bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel variant in the neutrophil cytosolic factor 2 (NCF2) gene results in severe disseminated BCG infectious disease: A clinical report and literature review
Authors: AlKhater Suzan A. , Deswarte Caroline , Casanova Jean‐Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta
Published: April 2020

Background

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) affecting NADPH oxidase activity. The rarest form of the disease is considered to be caused by NCF2 gene bi‐allelic variant. Here, we report the clinical and molecular characterization of a patient presenting with early‐onset severe disease due to bi‐allelic NCF2 variant.

Methods

Gene mutational analysis was performed by whole‐exome and Sanger sequencing.

Results

The patient presented with a history of fever and rash since the age of 1 month, followed by destructive osteomyelitis and necrotizing lymphadenopathy. The patient received the Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine at birth; she was subsequently diagnosed with disseminated BCG infection. Whole‐exome sequencing identified a private (unreported) homozygous variant in NCF2 (c.290C > A) that results in a nonconservative change, p.Ala97Asp, in the p67phox protein. The variant is located in the third helix of the TRP domain, which is crucial for the binding of GTPase RAC2 to the NADPH oxidase complex.

Conclusion

We identified a novel NCF2 variant located in the region interacting with RAC2 that is linked to a severe and early CGD phenotype in the setting of disseminated BCG infection. Our findings support postponing BCG vaccination until 6–12 months of age and after PID assessment.
A 235 Kb deletion at 17q21.33 encompassing theCOL1A1, and two additional secondary copy number variants in an infant with type I osteogenesis imperfecta: A rare case report
Authors: Numbere Numbereye , Weber David R. , Porter George , Iqbal Mohammed A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare group of disorders characterized by increased susceptibility to fractures due to genetically determined bone fragility. About 90% of cases are due to mutations inCOL1A1(17q21.33) orCOL1A2(7q21.3) resulting in quantitative or qualitative defects in type I collagen, a key structural constituent of bone. OI due to completeCOL1A1deletion is rare.

Methods

We present a case of OI type I in a Caucasian female referred at 10 months of age for investigation of multiple fractures associated with minimal or no known trauma, small stature, and blue sclera. Her father has four to five lifetime fractures, blue sclera, normal stature, and a 14.5 kilobase (kb) deletion ofCOL1A1detected by targeted array performed at an outside institution. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization was performed on the proband and all members of the family.

Results

A previously unreported 235 kb deletion at 17q21.33 encompassingCOL1A1,ITGA3,PDK2,SGCA, andHILS1was detected in the proband. Also identified in both the proband and sibling is a maternally inherited 283 kb gain at 8p21.3 encompassingCSGALNACT1and a 163 kb loss at 10q21.3 encompassingCTNNA3. Analysis in the father revealed the same size deletion at 17q21.33 as in the proband.

Conclusion

Together with previously reported cases ofCOL1A1deletions, this case report emphasizes the importance of a whole‐genome DNA copy number assessment in patients suspected for OI, which will elucidate the presence of preciseCOL1A1deletions and any pathogenic secondary copy number variations.
From SAR Diagnostics to Compound Design: Development Chronology of the Compound Optimization Monitor (COMO) Method
Authors: Yonchev Dimitar , Vogt Martin , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: April 2020

In medicinal chemistry, compound optimization largely depends on chemical knowledge, experience, and intuition, and progress in hit‐to‐lead and lead optimization projects is difficult to estimate. Accordingly, approaches are sought after that aid in assessing the odds of success with an optimization project and making decisions whether to continue or discontinue work on an analog series at a given stage. However, currently there are only very few approaches available that are capable of providing decision support. We introduce a computational methodology designed to combine the assessment of chemical saturation of analog series and structure‐activity relationship (SAR) progression. The current endpoint of these development efforts, the compound optimization monitor (COMO), further extends lead optimization diagnostics to compound design and activity prediction. Hence, COMO plays dual role in supporting lead optimization campaigns.
Sharper uncertainty principles associated with Lp‐norm
Authors: Zhang Zhichao
Published: April 2020

Motivated by the well‐established phase derivative embedded technique, this study devotes to sharper uncertainty principles related to the Lp‐norm type of uncertainty product, giving rise to two kinds of uncertainty inequalities that improve the classical result through providing tighter lower bounds. The conditions that truly reach these better estimates are obtained. Examples and simulations are carried out to verify the correctness of the derived results, and finally, possible applications in time‐frequency analysis are also given.
Periodic solutions of a periodic stochastic human immunodeficiency virus model with distributed delay and cytotoxic T lymphocytes immune response
Authors: Hou Yuying , Shi Peilin
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a periodic stochastic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) model with distributed delay and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) immune response is investigated. First, by It
's formula, we show that the solution with any positive initial value is global and positive. Then, by the stochastic comparison theorem, we obtain the sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence and global attractivity of infection‐free periodic solution. Furthermore, we discuss the existence of the infective periodic solution by Has'minskii theory. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.
Identifying Cranberry Juice Consumers with Predictive OPLS‐DA Models of Plasma Metabolome and Validation of Cranberry Juice Intake Biomarkers in a Double‐Blinded, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Cross‐Over Study
Authors: Zhao Shaomin , Liu Haiyan , Su Zhihua , Khoo Christina , Gu Liwei
Published: April 2020

Scope

Methods to verify cranberry juice consumption are lacking. Predictive multivariate models built upon validated biomarkers may help to verify human consumption of a food using a nutrimetabolomics approach.

Methods

A 21‐day double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study was conducted among healthy young women aged 1829. Plasma was collected at baseline and after 3‐day and 21‐day consumption of cranberry or placebo juice. Plasma metabolome was analyzed using UHPLC coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry.

Results

18 discriminant metabolites in positive mode and 18 discriminant metabolites in negative mode from a previous 3‐day open‐label study were re‐discovered in the present blinded study. Predictive orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) models were able to identify cranberry juice consumers over a placebo juice group with 96.9% correction rates after 3‐day consumption in both positive and negative mode. This present study revealed 84 and 109 additional discriminant metabolites in positive and negative mode, respectively. Twelve of them were tentatively identified.

Conclusion

Cranberry juice consumers were classified with high correction rates using predictive OPLS‐DA models built upon validated plasma biomarkers. Additional biomarkers were tentatively identified. These OPLS‐DA models and biomarkers provided an objective approach to verify participant compliance in future clinical trials.
Myelin water fraction estimation using small‐tip fast recovery MRI
Authors: Whitaker Steven T. , Nataraj Gopal , Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Fessler Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of an optimized set of small‐tip fast recovery (STFR) MRI scans for rapidly estimating myelin water fraction (MWF) in the brain.

Methods

We optimized a set of STFR scans to minimize the Cramér‐Rao Lower Bound of MWF estimates. We evaluated the RMSE of MWF estimates from the optimized scans in simulation. We compared STFR‐based MWF estimates (both modeling exchange and not modeling exchange) to multi‐echo spin echo (MESE)‐based estimates. We used the optimized scans to acquire in vivo data from which a MWF map was estimated. We computed the STFR‐based MWF estimates using PERK, a recently developed kernel regression technique, and the MESE‐based MWF estimates using both regularized non‐negative least squares (NNLS) and PERK.

Results

In simulation, the optimized STFR scans led to estimates of MWF with low RMSE across a range of tissue parameters and across white matter and gray matter. The STFR‐based MWF estimates that modeled exchange compared well to MESE‐based MWF estimates in simulation. When the optimized scans were tested in vivo, the MWF map that was estimated using a 3‐compartment model with exchange was closer to the MESE‐based MWF map.

Conclusions

The optimized STFR scans appear to be well suited for estimating MWF in simulation and in vivo when we model exchange in training. In this case, the STFR‐based MWF estimates are close to the MESE‐based estimates.
Urodynamic findings during the filling phase in neurogenic bladder patients with or without vesicoureteral reflux who have undergone sacral neuromodulation
Authors: Chen Guoqing , Liao Limin , Wang Yiming , Ying Xiaoqian
Published: April 2020

Aims

To assess the urodynamic findings during the filling phase in neurogenic bladder patients with or without vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) who underwent sacral neuromodulation (SNM).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 19 patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) who underwent SNM at our center from July 2018 to July 2019. Clinical data and video‐urodynamic parameters were collected. VUR grading systems were used to evaluate upper urinary tract function.

Results

The mean test duration was 24 ± 8.2 days. The urodynamic evaluation showed a significant increase in the mean maximum cystometric capacity (136.3 ± 118.2 vs 216.5 ± 137.8 mL; P = .0071) and compliance (8.7 ± 8.52 vs18.3 + 16.47 mL/H2O; P = .016), as well as a decrease in maximum intravesical pressure (57 ± 39.23 vs 36.58 ± 31.16 H2O; P = .0064). In the voiding phase, none of the patients had automatic urination at the baseline and testing phases. In 8 of 19 patients who had detrusor overactivity (DO), the DO disappeared (four patients) or was delayed (four patients). The VUR in 3 of 12 ureter units disappeared. The grade of VUR or the volume before VUR improved in 8 ureter units, and the remaining 1 did not change significantly. An implant was performed in 16 cases. After permanent implantation, all patients needed intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder.

Conclusions

This retrospective study indicates that SNM can improve the urinary storage function of the bladder in appropriate patients with NLUTD. For patients with VUR, SNM can cure or reduce VUR by improving DO and bladder compliance.
On the computational complexity of the patrol boat scheduling problem with complete coverage
Authors: Surendonk Timothy J. , Chircop Paul A.
Published: April 2020

Our study is primarily concerned with analyzing the computational complexity of the patrol boat scheduling problem with complete coverage (PBSPCC). This combinatorial optimization problem has important implications for maritime border protection and surveillance operations. The objective of the PBSPCC is to find a minimum size patrol boat fleet to provide ongoing continuous coverage at a set of maritime patrol regions, ensuring that there is at least one vessel on station in each patrol region at any given time. This requirement is complicated by the necessity for patrol vessels to be replenished on a regular basis in order to carry out patrol operations indefinitely. We introduce the PBSPCC via an example, discuss its relationship to related but dissimilar problems in the literature and proffer a mathematical description of the problem. We then show that the PBSPCC is ‐hard by a transformation of the Hamiltonian graph decision problem into the problem of finding a minimum cyclic covering of a patrol network. We conclude that the associated decision problem of whether a patrol network has a continuous cover is ‐complete, subject to the requirement that patrol covering solutions are cyclic of a bounded polynomial order.
Improved dielectric and dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy/polyaniline nanorod/in situ reduced graphene oxide hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: A. M. Rahnamol , Gopalakrishnan Jayalatha
Published: April 2020

The incorporation of hybrid fillers such as conducting polymer/graphene in polymer matrices affords promising materials with high dielectric constant suitable for electronic devices. Initially PANI/GO hybrid was prepared via in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline on GO. The hybrid was dispersed in dichlorobenzene and then incorporated in epoxy resin. The evaporation of the solvent resulted in in situ reduction of GO and the mixture was cured. The effect of PANI/rGO hybrid filler on the morphology, electrical conductivity, dielectric, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites was evaluated. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite containing 9 wt% of the filler (EPG9) enhanced by five orders of magnitude compared to neat epoxy, that is, from 5.6 × 10−13 to 1.27 × 10−8 S/cm. A high dielectric constant (ε′) of 208 was achieved for EPG9. The dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) was low for the hybrid nanocomposites at 103 Hz. DMA studies revealed that the storage modulus (E′) increased significantly with the incorporation of hybrid fillers. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the EPG3 nanocomposites improved by 14.3% and 33.1%, respectively compared to neat epoxy. SEM and TEM studies revealed the uniform dispersion of the hybrid filler at 3 wt% in the epoxy matrix. The addition of PANI/rGO filler also improved the thermal stability of the epoxy nanocomposites.
Impact response of repaired sandwich structures
Authors: Ivañez Ines , Sánchez‐Saez Sonia , Garcia‐Castillo Shirley K. , Barbero Enrique , Amaro Ana M. , Reis Paulo N. B.
Published: April 2020

The low‐velocity impact behavior of repaired sandwich structures with woven carbon/epoxy face‐sheets and Nomex honeycomb core is studied experimentally. First, sandwich plates were subjected to ballistic impacts; the damaged area was removed, filled by nano‐enhanced resin and covered by a double‐external patch. Afterwards, the repaired sandwich plates were impacted at low‐velocity. Peak load and absorbed energy were determined for several impact energies and compared with results for non‐repaired (intact) sandwich plates. For all impact energies tested, repaired specimens show higher peak load and lower absorbed energy than the intact ones. Additionally, tested sandwich plates were cut transversally in order to observe the resulting damage, concluding that is different in both configurations, and confirming that it is initiated at higher impact energies in repaired structures.
A review of fetal and neonatal consequences of maternal systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Limaye Meghana A. , Buyon Jill P. , Cuneo Bettina F. , Mehta‐Lee Shilpi S.
Published: April 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) primarily affects women of childbearing age and is commonly seen in pregnancy. The physiologic and immunologic changes of pregnancy may alter the course of SLE and impact maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. Multidisciplinary counseling before and during pregnancy from rheumatology, maternal fetal medicine, obstetrics, and pediatric cardiology is critical. Transplacental passage of autoantibodies, present in about 40% of women with SLE, can result in neonatal lupus (NL). NL can consist of usually permanent cardiac manifestations, including conduction system and myocardial disease, as well as transient cutaneous, hematologic, and hepatic manifestations. Additionally, women with SLE are more likely to develop adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth, perhaps due to an underlying effect on placentation. This review describes the impact of SLE on maternal and fetal health by trimester, beginning with prepregnancy optimization of maternal health. This is followed by a discussion of NL and the current understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of anti‐Ro/La mediated cardiac disease, as well as screening, treatment, and methods for prevention. Finally discussed is the known increase in preeclampsia and fetal growth issues in women with SLE that can lead to iatrogenic preterm delivery.
Therapeutic peptides targeting the Ras superfamily
Authors: Hurd Catherine A. , Mott Helen R. , Owen Darerca
Published: April 2020

The Ras superfamily of small GTPases are master regulators of numerous essential processes within the cell, so that when they malfunction, cancer and many other diseases can result. For example, activating Ras mutations are present in approximately 20% of human cancers. As such, they are key therapeutic targets, yet more than three decades of intensive research efforts have failed to produce effective Ras inhibitors in the clinic. This is, in part, due to their relatively smooth surfaces which are difficult to target through traditional drug discovery methods using small molecules. Peptides offer a solution to this issue as they occupy larger surface areas on their targets and therefore offer exquisite selectivity and affinity. However, their use in the past has been limited to extracellular targets due to delivery issues. Recent advances in peptide macrocyclisation, modifications and delivery methods have ignited increased interest in the use of these highly effective biologics for intracellular targets. This review will cover progress made in the development of peptides targeting small GTPases to treat a wide range of diseases.
Delayed Initiation of Remdesivir in a COVID‐19‐Positive Patient
Authors: Hillaker Emily , Belfer Julie J. , Bondici Anamaria , Murad Hani , Dumkow Lisa E.
Published: April 2020

We present a case of late initiation of remdesivir antiviral therapy in the successful treatment of a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in a mixed medical intensive care unit of a community teaching hospital. A previously healthy 40‐year‐old man was admitted to the hospital 3 days after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) symptoms including dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath progressing to intubation and increased mechanical ventilator support. A request for compassionate use remdesivir was submitted on the same hospital day as the positive COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction result. Supportive measures, in addition to a 5‐day course of hydroxychloroquine, were maintained until remdesivir could be supplied on day 9 of hospitalization, 13 days after symptom onset. Sixty hours after initiating remdesivir, the patient was successfully extubated and able to transition to room air within 24 hours of extubation. Late initiation of remdesivir may be effective in treating SARS‐CoV‐2, unlike antivirals utilized for different disease states, such as oseltamivir, that are most effective when started as soon as possible following symptom onset. Urgent action is needed by regulatory agencies to work with drug manufacturers to expedite the study and approval of investigational agents targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as to meet manufacturing demands.
Determination of glass transition temperature of polyimides from atomistic molecular dynamics simulations andmachine‐learningalgorithms
Authors: Wen Chengyuan , Liu Binghan , Wolfgang Josh , Long Timothy E. , Odle Roy , Cheng Shengfeng
Published: April 2020

Glass transition temperature (Tg) plays an important role in controlling the mechanical and thermal properties of a polymer. Polyimides as an important category of engineering plastics have wide applications because of their superior heat resistance and mechanical strength. The capability of predictingTgfor a polyimide a priori is therefore highly desirable in order to expedite the design and discovery of new polyimide polymers with targeted properties and applications. Here we explore three different approaches to either computeTgfor a polyimide via all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations or predictTgvia a mathematical model generated by using machine‐learning algorithms to analyze existing data collected from the literature. Our simulations reveal thatTgcan be determined from examining the diffusion coefficient of simple gas molecules in a polyimide as a function of temperature and the results are comparable to those derived from data on polymer density versus temperature and actually closer to the available experimental data. Furthermore, the predictive model ofTgderived with machine‐learning algorithms can be used to estimateTgsuccessfully within an uncertainty of about 20 degrees, even for polyimides yet to be synthesized experimentally.
Fear of cancer recurrence among survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Wroot Hayley , Afzal Arfan R. , Forbes Caitlin , Russell K. Brooke , Trepanier Lindsey , Patton Michaela , Fidler‐Benaoudia Miranda , Reynolds Kathleen , Schulte Fiona
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) has not been widely explored in survivors of childhood cancer. Yet, childhood survivors are at risk of experiencing late effects and may be especially vulnerable. The aims of the current study were to conduct a retrospective chart review to determine the prevalence and persistence of FCR among survivors of childhood cancer and to examine factors that may be related to FCR.

Methods

Survivors of childhood cancer (n = 228, mean attained age = 14.5 years [range = 4.7‐21 years]; mean diagnosis age = 4.4 years [range = 0‐16.5 years]; mean time off treatment = 8.7 years [range = 2.8‐19.3 years]) seen in a Long‐Term Survivor Clinic (LTSC) completed questionnaires at each clinic visit detailing their current health. FCR was measured with a single item. Data from questionnaires from 2011 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Descriptive statistics and a random effects model were used to address study aims.

Results

FCR was reported in 43% (n = 98) of survivors at least once across all clinic visits. Among survivors reporting FCR at least once, 66% were diagnosed with cancer under the age of 5, and 64% were 13 years or older at their most recent follow‐up. Twenty‐one percent of survivors (n = 48/224) reported FCR during at least 50% of their visits. Survivors with a higher number of depressive symptoms were more likely to report FCR (OR = 1.66, P = .03).

Conclusions

FCR is prevalent among survivors of childhood cancer and is related to other health concerns. Research is needed to understand who is at risk and how to.
Brief training in psychological assessment and interventions skills for cancer care staff: a mixed methods evaluation of deliberate practice techniques
Authors: Barrett‐Naylor Ruth , Malins Sam , Levene Joanna , Biswas Sanchia , Mays Chloe , Main Georgia
Published: April 2020

Objective

Unaddressed anxiety and depression is common among cancer patients and has significant adverse consequences. Cancer staff training is recommended for psychological assessment and interventions to address depression and anxiety, to increase access to psycho‐social oncology care. However, psychological skills training has a poor track‐record for improving clinical effectiveness. “Deliberate practice”, receiving feedback on therapeutic micro‐skills and rehearsing modifications, can enhance clinical effectiveness. This study applied deliberate practice to maximise benefits of brief psychological skills training for cancer care staff.

Methods

Seventeen one‐day training workshops were provided to 263 cancer care staff, aiming to improve confidence in assessing anxiety and depression, and delivering problem‐solving therapy. Training used deliberate practice methods at the expense of didactic lecturing. Staff confidence was assessed in key teaching domains using pre‐post confidence ratings. Anonymous comments from 152 training attendees were examined using thematic analysis.

Results

One‐day psychological skills training significantly improved cancer staff confidence in assessment of anxiety and depression, and delivery of brief psychological interventions. Thematic analysis indicated that focusing on practical skills was valued by participants and contributed to staff commitments to change practice. However, some participants felt the one‐day training was over‐filled and would be better delivered over more days.

Conclusions

Similar results can be achieved by providing psychological skills training on a single‐day, as compared to an established five‐day programme, by abbreviating didactic teaching and focusing time on deliberate practice of skills. Training may increase the likelihood of changes in practice, but more training time may be required for maximum benefit.
Integrative analysis of AR‐mediated transcriptional regulatory network reveals IRF1 as an inhibitor of prostate cancer progression
Authors: Cheng Yihang , Wang Dan , Jiang Jun , Huang Wenhua , Li Dujian , Luo Jun , Gu Wei , Mo Wenjuan , Wang Chenji , Li Yao , Gu Shaohua , Xu Yaoting
Published: April 2020

Background

Androgen receptor (AR) is crucial for prostate cancer (PCa) initiation and malignant progression. Only half of androgen‐responsive genes have been identified as having androgen‐responsive elements, suggesting that AR regulates downstream genes through other transcriptional factors. However, whether and how AR regulates the progression via regulating these androgen‐responsive genes remains unclear.

Methods

Androgen‐responsive and activity‐changed (AC) transcriptional factors (TFs) were identified based on the time‐course gene‐expression array and gene promoter regions analysis. The intersection of androgen‐responsive and AC TFs was selected the core TFs, which were used to construct the core transcriptional regulatory network. GO enrichment analysis, cell proliferation assays, glycolysis experiments, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to analyze and validate the functions of the network. As one of the core TFs, the function and mechanism of IRF1 have been further explored.

Results

We devised a new integrated approach to select core TFs and construct core transcriptional regulatory network in PCa. The 24 core TFs and core transcriptional regulatory network participate in regulating PCa cell proliferation, RNA splicing, and cancer metabolism. Further validations showed that AR signaling could promote glycolysis via inducing glycolytic enzymes in PCa cells. IRF1, a novel target of AR, served as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting PCa proliferation, cell cycle, and glycolysis.

Conclusions

It is the first time to demonstrate the regulating role of the AR‐mediated transcriptional regulatory network in a series of important biological processes in PCa cells. IRF1, an AR‐regulated TF, acts as tumor suppressor in this core transcriptional regulatory network, which highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting this regulatory network for PCa.
Imperatorin ameliorates learning and memory deficits throughBDNF/TrkBandERK/CaMKIIα/CREBsignaling in prenatally‐stressed female offspring
Authors: Zheng Xing X. , Zhang Kai Y. , Li Ying C. , Chen Yi W. , Yue Yi S. , Xia Si Z. , Li Yang , Deng Huan H. , Jing Hui L. , Cao Yan J.
Published: April 2020

Prenatal stress (PS) can lead to impaired spatial learning and memory in offspring. Imperatorin (IMP) is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin with many pharmacological properties. However, the effects of IMP on cognitive impairment induced by PS and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the protective effect of IMP treatment after PS on learning and memory deficits in female offspring at postnatal 60 days. After treating prenatally‐stressed offspring with IMP (15 and 30 mg/kg) for 28 days, we found that IMP increased body weight and ameliorated spatial learning and memory and working memory deficits in female offspring rats. Meanwhile, hippocampal Glu and serum corticosterone levels in prenatally‐stressed offspring were significantly decreased after IMP administration. Additionally, IMP treatment significantly increasedBDNF, TrkB, CaMKII, andCREBmRNA expression in the hippocampus of offspring rats. Furthermore, PS‐mediated induction of RKIP protein and mRNA expression and glucocorticoid receptor protein expression in the hippocampus of offspring rats were significantly decreased by IMP treatment, and the protein expression of BDNF and TrkB and relative levels of p‐EKR/ERK, p‐CaMKIIα/CaMKIIα, and p‐CREB/CREB were remarkably increased after IMP treatment. Taken together, IMP can ameliorate PS‐induced learning and memory deficits through BDNF/TrkB and ERK/CaMKIIα/CREB signaling pathway and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.
Polysaccharide from Pycnoporus sanguineus ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis via helper T cells repertoire modulation and autophagy suppression
Authors: Li Muxia , Luo Ting , Huang Yong , Su Jiyan , Li Dan , Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Yifan , Huang Longhua , Li Shunxian , Jiao Chunwei , Li Wenzhi , Xie Yizhen , Li Wende
Published: April 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with various risk factors. Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill is a saprotrophic fungus used worldwide for its industrial and medical purposes. Here, polysaccharide from P. sanguineus (PPS) was explored for its antiinflammatory potential in a murine colitis model of IBD induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). PPS ameliorated the colitis as manifested by the lowered disease activity index (DAI), prolonged colon, and reduced serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS). PPS recovered the histological lesion by upregulating the expressions of Zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), E‐cadherin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). PPS inhibited the helper T cells (Th)‐mediated immune response by decreasing the proportions of Th cells (including Th2 cells, Th17 cells, and regulatory T cells), which was accompanied with reductions on myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and releases of several interleukins and chemokines within the colon. Moreover, PPS exhibited an evident inhibition on autophagy, in which the ratio of light chain 3 (LC3) II/I was declined, while the expression of p62 and Beclin‐1 was increased. The present study highlighted important clinical implications for the treatment application of PPS against IBD, which relies on the regulation of Th cells repertoire and autophagy suppression to restore epithelium barrier.
Effect of liquiritin on neuroendocrine‐immune network in menopausal rat model
Authors: Lan Xin‐Yi , Yu Hui , Chen Qiu‐Jing , Zhai Shuo , Zhang Chun‐Feng , Li Fei , Wang Chong‐Zhi , Yuan Chun‐Su
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of liquiritin on neuroendocrine‐immune network in menopausal rat model.

Methods

Liquiritin groups were respectively given liquiritin suspension at the dose of 80, 40, and 20 mg/kg, once a day for continuous 30 days after the removal of bilateral ovaries to induce the menopausal rat model. Behavioral experiments were conducted and the organs were weighed for the viscera index. The content of estradiol (E2) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and norepinephrine (NE) in hypothalamus were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Morphological changes of uterus and adrenal gland were observed by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and estrogen receptor (ER) expression of uterus and spleen were determined by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

For the nervous system, liquiritin relieved menopausal depression and up‐regulated the levels of 5‐HT and NE in hypothalamus; for the endocrine system, it raised the concentrations of E2 and FSH in serum, relieved the histological changes of uterus and adrenal gland and increased the expression of ER in uterus; for the immune system, it increased the thymus index and the expression of ER in spleen.

Conclusions

Liquiritin improved menopausal syndrome in multiple ways by affecting the neuro‐endocrine‐immune network.
Cryptotanshinone reverses the epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation process and attenuates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Qianyu , Gan Cailing , Liu Hongyao , Wang Liqun , Li Yali , Tan Zui , You Jia , Yao Yuqin , Xie Yongmei , Yin Wenya , Ye Tinghong
Published: April 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic interstitial pneumonia that causes pulmonary tissue damage and functional impairment. To investigate the effects of cryptotanshinone on pulmonary fibrosis, the expression of NIH/3T3, HPF, and rat primary pulmonary fibroblasts was measured and found to be inhibited by CPT in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, and the upregulation of α‐SMA expression in NIH/3T3 and HPF cells, which had been stimulated by TGFβ‐1, was decreased after CPT administration. We observed that CPT could reverse the increase in α‐SMA expression and vimentin and the decrease in E‐cad expression in A549 cells, which had been induced by 5 ng/mL TGFβ‐1, indicating that CPT has inhibitory effects in the EMT process. A BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The lung coefficient and hydroxyproline content increased significantly in the BLM‐induced group and were decreased in the CPT‐treated group. The expression levels of collagen‐I and α‐SMA and the phosphorylation level of Stat3 were significantly increased, and CPT treatment decreased these levels. Furthermore, the results from the flow cytometry analysis indicated that, in lung tissues, the frequencies of MDSCs, macrophages, DCs and T cells were considerably increased in the BLM‐induced group, while CPT treatment reduced these immunocyte populations.
Identification of switched autoregressive exogenous systems from large noisy datasets
Authors: Hojjatinia Sarah , Lagoa Constantino M. , Dabbene Fabrizio
Published: April 2020

The article introduces novel methodologies for the identification of coefficients of switching autoregressive moving average with exogenous input systems and switched autoregressive exogenous linear models. We consider cases where system's outputs are contaminated by possibly large values of noise for both cases of measurement noise and process noise. It is assumed that only partial information on the probability distribution of the noise is available. Given input‐output data, we aim at identifying switched system coefficients and parameters of the distribution of the noise, which are compatible with the collected data. We demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach with several academic examples. The method is shown to be effective in the situations where a large number of measurements is available; cases in which previous approaches based on polynomial or mixed‐integer optimization cannot be applied due to very large computational burden.
Comparison of soil health metrics for a Cecil soil in the North Carolina Piedmont
Authors: Caudle Caitlin , Osmond Deanna , Heitman Joshua , Ricker Matthew , Miller Grady , Wills Skye
Published: April 2020

Soil health metric values may vary across soil types and even within the same soil series under different management systems. The goal of this study was to determine the amount of variation present in Cecil sandy loam soils (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults) under row crop and hay management systems via field (single‐ring infiltration, Cornell Sprinkle Infiltrometer, and a farmer score card) and laboratory soil health metrics [soil respiration, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, permanganate‐oxidizable C (POXC), β‐glucosidase, β‐glucosaminidase, alkaline and acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, phosphodiesterase, soil organic C (SOC), total N (TN), autoclave citrate‐extractable (ACE) protein content, aggregate stability, mean weight diameter, and bulk density]. Soil samples were collected in three hay and three crop fields. ANOVA indicated significant variations between systems, with depth and interactions among system, field, and/or slope position, depending on the metric (p < 0.05). Infiltration measurements were highly variable and the measurement methods produced inconsistent values. The majority of laboratory metrics significantly decreased with depth. Soil respiration was significantly different between systems (crop > hay), whereas arylsulfatase, acid phosphatase, β‐glucosidase, β‐glucosaminidase, ACE, POXC, and aggregate stability had significant system × depth interactions (0–5 cm hay > crop) and POXC had a significant system × pedon interaction. Enzyme assays, PLFA measurements, POXC, TN, SOC, and ACE protein content were also significantly correlated with each other. Unexpected trends and variable results suggest that more data should be collected before effective soil health metrics and baseline values can be established.
Optimized variable selection via repeated data splitting
Authors: Capanu Marinela , Giurcanu Mihai , Begg Colin B. , Gönen Mithat
Published: April 2020

Model selection in high‐dimensional settings has received substantial attention in recent years, however, similar advancements in the low‐dimensional setting have been lacking. In this article, we introduce a new variable selection procedure for low to moderate scale regressions (n>p). This method repeatedly splits the data into two sets, one for estimation and one for validation, to obtain an empirically optimized threshold which is then used to screen for variables to include in the final model. In an extensive simulation study, we show that the proposed variable selection technique enjoys superior performance compared with candidate methods (backward elimination via repeated data splitting, univariate screening at 0.05 level, adaptive LASSO, SCAD), being amongst those with the lowest inclusion of noisy predictors while having the highest power to detect the correct model and being unaffected by correlations among the predictors. We illustrate the methods by applying them to a cohort of patients undergoing hepatectomy at our institution.
Validity and reliability testing of the transitional impact scale
Authors: Uzer Tugba
Published: April 2020

The transitional impact scale (TIS) was developed to measure the quality and quantity of changes brought about by transitional events. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the TIS. Study 1 investigated the validity and internal consistency of the TIS among 445 participants (aged 18–73 years) who completed the TIS, beck anxiety inventory (BAI), centrality of event scale (CES), impact of event scale‐revised (IES‐R), and post‐traumatic growth inventory. Study 2 investigated the test–retest reliability of the TIS among 140 university students (70 female; 70 male) who completed a retest of the TIS after a 2‐week interval. The two‐factor structure (i.e., material change and psychological change) of the TIS proposed by Svob et al. (2014) was confirmed in different age and socioeconomic status groups of a Turkish sample. The TIS was significantly correlated with the BAI, CES, and IES‐R. Finally, the TIS had a high test–retest reliability.
A cache‐based approach toward improved scheduling in fog computing
Authors: Khan Osama Amir , Malik Saif U. R. , Baig Faizan M. , Islam Saif Ul , Pervaiz Haris , Malik Hassan , Ahmed Syed Hassan
Published: April 2020

Fog computing is a promising technique to reduce the latency and power consumption issues of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem by enabling storage and computational resource close to the end‐user devices with additional benefits such as improved execution time and processing. However, with an increase in IoT devices, the resource allocation and job scheduling became a complicated and cumbersome task due to limited and heterogeneous resources along with the locality restriction in such computing environment. Therefore, this paper proposes a cache‐based approach for efficient resource allocation in fog computing environment, while maintaining the quality of service. The proposed algorithm is realized using iFogSim simulator and a comprehensive comparison is presented with the traditional First Come First Served and Shortest Job First policies. The performance evaluation revealed that with the proposed scheme the execution time, latency, processing delays and power consumption decreased by 38%, 11.1%, 6%, and 17.8%, respectively, as compared to those of the traditional schemes.
Pickering Emulsions Produced with Starch Nanocrystals from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and Corn (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Daniel Taiana H Gomes , Bedin Ana C , Souza Éder Carlos F , Lacerda Luiz Gustavo , Demiate Ivo Mottin
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study is to produce Pickering emulsions with starch nanocrystals from different starch sources. Bean starch is less susceptible to hydrolysis, followed by corn, and cassava starches. In both botanical sources the acid hydrolysis greatly reduce the amylose content in the nanoparticles. Oxidation increases the zeta potential of all the nanocrystals. In addition, the value of polydispersity decreases. A peak at 1,735 cm−1 is detected by means of mid‐infrared spectroscopy, which is characteristic of the free carboxyl group (acid form—COOH), expected on oxidized starches. Cassava and corn starches as well as their nanocrystals have an A‐type crystallinity pattern. For bean starch, the original CA‐type crystallinity pattern remains for the non‐oxidized nanocrystals but changes to A‐type after oxidation. After hydrolysis, the relative crystallinity increases for nanocrystals, but decreases after oxidation. The exception is for bean starch that results in oxidized nanocrystals with higher relative crystallinity. In general, the oxidation of nanocrystals improves their emulsification index. The emulsification index is higher for the emulsions with larger amounts of oil, even though the average diameter of the droplets increases in this situation.
Vulnerability assessment of irregular steel structures under traveling fires
Authors: Behnam Behrouz
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates the response of tall setback irregular steel moment resisting structures under traveling fires. A seven‐story steel regular structure (RS) is first designed for gravity and seismic loads and then it is fireproofed for a fire resistance rating (FRR) of 120 min based on the ISO834 fire. Some architectural changes are then imposed on the RS to make it a setback irregular structure (SBS). Based on the traveling fire methodology, both structures are then subjected to fire curves ranging from 1% to 100% for the fire load density (qf)of 570 MJ/m2. As in the SBS, the distribution of gravity loads is not uniform; the structural fire analyses are performed twice: when the fires start from left to right and then vice versa. The results show the FRR of the RS is minimized under the fire size of 22% with the collapse time of 87.0 min. In the SBS, when the fires start from left to right and then from right to left, the FRR is minimized under the fire size of 20% with the collapse times of 75.0 and 79.0 min, respectively. This shows that the SBS is more vulnerable toward traveling fires than the RS. In order to monitor the role ofqfin the FRRs of the structures,qfis then reduced, and the required analyses are repeated. This process continues to where no collapse is observed under all the fire sizes. The results indicate that the RS would remain stable if theqfis decreased to 480 MJ/m2, implying that a 16% increase should be considered to the required FRR. As for the SBS, theqfshould be decreased to 440 MJ/m2to make it stable, meaning that a 25% increase should be considered to the required FRR.
Switched Reluctance Motor and Induction Machine for E‐Scooter Based on Driving Cycles Design Comparisons
Authors: Tuan Vu Tran , Kreuawan Sangkla , Somsiri Pakasit , Tungpimolrut Kanokvate , Huy Phuong Nguyen
Published: April 2020

Switched reluctance motor (SRM) and induction motor (IM) technologies are studied based on specific ASEAN Bangkok and Hanoi driving cycles. Range simulations and thermal analyses have been performed on standard driving cycles: ECE15 and WMTC Part 1 as well as ASEAN cycles: Bangkok driving cycle and Hanoi motorcycle driving cycles. The e‐scooter ranges vary from 44 to 99 km depending on driving cycle, motor technology, and number of passengers. Finally, prototypes of both motors are manufactured and tested on a high‐speed test bench. Some experimental results are reported in this paper. As a conclusion, despite differences in terms of performances, cost, and range, both drive systems are, however, suitable for electric scooter application. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Occurrence of human adenoviruses in a beach area of Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Roveri Vinicius , Guimarães Luciana Lopes , Correia Alberto Teodorico , Demoliner Meriane , Spilki Fernando Rosado
Published: April 2020

Along the coastal zone of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, diffuse discharges that flow directly to tourist beaches are responsible for introducing various pathogens into recreational waters. The objective of this study was to analyze, for the first time, the presence of protozoa (Cryptosporidium ssp and Giardia ssp), as well as human mastadenoviruses (HAdV–species C and F) and other species of adenoviruses (AdV) in beach drainage channels of Enseada and Perequê, municipality of Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil. Protozoa were not detected in any sample over the course of the 11‐month study. In relation to HAdVs, 100% (n = 22) of the water samples presented contamination by at least one type of virus (C, D, or F species), suggesting potential risks to the public health following recreational exposure of beach users to these waters.

Practitioner points

First report on the presence of human adenoviruses in urban drainage channels in the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil.

Urban surface water runoff is responsible for introducing human adenoviruses linked to disease outbreaks in areas of intense recreation.

Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts were below the limit of detection for all analyzed samples.

However, all sites were positive for at least one of the viral species (HAdV–C, HAdV–D, or HAdV–F).

Viral loads found in the water were similar to those commonly found in the wastewater.