bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spherical and cylindrical solutions in f(T) gravity by Noether symmetry approach
Authors: Nurbaki Ali Nur , Capozziello Salvatore , Deliduman Cemsinan
Published: February 2020

We find exact solutions forf(T) teleparallel gravity for the cases of spherically and cylindrically symmetric tetrads. The adopted method is based on the search for Noether symmetries of point-like Lagrangians defined in Jordan and Einstein frames. Constants of motion are used to reduce the dynamical system. We first consider the Lagrangian defined in the Jordan frame for a spherically symmetric tetrad and, by the help of two constants of motion, we eliminate a tetrad potential and integrate the other. The more complicated structure in the Einstein frame is also overcome by the same method. After that we obtain the Jordan frame Lagrangian for a general cylindrically symmetric tetrad. Following the same procedure adopted in the spherically symmetric case, we again obtain the tetrad potentials and then the exact solutions.
Lie symmetry analysis, conservation laws and some exact solutions of the time-fractional Buckmaster equation
Authors: Yourdkhany Mahdieh , Nadjafikhah Mehdi , Toomanian Megerdich
Published: February 2020

This paper systematically investigates the Lie symmetry analysis of the time-fractional Buckmaster equation in the sense of Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative. With the aid of infinitesimal symmetries, this equation is transformed into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation of fractional order (FODE), where the fractional derivatives are in Erdelyi–Kober sense. The reduced FODE is solved with the explicit power series method and some figures for the obtained power series solutions are also depicted. Finally, Ibragimov’s method and Noether’s theorem have been employed to conclude the conservation laws of this equation.
AR
2
Net
Authors: Xu Yanan , Shen Yanyan , Zhu Yanmin , Yu Jiadi
Published: February 2020

Business location selection is crucial to the success of businesses. Traditional approaches like manual survey investigate multiple factors, such as foot traffic, neighborhood structure, and available workforce, which are typically hard to measure. In this article, we propose to explore both satellite data (e.g., satellite images and nighttime light data) and urban data for business location selection tasks of various businesses. We extract discriminative features from the two kinds of data and perform empirical analysis to evaluate the correlation between extracted features and the business popularity of locations. A novel neural network approach named R
2
Net is proposed to learn deep interactions among features and predict the business popularity of locations. The proposed approach is trained with a regression-and-ranking combined loss function to preserve accurate popularity estimation and the ranking order of locations simultaneously. To support the location selection for multiple businesses, we propose an approach named AR
2
Net with three attention modules, which enable the approach to focus on different latent features according to business types. Comprehensive experiments on a real-world dataset demonstrate that the satellite features are effective and our models outperform the state-of-the-art methods in terms of four metrics.
Cruel to Be Kind: Epithelial, Microbial, and Immune Cell Interactions in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Shalapour Shabnam , Karin Michael
Published: February 2020

A plethora of experimental and epidemiological evidence supports a critical role for inflammation and adaptive immunity in the onset of cancer and in shaping its response to therapy. These data are particularly robust for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, such as those affecting the GI tract, liver, and pancreas, on which this review is focused. We propose a unifying hypothesis according to which intestinal barrier disruption is the origin of tumor-promoting inflammation that acts in conjunction with tissue-specific cancer-initiating mutations. The gut microbiota and its products impact tissue-resident and recruited myeloid cells that promote tumorigenesis through secretion of growth- and survival-promoting cytokines that act on epithelial cells, as well as fibrogenic and immunosuppressive cytokines that interfere with the proper function of adaptive antitumor immunity. Understanding these relationships should improve our ability to prevent cancer development and stimulate the immune system to eliminate existing malignancies.
Psychological Diagnoses and Weight Loss among Appalachian Bariatric Surgery Patients
Authors: Barr Makenzie L. , Brode Cassie , Tabone Lawrence E. , Cox Stephanie J. , Olfert Melissa D.
Published: February 2020

Background. The relationship between presurgical psychopathology and weight loss following bariatric surgery is complex; previous research has yielded mixed results. The current study investigates the relationship among presurgical mental health diagnoses, symptom severity, and weight loss outcomes in an Appalachian population, where obesity-related comorbidities are prominent. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed on bariatric surgery patients in an accredited Appalachian centered academic hospital in northern West Virginia between 2013 and 2015 (n = 347). Data extraction included basic demographics, anthropometrics (percent excess weight loss (%EWL)) at six-month, one-year, and two-year postoperative visits, and two validated psychological questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)) from patient’s presurgical psychological evaluation. Results. Average patient population was 92.5% Caucasian, 81.5% female, 45 ± 11.5 years old, and 84.1% who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery with the remaining having laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. At baseline, no differences were detected in weight, excess body weight, or body mass index between surgery types. Average baseline BDI-II score was 10.1 ± 8.68 (range 0–41) and BAI score was 6.1 ± 6.7 (range 0–36), and this was not significantly different by surgery at baseline. Both baseline psychological scores were in the “minimal” severity range. BDI-II was positively related to BMI of patients at baseline (p=0.01). Both BDI-II and BAI were not significantly related to %EWL across follow-up. Conclusion. Other than baseline weight, BDI-II and BAI scores were not related to %EWL outcomes in patients receiving bariatric surgery in the Appalachian region. Future work should examine mixed methods approaches to capture prospective and longitudinal data to more thoroughly delve into mental health aspects of our Appalachian patients and improve efforts to recapture postoperative patients who may have been lost to follow-up.
Effects of 16% Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching on the Surface Properties of Glazed Glassy Matrix Ceramics
Authors: Demir Necla , Karci Muhammet , Ozcan Mutlu
Published: February 2020

Objective. To determine the influence of the home bleaching agent, Opalescence PF, on the surface roughness and microhardness of glazed glassy matrix CAD‐CAM ceramics. Materials and Methods. The 28 sintered leucite‐ and lithium disilicate‐reinforced ceramic specimens (IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD) were divided into control and bleached groups. The home bleaching agent was applied to specimens of bleached groups for 7 days. The surface roughness and microhardness of all specimens were measured. A scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the surface properties. The data were statistically analyzed by two‐way ANOVA. Results. The control e.max CAD showed the lowest surface roughness values. For both Empress and e.max CAD, surface roughness was significantly higher for the bleached group (p < 0.05). No significant differences in microhardness were observed. Conclusions. According to our study, patients should be careful when using home bleaching agents because whitening agents can affect the mechanical properties of full ceramic restorations like e.max CAD and Empress CAD. Ceramic polishing may be required in clinical situations where ceramic restorations are accidentally exposed to bleaching gels.
Asiatic Acid Interferes with Invasion and Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells by Inhibiting WAVE3 Activation through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gou Xiao-jun , Bai Huan-huan , Liu Li-wei , Chen Hong-yu , Shi Qi , Chang Li-sheng , Ding Ming-ming , Shi Qin , Zhou Mei-xiang , Chen Wen-li , Zhang Li-min
Published: February 2020

Objective. To explore the ability of asiatic acid to interfere with the invasion and proliferation of breast cancer cells by inhibiting WAVE3 expression and activation through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Methods. The MDA‐MB‐231 cells with strong invasiveness were screened by transwell assay, and plasmids with high expression of WAVE3 were constructed for transfection. The transfection effect and protein expression level of plasmids were verified by PCR and WB. The effects of asiatic acid on cell proliferation and invasion were investigated by flow cytometry. The xenografted tumor models in nude mice were established to study the antitumor activity of asiatic acid. Results. Asiatic acid significantly inhibited the activity of MDA‐MB‐231 cells, and the expression level of WAVE3 increased significantly in the tissue of ductal carcinoma in situ and was lower than that in the metastasis group. After plasmid transfection, the mRNA and protein expression of WAVE3 increased significantly in the cells. Asiatic acid at different concentrations had an impact on cell apoptosis and invasion and could significantly inhibit the expression of WAVE3, P53, p‐PI3K, p‐AKT, and other proteins. The T/C(%) of asiatic acid (50 mg/kg) for MDA‐MB‐231(F10) xenografted tumor in nude mice was 46.33%, with a tumor inhibition rate of 59.55%. Asiatic acid could significantly inhibit the growth of MDA‐MB‐231 (F10) xenografted tumors in nude mice (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Asiatic acid interferes with the ability of breast cancer cells to invade and proliferate by inhibiting WAVE3 expression and activation and the mechanism of action may be related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Different Evaluations Exist between Men with Erectile Dysfunction and Their Female Partners When Using Erectile Hardness Model: An Interesting, Observational, and Cross‐Sectional Field Survey
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Zhang Yuyang , Li Hu , Gao Pan , Zhang Xiansheng
Published: February 2020

It is an interesting clinical phenomenon that when evaluating the erectile function of men with erectile dysfunction by couples, respectively, using the erectile hardness model, there will exist the evaluation difference between men and their female partners. This phenomenon reflects the problem of communication and cognition between husband and wife in ED patients. To explore the influencing factors associated with this clinical phenomenon, we conducted this interesting, observational, and cross‐sectional field survey. We enrolled 385 couples from the andrology clinics of the first affiliated hospital of Anhui Medical University from December 2017 to December 2018. The demographic data of couples, the medical history, sexuality and the characteristics of ED, and anxiety and depression of the couples were collected through face‐to‐face interview and questionnaires. The couples were divided into two groups containing 238 couples and 147 couples, respectively. We divided couples into difference group including couples which have inconsistent evaluation results from touching the erectile hardness model and no difference group including couples which have consistent evaluation results from touching the erectile hardness model, respectively. The difference group where the couples share different evaluation results reported higher erectile hardness grade from men than from their female partners (male > female: 73.11% vs. male < female: 26.89%). The scores of IIEF‐5 in difference group and no difference group are 13.43 ± 5.75 and 16.82 ± 8.23, respectively. The average grades evaluated from men and women in difference group are 2.79 ± 0.85 and 2.45 ± 0.63, respectively. The average grades evaluated from couples in no difference group are 3.02 ± 0.45. Through statistical comparison and logistic regression analysis, duration of ED > 16 months, seeking treatment from female, negative communication state, and depression from men are the relevant factors accounting for the different evaluation results. This phenomenon reflects the problem of communication and cognition between husband and wife in ED patients. As for couples with these risk factors, we cannot focus only on the oral medication which only restores the penile erectile function. More importantly, we must combine the sexual counseling and sexual knowledge education with the drug treatment. When the two treatments are tightly integrated, not only the penile erection but also the gap of couples can be restored which is the best result of the ED treatment.
Evaluation of Hair Density and Hair Diameter in the Adult Thai Population Using Quantitative Trichoscopic Analysis
Authors: Leerunyakul Kanchana , Suchonwanit Poonkiat
Published: February 2020

The data of hair density and hair diameter in the Asian population, especially in Thais, are limited. We aimed to evaluate hair density and hair diameter of members of the Thai population at different scalp sites and to determine the effect of sex and aging as well as to compare the results with those in groups of other ethnicities. Healthy Thais whose hair examination findings were normal were evaluated. Two hundred and thirty‐nine subjects participated in this study, of whom 79 were male and 160 were female. Hair density and hair diameter were analyzed at four different scalp sites using quantitative trichoscopic analysis. The highest hair density in Thais was observed in the vertex area. Hair densities at four different scalp sites were significantly different from one another; only hair density at the vertex site showed no significant difference from that in the occipital area. In contrast, hair diameter did not show any statistically significant differences for the different sites. We observed decreased mean hair density with increasing age and found statistically significant differences between participants in their 20s and those in their 60s, while hair diameter remained consistent. Comparing our results with a previous study in other ethnicities, the hair densities in Asians are generally lower. In conclusion, hair density in the Thai population varies at different scalp sites. Aging is a factor in declining hair density. Asians have a lower hair density compared to Caucasian and African populations.
Hemoglobin Sunshine Seth: A Case Report of Low-Oxygen-Affinity Hemoglobinopathy
Authors: Heidenreich Leah S. , Oliveira Jennifer L. , Holmberg Peter J. , Rodriguez Vilmarie
Published: February 2020

Pulse oximetry is routinely used in the newborn nursery for clinical monitoring and to detect critical congenital heart disease. The differential diagnoses for reduced peripheral oxygen saturation in an infant include congenital heart disease, respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, meconium aspiration syndrome, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and sepsis. The diagnostic evaluation for neonatal hypoxemia can be invasive and expensive. When this evaluation is unrevealing, other interventions may be tried without clear benefit to the patient, including, but not limited to, supplemental oxygen. Therefore, it is important to consider alternative, albeit rare, diagnoses, including hemoglobinopathies with abnormal oxygen binding properties. Mutations in the structure of alpha- and beta-globin chains can alter the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, and changes in oxygen affinity may result in changes in the oxygen saturation detected by pulse oximetry. These changes may or may not be of clinical significance. This case report describes Hemoglobin Sunshine Seth, a rare low-oxygen-affinity hemoglobin variant presenting as reduced peripheral oxygen saturation in an otherwise well-appearing infant male.
Identifying Tumorigenesis and Prognosis‐Related Genes of Lung Adenocarcinoma: Based on Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis
Authors: Yi Ming , Li Tianye , Qin Shuang , Yu Shengnan , Chu Qian , Li Anping , Wu Kongming
Published: February 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed subtype of nonsmall cell lung cancer. The molecular mechanisms of the initiation and progression of lung adenocarcinoma remain to be further determined. This study aimed to screen genes related to the progression of lung adenocarcinoma. By weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), we constructed a free‐scale gene coexpression network to evaluate the correlations between multiple gene sets and patients’ clinical traits, then further identify predictive biomarkers. GSE11969 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database which contained the gene expression data of 90 lung adenocarcinoma patients. Data of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were employed as the validation cohort. After the average linkage hierarchical clustering, a total of 9 modules were generated. In the clinical significant module (R = 0.44, P < 0.0001), we identified 29 network hub genes. Subsequent verification in the TCGA database showed that 11 hub genes (ANLN, CDCA5, FLJ21924, LMNB1, MAD2L1, RACGAP1, RFC4, SNRPD1, TOP2A, TTK, and ZWINT) were significantly associated with poor survival data of lung adenocarcinomas. Besides, the results of receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that the mRNA levels of this group of genes exhibited high specificity and sensitivity to distinguish malignant lesions from nonmalignant tissues. Apart from mRNA levels, we found that the protein abundances of these 11 genes were remarkably upregulated in lung adenocarcinomas compared with normal tissues. In conclusion, by the WGCNA method, a panel of 11 genes were identified as predictive biomarkers for tumorigenesis and poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinomas.
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of an Alcohol Drinking Model with the Influence of Alcohol Treatment Centers
Authors: Khajji Bouchaib , Labzai Abderrahim , Balatif Omar , Rachik Mostafa
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we present a continuous mathematical model PMHTrTpQ of alcohol drinking with the influence of private and public addiction treatment centers. We study the dynamical behavior of this model and we discuss the basic properties of the system and determine its basic reproduction number R0. We also study the sensitivity analysis of model parameters to know the parameters that have a high impact on the reproduction number R0. The stability analysis of the model shows that the system is locally as well as globally asymptotically stable at drinking-free equilibrium E0 when R0≤1. When R0>1, drinking present equilibrium E∗ exists and the system is locally as well as globally asymptotically stable at alcohol present equilibrium E∗.
miR‐654‐5p Targets HAX‐1 to Regulate the Malignancy Behaviors of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Huang Fuda , Wu Xianjian , Wei Mingwei , Guo Houji , Li Hua , Shao Zesheng , Wu Yi , Pu Jian
Published: February 2020

Introduction. The biological roles of microRNA‐654‐5p (miR‐654‐5p) in cancers have been previously reported. However, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely unknown. The purpose of this work was to investigate the roles and associated mechanisms in CRC. Methods. Quantitative Real‐Time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was utilized to explore the expression pattern of miR‐654‐5p in CRC cells. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, wound‐healing assay, and transwell invasion assay were conducted to investigate the effects of miR‐654‐5p on CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Moreover, the mechanisms behind miR‐654‐5p regulates CRC progression were investigated. Results. Compared with normal cell line, miR‐654‐5p expression level was significantly suppressed in CRC cells. After overexpression of miR‐654‐5p, the malignancy behaviors of CRC cells including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were remarkably decreased. Subsequently, we found hematopoietic cell‐specific protein 1‐associated protein X‐1 (HAX‐1) was a putative target for miR‐654‐5p. Rescue experiments showed overexpression of HAX‐1 could partially reversed the effects of miR‐654‐4p on CRC cell events. Conclusion. miR‐654‐5p was reduced expression in CRC cells and could regulate CRC progression via targeting HAX‐1.
Research on Theoretical Modeling and Parameter Sensitivity of a Single-Rod Double-Cylinder and Double-Coil Magnetorheological Damper
Authors: Hou Suojun , Liu Gang
Published: February 2020

For the single-rod double-cylinder and double-coil magnetorheological (MR) damper studied in this paper, the damping force model of the damper is established by adopting multidisciplinary domain modeling method bond graph theory. Firstly, combined with the structure of the MR damper, the bond graph model of the MR damper was established, the damping force model of the damper was derived through the bond graph theory, and the influence factors, such as the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the damper were considered in the model. Based on the simulation of force-displacement and force-velocity characteristics of the damping force carried out by the damper theoretical model under different currents and velocities as well as the comparison with the damper bench test results, it was found that the force-displacement and force-velocity characteristic experiment curves of the damper agreed well with the simulation results. Under different working conditions, the maximum error of damping force of the MR damper was 7.2%. The damping force model of the MR damper studied in this paper was compared with that of the damper without considering the inertia force of MR fluid, and the influence of the inertia force of MR fluid on the damping force of the MR damper was analyzed. The results show that when the frequency of the damper is large, the inertial force of MR fluid has an important influence on the damping force; therefore, considering the inertial force of MR fluid in the model can greatly improve the accuracy of the model. The influence degree of key parameters on the damping force of the MR damper was studied through the theoretical model; such key parameters ranging from large to small were the channel clearance, energizing current, piston diameter, motion velocity, channel length, zero-field viscosity of MR fluid, and nitrogen pressure. This provides a basis for the adjustment of the damping force of the MR damper.
Assessment of the Glenoid Morphology Based on Demographic Data in the Turkish Population
Authors: Sarı Abdulkadir , Dinçel Yaşar Mahsut , Günaydın Burak , Çetin Mehmet Ümit , Özçaglayan Ömer , Bilsel Kerem
Published: February 2020

Purpose. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the glenoid version, height, and width measurements based on gender, side, age, height, and hand dominance in the Turkish population using computed tomography (CT) images. Methods. In our study, CT images of 140 patients (62 females and 78 males; mean age: 39.6 years) who had no shoulder complaints were evaluated retrospectively. Glenoid version (GV), AP diameter (width), and SI diameter (height) on both shoulders were measured on the CT images. Correlations between patient gender, side, age, height, and hand dominance and the GV and size were evaluated. Results. The right shoulder had a mean GV of −0.93 ± 7.80 degrees and the left shoulder had a GV of −0.88 ± 6.63 degrees (p > 0.05). The mean AP diameter of the glenoid was 26.57 ± 3.02 mm in the right shoulder and 26.33 ± 3.01 mm in the left shoulder (p > 0.05). The mean SI diameter of the glenoid was 31.8 ± 3.6 mm in the right and 31.7 ± 3.3 mm in the left shoulder (p > 0.05). When men and women were evaluated in two separate groups, the GV, AP, and SI values did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between the two shoulders in both genders (p > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the ages and heights of the patients and the glenoid size (p < 0.05). The mean AP diameter was approximately 28 mm and the SI diameter was 34 mm in males, whereas the mean AP diameter was 24 mm and the SI diameter was 30 mm in females (p < 0.05). The GV values of the dominant shoulders were significantly more retroverted (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the ages and heights of the patients and the glenoid size (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Hand dominance had an effect on the glenoid version, while patient gender, age, and height had an effect on the glenoid size. The glenoid width in the Turkish population was similar to that of the European and American populations, and the glenoid height was similar to that of the Asian population. Our GV values were similar to those of the Asian population and more anteverted compared to the Western population. We believe that our findings will be useful in preoperative planning and in the production of implants for our population.
Lysine Reacts with Cholesterol Hydroperoxide to Form Secosterol Aldehydes and Lysine-Secosterol Aldehyde Adducts
Authors: Wanjala George Wafula , Onyango Arnold Nola , Abuga David Rasugu , Muchuna John Kamathi , Onyango Calvin , Makayoto Moses
Published: February 2020

Two cholesterol secosterol aldehydes, namely, 3β-hydroxy-5-oxo-5,6-secocholestan-6-al (secosterol A) and its aldolization product 3β-hydroxy-5β-hydroxy-B-norcholestane-6β-carboxyaldehyde (secosterol B), are highly bioactive compounds which have been detected in human tissues and potentially contribute to the development of physiological dysfunctions such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. They were originally considered to be exclusive products of cholesterol ozonolysis and thus to be evidence for endogenous ozone formation. However, it was recently postulated that primary amines such as lysine may catalyse their formation from cholesterol-5α-hydroperoxide (Ch-5α-OOH), the main product of the oxidation of cholesterol with singlet oxygen. This involves cyclization of Ch-5α-OOH to an unstable dioxetane intermediate, which decomposes to form secosterol aldehydes with triplet carbonyl groups, whose return to the singlet state is at least partly coupled to the conversion of triplet molecular oxygen to singlet oxygen. Here, we subjected cholesterol to photosensitized oxidation, which predominantly produces Ch-5α-OOH and minor amounts of the 6α- and 6β-hydroperoxides, exposed the hydroperoxide mixture to lysine in the presence of the antioxidant 2,6-ditertiary-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT), and analysed the reaction mixture by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Consistent with the postulated lysine-catalysed formation of secosterol aldehydes, we detected formation of the latter and several types of their lysine adducts, including carbinolamines, Schiff’s bases, and amide-type adducts. We propose that the amide type adducts, which are major biomarkers of lipid oxidation, are mainly formed by singlet oxygen-mediated oxidation of the carbinolamine adducts.
A Novel Three‐miRNA Signature Identified Using Bioinformatics Predicts Survival in Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Wu KunZhe , Zhang ChunDong , Zhang Cheng , Dai DongQiu
Published: February 2020

Objective. We identified differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) between esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) tissues and normal esophageal tissues. We then constructed a novel three‐miRNA signature to predict the prognosis of ESCA patients using bioinformatics analysis. Materials and Methods. We combined two microarray profiling datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and RNA‐seq datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze DEMs in ESCA. The clinical data from 168 ESCA patients were selected from the TCGA database to assess the prognostic role of the DEMs. The TargetScan, miRDB, miRWalk, and DIANA websites were used to predict the miRNA target genes. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (David), and protein‐protein interaction (PPI) networks were obtained using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database (STRING). Results. With cut‐off criteria of P < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1.0, 33 overlapping DEMs, including 27 upregulated and 6 downregulated miRNAs, were identified from GEO microarray datasets and TCGA RNA‐seq count datasets. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that a three‐miRNA signature (miR‐1301‐3p, miR‐431‐5p, and miR‐769‐5p) was significantly associated with the overall survival of ESCA patients. The results of univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the three‐miRNA signature was a potential prognostic factor in ESCA. Furthermore, the gene functional enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of the three miRNAs participate in various cancer‐related pathways, including viral carcinogenesis, forkhead box O (FoxO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ErbB2), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways. In the PPI network, three target genes (MAPK1, RB1, and CLTC) with a high degree of connectivity were selected as hub genes. Conclusions. Our results revealed that a three‐miRNA signature (miR‐1301‐3p, miR‐431‐5p, and miR‐769‐5p) is a potential novel prognostic biomarker for ESCA.
The Prognostic Impact of Circulating Regulatory T Lymphocytes on Mortality in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Hammer Andreas , Sulzgruber Patrick , Koller Lorenz , Kazem Niema , Hofer Felix , Richter Bernhard , Blum Steffen , Hülsmann Martin , Wojta Johann , Niessner Alexander
Published: February 2020

Background. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) constitutes a global health issue. While proinflammatory cytokines proved to have a pivotal role in the development and progression of HFrEF, less attention has been paid to the cellular immunity. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) seem to have an important role in the induction and maintenance of immune homeostasis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of Tregs on the outcome in HFrEF. Methods. We prospectively enrolled 112 patients with HFrEF and performed flow cytometry for cell phenotyping. Individuals were stratified in ischemic (iHFrEF, n=57) and nonischemic etiology (niHFrEF, n=55). Cox regression hazard analysis was used to assess the influence of Tregs on survival. Results. Comparing patients with iHFrEF to niHFrEF, we found a significantly lower fraction of Tregs within lymphocytes in the ischemic subgroup (0.42% vs. 0.56%; p=0.009). After a mean follow-up time of 4.5 years, 32 (28.6%) patients died due to cardiovascular causes. We found that Tregs were significantly associated with cardiovascular survival in the entire study cohort with an adjusted HR per one standard deviation (1-SD) of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39-0.92; p=0.017). A significant inverse association of Tregs and cardiovascular mortality in patients with iHFrEF with an adj. HR per 1-SD of 0.59 (95% CI: 0.36-0.96; p=0.034) has been observed, while this association was not evident in the nonischemic subgroup (adj. HR per 1-SD of 0.62 (95% CI: 0.17-2.31); p=0.486). Conclusion. Our results indicate a potential influence of Tregs in the pathogenesis and progression of iHFrEF, fostering the implication of cellular immunity in iHFrEF pathophysiology and proving Tregs as a predictor for long-term survival among iHFrEF patients. A preview of this study has been presented at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology earlier this year.
Decellularized Aortic Scaffold Alleviates H2O2‐Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis in CD34+ Progenitor Cells While Driving Neovasculogenesis
Authors: Gao Liping , Feng Anqi , Li Cui , Schmull Sebastian , Sun Hong
Published: February 2020

Bone marrow‐derived stem/progenitor cells have been utilized for cardiac or vascular repair after ischemic injury, but they are subject to apoptosis and immune rejection in the ischemic site. Multiple scaffolds were used as delivery tools to transplant stem/progenitor cells; however, these scaffolds did not show intrinsically antiapoptotic or anti‐inflammatory properties. Decellularized aortic scaffolds that facilitate cell delivery and tissue repair were prepared by removing cells of patient‐derived aortic tissues. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed cells attached well to the scaffold after culturing for 5 days. Live/dead staining showed most seeded cells survived at day 7 on a decellularized aortic scaffold. Ki67 staining demonstrated that decellularized aortic scaffold promoted proliferation of bone marrow‐derived CD34+ progenitor cells. Apoptosis of CD34+ progenitor cells induced by H2O2 at high concentration was significantly alleviated in the presence of decellularized aortic scaffolds, demonstrating a protective effect against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis. Furthermore, decellularized aortic scaffolds significantly reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐8, GM‐CSF, MIP‐1β, GRO‐α, Entoxin, and GRO) concurrently with an increase in anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐2 and TGF‐β) released from CD34+ progenitor cells when exposed to H2O2 at low concentration. Finally, neovascularization was observed by H&E and immunohistochemical staining 14 days after the decellularized aortic scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted in nude mice. This preclinical study demonstrates that the use of a decellularized aortic scaffold possessing antiapoptotic and anti‐inflammatory properties may represent a promising strategy for cardiovascular repair after ischemic injury.
Management of Tuberculous Cutaneous Fistula
Authors: Didace Massamba Miabaou , Ida Lenga Loumingou , Irène Ondima , Félix Peko Jean
Published: February 2020

Tuberculosis is an endemic emergency that is prevalent in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Black Africa, including Congo-Brazzaville. In addition to the pulmonary, ganglionic, and bone forms, there are other poorly documented locations. In the Congo, among these is cutaneous tuberculosis which is exceptional. A 9-year-old boy and two adult patients had persistent lesions of the left hip and thigh wounds, chest wall, and hypogastric wound with no healing for more than four months, respectively. Among these patients, one case of tuberculous contact was noted. Histopathological examination revealed a Koester follicle, suggesting a tuberculous skin fistula. A fistulectomy was performed, coupled with a quadruple antituberculous therapy combining rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide for two months, relayed by a dual therapy consisting of isoniazid and ethambutol for 6 to 8 months. The evolution was favorable in all cases with healing of the lesions after 3 to 6 weeks. The existence of inexhaustible fistulas and the absence of scarring of a wound should make one suspect, among other things, cutaneous tuberculosis. The product of fistulectomy makes it possible to establish the histological diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis.
Biosorptive Removal of Cadmium(II) and Copper(II) Using Microwave-Assisted Thiourea-Modified Sorghum bicolor Agrowaste
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Rehman Rabia , Farooq Umar , Tahir Anum , Mitu Liviu
Published: February 2020

Sorghum bicolor (S.B.) is used in this work for preparing chemically modified adsorbent for toxic metal ions, i.e., cadmium(II) and copper(II). Thiourea is selected for chemical modification of this plant waste by microwave solid fusion methodology, so that its chelating ability for metal ions can be enhanced in both acidic and basic conditions, in a cheaper and quicker way. Characterization was carried out by different physiochemical means using FT-IR, SEM, etc. An increase in pHpzc value was observed in TSB, which is confirmed by FT-IR analysis. The effect of biosorption process parameters was also studied and found that maximum removal of these toxic ions occurred in slightly acidic pH (5-6) conditions, following pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Boyd plots indicated that film dispersion mode was the rate-determining step. Langmuir model indicated that the maximum metal ion removal capacity of TSB was 17.241 mg/g and 15.151 mg/g for cadmium(II) and copper(II) ions. So, TSB can be used on a larger scale for toxic metal ion removal by Sorghum bicolor waste in a cleaner way.
Short Shoot Growth and Reproduction Response to Light Conditions Vary with Order Branching in the Proximal Part of C. atlantica Crown
Authors: Saouab Fatima-Ezzahra , Bendriss Amraoui Mohammed
Published: February 2020

This study compared the effects of shading in individual branch orders 2 and 3 on the needle survival, growth, and reproduction of five categories of short shoots of the proximal part of wild Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) G. Manetti ex Carrière). The sun exposure did not affect the number of short shoots in the two branch orders, whereas light compared to shade only stimulates the unbranched short shoot elongation of the branch order 3. The impact of shade exposure compared to sun on the loss of needles depends on the order of branching; it is weak to order 2 and increases to higher order. This effect in the branch order 3 is achieved by a significant decrease of the fallen leaf number in the unbranched short shoot SSnr and the short shoot SS/T worn by Twigs while in the branch order 2 only short shoot SS (nr + r) loses significantly few needles. In terms of short shoot extension and needle loss, the SS/T of the branch order 3 behaves in the same way as the SS (nr + r) of the branch order 2. The shadow compared to sunlit only decreases significantly the production of pollen strobili of the branch order 2. Close relationships between short shoot extension, leaf life span, and pollen strobili production of axillary products in the proximal part of C. atlantica crown were found.
Investigation of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and the Effects of Alfalfa Flavonoids on Growth Performance
Authors: Chen Si , Li Xiang , Liu Xin , Wang Ning , An Qi , Ye Xi Mei , Zhao Zi Tong , Zhao Meng , Han Yi , Ouyang Ke Hui , Wang Wen Jun
Published: February 2020

The flavonoids were extracted from alfalfa using ethanol assisted with ultrasonic extraction and purified by D101 macroporous resin column chromatography. The chemical composition and content of ethanol elution fractions (EEFs) were assessed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and hybrid quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and aluminum nitrate-sodium nitrite-sodium hydroxide colorimetric method. The in vitro antioxidant activity of two EEFs was conducted by scavenging DPPH free radical, and the main antioxidants of 75% EEFs were screened using DPPH-UHPLC. Moreover, the in vivo antioxidant activity of 75% EEFs and the growth performance of broilers were studied. The results showed that the content of 30% and 75% EEFs was 26.20% and 62.57%. Fifteen compounds were identified from 75% EEFs, and five of them were reported in alfalfa for the first time. The scavenging activity of 75% and 30% EEFs (200 μg/mL) against DPPH was 95.51% and 78.85%. The peak area of 5,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavone and hyperoside was decreased by 82.69% and 76.04%, which exhibited strong scavenging capacities. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) level of three treated groups against the normal control group (NC) fed with basal diet significantly increased by 3.89-24.49%, 0.53-7.39%, and 0.79-11.79%, respectively. While the malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 0.47-18.27%. Compared with the NC, the feed to gain ratio (F : G) of three treated groups was lowered by 2.98-16.53% and survival rate of broilers significantly increased. Consequently, 75% EEFs extracted from alfalfa exhibited powerful antioxidant activities and might be a potential feed additive to poultry and livestock.
Paeonol Attenuates Methotrexate-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Rats by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Suppressing TLR4-Induced NF-κB Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Al-Taher Abdulla Y. , Morsy Mohamed A. , Rifaai Rehab A. , Zenhom Nagwa M. , Abdel-Gaber Seham A.
Published: February 2020

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been proved in the development of MTX toxicity. Paeonol is a natural phenolic compound with various pharmacological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of paeonol against MTX-induced cardiac toxicity in rats and to evaluate the various mechanisms that underlie this effect. Paeonol (100 mg/kg) was administered orally for 10 days. MTX cardiac toxicity was induced at the end of the fifth day of the experiment, with or without paeonol pretreatment. MTX-induced cardiac damage is evidenced by a distortion in the normal cardiac histological structure, with significant oxidative and nitrosative stress shown as a significant increase in NADPH oxidase-2, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels along with a decrease in reduced glutathione concentration and superoxide dismutase activity compared to the control group. MTX-induced inflammatory effects are evidenced by the increased cardiac toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA expression and protein level as well as increased cardiac tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α and interleukin- (IL-) 6 levels along with increased nuclear factor- (NF-) κB/p65 immunostaining. MTX increased apoptosis as shown by the upregulation of cardiac caspase 3 immunostaining. Paeonol was able to correct the oxidative and nitrosative stress as well as the inflammatory and apoptotic parameters and restore the normal histological structure compared to MTX alone. In conclusion, paeonol has a protective effect against MTX-induced cardiac toxicity through inhibiting oxidative and nitrosative stress and suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6 inflammatory pathway, as well as causing an associated reduction in the proapoptotic marker, caspase 3.
Pore Structure Petrophysical Characterization of the Upper Cretaceous Oil Shale from the Songliao Basin (NE China) Using Low-Field NMR
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Jinyou , Bai Yunfeng , Zhang Yupeng , Zhao Ying , Cheng Xinyang , Lv Jiancai , Yang Hui , Liu Jun
Published: February 2020

Low-field NMR theory was employed to study the pore structure of the upper cretaceous oil shale, on the basis of fourteen core samples collected from Qingshankou (UCQ) and Nenjiang (UCN) formations in the Songliao basin. Results indicated that the T2 spectra from NMR measurements for collected samples contain a dominant peak at T2 = 1∼10 ms and are able to be categorized as three types—unimodal, bimodal, and trimodal distributions. The various morphologies of T2 spectra indicate the different pore type and variable connection relationship among pores in shale. By contrast, UCN shale has more single pore type and adsorption pores than UCQ shale. Besides, NMR-based measurements provide reliable characterization on shale porosity, which is verified by the gravimetric approach. Porosities in both UCN and UCQ shales have a wide range (2.3%∼12.5%) and suggest the strong heterogeneity, which partly makes the challenge in selection of the favorable area for shale oil exploration in the Songliao basin. In addition, the pore size of the collected sample has two distribution types, namely, peaked at ∼10 nm and peaked at ∼100 nm. Similarly, two distribution patterns emerge to the specific surface area of the study shale—peaked at ∼2 nm−1 and peaked at ∼20 nm−1. Here, more investigations are needed to clarify this polarization phenomenon. Basically, this study not only exhibits a preliminary understanding on the pore structure of the upper cretaceous oil shale, but also shows the reliability and pertinency of the low-field NMR technique in the petrophysical characterization of the shale oil reservoir. It is expected that this work is helpful to guide the investigation on the pore structure of oil shale from the Songliao basin in theory.
Potential Impacts of Projected Climate Change under CMIP5 RCP Scenarios on Streamflow in the Wabash River Basin
Authors: Wang Jingrui , Hu Litang , Li Didi , Ren Meifang
Published: February 2020

Global climate change is becoming an increasingly important issue that threatens the imperiled planet. Quantifying the impact of climate change on the streamflow has been an essential task for the proper management of water resources to mitigate this impact. This study aims to evaluate the skill of an artificial neural network (ANN) method in downscaling precipitation, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature and assess the potential impacts of climate change on the streamflow in the Wabash River Basin of the Midwestern United States (U.S.) using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). A statistical downscaling technique based on an ANN method was employed to estimate precipitation and temperature at a higher resolution. The downscaled climate projections from five general circulation models (GCMs) under the three representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios (i.e., RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) for the periods of 2026–2050 and 2075–2099 as well as the historical period were incorporated into the SWAT model to assess the potential impact of climate change on the Wabash River regime. Calibration and validation of the SWAT model indicated the streamflow simulations matched the observed results very well. The ANN method successfully reproduced the observed maximum/minimum temperature and precipitation; however, bias in precipitation was observed in regard to the frequency distribution. Compared with the simulated streamflow in the historical period, the predicted streamflow based on the RCP scenarios showed an obvious decreasing trend, where the annual streamflows will be decreased by 13.00%, 17.59%, and 6.91% in the midcentury periods and 25.29%, 27.61%, and 15.04% in the late-century periods under the RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. Climate warming dominated the streamflow decrease under the RCP2.6 and RCP4.5 scenarios. By contrast, under RCP8.5, the streamflow was affected by the joint actions of changes in temperature and precipitation.
Comparison of Personality Traits among Patients with Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Stress: A Pilot Study
Authors: Grine Lynda , Tochtermann Giulia , Lapeere Hilde , Maes Nele , Hofbauer Günther F.L. , Vervaet Myriam , Lambert Jo
Published: February 2020

Background: Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are chronic skin diseases that greatly affect the quality of life. Both diseases can be triggered or exacerbated by stress. Objective: We aimed to differentiate personality traits between patients with chronic skin conditions and people treated for stress in a pilot study. Methods: Patients participating voluntarily in educational programs in Belgium and Switzerland were recruited to complete personality trait questionnaires, including the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). A comparison was made with patients treated for work-related stress. Results: A total of 48 and 91 patients suffering from skin diseases and work-related stress, respectively, were included in the study. Based on the questionnaires, we found that dermatology patients were less persistent and impulsive than those with work-related stress. Dermatology patients also exhibited more rigidness and less focus on performance. Finally, patients with work-related stress seem more likely to change in response to health-promoting programs than patients with chronic dermatoses. Conclusion: Patients with chronic skin diseases may perceive and cope with stress differently in comparison to patients with work-related stress due to inherent personality traits. Therefore, stress coping mechanisms may differ among different diseases. More research is needed into the design of educational interventions and the impact of personality traits in disease-specific groups.