bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of small RNAs, degradome, and transcriptome sequencing in Populus × euramericana “Neva” provides insights into the allelopathic interference of para-hydroxybenzoic acid
Authors: Liang Guoting , Guo Jing , Zhang Shuyong , Zhang Guangcan
Published: November 2019

Allelopathy is a hot topic of research; however, little is known regarding microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in plants in response to allelochemicals. In this study, we combined the analyses of the transcriptome, small RNAs (sRNAs), and the degradome to identify key regulatory miRNA-targeted circuits under para-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHBA) stress. A total of 739 and 673 miRNAs were identified in leaves and roots, respectively. Of those, 214 and 148 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed and identified as pHBA-responsive miRNAs in leaves and roots, respectively. The target genes for the pHBA-responsive miRNAs are involved in signal transduction, response to stress, and secondary metabolite pathways. Furthermore, an integrated analysis of the miRNA–target expression profiles was used to screen the 60 differentially expressed target genes from the 46 differentially expressed miRNAs in the leaves and the 51 differentially expressed target genes from the 36 differentially expressed miRNAs in roots. This integrated analysis revealed 17 and 30 pairs of miRNA targets in the leaves and roots, respectively, which had negatively correlated expression profiles. According to a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, 14 miRNA–target pairs also exhibited negative correlations. Moreover, four coexpression regulatory networks were constructed based on the profiles of the differentially expressed miRNA–target pairs. These results suggest that comprehensive analyses of transcriptomes, sRNAs, and the degradome provide a useful platform for investigating the molecular mechanism underlying the pHBA-induced stress response in plants.
Puerariae Radix Prevents Anxiety and Cognitive Deficits in Mice Under Oligomeric Aβ-Induced Stress
Authors: Huang Hei-Jen , Huang Ching-Yi , Lee Mingchung , Lin Jung-Yaw , Hsieh-Li Hsiu Mei
Published: November 2019

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we evaluated five CHMs in oligomeric A[Formula: see text]-treated mouse primary hippocampal neuronal cultures. The aqueous extract from the root of Pueraria lobata (Puerariae Radix; PR) showed better neuroprotective effects than did the other four CHM aqueous extracts, including Gardenia jasminoides, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea, and Panax, in the primary culture treated with saline or oligomeric A[Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of PR were also better than its well-known active compound, puerarin, against the neurotoxicity of oligomeric A[Formula: see text] in a primary culture. For in vivo experiments, C57BL/6J male mice that received direct infusion of soluble oligomeric A[Formula: see text] into the bilateral hippocampal CA1 subregion were used as an alternative AD mouse model. The effects and molecular mechanisms of chronic systemic administration of PR aqueous extract were evaluated in the alternative AD model. PR aqueous extract prevented anxiety and cognitive impairment in mice associated with a decrease in the levels of A[Formula: see text] deposition, tau protein phosphorylation, inflammation, loss of noradrenergic, and serotonergic neurons and an increase in the levels of synaptophysin and insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) against the toxicity of oligomeric A[Formula: see text]. Furthermore, no obvious damage to the liver and kidney was detected after chronic systemic administration of PR aqueous extract. Therefore, using PR could be a safer, more effective therapeutic strategy than using its active compound puerarin to prevent both cognitive and noncognitive dysfunction and related pathological features of AD.
Entropy and heat capacity in the generalized Bose–Einstein condensation theory of superconductors
Authors: García L. A. , de Llano M.
Published: November 2019

The new generalized Bose–Einstein condensation (GBEC) quantum-statistical theory starts from a noninteracting ternary boson-fermion (BF) gas of two-hole Cooper pairs (2hCPs) along with the usual two-electron Cooper pairs (2eCPs) plus unpaired electrons. Here we obtain the entropy and heat capacity and confirm once again that GBEC contains as a special case the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) theory. The energy gap is first calculated and compared with that of BCS theory for different values of a new dimensionless coupling parameter n/n[Formula: see text] where n is the total electron number density and n[Formula: see text] that of unpaired electrons at zero absolute temperature. Then, from the entropy, the heat capacity is calculated. Results compare well with elemental-superconductor data suggesting that 2hCPs are indispensable to describe superconductors (SCs).
DETERMINATION OF THE SURFACE FUNCTIONALITY OF NANOCARBON ALLOTROPES BY BOEHM TITRATION
Authors: HERNANDEZ-ORTIZ M. , DURÁN-MUÑOZ H. A. , LOZANO-LÓPEZ J. D. , DURÓN S. M. , GALVÁN-VALENCIA M. , ESTEVEZ-MARTÍNEZ Y. , ORTIZ-MEDINA I. , RAMÍREZ-HERNÁNDEZ L. A. , CRUZ-DOMÍNGUEZ O. , CASTAÑO V. M.
Published: November 2019

Critical point (CP) in a titration curve to quantify carboxylic, lactonic, and phenolic groups on multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) and Vulcan carbon (VC). Titration technique used was Boehm type and tipping point measurement from titration curve was done by second derivative method. The calculation functional groups on nanocarbons (NCs) presents lowest uncertainty previously published. An order of [Formula: see text]meq/g is the precision of the values obtained, one order of magnitude below reported. Both NCs display a high quantity of carboxylic groups created after being treated with regard to the other functional groups generated, mainly for functionalized Vulcan carbon VC-F.
Ni(II)porphyrins as pH dependent light-driven coordination-induced spin-state switches (LD-CISSS) in aqueous solution
Authors: Ludwig Jannis , Gröbner Jens , Dommaschk Marcel , Huber Lukas M. , Peters Morten K. , Hövener Jan-Bernd , Herges Rainer
Published: November 2019

A water-soluble Ni(II)-porphyrin substituted with a covalently attached azopyridine ligand was synthesized. Upon irradiation with violet and green light, the azo unit performs a reversible cis–trans isomerization. This geometry change triggers a coordination/de-coordination of the pyridine nitrogen at the central nickel(II) ion. The concomitant change in coordination number at the Ni ion in turn switches the spin state between high and low spin, a process we coined a “light-driven coordination-induced spin state switch (LD-CISSS). To increase the coordination power of the pyridine, particularly in aqueous environments, we introduced an electron donating OH group in 4-position. With increasing pH, the hydroxyl group is deprotonated, further enforcing coordination. We report on the properties of this pH-dependent spin switch, particularly the magnetic properties.
Reusing Bugged Source Code to Support Novice Programmers in Debugging Tasks
Authors: Ardimento Pasquale , Bernardi Mario Luca , Cimitile Marta , Ruvo Giuseppe De
Published: November 2019

Novice programmers often encounter difficulties performing debugging tasks effectively. Even if modern development environments (IDEs) provide high-level support for navigating through code elements and for identifying the right conditions leading to the bug, debugging still requires considerable human effort. Programmers usually have to make hypotheses that are based on both program state evolution and their past debugging experiences. To mitigate this effort and allow novice programmers to gain debugging experience quickly, we propose an approach based on the reuse of existing bugs of open source systems to provide informed guidance from the failure site to the fault position. The goal is to help novices in reasoning on the most promising paths to follow and conditions to define. We implemented this approach as a tool that exploits the knowledge about fault and bug position in the system, as long as any bug of the system is known. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated through a quasi-experiment that qualitatively and quantitatively evaluates how the debugging performances of the students change when they are trained using the tool.
Toward the Synthesis of Highly Processable Long-Chain Carbyne Using Multilevel Pulse Injection
Authors: Scheidt Josef H.
Published: November 2019

Carbon nanomaterials receive much attention due to enhanced mechanical and electrical properties that arise from nanoconfinement. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (3-dimensional) and graphene sheets (2-dimensional) have seen applications as sensors, high-strength fiber reinforcements, and adhesives. Carbyne, a 1-dimensional purely carbon structure consisting of alternating single and triple bonds, is projected to be the strongest material in the known world, with specific strength several times that of CNTs and graphene. Despite its desirable properties, carbyne’s extreme instability under standard conditions has inhibited its commercial development. Recent advancements in carbyne synthesis using CNTs as molecular scaffolds show that carbyne may finally be able to progress from theory to reality. Here, an approach for the preparation and stabilization of long-chain carbyne without the use of CNTs is proposed. Using multilevel pulse-voltage injection (MLPI) to create uniform, subnanometer diameter pores in silicon nitride as thermally stable nanoreactors, initial theoretical calculations suggest that carbyne may be synthesized under high temperature and vacuum. Carbyne chains may then be extracted from the pores and subsequently stabilized by immersion into a solution of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). The long-chain carbyne is then free to be used for a multiplicity of applications, including low-threshold sensors and the realization of high-strength carbyne fibers.
Extension of Antoine’s Ring Construction
Authors: Kwak Tai Keun
Published: November 2019

This article concerns a kind of extension of Antoine’s ring construction which is unit-IFP and Armendariz. Such extensions are also shown to be unit-IFP and Armendariz, by which we may extend the classes of unit-IFP and Armendariz rings.
Measuring Similarity among Protein Sequences Using a New Descriptor
Authors: Abo-Elkhier Mervat M. , Abd Elwahaab Marwa A. , Abo El Maaty Moheb I.
Published: November 2019

The comparison of protein sequences according to similarity is a fundamental aspect of today’s biomedical research. With the developments of sequencing technologies, a large number of protein sequences increase exponentially in the public databases. Famous sequences’ comparison methods are alignment based. They generally give excellent results when the sequences under study are closely related and they are time consuming. Herein, a new alignment-free method is introduced. Our technique depends on a new graphical representation and descriptor. The graphical representation of protein sequence is a simple way to visualize protein sequences. The descriptor compresses the primary sequence into a single vector composed of only two values. Our approach gives good results with both short and long sequences within a little computation time. It is applied on nine beta globin, nine ND5 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5), and 24 spike protein sequences. Correlation and significance analyses are also introduced to compare our similarity/dissimilarity results with others’ approaches, results, and sequence homology.
Multifunctional Epoxy/Nanocomposites Based on Natural Moroccan Clays with High Antimicrobial Activity: Morphological, Thermal and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Monsif M. , Zerouale A. , Kandri N. Idrissi , Bertani R. , Bartolozzi A. , Bresolin B. M. , Zorzi F. , Tateo F. , Zappalorto M. , Quaresimin M. , Sgarbossa P.
Published: November 2019

In this study, a series of new epoxy/clay nanocomposites (ECN) has been prepared and characterized in order to investigate the properties and compare the effect of the unmodified Moroccan clay on the structure and properties of the composite materials. Five natural clays have been used to reinforce the neat epoxy resin with 1% wt and 5% wt achieving the clay dispersion only through strong milling and mechanical stirring without previous organic modifications of the clays. The quality of clay dispersion in the epoxy matrix and the morphology of nanocomposites have been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical and thermal properties have also been investigated. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposites has been tested against E. coli and S. aureus in order to evaluate their applicability as advanced antimicrobial materials. The results showed that the epoxy/crude clay nanocomposites exhibited a high inhibition action attending 99% against both bacteria in the case of the clay labeled A5.
Design and Implementation of a Structural Health Monitoring System for a Large Sea‐Crossing Project with Bridges and Tunnel
Authors: Yan Yu , Mao Xingquan , Wang Xu , Yu Xianfeng , Fang Lei
Published: November 2019

Even though large‐scale projects, such as sea‐crossing bridges and tunnels, have complex structures and service conditions, the structural health monitoring (SHM) system can comprehensively monitor the stress situation and damage evolution law in the entire construction and service process of such structures. Based on the background of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, this study systematically introduces the overall goal and framework of the SHM system, monitoring content, and sensor information. Moreover, the structural health condition evaluation methods and data analysis methods are presented in detail. Then, on the basis of a multilayer data storage system, a fault‐tolerant data center platform design, an open integrated supervision platform design, and other measures, a set of reliable and advanced large‐scale software systems are built to achieve the SHM system for the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge. Finally, the wind characteristics around the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge and some of the monitored structural responses from the Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 are shown, which verified that the SHM system can accurately and reliably monitor and feedback the environmental load and structural response of the principal parts of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge under complicated service environment.
The Effect of Carbogen Breathing on 18F-FDG Uptake in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lin Yu , Bao Ying-Na , Huang Cong-Xiu , Zhang Ji-Hong , Yu Zhi-Long , Tian Ye , Wang Xiang-Cheng , Cui Yi-Tong
Published: November 2019

It has been reported that 18F-FDG uptake is higher in hypoxic cancer cells than in well-oxygenated cells. We demonstrated that 18F-FDG uptake in lung cancer would be affected by high concentration oxygen breathing. Methods. Overnight fasted non-small-cell lung cancer A549 subcutaneous (s.c.) xenografts bearing mice (n = 10) underwent 18F-FDG micro-PET scans, animals breathed room air on day 1, and same animals breathed carbogen (95% O2 + 5% CO2) on the subsequent day. In separated studies, autoradiography and immunohistochemical staining visualization of frozen section of A549 s.c. tumors were applied, and to compare between carbogen-breathing mice and those with air breathing, a combination of 18F-FDG and hypoxia marker pimonidazole was injected 1 h before animal sacrifice, and 18F-FDG accumulation was compared with pimonidazole binding and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) expression. Results. PET studies revealed that tumor 18F-FDG uptake was significantly decreased in carbogen-breathing mice than those with air breathing (P<0.05). Ex vivo studies confirmed that carbogen breathing significantly decreased hypoxic fraction detected by pimonidazole staining, referring to GLUT-1 expression, and significantly decreased 18F-FDG accumulation in tumors. Conclusions. High concentration of O2 breathing during 18F-FDG uptake phase significantly decreases 18F-FDG uptake in non-small-cell lung cancer A549 xenografts growing in mice.
Nephroprotective Role ofBeta vulgarisL. Root Extract against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Renal Injury in Rats
Authors: Albasher Gadah , Almeer Rafa , Alarifi Saud , Alkhtani Saad , Farhood Manal , Al-Otibi Fatimah O. , Alkubaisi Noorah , Rizwana Humaira
Published: November 2019

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are widely used for agricultural and housekeeping purposes. Exposure to OPs is associated with the progression of several health issues. Antioxidant agents may be powerful candidates to minimise adverse reactions caused by OPs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of red beetroot extract (RBR) against chlorpyrifos- (CPF-) induced renal impairments. CPF induced kidney dysfunction, as demonstrated by changes in serum creatinine and urea levels. Moreover, CPF exposure induced oxidative stress in the kidneys as determined by increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, decreased glutathione content, decreased catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, and decreased nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factor expression. In addition, CPF induced inflammation in renal tissue as evidenced by increased release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1βand upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, CPF promoted cell death as demonstrated by decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax and caspase-3 levels. Treatment with RBR one hour prior to CPF treatment blocked the effects observed in response to CPF alone. Our results suggest that RBR could be used to alleviate CPF-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities.
The Anticancer Activity of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide by Inhibiting Autophagy in Human Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zeng Meihua , Kong Qingtao , Liu Fang , Chen Jun , Sang Hong
Published: November 2019

Objective. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma A431 cells in vitro and in vivo via its regulation on autophagy. Methods. In vitro experiment: A431 cells were treated with different concentrations of LBP, and cell viability was measured by the CCK8 method. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis rate. The expression of Ki67, PCNA, cl-caspase-3, Bcl-2, and LC3II and the phosphorylation status of JNK and ERK1/2, as well as the effect of SP600125 cotreatment on the expression of autophagy and apoptosis-associated proteins, were determined via Western blot. In vivo experiment: a transplanted tumor model was established by subcutaneous injection of A431 cells to the nude mice. 50 mg/kg LBP was injected into the mice intraperitoneally; the survival rate of mice, volume, and weight of tumor were determined on the 30th day. The expression of Ki67 and MMP-2 proteins was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results. LBP at concentrations of 400 μg/ml and above was significantly cytotoxic to A431 cells, whereas, within the dose range of 50 μg/ml~200 μg/ml, LBP significantly inhibited the expression of Ki67 and PCNA proteins, promoted the expression of cl-caspase-3, inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 protein, downregulated the expression of autophagy marker LC3II, and reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, whereas the level of JNK phosphorylation was upregulated. At the same time, the regulation of Beclin1, LC3II, Bcl-2, and cl-caspase-3 by LBP was effectively reversed by the cotreatment of SP600125. In addition, LBP increased the survival rate of transplanted nude mice, reduced tumor volume and weight, and downregulated the expression of Ki67 and MMP-2. Conclusion. LBP can induce apoptosis of A431 cells by inhibiting autophagy and can inhibit tumor growth in vivo.
Blueberry Attenuates Liver Fibrosis, Protects Intestinal Epithelial Barrier, and Maintains Gut Microbiota Homeostasis
Authors: Yan Zhiqiang , Yang Fang , Hong Zhu , Wang Shishun , Jinjuan Zhang , Han Bing , Xie Rujia , Leng Feiyun , Yang Qin
Published: November 2019

Objective. Recently, blueberry has been identified as a candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Given the role of gut-liver axis in liver fibrosis and the importance of the gut microbiota homeostasis to the maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier, this study aimed to investigate whether blueberry could attenuate liver fibrosis and protect the intestinal epithelial barrier by maintaining the homeostasis of the gut microbiota.Method. A CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis model was used to detect the roles of blueberry in liver fibrosis and intestinal epithelial barrier. The liver weight and body weight were measured, the liver function was monitored by ALT and AST activity, protein and mRNA were determined by western blot and RT-qPCR, and the gut microbiome was detected by Miseq.Results. The results showed that blueberry could reduce the rate of liver weight/body weight gain (p<0.05), ALT (p<0.01) and AST (p<0.05) activity, and the expression of collagen I (p<0.01), collagen IV (p<0.01), andα-SMA (p<0.01) expression in CCl4-induced rat liver. CCl4impaired the intestinal epithelial barrier and decreased the expression of the tight junction protein. Blueberry restored the intestinal epithelial barrier and increased the expression of the tight junction protein. The gut microbiota homeostasis was impaired by CCl4, but after treatment with blueberry, the intestinal flora returned to normal.Conclusion. Blueberry attenuated liver fibrosis, protected intestinal epithelial barrier, and maintained the homeostasis of the gut microbiota in a CCl4-induced injury rat model.
Risk Analysis of Emergency Based on Fuzzy Evidential Reasoning
Authors: Qiao Xiaojiao , Shi Dan
Published: November 2019

Risk analysis of emergency is vital to effective emergency management. However, conventional analysis is challenged by the emerging problems as risk of emergency appearing increasingly complicated. The risk attributes of emergency originate in complicated sources, and their information is always incomplete. To ensure the efficiency and stability of emergency risk analysis, we proposed an elaborative approach composed of structural description framework and fuzzy evidential reasoning. Firstly, the risk attributes are identified by structural description framework. The information as evidence is obtained and normalized for further analysis. Secondly, risk analysis model with fuzzy evidential reasoning is constructed, and risk grade is evaluated. Finally, a certain railway project accident is taken as an example to test the model and some managerial insights are demonstrated. An approach combining structural description framework and fuzzy evidential reasoning model is feasible and effective; furthermore, it provides stable support for emergency risk analysis.
Chemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Hulls of Prunus dulcis Nuts
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Nasimullah , Numonov Sodik , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: November 2019

Researchers have shown that the almond hulls, normally wasted after utilization of nuts, contain a number of biologically active compounds based on which the present study has been carried out. Focus is placed on the mass spectrometric determination of the analytes along with the estimation of total polyphenolic and total flavonoid contents in the 70% ethanol extract. After partitioning the 70% ethanol extract in hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water, all the extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities. The results delivered total polyphenolic compounds as gallic acid equivalents (1% w/w) of the dried extract and total flavonoid contents as quercetin equivalents (0.2% w/w) of the dried extract. Mass spectrometric analysis resulted in the identification of 15 compounds containing various derivatives of (epi)catechin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and their glycosides, ursolic acid, amygdalactone, and benzoic acid derivatives. Antioxidant activity experiments showed that highest activity was found in n-butanol extract among the studied samples with IC50 value as 76.04 μg/ml, while hexane and chloroform extracts were active against the PTP1B enzyme with IC50 values 9.66 μg/ml and 37.95 μg/ml, respectively. Hexane and chloroform fractions were active against Staphylococcus aureus with the zone of inhibition diameter 9 mm and 12 mm, respectively.
Diversity of Interaction Solutions of a Shallow Water Wave Equation
Authors: Yu Jian-Ping , Ma Wen-Xiu , Ren Bo , Sun Yong-Li , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we study the diversity of interaction solutions of a shallow water wave equation, the generalized Hirota–Satsuma–Ito (gHSI) equation. Using the Hirota direct method, we establish a general theory for the diversity of interaction solutions, which can be applied to generate many important solutions, such as lumps and lump‐soliton solutions. This is an interesting feature of this research. In addition, we prove this new model is integrable in Painlevé sense. Finally, the diversity of interactive wave solutions of the gHSI is graphically displayed by selecting specific parameters. All the obtained results can be applied to the research of fluid dynamics.
Unusual Case of Localized Upper Limbs and Truncal Edema Associated with Fever, Anemia, and Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Tinawi Mohammad
Published: November 2019

The patient is a 75-year-old man who presented with right arm pain, edema, and erythema. The same manifestations appeared in the other arm 3 weeks later. He also developed fever, acute kidney injury, anemia, and truncal edema. Initial extensive evaluation was unrevealing. He was noted to have elevated creatine kinase, and a diagnostic muscle biopsy lead to diagnosis of inflammatory myositis. He improved with corticosteroids.
Acute Effect of High-Intensity Interval Cycling on Carotid Arterial Stiffness and Hemodynamics
Authors: Yuan Wenxue , Liu Haibin , Luan Zhilin , Zhao Zhinan , Shen Bingyi
Published: November 2019

Background. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) contributes to be one of the leading causes of death in the population worldwide. Carotid arterial stiffness and local hemodynamics are associated with the occurrence and development of CVD. Therefore, understanding the alterations of human carotid arterial stiffness and hemodynamics is of great clinical value in the prevention and treatment of CVD. Objective. In this study, we aimed to investigate the acute effect of high-intensity interval cycling (HIIC) on carotid arterial stiffness and hemodynamics in sedentary. Methods. Thirty volunteered healthy sedentary males were enrolled in this study. HIIC intervention (3 sets, 20 s per set) was performed individually. A color Doppler ultrasound was applied to detect the images of the arterial inner diameters and center-line velocity waveforms at the right common carotid artery at different time points (at rest, 3 min, 15 min, and 30 min) after HIIC. Synchronously, electronic manometer was used to measure the systolic and diastolic pressures at the left brachial artery. Results. Arterial stiffness increased and arterial diameter decreased significantly after acute HIIC. The variation in stiffness persisted for 30 min, at least 15 min longer than the change in diameter. At 3 min after exercise, maximum and mean wall shear stresses (WSS) increased and minimum WSS was also higher than the resting value. At 30 min after exercise, WSS returned to the baseline, but oscillating shear index was still higher than the resting value. Conclusions. In summary, arterial stiffness and hemodynamics changed significantly not only at 3 min but also at 30 min after acute HIIC.
Parallel LSTM‐Based Regional Integrated Energy System Multienergy Source‐Load Information Interactive Energy Prediction
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Liming , Ma Hengrui , Wang Hongxia , Wan Shaohua
Published: November 2019

The multienergy interaction characteristic of regional integrated energy systems can greatly improve the efficiency of energy utilization. This paper proposes an energy prediction strategy for multienergy information interaction in regional integrated energy systems from the perspective of horizontal interaction and vertical interaction. Firstly, the multienergy information coupling correlation of the regional integrated energy system is analyzed, and the horizontal interaction and vertical interaction mode are proposed. Then, based on the long short‐term memory depth neural network time series prediction, parallel long short‐term memory multitask learning model is established to achieve horizontal interaction among multienergy systems and based on user‐driven behavioral data to achieve vertical interaction between source and load. Finally, uncertain resources composed of wind power, photovoltaic, and various loads on both sides of source and load integrated energy prediction are achieved. The simulation results of the measured data show that the interactive parallel prediction method proposed in this article can effectively improve the prediction effect of each subtask.
Determination of Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) Leaf Extraction Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology to Optimize Extraction Yield and Antioxidant Content
Authors: Kim Sera , Ko Seok-Chun , Kim Yoon-Sook , Ha Sang-Keun , Park Ho-Young , Park Yongkon , Lee Sang-Hoon
Published: November 2019

Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) has been used as a functional food material, but other parts of it such as leaves are wasted as a byproduct. This work concentrated on developing turmeric leaves as a functional food material by establishing its optimal extraction condition. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize turmeric leaf extraction conditions. Turmeric leaves were pulled out with water and ethanol (10, 30, and 50%). Then, total phenolic compound content, total flavonoid content, and radical-scavenging activity of each extract were quantified to confirm the optimal extracting solvent. According to the results, water was the most efficient solvent to extract antioxidant contents such as total phenolic compounds (3.65 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (4.99 ± 0.17 mg QCE/g) content. Radical-scavenging activity was also higher in water extract compared with others such as DPPH (51.10 ± 2.29%), H2O2 (25.39 ± 2.69%), and ABTS (91.08 ± 0.15%). Central composite design was applied to confirm the effect of independent variables such as temperature (X1) and time (X2) to the yield (Y1). After conducting experiments, the extraction condition was established as 150 min with 1 : 25 ratio at 85°C with a 15.58% yield. Proximate compositions of the extract were determined to suggest background data for further research. In conclusion, this study confirmed the antioxidant property of turmeric leaves and developed the optimal extraction condition of the leaves to promote its application in food industry as a new food source.
Imbalance of Homocysteine and H2S: Significance, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Promise in Vascular Injury
Authors: Yang Qin , He Guo-Wei
Published: November 2019

While the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in cardiovascular pathogenesis continuously draws attention, deficiency of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been growingly implicated in cardiovascular diseases. Generation of H2S is closely associated with the metabolism of homocysteine via key enzymes such as cystathionineβ-synthase (CBS) and cystathionineγ-lyase (CSE). The level of homocysteine and H2S is regulated by each other. Metabolic switch in the activity of CBS and CSE may occur with a resultant operating preference change of these enzymes in homocysteine and H2S metabolism. This paper presented an overview regarding (1) linkage between the metabolism of homocysteine and H2S, (2) mutual regulation of homocysteine and H2S, (3) imbalance of homocysteine and H2S in cardiovascular disorders, (4) mechanisms underlying the protective effect of H2S against homocysteine-induced vascular injury, and (5) the current status of homocysteine-lowering and H2S-based therapies for cardiovascular disease. The metabolic imbalance of homocysteine and H2S renders H2S/homocysteine ratio a potentially reliable biomarker for cardiovascular disease and development of drugs or interventions targeting the interplay between homocysteine and H2S to maintain the endogenous balance of these two molecules may hold an even bigger promise for management of vascular disorders than targeting homocysteine or H2S alone.
Simultaneous Determination of Night Effective Constituents and Correlation Analysis of Multiconstituents and Antiplatelet Aggregation Bioactivity In Vitro in Chuanxiong Rhizoma Subjected to Different Decoction Times
Authors: Zhang Peihua , Chen Linming , Wang Xiaoxiao , Chen Jinpei , Xu Shungui , Ye Ling , Yao Yixin
Published: November 2019

Several effective constituents, such as vanillin, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H, coniferyl ferulate, Z-ligustilide, butylphthalide, senkyunolide A, and levistilide A, are unstable and possess mutual transformation relationships in Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR). Traditional Chinese medicine mainly involves decoction, and the content of effective constituents and antiplatelet aggregation bioactivity (AAB) in CR may vary with different decoction time (10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, and 60 min). Here, we showed that coniferyl ferulate and levistilide A were detected in CR material, but not in the decoction. The effective components possessed transformation and degradation in CR decoction of different times. The effective components and the strength of AAB at 10 and 20 minutes were the strongest, followed by 30–50 minutes, and 60 minutes were the weakest by analysis of SIMCA-PLS in CR decoction of different times. In the Pearson correlation analysis, there were correlations (P<0.05) between effective components, which were ferulic acid and senkyunolide I (coefficient was 0.976), ferulic acid and senkyunolide H (coefficient was 0.972), senkyunolide I and senkyunolide H (coefficient was 0.982), senkyunolide A and butylphthalide (coefficient was 0.974), senkyunolide A and Z-ligustilide (coefficient was 0.947), and butylphthalide and Z-ligustilide (coefficient was 0.993). Effective components (ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, and senkyunolide H) and AAB were correlated and the Pearson correlation coefficients were respectively 0.965, 0.973, and 0.999. In the stepwise regression analysis, senkyunolide H and senkyunolide I were correlated with AAB (P<0.05). Senkyunolide H (H) was positively correlated with AAB, senkyunolide I (I) was negatively correlated with AAB, and its expression was AAB = 1.187 ∗ H − 0.199 ∗ I − 0.422. These findings indicate that there are some correlations between effective components and AAB in CR.
High Lipoprotein(a) Level Is Independently Associated with Adverse Clinicopathological Features in Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Fang-Ming , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2019

Background. The effect of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) on prostate cancer (PCa) is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum Lp(a) levels and clinicopathological features in patients with PCa. Methods. A total of 376 consecutive pathologically diagnosed PCa patients were enrolled and were classified as a low-intermediate-risk group or a high-risk group. The association of Lp(a) and the other lipid parameters including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and remnant cholesterol (RC) with clinicopathological parameters was tested by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results. The high-risk PCa patients tended to have higher Lp(a) levels (p=0.022) while there was no significant difference regarding the other lipid parameters (p>0.05) compared to low-intermediate-risk counterparts. Patients with PSA≥100 ng/ml had significantly higher Lp(a) levels than subjects with PSA<100 ng/ml (p=0.002). Univariate logistic regression analyses revealed that high Lp(a) levels were correlated with high-risk PCa (Q4 vs. Q1, HR=2.687, 95% CI: 1.113-6.491, p=0.028), while the other lipid parameters were not correlated with high-risk PCa. In the stepwise multivariate regression analysis, the association between Lp(a) levels and high-risk PCa remained significant (Q4 vs. Q1,HR=2.890, 95% CI: 1.148-7.274, p=0.024) after adjusting for confounding factors including age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and lipid-lowering drugs. Conclusions. This is the first study showing the positive association between high Lp(a) and adverse clinicopathological features of PCa. PCa patients with high Lp(a) tends to be more aggressive and should receive more attention in clinical practice.
Myeloid Sarcoma That Infiltrated a Preexisting Sebaceous Lymphadenoma in the Parotid Gland: Diagnostic Challenges and Literature Review
Authors: Jo Sunmi , Shim Hye-kyung , Kim Joo Yeon , Bae Sang Kyun , Kim Mi Ra
Published: November 2019

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rarely encountered extramedullary localized tumor that is composed of immature myeloid cells. We reported an extremely rare case of MS with concurrent bone marrow (BM) involvement that invaded into a preexisting sebaceous lymphadenoma in the parotid gland and neck lymph nodes. Prompted by this case, we also present a literature review of MS invasion into salivary glands. A 62-year-old man was initially diagnosed with carcinoma that arose in a sebaceous lymphadenoma in the parotid gland, through a total parotidectomy with neck dissection. After an extensive histopathological review that included immunohistochemistry, a pathologic diagnosis of MS with infiltration into the sebaceous lymphadenoma with concurrent BM involvement was confirmed. MS is difficult to diagnose accurately; herein, we analyzed the clinical presentations and effectiveness of the various diagnostic methods with a review of the literature. There are 17 cases, including our case, reported in 13 studies. Of the cases in which the salivary glands were affected, 10 involved the parotid gland, six involved the submandibular gland, and one involved both. Isolated invasion of the salivary gland was found in one case of parotid gland invasion and three cases of submandibular gland invasion. In 13 cases, the salivary glands were affected by various other lesions. Although there were no incidences of isolated MS, six patients were diagnosed with secondary MS and eight patients with MS with BM involvement, including this case. The diagnosis of MS is difficult given its rarity, and a high index of suspicion and integrated radiologic and careful histopathologic evaluation are required. Most cases of MS infiltrating the salivary gland might be indicated by the possibility of BM involvement. MS with BM involvement predicts poor prognosis and the need for intensive systemic treatment.
Antidrug Antibodies Against Immune Checkpoint Blockers: Impairment of Drug Efficacy or Indication of Immune Activation?
Authors: Enrico Diego , Paci Angelo , Chaput Nathalie , Karamouza Eleni , Besse Benjamin
Published: November 2019

The generation of antibodies following exposure to therapeutic drugs has been widely studied, however in oncology, data in relation to their clinical relevance are limited. Antidrug antibodies (ADAs) can cause a decrease in the amount of drug available, resulting in some cases in decreased antitumor activity and a consequent impact on clinical outcomes. Several immunologic factors can influence the development of ADAs, and in addition, the sensitivity of the different testing methods used in different studies can vary, representing an additional potential confounding factor. The reported frequency of ADA-positive patients following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors varies from as low as 1.5% for pembrolizumab to 54% for atezolizumab. This latter drug is the only immune checkpoint inhibitor to have undergone an expanded analysis of the clinical implications of ADAs, but with discordant results. Given that immune checkpoint inhibitors can modify the immune response and potentially impact ADA formation, data from published as well as prospective trials need to be evaluated for a better understanding of the clinical implications of ADAs in this setting.
Multiple Chronic Conditions and Functional Outcome after Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Xiaqing , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Cigolle Christine T. , Claflin Edward S. , Lisabeth Lynda D.
Published: November 2019

Background: Multiple chronic conditions (MCC) contribute to functional disability in the general population although its role in predicting functional outcome (FO) among patients with stroke is not well understood. There is no universal agreement on the approach to measuring MCC in stroke, and findings have been mixed regarding MCC being an independent predictor for poststroke FO. Objectives: This review aims to summarize the findings of studies that have investigated the relationship between MCC and FO after ischemic stroke using a MCC index. Method: PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for studies conducted among ischemic stroke patients that have examined the adjusted association between prestroke MCC and FO. The quality of the included studies was appraised using a risk of bias (RoB) assessment checklist. A meta-analysis was performed for the association between MCC and FO using a random effects model to estimate the overall pooled ORs. Results: Twelve of the 18 studies included were hospital-based cohort studies, with a median RoB score of 4.75 points (range 1–9, higher scores for higher RoB). Studies predominantly used the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), or the Modified CCI to measure MCC burden, and the modified Rankin scale to measure FO. Half of the studies reported a significant negative association between MCC and FO, which was also found by the meta-analysis with a pooled OR of 1.11 (95% CI 1.05–1.18). Conclusions: The current review supports that increased MCC is associated with worse poststroke FO although population-based studies of this association are lacking. Future research should aim to develop more refined measures of MCC that consider the severity and interactions of comorbid conditions reflective of the broader stroke population and to understand the relationship between MCC and poststroke FO with thorough adjustment for confounding factors.
Early Surgery in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Is a Better Option than Prolonged Conservative Treatment
Authors: Kroesen Anton J.
Published: November 2019

Early surgery is a very important aspect of treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. In Crohn’s disease, early surgery should be performed in emergencies, in refractory courses, and in special cases at the beginning of the disease if there is a stenosis limited to the terminal ileum. In ulcerative colitis, prolonged therapy with extended application of all available substances should be avoided. Every therapy with more than 2 biologicals endangers the patient. Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) should also be resected earlier due to a 23% risk of synchronous and metachronous high-grade IEN or cancer.
A Literatura coreana no Brasil: quadro atual e desafios
Authors: Park Yun Jung Im
Published: November 2019

O presente estudo tem como ponto de par tida um levantamento do que foi produzido em matéria de literatura coreana no Brasil – traduções e trabalhos acadêmicos – , buscando r efletir algumas questões que a circundam e a impactam. Apesar das iniciativas em tradução que datam da década de 80, a literatura coreana no Brasil permanece um campo virtualmente inexplorado, e o recente interesse dos editores – impulsionado pela visibil idade do país no cenário mundial e o Prêmio Internacional Man Booker 2016 concedido para A vegetariana de Han Kang – se depara com a falta de tradutores qualificados. Tais iniciativas, financiadas em quase sua totalidade pelo Literature Translation Institu te of Korea (LTI Korea), têm sido esparsas e díspares, além de dissonantes entre si e em relação a um possível público leitor. Isso porque a literatura infantil coreana, que colheu algum resultado junto ao mercado brasileiro, não é contemplada pela referid a entidade de fomento, o mesmo ocorrendo com a literatura juvenil, a qual teria nos fãs de K - pop um potencial público leitor. Somem - se a isso os problemas cada vez mais graves do mercado editorial brasileiro, a inexistência de tradutores qualificados e uma teia conflitante de fatores que dificultam os passos iniciais da literatura coreana no Brasil.
Determining the Predominant Lesion in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis and Coronary Stenoses
Authors: Ahmad Yousif , Vendrik Jeroen , Eftekhari Ashkan , Howard James P. , Cook Christopher , Rajkumar Christopher , Malik Iqbal , Mikhail Ghada , Ruparelia Neil , Hadjiloizou Nearchos , Nijjer Sukhjinder , Al-Lamee Rasha , Petraco Ricardo , Warisawa Takayuki , Wijntjens Gilbert W.M. , Koch Karel T. , van de Hoef Tim , de Waard Guus , Echavarria-Pinto Mauro , Frame Angela , Sutaria Nilesh , Kanaganayagam, Gajen , Ariff Ben , Anderson Jon , Chukwuemeka, Andrew , Fertleman Michael , Koul Sasha , Iglesias Juan F. , Francis Darrel , Mayet Jamil , Serruys Patrick , Davies Justin , Escaned Javier , van Royen Niels , Götberg Matthias , Juhl Terkelsen Christian , Høj Christiansen Evald , Piek Jan J. , Baan Jan , Sen Sayan
Published: November 2019

Background:

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) often have coronary artery disease. Both the aortic valve and the coronary disease influence the blood flow to the myocardium and its ability to respond to stress; leading to exertional symptoms. In this study, we aim to quantify the effect of severe AS on the coronary microcirculation and determine if this is influenced by any concomitant coronary disease. We then compare this to the effect of coronary stenoses on the coronary microcirculation.

Methods:

Group 1: 55 patients with severe AS and intermediate coronary stenoses treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were included. Group 2: 85 patients with intermediate coronary stenoses and no AS treated with percutaneous coronary intervention were included. Coronary pressure and flow were measured at rest and during hyperemia in both groups, before and after TAVI (group 1) and before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (group 2).

Results:

Microvascular resistance over the wave-free period of diastole increased significantly post-TAVI (pre-TAVI, 2.71±1.4 mm Hg·cm·s
−1
versus post-TAVI 3.04±1.6 mm Hg·cm·s
−1
[
P
=0.03]). Microvascular reserve over the wave-free period of diastole significantly improved post-TAVI (pre-TAVI 1.88±1.0 versus post-TAVI 2.09±0.8 [
P
=0.003]); this was independent of the severity of the underlying coronary stenosis. The change in microvascular resistance post-TAVI was equivalent to that produced by stenting a coronary lesion with an instantaneous wave-free ratio of ≤0.74.

Conclusions:

TAVI improves microcirculatory function regardless of the severity of underlying coronary disease. TAVI for severe AS produces a coronary hemodynamic improvement equivalent to the hemodynamic benefit of stenting coronary stenoses with instantaneous wave-free ratio values <0.74. Future trials of physiology-guided revascularization in severe AS may consider using this value to guide treatment of concomitant coronary artery disease.
Audiences of the International Criminal Court
Authors: Nerlich Volker
Published: November 2019

The International Criminal Court (‘icc’), just as any other court of law, has several audiences, which include the parties and participants to the proceedings, the legal community and the general public. Based on typologies developed for other courts, this paper seeks to identify categories of audiences of the icc. The identification of such categories may be helpful in understanding reactions to the Court’s work. It may also be a tool in identifying priority audiences for the Court and in managing expectations. Furthermore, identifying audiences potentially may help to explain why certain decisions are taken.