bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucose metabolism among obese and non-obese children of mothers with gestational diabetes
Authors: Lu Jun , Gu Yuying , Wang Leishen , Li Weiqin , Zhang Shuang , Liu Huikun , Leng Junhong , Liu Jin , Wang Shuo , Baccarelli Andrea A , Hou Lifang , Hu Gang
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Abdominal obesity is more closely associated with diabetes than general obesity in adults, however, it is unknown which kind of obesity is more closely associated with abnormal glucose metabolism in children.

Research design and methods

We recruited 973 children (aged 3.08±1.06) of mothers with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Children’s height, weight, waist circumstance, fasting glucose and insulin were measured using standardized methods. Logistic regression models were used to assess the single and joint associations of general and abdominal obesity with the risks of hyperglycemia (the upper quartile of fasting glucose), insulin resistance (the upper quartile of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), and β-cell dysfunction (the lower quartile of HOMA-%β).

Results

Compared with normal weight children, children with general overweight/obesity had higher levels of HOMA-IR and HOMA-%β, higher ORs for hyperglycemia (1.56, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.30) and insulin resistance (3.44, 95% CI 2.32 to 5.09), but a lower OR for β-cell dysfunction (0.65, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.04). Children with abdominal obesity had an increased risk of insulin resistance (2.54, 95% CI 1.71 to 3.76) but not hyperglycemia and β-cell dysfunction compared with children with normal waist circumstance. In the joint analyses, general overweight children with and without abdominal obesity had an increased risk of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance compared with normal weight children.

Conclusions

General obesity was more closely associated with abnormal glucose metabolism than abdominal obesity in children of mothers with GDM.
Is dual use of nicotine products and cigarettes associated with smoking reduction and cessation behaviours? A prospective study in England
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Farrow Emma , Brown Jamie , Shahab Lion
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To investigate associations of dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes with subsequent quitting activity (smoking reduction, quit attempts and use of evidence-based cessation aids). To overcome potential confounding by factors associated with use of pharmacological support, we selected dual use of over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (OTC NRT) and cigarettes as a behavioural control.

Design

Prospective cohort study with 6-month follow-up.

Setting

England, 2014–2016.

Participants

413 current smokers participating in the Smoking Toolkit Study, a representative survey of adults in England, who reported current use of e-cigarettes or OTC NRT and provided data at 6-month follow-up.

Main outcome measures

The exposure was dual use of e-cigarettes or OTC NRT at baseline. Outcomes were change in cigarette consumption, quit attempts and use of evidence-based cessation aids during quit attempts over 6-month follow-up. Relevant sociodemographic and smoking characteristics were included as covariates.

Results

After adjustment for covariates, dual e-cigarette users smoked two fewer cigarettes per day at follow-up than at baseline compared with dual OTC NRT users (B=2.01, 95% CI −3.62; −0.39, p=0.015). While dual e-cigarette users had 18% lower odds than dual OTC NRT users to make a quit attempt at follow-up (risk ratio (RR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.00, p=0.049), the groups did not differ in use of cessation aids (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.21, p=0.388).

Conclusions

Dual use of e-cigarettes is associated with a greater reduction in cigarette consumption than dual use of OTC NRT. It may discourage a small proportion of users from making a quit attempt compared with dual OTC NRT use but it does not appear to undermine use of evidence-based cessation aids.
Variable expression of subclinical phenotypes instead of reduced penetrance in families with mild triphalangeal thumb phenotypes
Authors: Potuijt Jacob W P , Hoogeboom Jeannette , de Graaff Esther , van Nieuwenhoven Christianne A , Galjaard Robert Jan H
Published: March 2020

Background

The of zone of polarizing activity regulatory sequence (ZRS) is a regulatory element residing in intron 5 of LMBR1 and regulates Sonic Hedgehog expression in the limb bud. Variants in the ZRS are generally fully penetrant and can cause triphalangeal thumb (TPT) and polydactyly in affected families.

Objective

In this report, we describe two families with mild phenotypical presentation.

Methods

We performed a field study for clinical evaluation and sequenced the ZRS for variantsusing Sanger sequencing.

Results

In family I, a novel 165A>G variant in the ZRS (g.156584405A>G, GRCh37/Hg19) was found. In family II, we identified a 295T>C variant in the ZRS (g.156584535T>C, GRCh37/Hg19). Family members of both families who were presumed to be unaffected shared the variant in the ZRS with affected family members, suggesting reduced penetrance of the genotype. However, clinical examination of these unaffected family members revealed minor anomalies like broad thumbs and lack of thumb opposition. As the phenotype in affected patients is remarkably mild, we suggest that these ZRS variants are minimally disruptive for Sonic Hedgehog expression and therefore can result in subclinical phenotypes.

Conclusion

Our study underlines the importance of accurate clinical examination and appropriate genetic counselling in families with mild cases of TPT.
Germline RET variants underlie a subset of paediatric osteosarcoma
Authors: Kovac Michal , Woolley Connor , Ribi Sebastian , Blattmann Claudia , Roth Eva , Morini Marco , Kovacova Monika , Ameline Baptiste , Kulozik Andreas , Bielack Stefan , Hartmann Wolfgang , Ballinger Mandy L , Thomas David M , Tomlinson Ian , Nathrath Michaela , Heinimann Karl , Baumhoer Daniel
Published: March 2020

Background

Although considerable effort has been put into decoding of the osteosarcoma genome, very little is known about germline mutations that underlie this primary malignant tumour of bone.

Methods and results

We followed here a coincidental finding in a multiple endocrine neoplasia family in which a 32-year-old patient carrying a germline pathogenic RET mutation developed an osteosarcoma 2 years after the resection of a medullary thyroid carcinoma. Sequencing analysis of additional 336 patients with osteosarcoma led to the identification of germline activating mutations in the RET proto-oncogene in three cases and somatic amplifications of the gene locus in five matched tumours (4%, n=5/124 tumours). Functional analysis of the pathogenic variants together with an integrative analysis of osteosarcoma genomes confirmed that the mutant RET proteins couple functional kinase activity to dysfunctional ligand binding. RET mutations further co-operated with alterations in TP53 and RB1, suggesting that osteosarcoma pathogenesis bears reminiscence to the stepwise model of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Conclusions

After Li-Fraumeni-predisposing mutations in TP53, RET becomes the second most mutated cancer-predisposing gene in the germline of patients with osteosarcoma. Hence, early identification of RET mutation carriers can help to identify at-risk family members and carry out preventive measures.
Microbiological and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of epidural catheters
Authors: van Samkar Ganapathy , Balraadjsing Payal P S , Hermanns Henning , Hoogendijk Irene V , Hollmann Markus W , Zaat Sebastian A J , Stevens Markus F
Published: March 2020

Background

Epidural catheters are frequently colonized by gram-positive bacteria. Although the incidence of associated epidural infections is low, their consequences can be devastating. We investigated bacterial growth on epidural catheters by quantitative bacterial culture and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to explore the patterns of epidural catheter colonization.

Methods

28 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with thoracic epidurals (treatment ≥72 hours) were studied. Before the removal of the catheter, the skin surrounding the insertion site was swabbed. The entire catheter was divided into extracorporeal, subcutaneous, and tip segments. Skin swabs and catheter segments were quantitatively cultured, bacterial species were identified, and SEM was performed on four selected catheters.

Results

27 of 28 catheters were included. The percentages of positive cultures were: skin swab 29.6%, extracorporeal segments 11.1%, subcutaneous segments 14.8%, and tip segments 33.3%. One patient was diagnosed with a catheter-associated infection.Staphylococcus epidermidiswas cultured from the skin and the catheter extracorporeal, subcutaneous, and tip segments. SEM of this catheter showed bacteria-like and intraluminal host cell-like structures. SEM of two other catheters showed intraluminal fibrin networks in their tip segments.

Conclusions

We present the first SEM pictures of an epidural catheter with a bacterial infection. Bacterial growth developed from the skin to the tip of this catheter, indicating the skin as a primary source of infection. By SEM, catheters with low levels of bacterial growth demonstrated an intraluminal fibrous network which possibly plays a role in catheter obstruction.
Assessment of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) in psoriatic arthritis: association with disease activity and quality of life indices
Authors: Lubrano Ennio , Scriffignano Silvia , Azuaga Ana Belen , Ramirez Julio , Cañete Juan D , Perrotta Fabio Massimo
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the discriminant capability of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) according to disease activity, remission/low disease activity indices and quality of life indices in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Consecutive patients with PsA were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. At each visit, the patients underwent a complete physical examination and their clinical/laboratory data were collected. Disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and remission/low disease activity using the DAPSA minimal disease activity (MDA) and very low disease activity (VLDA) criteria. The Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index scores were also collected. Finally, PASS was assessed by asking all patients to answer yes or no to a single question.

Results

Patients who answered yes to PASS showed a significantly better overall mean DAPSA score than those who were not in PASS. Furthermore, patients in PASS showed a significantly lower level of systemic inflammation, lower Leeds Enthesitis Index score, a significantly lower impact of disease (PsAID), lower pain and better function than patients who answered no to PASS. A moderate to good agreement was found between PASS, MDA, DAPSA low disease activity and PsAID score ≤4. Good sensitivity and specificity were found with PASS with respect to DAPSA low disease activity, and although PASS is sensitive in the identification of patients with MDA, DAPSA remission and VLDA it lacks of specificity.

Discussion

This study showed that PASS might be used as an alternative to determine disease activity in patients with PsA in real clinical practice, mainly in patients with low disease activity according to DAPSA criteria.
Ultrasonographic and CT arthrography findings in two dogs with biceps brachii tendon avulsion
Authors: Pappa Eirini , Tomlinson Andy , Ferreira Amy , Pettitt Rob , Mortier Jeremy
Published: March 2020

This report describes the ultrasonographic and CT arthrography (CTA) findings in biceps brachii tendon rupture in two dogs. Ultrasonographic examination of the affected shoulder joints preceded advanced imaging in both dogs and was suggestive of partial or complete avulsion/rupture of the biceps brachii tendon and chronic tendonitis. Subsequent CTA demonstrated complete rupture/avulsion of the biceps brachii tendon in the affected shoulder joints in both dogs. The biceps brachii tendon could be identified as a contrast filling defect within the synovial space. Pooling of the contrast medium was identified close to its origin and was suggestive of biceps brachii tendon rupture in both cases described here. In this case report, avulsion of the biceps brachii tendon was suspected using ultrasonography alone but confirmed by CTA.
Ruthenium triphos complexes [Ru(X(CH2PPh2)3-κ3-P)(NCCH3)3](OTf)2; X = H3C-C, N) as catalysts for the conversion of furfuryl acetate to 1,4-pentanediol and cyclopentanol in aqueous medium
Authors: Banz Chung Elise M.-J. , Stones Maryanne K. , Latifi Elnaz , Moore Cameron , Sutton Andrew D. , Umphrey Gary , Soldatov Dmitriy , Schlaf Marcel
Published: March 2020

The ruthenium complexes [Ru(H3CC(CH2PPh2)3-κ3-P)(NCCH3)3](OTf)2 (1, (H3CC(CH2PPh2)3 = triphos) and [Ru(N(CH2PPh2)3-κ3-P)(NCCH3)3](OTf)2 (2, N(CH2PPh2)3 = N-triphos) have been evaluated as homogeneous ionic hydrogenation catalysts for the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of furfuryl alcohol and furfuryl acetate to 1,4-pentanediol and cyclopentanol in aqueous media reaction mixtures. For furfuryl alcohol, only marginal yields of 1,4-pentanediol could be achieved with mass balance deficiencies due to humin formation ranging from 67% to 90%. Attempts to improve the catalytic activity of 2 by enhancing its water solubility by nitrogen protonation and (or) methylation failed. Employing the less self-reactive furfuryl acetate as the substrate substantially diminishes humin formation, yielding up to 43% of 1,4-pentanediol and 19% of cyclopentanol (via Piancatelli rearrangement) with 1 and up to 33% of 1,4-pentanediol and 5% of cyclopentanol with 2. A design of experiments study was used to determine and compare the yield responses of the multiple parallel reaction channels with 1,4-pentanediol, cyclopentanol, and humins as a function of reaction temperature, time, catalyst load, and substrate concentration. This explores the correlations between these parameters and their impact on the reaction outcome and suggests an extremely complex overall reaction cascade of interdependent pathways of both acid- and metal-catalyzed steps with some significant differences emerging between the two catalysts.
Thermal chaos of a charged dilaton-AdS black hole in the extended phase space
Authors: Dai Chaoqun , Chen Songbai , Jing Jiliang
Published: March 2020

We have studied thermal chaotic behavior in the extended phase space for a charged dilaton-AdS black hole by Melnikov method and present the effect of dilaton parameter on the thermal chaos. Our result show that for the temporal perturbation the thermal chaos in the charged dilaton-AdS black hole occurs only if the perturbation amplitude is larger than certain a critical value, but for the spatially perturbation, the chaos always exists irrespective of perturbation amplitude. These behaviors are similar to those in other AdS black hole, which can be regarded as the common features of the static AdS black holes. Moreover, we also find that the critical temporal perturbation amplitude leading to chaos increases with the dilaton parameter and decreases with the charge. This means that under the temporal perturbation the presence of dilaton parameter makes the onset of chaos more difficult, which differs from that of the charge parameter.
Solitary wave solutions, lump solutions and interactional solutions to the (3 + 1)-dimensional generalized B-type Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation
Authors: Gao Min , Zhang Hai-Qiang
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we investigate a [Formula: see text]-dimensional B-type Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (BKP) equation, which is a generalization of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional equation. Based on the Hirota bilinear method and the limit technique of long wave, we systematically construct a family of exact solutions of BKP equation including the [Formula: see text]-solitary wave solution, lump solution as well as interaction solution between lump waves and solitary waves.
Turing degrees in Polish spaces and decomposability of Borel functions
Authors: Gregoriades Vassilios , Kihara Takayuki , Ng Keng Meng
Published: March 2020

We give a partial answer to an important open problem in descriptive set theory, the Decomposability Conjecture for Borel functions on an analytic subset of a Polish space to a separable metrizable space. Our techniques employ deep results from effective descriptive set theory and recursion theory. In fact it is essential to extend several prominent results in recursion theory (e.g. the Shore–Slaman Join Theorem) to the setting of Polish spaces. As a by-product we give both positive and negative results on the Martin Conjecture on the degree preserving Borel functions between Polish spaces. Additionally we prove results about the transfinite version as well as the computable version of the Decomposability Conjecture.
Some finitely generated associative algebras with a Lie nilpotency identity
Authors: Glizburg Vita , Pchelintsev Sergey
Published: March 2020

It is proved that the algebra of multiplications of the free commutative alternative algebra of finite rank [Formula: see text] is strongly Lie nilpotent of class [Formula: see text]. It is found the class of nilpotency of the ideal, generated by commutators in the free [Formula: see text]-generated associative algebra with identity of Lie nilpotency of degree [Formula: see text] under the condition that [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
Higher arity self-distributive operations in Cascades and their cohomology
Authors: Elhamdadi Mohamed , Saito Masahico , Zappala Emanuele
Published: March 2020

We investigate constructions of higher arity self-distributive operations, and give relations between cohomology groups corresponding to operations of different arities. For this purpose we introduce the notion of mutually distributive [Formula: see text]-ary operations generalizing those for the binary case, and define a cohomology theory labeled by these operations. A geometric interpretation in terms of framed links is described, with the scope of providing algebraic background of constructing [Formula: see text]-cocycles for framed link invariants. This theory is also studied in the context of symmetric monoidal categories. Examples from Lie algebras, coalgebras and Hopf algebras are given.
Abstract-algebraic interpretations of the energy–time uncertainty relation prove quantization of time
Authors: Tesfay Yohannes Yebabe
Published: March 2020

In modern physics, the general theory of relativity (GTR) successfully predicts the vital structure of gravity. The GTR confirmed that gravity is the distortion of four-dimensional spacetime [Formula: see text] by massive bodies. Such a prediction of the GTR is one of the vital successes towards the development goals of modern physics. Though, the central foundation for all the calculations of the GR is the hypothesis of continuum spacetime. In this paper, the author introduces a theorem of the quantum mechanical theory of time (QMT) to test whether the metric time is discrete or continuous. To prove the theorem, the author applied the set theory of cardinal numbers on the energy–time uncertainty relationship. The proof of the theorem confirmed that the metric time is discrete, and has an intrinsic quantum nature. The result implied that the continuum spacetime assumption of the GTR is found fundamentally erroneous. Therefore, spacetime is discrete and needs to be analyzed by the principles of quantum mechanics (QM).
LIFE CYCLE, COMPETITIVE STRATEGY, CONTINUOUS INNOVATION AND FIRM PERFORMANCE
Authors: HAIYAN DUAN , AHMED KAMRAN , NANERE MARTHIN
Published: March 2020

Based on the life cycle, competitive strategy and continuous innovation theory, we empirically examine how life cycle and competitive strategy affect firms’ continuous innovation in China. The results show that declining firms tend to engage in less continuous innovation compared with growing or mature firms, which are more inclined to engage in continuous innovations. Results have also indicated that firms with offensive strategy engage in more continuous innovation compared with those following defensive strategy. Surprisingly, continuous innovation has a significant negative effect on business performance in different dimensions, such as return on assets, operating profit margin and enterprise value. Considering that the effect of continuous innovation on enterprise business performance may not be evident during the same financial period, we further examined the effects of continuous innovation on firms’ assets return ratio, operating profit ratio and enterprise value over 1–5 years ahead. However, we do not find continuous innovation having any positive effects on business performance.
Design and Modeling for the Performance Enhancement of Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) Collectors
Authors: Sahlaoui K. , Oueslati H. , Belkhiria F. , Gammoudi H. , Ben Mabrouk S.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a simulation of a photovoltaic–thermal (PV/T) hybrid solar system with longitudinal fins absorbers was developed to determine optimal geometry parameters for conventional design of this system. In this case, we used a dynamic model based on the principle of the airflow rate to determine the optimum design of the PV/T system for each airflow velocity. In this regard, the influences of the geometric parameters (number, height) on the collector performance of each model with different flow velocities were investigated. The mathematical model is developed using the energy balance equations of the PV/T air collector. A good agreement is obtained between the simulation results and the reference data from the literature after the system PV/T air collector is evaluated by calculating the root mean square error. The studied cases indicate that for the four simulated models, the best highest performance rate is providing with the first model at 2[Formula: see text]m/s airflow velocity. The thermal and electric efficiencies were reached 83% and 12.85%, respectively, with the maximum temperature value on the photovoltaic cell as [Formula: see text]C. However, a combined efficiency for the hybrid PV/T solar collector, which is the sum of the electrical efficiency and thermal efficiency, is equal to 95.98%.
Checkpoint Responses to DNA Double-Strand Breaks
Authors: Waterman David P. , Haber James E. , Smolka Marcus B.
Published: March 2020

Cells confront DNA damage in every cell cycle. Among the most deleterious types of DNA damage are DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which can cause cell lethality if unrepaired or cancers if improperly repaired. In response to DNA DSBs, cells activate a complex DNA damage checkpoint (DDC) response that arrests the cell cycle, reprograms gene expression, and mobilizes DNA repair factors to prevent the inheritance of unrepaired and broken chromosomes. Here we examine the DDC, induced by DNA DSBs, in the budding yeast model system and in mammals.
Imaging of DNA and RNA in Living Eukaryotic Cells to Reveal Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Gene Expression
Authors: Sato Hanae , Das Sulagna , Singer Robert H. , Vera Maria
Published: March 2020

This review focuses on imaging DNA and single RNA molecules in living cells to define eukaryotic functional organization and dynamic processes. The latest advances in technologies to visualize individual DNA loci and RNAs in real time are discussed. Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy provides the spatial and temporal resolution to reveal mechanisms regulating fundamental cell functions. Novel insights into the regulation of nuclear architecture, transcription, posttranscriptional RNA processing, and RNA localization provided by multicolor fluorescence microscopy are reviewed. A perspective on the future use of live imaging technologies and overcoming their current limitations is provided.
ELABELA antagonizes intrarenal renin-angiotensin system to lower blood pressure and protects against renal injury
Authors: Xu Chuanming , Wang Fei , Chen Yanting , Xie Shiying , Sng Danielle , Reversade Bruno , Yang Tianxin
Published: March 2020

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that (pro)renin receptor (PRR)-mediated activation of intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an essential role in renal handling of Na+ and water balance and blood pressure. The present study tested the possibility that the intrarenal RAS served as a molecular target for the protective action of ELABELA (ELA), a novel endogenous ligand of apelin receptor, in the distal nephron. By RNAscope and immunofluorescence, mRNA and protein expression of endogenous ELA was consistently localized to the collecting duct (CD). Apelin was also found in the medullary CDs as assessed by immunofluorescence. In cultured CD-derived M1 cells, exogenous ELA induced parallel decreases of full-length PRR (fPRR), soluble PRR (sPRR), and prorenin/renin protein expression as assessed by immunoblotting and medium sPRR and prorenin/renin levels by ELISA, all of which were reversed by 8-bromoadenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate. Conversely, deletion of PRR in the CD or nephron in mice elevated Apela and Apln mRNA levels as well as urinary ELA and apelin excretion, supporting the antagonistic relationship between the two systems. Administration of exogenous ELA-32 infusion (1.5 mg·kg−1·day−1, minipump) to high salt (HS)-loaded Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats significantly lowered mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and albuminuria, accompanied with a reduction of urinary sPRR, angiotensin II, and prorenin/renin excretion. HS upregulated renal medullary protein expression of fPRR, sPRR, prorenin, and renin in Dahl SS rats, all of which were significantly blunted by exogenous ELA-32 infusion. Additionally, HS-induced upregulation of inflammatory cytokines ( IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-γ, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and MCP-1), fibrosis markers ( TGF-β1, FN, Col1A1, PAI-1, and TIMP-1), and kidney injury markers ( NGAL, Kim-1, albuminuria, and urinary NGAL excretion) were markedly blocked by exogenous ELA infusion. Together, these results support the antagonistic interaction between ELA and intrarenal RAS in the distal nephron that appears to exert a major impact on blood pressure regulation.
Ubiquitination of renal ENaC subunits in vivo
Authors: Frindt Gustavo , Bertog Marko , Korbmacher Christoph , Palmer Lawrence G.
Published: March 2020

Ubiquitination of the epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) in epithelial cells may influence trafficking and hormonal regulation of the channels. We assessed ENaC ubiquitination (ub-ENaC) in mouse and rat kidneys using affinity beads to capture ubiquitinated proteins from tissue homogenates and Western blot analysis with anti-ENaC antibodies. Ub-αENaC was observed primarily as a series of proteins of apparent molecular mass of 40–70 kDa, consistent with the addition of variable numbers of ubiquitin molecules primarily to the NH2-terminal cleaved fragment (~30 kDa) of the subunit. No significant Ub-βENaC was detected, indicating that ubiquitination of this subunit is minimal. For γENaC, the protein eluted from the affinity beads had the same apparent molecular mass as the cleaved COOH-terminal fragment of the subunit (~65 kDa). This suggests that the ubiquitinated NH2terminus remains attached to the COOH-terminal moiety during isolation through disulfide bonds. Consistent with this, under nonreducing conditions, eluates contained material with increased molecular mass (90–150 kDa). In mice with a Liddle syndrome mutation (β566X) deleting a putative binding site for the ubiquitin ligase neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4-2, the amount of ub-γENaC was reduced as expected. To assess aldosterone dependence of ubiquitination, we fed rats either control or low-Na+diets for 7 days before kidney harvest. Na+depletion increased the amounts of ub-αENaC and ub-γENaC by three- to fivefold, probably reflecting increased amounts of fully cleaved ENaC. We conclude that ubiquitination occurs after complete proteolytic processing of the subunits, contributing to retrieval and/or disposal of channels expressed at the cell surface. Diminished ubiquitination does not appear to be a major factor in aldosterone-dependent ENaC upregulation.
Flufenamic Acid Inhibits Adipogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Antagonizing the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Xuenan , Li Zheng , Liu Hao , Zhu Yuan , Xia Dandan , Wang Siyi , Gu Ranli , Zhang Ping , Liu Yunsong , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: March 2020

Objectives. Flufenamic acid (FFA) is a representative of the fenamic acids, an important group of NSAIDs. In the present study, we study the effects of FFA on adipogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and we explore the potential mechanism. Methods. To investigate the effects of FFA on adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs, human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs), representative of hMSCs, were treated with FFA during adipogenic differentiation in vitro. The effects of FFA in vivo were evaluated using a heterotopic adipose formation assay in nude mice as well as ovariectomized (OVX) and aged mice. To explore the mechanism of FFA, Western blot was used to determine activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Results. Our results demonstrate that, at certain concentrations, FFA inhibited adipogenesis of human MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FFA inhibited adipogenesis of human MSCs by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusions. The present study indicated that FFA could be used to inhibit adipogenesis of human MSCs in tissue engineering and diseases related to excessive adipogenic differentiation of MSCs.
Research on Key Technology of Signal Control Subarea Partition Based on Correlation Degree Analysis
Authors: Lan Huihui , Wu Xianyu
Published: March 2020

In order to accurately divide the traffic control subarea and improve the regional coordination control effect, this paper studies the key technologies of traffic control subarea division from the influence of the discrete characteristics of the fleet on the coordinated control. Correlation analysis method and regression analysis method are used to construct the correlation model of adjacent intersections. The principle and process of transportation subarea division are designed by using analytic hierarchy process, and a new traffic subarea division model is proposed. Taking Gulou Street in Miyun District of Beijing as an example, combined with the green wave coordination optimization method, the new model was applied and simulated in SimTraffic. The simulation results show that the average delay of the intersection is reduced by 21.4%, the total number of stops is reduced by 9.62%, and the travel time is shortened by 8.75%. The new intersection degree model and the coordinated control scheme obtained by the traffic subarea division model make the highest traffic efficiency. That is, to verify the scientific research method of this paper, the research results are reliable and the practical application value is high.
Lights and Siren Transport and the Need for Hospital Intervention in Nontrauma Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bertholet Olivier , Pasquier Mathieu , Christes Elina , Wirths Damien , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Hugli Olivier , Dami Fabrice
Published: March 2020

Background. The use of lights and siren transport (LST) has been a matter of debate because of the short time savings and well-established increased risks for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and bystanders. Time-critical hospital intervention (TCHI) denotes urgently needed procedures that cannot be performed properly in an out-of-hospital setting. Since 2013, rapid transportation from the field, fast-track, is currently used for patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, suspicion of acute stroke and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of LST was associated with the realization of TCHI for nontrauma cases within 15 minutes of hospital arrival, to quantify overtriage (LST without TCHI) and to identify the predictors of TCHI. Methods. This is a monocentric prospective observational study of nontrauma patients transported by ambulance. Based on Ross et al.’s work in 2016 on trauma patients, TCHI procedures were developed by the study team. Descriptive statistics were used to determine whether the use of LST was associated with the realization of TCHI. Multivariable analyses determined the predictors of TCHI and compared clinical outcomes. Results. On the 324 patients included, 67 (20.7%) benefitted from LST, with 40 (59.7%) receiving TCHI (p<0.001). The overtriage rate was 40.3%. The most common medical TCHI was the fast-track (65.2% of all TCHI). LST was predictive of the need for TCHI (p<0.001), as was the clinical condition of the patient and also when EMS providers expected TCHI. Conclusions. A majority of the LST benefitted from TCHI with an overtriage rate of 40%. To reduce the rate of overtriage (LST without TCHI), LST should mainly be used for fast-track and when TCHI is expected by the EMS providers.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Properties of N-Doped Graphene/TiO2Composites
Authors: Liu Jing , Chen Kun-Yu , Wang Jie , Du Min , Gao Zheng-Yang , Song Chun-Xiao
Published: March 2020

N-doped graphene (NG)/TiO2composites were prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method using HF as the surface etchant and urea as the nitrogen source. The morphology, structure, and bonding conditions of the NG/TiO2composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The effects of NG on the lifetime of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, adsorption capacity, and photocatalytic activity of the composite photocatalysts were also investigated. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated under ultraviolet light and sunlight irradiation. The recovery testing was completed under ultraviolet light irradiation. The results show that TiO2was uniformly loaded on the NG surface by chemical bonding. The introduction of NG effectively inhibited the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and improved both the adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of the composites. The 7 wt % NG/TiO2showed the best adsorption capacity of methyl orange (MO). The best photocatalytic activity occurred for 5 wt % NG/TiO2composites, and after four recovery tests, the photocatalytic degradation of MO under 60 min ultraviolet light irradiation exceeded 90%.
Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Management of Cancer in Uganda: A Review of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Studies
Authors: Omara Timothy , Kiprop Ambrose K. , Ramkat Rose C. , Cherutoi Jackson , Kagoya Sarah , Moraa Nyangena Decrah , Azeze Tebo Tsedey , Nteziyaremye Papias , Nyambura Karanja Lucy , Jepchirchir Abigael , Maiyo Alfayo , Jematia Kiptui Betty , Mbabazi Immaculate , Kiwanuka Nakiguli Caroline , Nakabuye Brenda Victoria , Chepkemoi Koske Margaret
Published: March 2020

The burden of neoplastic diseases is a significant global health challenge accounting for thousands of deaths. In Uganda, about 32,617 cancer cases were reported in 2018, accompanied by 21,829 deaths. In a view to identify some potential anticancer plant candidates for possible drug development, the current study was designed to compile the inventory of plants with reported anticancer activity used in rural Uganda and the evidences supporting their use in cancer therapy. An electronic survey in multidisciplinary databases revealed that 29 plant species belonging to 28 genera distributed among 24 families have been reported to be used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Anticancer plants were majorly from the families Bignoniaceae (7%), Caricaceae (7%), Fabaceae (7%), Moraceae (7%), and Rutaceae (7%). Most species occur in the wild (52%), though some are cultivated (48%). The growth habit of the plants is as trees (55%) or herbs (45%). Anticancer extracts are usually prepared from leaves (29%), bark (24%), roots (21%), and fruits (13%) through decoctions (53%), as food spices (23%) or pounded to produce ointments that are applied topically (10%). Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, Opuntia species, Albizia coriaria (Welw. ex Oliver), Daucus carota L., Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell., Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K. Schum., and Oxalis corniculata L. were the most frequently encountered species. As per global reports, Allium sativum L., Annona muricata L., Carica papaya L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Opuntia species, Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, and Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. are the most studied species, with the latter having vincristine and vinblastine anticancer drugs developed from it. Prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers are the top traditionally treated malignancies. There is a need to isolate and evaluate the anticancer potential of the bioactive compounds in the unstudied claimed plants, such as Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell., Ficus dawei Hutch., Ficus natalensis Hochst., and Lovoa trichilioides Harms, and elucidate their mechanism of anticancer activity.
Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Method for the Detection of Rhein in Rheum officinale
Authors: Chen Min , Nan Tie-Gui , Xin Jie , Cui Li , Zhang Bo , Wang Xiao , Wang Bao-Min
Published: March 2020

Rhein is an important quality-control marker of Rheum officinale. The aim of this study was to develop an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) for rhein detection, which acts as a powerful tool for quality control and proper usage of Rheum officinale. First, a specific and sensitive monoclonal antibody (mAb) against rhein was produced from a stable hybridoma cell line, 1F8, generated by the fusion of mouse myeloma sp2/0 with spleen cells obtained from a Bal b/c mouse immunized with rhein-BSA. Then, an icELISA method was developed with an IC50 value and working range of 0.05 μg L−1 and 0.02–0.11 μg L−1, respectively. The icELISA revealed high assay specificity, since it only had a relatively high cross reactivity with aloe-emodin (27%) and almost no cross reactivity with any other anthraquinones (<1%). When spiked with 0.2–2 mg kg−1 of rhein, the recoveries ranged from 84.19% to 102.90%. Finally, icELISA was used to detect rhein contents of Rheum officinale collected from different regions, and the results corresponded well with those of HPLC. Overall, the developed icELISA with high specificity and sensitivity provided a rapid and simple method for rhein detection, and it may be a powerful tool for quality control and proper usage of Rheum officinale.
A New Best Approximation Result in (S) Convex Metric Spaces
Authors: Sabiri M. , Mouline J. , Bassou A. , Sabar T.
Published: March 2020

Consider a self-mapping T defined on the union of p subsets of a metric space, and T is said to be p cyclic if TAi⊆Ai+1 for i=1,…,p with Ap+1=A1. In this article, we introduce the notion of S convex structure, and we acquire a best proximity point for p cyclic contraction in S convex metric spaces.
Evaluating the Energy Efficiency of PCM‐Integrated Lightweight Steel‐Framed Building in Eight Different Cities of Warm Summer Humid Continental Climate
Authors: Jangeldinov Baurzhan , Memon Shazim Ali , Kim Jong , Kabdrakhmanova Marzhan
Published: March 2020

Phase change materials have been applied to a building framework to decrease energy and fossil fuel consumption as well as make the building sector more sustainable. Lightweight structures are attractive and increasingly being used in residential buildings. Hence, in this research, the energy efficiency and thermal performance of buildings located in eight various cities (Helsinki, Kiev, Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Stockholm, Toronto, Montreal, and Kiev) of warm summer humid continental climate (Dfb) were evaluated. The impact of heating and cooling energy savings pattern on the selection of optimum phase change material for each city has been demonstrated. In addition, the impact of volume of PCM, precisely the effect of varying and constant volume, on energy savings was assessed for the lightweight steel‐framed building. Simulations were performed in EnergyPlus by applying eleven melting temperature ranges of PCM. Test results demonstrated that energy savings were higher in the swing season and the maximum temperature reduced during these months was 3.3°C. Heating and cooling energy savings were found to strongly influence the selection of optimum PCM. In cities where cooling energy savings were the highest, the optimum PCMs were PCMs 24‐26 while in cities where heating energy savings were the highest, the optimum PCM was found to be PCM 21. For constant volume, the performance of optimum PCM raised when the surface area was enlarged, while the thickness of PCM was reduced. Overall, the application of PCM into lightweight steel‐framed residential structure located in warm summer humid continental climate region is a feasible option.
Topical Treatment of Truncal Acne with Tretinoin Lotion 0.05% and Azelaic Acid Foam
Authors: St. Surin-Lord Sharleen , Miller Judi
Published: March 2020

Truncal acne is present in approximately half of all patients with facial acne but is also occasionally seen in isolation. Important considerations when selecting treatment options for adult female acne, whether on the face, back, chest, or shoulders, include patient compliance, treatment response time, tolerability of the treatment, and psychosocial impact of the disease. Oral antibiotics are widely prescribed for truncal acne due to the challenges of applying topical therapy to such an extensive body surface area. In cases of severe inflammatory and nodular acne vulgaris, this may be a reasonable consideration; however, oral antibiotics should only be used for short durations. Overprescription contributes to microbial resistance and may cause disruption of the gastrointestinal microbiome. In many cases of mild, moderate, or even severe truncal acne, combinations of topical therapies may be valid alternatives. The introduction of foam formulations with enhanced percutaneous absorption and tretinoin lotion formulations that incorporate moisturizing/hydrating agents challenges the previously held idea that effective and tolerable treatment of truncal acne requires oral treatment. This case series describes four female African-American patients with truncal acne successfully treated with a combination of tretinoin lotion 0.05% and azelaic acid 15% foam.
Network Pharmacology‐Based Strategy for Predicting Therapy Targets of Traditional Chinese Medicine Xihuang Pill on Liver Cancer
Authors: Zhao Xu , Hao Jian , Chen Sinuan
Published: March 2020

Objective. To investigate the potential therapy targets and pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Xihuang pill in liver cancer based on network pharmacology. Methods. Drug ingredients‐target network was constructed based on the target sets of Xihuang pill and liver cancer. The overlapping genes between Xihuang pill targets and liver cancer‐related molecular targets were investigated using comparative analysis. Moreover, the PPI network and module was constructed based on overlapping genes and hub nodes, respectively, followed by the pathway enrichment analysis. Results. A drug ingredients‐target network was established with 1184 nodes and 11035 interactions. Moreover, a total of 106 overlapping genes were revealed between drug targets and liver cancer molecular targets. Furthermore, a PPI network and 4 modules were further investigated based on overlapping genes, respectively. These hub nodes such as VEGFA and EGFR were mainly enriched in GO functions including positive regulation of MAP kinase activity, activation of protein kinase activity, regulation of MAP kinase activity, and pathways like proteoglycans in cancer, bladder cancer, and estrogen signaling. Conclusion. VEGFA and EGFR might be potential therapy targets of Xihuang pill in liver cancer. Furthermore, the effect of Xihuang pill on liver cancer might be realized by targeting VEGFA and EGFR in pathways like proteoglycans in cancer and estrogen signaling.
Kidney Salvage with Renal Artery Reconstruction after Blunt Traumatic Injury
Authors: Jackson David G. , Abreu Phillipe , Moutinho Manuel Anthony , Marttos Antonio , Burke George W. , Namias Nicholas , Ciancio Gaetano
Published: March 2020

Renal artery injury from blunt abdominal trauma is a rare condition that is typically managed nonoperatively in hemodynamically stable patients. Revascularization can be achieved by stenting or surgical reconstruction of the renal artery. All attempts at revascularization should minimize warm ischemic time. Here, we discuss a patient postmotor vehicle accident who presented to Ryder Trauma Center with intra-abdominal bleeding. He underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy with splenectomy and abdominal packing. Postoperative CT scan revealed a contrast nonenhancing left kidney. The patient then returned to the operating room and underwent in situ renal artery reconstruction after >4 hours of warm ischemia. The patient survived a 2-month hospital course and was discharged home after prolonged in-hospital stay and intensive care treatment. Nuclear medicine scan showed scarring and atrophy of the reattached kidney with 16.3% of overall function attributed to the affected kidney. This case shows that patients with renal artery injury can be managed operatively with arterial reconstruction. Reducing warm ischemic time is critical in preserving kidney function.
Ischemic Postconditioning Alleviates Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Enhancing Autophagy and Suppressing Oxidative Stress through the Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 Pathway in Mice
Authors: Chen Rong , Zhang Yun-yan , Lan Jia-nan , Liu Hui-min , Li Wei , Wu Yang , Leng Yan , Tang Ling-hua , Hou Jia-bao , Sun Qian , Sun Tao , Zeng Zi , Xia Zhong-yuan , Meng Qing-tao
Published: March 2020

Aims. Ischemic postconditioning (IPO) has a strong protective effect against intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR) injury that is partly related to autophagy. However, the precise mechanisms involved are unknown. Methods. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to unilateral IIR with or without IPO. After 45 min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion, intestinal tissues and blood were collected for examination. HE staining and Chiu’s score were used to evaluate pathologic injury. We test markers of intestinal barrier function and oxidative stress. Finally, we used WB to detect the expression of key proteins of autophagy and the Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway. Results. IPO significantly attenuated IIR injury. Expression levels of LC3 II/I, Beclin-1, and p62 were altered during IIR, indicating that IPO enhanced autophagy. IPO also activated Akt, inhibited GSK-3β, induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and upregulated HO-1 and NQO1 expression, thus providing protective effects against IIR injury by suppressing oxidative stress. Consistently, the beneficial effects of IPO were abolished by pretreatment with 3-methyladenine, SC66, and brusatol, potent inhibitors of autophagy, Akt, and Nrf2, respectively. Conclusion. Our study indicates that IPO can ameliorate IIR injury by evoking autophagy, activating Akt, inactivating GSK-3β, and activating Nrf2. These findings may provide novel insights for the alleviation of IIR injury.