bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Roles of Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets in Modulating Intestinal Uptake of Dietary Fat
Authors: Zembroski Alyssa S. , Xiao Changting , Buhman Kimberly K.
Published: July 2021

Dietary fat absorption is required for health but also contributes to hyperlipidemia and metabolic disease when dysregulated. One step in the process of dietary fat absorption is the formation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs) in small intestinal enterocytes; these CLDs serve as dynamic triacylglycerol storage organelles that influence the rate at which dietary fat is absorbed. Recent studies have uncovered novel factors regulating enterocyte CLD metabolism that in turn influence the absorption of dietary fat. These include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α activation, compartmentalization of different lipid pools, the gut microbiome, liver X receptor and farnesoid X receptor activation, obesity, and physiological factors stimulating CLD mobilization. Understanding how enterocyte CLD metabolism is regulated is key in modulating the absorption of dietary fat in the prevention of hyperlipidemia and its associated metabolic disorders.
Impact of Plasma and Thermal Treatment on the Long-term Performance of Vanadium Redox Flow Electrodes – Significance of Surface Structure vs Oxygen Functionalities
Authors: Greese Tobias , Loichet Torres Paulette A. , Menga Davide , Dotzauer Petra , Wiener Matthias , Reichenauer Gudrun
Published: July 2021

Graphite felt (GF) electrodes of vanadium redox flow batteries show enhanced performance when thermally treated before their assembly. Thermal treatment works by simultaneously increasing electrode wettability, kinetic activity, and total surface area (TSA). This study examines these performance determining yet inseparable effects, especially considering the electrodes’ long-term operation. We exposed GF electrodes to 5 min plasma treatment, ensuring equal wettability, and thermally treated them in air at 400 °C for different durations. We then linked the resulting GF surface structure with the electrode performance, monitored with a high temporal resolution, and controlled electrolyte conditions. The performance, expressed in charge-transfer resistances and voltage efficiencies, correlated accurately with the thermal treatment times. According to XPS, against expectation, the thermal treatment decreased the number of surface oxygen functionalities. Instead, SEM and krypton adsorption revealed that the surface had become rougher, and the TSA increased. Upon corrosion, the surface presumably exposed more carbon edge sites being catalytically active, explaining the improved performance. Therefore, compared with the commonly suggested surface oxygen enrichment, increasing the GF surface roughness and TSA may be the more promising strategy to enhance and stabilize the long-term VRF electrode performance.
RNA sequencing indicates age-dependent shifts in the cardiac fibroblast transcriptome between fetal, neonatal, and adult developmental ages
Authors: Perreault Luke R. , Le Thanh T. , Oudin Madeleine J. , Black Lauren D.
Published: July 2021

Cardiac fibroblasts are responsible for extracellular matrix turnover and repair in the cardiac environment and serve to help facilitate immune responses. However, it is well established that they have a significant phenotypic heterogeneity with respect to location, physiological conditions, and developmental age. The goal of this study was to provide an in-depth transcriptomic profile of cardiac fibroblasts derived from rat hearts at fetal, neonatal, and adult developmental ages to ascertain variations in gene expression that may drive functional differences in these cells at these specific stages of development. We performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of cardiac fibroblasts isolated from fetal, neonatal, and adult rats and compared with the rat genome. Principal component analysis of RNA-seq data suggested that data variance was predominantly due to developmental age. Differential expression and gene set enrichment analysis against Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes datasets indicated an array of differences across developmental ages, including significant decreases in cardiac development and cardiac function-associated genes with age and a significant increase in immune- and inflammatory-associated functions, particularly immune cell signaling and cytokine and chemokine production, with respect to increasing developmental age. These results reinforce established evidence of diverse phenotypic heterogeneity of fibroblasts with respect to developmental age. Furthermore, based on our analysis of gene expression, age-specific alterations in cardiac fibroblasts may play a crucial role in observed differences in cardiac inflammation and immune response observed across developmental ages.
The Influence of Confidence and Social Networks on an Agent‐Based Model of Stock Exchange
Authors: Bertella Mario A. , Silva Jonathas N. , Correa André L. , Sornette Didier
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to investigate the influence of investors’ confidence in their portfolio holding relative to their social group and of various social network topologies on the dynamics of an artificial stock exchange. An investor’s confidence depends on the growth rate of his or her wealth relative to his or her social group’s average wealth. If the investor’s confidence is low, the agent will change his or her asset allocation; otherwise, he or she will maintain it. We consider three types of social networks: Barabási, small‐world, and random. The actual stock markets’ properties are recovered by this model: high excess kurtosis, skewness, volatility clustering, random walk prices, and stationary return rates. The networks’ topologies are found to impact both the structuration of investors in the space of strategies and their performance. Among other characteristics, we find that (i) the small‐world networks show the highest degree of homophily; (ii) as investors can switch to more profitable strategies, the best approach to make profitable investments is the chartist one in Barabási and small‐world topologies; and (iii) an unequal distribution and more significant relative wealth gains occur in the Barabási network.
Metallogeny of the Dagangou Au-Ag-Cu-Sb Deposit in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen, NW China: Constraints from Ore-Forming Fluid Geochemistry and S-H-O Isotopes
Authors: Li Liang , Liu Haotian , Wang Changbing , Sun Fengyue , Zhang Kai , You Chengcheng , Sun Yonggang , Tan Shucheng
Published: July 2021

A study of ore-forming fluid geochemistry and S-H-O isotopes has been conducted to reveal the metallogeny of the Dagangou Au-Ag-Cu-Sb deposit, NW China. Three mineralization stages are identified within Dagangou, including ankerite-quartz-pyrite (Ank-Qz-Py), quartz-Au-sulfide (Qz-Au-Sul), and quartz-calcite (Qz-Cal) stages. Four types of primary fluid inclusions (FIs) and various fluid inclusion assemblages (FIAs) are identified by petrographic observations, including pure CO2, CO2-bearing, vapour-liquid and halite-bearing FIs, most of which are distributed randomly or along growth zones. Raman spectroscopy suggests that the fluid vapour is mainly H2O and CO2 with minor N2, CH4, and C2H6. The homogenization temperatures of primary FIs from the Ank-Qz-Py to Qz-Au-Sul to Qz-Cal stages are 208.7–313.4°C, 184.3–251.7°C, and 167.3–224.2°C, with salinities of 3.4–13.4 wt.%, 5.4–39.5 wt.% and 4.9–11.4 wt.% NaClequiv.. Sulfide S isotopes show a predominant source of sedimentary sulfur with minor magmatic sulfur, as evidenced by δ34S values of -1.4–5.1‰. The FI H-O isotopes reveal that the primary fluid was derived from magmatic waters mixed with minor sedimentary water (δD=−90.0to -86.8‰,δ18OH2O=6.7–7.4‰) and then was significantly diluted by meteoric water in the Qz-Cal stage (δD=−97.2to -95.7‰,δ18OH2O=3.9–4.3‰). Thus, the ore-forming fluid geochemistry and S-H-O isotopes indicate that fluid boiling occurred in the Qz-Au-Sul stage due to a pressure reduction from 85 MPa to 70 MPa, which led to the phase separation of fluid, loss of CO2, increase in residual fluid salinity, and formation of immiscible FIAs and halite-bearing FIs in the Qz-Au-Sul stage. This indicates a system moving away from a primary equilibrium, resulting in the deposition of metallic elements. The Dagangou Au-Ag-Cu-Sb deposit, therefore, is an orogenic gold-polymetallic deposit with a mesozonal depth of 5.9–7.5 km.
Neural Network Algorithm MRI Images for Analysis of Influencing Factors for Patellar Dislocation in Exercise
Authors: Gao Zhuorong , Wang Guangsheng , Zhang Zhi
Published: July 2021

The study focused on segmentation effects of the improved algorithm of traditional neural network algorithm, small kernels two-path convolutional neural network (SK-TPCNN) combined with random forest (RF) algorithm on MRI images for patella, and the influencing factors of patellar dislocation during exercise. In this article, the MRI images for patellar dislocation patients were detected by virtue of the neural network algorithm, to establish the patella-related MRI image segmentation algorithm. In terms of dice similarity coefficient (DSC), positive predictive value (PPV), and sensitivity, the detection accuracy of MRI images for patella was evaluated, and the segmentation effect of MRI images for patella was assessed. 30 patients, who were diagnosed as patellar dislocation patients in hospital, were chosen as the research subjects. No matter whether the MRI images of the patients went through the processing of the neural network algorithm or not, all of them were analyzed. The results showed that, among the traditional neural network algorithm, SK-TPCNN algorithm, and SK-TPCNN + RF algorithm, the DSC values were 0.82, 0.71, and 0.79, respectively; the PPV values were 0.77, 0.59, and 0.85, respectively; and the sensitivity values were 0.79, 0.62, and 0.89, respectively. Obviously, the various parameters of the SK-TPCNN + RF algorithm were significantly greater than those of the SK-TPCNN algorithm, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). It indicated that the segmentation ability of MRI images for patella of the NN algorithm was clearly improved, and the MRI image resolution was dramatically raised, which provided a referable basis for the MRI diagnosis of patients with patellar dislocation during exercise.
Fire Prediction Based on CatBoost Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Fangrong , Pan Hao , Gao Zhenyu , Huang Xuyong , Qian Guochao , Zhu Yu , Xiao Feng
Published: July 2021

In recent years, increasingly severe wildfires have posed a significant threat to the safe and stable operation of transmission lines. Wildfire risk assessment and early warning have become an important research topic in power grid risk assessment. This study proposes a fire prediction model on the basis of the CatBoost algorithm to effectively predict the fire point. Five wildfire risk factors, including vegetation factors, meteorological factors, human factors, terrain factors, and land surface temperature, were combined using the feature selection method on the basis of the gradient boosting decision tree model and principal component analysis to achieve dimensionality reduction of redundant data and create a fire prediction model. The MODIS fire point product is used as the model evaluation data. The verification result uses the AUC value as the evaluation factor. The accuracy of the model is 0.82, and the AUC value is 0.83. The obtained fire point evaluation results are in good agreement with the actual fire points. Results show that this model can effectively predict the risk of wildfires.
Analysis of Blood Biochemistry of Free Ranging and Human-Managed Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) Using the i-STAT Alinity v®
Authors: Trivedi Shweta , Burnham Christina M. , Capobianco Christian M. , Boshoff Christiaan , Zheng Yaxin , Pettiglio Jordan Wood , Ange-van Heugten Kimberly , Bissell Heidi D. , Minter Larry J.
Published: July 2021

Handheld point-of-care blood analyzers deliver rapid results for biochemical and hematologic parameters, making them very useful in veterinary clinics and in fieldwork applications. This study compared the biochemical and hematologic parameters generated by the novel point-of-care analyzer i-STAT® Alinity V CHEM8+ cartridge between human-managed and free ranging populations of southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). In addition, a novel reference interval for ionized calcium (iCa), a parameter of diagnostic and prognostic importance, was established for southern white rhinoceros. Blood samples were obtained from 10 managed (6 at NC Zoo and 4 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2019) and 30 free ranging white rhinoceros (collected in South Africa between 2018 and 2019) and analyzed using the i-STAT. Multiple parameters were higher (

P
<
0.05

) in free ranging versus managed animals including potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. Conversely, iCa concentrations were higher (

P
<
0.05

) in the managed populations of white rhinoceros. The RI determined for iCa was 1.36–1.56 mmol/L, with a mean of 1.46 mmol/L, and was determined using the guidelines from the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. There was no difference in anion gap, chlorine, total carbon dioxide, or sodium between the populations. Seasonality and locality of sampling as well as diet may be contributing factors to the higher iCa concentrations in managed rhinoceros. The six elevated parameters in free ranging rhinoceros are likely attributable to dehydration compounded by capture stress. This data provides insight into the state of several biochemical and hematologic parameters in southern white rhinoceros and will allow veterinarians to better assess the health of both managed and free ranging populations.
Effect of Psychological Intervention Combined with Family Cooperation on the Perioperative Quality of Life and Psychological States of Elderly Patients with Prostate Cancer Treated with Compound Kushen Injection
Authors: Zhang Jingyun , Li Caijian , Fu Chengwei , Dong Jinkai , Guo Wei , Zhu Qianqian
Published: July 2021

Objective. The purpose of the study was to investigate the nursing effect of psychological intervention combined with family cooperation on elderly patients with prostate cancer treated with compound kushen injection and put forward effective suggestions. Methods. 122 elderly patients with prostate cancer admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2019 were selected and randomly divided into a control group (n = 61) and experimental group (n = 61). The patients in the control group received routine nursing intervention during the perioperative period, while the patients in the experimental group were treated with psychological intervention combined with family cooperation on the basis of routine nursing. The quality of life and psychological states of patients in the two groups were statistically analyzed. Results. The evaluation of psychological states at 24 hours before surgery and 24 hours before discharge in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group (

P
<
0.05

), with statistical significance. On comparing the basic conditions between the two groups in the perioperative period, the length of hospitalization, length of catheter retention after surgery, and incidence of complications in the experimental group were all significantly better than those in the control group (

P
<
0.05

), with statistical significance. The satisfaction of patients with the nursing process in both groups was recorded and statistically analyzed through questionnaires. The satisfaction with nursing process in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (

P
<
0.05

), with statistical significance. The quality of life of the patients was followed up at three months after discharge. The quality of life of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group (

P
<
0.05

), with statistical significance. Conclusion. Psychological intervention combined with family cooperation for the elderly patients with prostate cancer treated with compound kushen injection is beneficial to improve their psychological states, encourage them to face the disease in a more positive manner, effectively improve the quality of life after intervention, ensure the therapeutic effect during perioperative period, increase happiness index, and enhance their satisfaction with the nursing process, which is worthy of clinical application and popularization.
Design and Error Compensation Performance of a Precision Micro-Drive Rotary System
Authors: Yang Manzhi , Jing Gang , Lv Zhenyang , Guo Wei , Huang Yumei , Wei Kaiyang , Li Linyue , Feng Bin , Ge Hongyu , Li Shuaitian
Published: July 2021

In order to obtain motion with large travel and high precision, the micro-drive system is used to compensate for the motion error of the macro-drive system in the macro/micro dual-drive system. The research on the micro-drive rotary system lags behind the micro-drive linear system, so it is of great significance to study the designing and error compensation performance of a precision micro-drive rotary system. In this paper, a precision micro-drive rotary system is designed, the error compensation scheme of the system is proposed, and the system feasibility in design and error compensation is tested by FEM simulation analysis and performance experiments. Firstly, a precision micro-drive rotary system is designed to provide high-precision rotary motion, which consists of a micro rotary mechanism and PZT. In the system, the micro rotary mechanism is developed based on the compound motion principle of flexure hinge, which can accurately transform an input of linear motion into an output of rotary motion according to a certain relationship. Secondly, for finishing the error compensation scheme of the system, the maximum compensation modifier

θ

max

′

is proposed based on the analysis of error compensation equations of point-to-point motion and continuous motion. Finally, in order to facilitate the use of engineering, the driven voltage equation of error compensation is derived by the error compensation performance experiment. The simulation and experiment results indicate that both the design and error-compensation-range of the system satisfy the needs of practical application.
Prematch Emotions and Coping Styles of Martial Arts Athletes Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Li Anping , Wu Hongfei , Liu Yuan
Published: July 2021

The fluctuation of martial arts athletes before competition is easy to affect martial arts competition. Emotional stimulation helps martial arts athletes to play in the competition field and improve their on-the-sport coping skills. In this paper, we use artificial intelligence technology to analyze the precompetition emotions of martial arts athletes, make guidance for the precompetition situation of martial arts athletes, and give to-the-spot response guidance and suggestions. In this paper, the artificial intelligence MLR (multiple logistic regression) combined with the unsupervised LOF (local outlier factor) algorithm is used to realize the precompetition emotion analysis and on-the-spot response guidance for martial arts athletes. In addition, this paper takes a community martial arts team as the test object and verifies the method through practice feedback. Studies have shown that this method of analysis and guidance can effectively assess the emotions of martial arts athletes and take intervention, compared to the absence of sentiment analysis and on-the-sport guidance for martial arts athletes. Compared to the coach’s intuitive guidance, the interventions in this treatise speed up 65%. From the experimental subjects in this paper, athletes of the same level provide emotional guidance and suggestions for responding to emotional fluctuations. This can psychologically improve the efficiency of athletes by more than 35%. Therefore, the use of artificial intelligence analysis methods can effectively improve the emotional stability of martial arts athletes before the game, so that they can deal with all kinds of emergencies on the spot.
High-Prevalence Stunting in Preschool Children (1–5 Years) Attending Selected Health Centers in a Food Rich Area-Bushenyi District Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Mugarura Douglas , Ninsiima Herbert Izo , Kinyi Hellen , Eze Ejike Daniel , Tumwesigire Sam , Mbekeeka Prossy , Ndamira Andrew
Published: July 2021

The prevalence of stunting among children in Uganda and Sub-Saharan Africa is still high, and if Uganda is to achieve the food-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it must urgently invest in improving nutrition and sanitation. In a food rich area like Bushenyi, chronic undernutrition could be due to several other factors than mere scarcity of food. The Objective(s). This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and socioclinical factors responsible for chronic undernutrition (stunting) among preschool children aged 1–5 years in selected Health facilities in Bushenyi district. Methodology. This was a cross-sectional study assessing the prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among children aged 1–5 years attending selected health centers in Bushenyi District. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire, taking anthropometric measurements (height/length), and stool analysis for eggs of soil-transmitted helminthes. Prevalence of stunting was presented as percentages. Logistic regression with adjusted prevalence ratio was performed to test the association between the sociodemographic and clinical factors and stunting at bivariate levels of analysis. Results. Most of the children were female, with a median age of 2.1 years and resided in semiurban areas of Bushenyi with their parents. Prevalence of stunting was 89.3%. Only 10.7% of the children were infested with soil-transmitted helminthes. Children likely to be stunted were those who drank unboiled water and were exclusively breastfed. Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition in Bushenyi district associated with parents’/care takers’ low level of knowledge.
Role of Exosomal MicroRNAs and Their Crosstalk with Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis
Authors: Lu Jun , Zhang Yan , Liang Jinqi , Diao Jiayu , Liu Peilong , Zhao Hongmou
Published: July 2021

Osteoporosis (OP) is an aging‐related disease involving permanent bone tissue atrophy. Most patients with OP show high levels of oxidative stress (OS), which destroys the microstructure of bone tissue and promotes disease progression. Exosomes (exos) help in the delivery of microRNAs (miRNAs) and allow intercellular communication. In OP, exosomal miRNAs modulate several physiological processes, including the OS response. In the present review, we aim to describe how exosomal miRNAs and OS contribute to OP. We first summarize the relationship of OS with OP and then detail the features of exos along with the functions of exo‐related miRNAs. Further, we explore the interplay between exosomal miRNAs and OS in OP and summarize the functional role of exos in OP. Finally, we identify the advantages of exo‐based miRNA delivery in treatment strategies for OP. Our review seeks to improve the current understanding of the mechanism underlying OP pathogenesis and lay the foundation for the development of novel theranostic approaches for OP.
Research on Explosive Separation of Carbon Fiber Composite Weave Plate
Authors: He Zhijie , Wang Meng , Zhao Kang , Su Hong , He Zekan , Xuan Haijun
Published: July 2021

By using the C‐shaped metal lead shell and copper shell to wrap the detonating cord, the restraint of the explosion energy is improved, and the simple charge structure is used to achieve the purpose of effectively separating the carbon fiber composite woven plate in a limited and small space. The commercial software AUTODYN was used for numerical simulation, The monitoring points of stress, velocity, and specific internal energy were set up, combined with Tsai‐Wu tensor strength criterion, the plate failure and the process of shell metal reflecting and absorbing energy when the plate was separated under the shell constraint were observed, respectively. Through further analysis of the experimental phenomena and calculated data, it is concluded that the main reason for the fracture failure of the plate is the opposing compression of the shock waves on both sides of the plate, and the layer cracks are caused by the tension of the stress wave in the later stage. The charge structure of the detonating cord wrapped by the metal shell can effectively use its inertia to restrain the explosion energy and improve the separation ability during the process of explosively separating the carbon fiber composite woven plate.
A Clinical Monitoring Program of COVID-19 Outpatients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kasiri Hossein , Mahjub Cyrus , Mazaeri Mohammadreza , Naderi-Behdani Fahimeh , Bazi Aliyeh , Ghazaeian Monireh , Fallah Sahar
Published: July 2021

Purpose. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. While a high portion of COVID-19 patients have mild symptoms, a limited number of clinical trials have evaluated the clinical course of this large group of patients. This study was designed to investigate the demographics and clinical characteristics and comorbidity of nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods. This prospective, observational cohort study was performed on nonhospitalized adult patients (≥18 years) with COVID-19. Pharmacotherapy service was responsible for patients’ assessment for up to 1 month. Demographic characteristics, the onset of symptoms, severity, duration, laboratory data, and hospitalization rate were evaluated by a pharmacist-based monitoring program. Results. From 323 patients who had been referred to the emergency department, 105 individuals were recruited between April 26 and August 2, 2020. Most of the patients were female (66.7%) with a mean age of 39.39 years (SD: ± 15.82). The mean time of the symptom onset was 5.6 days (SD: ±1.79). The majority of patients suffered from fatigue (78.1%), sore throat (67.6%), cough (60%), and myalgia (55.2%). C-reactive protein, white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and hemoglobin levels were recovered significantly during the first two weeks (P<0.001). Hydroxychloroquine, naproxen, diphenhydramine, azithromycin, and vitamin D3 were the most common medications administered (98%, 96%, 94%, 68%, and 57%, respectively). Forty patients were not symptom-free after the one-month follow-up, and 8 patients (7.6%) were required to revisit without the need for hospitalization. Anosmia (18.1%) and fatigue (17.1%) were the most common persisted symptoms. There were no significant differences between symptom-free and symptomatic patients. Conclusion. Mild COVID-19 patients had a wide variety of symptoms and could be symptomatic even one month after the onset of symptoms. The pharmacist-based monitoring system can contribute beneficially to patients through the evaluation of symptoms, reduction of unnecessary visits, and provision of updated information to patients concerning the status of their illness.
Effect of Welding Wires Containing ZrB2 Particles on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Spray‐Formed 7055 Aluminum Alloy TIG Welded Joints
Authors: Huang Ting , Xu Junhua , Yu Lihua , Hu Yunxuan , Cheng Yun , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a series of welding wires with ZrB2 particles were developed by the in situ reaction, and the ZrB2 particles were successfully introduced into the spray‐formed 7055 aluminum alloy welded joints by TIG welding. The microstructure, hardness, and tensile strength of the welded joints were tested by metallographic microscope, SEM, EDS, Vickers hardness tester, and tensile testing machine. The results show that the microstructure of ZrB2/7055 welded joints is fine dendrites. The hardness of the weld zone of the ZrB2/7055 welded joint is higher than that of the 7055 welded joint. With the increase of ZrB2 particles’ content, the tensile strength of welded joints increases first and then decreases. When the content of ZrB2 particles is 1.5 wt.%, the tensile strength reaches the maximum value of 280 MPa. The tensile strength of the welded joint containing 1.5 wt.% ZrB2 particles is 14% higher than that of the pure 7055 aluminum alloy welded joint.
MAPK and Notch‐Mediated Effects of Meso‐Xanthin F199 Compounds on Proliferative Activity and Apoptosis of Human Melanocytes in Three‐Dimensional Culture
Authors: Saburina Irina N. , Zurina Irina M. , Kosheleva Nastasia V. , Gorkun Anastasiya A. , Volkova Elena N. , Grinakovskaya Olga S. , Rybakov Anton S. , Kaysheva Anna L. , Kopylov Arthur T. , Morozov Sergey G.
Published: July 2021

Meso‐Xanthin (Meso‐Xanthin F199™) is a highly active antiaging injection drug of the latest generation. The main acting compound is fucoxanthin, supplemented with several growth factors, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid. Previous examination of fucoxanthin on melanocytes showed its ability to inhibit skin pigmentation through different signaling pathways focused on suppression of melanogenic‐stimulating receptors. In turn, the anticancer property of fucoxanthin is realized through MAPK and PI3K pathways. We aimed to evaluate the effect of fucoxanthin and supplemented growth factors on melanocyte growth and transformation at a proteomic level. The effect of fucoxanthin on melanocytes cultivated in three‐dimensional (3D) condition was examined using high‐throughput proteomic and system biology approaches to disclose key molecular events of the targeted action. Our results demonstrated significant inhibition of cell differentiation and ubiquitination processes. We found that the negative regulation of PSME1 and PTGIS largely determines the inhibition of NF‐κB and MAPK2. Besides, fucoxanthin selectively inhibits cell differentiation via negative regulation of Raf signaling and the upstream activation of IL‐1 signaling. It is assumed that inhibition of Raf influences the Notch‐4 signaling and switches off the MAPK/MAPK2 cascade. Blockage of MAPK/MAPK2 is feasible due to suppression of Ras and NF‐κB by the addressed action of IKKB, IKK2, and TRAF6. Suggestively, Meso‐Xanthin F199™ can manage processes of proliferative activity and inhibition of apoptosis due to composition of fucoxanthin and growth‐stimulating factors, which may increase the risk of skin cancer development under certain condition.
Epi-α-Normality and Epi-β-Normality
Authors: Gheith Nadia , ALZahrani Samirah
Published: July 2021

A topological spaceY,τis called epi-α-normal (epi-β-normal) if there is a coarser topologyτ′onYsuch thatY,τ′isT1 α-normal (T1 β-normal). We investigate these properties and show some examples to explain the relationships of epi-α-normal (epi-β-normal) with other weaker versions of normality and some topological spaces.
Maximum Power Coefficient Analysis in Wind Energy Conversion Systems: Questioning, Findings, and New Perspective
Authors: González-Hernández José Genaro , Salas-Cabrera Rubén
Published: July 2021

For decades, maximum power coefficient limit, known as the Betz limit, has been accepted as a theoretical optimum value for wind turbine power extraction; nevertheless, some reports, exceeding this limit, have already been published. To explain this phenomenon and show a different point of view, a novel theoretical and ideal analysis based on flow conservation law and areas’ quotient is presented, supported by a review of works related to surpassing the power coefficient limit approached from different perspectives.
Human-Wildlife Conflict around Belo-Bira Forest, Dawro Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Shanko Getahun , Tona Bekele , Adare Barena
Published: July 2021

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a continuous problem in the world and has a significant impact on both human and wildlife populations. This study was conducted to investigate the HWC around Belo-Bira Forest, Dawro zone, southwestern Ethiopia. We collected data from October 2019 to March 2020 through semistructured questionnaires, focus group discussion, direct observation, and key informant interviews. Our results show that crop damage and livestock predation were common problems caused by Papio anubis, Cercopithecus aethiops, Crocuta crocuta, Canis aureus, and Potamochoerus larvatus. Human population growth, habitat disturbance, proximity to natural forest, and competition between wildlife and livestock are the identified causes of HWC. Moreover, the study identified guarding and fencing as dominant traditional methods used to reduce HWC in our study area. Therefore, local communities can minimize crop loss by using the most effective method in an area, and crops such as wheat, maize, and teff should not be grown near the forest edge.
A Novel Method for Preparation of Carrageenan/Fish Scale Collagen/Allopurinol Biocomposite Film
Authors: Vu Quoc Manh , Nguyen Thuy Chinh , Dam Duong My Ngoc , Vu Quoc Trung , Le Trong Lu , Hoang Tran Dung , Tran Thi Kim Ngan , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nguyen Phi Hung , Thai Hoang
Published: July 2021

Biopolymers such as carrageenan or collagen can be used as carriers for loading a drug to enhance a drug’s bioavailability. In this work, allopurinol was loaded on a carrageenan/collagen blend and the carrageenan/collagen/allopurinol (CCA) biocomposite films were prepared using the ionic gelation method combined with the 3D printing method using carrageenan/collagen/allopurinol gel as a 3D printing ink material. The advantages of the 3D printing method are the ease in shaping the design of films and the ease in controlling the thickness of films. The results of infrared (IR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses showed that the CCA biocomposite films have a regular structure, and the functional groups of components in the biocomposites can interact with each other. After 30 minutes of immersion in distilled water and pH buffer solution, the biocomposite films swelled and disintegrated. The carrageenan/collagen blend can control the release of allopurinol in simulated body fluids. In addition, the drug release kinetic models reflecting the release process of allopurinol from CCA biocomposite films in simulated body fluids have also been calculated.
Overproduction of Gastrointestinal 5-HT Promotes Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Progression via Enhancing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Li Tao , Fu Bin , Zhang Xin , Zhou Yunjiang , Yang Mengdi , Cao Mengran , Chen Yaxin , Tan Yingying , Hu Rong
Published: July 2021

Chronic inflammation is a key driver for colitis-associated colorectal cancer. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), a neurotransmitter, has been reported to promote inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the mechanism behind this remains unclear. In this study, we found that 5-HT levels, as well as the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), the 5-HT biosynthesis rate-limiting enzyme, were significantly upregulated in colorectal tumor tissues from patients with colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer mouse models, and colorectal cancer cell lines when compared with normal colorectal tissues or epithelial cell lines. Colorectal cancer cell–originated 5-HT enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in THP-1 cells and immortalized bone marrow–derived macrophages (iBMDM) via its ion channel receptor, HTR3A. Mechanistically, HTR3A activation led to Ca2+ influx, followed by CaMKIIα phosphorylation (Thr286) and activation, which then induced NLRP3 phosphorylation at Ser198 (mouse: Ser194) and inflammasome assembling. The NLRP3 inflammasome mediated IL1β maturation, and release upregulated 5-HT biosynthesis in colorectal cancer cells by inducing TPH1 transcription, revealing a positive feedback loop between 5-HT and NLRP3 signaling. Silencing TPH1 or HTR3A by short hairpin RNA slowed down tumor growth in an established CT26 and iBMDM coimplanted subcutaneous allograft colorectal cancer mouse model, whereas treatment with TPH1 inhibitor 4-chloro-DL-phenylalanine or HTR3A antagonist tropisetron alleviated tumor progression in an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate–induced colorectal cancer mouse model. Addressing the positive feedback loop between 5-HT and NLRP3 signaling could provide potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.
Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Preterm Infants: Suggested Values
Authors: Rayner Molly , Holt Tanya , Daspal Sibasis , Mondal Prosanta , Langford Leanne , Hansen Gregory
Published: July 2021

Objective: Timely detection of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in highrisk preterm infants may be critical to avoid permanent neurologic sequelae. Size of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is highly correlated with changes in ICP. Normal ultrasonographic ONSD values for preterm infants have been published. This study sought to compare these data with MRI measured OSND and to propose suggested ultrasonographic ONSD values. Methods: The ONSD in preterm MRIs were retrospectively measured and related to pre-existing ultrasonographic ONSD. Data were stratified for corrected gestational age. Simple linear regression between ONSD mean values and age was modeled for both eyes, and R2 was calculated. Suggested values for ultrasonographic ONSD were ascertained through linear regression and calculated prediction intervals. Results: ONSD measurements demonstrated R2 values of 0.95 (right ONSD MRI), 0.95 (left ONSD MRI), 0.96 (right ONSD ultrasound), and 0.93 (left ONSD ultrasound). Suggested ONSD values were incremental with corrected gestational age. Conclusion: ONSD measurements with MRI and ultrasound are similar. The proposed suggested ONSD values may be helpful in clinical situations where ICPs are suspected or known.
Successful Drug Desensitization to Ustekinumab in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Cohen Barrie , Tomer Gitit , Gavrilova Tatyana
Published: July 2021

Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody used as treatment for various inflammatory conditions. We present a pediatric patient with Crohn’s disease who did not tolerate infliximab and was then changed to ustekinumab. He developed anaphylaxis to the medication after the second dose. A drug desensitization protocol was created by the allergy team leading to successful administration of both intravenous and then subcutaneous ustekinumab. As monoclonal agents become mainstays of therapy for inflammatory conditions, there are increased reports of allergic reactions. Prior reports and protocols of ustekinumab desensitization have not been reported. This case report highlights successful desensitization to ustekinumab as well as the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to addressing treatment needs of patients who develop life-threatening reactions to such medications.
Gemcitabine Plus Nab-Paclitaxel as Second-Line Chemotherapy following FOLFIRINOX in Patients with Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Single-Institution, Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Hayuka Kotone , Okuyama Hiroyuki , Murakami Akitsu , Okita Yoshihiro , Nishiuchi Takamasa , Okano Keiichi , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Tsuji Akihito
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer have a poor prognosis. FOLFIRINOX (FFX) and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) have been established as first-line treatment, but they have not been confirmed as second-line treatment after FFX. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GnP as second-line therapy after FFX in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Methods: Twenty-five patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer were enrolled. The patients were treated with GnP after FFX between September 2015 and September 2019. Tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and incidence of adverse events were evaluated. Results: The response rate, disease control rate, median PFS, and median OS were 12%, 96%, 5.3 months, and 15.6 months, respectively. The common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (76%) and anemia (16%). Conclusions: GnP after FOLFIRINOX is expected to be one of the second-line recommendations for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.
GCS-Pupil Score Has a Stronger Association with Mortality and Poor Functional Outcome than GCS Alone in Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Balakrishnan Binod , VanDongen-Trimmer Heather , Kim Irene , Hanson Sheila J. , Zhang Liyun , Simpson Pippa M. , Farias-Moeller Raquel
Published: July 2021

Background: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), used to classify the severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI), is associated with mortality and functional outcomes. However, GCS can be affected by sedation and neuromuscular blockade. GCS-Pupil (GCS-P) score, calculated as GCS minus Pupil Reactivity Score (PRS), was shown to better predict outcomes in a retrospective cohort of adult TBI patients. We evaluated the applicability of GCS-P to a large retrospective pediatric severe TBI (sTBI) cohort. Methods: Admissions to pediatric intensive care units in the Virtual Pediatric Systems (VPS, LLC) database from 2010 to 2015 with sTBI were included. We collected GCS, PRS (number of nonreactive pupils), cardiac arrest, abusive head trauma status, illness severity scores, pediatric cerebral performance category (PCPC) score, and mortality. GCS-P was calculated as GCS minus PRS. χ2 or Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney U test compared categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Classification and regression tree analysis identified thresholds of GCS-P and GCS along with other independent factors which were further examined using multivariable regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with mortality and unfavorable PCPC at PICU discharge. Results: Among the 2,682 patients included in the study, mortality was 23%, increasing from 4.7% for PRS = 0 to 80% for PRS = 2. GCS-P identified more severely injured patients with GCS-P scores 1 and 2 who had worse outcomes. GCS-P ≤ 2 had higher odds for mortality, OR = 68.4 (95% CI = 50.6–92.4) and unfavorable PCPC, OR = 17.3 (8.1, 37.0) compared to GCS ≤ 5. GCS-P ≤ 2 also had higher specificity and positive predictive value for both mortality and unfavorable PCPC compared to GCS ≤ 5. Conclusions: GCS-P, by incorporating pupil reactivity to GCS scoring, is more strongly associated with mortality and poor functional outcome at PICU discharge in children with sTBI.
Glass Ionomer Sealant versus Fluoride Varnish Application to Prevent Occlusal Caries in Primary Second Molars among Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ying Lam Phoebe Pui , Sardana Divesh , Luo Weijia , Ekambaram Manikandan , Man Lee Gillian Hiu , Man Lo Edward Chin , Yung Yiu Cynthia Kar
Published: July 2021

Fissure sealant is a recommended preventive measure on permanent molars, but its efficacy on primary molars in preschool children is still in doubt. Sodium fluoride varnish (NaFV) enhances remineralization and is effective in preventing caries in smooth surfaces, but limited information is available regarding its use on occlusal surfaces of primary molars. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of glass ionomer sealant (GIS) versus topical application of 5% NaFV in preventing and arresting occlusal caries in primary second molars among preschool children. One calibrated examiner examined children aged 3–4 years for visible plaque index (VPI), decayed-missing-filled primary surface (dmfs) index, and extent of carious lesions by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Subjects with 1 or more primary second molars that were sound or with incipient lesions (ICDAS 0–1), with distinct visual enamel changes (ICDAS 2), or with localized enamel breakdown (ICDAS 3) were recruited. The children were randomly assigned to either NaFV group – application of 5% NaFV at 3-monthly intervals or GIS group – 1 single placement of GIS. A parental questionnaire was used to collect information on the children’s sociodemographic background and oral health-related habits. Two blinded examiners conducted clinical examinations after 6 and 12 months to evaluate the development of occlusal caries and the retention of GIS. Negative binomial regression using generalized estimating equations was employed to adjust for the clustering effect and evaluate the influence of selected variables on the development of occlusal caries into dentin at 12 months. A total of 323 children with 1,159 primary second molars received the respective preventive measures at baseline. At 12 months, 280 children with 989 molars were evaluated. Caries had developed or progressed into dentin in 7.8% and 8.0% of the molars in the NaFV and GIS groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.913). The overall retention rates of GIS were 24.6% and 13.5% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Regression analyses showed only baseline caries experience, and an ICDAS code had a significant association with occlusal caries progression. Quarterly NaFV application and single GIS placement showed similar effectiveness in the prevention of occlusal caries development among preschool children.
Surgical Management of Vulvar Melanoma: A Case Series
Authors: Sánchez-Prieto Manuel , Fargas Francesc , Tresserra Francesc , González-Cao María , Baulies Sonia , Fábregas Rafael
Published: July 2021

Vulvar malignant melanoma is the second most common subtype of vulvar cancer, accounting for 5–10% of all vulvar cancers. The prognosis is still very poor, although some advances have been achieved in the last years. One of the most significant changes in its management has been the development of less invasive surgical techniques that diminish the risk of postoperative morbidity and long-lasting sequelae. In this article, we review the surgical management of the pathology, based on the comment of 3 cases with vulvar melanoma treated at our institution.
Obesity and Risk for First Ischemic Stroke Depends on Metabolic Syndrome: The HUNT Study
Authors: Horn Jens W. , Feng Tingting , Mørkedal Bjørn , Strand Linn Beate , Horn Julie , Mukamal Kenneth , Janszky Imre
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

Obesity is one of the most prevalent modifiable risk factors of ischemic stroke. However, it is still unclear whether obesity itself or the metabolic abnormalities due to obesity increase the risk of ischemic stroke. We therefore investigated the association between metabolic health, weight, and risk of ischemic stroke in a large prospective cohort study.

Methods:

In the Norwegian HUNT study (Trøndelag Health Study), we included 35 105 participants with complete information on metabolic risk factors and relevant covariates. Metabolically unhealthy state was defined as sex specific increased waist circumference in addition to 2 or more of the following criteria: hypertension, increased blood pressure, decreased high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides or glucose, or self-reported diagnosis of diabetes. We then applied Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the risk for ischemic stroke among overweight and obese metabolically healthy and unhealthy participants compared with metabolically healthy, normal weight participants.

Results:

A total of 1161 ischemic stroke cases occurred after an average observation time of 11.9 years. In general, metabolically unhealthy participants were at increased risk of ischemic stroke (for obese participants: hazard ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.09–1.56] compared with metabolically healthy participants with a normal body mass index). Hypertension appeared to be the most important metabolic risk factor. Metabolically healthy participants with overweight or obesity were at similar risk of ischemic stroke compared with normal weight participants (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.81–1.28] for participants with obesity). Obesity and overweight even over an extended period of time seems to be benign about ischemic stroke, as long as it was not associated with metabolic abnormalities.

Conclusions:

Obesity was not an independent ischemic stroke risk factor in this cohort, and the risk depended more on the metabolic consequences of obesity.