bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bortezomib Inhibits Hypoxia‐Induced Proliferation by Suppressing Caveolin‐1/SOCE/[Ca2+]i Signaling Axis in Human PASMCs
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Yuanqi , Xu Lei , Zhang Qiang , Gegentuya  , Tian Guoying
Published: April 2021

Background. Previous studies have demonstrated the ubiquitin‐proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) can effectively alleviate hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) by suppressing the intracellular calcium homeostasis in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Further evaluation showed that the antiproliferation roles of BTZ are mainly mediated by inhibition of the intracellular calcium homeostasis. Caveolin‐1 belongs to one of the key regulators of the intracellular calcium homeostasis in PASMCs, which can regulate the store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE). However, the effects of BTZ on Caveolin‐1 remain unclear. Methods. Primarily cultured human PASMCs were used as the cell model. CCK‐8 assay was performed to assess the PASMCs proliferation. Western blotting and real‐time qPCR were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions. Fura‐2‐based fluorescence imaging experiments were used to determine the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) was utilized to determine the protein degradation process. Results. Firstly, in cultured human PASMCs, treatment of BTZ for 24 or 60 hours significantly downregulates Caveolin‐1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Secondly, in the presence CHX, BTZ treatment also leads to downregulated protein expression and fastened protein degradation of Caveolin‐1, indicating that BTZ can promote the Caveolin‐1 protein degradation, other than the BTZ on Caveolin‐1 mRNA transcription. Then, BTZ significantly attenuates the hypoxia‐elevated baseline [Ca2+]i, SOCE, and cell proliferation. Conclusion. We firstly observed that the ubiquitin‐proteasome inhibitor BTZ can inhibit the Caveolin‐1 expression at both mRNA transcription and protein degradation processes, providing new mechanistic basis of BTZ on PASMC proliferation.
Theory and Application of Weak Signal Detection Based on Stochastic Resonance Mechanism
Authors: Cui Lin , Yang Junan , Wang Lunwen , Liu Hui
Published: April 2021

Stochastic resonance is a new type of weak signal detection method. Compared with traditional noise suppression technology, stochastic resonance uses noise to enhance weak signal information, and there is a mechanism for the transfer of noise energy to signal energy. The purpose of this paper is to study the theory and application of weak signal detection based on stochastic resonance mechanism. This paper studies the stochastic resonance characteristics of the bistable circuit and conducts an experimental simulation of its circuit in the Multisim simulation environment. It is verified that the bistable circuit can achieve the stochastic resonance function very well, and it provides strong support for the actual production of the bistable circuit. This paper studies the stochastic resonance phenomenon of FHN neuron model and bistable model, analyzes the response of periodic signals and nonperiodic signals, verifies the effect of noise on stochastic resonance, and lays the foundation for subsequent experiments. It proposes to feedback the link and introduces a two-layer FHN neural network model to improve the weak signal detection performance under a variable noise background. The paper also proposes a multifault detection method based on the total empirical mode decomposition of sensitive intrinsic mode components with variable scale adaptive stochastic resonance. Using the weighted kurtosis index as the measurement index of the system output can not only maintain the similarity between the system output signal and the original signal but also be sensitive to impact characteristics, overcoming the missed or false detection of the traditional kurtosis index. Experimental research shows that this method has better noise suppression ability and a clear reproduction effect on details. Especially for images contaminated by strong noise (D = 500), compared with traditional restoration methods, it has better performance in subjective visual effects and signal-to-noise ratio evaluation.
Social Network Spam Detection Based on ALBERT and Combination of Bi-LSTM with Self-Attention
Authors: Xu Guangxia , Zhou Daiqi , Liu Jun
Published: April 2021

Social networks are full of spams and spammers. Although social network platforms have established a variety of strategies to prevent the spread of spam, strict information review mechanism has given birth to smarter spammers who disguise spam as text sent by ordinary users. In response to this, this paper proposes a spam detection method powered by the self-attention Bi-LSTM neural network model combined with ALBERT, a lightweight word vector model of BERT. We take advantage of ALBERT to transform social network text into word vectors and then input them to the Bi-LSTM layer. After feature extraction and combined with the information focus of the self-attention layer, the final feature vector is obtained. Finally, SoftMax classifier performs classification to obtain the result. We verify the excellence of the model with accuracy, precision, F1-score, etc. The results show that the model has better performance than others.
Enhanced Physiological Stress Response in Patients with Normal Tension Glaucoma during Hypoxia
Authors: Dalgaard Line Marie , Vibæk Jeppe , Vohra Rupali , Jensen Lars Thorbjørn , Cvenkel Barbara , Secher Niels H. , Olsen Niels Vidiendal , Kolko Miriam
Published: April 2021

Purpose. To investigate whether patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) show an enhanced stress response to reduced oxygen supply compared to age-matched healthy controls, measured by serum adrenaline and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels and changes in distal finger temperature. Methods. A thorough clinical characterization of patients with NTG and age-matched controls was performed prior to inclusion in the study. Twelve patients with NTG and eleven healthy controls met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent a two-day investigation. Participants were randomly exposed to either hypoxia or normoxia during the first visit. Hypoxia or normoxia was induced for two hours through a tightly fitting face mask. In addition, the peripheral circulation was assessed with a thermographic camera. Blood samples were obtained before, during, and after hypoxia or normoxia to evaluate systemic stress molecules such as catecholamines and ET-1 levels. Results. In patients with NTG, reduced oxygen supply induced an increase in peripheral blood adrenaline (

p

 < 0.05) and a decrease during recovery (

p

 < 0.01). A difference in distal finger temperature was shown in patients with NTG under hypoxia compared to normoxia (exposure:

p

 < 0.05; recovery:

p

 < 0.05). Hypoxia induced an increase in peripheral blood ET-1 levels in both groups (NTG:

p

 < 0.01; controls:

p

 < 0.05). Conclusion. Patients with NTG had an enhanced physiological stress response as a consequence of hypoxia compared with age-matched controls. Although more studies are needed, the present study supports the involvement of vascular risk factors in the pathophysiology of NTG.
Evaluation of Xpert Carba‐R Assay for the Detection of Carbapenemase Genes in Gram‐Negative Bacteria
Authors: Li Hou-He , He Zhi-Jian , Xie Li-Min , Zhang Jin-Sheng , Xie Tian-Ao , Fan Shu-Jin , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: April 2021

Introduction. High mortality associated with carbapenemase‐producing Gram‐negative bacteria (CP‐GNB) has evolved into a global health threat. Rapid and accurate detection as well as prompt treatment are of great significance in this case. Xpert Carba‐R, a multiple qualitative analysis designed to detect five clinically relevant carbapenem‐resistant gene families within one hour, is regarded as reliable, accurate, and easy‐to‐operate. This study is to present a systematic evaluation of the performance of Xpert Carba‐R in detecting carbapenemase genes in GNB suspected for carbapenemase production. Methods. We searched and screened the literature on “Xpert Carba‐R” in the database of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, employing two independent evaluators to collect data, respectively. Then, statistical analysis of the data obtained was performed by the Stata 12.0 software to measure the accuracy of Xpert Carba‐R assay in detecting the carbapenemase genes in GNB. Results. We screened a total of 1767 Gram‐negative bacillus isolates documented in 9 articles. The precision of the detection of OXA‐48 carbapenemase genes was 100%; that of NDM = 100%; that of VIM = 100%. When it came to KPC, the precision rate was 100%; that of IMP = 99%. The overall accuracy of the detection of carbapenemase genes was 100%. Conclusions. Xpert Carba‐R assay demonstrates a 100% precision in identifying carbapenemase genes in GNB. It can be seen that Xpert Carba‐R method is an effective tool for early clinical detection, which is suitable for the detection of carbapenase gene in GNB.
Sialolipoma of the Floor of the Mouth with Immunohistological Analysis
Authors: Zahrani Ahmed A. , Qannam Ahmed , Al Sadhan Ra’ed , Bello Ibrahim O.
Published: April 2021

Lipomas are relatively rare in the head and neck, and sialolipoma was described as an entity about 20 years ago as lipoma that entraps salivary gland tissue. Less than 10 cases have been described in the floor of the mouth not related to the major salivary glands. Here, we report a case of sialolipoma affecting the floor of the mouth in a 47-year-old patient and reviewed the clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of the lesion.
A Novel Method for Regional NO2 Concentration Prediction Using Discrete Wavelet Transform and an LSTM Network
Authors: Liu Bingchun , Zhang Lei , Wang Qingshan , Chen Jiali
Published: April 2021

Achieving accurate predictions of urban NO2 concentration is essential for effectively control of air pollution. This paper selected the concentration of NO2 in Tianjin as the research object, concentrating predicting model based on Discrete Wavelet Transform and Long‐ and Short‐Term Memory network (DWT‐LSTM) for predicting daily average NO2 concentration. Five major atmospheric pollutants, key meteorological data, and historical data were selected as the input indexes, realizing the effective prediction of NO2 concentration in the next day. Firstly, the input data were decomposed by Discrete Wavelet Transform to increase the data dimension. Furthermore, the LSTM network model was used to learn the features of the decomposed data. Ultimately, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gated Regression Unit (GRU), and single LSTM model were selected as comparison models, and each performance was evaluated by the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The results show that the DWT‐LSTM model constructed in this paper can improve the accuracy and generalization ability of data mining by decomposing the input data into multiple components. Compared with the other three methods, the model structure is more suitable for predicting NO2 concentration in Tianjin.
Comparison of Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of Human Dental-Derived Stem Cells Isolated from Dental Pulp, Periodontal Ligament, Dental Follicle, and Alveolar Bone
Authors: Qu Guanlin , Li Yan , Chen Lu , Chen Qin , Zou Duohong , Yang Chi , Zhou Qing
Published: April 2021

Background. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become promising candidates for regeneration medicine due to their multidifferentiation potential and immunomodulatory ability. Compared with classic MSCs derived from the bone marrow and fat, dental-derived MSCs show high plasticity, accessibility, and applicability. Therefore, they are considered alternative sources for regeneration medicine. Methods. Four types of MSCs were isolated from the dental pulp, periodontal ligament, dental follicle, and alveolar bone of the same donor, and there were five different individuals. We analyzed their morphology, immunophenotype, proliferation rate, apoptosis, trilineage differentiation potential, and the gene expression during osteogenic differentiation. Results. Our research demonstrated that DPSCs, PDLSCs, DFPCs and ABMMSCs exhibited similar morphology and immunophenotype. DFPCs showed a higher rate of proliferation and apoptosis. When cultured in the trilineage differentiation medium, all types of MSCs presented the differentiation potential of osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis. Through staining and genetic analysis during osteogenic induction, ABMMSCs and PDLSCs showed the highest osteogenic ability, followed by DPSCs, and DFPCs were the lowest. Conclusions. Overall, our results indicated that different dental-derived stem cells possessed different biological characteristics. For bone tissue engineering, ABMMSCs and PDLSCs can be used as optimal candidates of seed cells.
Cutaneous Vasculopathy in a COVID-19 Critically Ill Patient: A Histologic, Immunohistochemical, and Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Kyriakoudi Anna , Pontikis Konstantinos , Tsaraklis Athanasios , Soura Efthymia , Vourlakou Christine , Kossyvakis Athanasios , Potamianou Efstathia , Kaniaris Evangelos , Ioannidou Iliana , Mentis Andreas , Kloukina Ismini , Daganou Maria , Koutsoukou Antonia
Published: April 2021

We describe a critically ill, SARS-CoV-2 positive patient with respiratory failure and thrombotic/livedoid skin lesions, appearing during the course of the disease. The biopsy of the lesions revealed an occlusive, pauci-inflammatory vasculopathy of the cutaneous small vessels characterized by complement and fibrinogen deposition on vascular walls, pointing to a thrombotic vasculopathy. Transmission electron microscopy of the affected skin failed to reveal any viral inclusions. Clinical evaluation and laboratory findings ruled out systemic coagulopathies and disseminated intravascular coagulation, drug-induced skin reaction, and common viral rashes. Our hypothesis is that the, herein evidenced, microvascular occlusive injury might constitute a significant pathologic mechanism in COVID-19, being a common denominator between cutaneous and pulmonary manifestations.
Organic-Inorganic Geochemical Characteristics of the Upper Permian Pusige Formation in a High-Saline Lake Basin, Tarim Basin: Implications for Provenance, Paleoenvironments, and Organic Matter Enrichment
Authors: Wang Jingbin , He Zhiliang , Zhu Dongya , Gao Zhiqian , Huang Xiaowei , Liu Quanyou
Published: April 2021

The third member (M3) of the Upper Permian Pusige Formation is a prominent organic-rich lacustrine mudstone sequence within the Yecheng-Hetian Sag, Tarim Basin, hosting major petroleum resources. However, its depositional history and organic matter (OM) enrichment mechanism have received little attention. Therefore, various organic and inorganic geochemical analyses were performed on thirty-four core samples from the Well DW1, to elucidate their depositional paleoenvironments, provenance, and tectonic setting, as well as the controlling factors of OM enrichment. Results showed that the M3 mudstones are classified as poor- to fair-quality hydrocarbon source rocks with mature type II-III kerogen, considering their low organic geochemical parameters. Paleosalinity indexes (e.g., Beq, Sr/Ba, and B/Ga) indicated the typical high-saline lacustrine water body, in which redox state was the oxic-dysoxic as suggested by multiple indicators. Many paleoclimate and weathering proxies suggest a dominant semiarid condition and low weathering degree in the Yecheng-Hetian Sag, which led to that weathered felsic rocks from the West Kunlun Orogen to the southwest of basin were quickly transported into the lake basin. Detrital materials carrying nutrient elements finally promoted the development of relatively high paleoproductivity indicated by fairly high P/Ti and Ba/Al ratios. The negative relationship between P/Ti and total organic carbon (TOC) indicates that paleoproductivity was not the main controlling factor. The correlations among TOC and P/Ti and other multiple proxies suggest that the OM enrichment can be interpreted as both the “preservation model” and “dilution model.” Although the water body was relatively oxygen-riched, high sedimentation rate could largely shorten the exposure time of OM with oxygen, thus decreased the decomposition of OM. In particular, the high-saline, stratified lake water may also restrain the degradation of OM. Furthermore, detrital dilution exerted a potential effect on TOC abundances. On the basis of the above results, a developing model was established to decipher the formation mechanism of OM in these M3 mudstones.
Face Alignment Algorithm Based on an Improved Cascaded Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Duan Xun , Wang Yuanshun , Wu Yun
Published: April 2021

Aiming at the problem of a large number of parameters and high time complexity caused by the current deep convolutional neural network models, an improved face alignment algorithm of a cascaded convolutional neural network (CCNN) is proposed from the network structure, random perturbation factor (shake), and data scale. The algorithm steps are as follows: 3 groups of lightweight CNNs are designed; the first group takes facial images with face frame as input, trains 3 CNNs in parallel, and weighted outputs the facial images with 5 facial key points (anchor points). Then, the anchor points and 2 different windows with a shake mechanism are used to crop out 10 partial images of human faces. The networks in the second group train 10 CNNs in parallel and every 2 networks’ weighted average and colocated a key point. Based on the second group of networks, the third group designed a smaller shake mechanism and windows, to achieve more fine-tuning. When training the network, the idea of parallel within groups and serial between groups is adopted. Experiments show that, on the LFPW face dataset, the improved CCNN in this paper is superior to any other algorithm of the same type in positioning speed, algorithm parameter amount, and test error.
Exosomes Secreted from Hypoxia‐Preconditioned Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevent Steroid‐Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head by Promoting Angiogenesis in Rats
Authors: Yuan Na , Ge Zhaogang , Ji Wenchen , Li Jia
Published: April 2021

Recent studies have suggested that exosomes exert similar therapeutic effects to those of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine and MSCs‐derived exosomes exhibit therapeutic effects on steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Furthermore, reparative functions of exosomes from MSCs are enhanced by hypoxia treatment of the cells. However, there are no related reports about whether exosomes derived from hypoxia‐preconditioned MSCs could show better therapeutic effects on steroid‐induced ONFH. In vitro, we investigated the effects of hypoxia precondition on exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) from rats and the proangiogenic ability of exosomes derived from hypoxia‐preconditioned BMMSCs. In vivo, we investigated the role of exosomes from hypoxia‐preconditioned BMMSCs on angiogenesis and protecting osteonecrosis in a rat ONFH model. We found that the potential of the proangiogenic ability of exosomes derived from hypoxia‐preconditioned BMMSCs was higher than exosomes derived from BMMSCs cultured under normoxia. Exosomes derived from hypoxia‐preconditioned BMMSCs significantly promoted proliferation, migration, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) compared with exosomes derived from BMMSCs cultured under normoxia. Administration of exosomes derived from hypoxia‐preconditioned BMMSCs significantly prevented bone loss and increased vessel volume in the femoral head compared with exosomes derived from BMMSCs cultured under normoxia. Taken together, our data suggest that exosomes derived from hypoxia‐preconditioned BMMSCs exert better therapeutic effects on steroid‐induced ONFH by promoting angiogenesis and preventing bone loss.
Linear and Volumetric Analysis of Maxillary Sinus Pneumatization in a Sri Lankan Population Using Cone Beam Computer Tomography
Authors: Hettiarachchi Pilana Vithanage Kalani Shihanika , Gunathilake Pulihinga Mudiyanselage Prabhath Chaminda , Jayasinghe Rasika Manori , Fonseka Manil Christopher , Bandara Ranasinghe Mudiyanselage Wikum Roshan , Nanayakkara Chinthani Deepthi , Jayasinghe Ruwan Duminda
Published: April 2021

Objective. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the linear and volumetric measurements of the maxillary sinus in relation to sex and side on cone beam computer tomographic (CBCT) images in a Sri Lankan population. Methods. A total of 20 sets of CBCT images selected from the database at the Division of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, were evaluated. Linear measurements were obtained in a craniocaudal (height), anteroposterior (length), and mediolateral (width) dimensions. Volume was computed by using the same data using a computerized 3D modeling software developed for 3D measurements and calculations. Results. The maximum mean craniocaudal dimension was at the level of the 1st and the 2nd molar tooth bilaterally. The largest average craniocaudal, mediolateral, and anteroposterior extensions of the maxillary sinus using CBCT were 31.71 ± 5.44 mm, 21.28 ± 5.09 mm, and 32.92 ± 4.31 mm, respectively. The differences between the sides and sex showed no statistical significance (P > 0.05), except for the maximum average value in craniocaudal dimension which showed a statistically significant difference in relation to gender (P = 0.02). Conclusion. There is no significant difference in the largest average craniocaudal, mediolateral, and anteroposterior extensions of the maxillary sinus when gender and side were compared. However, the maximum average value in craniocaudal dimension had a statistically significant difference in relation to gender. This study provides valuable knowledge of the anatomical dimensions of the maxillary sinus which may help clinicians in treatment planning.
Comparative Quality Evaluation of Selected Brands of Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Marketed in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Osei-Asare Christina , Oppong Esther Eshun , Owusu Frederick William Akuffo , Apenteng John Antwi , Alatu Yvonne Ochesinda , Sarpong Robert
Published: April 2021

The ever-growing commercialization of poor-quality and substandard medicines, especially anti-infectives characterized by inadequate postmarket surveillance by stakeholders remains a major global health challenge, particularly in developing countries, where antibiotic drug resistance and its repercussions on human health remain dominant. This research sought to evaluate the pharmaceutical quality of six randomly selected brands of cefuroxime axetil tablets (250 mg) marketed in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The selected brands were coded and subjected to both compendial and noncompendial tests. Statistical analysis and model-independent parameter (similarity factor, f2) were employed in analyzing the dissolution profiles of all the brands. All brands including the reference brand conformed to the pharmacopeial specifications for both compendial and noncompendial tests, indicating that they were of good quality. However, there were significant variations (

p
<
0.05

) in the disintegration time amongst the various brands. All the brands had ƒ2 values > 50 indicating similarity of their drug release profiles with the innovator. Hence, all the sampled cefuroxime axetil brands can be considered as pharmaceutical equivalents to the innovator drug. These brands can, therefore, be used as a substitute for the innovator drug by physicians to patients in cases of unaffordability or unavailability of the innovator brand.
Thermal Disparity among Fingers and Its Amelioration by CO2-Water Bathing in Connective Tissue Disease Patients
Authors: Inokuma Shigeko , Kijima Yasuo
Published: April 2021

Objective. Correlation between a low finger temperature and thermal disparity among fingers was studied in connective tissue disease (CTD) patients. Whether the thermal disparity may be ameliorated by hand immersion in a warm carbon dioxide- (CO2-) water bath was analyzed. Methods. CTD patients with suspected peripheral circulation disorder underwent a thermography test. From before to 30 min after hand immersion in CO2-water (CO2 bathing; 1000 ppm CO2, 42°C, 10 min), the nailfold temperatures were measured. The mean temperature (m-Temp) and the coefficient of variation of the temperature (

CV
=
SD
/
m
‐
Temp

of one hand; the mean of CVs of both hands was adopted as the indicator of thermal disparity) were monitored. The correlation between m-Temp and CV was also analyzed. Results. Forty-seven (45 females and 2 males) patients were included, 32 of whom had Raynaud’s phenomenon. The m-Temp was

30.8
±

3.0

°

C

at the baseline, increased to

35.3
±

1.0

°

C

immediately after CO2 bathing, and remained significantly higher than that at the baseline until 30 min after (

32.1
±

1.9

°

C

). The CV was

0.0291
±
0.0247

at the baseline, decreased to

0.0135
±
0.0039

immediately after CO2 bathing, and remained significantly lower than the baseline until 30 min after (

0.0163
±
0.0143

). Between m-Temp and CV, a negative correlation was observed throughout the measurements. Conclusion. Thermal disparity was observed at baseline measurement in CTD patients. Warm CO2 bathing markedly ameliorated the disparity, and this amelioration remained until after 30 min. Throughout the observation, the lower the m-Temp, the more severe the thermal disparity among fingers.
Effect of Yishenjiangyafang on Plasma Metabolomics in Senile Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yu Jie , Liu Yingying , Guo Weixing , Li Yunlun
Published: April 2021

Objectives. Yishenjiangyafang is a traditional Chinese medicine used to clinically treat hypertension. This study aimed to explore the effect of yishenjiangyafang on plasma metabolomics in senile spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods. Twelve 50-week-old SHR (6 males and 6 females) were randomly divided into two groups: a treatment group, in which rats were intragastrically administered with yishenjiangyafang (10.08 g kg−1·d−1), and a model group, in which all SHRs were administered the same volume of saline. Six age- and gender-matched Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as the control group. Treatment was given for 6 days per week and lasted for 8 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the rats were measured with the noninvasive tail artery pressure measurement system. An ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadruple electrostatic field orbit (UPLC-Q-Exactive) was used to determine metabolite changes in the plasma of SHR rats before and after yishenjiangyafang treatment in the treatment group as well as in the model and control groups. Results. After yishenjiangyafang treatment, SHRs had significant lower blood pressure. Using UPLC-Q-Exactive, we identified 26 metabolic targets of yishenjiangyafang in aged SHRs and revealed that yishenjiangyafang targeted four major metabolic pathways, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Conclusion. Yishenjiangyafang decreases the blood pressure of SHRs at least in part through targeting of four major metabolic pathways. Our study illustrates mechanisms underlying the clinical application of yishenjiangyafang in the treatment of hypertensive patients.
Phase I Trial of N-803, an IL15 Receptor Agonist, with Rituximab in Patients with Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Foltz Jennifer A. , Hess Brian T. , Bachanova Veronika , Bartlett Nancy L. , Berrien-Elliott Melissa M. , McClain Ethan , Becker-Hapak Michelle , Foster Mark , Schappe Timothy , Kahl Brad , Mehta-Shah Neha , Cashen Amanda F. , Marin Nancy D. , McDaniels Kristen , Moreno Chaz , Mosior Matthew , Gao Feng , Griffith Obi L. , Griffith Malachi , Wagner Julia A. , Epperla Narendranath , Rock Amy D. , Lee John , Petti Allegra A. , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Fehniger Todd A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

N-803 is an IL15 receptor superagonist complex, designed to optimize in vivo persistence and trans-presentation, thereby activating and expanding natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) direct Fc receptor–bearing immune cells, including NK cells, to recognize and eliminate cancer targets. The ability of IL15R agonists to enhance tumor-targeting mAbs in patients has not been reported previously.

Patients and Methods:

Relapsed/refractory patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma were treated with rituximab and intravenous or subcutaneous N-803 on an open-label, dose-escalation phase I study using a 3+3 design (NCT02384954). Primary endpoint was maximum tolerated dose. Immune correlates were performed using multidimensional analysis via mass cytometry and cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) which simultaneously measures protein and single-cell RNA expression.

Results:

This immunotherapy combination was safe and well tolerated and resulted in durable clinical responses including in rituximab-refractory patients. Subcutaneous N-803 plus rituximab induced sustained proliferation, expansion, and activation of peripheral blood NK cells and CD8 T cells, with increased NK cell and T cells present 8 weeks following last N-803 treatment. CITE-seq revealed a therapy-altered NK cell molecular program, including enhancement of AP-1 transcription factor. Furthermore, the monocyte transcriptional program was remodeled with enhanced MHC expression and antigen-presentation genes.

Conclusions:

N-803 combines with mAbs to enhance tumor targeting in patients, and warrants further investigation in combination with immunotherapies.
Two Novel Cases of Autosomal Translocations in the Horse: Warmblood Family Segregating t(4;30) and a Cloned Arabian with a de novo t(12;25)
Authors: Ghosh Sharmila , Carden Candice F. , Juras Rytis , Mendoza Mayra N. , Jevit Matthew J. , Castaneda Caitlin , Phelps Olivia , Dube Jessie , Kelley Dale E. , Varner Dickson D. , Love Charley C. , Raudsepp Terje
Published: April 2021

We report 2 novel autosomal translocations in the horse. In Case 1, a breeding stallion with a balanced t(4p;30) had produced normal foals and those with congenital abnormalities. Of his 9 phenotypically normal offspring, 4 had normal karyotypes, 4 had balanced t(4p;30), and 1 carried an unbalanced translocation with tertiary trisomy of 4p. We argue that unbalanced forms of t(4p;30) are more tolerated and result in viable congenital abnormalities, without causing embryonic death like all other known equine autosomal translocations. In Case 2, two stallions produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer from the same donor were karyotyped because of fertility issues. A balanced translocation t(12q;25) was found in one, but not in the other clone. The findings underscore the importance of routine cytogenetic screening of breeding animals and animals produced by assisted reproductive technologies. These cases will contribute to molecular studies of translocation breakpoints and their genetic consequences in the horse.
One-Year Follow-Up in Children with Conductive Hearing Loss Using ADHEAR
Authors: Zernotti Mario E. , Alvarado Elvira , Zernotti Maximo , Claveria Natalia , Di Gregorio Maria F.
Published: April 2021

Background: The ADHEAR™ system (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) is a nonsurgical bone conduction device (BCD) to treat conductive hearing loss (CHL) and single-sided deafness. In contrast to the nonsurgical alternatives on headbands or spectacle frames, the audio processor of ADHEAR is placed retroauricularly on an adhesive adapter. The published evidence on the performance of this system is limited to studies with a trial period of 2–8 weeks. Objective: This study assesses audiological and subjective outcomes over a period of 12 months, on patients with congenital aural atresia (CAA) using the ADHEAR hearing system. Method: Fifteen children (mean age: 9.4 ± 4 years; range: 5–16 years) diagnosed with CAA (7 uni/8 bilateral) were included in this prospective, observational, repeated-measures study. Each subject used ADHEAR for 1 year, and the performance was evaluated after 1, 6, and 12 months. Free-field audiometry and speech discrimination tests were performed, and hearing-, general health- and device-specific questionnaires were used. Results: The unaided sound field threshold improved from an average PTA4 of 63.6 ± 3.4 dB HL to an aided average PTA4 of 29.3 ± 3.0 dB HL after 1 month of device use. The word recognition score (WRS) improved from an average of 27.9 ± 15.9% unaided to an aided average WRS of 91.3 ± 4.4% (p = 0.0003) after 1 month, 92.0 ± 4.1% (p = 0.0002) after 6 months, and 92.7 ± 5.3% (p < 0.0001) after 12 months using the ADHEAR system compared to the unaided condition for all 3 time points. The improvements in the speech in noise at 1, 6, and 12 months were as well consistent over time. The average improvement at the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of +5 dB was 58% and 53% at the SNR of +0 dB. No complications were reported, and all patients continued to use the ADHEAR after the study end. The questionnaire results revealed high user satisfaction and an average wearing time of 12 h per day. Conclusion: This 12-month trial of the nonsurgical adhesive BCD in CAA patients showed sufficient and reliable audiological and subjective outcomes, long wearing time, and high acceptance. The ADHEAR can be considered a suitable option to treat children with CAA for the given indication, without the drawbacks of nonsurgical devices that use pressure for retention of the audio processor or the costs and possible complications involved with a surgical alternative.
Olfactory Dysfunction and Cognition in Radiologically Isolated Syndrome and Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Arici Duz Ozge , Saatci Ozlem , Karakulak Ece Zeynep , Birday Erkingul , Hanoglu Lutfu
Published: April 2021

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, demyelinating disease that causes cognitive, olfactory, and other neurological dysfunctions. Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS), in which only radiological findings are monitored, is accepted as the preclinical stage of demyelinating disease and is considered an important period for disease pathology. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the olfactory and cognitive functions and their clinical correlation in RIS and Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) patients and a healthy control group. Methods: Our study included 10 RRMS patients, 10 RIS patients, and 10 healthy controls. We conducted an olfactor evaluation via the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test. The subjects underwent a neuropsychometric test battery to evaluate cognitive functions, including memory, visuospatial, and executive functions. Depression was evaluated using the Beck depression scale. Fatigue and daily life activity were evaluated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), respectively. Disability assessment was done with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results: RRMS and RIS patients’ olfactory test scores were significantly different from those in the control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the odor threshold scores of patients in the RRMS and RIS groups. There was a significant correlation between memory-oriented cognitive tests and olfactory tests in the RRMS and RIS groups. Conclusion: Olfactory dysfunction can be seen in RIS patients, like in RRMS patients. Cognitive and olfactory dysfunction may be together a sign of degeneration in demyelinating diseases.
Antiplatelet Therapy after Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Subsequent Clinical Events: A 12-Year South Korean Cohort Study
Authors: Moon Jong Youn , Lee Jung-Gon , Kim Jae Hyun
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Antiplatelet agents are usually discontinued to reduce hemorrhagic tendency during the acute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, their use after ICH remains controversial. Methods: This study investigated the effect of antiplatelet agents in ICH survivors. We used the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort 2002–2013 database for retrospective cohort modeling, estimating the effects of antiplatelet therapy on clinical events. Subgroup analyses assessed antiplatelet medication administered before ICH. Results: The prescription rate of antiplatelets after ICH was also examined. Of 1,007 ICH-surviving patients, 303 subsequent clinical events were recorded, 41 recurrences of nonfatal ICH recurrence, 26 incidents of nonfatal ischemic stroke, 6 nonfatal myocardial infarctions, and 230 incidents of all-cause mortality. The use of antiplatelet therapy significantly decreased the risk of primary outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 0.743, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.578–0.956) and all-cause mortality (AHR = 0.740, 95% CI = 0.552–0.991), especially in patients without a history of antiplatelet treatment. The use of antiplatelet medication after ICH did not significantly increase the recurrence of ICH. The prescription rate of antiplatelet therapy within 1 year was 16.6%. Among 220 patients with a history of using antiplatelet medication, the resumption rate was 0.5% at discharge, 5% after a month, 12.7% after 3 months, and 29.1% after a year. Conclusion: Using antiplatelet treatment after ICH does not increase chances of recurrence, but lowers the occurrence of subsequent clinical events, especially mortality. However, the prescription and resumption rate of antiplatelet therapy after ICH remains low in South Korea.
Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1: A Potential Biomarker in the Progression of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Qiu-ying , Sun Ya-nan , Wang Jing-ting , Liu Ming
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is diverse in its natural history and responsiveness to treatments. There is an urgent need to generate candidate biomarkers for the stratification and individualization of treatment to avoid overtreatment or inadequate treatment. Long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been identified as an oncogenic gene in multiple human tumors entitles, and dysregulation of NEAT1 was tightly linked to carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Methods: One hundred two paraffin samples of LSCC patients were collected. Furthermore, in situ hybridization (ISH), Kaplan-Meier, and MTT were used to analyze the relationship between NEAT1 and the progress of LSCC. Results: In this study, ISH revealed that NEAT1 was strongly expressed in the nucleus. The increased expression of NEAT1 was correlated with T grade, neck nodal metastasis, clinical stage, drinking history, or smoking history of LSCC. The Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with higher NEAT1 expression had a worse overall survival in LSCC patients. In addition, NEAT1 knockdown significantly inhibited the growth of LSCC cells. Conclusion: Together, these results suggested that NEAT1 involved in the progress of LSCC and might act as a tumor oncogenic gene. This study provides a potential new marker and target for gene therapy in the treatment of LSCC.
The Value of the Oral Medicine Specialty in the Modern Healthcare Systems
Authors: Bindakhil Mohammed , Charmelo-Silva Scarlet , Bin Dakhil Alhanouf A. , ALOmair Ibrahim A.
Published: April 2021

Background: Oral medicine is a subdiscipline of dentistry that concerns itself with the oral health of patients; it focuses on providing diagnosis and management of oral and maxillofacial diseases, as well as direct dental care for those in medically complex situations. As primary healthcare providers, physicians and dentists are often the first to evaluate patients with orofacial symptoms and make diagnoses related to oral health, whether explicit or manifested through systemic diseases. However, a lack of familiarity with oral medicine among healthcare providers often leads to significant delays in the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of many oral and maxillofacial disorders. It has been well established that a lack of training and education in oral health among physicians is an impediment to alleviating the situation. Summary: Several studies and scientific reports in the medical community have shown a greater professional interest in oral health and medicine, with numerous recent articles reflecting a clear rise in multiple factors: an increased interest in additional training and a rise in oral diseases. This review focuses on the need for a multidisciplinary approach in modern healthcare systems that implements the oral medicine specialty. It also serves to emphasize the role of oral medicine in medical training and education, while simultaneously discussing the prevalence of oral diseases and awareness of oral health among physicians in Saudi Arabia. Key Messages: The prevalence of oral health conditions in Saudi Arabia appears to be high yet is accompanied by a scarcity of oral medicine specialists in this part of the world. Furthermore, numerous studies have revealed that physicians from different specialties in Saudi Arabia lack training in oral health and possess an insufficient awareness of the oral medicine specialty. This paucity of oral medicine specialists in Saudi Arabia presents a key issue as the clinical services and medical education provided by such specialists in healthcare systems can have a profound positive impact on each patient’s quality of life and health outcomes, as well as the standards of physicians’ training.
Factual power loss lessening by synthetic supportive exploration algorithm
Authors: Lenin Kanagasabai
Published: April 2021

In this work an innovative synthetic supportive exploration (SSE) algorithm is utilized for solving optimal reactive power problem. Projected algorithm is based on communication between two simulated fabulous creatures as both of them intermingle and voyage to altered zones to find comprehensive minimum. In a definite zone according to the climate altering conditions amount of food can be found will be varied. Due to this reason, fabulous creatures develop seasonal exodus deeds to find out improved food sources. Earlier to exodus fabulous creatures will divide into subgroups in order to find an improved food source. Coordination of sub-groups will determine the performance of the search. Communication and exploration are the two key deeds of the fabulous creatures. Also, the two fabulous creatures make a decision on the marauder and prey by the sub fabulous creature. Proposed synthetic supportive exploration (SSE) algorithm has been tested in IEEE 14 and 300 bus systems. Real power loss power loss reduction achieved.
Analysis of a gas station hybridization with a solar thermal plant by using ETAP
Authors: Abass Ahmed Zkear
Published: April 2021

Iraq is facing deficiency of electric power for last decades. The main reason for deficiency of electric power is due to less respect of analytical load flow studies of electric supply substation. To stop and overcome such situation in future, researchers should be analyzing different power substation focusing on load flow studies, short circuit studies and protection schemes. Due to lack of research and studies on load flow and fault analysis, Iraq is facing a lot of issues, such as power failures and high copper losses, solving of these problems on substation level, demand a high familiarity about the power system. In this paper we analyses combined typical gas station with solar thermal power station and survey load flow, short circuit, transient stability, and voltage drop before and after combined station by using electrical transient analyzer program (ETAP). Now a day’s power supply reliability and goodness are big interest. analyses of power system are a main part in power system designing and planning, in order to accommodate future loads and the expansion of cities.
Exact solution of unsteady MHD free convective flow with constant heat flux: revisited
Authors: Jha Basant K. , Azeez Luqman A. , Oni Michael O
Published: April 2021

A solution of unstable MHD free convective flow of an incompressible, viscous and electrically steering fluid created by spontaneous motion of vertical plate subjected to constant heat fluctuation offered by Sacheti et al. has been revisited. The governing equations are deciphered with the aid of Laplace transform procedure, while the inversion is gotten through the Riemann sum approximation approach. Fluid velocity are varied with sundry parameters such as, Prandtl number, Grashof number and Hartmann number have been extensively explicated with the help of graphs. Numerical comparison is carried out and equated with the benchmark values reported in literature and an outstanding agreement is established. This article targeted at amending some discrepancies in the skin-friction offered by Sacheti et al. The benefit of the suggested technique could be a reduction of computation time.
Avaliação ambiental do sistema construtivo de alvenaria de blocos de solo-cimento considerando diferentes especificações de projeto
Authors: Rosse Caldas Lucas , Toledo Filho Romildo Dias
Published: April 2021

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar os potenciais impactos ambientais no ciclo de vida de diferentes especificações de projeto do sistema de alvenaria estrutural de blocos de solo-cimento. As alternativas avaliadas foram comparadas com a alvenaria estrutural de blocos cerâmicos e de concreto. Foi utilizada a metodologia de Avaliação do Ciclo de Vida (ACV). Foram comparados diferentes tipos de processo de produção de blocos de solo-cimento, considerando um processo manual e outro mecanizado. Foram também comparados dois tipos de cimento, CP-II-E-40 e CP-V-ARI e diferentes tipos de revestimento utilizados em uma parede de blocos de solo-cimento. A alternativa de alvenaria com blocos de solo-cimento com processo manual e com cimento CP-II-E-40 foi a mais vantajosa. As alternativas de alvenaria de blocos de solo-cimento apresentaram menores impactos ambientais que a alvenaria estrutural de blocos cerâmicos e de concreto para a maioria dos casos avaliados principalmente quando o revestimento de resina acrílica é considerado, com diferenças de até 77% para a categoria de Potencial de Aquecimento Global. A pesquisa contribui por mostrar, de forma quantitativa, o desempenho ambiental de diferentes alternativas do sistema de alvenaria de blocos de solo-cimento, para o contexto brasileiro. Os resultados apresentados, especialmente as diretrizes ambientais de projeto, podem auxiliar projetistas e construtores desse sistema construtivo