bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Analysis of Land-Surface Processes in the Taklimakan Desert Based on Noah LSM
Authors: Li Huoqing , Mamtimin Ali , Ju Chenxiang
Published: December 2019

This study evaluated the Noah land-surface model performance to simulate the land-surface process during different weather conditions in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert. This study is based on observation data from the Taklimakan Desert Meteorology Field Experiment Station in 2014. The results illustrated that the energy-exchange process between the land surface and the atmosphere in the drifting desert can be simulated by Noah effectively. However, the effects of soil moisture and latent heat flux were very poor. For sunny days, the soil temperature and heat flux were underestimated significantly in the nighttime and overestimated in the daytime. The simulation results are very good in sand-dust weather. The simulation of heat flux and net radiation is very consistent with the observation during cloudy days. For rainy days, the model can successfully model the diurnal variation of soil moisture, but it has obvious deviations in the net radiation, heat flux, and soil heat flux.
Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals an Immune/Inflammatory-Related Risk Signature for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bai Shuang , Yan Ying-Bin , Chen Wei , Zhang Ping , Zhang Tong-Mei , Tian Yuan-Yuan , Liu Hao
Published: December 2019

High-throughput gene expression profiling has recently emerged as a promising technique that provides insight into cancer subtype classification and improved prediction of prognoses. Immune/inflammatory-related mRNAs may potentially enrich genes to allow researchers to better illustrate cancer microenvironments. Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OC-SCC) exhibits high morbidity and poor prognosis compared to that of other types of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and these differences may be partially due to differences within the tumor microenvironments. Based on this, we designed an immune-related signature to improve the prognostic prediction of OC-SCC. A cohort of 314 OC-SCC samples possessing whole genome expression data that were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was included for discovery. The GSE41613 database was used for validation. A risk score was established using immune/inflammatory signatures acquired from the training dataset. Principal components analysis, GO analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis were used to explore the bioinformatic implications. When grouped by the dichotomized risk score based on the signature, this classifier could successfully discriminate patients with distinct prognoses within the training and validation cohorts (P<0.05 in both cohorts) and within different clinicopathological subgroups. Similar somatic mutation patterns were observed between high and low risk score groups, and different copy number variation patterns were also identified. Further bioinformatic analyses suggested that the lower risk score group was significantly correlated with immune/inflammatory-related biological processes, while the higher risk score group was highly associated with cell cycle-related processes. The analysis indicated that the risk score was a robust predictor of patient survival, and its functional annotation was well established. Therefore, this bioinformatic-based immune-related signature suggested that the microenvironment of OC-SCC could distinguish among patients with different underlying biological processes and clinical outcomes, and the use of this signature may shed light on future OC-SCC classification and therapeutic design.
Are Corneal Patients Accepting the Transplantation? The Cases of University of Gondar, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Ethiopia
Authors: Jemberu Yordanos Tsehai , Woldie Yared Assefa , Mulugeta Wossen , Shiferaw Alemu Destaye , Bantie Getasew Mulat
Published: December 2019

Background. For so long, corneal diseases have been known as one of the leading causes to blindness in the global. This blindness might be due to failure to accept the corneal transplantation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and the root challenges for corneal transplantation acceptance at the University of Gondar tertiary eye care and training center, Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who had an indication for corneal transplantation at the University of Gondar tertiary eye care and training center since January 1, 2017, up to October 30, 2018. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and entered into Epi-Info 7 software and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Simple logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of corneal transplantation acceptance. Associations between outcome and exposure variables were expressed by the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p value <0.05. Result. A total of 116 patients with a mean age of 51 (±21) years participated in the study. The overall acceptance level of corneal transplantation was only 38.8% (95% CI: 29.93, 47.66). Patients with poor knowledge [AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.90, 6.48] and an unfavorable attitude [AOR = 6.33; 95% CI: 2.42, 16.54] were significantly associated with the acceptance of corneal transplantation. Conclusion. The study revealed that the corneal transplantation acceptance level was very low. Hence, the government and other concerned stakeholders should give due emphasis to the awareness creation and behavior change communication strategies to increase the acceptance level of corneal transplantation.
The Effect of Ginsenoside RB1, Diazoxide, and 5-Hydroxydecanoate on Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury of H9C2 Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Heng , Wang Xiao , Ma Yihua , Shi Yueping
Published: December 2019

This study was aimed to investigate whether ginsenoside Rb1 (GS-Rb1) from the cardioprotective Chinese medicine ginseng can reduce hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR)-induced damage to cardiomyocytes by protecting the mitochondria. Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis plays a key role during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). When MIRI occurs, the continuous opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) causes mitochondrial damage and ultimately leads to apoptosis. We treated H9c2 cells, derived from rat embryonic cardiomyoblasts, with GS-Rb1, diazoxide, and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), using HR to simulate MIRI. We found that GS-Rb1 can reduce mPTP by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during HR. This protects the mitochondria by reducing the release of cytochrome c and the expression of cleaved-caspase-3 in the cytoplasm, ultimately reducing apoptosis. During this process, GS-Rb1 and diazoxide showed similar effects. These findings provide some evidence for a protective effect of GS-Rb1 treatment on MIRI.
Determination of an Indoor Target Position: An Accurate and Adaptable Approach Based on Differential Positioning
Authors: Wang Siye , Ding Chang , Huang Weiqing , Zhang Yanfang , Jiang Jianguo , Zhu Shaoyi , Cui Yue , Lin Jun-yu
Published: December 2019

The growing demand for new products that rely on the accurate identification of a target’s location indoors, while remaining mindful of cost, continues to drive research in this important and challenging area. Researchers are actively pursuing algorithmic improvements to eliminate errors introduced from complex interference factors present in indoor, wireless communication environments. In this work, we adopt a differential signal strength method in the design of our new indoor localization algorithm. The proposed algorithm reduces errors in the time domain by smoothing out the wireless signal fluctuations, thus stabilizing the signal; a single exponential algorithm is applied to the signal strength parameters collected to accomplish this. The target’s position is then computed by utilizing both the plane geometric method and difference localization theory. This combination of techniques is reasonable for the environment under consideration (small scale, wireless), as the multipath effects for the signal are approximately equal under these conditions. In addition, the proposed approach is compatible with a wide variety of technologies (e.g., RFID and Bluetooth); it can be cost-effectively deployed by leveraging an existing hardware infrastructure. The proposed approach has been implemented and experimentally validated. The test results are very promising: they indicate that our algorithm improves the positioning accuracy by 70%–80% in comparison with the trilateration and LANDMARC positioning algorithms.
Investigation of the Performance of the Ecofriendly Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Mixture as a Sustainable Pavement Material
Authors: Guan Bowen , Liu Jianan , Wu Jiayu , Liu Jingyi , Tian Haitao , Huang Tengbin , Liu Chengcheng , Ren Tao
Published: December 2019

This article presents a study to evaluate the performance of the ecofriendly calcium sulfate whisker fiber- (CSWF-) reinforced asphalt mixture as a sustainable pavement material. Asphalt mixtures containing 0.2 wt.%, 0.4 wt.%, 0.6 wt.%, and 0.8 wt.% of the CSWF were designed by the Marshall method. Asphalt mixtures without fiber were also prepared as control samples. The Marshall test, wheel-tracking test, low-temperature bending test, water sensitivity test, and fatigue test were conducted to evaluate the performance of the CSWF asphalt mixture. And the mechanism of fiber reinforcement was discussed. The results showed that the CSWF could improve the high-temperature stability and low-temperature crack resistance of the asphalt mixture. Water stability of asphalt mixtures in the presence of the CSWF was also improved. When the CSWF content was 0.4 wt.% of the total mixture, the performance of the asphalt mixture is the best. Compared with the conventional asphalt mixture, the CSWF asphalt mixture not only utilized power plant waste effectively to preserve ecosystems but also improved the performance of the pavement, which is suggested to be used in sustainable pavement construction and rehabilitation.
General and Postbariatric Nutritional Knowledge among Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Alkhaldy Areej , Alshehri Banan , Albalawi Nouf , Alsaady Farah , Alfarshooti Renad , Jamal Wisam , Altaf Abdulmalik , Maghrabi Ashraf A.
Published: December 2019

Purpose. The prevalence of obesity and the number of bariatric surgeries are increasing in Saudi Arabia. Studies evaluating nutritional knowledge, especially in Middle Eastern countries, are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the general and postbariatric nutritional knowledge related to dietary recommendations among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients and Methods. In a cross-sectional study, 112 patients aged 18–65 years, of both genders, were recruited from the Surgical Clinics at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients’ knowledge pertaining to general nutrition and consumption after bariatric surgery was assessed in relation to dietary recommendations, using a preoperative questionnaire. Results. The mean general nutrition knowledge score was 42 of a maximum of 85 points (50%). Approximately 40% and 60% of patients were classified with a low and medium level of nutritional knowledge, respectively. Postbariatric nutritional knowledge among patients was very low (mean: 16/81 points). The level of education was correlated with patients’ body mass index (p=0.045) and the general nutritional knowledge total score (p=0.05). Conclusion. General and postbariatric nutritional knowledge among Saudi bariatric patients is currently insufficient. A multicenter study involving a larger sample size with different sociodemographic characteristics is warranted to confirm these findings. The purpose of such a study would be to determine the nutritional knowledge of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and inform the implementation of educational strategies.
Therapeutic Effect of Tanshinone IIA on Liver Fibrosis and the Possible Mechanism: A Preclinical Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ying Qingji , Teng Yangyang , Zhang Jing , Cai Zhenzhai , Xue Zhanxiong
Published: December 2019

Background. Liver fibrosis is a serious human health problem, and there is a need for specific antifibrosis drugs in the clinic. Tanshinone IIA has recently been reported to have a role in the treatment of liver fibrosis. However, the evidence supporting its antifibrotic effect is not sufficient, and the underlying mechanism is not clear. We thus performed this meta-analysis of animal research to assess the therapeutic effect of tanshinone IIA on liver fibrosis and analyzed the possible associated mechanism to provide a reference for further clinical drug preparation and clinical research. Methods. We collect related articles from the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, VIP, and CNKI. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the SYRCLE risk of bias tool for animal studies. Data were analyzed using RavMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software. Results. A total of 404 articles were retrieved from the databases. After screening, 11 articles were included in the analysis. The included studies’ methodological quality was generally low, and an obvious publication bias was found. The results showed that tanshinone IIA significantly improved liver function in experimental animals and reduced the level of liver fibrosis by reducing inflammation and inhibiting immunity, antiapoptotic processes, and HSC activation. Conclusion. Tanshinone IIA can effectively improve liver fibrosis and liver function in animal models and is worthy of future higher quality animal studies and clinical drug trials.
In Vitro Antiplasmodium and Chloroquine Resistance Reversal Effects of Andrographolide
Authors: Ibraheem Zaid O. , Majid Roslaini Abd , Sidek Hasidah Mohd , Noor Sabariah Md , Yam Mun Fei , Abd Rachman Isnadi Mohammad Faruq , Basir Rusliza
Published: December 2019

The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum is the worst catastrophe that has ever confronted the dedicated efforts to eradicate malaria. This urged for searching other alternatives or sensitizers that reverse chloroquine resistance. In this experiment, the potential of andrographolide to inhibit plasmodial growth and reverse CQ resistance was tested in vitro using the SYBRE green-1-based drug sensitivity assay and isobologram technique, respectively. Its safety level toward mammalian cells was screened as well against Vero cells and RBCs using MTT-based drug sensitivity and RBC hemolysis assays, respectively. Its effect against hemozoin formation was screened using β-hematin formation and heme fractionation assays. Its molecular characters were determined using the conventional tests for the antioxidant effect measurement and the in silico molecular characterization using the online free chemi-informatic Molinspiration software. Results showed that andrographolide has a moderate antiplasmodium effect that does not entitle it to be a substituent for chloroquine. Furthermore, andrographolide ameliorated the sensitivity of the parasite to chloroquine. Besides, it showed an indirect inhibitory effect against hemozoin formation within the parasite and augmented the chloroquine-induced inhibition of hemozoin formation. The study suggests that its chloroquine resistance reversal effect may be due to inhibition of chloroquine accumulation or due to its impact on the biological activity of the parasite. Overall, this in vitro study is a clue for the reliability of andrographolide to be added with chloroquine for reversal of chloroquine resistance and tolerance, but further in vivo studies are recommended to confirm this notion. In spite of its prominent and safe in vitro and in vivo growth inhibitory effect and its in vitro chloroquine resistance reversing effect, it is inapplicable to implement it in malaria chemotherapy to substitute chloroquine or to reverse its resistance.
iTRAQ-Based Proteomics Analysis of Plasma of Myasthenia Gravis Patients Treated with Jia Wei Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction
Authors: Zhang Yunke , Yang Junhong , Chen Yingzhe , Lv Jie , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yingna , Zhao Xue , Fang Hua , Liu Chongchong , Zhang Qingyong , Cui Xinzheng , Wang Xiaohan , Gao Feng
Published: December 2019

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease. A proportion of MG patients did not get satisfactory results after treatment with pyridostigmine and prednisone. Jia Wei Bu Zhong Yi Qi (Jia Wei BZYQ) decoction, a water extract from multiple herbs, has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of multiple “Qi deficiency type” diseases including MG in China. In this text, we investigated protein alterations in the plasma from healthy volunteers (C), MG patients without any treatment (T1), MG patients with routine western medical treatment (T2), and MG patients with combined treatments of Jia Wei BZYQ decoction and routine western medicines (T3) and identified some potential proteins involved in the pathogenesis and treatment of MG. iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) and 2D-LC-MS/MS (two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technologies) were employed to screen differentially expressed proteins. The identification, quantification, functional annotation, and interaction of proteins were analyzed by matching software and databases. In our project, 618 proteins were identified, among which 447 proteins had quantitative data. The number of differentially expressed proteins was 110, 117, 143, 115, 86, and 158 in T1 vs. C, T2 vs. C, T2 vs. T1, T3 vs. C, T3 vs. T1, and T3 vs. T2 groups, respectively. Functional annotation results showed that many differentially expressed proteins were closely associated with immune responses. For instance, some key proteins such as C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein C-III, apolipoprotein A-II, alpha-actinin-1, and thrombospondin-1 have been found to be abnormally expressed in T3 group compared to T1 group or T2 group. Interaction network analyses also provided some potential biomarkers or targets for MG management.
Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Identified MicroRNA Coexpression Modules and Related Pathways in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Feng Tianyu , Li Kexin , Zheng Pingping , Wang Yanjun , Lv Yaogai , Shen Li , Chen Yang , Xue Zhiqiang , Li Bo , Jin Lina , Yao Yan
Published: December 2019

Objective. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease with high incidence, which has seriously affected human life and health. MicroRNA, a short-chain noncoding RNA, plays an important role in T2DM. Identification of meaningful microRNA modules and the role of microRNAs provide a basis for searching potential biomarkers of T2DM. Materials and Methods. In this study, three newly diagnosed patients with T2DM and three controls were selected for Whole Peripheral Blood RNA Sequencing to establish a microRNA library. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to construct coexpression modules and to detect the trait-related microRNA modules; then, KEGG enrichment analysis was performed to predict the biological function of the interest modules, and candidate hub microRNAs were screened out by the value of module membership (MM) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Result. Four microRNA modules (blue, brown, magenta, and turquoise) were highly associated with the T2DM; the number of miRNAs in these modules ranged from 41 to 469. The Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Lysosome pathway were common pathways in three of the four modules. RPS27A, UBC, and RAC1 were the top three proteins in our study; their corresponding RNAs were miR-1271-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-130b-3p, and miR-574-3p. Conclusion. In summary, this study identified blood miRNAs in human T2DM using RNA sequencing. The findings may be the foundation for understanding the potential role of miRNAs in T2DM.
Competencia informal e innovación en economías emergentes de Latinoamérica
Authors: Heredia Jorge , Flores Alejandro , Heredia Walter , Geldes Cristian
Published: December 2019

En economías emergentes, como son una parte de las economías latinoamericanas, los gobiernos hacen esfuerzos por incrementar la innovación de las empresas con el fin de aumentar el bienestar de la sociedad. Sin embargo, muchas veces no se alcanzan los objetivos esperados. En parte, es producto de la presencia de empresas informales, que desincentivan la innovación de las empresas formales.
Targeting Mitochondrial Fission to Trigger Cancer Cell Death
Authors: Rao V. Ashutosh
Published: December 2019

Carefully orchestrated interactions between mitochondrial proteins that facilitate cell death remain a topic of intense research, however, key steps remain to be elucidated, especially those that drive selective killing in cancer cells. How mitochondrial dysfunction and its regulation in cancer can be robustly leveraged for anticancer cell killing in a heterogeneous population of cells within a tumor also remains a promising but unfulfilled premise. Toward this goal, in this issue of Cancer Research, Seo and colleagues have identified the protein complex between mitochondrial fission factor (MFF1 and MFF2) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1) as a novel regulator of mitochondrial cell death and a potential target for selective cancer cell killing.

See related article by Seo et al., p. 6215
RadioGx: A New Preclinical Tool to Model Intrinsic Radiosensitivity
Authors: Spratt Daniel E. , Speers Corey
Published: December 2019

Radiotherapy is perhaps the most ubiquitous single treatment modality for patients with cancer. Despite its routine use, biomarkers of treatment response are critically lacking, and the biology underlying the heterogeneity in clinical response to radiation treatment remain largely unknown. In this issue of Cancer Research, Manem and colleagues seek to change this paradigm and detail the development of a radiation response computational platform (RadioGx) that allows for the integrative analysis of radiation response using radiogenomic data derived from preclinical, in vitro sources (1). This platform holds promise for novel hypothesis generation and may allow for the discovery of novel mediators of radiation response that may improve the therapeutic efficacy of radiation. Importantly, it also moves us closer to uncovering and validating radiation response biomarkers that may prove clinically useful.

See related article by Manem et al., p. 6227
Proliferation and AKT Activity Biomarker Analyses after Capivasertib (AZD5363) Treatment of Patients with ER+ Invasive Breast Cancer (STAKT)
Authors: Robertson John F.R. , Coleman Robert E. , Cheung Kwok-Leung , Evans Abigail , Holcombe Chris , Skene Anthony , Rea Daniel , Ahmed Samreen , Jahan Ali , Horgan Kieran , Rauchhaus Petra , Littleford Roberta , Cheung S.Y. Amy , Cullberg Marie , de Bruin Elza C. , Koulai Loumpiana , Lindemann Justin P.O. , Pass Martin , Rugman Paul , Schiavon Gaia , Deb Rahul , Finlay Pauline , Foxley Andrew , Gee Julia M.W.
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

The STAKT study examined short-term exposure (4.5 days) to the oral selective pan-AKT inhibitor capivasertib (AZD5363) to determine if this drug can reach its therapeutic target in sufficient concentration to significantly modulate key biomarkers of the AKT pathway and tumor proliferation.

Patients and Methods:

STAKT was a two-stage, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, “window-of-opportunity” study in patients with newly diagnosed ER+ invasive breast cancer. Stage 1 assessed capivasertib 480 mg b.i.d. (recommended monotherapy dose) and placebo, and stage 2 assessed capivasertib 360 and 240 mg b.i.d. Primary endpoints were changes from baseline in AKT pathway markers pPRAS40, pGSK3β, and proliferation protein Ki67. Pharmacologic and pharmacodynamic properties were analyzed from blood sampling, and tolerability by adverse-event monitoring.

Results:

After 4.5 days' exposure, capivasertib 480 mg b.i.d. (n = 17) produced significant decreases from baseline versus placebo (n = 11) in pGSK3β (H-score absolute change: −55.3, P = 0.006) and pPRAS40 (−83.8, P < 0.0001), and a decrease in Ki67 (absolute change in percentage positive nuclei: −9.6%, P = 0.031). Significant changes also occurred in secondary signaling biomarker pS6 (−42.3, P = 0.004), while pAKT (and nuclear FOXO3a) also increased in accordance with capivasertib's mechanism (pAKT: 81.3, P = 0.005). At doses of 360 mg b.i.d. (n = 5) and 240 mg b.i.d. (n = 6), changes in primary and secondary biomarkers were also observed, albeit of smaller magnitude. Biomarker modulation was dose and concentration dependent, and no new safety signals were evident.

Conclusions:

Capivasertib 480 mg b.i.d. rapidly modulates key biomarkers of the AKT pathway and decreases proliferation marker Ki67, suggesting future potential as an effective therapy in AKT-dependent breast cancers.
The Quality of Pap Smears from the Brazilian Cervical Cancer Screening Program According to the Human Development Index
Authors: Costa Ricardo Filipe Alves , Longatto-Filho Adhemar , de Lima Vazquez Fabiana , Pinheiro Céline , Zeferino Luiz Carlos , Fregnani José Humberto Tavares Guerreiro
Published: December 2019

Brazil is a country with strong socioeconomic disparities, which may explain the different rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality and influence the quality of cervical cancer screening tests. The aim of this study was to perform a trend analysis of some quality indicators of Pap smears according to the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI). Information about cytopathological exams (approximately 65,000,000) performed from 2006 to 2014 in women ages 25 to 64 years was obtained from the Cervical Cancer Information System (SISCOLO). The average annual percentage change (AAPC) for each indicator was calculated using the Joinpoint Regression Program, according to MHDI levels. Very low frequencies of unsatisfactory cases (<5%) were observed at different MHDI levels. Although the positivity index in the low- and medium-MHDI groups has increased, the values remained below international recommendations (3%–10%). The HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) percentage remained stationary at all levels of the MHDI. In the low- and medium-MHDI groups, most quality indicators were below the recommendations by Brazilian National Cancer Institute INCA, with no improvement trend; in the high-MHDI group, the majority of the indicators also presented no improvement, although they show slightly better quality indicators. The MHDI should be considered in the definition of the policies of the screening program for cervical cancer in Brazil, and the current program may require adjustments to achieve improved efficiency.
Long Non-Coding RNA-CASC15 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Melanoma
Authors: Sheng Liang , Wei Rong
Published: December 2019

Background: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and high mortality skin cancers in the world. Long non-coding RNA-CASC15, as a carcinogen, plays an important role in a variety of tumorigenesis; however, the role and underlying mechanism of CASC15 in melanoma remain unclear. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to explore CASC15 and β-catenin expression in melanoma tissues and cells. Western blotting was carried out to investigate β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, Survivin, Bax, Bcl-2, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein expression level. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were observed by colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell migration and invasion assays, respectively. The activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was measured by Topflash luciferase reporter assay. Results: The expression of CASC15 and β-catenin was upregulated in melanoma tissues and cells. Knockdown of CASC15 suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inhibited β-catenin expression. Furthermore, inhibition of CASC15 decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of melanoma cells by downregulating Survivin and Bcl-2 and upregulating Bax in A375 and SK-MEL-28 cells. Silencing of CASC15 inhibited migration and invasion of melanoma cells by repressing EMT process. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that CASC15 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, implying that CASC15 might be a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for melanoma.
Ultrastructural Analysis of the Anterior Lens Epithelium in Cataracts Associated with Uveitis
Authors: Tekin Kemal , Ozdamar Erol Yasemin , Inanc Merve , Sargon Mustafa Fevzi , Cakar Ozdal Pinar , Berker Nilufer
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To investigate the transmission electron microscopic findings of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in patients with different subtypes of uveitis and to compare the findings with those in age-matched controls. Methods: In this prospective case-control study, the anterior lens capsules were taken from 47 eyes of 47 patients with uveitis of different subtypes (17 with Fuchs uveitis syndrome [FUS], 13 with ­Behçet’s uveitis, 10 with idiopathic uveitis, and 7 with herpetic keratouveitis) and from 15 eyes of 15 control patients. Results: In the FUS group, the LECs had homogeneous thickening and irregularity, with some small vacuoles and widespread, oval-shaped pigment clusters in some areas. In the Behçet uveitis group, there was evident thinning in the lens epithelium. The subepithelial tissue under the epithelium was thickened, and edematous areas were detected. In the idiopathic uveitis group, the LECs were thinner with small vacuoles, and the cubic structure of the LECs was transformed into a squamous one. Moreover, the LECs included some small vacuoles, similar to those in the FUS group. In the herpetic keratouveitis group, two prominent cell types were observed: (1) completely normal LECs and (2) degenerated-type LECs with pyknotic nuclei, condensation of chromatin, swelling in the cytoplasm, membrane ruptures, and intra­cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. In the control group, the LECs and all of their elements occurred in normal ultrastructural patterns, with the exception of a few small intraepithelial vacuoles, which were fewer in number and smaller than those in the FUS and idiopathic uveitis groups. Conclusion: The electron microscopic analysis of LECs of patients with different subtypes of uveitis revealed significant ultrastructural alterations, which may be related to the summation of oxidative stress and intraocular inflammation.
Artificial Intelligence: Power for Civilisation – and for Better Healthcare
Authors: Horgan Denis , Romao Mario , Morré Servaas A. , Kalra Dipak
Published: December 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world we live in, and it has the potential to transform struggling healthcare systems with new efficiencies, new therapies, new diagnostics, and new economies. Already, AI is having an impact on healthcare, and new prospects of far greater advances open up daily. This paper sets out how AI can bring new precision to care, with benefits for patients and for society as a whole. But it also sets out the conditions for realizing the potential: key issues are ensuring adequate access to data, an appropriate regulatory environment, action to sustain innovation in research institutes and industry big and small, promotion of take-up of innovation by the healthcare establishment, and resolution of a range of vital legal and ethical questions centred on safeguarding patients and their rights. For Europe to fulfil the conditions for success, it will have to find a new spirit of cooperation that can overcome the handicaps of the continent’s fragmented technical and legal landscape. The start the European Union has made shows some ambition, but a clearer strategic vision and firmer plans for implementation will be needed. The European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) has listed its own priorities: data, integrating innovation into care, building trust, developing skills and constructing policy frameworks that guarantee infrastructure, equitable access, and legal clarity.
МІЖДИСЦИПЛІНАРНА ІНТЕГРАЦІЯ ЯК КЛЮЧОВИЙ АТРИБУТ ПРОВЕДЕННЯ БІНАРНОГО ЗАНЯТТЯ
Authors: Starova Y. S. , Protsenko L. M.
Published: December 2019

У статті запропоновано приклад проведення комплексного бінарного теоретичного заняття викладачами дисциплін «Медсестринство в анестезіології та реаніматології», «Медсестринство в хірургії» та «Основи охорони праці та охорона праці в галузі» для студентів, які навчаються за спеціальністю 223 «Медсестринство».
ПАЛІАТИВНА ТА ХОСПІСНА ДОПОМОГА У ПРАКТИЦІ СІМЕЙНОГО ЛІКАРЯ
Authors: Savka H. V.
Published: December 2019

У статті проаналізовано систему паліативно-хоспісної допомоги у практиці сімейного лікаря в Україні за останні роки.
Trends in Outcomes of Patients With Ischemic Stroke Treated Between 2002 and 2016
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Zheng Lukai , Cheng Yajun , Zhang Shuting , Wu Bo , Wang Deren , Zhang Shihong , Tao Wendan , Wu Simiao , Liu Ming
Published: December 2019

Background:

Little is known about long-term trends in outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke in China. We aimed to assess longitudinal trends in these outcomes over the past 15 years in China and explore possible factors behind the trends.

Methods and Results:

Patients with ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology at West China Hospital were prospectively and consecutively enrolled in a central registry since 2002, and the present study analyzed data from those admitted to hospital within 7 days of stroke during the period 2002 to 2016. Patients were binned into three 5-year intervals for temporal analysis. Death, disability, and death/disability at 3 and 12 months after stroke were compared among the time intervals across the entire sample and in subsets stratified by age (<65 or ≥65 years). To explore the possible factors related to the trends in outcomes, interaction between the factors and time on outcomes was entered separately into the multivariable logistic regression model. Of 6462 patients with ischemic stroke in the final analysis, 3837 (59.4%) were men, and mean age was 64.2 years (SD, 13.7). Mean age at stroke onset and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission decreased significantly during the 15-year period (
P
<0.001). Between 2002 to 2006 and 2012 to 2016, cumulative incidences declined significantly for death at 3 months (from 9.6% to 6.4%), disability at 3 months (from 36.8% to 28.7%), and death/disability at 3 months (from 42.9% to 33.3%), as well as for death at 12 months (from 15.9% to 10.7%), disability at 12 months (from 23.2% to 17.6%), and death/disability at 12 months (from 35.4% to 26.4%; all
P
<0.001). The decreases in disability and death/disability at 3 and 12 months between 2002 to 2006 and 2012 to 2016 remained significant after adjusting for confounders, and the results were similar for the entire cohort and for subgroups of patients <65 or ≥65 years. Only interactions of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission and time period (2012–2016) were found to significantly correlate with disability and death/disability at 3 and 12 months (all
P
≤0.03).

Conclusions:

Our study from a large medical center in southwest China suggests that since 2002, risks of disability and death/disability at 3 and 12 months after ischemic stroke have declined. This appears to be due, at least in part, to a significant decline in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission, which may reflect greater public awareness of stroke detection, willingness to seek medical attention, and ease of access to healthcare infrastructure. The factors behind this apparent improvement require further study.
Episode Payments for Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Modi Parth K. , Sukul Devraj , Oerline Mary , Thompson Michael P. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Ellimoottil Chad , Shahinian Vahakn B. , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease in the United States. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly being adopted as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). In an era of value-based payment reform, our objective was to better understand the economic impact of the use of TAVR and SAVR in the United States.

Methods and Results:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent TAVR or SAVR between 2012 and 2015. Using claims from a 20% sample of national fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries, we calculated episode payments for patients who underwent aortic valve replacement from 90 days before aortic valve replacement through 90 days after hospital discharge. Among 18 804 eligible patients, 6455 underwent TAVR (34.3%), and 12 349 underwent SAVR (65.7%). After adjustment for patient characteristics, episode payments for TAVR were ≈7% lower than for SAVR (TAVR, $55 545 [95% CI, $54 643–56 446] versus $59 467 [95% CI, $58 723–60 211];
P
<0.001). Patients with TAVR had higher preprocedural payments, but lower payments during and after the index hospitalization for the procedure. Episode payments increased with increasing comorbidity score for patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR (rate ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.15–1.17];
P
<0.001); however, this association was stronger for SAVR (rate ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.17–1.19]) than for TAVR (rate ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.11–1.12];
P
<0.001 for interaction). Thus, differences in episode payments between TAVR and SAVR were greatest for the sickest patients but much less in healthier patients.

Conclusions:

TAVR is associated with lower episode payments than SAVR. However, episode payments for TAVR are less influenced by patient comorbidity. Therefore, as TAVR is increasingly used in patients with better baseline health status, the economic advantages of TAVR relative to SAVR may diminish.
A case of IgE myeloma transformed into IgE-producing plasma cell leukaemia
Authors: Galakhoff Nicolas , Eveillard Jean-Richard , Padelli Maël , Carré Jean-Luc , Lippert Éric , Buors Caroline , Aubron Cécile , Kerspern Hélène , Tempescul Adrian , Leven Cyril
Published: December 2019

This is a case report of a challenging diagnosis of IgE monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, which transformed into myeloma, then transformed into IgE-producing plasma cell leukaemia in a 71-year-old male who was followed in Brest, France, from 2015 to 2019. The IgEproducing variant is the rarest sub-type of multiple myeloma, and plasma cell leukaemia is considered to be the rarest and the most aggressive of human monoclonal gammopathies. In November 2015, hypogammaglobulinemia was detected during a systematic check-up. A kappa light chain monoclonal gammopathy was first diagnosed due to an increase of the free kappa/lambda light chains ratio. No monoclonal immunoglobulin was detected by either serum protein electrophoresis (Capillarys 2, Sebia, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France) or immunofixation (Hydrasys 2, Sebia, Issy-les-
Moulineaux, France). In June 2018, a blood smear led to the diagnosis of plasma cell leukaemia. A monoclonal peak was detected and identified as IgE-kappa. Analysis of an archival sample taken three years earlier, revealed the presence of a monoclonal IgE, which had been missed at diagnosis. Chemotherapy with bortezomib and dexamethasone was introduced. The patient survived 10 months after the diagnosis of leukaemia. This case shows that an abnormal free light chain ratio should be considered as a possible marker of IgE monoclonal gammopathy even in the absence of a solitary light chain revealed by immunofixation. In addition, the use of an undiluted serum may increase the sensitivity of the immunofixation for
the detection of IgE monoclonal gammopathies compared to the 1:3 dilution recommended by the manufacturer.
Annotated species list of Ophiuroidea (Echinodermata) from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, with new records
Authors: FATEMI YASER , STÖHR SABINE
Published: December 2019

Published records on the Ophiuroidea fauna of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are scattered in difficult to access journals and books. This study presents a compilation of all published records, complemented with data from new samples. Distribution, habitat and depth in the study area, as well as known Indian Ocean distributions, are included. The taxonomic status of all species was evaluated, critical comments were added as applicable, and several previous records were reassigned to other species. Ophiocoma erinaceus was removed from the fauna of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, because the only published record was instead Ophiocoma schoenleinii. Previous studies assumed that 46 species of brittle star were known from the study area, but only 38 species were confirmed by this re-assessment, including two new records (Ophiothrix (Ophiothrix) foveolata and Ophiocomella sexradia). Diagnostic features are supplied for difficult to distinguish species. Five species (Macrophiothrix elongata, Amphiura fasciata, Amphiura (Ophiopeltis) hexactis, Amphioplus echinulatus, and Amphioplus seminudus) are so far worldwide known only from the Persian Gulf area. A hexamerous, fissiparous species of Ophiothela that does not concur with any known species was found and may represent a new species. All newly collected species are illustrated with photographs.
Very high cycle fatigue behavior of dissimilar martensitic stainless-steel diffusion-bonded joints
Authors: Nie Baohua , Zhao Zihua , Chen Dongchu , Liu Fangjun , Zhao Jishi , Zhao Lianyu
Published: December 2019

Very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) behavior of the diffusion bonded joints between 3Cr13 and 2Cr13 were investigated. Results showed that the diffusion bonded joints obtained a comparable fatigue property of 2Cr13, and the S–N curves exhibited a decreasing shape characteristic. However,
fatigue life was dramatically decreased by occasional non-diffusion defects. Fatigue cracks in diffusion bonded joints occurred at specimen's surface in high cycle regimes, whereas VHCF cracks were originated from inclusions on the side of 2Cr13 based materials, in which the fine granular
area (FGA) characteristics were observed around the internal inclusion. Furthermore, fatigue strength of the diffusion joints was interpreted based on the Murakami model. The crack propagation life estimated by Paris-Hertzberg-McClintock model mainly contributed for the fatigue life of the
specimens with occasional non-fusion defects, in which non-fusion defects acted as pre-cracks.
Modal and harmonic response analysis of a rolling bearing coupled by rigid and flexible materials
Authors: Yu Jianghong , Xiang Lei , Yang Wen , Li Chao , Deng Yaoyao , Yao Qishui
Published: December 2019

Elastic composite cylindrical roller bearing is a new type of rolling bearings. Its rolling body is composed of rigid and flexible materials. In order to investigate the modal characteristics and harmonic response rules of the elastic composite cylindrical roller bearings with different
structural parameters, we computed the modal solutions of a cylindrical roller bearing and the elastic composite cylindrical roller bearings with filling degrees of 40%, 50% and 65%, and determined the scope of the excitation frequency according to the computed first twelve orders of the modal
frequency. On this basis, we analyzed the steady-state response under a sinusoidal alternating load as well as the vibration conditions of the elastic composite cylindrical roller bearings with different filling degrees within the excitation scope, and explored the relationship between the
responses such as displacement and stress and the excitation frequency. The results showed that the natural frequencies of the elastic composite cylindrical roller bearings with filling degrees of 40% and 50% were similar to that of a solid bearing, while that of the elastic composite cylindrical
roller bearings with a filling degree of 65% was relatively smaller than that of a solid bearing. The vibration modes of the bearings mainly manifested as bending and torsional deformation of the inner rings. Under the action of an excitation load, the peak responses of the bearings occurred
near the fifth and sixth orders of the natural frequency. This research can provide a theoretical reference for the optimal design and engineering applications of the elastic composite cylindrical roller bearings.
Morphologies and characteristic of glass fiber suspensions basing on various beating speeds
Authors: Chen Zhou , Yang Yong , Xu Tengzhou , Hu Junfeng , Liu Shaoqiang
Published: December 2019

Glass fibers commonly flocculate in suspensions and slurries, which can be largely prevented by a beating process. In this paper, morphologies and characteristics of glass fiber suspensions resulting from various beating speeds are explored. By increasing the speed (ranging from 1500
revolutions to 12000 revolutions), glass fibers can be translated, rotated, bended and broken, which leads the drainage resistances of glass fiber suspensions increase dramatically from 19.5 °SR to 23.5 °SR, then fluctuate and settle close to 22.5 °SR. Decreasing the fiber length
leads to reduction in fiber–fiber contact and improves the uniformity of fiber suspensions. The separation and random distribution of glass fibers decreases in the viscosity of the fiber suspension.
Sensitivity of Wind Turbine Array Downstream Effects to the Parameterization Used in WRF
Authors: Shepherd T. J. , Barthelmie R. J. , Pryor S. C.
Published: December 2019

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model has been extensively used for wind energy applications, and current releases include a scheme that can be applied to examine the effects of wind turbine arrays on the atmospheric flow and electricity generation from wind turbines. Herein we present a high-resolution simulation using two different wind farm parameterizations: 1) the “Fitch” parameterization that is included in WRF releases and 2) the recently developed Explicit Wake Parameterization (EWP) scheme. We compare the schemes using a single yearlong simulation for a domain centered on the highest density of current turbine deployments in the contiguous United States (Iowa). Pairwise analyses are applied to diagnose the downstream wake effects and impact of wind turbine arrays on near-surface climate conditions. On average, use of the EWP scheme results in small-magnitude wake effects within wind farm arrays and faster recovery of full WT array wakes. This in turn leads to smaller impacts on near-surface climate variables and reduced array–array interactions, which at a systemwide scale lead to summertime capacity factors (i.e., the electrical power produced relative to nameplate installed capacity) that are 2%–3% higher than those from the more commonly applied Fitch parameterization. It is currently not possible to make recommendations with regard to which wind farm parameterization exhibits higher fidelity or to draw inferences with regard to whether the relative performance may vary with prevailing climate conditions and/or wind turbine deployment configuration. However, the sensitivities documented herein to the wind farm parameterization are of sufficient magnitude to potentially influence wind turbine array siting decisions. Thus, our research findings imply high value in undertaking combined long-term high-fidelity observational studies in support of model validation and verification.