bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phthalocyanine Monolayers Self-Assembled Directly from its Thiobenzoyl Derivative
Authors: Shokurov A. V. , Yagodin A. V. , Martynov A. G. , Gorbunova Yu. G. , Selektor S. L.
Published: June 2020

Thiol- and thioacetate-based functional groups enjoy much attention as anchors for building of self-assembled monolayers (SAM), while SAM formation based on readily accessible benzoyl derivatives remain unexploited. In the present work, we study the SAM-forming ability of a simple octylthiobenzoate and a redox-active metal-free phthalocyanine bearing two thiobenzoyl-terminated diethyleneglycol chains. By the means of cyclic voltammetry for both solutions and SAMs of the studied phthalocyanine compound, it was demonstrated that this anchoring group does indeed allow formation of densely packed SAMs from the thiobenzoyl-containing compounds on gold surface without the need in additional ex situ deprotection synthetic step. This approach could be used for further design of novel building blocks for SAM containing this anchor group.
Transcriptomic identification of TMIGD1 and its relationship with the ileal epithelial cell differentiation in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zabana Yamile , Lorén Violeta , Domènech Eugeni , Aterido Adrià , Garcia-Jaraquemada Arce , Julià Antonio , Vicario Maria , Pedrosa Elisabet , Ferreiro Miriam , Troya José , Lozano Juan J. , Sarrias Maria R. , Cabré Eduard , Mañosa Miriam , Manyé Josep
Published: June 2020

This is a single-center translational research study that aimed to look for key targets involved in Crohn’s disease and define molecular pathways through different functional analysis strategies. With this approach, we have identified and described a novel target, the almost unknown TMIGD1 gene, which may be key in the recovery of injured mucosa involving intestinal epithelial cell differentiation.
Hyperthermia-induced changes in liver physiology and metabolism: a rationale for hyperthermic machine perfusion
Authors: Thorne Adam M. , Ubbink Rinse , Brüggenwirth Isabel M. A. , Nijsten Maarten W. , Porte Robert J. , de Meijer Vincent E.
Published: June 2020

Liver transplantation is the standard treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, due to the ongoing disparity between supply and demand for optimal donor organs, there is increasing usage of extended criteria donor organs, including steatotic liver grafts. To mitigate the increased risks associated with extended criteria donor livers, ex situ oxygenated machine perfusion (MP) has received increasing attention in recent years as an emerging platform for dynamic preservation, reconditioning, and viability assessment to increase organ utilization. MP can be applied at different temperatures. During hypothermic MP (4–12°C), liver metabolism is reduced, while oxygenation restores the intracellular levels of adenosine triphosphate. The liver is quickly “recharged” to support metabolism when at normothermia (35–37°C) and to ameliorate the detrimental effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury during transplantation. During normothermia, MP can be applied to assess hepatocellular and cholangiocellular viability. MP at hyperthermic (>38°C) temperatures (HyMP), however, remains relatively understudied. The liver is an important component in the regulation of core body temperature and, as such, displays significant physiological and metabolic changes in response to different temperatures. Hyperthermia may promote vasodilation, increase aerobic metabolism and induce production of protective molecules such as heat shock proteins. Therefore, HyMP could provide an attractive reconditioning strategy for steatotic livers. In this review, we describe current literature on the physiological and metabolic effects of the liver at hyperthermia for human, rodents, and pigs and provide a rationale for using therapeutic HyMP during isolated liver machine perfusion to recondition extended criteria donor livers, including steatotic livers, before transplantation.
Xenometabolite signatures in the UC Davis type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model revealed using a metabolomics platform enriched with microbe-derived metabolites
Authors: Mercer Kelly E. , Yeruva Laxmi , Pack Lindsay , Graham James L. , Stanhope Kimber L. , Chintapalli Sree V. , Wankhade Umesh D. , Shankar Kartik , Havel Peter J. , Adams Sean H. , Piccolo Brian D.
Published: June 2020

We debut a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) platform called the XenoScan, which is a metabolomics platform for xenometabolites (nonself-originating metabolites). This assay has 190 in-house standards with the majority enriched for microbe-derived metabolites. As a proof-of-principle, we used the XenoScan to discriminate genetic differences from cecal samples associated with different rat lineages, in addition to characterizing diabetes progression in rat model of type 2 diabetes. Complementing microbial sequencing data with xenometabolites uncovered novel microbial metabolism in targeted organisms.
Ultrasound for the treatment of acute kidney injury and other inflammatory conditions: a promising path toward noninvasive neuroimmune regulation
Authors: Cai Jieru , Nash William T. , Okusa Mark D.
Published: June 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important clinical disorder with high prevalence, serious consequences, and limited therapeutic options. Modulation of neuroimmune interaction by nonpharmacological methods is emerging as a novel strategy for treating inflammatory diseases, including AKI. Recently, pulsed ultrasound (US) treatment was shown to protect from AKI by stimulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Because of the relatively simple, portable, and noninvasive nature of US procedures, US stimulation may be a valuable therapeutic option for treating inflammatory conditions. This review discusses potential impacts of US bioeffects on the nervous system and how this may generate feedback onto the immune system. We also discuss recent evidence supporting the use of US as a means to treat AKI and other inflammatory diseases.
Seeds of Zizyphus lotus: In Vivo Healing Properties of the Vegetable Oil
Authors: Rais C. , Slimani C. , Benidir M. , Elhanafi L. , Zeouk I. , Errachidi F. , El Ghadraoui L. , Louahlia S.
Published: June 2020

The present study has been undertaken in order to highlight the healing effect of Zizyphus lotus vegetable oil. The seeds of this plant contain an oil rate of 30%. The obtained results on the main elements composing the vegetable oil have shown that Zizyphus lotus vegetable oil has a low value of acidity index and it presents a not negligible degree of unsaturation. The value of the peroxide index of Zizyphus lotus vegetable oil is less than 10 which characterizes the most of conventional oils. Furthermore, the spectral analysis by gas chromatography has shown the presence of 53 majority and minority molecules. Thus, the evaluation of the healing activity of Z. lotus seed vegetable oil has demonstrated a highly significant effect against the negative control and silver sulfadiazine was used as conventional treatment for burns. Based on the obtained results, we can suggest that the oil extracted from the seeds of the studied plant could be used to cure wounds.
High Frequency Vibration Fatigue Behavior of Ti6Al4V Fabricated by Wire‐Fed Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing Technology
Authors: Wanjara P. , Gholipour J. , Watanabe E. , Watanabe K. , Sugino T. , Patnaik P. , Sikan F. , Brochu M.
Published: June 2020

Following foreign object damage (FOD), a decision to repair components using novel additive manufacturing (AM) technologies has good potential to enable cost‐effective and efficient solutions for aircraft gas turbine engine maintenance. To implement any new technology in the gas turbine remanufacturing world, the performance of the repair must be developed and understood through careful consideration of the impact of service life‐limiting factors on the structural integrity of the component. In modern gas turbine engines, high cycle fatigue (HCF) is one of the greatest causes of component failure. However, conventional uniaxial fatigue data is inadequate in representing the predominant HCF failure mode of gas turbine components that is caused by vibration. In this study, the vibratory fatigue behavior of Ti6Al4V deposited using wire‐fed electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) was examined with the motivation of developing an advanced repair solution for fatigue critical cold‐section parts, such as blades and vanes, in gas turbine engine applications. High cycle fatigue data, generated using a combination of step‐testing procedure and vibration (resonance) fatigue testing, was analyzed through Dixon–Mood statistics to calculate the endurance limits and standard deviations of the EBAM and wrought Ti6Al4V materials. Also plots of stress (S) against the number of cycles to failure (N) were obtained for both materials. The average fatigue endurance limit of the EBAM Ti6Al4V was determined to be greater than the wrought counterpart. But the lower limit (95% reliability) of 426 MPa for the EBAM Ti6Al4V was lower than the value of 497 MPa determined for wrought Ti6Al4V and was attributed to the slightly higher data scatter–as reflected by the higher standard deviation–of the former material.
Mathematical Modeling and Characteristic Analysis of the Vertical Stiffness for Railway Vehicle Air Spring System
Authors: Xu Liufeng
Published: June 2020

Establishing a correct and reliable vertical stiffness model has an important significance on reproducing the characteristics of an air spring system. In this paper, a dynamic vertical stiffness model is developed based on thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, and geometric parameters are identified by an approximate analytical method. Meanwhile, experimental tests are performed to verify the accuracy and reliability of the proposed model. Furthermore, the impact of geometric parameters on the vertical stiffness characteristics is discussed through a sensitivity analysis. The conclusions show that the dynamic vertical stiffness model can well characterize the dynamic characteristics of the air spring system, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimal design of air spring parameters and the study of mechanical properties.
Causal Relationship between Celiac Stenosis and Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysm: Interpretation by Simulation Using an Electric Circuit
Authors: Yoon Hye Jeong , Choi Jeong Sik , Shin Woo Young , Lee Keon-Young , Ahn Seung-Ik
Published: June 2020

Pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) aneurysm and celiac artery (CA) stenosis are rare diseases in themselves. Interestingly, however, there are more cases documented in the literature in which these two disease entities occurred together than could be coincidental, and CA stenosis has been suggested as the provocative condition in developing PDA aneurysm. This study is aimed at examining the causal relationship between CA stenosis and PDA aneurysm by simulating the splanchnic circulation with an electric circuit. A patient with multiple PDA aneurysms and collaterals with CA stenosis was treated in our institution using hybrid techniques. The patient’s pre‐ and postoperative status was simulated using an electric circuit, and the two possible scenarios were tested for compatibility: the stenosis‐first scenario vs. the aneurysm‐first scenario. The simulation was performed in two ways: using Simulink® software (MATLAB® Release 2018b) and actual circuit construction on a breadboard. The stenosis‐first scenario showed that as the CA stenosis progresses, the blood flow through PDA increases, favoring the development of an aneurysm and/or collaterals if the artery was already compromised by a weakening condition. On the other hand, the aneurysm‐first scenario also showed that if the aneurysm or collaterals developed first, the aneurysm will steal the blood flow through the CA, causing it to collapse if the artery was already compromised by increased wall tension. Contrary to the common belief, this study showed that in patients suffering from concurrent CA stenosis and PDA aneurysm, either condition could develop first and predispose the development of the other. The simulation of splanchnic blood flow with an electric circuit provides a useful tool for analyzing rare vascular diseases that are difficult to provoke in clinical and animal studies.
A Cyclist-Domain-Based Method for Evaluating the Level of Service of a Bicycle Lane
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Liang Jun , Huang Zhongxiang
Published: June 2020

Evaluating the level of service (LOS) of bicycle lanes is essential in planning, designing, and maintaining bicycle infrastructure. This study presents a new concept—the cyclist domain—for characterizing interactions between cyclists and proposes a cyclist-domain-based method for evaluating the LOS of bicycle lanes. Unlike conventional bicycle lane LOS evaluation method, which counts the weighted events numbers and may generate inaccurate results and even misleading decisions, we specified four types of overlapping cyclist domains to characterize potential impacts in various riding events. The cyclist domain influence ratio (CDIR) derived from cycling trajectories is used to measure the negative impact between cyclists. We then propose an LOS evaluation method for bicycle lanes based on CDIRs. The user comfort is defined as the sum of products of CDIRs and respective durations. The bicycle lane LOS is then evaluated by the average comfort of all users. The case study shows that the proposed method can efficiently and effectively evaluate the bicycle lane LOS.
Promoting Recovery in Mental Illness: The Perspectives of Patients, Caregivers, and Community Members in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Iseselo Masunga K. , Ambikile Joel Seme
Published: June 2020

Background. Promoting mental health and care in the community setting leads to the recovery of patients with mental illness. Although recovery in mental health is a complex phenomenon, caregivers and community members have important roles to play in the recovery process for patients with mental illness. Little is documented on how recovery is promoted in the community setting. This study explored the experience of patients, caregivers, and community members on how recovery can be realized in a patient with severe mental illness in Dar es Salaam. Methods. We conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs): two with caregivers and the other two with community members. Also, six in-depth interviews were held with patients with mental illness. Participants were purposively selected based on the type of information needed. Both FGD and in-depth interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze data. Findings. Four themes emerged from this study, which include promoting patients’ participation in household activities, improving patients’ support system, promoting patients’ self-care management, and providing safety and protection among patients with mental illness. However, financial, psychological, and establishing care and support centers and professional supports emerged as subthemes from patients’ support system. Conclusion. Caregivers and community members are significant stakeholders for promoting recovery for people with mental illness. The current study reveals that patients’ involvement in home activities, promoting self-care management, improving patients’ support systems, and providing safety and protection are important factors that promote recovery for people with mental illness. Advocating mental health awareness for caregivers and community members will bridge the gap to enhance the recovery for people with mental illness. Further research is needed in this area to explore the health care providers’ perspectives on the recovery process of mental illness in the hospital setting.
Effect of Desliming of Tailings on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Paste Backfill Made from Alkali‐Activated Slag
Authors: Cihangir Ferdi , Akyol Yunus
Published: June 2020

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) allows environmental friendly management of potentially hazardous tailings generated from milling of nonferrous metal sulphide ores by placing such tailings into the underground mined‐out openings. The components of CPB are tailings, water, and binders. These components significantly affect the physicomechanical, workability, and geotechnical properties of CPB. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the commonly used binder for CPB operations. The effects of the tailings characteristics and OPC are extensively studied in the study area. The beneficial effect of the use of alkali‐activated slags (AASs) on the mechanical and durability properties of CPB of sulphide‐rich tailings has been recently reported. Therefore, this study especially focused on the effect of desliming of the tailings on the workability properties of sulphide‐rich tailings CPB containing AAS besides hardened properties. In this scope, the water‐retention capacities of full (FT) and deslimed tailings (DT) and the workability characteristics of CPB mixtures were studied. DT was found to decrease the water‐retention capacity, leading to denser CPB mixtures. In addition, DT‐AASs usage produced no adverse effect on the workability of fresh CPB materials. LSS‐S (slag activated with liquid sodium silicate) improved the flowability of CPB mixtures owing to its dispersant effect. Desliming also modified the tailing properties by removing fine particles and improved the main geotechnical parameters of CPB.
Assessment of the Effect of Solid Waste Dump Site on Surrounding Soil and River Water Quality in Tepi Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Besufekad , Haddis Alemayehu , Zeine Wuhib
Published: June 2020

An increase in urban population and the rising demand for food and other essentials perpetuate a rise in the amount of waste being generated daily by each household. In Ethiopia, this waste is eventually thrown into open dump sites. It can cause severe impact on soil and surface water quality. As a result, it becomes the probable source of human health risk through food chain. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the effect of a solid waste dump site on surrounding soil and river water quality in Tepi town, Southwest Ethiopia. Three surface water, one leachate, and four soil samples were collected and analyzed. Six heavy metals for surface water and leachate samples and four heavy metals for soil samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. In addition, physiochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods. The data were analyzed statistically using Origin pro version 8.0 computer software packages. The pH of soil was slightly basic ranging from 8 ± 0.1 to 8.7 ± 0.21. Electrical conductivity was lower at 60 meters (1800 ± 0.5 μs/cm) and higher in the other sample sites (3490 ± 0.66–4920 ± 1.04 μs/cm). The concentration of heavy metals in soil samples revealed cadmium (0.53 ± 0.01–2.26 ± 0.02 mg/kg), zinc (623.93 ± 0.29–859.41 ± 0.02 mg/kg), lead (3.26 ± 0.25–57.560.26 mg/kg), and copper (204.06 ± 0.06–337.11 ± 0.01 mg/kg). Lead, cadmium, manganese, nickel, copper, and zinc were found in the leachate water; nickel and manganese were found in the nearby river water; BOD5 and COD for both leachate and stream water samples were found to be higher than standard guideline values. The finding suggested that solid waste open dump site adversely affects soil and water quality in the study area and becomes a probable source of risk for human health via the food chain.
RNA Sequencing for Gene Expression Profiles in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells with Ankylosing Spondylitis RNA
Authors: Huang Dan , Liu Jian , Cao Yunxiang , Wan Lei , Jiang Hui , Sun Yue , Wen Jianting
Published: June 2020

Several previous studies have attempted to investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying gene expression in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the specific molecular pathways underlying this condition remain unclear. Previous research used next‐generation RNA sequencing to identify a series of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) when compared between patients with AS and healthy controls, thus implying that these DEGs may be related to AS. Furthermore, by screening these DEGS, it may be possible to facilitate clinical diagnosis and optimize treatment strategies. In order to test this hypothesis, we recruited 15 patients with AS and 15 healthy controls. We randomly selected five subjects from each group of patients for RNA sequencing analysis. Sequence reads were generated by an Illumina HiSeq2500 platform and mapped on to the human reference genome using HISAT2. We successfully identified 973 significant DEGs (p < 0.05) in PBMCs. When compared with controls, 644 of these genes were upregulated (with a fold change (FC) > 2) in AS patients and 329 were downregulated (FC < 0.5). Our analysis identified numerous genes related to immune response. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that these DEGs were significantly related to the positive regulation of epidermal growth factor‐activated receptor activity, the positive regulation of the ERBB (erb‐b2 receptor tyrosine kinase) signaling pathway, the differentiation of trophoblast giant cells, oxygen transport, immune‐related pathways, and inflammation‐related pathways. The DEGs were also closely related to the TNF and NF‐κB signaling pathways. Six DEGs were verified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that IL6 may represent a useful biomarker for diagnosing AS. The development of new biomarkers may help us to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved in the development and progression of AS.
Ranking Influential Nodes in Complex Networks with Information Entropy Method
Authors: Zhao Nan , Bao Jingjing , Chen Nan
Published: June 2020

The ranking of influential nodes in networks is of great significance. Influential nodes play an enormous role during the evolution process of information dissemination, viral marketing, and public opinion control. The sorting method of multiple attributes is an effective way to identify the influential nodes. However, these methods offer a limited improvement in algorithm performance because diversity between different attributes is not properly considered. On the basis of the k-shell method, we propose an improved multiattribute k-shell method by using the iterative information in the decomposition process. Our work combines sigmod function and iteration information to obtain the position index. The position attribute is obtained by combining the shell value and the location index. The local information of the node is adopted to obtain the neighbor property. Finally, the position attribute and neighbor attribute are weighted by the method of information entropy weighting. The experimental simulations in six real networks combined with the SIR model and other evaluation measure fully verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Bayesian Network under Strict Chain Model for Computing Flow Risks in Smart City
Authors: Wei Zengfanxiang , Zhang Lei , Yue Qi , Zhong Muchen
Published: June 2020

Risk management is a key factor for smart city running. There are many risk events in a strict process like transportation management of a smart city or a medical surgery in a smart hospital, and every step may lead to one kind of risk or more. In view of the fact that the occurrence of the flow risks follows the sequence formed by each process step, this paper presents a Bayesian network under strict chain (BN_SC) to model this situation. In this model, the probabilistic reasoning formula is given according to the sequence of process steps, and the probabilities given by the model can do risk factor analysis to support the system to find an effective way to improve the process like machine manufacturing or a medical surgery. Finally, an example is analyzed based on the information given by doctors according to the situation of LC in their hospital located in Sichuan Province of China, which shows the effectiveness and rationality of the proposed BN_SC model.
miR‐331‐3p Inhibits Inflammatory Response after Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Directly Targeting NLRP6
Authors: Nie Hao , Hu Yang , Guo Wenliang , Wang Wenzhi , Yang Qingwu , Dong Qiang , Tang Yuping , Li Qi , Tang Zhouping
Published: June 2020

Background. The mechanism of inflammatory reaction after intracerebral hemorrhage remains unclear, which to some extent restrains the therapeutic development of hemorrhagic stroke. The present study attempts to verify whether NLRP6 plays an important role in inflammatory reaction after intracerebral hemorrhage and identify the critical microRNA during the process. Methods. Suitable simulated cerebral hemorrhage environments were established in vitro and in vivo. BV2 cells were treated with hemin to induce cell damage. Collagenase was used to establish a model of mouse cerebral hemorrhage. The relationship among NLRP6, miR‐331‐3p, and the corresponding inflammatory expression was closely observed during this process. Techniques, such as western blot, real‐time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunocytochemistry, were used to detect the expression of relative genes and molecules in the in vitro and in vivo models. Results. Downregulated miR‐331‐3p increased the expression of NLRP6 and alleviated the expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6. The neurological function recovery of mice was promoted after intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusion. miR‐331‐3p regulated the inflammatory response after cerebral hemorrhage by negatively regulating the expression of NLRP6.
Investigating One-, Two-, and Triple-Wave Solutions via Multiple Exp-Function Method Arising in Engineering Sciences
Authors: Wan Pengbo , Manafian Jalil , Ismael Hajar Farhan , Mohammed Sizar Abid
Published: June 2020

The multiple Exp-function method is employed for searching the multiple soliton solutions for the new extended (3+1)-dimensional Jimbo-Miwa-like (JM) equation, the extended (2+1)-dimensional Calogero-Bogoyavlenskii-Schiff (eCBS) equation, the generalization of the (2+1)-dimensional Bogoyavlensky-Konopelchenko (BK) equation, and a variable-coefficient extension of the DJKM (vDJKM) equation, which contain one-soliton-, two-soliton-, and triple-soliton-kind solutions. The physical phenomena of these gained multiple soliton solutions are analyzed and indicated in figures by selecting suitable values.
Comparative Analysis of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells between Preeclampsia and Normal Pregnant Women
Authors: Hwang Han-Sung , Maeng Yong-Sun
Published: June 2020

Preeclampsia is a syndrome characterized by deterioration of either the maternal condition or the fetal condition. The adverse intrauterine environment made by preeclampsia results into intrauterine growth restriction and increased risk of a variety of diseases in future life. Given the adverse environment of fetal circulation made in the preeclamptic condition, and the role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) as a multipotent progenitor cell, we hypothesized that MSCs derived from human umbilical cord blood (hUCB-MSCs) obtained from preeclampsia are adversely altered or affected compared with normal pregnancy. The aim of this study was to analyze the biological characteristics and compare the functional abilities and gene expression patterns of hUCB-MSCs originating from pregnant women with and without severe preeclampsia. hUCB-MSCs were isolated and cultured from 28 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia and 30 normal pregnant women. hUCB-MSCs obtained from women with preeclampsia were less proliferative and more senescent and had lower telomerase activity and higher ROS activity than cells from women with normal pregnancy. In addition, many senescence-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by analysis of microarray gene expression profiles and significantly associated with the Gene Ontology term cell aging. In conclusion, hUCB-MSCs obtained from women with preeclampsia showed the poorly proliferative, more senescent, and decreased telomerase activity, and these characters may be related with functional impairment of MSC from preeclampsia compared with cells from normal pregnancy.
Root Surface Temperature Increases during Root Canal Filling In Vitro with Nd:YAG Laser-Softened Gutta-Percha
Authors: Podolak Błażej , Nowicka Alicja , Woźniak Krzysztof , Szyszka-Sommerfeld Liliana , Dura Włodzimierz , Borawski Mariusz , Dembowska Elżbieta , Lipski Mariusz
Published: June 2020

The aim of this in vitro study was to measure the temperature increases produced on the mesial and vestibular root surfaces of premolar teeth during a laser-softened gutta-percha obturation technique. We studied 12 extracted human premolar teeth with a single canal. After root canal cleaning and shaping, the teeth were obturated with gutta-percha that had been softened with a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (CTL 1503) at a wavelength of 1.064 nm. The laser setup parameters included a 30 Hz frequency and a 200 mJ/pulse with optical fiber tips of 0.320 mm diameter. A sectional warm gutta-percha condensation was used. Temperature changes on the whole mesial and vestibular outer surfaces of the roots were measured at approximately 2 s intervals with an infrared thermal imaging camera. A significantly higher increase in temperature was observed for the mesial root surface (7.5°C) compared to the vestibular surface (3.7°C) (p≈0). The findings suggested that root canal filling with Nd:YAG laser-softened gutta-percha in premolar teeth is not likely to damage the surrounding periradicular tissues. To obtain valid temperature results, the measurement should be performed on the surface with the thinnest root wall.
Accurate QTF Sensing Approach by Means of Narrow Band Spectral Estimation
Authors: Scandurra Graziella , Giusi Gino , Ciofi Carmine
Published: June 2020

We propose a new approach for the extraction of the equivalent parameters of quartz tuning forks used as sensors by means of noise measurements. Noise is used as the test signal for the determination, by means of spectral analysis, of the frequency response of a circuit including the quartz tuning fork whose parameters need to be determined. A new approach for the analysis of strongly peaked noise spectra was developed in order to allow the correct measurement of the strongly peaked noise spectrum at the output of the system, which is the result of the high-quality factor of any quartz tuning fork-based sensor. With the approach we propose, the best compromise in terms of accuracy and measurement time can be obtained in a single measurement run. The performances of the approach we propose are discussed in comparison with those that can be obtained from a swept spectrum approach in the same operating conditions.
Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on One‐Lung Ventilation‐Induced Lung Injury in Patients Undergoing Esophageal Cancer Operation
Authors: Zhao Fangchao , Wang Zengying , Ye Chengyuan , Liu Jianming
Published: June 2020

Objective. To investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on one‐lung ventilation‐induced injury in patients undergoing esophageal cancer operation. Methods. The participants (n = 121) were randomly assigned into TEAS and sham groups. The TEAS group was given transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy. The acupoints selected were Feishu (BL13), Hegu (L14), and Zusanli (ST36) and were treated 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia; treatment lasts 30 minutes. The sham group was connected to the electrode on the same acupoints, but electronic stimulation was not applied. The levels of oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) and alveolar‐arterial oxygen tension difference (A‐aDO2) before one‐lung ventilation (T1), 30 minutes after one‐lung ventilation (T2), 2 hours after one‐lung ventilation (T3), and 1 hour after the operation (T4) and the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) at T1, T2, T3, and 24 hours after the operation (T5) were taken as the primary endpoints. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, removal time of thoracic drainage tube, and length of hospital stay were taken as the secondary endpoints. Results. Compared with that, in the sham group, the level of PaO2/FiO2 in the TEAS group was significantly increased at T2, T3, and T4, and the level of A‐aDO2 was significantly reduced at T2 and T3 (P < 0.05). Besides, compared with that, in the sham group, the level of serum TNF‐α at T2, T3, and T5, as well as the level of serum IL‐6 at T3 and T5, was significantly reduced, whereas the level of serum IL‐10 at T3 was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The incidences of pulmonary infection and pleural effusion in the TEAS group were significantly lower than that in the sham group, and the removal time of thoracic drainage tube and the length of hospital stay in the TEAS group were significantly shorter than that in the sham group (P < 0.05). Conclusions. TEAS could effectively increase the levels of PaO2/FiO2 and IL‐10, reduce the levels of A‐aDO2, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, and reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications. Moreover, it could also contribute to shorten the removal time of thoracic drainage tube and the length of hospital stay.
Best Proximity Point for the Sum of Two Non-Self-Operators
Authors: Pragadeeswarar V. , Gopi R. , De la Sen M.
Published: June 2020

In the present paper, we focus our attention on the existence of the fixed point for the sum of the cyclic contraction and the noncyclic accretive operator. Also, we study the best proximity point for the sum of two non-self-mappings. Moreover, we provide the existence of the best proximity point for the cyclic contraction through the notion of the nonlinearD-set contraction. Finally, we give the existence of the best proximity point for the sum of the nonlinearD-set contraction mapping and partially completely continuous mapping in the setting of the partially ordered complete normed linear space.
Effects of Synthetic Procedures and Postsynthesis Incubation pH on Size, Shape, and Antibacterial Activity of Copper (I) Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Vinh Tien , Trinh Khanh Son
Published: June 2020

Copper (I) oxide nanoparticles (Cu2O NP) were synthesized by reducing CuSO4 with glucose in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol as a capping agent. We used three different synthetic procedures with a fast reaction (procedure 1p), a fast-then-slow reaction (procedure 2p), and a slow-then-fast reaction (procedure 3p). The reaction rates were controlled by changing the temperature and the speed of adding reagents. The synthesized Cu2O NP were subsequently incubated for 24 h in a pH 6 solution (Cu2O NP6) or a pH 8 solution (Cu2O NP8) at 5°C. XRD and SEM images analysis revealed that the 1p procedure produced smaller NP, while the 2p procedure produced larger but more uniform NP. The 3p procedure produced the largest NP with a higher size variation. The 24-hour acidic postsynthesis incubation resulted in an etching effect, which reduced the size and size variation of Cu2O NP6. To evaluate the antibacterial activity, E. coli suspensions were mixed with the obtained Cu2O NP (32, 96, or 160 ppm) for different time intervals (1 or 24 h) and then grown on Petri dishes at 37°C for 24 h. Higher doses, smaller sizes of Cu2O NP, and longer contact times with the bacterial suspension resulted in higher inactivation efficiencies. Cu2O NP6 showed higher antibacterial effects at low doses, possibly due to the etching effect and the positive surface charge. Increasing the Cu2O doses from 32 to 96 and 160 ppm noticeably increased the antibacterial effect of the Cu2O NP8, but not significantly for Cu2O NP6. We suggested that the Cu2O NP6 suffered from agglomeration at high doses due to their high surface activity and low surface charges.
Biomarker Modulation Study of Celecoxib for Chemoprevention in Women at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer: A Phase II Pilot Study
Authors: Bayraktar Soley , Baghaki Sema , Wu Jimin , Liu Diane D. , Gutierrez-Barrera Angelica M. , Bevers Therese B. , Valero Vicente , Sneige Nour , Arun Banu K.
Published: June 2020

In preclinical studies, celecoxib has been associated with reduced risk of breast cancer. In this study, the aim was to assess the biomodulatory effect of celecoxib on blood and benign breast tissue biomarkers in women at increased risk for breast cancer. Women at increased risk for breast cancer [5-year Gail risk score of >1.67%, history of atypical hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ, or previous estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer] were treated with celecoxib at 400 mg orally twice daily for 6 months. Participants underwent random periareolar fine needle aspiration and blood draw at baseline and at 6 months for analysis of biomarkers: serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), and IGFBP-3; tissue expression of Ki-67 and ER; as well as cytology. Forty-nine patients were eligible for analysis. Median IGFBP-1 levels increased significantly from 6.05 ng/mL at baseline to 6.93 ng/mL at 6 months (P = 0.04), and median IGFBP-3 levels decreased significantly from 3,593 ng/mL to 3,420 ng/mL (P = 0.01). We also detected favorable changes in cytology of 52% of tested sites after 6 months of celecoxib therapy. No changes in tissue Ki-67 and ER expression levels were observed. No grade 3 or 4 toxicity was recorded. Celecoxib was well tolerated and induced favorable changes in serum biomarkers as well as cytology in this pilot phase II trial. A phase IIb placebo-controlled study with celecoxib could be considered for women at increased risk for breast cancer.
Immune Modulation in Asthma: Current Concepts and Future Strategies
Authors: Lommatzsch Marek
Published: June 2020

Asthma treatment concepts have profoundly changed over the last 20 years, from standard therapeutic regimens for all patients with asthma towards individually tailored interventions targeting treatable traits (“precision medicine”). A precise and highly effective immune modulation with minimal adverse effects plays a central role in this new concept. Recently, there have been major advances in the treatment of asthma with immune-modulatory compounds. One example is the approval of several highly potent biologics for the treatment of severe asthma. New immune-modulatory strategies are expected to enter clinical practice in the future; these innovations will be especially important for patients with treatment-resistant asthma.
Genetic Characteristics, Infectious, and Noninfectious Manifestations of 32 Patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Aygun Deniz , Koker Mustafa Yavuz , Nepesov Serdar , Koker Nezihe , van Leeuwen Karin , de Boer Martin , Kıykım Ayca , Ozsoy Sevil , Cokugras Haluk , Kuijpers Taco , Roos Dirk , Camcıoglu Yıldız
Published: June 2020

Background: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by failure of phagocytic leukocytes to destroy certain microbes. We present a study on CGD patients enrolled at a single medical center concerning the infectious and noninfectious complications and genetic properties of the disease. Methods: Icotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity and the expression of flavocytochrome b558 were measured by flow cytometry, and clinical outcomes of the patients were listed in relation to the genetic results. Results: The clinical and genetic findings of 32 pediatric cases with CGD from 23 families were enrolled. Pneumonia and anemia were the most common infectious and noninfectious symptoms. Genetic analysis showed that 10 families (43.5%) carried CYBB variants and 13 families (56.5%) have autosomal recessive (AR) CGD, in which 6 families (26%) carried NCF1 variants, 4 (17.4%) carried CYBA variants, and 3 (13%) carried NCF2 variants. The median age of clinical onset was 3.3 and 48 months for patients with X-linked CGD (X-CGD) and AR-CGD, respectively. The onset of symptoms before age 1 year was 94% in X-CGD, 28.5% in AR-CGD, and 12.5% in patients with oxidase residual activity. Moreover, a de novo germline mutation at c.1415delG in CYBB (OMIM#300481) and a novel c.251_263del13bp in CYBA (OMIM#608508) were also investigated. Conclusions: Ihydrorhodamine-1,2,3 assay could not detect carrier mother in de novo case with CYBB variant. Most X-CGD patients have the onset of symptoms before age 1 year. Additionally, residual oxidase activity in AR-CGD causes a delay in onset, diagnosis, and prophylaxis. The protective role of residual activity is limited while the infection is ongoing and becoming serious.
Insights from a Long-Term Follow-Up Evaluation of Early Breast Cancer Outcomes by Tumor Subtype
Authors: Zanardi Elisa , Di Meglio Antonio , Boccardo Chiara , Zinoli Linda , Salvi Sandra , Rubagotti Alessandra
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Our understanding of the granularity of breast cancer (BC) clinical outcomes by biologic subtype may be impaired by limited study follow-up times. Objective: We evaluated the impact of modern immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based BC subtypes on long-term mortality. Method: We used a cohort of 200 women diagnosed with stage I–III BC in the period 1985–1990. Surgical samples underwent centralized pathology review. Multivariate models assessed associations of subtype with overall survival (OS) and BC-related survival (BCRS). Result: 42.0% women had luminal A-like, 32.5% luminal B-like/human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2-negative, 8.5% had HER2-positive, and 17.0% had triple-negative BC. 53.0% had tumor size (T) >2 cm and 47.5% had a positive nodal status (N). Over 18.7 years of median follow-up (range 0.3–32.0 years),140 deaths were recorded (75 BC-related). Median OS was longest for patients with luminal A-like tumors (21.2 years; 95% confidence interval [CI] 17.4–24.9]). The luminal B-like/HER2-negative subtype was significantly associated with worse BCRS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.86; 95% CI 1.09–3.16). After multivariable analysis, T >2 cm (HR [vs. ≤2 cm] = 1.71 [95% CI 1.03–2.84]) and positive N (HR [vs. negative] = 2.19 [95% CI 1.03–4.65]) impacted BCRS. Conclusion: IHC-defined subtype will continue informing treatment algorithms for BC, until more precise tools like molecular profiling become widely available. Although confirmation in larger and adequately powered studies is warranted, modern surrogate subtype definitions produced a valid long-term prognostic stratification in this mature cohort.
Involvement of Testosterone Signaling in the Integrity of the Neurovascular Unit in the Male: Review of Evidence, Contradictions, and Hypothesis
Authors: Ahmadpour Delnia , Grange-Messent Valérie
Published: June 2020

Age-related central nervous system function decline and increased susceptibility of females compared to males with respect to prevalence of several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are both based on the principle that hormonal factors could be involved. These cerebral disorders are characterized by an alteration of blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties and chronic neuroinflammation, which lead to disease progression. Neuroinflammation, in turn, contributes to BBB dysfunction. The BBB and its environment, called the neurovascular unit (NVU), are crucial for cerebral homeostasis and neuronal function. Interestingly, sex steroids influence BBB properties and modulate neuroinflammatory responses. To date however, the majority of work reported has focused on the effects of estrogens on BBB function and neuroinflammation in female mammals. In contrast, the effects of testosterone signaling on the NVU in males are still poorly studied. The aim of this review was to summarize and discuss the literature, providing insights and contradictions to highlight hypothesis and the need for further investigations.
Multicenter Study on the Diagnostic Performance of Native-T1 Cardiac Magnetic Resonance of Chronic Myocardial Infarctions at 3T
Authors: Wang Guan , Lee Sang-Eun , Yang Qi , Sadras Vignesh , Patel Suraj , Yang Hsin-Jung , Sharif Behzad , Kali Avinash , Cokic Ivan , Xie Guoxi , Tighiouart Mourad , Collins Jeremy , Li Debiao , Berman Daniel S , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Dharmakumar Rohan
Published: June 2020

Background:

Preclinical studies and pilot patient studies have shown that chronic infarctions can be detected and characterized from cardiac magnetic resonance without gadolinium-based contrast agents using native-T1 maps at 3T. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic capacity of this approach for characterizing chronic myocardial infarctions (MIs) in a multi-center setting.

Methods:

Patients with a prior MI (n=105) were recruited at 3 different medical centers and were imaged with native-T1 mapping and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at 3T. Infarct location, size, and transmurality were determined from native-T1 maps and LGE. Sensitivity, specificity, receiver-operating characteristic metrics, and inter- and intraobserver variabilities were assessed relative to LGE.

Results:

Across all subjects, T1 of MI territory was 1621±110 ms, and remote territory was 1225±75 ms. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve for detecting MI location based on native-T1 mapping relative to LGE were 88%, 92%, and 0.93, respectively. Native-T1 maps were not different for measuring infarct size (native-T1 maps: 12.1±7.5%; LGE: 11.8±7.2%,
P
=0.82) and were in agreement with LGE (
R

2

=0.92, bias, 0.09±2.6%). Corresponding inter- and intraobserver assessments were also highly correlated (interobserver:
R

2

=0.90, bias, 0.18±2.4%; and intraobserver:
R

2

=0.91, bias, 0.28±2.1%). Native T1 maps were not different for measuring MI transmurality (native-T1 maps: 49.1±15.8%; LGE: 47.2±19.0%,
P
=0.56) and showed agreement (
R

2

=0.71; bias, 1.32±10.2%). Corresponding inter- and intraobserver assessments were also in agreement (interobserver:
R

2

=0.81, bias, 0.1±9.4%; and intraobserver:
R

2

=0.91, bias, 0.28±2.1%, respectively). While the overall accuracy for detecting MI with native-T1 maps at 3T was high, logistic regression analysis showed that MI location was a prominent confounder.

Conclusions:

Native-T1 mapping can be used to image chronic MI with high degree of accuracy, and as such, it is a viable alternative for scar imaging in patients with chronic MI who are contraindicated for LGE. Technical advancements may be needed to overcome the imaging confounders that currently limit native-T1 mapping from reaching equivalent detection levels as LGE.
Advancing Research on the Complex Interrelations Between Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure
Authors: Al-Khatib Sana M. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Albert Christine M. , Alonso Alvaro , Chauhan Cynthia , Chen Peng-Sheng , Curtis Anne B. , Desvigne-Nickens Patrice , Ho Jennifer E. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Link Mark S. , Patton Kristen K. , Redfield Margaret M. , Rienstra Michiel , Rosenberg Yves , Schnabel Renate , Spertus John A. , Stevenson Lynne Warner , Hills Mellanie True , Voors Adriaan A. , Cooper Lawton S. , Go Alan S.
Published: June 2020

The interrelationships between atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are complex and poorly understood, yet the number of patients with AF and HF continues to increase worldwide. Thus, there is a need for initiatives that prioritize research on the intersection between AF and HF. This article summarizes the proceedings of a virtual workshop convened by the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to identify important research opportunities in AF and HF. Key knowledge gaps were reviewed and research priorities were proposed for characterizing the pathophysiological overlap and deleterious interactions between AF and HF; preventing HF in people with AF; preventing AF in individuals with HF; and addressing symptom burden and health status outcomes in AF and HF. These research priorities will hopefully help inform, encourage, and stimulate innovative, cost-efficient, and transformative studies to enhance the outcomes of patients with AF and HF.