bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early non-response to certolizumab pegol in rheumatoid arthritis predicts failure to achieve low disease activity at 1 year: data from a prospective observational study
Authors: Saraux Alain , Flipo René-Marc , Fagnani Francis , Massol Jacques , Cukierman Gabrielle , Joubert Jean-Michel , Huot-Marchand Philippe , Combe Bernard
Published: January 2020

Objective

To evaluate the performance of clinical criteria for predicting late treatment failure in patients with early non-response to certolizumab pegol (CZP).

Methods

A protocol-specified analysis of interim data from ECLAIR, a 3-year longitudinal, prospective, observational, multicentre study of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) initiating CZP treatment in France, was conducted. Clinical measures assessed were Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Disease Activity Score-28 with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28(ESR)) and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Early non-response was measured at 3 months (M3) and failure to achieve low disease activity (LDA) at 12 months (M12).

Results

574/792 enrolled patients were treated at M3. The numbers available for predictability analyses were 532 (CDAI), 434 (DAS28(ESR)) and 496 (HAQ-DI). Of the three indices evaluated, the highest predictor of non-response value was observed for the CDAI (88.8% (95% CI 81.0 to 94.1)), indicating that up to 88% of patients identified as non-responders at M3 failed to achieve LDA at M12, regardless of baseline disease severity or treatment history. The specificity for this measure was also very high (96.0%), indicating that less than 5% of patients who achieved CDAI response at M12 had not responded at M3. Similar predictability was observed for DAS28(ESR), but only in patients with high disease activity at baseline and/or those previously treated by a biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug.

Conclusion

CDAI non-response at M3 is a predictor of failure to achieve the therapeutic target of LDA at M12 in patients with RA initiating treatment with CZP.
Zinc supplementation ameliorates lung injury by reducing neutrophil recruitment and activity
Authors: Wessels Inga , Pupke Johanna Theresa , von Trotha Klaus-Thilo , Gombert Alexander , Himmelsbach Anika , Fischer Henrike Josephine , Jacobs Michael J , Rink Lothar , Grommes Jochen
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Zinc is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects, including regulation of migration and activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). Zinc deficiency is associated with inflammatory diseases such as acute lung injury (ALI). As deregulated neutrophil recruitment and their hyper-activation are hallmarks of ALI, benefits of zinc supplementation on the development of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced ALI were tested.

Methods

64 C57Bl/6 mice, split into eight groups, were injected with 30 µg zinc 24 hours before exposure to aerosolised LPS for 4 hours. Zinc homoeostasis was characterised measuring serum and lung zinc concentrations as well as metallothionein-1 expression. Recruitment of neutrophils to alveolar, interstitial and intravascular space was assessed using flow cytometry. To determine the extent of lung damage, permeability and histological changes and the influx of protein into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured. Inflammatory status and PMN activity were evaluated via tumour necrosis factor α levels and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. The effects of zinc supplementation prior to LPS stimulation on activation of primary human granulocytes and integrity of human lung cell monolayers were assessed as well.

Results

Injecting zinc 24 hours prior to LPS-induced ALI indeed significantly decreased the recruitment of neutrophils to the lungs and prevented their hyperactivity and thus lung damage was decreased. Results from in vitro investigations using human cells suggest the transferability of the finding to human disease, which remains to be tested in more detail.

Conclusion

Zinc supplementation attenuated LPS-induced lung injury in a murine ALI model. Thus, the usage of zinc-based strategies should be considered to prevent detrimental consequences of respiratory infection and lung damage in risk groups.
TXA (Tranexamic Acid) Risk Evaluation in Combat Casualties (TRECC)
Authors: Adair Kathleen E , Patrick Joshua D , Kliber Eric J , Peterson Matthew N , Holland Seth R
Published: January 2020

Background

The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has become increasingly prevalent for hemorrhage prevention in military trauma patients due to its known survival benefits. There is concern of increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) subsequent to receiving TXA. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the rate of VTE in severely injured military personnel during Operation Enduring Freedom (2009–2014).

Methods

An analysis of 859 military trauma patients from the 2009–2014 Department of Defense Trauma Registry included subjects with an injury severity score (ISS) >10 and a massive transfusion (MT) (>10 units of blood products in the first 24 hours). Outcomes included a documented VTE (eg, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)) during the patient’s hospital course. Comparison between those who did/did not receive TXA was analyzed using three separate multiple regression analyses using listwise deletion, systematic replacement and multiple imputation.

Results

Subjects (n=620) met inclusion criteria with 27% (n=169) having a documented VTE. A total of 30% that received TXA had a documented VTE, 26% that did not receive TXA had a documented VTE and 43% (n=264, n=620) of the sample did not have TXA documented as either given or not given. Multiple regression analyses using listwise deletion and systematic replacement of the TXA variable demonstrated no difference in odds of VTE, whereas the multiple imputation analysis demonstrated a 3% increased odds of VTE, a9.4% increased odds of PE and 8.1% decreased odds of DVT with TXA administration.

Discussion

TXA use with an ISS >10 and MT resuscitation had a 3% increased odds of VTE and an increased odds of PE, whereas the odds of DVT were found to be decreased after multiple imputation analysis. Further research on the long-term risks and benefits of TXA usage in the military population is recommended.

Level of evidence

IV—therapeutic.
Experimental study of hydromechanical behaviour of a compacted lateritic sandy lean clay
Authors: Ng C.W.W. , Akinniyi D.B. , Zhou C.
Published: January 2020

Lateritic clay is widely distributed in tropical areas and used extensively for foundation materials. Compared to other soils, it is rich in iron and aluminum oxides (sesquioxides), which enhance the formation of soil aggregates. The principal objective of this study is to investigate the hydromechanical behaviour of a lateritic sandy lean clay. All specimens were compacted at the same condition and then wetted to a predefined suction (0, 50, 150 kPa). Suction-controlled isotropic compression and shear tests were carried out. Moreover, soil microstructures at various suctions were determined using the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The compressibility of the lateritic clay decreased by about 50% as suction decreased from 150 to 0 kPa. This is mainly because as the suction decreased to 0 kPa, the sizes of interaggregate pores decreased, as revealed by MIP data. During shearing, the critical state friction angle appeared to be independent of suction. The contribution of suction to the apparent cohesion is unexpectedly low, likely because the interaggregate pores have a low degree of saturation and the contribution of the water meniscus on shear strength is very low.
Random matrices with exchangeable entries
Authors: Kirsch Werner , Kriecherbauer Thomas
Published: January 2020

We consider ensembles of real symmetric band matrices with entries drawn from an infinite sequence of exchangeable random variables, as far as the symmetry of the matrices permits. In general, the entries of the upper triangular parts of these matrices are correlated and no smallness or sparseness of these correlations is assumed. It is shown that the eigenvalue distribution measures still converge to a semicircle but with random scaling. We also investigate the asymptotic behavior of the corresponding [Formula: see text]-operator norms. The key to our analysis is a generalization of a classic result by de Finetti that allows to represent the underlying probability spaces as averages of Wigner band ensembles with entries that are not necessarily centered. Some of our results appear to be new even for such Wigner band matrices.
DOES FINANCIAL INCLUSION DRIVE THE ISLAMIC BANKING EFFICIENCY? A POST-FINANCIAL CRISIS ANALYSIS
Authors: BANNA HASANUL , ALAM MD RABIUL , AHMAD RUBI , SARI NORHANIM MAT
Published: January 2020

Considering the reverberations of financial crisis of 2007–09 that the banking industry terribly witnessed, this paper aims to estimate both the non-bias-corrected and bias-corrected efficiency by employing the data envelopment analysis and Simar–Wilson double bootstrapping regression techniques over the period of 2011–2017 and see how the financial inclusion impacts on Islamic banks. This study finds that most of the countries, except some Asian and Middle-Eastern countries, have inconsistent efficiency trends in Islamic banking sector. It also shows that financial inclusion is significantly allied with Islamic banking efficiency. Eventually, the results propose that Islamic banks are still bearing the consequence of that economic recession and, therefore, bank should focus more on financial inclusion since those banks having sound and inclusive financial environment are seen enjoying higher level of financial efficiency.
A Novel Four Switch Infinite Level Inverter
Authors: Ajmal K. T. , Shafeeque K. Muhammedali , Jayanand B.
Published: January 2020

A novel Four Switch Infinite Level Inverter (FSILI) is proposed in this paper. In conventional multilevel inverters, as the number of levels increases the output voltage becomes more sinusoidal. Unlike conventional multilevel topologies, the output voltage level in the proposed topology depends upon the switching frequency. Since the switching frequency is very high, the output voltage level approaches infinity, thus the name Infinite Level Inverter. Proposed topology requires only one inductor and capacitor reducing the size, weight and thus cost of the overall system. Inherent buck operation is happening in the proposed topology with a sine varying duty ratio PWM control. Steady-state analysis and design of the inverter are carried out. The proposed topology is simulated using Matlab/Simulink to evaluate the theoretical analysis and operation. A hardware prototype is also developed to validate the operation of proposed FSILI.
Tension Force Estimation of Cables with Two Intermediate Supports
Authors: Yan Banfu , Chen Wenbing , Dong You , Jiang Xiaomo
Published: January 2020

The presence of intermediate supports usually imposes difficulties in identifying the tension force of stayed cables in cable-stayed bridges or hanger cables in arch bridges. This paper establishes the partial differential equations of motion of the cable and derives two numerical models with (Model 1) and without (Model 2) considering the flexural rigidity. The effects of two intermediate supports on the identification accuracy of the cable tension force are further studied analytically and experimentally. The effects of several non-dimensional parameters (e.g. damper location, support stiffness, flexural rigidity, and mode order of the cable) on the identification accuracy of the models are also investigated. It is theoretically concluded that the simplified Model 2 provides acceptable accuracy on tension force identification when the non-dimensional parameter [Formula: see text] is greater than 90 (slender cables), whereas the accurate Model 1 can be applied for tension force identification at any scenarios. The feasibility of two models is further verified by three numerical examples and field tests on two real-world arch bridges.
Multi-component generalizations of mKdV equation and nonassociative algebraic structures
Authors: Shestakov Ivan P. , Sokolov Vladimir V.
Published: January 2020

Relations between triple Jordan systems and integrable multi-component models of the modified Korteveg–de Vries type are established. The most general model is related to a pair consisting of a triple Jordan system and a skew-symmetric bilinear operation. If this operation is a Lie bracket, then we arrive at the Lie–Jordan algebras [Speciality of Lie–Jordan algebras, J. Algebra 237 (2001) 621–636].
CONTROLLABILITY ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX NETWORKS USING STATISTICAL RANDOM SAMPLING
Authors: RAVANDI BABAK , ANSARI FOROUGH S. , MILI FATMA
Published: January 2020

Large complex dynamical systems behave in ways that reflect their structure. There are many applications where we need to control these systems by bringing them from their current state to a desired state. Affecting the state of these systems is done by communications with its key elements, called driver nodes, in reference to their representation as a network of nodes. Over the past decades, much focus has been paid on analytical approaches to derive optimal control configurations based on the concept of Minimum Driver node Sets (MDSs) for directed complex networks. However, the underlying control mechanisms of many complex systems rely on quickly controlling a major subspace of a system. In this work, we ask how complex networks behave if driver nodes are randomly selected? We seek to understand and employ the statistical characteristics of MDSs to randomly select driver nodes and analyze the controllability properties of complex network. We propose an algorithm to build Random Driver node Sets (RDSs) and analyze their controllable subspace, the minimum time needed to control, and the cardinality of RDSs. Through our evaluations on a variety of synthetic and real-world networks, we show RDSs can quickly and effectively control a major subspace of networks.
Structure, optical and electrical properties of Nb-doped ZnO transparent conductive thin films prepared by co-sputtering method
Authors: Liu Yantao , Wang Wenxia , Ma Jianping , Wang Ying , Ye Wei , Zhang Chao , Chen Jingjing , Li Xinyu , Du Yan
Published: January 2020

Nb-doped ZnO thin films were fabricated on glass substrates by using co-sputtering with direct-current and radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The structures, optical and electrical performances of Nb-doped ZnO thin films were investigated. The results showed that all thin films have (0 0 2) [Formula: see text]-axis preferential orientation. The minimum resistivity of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm and the maximum carrier concentration of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text] were obtained at the direct-current sputtering power of 10[Formula: see text]W, respectively. Nb-doped ZnO thin films have also shown high average transmittance of 89.6%, and lower surface roughness of 2.74[Formula: see text]nm. Meanwhile, a distinct absorption edge in the ultraviolet range of 300–400[Formula: see text]nm was observed in absorbance, the optical band gap of Nb-doped ZnO thin films illustrates an increased tendency with increasing Nb concentration.
Impacts of Coal Use on Health
Authors: Hendryx Michael , Zullig Keith J. , Luo Juhua
Published: January 2020

This article reviews evidence for the public health impacts of coal across the extraction, processing, use, and waste disposal continuum. Surface coal mining and processing impose public health risks on residential communities through air and water pollution. Burning coal in power plants emits more nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and heavy metals per unit of energy than any other fuel source and impairs global public health. Coal ash disposal exposes communities to heavy metals and particulate matter waste. Use of coal in domestic households causes public health harm concentrated in developing nations. Across the coal continuum, adverse impacts are disproportionately felt by persons of poor socioeconomic status, contributing to health inequities. Despite efforts to develop renewable energy sources, coal use has not declined on a global scale. Concentrated efforts to eliminate coal as an energy source are imperative to improve public health and avert serious climate change consequences.
Accelerated cardiomyocyte senescence contributes to late-onset doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Mitry Maria A. , Laurent Dimitri , Keith Britny L. , Sira Elizabeth , Eisenberg Carol A. , Eisenberg Leonard M. , Joshi Sachindra , Gupte Sachin , Edwards John G.
Published: January 2020

Children surviving cancer and chemotherapy are at risk for adverse health events including heart failure that may be delayed by years. Although the early effects of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity may be attributed to a direct effect on the cardiomyocytes, the mechanisms underlying the delayed or late effects (8–20 yr) are unknown. The goal of this project was to develop a model of late-onset doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity to better delineate the underlying pathophysiology responsible. The underlying hypothesis was that doxorubicin-induced “late-onset cardiotoxicity” was the result of mitochondrial dysfunction leading to cell failure and death. Wistar rats, 3–4 wk of age, were randomly assigned to vehicle or doxorubicin injection groups (1–45 mg/kg). Cardiovascular function was unaltered at the lower dosages (1–15 kg/mg), but beginning at 6 mo after injection significant cardiac degradation was observed in the 45 mg/kg group. Doxorubicin significantly increased myocardial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. In contrast, in isolated c-kit left ventricular (LV) cells, doxorubicin treatment did not increase mtDNA damage. Biomarkers of senescence within the LV were significantly increased, suggesting accelerated aging of the LV. Doxorubicin also significantly increased LV histamine content suggestive of mast cell activation. With the use of flow cytometry, a significant expansion of the c-kit and stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 cell populations within the LV were concomitant with significant decreases in the circulating peripheral blood population of these cells. These results are consistent with the concept that doxorubicin induced significant damage to the cardiomyocyte population and that although the heart attempted to compensate it eventually succumbed to an inability for self-repair.
Ca2+ oscillations in rat carotid body type 1 cells in normoxia and hypoxia
Authors: Kim Donghee , Hogan James O. , White Carl
Published: January 2020

We studied the mechanisms by which carotid body glomus (type 1) cells produce spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in normoxia and hypoxia. In cells perfused with normoxic solution at 37°C, we observed relatively uniform, low-frequency Ca2+ oscillations in >60% of cells, with each cell showing its own intrinsic frequency and amplitude. The mean frequency and amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations were 0.6 ± 0.1 Hz and 180 ± 42 nM, respectively. The duration of each Ca2+ oscillation ranged from 14 to 26 s (mean of ∼20 s). Inhibition of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) using 2-APB abolished Ca2+ oscillations. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) using thapsigargin abolished Ca2+ oscillations. ML-9, an inhibitor of STIM1 translocation, also strongly reduced Ca2+ oscillations. Inhibitors of L- and T-type Ca2+ channels (Cav; verapamil>nifedipine>TTA-P2) markedly reduced the frequency of Ca2+ oscillations. Thus, Ca2+ oscillations observed in normoxia were caused by cyclical Ca2+ fluxes at the ER, which was supported by Ca2+ influx via Ca2+ channels. Hypoxia (2–5% O2) increased the frequency and amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations, and Cav inhibitors (verapamil>nifedipine>>TTA-P2) reduced these effects of hypoxia. Our study shows that Ca2+ oscillations represent the basic Ca2+ signaling mechanism in normoxia and hypoxia in CB glomus cells.
Impact of the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A on active uptake, volume-sensitive release of taurine, and cell fate in human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Lambert Ian Henry , Nielsen Dorthe , Stürup Stefan
Published: January 2020

The histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) reduces cell viability in cisplatin-sensitive (A2780WT) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780RES) human ovarian cancer cells due to progression of apoptosis (increased caspase-9 activity), autophagy (increased LC3-II expression), and cell cycle arrest (increased p21 expression). The TSA-mediated effect on p21 and caspase-9 is mainly p53 independent. Cisplatin increases DNA-damage (histone H2AX phosphorylation) in A2780WT cells, whereas cisplatin, due to reduced uptake [inductively coupled-plasma-mass spectrometry (Pt) analysis], has no DNA-damaging effect in A2780RES cells. TSA has no effect on cisplatin accumulation or cisplatin-induced DNA-damage in A2780WT/A2780RES cells. Tracer technique indicates that TSA inhibits the volume-sensitive organic anion channel (VSOAC) in A2780WT/A2780RES cells and that the activity is restored by exogenous H2O2. As TSA reduces NOX4 mRNA accumulation and concomitantly increases catalase mRNA/protein accumulation, we suggest that TSA increases the antioxidative defense in A2780 cells. Inhibition of the kinase mTOR (rapamycin, palomid, siRNA), which is normally associated with cell growth, reduces VSOAC activity synergistically to TSA. However, as TSA increases mTOR activity (phosphorylation of 4EBP1, S6 kinase, S6, ULK1, SGK1), the effect of TSA on VSOAC activity does not reflect the shift in mTOR signaling. Upregulation of the protein expression and activity of the taurine transporter (TauT) is a phenotypic characteristic of A2780RES cells. However, TSA reduces TauT protein expression in A2780RES cells and activity to values seen in A2780WT cells. It is suggested that therapeutic benefits of TSA in A2780 do not imply facilitation of cisplatin uptake but more likely a synergistic activation of apoptosis/autophagy and reduced TauT activity.
Upregulation of airway smooth muscle calcium-sensing receptor by low-molecular-weight hyaluronan
Authors: Lazrak Ahmed , Yu Zhihong , Doran Stephen , Jian Ming-Yuan , Creighton Judy , Laube Mandy , Garantziotis Stavros , Prakash Y. S. , Matalon Sadis
Published: January 2020

We investigated the mechanisms involved in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) following exposure of mice to halogens. Male mice (C57BL/6; 20–25 g) exposed to either bromine (Br2) or Cl2(600 or 400 ppm, respectively, for 30 min) developed AHR 24 h after exposure. Nifedipine (5 mg/kg body wt; an L-type calcium channel blocker), administered subcutaneously after Br2or Cl2exposure, produced higher AHR compared with Br2or Cl2alone. In contrast, diltiazem (5 mg/kg body wt; a nondihydropyridine L-type calcium channel blocker) decreased AHR to control (air) values. Exposure of immortalized human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMC) to Br2resulted in membrane potential depolarization ( VmAir: 62 ± 3 mV; 3 h post Br2:−45 ± 5 mV; means ± 1 SE; P < 0.001), increased intracellular [Ca2+]i, and increased expression of the calcium-sensing receptor (Ca-SR) protein. Treatment of hASMC with a siRNA against Ca-SR significantly inhibited the Br2and nifedipine-induced Vmdepolarization and [Ca2+]iincrease. Intranasal administration of an antagonist to Ca-SR in mice postexposure to Br2reversed the effects of Br2and nifedipine on AHR. Incubation of hASMC with low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (LMW-HA), generated by exposing high-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HMW-HA) to Br2, caused Vmdepolarization, [Ca2+]iincrease, and Ca-SR expression to a similar extent as exposure to Br2and Cl2. The addition of HMW-HA to cells or mice exposed to Br2, Cl2, or LMW-HA reversed these effects in vitro and improved AHR in vivo. We conclude that detrimental effects of halogen exposure on AHR are mediated via activation of the Ca-SR by LMW-HA.
TLR7 agonist modulation of postasphyxial neurophysiological and cardiovascular adaptations in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Cho Kenta H. T. , Fraser Mhoyra , Wassink Guido , Dhillon Simerdeep J. , Davidson Joanne O. , Dean Justin M. , Gunn Alistair J. , Bennet Laura
Published: January 2020

Activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury can exacerbate injury but also alleviate cell loss, as recently demonstrated with the TLR7 agonist Gardiquimod (GDQ). However, TLR agonists also modulate vascular function and neuronal excitability. Thus, we examined the effects of TLR7 activation with GDQ on cardiovascular function and seizures after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep at 0.7 gestation (104 days, term ∼147 days). Fetuses received sham asphyxia or asphyxia induced by umbilical cord occlusion for 25 min or asphyxia followed by a continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of 3.34 mg of GDQ from 1 to 4 h after asphyxia. Fetuses were monitored continuously for 72 h postasphyxia. GDQ treatment was associated with sustained, moderate hypertension for 72 h ( P < 0.05), with a transient increase in heart rate. Electroencephalographic (EEG) power was suppressed for the entire postasphyxial period in both groups, whereas EEG spectral edge transiently increased during the GDQ infusion compared with asphyxia alone ( P < 0.05), with higher β- and lower δ-EEG frequencies ( P < 0.05). This increase in EEG frequency was not related to epileptiform activity. After the GDQ infusion, there was earlier onset of high-amplitude stereotypic evolving seizures, with increased numbers of seizures and seizure burden ( P < 0.05). Hemodynamic function and seizure activity are important indices of preterm wellbeing. These data highlight the importance of physiological monitoring during preclinical testing of potential neuroprotective strategies.
Velocity storage: its multiple roles
Authors: Lackner James R. , DiZio Paul
Published: January 2020

Our research described in this article was motivated by the puzzling finding of the Skylab M131 experiments: head movements made while rotating that are nauseogenic and disorienting on Earth are innocuous in a weightless, 0- g environment. We describe a series of parabolic flight experiments that directly addressed this puzzle and discovered the gravity-dependent responses to semicircular canal stimulation, consistent with the principles of velocity storage. We describe a line of research that started in a different direction, investigating dynamic balancing, but ended up pointing to the gravity dependence of angular velocity-to-position integration of semicircular canal signals. Together, these lines of research and the theoretical framework of velocity storage provide an answer to at least part of the M131 puzzle. We also describe recently discovered neural circuits by which active, dynamic vestibular, multisensory, and motor signals are interpreted as either appropriate for action and orientation or as conflicts evoking motion sickness and disorientation.
Competition for limited neural resources in older adults leads to greater asymmetry of bilateral movements than in young adults
Authors: Woytowicz Elizabeth J. , Sainburg Robert L. , Westlake Kelly P. , Whitall Jill
Published: January 2020

We previously demonstrated that lateralization in the neural control of predictive and impedance mechanisms is reflected by interlimb differences in control of bilateral tasks. Aging has been shown to reduce lateralization during unilateral performance, presumably due to greater recruitment of the ipsilateral hemisphere. We now hypothesize that aging-related reduction in the efficiency of neural resources should produce greater behavioral asymmetry during bilateral actions that require hemispheric specialization for each arm. This is because simultaneous control of dominant and nondominant arm function should induce competition for hemisphere-specific resources. To test this hypothesis, we now examine the effect of aging (young, n = 20; old, n = 20) on performance of a mechanically coupled task, in which one arm reaches toward targets while the other arm stabilizes against a spring that connects the two arms. Results indicate better dominant arm reaching performance and better nondominant arm stabilizing performance for both groups. Most notably, limb and joint compliance was lower in the dominant arm, leading to dominant arm deficits in stabilizing performance. Group analysis indicated that older adults showed substantially greater asymmetry in stabilizing against the spring load than did the younger adults. We propose that competition for limited neural resources in older adults is associated with reduced contributions of right hemisphere mechanisms to right-dominant arm stabilizing performance, and thus to greater asymmetry of performance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We provide evidence for greater asymmetry of interlimb differences in bilateral coordination for stabilizing and preserved asymmetry of reaching with aging. These results provide the first evidence for increased lateralization with aging within the context of a complementary bilateral task.
[Retracted] Glucosamine Supplementation in Premating Drinking Water Improves Within‐Litter Birth Weight Uniformity of Rats Partly through Modulating Hormone Metabolism and Genes Involved in Implantation
Authors: Feng Cuiping , Yuan Taolin , Wang Shilan , Liu Ting , Tao Shiyu , Han Dandan , Wang Junjun
Published: January 2020

Within‐litter birth weight variation in multiparous animals has become a big issue due to high incidence of low birth weight neonates, which gives rise to high preweaning mortality and morbidity. Foetus with various birth weights is the outcome of diverse embryos competence which is affected by oocyte quality. Glucosamine (GlcN) has been reported to be involved in oocyte maturation; however, its effect on pregnant outcomes remains unknown. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of premating GlcN supplementation via drinking water on within‐litter birth weight variation and its underlying mechanism. Fifty eight Sprague‐Dawley female rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups with normal drinking water or drinking water supplemented with 0.5 mM GlcN from six to eight weeks old. Variation of within‐litter birth weight in the GlcN group was 5.55%, significantly lower compared with 8.17% in the control group. Birth weight was significantly increased in the GlcN group (2.27 ± 0.06) compared with the control group (2.08 ± 0.04). Both absolute and relative weights of the ovary at the end of GlcN treatment were higher in the GlcN group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In the GlcN group, there were more successfully implanted blastocysts (13.38 ± 0.63 and 15.75 ± 0.59 in the control and treatment group, respectively) with more uniform distribution along the two uterine horns compared with the control group. Besides, gene expressions of Alk3 and Bmp2 were increased in the implantation sites, while IGF‐1 and Mucin‐1 were decreased significantly in rats administrated with GlcN. Maternal progesterone, estradiol, and IGF‐1 concentrations on D 19.5 were significantly increased, while insulin and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in contrast with control dams. In summary, the administration of 0.5 mM GlcN solution before mating reduced within‐litter birth weight variation, accompanied with increased fetal weight. Further investigation indicated that the improved outcome of pregnancy results at least partly from the increased ovary weights of the rats, the homogeneous embryo developmental competence, the enhanced receptivity of the uterine environment, and the adjusted maternal hormone levels.
A Multiple Antigen Peptide Vaccine Containing CD4+ T Cell Epitopes Enhances Humoral Immunity against Trichinella spiralis Infection in Mice
Authors: Gu Yuan , Sun Ximeng , Huang Jingjing , Zhan Bin , Zhu Xinping
Published: January 2020

Multiepitope peptide vaccine has some advantages over traditional recombinant protein vaccine due to its easy and fast production and possible inclusion of multiple protective epitopes of pathogens. However, it is usually poorly immunogenic and needs to conjugate to a large carrier protein. Peptides conjugated to a central lysine core to form multiple antigen peptides (MAPs) will increase the immunogenicity of peptide vaccine. In this study, we constructed a MAP consisting of CD4+ T cell and B cell epitopes of paramyosin (Pmy) of Trichinella spiralis (Ts-Pmy), which has been proved to be a good vaccine candidate in our previous work. The immunogenicity and induced protective immunity of MAP against Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection were evaluated in mice. We demonstrated that mice immunized with MAP containing CD4+ T cell and B cell epitopes (MAP-TB) induced significantly higher protection against the challenge of T. spiralis larvae (35.5% muscle larva reduction) compared to the MAP containing B cell epitope alone (MAP-B) with a 12.4% muscle larva reduction. The better protection induced by immunization of MAP-TB was correlated with boosted antibody titers (both IgG1 and IgG2a) and mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine production secreted by the splenocytes of immunized mice. Further flow cytometry analysis of lymphocytes in spleens and draining lymph nodes demonstrated that mice immunized with MAP-TB specifically enhanced the generation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and germinal center (GC) B cells, while inhibiting follicular regulatory CD4+ T (Tfr) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Immunofluorescence staining of spleen sections also confirmed that MAP-TB vaccination enhanced the formation of GCs. Our results suggest that CD4+ T cell epitope of Ts-Pmy is crucial in vaccine component for inducing better protection against T. spiralis infection.
Lump-Type Wave and Interaction Solutions of the Bogoyavlenskii–Kadomtsev–Petviashvili Equation
Authors: Wang Chuanjian , Fang Hui
Published: January 2020

Lump-type wave solution of the Bogoyavlenskii–Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation is constructed by using the bilinear structure and Hermitian quadratic form. The dynamical behaviors of lump-type wave solution are investigated and presented analytically and graphically. Furthermore, we discuss the interaction between a lump-type wave and a kink wave solution. Absorb-emit interaction between two kinds of solitary wave solutions is shown. This kind of interaction solution can be regarded as a lump-type wave which propagates on the kink wave background.
Postoperative Fasting Blood Glucose Predicts Prognosis in Stage I-III Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Resection
Authors: Xu Rui , You Junhao , Li Fang , Yan Bing
Published: January 2020

Purpose. The relationship between high blood glucose and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been studied, but the role of postoperative fasting blood glucose (FBG) in patients with a prior normal FBG has never been addressed. Methods. A total of 120 CRC patients staged I-III were enrolled, and the prognostic value of postoperative FBG for disease-free survival (DFS) was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to test other clinicopathological parameters, including preoperative hemoglobin (HGB) and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Results. By a cut-off point of 5.11 mmol/L, 51 and 69 patients were divided into low postoperative FBG (<5.11 mmol/L) and high postoperative FBG (≥5.11 mmol/L) groups, respectively. A high postoperative FBG was more common in older age (P=0.01), left-located tumor (P=0.02), smaller tumor diameter (P=0.01), node negative involvement (P=0.01), lesser positive lymph nodes (P=0.02), and high preoperative HGB (P=0.01). Further, high postoperative FBG patients displayed a significantly better DFS than low postoperative FBG patients (48.80±22.12 months vs. 40.06±24.36 months, P=0.04), but it was less likely to be an independent prognostic factor. Conclusions. Postoperative FBG plays a temporal prognostic role for patients with stage I-III CRC with a prior normal FBG, but it is not an independent prognostic factor.
Representation of Manifolds for the Stochastic Swift-Hohenberg Equation with Multiplicative Noise
Authors: Guo Yanfeng , Li Donglong
Published: January 2020

Representation of approximation for manifolds of the stochastic Swift-Hohenberg equation with multiplicative noise has been investigated via non-Markovian reduced system. The approximate parameterizations of the small scales for the large scales are given in the process of seeking for stochastic parameterizing manifolds, which are obtained as pullback limits of some backward-forward systems depending on the time-history of the dynamics of the low modes in a mean square sense through the nonlinear terms. When the corresponding pullback limits of some backward-forward systems are efficiently determined, the corresponding non-Markovian reduced systems can be obtained for researching good modeling performances in practice.
Effects of Different Sling Settings on Electromyographic Activities of Selected Trunk Muscles: A Preliminary Research
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Howe , Lin Ke-yu , Miao Ping , Zhang Bao-feng , Lu Song-wei , Li Le , Wang Chu-huai
Published: January 2020

Introduction. The supine and prone sling exercise may facilitate activation of the local trunk muscles. Does the side‐lying sling exercise activate trunk muscles more easily than the supine and prone training with sling settings? Clinical work has shown that the side‐lying sling exercise could reduce pain in patients with unilateral low back pain (LBP), but the mechanism behind it is unclear. The fundamental purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the electromyography (EMG) characteristics of trunk muscles during different sling lumbar settings on sixteen healthy adults. Methods. Amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) of EMG signals were recorded from the transversus abdominis (TA), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (Gmax), and gluteus medius (Gmed) muscles while the subjects performed the supine lumbar setting (SLS), prone lumbar setting (PLS), left side‐lying lumbar setting (LSLS), and right side‐lying lumbar setting (RSLS). Results. During SLS and PLS, TA and MF showed significantly higher activity than RA and ES on the same side, respectively. The EMG activities of ES, TA, MF, Gmax, and Gmed had significant differences between the different sides during LSLS and RSLS, and the dominant‐side muscles showed higher activity than the other side. There was no significant difference in core trunk muscles between different sling lumbar settings—only that the SLS of the MF/ES ratio was significantly higher than LSLS and RSLS. Conclusions. Sling exercises can be an effective measure to enhance MF and TA EMG activity, and the side‐lying position can increase dominant‐side Gmax and Gmed activity. Side‐lying sling training does not activate more core muscles than the supine and prone training. Supine and prone exercise should be preferred over SLT to stabilize the lumbar region because of its high local/global muscle ratio.
An Unusual Presentation of Baker’s Cyst Rupture in an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient
Authors: Stoleru Gianna , George Lauren , Cross Raymond K. , Wong Uni
Published: January 2020

When evaluating a patient with acute onset unilateral leg pain and concurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), keeping a broad differential diagnosis will allow for prompt diagnosis and management. The patient described in this case report is a 32-year-old male with inflammatory ileocolonic Crohn’s disease (CD) status after ileocecectomy with perianal involvement and known Type 1 arthropathy. He presented with a three-day history of unilateral leg swelling and tenderness. Initial evaluation focused on possible thrombosis given the development of erythema and systemic symptoms. Final diagnosis was ruptured Baker’s (popliteal) cyst. This pathology is not well described in existing literature, but should be considered in IBD patients given their chronic inflammatory state and common associated intra-articular pathology.
NMR Experimental Study on Dynamic Process of Pore Structure and Damage Mechanism of Sandstones with Different Grain Sizes under Acid Erosion
Authors: Wu Chao , Wang Shengquan , Li Delu , Wang Xiaokang
Published: January 2020

In many engineering projects, it is critical to consider the acid erosion of rock. This study investigates dynamic changes in pore structure and damage mechanisms in sandstones subjected to acid erosion. Specimens with three grain sizes were immersed in acid solution and tested by the nuclear magnetic resonance technique. Changes in solution pH, specimen mass and porosity, T2 spectrum distribution, and area were analyzed. Damage mechanisms are discussed, and relationships between porosity and acid erosion damage variables are established. The results show that acid erosion has significant effects on pore structure and erosion damage in sandstone. With increasing soaking time, new micropores formed in sandstone, while existing micropores and mesopores gradually expanded into macropores, causing the T2 spectrum distributions to change greatly. The porosity, acid erosion damage, and T2 spectral areas of sandstones with different grain sizes all increased gradually. Under acid erosion, sandstones became gradually weakened, but the effects varied greatly according to grain size. Pore structure changes and acid erosion damage were greatest in coarse-grained sandstone, followed by medium- and fine-grained sandstone.
Animal Models of Tuberculosis Vaccine Research: An Important Component in the Fight against Tuberculosis
Authors: Gong Wenping , Liang Yan , Wu Xueqiong
Published: January 2020

Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one of the top ten infectious diseases worldwide, and is the leading cause of morbidity from a single infectious agent. M. tuberculosis can cause infection in several species of animals in addition to humans as the natural hosts. Although animal models of TB disease cannot completely simulate the occurrence and development of human TB, they play an important role in studying the pathogenesis, immune responses, and pathological changes as well as for vaccine research. This review summarizes the commonly employed animal models, including mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, rat, goat, cattle, and nonhuman primates, and their characteristics as used in TB vaccine research, and provides a basis for selecting appropriate animal models according to specific research needs. Furthermore, some of the newest animal models used for TB vaccine research (such as humanized animal models, zebrafish, Drosophila, and amoeba) are introduced, and their characteristics and research progress are discussed.
Engineered IL‐7 Receptor Enhances the Therapeutic Effect of AXL‐CAR‐T Cells on Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Zhenhui , Li Yan , Liu Wei , Li Xun
Published: January 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive malignant type of tumor that currently lacks effective targeted therapies. In hematological malignancies, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cells have shown very significant antitumor ability; however, in solid tumors, the efficacy is poor. In order to apply CAR‐T cells in the treatment of TNBC, in this study, constitutively activated IL‐7 receptor (C7R) that has been reported is used to enhance the antitumor function of constructed CAR‐T cells by ourselves. Using in vitro coincubation experiments with target cells and in vivo antitumor experiments in mice, we found that the coexpressed C7R can significantly improve the activation, cell proliferation, and cytotoxicity of CAR‐T cells. In addition, the in vivo experiments suggested that the enhanced CAR‐T cells displayed significant antitumor activity in a TNBC subcutaneous xenograft model, in which in vivo, the survival time of CAR‐T cells was prolonged. Together, these results indicated that CAR‐T cells that coexpress C7R may be a novel therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
Nerve Repair and Orthodromic and Antidromic Nerve Grafts: An Experimental Comparative Study in Rabbit
Authors: Kim Jihyeung , Choi Young Eun , Kim Jeong Hwan , Lee Seung Hak , Oh Sohee , Kim Sae Hoon
Published: January 2020

Purpose. Although many surgeons have anecdotally described reversing the polarity of the autograft with the intent of improving regeneration, the optimal orientation of the autogenous nerve graft remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare (1) the outcomes of orthodromic and antidromic nerve grafts to clarify the effect of nerve graft polarity and (2) the outcome of either form of nerve grafts with that of nerve repair. Methods. In 14 of the 26 rabbits used in this study, a 1 cm defect was made in the tibial nerve. An orthodromic nerve graft on one side and an antidromic nerve graft on the other were performed using a 1.2 cm long segment of the peroneal nerve. In the remaining 12 rabbits, the tibial nerve was transected completely and then repaired microscopically on one side but left untreated on the other. Electrophysiologic studies were performed in all animals at 8 weeks after surgery, and the sciatic nerves were harvested. Results. Compound motor action potential was visible in all rabbits treated by nerve repair but in only half of the rabbits treated by nerve graft. There was no significant difference in the compound motor action potential, nerve conduction velocity, or total number of axons between the orthodromic and antidromic nerve graft groups. However, in both groups, the outcome was significantly poorer than that of the nerve repair group. Conclusion. There was no significant difference by electromyographic or histologic evaluation between orthodromic and antidromic nerve grafts. Direct nerve repair with moderate tension may be a more effective treatment than nerve grafting.
Automated Pavement Crack Damage Detection Using Deep Multiscale Convolutional Features
Authors: Song Weidong , Jia Guohui , Zhu Hong , Jia Di , Gao Lin
Published: January 2020

Road pavement cracks automated detection is one of the key factors to evaluate the road distress quality, and it is a difficult issue for the construction of intelligent maintenance systems. However, pavement cracks automated detection has been a challenging task, including strong nonuniformity, complex topology, and strong noise-like problems in the crack images, and so on. To address these challenges, we propose the CrackSeg—an end-to-end trainable deep convolutional neural network for pavement crack detection, which is effective in achieving pixel-level, and automated detection via high-level features. In this work, we introduce a novel multiscale dilated convolutional module that can learn rich deep convolutional features, making the crack features acquired under a complex background more discriminant. Moreover, in the upsampling module process, the high spatial resolution features of the shallow network are fused to obtain more refined pixel-level pavement crack detection results. We train and evaluate the CrackSeg net on our CrackDataset, the experimental results prove that the CrackSeg achieves high performance with a precision of 98.00%, recall of 97.85%, F-score of 97.92%, and a mIoU of 73.53%. Compared with other state-of-the-art methods, the CrackSeg performs more efficiently, and robustly for automated pavement crack detection.