bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Retracted] Evaluation of a Novel Quality of Life Scale for Schoolchildren with Nonstrabismic Binocular Vision Anomalies
Authors: Hu Jiali , Wang Guokun , Zhou Zhe , Sun Yan , Zhang Qingling , Wu Jinhui , Gao Yu
Published: July 2020

Background. The professional Quality of Life Scale (QLS) can provide a valuable reference for the diagnosis of visual function anomalies. In the present study, we aimed to design a novel QLS to specially quantify the life quality of schoolchildren with nonstrabismic binocular vision anomalies (NSBVAs) in China. Methods. The novel QLS, named QOL‐CVF20, was established based on classical vision‐related scales and the administration of the questionnaire to 116 schoolchildren with NSBVAs and 100 healthy schoolchildren in China. The diagnostic reference value between QOL‐CVF20 and VF‐14 was evaluated on the questionnaires to 240 schoolchildren with NSBVAs and 238 healthy schoolchildren. Results. All the subjects could complete the QOL‐CVF20 questionnaires independently. QOL‐CVF20 had good structural validity, content validity, and discriminant validity, when it was applied in Chinese schoolchildren. The average score of the NSBVA group was significantly lower than that of the control group (49.0 ± 6.9 vs. 69.7 ± 6.7, respectively; P < 0.01). Moreover, the average score of cured NSBVA schoolchildren after treatment (61.8 ± 22.6) was significantly improved (P < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that QOL‐CVF20 reflected strong separation between the NSBVA and healthy groups (AUC = 0.901). Meanwhile, QOL‐CVF20 could detect individuals with NSBVAs with specificity of 0.847 and sensitivity of 0.846. The critical value of 58.50 in QOL‐CVF20 could be effectively applied for quality of life assessment in schoolchildren with NSBVAs. Conclusions. QOL‐CVF20 could quantify the life quality of schoolchildren with NSBVAs and might be served as a valuable reference for early diagnosis and clinical evaluation of NSBVAs.
More than Just Pneumonia: Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Two Middle-Aged Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Mazo Jahinover , Singh Sukhdev , Khan Zohaib , Foster Allison , Komarnitsky Ecaterina , Nagaraj Abhiram , Patel Soham , Kikkeri Vinaya
Published: July 2020

Background. Although severe pneumonia and respiratory compromise have remained the predominant complications of coronavirus disease 19, we are now learning this virus is much more varied in its presentation. In particular, there are increasingly reported cases of thromboembolic events occurring in infected patients. Case Report. In this report, we present two patients, both under the age of 40 with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism, who presented with respiratory distress. Both patients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and pulmonary embolism requiring management with anticoagulation. Both patients were discharged after a short course in the hospital. Conclusion. The discussion of a hypercoagulable state induced by coronavirus disease 19 has been well documented; however, the exact mechanisms remain unknown. We suspect that a prothrombotic inflammatory response provoked by coronavirus disease could be the culprit, acting as an additive effect on middle-aged patients with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism. We recommend clinicians closely monitor those with known risk factors for pulmonary embolism.
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Exacerbations in Children with Adenoviral Pneumonia
Authors: Xu Na , Chen Peng , Wang Ying
Published: July 2020

Purpose. The aim of this work was to analyze clinical features and laboratory findings of children with adenovirus pneumonia and guide clinical diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of disease severity. Material and Methods. Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 285 children with adenoviral pneumonia who were hospitalized in Wuhan Children’s Hospital from December 2018 to October 2019. According to the assessment criteria for severe pneumonia, it was divided into the severe group (92 cases) and the nonsevere group (193 cases). Collected clinical manifestations, complications, and laboratory test indicators in two groups of children and conducted all statistical analyses. Results. The risk of fever and wheezing was significantly higher in the severe group than in the nonsevere group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The risk of complications in the severe group was significantly higher than that in the nonsevere group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The levels of AST, LDH‐L, PCT, ferritin, and D‐dimer in the severe group were significantly higher than those in the nonsevere group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Children with severe adenovirus pneumonia have severe clinical manifestations and many complications. AST, LDH‐L, PCT, ferritin, and D‐dimer levels have important clinical implications for assessing disease severity.
Associations of Serum MicroRNA with Bone Mineral Density in Community‐Dwelling Subjects: The Yakumo Study
Authors: Nakashima Hiroaki , Ando Kei , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Seki Taisuke , Ishizuka Shinya , Fujii Ryosuke , Takegami Yasuhiko , Yamada Hiroya , Ando Yoshitaka , Suzuki Koji , Hasegawa Yukiharu , Imagama Shiro
Published: July 2020

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by deterioration of bone tissue and mass, with an increasing global prevalence. Therefore, the discovery of biomarkers for osteoporosis would help to guide appropriate treatment. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have become increasingly recognized as biomarkers for detecting diseases. However, few studies have investigated the association of circulating miRNA with osteoporosis in the general population. The aim of this study was to identify miRNA associated with osteoporosis in a general resident health check‐up for potential use as an osteoporosis biomarker. We conducted a cross‐sectional study as part of a health check‐up program and recruited 352 volunteers (139 men, 213 women, mean age 64.1 ± 9.6 years). Osteoporosis was diagnosed according to the WHO classification. Twenty‐two candidate microRNAs were screened through real‐time quantitative PCR, and miRNAs associated with osteoporosis were analyzed using logistic regression analysis including other risk factors. In total, 95 females and 30 males were diagnosed with osteoporosis with bone mineral density tests (BMD: T‐score < −2.5). We found that miR195 was significantly lower in females, while miR150 and miR222 were significantly higher in males. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that in females, higher age and lower miR195 (odds ratio: 0.45, 95% confidential interval: 0.03–0.98) were significant risk factors for lower BMD, while the presence of a smoking habit and lower miR150 (odds ratio: 1.35, 95% confidential interval: 1.02–1.79) were significant risk factors for osteoporosis. Serum levels of miR195 and miR150 are independently associated with low bone mineral density in females and males, respectively.
Out‐of‐Plane Shaking Table Tests on Seismic Response of RC Frame Infilled with a New Type of Shale Fired Heat‐Insulation Blocks
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhang Li-dan , Yu Qing , Wang Bo
Published: July 2020

Shale fired heat‐insulation block, which is made of shale, fly ash, building rubbish, and waste paper, is a new type environment‐friendly product. In order to study the mechanical properties of shale fired heat‐insulation block walls, four full‐scale walls were tested under El‐Centro, Taft, and Ninghe earthquakes using shaking table equipment, in which the influence of the spacing of cast‐in‐place belt and the connection between the wall and the frame on the out‐of‐plane seismic performance of the wall was taken into account. The subject of this study is mainly about out‐of‐plane dynamic response of masonry walls in terms of frequency, displacement, and acceleration. It could be concluded that the cast‐in‐place belt and the rigid connection between wall and RC frame could effectively reduce the out‐of‐plane seismic response of the infill masonry wall. Finally, the recommendations for the use of this type of block in the structure are given.
Assessing the Effect of SNPs on Litter Traits in Pigs
Authors: Getmantseva Lyubov V. , Bakoev Siroj Yu , Shevtsova Varvara S. , Kolosov Anatoly Yu , Bakoev Neckruz F. , Kolosova Maria A.
Published: July 2020

The reproductive ability of sows is the principle of continuous and efficient production, based on such traits as the number of piglets, the total number of parities, and the period of economic use. Currently, SNPs associated with the TNB and NBA are presented in the PigQTLdb. The aim of this work was the assessment of the SNP effects on the litter traits in Large White (LW, n = 502) and Landrace (LN, n = 432) sow breeds in a farm in Russia. 9 SNPs (SNP_1: rs80956812; SNP_2: rs81471381; SNP_3: rs80891106; SNP_4: rs81399474; SNP_5: rs81421148; SNP_6: rs81242222; SNP_7: rs81319839; SNP_8: rs81312912; SNP_9: rs80962240) were selected for the study. Associative analysis was performed using the GLM procedure in R version 3.5.1. The analysis of reproductive traits was carried out according to the results of the first parity, the second and subsequent parities, and totals for lifetime of sows. The significant effect on litter traits in LW was determined for SNP rs80956812, SNP rs81471381, SNP rs81421148, and SNP rs81399474. The significant effect on litter traits in LN was determined for SNP rs81421148 and SNP rs81319839. AKT3 gene was identified as perspective candidate gene, whose biological functions, as well as the results obtained in our work and in other studies, indicate its potential role in the reproductive process regulation in pigs. In general, the data obtained help to explain the genetic mechanisms of reproductive traits.
Buyang Huanwu Decoction Promotes Angiogenesis after Cerebral Ischemia by Inhibiting the Nox4/ROS Pathway
Authors: Shen Jian , Huang Kaiyuan , Zhu Yu , Xu Kangli , Zhan Renya , Pan Jianwei
Published: July 2020

Background. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD), an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used clinically for centuries for the treatment of various diseases. The study aims to explore the BYHWD effects on angiogenesis and neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury in rats and to explore the underlying angiogenic roles and mechanisms of BYHWD in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model. Methods. The effects of BYHWD on neurological function were screened by measuring neurological deficits, spatial memory function, and angiogenesis (by microvascular density (MVD) and cerebral blood flow (CBF)) after CI/R injury in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in vivo in rats. In vitro, we examined the angiogenic roles and mechanisms of action of BYHWD in an H2O2‐induced oxidative stress HUVECs model by measuring cell viability, apoptosis, vascular tube formation, intracellular ROS generation, NADPH oxidase (Nox) activity, and Nox4 protein expression. Results. BYHWD significantly improved neurological function, including neurological deficits and spatial learning and memory, and significantly increased MVD and CBF in the ischemic penumbra after CI/R injury in rats. BYHWD significantly increased cell viability, inhibited apoptosis, induced vascular tube formation, decreased intracellular ROS generation, and reduced Nox activity and Nox4 protein expression in H2O2‐treated HUVECs in a dose‐dependent manner. Conclusions. Our study demonstrates that BYHWD promotes neurological function recovery and increases angiogenesis. BYHWD exerts angiogenic effects against cerebral ischemic injury through the downregulation of Nox4, which results in the reduction of ROS generation.
Low Systemic Inflammation Response Index Predicts Good Prognosis in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma Patients Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Topkan Erkan , Mertsoylu Huseyin , Kucuk Ahmet , Besen Ali Ayberk , Sezer Ahmet , Sezen Duygu , Bolukbasi Yasemin , Selek Ugur , Pehlivan Berrin
Published: July 2020

Background. We investigated the prognostic significance of pretreatment systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC) patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods. Present retrospective cohort analysis investigated consecutive 154 LAPC patients who received radical CRT. The SIRI was defined as: SIRI=neutrophil×monocyte/lymphocyte counts. Ideal SIRI cutoff(s) influencing overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) results were sought by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The primary endpoint was the interaction between the SIRI and OS results. Results. The median follow-up, PFS, and OS durations were 14.3 (range: 2.9-74.6), 7.9 [%95 confidence interval (CI): 5.7-10.1), and 14.7 months (%95 CI: 11.4-18.0) for the entire cohort, respectively. ROC curve analyses determined the ideal SIRI cutoff that exhibiting a significant link with OS and PFS outcomes at the rounded 1.6 point (AUC: 74.3%; sensitivity: 73.8%; specificity: 70.1%).The SIRI <1.6 patients (N=58) had significantly superior median PFS (13.8 versus 6.7 months; P<0.001) and OS (28.6 versus 12.6 months; P<0.001) lengths than SIRI ≥1.6 patients (N=96), respectively. Although the N0 (versus N1; P<0.05) and CA 19-9 ≤90 U/mL (versus >90 U/mL) appeared as the other significant associates of better OS and PFS in univariate analyses, yet the results of multivariate analyses confirmed the SIRI <1.6 as the independent indicator of superior OS and PFS (P<0.001 for each). Conclusion. Pretreatment SIRI is a novel independent prognosticator that may further enhance the conventional tumor-node-metastases staging system in a more precise prediction of the OS and PFS outcomes of LAPC patients after radical CRT.
Can Carbon Sequestration in Tasmanian “Wet” Eucalypt Forests Be Used to Mitigate Climate Change? Forest Succession, the Buffering Effects of Soils, and Landscape Processes Must Be Taken into Account
Authors: McIntosh Peter D. , Hardcastle James L. , Klöffel Tobias , Moroni Martin , Santini Talitha C.
Published: July 2020

Small areas of the wetter parts of southeast Australia including Tasmania support high-biomass “wet” eucalypt forests, including “mixed” forests consisting of mature eucalypts up to 100 m high with a rainforest understorey. In Tasmania, mixed forests transition to lower biomass rainforests over time. In the scientific and public debate on ways to mitigate climate change, these forests have received attention for their ability to store large amounts of carbon (C), but the contribution of soil C stocks to the total C in these two ecosystems has not been systematically researched, and consequently, the potential of wet eucalypt forests to serve as long-term C sinks is uncertain. This study compared soil C stocks to 1 m depth at paired sites under rainforest and mixed forests and found that there was no detectable difference of mean total soil C between the two forest types, and on average, both contained about 200 Mg·ha−1of C. Some C in subsoil under rainforests is 3000 years old and retains a chemical signature of pyrogenic C, detectable in NMR spectra, indicating that soil C stocks are buffered against the effects of forest succession. The mean loss of C in biomass as mixed forests transition to rainforests is estimated to be about 260 Mg·ha−1over a c. 400-year period, so the mature mixed forest ecosystem emits about 0.65 Mg·ha−1·yr−1of C during its transition to rainforest. For this reason and because of the risk of forest fires, setting aside large areas of wet eucalypt forests as reserves in order to increase landscape C storage is not a sound strategy for long-term climate change mitigation. Maintaining a mosaic of managed native forests, including regenerating eucalypts, mixed forests, rainforests, and reserves, is likely to be the best strategy for maintaining landscape C stocks.
Parallelizing Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimization by Open Computing Language on an Integrated Graphical Processing Unit
Authors: Yu Xiang , Qiao Yu , Li Qingpeng , Xu Gang , Kang Chuanxiong , Estevez Claudio , Deng Chengzhi , Wang Shengqian
Published: July 2020

Comprehensive learning particle swarm optimization (CLPSO) is a powerful metaheuristic for global optimization. This paper studies parallelizing CLPSO by open computing language (OpenCL) on the integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 (IHDG520) graphical processing unit (GPU) with a low clock rate. We implement a coarse-grained all-GPU model that maps each particle to a separate work item. Two enhancement strategies, namely, generating and transferring random numbers from the central processor to the GPU as well as reducing the number of instructions in the kernel, are proposed to shorten the model’s execution time. This paper further investigates parallelizing deterministic optimization for implicit stochastic optimization of China’s Xiaowan Reservoir. The deterministic optimization is performed on an ensemble of 62 years’ historical inflow records with monthly time steps, is solved by CLPSO, and is parallelized by a coarse-grained multipopulation model extended from the all-GPU model. The multipopulation model involves a large number of work items. Because of the capacity limit for a buffer transferring data from the central processor to the GPU and the size of the global memory region, the random number generation strategy is modified by generating a small number of random numbers that can be flexibly exploited by the large number of work items. Experiments conducted on various benchmark functions and the case study demonstrate that our proposed all-GPU and multipopulation parallelization models are appropriate; and the multipopulation model achieves the consumption of significantly less execution time than the corresponding sequential model.
Endophytes: Colonization, Behaviour, and Their Role in Defense Mechanism
Authors: Mengistu Anteneh Ademe
Published: July 2020

Biotic and abiotic factors cause an enormous amount of yield and economical loss. However, endophytes can play a significant role in enhancing the tolerance of plants. Endophytes systematically colonize different parts of the host, but plants use a variety of defense mechanisms towards microbial infection. However, they have to survive the oxidative environments, and endophytes like Enterobacter sp. encode superoxide dismutases, catalases, and hydroperoxide reductases to cope up the oxidative stress during colonization. On the contrary, others produce subtilomycin which binds with flagella to affect flg22-induced plant defense. The behavior of endophytes can be affected by different genes in hydrolase activity when they come into contact with the host plant. The lifestyle of endophytes is influenced by environmental factors, the host, and microbial genotypes, as well as an imbalance in nutrient exchange between the microbe and the host. For instance, induction of PiAMT1 in root endophyte Piriformospora indica indicates depletion of nitrogen which plays as a triggering factor for activation of the saprotrophic program. Microbes enhance disease resistance through induced systemic resistance (ISR), and Bacillus cereus triggers ISR against Botrytis cinerea through an accumulation of the PR1 protein and activates MAPK signaling and WRKY53 gene expression by the JA/ET signaling pathway. Similarly, Trichoderma arundinaceum produces trichodiene that affects Botrytis cinerea through induction of defense-related genes encoding salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonate (JA). Overall, endophytes can play a vital role in disease management.
Experimental Investigation of the Use of Expansive Materials to Increase Permeability in Coal Seams through Expansive Fracturing
Authors: Cui Xiao , Zhang Jiayong , Guo Liwen , Gong Xuemin
Published: July 2020

Hydration reactions of expansive materials are typically very safe, easy to induce, and low in cost, while the crushing of such materials is typically free from noise, dust, vibration, and toxic gases. In the present study, to realize the application of expansive materials in the prevention of coal seam gas disasters, the microstructure, heat release rate, and expansive pressure of expansive materials were investigated for different degrees of hydration based on temperature and pressure measurements and using a scanning electron microscope (SEM); fracture characteristics were determined based on fracture tests of coal-like materials. The results show that the expansive material with +30% water has the lowest hydration temperature (100°C). The expansive pressure of the steel tube was found to reach 57 MPa, which is deemed suitable for application in coal seams. The strain and displacement of coal-like materials were found to increase with time, with four main cracks appearing. Based on these results, it is feasible that hydration reactions of expansive materials could increase both gas drainage and permeability in coal seams, thus reducing the risk of rock burst around boreholes in coal seams.
Structural Reanalysis Based on FRFs Using Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury Formula
Authors: Ren Jun , Zhang Qianghao
Published: July 2020

Structural dynamic modification is a popular approach to obtain desire frequencies and dynamic characteristics. It has been observed that reanalyzing the modified structure usually involves complicated calculations when modifications are concerned with numerous degrees of freedom (DOFs), especially adding substructures to these DOFs. This paper proposed a method to reanalyze the frequency response functions (FRFs) of structures with multiple co-ordinates modifications. Two different cases are taken into consideration in the modifications, including adding (or decreasing) masses, stiffness, and damping, as well as adding spring-mass substructures, which makes the method more practical. This method is developed by employing Sherman–Morrison and Woodbury (SMW) formula based on the FRFs related to the modifications coordinates of the original system. The advantage of this method is that neither a physical model nor a modal model is required; instead, it needs only the FRFs, which can be directly measured by experimental modal testing. Another salient feature of this proposed strategy is that the FRFs of the modified structure can be calculated in only one step. Validation of this proposed method is demonstrated using various numerical examples. It is shown that the method is very effective and can be considered for real applications.
Numerical Simulation of Rock Failure Process with a 3D Grain‐Based Rock Model
Authors: Zhang Zengwei , Chen Fan , Zhang Chao , Wang Chao , Wang Tuo , Zhang Fengshou , Zhao Huiling
Published: July 2020

A grain‐based rock model was developed and applied to study mechanical characteristics and failure micromechanics in thick‐walled cylinder and wellbore stability tests. The rock is represented as an assembly of tetrahedral blocks with bonded contacts. Material heterogeneity is modeled by varying the tensile strength at the block contacts. This grain‐based rock model differs from previous disk/sphere particle‐based rock models in its ability to represent a zero (or very low) initial porosity condition, as well as highly interlocked irregular block shapes that provide resistance to movement even after contact breakage. As a result, this model can reach higher uniaxial compressive strength to tensile strength ratios and larger friction coefficients than the disk/sphere particle‐based rock model. The model captured the rock fragmentation process near the wellbore due to buckling and spalling. Thin fragments of rock similar to onion skins were produced, as observed in laboratory breakout experiments. The results suggest that this approach may be well suited to study the rock disaggregation process and other geomechanical problems in the rock excavation.
Genotoxic Effects of Etoposide, Bleomycin, and Ethyl Methanesulfonate on Cultured CHO Cells: Analysis by GC-MS/MS and Comet Assay
Authors: Atha Donald H. , Coskun Erdem , Erdem Onur , Tona Alessandro , Reipa Vytas , Nelson Bryant C.
Published: July 2020

To evaluate methods for analysis of genotoxic effects on mammalian cell lines, we tested the effect of three common genotoxic agents on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Suspension-grown CHO cells were separately incubated with etoposide, bleomycin, and ethyl methanesulfonate and analyzed by an alkaline comet assay and GC-MS/MS. Although DNA strand breaks were detected by the comet assay after treatment with all three agents, GC-MS/MS could only detect DNA nucleobase lesions oxidatively induced by bleomycin. This demonstrates that although GC-MS/MS has limitations in detection of genotoxic effects, it can be used for selected chemical genotoxins that contribute to oxidizing processes. The comet assay, used in combination with GC-MS/MS, can be a more useful approach to screen a wide range of chemical genotoxins as well as to monitor other DNA-damaging factors.
Natural Concurrent Infections with Black Spot Disease and Multiple Bacteriosis in Farmed Nile Tilapia in Central Kenya
Authors: Wanja Daniel W. , Mbuthia Paul G. , Waruiru Robert M. , Bebora Lilly C. , Ngowi Helena A.
Published: July 2020

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most cultured and available fish for Kenyan consumers, and therefore, any tilapine disease deprives them the valuable source of protein. Nile tilapia farm was diagnosed with severe concurrent black spot disease and multiple bacteriosis using gross lesions and parasitological, histopathology, and standard bacteriological procedures. A total of 25 fish were sampled and inspected, and all of them had raised, macroscopic 1 mm-sized black spot lesions. The mean intensity of black spots per fish was 728 with an abundance of 2–1740 metacercariae cysts per fish. A high intensity of black spot infestation was observed in the fins (43.9%), skin and underlying muscles (18.3%), and gills (18%). In addition, histopathological data confirmed presence of a metacercaria of Neascus spp. as the aetiological agent of black spot disease. Furthermore, a thick fibrous capsule around the metacercaria, black pigment melanomacrophages, and moderate muscle atrophy were observed. The most prevalent bacteria isolated were Aeromonas, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Micrococcus luteus. Physicochemical parameters of pond water were temperature (28.2°C), dissolved oxygen (4.2 mgl−1), pH (8.5), ammonia free nitrogen (15.8 mgl−1), alkalinity (112 mgl−1), hardness (68 mgl−1), nitrites (0.058 mgl−1), nitrates (58 mgl−1), and phosphates (0.046 mgl−1). However, the levels of nitrates, nitrites, alkalinity, and ammonia free nitrogen exceeded the recommended limits. In conclusion, these findings suggest that coinfections by these organisms coupled by water quality-related stress can be associated with low-grade mortality observed in postfingerling tilapia as well as reduced growth. The authors recommended immediate destocking, thorough disinfection, and control of piscivorous birds. Moreover, attention ought to be geared towards prevention of parasitic infestations in fish so as to minimize fish deaths related to secondary bacteriosis. Further experimental studies should be carried out to elucidate the relationship of these pathogens.
Well Leg Compartment Syndrome after Contralateral Femoral Neck ORIF
Authors: Shultz Christopher , Baca Kristen , Decker Michael
Published: July 2020

The authors present a case of WLCS after femoral neck fracture fixation. While this is a rare complication, a high index of suspicion should exist. Surgeons should use well leg holders with caution and limit utilization time. Alternative methods of positioning to allow for fluoroscopic imaging exist. WLCS remains a clinical diagnosis; intracompartmental measurements can be used but should be cautiously interpreted. When the diagnosis of WLCS is made, emergent fasciotomies of the affected compartments should be performed. Surgeons should be aware of this complication when using a well leg holder and the potential catastrophic consequences if left ignored.
Impact of Experimental Tonic Pain on Corrective Motor Responses to Mechanical Perturbations
Authors: Traverse Elodie , Brun Clémentine , Harnois Émilie , Mercier Catherine
Published: July 2020

Movement is altered by pain, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Assessing corrective muscle responses following mechanical perturbations can help clarify these underlying mechanisms, as these responses involve spinal (short-latency response, 20-50 ms), transcortical (long-latency response, 50-100 ms), and cortical (early voluntary response, 100-150 ms) mechanisms. Pairing mechanical (proprioceptive) perturbations with different conditions of visual feedback can also offer insight into how pain impacts on sensorimotor integration. The general aim of this study was to examine the impact of experimental tonic pain on corrective muscle responses evoked by mechanical and/or visual perturbations in healthy adults. Two sessions (Pain (induced with capsaicin) and No pain) were performed using a robotic exoskeleton combined with a 2D virtual environment. Participants were instructed to maintain their index in a target despite the application of perturbations under four conditions of sensory feedback: (1) proprioceptive only, (2) visuoproprioceptive congruent, (3) visuoproprioceptive incongruent, and (4) visual only. Perturbations were induced in either flexion or extension, with an amplitude of 2 or 3 Nm. Surface electromyography was recorded from Biceps and Triceps muscles. Results demonstrated no significant effect of the type of sensory feedback on corrective muscle responses, no matter whether pain was present or not. When looking at the effect of pain on corrective responses across muscles, a significant interaction was found, but for the early voluntary responses only. These results suggest that the effect of cutaneous tonic pain on motor control arises mainly at the cortical (rather than spinal) level and that proprioception dominates vision for responses to perturbations, even in the presence of pain. The observation of a muscle-specific modulation using a cutaneous pain model highlights the fact that the impacts of pain on the motor system are not only driven by the need to unload structures from which the nociceptive signal is arising.
Precision Improvement for the Detection of TGC via RBF Network
Authors: Yan Yue
Published: July 2020

The approach of multipoint measurement, with increasing hardware cost, should no longer be adopted against the problem of low detection precision on the quality and concentration measurement of large-caliber or irregular pipeline gas with the single platinum film probe. Alternatively, the data correction and improvement can be carried out through establishing an RBF model to detect sample gas after preprocessing. Furthermore, the computer simulation and error analysis can be implemented by taking actual SO2 data emitted by one medium-sized coal-fired power plant in China as a training sample. Hence, it can be shown that this approach on improvement and analysis of continuous monitoring of the systematic integrated error against the instrument correction and flue gas emission has feasibility, and the comprehensive average error is less than 0.6%.
Influence Factors on General Contractor Capability in the Context of Transforming China
Authors: Yang Jie , Yuan Hetong , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2020

General contracting has gradually become the mainstream mode of project production organizations and the breakthrough point for the transformation of construction industry in China with the deepening of project management and project implementation reform. A general contractor needs to have a clear understanding of the structure and internal mechanism of its capability to achieve sustainable development. This study aimed to explore the critical influencing factors of general contractor capability and interrelationships between these factors in the context of transformation of Chinese construction industry. Fourteen critical factors influencing the general contractor’s capability were identified through literature review and questionnaire survey. Then, the interrelationships between factors were revealed through interpretive structural modeling (ISM). The factors were divided into four groups using the Matrice d’Impacts croises‐multipication applique a classement (MICMAC) in accordance with driving power and dependence power. The results indicate that particular attention should be paid to enterprise culture at present. A strategy to improve the capability of general contractor was proposed. The results contribute to the construction of the theoretical system of general contractor capability. These research findings can thus act as a practical reference for future research attempting to provide technological and managerial solutions for promoting the development of general contracting.
Study on the Rheological Failure Mechanism of Weakly Cemented Soft Rock Roadway during the Mining of Close‐Distance Coal Seams: A Case Study
Authors: Ru Wenkai , Hu Shanchao , Ning Jianguo , Wang Jun , Gu Qingheng , Guo Yong , Zuo Jing
Published: July 2020

During the mining of the shallow‐buried and close‐distance multiple coal seam, the rheological failure of the surrounding weakly cemented soft rock of the roadway in the lower coal seam under the concentrated stress is very rare. However, the stress on the roof of the upper coal seam is transmitted down through the residual pillar, resulting in this situation. Taking the Gaojialiang coal mine which is located in the mining areas of western China as the research object, the failure mechanism of the roadway roof under the residual coal pillar in the shallow‐buried and close‐distance multiple seam is studied in combination with field monitoring and numerical simulation. Furthermore, suggestions on the roadway support under such geological conditions are proposed. The results show that the residual coal pillar in the working face of the lower coal seam gradually collapses during the mining of the shallow‐buried and close‐distance multiple coal seam. The concentrated stress transferred by the coal pillar increases further, which makes the roof stress of the lower coal seam roadway to increase continuously. In addition, the stress of the roadway roof also increases further due to the rotation of the broken rock above the goaf, and the peek region of stress moves to the nongoaf area. Combining the heavy concentrated stress and weakly cemented property, the shallow‐buried surrounding rock shows rheological behavior and failure. Therefore, we must pay more attention on the creep failure of the roadway roof under the action of the residual coal pillar even in the shallow‐buried coal seam.
A Simple Way to Achieve Self-Cleaning Surfaces with Unique Antifouling Property
Authors: Yao Caizhen , Xu Shizhen , Jiang Xiaodong , Chen Jiaxuan , Yuan Xiaodong
Published: July 2020

Self-cleaning surfaces may have wide applications such as microfluidic devices, lab-on-a-chip, sensors, microreactors, air purification, and antimicrobial fields. In this article, by using a combination of femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation and fluorination technique, self-cleaning stainless steel surfaces with unique antifouling property were obtained. New insight is developed through a detailed analysis of the antifouling behavior of the self-cleaning surfaces. The surface free energy and its polar and disperse components were calculated by using the Owens–Wendt-–Rabel–Kaelble (OWRK) method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to analyse the surface elemental compositions and functional groups. The antifouling property of the surface was recorded by using a high speed camera. Water sliding angles (SAs) were reduced by fluorination treatment, resulting in low adhesive superhydrophobic surfaces with the self-cleaning property. The influences of micro/nanostructures, fluorination, and their combination on the surface free energy were investigated. The interaction process between water droplets and pollutants (inorganic and organic particles) on the treated surface was explored. The antifouling property of an optimized specimen (CA = 162° and SA = 1°) was tested and compared with the untreated sample.
Numerical Solutions to Optimal Portfolio Selection and Consumption Strategies under Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Ge Lei , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2020

Based on the method of dynamic programming, this paper uses analysis methods governed by the nonlinear and inhomogeneous partial differential equation to study modern portfolio management problems with stochastic volatility, incomplete markets, limited investment scope, and constant relative risk aversion (CRRA). In this paper, a three-level Crank–Nicolson finite difference scheme is used to determine numerical solutions under this general setting. One of the main contributions of this paper is to apply this three-level technology to solve the portfolio selection problem. In addition, we have used a technique to deal with the nonlinear term, which is another novelty in performing the Crank–Nicolson algorithm. The Crank–Nicolson algorithm has also been extended to third-order accuracy by performing Richardson’s extrapolation. The accuracy of the proposed algorithm is much higher than the traditional finite difference method. Lastly, experiments are conducted to show the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Transfer Path Analysis and Contribution Evaluation Using SVD- and PCA-Based Operational Transfer Path Analysis
Authors: Cheng Wei , Blamaud Diane , Chu Yapeng , Meng Lei , Lu Jingbai , Basit Wajid Ali
Published: July 2020

To quantitatively identify the transfer paths and evaluate path contributions of shell structures, an singular value decomposition- (SVD-) and principal component analysis- (PCA-) based operational transfer path analysis method is constructed and studied in this paper. Firstly, SVD is used to determine the contribution of each path and reduce crosstalk. Secondly, PCA is applied to reduce the influence of unwanted frequency components and thus reduce noises. This allows the presented OTPA to be more accurate than its traditional counterpart. Once the transmissibility function is obtained, the response synthesis is determined, and the transfer path analysis and path contribution evaluation can be effectively carried out. Numerical and experimental case studies are carried out to validate and test the performance of the presented method. Furthermore, a comprehensive observing the influences of correlation between sources and distance of sources and receiver is also provided. Generally, this paper provides accurate transfer path analysis and path contributions for mechanical systems, which can benefit vibration and noise monitoring and reduction through vibration reduction structure design for new equipment or vibration damping on the major vibration transfer paths for current equipment.
ANXA1 Binds and Stabilizes EphA2 to Promote Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Feng Juan , Lu Shan-Shan , Xiao Ta , Huang Wei , Yi Hong , Zhu Wei , Fan Songqing , Feng Xue-Ping , Li Jiao-Yang , Yu Zheng-Zheng , Gao Song , Nie Guo-Hui , Tang Yao-Yun , Xiao Zhi-Qiang
Published: July 2020

Overexpression of ANXA1 and EphA2 has been linked to various cancers and both proteins have attracted considerable attention for the development of new anticancer drugs. Here we report that ANXA1 competes with Cbl for binding EphA2 and increases its stability by inhibiting Cbl-mediated EphA2 ubiquitination and degradation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Binding of ANXA1 to EphA2 promoted NPC cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo by elevating EphA2 levels and increasing activity of EphA2 oncogenic signaling (pS897-EphA2). Expression of ANXA1 and EphA2 was positively correlated and both were significantly higher in NPC tissues than in the normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues. Patients with high expression of both proteins presented poorer disease-free survival and overall survival relative to patients with high expression of one protein alone. Furthermore, amino acid residues 20-30aa and 28-30aa of the ANXA1 N-terminus bound EphA2. An 11 amino acid–long ANXA1-derived peptide (EYVQTVKSSKG) was developed on the basis of this N-terminal region, which disrupted the connection of ANXA1 with EphA2, successfully downregulating EphA2 expression and dramatically suppressing NPC cell oncogenicity in vitro and in mice. These findings suggest that ANXA1 promotes NPC growth and metastasis via binding and stabilization of EphA2 and present a strategy for targeting EphA2 degradation and treating NPC with a peptide. This therapeutic strategy may also be extended to other cancers with high expression of both proteins.

Significance:

These findings show that EphA2 is a potential target for NPC therapeutics and an ANXA1-derived peptide suppresses NPC growth and metastasis.
Androgen Receptor Signaling Reduces the Efficacy of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy for Bladder Cancer via Modulating Rab27b-Induced Exocytosis
Authors: Mizushima Taichi , Jiang Guiyang , Kawahara Takashi , Li Peng , Han Bin , Inoue Satoshi , Ide Hiroki , Kato Ikuma , Jalalizadeh Mehrsa , Miyagi Etsuko , Fukuda Mitsunori , Reis Leonardo O. , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

Although intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy has been the gold standard for nonsurgical management of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer, a considerable number of patients exhibit resistance to the adjuvant treatment with unexplained mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate whether and how androgen receptor (AR) signals modulate BCG cytotoxicity in bladder cancer. AR knockdown or overexpression in bladder cancer lines resulted in induction or reduction, respectively, in intracellular BCG quantity and its cytotoxic activity. Microarray screening identified Rab27b, a small GTPase known to mediate bacterial exocytosis, which was upregulated in BCG-resistant cells and downregulated in AR-shRNA cells. Knockdown of Rab27b, or its effector SYTL3, or overexpression of Rab27b also induced or reduced, respectively, BCG quantity and cytotoxicity. In addition, treatment with GW4869, which was previously shown to inhibit Rab27b-dependent secretion, induced them and reduced Rab27b expression in bladder cancer cells. Meanwhile, AR expression was upregulated in BCG-resistant lines, compared with respective controls. In a mouse orthotopic xenograft model, Rab27b/SYTL3 knockdown or GW4869 treatment enhanced the amount of BCG within tumors and its suppressive effect on tumor growth. Moreover, in non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer specimens from patients subsequently undergoing BCG therapy, positivity of AR/Rab27b expression was associated with significantly higher risks of tumor recurrence. AR activation thus correlates with resistance to BCG treatment, presumably via upregulating Rab27b expression. Mechanistically, it is suggested that BCG elimination from urothelial cells is induced by Rab27b/SYTL3-mediated exocytosis. Accordingly, Rab27b inactivation, potentially via antiandrogenic drugs and/or exocytosis inhibition are anticipated to sensitize the efficacy of BCG therapy, especially in patients with BCG-refractory AR/Rab27b-positive bladder cancer.
Targeting the Synthetic Vulnerability of PTEN-Deficient Glioblastoma Cells with MCL1 Inhibitors
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhu Sichao , Zhang Xia , Zhou Tingting , Gu Jing , Xu Yurong , Wan Quan , Qi Xiao , Chai Yezi , Liu Xiaorong , Chen Lukui , Yan Jie , Hua Yunfen , Lin Fan
Published: July 2020

PTEN deletion or mutation occurs in 30% to 60% of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) and is associated with poor prognosis. Efficacious therapy for this subgroup of patients is currently lacking. To identify potential target(s) to selectively suppress PTEN-deficient GBM growth, we performed a three-step synthetic lethal screen on LN18 PTEN wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) isogeneic GBM cell lines using a library containing 606 target-selective inhibitors. A MCL1 inhibitor UMI-77 identified in the screen exhibited excellent suppression on the proliferation, colony formation, 3D spheroid, and neurosphere formation of PTEN-deficient GBM cells. Mechanistically, loss of PTEN in GBM cells led to upregulation of MCL1 in posttranslational level via inhibition of GSK3β, and consequently confer cells resistance to apoptosis. Pharmacologic inhibition or knockdown of MCL1 blocked this PI3K–GSK3β–MCL1 axis and caused reduction of several antiapoptotic proteins, finally induced massive caspase-3 cleavage and apoptosis. In both subcutaneous and orthotopic GBM models, knockdown of MCL1 significantly impaired the in vivo growth of PTEN-deficient xenografts. Moreover, the combination of UMI-77 and temozolomide synergistically killed PTEN-deficient GBM cells. Collectively, our work identified MCL1 as a promising target for PTEN-deficient GBM. For future clinical investigations, priority should be given to the development of a selective MCL1 inhibitor with efficient brain delivery and minimal in vivo toxicity.
TNF-Alpha Blockers in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Practical Recommendations and a User’s Guide: An Update
Authors: Vulliemoz Marianne , Brand Stephan , Juillerat Pascal , Mottet Christian , Ben-Horin Shomron , Michetti Pierre ,   on behalf of Swiss IBDnet, an official working group of the Swiss Society of Gastroenterology
Published: July 2020

Background: Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF) antagonists have been the mainstay in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) for over 20 years. Summary: This review article aimed to provide an update on recent advances in TNF antagonist therapy for IBDs. Key Messages: Their position in the treatment algorithm has evolved to “rapid step-up therapy” or “top-down therapy” according to disease severity and patients’ characteristics. Limitations of anti-TNF antagonists include loss of response in up to 30–50% of patients with or without the development of antibodies. Therapeutic drug monitoring should provide a tailored, personalized approach to this scenario. Recently, biosimilar agents have been approved for IBDs and are considered equivalent in efficacy to the originator.
Pediatric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis with BRAF Mutation Affecting Sacral Vertebra: A Case Report and Disease Review
Authors: Champaneri Himanshu , Banerjee Anirban Deep
Published: July 2020

Background: Histiocytoses are rare diseases affecting mainly children and can occur in any organ of the body. They are divided into Langerhans type and non-Langerhans type. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) mainly affects skin, bones, and lymph nodes but can also affect the hematopoietic system. Bone lesions can be critical when they involve skull base, orbit, or vertebrae and can cause permanent neurological sequelae or death. Histopathological diagnosis and molecular markers are the mainstay for accurate diagnosis. Sixty percent of LCH cases show mutation in the BRAF oncogene. They are treated with multimodality treatment which includes surgery, chemotherapy, and BRAF inhibitor therapy. Owing to the rarity of the disease and paucity of cases, the understanding and standardization of treatment is still evolving. Case Report: A 14-year-old boy presented with backache, and his imaging showed erosion of first sacral vertebral body with soft tissue component impinging and compressing the spinal canal. Histopathology and molecular diagnosis showed LCH which was positive for BRAF gene mutation. Adequate canal decompression and near-total removal of the disease load with fixation of weight-bearing axis resulted in symptomatic relief and good outcome. Systemic chemotherapy was given for the small residual disease due to fear of recurrence and impending neurological complications. He responded well to first-line therapy with vinblastine and prednisolone with complete resolution of disease on a follow-up scan. Conclusion: Accurate diagnosis with molecular markers is essential for a good outcome of LCH. Treatment of lesions at critical locations like skull base, orbit, or vertebral axis needs to be tailored to prevent permanent neurological deficits. Newer therapies in the form of BRAF inhibitors are on the way, but the efficacy and benefit need to be tested.