bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operando Topography and Mechanical Property Mapping of CO2 Reduction Gas-Diffusion Electrodes Operating at High Current Densities
Authors: Nesbitt Nathan T. , Smith Wilson A.
Published: March 2021

Electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) enables measurement of electrode topography and mechanical properties during electrochemical reactions. However, for aqueous-based reactions that make gas products, such as CO2 reduction and water splitting into CO/H2, current densities below 1 mA cm−2 have been necessary to prevent formation of bubbles at the electrode; such bubbles can stick to the AFM probe and prevent further AFM imaging. Here, we demonstrate a novel cell design with a gas-diffusion electrode (GDE) to exhaust the gas products, thereby enabling high current density EC-AFM measurements at 1, 10, and 100 mA cm−2 that are not disturbed by bubble formation at the electrode surface. These experiments revealed a stable morphological structure of Cu catalysts deposited on GDEs during high current density operation. Systematic spatially resolved maps of deformation and adhesion showed no signs of a gas-liquid interface between catalyst particles of the GDE.
Communication—Tunable Negative Permittivity of Ti3SiC2 MAX Phase Granular Metacomposites
Authors: Chen Min , Hu Xiuying , Sun Kai , Qu Yunpeng , Fan Runhua
Published: March 2021

Referring to the original envisage of Ti3SiC2/copper calcium titanate metacomposites, negative permittivity property depends on low-frequency collective plasma oscillation of free electrons in formed conductive Ti3SiC2 networks. It’s confirmed that a transition from hopping conduction to metallic conduction behavior of metacomposites is related to the percolative evolution from isolated Ti3SiC2 fillers to interconnected networks. In typical, the dielectric permittivity value was feasibly tuned by varying Ti3SiC2 content. The positive reactance of epsilon-negative materials indicates that inductive character is one of their inherent natures.
Mitochondrial functional resilience after TFAM ablation in the adult heart
Authors: Ghazal Nasab , Peoples Jessica N. , Mohiuddin Tahmina A. , Kwong Jennifer Q.
Published: March 2021

The nuclear genome-encoded mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transcription factor A (TFAM) is indispensable for mitochondrial energy production in the developing and postnatal heart; a similar role for TFAM is inferred in adult heart. Here, we provide evidence that challenges this long-standing paradigm. Unexpectedly, conditional Tfam ablation in vivo in adult mouse cardiomyocytes resulted in a prolonged period of functional resilience characterized by preserved mtDNA content, mitochondrial function, and cardiac function, despite mitochondrial structural alterations and decreased transcript abundance. Remarkably, TFAM protein levels did not directly dictate mtDNA content in the adult heart, and mitochondrial translation was preserved with acute TFAM inactivation, suggesting maintenance of respiratory chain assembly/function. Long-term Tfam inactivation, however, downregulated the core mtDNA transcription and replication machinery, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. Collectively, in contrast to the developing heart, these data reveal a striking resilience of the differentiated adult heart to acute insults to mtDNA regulation.
Modeling pancreatic pathophysiology using genome editing of adult stem cell-derived and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived organoids
Authors: Hirshorn Sabrina T. , Steele Nina , Zavros Yana
Published: March 2021

The goal of this review is not only to provide highlights on the development of organoid technology but also to subsequently use this information to study the pathophysiology of those specific mutations in the formation of malignant pancreatic and gastric cancer.
Nerve transfer for restoration of lower motor neuron-lesioned bladder function. Part 1: attenuation of purinergic bladder smooth muscle contractions
Authors: Frara Nagat , Giaddui Dania , Braverman Alan S. , Porreca Danielle S. , Brown Justin M. , Mazzei Michael , Wagner Ida J. , Pontari Michel A. , Tiwari Ekta , Testa Courtney L. , Yu Daohai , Hobson Lucas J. , Barbe Mary F. , Ruggieri Michael R.
Published: March 2021

This study determined the effect of pelvic organ decentralization and reinnervation 1 yr later on the contribution of muscarinic and purinergic receptors to ex vivo, nerve-evoked, bladder smooth muscle contractions. Nineteen canines underwent decentralization by bilateral transection of all coccygeal and sacral (S) spinal roots, dorsal roots of lumbar (L)7, and hypogastric nerves. After exclusions, 8 were reinnervated 12 mo postdecentralization with obturator-to-pelvic and sciatic-to-pudendal nerve transfers then euthanized 8-12 mo later. Four served as long-term decentralized only animals. Controls included six sham-operated and three unoperated animals. Detrusor muscle was assessed for contractile responses to potassium chloride (KCl) and electric field stimulation (EFS) before and after purinergic receptor desensitization with α, β-methylene adenosine triphosphate (α,β-mATP), muscarinic receptor antagonism with atropine, or sodium channel blockade with tetrodotoxin. Atropine inhibition of EFS-induced contractions increased in decentralized and reinnervated animals compared with controls. Maximal contractile responses to α,β-mATP did not differ between groups. In strips from decentralized and reinnervated animals, the contractile response to EFS was enhanced at lower frequencies compared with normal controls. The observation of increased blockade of nerve-evoked contractions by muscarinic antagonist with no change in responsiveness to purinergic agonist suggests either decreased ATP release or increased ecto-ATPase activity in detrusor muscle as a consequence of the long-term decentralization. The reduction in the frequency required to produce maximum contraction following decentralization may be due to enhanced nerve sensitivity to EFS or a change in the effectiveness of the neurotransmission.
Green Product Design and Pricing Decisions in a Risk-Averse Supply Chain under Alternative Power Structures
Authors: Xu Tiantian , Zhan Jizhou
Published: March 2021

Motivated by the prevailing green product design and the different supply chain power structures, this paper aims to analyse the role of power relationship and risk-aversion in economic and environmental performance of sustainable supply chain. Three game theory models, including the manufacturer Stackelberg (MS) model, retailer Stackelberg (RS) model, and vertical Nash (VN) model, are developed to study the pricing and greenness level decisions in a two-echelon sustainable supply chain, where one risk-averse manufacturer sells green products through one risk-averse retailer. This paper shows that when selling through a more risk-averse retailer, the risk-averse manufacturer prefers to provide a product with a higher level of greenness and achieve a greater utility regardless of the power structure. A manufacturer as a follower may have stronger motivation to increase the product’s level of greenness than one in a more balanced supply chain when the green technology investment coefficient is sufficiently low. With regard to the power structure, the channel leadership is not necessary to for the manufacturer to achieve higher utility, which depends on the green technology investment coefficient, greenness level sensitivity, and players’ risk aversion.
Pesticide Residue Analysis of Khat Leaves and Health Risks among Khat Chewers in the Amhara Region, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Atnafie Seyfe Asrade , Muluneh Niguse Yigzaw , Getahun Kefyalew Ayalew , Tsegaw Woredekal Asegedech , Kahaliw Wubayehu
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Farmers use a large number of pesticides to increase the productivity of Khat cultivation. Since Khat is consumed by many Ethiopians as a habit, there may be a significant concentration of pesticide residues in Khat leaves which result in adverse effects among the exposed population. Excess use of pesticides in Khat causes cancer, genotoxicity, and endocrine disturbances. The current study aimed to determine the concentration of selected pesticide residues on Khat leaves samples and to estimate the possible health risk on consumers. Methods. Thirty Khat samples were collected from Khat cultivators in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Pesticide residue extraction and cleanup of Khat samples were performed using the QuEChERS method. Data were also collected about personal variables and Khat consumption habits. The pesticide concentrations were determined and the health risks were estimated. Results. Profenofos, dimethoate, and chlorpyrifos were detected in 6 (20%), 24 (80%), and 28 (93.3%) Khat samples, respectively. However, diazinon was detected in two samples and endosulfan I was not detected. The average concentration of chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, profenofos, and diazinon in Khat samples was 75.39 ± 20.26, 130 ± 48.94, 242.45 ± 119.79, and 81.5 ± 21.0 μg/kg, respectively. The HQ for diazinon was greater than 1 which shows the chronic health risks associated with intake of diazinon among Khat chewers. The acute health risks associated with intake of profenofos and diazinon were minimal. Discussion. Pesticide residue exposure is a risk factor for cardiac complications, reduction in antioxidant defense system, and developing neurological symptoms. All the pesticides were higher than the European Union Maximum Residue Levels (EU-MRL). Diazinon has the potential to cause higher chronic health risks. Chronic Khat chewers in the region may face potential health risks from pesticide residues. Awareness creation among people in the study area is necessary to avoid the adverse health effects of pesticide residues.
Long Noncoding RNA LINC00857 Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer Cell through miR-1306/Vimentin Axis
Authors: Chang Na , Cui Yayun , Liang Xue , Han Dan , Zheng Xiaomin , Wu Ailin , Qian Liting
Published: March 2021

Colorectal cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death which still increasing in many countries. The lack of biomarkers for early detection and clinic treatment results in high morbidity and mortality. The novel role of long noncoding RNA LINC00857 on cell proliferation migration and invasion was explored in this article. The expression level of LINC00857 in colorectal cancer tissue samples and cells was determined notably higher than normal tissue samples and cells. Silence LINC00857 can significantly inhibit colorectal cancer cell viability and metastasis in vitro. Moreover, LINC00857 depletion caused cell accumulation in the G0/G1 phase. In addition, we recognized the novel LINC00857–miR-1306–vimentin axis and demonstrated it by dual-luciferase reporter assay. And this signaling axis could be considered as the target for colorectal cancer treatment. In conclusion, LINC00857 can promote colorectal cancer progress by sponging miR-1306 and upregulate vimentin to accelerate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process.
Robust Visual Tracking Based on Convolutional Sparse Coding
Authors: Liang Yun , Wang Dong , Chen Yijin , Xiao Lei , Liu Caixing
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a new visual tracking method by constructing the robust appearance model of the target with convolutional sparse coding. First, our method uses convolutional sparse coding to divide the interest region of the target into a smooth image and four detail images with different fitting degrees. Second, we compute the initial target region by tracking the smooth image with the kernel correlation filtering. We define an appearance model to describe the details of the target based on the initial target region and the combination of four detail images. Third, we propose a matching method by the overlap rate and Euclidean distance to evaluate candidates and the appearance model to compute the tracking results based on detail images. Finally, the two tracking results are separately computed by the smooth image, and the detail images are combined to produce the final target rectangle. Many experiments on videos from Tracking Benchmark 2015 demonstrate that our method produces much better results than most of the present visual tracking methods.
Sirt‐1 Regulates Physiological Process and Exerts Protective Effects against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Lei , Xia Guangyuan , Li Peifan , Wang Yiming , Zhao Qian
Published: March 2021

Background. Recent studies suggest a correlation between the reduced Sirt‐1 expression with Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) and depression, respectively, suggesting a possible pathogenic role of the altered Sirt‐1 expression in neuronal degenerative diseases, such as AD and depression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how Sirt‐1 reduction impairs neuronal functions remain unknown. Methods. We used the SK‐N‐SH neuroblastoma cells to study the role of Sirt‐1 expression on physiological roles in neuronal cells. Gain of Sirt‐1 was achieved by transiently transfecting Sirt‐1 expression plasmid. Sirt‐1‐specific shRNA was used to elucidate the role of Sirt‐1 loss of function. CCK‐8 (Cell Counting Kit‐8) assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Semiquantitative western blotting was used to detect relative protein levels. A further luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to examine the effect of Sirt‐1 expression on the transcriptional activity of p53. RT‐qPCR was used to determine the mRNA levels of p21, Bax, and Bcl‐2, which were the downstream target genes of p53. Results. Sirt‐1 suppressed the p53 downstream gene p21 transcription, while shRNA‐mediated Sirt‐1 knockdown resulted in a significant increase in p21 expression, implying a possibility that Sirt‐1 promotes neuron proliferation through suppressing p53 transcriptional activity. The mRNA and protein levels of p53 were not affected by the altered Sirt‐1 expression, suggesting that Sirt‐1 regulates the transcriptional regulatory activity of p53 rather than p53 expression. Indeed, we further confirmed that Sirt‐1 appeared to inhibit p53 transcriptional activity by attenuating its acetylation and resulted in a decrease of p53’s binding to the p21 promoter. Overexpressed Sirt‐1 scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in SK‐N‐SH with H2O2. Knockdown of Sirt‐1 presented opposite effect; the addition of EX527 (Sirt‐1 inhibitor) increased ROS accumulation. Conclusions. Oxidative stress induces Sirt‐1 in neuron cells, and Sirt‐1 promotes proliferation in SK‐N‐SH cells, which protects them from oxidative stress‐induced cell death, potentially via suppressing the transcriptional activity of p53. These results provide a molecular explanation underlying how the reduced Sirt‐1 potentially causes the AD and depression‐related diseases, supporting the idea that Sirt‐1 can possibly be used as a diagnostic biomarker and/or therapeutic drug target for the AD and depression‐related diseases.
Effect of Rearing Season on Meat and Intramuscular Fat Quality of Beni-Guil Sheep
Authors: Belhaj Kamal , Mansouri Farid , Sindic Marianne , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Boukharta Mohamed , Serghini Caid Hana , Elamrani Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Twenty Beni-Guil-PGI female lambs were used to study the effects of rearing season on meat quality characteristics, fatty acids profile, and lipid content. The animals were reared according to the pastoral-transhumant system in the eastern region of Morocco. The treatments consisted of 10 female lambs reared in summer-autumn (SA) and slaughtered at winter season and 10 female lambs reared in winter-spring (WS) and slaughtered at spring season. After the slaughter, the longissimus lumborum was collected for each animal for meat quality analysis. Compared to lambs reared in SA, the meat from the WS group showed higher (

p
<
0.01

) pH, chroma, and lightness values (5.79 vs. 5.72, 23.97 vs. 18.46, and 47.03 vs. 41.04, respectively). On the other hand, the meat from WS presented higher (

p
<
0.05

) intramuscular fat content (5.14 % vs. 3.82%, respectively). However, the intramuscular fat of the lambs reared in SA was characterized by greater (

p
<
0.01

) PUFA percentage (16.82% vs. 12.40%, respectively), thrombogenic (

p
<
0.001

) and atherogenic index (

p
<
0.001

), and PUFA/SFA ratio (

p
<
0.01

; 0.42 vs. 0.25, respectively). Nevertheless, those reared in WS season have a higher (

p
<
0.001

) PUFA n − 3 (2.58% vs. 1.14%, respectively) content, and therefore favorable (

p
<
0.001

) n − 6/n − 3 ratio (3.78 vs. 12.98, respectively).
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Antibiogram of Nontyphoidal Salmonella from Beef in Ambo and Holeta Towns, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Soboka Gezahegn Tafesse , Borana Bizunesh Mideksa , Marami Lencho Megersa , Sarba Edilu Jorga , Tadese Nega Desalegn , Ambecha Hirut Abebe
Published: March 2021

Background. Salmonella has been recognized as a major cause of food-borne illness associated with the consumption of food of animal origin. The present cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 in Ambo and Holeta towns to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of nontyphoidal Salmonella isolates from raw beef samples from abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants in Ambo and Holeta towns, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Methods. A total of 354 beef samples were collected from abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants. Salmonella isolation and identification were carried out using standard bacteriological methods recommended by the International Organization for Standardization. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Besides, a structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and potential risk factors for contamination of meat. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for data analyses. Results. Of the total 354 meat samples examined, 20 (5.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5–8.6) were positive for Salmonella. Two serotypes belonging to S. typhimurium (11 isolates) and I:4,5,12: i:- (9 isolates) were identified. The Salmonella detection rate in abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants was 4.2% (5/118), 8.5% (10/118), and 4.2% (5/118), respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 40%, 30%, and 20% of the Salmonella isolates were resistant to azithromycin, amoxicillin, and ceftriaxone, respectively. The odds of Salmonella isolation when meat handlers are illiterate were 7.8 times higher than those when they are educated to the level of secondary and above (

P
=
0.032

). Similarly, the likelihood of Salmonella isolation was 6.3 and 7.6 times higher among workers of butcher and restaurants, respectively, who had no training (

P
=
0.003

) and no knowledge (

P
=
0.010

) on food safety and hygiene. Conclusions. The study showed widespread multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates in the study areas. Therefore, raw meat consumption and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs should be discouraged. Provision of food safety education for meat handlers and further surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant isolates are suggested.
[Retracted] Human Schlafen 5 Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Gu Xuefeng , Zhou Li , Chen Lei , Pan Huiqing , Zhao Rui , Guang Weiwei , Wan Guoqing , Zhang Peng , Liu Dingsheng , Deng Li-Li , Zhao Weiming , Lu Changlian
Published: March 2021

Background. Human Schlafen 5 (SLFN5) is reported to inhibit or promote the proliferation of several specific types of cancer cells by our lab and other researchers. We are curious about its implications in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC), a malignant tumor with a high incidence rate and high mortality. Method. Lentiviral stable transfections of SLFN5‐specific shRNA for knockdown and SLFN5 full‐length coding sequence for overexpression were performed in LUAC cell for proliferation analysis in vitro and in vivo in nude mice. Clinical LUAC samples were collected for immunohistochemical analysis of SLFN5 protein levels. Results. We found that knockdown of endogenous SLFN5 upregulates cancer cell proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis. Besides, SLFN5 inhibition on proliferation was also observed in a nude mouse xenograft model. In contrast, overexpression of exogenous SLFN5 inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo and promoted apoptosis. As to the signaling pathway, we found phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was positively regulated by SLFN5, while its downstream signaling pathway AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was inhibited. Moreover, compared with adjacent normal tissues, SLFN5 protein levels were markedly decreased in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. In conclusion, these suggest that human SLFN5 plays inhibitory roles in LUAC progression through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, providing a potential target for developing drugs for lung cancer therapy in the future.
Attitudes and Practices of Healthcare Professionals and Clinical Medical Students on Contraception: A Cross-Sectional Study in Cape Coast, Ghana
Authors: Agbeno Evans Kofi , Osarfo Joseph , Anane-Fenin Betty , Achampong Emmanuel Kusi , Neequaye Naa Adei , Opoku Douglas Aninng , Aliyu Mohammed , Ken-Amoah Sebastian , Ofori Anthony Amanfo , Ashong Joycelyn A.
Published: March 2021

Background. Healthcare providers play a major role in the implementation of family planning policies. In Ghana, there has been a conscious effort to improve the knowledge of preservice and practicing health professionals on family planning. However, there have been concerns about the appropriateness of the attitudes and practices of these health cadres and, hence, their propensity to become barriers to the uptake of contraception in the general population. This study is aimed at assessing the attitudes and practices of healthcare workers and clinical-year medical students in contraceptives use, advocacy, and service provision. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among health workers and clinical-year medical students from January 1 to June 30, 2018. Variables assessed included sexual activity status, previous and current contraceptive use, and satisfaction with contraceptive use among others. Data from 400 self-administered, structured questionnaires comprising close- and open-ended questions was entered in SPSS version 22 and analysed using same. The variables assessed were presented as means, frequencies, and percentages. Results. About 58% of the respondents were sexually active. Half of the participants (50.2%) had used a form of contraception before, with condoms and other barrier methods being the most preferred (67.7%). However, only 18% of respondents were on a form of contraceptive at the time of the survey. Four out of five (82.6%) of the users of these contraceptives were satisfied with their past use. A little over half of the participants had discussed contraception with their partners. Over four-fifths of participants thought family planning was beneficial and were willing to encourage others to use a method of family planning. Majority (63.7%) of the participants had had formal training in family planning, but only 72 (18%) were actively involved in the provision of family planning services. Conclusions. Although the attitudes of the health workers and trainees toward family planning were excellent generally, only a few were using a method of contraception at the time of the survey despite the fact that most of them were sexually active. There is a need to intensify communication on behaviour change towards contraception among health professionals and clinical-year medical students in order to strengthen their role as change agents in an effort to improve community uptake.
Morphology of Sella Turcica and Bridging Prevalence Correlated with Sex and Craniofacial Skeletal Pattern in Eastern Asia Population: CBCT Study
Authors: Chou Szu-Ting , Chen Chun-Ming , Chen Ping-Ho , Chen Yuk-Kwan , Chen Shis-Chieh , Tseng Yu-Chuan
Published: March 2021

Purpose. Sella turcica bridging (STB) refers to a rare anatomical variation formed by the ossification of the ligament between the anterior and posterior clinoid processes. The presence of the STB was significantly correlated with craniofacial skeleton classification and a higher prevalence rate in skeletal Class III. The current study is aimed at investigating the dimensions of sella turcica and the prevalence of STB in different sexes and on the three craniofacial skeletal patterns using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods. A total of 159 adults (66 males and 93 females), including 3 different craniofacial skeletal patterns (skeletal Classes I, II, and III), were included in the study. The sella turcica dimensions and the prevalence of STB were calculated. An independent t‐test and generalized linear model were used to compare the differences in the sella turcica dimensions and the skeletal relations. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlations between sella turcica dimensions and skeletal relation. Results. The sella length (SL) was 11.05 ± 1.80 mm for males and 10.77 ± 1.56 mm for females. The anterior clinoid distance (ACD) which was measured for the anterior width of sella turcica showed 25.83 ± 2.04 mm and 24.04 ± 2.28 mm for males and females, respectively (p < 0.0001). The overall percentage of complete bridging and partial bridging was 6.6% and 56.9%, respectively. Complete bridges were more common in males (males: 9.1%, females: 4.8%), and partial bridges were more frequent in females (males: 49.2%, females: 62.4%). Both sexes differed with respect to sella turcica dimensions. Moreover, males had a significantly larger ACD, posterior clinoid distance (PCD), and diameter of sella turcica (DST), on both sides, relative to females. Conclusion. The prevalence rate of complete STB in the Taiwanese population was 6.6%. Significant differences between sexes were found in sella turcica dimensions. The prevalence rates of STB as well as the sella turcica dimensions did not significantly differ between different craniofacial skeletal patterns (skeletal Classes I, II, and III).
Application of Smartphones in Pavement Profile Estimation Using SDOF Model‐Based Noisy Deconvolution
Authors: Moghadam Amin , Sarlo Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

The new generation of smartphones, equipped with various sensors, such as a three‐axis accelerometer, has shown potential as an intelligent, low‐cost monitoring platform over the past few years. This paper reports the results of an analytical and experimental study on a proposed SDOF model‐based noisy deconvolution (SMND) coupled with a deechoing technique to estimate pavement profiles and to modify their geometry using a smartphone inside a vehicle. In the analytical study, the acceleration response of the car was obtained, where the input was a road profile with an arbitrary pattern. Two different methods, classical band‐pass filter and wavelet‐denoising technique, were used for denoising the acceleration response. In a 2‐step deconvolution process coupled with a deechoing technique, the pavement profile was extracted and compared with the original pavement profile, demonstrating good agreement. In the next step, a parametric study was performed to evaluate the effect of vehicle characteristics and speeds. Then, a case study was conducted in Blacksburg, VA, to evaluate the capability of the proposed method in identifying profile types such as potholes and speed bumps. The acceleration‐versus‐time responses in vertical direction were recorded using smartphone accelerometers located in a moving vehicle. Then, the proposed approach was applied to remove the echo and vehicle dynamics effects to obtain the pavement profiles and to modify their geometry. The results showed that the proposed approach can remove the echo and vehicle dynamics effect from the response to obtain the pavement profile even if the vehicle characteristics and speed are changed.
Network Pharmacology Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Shuang Di Shou Zhen Tablets Treating Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Fang Yue , Liu Xinquan , Su Jing
Published: March 2021

Objective. To analyze the pharmacological mechanism of the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) based on a network pharmacological approach of Shuang Di Shou Zhen Tablets (SDSZT) and to provide a new reference for the current lack of effective treatment of dry AMD. Methods. The main chemical constituents and their targets of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Ligustrum lucidum, Mori Fructus, Paeonia albiflora, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Alisma orientale, Schisandra chinensis, Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Radix Rehmanniae were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID). The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine were screened according to Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME), the gene names of the targets of each active ingredient were obtained from the Uniprot database, the main targets of dry AMD were obtained from GeneCards and DisGeNET database, and the protein interaction analysis was performed on the String database. The Metascape database was used to analyze the “drug-component-target” and the biological processes and networks involved, and then, Cytoscape 3.8.1 was used to construct the “ SDSZT component-dry AMD target-pathway” network. Results. The main active ingredients of SDSZT for dry AMD treatment are quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, β-glutamine, β-carotene, etc. And, the core targets are RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 (PTGS1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (BCL2), caspase-3 (CASP3), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma isoform (PIK3CG), androgen receptor (AR), apoptosis regulator BAX (BAX), etc. The biological pathways for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration by SDSZT mainly act on pathways in cancer, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and TNF signaling pathway, and the main function of SDSZT is to regulate intracellular cytokine receptor binding. Conclusion. This study initially reveals the multiconstituent, multitarget, and multipathway mechanism of action of SDSZT in the treatment of dry AMD and provides the basis for the clinical application of SDSZT.
Purtscher-Like Retinopathy in a Patient with COVID-19
Authors: Bottini Alexander R. , Steinmetz Sean , Blinder Kevin J. , Shah Gaurav K.
Published: March 2021

The emerging literature on the novel coronavirus pandemic has reported several cases of varied retinal findings in patients with COVID-19. We report the case of a 59-year-old male who presented with complaint of bilateral blurry vision following hospital discharge after prolonged hospitalization for severe COVID-19 illness. On ocular exam, the patient demonstrated bilateral cotton wool spots localized to the posterior pole of each eye. Multimodal imaging demonstrated findings consistent with retinal nerve fiber layer infarcts in the areas of the cotton wool spots. Exam and imaging of our patient were most consistent with a Purtscher-like retinopathy. We suggest that as ophthalmologists care for increasing numbers of patients recuperating from COVID-19, they monitor for microangiopathic changes similar to those in our patient.
Low REST Expression Indicates a Biomarker of Poor Prognosis in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lv Chaoxiang , Li Yuanguo , Zhang Qiqi , Chen Yanyan , Wei Dandan , Wang Tiecheng , Zhou Bo
Published: March 2021

It was initially found that neural‐restrictive silencer factor/repressor 1‐silencing transcription factor (REST) is a transcriptional repressor of neuronal genes in nonneuronal cells. However, it is reported to be abundantly expressed in various types of aggressive cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the expression patterns of REST in renal cell carcinoma and found that its expression is lower in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. The chi‐square test showed that the low REST expression was closely related to patients’ clinicopathologic parameters, including the pathologic stage and survival status. ROC curve showed that REST had excellent clinical diagnostic prospect. In addition, patients with low REST expression had poor over survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that the low REST expression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma. Gene set enrichment analysis identified P53 pathway, reactive oxygen species pathway, glycolysis, DNA repair, cholesterol homeostasis, and MYC targets V2 enriched with low REST expression phenotype. These results suggested that REST may be a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma in clinical applications.
Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Blend from Fused Deposition Modeling as Potential Cartilage Scaffolds
Authors: Kosorn Wasana , Wutticharoenmongkol Patcharaporn
Published: March 2021

The scaffolds of poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PCL/PHBV) blends were fabricated from fused deposition modeling. From indirect cytotoxicity testing based on mouse fibroblasts, all scaffolds with various blend ratios were nontoxic to cells. The surface-treated scaffold with a blend ratio of 25/75 PCL/PHBV exhibited the highest proliferation of porcine chondrocytes and total glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) after 21 days of culture. The scaffolds with a blend ratio of 25/75 with local pores (LP) were prepared from FDM along with a salt leaching technique using NaCl as porogens. The effect of NaOH in surface treatment on the biological property of scaffolds was investigated. The scaffolds with LP and with 1 M NaOH surface treatment exhibited the highest proliferation of cells and total GAGs after 28 days of culture. The degradation behaviors of the scaffolds were studied. The nonsurface treated, surface treated without LP, and surface treated with LP scaffolds were degraded in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for 30 days at 37°C and 50°C for nonenzymatic condition and at 37°C for enzymatic condition. The surface treated with LP scaffold showed the highest amount of weight loss, followed by the surface treated without LP, and the nonsurface-treated scaffolds without LP, respectively. The results from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated degradation of PCL and PHBV through hydrolysis of the ester functional group. The compressive strengths of all scaffolds were sufficiently high. The results suggested that the scaffolds with the existence of LP and with surface treatment showed the highest potential for use as cartilage scaffolds.
Stomatin-Mediated Inhibition of the Akt Signaling Axis Suppresses Tumor Growth
Authors: Rahman Nor Idayu A. , Sato Akira , Tsevelnorov Khurelbaatar , Shimizu Akio , Komeno Masahiro , Ahmat Amin Mohammad Khusni Bin , Molla Md Rasel , Soh Joanne Ern Chi , Nguyen Le Kim Chi , Wada Akinori , Kawauchi Akihiro , Ogita Hisakazu
Published: March 2021

The growth and progression of cancers are crucially regulated by the tumor microenvironment where tumor cells and stromal cells are mutually associated. In this study, we found that stomatin expression was markedly upregulated by the interaction between prostate cancer cells and stromal cells. Stomatin suppressed cancer cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in vitro and inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Stomatin inhibited Akt activation, which is mediated by phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDPK1). PDPK1 protein stability was maintained by its binding to HSP90. Stomatin interacted with PDPK1 and interfered with the PDPK1–HSP90 complex formation, resulting in decreased PDPK1 expression. Knockdown of stomatin in cancer cells elevated Akt activation and promoted cell increase by promoting the interaction between PDPK1 and HSP90. Clinically, stomatin expression levels were significantly decreased in human prostate cancer samples with high Gleason scores, and lower expression of stomatin was associated with higher recurrence of prostate cancer after the operation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the tumor-suppressive effect of stromal-induced stomatin on cancer cells.

Significance:

These findings reveal that interactions with stromal cells induce expression of stomatin in prostate cancer cells, which suppresses tumor growth via attenuation of the Akt signaling axis.
Chronic Adrenergic Stress Contributes to Metabolic Dysfunction and an Exhausted Phenotype in T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Qiao Guanxi , Chen Minhui , Mohammadpour Hemn , MacDonald Cameron R. , Bucsek Mark J. , Hylander Bonnie L. , Barbi Joseph J. , Repasky Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2021

Metabolic dysfunction and exhaustion in tumor-infiltrating T cells have been linked to ineffectual antitumor immunity and the failure of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. We report here that chronic stress plays a previously unrecognized role in regulating the state of T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Using two mouse tumor models, we found that blocking chronic adrenergic stress signaling using the pan β-blocker propranolol or by using mice lacking the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) results in reduced tumor growth rates with significantly fewer tumor-infiltrating T cells that express markers of exhaustion, with a concomitant increase in progenitor exhausted T cells. We also report that blocking β-AR signaling in mice increases glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), which associated with increased expression of the costimulatory molecule CD28 and increased antitumor effector functions, including increased cytokine production. Using T cells from Nur77-GFP reporter mice to monitor T-cell activation, we observed that stress-induced β-AR signaling suppresses T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Together, these data suggest that chronic stress–induced adrenergic receptor signaling serves as a “checkpoint” of immune responses and contributes to immunosuppression in the TME by promoting T-cell metabolic dysfunction and exhaustion. These results also support the possibility that chronic stress, which unfortunately is increased in many patients with cancer following their diagnoses, could be exerting a major negative influence on the outcome of therapies that depend upon the status of TILs and support the use of strategies to reduce stress or β-AR signaling in combination with immunotherapy.
Ethical Aspects of Human Embryo Collections: A Historically Grounded Approach to the Blechschmidt Collection at the University of Göttingen
Authors: Markert Michael
Published: March 2021

Human body donation and tissue collections are nowadays grounded on a legal framework centered around the concept of informed consent in most countries. Comparable regulations did not exist prior to the second half of the 20th century, when several of the most important collections of human embryos were established. As a particularly prominent example, the Human Embryology Collection (“Blechschmidt Collection”) at the Center of Anatomy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany, is described here with regard to how to approach a human specimen collection from the perspective of both collection ethics and the history of science. The methods and concepts used as well as the outcome in terms of historical and ethical knowledge will be discussed as a model for future projects of similar scope at other collection sites. It it also shown that general ethical recommendations published by museum and collection experts are of value only if they are related to profound knowledge about the history of the particular collection in focus.
Identification of Biomarkers in Patients with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Presenting with Large and Small Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lin Chen , Memon Raima , Sui Jingrui , Zheng X. Long
Published: March 2021

Background: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood disorder resulting in organ damage including ischemic strokes. We sought to characterize the neuroimaging patterns of stroke in a large cohort of patients with immune-mediated TTP (iTTP) and determined their associations with clinical and laboratory parameters and outcomes. Methods: We analyzed the Alabama TTP Registry who had laboratory confirmation of acute iTTP. We reviewed the neuroimaging patterns of those with ischemic stroke on MRI, clinical information, and laboratory results. Small ischemic strokes were ≤20 mm in their maximum diameter in the axial plane. Large ischemic strokes were >20 mm. Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ2 test were all used for data analysis. Results: Of 108 iTTP patients, 21 had ischemic stroke on neuroimaging. The median platelet count in these patients was 12 × 109/L (interquartile range, IQR, 8.8–21 × 109/L), plasma ADAMTS13 activity 1.8 U/dL (IQR 0–4.5 U/dL), and the mean plasma level of anti-ADAMTS13 IgG was 6,595.8 U/mL (SD 3,448.9 U/mL). Comparison between patients with large ischemic strokes (n = 10) and small ischemic strokes (n = 11) revealed that patients with small stroke were older (p = 0.043) and had higher plasma levels of citrullinated histone 3 (p = 0.006) and histone/DNA complex (p = 0.014) than those with large strokes. There were no significant differences between 2 stroke groups in mortality or exacerbation. Conclusions: iTTP patients can present with large ischemic strokes and are usually younger. Further research should be performed in assessing different etiologies of iTTP-associated stroke based on neutrophil extracellular trap formation biomarkers (e.g., histone markers) seen in small ischemic stroke.
Successful Multimodality Management of Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumour of the Lower Dorsal Spine with Spinal Drop Metastasis: Illustrated Review
Authors: Biswas Ahitagni , Velu Umesh , Sharma Seema , Kumari Kalpana , Sharma Mehar Chand , Gupta Ankit , Bakhshi Sameer
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Spinal atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour (AT/RT) is exquisitely rare and constitutes 2% of all AT/RTs. Case Presentation: A 6-year-old boy presented with low backache for the last 5 months. MRI of the spine showed a 1.5 × 1.5 × 4.7 cm intradural extramedullary mass extending from D10 to D12, causing compression of the conus medullaris. With a preoperative diagnosis of ependymoma, a gross total resection (GTR) of tumour was performed. Post-operative histopathology showed AT/RT. The tumour cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, smooth muscle actin, and p53 and immunonegative for MIC2, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and INI1. Post-operative neuraxis MRI revealed post-operative changes (D10–D12) with a 9 mm enhancing lesion at L5-S1 junction suggesting drop metastasis. There was no lesion in brain. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology did not show any malignant cell. The metastatic work-up was normal. He received 3 cycles of chemotherapy with ICE regimen (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide). Subsequently, he received craniospinal irradiation (CSI)-36 Gy/20 fractions/4 weeks followed by focal boost to primary tumour bed and spinal drop metastasis-14.4 Gy/8 fractions/1.5 weeks. Thereafter, he received 3 more cycles of ICE regimen. End-of-treatment MRI spine showed post-op changes (D10–D12) and 38.9% reduction of the L5-S1 lesion suggesting partial response. Six monthly spinal MRI showed serial reduction of the metastatic lesion leading to complete response (CR) 1 year after completion of treatment. On last follow-up (30 months from the initial diagnosis), he was neurologically intact and in CR. Conclusion: Multimodality management comprising GTR of tumour, CSI followed by focal boost, and multiagent chemotherapy (ICE) can lead to successful outcome in patients with this rare and aggressive spinal tumour.
Sinais divinos e prodígios na construção da imagem de Augusto: um estudo a partir de Suetônio
Authors: Campos Carlos Eduardo da Costa
Published: March 2021

O papel sociopolítico da religião e dos rituais são elementos cruciais para o estudo das instituições romanas. Afinal, a esfera religiosa integra um complexo sistema epistemológico produzido pela elite republicana que é atrelado aos diversos segmentos sociais de Roma. Dessa forma, objetivamos analisar as atividades religiosas atribuídas à magistratura e ao Senado na República Romana.
Regional Variations in Heart Failure Quality and Outcomes: Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Cunningham Luke C. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Yancy Clyde W. , Sheng Shubin , Matsouaka Roland A. , DeVore Adam D. , Jneid Hani , Deswal Anita
Published: March 2021

Background

Regional patient characteristics, care quality, and outcomes may differ based on a variety of factors among patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). Regional disparities in outcomes of cardiovascular disease have been suggested across various regions in the United States. This study examined whether there are significant differences by region in quality of care and short‐term outcomes of hospitalized patients with HF across the United States.

Methods and Results

We examined regional demographics, quality measures, and short‐term outcomes across 4 US Census Bureau regions in patients hospitalized with HF and enrolled in the GWTG‐HF (Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure) registry from 2010 to 2016. Differences in length of stay and mortality by region were examined with multivariable logistic regression. The study included 423 333 patients hospitalized for HF in 488 hospitals. Patients in the Northeast were significantly older. Completion of achievement measures, with few exceptions, were met with similar frequency across regions. Multivariable analysis demonstrated significantly lower in‐hospital mortality in the Midwest compared with the Northeast (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51–0.8;
P
<0.00001). The length of stay varied significantly by region with a significantly higher risk‐adjusted length of stay in the Northeast compared with other regions.

Conclusions

Although we did not find any substantial differences by region in quality of care in patients hospitalized for HF, risk‐adjusted inpatient mortality was found to be lower in the Midwest compared with the Northeast, and may be secondary to unmeasured differences in patient characteristics, and to longer length of stay in the Northeast.