bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypomethylation of a centromeric block of ICR1 is sufficient to cause Silver-Russell syndrome
Authors: Higashimoto Ken , Watanabe Hijiri , Tanoue Yuka , Tonoki Hidefumi , Tokutomi Tomoharu , Hara Satoshi , Yatsuki Hitomi , Soejima Hidenobu
Published: May 2020

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a representative imprinting disorder. A major cause is the loss of methylation (LOM) of imprinting control region 1 (ICR1) within the IGF2/H19 domain. ICR1 is a gametic differentially methylated region (DMR) consisting of two repeat blocks, with each block including three CTCF target sites (CTSs). ICR1-LOM on the paternal allele allows CTCF to bind to CTSs, resulting in IGF2 repression on the paternal allele and biallelic expression of H19. We analysed 10 differentially methylated sites (DMSs) (ie, seven CTSs and three somatic DMRs within the IGF2/H19 domain, including two IGF2-DMRs and the H19-promoter) in five SRS patients with ICR1-LOM. Four patients showed consistent hypomethylation at all DMSs; however, one exhibited a peculiar LOM pattern, showing LOM at the centromeric region of the IGF2/H19 domain but normal methylation at the telomeric region. This raised important points: there may be a separate regulation of DNA methylation for the two repeat blocks within ICR1; there is independent control of somatic DMRs under each repeat block; sufficient IGF2 repression to cause SRS phenotypes occurs by LOM only in the centromeric block; and the need for simultaneous methylation analysis of several DMSs in both blocks for a correct molecular diagnosis.
Increased focal internal carotid artery angulation in patients with posterior communicating artery aneurysms
Authors: Rosato Richard , Comptdaer Gabriela , Mulligan Ryan , Breton Jeffrey M , Lesha Emal , Lauric Alexandra , Malek Adel M
Published: May 2020

Background

Aneurysms at the posterior communicating artery (PCOM) origin represent the most common location on the internal carotid artery (ICA), and are associated with greater recurrence following endovascular treatment. We evaluate the association between ICA angulation in three-dimensional (3D) space and PCOM aneurysmal development, using high-resolution 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) studies.

Methods

3DRA datasets were evaluated in 70 patients with PCOM aneurysms, 31 non-aneurysmal contralateral, and 86 healthy controls (187 total). The local angle formed by upstream and downstream ICA segments at the PCOM origin, αICA@PCOM, was measured using 3DRA multiplanar reconstruction. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed on parametric and patient-based models.

Results

αICA@PCOMwas significantly larger in aneurysm-bearing ICA segments (68.14±11.91°) compared with non-aneurysmal contralateral (57.17±10.76°, p<0.001) and healthy controls (48.13±13.68°, p<0.001). A discriminant threshold αICA@PCOMvalue of 61° (87% specificity, 80% sensitivity) was established (area under the curve (AUC)=0.88). Ruptured PCOM aneurysms had a significantly larger αICA@PCOMcompared to unruptured (72.65±15.16° vs 66.35±9.94°, p=0.04). In parametric and patient-based CFD analysis, a large αICA@PCOMinduces high focal pressure at the PCOM origin, relatively low wall shear stress (WSS), and high proximal WSS spatial gradients (WSSG).

Conclusion

ICA angulation at PCOM origin is significantly higher in vessels harboring PCOM aneurysms compared with contralateral and healthy ICAs. This sharper bend in the ICA leads to high focal pressure at the aneurysm neck, low focal WSS and high proximal WSSG. These findings underline the importance of morphological ICA variations and the likelihood of PCOM aneurysm, an association which can inform clinical decisions and may serve in predictive analytics.
Association of pretreatment pontine infarction with extremely poor outcome after endovascular thrombectomy in acute basilar artery occlusion
Authors: Yoon Woong , Baek Byung Hyun , Lee Yun Young , Kim Seul Kee , Kim Joon-Tae , Park Man Seok
Published: May 2020

Background

The association between pretreatment brain stem infarction and thrombectomy outcomes remains to be elucidated in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We aimed to assess the association between pretreatment pontine infarction and extremely poor outcome in patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy due to acute BAO.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from a stroke database to identify patients with acute BAO who underwent thrombectomy between January 2011 and August 2019. Patient characteristics, pretreatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data, and outcomes were evaluated. The largest infarct core was expressed as the percentage of infarct core area in each brain stem region on the DWI slice displaying the largest lesion. Extremely poor outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 5 or 6.

Results

A total of 113 patients were included, 37 of whom had extremely poor outcome. Among the 15 patients with extensive pontine infarction (largest pontine infarct core of ≥70%), 93.3% had extremely poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the following variables were independent predictors of extremely poor outcome: extensive pontine infarction (adjusted OR 22.494; 95% CI 2.335 to 216.689; p=0.007), posterior circulation ASPECTS on DWI (adjusted OR per 1-point decrease 1.744; 95% CI 1.197 to 2.541; p=0.004), age (adjusted OR per 1-year increase 1.067; 95% CI 1.009 to 1.128; p=0.023), and baseline NIHSS (adjusted OR per 1-point increase 1.105; 95% CI 1.004 to 1.216; p=0.040).

Conclusion

Our results showed that a large pontine infarct core of ≥70% on pretreatment DWI was strongly associated with extremely poor outcome among patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy for acute BAO.
Daring discourse: are we ready to recommend neuraxial anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks during the COVID-19 pandemic? A pro-con
Authors: Singleton Michael N , Soffin Ellen M
Published: May 2020

The recent joint statement from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) and the European Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA) recommends neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) illness. The benefits of regional anesthetic and analgesic techniques on patient outcomes and healthcare systems are evident. Regional techniques are now additionally promoted as a mechanism to reduce aerosolizing procedures. However, caring for patients with COVID-19 illness requires rapid redefinition of risks and benefits—both for patients and practitioners. These should be fully considered within the context of available evidence and expert opinion. In this Daring Discourse, we present two opposing perspectives on adopting the ASRA/ESRA recommendation. Areas of controversy in the literature and opportunities for research to address knowledge gaps are highlighted. We hope this will stimulate dialogue and research into the optimal techniques to improve patient outcomes and ensure practitioner safety during the pandemic.
Future smoking prevalence by socioeconomic status in England: a computational modelling study
Authors: Song Fujian , Elwell-Sutton Tim , Naughton Felix , Gentry Sarah
Published: May 2020

Background

The difference in smoking across socioeconomic groups is a major cause of health inequality. This study projected future smoking prevalence by socioeconomic status, and revealed what is needed to achieve the tobacco-free ambition (TFA) by 2030 in England.

Methods

Using data from multiple sources, the adult (≥18 years) population in England was separated into subgroups by smoking and highest educational qualification (HEQ). A discrete time state-transition model was used to project future smoking prevalence by HEQ deterministically and stochastically.

Results

In a status quo scenario, smoking prevalence in England is projected to be 10.8% (95% uncertainty interval: 9.1% to 12.9%) by 2022, 7.8% (5.5% to 11.0%) by 2030 and 6.0% (3.7% to 9.6%) by 2040. The absolute difference in smoking rate between low and high HEQ is reduced from 12.2% in 2016 to 7.9% by 2030, but the relative inequality (low/high HEQ ratio) is increased from 2.48 in 2016 to 3.06 by 2030. When applying 2016 initiation/relapse rates, achievement of the TFA target requires no changes to future cessation rates among adults with high qualifications, but increased rates of 37% and 149%, respectively, in adults with intermediate and low qualifications.

Conclusions

If the current trends continue, smoking prevalence in England is projected to decline in the future, but with substantial differences across socioeconomic groups. Absolute inequalities in smoking are likely to decline and relative inequalities in smoking are likely to increase in future. The achievement of England’s TFA will require the reduction of both absolute and relative inequalities in smoking by socioeconomic status.
Cross‐sectional study of British wild deer for evidence of Schmallenberg virus infection
Authors: Southwell Rebecca Marie , Sherlock Kenneth , Baylis Matthew
Published: May 2020

Background

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an orthobunyavirus, carried by Culicoides biting midges, that causes reproductive problems in adult ruminants when infected during their gestation period. SBV was first detected in ruminants in the UK in 2011/2012 and then again in 2016. The reason behind the 2016 re‐emergence of SBV is unknown, but one possibility is that it can be maintained in wildlife, such as deer. SBV has been detected at high seroprevalence in deer in a number of European countries, but only once in the UK in a single region.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to survey wild deer across Great Britain for recent evidence of SBV. Deer hunters were recruited for the purpose of providing postmortem blood samples to be tested for SBV antibodies.

Results

The seroprevalence of SBV in the British wild deer population was 13.8 per cent; found in red, roe, muntjac and fallow deer species, with more in deer further south.

Conclusion

These results support the growing concern that SBV is now endemic in Great Britain and highlight the need to know the role of wildlife in SBV transmission.
Extra packing of mass of anisotropic interiors induced by MGD
Authors: Arias C. , Tello-Ortiz Francisco , Contreras E.
Published: May 2020

In this work we investigate the extra packing of mass within the framework of gravitational decoupling by means of Minimal Geometric Deformation approach. It is shown that, after a suitable set of the free parameters involved, the like-Tolman IV solution extended by Minimal Geometric Deformation not only acquire extra packing of mass but it corresponds to a stable configuration according to the adiabatic index criteria. Additionally, it is shown that the extra packing condition induce a lower bound on the compactness parameter of the seed isotropic solution and a stringent restriction on the decoupling parameter.
Critical exponents and the universality class of a minesweeper percolation model
Authors: Qing Yuqi , You Wen-Long , Liu Maoxin
Published: May 2020

We introduce a minesweeper percolation model, in which the system configuration is obtained via an automatic minesweeper process. For a variety of candidate networks with different lattice configurations, our process gives rise to a second-order phase transition. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we identify the critical points implied by giant components. A set of critical exponents are extracted to characterize the nature of the minesweeper percolation transition. The determined universality class shows a clear difference from the traditional percolation transition. A proper mine density of the minesweeper game should be set around the critical density.
Energy spectrum of two-particle scattering in a periodic box
Authors: Lee Frank X. , Morningstar Colin , Alexandru Andrei
Published: May 2020

We aim to compute the discrete energy spectrum for two-body scattering in a three-dimensional box under periodic boundary conditions. The spectrum in the center of mass is obtained by solving the Schödinger equation in a test potential using the Fourier basis. The focus is on how to project the spectrum into the various irreducible representations of the symmetry groups of the box. Four examples are given to show how the infinite-volume spectrum (including both bound and scattering states) is resolved in cubic or elongated boxes, and in systems with integer or half-integer total spin. Such a demonstration is a crucial step in relating the discrete spectrum in the box to the infinite-volume scattering phaseshifts via the Lüscher method.
Efficient Kernel Extreme Learning Machine and Neutrosophic C-means-based Attribute Weighting Method for Medical Data Classification
Authors: Irene D. Shiny , Sethukarasi T.
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes an integrated system neutrosophic C-means-based attribute weighting-kernel extreme learning machine (NCMAW-KELM) for medical data classification using NCM clustering and KELM. To do that, NCMAW is developed, and then combined with classification method in classification of medical data. The proposed approach contains two steps. In the first step, input attributes are weighted using NCMAW method. The purpose of the weighting method is twofold: (i) to improve the classification performance in the classification of the medical data, (ii) to transform from nonlinearly separable dataset to linearly separable dataset. Finally, KELM algorithm is used for medical data classification purpose. In KELM algorithm, four types of kernels, such as Polynomial, Sigmoid, Radial basis function and Linear, are used. The simulation result on our three datasets demonstrates that the sigmoid kernel is outperformed to ELM in most cases. From the results, NCMAW-KELM approach may be a promising method in medical data classification problem.
Reliability Analysis of Window Flow Control Based on Packet Transmission Interval with ECN Considering Packet Loss
Authors: Kimura Mitsutaka , Imaizumi Mitsuhiro , Nakagawa Toshio
Published: May 2020

This paper discusses the reliability model of a window flow control scheme using High-performance and Flexible Protocol (HpFP) with Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) considering packet loss. HpFP is an important techniques as congestion control scheme in a radio environment and video stream communication. HpFP has the character that throughput is adjusted by changing a packet transmission interval. We have already discussed some reliability models of a window flow control scheme based on a packet transmission interval. In these models, if some packets has failed at a first-time transmission, the packet transmission interval is prolonged. On the other hand, the server checks the state of network congestion by ECN bit. That is, if ECN bit has been set during connection, a packet transmission interval is also prolonged. We consider an extended stochastic model of a window flow control scheme based on a packet transmission interval with ECN considering packet loss. That is, the server checks ECN bit during connection and if the server detects the network congestion, the server executes congestion control that a packet transmission interval is prolonged. Thereafter, if a constant number of the retransmission has failed, or a constant number of packets has failed, the server checks it again. We derive the mean time until packet transmissions succeed, and discuss analytically a window size which maximizes the amount of packets per unit of mean transmission time.
Reliability Evaluation of a Server System Considering Signature Update
Authors: Imaizumi Mitsuhiro , Kimura Mitsutaka
Published: May 2020

Cyber attack on the Internet has become a problem in recent years, and it has been becoming more sophisticated and complicated. As one of schemes to detect cyber attack, IDS has been widely used. IDS can detect cyber attack based on the signature which is the pattern of cyber attack and so on. There are signature-based and anomaly-based detection methods in terms of IDS. Signature detection compares activity and behavior to signatures of known attacks. Signatures need to be updated regularly to detect a new type of attacks. This paper considers extended stochastic models for a server system with signature update. The server has the function of IDS. In this model, we consider type II error where IDS judges the occurrence of cyber attack erroneously when it occurs. We assume that the check with signature update is performed at [Formula: see text]th check or every [Formula: see text] checks. We obtain the expected costs until cyber attack is detected and discuss the optimal policies which minimize them. Finally, numerical examples are given.
On Some Properties of Copula-Based Partial Moments
Authors: Vipin N. , Sunoj S. M.
Published: May 2020

Partial moments are extensively used in the field of analysis of risks. This paper aims at extending it to the bivariate case based on copula function and study its various properties. The relationship between survival copula and first-order bivariate partial moments are established. We also investigate some applications of copula-based partial moments and conditional partial moments in the context of reliability, income and actuarial studies.
Temperature-dependent energy storage characterization of Pb-free relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Uddin Sarir , Zheng Guang-Ping , Khan Asif , Khan Muhammad Riaz , Khan Banaras
Published: May 2020

The energy storage properties of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiO3–[Formula: see text]BaTiO3([Formula: see text]) (BNT–BT) ceramics obtained via sol–gel method are determined from the polarization versus electric field ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) loops at various temperatures. The energy storage densities are observed to increase with increase in temperature and this may be attributed to the presence of antiferroelectric (AFE) phase at higher temperature ([Formula: see text]C). Obvious changes are observed in the saturation polarization ([Formula: see text] and remnant polarization ([Formula: see text] with increasing temperature. The maximum energy storage density of 0.6[Formula: see text]J/cm3 is observed for [Formula: see text] in the AFE phase at 150∘C for 90[Formula: see text]kV/cm of applied electric field. BNT–BT can be a promising candidate for energy storage devices to be used in above-room-temperature environment.
Enhancer Predictions and Genome-Wide Regulatory Circuits
Authors: Beer Michael A. , Shigaki Dustin , Huangfu Danwei
Published: May 2020

Spatiotemporal control of gene expression during development requires orchestrated activities of numerous enhancers, which are cis-regulatory DNA sequences that, when bound by transcription factors, support selective activation or repression of associated genes. Proper activation of enhancers is critical during embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and regeneration, and inappropriate enhancer activity is often associated with pathological conditions such as cancer. Multiple consortia [e.g., the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Consortium and National Institutes of Health Roadmap Epigenomics Mapping Consortium] and independent investigators have mapped putative regulatory regions in a large number of cell types and tissues, but the sequence determinants of cell-specific enhancers are not yet fully understood. Machine learning approaches trained on large sets of these regulatory regions can identify core transcription factor binding sites and generate quantitative predictions of enhancer activity and the impact of sequence variants on activity. Here, we review these computational methods in the context of enhancer prediction and gene regulatory network models specifying cell fate.
Bulleyaconitine A Inhibits Visceral Nociception and Spinal Synaptic Plasticity through Stimulation of Microglial Release of Dynorphin A
Authors: Huang Sheng-Nan , Wei Jinbao , Huang Lan-Ting , Ju Pei-Jun , Chen Jinghong , Wang Yong-Xiang
Published: May 2020

Background. Visceral pain is one of the most common types of pain and particularly in the abdomen is associated with gastrointestinal diseases. Bulleyaconitine A (BAA), isolated from Aconitum bulleyanum, is prescribed in China to treat chronic pain. The present study is aimed at evaluating the mechanisms underlying BAA visceral antinociception. Methods. The rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity was set up by colonic perfusion of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) on postnatal day 10 with coapplication of heterotypic intermittent chronic stress (HeICS). Results. The rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity exhibited remarkable abdominal withdrawal responses and mechanical hyperalgesia in hind paws, which were dose-dependently attenuated by single subcutaneous of administration of BAA (30 and 90 μg/kg). Pretreatment with the microglial inhibitor minocycline, dynorphin A antiserum, and κ-opioid receptor antagonist totally blocked BAA-induced visceral antinociception and mechanical antihyperalgesia. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in spinal dorsal horn lamina II neurons were recorded by using whole-cell patch clamp. Its frequency (but not amplitude) from TNBS-treated rats was remarkably higher than that from naïve rats. BAA (1 μM) significantly reduced the frequency of sEPSCs from TNBS-treated rats but not naïve rats. BAA-inhibited spinal synaptic plasticity was blocked by minocycline, the dynorphin A antiserum, and κ-opioid receptor antagonist. Dynorphin A also inhibited spinal synaptic plasticity in a κ-opioid receptor-dependent manner. Conclusions. These results suggest that BAA produces visceral antinociception by stimulating spinal microglial release of dynorphin A, which activates presynaptic κ-opioid receptors in afferent neurons and inhibits spinal synaptic plasticity, highlighting a novel interaction mode between microglia and neurons.
A Robust Adaptive CMAC Neural Network-Based Multisliding Mode Control Method for Unmatched Uncertain Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Wang Honghui , Yu Xiaojun , Liang Shicheng , Dong Sheng , Fan Zeming , Yuan Zhaohui
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes a new robust adaptive cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) neural network-based multisliding mode control strategy for a class of unmatched uncertain nonlinear systems. Specifically, by employing a stepwise recursion-based multisliding mode method, such a proposed strategy is able to obtain the virtual variables and the actual control inputs of each order first, and then it reduces the conservativeness for controller parameter design by adopting the CMAC neural network to learn both system uncertainties and virtual control variable derivatives of each order online. Meanwhile, with the hyperbolic tangent function being chosen to replace the sign function in the variable structured control components, the proposed strategy is able to avoid the chattering effects caused by the discontinuous inputs. The stability analysis shows that the proposed control strategy ensures that both the system tracking errors and the sliding modes of each order could converge exponentially to any saturated layer being set. The control strategy was also applied onto a passive electrohydraulic servo loading system for verifications, and simulation results show that such a proposed control strategy is robust against all system nonlinearities and external disturbances with much higher control accuracy being achieved.
Long Noncoding RNA SOX2-OT Exacerbates Hypoxia-Induced Cardiomyocytes Injury by Regulating miR-27a-3p/TGFβR1 Axis
Authors: Yang Guang , Lin Chunsheng
Published: May 2020

Background. Myocardial infarction (MI) was a severe cardiovascular disease resulted from acute, persistent hypoxia, or ischemia condition. Additionally, MI generally led to heart failure, even sudden death. A multitude of research studies proposed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) frequently participated in the regulation of heart diseases. The specific function and molecular mechanism of SOX2-OT in MI remained unclear. Aim of the Study. The current research was aimed to explore the role of SOX2-OT in MI. Methods. Bioinformatics analysis (DIANA tools and Targetscan) and a wide range of experiments (CCK-8, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, luciferase reporter, RIP, caspase-3 activity, trans-well, and western blot assays) were adopted to investigate the function and mechanism of SOX2-OT. Results. We discovered that hypoxia treatment decreased cell viability but increased cell apoptosis. Besides, lncRNA SOX2-OT expression was upregulated in hypoxic HCMs. Hereafter, we confirmed that SOX2-OT could negatively regulate miR-27a-3p levels by directly binding with miR-27a-3p, and miR-27a-3p also could negatively regulate SOX2-OT levels. Furthermore, knockdown of SOX2-OT promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but limited cell apoptosis. However, these effects were reversed by anti-miR-27a-5p. Besides, we verified that miR-27a-3p binding with the 3′UTR of TGFBR1 and SOX2-OT regulated TGFβR1 level by collaborating with miR-27a-3p in HCMs. Eventually, rescue assays validated that the influence of SOX2-OT silence or miR-27a-3p overexpression on cellular processes in cardiomyocytes injury was counteracted by TGFBR1 overexpression. Conclusions. Long noncoding RNA SOX2-OT exacerbated hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes injury by regulating miR-27a-3p/TGFβR1 axis, which may provide a novel insight for heart failure treatment.
Investigation on Computing Method of Martian Dust Fluid Based on the Energy Dissipation Method
Authors: Ding Tianxiang , Hou Xuyan , Li Man , Cao Guangyu , Liu Jixuan , Zeng Xianlin , Deng Zongquan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, an initiative Martian dust fluid simulating research based on the energy dissipation method was developed to simulate the deposition process of Martian dust fluid which was caused by surface adhesion between particles and Martian rovers. Firstly, an energy dissipation model of particles based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) was established because of the characteristics of Martian dust particles such as tiny size and viscoelasticity. This model is based on the existing DMT model to analyze the collision deposition of dust fluid particles, including particle-spacecraft collision and particle-particle collision. Secondly, this paper analyzed the characteristics of particles after their first collision, then, established the stochastic model of critical wind speed for the particle deposition process. Finally, a series of simulations of the Martian dust fluid particle deposition process were done based on DEM-CFD. The results verified the accuracy of the energy dissipation model and the stochastic model, which could also verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the computing method of Martian dust fluid based on the DEM-CFD technology.
Effectual Anticancer Potentiality of Loaded Bee Venom onto Fungal Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Alalawy Adel I. , El Rabey Haddad A. , Almutairi Fahad M. , Tayel Ahmed A. , Al-Duais Mohammed A. , Zidan Nahla S. , Sakran Mohamed I.
Published: May 2020

Chitosan and its nanoparticles (NPs) could be extracted from numerous fungal species and used as effectual carriers for bioactive compounds. The fungal chitosan (FC) was innovatively acquired from Fusarium oxysporum grown mycelia, characterized and used for NP synthesis and loading with bee venom (BV). The nano-FC (NFC) had 192.4 nm mean NP diameter, 38.22% loading capacity, and 92.42% entrapment efficiency. BV release from NFC was pH and time dependent; burst BV release was detected at the first 6 h, followed by gradual releases up to 30 h. The in vitro anticancer potentiality valuation, of NFC, BV, and NFC/BV nanoconjugates against HeLa cervix carcinoma, revealed that they all had potent dose-dependent anticancer activity; BV/NFC nanoconjugates were the most effective with IC50=200 μg/mL. The fluorescent staining of treated HeLa cells with BV/NFC nanoconjugates, with DAPI and acridine orange/propidium iodide combination, indicated the appearance of early apoptosis, secondary apoptosis, and secondary necrosis markers and their increment with exposure prolongation. The production of NFC from F. oxysporum and their loading with BV are strongly counseled for production of potent natural antitumor agent with augmented activity against cervix carcinoma.
Prospective Longitudinal Evaluation of the Peripheral Choroidal Thickness in High-Risk Infants with Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Pilot Study.
Authors: Hussein Mohamed A. , Paysse Evelyn
Published: May 2020

Objective. The purpose of this study was to prospectively follow up the peripheral choroidal development and thickness for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in high-risk premature infants using optic coherence tomography. Materials and Methods. All infants included in the analysis had an optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation, serially over 6 weeks, starting at the first ROP screening exam and at each follow-up screening exam. We included infants born at or earlier than 25 weeks of gestation, weighing less than 700 grams, and those who developed interventricular hemorrhage. We evaluated the choroidal thickness and development, centrally and at the extreme nasal and temporal periphery, for each eye with each ROP screening exam. Changes in the choroidal thickness and the choroidal thickness to retinal thickness ratio (C/R ratio) were evaluated over time not only for each individual infant, but between the infants as well. Results. Six infants met our inclusion criteria. Infants with severe ROP had a mean choroidal thickness that was significantly thinner in the extreme temporal periphery than infants that did not develop significant ROP (P=0.02). The mean value of the C/R ratio was smaller in infants with severe ROP compared to those that did not develop any significant ROP at any of the evaluated locations (P<0.001). Conclusion. The peripheral choroid appears to be significantly thinner relative to the retinal thickness in infants with severe ROP.
Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients Undergoing Postneurosurgical Radiotherapy Plus Concurrent and Adjuvant Temozolomide
Authors: Topkan Erkan , Besen Ali Ayberk , Ozdemir Yurday , Kucuk Ahmet , Mertsoylu Huseyin , Pehlivan Berrin , Selek Ugur
Published: May 2020

Objectives. To evaluate the potential prognostic utility of pretreatment systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients who underwent postneurosurgical radiotherapy and concurrent plus adjuvant temozolomide. Methods. The retrospective data of GBM patients who underwent postneurosurgical radiotherapy and concurrent plus adjuvant temozolomide were analyzed. For each patient, SII was calculated using the platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte measures obtained on the first day of treatment: SII=platelets×neutrophils/lymphocytes. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized for the evaluation of optimal cut-off values for SII those linked with the outcomes. Primary and secondary endpoints constituted the overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) per conveyance SII group. Results. A total of 167 patients were included. The ROC curve analysis identified the optimum SII cut-off at a rounded 565 value that significantly interacted with the PFS and OS and stratified patients into two groups: low-SII (SII<565; n=71) and high-SII (SII≥565; n=96), respectively. Comparative survival analyses exhibited that the high-SII cohort had significantly shorter median PFS (6.0 versus 16.6 months; P<0.001) and OS (11.1 versus 22.9 months; P<0.001) than the low-SII cohort. The relationship between the high-SII and poorer PFS (P<0.001) and OS (P<0.001) further retained its independent significance in multivariate analysis, as well. Conclusions. The outcomes displayed here qualified the pretreatment SII as a novel independent prognostic index for predicting survival outcomes of newly diagnosed GBM patients undergoing postneurosurgical radiotherapy and concurrent plus adjuvant temozolomide.
RCC2 Expression Stimulates ER-Positive Breast Tumorigenesis
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Xu Bing , Zhang Zhaoxu , Fang Kehua , Chang Xiaotian
Published: May 2020

Objective. Regulator of chromosome condensation 2 (RCC2) has been reported to be involved in the regulation of cell cleavage. This study investigated the effect of RCC2 expression on breast tumorigenesis. Methods. MCF-7 cells originating from estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer were transfected with anti-RCC2 siRNA or RCC2-expressing plasmids. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and cytokine production in the transfected cells were examined using the CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. PCR array was used to investigate the tumorigenic pathway of RCC2 in MCF-7 cells transfected with the anti-RCC2 siRNA. MCF-7 cells were also transfected with lentivirus-containing anti-RCC2 short hairpin RNA and were injected into BALB/c nude mice to generate tumor-bearing mice. Tumor growth in the mouse model was examined using magnetic resonance imaging by diffusion-weighted imaging analysis. Results. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry detected significantly increased expression of RCC2 in ER + breast tumor tissues compared with breast fibroadenoma samples. Inhibiting RCC2 expression decreased cell migration and stimulated apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, while overexpressing RCC2 stimulated cell migration and inhibited apoptosis. The inhibition of RCC2 expression significantly decreased breast tumor growth and IL-6 levels in the tumor-bearing mice. PCR array demonstrated that inhibiting RCC2 expression significantly decreased the expression of IGF1 and TWIST1, two well-known tumor-enhancing genes, in MCF-7 cells; conversely, overexpressing RCC2 increased the expression levels of these two genes in the transfected cells. This result was verified in the mouse model following inhibition of RCC2 expression in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, estradiol-17β suppressed MCF-7 cell apoptosis, stimulated cell proliferation and cell migration, and increased RCC2, IGF1, and TWIST1 expression. The siRNA-mediated inhibition of RCC2 expression alleviated the inhibitory effects of estrogen on apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, while overexpressing RCC2 enhanced the estrogen-driven inhibition of apoptosis. Modifying RCC2 expression had no impact on MCF-7 cell proliferation in the presence or absence of estradiol-17β. Conclusions. Our results suggest that estrogen-induced RCC2 expression prompts IGF1, TWIST1, and IL-6 expression, stimulates cell migration, and inhibits apoptosis to contribute to ER + breast tumorigenesis.
Monetary Incentives in Italian Public Administration: A Stimulus for Employees? An Agent-Based Approach
Authors: Ponta Linda , Cainarca Gian Carlo , Cincotti Silvano
Published: May 2020

The paper, focusing on the context of Public Administration (PA), addresses the effects of monetary incentives in employees’ performance. In the Italian PA, the monetary incentives are distributed according to the D.L.150/09 (i.e., the monetary incentives are divided among the employees according to the employees’ performance) which is based on the rank order tournament. The paper investigates if this mechanism has positive and sustainable impacts on the employees’ performance in the short, middle, and long term. The employees’ performance has been modeled as a function of ability and motivation. The results of the computational experiments show a positive impact of the monetary incentives, distributed according to merit criteria, on the employees’ performance in the short, middle, and long term.
Pile‐Spacing Calculation of Anti‐Slide Pile Based on Soil Arching Effect
Authors: Chen Guangfu , Zou Liangchao , Wang Qing , Zhang Guodong
Published: May 2020

Anti‐slide pile is one of the most frequently used measures in landslide control globally. Pile‐spacing has always been determined by the load capacity of single piles or according to engineering empirical experience. Many engineering practices and laboratory experiments show that the soil arching effect exists in landslide control with anti‐slide piles. In this study, we aim to calculate pile‐spacing in terms of the soil arching effect. We investigated the pile‐soil interaction mechanism and propose that, at the limit, the pile‐back soil arch resists landslide thrust only. According to Mohr–Coulomb strength theory and limit equilibrium theories, we derived a new pile‐spacing calculation equation. We verified the derived pile‐spacing calculation equation with real projects. The calculated results are similar to those of practical engineering designs, in which the difference is within 10%. The equation can be used in anti‐slide pile preliminary design. This study can be a reference for pile‐spacing calculation based on the soil arching effect.
Pathophysiology and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Bone Fragility
Authors: Eller-Vainicher C. , Cairoli E. , Grassi G. , Grassi F. , Catalano A. , Merlotti D. , Falchetti A. , Gaudio A. , Chiodini I. , Gennari L.
Published: May 2020

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of bone fragility fractures compared to nondiabetic subjects. This increased fracture risk may occur despite normal or even increased values of bone mineral density (BMD), and poor bone quality is suggested to contribute to skeletal fragility in this population. These concepts explain why the only evaluation of BMD could not be considered an adequate tool for evaluating the risk of fracture in the individual T2DM patient. Unfortunately, nowadays, the bone quality could not be reliably evaluated in the routine clinical practice. On the other hand, getting further insight on the pathogenesis of T2DM-related bone fragility could consent to ameliorate both the detection of the patients at risk for fracture and their appropriate treatment. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the increased risk of fragility fractures in a T2DM population are complex. Indeed, in T2DM, bone health is negatively affected by several factors, such as inflammatory cytokines, muscle-derived hormones, incretins, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production and cortisol secretion, peripheral activation, and sensitivity. All these factors may alter bone formation and resorption, collagen formation, and bone marrow adiposity, ultimately leading to reduced bone strength. Additional factors such as hypoglycemia and the consequent increased propensity for falls and the direct effects on bone and mineral metabolism of certain antidiabetic medications may contribute to the increased fracture risk in this population. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature evidence that faces the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying bone fragility in T2DM patients.
Asymptotic Solution for a Class of Epidemic Contagion Ecological Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Feng Yi-Hu , Hou Lei
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a class of systems for epidemic contagion is considered. An epidemic virus ecological model is described. Using the generalized variation iteration method, the corresponding approximate solution to the nonlinear system is obtained and the method for this approximate solution is pointed out. The accuracy of approximate solution is discussed, and it can control the epidemic virus transmission by using the parameters of the system. Thus, it has the value for practical application.
A Coupled Grid-Particle Method for Fluid Animation on GPU
Authors: Zhang Fengquan , Wei Qiuming , Wu Zhaohui
Published: May 2020

In digital production environments, high-quality visual effects play a key role in our mobile device such as game and film. The simulation of fluid animation with free surface is an important area in computer graphic. However, the tracking of fluid surface is a challenging problem because of its instability. In this paper, a coupled grid-particle method for fluid animation surface tracking and detail preserving is proposed. Firstly, based on the nonequilibrium extrapolation method, we design a novel method for reconstructing distribution functions (DFs) of interface grids of lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and couple the reconstruction method with LBM and volume of fluid (VOF) to track the free surface, which can obtain the accurate surface. Secondly, in order to avoid the loss of details caused by weaknesses in the traditional LBM-VOF method, we design a coupled grid-particle method that not only makes full use of the advantages of the coupled grid-particle method but also realizes the two-way coupling between grid method and particle method. Furthermore, for achieving the real-time requirements of fluid animation, we use GPU parallel computing to accelerate the simulation and use an improved screen space fluid (SSF) rendering method for realistic rendering. The various experiments show that this work can track the fluid surface with high precision and preserve the details of the fluid surface, and it also achieves good real-time performance in large-scale fluid simulation.
Analysis of Stochastic Nicholson-Type Delay System under Markovian Switching on Patches
Authors: Yi Xin , Liu Guirong
Published: May 2020

Based on the influence of random environmental perturbations and the patch structure, we propose a stochastic Nicholson-type delay system under Markovian switching on patches. Existence of a global positive solution is studied. Then, we show ultimate boundedness and estimation of the sample Lyapunov exponent of the solution. Furthermore, sufficient conditions for extinction of species are established, which is the main new ingredient of this paper. Finally, some numerical examples are presented. Our results improve and generalize previous related results.
Adolescência e lampejos
Authors: Strzykalski Stéphanie , Gurski Rose
Published: May 2020

Este artigo parte da análise de algumas falas de adolescentes em situação de privação de liberdade, bem como de enunciados que recolhemos da cultura; na sequência, refletimos sobre a violência juvenil como uma maneira de recusar reduzir suas manifestações às lógicas criminalizantes, individualizantes e patologizantes. Compartilhamos também algumas problematizações que foram surgindo frente aos desafios e impasses que vivenciamos enquanto pesquisadores em psicanálise no campo socioeducativo: de que modo não sucumbir aos discursos que buscam fixar os jovens da socioeducação unicamente na posição de menores infratores? Como sustentar uma escuta baseada em uma política subversiva quando nos deparamos com uma sociedade fortemente atravessada por lógicas normatizantes? Essas e outras questões foram trabalhadas a partir do enlace entre a dimensão ético-política da psicanálise, a política das sobrevivências proposta por Didi-Huberman e o conceito de ralé proposto por Hannah Arendt.
Polypharmacy, Adverse Outcomes, and Treatment Effectiveness in Patients ≥75 With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chen Nemin , Alam Aniqa B. , Lutsey Pamela L. , MacLehose Richard F. , Claxton J'Neka S. , Chen Lin Y. , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Alonso Alvaro
Published: May 2020

Background

Polypharmacy is highly prevalent in elderly people with chronic conditions, including atrial fibrillation (
AF
). The impact of polypharmacy on adverse outcomes and on treatment effectiveness in elderly patients with
AF
remains unaddressed.

Methods and Results

We studied 338 810
AF
patients ≥75 years of age enrolled in the MarketScan Medicare Supplemental database in 2007–2015. Polypharmacy was defined as ≥5 active prescriptions at
AF
diagnosis (defined by the presence of
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
[
ICD‐9‐CM
] codes) based on outpatient pharmacy claims.
AF
treatments (oral anticoagulation, rhythm and rate control) and cardiovascular end points (ischemic stroke, bleeding, heart failure) were defined based on inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy claims. Multivariable Cox models were used to estimate associations of polypharmacy with cardiovascular end points and the interaction between polypharmacy and
AF
treatments in relation to cardiovascular end points. Prevalence of polypharmacy was 52%. Patients with polypharmacy had increased risk of major bleeding (hazard ratio [
HR
], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.12–1.20) and heart failure (
HR
, 1.33; 95%
CI
, 1.29–1.36) but not ischemic stroke (
HR
, 0.96; 95%
CI
, 0.92–1.00), compared with those not receiving polypharmacy. Polypharmacy status did not consistently modify the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants. Rhythm control (versus rate control) was more effective in preventing heart failure hospitalization in patients not receiving polypharmacy (
HR
, 0.87; 95%
CI
, 0.76–0.99) than among those with polypharmacy (
HR
, 0.98; 95%
CI
, 0.91–1.07;
P
=0.02 for interaction).

Conclusion

Polypharmacy is common among patients ≥75 with
AF
, is associated with adverse outcomes, and may modify the effectiveness of
AF
treatments. Optimizing management of polypharmacy in
AF
patients ≥75 may lead to improved outcomes.
Flamingos and Perverted Sacrifices in Suetonius’ Life of Caligula
Authors: Köster Isabel K.
Published: May 2020

Suetonius’ biography of Caligula contains two mentions of the sacrifice of exotic birds: at Cal. 22.3 a range of them are sacrificed to the emperor and at Cal. 57.4 Caligula sacrifices a flamingo. By setting these references within the larger context of Roman sacrifice, this article argues that these sacrifices should be considered perverted acts. They form part of Suetonius’ strategy of depicting Caligula’s religious activities as an aberration. Looking beyond Suetonius’ text, the bird sacrifices prompt wider questions about the nature of the Cult of Caligula and about what constitutes an appropriate sacrifice in the Roman world.
Cross-sectional metabolic profiles of mental health in population-based cohorts of 11- to 12-year-olds and mid-life adults: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
Authors: Lange Katherine , Lycett Kate , Ellul Susan , Saffery Richard , Mensah Fiona , Carlin John , Gold Lisa , Edwards Ben , Azzopardi Peter , Sawyer Michael , Juonala Markus , Burgner David , Wake Melissa
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Poorer mental health in adulthood is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy. However, little is known of the molecular pathways underpinning this relationship and how early in life adverse metabolite profiles relate to self-reported variation in mental health. We examined cross-sectional associations between mental health and serum metabolites indicative of cardiovascular health, in large Australian population-based cohorts at two stages of the life-course.

Methods:

We characterised cross-sectional serum nuclear magnetic resonance metabolite profiles of positively and negatively framed mental health in a large population-based sample of Australian 11- to 12-year-olds ( n = 1172; 51% girls) and mid-life adults (n = 1322; mean age 45 years; 87% women). We examined multiple standard self-report mental health scales, spanning psychosocial health, general well-being, life satisfaction, and health-related quality of life. Linear regression was used to investigate the cross-sectional association between mental health and each metabolite (n = 73) in children and adults separately, unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic position and body mass index.

Results:

Better child and adult mental health were associated with lower levels of the inflammatory marker glycoprotein acetyls, and a favourable, less atherogenic lipid/lipoprotein profile. Patterns of association in children were generally weaker than in adults. Associations were generally modest and partially attenuated when adjusted for body mass index.

Conclusions:

In general, metabolite profiles associated with better child and adult mental health closely aligned with those predictive of better cardiovascular health in adults. Our findings support previous evidence for the likely bidirectional relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease risk, by extending this evidence base to the molecular level and in children.