bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation between Clinically Noninflammatory Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis and Noncalcified Ductal Carcinoma in situ Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Qu Ning , Luo Yahong , Yu Tao
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Challenges in differentiation between clinically noninflammatory granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) and noncalcified ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remain. Objective: To identify the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) characteristics contributing to their differential diagnosis. Methods: A total of 33 clinically noninflammatory GLM and 36 noncalcified DCIS were retrospectively analyzed in the study. Internal enhancement of a nonmass enhancement (NME) lesion was divided into clustered enhanced ring (absence/presence), and clustered enhanced ring (presence) was further classified as small and large ring based on the optimal cutoff value. The 5th Breast Imaging and Data System MRI descriptors were used for assessing the other DCE-MRI characteristics. Multivariate analysis including variables with significant differences in univariate analyses was conducted to identify the independent predictors. The discriminative abilities of different predictors and their combination were compared by area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Results: An NME lesion was seen more commonly in clinically noninflammatory GLM than in noncalcified DCIS (p = 0.003). DCE-MRI characteristics with significant differences in univariate analyses included NME size, clustered enhanced ring (absence/presence), ring size, initial increase and kinetic characteristics for the differentiation between these two entities presenting as NME lesion. Clustered enhanced ring (presence) was further classified as small (≤7 mm) or large ring (>7 mm). Multivariate analysis revealed that internal enhancement and initial increase were identified as significant independent predictors, and the AUC of their combination achieved the highest value of 0.867 (95% CI, 0.748–0.943). Conclusions: An NME lesion with a large ring is more highly suggestive of clinically noninflammatory GLM.
Lifestyle- and Comorbidity-Related Risk Factors Associated with Prescription of Gastric Acid Secretion Inhibitors to Japanese Patients Who Were Helicobacter pylori Negative and Had No Upper Gastrointestinal Lesions
Authors: Matsunaga Takuya , Endo Hiroyoshi , Takamori Ayako , Shimada Furitsu , Takedomi Hironobu , Shirai Shimpei , Tsuruoka Nanae , Sakata Yasuhisa , Shimoda Ryo , Anzai Keizo , Node Koichi , Yamanouchi Kohei , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: February 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients without Helicobacter pylori infection who were prescribed antacid medications (potassium-competitive acid blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and/or H2 receptor antagonist) and had no upper gastrointestinal lesions detected by endoscopy. Methods: This cross-sectional study included the patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in our institution between August 2017 and July 2018. They were aged from 55 to 89 years, had no upper gastrointestinal lesions detected by endoscopy, and no H. pylori infection. Exclusion criteria comprised low-dose aspirin and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The subjects were allocated to middle-aged (55–69 years) and older age groups (70–89 years). The relationships between antacid medications and patient lifestyle and comorbidities were evaluated by multivariate analyses. Results: Of the 420 patients, 272 were in the middle-aged group and 148 patients in the older age group. Age was found to be a risk factor for antacid medications in both groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.007). No other lifestyle related factors were risk factors. As to comorbidities, hiatal hernia was positively associated with antacid medications in the middle-aged group (p = 0.002). Hypertension and Ca-blockers were positively associated with prescription of antacids in the older age group (p = 0.013); this association was not significant in the middle-aged group. Conclusions: Three lifestyle-related and/or comorbidity-associated factors known to exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux, namely, age, hiatus hernia, and Ca-blockers, were associated with prescription of antacid medications, even in patients without endoscopic reflux esophagitis.
Effect of MicroRNA-20a on Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Luo Tao , Yang Xueqin , Sun Yan , Huang Xinqi , Zou Ling , Liu Jun
Published: February 2020

Osteogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) is a complex process that is regulated by multiple factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNA miR-20a was shown to promote bone formation from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. However, the role of miR-20a in osteogenic differentiation of hASCs remains unclear. In this study, we systematically evaluated the function of miR-20a in regulating hASC osteogenesis in vitro. hASCs were transduced with miR-20a-overexpressing and miR-20a-sponge lentiviral vectors, with green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a control. The results showed that miR-20a transcription was upregulated after hASC mineralization. Compared with the miR-20a-sponge, GFP, and hASC groups, the miR-20a-overexpressing group showed higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity on days 7 and 14. Moreover, the mRNA level of ALP increased significantly in the miR-20a-overexpressing group on day 14. Furthermore, the protein of the target gene PPARγ was decreased, and the osteogenic differentiation-associated proteins ALP, osteocalcin, and RUNX2 were upregulated. hASCs anchored to HA/β-TCP revealed a healthy polygonal morphology and developed cytoplasmic extensions. miR-20a promoted osteogenic differentiation of the cell scaffold. Taken together, these data ­confirm that miRNA-20a promotes the osteogenesis of hASCs in vitro, and its essential role in vivo needs further ­investigation.
Congenital Vitamin K-Dependent Clotting Factors Deficiency Type 1: A Rare Bleeding Disorder
Authors: Al-Doory Sura Ahmed , Radaideh Mahmoud Ahmed , Saleh Shafeeka Mohamed , Al Sabbah Mohammed Ali
Published: February 2020

Combined deficiency of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors is usually an acquired clinical problem, often resulting from liver disease, malabsorption or warfarin overdose. However, an inherited form of the disease is very rare. Here we report a 4-month-old girl who presented with a 2-week history of multiple bruises and a 1-day history of right thigh swelling after receiving her 4th month vaccine. Laboratory investigations showed anemia (Hb 6.0 g/dL) with extremely prolonged PT and APTT. Factor assay revealed deficiency of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, X as well as protein C and protein S. Whole-exome sequencing detected a novel homozygous mutation (c.44-5T>A p.(?)) in the γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) gene responsible for the autosomal recessive combined vitamin K-dependent clotting factors deficiency type 1.
Catástrofe e sobrevivência em Heart of Darkness
Authors: Vasconcelos Sandra Guardini
Published: February 2020

O artigo discute a leitura que Antonio Candido propõe para “The Secret Sharer” e Lord Jim, de Joseph Conrad, a partir do que o crítico argumenta serem seus temas mais reveladores (“o isolamento, a ocasião, o homem surpreendido”) e do modo como a figuração do “ser em crise” se projeta na forma do conto e do romance. Sua análise e interpretação fornecem pistas produtivas para ler Heart of Darkness, outra obra central do autor britânico de origem polonesa.
Apresentação e sumário
Authors: Carvalho Lauro
Published: February 2020

Apresentação e sumário
Direito, Soberania e Estado
Authors: Costa Marta Nunes da
Published: February 2020

Jean Bodin é o primeiro autor a oferecer uma teoria do Estado – na sua obra publicada em 1576, intitulada Os Seis Livros sobre a República, o autor introduz uma série de conceitos que irão definir o horizonte do imaginário coletivo europeu especificamente moderno, nomeadamente com a introdução da sua teoria de soberania. Se a proposta de Bodin ganhou adeptos (entre eles Thomas Hobbes), lançando as bases para o que viria a ser a tradição monárquica absolutista na Europa, nesse mesmo período identificamos uma proposta radicalmente distinta. Em Johannes Althusius, na obra Política de 1603, a conceituação de soberania radica num direito simbiótico, precursor de uma tradição democrática e federalista. O objetivo deste artigo é oferecer uma reconstrução das relações entre direito, soberania e Estado em Bodin e Althusius e identificar a forma como os autores tratam a possibilidade de ‘rebelião’.
Ideias de Ciência e Progresso - dos Tsares à Era Soviética
Authors: Magalhães Gildo
Published: February 2020

Apresenta-se uma breve exposição de ideias ligadas ao progresso científico na área que constituiu o Império Russo e posteriormente a União Soviética entre os séculos 18 e 20, com especial destaque para aspectos das ciências naturais ainda pouco explorados.
Weather Effects on Industrial Stock Index Returns and Volatilities: Evidence from Korean Stock Market
Authors: Cin Beom Cheol , Kim Sung Woo , Kim Byoung Joon
Published: February 2020

This study empirically investigates weather effects on Korean stock index returns and market volatility based on the GJR-GARCH-X model. We focus on the issue about whether the weather effect is associated with financial deregulation and foreign investors’ transactions, which should not be affected by the weather conditions in Seoul City. To explore the weather effects by controlling for foreign investors’ trading, we employ daily stock index data and weather indicators (cloud cover, precipitation, sunshine hours, snow, and humidity) during the period from 1981 to 2016. Our empirical results suggest that there is little evidence for weather effects on KOSPI and stock returns by industry listed in the Korea Stock Exchange even if Korean financial market deregulations in 1997 increases foreign investors’ trading, but there is some evidence for weather effects on market volatilities.
Carving and Folding by the Book in Early Modern Europe
Authors: Krohn Deborah L.
Published: February 2020

The period 1500-1800 saw the publication of a number of manuals and handbooks containing instructions for carving meat and fruit on the table, and folding napkins and other linens. These books contain information on otherwise invisible aspects of material and social life and are notable for their intriguing and often beautiful illustrations. Part of a larger category of texts that addressed courtesy, etiquette and behavior for household servants, people in charge of them, and those who aspired to this lifestyle, examples of the genre may be found in Italian, French, German, English, Dutch, Spanish and probably other languages as well. Echoes of a suite of engraved illustrations for an Italian carving manual first published in Padua in 1629 can be seen in books printed all over Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Jurocercopis grandis Wang & Zhang, 2009 from the Jiyuan Basin and Daohugou beds of northern China and its morphological revision (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha, Cercopoidea)

Authors: FU YANZHE , HUANG DIYING
Published: February 2020

Jurocercopis grandis Wang & Zhang, 2009 is confined to the Middle-Upper Jurassic Daohugou beds, Inner Mongolia, NE China. The main diagnostic characters of Jurocercopis were based only on tegmen, but lacked some crucial information such as basal cell, vein Pc+CP and A1. A very diverse palaeoentomofauna has been discovered lately from the Yangshuzhuang Formation of Jiyuan, Henan Province, northern China, from which we identify J. grandis. Herein, Jurocercopis is emended and provided with detailed morphological characters on the basis of nine specimens from the Jiyuan and Daohugou beds. The new discovery expands the geographic distribution of Jurocercopis to the Jiyuan Basin, northern China, and indicates a stratigraphic correlation between the Yangshuzhuang Formation at Jiyuan and the Haifanggou Formation of the Daohugou beds. These two units host the early assemblage of Yanliao biota, further proving that the Yanliao biota is widely distributed in northern China.
A new paleopteran genus and species from the late Carboniferous of Avion France, (Insecta: Palaeodictyopterida: ?Diaphanopterodea)

Authors: SCHUBNEL THOMAS , ROQUES PATRICK , OUDARD JACQUES , GARROUSTE ROMAIN , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: February 2020

The Carboniferous outcrop near Avion, in the Department of Pas-de-Calais, northern France, is very rich in fossil insect wings, which are preserved alongside thousands of plant fragments. Its entomofauna is very diverse, including representatives of the Palaeodictyoptera, Odonatoptera, Archaeorthoptera, Caloneurodea, Paoliida, Dictyoptera, Plecoptera, and the oldest representatives of the clades Acercaria and Holometabola (Nel et al., 2013, Prokop et al., 2013, 2014; Coty et al., 2014; Schubnel et al., 2019a, b). The fossil insects were found in ‘Terril N 7’, a slag heap located in the Avion area comprising Moscovian-aged sediments derived from Liévin coal mines 3 and 4, specifically the Bolsovian or Westphalian C (311–308 Ma) ‘faisceaux de Ernestine’, and the Asturian or Westphalian D (308–306 Ma) ‘veines Arago, Dusouich, Marthe’ informal beds (Bruno Vallois, 2013, pers. comm.).
Specialized variegated mud-loving beetles from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Coleoptera: Heteroceridae)

Authors: LI YANDA , TIHELKA ERIK , HUANG DIYING , CAI CHENYANG
Published: February 2020

Variegated mud-loving beetles, or Heteroceridae, are a small family belonging to the polyphagan superfamily Byrrhoidea. To date, only two poorly preserved compression fossils have been known from the Early Cretaceous of Eurasia. Here we describe the first heterocerid beetles in mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar, Excavotarsus lini gen. et sp. nov. and Ex. minor sp. nov.. The two new fossil species are distinguished from all extant heterocerids by their elongate body shape, apical 8–9 antennomeres forming a loose serrate club, pronotum longer than wide, protibia lacking robust spines, and two-segmented protarsi. This peculiar combination of plesiomorphic and derived characters suggests that Excavotarsus represents an early-diverging lineage of Heteroceridae and indicates that the family originated and diversified before the mid-Cretaceous.
Ten new species of parasitoid wasps Mnioes Townes, 1946 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Banchinae) described from Peru
Authors: ALVARADO MABEL
Published: February 2020

Mnioes Townes is a predominantly Neotropical genus of the family Ichneumonidae, mainly documented from Central America and, until now, with no described species from South America. In this paper, ten new species are described from Peru: Mnioes attenboroughi sp. nov., M. huk sp. nov., M. iskay sp. nov., M. kinsa sp. nov., M. pisqa sp. nov., M. poncei sp. nov., M. pusaq sp. nov., M. qanchis sp. nov., M. soqta sp. nov., and M. tawa sp. nov. A key to the Peruvian species and maps of their geographical distribution are also presented.
Notes on Zethini (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae): complementary sex descriptions, synonymies and a new species of Zethus Fabricius
Authors: LOPES ROGÉRIO BOTION , CRUCIOL ANA HELENA , NOLL FERNANDO BARBOSA
Published: February 2020

This paper brings a series of contributions to the taxonomy of the Zethini: description of a new species, Zethus denticlypeus Lopes, sp. n.; description of the female of Z. anomalus Cooper, 1999; description of the males of Z. angustior Bohart & Stange, 1965, Z. clypeolaris Bohart & Stange, 1965, Z. satanicus Bohart & Stange, 1965 and Argentozethus willinki Stange, 1979; synonymy of Discoelius argentinus Brèthes, 1905 under Z. dicomboda Spinola, 1851; and rearrangements for the species of Raphiglossoides Giordani Soika, 1936, with Raphiglossoides minutus (Gusenleitner, 2000) (= R. aethiopicus Giordani Soika, 1936) and R. gibbus (Gusenletiner, 2000) n. comb.
Extraction of Bilingual Dictionary from Comparable Corpora for Resource Scarce Languages
Authors: Sowmya Lakshmi B. S. , Shambhavi B. R.
Published: February 2020

Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India One of the promising resources to extract dictionaries are said to be parallel corpora. Majority of the substantial works are based on parallel corpora, whereas for the resource scarce language pairs building a parallel
corpus is a challenging task. To prevail over this issue, researchers found comparable corpora could be an alternative to extract dictionary. Proposed approach is to extract dictionary for a low resource language pair English and Kannada using comparable corpora obtained from Wikipedia dumps
and corpus received from Indian Language Corpus Initiative (ILCI). Dictionary constructed comprises of both translation and transliteration entities with term level associations from English to Kannada. Resultant dictionary is of size 77545 tokens with precision score of 0.79. Proposed work
is independent of language and could be expanded to other language pairs.
Geospatial Crime Analysis to Determine Crime Density Using Kernel Density Estimation for the Indian Context
Authors: Prathap Boppuru Rudra , Ramesha K.
Published: February 2020

Crime is the most common social problem faced in a developing country. Crime affects the reputation of a nation and the quality of life of its citizens. Crime also affects the economy of the country, increasing the financial burden of the government due to the need for expenditure in
the police force and judicial system. Various initiatives are taken by law enforcement to reduce the crime rate. One such initiative, real-time accurate crime predictions can help reduce the occurrence of crime. In this paper, a crime analytics platform is developed, which processes newsfeed
data analysis for different types of crimes and identify crime hotspots using Kernel Density Estimation method. This system enables criminologists to understand the hidden relationships between crime and geographical locations. Interactive visualization features are available that enable law
enforcement agencies to predict crime.
SIMPLEX: An Activation Function with Improved Loss Function Results in Validation
Authors: Masoood Sarfaraz , Jan Nida Safdar
Published: February 2020

An activation function is a mathematical function used for squashing purposes in artificial neural networks, whose domain and the range are two important most features to judge its potency. Overfitting of a neural network, is an issue that has gained considerable importance. This is
a consequence of a function developing some complex relationship during the training phase and then these do not show up during the testing phase due to which these relationships aren’t actually relations, but are merely a consequence of sampling noise that arises during the training
phase and is absent during testing phase. This creates a significant gap in accuracy which if minimized could result in better results in terms of overall performance of an ANN (Artificial Neural Network). The activation function proposed in this work is called SIMPLEX. Over a set of experiments,
it was observed, to have the least overfitting issue among the rest of the analyzed activation functions over the MNIST dataset, selected as the experimental problem.
An Overview of Deep Learning Architecture of Deep Neural Networks and Autoencoders
Authors: Sewak Mohit , Sahay Sanjay K. , Rathore Hemant
Published: February 2020

The recent wide applications of deep learning in multiple fields has shown a great progress, but to perform optimally, it requires the adjustment of various architectural features and hyper-parameters. Moreover, deep learning could be used with multiple varieties of architecture aimed
at different objectives, e.g., autoencoders are popular for un-supervised learning applications for reducing the dimensionality of the dataset. Similarly, deep neural networks are popular for supervised learning applications viz., classification, regression, etc. Besides the type of deep learning
architecture, some other decision criteria and parameter selection decisions are required for determining each layer size, number of layers, activation and loss functions for different layers, optimizer algorithm, regularization, etc. Thus, this paper aims to cover different choices available
under each of these major and minor decision criteria for devising a neural network and to train it optimally for achieving the objectives effectively, e.g., malware detection, natural language processing, image recognition, etc.
Augmented Affinity Propagation-Based Network Partitioning for Multiple Controllers Placement in Software Defined Networks
Authors: Sminesh C. N. , Grace Mary Kanaga E. , Sreejish A. G.
Published: February 2020

Software Defined Networks (SDN) divide network intelligence and packet forwarding functionalities between control plane and data plane devices respectively. Multiple controllers need to be deployed in the control plane in large SDN networks to improve performance and scalability. In
a multi-controller scenario, finding the adequate number of controllers and their load distribution are open research challenges. In a large-scale network, the control plane load balancing is termed a controller placement problem (CPP). It is observed that of the existing solutions for the
CPP, clustering-based approaches provide computationally less intensive solutions. The proposed augmented affinity propagation (augmented-AP) clustering identifies the required number of network partitions and places the controllers such that the distribution of switches to the controller
is much better than with existing algorithms. The simulation results show that the computed controller imbalance factor of augmented-AP algorithm outperforms the existing k-means algorithm.
An Effective Approach to Cluster Customers with a Product Recommendation System
Authors: Keerthana N. K. , Vasudevan Shriram K. , Sampath Nalini
Published: February 2020

Faster development of technology these days has totally changed the nature of a retail business and hence the perspective of customers (consumers) towards shopping. In this current technologydriven world, customers see no distinction between online and offline shopping which means the
expectation level of customers is increasing day by day. They need the companies to know what they want and make those products available when they are in need. To achieve this, retailers are in need of a personalization strategy where they get to know the customers better. In this paper,
we suggest one such personalization strategy where we predict the various kinds of the customer based on their arrival and purchase of items in the shop. Knowing the behavior of the customer makes the product promotion easier which in turn improves the response rate and hence the sales rate.
The other way of gaining profit in retail business is predicting what the customers will buy as per their buying patterns and seasons. This paper also addresses a strategy by which the retailers will know what a customer will buy for next one month.
Choosing a Suitable Public Cryptosystem for Internet of Things
Authors: Singh Soram Ranbir , Ajoy Khan Kumar
Published: February 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in numerous devices in many areas in our life and in industries. It could comprise devices with sensors to gather and broadcast data over the internet. As the devices are IP-based and the media are shared, any user in the network can have an
access to the communication contents. The only way to impose access control in the sensor networks is through cryptography. A key is applied to encrypt the communication to prevent from unauthorized access to the network. Choosing a suitable key management scheme is very important in sensor
networks as it should satisfy the constraints of the sensors. There are two indispensable public cryptosystems available in the literatures-RSA and Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). ECC gives strong resistance to cryptanalytic attacks. So, it is used with smaller key sizes than RSA (Valenta,
L., et al., 2018. In Search of CurveSwap: Measuring Elliptic Curve Implementations in the Wild. 2018 IEEE European Symposium on Security and Privacy (EuroS&P), April; IEEE. pp.384–398). The most prettiness of using elliptic curve cryptography over other cryptosystems (i.e.,
RSA) is that it provides same security strength for a lesser key without breaching the system, thereby consuming less resources and ameliorating performances and fast data throughput of the devices. To choose a suitable public cryptosystem for use in IoT devices like sensor networks, elliptic
curve cryptography and RSA are comparatively analyzed in this paper.
Internet of Things Based Occupancy Detection Using Ensemble Classifier for Smart Buildings
Authors: Mishra Sanket , Rajwanshi Sarthak , Hota Chittaranjan
Published: February 2020

Buildings account for a large share in energy consumption in day to day life. Occupancy based models can help in modeling whether the building or the particular room is occupied or not. Occupancy detection mechanisms can help in automating the electrical appliances and make them operational
only in presence of the person in the room. This helps in creating energy aware scenarios which can contribute to the energy efficiency and reduction in power tariff. In this work, we take the approach of occupancy modeling by the help of Ensemble Models constructed using Random Forests, Logistic
Regression and Support Vector Machine classifiers. The ensemble approach undertaken in this work is Voting and the weights of classifiers to the meta-model are fine-tuned using a Differential Evolution optimization algorithm. The results were found to be of high accuracy, i.e., 98.8% and 98.7%
on the given test sets.
Effect and mechanism of miRNA on obstructive sleep apnea in children
Authors: Li Jian , Fan Ting , Li Yang , Cao Yinyin , Guan Pengfei , Wu Lingjie , Wang Yunfeng , Xu Jin
Published: February 2020

Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted increasing interest as biomarkers for the diagnosis of numerous human diseases; however, little is known about exosomal miRNAs in regard to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of this study was to identify exosomal miRNAs
involved in OSAS and to determine their relative functions. Serum exosomal miRNA-expression patterns in pediatric OSAS patients and healthy donors were analyzed comprehensively via RNA sequencing, and differently expressed miRNAs were verified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase
chain reaction. The effect of the miRNAs on cell culture was measured by flow cytometry. Results revealed that 364 and 464 miRNAs were identified in normal and OSAS exosomes, respectively. Moreover, exosomal miR-664a-3p, miR-210, miR-21-3p, and miR-107 were significantly more downregulated
in exosomes from OSAS than in those of healthy controls. These downregulated miRNAs were mainly involved in functions involving cell cycle, immune response, and cell proliferation and adhesion as well as pathways associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, and mammalian target rapamycin
signaling. Furthermore, miR-107 promoted the arrest of the adenoid lymphocyte cycle at the G2/M phase. These data revealed several potential exosomal miRNA biomarkers and their associated functions and pathways. This study advanced the knowledge of OSAS exosome biology to facilitate the development
of OSAS-specific exosome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
Adsorption of methylene blue and rhodamine B on graphene oxide-Fe3O4 nanocomposite: Molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Narayanaswamy Venkatesha , Kumar Hemant , Srivastava Chandan , Alaabed Sulaiman , Aslam Mohammed , Mallya Ambresh , Obaidat Ihab M.
Published: February 2020

Graphene oxide based magnetic nanocomposite (GO-Fe3O4) was synthesized using the coprecipitation method. Intercalation of nanoparticles has resulted in the modified interlayer spacing of GO sheets, it is increased from 0.82 to 1.11 nm. Nanocomposite was characterized
using TEM, AFM, XRD, UV-Visible and Raman spectroscopy. Magnetic nanocomposite is tested for removal of industrial dyes MB and RB through the adsorption process. The adsorbent dosage, dye concentration, and adsorption time are optimized in an optimal condition in the dye removal experiments
(0.1 g/L adsorbent (GO), 10 mg/L of MB and RB with 25 minutes adsorption time). Adsorption capacity of 100 and 80 mg/g was achieved for MB and RB respectively. Preferential behavior of nanocomposite towards MB over RB can be attributed to the differential electrostatic and geometrical interactions.
Differential behavior towards adsorption of dyes is further studied by Monte Carlo adsorption locator and molecular dynamics simulations. Adsorption energies corresponding to MB/GO, RB/GO, MB/Fe3O4, and RB/Fe3O4 systems show that certain configurations
favor adsorption on GO and Fe3O4 surfaces. Radial distribution function calculation shows the geometric separation of 2.23 and 5.13 Å for MB and RB respectively, which has profound effect on electrostatic and π-π interaction.
Effect of siRNA interference of ubiquitin-specific protease 9X on apoptosis and growth of diffuse large B cell lymphoma cell line
Authors: Peng Wei , Zhong Meizuo , Tang Youhong
Published: February 2020

Ubiquitin-specific protease 9X (USP9X) is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of many tumor types, but its role in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) has not been determined. The current study aimed to examine the effects of RNA interference on USP9X expression, and subsequently
on the bioactivity of DLBCL Farage and Pfeiffer cells. There were two groups in the study: USP9X-siRNA and NC. USP9X siRNA was transiently transferred into DLBCL cells by Cationic liposome. The total RNA was extracted using Fe2O3 and was retrieved into the DNA using the
MagBeads Total RNA Extraction Kit. The protein expression of USP9X in Farage, Pfeiffer, and normal human B cell line at the cellular level was observed by Western blot. The Farage and Pfeiffer cells were infected with USP9X-siRNA. Cell apoptosis and cell growth viability were analyzed by flow
cytometry and CCK8, Mcl-1 protein, a potential target of USP9X, and apoptosis factor proteins (such as Bak, Cytochrome C, Caspase 3, Caspase 8, PARP) were detected by Western blot after siRNA interference. The results showed that the protein expression of USP9X in malignant B cells was four
times higher than that of the normal B cells. Inhibition of USP9X reduced the Mcl-1 activity, and increased the caspase-3, Bak and Cytochrome C activity. In the malignant B cells, Mcl-1 and Bak were binding in vivo; Bak was a new partner of Mcl-1. Inhibition of USP9X reduced cell proliferation
and increased apoptosis. The expression of USP9X is upregulated in Diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells, Farage, and Pfeiffer. Inhibition expression of USP9X may induce cell apoptosis, inhibit cell growth, and downregulate Mcl-1 protein expression in Diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells, Farage,
and Pfeiffer. USP9X has the ability in regulating cell apoptosis.
Structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of fresh-water fish gelatins with different molecular weights and their potential application to food capsule film fabrication
Authors: Tian Jiaxin , Wang Yuhang , Li Jinling , Chen Yonggang , Qinchen Jiarui , Deng Fanghui , Wu Xiaoyang , Liu Ru , Xiong Shanbai , Rong Jianhua , Hu Yang
Published: February 2020

This work is aimed to investigate the effects of molecular weights on physicochemical properties of fish gelatins and their potential application to food capsule film fabrication. Firstly, high/medium/low component fish gelatins (HCG/MCG/LCG) were obtained by ultrafiltration. Physicochemical
property assay results showed that high molecular weight content of gelatin contributed to the increase in gelling strength, viscosity, melting point, and denaturation temperature due to extensive inter–intra molecular interactions. Meanwhile, parameters (temperature, weight ratio, and
drying time) had been comprehensively investigated to determine the effects of three molecular weights of gelatins on capsule film manufacture. MCG-derived capsule film was found to achieve good balance among tensile strength, elongation at break, and dissolution rate constant. Furthermore,
90-day acceleration storage stability experiment suggested that MCG showed an appropriate ɛ-amino acid residue content and crosslink density. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the effect of molecular weights on physicochemical properties of fish gelatins and their
application in food capsule film manufacture.
Demographic and Tumor Characteristic Impact on Laryngeal Cancer Outcomes in a Minority Underserved Patient Population
Authors: Fullmer Tanner , Wilde David C. , Shi Justin W. , Wagner Timothy , Skinner Heath , Eicher Susan A. , Sandulache Vlad C. , Hernandez David J.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma remains associated with approximately 50% mortality at 5 years. Delivery of multimodality treatment remains critical to maximizing survival for this disease, but achieving this at a national level remains a difficult undertaking, particularly in under‐ and uninsured patients as well as minority patients. We sought to evaluate laryngeal cancer treatment delivery and clinical outcomes in a predominantly minority and underserved cohort of largely under‐ and uninsured patients in a county hospital.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care county hospital in Houston, Texas.

Subjects and Methods

Patients (N = 210) with a new diagnosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated between 2005 and 2015 were included in a retrospective analysis of patient demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, and oncologic outcomes.

Results

The majority of patients presented with advanced disease (T4 = 43%, N>0 = 45%). Treatment selection was compliant with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines in 81% of cases, but 76% of patients who required adjuvant radiotherapy were unable to start it within 6 weeks postsurgery. Overall survival and disease‐free survival were 52% and 63% for the entire cohort, respectively. Supraglottic subsite and nodal metastases were significantly associated with decreased overall survival and disease‐free survival. Race/ethnicity and insurance status were not associated with worse oncologic outcomes.

Conclusion

Under‐ and uninsured patients often present with advanced laryngeal cancer. Oncologic outcomes in this cohort of patients is similar to that of other published series. Moreover, tumor characteristics rather than demographic variables drive oncologic outcomes for the predominantly minority and underserved patients seeking care in our tertiary care county hospital.
Severe Degenerative Changes in Cryptorchid Testes in Japanese Black Cattle
Authors: Fuke Naoyuki , Kitahara Go , Ito Soma , Van Diep Nguyen , Ping Teh Angeline Ping , Izzati Uda Zahli , Myint Ohnmar , Hirai Takuya , Torisu Shidow , Kaneko Yasuyuki , Sato Hiroyuki , Hidaka Yuichi , Osawa Takeshi , Yamaguchi Ryoji
Published: February 2020

This is a histopathologic and endocrinologic study of 6 calves diagnosed with cryptorchidism. Cases 1–3 were diagnosed as resembling testicular regression syndrome. In cases 1 and 2, the extracted tissue was a small, firm, gray-white mass, and there was lack of obvious testicular tissue in case 3. Histopathologically, the excised tissue in cases 1–3 was a fibrotic testicular remnant with inflammation, mineralization, hemosiderin-laden macrophages or lipofuscin-laden macrophages, and lack of germ cells and interstitial endocrine cells. These findings were compared with cases 4–6, which were diagnosed as testicular hypoplasia due to cryptorchidism. These cases had small but otherwise grossly unremarkable intra-abdominal testicular tissue and histologically had a few germ cells and sustentacular cells with arrested spermatogenesis and an increase in interstitial endocrine cells. Cases 1–3 had more severe degenerative changes compared with cases 4–6. In case 2, the average diameter of the seminiferous tubules was much smaller than in cases 4–6, and there were few tubule cross sections. Anti-Müllerian hormone (214 pg/ml) was detected in the plasma of case 2. Based on the macroscopic and histopathologic findings as well as endocrinologic profiles, the testicular degeneration in cases 1–3 was considered similar to that of testicular regression syndrome. In this condition, it is thought that a normally developing intra-abdominal testis undergoes degeneration due to heat or a vascular disorder such as torsion.
Analyzing nanoparticle-induced neurotoxicity: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wei Xiaomin , Yang Fuzhen , Chen Defang , Li Jun , Shi Xiaohong , Li Buran , Zhang Chunling
Published: February 2020

Background:

In recent years, nanoparticles have been widely used in many fields, ranging from cosmetics, agriculture, environment, and biomedical areas. The increasing use of nanoproducts induces a potential increasing exposure to human body, and then, unknown pathological consequences could increase.

Methods:

The database was searched from 2008 to 2018 by the Web of Science Core Collection. The bibliometric methods, CiteSpace and HistCite, were used for analysis and visualization of the data.

Results:

The 2932 publications were analyzed and the annual publications grew from 78 to 512 in a decade. The United States and China mainly contribute to this research area, which accounted for 29.5% and 22.9%, respectively. PLoS One, Scientific Reports, and Nanoscale were the three journals that published the most articles. Keyword analysis indicated that the major research direction was the mechanisms of nanoneurotoxicity, which included oxidative stress, inflammation, astrocyte activation, and the fibrillation of amyloid β protein.

Conclusion:

This bibliometric study revealed that nanoneurotoxicity was still a research hot topic and could be a promising area of research in the next few years. Nanoparticles play a role in neurodegenerative diseases by inducing reactive oxygen species production, inflammation, alterations of gene expression, and signal pathways.
Fluid and Solute Transport using Different Sodium Concentrations in Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions
Authors: Cheng Hui-Hong , Wang Tao , Heimbürger Olof , Bergström Jonas , Lindholm Bengt
Published: February 2020

Background

Fluid and sodium balance is important for the success of long-term peritoneal dialysis. Convective transport is the major determinant for sodium removal during peritoneal dialysis using conventional dialysis solutions. However, recent studies showed that lower sodium concentration in dialysate could significantly increase sodium removal by increasing the diffusion gradient, thereby increasing diffusive transport. In the present study, we investigated the influence of the sodium concentration gradient on the diffusive transport coefficient, KBD for sodium.

Methods

A 4-hour dwell study was done in Sprague–Dawley rats using 25 mL 5% glucose (NS), 5% glucose + 0.3% NaCl (LS), 5% glucose + 0.6% NaCl (MS), or 5% glucose + 0.9% NaCl (HS), with frequent dialysate and blood sampling. Radiolabeled human albumin (RISA) was added to the solution as an intraperitoneal volume marker. The peritoneal fluid and sodium transport characteristics were evaluated.

Results

Significant ultrafiltration (both net ultrafiltration and transcapillary ultrafiltration) was observed in each group despite the osmolality of the 5% glucose solution being slightly lower than the plasma osmolality. There was no difference in peritoneal fluid absorption rate and direct lymphatic absorption among the four groups. With the sieving coefficient for sodium set to 0.55, a significantly higher KBD for sodium was found in the NS compared to the HS group. The KBD for sodium was 0.21 ± 0.01, 0.20 ± 0.01, 0.17 ± 0.01, and 0.09 ± 0.01 mL/min for the NS, LS, MS, and HS groups, respectively. The KBD values for glucose were significantly lower in the NS and LS groups compared to the MS and HS groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that ( 1 ) sodium concentration may affect peritoneal sodium KBD — as the sodium concentration gradient increased, the KBD decreased; ( 2 ) 5% glucose solution could induce significant peritoneal ultrafiltration in normal rats despite its initial hypo-osmotic nature, this was due to the significantly lower glucose transport rate than sodium transport rate; and ( 3 ) a lower dialysate sodium concentration may decrease peritoneal glucose absorption.
The Effect of Advanced Glycation End-Products and Aminoguanidine on Tnfα Production by Rat Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Rashid Gloria , Luzon Ami-Ad , Korzets Ze'ev , Klein Osnat , Zeltzer Ella , Bernheim Jacques
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and the inhibitor of their formation, aminoguanidine, on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) production (as a functional marker) by rat peritoneal macrophages (PMΦ).

Design

Charles River rats underwent a daily intraperitoneal injection of peritoneal dialysis solution [(PDS), 4.25 g/dL dextrose; Dialine, Travenol, Ashdod, Israel] for a 2-month period (group E). Another group of rats was subjected to the same protocol with the addition of 25 mg/kg aminoguanidine (group A). Three control groups were utilized: ( 1 ) rats that were injected daily with aminoguanidine only (group AO), ( 2 ) rats that were injected with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (group D), and ( 3 ) rats in which no intervention was carried out (group C). After 2 months, PMΦ were isolated from rat peritoneal effluent and their TNFα production measured by ELISA in cell-free culture supernatants, in both the basal state and after 24-hour stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The concentrations of AGEs in peritoneal effluent were assayed and correlated to TNFα levels. PMΦ obtained from normal rats were then incubated for 24 hours with ( 1 ) the peritoneal effluent of each of the above respective groups, with or without LPS; ( 2 ) increasing concentrations of AGEs (0 - 250 μg/mL); and ( 3 ) increasing concentrations of aminoguanidine (0 - 7.5 mg/mL), and TNFα secretion again determined.

Results

After 2 months of daily intraperitoneal injection of PDS, in the basal state, TNFα production was significantly higher in PMΦ isolated from the peritoneal effluent groups (groups E, A, and AO) compared to controls (group C). Following LPS stimulation, a further increase in TNFα secretion was seen, with a significantly greater response in group AO versus groups E, A, and D. Effluent AGEs were markedly elevated only in group E. No correlation was found between TNFα secretion by these PMΦ and the concentration of AGEs. On incubation with the respective peritoneal effluents (groups E, A, and AO), in both the basal and stimulated state, TNFα production by PMΦ from normal rats was significantly enhanced compared to group C. Incubation with increasing concentrations of AGEs or aminoguanidine resulted in an increase of TNFα secretion by these PMΦ.

Conclusions

Following intermittent intraperitoneal administration of glucose-based PDS, rat PMΦ are chronically activated, as evidenced by increased basal TNFα secretion. The peritoneal effluent of such treated animals is capable of stimulating TNFα production by normal rat PMΦ. These data suggest that glucose-based PDS acts as a primer of PMΦ, which retain their ability to further stimulation by LPS. Although, in vitro, AGEs promote TNFα secretion by normal rat PMΦ, in vivo, their influence is probably modulated by other factors. Aminoguanidine has a specific inducing effect on rat PMΦ, independent of glucose-based PDS.
Comparison of Hemostatic Disturbances between Patients on Capd and Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Malyszko Jolanta , Malyszko Jacek S. , Mysliwiec Michal
Published: February 2020

Objective

Disturbances in hemostasis are common findings in uremic patients. Both bleeding diathesis and thrombosis are observed. The purpose of this study was to assess whether renal replacement therapy in the form of hemodialysis (HD) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) affects coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with end-stage renal failure.

Design

Comparison of hemostatic measures in patients on CAPD, HD, and matched healthy controls.

Setting

Department of Nephrology and Internal Medicine, Bialystok University School of Medicine.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-four HD patients and 23 CAPD patients were evaluated with respect to platelet aggregation, hemostatic parameters, serum lipids, lipoprotein(a), and cytokines [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1 (IL-1)].

Interventions

Four exchanges of CAPD per day, using 2.0 L dialysate over a period of 25 ± 31 months; or 4 – 5 hours of HD 3 times per week for a period of 31 ± 22 months.

Results

Platelet aggregation in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma was significantly impaired in both groups of dialyzed patients compared to healthy volunteers. Markers of endothelial cell injury (thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor) were significantly higher in HD and CAPD patients compared to the control group. A similar pattern of changes was observed for lipoprotein(a), fibrinogen, tissue factor pathway activity, and factor VII activity. Activity of factor X was significantly enhanced in CAPD compared to HD patients and controls. Euglobulin clot lysis time was significantly prolonged in HD and CAPD patients over controls, being more prolonged in CAPD patients. Markers of ongoing coagulation (thrombin–antithrombin complexes and prothrombin fragments 1+2) were higher in uremic patients, significantly higher in CAPD than in HD. A marker of ongoing fibrinolysis (plasmin–antiplasmin complexes) was higher in uremic patients but was lower in CAPD than in HD patients. Concentrations of TNFα and IL-1 were higher in HD than in CAPD patients.

Conclusion

Patients on CAPD showed evidence of a higher degree of hypercoagulation than HD patients. Thus, hemostatic abnormalities in end-stage renal failure may be affected to some extent by the choice of renal replacement therapy.