bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which politicians receive abuse? Four factors illuminated in the UK general election 2019
Authors: Gorrell Genevieve , Bakir Mehmet E. , Roberts Ian , Greenwood Mark A. , Bontcheva Kalina
Published: July 2020

The 2019 UK general election took place against a background of rising online hostility levels toward politicians, and concerns about the impact of this on democracy, as a record number of politicians cited the abuse they had been receiving as a reason for not standing for re-election. We present a four-factor framework in understanding who receives online abuse and why. The four factors are prominence, events, online engagement and personal characteristics. We collected 4.2 million tweets sent to or from election candidates in the six week period spanning from the start of November until shortly after the December 12th election. We found abuse in 4.46% of replies received by candidates, up from 3.27% in the matching period for the 2017 UK general election. Abuse levels have also been climbing month on month throughout 2019. Abuse also escalated throughout the campaign period. Abuse focused mainly on a small number of high profile politicians, with the most prominent individuals receiving not only more abuse by volume, but also as a percentage of replies. Abuse is “spiky”, triggered by external events such as debates, or certain tweets. Some tweets may become viral targets for personal abuse. On average, men received more general and political abuse; women received more sexist abuse. Conservative candidates received more political and general abuse. We find that individuals choosing not to stand for re-election had received more abuse across the preceding year.
How a small accelerator can be useful for interdisciplinary applications: the study of air pollution
Authors: Lucarelli Franco
Published: July 2020

There are an increasing number of articles in the scientific literature dealing with the study of atmospheric aerosol because it has negative impacts on human health, atmospheric visibility and a role in the radiative forcing. Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) has been used since its birth for the study of the aerosol composition, and for a long time, it has been the dominating technique for its elemental analysis. However, nowadays other competitive techniques play a dominant role, such as inductively coupled plasma–mass/atomic emission spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and synchrotron radiation. Therefore, it is important to find specific applications where it can give unique information or the final results in a far simpler way. Furthermore, a proper experimental setup must be used to fully exploit the potential of PIXE. Thanks to the capability of detecting all the crustal elements, PIXE analyses are unrivaled in the study of mineral dust. Among the detectable elements, there are also important markers of anthropogenic sources, which allow effective source apportionment studies in polluted urban environments using multivariate methods. Examples regarding recent monitoring campaigns will be presented to show how PIXE is still on the cutting edge for the study of particulate matter.
Neutrino mixing in nuclear rapid neutron-capture processes
Authors: Saez M. M. , Civitarese O. , Mosquera M. E.
Published: July 2020

A possible mechanism for the formation of heavy-mass elements in supernovae is the rapid neutron-capture-mechanism ([Formula: see text]-process). It depends upon the electron-fraction [Formula: see text], a quantity which is determined by beta-decay-rates. In this paper, we focus on the calculation of electroweak decay-rates in presence of massive neutrinos. The resulting expressions are then used to calculate nuclear reactions entering the rapid-neutron capture. We fix the astrophysical parameters to the case of a core-collapse supernova. The neutrino sector includes a mass scheme and mixing angles for active neutrinos, and also by including the mixing between active and sterile neutrinos. The results of the calculations show that the predicted abundances of heavy-mass nuclei are indeed affected by the neutrino mixing.
Membraneless H2O2 Fuel Cells Driven by Metallophthalocyanine Electrocatalysts
Authors: Nguyen Bao , Kuperman Neal , Goncher Gary , Solanki Raj
Published: July 2020

One-compartment hydrogen peroxide fuel cells with Co, Cu, and Fe phthalocyanine (PC) and iron nitride (FexN) as cathodes and Ni anode have been investigated as sustainable energy sources. The cells were operated under acidic conditions and at room temperature. The potentials for onset of the catalytic currents in these cells were determined via cyclic voltammograms. The reduction current onset potentials of FePC, CoPC, CuPC and FexN were 0.56 V, 0.42 V, 0.51 V and 0.57 V, respectively. Potential-current linear sweep voltammetry was utilized to determine the open circuit potentials (OCP) and the power densities the fuel cells. The OCPs for Co, Cu, and Fe phthalocyanines and FexN were 0.47 V, 0.57 V, 0.56 V and 0.58 V, respectively. The maximum output power densities of FePC and CoPC, CuPC, and FexN were 3.41 mW cm−2, 0.39 mW cm−2, 0.39 mW cm−2 and 0.76 mW cm−2, respectively. These power densities are suitable for powering micro-devices.
Defining human mean circulatory filling pressure in the intensive care unit
Authors: Wijnberge Marije , Schuurmans Jaap , de Wilde Rob B. P. , Kerstens Martijn K. , Vlaar Alexander P. , Hollmann Markus W. , Veelo Denise P. , Pinsky Michael R. , Jansen Jos R. C. , Geerts Bart F.
Published: July 2020

In a cohort of 311 intensive care unit (ICU) patients, median mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) measured after cardiac arrest was 15 mmHg (interquartile range 12–18). In 48% of cases, arterial blood pressure remained higher than central venous pressure, but correction for arterial-to-venous compliance differences did not result in clinically relevant alterations of Pmcf. Fluid balance, use of vasopressors or inotropes, and being on mechanical ventilation were associated with a higher Pmcf.
TMT‐Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Identification of Integrin Alpha 3 and Integrin Alpha 5 as Novel Biomarkers in Pathogenesis of Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Xing Lingyu , Xue Yuan , Yang Yilin , Wu Ping , Wong Catherine C. L. , Wang Haojun , Song Zhenju , Shi Dongwei , Tong Chaoyang , Yao Chenling , Gu Guorong
Published: July 2020

Background. Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a devastating cardiovascular disease with a high rate of disability and mortality. This disease often rapidly progresses to fatal multiple organ hypoperfusion, and the incidence has been increasing in recent years. However, the molecular mechanisms have yet to be clarified. This study is aimed at identifying the differential abundance proteins (DAPs) of aortic arch tissues in patients with AAD by proteomics and select possible proteins involved in AAD pathogenesis. Methods. The fresh aortic arch tissues obtained from 5 AAD patients and 1 healthy donor were analyzed by amine‐reactive tandem mass tag (TMT) labelling and mass spectrometry; then, the pathological sections of another 10 healthy donors and 20 AAD patients were chosen to verify the proteomic results by immunohistochemistry. Results. Of 809 proteins identified by proteomic analysis, 132 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) were screened, of which 100 proteins were significantly downregulated while 32 upregulated. Among 100 downregulated proteins, two proteins with known function, integrin alpha 3 (ITGA‐3) and ITGA‐5, were selected as target proteins involved in AAD pathogenesis. Two target DAPs were verified by immunohistochemisty, and the results showed that the integrated option density (IOD) of ITGA‐3 and ITGA‐5 in AAD patients was significantly lower than that in healthy donors, which were consistent with the proteomic results (P < 0.001). Conclusion. ITGA‐3 and ITGA‐5 represent novel biomarkers for the pathogenesis of AAD and might be a therapeutic target in the future.
Histological Inflammation in Human Ureter either Healthy or Fitted with Double-Pigtail Stent or a Thin 0.3 F Suture Thread: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Vogt Benoît , Chokri Ilham
Published: July 2020

Background. Ureteral stent intolerance reduces patients’ quality of life. It has been suggested that changes in the shape of stents could decrease discomfort. In previous studies, the innovative pigtail-suture stent (i.e., JFil® or MiniJFil®) with a thin 0.3 F suture thread significantly decreased stent-related symptoms. Fortuitously, a dilation of the ureter containing the sutures was discovered. In addition, no inflammation was seen on the ureter wall around the suture in endoscopy. In this preliminary study, we assessed ureteral inflammation in the human ureter when it was healthy or when fitted with a double-pigtail stent or a thread. Materials and Methods. After consent and inclusion of patients in the protocol, fifteen segments of ureters were collected during cystectomy procedures for bladder tumors. Ureteral inflammation was assessed on the histological section stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histological grading (cumulative range of 0 to 6) assessing inflammation was performed on the ureter section for mucosa inflammation and inflammation in the muscle layer. Results. A marked ureteral inflammatory reaction was observed in all cases of ureters fitted with a double-pigtail stent with a mean inflammation score of 4.8 ± 0.4. The ureter fitted with the thin suture thread showed inflammation in only one case with a mean inflammation score of 1.8 ± 1.3 p=0.001. Conclusion. Although the study was limited by the small number of patients, it confirmed that the double-pigtail stent induced ureteral inflammation in all cases and the thin 0.3 F suture thread caused less ureteral inflammation than the double-pigtail stent. The concept of material reduction within the urinary tract seems necessary in order to decrease mucosal irritation. The JFil® or the MiniJFil® thread could meet this requirement.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and miRNAs Associated with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Integrated Analysis of Microarray Data
Authors: Zhang Lemeng , Chen Jianhua , Cheng Tianli , Yang Hua , Pan Changqie , Li Haitao
Published: July 2020

To identify candidate key genes and miRNAs associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) development and prognosis, the gene expression profiles and miRNA microarray data including GSE20347, GSE38129, GSE23400, and GSE55856 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Clinical and survival data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was analyzed via DAVID, while the DEG‐associated protein‐protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed using the STRING database. Additionally, the miRNA target gene regulatory network and miRNA coregulatory network were constructed, using the Cytoscape software. Survival analysis and prognostic model construction were performed via the survival (version 2.42‐6) and rbsurv R packages, respectively. The results showed a total of 2575, 2111, and 1205 DEGs, and 226 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Pathway enrichment analyses revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in 36 pathways, such as the proteasome, p53, and beta‐alanine metabolism pathways. Furthermore, 448 nodes and 1144 interactions were identified in the PPI network, with MYC having the highest random walk score. In addition, 7 DEMs in the microarray data, including miR‐196a, miR‐21, miR‐205, miR‐194, miR‐103, miR‐223, and miR‐375, were found in the regulatory network. Moreover, several reported disease‐related miRNAs, including miR‐198a, miR‐103, miR‐223, miR‐21, miR‐194, and miR‐375, were found to have common target genes with other DEMs. Survival analysis revealed that 85 DEMs were related to prognosis, among which hsa‐miR‐1248, hsa‐miR‐1291, hsa‐miR‐421, and hsa‐miR‐7‐5p were used for a prognostic survival model. Taken together, this study revealed the important roles of DEGs and DEMs in ESCC development, as well as DEMs in the prognosis of ESCC. This will provide potential therapeutic targets and prognostic predictors for ESCC.
Joint Adaptive Blind Channel Estimation and Data Detection for MIMO-OFDM Systems
Authors: Yang Ruo-Nan , Zhang Wei-Tao , Lou Shun-Tian
Published: July 2020

In order to track a changing channel in multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) systems, it is a priority to estimate channel impulse response adaptively. In this paper, we propose an adaptive blind channel estimation method based on parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). We used an exponential window to weigh the past observations; thus, the cost function can be constructed via a weighted least squares criterion. The minimization of the cost function is equivalent to the decomposition of a third-order tensor, which consists of the weighted OFDM data symbols. By preserving the Khatri-Rao product, we used a recursive least squares solution to update the estimated subspace at each time instant, then the channel parameters can be estimated adaptively, and the algorithm achieves superior convergence performance. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Performance-Aware Adaptive Resource Allocation in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Huang Binbin , Li Zhongjin , Xu Yunqiu , Pan Linxuan , Wang Shangguang , Hu Haiyang , Chang Victor
Published: July 2020

Mobile edge computing (MEC) enables to provide relatively rich computing resources in close proximity to mobile users, which enables resource-limited mobile devices to offload workloads to nearby edge servers, and thereby greatly reducing the processing delay of various mobile applications and the energy consumption of mobile devices. Despite its advantages, when a large number of mobile users simultaneously offloads their computation tasks to an edge server, due to the limited computation and communication resources of edge server, inefficiency resource allocation will not make full use of the limited resource and cause waste of resource, resulting in low system performance (the weighted sum of the number of processed tasks, the number of punished tasks, and the number of dropped tasks). Therefore, it is a challenging problem to effectively allocate the computing and communication resources to multiple mobile users. To cope with this problem, we propose a performance-aware resource allocation (PARA) scheme, the goal of which is to maximize the long-term system performance. More specifically, we first build the multiuser resource allocation architecture for computing workloads and transmitting result data to mobile devices. Then, we formulate the multiuser resource allocation problem as a Markova Decision Process (MDP). To achieve this problem, a performance-aware resource allocation (PARA) scheme based on a deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) is adopted to derive optimal resource allocation policy. Finally, extensive simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the PARA scheme.
A Review of Clinicopathological Characteristics and Treatment of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas with 2450 Cases in Chinese Population
Authors: Yao Jihang , Song He
Published: July 2020

Background. Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) has been reported as a rare disease with low malignant potential. The aim of this study was to summarize experiences of the diagnosis and treatment for the patients reported in the Chinese population. Method. 2450 SPTP cases reported in English and Chinese literature before Jan 2020 were for our review and analysis retrospectively. Result. There are 389 male cases and 2061 female cases, and the ratio of male/female was 1 : 5.3. The average age was 29.3 years. The main clinical symptoms were upper abdominal pain and bloating discomfort in 51.6% of the cases and epigastric mass. 38.6% of the tumor was located at the head of the pancreas and 55.4% at the body and tail of the pancreas. The most frequent operative styles were tumor enucleation (38.4%). Pathology showed that the average diameter of the tumor was 8.2 cm and 12.3% of SPTP was malignant. 98.3% of cases had favorable survival. Conclusions. SPTP is a rare indolent tumor occurring mainly in young women, and the main clinical performances are abdominal mass and abdominal pain; most tumors are distributed at the head and the tail of the pancreas; the prognosis after complete resection is excellent.
A Synthetic Pan-Aurora Kinase Inhibitor, 5-Methoxy-2-(2-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one, Triggers Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Apoptosis in HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Jeong Yeon , Ahn Sung Shin , Jeong You Jeong , Choi Jihye , Ahn Seunghyun , Koh Dongsoo , Lee Young Han , Lim Yoongho , Shin Soon Young
Published: July 2020

Aurora kinases are Ser/Thr kinases that function as mitotic regulators. 5-Methoxy-2-(2-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one (DK1913) is a synthetic pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor. However, the mode of action of DK1913 concerning the induction of apoptosis is unclear. Here, we report that DK1913 triggered apoptosis, as revealed by flow cytometry and Annexin V staining. DK1913 enhanced the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stimulated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and genotoxic stress responses. We also found that DK1913 induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the activation of caspase-9, caspase-7, and caspase-3. In addition, the antioxidant, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), abrogated DK1913-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of the caspase cascade. These findings demonstrate that pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor DK1913 triggers apoptosis through ROS-mediated ER and genotoxic stress responses.
One-Pot Synthesized Nickel-Cobalt Sulfide-Decorated Graphene Quantum Dot Composite for Simultaneous Electrochemical Determination of Antiretroviral Drugs: Lamivudine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Authors: Chihava Ruvimbo , Apath Daniel , Moyo Mambo , Shumba Munyaradzi , Chitsa Vitalis , Tshuma Piwai
Published: July 2020

In the present study, simultaneous electrochemical behavior of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and lamivudine (LAM) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a novel nanocomposite, nickel-cobalt sulfide-decorated graphene quantum dots (Ni-CoS/GQDs) was investigated. Characterization of different components used for modifications was achieved using UV-Vis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemistry of TDF and LAM at the modified electrode was examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A substantial (+39 mV TDF; +20 mV LAM) decrease in potential on oxidation reaction in 0.1 M PBS (pH 8.0) was achieved due to synergy between Ni-CoS and GQDs. Using optimized voltammetric parameters and pH, DPV gave a linear calibration over the range 5-18 μM for TDF and LAM. The detection limits were calculated as 2.42×10−8 mM (LAM) and 1.21×10−8 mM (TDF). The estimated values for Gibbs free energy revealed adsorption of TDF and LAM on Ni-CoS/GQDs/GCE as a spontaneous and favorable process. The voltammetric method was applied for determination of LAM and TDF in a pharmaceutical formulation giving average recovery of 99.65%.
An In Vitro Study on Prestin Analog Gene in the Bullfrog Hearing Organs
Authors: Wang Zhongying , Qian Minfei , Wang Qixuan , Liu Huihui , Wu Hao , Huang Zhiwu
Published: July 2020

The prestin-based active process in the mammalian outer hair cells (OHCs) is believed to play a crucial role in auditory signal amplification in the cochlea. Prestin belongs to an anion transporter family (SLC26A). It is densely expressed in the OHC lateral plasma membrane and functions as a voltage-dependent motor protein. Analog genes can be found in the genome of nonmammalian species, but their functions in hearing are poorly understood. In the present study, we used the gerbil prestin sequence as a template and identified an analog gene in the bullfrog genome. We expressed the gene in a stable cell line (HEK293T) and performed patch-clamp recording. We found that these cells exhibited prominent nonlinear capacitance (NLC), a widely accepted assay for prestin functioning as a motor protein. Upon close examination, the key parameters of this NLC are comparable to that conferred by the gerbil prestin, and nontransfected cells failed to display NLC. Lastly, we performed patch-clamp recording in HCs of all three hearing organs in bullfrog. HCs in both the sacculus and the amphibian papilla exhibited a capacitance profile that is similar to NLC while HCs in the basilar papilla showed no sign of NLC. Whether or not this NLC-like capacitance change is involved in auditory signal amplification certainly requires further examination; our results represent the first and necessary step in revealing possible roles of prestin in the active hearing processes found in many nonmammalian species.
Association between PNPLA2 Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Diabetic Kidney Disease in a Chinese Han Population with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhao Hailing , Zhang Haojun , Wang Yan , Zhao Tingting , Yan Meihua , Dong Xi , Wang Qian , Li Jialin , Ma Liang , Li Ping
Published: July 2020

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common complications of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Here, we investigated the association of PNPLA2 gene variations with DKD susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. A total of 818 participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited in the case-control study, including 379 patients diagnosed with DKD. We observed that 2 tagSNPs, PNPLA2 rs28633403 (A>G) and rs1138714 (A>G), were associated with DKD (rs28633403: genotype, P=0.017; allele, P=0.015; rs1138714: genotype, P=0.029; allele, P=0.018). PNPLA2 rs1138693 (T>C), a missense SNP, showed no association with DKD (genotype, P=0.966; allele, P=0.845). Genetic model analysis revealed that minor allele G of PNPLA2 rs28633403 was a protective factor of DKD in a dominant model adjusted by confounders (AG+GG vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.619; 95% CI 0.447-0.857; P=0.004) and in an additive model (AG vs. AA: aOR, 0.633; 95% CI 0.447-0.895; P=0.010; GG vs. AA: aOR, 0.588; 95% CI 0.385-0.897; P=0.014). Minor allele G of PNPLA2 rs1138714 was associated with a higher risk of DKD in a dominant model adjusted by confounders (AG+GG vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.531; 95% CI 1.134-2.067; P=0.005) and in an additive model (AG vs. AA: aOR, 1.529; 95% CI 1.118-2.091; P=0.008). The combined effect of PNPLA2 rs28633403 AA+rs1138714 AG or GG genotype showed an association with DKD, adjusted by confounders (aOR, 2.194; 95% CI 1.378-3.492; P=0.001), which was considered statistically significant with a markedly increased risk of DKD after a Holm-Bonferroni correction for multiple tests (P<0.00125). Our results suggest that PNPLA2 rs28633403 and rs1138714 are significantly associated with the risk of DKD in a Chinese Han population with type 2 diabetes.
Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Plugging for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Song Chenpeng , Elsworth Derek
Published: July 2020

Plugging high-permeability zones within oil reservoirs is a straightforward approach to enhance oil recovery by diverting waterflooding fluids through the lower-permeability oil-saturated zones and thereby increase hydrocarbon displacement by improvements in sweep efficiency. Sporosarcina pasteurii (ATCC 11859) is a nitrogen-circulating bacterium capable of precipitating calcium carbonate given a calcium ion source and urea. This microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is able to infill the pore spaces of the porous medium and thus can act as a potential microbial plugging agent for enhancing sweep efficiency. The following explores the microscopic characteristics of MICP-plugging and its effectiveness in permeability reduction. We fabricate artificial rock cores composed of Ottawa sand with three separate grain-size fractions which represent large (40/60 mesh sand), intermediate (60/80 mesh sand), and small (80/120 mesh sand) pore sizes. The results indicate a significant reduction in permeability after only short periods of MICP treatment. Specifically, after eight cycles of microbial treatment (about four days), the permeability for the artificial cores representing large, intermediate, and small pore size maximally drop to 47%, 32%, and 16% of individual initial permeabilities. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates that most of the generated calcium carbonate crystals occur as vaterite with only a small amount of calcite. Imaging by SEM indicates that the pore wall is coated by a calcium carbonate film with crystals of vaterite and calcite scattered on the pore wall and acting to effectively plug the pore space. The distribution pattern and morphology of microbially mediated CaCO3 indicate that MICP has a higher efficiency in plugging pores compared with extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) which are currently the primary microbial plugging agent used to enhance sweep efficiency.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Pulsation Stress Promotes the Angiogenesis of Tissue-Engineered Laminae
Authors: Li Linli , He Yiqun , Tang Han , Mao Wei , Ni Haofei , Lyu Feizhou , Dong Youhai
Published: July 2020

Background. Angiogenesis is a prerequisite step to achieve the success of bone regeneration by tissue engineering technology. Previous studies have shown the role of cerebrospinal fluid pulsation (CSFP) stress in the reconstruction of tissue-engineered laminae. In this study, we investigated the role of CSFP stress in the angiogenesis of tissue-engineered laminae. Methods. For the in vitro study, a CSFP bioreactor was used to investigate the impact of CSFP stress on the osteogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). For the in vivo study, forty-eight New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into the CSFP group and the Non-CSFP group. Tissue-engineered laminae (TEL) was made by hydroxyapatite-collagen I scaffold and osteogenic MSCs and then implanted into the lamina defect in the two groups. The angiogenic and osteogenic abilities of newborn laminae were examined with histological staining, qRT-PCR, and radiological analysis. Results. The in vitro study showed that CSFP stress could promote the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) expression levels of osteogenic MSCs. In the animal study, the expression levels of angiogenic markers in the CSFP group were higher than those in the Non-CSFP group; moreover, in the CSFP group, their expression levels on the dura mater surface, which are closer to the CSFP stress stimulation, were also higher than those on the paraspinal muscle surface. The expression levels of osteogenic markers in the CSFP group were also higher than those in the Non-CSFP group. Conclusion. CSFP stress could promote the angiogenic ability of osteogenic MSCs and thus promote the angiogenesis of tissue-engineered laminae. The pretreatment of osteogenic MSC with a CSFP bioreactor may have important implications for vertebral lamina reconstruction with a tissue engineering technique.
Cutaneous Effects of Notch Inhibitor Therapy: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Wiggins Claire J. , Chon Susan Y.
Published: July 2020

As aberrant Notch signaling has been linked to cancerous growth, Notch inhibitors represent a novel category of targeted oncological therapy. Notch pathways in tumor cells may contribute to proliferation or limit apoptosis and differentiation. Healthy skin differentiation and homeostasis are reliant on normal Notch expression, and disruption of this signaling has been implicated in dermatological conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and lichen planus. Here, we describe two cases of patients with cutaneous side effects from Notch inhibitor treatment for adenoid cyst carcinoma (ACC) and review the role of Notch signaling in skin disease. By illuminating connections between medication side effects and disease pathogenesis, our goal is to increase awareness of the cutaneous side effects of Notch inhibitor treatment.
Contribution of Enteroviruses to Acute Central Nervous System or Systemic Infections in Northern Italy (2015‐2017): Is It Time to Establish a National Laboratory‐Based Surveillance System?
Authors: Piralla Antonio , Pellegrinelli Laura , Giardina Federica , Galli Cristina , Binda Sandro , Pariani Elena , Baldanti Fausto
Published: July 2020

Background. Enteroviruses (EVs) can cause infections and outbreaks of mild to severe diseases, such as central nervous system (CNS) and systemic infections. The contribution of EVs to acute CNS/systemic infections requiring hospitalization was assessed by analysing data extracted from virology laboratory database. Methods. Real‐life data obtained from two molecular virology laboratories located in Northern Italy were retrieved from databases and analysed retrospectively. The queries used to extract the data were (i) requests for EV‐RNA detection in clear cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens collected from hospitalized patients with suspected acute CNS (including aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and acute flaccid myelitis/paralysis) or systemic infections (sepsis‐like illness or fever (≥ 38°C) of unknown origin), (ii) CSF samples collected from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2017. Results. 582 requests of EV‐RNA detection in CSF samples collected from as many patients of any age were recorded. EV‐RNA was detected in 4.5% of the CSF samples; 92.3% of EV‐positive cases were patients < 15 years, 58.3% of whom were < 3 months. EVs circulated all‐year‐round, and the highest EV‐positive rates were observed from May to August. The risk of EV infection and the relative illness ratio value among children < 1 − year − old were significantly higher than those observed for older patients. Conclusions. EV surveillance should be carried out for all pediatric patients < 15 years and especially children less than 1 year of age with clinically suspected CNS infection/systemic infections. The implementation of a laboratory‐based surveillance established for analysing the virological data provided by laboratories that routinely perform EV molecular testing may enable us to determine the impact of EVs that can cause infections requiring hospitalization.
Y Chromosome LncRNA Are Involved in Radiation Response of Male Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Brownmiller Tayvia , Juric Jamie A. , Ivey Abby D. , Harvey Brandon M. , Westemeier Emily S. , Winters Michael T. , Stevens Alyson M. , Stanley Alana N. , Hayes Karen E. , Sprowls Samuel A. , Ammer Amanda S. Gatesman , Walker Mackenzee , Bey Erik A. , Wu Xiaoliang , Lim Zuan-Fu , Zhu Lin , Wen Sijin , Hu Gangqing , Ma Patrick C. , Martinez Ivan
Published: July 2020

Numerous studies have implicated changes in the Y chromosome in male cancers, yet few have investigated the biological importance of Y chromosome noncoding RNA. Here we identify a group of Y chromosome–expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that are involved in male non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) radiation sensitivity. Radiosensitive male NSCLC cell lines demonstrated a dose-dependent induction of linc-SPRY3-2/3/4 following irradiation, which was not observed in radioresistant male NSCLC cell lines. Cytogenetics revealed the loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in the radioresistant male NSCLC cell lines. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments indicated that linc-SPRY3-2/3/4 transcripts affect cell viability and apoptosis. Computational prediction of RNA binding proteins (RBP) motifs and UV-cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) assays identified IGF2BP3, an RBP involved in mRNA stability, as a binding partner for linc-SPRY3-2/3/4 RNA. The presence of linc-SPRY3-2/3/4 reduced the half-life of known IGF2BP3 binding mRNA, such as the antiapoptotic HMGA2 mRNA, as well as the oncogenic c-MYC mRNA. Assessment of Y chromosome in NSCLC tissue microarrays and expression of linc-SPRY3-2/3/4 in NSCLC RNA-seq and microarray data revealed a negative correlation between the loss of the Y chromosome or linc-SPRY3-2/3/4 and overall survival. Thus, linc-SPRY3-2/3/4 expression and LOY could represent an important marker of radiotherapy in NSCLC.

Significance:

This study describes previously unknown Y chromosome–expressed lncRNA regulators of radiation response in male NSCLC and show a correlation between loss of chromosome Y and radioresistance.
Neurosurgical Pathology and Management of Limited Dorsal Myeloschisis Associated with Congenital Dermal Sinus in Infancy
Authors: Morioka Takato , Murakami Nobuya , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Takada Akira , Tajiri Seiji , Shimogawa Takafumi , Mukae Nobutaka , Iihara Koji
Published: July 2020

Background: Because of the shared origin of limited dorsal myeloschisis (LDM) and congenital dermal sinus (CDS), CDS elements may be found within the fibroneural LDM stalk. When part of the CDS invested in the intradural stalk is left during untethering surgery, inclusion tumors such as dermoid cysts may develop. However, the most appropriate surgical strategy for LDM with CDS is still under debate. Methods: Of 19 patients with LDM, 3 (15.8%) had histologically verified CDS elements. We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological findings of these patients. Results: In patient 1, the entire stalk including a tiny dermoid cyst at the intradural stalk could be resected through two-level laminectomy during untethering at 6 months of age. In patients 2 and 3, the stalk appeared to be a typical LDM stalk during the initial surgery at 18 and 7 days, respectively; however, CDS was histologically diagnosed in the proximal severed end of the stalk. Postoperative three-dimensional heavily T2-weighted imaging demonstrated spherical enlargement of the remnant stalk, and the entire length of the remnant stalk including newly developed dermoid was resected during the second surgery at 3 years 11 months and 11 months, respectively. Histopathologically, glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunopositive neuroglial tissues and CDS elements were mainly located at the proximal and distal sites of the stalk, respectively, supporting the “dragging down and pulling up” theory. In patients 2 and 3, however, the proximal head of the dermoid cyst passed the distal head of the neuroglial tissues and located at the stalk-cord attachment. Conclusion: Surgeons should be aware of the approximately 10% possibility of the coexistence of CDS when managing infant LDM. However, the recommendation for excision of the entire length of the LDM stalk in all patients should be more carefully made because such a strategy may result in an unnecessary extent of laminotomy/laminectomy for most patients with pure LDM. However, once the postoperative histological examination reveals coexistence of CDS in the resected proximal part of the stalk, the entire length of the remnant stalk should be excised as soon as possible.
Combined All-Extremity High-Intensity Interval Training Regulates Immunometabolic Responses through Toll-Like Receptor 4 Adaptors and A20 Downregulation in Obese Young Females
Authors: Soltani Nakisa , Marandi Sayed Mohammad , Kazemi Mohammad , Esmaeil Nafiseh
Published: July 2020

Metainflammation and malfunctions of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) are related to obesity-induced immunometabolic morbidities. There are almost no studies relating exercise training to the TLR4 pathway and its adaptors and negative regulators. Thirty young women with obesity (exercise group and control group) were included in a 10-week all-extremity combined high-intensity interval training program. The immunomodulatory impacts of exercise on TLR4, its related adaptors (TIR domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β[TRIF], myeloid differentiation factor 88 [MyD88],and tumor receptor-associated factor 6 [TRAF6]), transcriptional factors (nuclear factor [NF]-κB and interferon regulatory factor 3 [IRF3]), and negative regulator (A20) mRNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR. Also, the serum concentration of TLR4 final products (tumor necrosis factor α [TNFα] and interferon γ [IFNγ]) was measured by ELISA. Cardiorespiratory and body composition parameters were tested, as well. There was a significant improvement in body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. This intervention downregulated TLR4 (from 2.25 ± 1.07 to 0.84 ± 1.01), MyD88 (from 4.53 ± 5.15 to 1.27 ± 0.88), NF-κB (from 1.61 ± 2.03 to 0.23 ± 0.39), IRF3 (from 1.22 ± 0.77 to 0.25 ± 0.36), and A20 (from 0.88 ± 0.59 to 0.22 ± 0.33) levels and reduced the TNFα concentrations (from 22.39 ± 11.43 to 6.26 ± 5.31) significantly in the exercise group, while no statistically significant change was found in TRIF and TRAF6 expression and IFNγ circulating levels. It is concluded that long-term exercise modifies the inflammatory pathways and modulates the immune function at the early stages of inflammation initiation in circulating immune cells. Accordingly, we suggest time-efficient exercise protocols as a possible therapy approach for the prevention of M1 polarization.
Plant Stanol Esters Reduce LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Aggregation by Altering LDL Surface Lipids
Authors: Ruuth Maija , Äikäs Lauri , Tigistu-Sahle Feven , Käkelä Reijo , Lindholm Harri , Simonen Piia , Kovanen Petri T. , Gylling Helena , Öörni Katariina
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Plant stanol ester supplementation (2–3 g plant stanols/d) reduces plasma LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol concentration by 9% to 12% and is, therefore, recommended as part of prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In addition to plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration, also qualitative properties of LDL particles can influence atherogenesis. However, the effect of plant stanol ester consumption on the proatherogenic properties of LDL has not been studied.

Approach and Results:

Study subjects (n=90) were randomized to consume either a plant stanol ester-enriched spread (3.0 g plant stanols/d) or the same spread without added plant stanol esters for 6 months. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after the intervention. The aggregation susceptibility of LDL particles was analyzed by inducing aggregation of isolated LDL and following aggregate formation. LDL lipidome was determined by mass spectrometry. Binding of serum lipoproteins to proteoglycans was measured using a microtiter well-based assay. LDL aggregation susceptibility was decreased in the plant stanol ester group, and the median aggregate size after incubation for 2 hours decreased from 1490 to 620 nm,
P
=0.001. Plant stanol ester-induced decrease in LDL aggregation was more extensive in participants having body mass index<25 kg/m
2
. Decreased LDL aggregation susceptibility was associated with decreased proportion of LDL-sphingomyelins and increased proportion of LDL-triacylglycerols. LDL binding to proteoglycans was decreased in the plant stanol ester group, the decrease depending on decreased serum LDL-cholesterol concentration.

Conclusions:

Consumption of plant stanol esters decreases the aggregation susceptibility of LDL particles by modifying LDL lipidome. The resulting improvement of LDL quality may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01315964.
Basic and Therapeutic Aspects of Angiogenesis Updated
Authors: Eelen Guy , Treps Lucas , Li Xuri , Carmeliet Peter
Published: July 2020

All organisms growing beyond the oxygen diffusion limit critically depend on a functional vasculature for survival. Yet blood vessels are far more than passive, uniform conduits for oxygen and nutrient supply. A remarkable organotypic heterogeneity is brought about by tissue-specific differentiated endothelial cells (lining the blood vessels’ lumen) and allows blood vessels to deal with organ-specific demands for homeostasis. On the flip side, when blood vessels go awry, they promote life-threatening diseases characterized by endothelial cells inappropriately adopting an angiogenic state (eg, tumor vascularization) or becoming dysfunctional (eg, diabetic microvasculopathies), calling respectively for antiangiogenic therapies and proangiogenic/vascular regenerative strategies. In solid tumors, despite initial enthusiasm, growth factor–based (mostly anti-VEGF [vascular endothelial growth factor]) antiangiogenic therapies do not sufficiently live up to the expectations in terms of efficiency and patient survival, in part, due to intrinsic and acquired therapy resistance. Tumors cunningly deploy alternative growth factors than the ones targeted by the antiangiogenic therapies to reinstigate angiogenesis or revert to other ways of securing blood flow, independently of the targeted growth factors. In trying to alleviate tissue ischemia and to repair dysfunctional or damaged endothelium, local in-tissue administration of (genes encoding) proangiogenic factors or endothelial (stem) cells harnessing regenerative potential have been explored. Notwithstanding evaluation in clinical trials, these approaches are often hampered by dosing issues and limited half-life or local retention of the administered agents. Here, without intending to provide an all-encompassing historical overview, we focus on some recent advances in understanding endothelial cell behavior in health and disease and identify novel molecular players and concepts that could eventually be considered for therapeutic targeting.
Identifying Small 4Q23 (4QLev-Numa) Fragments
Authors: Tigchelaar Eibert
Published: July 2020

This note identifies many of the thirty tiny 4Q23 fragments that were left unidentified in the 1994 edition. Six of them join physically to other fragments. The identifications include three variants.
New taxa and notes on palm and false-leaf katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Mecopodinae, Sexavaini; Pseudophyllinae, Cymatomerini) from Brunei Darussalam
Authors: TAN MING KAI , WAHAB RODZAY BIN HAJI ABDUL
Published: July 2020

As many as 72 species were documented when sampling was conducted in Kuala Belalong in Brunei Darussalam between 2016 and 2017 but this remains non-exhaustive and orthopteran species are still awaiting discovery. Based on new material collected in 2019, two new species of katydids are described here: Segestes nostosalgos sp. n. and Sathrophylliopsis mentham sp. n. These two discoveries are of particular interest: Segestes nostosalgos sp. n. represents the first record of the tribe Sexavaini in Borneo; Sathrophylliopsis mentham sp. n. is drastically different from congeners by the lack of dense fine long hairs around the body.
A new species of the endemic Madagascan scarab beetle genus, Madecorphnus grebennikovi (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Orphninae): morphological description and DNA barcode
Authors: FROLOV ANDREY V. , AKHMETOVA LILIA A. , VISHNEVSKAYA MARIA S.
Published: July 2020

A new species of the orphnine scarab beetle genus Madecorphnus Paulian, 1992, Madecorphnus grebennikovi Frolov, Akhmetova & Vishnevskaya, new species, is described from the Marojejy National Park, Sava Region, northeastern Madagascar. The new species can be distinguished from the congeners by the parameres narrowly rounded in lateral view and having a small but distinct lateral teeth, and by the endophallic armature consisting of 1) a long straight sclerite with attached to its end a 2/3 shorted, somewhat curved sclerite, 2) separate smaller, elongate sclerite, and 3) a rather large area of microspinules. The 811 bp long fragment of the mitochondrial gene COI (DNA barcode) is provided as a part of the diagnosis of the new species. An updated key to the Madecorphnus species is given.
Pedal Misapplication: Interruption Effects and Age-Related Differences
Authors: Hasegawa Kunihiro , Kimura Motohiro , Takeda Yuji
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether pedal misapplication occurs more frequently when a pedal task is interrupted for a longer period of time.

Background

Misapplication of a vehicle’s brake and accelerator pedals can cause severe traffic accidents, especially for older drivers. The present study provides empirical support for the hypothesis that pedal misapplication occurs more frequently when drivers are interrupted for longer periods of time and is demonstrated more prominently in older drivers.

Methods

Forty younger participants and 40 older participants were asked to perform a pedal choice response task (stepping on either a brake or accelerator pedal) that had been preceded by an interruption task (i.e., touch number task).

Results

Pedal misapplications occurred more frequently when the pedal choice response task was preceded by the touch number task for a longer interval (about 120 s) than for a shorter interval (about 30 s). Furthermore, the time-related increase in pedal misapplications was greater for older participants.

Conclusion

Pedal misapplication increases when the pedal task is interrupted for a longer time period, especially for older adults.

Application

The findings contribute to our understanding of when and where pedal misapplications tend to occur.
Personal recovery and depression, taking existential and social aspects into account: A struggle with institutional structures, loneliness and identity
Authors: Damsgaard Janne Brammer , Overgaard Camilla Lyhne , Birkelund Regner
Published: July 2020

Background:

Although depression is one of the most studied mental illness phenomena, the studies attempt to understand depression as different phases, turning points and transitions, but depression has an existential and social resonance. There is progress to be made in seeking to understand how people experience, cope and process, living with depression. There is a need of supplementary and alternative approaches that goes beyond medicine and traditional treatment of psychiatric disabilities.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore perceptions and challenging issues related to living with depression, allowing the researchers to get a deeper understanding of existential and social aspects.

Method:

A phenomenological–hermeneutic study design was applied, based on the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation. Data were collected through observations and semi-structured interviews.

Findings:

Several of the interviewees were lonely at home as well as at the hospital. This caused experiences of sheer isolation with feelings of sadness enhancing desperation concerning what to do with themselves. This could even cause physical feelings of pain. In different ways, the interviewees expressed how being with other people filled their lives with relationships and closeness. Health care professionals were focused on applying structure into the users’ everyday life, shadowing the person’s individuality, strengths and resources. The prioritizations between users and healthcare professionals were not always in concordance. The interviewees experienced recurrent situations where their authority and individuality were ignored or felt non-existent.

Conclusion:

Existential and social aspects are vital in regard to understanding people living with depression. However, personal recovery can be diminished by controlling structures and lack of a caring guidance, creating feelings of stigmatization missing out on autonomy, causing inner doubts. A recommendation is that we challenge institutional structures and accelerate education developing the healthcare professionals’ empathic competences and ability to make wise judgments, empowering the users’ autonomy.