bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ex vivo lung perfusion for donor lung assessment and repair: a review of translational interspecies models
Authors: Wang Aizhou , Ali Aadil , Keshavjee Shaf , Liu Mingyao , Cypel Marcelo
Published: September 2020

For patients with end-stage lung disease, lung transplantation is a lifesaving therapy. Currently however, the number of patients who require a transplant exceeds the number of donor lungs available. One of the contributing factors to this is the conservative mindset of physicians who are concerned about transplanting marginal lungs due to the potential risk of primary graft dysfunction. Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) technology has allowed for the expansion of donor pool of organs by enabling assessment and reconditioning of these marginal grafts before transplant. Ongoing efforts to optimize the therapeutic potential of EVLP are underway. Researchers have adopted the use of different large and small animal models to generate translational preclinical data. This includes the use of rejected human lungs, pig lungs, and rat lungs. In this review, we summarize some of the key current literature studies relevant to each of the major EVLP model platforms and identify the advantages and disadvantages of each platform. The review aims to guide investigators in choosing an appropriate species model to suit their specific goals of study, and ultimately aid in translation of therapy to meet the growing needs of the patient population.
Complementary Product Pricing and Service Cooperation Strategy in a Dual-Channel Supply Chain
Authors: Ren Minglun , Liu Jiqiong , Feng Shuai , Yang Aifeng , Borondo Florentino
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates a pricing game and service cooperation for complementary products in a dual-channel supply chain composed of two manufacturers and one retailer. The products of the two manufacturers are complementary products. One manufacturer sells products simultaneously through its own online channel and the traditional retailer, and the manufacturer delivers the product’s service to the retailer in its network direct sales channel by cooperating with the retailer in the form of service cost sharing. Considering the different market power structures of channel members, we establish three different pricing game models. By using the backward induction method and game theory, we obtain the corresponding analytical equilibrium solutions. Then, the service cooperation strategy of using the channel service sensitivity coefficients to construct the weight to share the service cost is proposed. Finally, numerical examples of optimal pricing strategies and profit conditions in different game situations are given, and sensitivity analysis of some key parameters is selectively performed, in which some valuable management insights are obtained.
Conflicting Aspects in the Flat Plate Boundary Layer Conventional Solution
Authors: Jaguaribe Emerson Freitas
Published: September 2020

The solution of the steady-state isothermal gas ﬂow with zero-pressure gradient over a ﬂat plate is classical and was presented by Blasius in 1908. Despite being reduced to a third-order Ordinary Diﬀerential Equation, nobody has solved it using just three boundary conditions. In consequence, the “solutions” (exact or numerical) are not unique, do not satisfy Prandtl’s boundary layer concept, and give rise to imprecise criteria of the boundary layer thickness deﬁnition (0.99.U∞, where U∞ is the free stream velocity) and to idealizations such as the displacement thickness, δ∗, and the momentum thickness, δI. Even though η, the similarity parameter, is deﬁned as a function of x, it is surprising that it is seen as a constant, η∞, at the limit of the boundary layer, being valid for the entire plate. It is shown that uncountable “solutions” satisfying the classical equation and its three natural boundary layer conditions can be built. The reduction technique of the Boundary Value Problem, BVP, to an Initial Value Problem, IVP, and the Perturbation Analysis Technique, used as an attempt to incorporate a fourth boundary condition to the differential equation, are discussed. A more general and direct method to deduce the classical Blasius’s flat plate equation is considered, as one of the steps to rectify its solution, and shed light on the origin of the conflicting issues involved.
Anticancer Activity of Modified Tongyou Decoction on Eca109 Esophageal Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis through Regulation of the Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition Mediated by the HIF‐1α‐Snail Axis
Authors: Jia Yongsen , Yan Xin , Cao Ying , Song Wei , Zhang Guangji , Hu Xueqin
Published: September 2020

Background. To explore the activity of Modified Tongyou Decoction (MTD) against Eca109 esophageal cancer (EC) cell invasion and metastasis and to ascertain the mechanism of its anticancer activity during the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) as mediated by the HIF‐1α‐Snail axis. Methods. Herbal compounds were prepared by ethanol extraction, and 6 herbs composing into MTD were dipped in water‐free ethanol and filtered. The filtrate was collected and centrifuged. The remains were concentrated into a paste which was adjusted to 5000mg/mL concentration with DMSO. PBS was used to dilute the herbal solution to the half maximal inhibitory concentration. A hypoxic microenvironment was induced with CoCl2 in RPMI 1640 medium, in which Eca109 cells were cultured. The cytotoxicity of MTD was determined with CCK‐8 assay. The activity of MTD against cell invasion and metastasis was explored with scratch assay and transwell assay. Western blot analysis was conducted to analyze the anticancer effects of MTD on the expression of HIF‐1α‐Snail axis‐ and EMT‐related proteins. Quantitative RT‐PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of Snail. Immunofluorescence labeling was performed to examine how MTD affected the coexpression of Snail and HIF‐1α. Results. The fifty percent inhibitory dose of MTD was 1410 μg/mL in the normoxic environment and 1823 μg/mL in the hypoxic environment based on the CCK‐8 assay. The scratch assay showed that MTD significantly inhibited cell migration in both the normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). The transwell assay showed that MTD significantly inhibited cell invasion in both the normoxic and hypoxic environments compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). Western blot showed that MTD significantly inhibited the expression of the HIF‐1α, Snail, Vimentin, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and VE‐cadherin proteins and significantly induced the expression of E‐cadherin in both the normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). qRT‐PCR indicated that MTD significantly inhibited Snail mRNA expression compared with that in the control groups (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed that MTD significantly inhibited the coexpression of HIF‐1α and Snail in both the normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion. MTD downregulated HIF‐1α‐Snail axis‐ and EMT‐related proteins to inhibit EC cell invasion and metastasis in both the normoxic and hypoxic environments.
Maternal Mortality: 10 Year Experience of a Tertiary Center in Turkey
Authors: Fadiloglu Erdem , Unal Canan , Tanacan Atakan , Ocal Serpil , Kilicaslan Banu , Akinci Seda Banu , Topeli Arzu , Beksac M. Sinan
Published: September 2020

We retrospectively evaluated five maternal mortality cases that occurred in our institution within the last 10 years. Rate of maternal mortality was 24.5 per 100000 live births. Maternal mortality causes were cardiopulmonary failure secondary to veno-occlusive disease, septic shock secondary to osteosarcoma, pulmonary thromboembolism secondary to metastatic breast cancer, septic shock secondary to cholecystitis, and postpartum hemorrhage secondary to Niemann–Pick disease. Four out of five cases were evaluated as indirect maternal mortality cases. Three out of five cases ended up with a healthy newborn, while other cases ended up with abortus and postpartum exitus.
Research on the Complexity Mechanism of Decoy Strategies Based on Multiagent Simulation
Authors: Li Zhen , Bao Xiaoyu , Meng Qingfeng , Shen Pengqun , Volchenkov Dimitri
Published: September 2020

Competition and diffusion of products are of great significance to companies. In this study, various true decoy strategies are constructed using different combinations of price and quality. This paper then analyzes the performance of strategies using different product competition and diffusion scenarios. The influences of neighbor nodes, reconnection probability, and herd mentality on decoy effects are explored. The results show that setting an appropriate true decoy can enhance the competitiveness of a target product to some extent. Conversely, an inappropriate decoy strategy will play a negative role, encroaching on market share. In terms of effects, changes in neighbor nodes, reconnection probability, and herd mentality will not influence the direction of the evolution of a product for the same true decoy strategies. However, the speed of evolution will be affected. These findings provide a theoretical basis for enterprises taking action to enhance product competitiveness in the market.
Meta‐Analysis of the Therapeutic Effect of Shenqi Jiangtang Granule on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Ruo-Lan , Dong Tai-Wei , Wei Ji-Gang , Gao Feng , Li Min , Bai Yang , Wei Pei-Feng , Xi Miao-Miao
Published: September 2020

Objective. To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of Shenqi Jiangtang granule (SQJT) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Methods. We searched CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and PubMed databases to collect randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Shenqi Jiangtang granules in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The search time was from January 2014 to the present. Data were extracted, and quality was evaluated. Metadata analysis of the extracted data was carried out using RevMa5.2 software. The final results are expressed in relative risk (RR), mean difference (MD), and 95% CI. Results. This study included a total of 13 studies, 1160 subjects. Meta‐analysis results showed that the test group was better than the control group (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.18–1.34, P < 0.00001). The fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin of the test group were also significantly better than those of the control group. Conclusion. Shenqi Jiangtang granules have a certain clinical effect and low adverse reaction rate for the treatment or adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes. At present, the drug has been widely used in clinical practice, but a large number of large‐sample clinical trials are needed to further verify its specific efficacy and safety.
A Descent Conjugate Gradient Algorithm for Optimization Problems and Its Applications in Image Restoration and Compression Sensing
Authors: Cao Junyue , Wu Jinzhao , Liu Wenjie
Published: September 2020

It is well known that the nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm is one of the effective algorithms for optimization problems since it has low storage and simple structure properties. This motivates us to make a further study to design a modified conjugate gradient formula for the optimization model, and this proposed conjugate gradient algorithm possesses several properties: (1) the search direction possesses not only the gradient value but also the function value; (2) the presented direction has both the sufficient descent property and the trust region feature; (3) the proposed algorithm has the global convergence for nonconvex functions; (4) the experiment is done for the image restoration problems and compression sensing to prove the performance of the new algorithm.
Study on the Intervention Effect of Qi Gong Wan Prescription on Patients with Phlegm‐Dampness Syndrome of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on Intestinal Flora
Authors: Zhang Ning , Li Chang , Guo Ying , Wu Hai-cui
Published: September 2020

Objective. This was a population‐based cohort study, to compare the type and structure of intestinal flora in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with phlegm‐dampness syndrome, nonphlegm‐dampness syndrome, and normal population. Besides, changes in the intestinal flora and the clinical curative effects of Jiawei Qi Gong Wan on phlegm‐dampness syndrome in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were evaluated. Patients and Methods. A total of 22 patients with PCOS with phlegm‐dampness syndrome, 21 PCOS patients with nonphlegm‐dampness syndrome, and 20 control volunteers were selected for this study. The general index, sex hormone index, fasting blood glucose (FPG), and serum fasting insulin (FINS) were determined in each of the groups. The intestinal flora of each group was determined by the 16s rDNA high‐throughput sequencing technique. Besides, the PCOS with phlegm‐dampness syndrome group was treated with Jiawei Qi Gong Wan, and the changes in TCM syndrome, sex hormone index, BMI, WHR, FPG, FINS, HOMA‐IR, and intestinal flora were determined before and after treatment. Results. PCOS patients with phlegm‐dampness syndrome showed characteristics of obesity and insulin resistance. There were several differences in both structure and function of the intestinal flora between PCOS patients with phlegm‐dampness syndrome, PCOS patients with nonphlegm‐dampness syndrome, and the control group. An imbalance in the intestinal flora may be a key factor in the pathogenesis of PCOS with phlegm‐dampness syndrome and also has a specific influence on glucose and lipid metabolism, obesity, and the menstrual cycle in PCOS patients with phlegm‐dampness syndrome. Besides, the imbalance is associated with a decrease in the number of butyrate‐producing bacteria, an increase in the number of lipopolysaccharide‐producing bacteria, and an increase in proinflammatory bacteria. The intestinal flora in PCOS patients with phlegm‐dampness syndrome was found to be linked to obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and hyperandrogenemia. Treatment with Jiawei Qi Gong Wan was found to increase the diversity of intestinal flora, increase the number of intestinal probiotics, and improve the structure and functional genes of intestinal flora which improved the state of insulin resistance, regulated endocrine metabolism, and improved the overall symptoms. Conclusions. Intestinal flora imbalance is a key factor in the pathogenesis of PCOS with phlegm‐dampness syndrome. Besides, Jiawei Qi Gong Wan improves insulin resistance which is linked to the status of the intestinal flora in PCOS patients with phlegm‐dampness syndrome.
A Preferable Approach for the Quality Control of Xiaoer Chiqiao Qingre Granules Based on the Combination of Chromatographic Fingerprints and Chemometrics
Authors: Xu Tong , Li Xiaoqi , Huang Mengmeng , Wang Qi , Li Chao , Tian Gang , Chen Yan , Xu Rongda
Published: September 2020

A preferable approach of a combination of a multiwavelength fusion HPLC fingerprint and chemometrics for the quality control of Xiaoer Chiqiao Qingre granules (XCQG) was established in this study. A single-wavelength HPLC fingerprint was performed to identify 18 peaks as common peaks in the beginning, and 12 of them were recognized by HPLC-Q/TOF-MS. To overcome the limitation of the single-wavelength HPLC fingerprint, a three-wavelength (230 nm, 250 nm, and 330 nm) fusion fingerprint was established for a more thorough quality assessment. Six main active ingredients (geniposide, paeoniflorin, forsythin, forsythoside A, baicalin, and wogonoside) were selected as chemical markers for simultaneous quantitative analysis, while the results indicated that the content of other five ingredients except forsythoside A presented comparatively stable. Chemometrics including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to evaluate the homogeneity and heterogeneity of sixteen batches of XCQG. The results of the multiwavelength fingerprint were clearly classified into two clusters by HCA, whereas the single-wavelength fingerprint showed no distinct difference between them. OPLS-DA was further employed to prove that the above six main active ingredients made great contributions to clustering. In summary, this integrated analysis provided a better promoted and more comprehensive method to control the quality of XCQG.
Cutaneous Metastasis in the Setting of Both Colon and Breast Primary Malignancies
Authors: Junak Mary , Jecius Hunter , Erdrich Jennifer , Kikuchi Shiro
Published: September 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States, and many patients unfortunately have metastases at the time of their diagnosis. Cutaneous metastases of CRC have been reported in few journals and primarily as case reports due to their rarity. Here, we present the case of an 83-year-old woman with recently resected colon cancer, T4aN1bMx stage IIIB. She presented to our clinic for evaluation of a right midback mass, and a punch biopsy revealed dermal involvement by invasive, poorly differentiated carcinoma with epidermoid features. The mass was excised, and we ordered a PET scan in search of the primary tumor, which at that time was suspected to be of skin cancer origin. Surprisingly, this revealed a second malignancy triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. The back mass stained positive for CK20, which was compatible with a metastasis from a colonic primary. After initially declining adjuvant therapy, the patient completed one cycle of capecitabine and oxaliplatin, which she tolerated poorly. She continued to further decline, developed widespread cutaneous metastases, and went home on hospice. Cutaneous lesions are an exceedingly rare site of metastasis for colon adenocarcinoma, and their clinical presentation can vary widely. It is important for providers to investigate any new skin lesion in a patient with a recent or remote history of malignancy, even if there were no sites of distant metastasis at initial diagnosis.
Numerical Investigation on Dynamic Performance of a Bridge‐Tunnel Transition Section with a Deep Buried Pile‐Plank Structure
Authors: Li Shuanglong , Wei Limin , Chen Xiaobin , He Qun
Published: September 2020

To address the track irregularity at transition zones between subgrade and rigid structures (bridge, tunnel, etc.), some common transition approaches, such as trapezoid subgrade, were adopted in many engineering areas. However, in regard to a mountainous area, the common transition approaches may not be practicable anymore due to the limitation of the length between subgrade and rigid structures. In this paper, a new type of bridge‐tunnel transition section with a deeply buried pile‐plank structure (DBPPS) for short‐distance transition is introduced. A three‐dimensional finite element model that considers vehicle‐track‐subgrade coupling vibration is proposed to study the dynamic performances of a DBPPS transition section in the Shanghai–Kunming high‐speed railway. With this model that has been validated with measured responses from field tests, the dynamic responses and the smoothness in track stiffness along the transition zone are analyzed. In addition, the influences of train speed, axle load, and train direction on dynamic responses are investigated, and the influences of two optimization strategies, including varying‐length piles and constant‐length piles, on the stiffness smoothness of the DBPPS transition section are discussed. Results show that the vibration level of the DBPPS transition section is lower than that of the abutment and the tunnel, and the additional load caused by vertical track stiffness difference aggravates the vibration at the connections between the DBPPS transition section and the abutment (or tunnel). Furthermore, the smoothness in stiffness along the transition zone can be significantly improved by the improvement strategy with varying‐length piles.
Efficiency Evaluation of Bus Transport Operations Given Exogenous Environmental Factors
Authors: Li Qiong , Bai Peng rui , Chen Yang , Wei Xiao , Tang Jinjun
Published: September 2020

As a mode of green transport that can effectively alleviate urban traffic congestion and improve air quality, bus transport is highly subsidized by governments at all levels in China. Thus, measuring efficiency in the bus transport sector is particularly important. However, few reports in the literature have taken exogenous environmental factors into consideration to evaluate public transport operation efficiency. This may lead to inaccurate evaluation results. This study employs the three-stage DEA model, which can eliminate the impacts of exogenous environmental factors on public bus transport operation to gain real efficiency results. Meanwhile, to further explore how exogenous environmental factors affect bus transport operations, a tobit model is used to analyse the results. The main results of this paper reveal the following: first, exogenous environmental factors have a significant impact on the operational efficiency of bus transport. It is reasonable and necessary to select the three-stage method to eliminate environmental factors for real bus operation efficiency. Second, the fluctuations of the bus transport efficiency of 30 cities decreased during 2010–2016. The western region has the highest operation efficiency, followed by the eastern and the middle regions. Third, the economic, taxi transport, and urban rail transport have a marked impact on the operational efficiency of bus transport. This paper confirms the important influence of exogenous environmental factors on the efficiency of public transport operations. In addition, this article could help improve the efficiency of urban public transport operations and promote the attractiveness of urban public transport and the amount of green travel.
Circ_0072088 Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer by Absorbing miR-377
Authors: Fang Na , Shi Yijun , Fan Yu , Long Tao , Shu Yongqian , Zhou Jianwei , You San Lin
Published: September 2020

Circular RNA (circRNA) is an endogenous noncoding RNA. Accumulative investigations have confirmed that circRNAs play a vital role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Herein, we examined the expression and mechanism of circ_0072088 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). As a result, circ_0072088 was significantly overexpressed in ESCC tissues and cells, which was closely associated with tumor size, invasion depth, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer. Nuclear and cytoplasmic separation as well as FISH assays showed that circ_0072088 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of ESCC cells. RNase R treatment assay revealed that circ_0072088 was steadier than linear ZFR mRNA. circ_0072088 promoted ESCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, and cell proliferation in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0072088 upregulated VEGF gene expression by acting as the sponge of miRNA-377. In conclusion, circ_0072088 might be used as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.
The Effect of Adding Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with Endurance and Resistance Training on Exercise Capacity and Balance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Acheche Amal , Mekki Marwa , Paillard Thierry , Tabka Zouhair , Trabelsi Yassine , Santus Pierachille
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the effectiveness of adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to endurance training (ET) and resistance training (RT) on exercise tolerance and balance in COPD patients. 42 patients were assigned randomly to the ET + RT + NMES group (n = 22) or ET + RT group (n = 20). Two training programs were performed including 72 sessions. The center of pressure (CoP) displacement in the mediolateral direction (CoPML), in the anteroposterior direction (CoPAP), and the center of pressure velocity (CoPV) were recorded using a stabilometric platform with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Time up and go and Berg Balance Scale tests, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured before and after the intervention. The walking distance, the dyspnea, and the heart rate were improved after the training period (

p
<
0.001

) for both groups (

p
<
0.05

). The ET + RT + NMES group showed better improvement than the ET + RT group in terms of 6MWD. CoPML, CoPAP, and CoPV were significantly (

p
<
0.001

;

p
<
0.05

;

p
<
0.001

, respectively) more improved in EO and EC conditions in the ET + RT + NMES group than the ET + RT group. BBS, TUG, and MVC values improved in both groups after the training (

p
<
0.001

). The performances in TUG and MVC tests were significantly greater in the ET + RT + NMES group than those in the ET + RT group (

p
<
0.01

;

p
<
0.001

, respectively). Combining NMES, RT, and ET improves balance in patients with COPD.
Efficacy and Safety of Fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda) Extract in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Chitapanarux Taned , Lertprasertsuke Nirush , Toworakul Chatchadaporn
Published: September 2020

Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common upper gastrointestinal disorder, but the current treatments are still unsatisfactory. Fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda [L.] Mansf.; BR) is used as a traditional medicine for dyspepsia despite a lack of proven evidence. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BR extract in the treatment of patients with FD. Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 160 patients with FD based on Rome IV criteria were to be recruited and randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive BR (350 mg extract powder) or placebo 3 times daily for 4 weeks. Primary end point was change in the summed total score of Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire. Secondary end points were the rate of symptom relief, the reduction of blood inflammatory markers and the improvement in gastric histology according to the Updated Sydney System. Results: One hundred sixty patients (62 [38.8%] men, aged 56.9 ± 14.8 years) were randomized to the BR group (n = 80) and placebo group (n = 80), and 138 patients completed this study. Overall symptom improvement was significantly greater in the BR group than in the placebo group (−7.1 ± 2.0 vs. −3.7 ± 0.8, repeated measures ANOVA, p < 0.05). Total symptom scores significantly improved with decrease in blood inflammatory markers in the BR group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Proportion of responders was higher in the BR group (58%) than in the placebo group (34.6%) according to the intention-to-treat analysis (p < 0.05) with the number needed to treat calculated as 4.3. No difference in gastric histology was observed in both groups. BR extract was well tolerated with few adverse events. These effects were associated with acute phase reactants reduction. Conclusions: BR extract represents an effective and safe alternative to manage dyspepsia symptoms in FD patients.
Protein-Protein Interactions in the Cytoplasmic Membrane of Escherichia coli: Influence of the Overexpression of Diverse Transporter-Encoding Genes on the Activities of PTS Sugar Uptake Systems
Authors: Aboulwafa Mohammad , Zhang Zhongge , Saier Jr. Milton H.
Published: September 2020

The prokaryotic phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP):sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) concomitantly transports and phosphorylates its substrate sugars. In a recent publication, we provided evidence that protein-protein interactions of the fructose-specific integral membrane transporter (FruAB) with other PTS sugar group translocators regulate the activities of the latter systems in vivo and sometimes in vitro. In this communication, we examine the consequences of the overexpression of several different transport systems on the activities of selected PTS and non-PTS permeases. We report that high levels of these transport systems enhance the in vivo activities of several other systems in a fairly specific fashion. Thus, (1) overexpression of ptsG (glucose porter) selectively enhanced mannitol, N-acetylglucosamine, and 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake rates; (2) overexpression of mtlA (mannitol porter) promoted methyl α-glucoside (αMG) and 2DG uptake; (3) manYZ (but not manY alone) (mannose porter) overexpression enhanced αMG uptake; (4) galP (galactose porter) overexpression enhanced mannitol and αMG uptake; and (5) ansP (asparagine porter) overexpression preferentially enhanced αMG and 2DG uptake, all presumably as a result of direct protein-protein interactions. Thus, it appears that high level production of several integral membrane permeases enhances sugar uptake rates, with the PtsG and ManXYZ systems being most consistently stimulated, but the MtlA and NagE systems being more selectively stimulated and to a lesser extent. Neither enhanced expression nor in vitro PEP-dependent phosphorylation activities of the target PTS systems were appreciably affected. The results are consistent with the suggestion that integral membrane transport proteins form an interacting network in vivo with physiological consequences, dependent on specific transporters and their concentrations in the membrane.
An Unusual Urological Manifestation of Williams-Beuren Syndrome: Posterior Urethral Valve
Authors: Demirkan Hasan
Published: September 2020

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a genetic, well-defined, rare, neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, congenital heart defects, abnormal facial features, and growth, endocrine, and genitourinary abnormalities. The genitourinary abnormalities in WBS frequently include congenital structural renal defects, vesicoureteral reflux, nephrocalcinosis, proteinuria, and chronic renal insufficiency. Treatment of patients with posterior urethral valve (PUV) remains a clinical challenge, requiring long-term management from early infancy into adulthood in order to avoid progressive renal insufficiency. To my knowledge, this is the first worldwide case of WBS with PUV in a 12-year-old boy. Due to the delayed detection of the defect, chronic renal disease occurred as a risk for him. This case demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis of genitourinary anomalies such as PUV to prevent chronic renal disease in boys and especially in patients with WBS.
Predictive Power of Bone Turnover Biomarkers to Estimate Bone Mineral Density after Kidney Transplantation with or without Denosumab: A post hoc Analysis of the POSTOP Study
Authors: Heimgartner Nadine , Graf Nicole , Frey Diana , Saleh Lanja , Wüthrich Rudolf P. , Bonani Marco
Published: September 2020

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) represents a major risk factor for bone fractures in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as after kidney transplantation. However, modalities to solidly predict patients at fracture risk are yet to be defined. Better understanding of bone turnover biomarkers (BTMs) may close this diagnostic gap. This study strives to correlate BTMs to BMD in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: Changes in BTMs – procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), β-isomer of the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and urine deoxypyridinoline/Cr – at the time of transplant and 3 months were correlated to changes in BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the time of transplant, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Half of the collective was treated with denosumab twice yearly in addition to the standard treatment with calcium and vitamin D. Results: Changes in bone formation markers BSAP and P1NP within 3 months showed a significant negative correlation to changes in BMD at the hip within 6 months in denosumab-naïve patients. This correlation was abrogated by denosumab treatment. Conclusions: Changes in BSAP and P1NP showed promise in short-term prediction of BMD. We suggest further trials expanding on the knowledge of these BTMs with assessment of fracture risk, sequential measurements of BTMs within the first 6 months, and the additional use of computed tomography to assess BMD.
Effectiveness of Oral Tofacitinib Dose Tapering in a Case of Alopecia Areata Universalis
Authors: Esteves Mariana , Lopes Sofia , Azevedo Filomena , Pedrosa Ana
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Alopecia areata (AA) is a form of nonscarring alopecia and one of the most common autoimmune disorders. Persistent or severe variants lead to potential disfigurement and are associated with a significant negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. Case Presentation: A 51-year-old female patient presenting with refractory alopecia universalis was successfully treated with oral tofacitinib. Recurrence was not observed following 17 months of therapy. Discussion/Conclusion: None of the currently employed therapies for AA are reliably effective nor are they approved for the disease. In this setting, Janus kinase inhibitors emerge as a promising novel treatment, as increasing evidence supports their effectiveness in AA.
Interpolação 3D de dados de Rock Quality Designation: Barragem de Itaipu, Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Canello Vivian Athaydes , Patias Josiele , Zuquette Lázaro Valentim
Published: September 2020

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados da aplicação de método computacional para interpolação tridimensional de dados de Rock Quality Designation (RQD) obtidos a partir de um conjunto de 143 sondagens rotativas, que foram realizadas na fase de investigação geológico-geotécnica para a construção da Barragem de Itaipu, localizada no rio Paraná, na fronteira entre o Brasil e o Paraguai, inserida no contexto geológico dos derrames basálticos da Formação Serra Geral. As interpolações foram desenvolvidas no programa Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) utilizando o método numérico spline regularizado com tensão (RST). A interpolação foi desenvolvida para um volume de 28.107 m3 a partir de 4.736 dados de entrada obtidos de 143 sondagens rotativas e considerando voxel 3D com resolução horizontal de 25 m e vertical de 3 m, que gerou cerca de 149.330 voxels, resultando em uma média de dados de entrada de 0,032/voxel. Os dados de entrada de RQD apresentaram média aproximada de 80, mediana 87, desvio padrão 23, coeficiente de variação de cerca de 30% e variância de 529; enquanto os dados interpolados resultaram em média 74, coeficiente de variação de 27%, variância de 400 e desvio padrão 20. O resultado da interpolação mostrou que o método utilizado é eficiente e os programas GRASS e PARAVIEW adequados e de fácil domínio para estudos de interpolação. Por outro lado, reforçou que apesar da quantidade de dados iniciais, a distribuição espacial dos dados de entrada interfere na interpolação, o que reforça a importância de um plano de investigação geológico-geotécnico adequado para obter um zoneamento com baixa incerteza.
Efeito da técnica de inserção e do tempo de fotoativação na dureza de resinas compostas bulk fill
Authors: Besegato João Felipe , Petrin Débora De Castro Costa , Costa Giovana Cazarim da , Ferraresso Lucas Fernando de Oliveira Tomaz , Hoeppner Márcio Grama
Published: September 2020

Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito da técnica de inserção e do tempo de fotoativação na dureza Vickers de resinas compostas bulk fill (RCBF). Materiais e método: RCBF de alta viscosidade Opus Bulk Fill (OBF) e de baixa viscosidade Opus Bulk Fill Flow (OBFF) foram inseridas em matrizes cilíndricas com altura e diâmetro interno de 4 mm, e divididas em seis grupos (G), de acordo com a técnica de inserção (I1 – incremento único de 4 mm e I2 – dois incrementos de 2 mm) e do tempo de fotoativação de cada incremento com irradiância de 1000 mW/cm2 (T1 – 20 segundos e T2 – 40 segundos): G1 – OBFI1T1, G2 – OBFI2T1, G3 – OBFI1T2, G4 – OBFI2T2, G5 – OBFF+OBFI2T1 e G6 – OBFF+OBFI2T2. A dureza foi avaliada na superfície topo e base das amostras. ANOVA dois critérios seguido de pós-teste de Tukey foram utilizados em nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Não houve diferença na dureza da superfície topo das amostras, independentemente da técnica de inserção e do tempo de fotoativação. Entretanto, na superfície base, houve diferença entre as técnicas de inserção e os tempos de fotoativação, exceto entre G3 e G4. Todas as amostras apresentaram redução significativa de dureza na base em relação ao topo. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que a fotoativação com menor tempo de exposição deve ser considerada com cautela, pois resultou na redução da dureza na área mais distante da fonte emissora da luz. OBFF apresentou dureza menor que OBF, independentemente do tempo de fotoativação.
Coronary Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Angina and Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease Is Associated With Elevated Serum Homocysteine Levels
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Corban Michel T. , Toya Takumi , Sara Jaskanwal D. , Lerman Ben , Park Ji Young , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir
Published: September 2020

Background

Elevated levels of serum homocysteine, via impaired nitric oxide production, and coronary microvascular dysfunction are associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. However, whether serum homocysteine levels and coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction (CMED) are linked remains unknown.

Methods and Results

This study included 1418 patients with chest pain or an abnormal functional stress test and with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (<40% angiographic stenosis), who underwent CMED evaluation with functional angiography and had serum homocysteine levels measured. Patients were classified as having normal microvascular function versus CMED. Patients in the CMED group (n=743; 52%) had higher mean age (52.1±12.2 versus 50.0±12.4 years;
P
<0.0001), higher body mass index (29.1 [25.0–32.8] versus 27.5 [24.2–32.4];
P
=0.001), diabetes mellitus (12.5% versus 9.4%;
P
=0.03), and fewer women (63.5% versus 68.7%;
P
=0.04) compared with patients in the normal microvascular function group. However, they had lower rates of smoking history, and mildly lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in patients with CMED, and the highest quartile of serum homocysteine level (>9 µmol/L) was an independent predictor of CMED (odds ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.03–1.75];
P
=0.03) after adjustment for age; sex; body mass index; chronic kidney disease (CKD); diabetes mellitus; smoking exposure; low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol; high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides; and aspirin, statin, and B vitamin use.

Conclusions

Patients with CMED have significantly higher levels of serum homocysteine. Elevated serum homocysteine levels were associated with a significantly increased odds of an invasive diagnosis of CMED. The current study supports a potential role for homocysteine for diagnosis and target treatment in the patients with early coronary atherosclerosis.
Pfinzing and Friends
Authors: Karr Schmidt Suzanne
Published: September 2020

Paulus Pfinzing von Henfenfeld embodied the gentrification of geometry in late sixeenth-century Nuremberg. A patrician merchant, Pfinzing developed and invented surveying tools, and publicized their use. He is famed for his so-called Pfinzing Atlas of manuscript maps of the Nuremberg area that he completed in 1594. His legacy in print of two now rare books from 1598–1599 on surveying and on geometric solids is less well known, as Pfinzing published them both anonymously. The former entreated the well-educated to take up surveying, while the latter presented a summary of recent scholarship on geometric solids based on Albrecht Dürer and Wenzel Jamnitzer, among other luminaries. This article investigates the ways Pfinzing used his knowledge of surveying and familiarity with Nuremberg publishing to present geometry as a gentlemanly pursuit.
Johannes Kepler and Twenty-First-Century Science
Authors: Lipking Lawrence
Published: September 2020

Johannes Kepler’s little book on the snowflake anticipates one direction of twenty-first-century science. Why do snowflakes all have six corners? Kepler searches for a geometry inscribed in nature, a “formative faculty” that shapes the dynamic patterns of both inorganic and organic forms. A similar search drives modern biotechnology. Twentieth-century science, exemplified by Wolfgang Pauli, had built on principles in tune with those of Kepler’s rival, the hermeticist Robert Fludd. Quantum physics is invested in archetypal numbers (such as 137, the fine-structure constant), in unobjectifiability (the impossibility of viewing a world unaffected by the observer), and in action-at-a-distance (effects that can be calculated but whose cause remains unknown). Kepler scorns such principles. Instead he looks for patterns of organization that account for the real world, whether in snowflakes, the heavens, or living bodies. Today that project has been revived in the life sciences, in ecology and ecosystems, in fractal geometry, in nanotech and biotech. Perhaps Kepler’s vision of science has come into its own.
Japewia aliphatica (Lecanoraceae, lichenized Ascomycota), a new acidophilous, sorediate-blastidiate lichen from Europe

Authors: MALÍČEK JIŘÍ , PALICE ZDENĚK , VONDRÁK JAN , TØNSBERG TOR
Published: September 2020

Japewia aliphatica is described as a new species. It is characterized by the usually brown, often areolate, blastidiate to sorediate-blastidiate, rarely fertile thallus containing unknown fatty acid(s). It grows on acidic bark of broad-leaved trees in mainly in montane forests, and is known from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Russia (European part of the Caucasus), Slovakia and Ukraine. The new species is well characterized by its morphological, chemical and molecular (nrITS, mtSSU) traits. Systematic placement of Japewia is briefly discussed and its position within Lecanoraceae confirmed.
Four new Palaearctic, Australian and Oriental species of Paraneseuthia Franz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: September 2020

Four new species of the eutheiine genus Paraneseuthia Franz are described: P. libanica sp. n. (Lebanon), P. rugosa sp. n. (Papua New Guinea), P. olszanowskii sp. n. (Indonesia: Sumatra), and P. acehiana sp. n. (Indonesia: Sumatra). Paraneseuthia libanica is the second known Mediterranean (and western Palaearctic) species of this predominantly Australo-Oriental and Far Eastern genus. In order to verify whether this species with unusually slender and small adults truly belongs in Paraneseuthia, the male cephalic and thoracic morphological structures were studied and illustrated. No taxonomically important differences were found among west Palaearctic and previously studied sub-Himalayan, east Palaeartic and SE Asian species.
A new genus and species of cricket from eastern Cuba: the first Antillean true Eneopterinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae)
Authors: YONG SHEYLA , DESUTTER-GRANDCOLAS LAURE , TERUEL ROLANDO , LEGUIN ELISE-ANNE
Published: September 2020

The occurrence of true Eneopterinae in the Antilles is recorded herein for the first time, with the description of a new genus and species herein described from eastern Cuba (Greater Antilles): Antillobinthus inexpectatus Yong & Desutter-Grandcolas, n. gen. n. sp. It is described and illustrated in detail, including color photographs of habitus, morphologically diagnostic characters and habitat. The present finding revives a biogeographical debate, as no Eneopterinae was up-to-now known from the Antilles.
Hydrocarbon generation and expulsion of Middle Jurassic lacustrine source rocks in the Turpan–Hami Basin, NW China: Implications for tight oil accumulation
Authors: Feng Yue , Huang Zhilong , Li Tianjun , Wang Enze , Zhang Hua , Liang Yu
Published: September 2020

In recent years, new oil reservoirs have been discovered in the middle Jurassic tight mixed rocks of the Turpan–Hami Basin. However, the generation potential of the J2q2 source rocks remains poorly understood. Petrographic, petrological, and geochemical analyses were carried out to assess the quality of the J2q2 source and reservoir rocks. The hydrocarbon generation potential method was utilized to evaluate the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion potentials. The results indicated that the rocks can be classified as high-quality source rocks with a relative lower degree of maturity. The hydrocarbon bearing zones are classified as tight reservoirs (average porosity of 5.90% and permeability of 0.18 mD) with an average pore throat radius >150 nm, which is higher than the cut-off pore-throat radius. The source rocks start to expel hydrocarbons when Ro% is 0.56%. Bulk hydrocarbon generation and expulsion intensities in the center of the study area were calculated with the values of 900 × 104 t/km2 and 400 × 104 t/km2, while the weights of these hydrocarbons were 48.8 × 108 t and 27.3 × 108 t, respectively. The tight oil reservoir-forming conditions are superior, and the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion intensities are more remarkable in controlling the tight oil distribution. This study provides an important example for the Jurassic source rocks in Western China, and indicates that middle Jurassic lacustrine source rocks deserve attention in future exploration.
The Emotional Path to Action: Empathy Promotes Physical Distancing and Wearing of Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pfattheicher Stefan , Nockur Laila , Böhm Robert , Sassenrath Claudia , Petersen Michael Bang
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a major challenge to societies all over the globe. Two measures implemented in many countries to curb the spread of the disease are (a) minimizing close contact between people (“physical distancing”) and (b) wearing of face masks. In the present research, we tested the idea that physical distancing and wearing of face masks can be the result of a prosocial emotional process—empathy for people most vulnerable to the virus. In four preregistered studies ( N = 3,718, Western population), we found that (a) empathy indeed relates to the motivation to adhere to physical distancing and to wearing face masks and (b) inducing empathy for people most vulnerable to the virus promotes the motivation to adhere to these measures (whereas merely providing information about the importance of the measures does not). In sum, the present research provides a better understanding of the factors underlying the willingness to follow two important measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A mobile vision testing application based on dynamic distance determination from the human corneal limbus
Authors: Patel Neal A , Alagappan Perry N , Pan Chuanbo , Karth Peter
Published: September 2020

Here we present a mobile application that accurately determines the distance between an optical sensor and the human corneal limbus for visual acuity assessment. The application uses digital image processing and randomized circle detection to locate the cornea. Then, a reference scaling measurement is employed to calculate distance from the sensor to a user. To determine accuracy and generalizability, testing was conducted both with 200 static images, 25 images each of males and females for four ethnic groups from a facial image database, and live image streams from a test subject. Average absolute corneal radius error over 10 trials for the static images was 6.36%, while average absolute distance error for the live image streams was less than 1%. Subsequently, distance measurements were used to scale letter sizes for a Snellen Chart-based visual acuity assessment. This system enables monitoring of chronic retinal diseases, as patients can quickly and accurately measure their visual acuity through the mobile eye exam suite.