bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical and Magnetic Properties of Oxygen-Deficient Ba2MMoO6−μ (M=Mn, Fe and μ=0, 0.5, 1.0) in a Monoclinic Phase: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Shahed N. A. , Hossain M. K. , Khanom S. , Nishat M. , Alam M. J. , Hossain M. A. , Ahmed F.
Published: August 2020

Double perovskites are usually strongly correlated electronic systems that offer many multifunctional properties and are most commonly formed in the monoclinic crystal phase. In this study, we used a first-principles DFT approach in studying the optical and magnetic aspects of Ba2MMoO6 ([Formula: see text], Fe) double perovskite structures in a new monoclinic phase in both their pure and oxygen-deficient form and compared it to their natural cubic phase. The structural parameters of our structures were consistent with the available experimental data of the similar Ca2MMoO6 compounds. The optical analysis suggests a high dielectric function for both compounds in their pure and defected state. The addition of defects increases the absorption of photons near the visible spectra. We also found the structures to be half-metallic, with a reduction of magnetic strength and half-metallic gaps when oxygen defects are added to the structure. These features suggest a possible application in the optoelectronics and spintronics industry, even when the crystal structures have oxygen vacancies.
NUMERICAL MODEL ON METHANE EMISSIONS FROM AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Authors: SHUKLA J. B. , SUNDAR SHYAM , MISHRA ASHISH KUMAR , NARESH RAM
Published: August 2020

Atmospheric methane, emitted from agriculture sector such as production of rice paddies and farming of livestock populations, is one of the important factors responsible for increasing the average atmospheric temperature leading to global warming. It is, therefore, crucial to comprehend the dynamics of methane emission and its effect on global warming. In this paper, a nonlinear mathematical model is proposed and analyzed to study the increase of average atmospheric temperature (or average global warming temperature) caused by emission of methane due to various processes involved in the production of rice paddies and farming of livestock populations simultaneously. In the modeling process, six variables are considered, namely, the cumulative biomass density of rice paddies, the cumulative density of livestock populations, the cumulative density of methane formed by various processes involved in the production of rice paddies, the cumulative density of methane formed by various processes involved in the farming of livestock populations, the atmospheric concentration of methane and the average atmospheric temperature. It is assumed that both the cumulative biomass densities of rice paddies and livestock populations follow logistic models with their respective growth rates and carrying capacities. The growth rate of concentration of methane in the atmosphere is assumed to be directly proportional to the cumulative densities of various processes involved in the production of rice paddies as well as in the farming of livestock populations. This growth rate also increases with a constant rate from various natural sources such as wetlands, etc. The growth rate of average global warming temperature is assumed to be proportional to the increased level of methane concentration in the atmosphere from its equilibrium value. It is also assumed that this temperature decreases with a rate proportional to its enhanced level from its equilibrium level caused by various natural factors such as rain fall, snowfall, etc.

The proposed model is analyzed using the stability theory of differential equations and numerical simulation. The analysis shows that as the emission of methane from various processes involved in the production of rice paddies and farming of livestock populations increase, the average global warming temperature increases considerably from its equilibrium level. The numerical simulation of the model confirms the analytical results.
Subduction-related subcontinental lithospheric mantle metasomatism and crustal thickening: origin for superchondritic Nb/Ta in mafic dykes
Authors: Cui Xiang , Zhu Wenbin , Jourdan F.
Published: August 2020

Superchondritic Nb/Ta is rarely reported in terrestrial reservoirs and is usually attributed to carbonatite metasomatism or accessory rutile in the residue phase. Previously documented high Nb/Ta in rocks derived from subcontinental lithospheric mantle indicated a predominance of carbonatite metasomatism. This study evaluates Nb/Ta in conjunction with other trace elements of Neoproterozoic mafic dykes exposed in the eastern segment of the Jiangnan Orogen, where early subduction existed before the amalgamation of South China. These mafic dykes show mostly superchondritic Nb/Ta ratios from 19.6 to 24.5. Partial melting modelling suggested low-degree melting of rutile-bearing subcontinental lithospheric mantle for these mafic dykes. A literature review of Neoproterozoic mafic–intermediate rocks throughout the Jiangnan Orogen shows sporadically but coincidently superchondritic Nb/Ta near or beneath the Shuangxiwu arc, indicating rutile stability in the relict sub-arc mantle. Rutile in the lherzolite was formed sometime after Neoproterozoic subduction initiation in South China but contemporaneous with crustal thickening at
c.
860 Ma. This study brings direct evidence to bear on the mechanism of rutile formation in the mantle wedge, as well as the link between crustal thickening and superchondritic Nb/Ta of mafic products derived from the metasomatized mantle.

Supplementary material:
Major and trace element compositions, photomicrographs of samples, and figures illustrating geochemistry, REE and incompatible trace element patterns and loss on ignition versus Nb/Ta and La/Yb are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5093535
Celebrating 25 ITiCSE Conferences: Involving Everyone to Look at the Past to Construct the Future
Authors: Cassel Lillian (Boots) , Gal-Ezer Judith , Maiorana Francesco
Published: August 2020

In December 2019, a group of volunteers started virtual meetings to discuss how to celebrate the 25th ITiCSE anniversary. Many initiatives were proposed and put forward but due to the pandemic situation and the possibility that the conference could be cancelled, a decision has been taken to postpone the celebration to 2021. However, the willingness to hold the conference was stronger than the crisis and the 25th conference took place in a virtual setting. As stated by the next organizer in the closing events, the "bar was set high" this year and the organizers were clever in turning a crisis into an advantage. The decision gave many the possibility to participate and to enjoy the conference in the virtual setting.
3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase/hydrogen sulfide protects cerebral endothelial cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced injury via mitoprotection and inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway
Authors: Zhang Fang , Chen Shuo , Wen Ji-Yue , Chen Zhi-Wu
Published: August 2020

3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) is the major source of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production in the brain and participates in many physiological and pathological processes. The present study was designed to investigate the role of 3-MST-derived H2S (3-MST/H2S) on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury in cerebrovascular endothelial cells (ECs). Using cerebrovascular specimens from patients with acute massive cerebral infarction (MCI), we found abnormal morphology of the endothelium and mitochondria, as well as decreases in H2S and 3-MST levels. In an OGD/R model of ECs, 3-mercaptopyruvate (3-MP) and l-aspartic acid (l-Asp) were used to stimulate or inhibit the production of 3-MST/H2S. The results showed that OGD/R induced significant decreases in H2S and 3-MST levels in both ECs and mitochondria, as well as increases in oxidative stress and mitochondrial energy imbalance. Cellular oxidative stress, destruction of mitochondrial ultrastructure, accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduction of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase activity and ATP production, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were all significantly ameliorated by 3-MP, whereas they were exacerbated by l-Asp pretreatment. Contrary to the effects of l-Asp, the increase in RhoA activity and expression of ROCK1 and ROCK2 induced by OGD/R were markedly inhibited by 3-MP pretreatment in subcellular fractions without mitochondria and mitochondrial fractions. In addition, 3-MST−/− rat ECs displayed greater oxidative stress than 3-MST+/+ rat ECs after OGD/R injury. These findings suggest that 3-MST/H2S protects ECs against OGD/R-induced injury, which may be related to preservation of mitochondrial function and inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
Inhibition of GSK-3β restores delayed gastric emptying in obesity-induced diabetic female mice
Authors: Sampath Chethan , Srinivasan Shanthi , Freeman Michael L. , Gangula Pandu R.
Published: August 2020

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) with SB 216763 attenuates delayed gastric emptying through gastric nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) -phase II enzymes in high-fat diet-fed female mice. SB 216763 restored impaired gastric PI3K/AKT/ β-catenin/caspase 3 expression. Inhibition of GSK-3β normalized gastric dihydrofolate reductase, neuronal nitric oxide synthase-α expression, dimerization and nitrergic relaxation. SB 216763 normalized both serum estrogen and nitrate levels in female obese/Type 2 diabetes mice. SB 216763 reduced downstream signaling of GSK-3β in enteric neuronal cells in vitro.
Duodenal-jejunal bypass improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease independently of weight loss in rodents with diet-induced obesity
Authors: Angelini Giulia , Castagneto-Gissey Lidia , Casella-Mariolo James , Caristo Maria Emiliana , Russo Maria Francesca , Lembo Erminia , Verrastro Ornella , Stefanizzi Gianluigi , Marini Pier Luigi , Casella Giovanni , Bornstein Stefan R. , Rubino Francesco , Mingrone Geltrude
Published: August 2020

Our findings suggest that duodenal-jejunal bypass can reverse, independently of weight loss, ectopic fat deposition and insulin resistance, two features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that share a mutual pathway, in which perilipin-2 seems to be the main player. Our study supports further investigation into the role of proximal small intestine exclusion in the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to uncover less invasive treatments that mimic the effects of metabolic surgery and aims to prevent and treat metabolic liver disease.
Elastic Web Buckling Stress and Ultimate Strength of H-Section Beams Dominated by Web Buckling
Authors: Ma Jiaxing , Wang Tao , Wang Yinhui , Ikarashi Kikuo
Published: August 2020

Numerical analyses and theoretic analyses are presented to study the elastic buckling of H-section beam web under combined bending and shear force. Results show that the buckling stress of a single web with clamped edges gives a good agreement with the buckling stress of an H-section beam web when the local buckling of the beam is dominated by the web buckling. Based on theoretic analyses, a parametric study is conducted to simplify the calculation of buckling coefficients. The parameters involved are clarified first, and the improved equations for the buckling coefficient and buckling stress are suggested. By applying the proposed method, the web buckling slenderness ratio is defined. It is verified that the web buckling slenderness ratio has a strong correlation with the normalized ultimate strength of H-section beams when the buckling of the beams is dominated by web buckling. Finally, a design equation is proposed for the ultimate strength of H-section beams.
Investigating the Fatigue Characteristics of Large Stone Asphalt Mixtures Based on the Disturbed State Concept
Authors: Wei Jianhui , Fu Tao , Meng Yongjun , Xiao Chengming
Published: August 2020

The mechanical response characteristics of large stone asphalt mixtures (LSAMs) are key factors in studying its fatigue characteristics during cyclic loading tests. Based on disturbed state concept (DSC) and viscoelastic continuum damage model (VECD), a series of tests using an overlay test (OT) were carried out to investigate the fatigue characteristics of LSAM. The results showed that disturbance and damage increased with decreasing frequency and increasing loading displacement and aging degree, while the asphalt content had no obvious adverse effect on the increase in damage. In addition, the disturbance and damage grew rapidly in the early stage of loading and reduced in the later stage of loading. On the contrary, based on DSC, the constitutive model modified with disturbance function (D) defined by external work could describe the mechanical properties, and the evolution process of disturbance function (D) could reflect the damage change in cyclic loading tests. The research conclusion can enrich the theoretical research on the fatigue failure response and mechanism of LSAM under cyclic loading and expand the application scope of DSC in the field of pavement.
Age-Related Deterioration of Mitochondrial Function in the Intestine
Authors: Schneider Anna M. , Özsoy Mihriban , Zimmermann Franz A. , Feichtinger René G. , Mayr Johannes A. , Kofler Barbara , Sperl Wolfgang , Weghuber Daniel , Mörwald Katharina
Published: August 2020

Aging is an important and inevitable biological process in human life, associated with the onset of chronic disease and death. The mechanisms behind aging remain unclear. However, changes in mitochondrial function and structure, including reduced activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and increased production of reactive oxygen species—thus oxidative damage—are believed to play a major role. Mitochondria are the main source of cellular energy, producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via oxidative phosphorylation. Accumulation of damaged cellular components reduces a body’s capacity to preserve tissue homeostasis and affects biological aging and all age-related chronic conditions. This includes the onset and progression of classic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Clinical manifestations of intestinal disorders, such as mucosal barrier dysfunction, intestinal dysmotility, and chronic obstipation, are highly prevalent in the elderly population and have been shown to be associated with an age-dependent decline of mitochondrial function. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in intestinal aging.
Nonlinear Stochastic Optimal Control Using Piezoelectric Stack Inertial Actuator
Authors: Lü Q. F. , Wang X. F. , Lu K. , Huan R. H.
Published: August 2020

An optimal control strategy for the random vibration reduction of nonlinear structures using piezoelectric stack inertial actuator is proposed. First, the dynamic model of the nonlinear structure considering the dynamics of a piezoelectric stack inertial actuator is established, and the motion equation of the coupled system is described by a quasi-non-integrable-Hamiltonian system. Then, using the stochastic averaging method, this quasi-non-integrable-Hamiltonian system is reduced to a one-dimensional averaged system for total energy. The optimal control law is determined by establishing and solving the dynamic programming equation. The proposed control law is analytical and can be fully executed by a piezoelectric stack inertial actuator. The responses of optimally controlled and uncontrolled systems are obtained by solving the Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov (FPK) equation to evaluate the control effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Numerical results show that our proposed control strategy is effective for random vibration reduction of the nonlinear structures using piezoelectric stack inertial actuator, and the theoretical method is verified by comparing with the simulation results.
Evolutionary Dendritic Neural Model for Classification Problems
Authors: Qian Xiaoxiao , Tang Cheng , Todo Yuki , Lin Qiuzhen , Ji Junkai
Published: August 2020

In this paper, an evolutionary dendritic neuron model (EDNM) is proposed to solve classification problems. It utilizes synapses and dendritic branches to implement the nonlinear computation. Distinct from the classical dendritic neuron model (CDNM) trained by the backpropagation (BP) algorithm, the proposed EDNM is trained by a metaheuristic cuckoo search (CS) algorithm instead, which has been regarded as a global searching algorithm. CS algorithm enables EDNM to avoid several disadvantages, such as slow convergence, trapping into local minimum, and being sensitive to initial values. To evaluate the performance of EDNM, we compare it with a multilayer perceptron (MLP) and CDNM on two benchmark classification problems. The experimental results demonstrate that EDNM is superior to MLP and CDNM in terms of accuracy rate, receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC), and convergence speed. In addition, the neural structure of EDNM can be replaced by a logical circuit completely, which can be implemented in hardware easily. The corresponding experimental results also verify the effectiveness of the logical circuit classifier.
Application of Discrete Wavelet Transform in Shapelet-Based Classification
Authors: Yan Lijuan , Liu Yanshen , Liu Yi
Published: August 2020

Recently, several shapelet-based methods have been proposed for time series classification, which are accomplished by identifying the most discriminating subsequence. However, for time series datasets in some application domains, pattern recognition on the original time series cannot always obtain ideal results. To address this issue, we propose an ensemble algorithm by combining time frequency analysis and shape similarity recognition of time series. Discrete wavelet transform is used to decompose the time series into different components, and the shapelet features are identified for each component. According to the different correlations between each component and the original time series, an ensemble classifier is built by weighted majority voting, and the Monte Carlo method is used to search for optimal weight vector. The comparative experiments and sensitivity analysis are conducted on 25 datasets from UCR Time Series Classification Archive, which is an important open dataset resource in time series mining. The results show the proposed method has a better performance in terms of accuracy and stability than the compared classifiers.
Relationship between Abdominal Circumference and Incidence of Hypotension during Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Thomard Pattaraleeya , Morakul Sunthiti , Wirachpisit Nichawan , Ittichaikulthol Wichai , Pisitsak Chawika
Published: August 2020

Background. Enlarged uterus can compress the inferior vena cava and cause hypotension when lying supine. Previous studies have shown a positive association between the abdominal circumference and size of the uterus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between abdominal circumference and incidence of hypotension during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Methods. The study cohort comprised women undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median abdominal circumference (<101 cm and ≥101 cm). Hypotension was defined as a systolic blood pressure of <90 mmHg or mean arterial pressure of <65 mmHg. The primary outcome of this study was the relationship between the incidence of hypotension and the abdominal circumference after spinal anesthesia in term pregnant women. Results. The study cohort comprised 100 women. The incidence of hypotension did not differ between the groups (71.42% in the smaller vs. 78.43% in the larger abdominal circumference group, p=0.419). However, the decrease in mean arterial pressure and its percentage decrease from baseline were greater in the larger than in the smaller abdominal circumference group (change in mean arterial pressure: 28.33 mmHg (18.66–33.67) in the smaller vs. 36.67 mmHg (23.34–43.34) in the larger abdominal circumference group, p=0.004; percentage decrease: 31.41% (22.74–39.22) in the smaller vs. 38.47% (28.00–44.81) in the larger abdominal circumference group, p=0.022). Conclusions. Large abdominal circumference in pregnancy is associated with greater decreases in mean arterial pressure from baseline. However, the incidence of hypotension defined by standard criteria did not differ between larger and smaller abdominal circumference groups.
XRD‐Rietveld Method for Evaluating the Leaching Characteristics of Hardened Cement Paste in Flowing Water
Authors: Zhang Lunchao , Zhou Jikai , He Xu , Chen Chen
Published: August 2020

In order to study the leaching characteristics of hardened cement paste by flowing environmental water, indoor simulated leaching tests of Portland cement paste were carried out at different flow velocities with home‐made flow field device and tap water as the erosion medium. By means of mechanical properties tests, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Rietveld full‐spectrum quantitative analysis of specimens after leaching at different ages, the change rules of the flexural strength, main phase composition, and mass fraction of the specimens after leaching were obtained. The results show that, within 90 days, the flow rate in the test has no obvious effect on the leaching of hardened cement paste. With the increase in age, the leaching of hardened cement paste gets more obvious. Rietveld full‐spectrum quantitative analysis shows that the leaching of hardened cement paste changes with the relative content of CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2. The higher the relative content of CaCO3 is, the better compaction and leaching resistance the paste has. The leaching resistance of hardened cement paste is also related to the gradient of Ca(OH)2. The smaller the gradient is, the better the leaching resistance is. The Rietveld full‐spectrum quantitative analysis method can be used as a method to evaluate the leaching effect of hardened cement paste.
Methane Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Orchitis by Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidative, and Antiapoptotic Effects via Regulation of the PK2/PKR1 Pathway
Authors: Huang Chao , Zhang Wenbo , Sun Aijun , Zhang Xi , Guo Jinping , Ji Ruijuan , Qiao Liang , Sun Xuejun , Zhao Dongbao
Published: August 2020

Objective. The present study is aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects of methane on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute orchitis and its potential mechanisms. Methods. Adult male rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with methane-rich saline (MS, 20 mL/kg) following LPS (5 mg/kg, i.p.). The survival rate was assessed every 12 h until 72 h after LPS induction, and surviving rats were sacrificed for further detection. The wet/dry (W/D) ratio was determined, and testicular damage was histologically assessed. Inflammatory cytokines in the testes and serum, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were measured using ELISA and RT-qPCR. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Testicular apoptosis was detected via TUNEL staining. The expression of prokineticin 2 (PK2)/prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1) was also analyzed using RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Results. It was found that methane significantly prolonged rat survival, decreased the W/D ratio, alleviated LPS-induced histological changes, and reduced apoptotic cells in the testes. Additionally, methane suppressed and promoted the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Furthermore, methane significantly increased SOD levels, decreased MDA levels, and decreased testicular expression of PK2 and PKR1. Therefore, methane exerts therapeutic effects on acute orchitis and might be a new and convenient strategy for the treatment of inflammation-related testicular diseases.
Two Faces of Heme Catabolic Pathway in Newborns: A Potential Role of Bilirubin and Carbon Monoxide in Neonatal Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Osiak Wiktoria , Wątroba Sławomir , Kapka-Skrzypczak Lucyna , Kurzepa Jacek
Published: August 2020

In an infant’s body, all the systems undergo significant changes in order to adapt to the new, extrauterine environment and challenges which it poses. Fragile homeostasis can be easily disrupted as the defensive mechanisms are yet imperfect. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, is low; therefore, neonates are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress. Free radical burden significantly contributes to neonatal illnesses such as sepsis, retinopathy of premature, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or leukomalacia. However, newborns have an important ally—an inducible heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) which expression rises rapidly in response to stress stimuli. HO-1 activity leads to production of carbon monoxide (CO), free iron ion, and biliverdin; the latter is promptly reduced to bilirubin. Although CO and bilirubin used to be considered noxious by-products, new interesting properties of those compounds are being revealed. Bilirubin proved to be an efficient free radicals scavenger and modulator of immune responses. CO affects a vast range of processes such as vasodilatation, platelet aggregation, and inflammatory reactions. Recently, developed nanoparticles consisting of PEGylated bilirubin as well as several kinds of molecules releasing CO have been successfully tested on animal models of inflammatory diseases. This paper focuses on the role of heme metabolites and their potential utility in prevention and treatment of neonatal diseases.
Renal Biomarkers for Treatment Effect of Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Lai Ivan Pochou , Huang Wei-Lun , Yang Chung-May , Yang Chang-Hao , Ho Tzyy-Chang , Hsieh Yi-Ting
Published: August 2020

Aims. To investigate the correlations between renal biomarkers and the treatment outcomes of ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods. This hospital-based study retrospectively enrolled 88 eyes from 67 patients who had received one-year intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for DME. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and during the follow-up period were recorded. BCVA and OCT characteristics at baseline and their changes after ranibizumab treatment were compared between different proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) groups. Results. Of the 88 eyes studied, those with moderately increased proteinuria had a thicker central subfield foveal thickness (CFT) and a higher proportion of intraretinal cysts than those with no proteinuria (P=0.012 and 0.045, respectively) at baseline. After one year of ranibizumab treatment, the reduction in CFT was greater in patients with severely increased proteinuria than those with normal to mildly increased proteinuria (P=0.030). On the other hand, patients with an eGFR <30 tended to have poorer visual improvements than those with normal eGFR (P=0.044). Conclusions. After ranibizumab treatment for DME, patients with severe proteinuria tended to gain better anatomical improvement, while those with poor eGFR tended to have poorer visual improvement.
Logistic Regression Model in a Machine Learning Application to Predict Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients with Worse Renal Function One Year after Kidney Transplant: Elderly KTbot
Authors: Elihimas Júnior Ubiracé Fernando , Couto Jamila Pinho , Pereira Wallace , Barros de Oliveira Sá Michel Pompeu , Tenório de França Eduardo Eriko , Aguiar Filipe Carrilho , Cabral Diogo Buarque Cordeiro , Alencar Saulo Barbosa Vasconcelos , Feitosa Saulo José da Costa , Claizoni dos Santos Thais Oliveira , Santos Elihimas Helen Conceição dos , Alves Emilly Pereira , José de Carvalho Lima Marcio , Branco Cavalcanti Frederico Castelo , Schwingel Paulo Adriano
Published: August 2020

Background. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a public health problem worldwide. Kidney transplantation (KT) is the best treatment for elderly patients’ longevity and quality of life. Objectives. The primary endpoint was to compare elderly versus younger KT recipients by analyzing the risk covariables involved in worsening renal function, proteinuria, graft loss, and death one year after KT. The secondary endpoint was to create a robot based on logistic regression capable of predicting the likelihood that elderly recipients will develop worse renal function one year after KT. Method. Unicentric retrospective analysis of a cohort was performed with individuals aged ≥60 and <60 years old. We analysed medical records of KT recipients from January to December 2017, with a follow-up time of one year after KT. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios for elderly vs younger recipients, controlled for demographic, clinical, laboratory, data pre- and post-KT, and death. Results. 18 elderly and 100 younger KT recipients were included. Pretransplant immune variables were similar between two groups. No significant differences (P>0.05) between groups were observed after KT on laboratory data means and for the prevalences of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, acute rejection, cytomegalovirus, polyomavirus, and urinary infections. One year after KT, the creatinine clearance was higher (P = 0.006) in youngers (70.9 ± 25.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) versus elderlies (53.3 ± 21.1 mL/min/1.73 m2). There was no difference in death outcome comparison. Multivariable analysis among covariables predisposing chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 presented a statistical significance for age ≥60 years (P = 0.01) and reduction in serum haemoglobin (P = 0.03). The model presented goodness-fit in the evaluation of artificial intelligence metrics (precision: 90%; sensitivity: 71%; and F1 score: 0.79). Conclusion. Renal function in elderly KT recipients was lower than in younger KT recipients. However, patients aged ≥60 years maintained enough renal function to remain off dialysis. Moreover, a learning machine application built a robot (Elderly KTbot) to predict in the elderly populations the likelihood of worse renal function one year after KT.
Prooxidation and Cytotoxicity of Selenium Nanoparticles at Nonlethal Level in Sprague-Dawley Rats and Buffalo Rat Liver Cells
Authors: Wang Haidong , He Yudan , Liu Lujie , Tao Wenjing , Wang Geng , Sun Wanjing , Pei Xun , Xiao Zhiping , Jin Yuyue , Wang Minqi
Published: August 2020

The effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the antioxidant capacity in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were investigated. The rats were given intragastric administration of an SeNP suspension at doses of 0, 2, 4, and 8 mg Se/kg BW for two weeks. The antioxidant capacity in serum and organic tissues (liver, heart, and kidney) and the gene expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the liver were measured. Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cell lines were further constructed to explore the cytotoxicity mechanism induced by SeNPs through the determination of antioxidant capacity; cell activity; apoptosis; and Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 family activities. The results showed that SeNP administration over 4.0 mg Se/kg BW decreased the antioxidant capacities in the serum, liver, and heart and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX1 and GPX4 in the liver. The BRL cell line experiments showed that treatment with over 24 μM SeNPs decreased the viability of the cells and damaged the antioxidant capacity. Flow cytometry analysis showed that decreased cell viability induced by SeNPs is mainly due to apoptosis, rather than cell necrosis. Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 activities were also increased when BRL cells were treated with 24 μM and 48 μM SeNPs. Taken together, a nonlethal level of SeNPs could impair the antioxidant capacity in serum and organic tissues of rats, and the liver is the most sensitive to the toxicity of SeNPs. A pharmacological dose of SeNPs could lead to cytotoxicity and induce cell death through apoptosis and extrinsic pathways contributing to SeNP-induced apoptosis in BRL cells.
The Role of T Cells and Macrophages in Asthma Pathogenesis: A New Perspective on Mutual Crosstalk
Authors: Zhu Xueyi , Cui Jie , Yi La , Qin Jingjing , Tulake Wuniqiemu , Teng Fangzhou , Tang Weifeng , Wei Ying , Dong Jingcheng
Published: August 2020

Asthma is associated with innate and adaptive immunity mediated by immune cells. T cell or macrophage dysfunction plays a particularly significant role in asthma pathogenesis. Furthermore, crosstalk between them continuously transmits proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory signals, causing the immune cell activation or repression in the immune response. Consequently, the imbalanced immune microenvironment is the major cause of the exacerbation of asthma. Here, we discuss the role of T cells, macrophages, and their interactions in asthma pathogenesis.
Characterization Methods for the Effect of Microbial Mineralization on the Microstructure of Hardened C3S Paste
Authors: Chen Yanqiang , Qian Chunxiang , Zhou Hengyi
Published: August 2020

Microbial mineralization has a significant effect on the hydration process of cement‐based materials. This paper mainly studied the characterization methods for hydration degree and hydration product of C3S in hardened paste under microbial mineralization. Quantitative X‐ray diffraction (QXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) were used and compared. The results showed that microbial mineralization increased the hydration degree of T‐C3S. QXRD and EBSD could be used to characterize the content of C3S, and there were few differences between the two methods. TG could accurately characterize the content of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 at different depths of the sample, and FT‐IR could qualitatively characterize the presence of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3.
Sparse Principal Component Analysis via Fractional Function Regularity
Authors: Han Xuanli , Peng Jigen , Cui Angang , Zhao Fujun
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we describe a novel approach to sparse principal component analysis (SPCA) via a nonconvex sparsity-inducing fraction penalty function SPCA (FP-SPCA). Firstly, SPCA is reformulated as a fraction penalty regression problem model. Secondly, an algorithm corresponding to the model is proposed and the convergence of the algorithm is guaranteed. Finally, numerical experiments were carried out on a synthetic data set, and the experimental results show that the FP-SPCA method is more adaptable and has a better performance in the tradeoff between sparsity and explainable variance than SPCA.
Comparison of Dopamine and Norepinephrine Use for the Treatment of Hypotension in Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients with Return of Spontaneous Circulation
Authors: Li Chao-Jui , Wu Kuan-Han , Chen Chien-Chih , Law Yat-Yin , Chuang Po-Chun , Chen Yi-Chuan
Published: August 2020

In patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), hypotension is common after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Both dopamine and norepinephrine are recommended as inotropic therapeutic agents. This study aimed to determine the impact of the use of these two medications on hypotension. This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study. OHCA patients with ROSC were divided into three groups according to the post resuscitation inotropic agent used for treatment in the emergency department, namely, dopamine, norepinephrine, and dopamine and norepinephrine combined therapy. Thirty-day survival and favorable neurologic performance were analyzed among the three study groups. The 30-day survival and favorable neurologic performance rates in the three study groups were 12.5%, 13.0%, and 6.8% as well as 4.9%, 4.3%, and 1.2%, respectively. On controlling the potential confounding factors by logistic regression, there was no difference between dopamine and norepinephrine treatment in survival and neurologic performance (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48–2.06; aOR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.28–2.53). The dopamine and norepinephrine combined treatment group had worse outcome (aOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.35–1.18; aOR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.05–0.89). In conclusion, there was no significant difference in post-ROSC hypotension treatment between dopamine and norepinephrine in 30-day survival and favorable neurologic performance rates.
Local and Systemic Oxidative Stress in Balkan Endemic Nephropathy Is Not Associated with Xanthine Oxidase Activity
Authors: Veljković Andrej , Hadži- Đokić Jovan , Sokolović Dušan , Čukuranović Rade , Čukuranović-Kokoris Jovana , Bašić Dragoslav , Đorđević Branka , Stojanović Marko , Šmelcerović Andrija , Kocić Gordana
Published: August 2020

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) represents a chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy which is followed by the progression of kidney fibrosis to end-stage kidney failure. The critical involvement of poisons in food (aristolochic acid (AA), ochratoxin, and heavy metals) and selenium deficiency are among nutritive factors which contribute to the pathogenesis of BEN, due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) liberation and/or decreased antioxidative defence system. The aim of the study is to distinguish a possible systemic and local origin of ROS through the measurement of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in urine and plasma, along with the determination of the oxidative changes in lipids and proteins. The study included 50 patients with BEN and 38 control healthy subjects. We noted increased levels of both thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in the plasma of patients with BEN, compared to the control group (p<0.001). The urinary levels of AOPPs were higher in patients with BEN in comparison to the control (p<0.001). The specific activity of XO was significantly lower in plasma and urine in BEN samples, compared to controls (p<0.005). Based on these results, we hypothesize that XO might not be considered a direct systemic or local contributor to ROS production in BEN, most probably because of the diminished kidney functional tissue mass and/or AA-induced changes in purine nucleotide conformation. The increased AOPP and TBARS level in both plasma and urine in BEN may predict ROS systemic liberation with toxic local effects.
Study on the Measurement Method of the Crack Local Flexibility of the Beam Structure
Authors: He Yumin , Guo Siyu , Zhang Xiaolong
Published: August 2020

The crack which appears in the structure can be described by a local flexibility. With the occurrence and propagation of crack, the local flexibility will change. The change can effectively reflect the damage degree of the structure. In this paper, the measurement method of the crack local flexibility of the beam structure is presented. Firstly, a series of sample points are selected at the crack location and the possible value range of the crack local flexibility, and then these sample points are used as input parameters for the dynamic analysis of the beam structure. The vibration equation of beam structure is solved, and the frequency influence surface is drawn. In addition, the vibration signal of the beam is tested, and the first three order natural frequencies can be obtained. Thirdly, these frequencies measured are adopted to cut the natural frequency influence surfaces, and then the first three order natural frequency influence curves are drawn. The intersection points of these frequencies influence curves can indicate the crack local flexibility and the corresponding crack location. This method is suitable for measuring the local flexibility of crack with different shapes and types in the beam structure which have various cross sections.
Inflammatory Myeloradiculitis Secondary to Pembrolizumab: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Vickers M. L. , Seidl B. , Bigby K. , Chern B. , Eriksson L. , Hartnett G. , Gericke C. , Chew R.
Published: August 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are the most important new medications in oncology and include inhibitors of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) such as Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, and Cemiplimab. These anticancer agents prevent tumour immune evasion and have been associated with a range of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including those involving the nervous system. In this case report and literature review, we present the first case of inflammatory myeloradiculitis secondary to Pembrolizumab. We also summarise the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of other cases reported in the literature which include a component of myelitis. Finally, we make general recommendations on management.
COVID-19 Deep Learning Prediction Model Using Publicly Available Radiologist-Adjudicated Chest X-Ray Images as Training Data: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Che Azemin Mohd Zulfaezal , Hassan Radhiana , Mohd Tamrin Mohd Izzuddin , Md Ali Mohd Adli
Published: August 2020

The key component in deep learning research is the availability of training data sets. With a limited number of publicly available COVID-19 chest X-ray images, the generalization and robustness of deep learning models to detect COVID-19 cases developed based on these images are questionable. We aimed to use thousands of readily available chest radiograph images with clinical findings associated with COVID-19 as a training data set, mutually exclusive from the images with confirmed COVID-19 cases, which will be used as the testing data set. We used a deep learning model based on the ResNet-101 convolutional neural network architecture, which was pretrained to recognize objects from a million of images and then retrained to detect abnormality in chest X-ray images. The performance of the model in terms of area under the receiver operating curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy was 0.82, 77.3%, 71.8%, and 71.9%, respectively. The strength of this study lies in the use of labels that have a strong clinical association with COVID-19 cases and the use of mutually exclusive publicly available data for training, validation, and testing.
Acupuncture Modulates Disrupted Whole-Brain Network after Ischemic Stroke: Evidence Based on Graph Theory Analysis
Authors: Han Xiao , Jin He , Li Kuangshi , Ning Yanzhe , Jiang Lan , Chen Pei , Liu Hongwei , Zhang Yong , Zhang Hua , Tan Zhongjian , Cui Fangyuan , Ren Yi , Bai Lijun , Zou Yihuai
Published: August 2020

Background. Stroke can lead to disruption of the whole-brain network in patients. Acupuncture can modulate the functional network on a large-scale level in healthy individuals. However, whether and how acupuncture can make a potential impact on the disrupted whole-brain network after ischemic stroke remains elusive.Methods. 26 stroke patients with a right hemispheric subcortical infarct were recruited. We gathered the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) from patients with stroke and healthy controls in the resting state and after acupuncture intervention, to investigate the instant alterations of the large-scale functional networks. The graph theory analysis was applied using the GRETNA and SPM12 software to construct the whole-brain network and yield the small-world parameters and network efficiency.Results. Compared with the healthy subjects, the stroke patients had a decreased normalized small-worldness (σ), global efficiency (Eg), and the mean local efficiency (Eloc) of the whole-brain network in the resting state. There was a correlation between the duration after stroke onset andEloc. Acupuncture improved the patients’ clustering coefficient (Cp) andElocbut did not make a significant impact on theσandEg. The postacupuncture variables of the whole-brain network had no association with the time of onset.Conclusion. The poststroke whole-brain network tended to a random network with reduced network efficiency. Acupuncture was able to modulate the disrupted patterns of the whole-brain network following the subcortical ischemic stroke. Our findings shed light on the potential mechanisms of the functional reorganization on poststroke brain networks involving acupuncture intervention from a large-scale perspective.
Symptomatic Pituitary Metastasis as Initial Manifestation of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Gandhi Gunjan Y. , Fung Russell , Natter Patrick E. , Makary Raafat , Balaji K. C.
Published: August 2020

Metastasis to the pituitary gland is extremely rare (∼2% of sellar masses). Clinical, biochemical, and radiologic characteristics of pituitary metastasis are poorly defined and can be difficult to diagnose before surgery. We present an unusual case with pituitary metastasis as the first manifestation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A 70-year-old male presented with acute onset of weakness, dizziness, diplopia, and progressively worsening headache. The initial CT head revealed a heterogeneous sellar mass measuring 2.8 × 1.9 × 1.7 cm. A follow-up MRI showed the sellar mass invading the right cavernous sinus. The presumptive diagnosis was a pituitary macroadenoma. Physical examination revealed bilateral 6th cranial nerve palsy and episodes of intermittent binocular horizontal diplopia. Hormonal testing noted possible secondary adrenal insufficiency (AM serum cortisol: 3.3 mcg/dL, ACTH: 8 pg/mL), secondary hypothyroidism (TSH: <0.01 mIU/L, FT4: 0.7 ng/dL), secondary hypogonadism (testosterone: 47 ng/dL, LH: 1.3 mIU/mL, and FSH: 2.3 mIU/mL), and elevated serum prolactin (prolactin: 56.8 ng/ml, normal: 4.0–15.2 ng/ml). IGF-1 level was normal at 110 ng/mL (47–192 ng/mL). The patient was discharged on levothyroxine and hydrocortisone therapy with plans for close surveillance. However, his condition worsened over the next three months, and he was subsequently readmitted with nausea, vomiting, and hypernatremia secondary to diabetes insipidus. Repeat MRI pituitary showed an interval increase in the size of the sellar mass with suprasellar extension and a new mass effect on the optic chiasm. The sellar mass was urgently resected via a trans-sphenoidal approach. The tumor was negative for neuroendocrine markers and pituitary hormone panel, ruling out the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma and triggered workup for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type. The diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was confirmed by the diffuse and strong staining for renal cell carcinoma markers (Pax-8, RCC-1, and CD10). A follow-up CT scan noted large right renal mass measuring 11 × 10 × 11 cm. The patient underwent a cytoreductive robotic right radical nephrectomy for WHO/ISUP histologic grade II clear cell RCC, stage pT2b pNX pM1. He subsequently received fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy to the pituitary gland. He is presently stable with no radiological evidence of progression or new intracranial disease on subsequent imaging. Pituitary metastasis most commonly occurs from breast, lung, or gastrointestinal tumors but also rarely from renal cell carcinoma. Biochemical findings such as panhypopituitarism, acute clinical signs such as headache, visual symptoms, and diabetes insipidus and interval increase in sellar mass in a short time interval should raise suspicion for sellar metastasis.