bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway promotes pancreatic cancer pain via nerve growth factor
Authors: Han Liang , Jiang Jie , Xue Mengwen , Qin Tao , Xiao Ying , Wu Erxi , Shen Xin , Ma Qingyong , Ma Jiguang
Published: December 2019

Background

Many patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) suffer from abdominal pain and back pain. However, the cause of pain associated with PC is largely unclear. In this study, we tested the potential influence of the sonic hedgehog (sHH) signaling pathway on PC pain.

Methods

Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression was measured in cultured PC cells and dorsal root ganglions (DRG) by real-time PCR, western blotting analysis and ELISA. Small interfering RNA transfection and plasmid constructs were used to regulate the expression of sHH in the AsPc-1 and Panc-1 cell lines. Pain-related behavior was observed in an orthotopic tumor model in nude mice.

Results

In this study, the results show that sHH increased the expression of SP and CGRP in DRGs in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Additionally, sHH secretion from PC cells could activate the sHH signaling pathway and, in turn, increase the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), P75, and TrkA in DRGs. Furthermore, the sHH signaling pathway and NGF/NGF receptor contributed to pain sensitivity in a nude mouse model.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that PC pain originates from the sHH signaling pathway, and NGF mediates the pain mechanism via regulating SP and CGRP.
Contact-style magmatic sulphide mineralisation in the Labrador Trough, northern Quebec, Canada: implications for regional prospectivity
Authors: Smith W.D. , Maier W.D. , Bliss I.
Published: December 2019

The Labrador Trough in northern Quebec is currently the focus of ongoing exploration for magmatic Ni-Cu-platinum group element (PGE) sulphide ores. This geological belt hosts voluminous basaltic sills and lavas of the Montagnais Sill Complex, which are locally emplaced among sulphidic metasedimentary country rocks. The recently discovered Idefix PGE-Cu prospect represents a stack of gabbroic sills that host stratiform patchy disseminated to net-textured sulphides (0.2–0.4 g/t PGE+Au) over a thickness of ∼20 m, for up to 7 km. In addition, globular sulphides occur at the base of the sill, adjacent to the metasedimentary floor rocks. Whole-rock and PGE geochemistry indicates that the sills share a common source and that the extracted magma underwent significant fractionation before emplacement in the upper crust. To develop the PGE-enriched ores, sulphide melt saturation was attained before final emplacement, peaking at R factors of ∼10 000. Globular sulphides entrained along the base of the sill ingested crustally derived arsenic and were ultimately preserved in the advancing chilled margin.
The signatures of the new particles $$h_{2}$$ and $$Z^{}_{\mu \tau }$$ at e-p colliders in the $${U(1)}_{L^{}_{\mu } - L^{}_{\tau } }$$ model
Authors: Hou Jin-Xin , Yue Chong-Xing
Published: December 2019

Considering the superior performances of the future e-p colliders, LHeC and FCC-eh, we discuss the feasibility of detecting the extra neutral scalar $$h_{2}$$h2 and the light gauge boson $$Z^{}_{\mu \tau }$$Zμτ, which are predicted by the $${U(1)}_{L^{}_{\mu } - L^{}_{\tau }}$$U(1)Lμ-Lτ model. Taking into account the experimental constraints on the relevant free parameters, we consider all possible production channels of $$h_{2}$$h2 and $$Z^{}_{\mu \tau }$$Zμτ at e-p colliders and further investigate their observability through the optimal channels in the case of the beam polarization $$\hbox {P}(e^{-})= -0.8$$P(e-)=-0.8. We find that the signal significance above $$5\sigma $$5σ of $$h_{2}$$h2 as well as $$Z^{}_{\mu \tau }$$Zμτ detecting can be achieved via "Equation missing" process and a $$5\sigma $$5σ sensitivity of $$Z^{}_{\mu \tau }$$Zμτ detecting can be gained via "Equation missing" process at e-p colliders with appropriate parameter values and a designed integrated luminosity. However, the signals of $$h_{2}$$h2 decays into pair of SM particles are difficult to be detected.
Curcumin Management of Myocardial Fibrosis and its Mechanisms of Action: A Review
Authors: Yu Yonghui , Sun Jinghui , Wang Ru , Liu Jiangang , Wang Peili , Wang Chenglong
Published: December 2019

Myocardial fibrosis is implicated as a leading risk factor for heart failure, arrhythmia, and sudden death after cardiac injury, as the excessive interstitial extracellular matrix impedes heart contraction and electrical conduction. Complicated mechanisms involving oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokine families, NLRP3 inflammasomes, growth factors, and non-coding RNAs participate in cardiac fibrogenesis and make it difficult to designate specific and effective therapies. Oriental herbs have been popular for thousands of years in the health care of Asian residents, due to their multi-targeted, multi-faceted approaches and their multi-functional effects in fighting difficult and complicated diseases, including cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial fibrosis. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol and yellow pigment obtained from the spice turmeric, was found to have strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Increasing evidence has shown that curcumin can be used to prevent and treat myocardial fibrosis, when the myocardium suffers pathological pro-fibrotic changes in vivo and in vitro. The present review focuses on recent studies elucidating the mechanisms of curcumin in treating different pathologic conditions, including ischemia, hypoxia/reoxygenation, pressure or volume overload, and hyperglycemia or high-fat-induced cardiac fibrosis. Novel analogs such as C66, B2BrBC, Y20, and J17 have been designed to maximize the therapeutic potentials of curcumin. These optimized curcumin analogs with improved bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles need to be clinically verified before curcumin could be recommended for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis.
Ginsenoside Rb1, A Major Saponin fromPanax ginseng, Exerts Protective Effects Against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Ren Shen , Leng Jing , Xu Xing-Yue , Jiang Shuang , Wang Ying-Ping , Yan Xiao-Tong , Liu Zhi , Chen Chen , Wang Zi , Li Wei
Published: December 2019

Acute liver injury (ALI) induced by acetaminophen (APAP) is the main cause of drug-induced liver injury. Previous reports indicated liver failure could be alleviated by saponins (ginsenosides) from Panax ginseng against APAP-induced inflammatory responses in vivo. However, validation towards ginsenoside Rb1 as a major and marker saponin may protect liver from APAP-induced ALI and its mechanisms are poorly elucidated. In this study, the protective effects and the latent mechanisms of Rb1 action against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated. Rb1 was administered orally with 10[Formula: see text]mg/kg and 20[Formula: see text]mg/kg daily for 1 week before a single injection of APAP (250[Formula: see text]mg/kg, i.p.) 1[Formula: see text]h after the last treatment of Rb1. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferases (ALT/AST), liver glutathione (GSH) depletion, as well as the inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] (TNF-[Formula: see text]), interleukin-1[Formula: see text] (IL-1[Formula: see text]), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), were analyzed to indicate the underlying protective effects of Rb1 against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity with significant inflammatory responses. Histological examination further proved Rb1’s protective effects. Importantly, Rb1 mitigated the changes in the phosphorylation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt, as well as its downstream factor NF-[Formula: see text]B. In conclusion, experimental data clearly demonstrated that Rb1 exhibited a remarkable liver protective effect against APAP-induced ALI, partly through regulating MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways-mediated inflammatory responses.
Thermoelectric properties of S-doped Cu2Se materials synthesized by high-pressure and high-temperature method
Authors: Xue Lisha , Fang Chao , Shen Weixia , Shen Manjie , Ji Wenting , Zhang Yuewen , Zhang Zhuangfei , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: December 2019

High-pressure technique is an effective route to synthesize thermoelectric materials and tune transport properties simultaneously. In this work, S-doped copper–selenium compounds [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] were successfully synthesized by high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) technology in just 30 min. [Formula: see text] samples show layered morphology composed of abundant pores and lattice defects. The appropriate S introduction ([Formula: see text] and 0.03) can effectively enhance Seebeck coefficient and reduce the thermal conductivity of [Formula: see text]. Compared with the pure [Formula: see text] sample, [Formula: see text] exhibits a 30% lower thermal conductivity, but the decline of power factor by the distinctly increased electrical resistivity at high temperature results in a smaller zT at temperature [Formula: see text] K. The variations of thermoelectric properties are resulted from the competitive effects between S-doping and actual composition change (Cu:S). It indicates that S-doping is not so effective in improving the zT value of [Formula: see text] materials by high-pressure synthesis.
Visual Analysis of Merchandise Sales Trend Based on Online Transaction Log
Authors: Yu Shidong , Yang Dongsheng , Hao Ying , Lian Mengjia , Zang Ying
Published: December 2019

Online transaction log records the relevant information of the users, commodities and transactions, as well as changes over time, which can help analysts understand commodities’ sales. The existing visualization methods mainly analyze the purchase behavior from the perspective of users, while analyzing the sales trend of commodities can better help merchants to make business decisions. Based on the transaction log, this paper puts forward the visual analysis framework of commodity sales trend and the corresponding data processing algorithm. The concepts of volatility and dynamic performance of sales trend are proposed, through which the multi-dimensional sales data of time-oriented are displayed in two-dimensional space. The “Feature Ring” is designed to display the detailed sales information of the products. Based on the above methods, a visual analysis system is designed and implemented. The usability and validity of the visualization methods are verified by using JD online transaction data. The visualization methods enable manufacturers to formulate production plans and carry out product research and develop better.
Facile hydrothermal synthesis of ternary CeO2–SnO2/rGO nanocomposite for supercapacitor application
Authors: Kumar Godlaveeti Sreenivasa , Reddy Somala Adinarayana , Maseed Hussen , Reddy Nagireddy Ramamanohar
Published: December 2019

In this work, we present the synthesis of a ternary CeO2–SnO2/rGO nanocomposite by using a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized composite was structural, chemical, morphological, elemental information studied by using different characterization techniques X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The CeO2–SnO2/rGO exhibited an excellent specific capacitance of 156[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] at 0.5[Formula: see text]A/g in the presence of 3 M KOH solution. The synergic effect of CeO2, SnO2 and graphene composite coated on Ni foam endowed a high specific capacitance than their individual compounds. This work suggests that the novel ternary composite is a promising candidate for the high performance electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems.
Machine-Learning Quantum States in the NISQ Era
Authors: Torlai Giacomo , Melko Roger G.
Published: December 2019

We review the development of generative modeling techniques in machine learning for the purpose of reconstructing real, noisy, many-qubit quantum states. Motivated by its interpretability and utility, we discuss in detail the theory of the restricted Boltzmann machine. We demonstrate its practical use for state reconstruction, starting from a classical thermal distribution of Ising spins, then moving systematically through increasingly complex pure and mixed quantum states. We review recent techniques in reconstruction of a cold atom wavefunction, intended for use on experimental noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. Finally, we discuss the outlook for future experimental state reconstruction using machine learning in the NISQ era and beyond.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy MYH7 mutation R723G alters mRNA secondary structure
Authors: Rose J. , Kraft T. , Brenner B. , Montag J.
Published: December 2019

Point mutation R723G in the MYH7 gene causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Heterozygous patients with this mutation exhibit a comparable allelic imbalance of the MYH7 gene. On average 67% of the total MYH7 mRNA are derived from the MYH7R723G-allele and 33% from the MYH7WT allele. Mechanisms underlying mRNA allelic imbalance are largely unknown. We suggest that a different mRNA lifetime of the alleles may cause the allelic drift in R723G patients. A potent regulator of mRNA lifetime is its secondary structure. To test for alterations in the MYH7R723G mRNA structure we used selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) analysis. We show significantly different SHAPE reactivity of wild-type and MYH7R723G RNA, which is in accordance with bioinformatically predicted structures. Thus, we provide the first experimental evidence for mRNA secondary structure alterations by the HCM point mutation. We assume that this may result in a prolonged lifetime of MYH7R723G mRNA in vivo and subsequently in the determined allelic imbalance.
Parkinson’s Symptoms and Caregiver Burden and Mental Health: A Cross-Cultural Mediational Model
Authors: Smith Erin R. , Perrin Paul B. , Tyler Carmen M. , Lageman Sarah K. , Villaseñor Teresita
Published: December 2019

Informal caregivers are critical in the care of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and spend substantial time providing care, which may be associated with negative caregiver outcomes such as burden and mental health issues. Although research in the United States and Europe has generally supported these relations, there is very limited research on PD caregiving in Latin America. The current study examined the following connections in a sample of PD caregivers from the United States (N=105) and Mexico (N=148): (a) PD-related impairments (motor and nonmotor symptoms) and caregiver burden, (b) caregiver burden and caregiver mental health, and (c) PD-related impairments and mental health through caregiver burden. Study results uncovered significant relations among PD-related impairments, caregiver burden, and caregiver mental health. Further, caregiver burden fully mediated the relation between PD-related impairments and caregiver mental health at both study sites. Findings highlight a number of important intervention targets for caregivers and families, including caregiver burden and mental health.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Requires Cholesterol Oxidase to Disrupt TLR2 Signalling in Human Macrophages
Authors: Szulc-Kielbik Izabela , Kielbik Michal , Przygodzka Patrycja , Brzostek Anna , Dziadek Jaroslaw , Klink Magdalena
Published: December 2019

This study tested the hypothesis that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) uses a cholesterol oxidase enzyme (ChoD) to suppress a toll-like receptor type 2- (TLR2-) dependent signalling pathway to modulate macrophages’ immune response. We investigated the impact of Mtb possessing or lacking ChoD as well as TBChoD recombinant protein obtained from Mtb on the expression and activation of two key intracellular proteins involved in TLR2 signalling in human macrophages. Finally, the involvement of TLR2-related signalling proteins in an inflammatory/immunosuppressive response of macrophages to Mtb was evaluated. We demonstrate that wild-type Mtb but not the ∆choD mutant decreased the cytosolic IRAK4 and TRAF6 protein levels while strongly enhancing IRAK4 and TRAF6 mRNA levels in macrophages. Our data show that the TLR2 present on the surface of macrophages are involved in disturbing the signalling pathway by wild-type Mtb. Moreover, recombinant TBChoD effectively decreased the cytosolic level of TRAF6 and lowered the phosphorylation of IRAK4, which strongly confirm an involvement of cholesterol oxidase in affecting the TLR2-related pathway by Mtb. Wild-type Mtb induced an immunosuppressive response of macrophages in an IRAK4- and TRAF6-dependent manner as measured by interleukin 10 production. In conclusion, ChoD is a virulence factor that enables Mtb to disturb the TLR2-related signalling pathway in macrophages and modulate their response.
IFN Regulatory Factor 1 Mediates Macrophage Pyroptosis Induced by Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Guo Min , Yan Rui , Yao Hongmei , Duan Liqin , Sun Meng , Xue Zheng , Jia Yongping
Published: December 2019

Background. Atherosclerosis (AS) is recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease. It is caused by the interaction between inflammatory cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and lipoproteins. Evidence has revealed that macrophage pyroptosis in lesion contributes to the formation of the necrotic core and thinning of the fibrous cap, which plays crucial roles in the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) is a pleiotropic transcription factor involved in various immune processes and cell death. We propose that IRF-1 may be implicated in macrophage pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of AS and ACS. Methods. Patients with stable angina, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and clinical presentation of chest pain were enrolled. The expression of IRF-1 in human PBMC-derived macrophages was analyzed. Then, overexpression and inhibition of IRF-1 was performed in macrophages from patients with ACS to explore the possible role and mechanism of IRF-1 involvement in macrophage pyroptosis. Results. The expression of IRF-1 in macrophages was upregulated in ACS patients. The overexpression or inhibition of IRF-1 effectively modulated caspase-1 activation, as well as macrophage lysis, expression of gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), production of IL-1β and IL-18, and activation of NLRP3-ASC inflammasome, which were all inhibited by caspase-1 inhibitor. Further experiments revealed that pyroptosis and the downstream inflammatory response in AS induced by IRF-1 is a process that is dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Conclusion. Our observations suggest that IRF-1 potently activates ox-LDL-induced macrophage pyroptosis and may play an important role in AS and ACS.
Programmed Cell Death Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yang Fangyuan , He Yi , Zhai Zeqing , Sun Erwei
Published: December 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by excessive inflammatory and immune responses and tissue damage. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the important role of programmed cell death in SLE pathogenesis. When apoptosis encounters with defective clearance, accumulated apoptotic cells lead to secondary necrosis. Different forms of lytic cell death, including secondary necrosis after apoptosis, NETosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, contribute to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and autoantigens, resulting in triggering immunity and tissue damage in SLE. However, the role of autophagy in SLE pathogenesis is in dispute. This review briefly discusses different forms of programmed cell death pathways and lay particular emphasis on inflammatory cell death pathways such as NETosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis and their roles in the inflammatory and immune responses in SLE.
Top 100 Publications as Measured by Altmetrics in the Field of Central Nervous System Inflammatory Demyelinating Disease
Authors: Kim Jee-Eun , Kim Yerim , Park Kang Min , Yoon Dae Young , Bae Jong Seok
Published: December 2019

Background. Altmetrics analyze the visibility of articles in social media and estimate their impact on the general population. We performed an altmetric analysis of articles on central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disease (CIDD) and investigated its correlation with citation analysis. Methods. Articles in the 91 journals comprising the “clinical neurology,” “neuroscience,” and “medicine, general, and internal” Web of Science categories were searched for their relevance to the CIDD topic. The Altmetric Explorer database was used to determine the Altmetric.com Attention Score (AAS) values of the selected articles. The papers with the top 100 AAS values were characterized. Results. Articles most frequently mentioned online were primarily published after 2014 and were published in journals with high impact factors. All articles except one were dealt with the issue of multiple sclerosis. Most were original articles, but editorials were also common. Novel treatments and risk factors are the most frequent topics. The AAS was weakly correlated with journal impact factors; however, no link was found between the AAS and the number of citations. Conclusions. We present the top 100 most frequently mentioned CIDD articles in online media using an altmetric approach. Altmetrics can rapidly offer alternative information on the impact of research based on a broader audience and can complement traditional metrics.
Comparison of Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale, and Revised Trauma Score in Predicting the Mortality and Prolonged ICU Stay of Traumatic Young Children: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study
Authors: Huang Yii-Ting , Huang Ying-Hsien , Hsieh Ching-Hua , Li Chao-Jui , Chiu I-Min
Published: December 2019

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine the capacity of commonly used trauma scoring systems such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Revised Trauma Score (RTS) to predict outcomes in young children with traumatic injuries. Methods. This retrospective study was conducted for the period from 2009 to 2016 in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Medical Hospital, a level I trauma center. We included all children under the age of 6 years admitted to the hospital via the emergency department with any traumatic injury and compared the trauma scores of GCS, ISS, and RTS on patients’ outcome. The primary outcomes were mortality and prolonged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, with the latter defined as an ICU stay longer than 14 days. The secondary outcome was the hospital length of stay (HLOS). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was also adopted with the value of the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for comparing trauma score prediction with patient mortality. Cutoff values from each trauma score for mortality prediction were also measured by determining the point along the ROC curve where Youden’s index was maximum. Results. We included a total of 938 patients in this study, with a mean age of 3.1 ± 1.82 years. The mortality rate was 0.9%, and 93 (9.9%) patients had a prolonged ICU stay. An elevated ISS (34 ± 19.9 vs. 5 ± 5.1, p=0.004), lower GCS (8 ± 5.0 vs. 15 ± 1.3, p=0.006), and lower RTS (5.58 ± 1.498 vs. 7.64 ± 0.640, p=0.006) were all associated with mortality. All three scores were considered to be independent risk factors of mortality and prolonged ICU stay and had a linear correlation with increased HLOS. With regard to predicting mortality, ISS has the highest AUC value (ISS: 0.975; GCS: 0.864; and RTS: 0.899). The prediction cutoff values of ISS, GCS, and RTS on mortality were 15, 11, and 7, respectively. Conclusion. Regarding traumatic injuries in young children, worse ISS, GCS, and RTS were all associated with increased mortality, prolonged ICU stay, and longer hospital LOS. Of these scoring systems, ISS was the best at predicting mortality.
Clinical Utility of Emergency Capsule Endoscopy for Diagnosing the Source and Nature of Ongoing Overt Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Iio Sumio , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Tsuboi Akiyoshi , Otani Ichiro , Kunihara Sayoko , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims. In patients with ongoing overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), prompt detection of the bleeding source is crucial to treatment success. However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing of diagnostic capsule endoscopy (CE). We investigated the clinical utility of emergency CE for detecting the source of ongoing overt OGIB. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 146 consecutive patients who, between February 2009 and July 2018, underwent emergency CE at Hiroshima University Hospital to detect the source of ongoing overt OGIB. Patients with a bleeding source located outside the small bowel were excluded. The remaining 127 patients were stratified according to the timing of CE relative to the onset of bleeding: patients in group A (n=15, 12 men; mean age: 75 years; age range: 62–83 years) underwent CE within 48 hours of bleeding onset, whereas patients in group B (n=112, 73 men; mean age: 65 years; age range: 17–88 years) underwent CE at >48 hours after bleeding onset. All patients underwent double-balloon endoscopy, and the final diagnosis was compared against the CE findings. Results. The CE lesion detection rate was significantly higher in group A (12/15 patients, 80%) than in group B (53/112 patients, 47%) (p=0.0174). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the patients’ background characteristics. Vascular lesions were the most frequent finding in both groups. The diagnostic concordance rate between emergency CE and double-balloon endoscopy was 100% in group A and 92.9% in group B. Rebleeding after endoscopic treatment was confirmed in only one patient in group B. Conclusions. Emergency CE represents a useful diagnostic modality in patients with ongoing overt OGIB, potentially improving detection rates and reducing rebleeding risk.
A Comprehensive Review and Update on the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Guan Qingdong
Published: December 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and life-threating inflammatory disease of gastroenteric tissue characterized by episodes of intestinal inflammation. The pathogenesis of IBD is complex. Recent studies have greatly improved our knowledge of the pathophysiology of IBD, leading to great advances in the treatment as well as diagnosis of IBD. In this review, we have systemically reviewed the pathogenesis of IBD and highlighted recent advances in host genetic factors, gut microbiota, and environmental factors and, especially, in abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses and their interactions, which may hold the keys to identify novel predictive or prognostic biomarkers and develop new therapies.
Complications following Iliac Wing Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Stan G. , Orban H. , Deculescu R.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this case report is to underline surgical strategies for complications in a case of a young man with fibrosarcoma of the bone treated with pelvic resection followed by reconstruction with massive bone allograft. A type I pelvic resection was performed as a radical resection of tumor followed by a biological reconstruction of iliac wing using frozen allograft. The iliac allograft was fixed in place using 4 screws. The immediate postoperative period was complicated with local sepsis of reconstructed site treated with pediculate omentoplasty. After 1 year from surgery, the X-ray exam showed an integrated allograft. After 20 years from the first surgery, the patient presented with the left hip pain of 3-month duration with mechanical pattern. The X-ray and CT exam showed the left hip arthritis and no signs of recurrence. A total hip arthroplasty with dual mobility cup and uncemented stem was performed. Despite the immediate postoperative local infection, the allograft was left in place and integrated after all. Omentoplasty could be a very useful technique in eradicating local infection, due to the immunogenic properties of the omentum. The allograft is still strong enough to give support for a hip arthroplasty at 20 years after implantation.
Inflammation-Related MicroRNAs Are Associated with Plaque Stability Calculated by IVUS in Coronary Heart Disease Patients
Authors: Zhu Guo-fu , Chu Tianshu , Ruan Zhimin , Zhang Mingguo , Zhou Mingli , Zhang Qian , Zhang Ran , Wu Liyong
Published: December 2019

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammation-related microRNAs (miR-21, 146a, 155) and the plaque stability in coronary artery disease patients. Methods. The expression of miR-21, 146a, and 155 was measured by real-time PCR in 310 consecutive patients. The level of hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 was measured by ELISA. The plaque stability of coronary stenotic lesions was evaluated with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Results. (1) The levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly increased in the UAP and AMI groups compared with the CPS group (P<0.01). (2) The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma was significantly higher in CAD patients compared with non-CAD patients, whereas the miR-155 expression in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in patients with CAD. (3) The miR-21 expression in PBMCs was higher in UAP and AMI groups compared with CPS group. The miR-146a expression in PBMCs was higher in SAP, UAP, and AMI groups than in CPS group. Although the level of miR-155 in PBMCs was lower in SAP, UAP, and AMI groups than in CPS group. The expression patterns of miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 in plasma were consistent with those of PBMCs. (4) The expressions of miR-21 and miR-146a in PBMCs and plasma were significantly higher in the vulnerable plaque group than those in stable plaque group. While miR-155 in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in vulnerable plaque group compared with stable plaque group. (5) The levels of miR-21 and miR-146a in PBMCs and plasma were significantly higher in soft plaque group than in fibrous plaque group and calcified plaque group. However, miR-155 in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in soft plaque group. Conclusions. The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a are associated with the plaque stability in coronary stenotic lesions, whereas miR-155 expression is inversely associated with the plaque stability.
ІСТОРИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ВІЙСЬКОВОЇ ЕПІДЕМІОЛОГІЇ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Krushelnytsky O. D. , Ohorodniychuk I. V.
Published: December 2019

Мета роботи – на підставі історичної та сучасної історико-медичної бібліографії та архівних матеріалів розглянути процес розвитку військової епідеміології в Україні та становлення її як дисципліни. Розкриті основні етапи розвитку теорії, практики та висвітлені особистості, які мали місце у створенні та розвитку військової епідеміології.
ФОРУМ ІНФЕКЦІОНІСТІВ У ХМЕЛЬНИЦЬКОМУ
Authors: Ivakhiv O. L.
Published: December 2019

Описано весняну всеукраїнську науково-практичну конференцію інфекціоністів на тему: «Інфекційні хвороби і біобезпека», яка відбулася 16-17 травня 2019 року в м. Хмельницькому. Опубліковано її рішення.
Comprehensive Analysis of Steroid Biomarkers for Guiding Primary Aldosteronism Subtyping
Authors: Turcu Adina F. , Wannachalee Taweesak , Tsodikov Alexander , Nanba Aya T. , Ren Jianwei , Shields James J. , O’Day Patrick J. , Giacherio Donald , Rainey William E. , Auchus Richard J.
Published: December 2019

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is required to distinguish unilateral from bilateral aldosterone sources in primary aldosteronism (PA), and cortisol is used for AVS data interpretation, but cortisol has several pitfalls. In this study, we present the utility of several other steroids in PA subtyping, both during AVS, as well as in peripheral serum. We included patients with PA who underwent AVS at University of Michigan between 2012 and 2018. We used mass spectrometry to simultaneously quantify 17 steroids in adrenal veins (AV) and periphery, both at baseline and after cosyntropin administration. PA was classified as unilateral or bilateral based on a lateralization index ≥ or <4, respectively, separately for baseline and post-cosyntropin administration. Of 131 participants, AV catheterizations was deemed failed in 28 (21 %) patients (36 AVs) at baseline. Eight steroids demonstrated higher AV/periphery ratios than cortisol (
P
<0.01 for all); 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11-deoxycortisol, and corticosterone rescued most failed baseline catheterizations. Lateralization was generally consistent when using these alternative steroids. Based on pre- and post-cosyntropin data, the remaining 103 patients were classified as: U/U, 37; B/B, 32; U/B, 20; B/U, 14. Discriminant analysis of multi-steroid panels from peripheral serum showed distinct profiles across the 4 groups, with highest aldosterone, 18-oxocortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone in U/U patients. In conclusion, 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione and 11-deoxycortisol are superior to cortisol for AVS data interpretation. Single assay multi-steroid panels measured in peripheral serum are helpful in stratified PA subtyping and have the potential to circumvent AVS in a subset of patients with PA.
Elevated Blood Pressure in the Emergency Department
Authors: Oras Pontus , Häbel Henrike , Skoglund Per H. , Svensson Per
Published: December 2019

In the emergency department (ED), high blood pressure (BP) is commonly observed but mostly used to evaluate patients’ health in the short term. We aimed to study whether ED-measured BP is associated with incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), myocardial infarction, or stroke in long term, and to estimate the number needed to screen to prevent ASCVD. In this cohort study, participants were selected from a university hospital between 2010 and 2016, with an obtained BP in the ED. The outcome information was acquired through the Swedish National Patient Register for all participants. The association was estimated with Cox-regression. Among the included 300 193 subjects, 8999 incident ASCVD events occurred during a median follow-up for 3.5 years. Both DBP and systolic blood pressure were associated with incident ASCVD, myocardial infarction, and stroke with a progressively increased risk for systolic blood pressure within hypertension grade 1 (HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.06–1.24]), 2 (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.25–1.47]), and 3 (HR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.49–1.77]). The 6-year cumulative incidence of ASCVD was 12% for systolic blood pressure ≥180 mm Hg compared with 2% for normal levels. To prevent one ASCVD event during the median follow-up, the number needed to screen was estimated to 151, whereas the number needed to treat to 71. ED-recorded BP is associated with incident ASCVD, myocardial infarction, and stroke. High-BP recordings in EDs should not be disregarded but an opportunity to detect and improve the treatment of hypertension. ED-measured BP provides an important and underused tool with great potential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03954119.
Medical Therapies for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kjeldsen Sverre E. , von Lueder Thomas G. , Smiseth Otto A. , Wachtell Kristian , Mistry Nisha , Westheim Arne S. , Hopper Ingrid , Julius Stevo , Pitt Bertram , Reid Christopher M. , Devereux Richard B. , Zannad Faiez
Published: December 2019

Current cardiovascular pharmacotherapy targets maladaptive overactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which occurs throughout the continuum of cardiovascular disease spanning from hypertension to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Over the past 16 years, 4 prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials using candesartan, perindopril, irbesartan, and spironolactone in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) failed to demonstrate increased efficacy of RAAS blockade added to guideline-directed medical therapy. We reappraise these trials and their weaknesses, which precluded statistically significant findings. Recently, dual-acting RAAS blockade with sacubitril-valsartan relative to stand-alone valsartan failed to improve outcome in the PARAGON-HF trial (Efficacy and Safety of LCZ696 Compared with Valsartan, on Morbidity and Mortality in Heart Failure Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction). The majority of patients with HFpEF experience hypertension, frequently with subclinical left ventricular dysfunction, contributed to by comorbidities such as coronary disease, diabetes mellitus, overweight, and atrial fibrillation. Contrasting the findings in HFpEF, trials evaluating RAAS blockade on either side of HFpEF on the cardiovascular continuum in patients with high-risk hypertension and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, respectively, showed positive outcomes. We do not have a biologically plausible explanation for such divergent efficacy of RAAS blockade. Based on considerations of well-established clinical efficacy in hypertension and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and the shortcomings of aforementioned clinical trials in HFpEF, we argue that RAAS blockers including MRAs (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists; aldosterone antagonists) should be used in the treatment of patients with HFpEF.
Too Little or Too Much? Actionable Advice in an
Early-Childhood Text Messaging Experiment
Authors: Cortes Kalena E. , Fricke Hans , Loeb Susanna , Song David S. , York Benjamin N.
Published: December 2019

Text-message-based parenting programs have proven successful in improving parent engagement and preschoolers’ literacy development. This study seeks to identify mechanisms of the overall effect of such programs. It investigates whether actionable advice alone drives previous studies’ results and whether additional texts of actionable advice improve program effectiveness. The findings provide evidence that text messaging programs can supply too little or too much information. A single text per week is not as effective at improving parenting practices as a set of three texts that also include information and encouragement, but a set of five texts with additional actionable advice is also not as effective as the three-text approach. The results on children's literacy development depend on the child's pre-intervention literacy skills. For children in the lowest quarter of the pretreatment literacy assessments, providing one example of an activity improves literacy scores by 0.19 standard deviations less than providing three texts. Literacy scores of children in higher quarters are marginally higher with only one tip per week than with three tips per week. We find no positive effects of increasing to five texts per week.
Scientific Objectivity and Subjectivity in Eighteenth Century Pharmacology
Authors: Lindemann Anna
Published: December 2019

This article examines an often neglected topic in the history of science, namely clinical observation, specifically the objectivity and knowledge production associated with therapeutic trials. It will describe an eighteenth and nineteenth century pharmacological concept of objectivity and exemplify that concept using late nineteenth century European cocaine research. As conceived within clinical drug research, this concept of objectivity does not correspond with those described by Daston and Galison in their seminal book Objectivity (2007). I will explore the implications of this “new” concept of objectivity—as compared to the “old” ones postulated by Daston and Galison—for their core propositions.
Discovery and Instrumentation: How Surplus Knowledge Contributes to Progress in Science
Authors: Borg George
Published: December 2019

An important fact about human labor is that it can result not just in reproduction of what it started with, but in something new, a surplus product. When the latter is a means of production, it makes possible a mechanism of change consisting of reproduction by means of the expanded means of production. Each iteration of the labor process can differ from the preceding one insofar as it incorporates the surplus generated previously. Over the long-term, this cyclical process can lead to the self-transformation of labor and, through it, of human societies and cultures. In this paper, I argue that this mechanism of change is also at work in the history of science. I argue that the form this mechanism takes in science is that of a feedback loop between discovery and instrument construction. This process requires the integration, and transformation into material form, of different kinds of knowledge. Based on this mechanism, I defend a concept of scientific progress as transcendence of the limitations of native human epistemic abilities. I also criticize narrowly biologistic approaches to the history of science for ignoring the role of surplus generation in transforming the labor process, and discuss some problems associated with viewing science as labor.
A new species of Ferorhinella (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) from southeastern Brazil with taxonomic notes on the genus
Authors: MENEGHETTI JÉSSICA , TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA , PALADINI ANDRESSA
Published: December 2019

A new species of Ferorhinella Carvalho & Webb 2004 from southeastern Brazil is described and illustrated, and a taxonomic key to species in the genus is provided. Ferorhinella itatiaiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other known species of the genus mainly by the paramere with rounded apex and two subapical lateral spines on outer surface, one long, dorsally inserted and the other one small, ventrally inserted; and dorsal margin of the subgenital plates with a rectangular elevation, covered with small, tooth-like spines.
Scaling the great wall: The impact of communication barriers on quality of psychiatric care in Chinese patients
Authors: Virani Sanya , Xia Tianxu , Brainch Navjot , Mitra Souparno , Ahmed Saeed , Mutasiigwa Herbert , Chaudhari Gaurav , Zaveri Deval
Published: December 2019

Background:

Racial and ethnic minorities (such as Chinese-speaking (CS)) are known to have less equitable access to mental health services than Caucasians. These disparities have a powerful influence on minority groups that already endure a greater burden from mental health needs.

Aim:

The aim was to identify perceived provider barriers to care for CS patients.

Methods:

The study involved an 11-item web-based survey to multidisciplinary health professionals in the department of psychiatry at a 75-bed teaching community mental health center.

Results:

More than half the respondents agreed that there are disparities in the management of CS versus non-CS patients primarily due to the language barrier (46%). However, older participants and participants who worked fewer hours per week in patient care were less likely to agree (rho = −.27, p = .05 and rho = .33, p = .015, respectively) that these perceived difficulties prevented them from caring for these patients.

Conclusion:

The study revealed that certain modifiable factors like the limited availability of interpreters and culturally appropriate services, rendering psychoeducation and forming therapeutic alliances with CS patients, posed the greatest challenges on inpatient units. In light of these findings, we aim to make recommendations to remediate concerns of limited provider availability by proposing ways to efficiently utilize current resources and advocate for better staffing to improve the overall well-being of this challenging patient subset.
New dimensions of precarious work among migrants: A qualitative meta-analysis of current research
Authors: Polkowska Dominika
Published: December 2019

This qualitative meta-analysis examines the ways in which issues of precarious work among migrants are investigated with a view to: (a) determine which dimensions of precarity are analyzed, and (b) identify new dimensions of precarious work which emerged from an analysis of a sample of 20 qualitative studies. The study identified five new dimensions which were not included in previously proposed conceptualizations of precarious work, namely, precarity as a conceptual tool to analyze other issues, strategies dealing with precarity, individual experience of dealing with precarious conditions, reasons why precarity occurs, and political dimension.
A review of author name disambiguation techniques for the PubMed bibliographic database
Authors: Sanyal Debarshi Kumar , Bhowmick Plaban Kumar , Das Partha Pratim
Published: December 2019

Author names in bibliographic databases often suffer from ambiguity owing to the same author appearing under different names and multiple authors possessing similar names. It creates difficulty in associating a scholarly work with the person who wrote it, thereby introducing inaccuracy in credit attribution, bibliometric analysis, search-by-author in a digital library and expert discovery. A plethora of techniques for disambiguation of author names has been proposed in the literature. In this article, we focus on the research efforts targeted to disambiguate author names specifically in the PubMed bibliographic database. We believe this concentrated review will be useful to the research community because it discusses techniques applied to a very large real database that is actively used worldwide. We make a comprehensive survey of the existing author name disambiguation (AND) approaches that have been applied to the PubMed database: we organise the approaches into a taxonomy; describe the major characteristics of each approach including its performance, strengths, and limitations; and perform a comparative analysis of them. We also identify the datasets from PubMed that are publicly available for researchers to evaluate AND algorithms. Finally, we outline a few directions for future work.
Implementing a Preeclampsia Prediction Model in Obstetrics: Cutoff Determination and Health Care Professionals’ Adherence
Authors: van Montfort Pim , Smits Luc J. M. , van Dooren Ivo M. A. , Lemmens Stéphanie M. P. , Zelis Maartje , Zwaan Iris M. , Spaanderman Marc E. A. , Scheepers Hubertina C. J.
Published: December 2019

Background. Despite improved management, preeclampsia remains an important cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Low-dose aspirin (LDA) lowers the risk of preeclampsia. Although several guidelines recommend LDA prophylaxis in women at increased risk, they disagree about the definition of high risk. Recently, an externally validated prediction model for preeclampsia was implemented in a Dutch region combined with risk-based obstetric care paths. Objectives. To demonstrate the selection of a risk threshold and to evaluate the adherence of obstetric health care professionals to the prediction tool. Study Design. Using a survey ( n = 136) and structured meetings among health care professionals, possible cutoff values at which LDA should be discussed were proposed. The prediction model, with chosen cutoff and corresponding risk-based care paths, was embedded in an online tool. Subsequently, a prospective multicenter cohort study ( n = 850) was performed to analyze the adherence of health care professionals. Patient questionnaires, linked to the individual risk profiles calculated by the online tool, were used to evaluate adherence. Results. Health care professionals agreed upon employing a tool with a high detection rate (cutoff: 3.0%; sensitivity 75%, specificity 64%) followed by shared decision between patients and health care professionals on LDA prophylaxis. Of the 850 enrolled women, 364 women had an increased risk of preeclampsia. LDA was discussed with 273 of these women, resulting in an 81% adherence rate. Conclusion. Consensus regarding a suitable risk cutoff threshold was reached. The adherence to this recommendation was 81%, indicating adequate implementation.