bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concomitant Interstitial Lung Disease with Psoriasis
Authors: Ishikawa Genta , Dua Sakshi , Mathur Aditi , Acquah Samuel O. , Salvatore Mary , Beasley Mary B. , Padilla Maria L.
Published: August 2019

Background. We encounter interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients with psoriasis. The aim of this case series was to examine clinical and radiographic characteristics of patients with concomitant psoriasis and ILD. Methods. This is a retrospective review of our institutional experience of ILD concomitant with psoriasis, from the database in the Advanced Lung/Interstitial Lung Disease Program at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Out of 447 ILD patients, we identified 21 (4.7%) with antecedent or concomitant diagnosis of psoriasis. Clinical, radiographic, pathological, and outcome data were abstracted from our medical records. Results. Median age was 66 years (range, 46–86) and 14 (66.7%) were male. Thirteen (61.9%) had not previously or concomitantly been exposed to immunosuppressive therapy directed against psoriasis. Two (9.5%) ultimately died. Clinical diagnosis of ILD included idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 11 (52.4%); nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), 2 (9.5%); cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, 2 (9.5%); chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 2 (9.5%); and the others, while radiographic diagnosis included usual interstitial pneumonia pattern, 9 (42.9%); NSIP pattern, 6 (28.6%); organizing pneumonia pattern, 4 (19.0%); hypersensitivity pneumonitis pattern, 2 (9.5%); and the others. Conclusions. We report 21 ILD cases with antecedent or concomitant diagnosis of psoriasis. Further prospective studies are required to determine the association between ILD and psoriasis.
Dracohodin Perochlorate Stimulates Fibroblast Proliferation via EGFR Activation and Downstream ERK/CREB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathways In Vitro
Authors: Liu Lin , Jiang Xiaowen , Yu Wenhui
Published: August 2019

In recent years, an increasing number of natural plant extracts have been determined to be potential drugs for various illnesses. In this study, we investigated the effects of dracorhodin perchlorate (DP) on fibroblast proliferation, which is crucial for wound healing. Cell proliferation assays were performed by different concentrations of DP, and the cell viability was detected by CCK-8 kits. After DP treatment for 24 h, the cell cycle was checked by flow cytometer. EGFR and downstream signaling pathways ERK1/2 and PI3K were examined with DP treatment by western blot. We further determined the effects of the related inhibitors on DP-induced relative protein phosphorylation and cell proliferation. The results showed that 3 μg/mL of DP promoted cell proliferation most significantly at treatment lengths of 24 h, and the percentage of cells in the S + G2 phase increased compared to those of the control group. In western blot detection, we found that DP significantly upregulated EGFR phosphorylation and activated the downstream ERK/CREB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, the results also showed that AG1478 abolished DP-induced relative protein activation and cell proliferation. When U0126 or LY294002 pretreated cells alone, DP-induced p-ERK or p-PI3K downstream proteins and cell proliferation were suppressed compared to those of the control group, but EGFR was not affected. In addition, ICG001 and BEZ235 collectively eliminated DP-induced fibroblast proliferation. Our findings suggest that DP-promoted fibroblast proliferation is stimulated by p-EGFR-induced activation of the ERK1/2-CREB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. Our present study explored the mechanism of DP-promoted fibroblast proliferation and provided a new basis for wound healing.
Quantitative Analysis of Water Vapor Transport during Mei-Yu Front Rainstorm Period over the Tibetan Plateau and Yangtze-Huai River Basin
Authors: Yang Hao , Xu Guan-yu , Wang Xiaofang , Cui Chunguang , Wang Jingyu , He Dengxin
Published: August 2019

There are continuous precipitation systems moving eastward from the Tibetan Plateau to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze-Huai River during the Mei-yu period. We selected 20 typical Mei-yu front precipitation cases from 2010 to 2015 based on observational and reanalysis data and studied the characteristics of their environmental fields. We quantitatively analyzed the transport and sources of water vapor in the rainstorms using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT_4.9) model. All 20 Mei-yu front precipitation cases occurred in a wide region from the Tibetan Plateau to the Yangtze-Huai River. The South Asian high and upper level jet stream both had strong intensities during the Mei-yu front rainstorm periods. Heavy rainfall mainly occurred in the divergence zone to the right of the high-level jet and in the convergence zone of the low-level jet, where strong vertical upward flows provided the dynamic conditions required for heavy rainfall. The water vapor mainly originated from the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and South China Sea. 52% of the air masses over the western Tibetan Plateau originated from Central Asia, which were rich in water vapor. The water vapor contribution at the initial position was only 41.5% due to the dry, cold air mass over Eurasia, but increased to 47.6% at the final position. Over the eastern Tibetan Plateau to the Sichuan Basin region, 40% of the air parcels came from the Indian Ocean, which was the main channel for water vapor transport. For the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, 37% of the air parcels originated from the warm and humid Indian Ocean. The water vapor contribution at the initial position was 38.6%, but increased to 40.2% after long-distance transportation.
Diagnosing Perioperative Cardiovascular Risks in Noncardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Li Panpan , Lei Ying , Li Qiaomei , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Gong Xinwen
Published: August 2019

Every year, over 200 million adults are undergoing noncardiac surgery. These noncardiac surgery patients may face the risk of cardiac mortality and morbidity during the perioperative and recovery periods. Around ten million patients who underwent noncardiac surgery experience cardiac complications within the first 30 days of the postoperative period; the complications are myocardial infarction, cardiac death, and cardiac arrest. This cardiovascular risk is mostly faced by the patients having cerebrovascular or cardiac disease and the patients with the age greater than 50 years. Monitoring and treating cardiac diseases with a suitable biomarker during the perioperative period is necessary for the early recovery of noncardiac surgery patients. This review discussed the risk factors and the key guidelines to avoid the cardiovascular risks during the perioperative period of noncardiac surgery patients. In addition, the biomarkers and identification strategies for cardiac diseases are discussed.
Approximation‐Based Robust Adaptive Backstepping Prescribed Performance Control for a Huger Class of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Xu Jihui , Wang Xiaolin , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes an innovative adaptive neural prescribed performance control (PPC) scheme for large classes of nonlinear, nonstrict‐feedback systems under input saturation constraint. A restrictive hypothesis under which the upper and lower bounds of control gain functions exist a priori is first relieved by constructing appropriate compact sets within which all state trajectories are held. A novel asymmetry error transformed variable is then introduced to cope with the nondifferentiable obstacle and complex deductions corresponding to traditional PPC schemes. To efficiently manage the input saturation constraint, a new auxiliary dynamic system with a bounded compensation tangent function term is established as the strictly bounded assumption of the dynamic system is canceled. It is rigorously proven that all signals in the closed‐loop systems are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded under both Lyapunov and invariant set theories. The tracking errors converge to a small tunable residual set with prescribed performance under the effect of the input saturation constraint. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is thoroughly verified by two simulation examples.
System‐Level Seismic Risk Assessment of Bridge Transportation Networks Employing Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis
Authors: Tak Hye-Young , Suh Wonho , Lee Young-Joo
Published: August 2019

Earthquakes can have significant impacts on transportation networks because of the physical damage they can cause to bridges. Hence, it is essential to assess the seismic risk of a bridge transportation network accurately. However, this is a challenging task because it requires estimating the performance of a bridge transportation network at the system level. Moreover, it is necessary to deal with various possible earthquake scenarios and the associated damage states of component bridges considering the uncertainty of earthquake locations and magnitudes. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes a new method of system‐level seismic risk assessment for bridge transportation networks employing probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). The proposed method consists of three steps: (1) seismic fragility estimation of the bridges based on PSHA; (2) system‐level performance estimation using a matrix‐based framework; and (3) seismic risk assessment based on the total probability theorem. In the proposed method, PSHA enables the seismic fragility estimation of the component bridges considering the uncertainty of earthquake locations and magnitudes, and it is systemically used to carry out a posthazard bridge network flow capacity analysis by employing the matrix‐based framework. The proposed method provides statistical moments of the network performance and component importance measures, which can be used by decision makers to reduce the seismic risk of a target area. To test the proposed method, it is applied to a numerical example of an actual transportation network in South Korea. In the seismic risk assessment of the example, PSHA is successfully integrated with the matrix‐based framework to perform system reliability analysis in a computationally efficient manner.
De Ritis Ratio (Aspartate Transaminase/Alanine Transaminase) as a Significant Prognostic Factor in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy with Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Study
Authors: Yuk Hyeong Dong , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Kim Hyeon Hoe , Ku Ja Hyeon
Published: August 2019

Introduction. To investigate the correlation between preoperative De Ritis ratio (aspartate transaminase (AST)/alanine transaminase (ALT)) and postoperative outcome in patients with urothelial cell carcinoma (UC) treated with radical cystectomy.Materials and Methods. We analyzed the clinical and pathological data of 771 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder UC. Patients were divided into two groups according to the optimal value of AST/ALT ratio. The effect of the AST/ALT ratio was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression hazard models for patients’ cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS). In addition, propensity score matching of 1 : 1 was performed between the two groups.Results. Median follow-up was 84.0 (36–275) months. Mean age was64.8±10.0years. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the optimal threshold of the AST/ALT ratio was 1.1. In Kaplan–Meier analyses, the high AST/ALT group showed worse outcomes in CSS and OS (allP<0.001). Also, RFS (P=0.001) in the Cox regression models of clinical and pathological parameters was used to predict CSS, OS, and AST/ALT ratio (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.23-3.73,P=0.007) and pathological T stage (HR 4.80, 95% CI 1.19-19.28,P=0.003). To predict OS and AST/ALT ratio (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.65–2.56,P<0.001), pathological T stage (HR 2.96, 95% CI 0.57–17.09,P=0.037) and positive lymph node (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.50–1.91,P=0.021) were determined as independent prognostic factors.Conclusion. Preoperative AST/ALT ratio could be an independent prognostic factor in patients with UC treated with radical cystectomy.
Endothelial Glycocalyx Shedding Occurs during Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sladden Timothy M. , Yerkovich Stephanie , Wall Douglas , Tan Maxine , Hunt William , Hill Jonathan , Smith Ian , Hopkins Peter , Chambers Daniel C.
Published: August 2019

Background. Damage to the endothelium has been established as a key pathological process in lung transplantation and ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), a new technology that provides a platform for the assessment of injured donor lungs. Damage to the lung endothelial glycocalyx, a structure that lines the endothelium and is integral to vascular barrier function, has been associated with lung dysfunction. We hypothesised that endothelial glycocalyx shedding occurs during EVLP and aimed to establish a porcine model to investigate the mechanism underlying glycocalyx breakdown during EVLP.Methods. Concentrations of endothelial glycocalyx breakdown products, syndecan-1, hyaluronan, heparan sulphate, and CD44, were measured using the ELISA and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity by zymography in the perfusate of both human (n = 9) and porcine (n = 4) lungs undergoing EVLP. Porcine lungs underwent prolonged EVLP (up to 12 hours) with perfusion and ventilation parameters recorded hourly.Results. During human EVLP, endothelial glycocalyx breakdown products in the perfusate increased over time. Increasing MMP-2 activity over time was positively correlated with levels of syndecan-1 (r = 0.886;p=0.03) and hyaluronan (r = 0.943;p=0.02). In the porcine EVLP model, hyaluronan was the only glycocalyx product detectable during EVLP (1 hr: 19 (13–84) vs 12 hr: 143 (109–264) ng/ml;p=0.13). Porcine hyaluronan was associated with MMP-9 activity (r = 0.83;p=0.02) and also with dynamic compliance (r = 0.57;p=0.03).Conclusion. Endothelial glycocalyx products accumulate during both porcine and human EVLP, and this accumulation parallels an accumulation of matrix-degrading enzyme activity. Preliminary evidence in our porcine EVLP model suggests that shedding may be related to organ function, thus warranting additional study.
Comparative Proteome Analysis of Epicardial and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues from Patients with or without Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Zhao Yu xing , Zhu Hui juan , Pan Hui , Liu Xue mei , Wang Lin jie , Yang Hong bo , Li Nai shi , Gong Feng ying , Sun Wei , Zeng Yong
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims. Owing to its unique anatomical structure and metabolism, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has attracted amount of attention in coronary artery disease (CAD) research. Here, we analyzed differences in proteome composition in epicardial (EAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissues (SAT) from patients with or without CAD. Methods. EAT and SAT samples were collected from 6 CAD patients and 6 non-CAD patients. Isobaric Tagging for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis combined with liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to identify the differentially expressed proteins. Results. In total, 2348 proteins expressed in EAT and 2347 proteins expressed in SAT were separately identified. 385 differentially expressed proteins were found in EAT and 210 proteins were found in SAT in CAD patients compared to non-CAD patients. Many proteins differentially expressed in EAT of CAD patients were involved in biological functions associated with CAD development such as cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, inflammatory response, and lipid metabolism. Differential expressions of proteins (MMP9, S100A9, and clusterin) in EAT or SAT were involved in several signaling pathways such as mitochondrial dysfunction, acute phase inflammation, and LXR/RXR activation, which was confirmed by western blotting, and similar results were obtained. Conclusions. The largest profiles of differentially expressed proteins in EAT and SAT between CAD patients and non-CAD patients were identified. The significant signal pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, and LXR/RXR activation, which differential proteins were involved in, were firstly found to play roles in EAT of CAD patients, and clusterin was firstly found to be upregulated in EAT of CAD patients.
Vigabatrin-Induced Encephalopathy in a 5.5-Month-Old Girl with Infantile Spasms due to Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Klinaki Eleni , Argyri Ioanna , Amountza Georgia , Ioannidou Gerina , Maritsi Despoina , Garoufi Anastasia , Vartzelis George
Published: August 2019

A 5.5-month-old female infant with tuberous sclerosis complex presented with infantile spasms and was treated with vigabatrin. As her condition did not improve, she was given adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) intramuscularly which stopped the spasms and improved the electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities. However, she developed encephalopathy with apathy, drowsiness, and generalized slowing in the EEG. Discontinuation of vigabatrin quickly improved her symptoms and reversed the EEG slowing. A high index of suspicion is required in order to diagnose vigabatrin-induced encephalopathy, especially as the underlying disorders of these patients can be erroneously considered the cause of the observed encephalopathy.
Th1/17-Biased Inflammatory Environment Associated with COPD Alters the Response of Airway Epithelial Cells to Viral and Bacterial Stimuli
Authors: Chen Yifan , Kumar Rakesh K. , Thomas Paul S. , Herbert Cristan
Published: August 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airway inflammation associated with a Th1/17-biased cytokine environment. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are most often triggered by respiratory infections, which elicit an exaggerated inflammatory response in these patients, via poorly defined mechanisms. We investigated the responses of airway epithelial cells (AECs) to infective stimuli in COPD and the effects of the Th1/17-biased environment on these responses. Cytokine expression was assessed following exposure to virus-like stimuli (poly I:C or imiquimod) or bacterial LPS. The effects of pretreatment with Th1/17 cytokines were evaluated in both primary AECs and the Calu-3 AEC cell line. We found that poly I:C induced increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6, CXCL8, and TNF and IFN-β1 in AECs from both control subjects and COPD patients. Expression of IL1β in response to all 3 stimuli was significantly enhanced in COPD AECs. Primary AECs pretreated with Th1/17 cytokines exhibited enhanced expression of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines in response to poly I:C. Similarly, Calu-3 cells responded to virus-like/bacterial stimuli with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and a Th1/17 environment significantly enhanced their expression. Furthermore, increased expression of pattern recognition receptors for viruses (TLR3, TLR7, IFIH1, and DDX58) was induced by Th1/17 cytokines, in both primary AECs and Calu-3 cells. These findings suggest that the Th1/17-biased environment associated with COPD may enhance the proinflammatory cytokine response of AECs to viral and bacterial infections and that increased signaling via upregulated receptors may contribute to exaggerated inflammation in virus-induced AECOPD.
Two Rare Complications in One Patient: Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome Associated with Intracranial Plasmacytoma
Authors: Auge H. , Yguel C. , Schmitt E. , Frotscher B. , Busby-Venner H. , Morizot R. , Moulin C. , Feugier P. , Perrot A. , Filliatre-Clement L.
Published: August 2019

Here, we describe a rare case of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (VWS) associated with intracranial plasmacytoma. The literature includes reports of a few cases of plasmacytoma with central nervous involvement, but none of them with acquired VWS. Diagnosis was made based on a stereotaxic intracerebral biopsy. During this biopsy, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was established, which was complicated with abnormal bleeding. Subsequent hemostasis assessment related to hemopathy revealed acquired von Willebrand disease. The patient received induction therapy with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (VTD), followed by high-dose melphalan chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, and then VTD consolidation, and finally maintenance with lenalidomide. Our patient currently remains in very good partial response without neurological symptoms after 4 months of maintenance. The patient is free of progression 14 months after their original presentation.
Kuijieling-Containing Serum Regulates Th17 and Treg Cell Differentiation by Inhibiting STAT3 Signaling In Vitro
Authors: Long Yu , He Yuqing , Jie Fengming , Li Sixin , Wu Yanli , Li Yanwu , Du Qun
Published: August 2019

Object. To investigate the effect of Kuijieling (KJL) on the balance between T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro and explore the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods. PBMCs isolated from rats were stimulated with transforming growth factor-β, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-23 to induce the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells and were treated with 10, 5, or 2.5% KJL-containing serum. The proportion of Th17 or Treg cells in CD4+ T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry, the concentrations of IL-17, IL-21, and IL-10 were assayed by ELISA, mRNA expressions of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were quantified by PCR, and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results. KJL-containing serum decreased the proportion of Th17 cells and increased the proportion of Treg cells in CD4+ T cells, decreased the concentration of IL-17 and IL-21, enhanced the level of IL-10 in the cell culture supernatant, promoted the expression of Foxp3, and inhibited the levels of RORγt, STAT3, and p-STAT3. Conclusion. KJL suppresses the STAT3 pathway to remedy the imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells.
Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers of Circular RNAs for Lung Cancer in China
Authors: Wang Chengdi , Jiang Yuting , Lei Qian , Wu Yangping , Shao Jun , Pu Dan , Li Weimin
Published: August 2019

Emerging evidence demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) were dysregulated in lung cancer, indicating that circRNAs might serve as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer. However, the clinical value of circRNAs on lung cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of circRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis for lung cancer in China. 2122 Chinese individuals were enrolled in this investigation for assessment of diagnostic value and examination of prognostic analysis. In the diagnostic analysis, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC of the sROC curve with their 95% CIs were 0.80 (95%CI: 0.74-0.84), 0.80 (95%CI: 0.73-0.86), 3.97 (95%CI: 2.80-5.62) and 0.26 (95%CI: 0.19-0.34), 15.51 (95%CI: 8.76-24.47), and 0.85 (95%CI: 0.82-0.88), respectively. As for the prognostic power of circRNAs, lung cancer patients with higher expression levels of circRNAs tend to possess lower overall survival with the overall pooled HR (1.70, 95%CI: 1.26-2.29). Furthermore, in stratified analysis, upregulated and downregulated circRNAs were manifested to exert significant effects on prognosis with HR values of 2.17 (95%CI: 1.74-2.72) and 0.52 (95%CI: 0.34-0.80). This study validates that circRNAs are promising diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for lung cancer patients in China.
A Novel Method for Extracting Maximum Kurtosis Component and Its Applications in Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Xu Yonggang , Fan Zeyu , Zhang Kun , Ma Chaoyong
Published: August 2019

Rolling bearing plays an important role in the overall operation of the mechanical system; therefore, it is necessary to monitor and diagnose the bearings. Kurtosis is an important index to measure impulses. Fast Kurtogram method can be applied to the fault diagnosis of rolling bearings by extracting maximum kurtosis component. However, the final result may disperse the effective fault information to different frequency bands or find wrong frequency band, resulting in inaccurate frequency band selection or misdiagnosis. In order to find the maximum component of kurtosis accurately, an algorithm of frequency band multidivisional and overlapped based on EWT (MDO‐EWT) is proposed in this paper. This algorithm changes the traditional Fast Kurtogram frequency bands division method and filtering method. It builds the EWT boundaries based on the maximum kurtosis component in each iteration and finally obtains the maximum kurtosis component. Through the simulation signal and the rolling bearing inner and outer ring fault signals verification, it is proved that the proposed method has a good performance on accuracy and effectiveness.
Flow‐Induced Vibration on the Control Valve with a Different Concave Plug Shape Using FSI Simulation
Authors: Zeid Akram , Shouman Mohamed
Published: August 2019

Control valves have always been recognised as being among the most crucial control equipment, commonly utilised in versatile engineering applications. Hence, the need has arisen to identify the flow characteristics inside the valve, together with the incurred vibration induced as a result of the flow passing through the valve. Thanks to the tangible and fast progress made in the field of the flow simulation and numerical techniques, it has become possible to better observe the behavior of the flow passing inside a valve with view to examining its performance. Hence, the paper at hand is mainly concerned with introducing the modeling and simulation of a control valve. On the contrary, the flow system in a control valve is marked by a complex structure and nonlinear characteristics. The reasons for those qualities could be attributed to its construction as well as the fluid flow phenomena associated with it. It is especially for the sake of investigating and observing the flow characteristics, pertaining to a control valve equipped with different concave plug shapes and different openings, that the three‐dimensional FSI simulation is conducted. In addition, it would be possible to make use of the obtained results relating to the three‐dimensional analysis to achieve low noise and high efficiency improvement. Furthermore, all results will be validated on experimental grounds.
Increasing Nutrient Solution pH Alleviated Aluminum-Induced Inhibition of Growth and Impairment of Photosynthetic Electron Transport Chain in Citrus sinensis Seedlings
Authors: Yang Tao-Yu , Cai Li-Ya , Qi Yi-Ping , Yang Lin-Tong , Lai Ning-Wei , Chen Li-Song
Published: August 2019

Although the physiological and molecular responses of Citrus to Al-toxicity or low pH have been examined in some details, little information is available on Citrus responses to pH and aluminum (Al) interactions. Citrus sinensis seedlings were irrigated for 18 weeks with nutrient solution at a concentration of 0 or 1 mM AlCl3•6H2O and a pH of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0. Thereafter, biomass, root, stem, and leaf concentrations of Al and nutrients, leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients, and related parameters were investigated to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying the elevated pH-induced alleviation of Citrus toxicity. Increasing the nutrient solution pH from 2.5 to 4.0 alleviated the Al-toxic effects on biomass, photosynthesis, OJIP transients and related parameters, and element concentrations, uptake, and distributions. In addition, low pH effects on the above physiological parameters were intensified by Al-toxicity. Evidently, a synergism existed between low pH and Al-toxicity. Increasing pH decreased Al uptake per root dry weight and its concentration in roots, stems, and leaves and increased nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and boron uptake per plant and their concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves. This might be responsible for the elevated pH-induced alleviation of growth inhibition and the impairment of the whole photosynthetic electron transport chain, thus preventing the decrease of CO2 assimilation.
Chronic Gestational Inflammation: Transfer of Maternal Adaptation over Two Generations of Progeny
Authors: Adams R. C. M. , Smith C.
Published: August 2019

Changes in the in utero environment result in generational transfer of maladapted physiology in the context of conditions such as stress, obesity, and anxiety. Given the significant contribution of noncommunicable diseases—which are characterised by chronic inflammation—to population mortality, the potential for chronic maternal inflammation mediating foetal programming is a growing concern. The extent of generational transfer in terms of immune functionality and leukocyte glucocorticoid sensitivity was investigated over two generations of offspring (F1 and F2) in a model of chronic LPS-induced maternal inflammation in C57/BL/6 mice. Maternal inflammation resulted in glucocorticoid hypersensitivity (increased glucocorticoid receptor expression levels) in the majority of leukocyte subpopulations in both F1 and F2 offspring. Furthermore, splenocytes stimulated with LPS in vitro exhibited exacerbated inflammatory cytokine responses, which were even more prominent in F2 than F1; this effect could be ascribed to NLRP3 inflammasome hyperactivity in F1 but not F2. Current data illustrates that parental chronic inflammation may mediate the inflammatory profile in offspring, potentially propagating a maladapted proinflammatory phenotype in subsequent generations.
Pretargeted Nuclear Imaging and Radioimmunotherapy Based on the Inverse Electron-Demand Diels–Alder Reaction and Key Factors in the Pretargeted Synthetic Design
Authors: Qiu Lin , Mao Wujian , Yin Hongyan , Tan Hui , Cheng Dengfeng , Shi Hongcheng
Published: August 2019

The exceptional speed and biorthogonality of the inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) click chemistry between 1,2,4,5-tetrazines and strained alkene dienophiles have made it promising in the realm of pretargeted imaging and therapy. During the past 10 years, the IEDDA-pretargeted strategies have been tested and have already proven capable of producing images with high tumor-to-background ratios and improving therapeutic effect. This review will focus on recent applications of click chemistry ligations in the pretargeted imaging studies of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and pretargeted radioimmunotherapy investigations. Additionally, the influence factors of stability, reactivity, and pharmacokinetic properties of TCO tag modified immunoconjugates and radiolabeled Tz derivatives were also summarized in this article, which should be carefully considered in the system design in order to develop a successful pretargeted methodology. We hope that this review will not only equip readers with a knowledge of pretargeted methodology based on IEDDA click chemistry but also inspire synthetic chemists and radiochemists to develop pretargeted radiopharmaceutical components in a more innovative way with various influence factors considered.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Disability, Cognitive, and Emotional Impairments after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Stålnacke Britt-Marie , Saveman Britt-Inger , Stenberg Maud
Published: August 2019

Aim. To assess the clinical course of disability, cognitive, and emotional impairments in patients with severe TBI (s-TBI) from 3 months to up to 7 years post trauma.Methods. A prospective cohort study of s-TBI in northern Sweden was conducted. Patients aged 18-65 years with acute Glasgow Coma Scale 3-8 were assessed with the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS) at 3 months, 1 year, and 7 years after the injury.Results. The scores on both GOSE and BNIS improved significantly from 3 months (GOSE mean:4.4±2.3, BNIS mean:31.5±7.0) to 1 year (GOSE mean:5.5±2.7,p=0.003, BNIS mean:33.2±6.3,p=0.04), but no significant improvement was found from 1 year to 7 years (GOSE mean:4.7±2.8,p=0.13, BNIS mean:33.5±3.9,p=0.424) after the injury. The BNIS subscale “speech/language” at 1 year was significantly associated with favourable outcomes on the GOSE at 7 years (OR=2.115, CI: 1.004-4.456,p=0.049).Conclusions. These findings indicate that disability and cognition seem to improve over time after s-TBI and appear to be relatively stable from 1 year to 7 years. Since cognitive function on some of the BNIS subscales was associated with outcome on the GOSE, these results indicate that both screening and follow-up of cognitive function could be of importance for the rehabilitation of persons with s-TBI.
Discovery and Validation of Serum MicroRNAs as Early Diagnostic Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer in Chinese Population
Authors: Lyu Ji , Zhao Lin , Wang Fubo , Ji Jin , Cao Zhi , Xu Huan , Shi Xiaolei , Zhu Yasheng , Zhang Chao , Guo Fei , Yang Bo , Sun Yinghao
Published: August 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence has been rising in Chinese population. Current PSA-based biopsy has limited positive rate. Our research focused on development of serum markers for the diagnosis of PCa in patients with elevated PSA. miRNAs are found to be aberrantly expressed in many types of cancer. They are readily detectable in plasma and serum. Currently, miRNAs are being evaluated as potential prognostic and diagnostic tools for many types of cancer. We first profiled global serum miRNAs in a pilot set of PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cases undergoing TRUS-guided prostate biopsy due to elevated PSA levels. A total of 20 differentially expressed miRNAs were discovered by high throughput microarray for further testing using qRT-PCR. In the training phase with 78 PCa and 77 BPH cases, miR-365a-3p, miR-4286, miR-424-5p, miR-27a-3p, and miR-29b-3p were found to have potential diagnostic value. The Logistics regression equation was established by 5 parameters including PSA, prostate volume, miR-4286, miR-27a-3p, and miR-29b-3p and ROC analysis of this model was made with AUC up to 0.892 (95% CI: 0.832-0.937, sensitivity 78.95%, and specificity 92.21%). The panel had excellent diagnostic performance and its significance was confirmed in 100 serum samples in the validation cohort. Overall, we found a panel of serum microRNAs that have considerable clinical significance in detecting early-stage prostate cancer. When combined with PSA and prostate volume, these microRNAs exhibit favorable diagnostic potency.
Stochastic Dynamics of Discrete‐Time Fuzzy Random BAM Neural Networks with Time Delays
Authors: Han Sufang , Zhang Tianwei , Liu Guoxin
Published: August 2019

By using the semidiscrete method of differential equations, a new version of discrete analogue of stochastic fuzzy BAM neural networks was formulated, which gives a more accurate characterization for continuous‐time stochastic neural networks than that by the Euler scheme. Firstly, the existence of the 2p‐th mean almost periodic sequence solution of the discrete‐time stochastic fuzzy BAM neural networks is investigated with the help of Minkowski inequality, Hölder inequality, and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem. Secondly, the 2p‐th moment global exponential stability of the discrete‐time stochastic fuzzy BAM neural networks is also studied by using some analytical skills in stochastic theory. Finally, two examples with computer simulations are given to demonstrate that our results are feasible. The main results obtained in this paper are completely new, and the methods used in this paper provide a possible technique to study 2p‐th mean almost periodic sequence solution and 2p‐th moment global exponential stability of semidiscrete stochastic fuzzy models.
Dihydroartemisinin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell by Upregulating Tumor Necrosis Factor via JNK/NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Wu Long , Cheng Yanlei , Deng Junjian , Tao Weiping , Ye Junjie
Published: August 2019

Background. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a predominant compound in Artemisia annua L., and it has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis. Methods. In this study, the antitumor potential of DHA was investigated in the MHCC97-L hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Cells were treated at various concentrations of DHA, and then the cell cycle, viability, and DNA synthesis were measured to evaluate cell proliferation. Furthermore, the expression of genes and proteins related to proliferation and apoptosis was measured to determine the effects of DHA. Finally, the mechanism was investigated using RNA-sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways, and JNK/NF-κB pathways were evaluated with Western blotting. Results. Cells were treated with a concentration range of DHA from 1 to 100 μM, and cell proliferation was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the genes and proteins involved in typical cellular functions of MHCC97-L cells were significantly inhibited. DHA treatment downregulated the angiogenic gene ANGPTL2 and the cell proliferation genes CCND1, E2F1, PCNA, and BCL2. DHA treatment significantly upregulated the apoptotic genes CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, and TNF. Global gene expression profiles identified 2064 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among them, 744 were upregulated and 1320 were downregulated. Furthermore, MAPK, NF-kappa B, and TNF pathways were enriched based on the DEGs, and the consensus DEG was identified as TNF using a Venn diagram of those pathways. DHA promoted phosphorylation of JNK, inhibited nuclear p65, and then significantly induced TNF-α synthesis. Conclusion. DHA inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by upregulating TNF expression via JNK/NF-κB pathways.
UAV-Enabled Data Collection: Multiple Access, Trajectory Optimization, and Energy Trade-Off
Authors: Xiao Lin , Liang Yipeng , Weng Chenfan , Yang Dingcheng , Zhao Qingmin
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we consider a ground terminal (GT) to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) wireless communication system where data from GTs are collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle. We propose to use the ground terminal-UAV (G-U) region for the energy consumption model. In particular, to fulfill the data collection task with a minimum energy both of the GTs and UAV, an algorithm that combines optimal trajectory design and resource allocation scheme is proposed which is supposed to solve the optimization problem approximately. We initialize the UAV’s trajectory firstly. Then, the optimal UAV trajectory and GT’s resource allocation are obtained by using the successive convex optimization and Lagrange duality. Moreover, we come up with an efficient algorithm aimed to find an approximate solution by jointly optimizing trajectory and resource allocation. Numerical results show that the proposed solution is efficient. Compared with the benchmark scheme which did not adopt optimizing trajectory, the solution we propose engenders significant performance in energy efficiency.
Fbxw7 and Skp2 Regulate Stem Cell Switch between Quiescence and Mitotic Division in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Wenzhu , Ren Zihan , Jia Lanling , Li Xin , Jia Xinshan , Han Yuchen
Published: August 2019

Background/Aims. The molecular mechanism of dormancy initiation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is not clear. This study was to explore the molecular mechanism by which CSCs switch from mitotic division to quiescence. Methods. MTT assays, flow cytometry, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence staining were used to test cell viability, cell cycle and expression of F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (Fbxw7), c-myc, S phase kinase associated protein-2 (Skp2), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27), octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (Oct3/4), and β catenin gene in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated A549 cells. Lung adenocarcinoma xenograft models were employed to detect the effects of Fbxw7 on tumor growth. Results. 5-FU inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells, with a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 200 μg/ml after 24 h treatment. 5-FU treatment increased the expressions of Oct3/4, Fbxw7, and p27 and increased the number of A549 cells at G0/G1. 5-FU treatment triggered nuclear translocation of β-catenin, decreased the expression levels of c-myc and Skp2, and decreased the number of A549 cells at S phase. Release from 5-FU decreased the expressions of Oct3/4, Fbxw7 and p27; decreased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase; increased the expressions of Skp2 and c-myc; and increased the proportion of cells in S phase. 5-FU treatment led to high expressions of Oct3/4, c-myc, and p27, with low expressions of Fbxw7 and Skp2. Knockdown of Fbxw7 augmented the expression of c-myc and decreased the proportion of A549 cells in Go/G1 phase. Skp2 siRNA increased the expression of p27 and the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells and reduced the proportion of S phase cells. Fbxw7 overexpression inhibited tumor growth in mouse lung adenocarcinoma xenograft models. When Fbxw7 expression was low, Skp2 expression was higher in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and associated with the differentiation of lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusion. 5-FU enriches the CSCs in lung adenocarcinoma cells via increasing Fbxw7 and decreasing Skp2 expression, followed by downregulation of c-myc and upregulation of p27, which switches cells to quiescence.
The Association between Resting Heart Rate and Urinary Albumin/Creatinine Ratio in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mao Wenfeng , Jin Xinye , Wang Haibin , Ye Yingnan , Zhang Linxi , Gu Shi , Wang Jie , Ning Guang , Mu Yiming
Published: August 2019

Objective. In general population, resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with cardiovascular disease. However, its relation to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is debated. We therefore investigated the relationship between RHR and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR, an indicator of early kidney injury) in general population at different levels of blood pressure and blood glucose. Methods. We screened out 32,885 subjects from the REACTION study after excluding the subjects with primary kidney disease, heart disease, tumor history, related drug application, and important data loss. The whole group was divided into four groups (Q1: RHR≤71, Q2: 72≤RHR≤78, Q3: 79≤RHR≤86, and Q4: 87≤RHR) according to the quartile of average resting heart rate. The renal function was evaluated by UACR (divided by quartiles of all data in the center to which the subject belonged). Ordinary logistic regression was carried out to explore the association between RHR and UACR at diverse blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Results. The subjects with higher RHR quartile tend to have a higher UACR, even multifactors were adjusted. After stratifying the subjects according to blood pressure and blood glucose, the positive relationship between RHR and UACR remained in the subjects with normal blood pressure and normal glucose tolerance, while in the hypertension (SBP≥140 mmHg and/or DBP≥90 mmHg) group and the diabetic mellitus (FPG≥7.0 mmol/L and/or PPG≥11.1 mmol/L) group, the relationship disappeared. In the subjects without hypertension, compared with the Q1 group, the UACR is significant higher in the Q3 group (OR: 1.11) and the Q4 group (OR: 1.22). In the subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), compared with the Q1 group, the UACR is significantly higher in the Q3 group (OR: 1.13) and the Q4 group (OR: 1.19). Conclusions. The population with higher RHR tend to have a higher UACR in the normal blood pressure group and the normal glucose tolerance group.
Understanding Levels and Motivation of Physical Activity for Health Promotion among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Investigation
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , Liang Chang Yong , Gu Dongxiao , Ding Yong , Akter Monira
Published: August 2019

Objective. Middle-aged and older Chinese adults (35 to 75) failed to meet the recommendations of physical activity guidelines for health promotion, because of a lack of understanding of their perspective on physical activity. This study considers the physical activity levels and motivation among middle-aged and older Chinese adults partitioned into three different participation groups (sports, exercise, and recreational and cultural activities). Methods. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 633 participants, based on two different levels of physical activity levels. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2) with 14 subscales were used to measure the participant’s physical activity levels and physical activity motivation for the three different group activities. Results. Results indicate those participants’ physical activity levels and motivation varied significantly among the different groups. The participants who engage in recreational and cultural activities have a higher motivation for physical activity, as compared with those whose primary form of physical activity is sports and exercise, and a higher probability to fulfill the global recommendations concerning physical activity. Participants who used recreational and cultural activities as their major type of physical activities were more motivated by “intrinsic” aspects. In contrast, those who participate in sports and exercise as their main type of physical activity are more motivated by “extrinsic” aspects. Conclusion. Close friends and family members of one’s home and community have potential influence in physical activity and recreational and cultural activity participants are highly motivated and luckier than others to fulfill the goal of physical activity levels.
The Association between Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Use and Colorectal Cancer Risk and Mortality in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Skiba Meghan B. , Kohler Lindsay N. , Crane Tracy E. , Jacobs Elizabeth T. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Kato Ikuko , Snetselaar Linda , Qi Lihong , Thomson Cynthia A.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Fiber-based prebiotic supplements are marketed for maintaining bowel health and promoting beneficial gut bacteria. However, the association between prebiotic supplement use and colorectal cancer risk and mortality is unknown.

Methods:

The association between prebiotic use and colorectal cancer risk and mortality was evaluated in postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative study. Self-reported prebiotic use was documented at study enrollment. Adjudicated colorectal cancer cases and mortality were captured using medical and death records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the HR related to prebiotic use and colorectal cancer risk and mortality.

Results:

In total, 3,032 colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed during an average 15.4 years of follow-up. Overall, 3.7% of women used a prebiotic with psyllium, the major fiber type. Use of any prebiotic supplement was not associated with colorectal cancer risk or mortality. The type of prebiotic supplement (none vs. insoluble or soluble) was not associated with colorectal cancer risk; however, use of insoluble fiber prebiotics compared with none was associated with higher colorectal cancer mortality [HR, 2.79; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.32–5.90; P = 0.007]. Likelihood ratio tests indicated no significant interactions between prebiotic use and other colorectal cancer risk factors, including metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions:

Prebiotic fiber supplement use was not associated with colorectal cancer risk. Insoluble, but not soluble, prebiotic fiber use was associated with higher colorectal cancer mortality. These findings do not support the promotion of prebiotic fiber supplements to reduce colorectal cancer risk or colorectal cancer mortality.

Impact:

Further investigation is warranted for findings regarding insoluble prebiotic fiber and higher colorectal cancer mortality in postmenopausal women.