bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced thioredoxin, glutathione and Nrf2 antioxidant systems by safflower extract and aceglutamide attenuate cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Zhou Rui , Xiang Changpei , Fan Fangfang , Gao Jinhuan , Zhang Yi , Tang Shihuan , Xu Haiyu , Yang Hongjun
Published: April 2020

A large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) aggravate cerebral damage after ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R). Glutathione (GSH), thioredoxin (Trx) and nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) represent three major antioxidant systems and play vital roles in affecting each other in eliminating ROS. Identification of drugs targeting triple antioxidant systems simultaneously is vital for inhibiting oxidative damage after cerebral I/R. This study investigated the protective effect of safflower extract and aceglutamide (SAAG) against cerebral I/R injury through modulating multiple antioxidant systems of GSH, Trx and Nrf2 and identified each role of its component acegluatminde (AG) and safflower extract (SA) on these systems. Safflower extract and aceglutamide and its two components decreased neurological deficit scores, infarction rate, apoptosis and oxidative damage after cerebral I/R while enhanced cell viability, decreased reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide level in H2O2‐induced PC12 cell model. Importantly, compared to its two components, SAAG demonstrated more effective enhancement of GSH, Nrf2 and Trx systems and a better protection against cerebral I/R injury. The enhanced antioxidant systems prevented ASK1 activation and suppressed subsequent p38 and JNK cascade‐mediated apoptosis. Moreover, inhibition of Trx and Nrf2 systems by auranofin and ML385 abolished SAAG‐mediated protection, respectively. Thus, enhanced triple systems by SAAG played a better protective role than those by SA or AG via inhibition of ASK1 cascades. This research provided evidence for the necessity of combination drugs from the perspective of multiple antioxidant systems. Furthermore, it also offers references for the study of combination drugs and inspires novel treatments for ischaemic stroke.
Insulin and heparin challenge tests are useful for choosing an optimal insulin regimen in a case of subcutaneous insulin resistance
Authors: Nakamura Yuko , Nagao Mototsugu , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Oba Takeshi , Shuto Yuki , Fukuda Izumi , Oikawa Shinichi , Sugihara Hitoshi
Published: April 2020

A 38‐year‐old woman with type 1 diabetes, whose fasting plasma glucose levels were >500 mg/dL under 176 U/day of subcutaneous insulin injection, was admitted to Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. When insulin was administered intravenously, she was able to maintain favorable glycemic control even under 24 U/day of regular insulin, showing that she was accompanied by subcutaneous insulin resistance. To choose an optimal insulin regimen, we carried out subcutaneous insulin challenge tests without or with heparin mixture, and found a cocktail of insulin lispro and heparin could reduce blood glucose levels markedly. As a consequence, she achieved favorable blood glucose control by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion of the cocktail. In summary, the insulin and heparin challenge tests are useful for choosing an optimal insulin regimen in cases of subcutaneous insulin resistance.
Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy in South‐East Asia: A focus on diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Malik Rayaz A , Andag‐Silva Aimee , Dejthevaporn Charungthai , Hakim Manfaluthy , Koh Jasmine S , Pinzon Rizaldy , Sukor Norlela , Wong Ka Sing
Published: April 2020

Burning and stabbing pain in the feet and lower limbs can have a significant impact on the activities of daily living, including walking, climbing stairs and sleeping. Peripheral neuropathy in particular is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because of a lack of awareness amongst both patients and physicians. Furthermore, crude screening tools, such as the 10‐g monofilament, only detect advanced neuropathy and a normal test will lead to false reassurance of those with small fiber mediated painful neuropathy. The underestimation of peripheral neuropathy is highly prevalent in the South‐East Asia region due to a lack of consensus guidance on routine screening and diagnostic pathways. Although neuropathy as a result of diabetes is the most common cause in the region, other causes due to infections (human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B or C virus), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, drug‐induced neuropathy (cancer chemotherapy, antiretrovirals and antituberculous drugs) and vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B1, B6, B12, D) should be actively excluded.
Functional and anatomical brain connectivity in psoriasis patients and healthy controls: a pilot brain imaging study after exposure to mentally induced itch
Authors: Najafi P. , Ben Salem D. , Carré J.‐L. , Misery L. , Dufor O.
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite the prevalence of psoriasis, the processing of itch in psoriasis and its impact on the central nervous system (CNS) remain unclear.

Objective

We studied the influence of psoriasis on the CNS using magnetic resonance imaging techniques (fMRI and DTI, respectively) to investigate whether mentally induced itch can modify the functional connectivity or the white matter microstructure of the brain.

Methods

Fourteen patients with chronic psoriasis and 15 healthy controls were recruited. Itch was mentally induced in subjects by videos showing others scratching themselves.

Results

The observation of functional connectivity during the viewing the video revealed an interconnected network of brain regions that are more strongly coupled in psoriasis patients than in healthy controls. This network links the cerebellum, the thalami, the anteroposterior cingulum, the inferior parietal lobules, the middle temporal poles and the parahippocampal, hippocampal, lingual and supramarginal gyri. We also found connections with the right precuneus and both left insula and superior temporal gyrus. The DTI analysis showed that chronic itch affects the microstructure of white matter, including the anterior thalamic radiations, the superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi, the corticospinal tracts, the cingulum, the external capsules, the inferior frontal‐occipital fasciculi and both minor and major forceps.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that there could exist a network which is more interconnected in psoriasis patients. Among two building blocks of this network, the subnetwork encoding the perception and control of itch sensation is more affected than the subnetwork representing mentalizing and empathy. With an approach consisting of measuring microstructural changes at a local level in the brain, we also contradict the findings obtained with global measures which stated that chronic psoriasis cannot alter the anatomy of the brain. This confirms that itchy pathophysiological conditions have similar effects on functional and structural connectivity as those observed in chronic pain.
Dietary vitamin D intake, cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic risk factors: a sex‐based analysis from the ATTICA cohort study
Authors: Kouvari M. , Panagiotakos D. B. , Chrysohoou C. , Yannakoulia M. , Georgousopoulou E. N. , Tousoulis D. , Pitsavos C. ,   The ATTICA study Investigators
Published: April 2020

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary vitamin D intake and 10‐year first fatal/nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD), conventional CVD risk factors and surrogate markers related to inflammation, coagulation, insulin resistance, liver and renal function.

Methods

The ATTICA study was conducted during 2001–2012 including 1514 men and 1528 women (aged >18 years) from the greater Athens area, Greece. Dietary assessment was based on a validated semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Daily intake of vitamin D was calculated using a standardised food database. Follow‐up (2011–2012) was achieved in 2020 participants (n = 317 cases).

Results

Ranking from first to third vitamin D tertile, CVD events were 24%, 17% and 12% for men (P = 0.002) and 14%, 10% and 11% for women (P = 0.59). Inverse associations between vitamin D and CVD in total sample [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.76 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60–0.97] and in men (HR = 0.66 95% CI = 0.49–0.89) were observed, and lost after adjusting for inflammation/coagulation markers; for women, no significant trends were observed. Regarding 10‐year onset of conventional risk factors, inverse associations of vitamin D with hypertension in men (HR = 0.62 95% CI = 0.39–0.99) and transition to metabolically unhealthy status in women (HR = 0.69 95% CI = 0.51–0.93) were observed. Significant inverse associations for C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6 and fibrinogen in both sexes, whereas these were revealed only in women for insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Contradicting the neutral/modest associations in vitamin‐D supplementation trials, increased food‐generated vitamin D may protect against hard and intermediate CVD endpoints, implying different paths between sexes.
Rare case of tonsillar and subcutaneous metastasis from neuroendocrine cervical cancer
Authors: Zeng Feitianzhi , Tuo Ying , Liu Dawei , He Mian
Published: April 2020

Neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma (NECC) is a rare type of cervical cancer, with high tendency of lymphatic and distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Herein, we reported a rare case of relapsed NECC metastasizing to palatine tonsil and subcutaneous adipose tissue in multiple regions, which reflects the aggressive biological behavior of NECC.
The impact of five nights of sleep restriction on emotional reactivity
Authors: Tempesta Daniela , Salfi Federico , De Gennaro Luigi , Ferrara Michele
Published: April 2020

An inadequate amount of sleep can negatively affect emotional processing, causing behavioural and neurofunctional changes. However, unlike the condition of total sleep deprivation, which has been extensively studied, the effects of prolonged sleep restriction have received less attention. In this study, we evaluated, for the first time, the effects of five nights of sleep restriction (5 hr a night) on emotional reactivity in healthy subjects.

Forty‐two subjects were selected to participate, over two consecutive weeks, in two experimental conditions in counterbalanced order. The subjects were tested the morning after five nights of regular sleep and after five consecutive nights of sleep restriction. During the test, participants evaluated valence and arousal of 90 images selected from the International Affective Picture System.

The subjects perceived pleasant and neutral pictures in a more negative way in the sleep‐restriction condition compared to the sleep condition. This effect survived after removing the contribution of mood changes. In contrast, there was no significant difference between conditions for ratings of unpleasant pictures.

These results provide the first evidence that an inadequate amount of sleep for five consecutive nights determines an alteration of the evaluation of pleasant and neutral stimuli, imposing a negative emotional bias. Considering the pervasiveness of insufficient sleep in modern society, our results have potential implications for daily life, as well as in clinical settings.
Proliferative ability and accumulation of cancer stem cells in oral submucous fibrosis epithelium
Authors: Xie Changqing , Feng Hui , Zhong Liang , Shi Yujie , Wei Zihao , Hua Yufei , Ji Ning , Li Jing , Tang Zhangui , Chen Qianming
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The driving force of the malignant transformation of epithelial cells during oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is an unsettled debate. We hypothesized that the expression and accumulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) are accompanied by epithelial atrophy in OSF.

Materials and Methods

The expression levels of Ki67 (proliferation marker), SOX2, and Bmi1 (CSC marker) in the epithelium during the early, middle, and late stages of OSF were measured by immunohistochemistry. At the same time, we focused on the expression of three proteins in OSF patients with benign hyperkeratosis and epithelial dysplasia.

Results

The clinical cohort study showed upregulated expression of the proliferation‐associated protein Ki67 in atrophic epithelium in patients with OSF. The expression levels of SOX2 and Bmi1 showed an increasing trend in the progression of OSF. Ki67, SOX2, and Bmi1 were highly expressed in OSF tissues with dysplasia. Moreover, the three proteins were located at the epithelial and mesenchymal junctions, and their expression showed a positive correlation with each other.

Conclusion

The results suggest that CSC accumulation could be accompanied by epithelial atrophy during OSF, which may be responsible for the driving forces for OSF carcinogenesis.
Distribution Channel Choice and Divisional Conflict in Remanufacturing Operations
Authors: Shi Tianqin , Chhajed Dilip , Wan Zhixi , Liu Yunchuan
Published: April 2020

We consider a firm consisting of two divisions, one responsible for designing and manufacturing new products and the other responsible for remanufacturing operations. The firm will sell these new and remanufactured products either directly to the consumer (direct selling) or through an independent retailer (indirect selling). Our study demonstrates that a firm’s organizational structure can affect its marketing decisions. Specifically, a decentralized firm with separate manufacturing and remanufacturing divisions can benefit from indirect selling with higher firm profit, supply chain profit, and total consumer demand than direct selling. Moreover, this structure also induces a remanufacturable product design. In contrast, a centralized firm in which the manufacturing and remanufacturing divisions are consolidated is intuitively better off by choosing direct selling than indirect selling. Furthermore, we show that, surprisingly, when the focal firm sells through an independent retailer, a decentralized internal structure can result in higher supply chain profit than a centralized internal structure. We further investigate the case of dual dedicated channels and conclude that, while direct selling of remanufactured products and indirect selling of new products can better induce a remanufacturable product design and higher supply chain profit, it is not in the best interest of the firm in terms of total sales and firm profit.
The long term impact of a coherence based model for mathematics intervention
Authors: McGee Daniel Lee , Gonulates Funda , Hodgson Theodore , Brewer Meredith
Published: April 2020

This article presents a large‐scale longitudinal study of hundreds of students across the state of Kentucky that participated in a dual‐focus mathematics intervention initiative when they were in the third grade. Rather than an exclusive focus on intervention, this initiative focused on both (i) high quality pull‐out intervention and (ii) coherence between pull‐out intervention and classroom instruction. The study found that over half of the third grade intervention students that participated in this initiative were classified as “novice” (the lowest possible performance category) on state standardized mathematics assessments at the end of the third grade. However, over the course of the following four years, the novice reduction rate of these students was significantly (p < .01) greater than other novices in Kentucky that did not participate in the initiative. These findings indicate that when implementing intervention initiatives to help students that are struggling with mathematics, it may be important to establish coherence between pull‐out intervention and classroom instruction. The long term impact of this approach among traditionally underrepresented minorities suggest that this publication may provide insight into important equity issues where long‐term analyses may sometimes be needed to capture the full impact of intervention initiatives.
Sources of engineering teaching self‐efficacy in a STEAM methods course for elementary preservice teachers
Authors: Webb Donna L. , LoFaro Keelan P.
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the effect of a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) methods course on elementary preservice teachers’ (PTs’) perceptions of self‐efficacy to teach engineering practices. The course positioned engineering as the primary content area from which to integrate other subjects. To enhance PT’s perception of engineering self‐efficacy, the course provided instruction that leveraged the following sources of self‐efficacy: cognitive content mastery, cognitive pedagogical mastery, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional state. The study also examined to what extent the various sources of self‐efficacy contributed to changes in self‐efficacy. Data was collected from 14 participants that included a self‐efficacy survey and focus group interview. After completing the course, elementary PTs’ self‐efficacy to teach engineering practices increased significantly. Qualitative data analysis revealed cognitive pedagogical mastery, vicarious experience (specifically simulated modeling), and emotional state were the most influential sources linked to positive changes in self‐efficacy, with cognitive content mastery, and other forms of vicarious experience contributing, but to a lesser degree. These results suggest that teacher preparation programs can better support elementary PTs to teach engineering practices by offering additional methods courses focused on engineering, rather than providing short‐term exposure to engineering practices and pedagogy in overloaded science methods courses.
HLA‐DQB1*05:116, an HLA‐DQB1*05 variant, detected in a Singaporean Chinese individual
Authors: Kaur Ashminder , Cho Louise , Cereb Nezih , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: April 2020

One nucleotide substitution in codon 87 of HLA‐DQB1*05:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*05:116.
Literary reflections of early postcolonial English in South Africa
Authors: Bekker Ian
Published: April 2020

According to Schneider's (2003, 2007) dynamic model of the evolution of postcolonial Englishes, the phase of endonormative stabilization is ‘reflected in the emergence of a new and vigorous cultural phenomenon, viz. literary creativity in English, rooted in the new culture and adopting elements of the new language variety’ (Schneider, 2007: 50). In the South African context, endonormative stabilization is dated as beginning with the advent of non‐racial democracy in South Africa (that is, in 1994), linked, according to Schneider (2017: 188), to ‘a broadly based and generally recognized literary creativity, spearheaded by two recent Nobel laureates: Nadine Gordimer in 1991 and J. M. Coetzee in 2003.’ In this paper, this conclusion is challenged by pointing to what Brink (1976: 42) refers to as a ‘vital and viable new literature’ in English which emerged in the first half of the 20th‐century and which often had a striking emphasis on the interrelationship between English and the Afrikaans IDG‐strand; thus constituting a form of postcolonial English which arose well before the examples mentioned by Schneider.
A Lower Limb Exoskeleton Recycling Energy From Knee and Ankle Joints to Assist Push-Off
Authors: Chang Yihua , Wang Weixin , Fu Chenglong
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the design and preliminary evaluation of a quasi-passive lower limb exoskeleton for walking efficiency improvements. The exoskeleton recycles the negative work performed by the knee joint in late swing phase and the ankle joint in mid-stance phase, to assist ankle push-off in late-stance phase when a burst of positive power is needed. The exoskeleton consists of a torsion spring as an energy storage element, and two clutches attached to both ends of the spring to control the timing of recycling and releasing energy in a gait cycle. The two clutches are actively controlled by two small servo motors with very low power consumption based on the plantar pressure. The novelty of this exoskeleton is it makes the extra kinetic energy dissipated at the knee joint reusable, by transferring it to the ankle joint to assist positive power generation during push-off, for the first time. Eight male subjects walked with the exoskeleton engaged (EXO_ON), disengaged (EXO_OFF), and without the exoskeleton (NO_EXO). Inverse dynamics analysis demonstrated reduced negative biological work at the knee joint during late swing and at the ankle joint during mid stance, as well as reduced positive biological work at the ankle joint during late stance comparing the EXO_ON to EXO_OFF conditions. These results prove the effectiveness of the exoskeleton at joint level.
Compound Topological Invariant Based Method for Detecting Isomorphism in Planar Kinematic Chains
Authors: Sun Liang , Ye Zhizheng , Cui Rongjiang , Yang Wenjian , Wu Chuanyu
Published: April 2020

An important step in the structural synthesis of kinematic chains (KCs) or mechanisms is the detection of isomorphic structures. Although many detection methods have been proposed, most of them require complex computations and have poor versatility. In this study, a simple detection method is proposed based on a compound topological invariant (CTI), which comprises the fourth power of adjacency matrix and eigenvalues. Besides two complex 15- and 28-link planar simple-joint KCs (PSKCs), the method is tested on the complete atlas of contracted graphs with up to six independent loops, PSKCs with up to 13 links, 8-link 1-degree-of-freedom (DOF) planar multiple-joint KCs (PMKCs), and 6-link 1-DOF planetary gear trains (PGTs). All the results are in agreement with the reported results in the literature. Our method possesses good versatility and has been verified as being reliable and efficient.
Reevaluating the evidence for a Hadean-Eoarchean dynamo
Authors: Borlina Cauê S. , Weiss Benjamin P. , Lima Eduardo A. , Tang Fengzai , Taylor Richard J. M. , Einsle Joshua F. , Harrison Richard J. , Fu Roger R. , Bell Elizabeth A. , Alexander Ellen W. , Kirkpatrick Heather M. , Wielicki Matthew M. , Harrison T. Mark , Ramezani Jahandar , Maloof Adam C.
Published: April 2020

We show that the existence and evolution of the geodynamo before 3.5 Ga ago remains unknown.
An off-the-shelf artificial cardiac patch improves cardiac repair after myocardial infarction in rats and pigs
Authors: Huang Ke , Ozpinar Emily W. , Su Teng , Tang Junnan , Shen Deliang , Qiao Li , Hu Shiqi , Li Zhenhua , Liang Hongxia , Mathews Kyle , Scharf Valery , Freytes Donald O. , Cheng Ke
Published: April 2020

Acellular patches embedded with encapsulated cell-secreted factors improve cardiac repair after acute myocardial infarction in rodents and pigs.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Piperacillin following Continuous Infusion in Critically Ill Patients and Impact of Renal Function on Target Attainment
Authors: Klastrup Vibeke , Thorsted Anders , Storgaard Merete , Christensen Steffen , Friberg Lena E. , Öbrink-Hansen Kristina
Published: April 2020

Pharmacokinetic changes are often seen in patients with severe infections. Administration by continuous infusion has been suggested to optimize antibiotic exposure and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment for β-lactams. In an observational study, unbound piperacillin concentrations (
n
 = 196) were assessed in 78 critically ill patients following continuous infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam (ratio 8:1). The initial dose of 8, 12, or 16 g (piperacillin component) was determined by individual creatinine clearance (CRCL).
Respiratory and Gut Microbiota in Commercial Turkey Flocks with Disparate Weight Gain Trajectories Display Differential Compositional Dynamics
Authors: Taylor Kara J. M. , Ngunjiri John M. , Abundo Michael C. , Jang Hyesun , Elaish Mohamed , Ghorbani Amir , KC Mahesh , Weber Bonnie P. , Johnson Timothy J. , Lee Chang-Won
Published: April 2020

Turkey meat is an important source of animal protein, and the industry around its production contributes significantly to the agricultural economy. The microorganisms present in the gut of turkeys are known to impact bird health and flock performance. However, the respiratory microbiota in turkeys is entirely unexplored. This study has elucidated the microbiota of respiratory tracts of turkeys from two commercial flocks raised in parallel throughout a normal flock cycle. Further, the study suggests that bacteria originating in the gut or in poultry house environments influence respiratory communities; consequently, they induce poor performance, either directly or indirectly. Future attempts to develop microbiome-based interventions for turkey health should delimit the contributions of respiratory microbiota and aim to limit disturbances to those communities.
Interleukin-4-Independent Acceleration of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Susceptible BALB/c Mice following Treatment with Anti-CTLA4 Antibody
Authors: Heinzel Frederick P. , Maier Richard A.
Published: April 2020

BALB/c mice are susceptible to progressive infection withLeishmania majordue to the preferential development of CD4+T cells that secrete Th2 cytokines. Although Th2 cell development and susceptibility are disrupted by blockade of CD86 function early in infection, CD28-deficient BALB/c mice remain susceptible to leishmaniasis. We therefore examined whether the alternative CD86 ligand, CTLA4, contributes to the expression of susceptibility. BALB/c mice treated for 2 weeks of infection with anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody developed more rapidly progressive disease than sham-treated mice, whereas normally resistant C57BL/6 mice were unaffected. The draining lymph node cells of anti-CTLA4-treated BALB/c mice produced up to sixfold more interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 than control mice in the first 2 weeks of infection, but IFN-γ synthesis was reciprocally decreased. Anti-CTLA4 treatment of BALB/c mice pretreated with neutralizing anti-IL-4 antibody or genetically deficient in IL-4 also caused significant worsening of leishmaniasis. Exacerbation in IL-4 KO mice was associated with increased IL-13 and decreased gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in vivo. These data indicate that anti-CTLA4 antibody induced earlier and more-polarized Th2 responses in susceptible BALB/c mice infected withL. major. The mechanism of disease worsening was partially IL-4 independent, indicating that increased IL-13 and/or decreased IFN-γ production may have disrupted nitric oxide-based microbicidal responses. We conclude that CTLA4 significantly modulates Th2 development in murine leishmaniasis and that the Th2-polarizing effects of anti-CTLA4 treatment result in IL-4-independent exacerbation of disease.
Ex Vivo Desequestration ofPlasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes from Human Placenta by Chondroitin Sulfate A
Authors: Gysin J. , Pouvelle B. , Fievet N. , Scherf A. , Lépolard C.
Published: April 2020

We performed ex vivo experiments withPlasmodium falciparum-infected human placentas from primi- and multigravida women from Cameroon. All women, independent of their gravida status, had anti-chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) adhesion antibodies which cross-reacted with heterologous strains, such as FCR3 and Palo-Alto(FUP)1, which were selected for CSA binding. These antibodies, directed against the surface of infected erythrocytes obtained by flushing with CSA (IRBCCSA), were restricted to the immunoglobulin G3 isotypes. Massive desequestration of parasites was achieved with soluble CSA but not with anti-ICAM-1 and anti-CD36 monoclonal antibodies. All of the CSA-flushed parasites were analyzed immediately by using in vitro assays of binding toSaimiribrain endothelial cells (SBEC) expressing various adhesion receptors. Parasites derived from all six placentas displayed the CSA adhesion phenotype. However, only partial inhibition of adhesion was observed in the presence of soluble CSA or when Sc1D SBEC were treated with chondroitinase ABC. These results suggest that an additional adhesive molecule of IRBCCSAwhich binds to an unidentified receptor is present in the placenta. This new phenotype was lost once the parasites adapted to in vitro culture. We observed additional differences in the CSA adhesion phenotype between placental parasites and in vitro-cultured parasites panned on endothelial cells carrying CSA. The minimum size of fractionated CSA required for a significant inhibition of placental IRBCCSAadhesion to Sc1D cells was 1 to 2 kDa, which contrasts with the 4-kDa size necessary to reach equivalent levels of inhibition with panned IRBCCSAof this phenotype. All placental IRBCCSAcytoadhered to Sc17 SBEC, which express only the CSA receptor. Panning of IRBCCSAon these cells resulted in a significant quantitative increase of IRBC cytoadhering to the CSA of Sc1D cells but did not change their capacity for adhesion to CSA on normal placenta cryosections. Our results indicate that the CSA binding phenotype is heterogeneous and that several distinct genes may encodeP. falciparum-CSA ligands with distinct binding properties.
Effects of sedentary behaviour interventions on biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in adults: systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Hadgraft Nyssa T , Winkler Elisabeth , Climie Rachel E , Grace Megan S , Romero Lorena , Owen Neville , Dunstan David , Healy Genevieve , Dempsey Paddy C
Published: April 2020

Context/purpose

Observational and acute laboratory intervention research has shown that excessive sedentary time is associated adversely with cardiometabolic biomarkers. This systematic review with meta-analyses synthesises results from free living interventions targeting reductions in sedentary behaviour alone or combined with increases in physical activity.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched up to August 2019 for sedentary behaviour interventions in adults lasting for ≥7 days publishing cardiometabolic biomarker outcomes covering body anthropometry, blood pressure, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammation (54 studies). The pooled effectiveness of intervention net of control on 15 biomarker outcomes was evaluated using random effects meta-analyses in the studies with control groups not providing other relevant interventions (33 studies; 6–25 interventions analysed).

Results

Interventions between 2 weeks and <6 months in non-clinical populations from North America, Europe and Australia comprised much of the evidence base. Pooled effects revealed small, significant (p<0.05) beneficial effects on weight (≈ −0.6 kg), waist circumference (≈ −0.7 cm), percentage body fat (≈ −0.3 %), systolic blood pressure (≈ −1.1 mm Hg), insulin (≈ −1.4 pM) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (≈ 0.04 mM). Pooled effects on the other biomarkers (p>0.05) were also small, and beneficial in direction except for fat-free mass (≈ 0.0 kg). Heterogeneity ranged widely (I2=0.0–72.9).

Conclusions

Our review of interventions targeting sedentary behaviour reductions alone, or combined with increases in physical activity, found evidence of effectiveness for improving some cardiometabolic risk biomarkers to a small degree. There was insufficient evidence to evaluate inflammation or vascular function. Key limitations to the underlying evidence base include a paucity of high-quality studies, interventions lasting for ≥12 months, sensitive biomarkers and clinical study populations (eg, type 2 diabetes).

PROSPERO trial registration number

CRD42016041742
Taxation reduces smoking but may not reduce smoking disparities in youth
Authors: Fleischer Nancy L , Donahoe J Travis , McLeod M Chandler , Thrasher James F , Levy David T , Elliott Michael R , Meza Rafael , Patrick Megan E
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study examines the extent to which cigarette taxes affect smoking behaviour and disparities in smoking among adolescents by gender, socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity.

Methods

We used US nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional data from the 2005 to 2016 Monitoring the Future study to evaluate the relationship between state cigarette taxes and past 30-day current smoking, smoking intensity, and first cigarette and daily smoking initiation using modified Poisson and linear regression models, stratified by grade. We tested for interactions between tax and gender, SES and race/ethnicity on the additive scale using average marginal effects.

Results

We found that higher taxes were associated with lower smoking outcomes, with variation by grade. Across nearly all of our specifications, there were no statistically significant interactions between tax and gender, SES or race/ethnicity for any grades/outcomes. One exception is that among 12th graders, there was a statistically significant interaction between tax and college plans, with taxes being associated with a lower probability of 30-day smoking among students who definitely planned to attend college compared with those who did not.

Conclusion

We conclude that higher taxes were associated with reduced smoking among adolescents, with little difference by gender, SES and racial/ethnicity groups. While effective at reducing adolescent smoking, taxes appear unlikely to reduce smoking disparities among youth.
‘When I smoked it, it was like a slap in the face but it felt really good’: exploring determinants of midwakh use among young adults in Lebanon
Authors: Nakkash Rima T , El Boukhari Noor , Afifi Rima A
Published: April 2020

Background

Dokha (‘dizziness’ in English) is a type of alternative tobacco product (ATP) increasing in popularity in the Arab world; and smoked in a pipe called a midwakh. Midwakh use is common among nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); yet, evidence indicates its spread among expats in the UAE as well as beyond the UAE. Research on midwakh use is nascent, and no qualitative research has been published. This paper explored the context and determinants of midwakh use among young adults in Lebanon using qualitative methods.

Methods

We conducted four focus group discussions with 18 midwakh ever smokers aged 18–25 years in Lebanon. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using the Pragmatics, Attraction, Communication, Expectations framework.

Results

‘Pragmatics’ was evident in participants’ comments about availability of a supply of dokha. For ‘attraction’, participants described why they prefer midwakh smoking and compared it to other ATPs. Regarding communication, participants shared terms used to describe their use of midwakh (eg, ‘buzz’/taking a hit). Participants also described expectations from smoking midwakh, including stress relief.

Conclusion

Midwakh smoking is appealing to young adults due to factors such as the ‘buzz’, perceived harm reduction, stress relief and its ability to satisfy nicotine craving with small amounts of tobacco. As a result, despite experiencing negative effects on first use, young adults choose to continue to use midwakh, and find it hard to quit. These results have implications for prevention and control of midwakh smoking among young adults. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control guidance documents to address ATPs are critically needed to prevent the global spread of yet another tobacco product.
Dynamical wormholes in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Mehdizadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2020

In the present work, we investigate evolving wormhole configurations in higher-dimensions, by adding a Gauss–Bonnet term to the standard Einstein–Hilbert action. Using a generalized Friedmann–Robertson–Walker spacetime, we derive evolving wormhole geometries by considering a constraint on Ricci scalar. In standard cosmological models, the Ricci scalar is independent of radial coordinate r and is only a function of time. We use this property to introduce a particular class of wormhole solutions for which microscopic wormholes may have been enlarged to macroscopic sizes in an expanding inflationary cosmological background. We find, for the first time, specific solutions that satisfy the weak energy condition (WEC) throughout the entire spacetime in four dimensions. In addition to this, we also present other wormhole solutions that satisfy the WEC throughout their respective evolution.
Diphenyl Diselenide as SEI-forming Additive for a High-voltage LiCoO2/Graphite Battery
Authors: Park Hyeonghun , Kim Hyeong-Jin
Published: April 2020

In this study, we investigate the effect of diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) as a bifunctional additive on LiCoO2/graphite batteries charged to 4.4 V. In the 3.0–4.4 V potential window, a LiCoO2/graphite full cell suffers from poor cycle performance, with a capacity retention of 88.7% after 200 cycles. With the addition of 0.1 wt% DPDS, the capacity retention is increased to 95.2% after 200 cycles. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments indicate that DPDS is oxidized and reduced prior to the decomposition of the electrolyte. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations theoretically show that DPDS has higher highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels than the electrolyte. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses demonstrate that DPDS is decomposed at the LiCoO2 and graphite surface and modifies the properties of the SEI layer. As a result, the improved battery performance enabled by diphenyl diselenide can be attributed to the SEI layers preventing collapse of the LiCoO2 crystal on the cathode and decreasing the reactions of graphite with the electrolyte on the anode.
Engineering Solid Electrolyte Interphase Composition by Assessing Decomposition Pathways of Fluorinated Organic Solvents in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Krishnamurthy Dilip , Viswanathan Venkatasubramanian
Published: April 2020

Studies have shown fluorinated electrolyte solvents can form desirable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in lithium metal batteries. In this study, we develop a detailed mechanistic understanding of two high performing electrolytes, Fluoroethylene Carbonate (FEC) and Difluoroethylene Carbonate (DFEC) to demonstrate minimal structural variations can lead to different decomposition products, and thereby the nature of the SEI. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we find different initial bond-breaking mechanisms between FEC and DFEC. We develop free energy diagrams for the decomposition pathways including both electrochemical and chemical steps. Using the computational Li electrode, we identify the largest limiting potential of 1.77 V for FEC decomposition, associated with the formation of lithium fluoride, lithium oxide and FEC oligomers, and 1.53 V for DFEC, which correspond to the formation of polymerized vinylene carbonate and lithium fluoride. We suggest the formation of oligomers in the case of FEC instead of long polymers may lead to better SEI compactness. We also demonstrate the SEI components of FEC and DFEC are not stable on typical cathode voltage (3.87 V). This study presents a unified electrocatalytic perspective on SEI formation and decomposition.
Thermal Runaway Induced Casing Rupture: Formation Mechanism and Effect on Propagation in Cylindrical Lithium Ion Battery Module
Authors: Lao Li , Su Yong , Zhang Qingchuan , Wu Shangquan
Published: April 2020

With the wide-ranging and ever-increasing applications of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EV), thermal runaway (TR)-induced safety issues, such as fires and explosions, are raising more and more concerns. In this work, cylindrical 21700 batteries were externally heated to conduct the TR experiment, and the casing rupture in the form of melting holes and tearing cracks was found to be one of the key factors that caused cell-to-cell TR propagation. The appearance and the cross-section microstructure of the ruptured casing showed that the melting hole is formed because of a large current short circuit and the tearing crack is due to a decrease in the mechanical strength at high temperatures. Experimental simulations were conducted to further demonstrate the casing rupture mechanism. In addition, new designs with increased casing thickness were implemented to inhibit the occurrence of casing rupture, and their effectiveness was analyzed by performing numerous TR experiments. The improved casing was used in a commercial battery pack, and no TR propagation occurred during operation. Thus, in this study, the casing rupture mechanism was first elucidated, and guidance for the design of lithium-ion batteries with improved safety was provided.
Role of oxygen in fetoplacental endothelial responses: hypoxia, physiological normoxia, or hyperoxia?
Authors: Zhou Chi , Zou Qing-yun , Jiang Yi-zhou , Zheng Jing
Published: April 2020

During pregnancy, placental vascular growth, which is essential for supporting the rapidly growing fetus, is associated with marked elevations in blood flow. These vascular changes take place under chronic physiological low O2 (less than 2–8% O2 in human; chronic physiological normoxia, CPN) throughout pregnancy. O2 level below CPN pertinent to the placenta results in placental hypoxia. Such hypoxia can cause severe endothelial dysfunction, which is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., preeclampsia) and high risk of adult-onset cardiovascular diseases in children born to these pregnancy complications. However, our current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying fetoplacental endothelial function is derived primarily from cell models established under atmospheric O2 (~21% O2 at sea level, hyperoxia). Recent evidence has shown that fetoplacental endothelial cells cultured under CPN have distinct gene expression profiles and cellular responses compared with cells cultured under chronic hyperoxia. These data indicate the critical roles of CPN in programming fetal endothelial function and prompt us to re-examine the mechanisms governing fetoplacental endothelial function under CPN. Better understanding these mechanisms will facilitate us to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for endothelial dysfunction-associated diseases (e.g., preeclampsia). This review will provide a brief summary on the impacts of CPN on endothelial function and its underlying mechanisms with a focus on fetoplacental endothelial cells.
A Sensitive Fibre Optic Probe for Autofluorescence Spectroscopy of Oral Tongue Cancer: Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Shhadeh Haneen , Bachir Wesam , Karraz George
Published: April 2020

The objective of this paper is to determine the best optical probe configuration that would help to detect neoplastic lesions in oral tongue epithelial tissue. Three geometrical configurations are investigated. The first one is a single‐fibre probe with different fibre diameters. The second one is a multitilted fibre probe that employs different tilting angles for emission and collection fibres. While the third one is a multidiameter probe that employs different fibre diameters and distances between the emission and the collection fibres. All probes were evaluated for their depth‐limited sensitivity in the epithelium layer of the tongue. Probes that showed efficient sensitivities were then compared for their fluorescence intensities acquired from both tissue types. The sensitivity for the first two types of probes was found to be roughly comparable. However, the differentiation capability of the multitilted fibre probe between dysplastic and healthy tissue was found to be noticeably larger by 30% of that of the single‐fibre probe. The third type showed more sensitivity to fluorescence emerging from deeper layers. Finally, the proposed configuration is presented and proved to achieve higher sensitivity for both superficial and deep layers.
The Oncogenic Role of CENPA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development: Evidence from Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yang Lei , Shi Jia , Lu Yunfei , Chen Xiaorong , Yang Zongguo
Published: April 2020

Objective. This study is aimed at investigating the predictive value of CENPA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Methods. Using integrated bioinformatic analysis, we evaluated the CENPA mRNA expression in tumor and adjacent tissues and correlated it with HCC survival and clinicopathological features. A Cox regression hazard model was also performed. Results. CENPA mRNA was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared with that in adjacent tissues, which were validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) series (all P < 0.01). In the Kaplan‐Meier plotter platform, the high level of CENPA mRNA was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and progression‐free survival (PFS) in HCC patients (all log rank P < 0.01). For validation in GSE14520 and pan‐TCGA dataset, HCC patients with CNEPA mRNA overexpression had poor OS compared with those with low CENPA mRNA (log rank P = 0.025 and P < 0.0001, respectively), and those with high CENPA had poor DFS in TCGA (log rank P = 0.0001). Additionally, CENPA mRNA were upregulated in HCC patients with alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) elevation, advanced TNM stage, larger tumor size, advanced AJCC stage, advanced pathology grade, and vascular invasion (all P < 0.05). A Cox regression model including CENPA, OIP5, and AURKB could predict OS in HCC patients effectively (AUC = 0.683). Conclusion. Overexpressed in tumors, CENPA might be an oncogenic factor in the development of HCC patients.
Quantitative Assessment of Motor Function for Patients with a Stroke by an End‐Effector Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Liu Yali , Song Qiuzhi , Li Chong , Guan Xinyu , Ji Linhong
Published: April 2020

With the popularization of rehabilitation robots, it is necessary to develop quantitative motor function assessment methods for patients with a stroke. To make the assessment equipment easier to use in clinics and combine the assessment methods with the rehabilitation training process, this paper proposes an anthropomorphic rehabilitation robot based on the basic movement patterns of the upper limb, point‐to‐point reaching and circle drawing movement. This paper analyzes patients’ movement characteristics in aspects of movement range, movement accuracy, and movement smoothness and the output force characteristics by involving 8 patients. Besides, a quantitative assessment method is also proposed based on multivariate fitting methods. It can be concluded that the area of the real trajectory and movement accuracy during circle drawing movement as well as the ratio of force along the sagittal axis in backward point‐to‐point movement are the unique parameters that are different remarkably between stroke patients and healthy subjects. The fitting function has a high goodness of fit with the Fugl‐Meyer scores for the upper limb (R2 = 0.91, p = 0.015), which demonstrates that the fitting function can be used to assess patients’ upper limb movement function. The indicators are recorded during training movement, and the fitting function can calculate the scores immediately, which makes the functional assessment quantitative and timely. Combining the training process and assessment, the quantitative assessment method will farther expand the application of rehabilitation robots.