilic airway inflammation, especially due to the advantage of their synergy with GCs in the treatment of allergic disorders.
Distinguishing inert Higgs doublet and inert triplet scenarios
Authors: Jangid Shilpa , Bandyopadhyay Priyotosh
Published: August 2020

In this article we consider a comparative study between Type-I 2HDM and $$Y=0$$Y=0, SU(2) triplet extensions having one $$Z_2$$Z2-odd doublet and triplet that render the desired dark matter(DM). For the inert doublet model (IDM) either a neutral scalar or pseudoscalar can be the DM, whereas for inert triplet model (ITM) it is a CP-even scalar. The bounds from perturbativity and vacuum stability are studied for both the scenarios by calculating the two-loop beta functions. While the quartic couplings are restricted to $$0.1-0.2$$0.1-0.2 for a Planck scale perturbativity for IDM, these are much relaxed (0.8 ) for ITM. The RG-improved potentials by Coleman-Weinberg show the regions of stability, meta-stability and instability of the electroweak vacuum. The constraints coming from DM relic, the direct and indirect experiments like XENON1T, LUX and H.E.S.S., Fermi-LAT allow the DM mass $$\gtrsim 700, \,1176$$≳700,1176 GeV for IDM, ITM respectively. Though mass-splitting among $$Z_2$$Z2-odd particles in IDM is a possibility for ITM we have to rely on loop-corrections. The phenomenological signatures at the LHC show that the mono-lepton plus missing energy with prompt and displaced decays in the case of IDM and ITM can distinguish such scenarios at the LHC along with other complementary modes.
Inequalities of holographic entanglement of purification from bit threads
Authors: Du Dong-Hui , Shu Fu-Wen , Zhu Kai-Xin
Published: August 2020

There are increasing evidences that quantum information theory has come to play a fundamental role in quantum gravity especially the holography. In this paper, we show some new potential connections between holography and quantum information theory. Particularly, by utilizing the multiflow description of the holographic entanglement of purification (HEoP) defined in relative homology, we obtain several new inequalities of HEoP under a max multiflow configuration. Each inequality derived for HEoP has a corresponding inequality of the holographic entanglement entropy (HEE). This is further confirmed by geometric analysis. In addition, we conjecture that, based on flow considerations, each property of HEE that can be derived from bit threads may have a corresponding property for HEoP that can be derived from bit threads defined in relative homology.
N spike D-strings in AdS Space with mixed flux
Authors: Biswas Sagar , Pandit Priyadarshini , Panigrahi Kamal L.
Published: August 2020

We use Dirac-Born-Infeld action to study the spinning D-string in $$AdS_3 $$AdS3 background in the presence of both NS-NS and RR fluxes. We compute the scaling relation between the energy (E) and spin (S) in the ‘long string limit’. The energy of these spiky string is found to be a function of spin with the leading logarithmic behaviour and the scaling relation appears to be independent of the amount of flux present. We further discuss folded D-string solutions in $$AdS_3$$AdS3 background with pure NS-NS and R-R fluxes.
Algebraic approach for the one-dimensional Dirac–Dunkl oscillator
Authors: Ojeda-Guillén D. , Mota R. D. , Salazar-Ramírez M. , Granados V. D.
Published: August 2020

We extend the (1 + 1)-dimensional Dirac–Moshinsky oscillator by changing the standard derivative by the Dunkl derivative. We demonstrate in a general way that for the Dirac–Dunkl oscillator be parity invariant, one of the spinor component must be even, and the other spinor component must be odd, and vice versa. We decouple the differential equations for each of the spinor component and introduce an appropriate su(1, 1) algebraic realization for the cases when one of these functions is even and the other function is odd. The eigenfunctions and the energy spectrum are obtained by using the su(1, 1) irreducible representation theory. Finally, by setting the Dunkl parameter to vanish, we show that our results reduce to those of the standard Dirac-Moshinsky oscillator.
Therapeutic effectiveness of Lishi Oral Liquid combined with levocetirizine in treating atopic dermatitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Chai Jingxiu , Ren Jie , Yan Kexiang , Xu Feng , Ma Ying , Zhu Xiaohua , Yan Fang , Yang Yongsheng , Gu Chaoying , Wu Jinfeng , Xu Jinhua
Published: August 2020

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Lishi Oral Liquid (LOL), a Chinese herbs formula, combined with levocetirizine, an antihistamine drug, in patients with damp-heat atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety patients diagnosed with damp-heat atopic dermatitis were randomly assigned to Lishi Oral Liquid group and control group at the ratio of 1:1. Patients were given one Lishi Oral Liquid or placebo three times per day. Both groups were treated with allantoin and vitamin E cream by topical use and levocetirizine by oral administration. Patients were followed up at the second and fourth week. The primary outcome was the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD). The secondary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

Results: After two weeks of treatment, there were statistical differences in SCORAD between these two groups ([Formula: see text]), whereas VAS and DLQI showed no statistical differences. There were significant differences in SCORAD and VAS between two groups at the end of four weeks of treatment ([Formula: see text]). However, no significant differences were observed in DLQI after four weeks of treatment. No serious adverse event was found during this clinical trial.

Conclusion: LOL combined with levocetirizine is effective and safe for damp-heat AD treatment.
Changing the properties of samples after extraction from wet soil: a short review
Authors: Vodyanitskii Yuriy , Minkina Tatiana
Published: August 2020

Laboratory-dried specimens yield distorted information about the state of hydromorphic soil. Changes in the gas medium, humidity, temperature, aggregation capacity and illumination have an irreversible impact on the dried and powdered soil specimen. Properties of the dried hydromorphic soil can be altered significantly. Most altered are (1) the colour of the hydromorphic soils, (2) the рН value, and (3) the content of mobile trace metal (TM) compounds after drying the wet soil. Colour change (browning) of the hydromorphic soil is related to the oxidation of Fe(II). In a highly ferruginous soil, the browning is rapid and visible even to the naked eye. In the weakly ferruginous gley, the colour change is invisible to the naked eye, but instrumental field measurements reveal a slow and slight yellowing of the dried gley. In dried soils, laboratory рН values determined in soil suspension differ from the values determined in soil solution at the same time. The process of drying provokes a significant decrease in the content of mobile TM compounds, resulting in the illusion of less soil contamination than the real situation during hydromorphic soil humidification. When studying hydromorphic soils, it is desirable to accomplish the maximum possible field measurements. Laboratory analyses should only be carried out for specimens stored under dark conditions since they retain the initial humidity, temperature and gas composition.
Overexpressed microRNA-140 inhibits pulmonary fibrosis in interstitial lung disease via the Wnt signaling pathway by downregulating osteoglycin
Authors: Shi Songtao , Li Hongli
Published: August 2020

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) comprises of a group of diffuse parenchymal lung disorders that are strongly associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have highlighted the therapeutic significance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the treatment of ILD. Thus this study aims to investigate the mechanism by which miR-140 affects ILD through the regulation of osteoglycin (OGN) -Wnt signaling pathway. Gene expression microarray analysis was performed to screen ILD-related differentially expressed genes and miRNAs that regulated OGN. The targeting relationship between miR-140 and OGN was verified. Ectopic expression and knockdown experiments were performed in lung fibroblasts to explore the potential mechanism of action of miR-140 in ILD. The expression of miR-140, OGN, as well as Wnt- and pulmonary fibrosis-related factors, was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, cell viability and apoptosis were examined. OGN was found to be negatively regulated by miR-140. The ectopic expression of miR-140 and OGN silencing resulted in increased lung fibroblast apoptosis and Wnt3a expression, along with reduced proliferation and pulmonary fibrosis. Our results also revealed that miR-140 decreased OGN, thereby activating the Wnt signaling pathway, which was observed to further affect the expression of genes associated with the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in mouse fibroblasts. In conclusion, the key findings from our study suggest that overexpressed miR-140 suppresses ILD development via the Wnt signaling pathway by downregulating OGN, which could potentially be used as a therapeutic target for ILD.
Extracorporeal Shock Waves Increase Markers of Cellular Proliferation in Bronchial Epithelium and in Primary Bronchial Fibroblasts of COPD Patients
Authors: Di Stefano Antonino , Frairia Roberto , Ricciardolo Fabio L. M. , Gnemmi Isabella , Marino Gammazza Antonella , Piraino Alessio , Cappello Francesco , Balbi Bruno , Catalano Maria Graziella
Published: August 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is due to structural changes and narrowing of small airways and parenchymal destruction (loss of the alveolar attachment as a result of pulmonary emphysema), which all lead to airflow limitation. Extracorporeal shock waves (ESW) increase cell proliferation and differentiation of connective tissue fibroblasts. To date no studies are available on ESW treatment of human bronchial fibroblasts and epithelial cells from COPD and control subjects. We obtained primary bronchial fibroblasts from bronchial biopsies of 3 patients with mild/moderate COPD and 3 control smokers with normal lung function. 16HBE cells were also studied. Cells were treated with a piezoelectric shock wave generator at low energy (0.3 mJ/mm2, 500 pulses). After treatment, viability was evaluated and cells were recultured and followed up for 4, 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell growth (WST-1 test) was assessed, and proliferation markers were analyzed by qRT-PCR in cell lysates and by ELISA tests in cell supernatants and cell lysates. After ESW treatment, we observed a significant increase of cell proliferation in all cell types. C-Kit (CD117) mRNA was significantly increased in 16HBE cells at 4 h. Protein levels were significantly increased for c-Kit (CD117) at 4 h in 16HBE (p < 0.0001) and at 24 h in COPD-fibroblasts (p = 0.037); for PCNA at 4 h in 16HBE (p = 0.046); for Thy1 (CD90) at 24 and 72 h in CS-fibroblasts (p = 0.031 and p = 0.041); for TGFβ1 at 72 h in CS-fibroblasts (p = 0.038); for procollagen-1 at 4 h in COPD-fibroblasts (p = 0.020); and for NF-κB-p65 at 4 and 24 h in 16HBE (p = 0.015 and p = 0.0002). In the peripheral lung tissue of a representative COPD patient, alveolar type II epithelial cells (TTF‐1+) coexpressing c-Kit (CD117) and PCNA were occasionally observed. These data show an increase of cell proliferation induced by a low dosage of extracorporeal shock waves in 16HBE cells and primary bronchial fibroblasts of COPD and control smoking subjects.
Adaptive Platoon Control for Marine Surface Vehicles in the Presence of Constraints
Authors: Liang Xiaoling , Wang Duansong
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the platoon formation control design for unmanned surface vehicles with input and output constraints. First, Barrier Lyapunov Function (BLF) is employed to ensure the desired line-of-sight (LOS) range. The LOS range should be maintained within the predefined regions between each marine vehicle and its predecessor while the connected platoons track the trajectory. Next, to handle the model uncertainties and unknown external disturbance, we propose an adaptive neural network controller that approximates the unknown nonlinearities. Furthermore, the Nussbaum function is applied to compensate for input saturations. In addition, formation errors can be guaranteed by stability analysis. The distance between two consecutive agents does not violate collision avoidance and connectivity in the presence of input saturation. Finally, the feasibility of the theoretical results is illustrated through the simulation results.
Study of Factors Influencing Dry Eye in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ma Weifang , Wang Guoliang , Li Xiaofeng , Wu Huping , Liu Zuguo , Dong Nuo , Li Cheng
Published: August 2020

Purpose. The present study investigated the relationship between dry eye and the disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Patients with RA were divided by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) into the symptomatic group (score ≥ 12) and the asymptomatic group (score < 12). By using the Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) questionnaire, they were divided into the active group (score > 2.6) and the stable group (score ≤ 2.6). In the control group, 20 healthy adults with matched sex and age were selected. RA patients and healthy adults were inspected for the tear film break time (TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibomian scan (MS), meibomian gland secretion score (MSS), and eyelid margin assessment (EMS). Results. The TBUT of the RA group was significantly less than that of the control group, while the CFS, MS, EMS, and MSS were higher. The TBUT of the symptomatic RA group was significantly less than that of the asymptomatic group, and the CFS was higher. In the active RA group, only the CFS was higher than that of the stable group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups for other parameters. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the course of RA and the dry eye (P>0.05). Conclusion. The rheumatoid activity does not necessarily lead to an aggravation of dry eye. Regardless of the duration, RA was not found to exhibit relation with the severity of dry eye. Translational Relevance. RA patients with disease active period cannot be ignored for the existence of dry eye, since patients with dry eye often lack the signs and symptoms.
Proteomic Analysis of Human Esophageal Cancer Using Tandem Mass Tag Quantifications
Authors: Sun Suofeng , Zhang Huijuan , Wang Yu , Gao Jing , Zhou Shen , Li Yuan , Han Shuangyin , Li Xiuling , Li Jian
Published: August 2020

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a type of extremely aggressive gastrointestinal cancer with high incidences in China and other Asian countries. EC does not have specific symptoms and is relatively easy to metastasize, which makes it difficult in early diagnosis. Thus, novel noninvasive diagnostic method is urgently needed in clinical practice. In this study, mass spectrometry with tandem mass tags and differential protein analysis were applied for identifying esophageal cancer‐related proteins. The identified proteins were annotated based on their enrichment in Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. In addition, hierarchical clustering was applied based on differentially expressed proteins. As a result, a total of 5131 quantifiable proteins were identified from our liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry with tandem mass tags (LC‐MS/MS‐TMT) method with 63 upregulated and 97 downregulated differential proteins between esophageal cancer and controlled normal samples. The differentially expressed proteins were highly enriched in GO terms associated with mitochondrial dissemble and apoptosis, and blood vessel regulation, and the upregulated differentially expressed proteins in EC samples were significantly enriched in major histocompatibility complex MHC‐class I/II pathway of immune system. The functional clustering analysis revealed potential protein‐protein interactions among tetraspanin, myosin, and S‐100. In summary, our study provided a practical technological procedure of proteomic analysis for discovering novel biomarkers of a specific cancer type.
Combining Host Plant Resistance, Selective Insecticides, and Biological Control Agents for Integrated Management of Tuta absoluta
Authors: Wangari Nderitu Peris , Jonsson Mattias , Arunga Esther , Otieno Mark , Jamleck Muturi John , Wafula Geoffrey O.
Published: August 2020

Combination of pest management strategies that minimize pesticide use and conserve natural enemies is important for a sustainable environment. Overreliance on synthetic insecticides in the management of Tuta absoluta has led to pesticide resistance leading to difficulties in managing the pest. In this regard, alternative measures need to be put in place to reduce the effects of this pest. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the effectiveness of host plant resistance, biological control, and selective insecticides when used in combination, in the management of T. absoluta in tomato production. The study was set up in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design involving two tomato varieties, an insecticide (chlorantraniliprole), and a biological control agent(Macrolophus pygmaeus), applied singly or in combination. Data were collected on T. absoluta damage from the lower, intermediate, and upper leaves. The results from this study show that a combination of insecticide with a moderately resistant variety had a significantly lower T. absoluta damage as compared with a susceptible variety combined with an insecticide. However, the moderately resistant variety when combined with insecticide showed no effect when the biological control agent was added. The susceptible variety significantly reduced T. absoluta damage when combined with the biological control agent. These results indicate that treatment combinations in insect pest management can be utilized. The present study results indicate that using a moderately resistant variety (Riogrande VF) in combination with the insecticide chlorantraniliprole (Coragen®) and a susceptible variety (Pesa F1) in combination with the biological control agent (M. pygmaeus) can improve T. absoluta management. Under good habitat management, the susceptible variety will perform equally as the moderately resistant variety due to suppression of the T. absoluta populations by natural enemies. These findings show the importance of environmental conservation both by enhancing natural enemy abundance and use of selective insecticide in the management of T. absoluta in tomato production. Combinations in this present study are likely to reduce insecticide doses, thereby reducing the cost of production and enhancing environmental compatibility with natural enemies.
Antiglycation and Antioxidant Properties of Ficus deltoidea Varieties
Authors: Mohd Dom Nur Sumirah , Yahaya Nurshieren , Adam Zainah , Nik Abd. Rahman Nik Mohd Afizan , Hamid Muhajir
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of standardized methanolic extracts from seven Ficus deltoidea varieties in inhibiting the formation of AGEs, protein oxidation, and their antioxidant effects. The antiglycation activity was analyzed based on the inhibition of AGEs, fructosamine, and thiol groups level followed by the inhibition of protein carbonyl formation. The antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power assay) and total phenolic contents were evaluated. After 28 days of induction, all varieties of Ficus deltoidea extracts significantly restrained the formation of fluorescence AGEs by 4.55–5.14 fold. The extracts also reduced the fructosamine levels by 47.0–86.5%, increased the thiol group levels by 64.3–83.7%, and inhibited the formation of protein carbonyl by 1.36–1.76 fold. DPPH radical scavenging activity showed an IC50 value of 66.81–288.04 μg/ml and reducing power activity depicted at 0.02–0.24 μg/ml. The extent of phenolic compounds present in the extracts ranged from 70.90 to 299.78 mg·GAE/g. Apart from that, correlation studies between the activities were observed. This study revealed that seven varieties of Ficus deltoidea have the potential to inhibit AGEs formation and possess antioxidant activity that might be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds.
Gan‐Qing‐Ning Formula Inhibits the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Promoting Apoptosis and Inhibiting Angiogenesis in H22 Tumor‐Bearing Mice
Authors: Zeng Fan-Yan , Zhao Kai-Li , Lin Le-Zhen , Deng Ying , Qin Si , Ye Jin-Rong , Huang Zeng-Qiong
Published: August 2020

Objective. Gang‐Qing‐Ning (GQN) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the folk population for decades. However, scientific validation is still necessary to lend credibility to the traditional use of GQN against HCC. This study investigates the antitumor effect of GQN on H22 tumor‐bearing mice and its possible mechanism. Methods. Fifty H22 tumor‐bearing mice were randomly assigned to five groups. Three groups were treated with high, medium, and low dosages of GQN (27.68, 13.84, and 6.92 g/kg, respectively); the positive control group was treated with cytoxan (CTX) (20 mg/kg) and the model group was treated with normal saline. After 10 days’ treatment, the tumor inhibitory rates were calculated. Pathological changes in tumor tissue were observed, and the key proteins and genes of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway were measured, as well as the mRNA expression levels of VEGF in tumor tissue. Results. The tumor inhibitory rates of high, medium, and low dosages of GQN groups were 47.39%, 38.26%, and 22.17%, respectively. The high dosage of the GQN group significantly increased the protein and mRNA expression levels of Bax, Cyt‐C, and cleaved Caspase 3 (or Caspase 3) (P < 0.01) but decreased the expression levels of Bcl‐2, VEGF, and microvessel density (MVD) (P < 0.01). Conclusions. The high dosage of GQN can significantly inhibit the tumor growth in H22 tumor‐bearing mice. It exerts the antitumor effect by enhancing proapoptotic factors and inhibiting the antiapoptotic factor of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.
Five‐Animal Frolics Exercise Improves Anxiety and Depression Outcomes in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Single‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jiang Jun , Chi Qingbao , Wang Yuting , Jin Xue , Yu Shui
Published: August 2020

Introduction. The patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) always have emotional implications. As the branch of traditional Chinese medicine, Five‐Animal Frolics Exercise (FAE) is a popular mind‐body exercise in China and shown to improve emotional wellbeing. Aim. We aimed to explore the effects of FAE on the emotional disorders of CHD patients. Methods. CHD patients were assigned into an experiment group (EG, FAE) and a control group (CG, routine nursing care). We measured serum levels of miR‐124 and miR‐135 and scores of the Hamilton Depression/Anxiety scale (HAMD/HAMA), Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF‐36), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results. After a 3‐month FAE intervention, serum levels of miR‐124 and miR‐135 and the scores of HAMD/HAMA, SAS, SDS, and PSQI in the EG group were lower than those in the CG group, while SF‐36 scores in the EG group were higher than those in the CG group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of miR‐124 and miR‐135 had a strong relationship with SAS and SDS scores (p < 0.05). Discussion/Implications for Practice. The study suggests that FAE intervention controls anxiety and depression outcomes and improves life quality in CHD patients by affecting serum levels of miR‐124 and miR‐135.