bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterodimeric IL-15 delays tumor growth and promotes intratumoral CTL and dendritic cell accumulation by a cytokine network involving XCL1, IFN-γ, CXCL9 and CXCL10
Authors: Bergamaschi Cristina , Pandit Hrishikesh , Nagy Bethany A , Stellas Dimitris , Jensen Shawn M , Bear Jenifer , Cam Maggie , Valentin Antonio , Fox Bernard A , Felber Barbara K , Pavlakis George N
Published: May 2020

Background

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes growth and activation of cytotoxic CD8+T and natural killer (NK) cells. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and IL-15 receptor alpha chains (hetIL-15). Several preclinical models support the antitumor activity of hetIL-15 promoting its application in clinical trials.

Methods

The antitumor activity of hetIL-15 produced from mammalian cells was tested in mouse tumor models (MC38 colon carcinoma and TC-1 epithelial carcinoma). The functional diversity of the immune infiltrate and the cytokine/chemokine network within the tumor was evaluated by flow cytometry, multicolor immunohistochemistry (IHC), gene expression profiling by Nanostring Technologies, and protein analysis by electrochemiluminescence and ELISA assays.

Results

hetIL-15 treatment resulted in delayed primary tumor growth. Increased NK and CD8+T cell tumoral infiltration with an increased CD8+/Treg ratio were found by flow cytometry and IHC in hetIL-15 treated animals. Intratumoral NK and CD8+T cells showed activation features with enhanced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, proliferation (Ki67+), cytotoxic potential (Granzyme B+) and expression of the survival factor Bcl-2. Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses revealed complex effects on the tumor microenvironment triggered by hetIL-15 therapy, including increased levels of IFN-γ and XCL1 with intratumoral accumulation of XCR1+IRF8+CD103+conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1). Concomitantly, the production of the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 by tumor-localized myeloid cells, including cDC1, was boosted by hetIL-15 in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. An increased frequency of circulating CXCR3+NK and CD8+T cells was found, suggesting their ability to migrate toward the tumors following the CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokine gradient.

Conclusions

Our results show that hetIL-15 administration enhances T cell entry into tumors, increasing the success rate of immunotherapy interventions. Our study further supports the incorporation of hetIL-15 in tumor immunotherapy approaches to promote the development of antitumor responses by favoring effector over regulatory cells and by promoting lymphocyte and DC localization into tumors through the modification of the tumor chemokine and cytokine milieu.
Tumor ablation plus co-administration of CpG and saponin adjuvants affects IL-1 production and multifunctional T cell numbers in tumor draining lymph nodes
Authors: Raaijmakers Tonke K , van den Bijgaart Renske J E , den Brok Martijn H , Wassink Melissa , de Graaf Annemarie , Wagenaars Jori A , Nierkens Stefan , Ansems Marleen , Scheffer Gert Jan , Adema Gosse J
Published: May 2020

Background

Tumor ablation techniques, like cryoablation, are successfully used in the clinic to treat tumors. The tumor debris remaining in situ after ablation is a major antigen depot, including neoantigens, which are presented by dendritic cells (DCs) in the draining lymph nodes to induce tumor-specific CD8+T cells. We have previously shown that co-administration of adjuvants is essential to evoke strong in vivo antitumor immunity and the induction of long-term memory. However, which adjuvants most effectively combine with in situ tumor ablation remains unclear.

Methods and results

Here, we show that simultaneous administration of cytidyl guanosyl (CpG) with saponin-based adjuvants following cryoablation affects multifunctional T-cell numbers and interleukin (IL)-1 induced polymorphonuclear neutrophil recruitment in the tumor draining lymph nodes, relative to either adjuvant alone. The combination of CpG and saponin-based adjuvants induces potent DC maturation (mainly CpG-mediated), antigen cross-presentation (mainly saponin-based adjuvant mediated), while excretion of IL-1β by DCs in vitro depends on the presence of both adjuvants. Most strikingly, CpG/saponin-based adjuvant exposed DCs potentiate antigen-specific T-cell proliferation resulting in multipotent T cells with increased capacity to produce interferon (IFN)γ, IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α in vitro. Also in vivo the CpG/saponin-based adjuvant combination plus cryoablation increased the numbers of tumor-specific CD8+T cells showing enhanced IFNγ production as compared with single adjuvant treatments.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data indicate that co-injection of CpG with saponin-based adjuvants after cryoablation induces an increased amount of tumor-specific multifunctional T cells. The combination of saponin-based adjuvants with toll-like receptor 9 adjuvant CpG in a cryoablative setting therefore represents a promising in situ vaccination strategy.
Interaction of localized waves and dynamic behavior in a (3 + 1)-dimensional partial differential equation
Authors: Ren Bo , Lin Ji , Yu Jun
Published: May 2020

A general third order of linear partial differential equation in [Formula: see text] dimensions is studied by using the ansätz method. The lump solutions which localize in all directions in the whole [Formula: see text]-space are derived by the ansätz method. Diversity interactions including interacted lumps with periodic waves, interaction between lumps and multi-soliton, and interaction among lumps, multi-soliton and periodic waves are obtained by selecting the arbitrary functions. The phenomena of interaction between a lump and one-kink soliton, interaction between a lump and periodic waves, and interaction among a lump, one-kink soliton and periodic waves are analyzed by the three-dimensional plots and contour plots. The results may enrich the existing lump solutions in the [Formula: see text]-dimensional partial differential equations.
A broadband metamaterial absorber based on multilayer-stacked structure
Authors: Lu Xiaojie , Xiao Zhongyin , Chen Mingming
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a broadband metamaterial absorber (MA) based on multilayer structure is proposed in the terahertz region. Different from the general multilayer structure, the structure we designed superimposes with different resonators in the “horizontal direction” of the bottom metal plate. The unit of the absorber is composed of several different size metal and dielectric layers which are placed vertically on a metal plate. The numerical results show that the MA has a broadband absorption from 5 THz to 7.75 THz, with the absorption rate larger than 80%. A calculation formula is first given to calculate the absorption frequency, and we compare the simulation results with the calculation results to verify the accuracy of the formula. What is more, the physical mechanism of the perfect absorption can be studied based on the distribution of E-field in the absorber, the standing wave theory, the distribution of energy density and the equivalent impedance theory.
Abundant solutions of an extended KPII equation combined with a new fourth-order term
Authors: Zhang Liqin , Ma Wen Xiu , Huang Yehui
Published: May 2020

An extension of the KPII equation is studied. Adding a new fourth-order derivative term and some second-order derivative terms, we formulate an extended KPII equation. Different types of solutions of the extended equation are obtained by the Hirota bilinear method, and the presented solutions include soliton solutions, lump solutions and interaction solutions. Their dynamical behaviors are analyzed through plots.
Thermodynamic efficiency of mesoscopic thermoelectric generators with broken time-reversal symmetry: Insights from an ecological optimization
Authors: Liu Wei , Bai Long , Wang Yuehua
Published: May 2020

We study the performance optimization for mesoscopic thermoelectric generators (MTGs) with broken time-reversal symmetry by using an ecological criterion, and some specific properties of the thermoelectric system are further revealed. We discuss the working regimes of time-reversal symmetric mesoscopic (macroscopic) thermoelectric generators, and find that a larger thermodynamic efficiency can be obtained only when the Wiedemann–Franz (WF) law is strongly violated. Furthermore, a definite dependence of the optimal bound efficiency (power) on the asymmetry parameter and the generalized thermoelectric figure of merit is analytically determined, and it is found that the usual value [Formula: see text] can be readily overcome. A larger efficiency can be obtained with the further enhancement of broken time-reversal symmetry, although the power output does not synchronize with efficiency. Interestingly, both the increase of the number [Formula: see text] of terminals and the external magnetic field open up the possibility to physically enhance the performance of thermoelectric generators, and the underlying physical origin of the improved energy conversion is also provided. The obtained results can contribute to a profound insight of thermodynamic performance for MTGs.
Communication—The Mechanism of Hydrogen Permeation Resistance of Ni Coating Enhanced by the Incorporation of Graphene
Authors: Zhou Pengwei , Yan Zhiyi , Wu Yanni , Li Wei , Jin Xuejun
Published: May 2020

As suggested in our previous study, graphene containing Ni-based coating possessed a lower diffusion coefficient of hydrogen that pure Ni did. In this study, Pure Ni and Ni-graphene coatings were prepared in the Watts’ bath by electrodeposition, moreover, the enhancing mechanism of graphene on hydrogen permeation resistance of Ni coating was discussed for the first time. By means of various characterization techniques such as EBSD, SEM and TEM, it was revealed that both the refinement of grain size and the increase of special grain boundaries (GBs) fraction played the main roles due to the introduction of graphene into Ni deposits.
Sugar uptake, metabolism, and chloride secretion in the rectal gland of the spiny dogfishSqualus acanthias
Authors: Kinne Rolf , Spokes Katherine C. , Silva Patricio
Published: May 2020

The rectal gland of the spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias secretes a salt solution isosmotic with plasma that maintains the salt homeostasis of the fish. It secretes salt against an electrochemical gradient that requires the expenditure of energy. Isolated rectal glands perfused without glucose secrete salt, albeit at a rate about 30% of glands perfused with 5 mM glucose. Gradually reducing the glucose concentration is associated with a progressive decrease in the secretion of chloride. The apparent Kmfor the exogenous glucose-dependent chloride secretion is around 2 mM. Phloretin and cytochalasin B, agents that inhibit facilitated glucose carriers of the solute carrier 2 (Slc2) family such as glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), do not inhibit the secretion of chloride by the perfused rectal glands. Phloridzin, which inhibits Slc5 family of glucose symporters, or α-methyl-d-glucoside, which competitively inhibits the uptake of glucose through Slc5 symporters, inhibit the secretion of chloride. Thus the movement of glucose into the rectal gland cells appears to be mediated by a sodium-glucose symporter. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), the first member of the Slc5 family of sodium-linked glucose symporters, was cloned from the rectal gland. No evidence of GLUT2 was found. The persistence of secretion of chloride in the absence of glucose in the perfusate suggests that there is an additional source of energy within the cells. The use of 2-mercapto-acetate did not result in any change in the secretion of chloride, suggesting that the oxidation of fatty acids is not the source of energy for the secretion of chloride. Perfusion of isolated glands with KCN in the absence of glucose further reduces the secretion of chloride but does not abolish it, again suggesting that there is another source of energy within the cells. Glucose was measured in the rectal gland cells and found to be at concentrations in the range of that in the perfusate. Glycogen measurements indicated that there are significant stores of glucose in the rectal gland. Moreover, glycogen synthase was partially cloned from rectal gland cells. The open reading frame of glycogen phosphorylase was also cloned from rectal gland cells. Measurements of glycogen phosphorylase showed that the enzyme is mostly in its active form in the cells. The cells of the rectal gland of the spiny dogfish require exogenous glucose to fully support the active secretion of salt. They have the means to transport glucose into the cells in the form of SGLT1. The cells also have an endogenous supply of glucose as glycogen and have the necessary elements to synthesize, store, and hydrolyze it.
Prognostic Value of Concurrent Expression of C‐MYC and BCL2 in Intravascular Large B‐Cell Lymphoma: A 10‐Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Boonsakan Paisarn , Iamsumang Wimolsiri , Chantrathammachart Pichika , Chayavichitsilp Pamela , Suchonwanit Poonkiat , Rutnin Suthinee
Published: May 2020

Background. Intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a variant of extranodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), characterized by the presence of a B‐lymphoma cell in the lumina of small blood vessels or capillaries. Due to its extremely variable clinical manifestations, IVLBCL typically results in a delayed diagnosis and poor disease prognosis. Skin biopsy, particularly random skin biopsy, has shown a potential role in the diagnosis of IVLBCL. However, information of clinicopathological features in patients with IVLBCL diagnosed by skin biopsy is limited. Objectives. To study the clinicopathological features in relation to immunohistochemical features and to identify prognostic factors in IVLBCL patients diagnosed by skin biopsy. Materials and Methods. Clinical characteristics; laboratory, histological, and immunohistochemical findings; and therapeutic response of all biopsy‐confirmed IVLBCL patients during the years 2008‐2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Results. The mean age was 67.4 (±9.8) years. Fever was the most common presenting symptom, accounting for 64.7%. Cutaneous and bone marrow involvement was found in 23.5% and 35.3% of patients, respectively. Patients receiving R‐CHOP showed more favorable therapeutic outcome. C‐MYC/BCL2 double expressors showed significantly higher incidence rate to mortality compared with nondouble expressors (p = 0.042). One‐year and two‐year overall survival rates were 67.2% and 53.8%, respectively. Conclusions. Skin biopsy is an effective diagnostic method for IVLBCL. Concurrent expression of C‐MYC and BCL2 may be a useful prognostic indicator and should be performed in order to predict the prognosis in IVLBCL patients.
Role of Colchicine Treatment in Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS): Real-Life Data from the AIDA Network
Authors: Vitale Antonio , Sota Jurgen , Obici Laura , Ricco Nicola , Maggio Maria Cristina , Cattalini Marco , Ruscitti Piero , Caso Francesco , Manna Raffaele , Viapiana Ombretta , Caggiano Valeria , Emmi Giacomo , Insalaco Antonella , Montin Davide , Licciardi Francesco , Soriano Alessandra , Dagna Lorenzo , Salvarani Carlo , Lamacchia Vittoria , Hernández-Rodríguez José , Giacomelli Roberto , Frediani Bruno , Renieri Alessandra , Cantarini Luca
Published: May 2020

Objective. To analyze the potential role of colchicine monotherapy in patients with tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) in terms of control of clinical and laboratory manifestations. Methods. Patients with TRAPS treated with colchicine monotherapy were retrospectively enrolled; demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected and statistically analysed after having clustered patients according to different times at disease onset, penetrance of mutations, dosage of colchicine, and different disease manifestations. Results. 24 patients (14 males; 15 with pediatric disease onset) treated with colchicine monotherapy were enrolled. Colchicine resulted in a complete response in 3 (12.5%) cases, partial response in 14 (58.3%) patients, and lack of response in 7 (29.2%) patients. There were not significant differences in colchicine response between pediatric and adult disease onset (p=0.42), between low- and high-penetrance mutations (p=0.62), and according to different dosages (p=0.66). No significant differences were identified in the frequency of specific disease manifestations between patients experiencing any response to colchicine and patients with lack of response. Conclusions. Colchicine monotherapy is useful in a low percentage of TRAPS patients; nevertheless, it could be attempted in patients with milder phenotypes and at a lower risk of developing reactive amyloidosis.
Platelet Responses in Cardiovascular Disease: Sex-Related Differences in Nutritional and Pharmacological Interventions
Authors: Gasperi Valeria , Catani M. Valeria , Savini Isabella
Published: May 2020

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent one of the biggest causes of death globally, and their prevalence, aetiology, and outcome are related to genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors, among which sex- and age-dependent differences may play a key role. Among CVD risk factors, platelet hyperactivity deserves particular mention, as it is involved in the pathophysiology of main cardiovascular events (including stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular injury) and is closely related to sex/age differences. Several determinants (e.g., hormonal status and traditional cardiovascular risk factors), together with platelet-related factors (e.g., plasma membrane composition, receptor signaling, and platelet-derived microparticles) can elucidate sex-related disparity in platelet functionality and CVD onset and outcome, especially in relation to efficacy of current primary and secondary interventional strategies. Here, we examined the state of the art concerning sex differences in platelet biology and their relationship with specific cardiovascular events and responses to common antiplatelet therapies. Moreover, as healthy nutrition is widely recognized to play a key role in CVD, we also focused our attention on specific dietary components (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids and flavonoids) and patterns (such as Mediterranean diet), which also emerged to impact platelet functions in a sex-dependent manner. These results highlight that full understanding of gender-related differences will be useful for designing personalized strategies, in order to prevent and/or treat platelet-mediated vascular damage.
Analysis of the Most Viewed First 50 Videos on YouTube about Breast Cancer
Authors: Yurdaisik Isil
Published: May 2020

Objective. Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women worldwide. Today, health consumers search the Internet to gain health information about many diseases including breast cancer. YouTube™ is the second most commonly used website on the Internet. However, the quality and accuracy of health‐related YouTube™ videos are controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the quality and accuracy of breast cancer‐related videos on YouTube™. Material and Methods. “Breast cancer” keyword was entered into YouTube™ search bar, and after excluding advertisement, duplicate, and non‐English videos, the first most viewed 50 videos were analyzed. Videos’ length, the number of views, comments, likes, and dislikes were recorded. DISCERN and JAMA scores and Video Power Index (VPI) values of the videos were calculated. All videos were evaluated by two independent radiologists experienced on breast cancer. The correlation between the two observers was also analyzed. Results. Of all videos, 14% were uploaded by physicians, 26% by health channels, 20% by patients, 10% by news channels, 2% by herbalists, 2% by blog channels, and 2% by nonprofit activism channels. The mean DISCERN score was calculated as 26.70 ± 10.99 and the mean JAMA score as 2.23 ± 0.97. The mean VPI value, which was calculated to determine the popularity of the videos, was found as 94.10 ± 4.48. A strong statistically significant correlation was found between the two observers in terms of both DISCERN and JAMA scores. There was an excellent agreement between the two observers. Conclusion. The overall quality of the viewed videos was found as poor. Healthcare professionals should be encouraged to upload breast cancer‐related videos with accurate information to promote patients for screening and direct them appropriately.
Foliar Spraying with Compound Amino Acid‐Iron Fertilizer Increases Leaf Fresh Weight, Photosynthesis, and Fe‐S Cluster Gene Expression in Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch)
Authors: Sheng Yuting , Cheng Hao , Wang Limin , Shen Jingyuan , Tang Meiling , Liang Meixia , Zhang Kai , Zhang Hongxia , Kong Qun , Yu Mingliang , Song Zhizhong
Published: May 2020

As one of the most important micronutrients, iron (Fe) plays a critical role in various metabolic processes during plant growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms towards Fe metabolism and nutrition in fruit trees are largely unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of amino acid‐Fe compound fertilizer spraying on leaf development in peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) at different developmental stages. Foliar spraying with amino acid‐Fe compound fertilizer did not cause any significant changes in leaf morphology but remarkably increased leaf fresh weights. Fe concentration, photosynthetic parameter, and Fe‐S protein analyses revealed that Fe accumulation, total chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (PN), and stomatal conductance (gs), as well as nitrite reductase (NIR) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities, were significantly higher in the leaves sprayed with amino acid‐Fe compound fertilizer than in the control leaves sprayed with distilled water. Further quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analyses demonstrated that Fe‐S cluster biosynthesis genes were differentially expressed in the leaves at different developmental stages. Foliar spraying with amino acid‐Fe compound fertilizer significantly increased the expression of the most tested Fe‐S cluster biosynthesis genes. Our findings provide new insights into the understanding of effects of Fe fertilization application on leaf development in perennial woody fruit trees.
Reference Values of D‐Dimers and Fibrinogen in the Course of Physiological Pregnancy: the Potential Impact of Selected Risk Factors—A Pilot Study
Authors: Siennicka Aldona , Kłysz Magdalena , Chełstowski Kornel , Tabaczniuk Aleksandra , Marcinowska Zuzanna , Tarnowska Paulina , Kulesza Jolanta , Torbe Andrzej , Jastrzębska Maria
Published: May 2020

Pregnancy predisposes to thrombotic hemostasis, reflected in the laboratory as, e.g., increased levels of D‐Dimers and fibrinogen, but in physiological pregnancy, the risk of venous thrombosis does not increase. Risk may increase if gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or nicotinism coexists. Study aims were to determine reference values ​​for D‐Dimers and fibrinogen concentrations in each trimester of pregnancy, corrected for GDM and nicotinism. Subjects and Methods. The study involved 71 pregnant women aged 25‐44 y. Venous blood was collected three times: in the first (11‐14 weeks), second (20‐22 weeks), and third (30‐31 weeks) trimesters. D‐Dimer concentrations were determined by an enzyme‐linked fluorescence assay, fibrinogen concentrations by a coagulation method according to Clauss. Results. Significant increases in D‐Dimers and fibrinogen concentrations were observed, increasing with successive trimesters (p ANOVA < 0.0001). Furthermore, a positive correlation between D‐Dimers and fibrinogen was detected in the second trimester of pregnancy (r = 0.475; p < 0.0001). In addition, a significantly higher fibrinogen concentration was found in women with GDM compared to without GDM (p = 0.0449). Reference ranges for D‐Dimers were established, in trimester order, as follows: 167‐721 ng/mL, 298‐1653 ng/mL, and 483‐2256 ng/mL. After adjusting for risk factors, significantly higher D‐Dimer values ​​(mainly second and third trimesters) were obtained: 165‐638 ng/mL, 282‐3474 ng/mL, and 483‐4486 ng/mL, respectively. Reference ranges for fibrinogen were, in trimester order, 2.60‐6.56 g/L, 3.40‐8.53 g/L, and 3.63‐9.14 g/L and, after adjustment for risk factors, 3.34‐6.73 g/L, 3.40‐8.84 g/L, and 3.12‐9.91 g/L. Conclusions. We conclude that the increase in D‐Dimers and fibrinogen levels in women with physiological pregnancy was compounded by gestational diabetes (GDM) and nicotinism. Therefore, D‐Dimers and fibrinogen pregnancy reference values require correction for these risk factors.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Inhibits Synovitis via Enhancing the Efferocytosis of Macrophages
Authors: Ouyang Junjie , Zhang Bin , Kuang Liang , Yang Peng , Du Xiaolan , Qi Huabin , Su Nan , Jin Min , Yang Jing , Xie Yangli , Tan Qiaoyan , Chen Hangang , Chen Shuai , Jiang Wanling , Liu Mi , Luo Xiaoqing , He Mei , Ni Zhenhong , Chen Lin
Published: May 2020

Synovitis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of arthritis, which is closely related to the joint swell and pain of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on synovitis and its underlying mechanisms. Destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model and air pouch inflammation model were established to induce synovitis in C57BL/6 mice. The mice were then treated by PEMF (pulse waveform, 1.5 mT, 75 Hz, 10% duty cycle). The synovitis scores as well as the levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α suggested that PEMF reduced the severity of synovitis in vivo. Moreover, the proportion of neutrophils in the synovial‐like layer was decreased, while the proportion of macrophages increased after PEMF treatment. In addition, the phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages (efferocytosis) was enhanced by PEMF. Furthermore, the data from western blot assay showed that the phosphorylation of P38 was inhibited by PEMF. In conclusion, our current data show that PEMF noninvasively exhibits the anti‐inflammatory effect on synovitis via upregulation of the efferocytosis in macrophages, which may be involved in the phosphorylation of P38.
A Simulation Study on the Pacing and Driving of the Biological Pacemaker
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Lei , Wang Yong , Wang Kuanquan
Published: May 2020

The research on the biological pacemaker has been very active in recent years. And turning nonautomatic ventricular cells into pacemaking cells is believed to hold the key to making a biological pacemaker. In the study, the inward‐rectifier K+ current (IK1) is depressed to induce the automaticity of the ventricular myocyte, and then, the effects of the other membrane ion currents on the automaticity are analyzed. It is discovered that the L‐type calcium current (ICaL) plays a major part in the rapid depolarization of the action potential (AP). A small enough ICaL would lead to the failure of the automaticity of the ventricular myocyte. Meanwhile, the background sodium current (IbNa), the background calcium current (IbCa), and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger current (INaCa) contribute significantly to the slow depolarization, indicating that these currents are the main supplementary power of the pacing induced by depressing IK1, while in the 2D simulation, we find that the weak electrical coupling plays a more important role in the driving of a biological pacemaker.
Qualitative Analysis of a Mathematical Model in the Time of COVID‐19
Authors: Shah Kamal , Abdeljawad Thabet , Mahariq Ibrahim , Jarad Fahd
Published: May 2020

In this article, a qualitative analysis of the mathematical model of novel corona virus named COVID‐19 under nonsingular derivative of fractional order is considered. The concerned model is composed of two compartments, namely, healthy and infected. Under the new nonsingular derivative, we, first of all, establish some sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of solution to the model under consideration. Because of the dynamics of the phenomenon when described by a mathematical model, its existence must be guaranteed. Therefore, via using the classical fixed point theory, we establish the required results. Also, we present the results of stability of Ulam’s type by using the tools of nonlinear analysis. For the semianalytical results, we extend the usual Laplace transform coupled with Adomian decomposition method to obtain the approximate solutions for the corresponding compartments of the considered model. Finally, in order to support our study, graphical interpretations are provided to illustrate the results by using some numerical values for the corresponding parameters of the model.
Factors Affecting Length of Stay in the Emergency Department in Patients Who Presented with Abdominal Pain
Authors: Dadeh Ar-aishah , Phunyanantakorn Pitshaya
Published: May 2020

Objective. We aimed to identify factors affecting length of stay in the emergency department in patients who presented with abdominal pain. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017. The medical records were reviewed from 217 patients older than 15 years with the chief complaint of abdominal pain. The patients were divided into emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) < 4 hours and ≥4 hours. The two groups were compared in terms of baseline characteristics, physical examination, time of presenting, attending physicians, interdepartmental consultations, investigations, ED disposition, final diagnosis, and mortality. The significant factors affecting longer EDLOS were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses by logistic regression. Results. Factors affecting longer EDLOS were age ≥50 (odds ratio (OR) 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36–7.42), interdepartmental consultation ≥2 specialists (OR 71.82, 95% CI 5.67–909.51), blood testing ≥2 rounds (OR 85.6, 95% CI 4.22–1734.6), and ultrasonography (OR 8.28, 95% CI 1.84–37.26). Conclusion. The study found that the statistically significant factors that prolonged EDLOS in patients with the chief complaint of abdominal pain were age, rounds of blood test, interdepartmental consultation, and the need for ultrasonography.
A Case of Cachexia Secondary to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Gosnell Hailey L. , Kablinger Anita S.
Published: May 2020

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a relatively common psychiatric illness, is diagnosed using DSM-V criteria. Its severity is assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Symptoms are broken down into five categories of obsessive-compulsive (O-C) manifestations: contamination/cleaning, symmetry/ordering, taboo thoughts, doubt about harm/checking, and worry about throwing away items that could prove useful or valuable/hoarding. CBT in the form of exposure response therapy (ERP) and/or SSRI/clomipramine administration is the mainstay of treatment. We present a unique OCD case in the nature of obsessions and compulsions, cachexia presentation without anorexia, and history of multiple inpatient psychiatric admissions. Our patient’s obsessions focus on eating at specific times, prompting compulsive eating patterns that often result in starvation due to missing timeframes that the patient deems acceptable for eating. His resulting cachexia and eventual worsening of depression to the point of suicidality necessitated multiple inpatient stays and placement at a long-term mental health care facility.
Photobiomodulation and Pain Reduction in Patients Requiring Orthodontic Band Application: Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Vitale Marina , Pinheiro Antonio Luiz Barbosa , Gandini Paola , Sorrentino Lorenzo , Iarussi Ugo Matteo , Scribante Andrea
Published: May 2020

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in managing orthodontic pain intensity over time in patients requiring band application on upper first molars. Methods. Maxillary first molars were banded. In the trial group, each molar received single‐session PBM on two buccal and two palatal points (λ = 830 ± 10 nm; 150 mW, 7.5 J/cm2; spot of 0.1 cm2; 5 sec per point), while the control group received a placebo treatment. All patients were asked to answer five pain rating scales to assess pain intensity at 5 minutes and 1, 12, 24, and 72 hours and completed a survey describing the type of pain and its temporal course in the next 7 days. Results. 26 patients (mean age 11.8 years) were randomly assigned to a control or a trial group. The trial group showed significantly lower pain intensities (p < 0.05) at 5 min (M = 0.92, SD = 1.32), 1 h (M = 0.77, SD = 1.01), and 12 h (M = 0.77, SD = 1.54) after band application compared to the control group (5 min: M = 1.62, SD = 1.26; 1 h: M = 1.77, SD = 1.92; and 12 h: M = 1.77, SD = 2.17), whereas no difference between groups (p > 0.05) was found at 24 h (trial: M = 0.62, SD = 1.71; control: M = 1.08, SD = 1.75) and 72 h (trial: M = 0.31, SD = 0.75; control: M = 0.15, SD = 0.55). Patients in the control group reported more frequently the presence of “compressive pain” (58.8%, p < 0.05) from the appliance during the week after the application, while the trial group showed higher frequency of “no pain” (46.2%, p < 0.05). However, PBM did not affect the pain onset (trial: M = 10.86, SD = 26.97; control: M = 5.25, SD = 7.86), peak (trial: M = 15.86, SD = 26.29; control: 6.17, SD = 7.96), and end time (trial: 39.57, SD = 31.33; control: M = 22.02, SD = 25.42) reported by the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions. PBM might be considered a promising alternative to decrease general pain intensity, although not affecting the typical pain cycle, in terms of the onset, peak, and ending times.
Protective Effect of Vitamin C against Infancy Rat Corneal Injury Caused by Acute UVB Irradiation
Authors: Chen Wei , Guo Jianying , Guo Haiyi , Kong Xue , Bai Jing , Long Pan
Published: May 2020

Purpose. Studies have shown that corneas of young children were more susceptible to Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation damage. However, there exist limited information about the harm of UVB to eyes and preventive measures on infancy. Vitamin C as an antioxidant is widely used to prevent many diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of vitamin C on the cornea of infant rats with acute UVB injury. Method. Thirty‐six infant rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (CON) group, UVB (UVB) group, and UVB+vitamin C (UVB+VitC) group. The UVB group was exposed to UVB irradiation (8 J/cm2, 15 min/d, 7 d) and the UVB+vitamin C group suffered the same UVB irradiation treated with vitamin C at the dose of 40 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection. Then, corneal morphology was detected in vivo and in vitro at 7 d post‐UVB exposure. Furthermore, serum inflammatory factors (IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) and oxidative status (4‐HNE and MDA) were detected by ELISA, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐α (VEGF‐α) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cornea was detected by western blot or immunofluorescent staining. Results. Slit lamp detection revealed that the area of corneal desquamation and corneal neovascularization in the UVB+VitC group was significantly less than those in the UVB group at 7 d post‐UVB exposure (all p < 0.05). OCT results showed that the thickness of the central cornea in the UVB+VitC group was decreased than that in the UVB group (p < 0.05). The serum inflammatory factors (IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) and oxidative status (4‐HNE and MDA) in the UVB group were significantly increased compared with the CON group (all p < 0.05), while those factors in the UVB+VitC group were decreased compared with those in the UVB group. Furthermore, the expression of VEGF‐α in the UVB+VitC group was dramatically decreased compared with that in the UVB group (p < 0.05), and the expression of SOD2 in the UVB+VitC group was dramatically increased compared with that in the UVB group at 7 d post‐UVB exposure (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Vitamin C could protect infant rats from corneal injury induced by UVB via alleviating corneal edema, improving corneal inflammatory reaction, and decreasing VEGF‐α expression.
Isolated Meniscus Tears in Adolescent Patients Treated with Platelet‐Rich Plasma Intra‐articular Injections: 3‐Month Clinical Outcome
Authors: Popescu Mihai Bogdan , Carp Madalina , Tevanov Iulia , Nahoi Catalin Alexandru , Stratila Madalina Andreea , Haram Oana Mihaela , Ulici Alexandru
Published: May 2020

Objectives. Meniscus repair is a challenge for a practitioner, as an injured meniscus can lead to osteoarthritic joint changes with a greatly disabling outcome. Platelet‐rich plasma has been regarded as a promising therapy to help induce healing. The purpose of the study is to clinically assess the effectiveness of PRP treatment in adolescents with meniscal lesions. Methods. This retrospective study analyzed 30 patients with meniscal tears, aged 12 to 17 years, who had documented MRI meniscal lesion and persistent knee pain. In order to evaluate the outcome, the Lysholm knee scoring scale and numerical rating scale were used before injection and 3 months after treatment. Results. Patients had a mean age of 13.93 years, 70% girls and 30% boys. The most affected was the medial meniscus. The mean value before injection on the numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain was 7.73, after the treatment being of 2.0. After treatment, 76.7% of the patients had “excellent” and “good” outcomes, while before injection, just 3% of the patients had a “good” score. Conclusions. Platelet‐rich plasma treatment can be effective in improving the clinical outcomes of adolescent patients with meniscus tears, for whom conservative management and physical therapy have failed to achieve pain relief.
HMGN5 Silencing Suppresses Cell Biological Progression via AKT/MAPK Pathway in Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Ma Quanfeng , Wang Xiuyu , Wang Hong , Song Wen , Wang Qiong , Wang Jinhuan
Published: May 2020

HMGN5 regulates biological function and molecular transcription via combining with a nucleosome. There has been growing evidence that aberrant expression of HMGN5 is associated with malignant neoplasm development and progression. In the present study, we found that the expression of HMGN5 is significantly higher in high‐grade glioblastoma tissues than in low‐grade samples. To clarify the function of HMGN5 in glioblastoma, we knocked down HMGN5 in U87 and U251 glioblastoma cells via siRNA. The results demonstrated that HMGN5 was involved in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells. These outcomes also indicated that silencing HMGN5 possibly suppressed the expression of p‐AKT and p‐ERK1/2. Taken together, our research reveals that HMGN5 might be an efficient target for glioblastoma‐targeted therapy.
Real Estate Asset Management Companies’ Economies of Scale: Is It a Dream or Reality? The Italian Case
Authors: Allodi Evita , Cacciamani Claudio , Caliolo Michele , De Santis Pier Paolo , Della Marra Fabio , Sanfelici Simona
Published: May 2020

The research focuses on a sample of 26 Italian real estate asset management companies (Società di Gestione del Risparmio “SGR”)—whose asset management is totally linked to real estate funds—that considers a period of six years (2013–2018). Using some variables extrapolated from the internal accountability of each SGR, the analysis investigates possible relationships between them to verify the presence or absence of economies of scale of Italian real estate management companies by multivariate regressions. The results show that there is no single model for profit maximization and cost minimization, but all depends on the business model that each SGR decides to adopt.
Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinase‐28 Levels Are Related to GRACE Scores and Short‐Term Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhou Ke , Li Yuanmin , Xu Yawei , Guo Rong
Published: May 2020

Objective. To investigate the relationship between the level of matrix metalloproteinase‐28 (MMP‐28) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE) scores as well as their short‐term prognosis. Methods. Two hundred eleven patients with AMI were enrolled, and their basic clinical characteristics were collected for determining the GRACE score. We measured the plasma levels of MMP‐28 and other biomarkers in the study population. The association of MMP‐28 levels with cardiac events and cardiac deaths occurring within 30 days of discharge was evaluated with multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Results. The MMP‐28 levels were significantly higher in patients with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) than in patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (P < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that the level of MMP‐28 was positively correlated with the GRACE score in patients with AMI (R2 = 0.366, P < 0.05). Cox multivariate regression results showed that MMP‐28 was associated with cardiovascular events during the hospitalization and 30 days after discharge (P < 0.01). In addition, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that cardiac events and deaths were significantly higher in patients with MMP‐28 ≥ 1.21 ng/mL (all P < 0.01). Conclusion. There is a correlation between the plasma MMP‐28 level and GRACE score in patients with AMI. MMP‐28 is also associated with cardiovascular events and cardiovascular deaths during the hospitalization of patients and within 30 days of discharge.
Identification of Human Enzymes Using Amino Acid Composition and the Composition of k‐Spaced Amino Acid Pairs
Authors: Zhang Lifu , Dong Benzhi , Teng Zhixia , Zhang Ying , Juan Liran
Published: May 2020

Enzymes are proteins that can efficiently catalyze specific biochemical reactions, and they are widely present in the human body. Developing an efficient method to identify human enzymes is vital to select enzymes from the vast number of human proteins and to investigate their functions. Nevertheless, only a limited amount of research has been conducted on the classification of human enzymes and nonenzymes. In this work, we developed a support vector machine‐ (SVM‐) based predictor to classify human enzymes using the amino acid composition (AAC), the composition of k‐spaced amino acid pairs (CKSAAP), and selected informative amino acid pairs through the use of a feature selection technique. A training dataset including 1117 human enzymes and 2099 nonenzymes and a test dataset including 684 human enzymes and 1270 nonenzymes were constructed to train and test the proposed model. The results of jackknife cross‐validation showed that the overall accuracy was 76.46% for the training set and 76.21% for the test set, which are higher than the 72.6% achieved in previous research. Furthermore, various feature extraction methods and mainstream classifiers were compared in this task, and informative feature parameters of k‐spaced amino acid pairs were selected and compared. The results suggest that our classifier can be used in human enzyme identification effectively and efficiently and can help to understand their functions and develop new drugs.
[Retracted] TRPM7 Upregulate the Activity of SMAD1 through PLC Signaling Way to Promote Osteogenesis of hBMSCs
Authors: Hong Fanfan , Wu Shali , Zhang Cui , Li Liang , Chen Jianling , Fu Yong , Wang Jinfu
Published: May 2020

TRPM7 is a member of the transient receptor potential cation channel (TRP channel) subfamily M and possesses both an ion channel domain and a functional serine/threonine α‐kinase domain. It has been proven to play an essential role in the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). However, the signaling pathway and molecular mechanism for TRPM7 in regulating osteogenic differentiation remain largely unknown. In this study, the potential role and mechanism of TRPM7 in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs were investigated. The results showed that the expression of TRPM7 mRNA and protein increased, as did the osteogenic induction time. Upregulation or inhibition of TRPM7 could promote or inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs for 14 days. It was also found that the upregulation or inhibition of TRPM7 promoted or inhibited the activity of PLC and SMAD1, respectively, during osteogenic differentiation. PLC could promote osteogenic differentiation by upregulating the activity of SMAD1. However, inhibition of PLC alone could reduce the activity of SMAD1 but not inhibit completely the activation of SMAD1. Therefore, we inferred that it is an important signaling pathway for TRPM7 to upregulate the activity of SMAD1 through PLC and thereby promote the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, but it is not a singular pathway. TRPM7 may also regulate the activation of SMAD1 through other ways, except for PLC, during osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.
Sobre a interpretação sociológica causalmente adequada: entre máximas e disposições
Authors: Azevedo Denizar Amorim
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo analisar o primeiro capítulo da obra “Homens livres na ordem escravocrata” (1997) de Maria Sylvia de Carvalho Franco, intitulado “O Código do Sertão”. A análise teve como subsídio a sociologia de Max Weber, para evidenciar as conexões de sentidos causalmente adequadas nas condutas dos agentes investigados pela socióloga uspiana. Os resultados da analise apontou para a existência de disposições de comportamentos que alicerçam as ações e relações sociais cujos conteúdos são as agressões físicas, e de máximas que as justificam.
From the Ptolemies to the Romans: Empire in Jewish Literature from Egypt
Authors: Glass R. Gillian , Keddie G. Anthony
Published: May 2020

This article studies the use of τὰ πράγματα in Jewish literature written in Ptolemaic and early Imperial Egypt. While there was no Greek term for “empire” that aligns with the modern sense of an empire as a territorial polity, τὰ πράγματα most closely resembles our modern notion of empire. First, we analyze the range of meanings of πράγματα in Ptolemaic documents and literature. Next, we examine the uses of this concept in Jewish sources from Ptolemaic Egypt. Then, we investigate the shifting understandings of πράγματα in the Jewish sources from Roman Egypt. We conclude that Jewish texts have much more complex views of empire than the descriptors pro- or anti-empire allow. This approach redirects our attention from empire as a static and tangible entity to a dynamic suite of practices through which power is exercised and derived.
The Welfare Church in Nigerian Prisons
Authors: Njeukam Lionel
Published: May 2020

In Nigeria, religious groups have played an important role to help prisoners. Although it is not unusual for religious organizations to operate within penitentiaries, this article gives attention to the scope and importance of the involvement of such organizations in the lives of inmates in Nigeria. In fact, faith-based organizations have been providing so much assistance in the form of clothing, food, medicine, and counselling that they have become an unofficial “welfare church” within the state. Indeed, churches have also considerably assisted in the rehabilitation of prisoners. In effect, religious organizations can be seen as a substitute to the quasi-absent welfare state in Nigeria.