bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aseptic Technology for Cryoprotectant‐Free Vitrification of Human Spermatozoa by Direct Dropping into Clean Liquid Air: Apoptosis, Necrosis, Motility, and Viability
Authors: Wang Mengying , Isachenko Evgenia , Todorov Plamen , Rahimi Gohar , Mallmann Peter , Katkov Igor I. , Isachenko Vladimir
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to compare the quality of human spermatozoa vitrified by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen vs. liquid air. Spermatozoa were divided into three groups: fresh spermatozoa (Group F) were used as a control. Spermatozoa suspension (20 μl) was vitrified in open granules by direct dropping into liquid nitrogen (Group LN) or clean liquid air (Group LA). After warming at 37°C, the progressive motility rate of Group F was reduced from 65.9 ± 2.5% to 34.0 ± 1.9% (Group LN) and 38.1 ± 2.3% (Group LA), respectively (P1-2,3 < 0.05). The reductions in viability were 65.6 ± 2.2%, 29.0 ± 1.8%, and 36.6 ± 2.6% for Groups F, LN, and LA, respectively (P1-2,3 < 0.05). Comparing spermatozoa vitrified in liquid nitrogen vs. liquid air, no significant differences were detected in motility (34.0 ± 1.9% vs. 38.1 ± 2.3%), viability (29.0 ± 1.8% vs. 36.6 ± 2.6%), early apoptosis (13.8 ± 1.5% vs. 14.3 ± 1.8%), late apoptosis (45.5 ± 1.8% vs. 43.7 ± 2.2%), and necrosis (19.5 ± 2.0% vs. 15.0 ± 1.8%; p > 0.01 for all respective differences). There was a statistical tendency for increasing rates of “progressive motility” and “viability” and decreasing rates of “apoptosis” and “necrosis” when comparing spermatozoa vitrified in liquid air vs. liquid nitrogen. It is concluded that cryoprotectant‐free vitrification by the direct dropping of human spermatozoa in a clean cooling agent (liquid air) is a good alternative to the use of nonsterile liquid nitrogen and can be used to cool cells while minimising the risk of microbial contamination.
GanoCare® Improves Oil Palm Growth and Resistance against Ganoderma Basal Stem Rot Disease in Nursery and Field Trials
Authors: Rebitanim Nur Akmal , Hanafi Mohamed Musa , Idris Abu Seman , Abdullah Siti Nor Akmar , Mohidin Hasmah , Rebitanim Nur Zalikha
Published: January 2020

Basal stem rot (BSR) caused by Ganoderma boninense is a major threat to sustainable oil palm production especially in Southeast Asia and has brought economic losses to the oil palm industry around the world. With no definitive cure at present, this study introduces a new fertilizer technology called GanoCare®, as an effort to suppress BSR incidence in oil palm. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of GanoCare® on growth, physiology, and BSR disease suppression using sitting technique in the oil palm nursery stage. A follow‐up using similar treatments was carried out in the field to test on severity of Ganoderma using baiting technique under natural condition. Treatments tested were 10 g/month and 30 g/three months given as pretreatment only or continuous treatment. Results showed that GanoCare® increased the height, bulb diameter, leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, and fresh and dry weight of the leaf, bole, and root of oil palm seedlings in the nursery trial. Seedlings treated with GanoCare® exhibited reduced percentage of disease severity, incidence, and dead seedlings, compared to the control. In nursery and field, lowest percentage of dead seedlings due to Ganoderma was found in seedlings given combination of pretreatment and continuous treatment of 30 g/three months (T4) with 5.56 and 6.67%, while control seedlings significantly marked the maximum percentage of 94.45 and 93.33%. The most successful treatment in both nursery and field was T4 with disease reductions of 77.78 and 82.36%, respectively, proving that nutrients contained in GanoCare® are essential in allowing better development of a strong defense system in the seedlings.
A Coupled Gas Flow-Mechanical Damage Model and Its Numerical Simulations on High Energy Gas Fracturing
Authors: Bai Yu , Sun Li , Wei Chenhui
Published: January 2020

High-energy gas fracturing (HEGF) and gas fracturing (GF) are considered to be efficient to enhance the permeability of unconventional gas reservoir. The existing models for HEGF mainly focus on the dynamic loading of stress wave or static loading of gas pressurization, rather than on the combined actions of them. Studies on the combination of HEGF and GF (HEGF+GF) are also few. In this paper, a damage-based stress wave propagation-static mechanical equilibrium-gas flow coupling model is established. Numerical model and determination of mesomechanical parameters in finite element analysis are described in detail. Numerical simulations on crack evolution under HEGF, GF, and HEGF+GF are carried out, and the impact of in situ stress conditions on crack evolution is discussed further. A total of 11 cracks with length of 2.3-4 m in HEGF, 4 main cracks with length of 6.5–8 m in GF, and 11 radial cracks with length of 2–11.5 m in HEGF+GF are produced. Many radial cracks around the borehole are formed in HEGF and extended further in GF. The crustal stress difference is disadvantageous for crack complexity. This study can provide a reference for the application of HEGF+GF in unconventional gas reservoirs.
Low Expression of FFAR2 in Peripheral White Blood Cells May Be a Genetic Marker for Early Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ruan Jianjun , Meng Heyu , Wang Xue , Chen Weiwei , Tian Xiaomin , Meng Fanbo
Published: January 2020

Objective. To find molecular markers for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), this research further verified the relationship between the expression level of FFAR2 gene and AMI by expanding the sample size based on the previous gene chip results. Methods. Peripheral venous leukocytes were collected from 113 patients with AMI and 94 patients with noncoronary artery disease as the experimental group and the control group, respectively. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of the FFAR2 gene. Western blot analysis was applied to detect the relative expression of the FFAR2 gene at the level of protein. Furthermore, the relationship between gene expression and clinical data was also analyzed and compared. Results. The level of expression of FFAR2 gene in peripheral blood of patients with AMI was significantly lower than that of the control group (0.33 [0.04–1.08], 0.62 [0.07–1.86], respectively; p<0.05), which was 0.53 times that of the control group. Western blot results presented that the FFAR2 protein level in the peripheral blood of the AMI group was lower than that of the control group (0.114; p=0.004). Analyzing clinical data of the subjects indicated that the average age of the AMI group was significantly higher than the age of control group (p<0.01). Also, the fasting blood glucose level was higher (p<0.01), and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was lower (p=0.03). The FFAR2 mRNA level correlated positively with the HDL-C level (p<0.01). Logistic regression analysis suggested that the low expression of the FFAR2 gene in peripheral blood may be a risk factor for AMI independent of age, family history of diabetes, fasting blood glucose level, and HDL-C level (p=0.025). Compared with the high FFAR2 expression group, the risk of AMI in the low FFAR2 expression group was 6.308 times higher. Conclusion. The expression level of the FFAR2 gene in peripheral blood of patients with AMI was significantly lower than that in the control group. Low expression of the FFAR2 gene in peripheral blood is an independent risk factor for AMI. Hence, it may also be a potential biomarker to predict AMI.
Comparison of Single‐Level Open and Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions Presenting a Learning Curve
Authors: Kovari Viktor Zs. , Kuti Akos , Konya Krisztina , Szel Istvan , Szekely Anna K. , Szalay Krisztian
Published: January 2020

Background. Comparison of single‐level open and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (O‐TLIF and MI‐TLIF) of a single surgeon and presentation of his MI‐TLIF learning curve in a retrospective observational cohort study. Methods. 27 MI‐TLIF and 31 O‐TLIF patients, performed between 03/01/2013 and 03/31/2018, were compared regarding the operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion frequency, postoperative length of stay (LOS), and adverse events. An overall comparison of pre‐ and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) results and Visual Analog Score (VAS) results of low back and leg pain was performed in the case of the two techniques. For a learning curve presentation, the MI‐TLIF cases were compared and the optimal operative time was determined. Results. The gender ratio and age did not differ in the groups. Operative time showed no difference (P = 0.88) between the MI‐TLIF (161.2 ± 33.7 minutes) and O‐TLIF groups (160 ± 33.6 minutes). Intraoperative blood loss was less (P ≤ 0.001) in the MI‐TLIF group (288.9 ± 339.8 mL) than in the O‐TLIF group (682.3 ± 465.4 mL) while the incidence of blood transfusion was similar (P = 0.64). The MI‐TLIF group had shorter LOS (2.7 ± 1.1 days vs. 5 ± 2.7, P ≤ 0.001). The frequencies of the surgical site infections (SSI), durotomy, new motor, and sensory deficit were not significantly different (P = 0.17, 0.5, 0.29, 0.92). All the ODI, the VAS low back pain, and the VAS leg pain scores improved in both groups significantly (P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.001, and P ≤ 0.001 in the MI‐TLIF group and P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.001, and P ≤ 0.001 in the O‐TLIF group). The comparison of the pre‐ and postoperative results of the ODI and VAS questionnaires of the two techniques showed no significant difference regarding the improvement of these scores (MI‐TLIF versus O‐TLIF pre‐ and postoperative ODI difference p = 0.64, VAS low back pain P = 0.47, and VAS leg pain P = 0.21). Assessing the MI‐TLIF learning curve, operative time was shortened by 63 minutes (P = 0.04). After the 14th MI‐TLIF case, the surgical duration became relatively constant. Comparing the 14th and previous MI‐TLIF cases to the later cases, LOS showed reduction by 1.03 days (P = 0.01), while the other parameters did not show significant changes. Conclusions. Similar operative time and postoperative quality of life improvement can be achieved by MI‐TLIF procedure as with O‐TLIF, and additionally LOS and blood loss can be reduced. When comparing parameters, MI‐TLIF can be an alternative option for O‐TLIF with a similar complication profile. The learning curve of MI‐TLIF can be steep, although it depends on the circumstances.
A Transcriptional Regulatory System of theS. cerevisiae OLE1Gene Responds to Fatty Acid Species and Intracellular Amount, and not Simply Membrane Status
Authors: Willey Marshall , Ochs Matt , Busse Clara , McDonough Virginia
Published: January 2020

We examined the effects of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) species and their concentration on the expression ofOLE1,which encodes the stearoyl CoA desaturase, inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We controlled the amount of UFA taken up by the cell by varying the concentration of tergitol in the medium. When cultured with 1 mM fatty acid in 0.1% tergitol, cells took up much more fatty acid than when cultured with the same concentration of fatty acid at 1% tergitol, although the amount incorporated was dependent on UFA species. For each fatty acid tested, we found that the higher uptake (0.1% tergitol condition) had a stronger impact onOLE1regulation. A principal product of the desaturase 16:1∆9, and the nonnative UFA 18:2∆9,12, most strongly repressed the reporter constructOLE1-lacZtranscription, while the other major product of the desaturase, 18:1∆9, and the nonnative UFA 17:1∆10 caused a more diminished response. Based on these results, our initial hypothesis was thatOLE1was regulated in response to membrane fluidity; however, subsequent work does not support that idea; we have found that conditions that affect membrane fluidity such as growth temperature and growth with saturated ortransfatty acid supplementation, do not regulateOLE1in the direction predicted by fluidity changes. We conclude that at least one signal that regulatesOLE1transcriptional expression is most likely based on the fatty acids themselves.
Prevalence of Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase by Diagnostic Criterion, Age, and Gender among Adolescents
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Zheng-Ying , Zhang Jing-Ping , Zhou Hua , Ding Zan
Published: January 2020

Background. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was measured not only to detect liver disease, but also to monitor overall health. The purpose of this study was to obtain the prevalence of elevated ALT levels among adolescents. Methods. In a school-based cross-sectional study, a representative sample was analyzed from 9 middle and high schools in Shenzhen, China, during 2017 to 2018. Elevated ALT was defined as diagnostic criterion I (>30 U/L for boys and >19 U/L for girls) and diagnostic criterion II (>40 U/L). Results. From the adolescent population, a total of 7281 students (boys, 4014, and girls, 3267) aged from 10 to 17 years were collected. The prevalence of elevated ALT was 7.11% (6.88% for boys and 7.41% for girls) by criterion I and 2.72% (3.96% for boys and 1.19% for girls) by criterion II. Based on the Shenzhen census and Chinese national census population, the adjusted prevalence of elevated ALT was 7.65% (boys 7.19% and girls 8.21%) and 6.79% (boys 6.07% and girls 7.56%) by criterion I and 2.85% (boys 4.20% and girls 1.16%) and 2.43% (boys 3.49% and girls 1.29%) by criterion II. For age, the overall trends were increasing progressively, regardless of the use of diagnostic criteria for an elevated ALT activity. Conclusions. This study supplements the gap that the prevalence of elevated ALT levels differed in gender, age, and criteria among adolescents of Shenzhen. We should take the prevalence as a predictor and continue to play a warning and preventive role in preparation for further intervention.
Effects of Diabetic Complications on Health-Related Quality of Life Impairment in Vietnamese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pham Tuyen Ba , Nguyen Trung Thanh , Truong Huyen Thi , Trinh Chin Huu , Du Ha Ngoc Thi , Ngo Tam Thi , Nguyen Long Hoang
Published: January 2020

Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) adversely influence patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study is aimed at examining HRQOL of T2DM patients, as well as the effects of diabetic complications and comorbidities on HRQOL in this population. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study on 214 T2DM patients in Hanoi, Vietnam. Short-form 12 version 2 (SF-12v2) and EuroQOL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) were employed to measure the HRQOL. The median physical component summary score (PCS), mental component summary score (MCS), and EQ-5D index were 45.6, 56.3, and 0.94, respectively. Having at least one diabetic complication was associated with the reduction of SF-12 scores in social functioning (Diff.=−5.69,95%CI=−9.24; -2.13), role emotional (Diff.=−1.81,95%CI=−3.12; -0.51), and MCS (Diff.=−2.55,95%CI=−5.01; -0.1). Significant decrement of physical functioning, role physical, social functioning, role emotional, and MCS was found in patients having diabetic heart diseases compared to those without diabetic complications. The study revealed that HRQOL of Vietnamese patients with diabetic complications was moderately low, especially in social and mental health perspectives. Strategies to prevent the onset of diabetic complications should be developed as a priority in diabetes management.
The Establishment of Esophageal Precancerous Lesion Model by Using p53 Conditional Knockout Mouse in Esophageal Epithelium
Authors: Zhu Lili , Xu Yanyan , Chen Xinhuan , Qin Jiace , Niu Tingting , Zhu Yanyan , Jiang Yanan , Zhao Simin , Liu Kangdong , Lu Jing , Jin Ge , Ma Junfen , Dong Ziming , Zhao Jimin
Published: January 2020

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of precancerous lesion of esophageal cancer is beneficial for early diagnosis and early treatment. The deletion of p53 gene is common in esophageal cancer, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. An animal model is urgently needed to study the mechanisms of esophageal cancer and p53 deficiency. KO mice (p53flox/flox.ED‐L2‐Cre+/−) and the corresponding control Loxp mice (p53flox/flox.ED‐L2‐Cre−/−) were obtained by crossing between the p53flox/flox mice and ED‐L2‐Cre+/− mice. Methylbenzylnitrosamine (NMBA) was injected subcutaneously to induce esophageal precancerous lesion of these two groups of mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining analysis was performed to evaluate the number and extent of esophageal precancerous lesions in KO mice and Loxp mice at the 16th and 48th weeks. Immunohistochemistry analysis was used to detect the change of Ki67, P21, Bcl‐2, and Bax proteins. The number and extent of esophageal precancerous lesions in KO mice were significantly increased compared with the control at the 16th and 48th weeks under the induction of NMBA. The Ki67, P21, Bcl‐2, and Bax proteins also had cancer‐related pathological characteristics. These results suggest that the esophageal precancerous lesion model was established under the combined effect of p53 gene deletion in esophageal epithelium and NMBA, which could provide a new esophageal precancerous lesion model to explore the mechanism of precancerous lesions.
Pullback Attractors for a Nonautonomous Retarded Degenerate Parabolic Equation
Authors: Miao Fahe , Liu Hui , Xin Jie
Published: January 2020

This paper is devoted to a nonautonomous retarded degenerate parabolic equation. We first show the existence and uniqueness of a weak solution for the equation by using the standard Galerkin method. Then we establish the existence of pullback attractors for the equation by proving the existence of compact pullback absorbing sets and the pullback asymptotic compactness.
The Active Compounds of Yixin Ningshen Tablet and Their Potential Action Mechanism in Treating Coronary Heart Disease‐ A Network Pharmacology and Proteomics Approach
Authors: Lv Xing , Wang Huijun , Wu Ruoming , Shen Xiaoyan , Ye Guan
Published: January 2020

Yixin Ningshen tablet is a CFDA‐approved TCM formula for treating coronary heart disease (CHD) clinically. However, its active compounds and mechanism of action in treating CHD are unknown. In this study, a novel strategy with the combination of network pharmacology and proteomics was proposed to identify the active components of Yixin Ningshen tablet and the mechanism by which they treat CHD. With the application of network pharmacology, 62 active compounds in Yixin Ningshen tablet were screened out by text mining, and their 313 potential target proteins were identified by a tool in SwissTargetPrediction. These data were integrated with known CHD‐related proteomics results to predict the most possible targets, which reduced the 313 potential target proteins to 218. The STRING database was retrieved to find the enriched pathways and related diseases of these target proteins, which indicated that the Calcium, MAPK, PI3K‐Akt, cAMP, Rap1, AGE‐RAGE, Relaxin, HIF‐1, Prolactin, Sphingolipid, Estrogen, IL‐17, Jak‐STAT signaling pathway, necroptosis, arachidonic acid metabolism, insulin resistance, endocrine resistance, and steroid hormone biosynthesis might be the main pathways regulated by Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of CHD. Through further enrichment analysis and literature study, EGFR, ERBB2, VGFR2, FGF1, ESR1, LOX15, PGH2, HMDH, ADRB1, and ADRB2 were selected and then validated to be the target proteins of Yixin Ningshen tablet by molecular docking, which indicated that Yixin Ningshen tablet might treat CHD mainly through promoting heart regeneration, new vessels’ formation, and the blood supply of the myocardial region and reducing cardiac output, oxygen demand, and inflammation as well as arteriosclerosis (promoting vasodilation and intraplaque neoangiogenesis, lowering blood lipid). This study is expected to benefit the clinical application of Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of CHD.
Prevalence of Diabetes and Associated Risk Factors among a Group of Prisoners in the Yaoundé Central Prison
Authors: Simeni Njonnou Sylvain Raoul , Boombhi Jérôme , Etoa Etoga Martine Claude , Tiodoung Timnou Aimée , Jingi Ahmadou Musa , Nkem Efon Kevin , Mbono Samba Eloumba Esther Astrid , Ntsama Essomba Marie-Josiane , Kengni Kebiwo Odette , Tsitsol Meke Alice Ninon , Talbit Ndjonya Stéphane , Dehayem Yefou Mesmin , Sobngwi Eugène
Published: January 2020

Background. Diabetes is a public health problem worldwide, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2017 data, around 425 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. This number is expected to increase to 629 million in 2045. Various occidental studies reported the increased prevalence and lower control of diabetes among prisoners. However, there is no data on the characteristics of inmates with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. A cross-sectional study among incarcerated detainees from the Yaoundé Central Prison was conducted from January to July 2017. Diabetes was defined according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Analyzed variables included phenotypic characteristics, lifestyle, the reason for detention, the sentence severity, and the length of detention. Results. We recruited 437 inmates (344 men) with an average age of 37.0 (95% CI: 35.9-38.3) years. The most frequent age group was 20 to 39 years with 281 (64.7%) inmates, and the mean prison stay was 29.1 (95% CI: 25.7-32.8) months. The prevalence of diabetes in the Yaoundé Central Prison was 9.4%. The main cardiovascular risk factors were a sedentary lifestyle (91.1%), hypertension (39.6%), smoking (31.6%), and alcohol consumption (28.1%). Hypertension (p=0.005), obesity (p=0.0006), smoking (p=0.04), sedentary lifestyle (p=0.04), major crime (p=0.007), and minor crime (p=0.003) were associated with diabetes in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only obesity and sedentary lifestyle were associated with diabetes. Conclusion. Diabetes prevalence in the Yaoundé Central Prison was high, at 9.4%, compared to that in the general population. It was associated with other classical cardiovascular risk factors and factors linked to the sentence (minor and major crimes). This trial is registered with CE00617/CRERSHC/2016.
Spontaneous Hemopneumothorax: A Rare Cause of Unexplained Hemodynamic Instability in a Young Patient
Authors: Aragão Antonio Higor Marques , Fonseca Letícia Aguiar , Deulefeu Flávio Clemente , Medeiros Israel Lopes , de Araújo Rafael Fernandes Viana , da Cruz Neto Carlos Alberto , Neto Antero Gomes
Published: January 2020

Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is a rare and potentially life-threatening disorder which complicates about 1-12% of patients presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax and has a remarkable predilection for male patients. It may present with signs of hypovolemic shock without apparent cause. While there are no specific guidelines for the management of patients diagnosed with such condition, wide debate in the literature relating to patient selection for surgery remains unresolved, and recently there seems to be a trend increasingly favorable towards early surgical intervention. Video-assisted thoracic surgery emerges as an excellent option for stable patients and has now been considered the gold standard treatment for spontaneous hemopneumothorax. We report the case of a 17-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with a history of sudden chest pain and dyspnea, with no previous evidence of trauma. On admission, the patient presented with hypotension, tachycardia, and cutaneous pallor. Chest X-ray showed hydropneumothorax on the left hemithorax; then, chest tube was placed with an initial drainage of 2000 ml of blood.
An Area-Context-Based Credibility Detection for Big Data in IoT
Authors: Zhao Bo , Li Xiang , Li Jiayue , Zou Jianwen , Liu Yifan
Published: January 2020

In order to improve the credibility of big data analysis platform’s results in IoT, it is necessary to improve the quality of IoT data. Many detection methods have been proposed to filter out incredible data, but there are certain deficiencies that performance is not high, detection is not comprehensive, and process is not credible. So this paper proposes an area-context-based credibility detection method for IoT data, which can effectively detect point anomalies, behavioral anomalies, and contextual anomalies. The performance of the context determination and the data credibility detection of the device satisfying the area characteristics is superior to the similar algorithms. As the experiments show, the proposed method can reach a high level of performance with more than 97% in metrics, which can effectively improve the quality of IoT data.
Effect of Stellaria media Tea on Lipid Profile in Rats
Authors: Demján Virág , Kiss Tivadar , Siska Andrea , Szabó Márton Richárd , Sárközy Márta , Földesi Imre , Csupor Dezső , Csont Tamás
Published: January 2020

Background. In folk medicine, common chickweed (Stellaria media) has traditionally been applied for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia; however, there is no firm experimental proof to support the rationale of this practice. Therefore, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Stellaria media tea in hypercholesterolemic rats. Materials and Methods. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups. The (i) control group received standard laboratory chow, the (ii) hypercholesterolemic group received cholesterol‐enriched diet, and the (iii) chickweed‐treated hypercholesterolemic group received cholesterol‐enriched diet and 100 mg/kg body weight Stellaria media tea lyophilizate for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine serum lipid profile as well as liver and kidney function, and echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac morphology and function. Results. Cholesterol‐enriched diet significantly increased serum total cholesterol, LDL‐ and HDL‐cholesterol levels, but did not affect triacylglycerol concentrations. The addition of chickweed to the diet did not cause any significant change in serum lipid profile or body weight increase. Liver and kidney functions were unaltered and cardiac morphology and function were not changed due to Stellaria media tea lyophilizate. Conclusion. Although chickweed does not seem to be toxic, our results do not support the rationale of its use in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
Android Malware Detection Using Fine-Grained Features
Authors: Jiang Xu , Mao Baolei , Guan Jun , Huang Xingli
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, Android applications declare as many permissions as possible to provide more function for the users, which also poses severe security threat to them. Although many Android malware detection methods based on permissions have been developed, they are ineffective when malicious applications declare few dangerous permissions or when the dangerous permissions declared by malicious applications are similar with those declared by benign applications. This limitation is attributed to the use of too few information for classification. We propose a new method named fine-grained dangerous permission (FDP) method for detecting Android malicious applications, which gathers features that better represent the difference between malicious applications and benign applications. Among these features, the fine-grained feature of dangerous permissions applied in components is proposed for the first time. We evaluate 1700 benign applications and 1600 malicious applications and demonstrate that FDP achieves a TP rate of 94.5%. Furthermore, compared with other related detection approaches, FDP can detect more malware families and only requires 15.205 s to analyze one application on average, which demonstrates its applicability for practical implementation.
Charged-Particle Multiplicity Moments as Described by Shifted Gompertz Distribution in e+e−, pp¯, and pp Collisions at High Energies
Authors: Singla Aayushi , Kaur M.
Published: January 2020

In continuation of our earlier work, in which we analysed the charged particle multiplicities in leptonic and hadronic interactions at different center-of-mass energies in full phase space as well as in restricted phase space using the shifted Gompertz distribution, a detailed analysis of the normalized moments and normalized factorial moments is reported here. A two-component model in which a probability distribution function is obtained from the superposition of two shifted Gompertz distributions, as introduced in our earlier work, has also been used for the analysis. This is the first analysis of the moments with the shifted Gompertz distribution. Analysis has also been performed to predict the moments of multiplicity distribution for the e+e− collisions at s=500 GeV at a future collider.
Thermomechanical Analysis of the Effects of Water Distribution on Cracks during Vertical Continuous Casting under Soft Reduction Conditions
Authors: Yao Yu , Wang Bo , Liu Shanshan , Zhong Liping , Shen Shiyi , Chen Zheng , Zhang Jieyu
Published: January 2020

In the production process of continuous casting slab, the unreasonable secondary cooling system can lead to serious crack defects. This study focuses on the problem of cracks in nuclear power stainless steel produced by vertical continuous casting under soft reduction conditions. Based on the actual production process parameters, the thermomechanical finite element model was established to investigate the effects of water distribution in the secondary cooling zones on cracks by using ProCAST. The results show that the stress concentration is obvious under the original process, especially the positions of 4 mm below the wide surface and 6 mm below the narrow surface. It is easy to generate cracks, and the area with the highest hot‐tearing index is approximately 26 cm2. In addition, the secondary cooling system is adjusted based on the existing problems of the original process. The temperature of the casting slab rises by about 15°C at the solidification end point, and the length of the liquid core increases by about 0.5 m when the quantity of the water flow decreases in zone 2 and zone 3. The stress concentration is alleviated, and the possibility of cracking is reduced. Especially, it is evident that the proportion of water on the loose side margin increases from 40% to 45%, while the proportion of water on the fixed side margin of zone 3 is adjusted from 56% to 60%.
Avatrombopag, an Alternate Treatment Option to Reduce Platelet Transfusions in Patients with Thrombocytopenia and Chronic Liver Disease-Integrated Analyses of 2 Phase 3 Studies
Authors: Poordad Fred , Terrault Norah A. , Alkhouri Naim , Tian Wei , Allen Lee F. , Rabinovitz Mordechai
Published: January 2020

Aims. Thrombocytopenia complicates the management of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) undergoing invasive procedures with a bleeding risk. Until recently, prophylactic platelet transfusion was the only treatment option, but has significant safety and efficacy limitations. Phase 3 data demonstrated the superiority of avatrombopag to placebo in reducing platelet transfusions for bleeding, supporting its recent approval. Methods. Integrated analyses of pooled data (N=435) from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies assessed the original efficacy endpoints. Additional analyses included subgroup analyses, alternate Baseline platelet count definitions, and another efficacy endpoint. Results. Avatrombopag was superior to placebo in increasing patients not requiring a platelet transfusion or rescue procedure, those achieving a platelet count ≥50 × 109/L on Procedure Day, and the change in platelet counts from Baseline. The avatrombopag treatment effect was consistently positive across clinically important disease and Baseline clinical characteristic subgroups, and using alternate Baseline platelet count cohort definitions. Similarly, more avatrombopag-treated patients achieved ≥50 × 109/L platelets with an increase of ≥20 × 109/L from Baseline. The incidence and severity of adverse events were similar between avatrombopag and placebo. Further, safety data demonstrated a low risk for thromboembolic events and hepatotoxicity. Conclusion. These integrated analyses confirmed the superiority of avatrombopag to placebo in reducing platelet transfusions or rescue procedures for bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia and CLD scheduled to undergo an invasive procedure, and its tolerable safety profile. Importantly, these data warrant reconsideration of clinical decision making regarding the need to treat thrombocytopenia in patients with CLD. This trial was registered with NCT01972529 and NCT01976104.
Successful Surgical Treatment of a Brain Stem Hydatid Cyst in a Child
Authors: Alok Rahaf , Mahmoud Jaber
Published: January 2020

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation, which is endemic in the Mediterranean region. It is often located in the liver and the lungs, whereas brain stem hydatid cysts are extremely rare. We report a case of a five-year-old female who presented with hemiparesis, and after investigations, she was diagnosed with a hydatid cyst in the pons. She also had cysts in her liver and kidney. The cerebral cyst was completely removed without rupture, using gentle water-jet dissection (Dowling’s technique). She was feeling well after 4-month follow-up. We emphasize the importance of keeping hydatid cysts in the differential diagnosis of pediatric infratentorial cystic lesions.
Perspectives, Tendencies, and Guidelines in Affinity-Based Strategies for the Recovery and Purification of PEGylated Proteins
Authors: Mejía-Manzano Luis Alberto , Vázquez-Villegas Patricia , González-Valdez José
Published: January 2020

In recent years, the effective purification of PEGylated therapeutic proteins from reaction media has received particular attention. Although several techniques have been used, affinity-based strategies have been scarcely explored despite the fact that, after PEGylation, marked changes in the molecular affinity parameters of the modified molecules are observed. With this in mind, future contributions in the bioseparation of these polymer-protein conjugates are expected to exploit affinity in chromatographic and nonchromatographic techniques which will surely derive in the integration of different operations. However, this will only occur as novel ligands which are simultaneously found. As it will be mentioned, these novel ligands may be screened or designed. In both cases, computer-aided tools will support their identification or development. Additionally, ligand discovery by high-throughput screening (HTS) is believed to become a fast, economic, and informative technology that will aid in the mass production of ligands along with genetic engineering and related technologies. Therefore, besides analyzing the state of the art in affinity separation strategies for PEGylated molecules, this review proposes a basic guideline for the selection of adequate ligands to provide information and prospective on the future of affinity operations in solving this particular bioengineering problem.
HbA1C Variability Is Strongly Associated with Development of Macroalbuminuria in Normal or Microalbuminuria in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Six‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Chiu Wen-Chan , Lai Yun-Ru , Cheng Ben-Chung , Huang Chih-Cheng , Chen Jung-Fu , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: January 2020

Background. Glycemic variability is associated with higher risk of microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Aim. To test the hypothesis that glycemic variability can contribute to progression to macroalbuminuria in normal or microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Design. This prospective study enrolled 193 patients with type 2 diabetes at a tertiary medical center. Methods. For each patient, the intrapersonal glycemic variability (mean, SD, and coefficient of variation of HbA1c) was calculated using all measurements obtained three years before the study. Patients were divided into four groups stratified by both urine albumin/creatinine ratio and HbA1c‐SD. The presence of macroalbuminuria was assessed with Kaplan–Meier plots and compared by log‐rank test. Results. Of the 193 patients, 83 patients were in the macroalbuminuria state. Patients in the initial macroalbuminuria group after enrollment had the highest diabetes duration, mean, CV‐HbA1c and HbA1c‐SD, and uric acid level, and the lowest estimate glomerular filtration rate, followed by subsequent macroalbuminuria and without macroalbuminuria groups. Patients with microalbuminuria and high HbA1c‐SD showed the highest progression rate to macroalbuminuria, after a six‐year follow‐up study by Kaplan–Meier Plots and compared by log‐rank test. Conclusions. Higher HbA1C variability is more likely to progress to macroalbuminuria in those patients who are already in a microalbuminuria state. We recommend that clinicians should aggressively control blood glucose to an acceptable range and avoid blood glucose fluctuations by individualized treatment to prevent renal status progression.
The Impact of Natural Product Dietary Supplements on Patients with Gout: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Juan , Li Guangxi , Xiong Donglin , Chon Tony Y. , Bauer Brent A.
Published: January 2020

Natural product dietary supplements (NPDS) are frequently used for the treatment of gout, but reliable efficacy and safety data are generally lacking or not well organized to guide clinical decision making. This review aims to explore the impacts of NPDS for patients with gout. An electronic literature search was conducted to retrieve data published in English language from databases from inception to August 14, 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared NPDS with or without placebo, diet modification, conventional pharmaceutics, or the other Chinese medicine treatment for gout patients were included. Two authors screened the articles, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias of each included trial independently. Meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.3.5. Results. Nine RCTS were enrolled in this review. The methodological quality of the nine RCTs was poor. The study results showed that in the majority of trials, NPDS demonstrated some degree of therapeutic efficacy for joint swelling, pain, and activity limitation. In contradistinction, serum uric acid (SUA) level (SMD −1.80, 95% CI: −4.45 to 0.86) (p > 0.05) and CRP levels (N = 232; SMD, −0.26; 95% CI, −0.55 to 0.04) (p > 0.05) did not improve significantly. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was not lower in the participants treated with NPDS (N = 750; RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20–1.11) (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Current existing evidence is not sufficient to provide clinical guidance regarding the efficacy and safety of NPDS as a treatment for gout due to poor trial quality and lack of standardized evaluation criteria. Larger and more rigorously designed RCTs are needed in the future.
Study on the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Connective Tissue Disease Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Liu Chuanmei , Yang Jie , Lu Zhiwei
Published: January 2020

Background. Connective tissue disease (CTD) associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) affects the lungs and can lead to considerable morbidity and shortened survival. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a readily available parameter that is routinely reported with complete blood cell count (CBC) This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of RDW in CTD‐ILD. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 180 patients with CTD‐ILD and 202 patients with CTD but without ILD between April 2016 and December 2018. Baseline demographics, laboratory results, imaging examinations, and results of ultrasound scans were analysed. Results. In comparison with patients without ILD, patients with CTD‐ILD displayed a larger RDW (14.65 ± 2.08 vs. 14.17 ± 1.63, P = 0.002), and RDW shared positive relationships with pulmonary artery systolic pressure (r = 0.349; P < 0.001), length of hospital confinement (r = 0.172; P = 0.022), and hospitalisation expenses (r = 0.158; P = 0.037). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RDW (odds ratio (OR): 1.232, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.053–1.422, P = 0.009), IgG (OR: 1.103, 95% CI: 1.051–1.159, P < 0.001), and age (OR: 1.032, 95% CI: 1.010–1.054, P = 0.004) are independent predictors of CTD‐ILD risk. The optimal cut‐off value of RDW for predicting CTD‐ILD was 14.85%, with a sensitivity and a specificity value of 41.2% and 75.2%, respectively. Conclusions. RDW was significantly increased in patients with CTD‐ILD under various CTD backgrounds and may be a promising biomarker that may help physicians predict CTD‐ILD risk.
Screening and Identification of Key Biomarkers for Bladder Cancer: A Study Based on TCGA and GEO Data
Authors: Xu Yingkun , Wu Guangzhen , Li Jianyi , Li Jiatong , Ruan Ningke , Ma Liye , Han Xiaoyang , Wei Yanjun , Li Liang , Zhang Hongge , Chen Yougen , Xia Qinghua
Published: January 2020

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a common malignant cancer, and it is the most common genitourinary cancer in the world. The recurrence rate is the highest of all cancers, and the treatment of BLCA has only slightly improved over the past 30 years. Genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the development and progression of BLCA. However, the mechanism of cancer development remains to be proven. Therefore, the identification of potential oncogenes is urgent for developing new therapeutic directions and designing novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of BLCA. Based on this need, we screened overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEG) from the GSE7476, GSE13507, and TCGA BLCA datasets. To identify the central genes from these DEGs, we performed a protein‐protein interaction network analysis. To investigate the role of DEGs and the underlying mechanisms in BLCA, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) analysis; we identified the hub genes via different evaluation methods in cytoHubba and then selected the target genes by performing survival analysis. Finally, the relationship between these target genes and tumour immunity was analysed to explore the roles of these genes. In summary, our current studies indicate that both cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) and abnormal spindle microtubule assembly (ASPM) genes are potential prognostic biomarkers for BLCA. It may also be a potential immunotherapeutic target with future clinical significance.
Laboratory Rational of Changes in the Crystal Lattice of Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Rotary Files in Autoclaving
Authors: Khabadze Zurab , Mordanov Oleg , Balashova Mariya , Stolov Leonid , Pangratyan Amaliya , Bokova Roza , Nazhmudinov Shamil , Solimanov Shamil , Kuznetsova Anastasiya , Adzhieva Anzhela , Magomedov Omargadzhi
Published: January 2020

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of the crystal lattice of NiTi instruments after repeated autoclave sterilization cycles based on the results to conclude about the influence of multiple sterilization on the characteristics of ProTaper clinical use. Methods. 21 samples of ProTaper Universal rotary files were divided into 3 groups of 7 samples. After 1, 4, and 7 cycles of sterilization, the samples were observed using еnergy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results. EDS analysis confirmed that all samples were composed mainly of nickel and titanium, also Fe (presumably steel), Cr, Co, and Zn were found. The percentage of nickel and titanium was affected by repeated sterilization cycles. The mass fraction of Fe, Co, Zn, and Cr decreased after 1, 4, and 7 sterilization cycles. According to the results of the second study, it was found that, with increasing autoclaving cycles, the percentage of Fe decreased. There were changes in the three obtained diffractograms, which indicated an increase in the number of the martensitic phase and a decrease in austenitic. The cutting efficiency of the ProTaper is also reduced during repeated sterilization cycles, which can be caused by the austenitic and martensitic phase displacement. Conclusion. Manufacturing features and repeated sterilization cycles increase the internal deformation in the structure of NiTi alloy, which increases the risk of fracture.
Determinants of Subjective Health, Happiness, and Life Satisfaction among Young Adults (18‐24 Years) in Guyana
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Jiaxuan , Pu Run , Li Zhifei , Guo Wei , Feng Zhanchun , Huang Rui , Ghose Bishwajit , Ji Lu , Tang Shangfeng
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Persistent urban‐rural disparity in subjective health and quality of life is a growing concern for healthcare systems across the world. In general, urban population performs better on most health indicators compared with their rural counterparts. However, research evidence on the urban‐rural disparity on perceived health, happiness, and quality of life among the young adult population is scarce in South American countries like Guyana. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to investigate whether subjective health, happiness, and quality of life differ according to place of residence among the young adult population in Guyana. Methods. Cross‐sectional data on 2,434 men and women aging between 15 and 24 years were collected from the most recent Guyana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted in 2014. Outcome variables were perceived: satisfaction about health, life, and happiness, as well as life satisfaction before and after one year from the time of the survey. The urban‐rural disparity in reporting satisfaction for these indicators was assessed by multivariate regression methods and by adjusting for relevant sociodemographic factors. Results. More than four‐fifth of the respondents reported satisfaction with health (82.4%) and life (81.4%) and 77.9% reported being happy. A vast majority expressed improvement in life situation compared with a year ago (81.4%), and nearly all of the participants (95.4%) expect to have better life situation a year later. Multivariate analysis revealed an inverse association between rural residence and subjective health among men [OR = 0.518, 95%CI = 0.297, 0.901], and happiness [OR = 0.662, 95%CI = 0.381, 0.845] and life satisfaction [OR = 3.722, 95%CI = 1.502, 9.227] among women. Women having secondary [OR = 2.219, 95%CI = 1.209, 3.720] and higher [OR = 1.600, 95%CI = 1.041, 3.302] education also had higher odds of satisfaction with happiness. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate the existence of significant urban–rural disparities in perceived health and quality of life among the young adult population in Guyana, especially among women. National health promotion projects should therefore take proper policy actions to address the underlying factors contributing to the urban–rural gaps in order to establish a more equitable healthcare system. Further researches are necessary to explore the underlying causes behind such disparities.