bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoption of a Newly Introduced Dermal Matrix: Preliminary Experience and Future Directions
Authors: Lisa Andrea Vittorio Emanuele , Galtelli Leonardo , Vinci Valeriano , Veronesi Alessandra , Cozzaglio Luca , Cananzi Ferdinando Carlo Maria , Sicoli Federico , Klinger Marco
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) products are adopted in the management of injuries to soft tissues. ADMs have been increasingly employed for their clinical advantages, and they are acquiring relevance in the future of plastic surgery. The aim of our study is to evaluate the application of ADMs in our patients who could not undergo fast reconstruction. Materials and Methods. We performed a retrospective study on 12 patients who underwent ADM placement for scalp and limb surgical reconstructions at the Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milano), Italy. Wounds resulted from 9 tumor resections and 3 chronic ulcers. The ADM substrate used to treat these lesions was PELNAC™ (Gunze, Japan), a double‐layered matrix composed of atelocollagen porcine tendon and silicon reinforcement. All patients underwent a second surgical operation to complete the treatment with a full‐thickness skin graft to cover the lesion. Results. In this study, 12 patients were treated with PELNAC™: 11 out of 12 patients showed a good attachment over a median time of 21.3 days (range 14‐27). After almost 23 days, all patients were ready to undergo a full‐thickness skin grafting. Conclusion. This study assesses the benefits of PELNAC™ and proposes this method as an alternative to traditional approaches, especially in situations where the latter techniques cannot be applied.
Pharmacogenetic Association between XRCC1 Polymorphisms and Response to Platinum‐Based Chemotherapy in Asian Patients with NSCLC: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ningning , Ouyang Yushu , Chang Jianlan , Liu Ping , Tian Xiangyang , Yu Junyan
Published: October 2020

Background. Platinum‐based chemotherapy plays an antitumor role by damaging DNA. X‐ray repair crosscomplementing protein 1 (XRCC1) participates in DNA repair and thus affects the sensitivity to platinum drugs. Two polymorphisms of XRCC1, rs25487 (Arg399Gln) and rs1799782 (Arg194Trp), have been widely studied for the association with clinical outcomes of platinum‐based chemotherapy in Asian patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the results remain inconclusive. Thus, we performed the present meta‐analysis. Methods. Literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE up to June 2019. Odds ratios (ORs) for objective response ratio (ORR), Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) of overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS), and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the association strengths between XRCC1 polymorphisms and clinical outcomes. Comparisons were performed in homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive models. Results. Finally, a total of 23 studies involving 5567 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared to ArgArg of rs25487, GlnGln (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.16‐2.52, p = .007, I2 = 56.8%) and GlnArg (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.40, p = .003, I2 = 29.0%) were associated with higher ORR. Meanwhile, GlnGln indicated a favorable OS (HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40‐0.88) and PFS (HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46‐0.90). We also found positive associations between rs1799782 and ORR in all comparison models with low between‐study heterogeneity. The association strength increased with the number of variant alleles (TrpTrp vs. ArgArg: OR = 1.73, 95% CI:1.31‐2.27; TrpArg vs. ArgArg: OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.55), suggesting a gene dosage effect. In addition, TrpTrp predicted a longer OS. Conclusion. Our results showed that rs25487 and rs1799782 of XRCC1 are potential markers to predict clinical outcomes of platinum‐based chemotherapy in Asian patients with NSCLC.
Differential Expression of miR-136 in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Mediates the High-Glucose-Induced Trophoblast Cell Injury through Targeting E2F1
Authors: Zhang Chunxia , Wang Li , Chen Jinfeng , Song Fei , Guo Yuzhen
Published: October 2020

Background. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) seriously affects the health of mothers and infants. The high-glucose-induced inhibition in trophoblast cell viability is an important event in GDM pathogenesis. This study evaluated the expression and clinical significance of miR-136 in GDM patients, and the biological function and related mechanisms of miR-136 in the regulation of trophoblast cell proliferation were explored. Methods. The expression of miR-136 in serum and placenta of GDM patients was measured using quantitative Real-Time PCR. Trophoblast cells were stimulated with high-glucose medium to mimic the pathological changes of GDM, and the effect of miR-136 was examined by CCK-8 assay. A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the target gene of miR-136, and the relationship of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) with miR-136 in GDM was further analyzed. Results. miR-136 expression was significantly elevated in GDM serum and tissue samples. By high-glucose treatment, trophoblast cell proliferation was inhibited and miR-136 expression was promoted. The knockdown of miR-136 could promote the proliferation of trophoblast cells exposed to high glucose, whereas the overexpression of miR-136 could suppress it. In addition, E2F1 was identified as a target gene of miR-136, which could mediate the regulatory effect of miR-136 on trophoblast cell proliferation. Conclusion. Collectively, miR-136 expression is increased in both serum and placental tissues in GDM patients, and miR-136 mediates the inhibiting effect of high glucose on trophoblast cell viability by targeting E2F1.
Mechanical Characteristics and Failure Mechanism of Siltstone with Different Joint Thickness
Authors: Li Huigui , Yang Zhengkai , Li Huamin
Published: October 2020

The mechanics of rock mass is significantly affected by joints, but many existing studies of jointed rocks make simplifications that do not consider the joint thickness. To further study the influence of joint thickness on rock mechanics (mechanical properties, failure mechanism, damage model, etc.), we fabricated jointed siltstone specimens with different joint thickness (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) and the specimens were subjected to uniaxial compression tests. The effects of joint thickness on the uniaxial compression strength (UCS), the strain at UCS, the elastic modulus, and the stress‐strain curves were thus analyzed. For the stress‐strain curve, with rising joint thickness, the upper concave in the initial compression stage intensified, the slope of the stress‐strain in the elastic stage decreased, and the sudden stress drop after peak strength became more obvious. Both the peak compression strength and the elastic modulus gradually decreased with rising joint thickness, but a positive correlation was found between the strain at UCS and the joint thickness.
Effects of Workplace-Related Factors on the Prevalence of Fibromyalgia among Israeli Kindergarten Teachers
Authors: Buskila Yafa , Chen-Levi Tamar , Buskila Dan , Jacob Giris , Ablin Jacob J.
Published: October 2020

Background. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a chronic widespread pain disorder, has been associated with various models of stress, including those that are workplace-related. In a previous study, we have documented the significantly increased prevalence of FMS among schoolteachers, as well as correlating symptoms with stressful workplace-related factors. In the current study, we have focused on the specific population of kindergarten teachers and attempted to document both the prevalence of FMS symptoms among this group and the association with stress and symptoms of posttrauma. Methods. All participants in the study were working as kindergarten teachers in Israel at the time of the study. Participants responded to a questionnaire documenting FMS symptom, which included the widespread pain index (WPI) and symptom severity scale (SSS), which together constitute the suggested American College of Rheumatology (ACR) FMS diagnostic criteria. Additional items on the questionnaire documented work motivation and performance, the occurrence of workplace-related stressful events, and the presence of posttraumatic symptoms. Results. 242 participants were recruited to the current study, including 239 (98.8%) females and 3 (1.2%) males. 62 individuals (25.6%) were found to fulfill ACR FMS criteria. Significant differences in work performance were found between teachers fulfilling FMS criteria compared with those not fulfilling criteria. Thus, FMS-positive teachers reported significantly higher rates of missing workdays, leaving work early, and a lower quality of interaction with children in the kindergarten and with peers and supervisors. Motivation to work was also significantly lower among these individuals. The widespread pain index (WPI) and symptom severity scale (SSS), which together constitute the components of the FMS diagnostic criteria, were positively correlated with both stress and posttraumatic symptoms. In addition, widespread pain, disordered sleep, difficulty with concentration, and other FMS symptoms were strongly correlated with many specific stressful factors at the workplace, including the number of children in the kindergarten, interaction with parents, lack of optimal physical conditions in the classrooms, and various demands on behalf of the educational system. Conclusion. FMS symptoms were found to be highly prevalent among Israeli kindergarten teachers, at a rate that greatly exceeds the prevalence in the general Israeli population. Stressful work-related events appear to be positively associated with the occurrence of FMS symptoms and may serve as triggers for their development. Healthcare professionals treating individuals engaged in this occupation should be vigilant for the occurrence of symptoms that are clinically associated with FMS and overlapping functional disorders.
A Computational Model of the Brain Cortex and Its Synchronization
Authors: Kbah Sadeem Nabeel Saleem
Published: October 2020

Obtaining the computational models for the functioning of the brain gives us a chance to understand the brain functionality thoroughly. This would help the development of better treatments for neurological illnesses and disorders. We created a cortical model using Python language using the Brian simulator. The Brian simulator is specialized in simulating the neuronal connections and synaptic interconnections. The dynamic connection model has multiple parameters in order to ensure an accurate simulation (Bowman, 2016). We concentrated on the connection weights and studied their effect on the interactivity and connectivity of the cortical neurons in the same cortical layer and across multiple layers. As synchronization helps us to measure the degree of correlation between two or more neuronal groups, the synchronization between the neuronal groups, which are connected across layers, is considered. Despite its obvious importance, there are no sufficient studies concerned about the synchronization in the simulated cortical models. Such studies can help in examining the hypothesis and the dynamical behavior of the simulated model. In this paper, we simulated a cortical model and dynamical behavior and then studied the effect of input noise on its internal neuronal networks and their synchronization.
The Development Law of the Freezing Temperature Field of a Calcareous Clay Layer
Authors: Wang Zhi , Rong Chuanxin , Du Meng , Ma Maoyan , Liu Xiangyang
Published: October 2020

The problem of “difficult” freezing of the calcareous clay layer fractures in freezing pipes has been investigated. Based on the engineering background of the deep calcareous clay in the Yangcun Mine, model tests were carried out in order to conduct in-depth research on the development law of the freezing temperature field of this clay layer. The test results have shown that the calcareous clay has a freezing point of −1.3°C under the action of both the water and the soil’s chemistry and the supercooling temperature can be as low as −3.8°C because of its complex mineral composition causing poor thermal conductivity. This means that the calcareous clay will freeze slowly than the other layers of the soil. The time taking for the temperature fields to intersect is 2.5 h, which is equivalent to 127.6 days in the actual engineering. In the three sections, each temperature measurement point in the temperature field had an irregular saddle shape in the temperature space at the same time, and the ratio of the time between the formation and total melting of the frozen wall was 1 : 1.91. The development speed of the thickness of the frozen wall from 5 h to 16 h was 17.9 mm/h, and the development speed from 16 h to 70 h was 1.96 mm/h; corresponding to the actual development speed of the thickness of the frozen wall which were 0.0123 m/d and 0.0014 m/d, respectively. These speeds were significantly slower than the development speed of the thickness of the freezing wall of the general sandy clay layer, which were 0.0515 m/d in the early stage and 0.02 m/d in the later stage. The thin thickness and low strength of the frozen wall of the calcareous clay layer cause the fracture of the frozen pipes, which should be paid attention to in actual engineering construction.
Peptides from Animal Origin: A Systematic Review on Biological Sources and Effects on Skin Wounds
Authors: Alves Raul Santos , Alves Levy Bueno , Altoé Luciana Schulthais , Sarandy Mariáurea Matias , Freitas Mariella Bontempo , Silveira Nelson José Freitas , Novaes Rômulo Dias , Gonçalves Reggiani Vilela
Published: October 2020

Background. Skin wounds are closely correlated with opportunistic infections and sepsis risk. Due to the need of more efficient healing drugs, animal peptides are emerging as new molecular platforms to accelerate skin wound closure and to prevent and control bacterial infection. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preclinical evidence on the impact of animal peptides on skin wound healing. In addition, we carried out a critical analysis of the studies’ methodological quality. Main Methods. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines, using a structured search on the PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science platforms to retrieve studies published until August 25, 2020 at 3 : 00 pm. The studies included were limited to those that used animal models, investigated the effect of animal peptides with no association with other compounds on wound healing, and that were published in English. Bias analysis and methodological quality assessments were examined through the SYRCLE’s RoB tool. Results. Thirty studies were identified using the PRISMA workflow. In general, animal peptides were effective in accelerating skin wound healing, especially by increasing cellular proliferation, neoangiogenesis, colagenogenesis, and reepithelialization. Considering standardized methodological quality indicators, we identified a marked heterogeneity in research protocols and a high risk of bias associated with limited characterization of the experimental designs. Conclusion. Animal peptides show a remarkable healing potential with biotechnological relevance for regenerative medicine. However, rigorous experimental approaches are still required to clearly delimit the mechanisms underlying the healing effects and the risk-benefit ratio attributed to peptide-based treatments.
An Autophagy-Related Long Noncoding RNA Signature Contributes to Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wei Jingsun , Ge Xiaoxu , Tang Yang , Qian Yucheng , Lu Wei , Jiang Kai , Fang Yimin , Hwang Maxwell , Fu Dongliang , Xiao Qian , Ding Kefeng
Published: October 2020

Purpose. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant primary tumors, prone to metastasis, and associated with a poor prognosis. As autophagy is closely related to the development and treatment of colorectal cancer, we investigated the potential prognostic value of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) associated with autophagy in colorectal cancer. Methods. In this study, we acquired information on the expression of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and found that 860 lncRNAs were associated with autophagy-related genes. Subsequently, univariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate 32 autophagy-related lncRNAs linked to colon cancer prognosis. Subsequently, eight of the 32 autophagy-related lncRNAs (i.e., long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 1503 [LINC01503], ZEB1 antisense RNA 1 [ZEB1-AS1], AC087481.3, AC008760.1, AC073896.3, AL138756.1, AL022323.1, and TNFRSF10A-AS1) were selected through multivariate Cox regression analysis. Based on these autophagy-related lncRNAs, a risk signature was constructed, and the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Results. The high-risk group’s overall survival time was significantly shorter than that of the low-risk group

p
<
0.0001

. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to further confirm the validity of the model (area under the curve: 0.689). Moreover, multivariate regression suggested that the risk score was a significant prognostic risk factor in colorectal cancer. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that these gene sets are significantly enriched in cancer-related pathways, such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling. Conclusion. The risk signature of eight autophagy-related lncRNAs has prognostic potential for colorectal cancer. These autophagy-related lncRNAs may play a vital role in the biology of colorectal cancer.
Epigallocatechin Gallate Effectively Affects Senescence and Anti-SASP via SIRT3 in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes in Comparison with Other Bioactive Substances
Authors: Lilja Stephanie , Oldenburg Julia , Pointner Angelika , Dewald Laura , Lerch Mariam , Hippe Berit , Switzeny Olivier , Haslberger Alexander
Published: October 2020

Aim. We investigated different bioactive compounds including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), anthocyanidin, resveratrol, phloretin, spermidine, butyrate, and β-hydroxybutyrate with regard to their effect on SIRT3 via NRF2 and modulation of the proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in senescence induced 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Methods. For induction of senescence, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were incubated with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for 8 days. Cell cycle inhibition was observed, and β-galactosidase activity was measured. After BrdU treatment, cells were treated with different bioactive compounds in various concentrations for 96 h. ELISA was used for determining proinflammatory cytokine IL6 in SASP cells. Results. CDKN1a increased significantly after BrdU incubation compared to untreated control (

p
<
0.01

). All secondary plant ingredients used for treatment, but not anthocyanidin 50 μM, decrease CDKN1a expression (

p
<
0.05

), whereas most endogenous substances did not attenuate CDKN1a. IL6 secretion positively correlated with CDKN1a (

p
<
0.01

), whereas EGCG could diminish both, IL6 and CDKN1a with the strongest effect (

p
<
0.01

). Although NRF2 positively correlated with SIRT3 activation (

p
<
0.05

), only resveratrol (

p
<
0.01

) and anthocyanidin (

p
<
0.05

) could activate NRF2 significantly. Solely anthocyanidin 50 μM (

p
<
0.05

) and 100 μM (

p
<
0.01

) and EGCG 50 μM (

p
<
0.01

) could increase SIRT3 expression. Activation of SIRT3 with EGCG correlated with lowered IL6 secretion significantly (

p
<
0.05

) but not with anthocyanidin. Conclusion. Accumulation of senescent cells in adipose tissue plays an important role in obesity and age-related diseases. SIRT3, located in the mitochondria, can regulate ROS via different pathways. Thus, targeting SIRT3 activating compounds such as EGCG may delay senescence of cells and senescence induced inflammatory processes.
MUTYH Deficiency Is Associated with Attenuated Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Bleomycin-Induced Model
Authors: Sun Qingmin , Chen Jingwen , Xu Lizhi , Kang Jiaqi , Wu Xin , Ren Yan , Nakabeppu Yusaku , Wang Yaping
Published: October 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible lung disease of unknown etiology with limited survival. IPF incidence and prevalence increase significantly with aging, which is associated with an age-related accumulation of oxidative DNA damage. The Mutyh gene is involved in the base excision repair (BER) system, which is critical for repairing the misincorporated adenine that is opposite to the oxidized guanine base, 8-oxoguanine, and maintaining the fidelity of DNA replication. We used Mutyh knockout mice and a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model to test the effect of MUTYH deficiency on lesion progression. Unexpectedly, a much less severe lesion of pulmonary fibrosis was observed in Mutyh-/- than in Mutyh+/+mice, which was supported by assay on protein levels of TGF-β1 and both fibrotic markers, α-SMA and Vimentin, in pulmonary tissues of the model animals. Mechanically, MUTYH deficiency prevented the genomic DNA of pulmonary tissue cells from the buildup of single-strand breaks (SSBs) of DNA and maintained the integrity of mtDNA. Furthermore, increased mitochondrial dynamic regulation and mitophagy were detected in pulmonary tissues of the bleomycin-induced Mutyh-/- model mice, which could reduce the pulmonary epithelial cell apoptosis. Our results suggested that MUTYH deficiency could even induce protective responses of pulmonary tissue under severe oxidative stress.
Melatonin Alleviates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Guinea Pigs Caused by Different Artificial Light Rhythms
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Yunchao , Chen Qi , Liu Su , Xu Weilong , Shang Wenbin , Wang Lijuan , Yu Jiangyi
Published: October 2020

Modern lifestyle-associated factors, such as high-calorie intake, high-fat diet (HFD), and excessive artificial light, are risk factors for glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances. Melatonin may be beneficial for managing obesity and diabetes; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well elucidated. We aimed to assess whether melatonin has beneficial effects on constant artificial light-induced fat deposition, lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Guinea pigs were randomly divided into five experimental groups: control (C), HFD (H), 12 h light (12HL), 24 h light (24HL), and melatonin (M). The majority of indexes, including insulin resistance and obesity, were measured after 10 weeks. AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) pathway expression was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. Although insulin resistance and obesity indexes were higher in the 24HL group than in the 12HL group, they were significantly lower in the M group than in the 24HL group. Melatonin treatment markedly upregulated AMPKα, phosphorylated AMPKα (p-AMPKα), PPARα, and carnitine palmitoyl-CoA transferase 1 A (CPT1A) gene and protein expression. Melatonin may alleviate insulin resistance and obesity caused by persistent artificial light exposure in guinea pigs, likely via activation of the AMPKα/PPARα signaling pathway.
Lactate Induces Cisplatin Resistance in S. cerevisiae through a Rad4p-Dependent Process
Authors: Amaral Leslie , Mendes Filipa , Côrte-Real Manuela , Sousa Maria João , Chaves Susana Rodrigues
Published: October 2020

Cisplatin is a widely used antineoplastic agent that has DNA as the main target, though cellular resistance hampers its therapeutic efficacy. An emerging hallmark of cancer cells is their altered metabolism, characterized by increased glycolysis even under aerobic conditions, with increased lactate production (known as the Warburg effect). Although this altered metabolism often results in increased resistance to chemotherapy, it also provides an opportunity for targeted therapeutic intervention. It has been suggested that cisplatin cytotoxicity can be affected by tumor metabolism, though with varying effects. We therefore sought to better characterize how lactate affects cisplatin sensitivity in the simplified Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. We show that lactate renders yeast cells resistant to cisplatin, independently of growth rate or respiration ability. We further show that histone acetylation is not affected, but histone phosphorylation is decreased in lactate-containing media. Finally, we show that Rad4p, essential for nucleotide excision repair, is required for the observed phenotype and thus likely underlies the mechanism responsible for lactate-mediated resistance to cisplatin. Overall, understanding how lactate modulates cisplatin sensitivity will aid in the development of new strategies to overcome drug resistance.
Protective Role of Picralima nitida Seed Extract in High-Fat High-Fructose-Fed Rats
Authors: De Campos Opeyemi Christianah , Osaigbovo Daniel Ikpomwosa , Bisi-Adeniyi Titilayo Ifeoluwa , Iheagwam Franklyn Nonso , Rotimi Solomon Oladapo , Chinedu Shalom Nwodo
Published: October 2020

Picralima nitida is a therapeutic herb used in ethnomedicine for the management of several disease conditions including diabetes. This study examined the potential palliative effect of aqueous seed extract of Picralima nitida (APN) on dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and the expression of some metabolic genes in high-fat high-fructose-fed rats. Experimental rats (2 months old) were fed a control diet or a high-fat diet with 25% fructose (HFHF diet) in their drinking water for nine weeks. APN was administered orally during the last four weeks. Anthropometric and antioxidant parameters, lipid profile, plasma glucose, and insulin levels and the relative expression of some metabolic genes were assessed. APN caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in weight gained, body mass index, insulin resistance, plasma glucose, and insulin levels. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly increased (P<0.05), while triacylglycerol, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, cardiac index, atherogenic index, coronary artery index, and malondialdehyde levels in plasma and liver samples were also significantly decreased (P<0.05) by APN at all experimental doses when compared to the group fed with an HFHF diet only. APN also significantly (P<0.05) upregulated the relative expression of glucokinase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), and leptin at 400 mg/kg body weight when compared to the group fed with an HFHF diet only. This study showed that APN alleviated dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidant effect associated with the intake of a high-fat high-fructose diet.
Guided Bone Regeneration with Ammoniomethacrylate‐Based Barrier Membranes in a Radial Defect Model
Authors: Kirmayer David , Grin Ada , Gefter (Shenderovich) Julia , Friedman Michael , Rachmilewitz Jacob , Mosheiff Rami , Kenett Ron , Khoury Amal
Published: October 2020

Large bone defects pose an unsolved challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Our group has previously reported the construction of a barrier membrane made of ammoniomethacrylate copolymer USP (AMCA), which supports the adhesion, proliferation, and osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In this study, we report the use of AMCA membranes to seclude critical segmental defect (~1.0 cm) created in the middle third of rabbit radius and test the efficiency of bone regeneration. Bone regeneration was assessed by radiography, biweekly for 8 weeks. The results were verified by histology and micro‐CT at the end of the follow‐up. The AMCA membranes were found superior to no treatment in terms of new bone formation in the defect, bone volume, callus surface area normalized to total volume, and the number of bone trabeculae, after eight weeks. Additional factors were then assessed, and these included the addition of simvastatin to the membrane, coating the membrane with human MSC, and a combination of those. The addition of simvastatin to the membranes demonstrated a stronger effect at a similar radiological follow‐up. We conclude that AMCA barrier membranes per se and simvastatin delivered in a controlled manner improve bone regeneration outcome.
Clinical Characteristics and Gene Mutation Analysis of the Chinese Han Population with Gitelman Syndrome: 3 Case Reports and a Literature Review
Authors: Li Xueting , Chen Ruofei , Chen Mingwei
Published: October 2020

The present study reported clinical characteristics and the results of gene mutation analysis of 3 Chinese patients with Gitelman syndrome (GS). Three patients manifested with normal blood pressure, recurrent hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. Only case 2 had obvious hypomagnesemia. Gene sequencing showed a compound heterozygous mutation in SCL12A3 in case 1 and a homozygous mutation in SCL12A3 in case 2. Heterozygous mutations in SCL12A3 and CLCNKB were found in case 3. Then, the literature was reviewed. The keyword “Gitelman syndrome” was inputted into the PubMed, Wanfang Database, and CNK to search all Chinese patients with GS diagnosed by gene mutations and to extract complete clinical data from December 1998 to 2018. Finally, a total of 124 cases of GS were included. No significant differences in the levels of serum potassium and magnesium were observed among the different gene mutations, and the serum magnesium levels in adults were lower than those of the juvenile. GS with reduced blood magnesium had a serious clinical phenotype. Therefore, GS had a diverse phenotype, and its final diagnosis required genetic profiling. The relationship of gene mutation and clinical phenotype needed further study.
KIF3C Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Glioma Cells by Activating the PI3K/AKT Pathway and Inducing EMT
Authors: Gao Yang , Zheng Hui , Li Liangdong , Zhou Changshuai , Chen Xin , Zhou Xiaoyan , Cao Yiqun
Published: October 2020

Kinesin superfamily protein 3C (KIF3C), a motor protein of the kinesin superfamily, is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, several studies have suggested that KIF3C may act as a potential therapeutic target in solid tumors. However, the exact function and possible mechanism of the motor protein KIF3C in glioma remain unclear. In this study, a variety of tests including CCK‐8, migration, invasion, and flow cytometry assays, and western blot were conducted to explore the role of KIF3C in glioma cell lines (U87 and U251). We found that overexpression of KIF3C in glioma cell lines promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed apoptosis, while silencing of KIF3C reversed these effects. Ectopic KIF3C also increased the expression of N‐cadherin, vimentin, snail, and slug to promote the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, overexpression of KIF3C increased the levels of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p‐AKT). These responses were reversed by KIF3C downregulation or AKT inhibition. Our results indicate that KIF3C promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibits apoptosis in glioma cells, possibly by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway in vitro. KIF3C might act as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for further basic research or clinical management of glioma.
Aeromonas hydrophila Survives the Treatment of Posttraumatic Cellulitis in the Shelter of an Obscured Fish-Bone Fragment
Authors: Ganiatsa Areti , Gartzonika Constantina , Gaitanis Georgios , Voulgari Paraskevi , Levidiotou-Stefanou Stamatina , Bassukas Ioannis D.
Published: October 2020

Fish bone and/or spine puncture injuries can result in infection of the upper extremities with aquatic bacterial pathogens. Additionally, in such injuries, the inoculation of foreign organic material is frequent and may further complicate the clinical presentation and course of the resulting infection. We describe the case of a 45-year-old female patient with a minimal fish rostrum puncture trauma acquired during preparation of fresh fish meal, which resulted in a galloping hand cellulitis. The alarming clinical presentation and the prompt response of the skin infection to clindamycin obscured the presence of inoculated fish rostrum remnants in the tissue that, three weeks later, gave rise to a foreign body granuloma, from which Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated. Final resolution was achieved with an additional two-week doxycycline treatment. In conclusion, the reported case highlights the potential of the accidentally implanted organic material, as are fish bones, not only to transfer uncommon pathogens but also to offer a sanctuary that favors microbial survival despite antibiotic therapy thus enabling latent or recurrent infections.
Modeling Impact of Land Use Dynamics on Hydrology and Sedimentation of Megech Dam Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Assfaw Abebe Tarko
Published: October 2020

Land use/land cover dynamics change the hydrology and sediment yield of the watershed. This research on how land use dynamics alters catchment hydrology and reservoir sedimentation aids the government to implement appropriate response strategies to minimize undesirable future impacts on the upper Megech dam reservoir. For this study, the impacts were quantified and analyzed through hydrological modeling (SWAT). The overall analysis was performed by using 1998 historical and 2016 recent land use satellite images. The analysis has shown that the cultivated land has increased from 60.69% to 67.17% and urban land from 2.3% to 3.36% between 1998 and 2016. Whereas the grassland area has decreased from 11.42% to 5.33%, plantation forest from 1.84% to 0.9%, and bareland from 3.58% to 2.56%. A comparison of the simulated outputs of the model shows that the mean annual surface runoff for 1998 land use was 251.3 mm and had changed to 316.7 mm in 2016 land use. The mean annual streamflow changed from 150.3 m3/sec to 165.6 m3/sec for 1998 and 2016 land uses, respectively. Similarly, 10.23 t/ha mean annual sediment load gets into Megech dam reservoir in 1998 LULC and was changed to 13.61 t/ha in 2016 LULC. This shows that streamflow, surface runoff, and sediment yield increases by 10.2%, 26.03%, and 33.3% in 2016 land use as compared with 1998 land use. Finally, the most dynamic subbasins that have a significant impact on streamflow and sediment yield were identified. Based on this, subbasins 13, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, and 25 were found to be the most dynamic and change sensitive subbasins that have a significant contribution to the increment of runoff and sediment yield in Megech dam watershed.
Hyperglycemia Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Atrial Cardiomyocytes, and Mitofusin-2 Downregulation Prevents Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Subsequent Cell Death
Authors: Yuan Ming , Gong Mengqi , Zhang Zhiwei , Meng Lei , Tse Gary , Zhao Yungang , Bao Qiankun , Zhang Yue , Yuan Meng , Liu Xing , Li Guangping , Liu Tong
Published: October 2020

Mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction play an important role of atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation (AF) in diabetes mellitus. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been linked to both physiological and pathological states including diabetes. The aim of this project is to explore the roles of ER stress in hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death of atrial cardiomyocytes. High glucose upregulated ER stress, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM)- enriched proteins (such as glucose-regulated protein 75 (GRP75) and mitofusin-2 (Mfn2)) of primary cardiomyocytes in vitro. Sodium phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) prevented the above changes. Silencing of Mfn2 in HL-1 cells decreased the Ca2+ transfer from ER to mitochondria under ER stress conditions, which were induced by the ER stress agonist, tunicamycin (TM). Electron microscopy data suggested that Mfn2 siRNA significantly disrupted ER-mitochondria tethering in ER stress-injured HL-1 cells. Mfn2 silencing attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress and Ca2+ overload, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial oxygen consumption, and protected cells from TM-induced apoptosis. In summary, Mfn2 plays an important role in high glucose-induced ER stress in atrial cardiomyocytes, and Mfn2 silencing prevents mitochondrial Ca2+ overload-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby decreasing ER stress-mediated cardiomyocyte cell death.
Limited Vitrectomy versus Complete Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membranes: A Comparative Multicenter Trial
Authors: Forlini Matteo , Date Purva , D’Eliseo Domenico , Rossini Paolo , Bratu Adriana , Volinia Andrea , Neri Giovanni , Verdina Tommaso , Carbotti Maria Rosaria , Cavallini Gian Maria , Sborgia Luigi , Galeone Alessandra , Imburgia Aurelio , Mularoni Alessandro , Meduri Alessandro
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To evaluate whether limited vitrectomy is as effective as complete vitrectomy in eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and to compare the surgical times and rates of complications. Methods. In this multicentre European study, data of eyes with ERM that underwent vitrectomy from January 2017 to July 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. In the limited vitrectomy group, a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was induced up till the equator as opposed to complete PVD induction till the vitreous base in the comparison group. Incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks, retinal detachment, surgical time, and visual outcomes were compared between groups. Results. We included 139 eyes in the analysis with a mean age being 72.2 ± 6.9 years. In this, sixty-five eyes (47%) underwent limited vitrectomy and 74 eyes (53%) underwent complete vitrectomy. Iatrogenic retinal tears were seen in both groups (5% in limited vitrectomy versus 7% in complete vitrectomy,

p
=
0.49

). Retinal detachment occurred in 2 eyes in the limited vitrectomy group (3%) compared to none in the complete vitrectomy group (

p
=
0.22

). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness improved significantly with no intergroup differences (

p
=
0.18

). Surgical time was significantly shorter in the limited vitrectomy group with 91% surgeries taking less than 1 hour compared to 71% in the complete vitrectomy group (

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. A limited vitrectomy is a time-efficient and effective surgical procedure for removal of epiretinal membrane with no additional complications.
On the Relationship between Jordan Algebras and Their Universal Enveloping Algebras
Authors: Jamjoom F. B. H. , Al Otaibi A. H.
Published: October 2020

The relationship between JW-algebras (resp. JC-algebras) and their universal enveloping von Neumann algebras (resp.

C

∗

-algebras) can be described as significant and influential. Examples of numerous relationships have been established. In this article, we established a relationship between the set of split faces of the state space (resp. normal states) of a JC-algebra (resp. a JW-algebra) and the set of split faces of the state space (resp. normal states) of its universal enveloping

C

∗

-algebra (resp. von Neumann algebra), and we tied up this relationship with the correspondence between the classes of invariant faces, closed ideals, and central projections of these Jordan algebras and of their universal enveloping algebras.
A Three Protein‐Coding Gene Prognostic Model Predicts Overall Survival in Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Ning Xiang-hui , Qi Yuan-yuan , Wang Fang-xin , Li Song-chao , Jia Zhan-kui , Yang Jin-jian
Published: October 2020

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the most common urinary tract tumor and is the 11th most malignant cancer worldwide. With the development of in‐depth multisystem sequencing, an increasing number of prognostic molecular markers have been identified. In this study, we focused on the role of protein‐coding gene methylation in the prognosis of BLCA. We downloaded BLCA clinical and methylation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and used this information to identify differentially methylated genes and construct a survival model using lasso regression. We assessed 365 cases, with complete information regarding survival status, survival time longer than 30 days, age, gender, and tumor characteristics (grade, stage, T, M, N), in our study. We identified 353 differentially methylated genes, including 50 hypomethylated genes and 303 hypermethylated genes. After annotation, a total of 227 genes were differentially expressed. Of these, 165 were protein‐coding genes. Three genes (zinc finger protein 382 (ZNF382), galanin receptor 1 (GALR1), and structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain containing 1 (SMCHD1)) were selected for the final risk model. Patients with higher‐risk scores represent poorer survival than patients with lower‐risk scores in the training set (HR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.43‐3.94, p = 0.001), in the testing group (HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.16‐2.94, p = 0.01), and in the total cohort (HR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.46‐2.90, p < 0.001). Further univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox regression method were conducted in these three groups, respectively. All the results indicated that risk score was an independent risk factor for BLCA. Our study screened the different methylation protein‐coding genes in the BLCA tissues and constructed a robust risk model for predicting the outcome of BLCA patients. Moreover, these three genes may function in the mechanism of development and progression of BLCA, which should be fully clarified in the future.
Notoginseng Leaf Triterpenes Ameliorates OGD/R-Induced Neuronal Injury via SIRT1/2/3-Foxo3a-MnSOD/PGC-1α Signaling Pathways Mediated by the NAMPT-NAD Pathway
Authors: Xie Weijie , Zhu Ting , Zhou Ping , Xu Huibo , Meng Xiangbao , Ding Tao , Nan Fengwei , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: October 2020

Background. Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is a common cerebrovascular disease whose main risks include necrosis, apoptosis, and cerebral infarction. But few therapeutic advances and prominent drugs seem to be of value for ischemic stroke in the clinic yet. In the previous study, notoginseng leaf triterpenes (PNGL) from Panax notoginseng stem and leaf have been confirmed to have neuroprotective effects against mitochondrial damages caused by cerebral ischemia in vivo. However, the potential mechanisms of mitochondrial protection have not been fully elaborated yet. Methods. The oxygen and glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced SH-SY5Y cells were adopted to explore the neuroprotective effects and the potential mechanisms of PNGL in vitro. Cellular cytotoxicity was measured by MTT, viable mitochondrial staining, and antioxidant marker detection in vitro.Mitochondrial functions were analyzed by ATP content measurement, MMP determination, ROS, NAD, and NADH kit in vitro. And the inhibitor FK866 was adopted to verify the regulation of PNGL on the target NAMPT and its key downstream. Results. In OGD/R models, treatment with PNGL strikingly alleviated ischemia injury, obviously preserved redox balance and excessive oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial damage, markedly alleviated energy metabolism dysfunction, improved neuronal mitochondrial functions, obviously reduced neuronal loss and apoptosis in vitro, and thus notedly raised neuronal survival under ischemia and hypoxia. Meanwhile, PNGL markedly increased the expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in the ischemic regions and OGD/R-induced SH-SY5Y cells and regulated the downstream SIRT1/2-Foxo3a and SIRT1/3-MnSOD/PGC-1α pathways. And FK866 further verified that the protective effects of PNGL might be mediated by the NAMPT in vitro. Conclusions. The mitochondrial protective effects of PNGL are, at least partly, mediated via the NAMPT-NAD+ and its downstream SIRT1/2/3-Foxo3a-MnSOD/PGC-1α signaling pathways. PNGL, as a new drug candidate, has a pivotal role in mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism therapy via NAMPT against OGD-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury.
The Influence of the Motor Traction Vibration on Fatigue Life of the Bogie Frame of the Metro Vehicle
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Zhou Jinsong , Gong Dao , Wang Tengfei , Chen Jiangxue , You Taiwen , Zhang Zhanfei
Published: October 2020

During the service life of metro vehicles, the cracks frequently appear at the root of motor seats. This indicates the previous antifatigue designs are unable to cover the actual operating environment. Some individual loads, such as motor vibration, have been ignored or wrongly understood, which leads to the occurrence of local insufficient fatigue life of the frame. To illustrate the influence of the motor vibration on the fatigue life of the bogie frame, a metro vehicle was taken as an example: first, the precise finite element model of the frame was established, and its correctness was verified; then, the vibration characteristics of the frame were analyzed by sweep frequency calculation; and finally, considering the vibration acceleration signal of the motor measured on a metro line as the excitation, the influence of the random vibration on the fatigue life of the frame under traction and idle running conditions was compared and analyzed by solving the power spectral density of the dynamic stress response at the weak fatigue nodes of the structure. The results show that the energy of the vibration in the frame is mainly concentrated in modes 6 and 7, which are excited by the motor transverse and vertical vibration, respectively, and contribute a lot to the fatigue damage of the frame; the fatigue life of the vital positions of the frame under the traction condition significantly reduces compared to the idle running condition; and the contribution of the low-amplitude vibration above 300 Hz to the fatigue damage can be ignored. At last, the importance of the influence of the motor traction vibration on the fatigue life should be fully considered in the metro vehicle design was proposed.