bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grafting, self-organization and reactivity of double-decker rare-earth phthalocyanine
Authors: Witkowski Nadine , Lüder Johann , Bidermane Ieva , Farronato Mattia , Prévot Geoffroy , Bouvet Marcel , Puglia Carla , Brena Barbara
Published: November 2019

Unveiling the interplay of semiconducting organic molecules with their environment, such as inorganic materials or atmospheric gas, is the first step to designing hybrid devices with tailored optical, electronic or magnetic properties. The present article focuses on a double-decker lutetium phthalocyanine known as an intrinsic semiconducting molecule, holding a Lu ion in its center, sandwiched between two phthalocyanine rings. Carrying out experimental investigations by means of electron spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction and scanning probe microscopies together with advanced ab initio computations, allows us to unveil how this molecule interacts with weakly or highly reactive surfaces. Our studies reveal that a molecule–surface interaction is evidenced when molecules are deposited on bare silicon or on gold surfaces together with a charge transferred from the substrate to the molecule, affecting to a higher extent the lower ring of the molecule. A new packing of the molecules on gold surfaces is proposed: an eclipse configuration in which molecules are flat and parallel to the surface, even for thick films of several hundreds of nanometers. Surprisingly, a robust tolerance of the double-decker phthalocyanine toward oxygen molecules is demonstrated, leading to weak chemisorption of oxygen below 100 K.
Is Joint Levelling Procedure Better than Temporary Scaphocapitate Pinning in Patients Undergoing Vascularized Bone Graft for Kienböck Disease?
Authors: Jung Hyoung Seok , Lee Ho Won , Park Min Jong
Published: November 2019

Background: Although there have been many studies of the vascularized bone graft (VBG) or unloading procedures alone for the treatment of Kienböck disease, little information has been reported about patients treated with VBG combined with unloading procedures. The purpose of this study is to 1) describe the outcomes in patients treated with VBG combined with unloading procedures, 2) compare the outcomes according to the unloading procedures and 3) find any radiologic parameters affecting revascularization in Kienböck disease.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed involving in 20 patients undergoing 4th and 5th extensor compartmental VBG with unloading procedures for Kienböck disease from 2010–2015. After VBG in all patients, unloading procedures were additionally performed depending on the ulnar variance. These additional operations included joint leveling procedures (radial and capitate shortening osteotomy) or temporary scaphocapitate pinning. Radiologic outcome was evaluated according to Lichtman stage and presence of revascularization evidence. Clinical evaluations included wrist range of motion, grip strength, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Mayo wrist score.

Results: VBG with joint leveling procedures was performed in 11 patients (5 radial shortening and 6 capitate shortening) and VBG with temporary scaphocapitate pinning was performed in 9 patients. Although clinical outcomes were not significantly different according to the unloading procedures, there were significantly more patients with evidence of healing of osteonecrosis on radiographs in joint leveling procedure group than temporary scaphocapitate pinning group. Overall, evidence of healing of osteonecrosis was found on plain radiographs in 11 patients and was not found in 9 patients. However, there were no significant preoperative radiological parameters affecting revascularization on radiographs.

Conclusions: Not all patients had evidence of revascularization on radiography after VBG combined with unloading procedures for Kienböck disease. However, among the unloading procedures, joint-leveling procedures positively influenced the revascularization process.
Mid-Term Results of the Use of a Suture Anchor Fixation for Chronic Reducible Scapholunate Dissociation
Authors: Kamrani Reza Shahryar , PanjaviLee Behnam , Vahedi Ehsan
Published: November 2019

Background: Scapholunate dissociation (SLD) is a common and sometimes disabling ligamentous injury of the wrist. The aim of the treatment is to restore carpal alignment and to prevent joint degeneration. In the current study, we reported mid-term results of our technique using suture anchor fixation within the SL interface.

Methods: Nine male patients with an average age of 35 years underwent scapholunate suture anchor fixation (SLAF) for chronic and symptomatic dynamic or reducible static SLD from 2011 to 2016 with a mean follow-up of 36 months. After dorsal wrist exposure, a 2.8 mm suture anchor was inserted in the dorsoproximal lateral articular surface of the lunate bone. The two ends of the sutures were passed through the two divergent canals in the scaphoid. The sutures were tied over the tuberosity after reducing the SL alignment. Two K-wires supported SL and scaphocapitate (SC) alignment for 8 weeks. Radiographic parameters, wrist range of motion and grip strength were measured. Quick-DASH and Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS) were used to assess the functional outcome.

Results: The grip strength and passive motion reached to 75% and 88% of the other side, respectively. The SL gap was 5.4 mm, 2.6 mm and 3.4 mm before surgery, after pin removal, and on the follow-up stress radiographs, respectively. The SL angle was 82, 52 and 65 degrees at any time point, respectively. Average Quick-DASH score was improved from 60 to 25. According to MMWS score, one patient was excellent, one was good, five were fair, and two were poor.

Conclusions: SLAF is a simple technique with minimal soft tissue manipulation that enables correction and maintaining of the carpal alignment with favorable mid-term results.
Development of a Reproducible Upper Limb Swelling Model
Authors: Muraoka Kunihide , Kleimeyer John , Yao Jeffrey
Published: November 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a reproducible upper limb swelling model and quantify the efficacy of changing elevation posture in swelling reduction using this model.

Methods: A manual sphygmomanometer was applied to healthy volunteers’ upper arms while in a dependent position for 25 minutes to create venous congestion and swelling. Seven different levels of pressure (250, 120, 100, 80, 50, 40 and 30 mmHg) were tested. Every 5 minutes, the level of swelling was measured using the volumetric method. Any complications were recorded. We then compared the swelling reduction potential among 3 limb postures (arm on head, elevation brace, and simple sling). The significance level was set at p < .05.

Results: Thirty to forty milliliters of swelling was created for all pressure levels except the 250 and 30 mmHg. All complications including transient nerve palsy, pain and petechiae were severe at 250 and 120 mmHg, less severe at 100 mmHg, mild at 80 mmHg, and absent below 40 mmHg. Both the on head and elevated brace limb postures markedly and significantly decreased swelling greater than the simple sling posture.

Conclusions: We found that 20 ml or greater swelling can be reliably created with a blood pressure cuff inflated to 40 mmHg on the upper limb. The on head and elevated brace postures demonstrated a greater degree of swelling reduction than the simple sling posture.
Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) versus Local or Intravenous Regional Anesthesia with Tourniquet in Atraumatic Hand Cases in Orthopedics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Evangelista Ted Matthew P. , Pua John Hubert C. , Evangelista-Huber Mara Therese P.
Published: November 2019

Background: To compare outcomes of atraumatic hand surgeries using the WALANT technique versus intravenous regional anesthesia or local anesthesia with tourniquet.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to October 2018. All randomized or quasi-randomized trials and cohort studies comparing WALANT procedure versus local anesthesia or intravenous regional anesthesia with tourniquet among atraumatic hand surgeries were included. Methodological quality and risk of bias of eligible studies were assessed by three independent reviewers. The random effects model was used due to both statistical and clinical heterogeneity among studies.

Results: The search yielded 496 records, of which 9 studies were included in the systematic review. We were able to pool findings for operative time, post-operative pain scores, patient satisfaction, and complication rates. On the average, the WALANT group had longer operative times by 2.06 minutes (pooled mean difference, random effects, 95% confidence interval 0.46 to 3.67 minutes, p = 0.01, I2 0%, p = 0.66). The post-operative pain scores were lower in the WALANT group by an average of two VAS points (random effects, pooled mean difference −2.40, 95% confidence interval −3.41 to −1.38, p < 0.00001; I2 0% p = 0.99). We had insufficient evidence to demonstrate a difference in terms of patient satisfaction (random effects, pooled risk ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.03, p = 0.36, I2 0%, p = 0.64) and complication rates (random effects, pooled risk ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 2.18, p = 0.29, I2 60% p = 0.08) between WALANT versus conventional methods.

Conclusions: The WALANT group reported lower post-operative pain scores, but had slightly longer operative times. There are no significant differences between WALANT and conventional methods in terms of patient satisfaction and complication rates.
Replanted Amputated Digit Survival and Associated Factors at a Tertiary Center in Southern Thailand: A Multi-Level Analysis
Authors: Suwannaphisit Sitthiphong , Yuenyongviwat Varah , Suwanno Porames
Published: November 2019

Background: Traumatic digital amputations require early replantation, and proper surgical technique is a critical factor for a successful digital replantation. Non-surgical factors can also effect the digital survival rate. Previous studies have used univariate analysis and logistic regression which could not identify the various complex associations of patient-related and digit-related factors. This study aimed to identify the determinants of digital survival after replantation, using multi-level analysis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 209 patients with 272 finger revascularizations and replantations performed from the metacarpophalangeal joint to the end of the finger. Demographic data, place of injury, mechanism of injury, level of amputation, and success rate were examined.

Results: The overall survival rate of digital replantation during the study period January 2004–December 2017 was 64%. Surgeon’s experience 3–5 years (OR 13.04), type of injury as guillotine (OR 6.79) and number of venous anastomoses for two veins (OR 6.83) were the most important pre-operative and intra-operative factors affecting the survival rate as clarified by a multi-level hierarchical model.

Conclusions: Although successful replantation involved many factors, the most important factors that directly affected the survival of the amputated digit were surgeon’s experience, venous anastomosis and type of injury.
Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm Following Dermofasciectomy-A Rare and Devastating Complication
Authors: Jones Christopher David , Addison Patrick R. , Lam Wee Leon , Davidson Dominique M.
Published: November 2019

We present a case of compartment syndrome of the forearm following harvesting of a full thickness skin graft from the medial forearm for a double digit dermofasciectomy. The patient underwent forearm fasciectomy followed by multiple surgical debridements. At 18 months, despite intensive physiotherapy, the patient was left with a very significant residual functional deficit. This case highlights a previously undescribed but devastating complication of closure of a forearm skin graft donor site.
Late Cretaceous stratigraphy in the Mudurnu–Göynük Basin (Turkey) and inferences on sea-level change in the Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian
Authors: Wolfgring Erik , Wagreich Michael , Yilmaz Ismail O. , Shasha Liu , Boehm Katharina
Published: November 2019

Upper Cretaceous strata at Göynük, northwestern Anatolia, Turkey, provide a geological record of the Campanian–Maastrichtian from the Sakarya Terrane along the active Neotethys margin. Shales and shaly marls with siliciclastic and volcaniclastic intercalations indicate a pelagic palaeoenvironment rich in planktonic and benthonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossil assemblages. A composite record from the Campanian to the Maastrichtian records nannofossil standard zones UC15c (CC21) to UC20a (CC26) as well as the
Globotrunanella havanensis
planktonic foraminifera Zone to the
Racemiguembelina fructicosa
planktonic foraminifera Zone. The complete ‘mid’-Campanian to early Maastrichtian composite section can be correlated to other western Tethyan sections. The Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary is positioned between the first occurrence of the planktonic foraminifera
Gansserina gansseri
and the last occurrence of the nannofossil
Uniplanarius trifidus
. Clastic input and higher sedimentation rates constrain regional sea-level lowstands around the late Campanian
calcarata
Zone and the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary, corresponding to the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary event.
Runtime Stress Estimation for Three-dimensional IC Reliability Management Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wang Hai , Xiao Tao , Huang Darong , Zhang Lang , Zhang Chi , Tang He , Yuan Yuan
Published: November 2019

Heat dissipation and the related thermal-mechanical stress problems are the major obstacles in the development of the three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC). Reliability management techniques can be used to alleviate such problems and enhance the reliability of 3D IC. However, it is difficult to obtain the time-varying stress information at runtime, which limits the effectiveness of the reliability management. In this article, we propose a fast stress estimation method for runtime reliability management using artificial neural network (ANN). The new method builds ANN-based stress model by training offline using temperature and stress data. The ANN stress model is then used to estimate the important stress information, such as the maximum stress around each TSV, for reliability management at runtime. Since there are a variety of potential ANN structures to choose from for the ANN stress model, we analyze and test three ANN-based stress models with three major types of ANNs in this work: the normal ANN-based stress model, the ANN stress model with hand-crafted feature extraction, and the convolutional neural network–(CNN) based stress model. The structures of each ANN stress model and the functions of these structures in 3D IC stress estimation are demonstrated and explained. The new runtime stress estimation method is tested using the three ANN stress models with different layer configurations. Experiments show that the new method is able to estimate important stress information at extremely fast speed with good accuracy for runtime 3D IC reliability enhancement. Although all three ANN stress models show acceptable capabilities in runtime stress estimation, the CNN-based stress model achieves the best performance considering both stress estimation accuracy and computing overhead. Comparison with traditional method reveals that the new ANN-based stress estimation method is much more accurate with a slightly larger but still very small computing overhead.
The Gut–Liver Axis in the Control of Energy Metabolism and Food Intake in Animals
Authors: Ringseis Robert , Gessner Denise K. , Eder Klaus
Published: November 2019

Recent research has convincingly demonstrated a bidirectional communication axis between the gut and liver that enables the gut microbiota to strongly affect animals’ feeding behavior and energy metabolism. As such, the gut–liver axis enables the host to control and shape the gut microbiota and to protect the intestinal barrier. Gut microbiota–host communication is based on several gut-derived compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, methylamines, amino acid–derived metabolites, and microbial-associated molecular patterns, which act as communication signals, and multiple host receptors, which sense the signals, thereby stimulating signaling and metabolic pathways in all key tissues of energy metabolism and food intake regulation. Disturbance in the microbial ecosystem balance, or microbial dysbiosis, causes profound derangements in the regulation of appetite and satiety in the hypothalamic centers of the brain and in key metabolic pathways in peripheral tissues owing to intestinal barrier disruption and subsequent induction of hepatic and hypothalamic inflammation.
Mitochondrial transplantation enhances murine lung viability and recovery after ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Moskowitzova Kamila , Orfany Arzoo , Liu Kaifeng , Ramirez-Barbieri Giovanna , Thedsanamoorthy Jerusha K. , Yao Rouan , Guariento Alvise , Doulamis Ilias P. , Blitzer David , Shin Borami , Snay Erin R. , Inkster James A. H. , Iken Khadija , Packard Alan B. , Cowan Douglas B. , Visner Gary A. , del Nido Pedro J. , McCully James D.
Published: November 2019

The most common cause of acute lung injury is ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), during which mitochondrial damage occurs. We have previously demonstrated that mitochondrial transplantation is an efficacious therapy to replace or augment mitochondria damaged by IRI, allowing for enhanced muscle viability and function in cardiac tissue. Here, we investigate the efficacy of mitochondrial transplantation in a murine lung IRI model using male C57BL/6J mice. Transient ischemia was induced by applying a microvascular clamp on the left hilum for 2 h. Upon reperfusion mice received either vehicle or vehicle-containing mitochondria either by vascular delivery (Mito V) through the pulmonary artery or by aerosol delivery (Mito Neb) via the trachea (nebulization). Sham control mice underwent thoracotomy without hilar clamping and were ventilated for 2 h before returning to the cage. After 24 h recovery, lung mechanics were assessed and lungs were collected for analysis. Our results demonstrated that at 24 h of reperfusion, dynamic compliance and inspiratory capacity were significantly increased and resistance, tissue damping, elastance, and peak inspiratory pressure (Mito V only) were significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) in Mito groups as compared with their respective vehicle groups. Neutrophil infiltration, interstitial edema, and apoptosis were significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) in Mito groups as compared with vehicles. No significant differences in cytokines and chemokines between groups were shown. All lung mechanics results in Mito groups except peak inspiratory pressure in Mito Neb showed no significant differences ( P > 0.05) as compared with Sham. These results conclude that mitochondrial transplantation by vascular delivery or nebulization improves lung mechanics and decreases lung tissue injury.
Models of vestibular semicircular canal afferent neuron firing activity
Authors: Paulin Michael G. , Hoffman Larry F.
Published: November 2019

Semicircular canal afferent neurons transmit information about head rotation to the brain. Mathematical models of how they do this have coevolved with concepts of how brains perceive the world. A 19th-century “camera” metaphor, in which sensory neurons project an image of the world captured by sense organs into the brain, gave way to a 20th-century view of sensory nerves as communication channels providing inputs to dynamical control systems. Now, in the 21st century, brains are being modeled as Bayesian observers who infer what is happening in the world given noisy, incomplete, and distorted sense data. The semicircular canals of the vestibular apparatus provide an experimentally accessible, low-dimensional system for developing and testing dynamical Bayesian generative models of sense data. In this review, we summarize advances in mathematical modeling of information transmission by semicircular canal afferent sensory neurons since the first such model was proposed nearly a century ago. Models of information transmission by vestibular afferent neurons may provide a foundation for developing realistic models of how brains perceive the world by inferring the causes of sense data.
Learning-induced enduring changes in inhibitory synaptic transmission in lateral amygdala are mediated by p21-activated kinase
Authors: Paul Blesson K. , Reuveni Iris , Barkai Edi , Lamprecht Raphael
Published: November 2019

In this study we explored whether learning leads to enduring changes in inhibitory synaptic transmission in lateral amygdala (LA). We revealed that olfactory discrimination (OD) learning in rats led to a long-lasting increase in postsynaptic GABAA channel-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in LA. Olfactory fear conditioning, but not auditory fear conditioning, also led to enduring enhancement in GABAA-mediated mIPSCs. Auditory fear conditioning, but not olfactory fear conditioning or OD learning, induced an enduring reduction in the frequency but not the current of mIPSC events. We found that p21-activated kinase (PAK) activity is needed to maintain OD and olfactory fear conditioning learning-induced enduring enhancement of mIPSCs. Further analysis revealed that OD led to an increase in GABAA channel conductance whereas olfactory fear conditioning increased the number of GABAA channels. These alterations in GABAA channels conductance and level are controlled by PAK activity. Our study shows that the learning-induced increase in postsynaptic inhibitory transmission in LA is specific to the sensory modality. However, the mechanism that mediates the increase in inhibitory transmission, namely the increase in the conductance or in the level of GABAA channel, is learning specific.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we studied whether learning leads to long-lasting alterations in inhibitory synaptic transmission in lateral amygdala (LA). We revealed that learning led to enduring changes in inhibitory synaptic transmission in LA that are affected by the sensory modality (auditory or olfaction) used during learning. However, the mechanism that mediated the changes in inhibitory transmission (alterations in GABAA channel level or conductance) depended on the type of learning. These long-lasting alterations are maintained by p21-activated kinase.
Freeze‐Thaw Cycle Effect on Sputtering Rate of Water‐Saturated Yellow Sandstone under Impact Loading
Authors: Hu Yunbing , Duan Tianzhu , Xian Penghui , Chen Liang
Published: November 2019

In order to explore the impact of freeze‐thaw temperature on the sputtering rate of water‐saturated yellow sandstone under impact loading, in this paper, the Hopkinson pressure bar is used to conduct impact loading test on the water‐saturated yellow sandstone at the same strain rate (74.22 s−1) under five different freeze‐thaw temperatures. After impact loading, the yellow sandstone fragments are graded and screened by using the sizing screen, and the mass of fragments with different particle sizes after screening is counted. By transforming the fragments into spheres with the corresponding particle sizes, and combining the dissipated energy, the surface specific energy of yellow sandstone with different freeze‐thaw temperatures is calculated. Finally, the sputtering rate of the fragments is obtained by using the relationship of total work, dissipated energy, and kinetic energy. The main conclusions are as follows: The freeze‐thaw temperature has a significant effect on the fracture degree of yellow sandstone. The lower the freeze‐thaw temperature is, the higher the fracture degree of yellow sandstone is, and the smaller the particle size distribution of fragments is. The fractal dimension of yellow sandstone increases with the decrease of freeze‐thaw temperature, indicating that the damage of yellow sandstone is more serious. The dissipative energy of yellow sandstone increases with the decrease of freezing temperature, while the kinetic energy increases gradually when the freeze‐thaw temperature is −30°C to −15°C and decreases gradually when the freeze‐thaw temperature is −15°C to −5°C. The surface area and surface specific energy of yellow sandstone fragments both increase with the increase of freeze‐thaw temperature. And the sputtering rate of yellow sandstone fragments increases gradually at freezing temperature from −30°C to −15°C and decreases gradually at −15°C to −5°C. Therefore, from the perspective of dynamic destruction process, the sputtering of yellow sandstone fragments at freezing temperatures of −15°C, −20°C, and −30°C is more intense than that at −5°C and −10°C. The results can provide some guidance for production in winter and winter regions.
Glypican-3 Enhances Reprogramming of Glucose Metabolism in Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Yao Gebing , Yin Jikai , Wang Qing , Dong Rui , Lu Jianguo
Published: November 2019

Glypican-3(GPC3) is a transmembrane protein which has been found to be frequently overexpressed on the surfaces of liver cancer (LC) cells, which contributes to both the growth and metastasis of LC cells. Recently, the expression of GPC3 has been reported to be inversely associated with glucose metabolism activity in LC patients, suggesting that GPC3 may play a role in the regulation of glucose metabolism in LC. However, the role of GPC3 in glucose metabolism reprogramming, as well as in LC cell growth and metastasis, is unknown. Here, we found that GPC3 significantly contributed to the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in LC cells. On the one hand, GPC3 enhanced the glycolysis of LC cells through upregulation of the glycolytic genes of Glut1, HK2, and LDH-A. On the other hand, GPC3 repressed mitochondrial respiration through downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), which has been well known as a crucial regulator in mitochondrial biogenesis. Mechanistic investigations revealed that HIF-1α was involved in both GPC3-regulated upregulation of glycolytic genes of HK2, PKM2, and Glut1 and downregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis regulator PGC-1α in LC cells. Additionally, GPC3-regulated reprogramming of glucose metabolism played a critical role in the growth and metastasis of LC cells. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that GPC3 is a critical regulator of glucose metabolism reprogramming in LC cells, which provides a strong line of evidence for GPC3 as an important therapeutic target to normalize glucose metabolic aberrations responsible for LC progression.
Understanding the Preferred Crystal Orientation of Sputtered Silver in Ar/N2 Atmosphere: A Microstructure Investigation
Authors: Hu YuHao , Zhu Jiajun , Zhang Chao , Yang Wulin , Fu Licai , Li Deyi , Zhou Lingping
Published: November 2019

Silver thin films were prepared by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering technique in Ar/N2 atmosphere with various N2 volumetric ratios on Si substrates. Silver thin films prepared in pure Ar atmosphere show highly (111) preferred orientation. However, as the N2 content increases, Ag (111) preferred orientation evolves into (100) preferred orientation gradually. When N2 content is more than 12.5 vol.%, silver thin films exhibit highly (100) preferred orientation. Moreover, the average grain size decreases with increasing N2 content. Silver thin films with low relative density are prepared at high N2 content, which results in higher resistivity of films. By analyzing the resistivity and microstructures of silver thin films, the optimum range of N2 content to get compact silver thin films is found to be not more than 33.3 vol.%. Finally, the mechanism of N2 addition on microstructure evolution of silver thin films was proposed.
Beneficial Effects of Sagacious Confucius’ Pillow Elixir on Cognitive Function in Senescence-Accelerated P8 Mice (SAMP8) via the NLRP3/Caspase-1 Pathway
Authors: Hou Zhitao , Li Fengjin , Chen Jing , Liu Yitian , He Changyuan , Wang Meng , Mei Tingting , Zhang Yue , Song Liying , Shao Xianming
Published: November 2019

Sagacious Confucius’ Pillow Elixir (SCPE) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is mainly used for cognitive impairment in aging; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aging is one of the most important pathogenic factors leading to inflammation and pyroptosis in the hippocampus, which may be a potential mechanism in elderly patients with cognitive impairment. Here, we examined whether SCPE could improve cognitive impairment in SAMP8 mice by reducing hippocampal inflammation and pyroptosis. Seven-month-old senescence-accelerated P8 mice (SAMP8) received SCPE (2.3 g/kg/day; 4.6 g/kg/day; 9.2 g/kg/day) for 28 days. Cognitive function and morphometric examinations were performed followed by water maze testing, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Congo red staining, toluidine blue staining, and TUNEL analysis of hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions. Escape latency increased and times across platforms decreased in SAMP8 mice; however, both of them were normalized by SCPE after 28 days. Aging caused significant pyroptosis in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, as evidenced by neuronal degeneration and necrosis, amyloid deposition, and decreased Nissl body amounts after cognitive impairment, which were greatly improved by SCPE. SCPE reduced serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α levels and reduced hippocampal NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDM-D, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and Aβ expression. Thus, SCPE exerts an antipyroptotic effect in aging, mainly by suppressing the NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway.
Safety and Mode of Action of Diabetes Medications in comparison with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA)
Authors: Rehani Peter R. , Iftikhar Hanaa , Nakajima Motowo , Tanaka Tohru , Jabbar Zaid , Rehani Riyadh N.
Published: November 2019

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a delta amino acid naturally present in every living cell of the human body. 5-ALA is produced in the mitochondria as the first product of the porphyrin synthesis pathway and composes heme; exogenously supplemented 5-ALA helps in upregulating mitochondrial functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus. Thus, in this review, we evaluate the mechanisms of action and adverse effects of common medications used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as 5-ALA including its mechanism and possible use in diabetes management.
Active Contour Models Based on Block Similarity for Multiple Objects Segmentation
Authors: Liu Guoqi , Wei Jinjin
Published: November 2019

For the model of active contours with group similarity (ACGS), a rank constraint for a group of evolving contours is defined to keep the shape similarity. ACGS obtains robust results in extracting a single object with missing or misleading features. However, with one initial contour, it could not extent to multiple objects segmentation because low‐rank property will not hold in some image sequences. Besides, ACGS is affected by nontarget objects. In this paper, an active contour model based on block similarity of shapes is proposed to extend the ACGS model to realize multiple objects extraction. For a sequence of image with multiple objects, a model for multiple objects extraction is constructed by combining sparse decomposition and ACGS; second, a block low‐rank constraint is proposed to constrain the similarity of these evolving contours in every block; finally, segmentation results are obtained through iterative evolutions. Experimental results show the proposed method could segment images with multiple targets, and it improves the robust segmentation performance of sequence of image when the features of multiobjects are missing or misleading.
Comparison of 9.0 and 9.2 mm Flap Diameter Options of Femtosecond Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis for Hypermetropia and Hypermetropic Astigmatism
Authors: Ozulken Kemal , Ilhan Cagri
Published: November 2019

Aim. To compare the postoperative one-year outcomes of asphericity (Q) and high order aberration (HOA) values of 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap groups in hypermetropia and hypermetropic astigmatism subjects who underwent femtosecond laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Materials and Methods. The study included 68 eyes of 34 patients. A femtosecond laser platform (Allegrato Wave, Wavelight AG, Erlangen, Germany) was used for flap cutting. Corneal stroma was ablated using Wavelight EX500 with wavefront-optimized profile (WaveLight GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). 9.0 mm flap diameter was randomly chosen for one eye, and 9.2 mm flap diameter was chosen for the fellow eye. Two eyes of the patients who used two different flap diameters were enrolled into two different groups. Corneal stroma was ablated using Wavelight EX500 with wavefront-optimized profile (WaveLight GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). Postoperative one-year outcomes of Q and HOA values of 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap groups were compared statistically. Results. The preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalents of the 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap groups were 1.86 ± 1.81 D and 1.69 ± 1.99 D (p=0.754). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. At postoperative one-year, Q values were 0.98 ± 0.13 D and 0.91 ± 0.15 D (p=0.029). HOAs including horizontal and vertical coma, horizontal and vertical trefoil, spherical aberration, and second order vertical coma were not significantly different (p>0.05 for all). Total HOA values were 1.62 ± 0.14 and 1.40 ± 0.16, in the 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap groups, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion. Both the 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap options in femtosecond LASIK are equally safe and effective. Many of the HOA values are similar in both options, and better results were provided in terms of total HOA and Q values with the 9.2 mm diameter flap option. This study was registered with trial registration number 118-011.
Methane Alleviates Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Apoptosis through the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Feng Yang , Cui Ruixia , Li Zeyu , Zhang Xia , Jia Yifan , Zhang Xing , Shi Jinghong , Qu Kai , Liu Chang , Zhang Jingyao
Published: November 2019

Acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced hepatic injury is an important clinical challenge. Oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) contribute to the pathogenesis. Methane has potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties. This project was aimed at studying the protective effects and relative mechanisms of methane in APAP-induced liver injury. In the in vivo experiment, C57BL/6 mice were treated with APAP (400 mg/kg) to induce hepatic injury followed by methane-rich saline (MRS) 10 ml/kg i.p. after 12 and 24 h. We observed that MRS alleviated the histopathological lesions in the liver, decreased serum aminotransferase levels, reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, suppressed the nuclear factor-κB expression. Further, we found that MRS relieved oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway and their downstream products after APAP challenge. MRS also regulated proteins associated with ERS-induced apoptosis. In the in vitro experiment, the L-02 cell line was treated with APAP (10 mM) to induce hepatic injury. We found that a methane-rich medium decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (DHE fluorescent staining), inhibited apoptosis (cell flow test), and regulated the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway. Our data indicated that MRS prevented APAP-induced hepatic injury via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ERS, and antiapoptotic properties involving the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway.
Bilateral Facial Paralysis and Deafness in a Child Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Lucena Rafael V. , Fernandes Yuri C. F. , Pazinatto Débora B. , Maunsell Rebecca C. K.
Published: November 2019

Involvement of the ear and temporal bone in acute leukemias are uncommon. We report a case of atypical mastoiditis with bilateral facial paralysis in a child diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). A 20-month-old male child was diagnosed with ALL and developed otorrhea unresponsive to antimicrobial treatment during the first week of chemotherapy followed by hearing loss, loss of balance, and bilateral facial paralysis. A CT scan of the mastoids showed cortical erosion of the temporal bone and presence of soft tissue contents filling the mastoid cells and external auditory canal bilaterally. Mastoidectomy was performed to collect material for analysis. Histopathologic examination of the material revealed an active chronic inflammatory process, with a moderate amount of plasma cells. Chemotherapy was reintroduced 3 weeks after the surgical procedure, and progressive improvement of otorrhea and imbalance was noted. Grade III House–Brackmann peripheral facial paralysis persisted on 6-month follow-up, and the patient is in rehabilitation program.
Synthesis of MnO2 Hollow Nanospheres through Selective Etching Method as an Effective Absorbent to Remove Methyl Orange from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hu Xiaohui , Zhang Fangsong , Wang Hong , Zhang Xinyi , Zhang Linfeng
Published: November 2019

The discharge of dye wastewater has become an unavoidable problem for human health and the environment. Developing an economical and rapid method to prepare effective adsorbents for selective removal of dyes is extremely urgent. In this work, MnO2 hollow nanospheres (MHNSs) were prepared through the selective etching method with the MnCO3 as the sacrificial template. The effect of the pH value, contact time, and initial concentration on the adsorption of methyl orange (MO) onto the MHNSs was systematically investigated. The unique mesoporous hollow structure and large BET surface area (43.74 m2/g) of MHNSs lead to an excellent adsorption capacity (1677.14 mg/g) at the optimal condition. Furthermore, the prepared MHNSs also showed great stability (90% removal rate after four cycles). The adsorption kinetics data fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2>0.9997). The overall process was jointly controlled by external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion, and intraparticle diffusion was the dominant factor. The adsorption isotherm results showed that the Freundlich model was more accurate to describe the experimental data than the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic analysis showed that the adsorption of MO on MHNSs was spontaneous and exothermic. Moreover, the calculated ΔG° and the XPS spectra showed that the process was mainly a physical process. It is expected that MHNS has a potential application for purifying dye wastewater due to its great adsorption performance and excellent stability.
Anticancer Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Orostachys japonicus on MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells through Extensive Induction of Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Antimetastasis
Authors: Kwon Ji-Hye , Kim Jae-Hyeon , Ryu Deok-Seon , Lee Hyun-Ji , Lee Dong-Seok
Published: November 2019

The antibreast cancer activities of the ethyl acetate fraction from Orostachys japonicus (OJEF) were investigated in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells through WST assay, DAPI staining, flow cytometry analysis, and western blotting. OJEF effectively inhibited MDA-MB-231 cells by inducing apoptosis via intrinsic, extrinsic, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathways, cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase, and antimetastasis including inhibition of tight junction, adherens junction, invasion, and migration. The MAPK family-mediated upstream signal transduction through p-p38 and p-ERK was considered to affect the downstream signal transduction including induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and antimetastasis. In conclusion, we executed an integrated study on the anticancer activities of OJEF, which extensively induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and antimetastasis in estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells known to be liable to metastasize.
The Prognostic and Therapeutic Role of Genomic Subtyping by Sequencing Tumor or Cell-Free DNA in Pulmonary Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Zhuo Minglei , Guan Yanfang , Yang Xue , Hong Lingzhi , Wang Yuqi , Li Zhongwu , Chen Runzhe , Abbas Hussein A. , Chang Lianpeng , Gong Yuhua , Wu Nan , Zhong Jia , Chen Wenting , Chen Hanxiao , Dong Zhi , Zhu Xiang , Li Jianjie , Wang Yuyan , An Tongtong , Wu Meina , Wang Ziping , Wang Jiayin , Roarty Emily B. , Rinsurongkawong Waree , Lewis Jeff , Roth Jack A. , Swisher Stephen G. , Lee J. Jack , Heymach John V. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Kalhor Neda , Yang Ling , Yi Xin , Futreal P. Andrew , Glisson Bonnie S. , Xia Xuefeng , Zhang Jianjun , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

The optimal systemic treatment for pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is still under debate. Previous studies showed that LCNEC with different genomic characteristics might respond differently to different chemotherapy regimens. In this study, we sought to investigate genomic subtyping using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis in advanced LCNEC and assess its potential prognostic and predictive value.

Experimental Design:

Tumor DNA and cfDNA from 63 patients with LCNEC were analyzed by target-captured sequencing. Survival and response analyses were applied to 54 patients with advanced stage incurable disease who received first-line chemotherapy.

Results:

The mutation landscape of frequently mutated cancer genes in LCNEC from cfDNA closely resembled that from tumor DNA, which led to a 90% concordance in genomic subtyping. The 63 patients with LCNEC were classified into small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)-like and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-like LCNEC based on corresponding genomic features derived from tumor DNA and/or cfDNA. Overall, patients with SCLC-like LCNEC had a shorter overall survival than those with NSCLC-like LCNEC despite higher response rate (RR) to chemotherapy. Furthermore, treatment with etoposide-platinum was associated with superior response and survival in SCLC-like LCNEC compared with pemetrexed-platinum and gemcitabine/taxane-platinum doublets, while treatment with gemcitabine/taxane-platinum led to a shorter survival compared with etoposide-platinum or pemetrexed-platinum in patients with NSCLC-like LCNEC.

Conclusions:

Genomic subtyping has potential in prognostication and therapeutic decision-making for patients with LCNEC and cfDNA analysis may be a reliable alternative for genomic profiling of LCNEC.
Inhibition of Na,K-ATPase from Chick Brain by
Polyamines
Authors: Heinrich-Hirsch Barbara , Ahlers Jan , Peter Horst W.
Published: November 2019

The amounts of the polyamines putrescine, spermine and spermidine as well as the
Na,K-ATPase activity have been determined in the developing chick brain. The amounts of
spermine and spermidine per gram fresh weight do not change significantly, the amount of
putrescine declines until the 17th day of incubation after which an increase takes place.
Spermine is able to inhibit the Na,K-ATPase from chick brain competitively. Half maximal
inhibition is achieved at 4 X 10^-5 mol/1 spermine. This polyamine functions as an allosteric
inhibitor; the Hill coefficient is 2.2 ± 0.3. A regulatory effect of spermine on the Na,K-ATPase
from chick brain is discussed. In contrast to spermine 1 mmol/1 spermidine inhibits the
Na,K-ATPase only slightly, while 1 mmol/1 putrescine does not inhibit the Na,K-ATPase at all.
Isatin Enzyme Interactions
Authors: Sareen K.N. , Sharma Rajeshwar , Singh Baldev , Sohal Manjit Singh
Published: November 2019

Influence of Isatin on rat tissue acid phosphatase has been studied. It has an
organ-specific effect, the liver enzyme is activated, the brain enzyme is inhibited while those of
kidney and intestine are not affected. Isatin activation of the liver enzyme is of mixed type and pH
dependent. Rat liver enzyme appears to require intact amino and sulfhydryl groups for activity.
Isatin seems to combine with the enzyme through the sulfhydryl group of the latter.
Characteristics of Modulators and Substrates Binding to
Rat Liver Adenylate Kinase
Authors: Pradhan Tapas K. , Criss Wayne E.
Published: November 2019

The binding of adenine nucleotides to liver adenylate kinase was dependent on Mg ^2+
ions. Citric acid enhanced the binding of all metal-chelated radioactive nucleotides and indicated
two observable binding sites for Mg3H-ADP and Mg3H-ATP and one-half binding site for Mg3HAMP.
Two binding sites of Mg3H-ADP and one binding site for Mg3H-ATP were also observed in
the absence of citric acid. Stoichiometric binding of 14C-citric acid to liver adenylate kinase varied
with additions of different nucleotides. AMP prevented whereas ADP and ATP enhanced the
binding of 14C-citric acid.
Combination Treatment with Antibiotics and Glucocorticosteroids for Severe Ischemic Colitis
Authors: Kruis Wolfgang , Schiff Michael
Published: November 2019

Background/Aims: Ischemic colitis (IC) is most common in the elderly and patients with multiple comorbidities. It carries significant mortality. As yet no evidence-based therapeutic management exists. Aim of the study was to test therapeutic efficacy of a combination of prednisolone and antibiotics. Methods: Prospective cohort study with retrospective analysis performed in a single teaching hospital in Germany. Consecutive patients with strict diagnostic criteria of severe IC, including colonoscopy, histology, and laboratory tests, were recruited. Main outcome measures were in-hospital mortality and number of operations counted within the hospital stay. Severity scores were calculated and biomarkers determined during the course of the hospital stay. Results: A total of 342 patients with an International Classification of Diseases of IC were identified. About 151 patients met the diagnostic criteria and a total of 44 patients fulfilled all inclusion and exclusion criteria of severe IC and constituted the group of patients eligible for analysis. Five out of 44 patients (11.4%) died (in-hospital mortality). Surgery was performed in 3 patients (6.8%), 2 patients survived. The hospital stay lasted 14.0 ± 8.5 day and was significantly correlated with comorbidity (rs = 0.314, p = 0.038). No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusion: This is the first prospective study on therapeutic efficacy and safety in severe IC. The combination of intravenous antibiotics and intravenous prednisolone turned out to be safe and revealed promising efficacy.
A Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Modulator Ameliorates Polycystic Kidney Disease in Han:SPRD Rats
Authors: Li Xin , Wu Ming , Chen Limin , Lu Junyan , Li Guo , Fu Lili , Qi Na , Lin Ye , Sun Zhongya , Wang Xueqi , Zhang Hao , Liu Jingqiu , Jiang Hualiang , Li Lin , Mei Chang-Lin , Luo Cheng
Published: November 2019

Background: Inflammation plays an important role in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Cordyceps sinensis, a prized ­Chinese medicinal herb, exerts anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic effects and benefits patients with kidney diseases. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of FTY720, an immunosuppressant derived from C. sinensis, in a rat cystic kidney disease model, and explore its underlining mechanism. Methods: Male wild type and Cy/+ Han:SPRD rats were treated with FTY720 at 3 and 10 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks and 12 weeks by gavage. Blood and kidney were collected for functional, morphological, RNA, and protein analysis. Results: Inflammation is activated in Cy/+ Han:SPRD rats. Inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha were upregulated and inflammation-related pathways were activated, such as nuclear factor κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways. Furthermore, the bioactive sphingolipid mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a regulator of inflammation, was accumulated in the Cy/+ Han:SPRD rats. FTY720 significantly reduced cyst growth and delayed disease progression by reducing the accumulation of S1P, thereby inhibiting inflammatory responses. Conclusion: FTY720 treatment reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and attenuated the activation of NK-κB and STAT3 pathways in Cy/+ Han:SPRD rats. It suggests that FTY720 may serve as a therapeutic agent for clinical autosomal dominant PKD treatment.