bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Concrete Mesostructure Geometric Form on Its Elastic Modulus
Authors: Yang Xu
Published: February 2020

A comprehensive understanding of the geometrical form of the concrete mesostructure is important because it is associated with the complex and random mechanical behavior of the concrete. There is still uncertainty about how to characterize the geometrical form of the concrete mesostructure and its effect on the observed macroscopic behavior. The coarse aggregate content and fractal dimension were used in this study to indicate the geometrical form of concrete at the mesolevel. Taking the mechanical parameters measured in experiments, a group of mesomodels with various fractal dimensions and coarse aggregate contents was simulated by using the random fractal modeling method and then was studied and discussed. The analytical solution, simulation, and experimental data all suggested that the elastic modulus increased with the increasing coarse aggregate content. Meanwhile, the fractal dimension can cause the elastic modulus to decline slightly. The comprehensive consideration of both fractal geometry and classical Euclidean geometry can aid in predicting the macroscopic behavior of concrete.
Synthetic Apparent Diffusion Coefficient for High b-Value Diffusion-Weighted MRI in Prostate
Authors: Sahoo Prativa , Rockne Russell C. , Jung Alexander , Gupta Pradeep K , Rathore Ram K. S. , Gupta Rakesh K.
Published: February 2020

Purpose. It has been reported that diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with ultrahigh b-value increases the diagnostic power of prostate cancer. DWI with higher b-values is challenging as it commonly suffers from low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), distortion, and longer scan time. The aim of our study was to develop a technique for quantification of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for higher b-values from lower b-value DW images. Materials and Methods. Fifteen patients (7 malignant and 8 benign) were included in this study retrospectively with the institutional ethical committee approval. All images were acquired at a 3T MR scanner. The ADC values were calculated using a monoexponential model. Synthetic ADC (sADC) for higher b-value was computed using a log-linear model. Contrast ratio (CR) between prostate lesion and normal tissue on synthetic DWI (sDWI) was computed and compared with original DWI and ADC images. Results. No significant difference was observed between actual ADC and sADC for b-2000 in all prostate lesions. However, CR increased significantly (p=0.002, paired t-test) in sDWI as compared to DWI. Malignant lesions showed significantly lower sADC as compared to benign lesions (p=0.0116, independent t-test). Mean (±standard deviation) of sADC of malignant lesions was 0.601 ± 0.06 and for benign lesions was 0.92 ± 0.09 (10−3 mm2/s). Discussion/Conclusion. Our initial investigation suggests that the ADC values corresponding to higher b-value can be computed using log-linear relationship derived from lower b-values (b ≤ 1000). Our method might help clinicians to decide the optimal b-value for prostate lesion identification.
Slowly Repaired Bulky DNA Damages Modulate Cellular Redox Environment Leading to Premature Senescence
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Guo Peiyan , Xiang Wanchen , Liu Qingxi , Liu Xinyi , Ma Ning , Zhou Sa , He Hongpeng , Wlaschek Meinhard , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin , Zhang Tong-Cun , Ma Wenjian
Published: February 2020

Treatments on neoplastic diseases and cancer using genotoxic drugs often cause long-term health problems related to premature aging. The underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Based on the study of a long-lasting senescence-like growth arrest (10-12 weeks) of human dermal fibroblasts induced by psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) treatment, we here revealed that slowly repaired bulky DNA damages can serve as a “molecular scar” leading to reduced cell proliferation through persistent endogenous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that caused accelerated telomere erosion. The elevated levels of ROS were the results of mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of NADPH oxidase (NOX). A combined inhibition of DNA-PK and PARP1 could suppress the level of ROS. Together with a reduced expression level of BRCA1 as well as the upregulation of PP2A and 53BP1, these data suggest that the NHEJ repair of DNA double-strand breaks may be the initial trigger of metabolic changes leading to ROS production. Further study showed that stimulation of the pentose phosphate pathway played an important role for NOX activation, and ROS could be efficiently suppressed by modulating the NADP/NADPH ratio. Interestingly, feeding cells with ribose-5-phosphate, a precursor for nucleotide biosynthesis that produced through the PPP, could evidently suppress the ROS level and prevent the cell enlargement related to mitochondrial biogenesis. Taken together, these results revealed an important signaling pathway between DNA damage repair and the cell metabolism, which contributed to the premature aging effects of PUVA, and may be generally applicable for a large category of chemotherapeutic reagents including many cancer drugs.
Management of Instrument Sterilization Workflow in Endodontics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dioguardi Mario , Sovereto Diego , Illuzzi Gaetano , Laneve Enrica , Raddato Bruna , Arena Claudia , Alberto Caponio Vito Carlo , Caloro Giorgia Apollonia , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Troiano Giuseppe , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: February 2020

Endodontic treatment consists of different working procedures, such as the isolation of the operating field, pulp chamber access, and cleaning and shaping phases with at last the need of a three-dimensional filling of the canals. Each step requires a series of single-use or sterilizable instruments. We have performed a systematic review of different sterilization and disinfection procedures aiming at drawing up a disinfection and sterilization procedure to be used on endodontic instruments. A search on PubMed and Scopus was carried out using the following keywords: “endodontic sterilization,” “endodontic autoclave,” “decontamination dental bur,” “sterilization dental burs,” and “gutta-percha points sterilization.” Eligible articles were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results of the meta-analysis showed that the most effective method in sterilization is autoclaving. The qualitative analysis showed that the use of single-use or first-use instruments requires presterilization or sterilization procedures, and for reusable tools, attention must be paid to the removal of debris deposited on the blades, not easy to remove manually.
Lactobacillus delbrueckii Ameliorates Intestinal Integrity and Antioxidant Ability in Weaned Piglets after a Lipopolysaccharide Challenge
Authors: Chen Fengming , Wang Houjun , Chen Jiayi , Liu Yang , Wen Wei , Li Yinghui , Huang Xingguo
Published: February 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus delbrueckii (LAB) on intestinal morphology, barrier function, immune response, and antioxidant capacity in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 36 two-line crossbred (Landrace × large Yorkshire) weaned piglets (28 days old) were divided into three groups: (1) nonchallenged control (CON); (2) LPS-challenged control (LPS); and (3) LAB+LPS treatment (0.2% LAB+LPS). Compared to the LPS piglets, the LAB+LPS piglets improved intestinal morphology, indicated by greater (P<0.05) villus height in the duodenum and ileum; villus height : crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, as well as decreased (P<0.05) crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum; and better intestinal barrier function, indicated by upregulated (P<0.05) mRNA expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal mucosa. Moreover, compared to the LPS piglets, LAB significantly decreased (P<0.05) concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in the small intestine and increased (P<0.05) IL-10 levels in the jejunum and ileum. Additionally, LAB increased (P<0.05) T-AOC activities of the colon, GSH concentrations of the jejunum, and mRNA expression of CAT and Cu/Zn-SOD, while reduced (P<0.05) MDA concentrations in the jejunum and ileum in LPS-changed piglets. Collectively, our results indicate that supplementation of LAB improved intestinal integrity and immune response and alleviated intestinal oxidative damage in LPS-challenged piglets.
Preconditioning with PDE1 Inhibitors and Moderate-Intensity Training Positively Affect Systemic Redox State of Rats
Authors: Ristic Jelena , Folic Marko , Radonjic Katarina , Rosic Milenko I. , Bolevich Sergey , Alisultanovich Omarov Israpil , Draginic Nevena , Andjic Marijana , Jeremic Jovana , Milosavljevic Isidora , Zivkovic Vladimir , Jakovljevic Vladimir
Published: February 2020

Taken into consideration that oxidative stress response after preconditioning with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) and moderate physical activity has still not been clarified, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of PDEIs alone or in combination with physical activity, on systemic redox status. The study was carried out on 96 maleWistar albinorats classified into two groups. The first group included animals exposed only to pharmacological preconditioning (PreC) maneuver (sedentary control (CTRL, 1 ml/day saline,n=12), nicardipine (6 mg/kg/day of NIC,n=12), vinpocetine (10 mg/kg/day of VIN,n=12), and nimodipine (NIM 10 mg/kg/day of,n=12). The second included animals exposed to preconditioning with moderate-intensity training (MIT) on treadmill for 8 weeks. After 5 weeks from the start of training, the animals were divided into four subgroups depending on the medication to be used for pharmacological PreC: moderate-intensity training (MIT+ 1 ml/day saline,n=12), nicardipine (MIT+ 6 mg/kg/day of NIC,n=12), vinpocetine (MIT+ 10 mg/kg/day of VIN,n=12), and nimodipine (MIT+ 10 mg/kg/day of NIM,n=12). After three weeks of pharmacological preconditioning, the animals were sacrificed. The following oxidative stress parameters were measured spectrophotometrically: nitrites (NO2−), superoxide anion radical (O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Our results showed that PDE1 and MIT preconditioning decreased the release of prooxidants and improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes thus preventing systemic oxidative stress.
Women’s Perspectives on Influencers to the Utilisation of Skilled Delivery Care: An Explorative Qualitative Study in North West Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Biruhtesfa Bekele , Modiba Lebitsi Maud
Published: February 2020

Skilled attendance at birth is widely regarded as an effective intervention to reduce maternal and early neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, many women in Ethiopia still deliver without skilled assistance. This study was carried out to identify factors that influenced or motivated women to give birth in a health facility in their previous, current, and future pregnancies. This descriptive explorative qualitative study was conducted in two districts of West Gojjam zone in North West Ethiopia. Fourteen focus group discussions were conducted with pregnant women and women who gave birth within one year. An inductive thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze the qualitative data. In this study, two major themes and a number of subthemes emerged from the focus group discussions with the study participants. The factors that influenced or motivated women to give birth in health facility in their previous, current, and future pregnancies include access to ambulance transport service, prevention of mother to child HIV transmission service, referral service, women friendly service, and emergency obstetric services, good interpersonal care from health workers, and fear and experience of obstetric danger signs and complications. In addition, reception of information and advice on importance of skilled delivery care and obstetric danger signs and complications from health workers, use of antenatal care, previous use of skilled delivery care, ensuring wellbeing of parturient women and newborns, and use of emergency obstetric care were also identified as influencers and motivators for health facility childbirth in previous, current, and future deliveries. Increased understanding of the factors that influenced or motivated women to deliver in facilities could contribute to developing strategies to improve the uptake of facility-based maternity services and corresponding declines in maternal morbidity and mortality.
A Facile Route to Fabricate CS/GO Composite Film for the Application of Therapeutic Contact Lenses
Authors: Chen Pin , Wang Xin , Kong Jingyang , Hu Xiaohong
Published: February 2020

Traditional contact lenses bring convenience for ophthalmic drug delivery. However, either as contact lenses or as drug carriers, traditional materials have still some drawbacks in the field. Therefore, a transparent film was designed and investigated for the application of therapeutic contact lenses. Chitosan (CS)/graphene oxide (GO) composite film and CS film were fabricated with acceptable transparent and tensile properties by simple casting flow method. Although swelling ratio of CS/GO composite film was higher than that of CS film with significant difference, both formed films had suitable swelling ratio for contact lens application. Both CS/GO composite film and CS film exhibited typical CS infrared characteristic peaks. CS/GO composite film had significant greater breaking strength than CS film, but its elongation at break was a little lower than CS film. Either CS/GO composite film or CS film exhibited good hydrophilic property with a contact angle of around 20 degree. Ofloxacin as a model drug was loaded into films by adsorption diffusion method. Loaded drug amount in CS/GO composite film was a little larger than that in CS film, but without significant difference. The drug release behaviors from CS/GO composite film or CS film were investigated and revealed that the loaded drug could be controlled to release in the first hour. Two kinds of cells were used to evaluate the biocompatibility of films by in vitro method. It was found that both CS/GO composite film and CS film could support human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) growth. But for human epidermal fibroblasts (HSF) cells, CS/GO composite film could promote HSF cells growth and proliferation much better than CS film.
Surgical Management of Bilateral Venous Malformation (Cavernous Hemangiomas) of the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Anzai Takashi , Ito Shin , Yamashita Atsushi , Ide Takuma , Tajima Shori , Okada Hiroko , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Ikeda Katsuhisa
Published: February 2020

According to International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies classification 2018, “hemangioma” should be classified as either vascular tumor or vascular malformation (VM). So-called “cavernous hemangioma” is categorized as VM. VM rarely involves the mucous membranes of the sinonasal cavity and typically arises unilaterally from the sinonasal cavity. Bilateral VM of the maxillary sinus is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report of bilateral VM of the maxillary sinus. Here, we describe the surgical treatment of bilateral cavernous hemangiomas of the maxillary sinus. These tumors were successfully resected by endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy (EMMM) after embolization. Endoscopic sinus surgery, particularly EMMM, produces access to the bilateral maxillary sinus and can prevent several complications.
Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Effects of Antimalarial Herbal Mixtures
Authors: Dadzie Isaac , Avorgbedo Shaibu Adams , Appiah-Opong Regina , Cudjoe Obed
Published: February 2020

Many developing countries depend on herbal mixtures as the first line and cost-effective therapy for malaria. These mixtures with such curative tendencies may also be a source of toxicity to host cells. On the other hand, these mixtures may have anticancer potential activity characterized by cytotoxicity to cancer cells. The aim of the study was to determine the cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of five different antimalarial herbal mixtures. Five antimalarial herbal mixtures commonly used in Ghana (coded as STF, SMH, SMM, SGM, and STT) were purchased and freeze-dried. The dried samples were tested on human acute T-cell leukemia (Jurkat) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric (MTT) assay while antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH free-radical scavenging assay. Among the mixtures, SMM and SGM exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity towards Jurkat cells (IC50 values 59.17 μg/ml and 49.57 μg/ml, respectively), whereas STT showed the weakest cytotoxicity (IC50 = 244.94 μg/ml). Cytotoxic effect of SMM was also strongest towards MCF-7 cells whilst the least cytotoxic sample was SGM (IC50 > 1000 μg/ml). SMM had the highest antioxidant percentage (EC50 = 1.05 mg/ml). The increasing order of antioxidant percentage among the five herbal mixtures is SMM > SMH > STT > STF > SGM. The herbal mixtures may be potential sources of toxic agents to host cells. Therefore, further toxicity studies must be performed to safeguard health of the public. Interestingly, cytotoxicities exhibited by SMM and SGM suggest the presence of anticancer constituents in them which warrant further studies.
Mitochondrial Dysfunctions May Be One of the Major Causative Factors Underlying Detrimental Effects of Benzalkonium Chloride
Authors: Rogov Anton G. , Goleva Tatyana N. , Sukhanova Evgeniya I. , Epremyan Khoren K. , Trendeleva Tatiana A. , Ovchenkova Alexandra P. , Aliverdieva Dinara A. , Zvyagilskaya Renata A.
Published: February 2020

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is currently the most commonly used antimicrobial preservative in ophthalmic solutions, nasal sprays, and cosmetics. However, a large number of clinical and experimental investigations showed that the topical administration of BAC-containing eye drops could cause a variety of ocular surface changes, from ocular discomfort to potential risk for future glaucoma surgery. BAC-containing albuterol may increase the risk of albuterol-related systemic adverse effects. BAC, commonly present in personal care products, in cosmetic products can induce irritation and dose-dependent changes in the cell morphology. The cationic nature of BAC (it is a quaternary ammonium) suggests that one of the major targets of BAC in the cell may be mitochondria, the only intracellular compartment charged negatively. However, the influence of BAC on mitochondria has not been clearly understood. Here, the effects of BAC on energy parameters of rat liver mitochondria as well as on yeast cells were examined. BAC, being a “weaker” uncoupler, potently inhibited respiration in state 3, diminished the mitochondrial membrane potential, caused opening of the Ca2+/Pi-dependent pore, blocked ATP synthesis, and promoted H2O2 production by mitochondria. BAC triggered oxidative stress and mitochondrial fragmentation in yeast cells. BAC-induced oxidative stress in mitochondria and yeast cells was almost totally prevented by the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1; the protective effect of SkQ1 on mitochondrial fragmentation was only partial. Collectively, these data showed that BAC acts adversely on cell bioenergetics (especially on ATP synthesis) and mitochondrial dynamics and that its prooxidant effect can be partially prevented by the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1.
Analysis and Design of Systematic Rateless Codes in FH/BFSK System with Interference
Authors: Dai Jingke , Zhao Peng , Chen Xiao , Zhang Fenggan
Published: February 2020

The asymptotic analysis of systematic rateless codes in frequency hopping (FH) systems with interference is first provided using discretized density evolution (DDE) and compared with the traditional fixed-rate scheme. A simplified analysis with Gaussian assumption of initial message is proposed in the worst case of interference, which has much lower complexity and provides a very close result to DDE. Based on this simplified analysis, the linear programming is employed to design rateless codes and the simulation results on partial-band interference channels show that the optimized codes have more powerful antijamming performance than the codes originally designed for conventional systems.
[Retracted] Improving Small Intestinal Motility in Experimental Acute Necrotising Pancreatitis by Modulating the CPI‐17/MLCP Pathway Using Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction
Authors: Lin Ziqi , Zhang Chenlong , Zhang Xiaoxin , Shi Na , Wen Yongjian , Han Chengxia , Du Dan , Liu Tingting , Jin Tao , Deng Lihui , Jiang Kun , Yang Xiaonan , Guo Jia , Philips Anthony , Sutton Robert , Windsor John A. , Huang Wei , Xue Ping , Xia Qing
Published: February 2020

Protein kinase C‐potentiated inhibitor protein of 17 kDa (CPI‐17), a specific inhibitor of myosin light‐chain phosphatase (MLCP) regulated by proinflammatory cytokines, is central for calcium sensitisation. We investigated the effects of chaiqin chengqi decoction (CQCQD) on the CPI‐17/MLCP pathway in the small intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and strips (SMS) in an AP model. Necrotising AP was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injections (IPI) of L‐ornithine (3.0 g/kg, pH 7.0; hourly × 2) at 1 hour apart; controls received saline. In treatment groups, carbachol (CCh; 60 μg/kg, IPI) or CQCQD (20 g/kg; 2‐hourly × 3, intragastric) was administered. The necrotising AP model was associated with systemic inflammation (serum IL‐1β and TNF‐α) and worsened jejunum histopathology and motility (serum vasoactive intestinal peptide and intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein) as the disease progressed. There was decreased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) SMCs. Contractile function of isolated SMCs was reduced and associated with down‐regulated expression of key mRNAs and proteins of the CPI‐17/MLCP pathway as well as increased IL‐1β and TNF‐α. CQCQD and CCh significantly reversed these changes and the disease severity. These data suggest that CQCQD can improve intestinal motility by modulating the CPI‐17/MLCP pathway in small intestinal smooth muscle during AP.
Nonindependent Session Recommendation Based on Ordinary Differential Equation
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Zhang Mingge , Liu Guojing , Li Mingyu
Published: February 2020

The recommendation method based on user sessions is mainly to model sessions as sequences in the assumption that user behaviors are independent and identically distributed, and then to use deep semantic information mining through Deep Neural Networks. Nevertheless, user behaviors may be a nonindependent intention at irregular points in time. For example, users may buy painkillers, books, or clothes for different reasons at different times. However, this has not been taken seriously in previous studies. Therefore, we propose a session recommendation method based on Neural Differential Equations in an attempt to predict user behavior forward or backward from any point in time. We used Ordinary Differential Equations to train the Graph Neural Network and could predict forward or backward at any point in time to model the user's nonindependent sessions. We tested for four real datasets and found that our model achieved the expected results and was superior to the existing session-based recommendations.
Fucoidan Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, DNA Damage, and Hepatorenal Injuries in Diabetic Rats Intoxicated with Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Aleissa Mohammed S. , Alkahtani Saad , Abd Eldaim Mabrouk Attia , Ahmed Ali Meawad , Bungău Simona G. , Almutairi Bader , Bin-Jumah May , AlKahtane Abdullah A. , Alyousif Mohamed S. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: February 2020

The current study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorative effect of fucoidan against aflatoxicosis-induced hepatorenal toxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sixty-four Wister albino male rats were randomly assigned into eight groups (8 rats each) that received normal saline, fucoidan (FUC) at 100 mg/kg/day orally for 4 weeks, streptozotocin (STZ) at 50 mg/kg/i.p. single dose, STZ plus FUC, aflatoxin B1(AFB1) at 50 μg/kg/i.p. after one month of the beginning of the experiment for 2 weeks, AFB1plus FUC, STZ plus AFB1, or STZ plus AFB1and FUC. Injection of rats with STZ induced hyperglycemia. Rats with STZ-induced diabetes, with or without AFB1intoxication, had significantly elevated activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, and levels of serum urea, creatinine, cholesterol, 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, these rats exhibited increased lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione concentration and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes in the hepatic and renal tissues. In contrast, administration of FUC to diabetic rats, with or without AFB1intoxication, ameliorated the altered serum parameters, reduced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammatory biomarkers, and enhanced the antioxidant defense system in the hepatic and renal tissues. These results indicated that FUC ameliorated diabetes and AFB1-induced hepatorenal injuries through alleviating oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation.
The Effects and Mechanism of Quercetin Dietary Supplementation in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Arbor Acre Broilers
Authors: Ying Linlin , Chaudhry Maria Tabassum , Xiao Fenglin , Mao Yanjun , Wang Mi , Wang Bo , Wang Shanshan , Li Yao
Published: February 2020

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, is widely distributed as a secondary metabolite in the plant kingdom. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM). The present study investigated the effects of quercetin dietary supplementation on streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced hyperglycemic Arbor Acre (AA) broilers by determining the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), biochemical indicators, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines content, antioxidant enzymes activities in tissues, and mRNA expression of genes relating to the insulin signaling pathway. Three hundred one-day-old healthy AA broilers were randomly assigned into 5 treatments; A, control healthy broilers; B, STZ-induced broilers; C, STZ-induced broiler dietary supplemented with 0.02% quercetin; D, STZ-induced broiler dietary supplemented with 0.04% quercetin; and E, STZ-induced broiler dietary supplemented with 0.06% quercetin. The results showed that quercetin supplementation relieved the side effects of STZ-induced oxidative stress by changing activities of antioxidant enzymes, decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, activating expression of genes relating to PI3K/PKB signaling pathway that modulate glucose metabolism and reduce oxidative damage, thereby decreasing FBG and increasing FINS levels. These findings suggest that quercetin exhibits a protective effect in STZ-induced hyperglycemic AA broilers via decreasing oxidative stress.
Efficient Parameters Estimation Method for the Separable Nonlinear Least Squares Problem
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Guolin , Tao Qiuxiang , Zhai Min
Published: February 2020

In this work, we combine the special structure of the separable nonlinear least squares problem with a variable projection algorithm based on singular value decomposition to separate linear and nonlinear parameters. Then, we propose finding the nonlinear parameters using the Levenberg–Marquart (LM) algorithm and either solve the linear parameters using the least squares method directly or by using an iteration method that corrects the characteristic values based on the L-curve, according to whether or not the nonlinear function coefficient matrix is ill posed. To prove the feasibility of the proposed method, we compared its performance on three examples with that of the LM method without parameter separation. The results show that (1) the parameter separation method reduces the number of iterations and improves computational efficiency by reducing the parameter dimensions and (2) when the coefficient matrix of the linear parameters is well-posed, using the least squares method to solve the fitting problem provides the highest fitting accuracy. When the coefficient matrix is ill posed, the method of correcting characteristic values based on the L-curve provides the most accurate solution to the fitting problem.
Psoriasis: Wechsel der Medikamentenklasse bei Nichtansprechen?
Authors: Philipp Sandra
Published: February 2020

Background: Switching between biologics is commonly performed for the management of plaque psoriasis. However, no evidence about switching from secukinumab to ustekinumab has been reported. Methods: This retrospective observational multicenter study aimed to describe efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in secukinumab nonresponder patients. Results: A total of 21 patients unresponsive to secukinumab were treated with ustekinumab for a mean period of 53.3 weeks. Ustekinumab was effective in reducing disease severity, with significant improvements of both psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) scores. PASI score improvements of 31.8, 44, 77.8, 80.3, 80.5, and 89.6%, at week 4, 12, 24, 36, 48, and above 60 weeks, respectively, were detected (p<0.05), achieving PASI 50, 75, and >90 responses in 93.8, 87.5, and 50% of patients at week 48. Four patients withdrew from ustekinumab treatment because of inefficacy, and failure of multiple biologic agents (>2) seemed to affect ustekinumab drug survival. No serious adverse events (AEs) were reported while 38.1% of patients experienced mild AEs. Conclusion: Ustekinumab was safe and effective in treating patients unresponsive to secukinumab.
Prognostic Significance of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Grade in Melanoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Qian , Sun Hongyan , Wu Nan , Cong Lele , Cong Xianling
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in primary melanoma are considered to represent the host’s antitumor immune response; however, whether TILs can independently predict survival remains controversial. This meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic value of TIL grade for survival in patients with melanoma. Methods: We identified studies from the PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to assess the prognostic impact of TIL grade in patients with melanoma. We estimated the combined hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, and disease-specific survival (DSS) at 5 years and end point using either fixed-effect or random-effect models depending on heterogeneity. Results: A total of 13 observational studies including 7,633 patients were enrolled. In the univariate analysis, brisk TIL grade was significantly more strongly correlated with better 5-year OS, 5-year DSS, and end point DSS compared with those of nonbrisk or absent TILs (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44–0.88, I2 = 0; HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30–0.96, I2 = 11%; and HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30–0.87, I2 = 0, respectively). Compared with absent TIL grade, brisk TIL grade was associated with better 5-year OS and end point OS (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.93, I2 = 40% and HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.52–0.83, I2 = 0, respectively). Nonbrisk TIL grade was associated with better end point DSS (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.44–0.83, I2 = 7%). The multifactor analysis showed that brisk TIL grade was related to better DSS (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30–0.90), and nonbrisk or absent TIL grade was correlated with poor DSS (HR 8.7, 95% CI 2.7–40.3). Conclusion: Patients with brisk TIL grade had a better prognosis. TIL level deserves further investigation to support the conclusion that it should be routinely included in the pathological report of primary melanoma and in future American Joint Committee on Cancer staging revisions.
Tongue-Strengthening Exercises in Healthy Older Adults: Effect of Exercise Frequency – A Randomized Trial
Authors: Van den Steen Leen , De Bodt Marc , Guns Cindy , Elen Rik , Vanderwegen Jan , Van Nuffelen Gwen
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Positive effects from tongue-strengthening exercises (TSE) are widely described, but dose-dependent studies concerning exercise frequency have not yet been reported. This study aimed to determine the training and detraining effects of TSE with exercise frequencies of respectively 3 and 5 times per week on maximum isometric anterior and posterior tongue pressures (MIPA and MIPP) and on anterior and posterior tongue strength during an effortful saliva swallow (PswalA and PswalP). Method: Twenty healthy adults were randomly assigned to two exercise groups, training 3 (EX3, n = 10) or 5 (EX5, n = 10) times per week with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. MIPA, MIPP, PswalA, and PswalP were measured at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of training and 4 and 8 weeks after the last training session to document detraining effects. Descriptive statistics, linear mixed model effects, and post hoc analyses were calculated. Results: Significant increases in MIPA, MIPP, PswalA, and PswalP were measured for training both 3 and 5 times per week. No significant differences on any parameter were found between EX3 and EX5 groups. No significant detraining effects were found after 4 or 8 weeks in any treatment arm either for MIPs or for effortful swallow pressures. Conclusion: This randomized study demonstrated a positive effect of TSE on MIP and Pswal in healthy older adults, without detraining effects. No superiority of exercise frequency was identified based on significance testing, although some trends are discussed.
Investigation of Cellular Function and DNA Integrity during 2D in vitro Culture of Human Salivary Gland Epithelial Cells
Authors: Burghartz Marc , Taeger Johannes , Metzger Marco , Scherzad Agmal , Gehrke Thomas , Ickrath Pascal , Kolb Evelyn , Kleinsasser Norbert , Hagen Rudolf , Hackenberg Stephan
Published: February 2020

In vitro culture of human salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) is still a challenge. A high quantity and quality of cells are needed for the cultivation of 3D matrices. Furthermore, it is known that DNA damage is supposed to be an important factor involved in carcinogenesis. This study investigates cellular function and DNA integrity of human SGEC during 3 passage steps in 2 groups (group 1: n = 10; group 2: n = 9). Cellular function was analyzed by immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). DNA integrity was tested via the comet assay. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR results showed stable α-amylase and pan-cytokeratin levels; TEM revealed functional cells; and no significant DNA damage could be detected in the comet assay during 3 culture steps. The study shows that not only at cellular but also at DNA level human SGEC can be safely quantified over 3 passages for preclinical tissue engineering without loss of differentiation and function.
Atopische Dermatitis: Die Frage nach dem Einfluss von Vitaminen bleibt weiter offen
Authors: Fölster-Holst Regina
Published: February 2020

Background: Several studies have suggested that vitamin D (VD) deficiency (VDD) is associated with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, little is known about the relationship between AD and vitamin A (VA). The interaction between VA and VD on AD requires further study. Objective: We detected serum levels of VA and VD in children with AD to explore how VA deficiency (VAD) and VDD affect AD severity. Methods: We assessed the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, total immunoglobin E levels and peripheral blood eosinophil counts. VA and VD levels were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. Correlations among variables were investigated with Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: The VD and VA levels were significantly lower in children with AD than in normal children (p < 0.001, p = 0.0423). Both VD and VA levels were negatively correlated with SCORAD scores. The SCORAD scores were significantly higher in AD patients with both VDD and VAD (co-deficiency) than in other AD patients. Significant inverse correlations were observed between peripheral blood eosinophil counts and serum VA and VD levels. Conclusions: VA and VD co-deficiency may exacerbate AD symptoms in children, but the specific mechanism underlying this relationship requires further study. These findings may indicate the need for studies evaluating the use of VD and VA as potential treatments for AD patients.
Factors Affecting Loss to Follow-Up in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Endocrine Conditions
Authors: Atger-Lallier Laura , Guilmin-Crepon Sophie , Boizeau Priscilla , Zenaty Delphine , Simon Dominique , Paulsen Anne , Martinerie Laetitia , Storey Caroline , Carel Jean-Claude , Léger Juliane
Published: February 2020

Objective: Most children with endocrine diseases require long-term continuity of care. We investigated the prevalence of loss to follow-up (LTFU) in pediatric patients with chronic endocrine diseases and the risk factors associated with LTFU. Methods: This observational cohort study included all children with chronic endocrine diseases included in the database of a single academic pediatric care center over a period of 8 years. LTFU was defined as a lack of attendance at clinical visits for over 2 years, for unknown reasons. Results: LTFU was recorded for 154 of the 1,067 patients included (14%). Median age at diagnosis was 5.8 (0.3–11.8) vs. 1.2 (0.0–6.9) years, and age at last visit was 14.1 (9.7–16.1) vs. 11.7 (6.1–15.8) years, for the LTFU and no-LTFU groups, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the risk of LTFU increased with age at diagnosis (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.12–1.24) and was higher for patients diagnosed before 2006 (vs. after 2006; OR 4.80; 95% CI 3.00–7.66), with fewer visits in the last 3 years (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.65–0.80; p < 0.0001) and a lower health insurance classification (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.10–2.89; p = 0.02). The risk of LTFU was higher for patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency than for those with other endocrine conditions, such as multiple pituitary deficiencies, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Turner syndrome, or thyroid, adrenal, or gonadal disorders (OR 5.24; 95% CI 1.13–24.37; p = 0.03). Conclusion: This study provides the first epidemiological data for LTFU in children and adolescents with chronic endocrine diseases. It should facilitate the targeting of interventions to improve adherence to medical care and healthcare organization during the pediatric period.
Hautkrebsscreening: Warum Patienten die Untersuchung meiden
Authors: Maschke Jan
Published: February 2020

Background: In 2008, a nationwide standardized and systematic skin cancer screening (SCS) service, which is globally unique, was implemented in Germany. We aimed to provide current data on SCS use, to explore barriers to SCS usage, and to identify population groups with lower rates of SCS use. Methods: We analyzed data from 2.635 participants (18-45 years) in the National Cancer Aid Monitoring on Sunbed Use. Data on SCS use, barriers to SCS, and sociodemographic characteristics were obtained. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. Data was weighted by age, sex, educational level, and federal state. Results: In total, 39.0% of participants reported having been screened for skin cancer at least once in their lifetime. The subjective importance of different barriers varied depending on the participantsʼ educational level. SCS use was negatively associated with male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, p <0.001), low level of education (OR = 0.83, not significant), immigrant background (OR = 0.63; p <0.001), and having no employment.Conclusion: Although the SCS is part of the regular healthcare services offered in Germany, our data showed lower usage among certain population groups. Barriers relevant for these groups should be considered when developing measures to increase SCS use.
Development of a Novel One-Step Automated Rapid in situ Hybridization for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Rearrangement Using Non-Contact Alternating-Current Electric-Field Mixing
Authors: Imai Kazuhiro , Takashima Shinogu , Fujishima Satoshi , Matsuo Tsubasa , Watanabe Shin-nosuke , Nanjo Hiroshi , Akagami Yoichi , Nakamura Ryuta , Terata Kaori , Wakita Akiyuki , Sato Yusuke , Motoyama Satoru , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: February 2020

Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion gene rearrangement is a key driver mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although Break-Apart ALK fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a reliable diagnostic method for detecting ALK gene rearrangement, it is also costly and time-consuming to use as a routine screening test. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical utility of a novel one-step, automated, rapid FISH (Auto-RaFISH) method developed to facilitate hybridization. This method takes advantage of the non-contact mixing effect of an alternating-current electric field. Ten representative specimens from 85 patients diagnosed at multiple centers with primary lung cancer with identified ALK-FISH status were collected. The specimens were all tested using FISH, RaFISH, and Auto-RaFISH. With both RaFISH protocols, the ALK test was completed within 4.5 h, as compared to the 20 h needed for the standard protocol. We found 100% agreement between the standard FISH, RaFISH, and new Auto-RaFISH based on the ALK status, and all methods stained equally well. These findings suggest that Auto-RaFISH could potentially serve as an automated clinical tool for prompt determination of ALK status in NSCLC.
Depressive Symptoms in Stroke Patients: Are There Sex Differences?
Authors: Lee Eun-Jae , Kim Jong S. , Chang Dae-Il , Park Jong-Ho , Ahn Seong Hwan , Cha Jae-Kwan , Heo Ji Hoe , Sohn Sung-Il , Lee Byung-Chul , Kim Dong-Eog , Kim Hahn Young , Kim Seongheon , Kwon Do-Young , Kim Jei , Seo Woo-Keun , Lee Jun , Park Sang-Won , Koh Seong-Ho , Kim Jin Young , Choi-Kwon Smi
Published: February 2020

Background: We aimed to examine sex differences in symptom characteristics and pharmacological responses in post-stroke depressive (PSD) symptoms. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of EMOTION (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01278498), a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that examined the efficacy of escitalopram for 3 months on depression in patients with acute stroke. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 10-item Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Baseline characteristics, clinical variables, and treatment responses to escitalopram were compared between male and female patients. Treatment responses were defined as changes in MADRS (total score and its components) between baseline and 3 months and were compared between the escitalopram and placebo groups within each sex group. The least square mean was calculated to determine the independent effect of escitalopram, of which interaction was evaluated with patient sex. Results: Of the 478 patients (intention-to-treat population), 187 (39%) were female. Female patients were significantly older than male patients and demonstrated more severe depressive symptoms at baseline (male vs. female, MADRS score, mean [SD]: 9.7 ± 8.0 vs. 12.2 ± 8.4, p = 0.001), especially in apparent sadness, reported sadness, and reduced appetite items. These differences were significant after adjustment for age and the severity of neurologic deficits. The female escitalopram group showed a significant 3-month improvement in MADRS scores (placebo [n = 86] vs. escitalopram [n = 101], least square mean [95% CI] –2.7 [–4.1 to –1.2] vs. –5.0 [–6.4 to –3.6], p = 0.007), and this efficacy was prominent in apparent sadness, reported sadness, and pessimistic thoughts items. However, there was no significant effect of escitalopram on depressive symptoms in the male group. The treatment responses of escitalopram tended to be more pronounced in the female group, particularly in alleviating a subset of depressive symptoms such as apparent sadness (p for interaction = 0.009). Conclusion: PSD may differ according to sex in its symptom characteristics and treatment responses to escitalopram, and tailored treatment strategies for PSD may therefore be needed.
Risk of Mortality in Immigrants with Multiple Sclerosis in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Rotstein Dalia , Maxwell Colleen , Tu Karen , Schultz Susan E. , Fung Kinwah , Marrie Ruth Ann
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Little is known about how mortality in multiple sclerosis (MS) may differ based on sociodemographic factors, such as immigrant status. We compared mortality in immigrants versus long-term residents with MS in Ontario, Canada. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we applied a validated algorithm to linked, population-based immigration and health administrative data to identify incident MS cases in Ontario between 1994 and 2014. We identified date of death, if it occurred. We used a Cox model adjusting for age, sex, income, and comorbidity, to compare survival in immigrants versus long-term residents. Results: There were 23,603 incident MS cases of whom 1,410 (6.0%) were immigrants. After adjusting for covariates, risk of death was higher in immigrants in the first year after diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.66; 95% CI 1.05–2.63, p = 0.031). However, in years 1–5 (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.40–0.98, p = 0.041) and 5–10 (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.24–0.75, p = 0.003) after diagnosis, risk of death was lower in immigrants. Older age at onset and comorbidity were associated with higher mortality; female sex and higher socioeconomic status were associated with lower mortality. Conclusions: In this large population with universal access to health care, immigrants with MS had higher mortality compared to long-term residents in the first year after onset and lower mortality thereafter. Lower mortality in immigrants to Canada is well described and thought to be due to the healthy immigrant effect. Higher mortality in the first year after MS onset warrants further investigation as some early deaths may be preventable.
Gloeodontia yunnanensis sp. nov. (Russulales, Basidiomycota) from China, evidenced by morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses

Authors: CHEN LU , SHI ZHENG-JUN , WU CHUN-HUA , ZHAO CHANG-LIN
Published: February 2020

A new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Gloeodontia yunnanensis, is proposed based on a combination of morphological features and DNA data. The species is characterized by an annual, resupinate basidiomata with smooth hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with thin-walled, clamped generative hyphae and obclavate cystidia and subglobose to globose, hyaline, thick-walled, asperulate, strongly amyloid, acyanophilous basidiospores measuring 3.3–4.3 × 2.5–3.5 µm. Sequences of ITS and 28S gene regions of the studied samples were generated and phylogenetic analyses were performed with Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference methods. The analyses based on ITS+28S sequences showed that G. yunnanensis nested in the Gloeodontia clade and formed a monophyletic lineage with strong support (100% BS, 100% BP, 1.00 BPP).
Akanthomyces neocoleopterorum, a new verticillium-like species

Authors: CHEN WAN-HAO , HAN YAN-FENG , LIANG JIAN-DONG , LIANG ZONG-QI
Published: February 2020

A new species, Akanthomyces neocoleopterorum, which was isolated from an infected ladybug, is introduced. Morphological comparisons with extant species and DNA-based phylogenies from analysis of a multigene dataset support the establishment of the new species. It differs from other species by having mononematous and verticillium-like conidiophores, longer phialides, and mostly cylindrical conidia. Both the morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, RPB1, RPB2 and TEF sequence data support A. neocoleopterorum as a new species in the genus Akanthomyces.