bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advancements in Autonomous Robots and Their Technical Analysis
Authors: Liu Boni
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and present a technical analysis of the recent advancements in autonomous robots equipped with a manipulator. The autonomous robots include unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). A manipulator can make an autonomous robot more adaptable and robust but it can also affect its performance as well. Several issues can arise because of the installation of a manipulator like the robot becoming unstable due to the extra weight, slow convergence, and errors in the path planning. Therefore, this study presents the numerous recent techniques that are in use to counter the aforementioned problems. The methodology and approach used in this paper are to first present the dynamic model of the autonomous robot. Then, the study offers a performance analysis of the specific robot in question. Finally, the paper formulates the limitations of the recently proposed techniques in the form of a table for each vehicle. The key findings of this study are a comprehensive review of the aforesaid techniques and their technical analysis. The unique contribution of this study is to present some of the limitations that these methods have so the researcher can better select the method according to the mission requirement.
Antihypernociceptive and Neuroprotective Effects of the Aqueous and Methanol Stem-Bark Extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii (Rubiaceae) on STZ-Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Tsafack Eric Gonzal , Mbiantcha Marius , Ateufack Gilbert , Djuichou Nguemnang Stephanie Flore , Nana Yousseu William , Atsamo Albert Donatien , Matah Marthe Mba Vanessa , Adjouzem Carine Flore , Ben Besong Egbe
Published: February 2021

The greatest common and devastating complication of diabetes is painful neuropathy that can cause hyperalgesia and allodynia. It can disturb psychosocial functioning by increasing levels of anxiety and depression. This work was designed to evaluate the antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like effects of the aqueous and methanol extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-bark in diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in mice. Diabetic neuropathy was induced in mice by the intraperitoneal administration of 200 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to provoke hyperglycemia. Nauclea pobeguinii aqueous and methanol extracts at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg were administered by oral route, and their effects were evaluated on antihyperalgesic activity (Von Frey filaments, hot plate, acetone, and formalin tests), blood glucose levels, body weight, serum, sciatic nerve proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and sciatic nerve growth factor (IGF and NGF) rates, depression (open field test, forced swimming test, tail suspension test), and anxiety (elevated plus maze, light-dark box test, social interaction). Oral administration of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-bark aqueous and methanol extracts (150 and 300 mg/kg) produced antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like effects in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathic mice. Extracts also triggered a decrease in glycaemia and increased body weight in treated animals. They also significantly (

p

<0.001) reduced tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 and significantly (

p

<0.001) increased nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in sciatic nerves. The results of this study confirmed that Nauclea pobeguinii aqueous and methanol extracts possess antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities and could be beneficial therapeutic agents.
Enhancing the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Light‐Emitting Diode: Implications and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Mansano Barbara Sampaio Dias Martins , da Rocha Vitor Pocani , Antonio Ednei Luiz , Peron Daniele Fernanda , do Nascimento de Lima Rafael , Tucci Paulo Jose Ferreira , Serra Andrey Jorge
Published: February 2021

This study evaluated the effects of light‐emitting diode (LED) on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). An electronic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science database for articles published from 1980 to February 2020. Ten articles met the search criteria and were included in this review. The risk of bias was evaluated to report quality, safety, and environmental standards. MSCs were derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow, dental pulp, gingiva, and umbilical cord. Protocols for cellular irradiation used red and blue light spectrum with variations of the parameters. The LED has been shown to induce greater cellular viability, proliferation, differentiation, and secretion of growth factors. The set of information available leads to proposing a complex signaling cascade for the action of photobiomodulation, including angiogenic factors, singlet oxygen, mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase, Janus kinase/signal transducer, and reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, although our results suggest that LED can boost MSCs, a nonuniformity in the experimental protocol, bias, and the limited number of studies reduces the power of systematic review. Further research is essential to find the optimal LED irradiation parameters to boost MSCs function and evaluate its impact in the clinical setting.
Endometriosis Associated Striated Muscle Changes: Simulating Tumor
Authors: Mirza Rusella , Abdulsattar Jehan , Cotelingam James
Published: February 2021

Endometriosis in the abdominal wall can be a diagnostic challenge, both clinically and pathologically. We are describing a case of abdominal wall endometriosis where regenerative muscle cells are florid. The cells are small and polygonal in shape, arranged in groups, and intersecting through differentiated skeletal muscle. Cells have pink cytoplasm and a centrally located nucleus. Immunohistochemistry demonstrates diffuse positivity with S100 and CD56, and they are negative with Ae1/Ae3, Pax8, inhibin, calretinin, and CD68. Cells are also focally positive with actin, vimentin, and myogenin. Electron microscopy reveals the presence of intracytoplasmic myofibrils. These groups of small cells are compatible with early to intermediately differentiated skeletal muscle cells as demonstrated by histomorphology, immunohistochemical pattern, and ultrastructure analysis. Muscle undergoes a regenerative process following injury. Endometriosis associated regenerative changes in muscle are very rare as documented in the English literature. The presence of florid regenerative muscle cells mimics a neoplastic process. In this report, we describe the histomorphological and immunohistochemical pattern of regenerative muscle groups and discuss differential diagnoses. We found electron microscopy to be an important diagnostic tool in this case.
Periodic Peakon and Smooth Periodic Solutions for KP-MEW(3,2) Equation
Authors: Cai Junning , Wei Minzhi , He Liping
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider the KP-MEW(3,2) equation by the bifurcation theory of dynamical systems when integral constant is considered. The corresponding traveling wave system is a singular planar dynamical system with one singular straight line. The phase portrait for

c
<
0

,

0
<
c
<
1

, and

c
>
1

is drawn. Exact parametric representations of periodic peakon solutions and smooth periodic solution are presented.
Lighting Strikes Twice: Recurrent Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) after Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Griffin Gregory , Cunningham Brittany , Beary Jonathan M. , Spolter Yonatan , Gandee Richard , Newey Christopher R.
Published: February 2021

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare acute demyelinating syndrome of the peripheral nervous system that is commonly preceded by infection. Vaccinations have also been associated with an increased incidence of GBS, though the risk is low. Caution with revaccination is recommended in patients with a history of GBS. Risks of revaccination compared with the risks of influenza complications should be considered. Patients who experience GBS after vaccination have not been shown to have an increased incidence of recurrent GBS after the influenza vaccine, though evidence is limited. We report a case of recurrent GBS in a patient following the influenza vaccine.
New Strategy of Reducing Biofilm Forming Bacteria in Oral Cavity by Bismuth Nanoparticles
Authors: Rostamifar Sahar , Azad Azita , Bazrafkan Ali , Modaresi Farzan , Atashpour Shekoufeh , Jahromi Zahra Kargar
Published: February 2021

Objective. Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus salivarius are the most important species in dental decay and producing biofilm. Treatment with chlorhexidine 2% mouthwash for 7 days is the best way to eliminate these bacteria. However, due to the ability of these bacteria to survive in harsh environments, increasing emergence of bacterial resistance against available antibiotics, and favorable properties of nanoparticles including broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and lower toxicity, we decided to evaluate reducing biofilm forming bacteria in oral cavity by bismuth nanoparticles. Materials and Methods. This was a cross‐sectional study of 40 samples isolated from the patients visiting dental clinics in Shiraz in 2019. Samples, which showed growth, were cultured on blood agar plates and incubated for the PCR procedure. Nanoparticle powder was dissolved in high‐purity water, and the final concentration of bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) was measured with a spectrophotometer. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of BiNPs against E. faecalis and S. salivarius was determined by the microbroth dilution method according to methods for antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Also, bactericidal assays were conducted in a Mueller‐Hinton broth medium and reported as the concentration of BiNPs that reduced the viable bacterial count by 99.9%. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 21 and one‐way analysis of variance, and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results. MICs of BiNP suspension against Streptococcus salivarius and Enterococcus faecalis were 2.5 and 5 μg/ml, respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of BiNP suspension against Streptococcus salivarius and Enterococcus faecalis were 5 and 10 μg/ml, respectively. Antibacterial activity of BiNPs was compared with chlorhexidine 2%. MICs of BiNPs against Streptococcus salivarius and Enterococcus faecalis were one‐twentieth less than those of chlorhexidine. MBC of BiNPs against both pathogens was one‐tenth less than those of chlorhexidine. Conclusion. BiNPs were more effective than chlorhexidine, and MIC and MBC of bismuth nanoparticles are lower than those of chlorhexidine.
Obstructive Fecalomas in an Infant Treated with Successful Endoscopic Disimpaction
Authors: Kanai Risa , Nakaya Kengo , Fukumoto Koji , Yamoto Masaya , Miyake Hiromu , Nomura Akiyoshi , Yamada Susumu , Makino Akihiro , Iwafuchi Hideto , Urushihara Naoto
Published: February 2021

A fecaloma is a mass of accumulated feces with a consistency much harder than that of a fecal impaction. It is most frequently observed in the rectum and sigmoid area, and associated complications include colonic obstruction, ulceration, bleeding, and perforation. A one-year-old, previously healthy boy with no history of chronic constipation was admitted because of vomiting and abdominal distension. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed small and large bowel distension due to multiple obstructive fecalomas in the transverse colon. As the fecalomas could not be resolved by laxatives, enemas, or colonic lavage, endoscopic disimpaction under general anesthesia was attempted. Repeatedly shaving the fecalomas with biopsy forceps finally resulted in gradual fragmentation with subsequent passage. Gastrointestinal food allergy was later suggested as the cause because eosinophilic infiltration was found in a biopsy specimen of the colon wall. Endoscopic disimpaction is an effective treatment approach for addressing fecalomas to avoid more invasive surgical intervention.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of Circular RNA circ‐ITCH Expression in Cancer Patients: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Xiao-Dong , Huan Chen , Sun Da-Wei , Lv Guo-Yue
Published: February 2021

Circular RNAs are a class of RNAs with a covalently closed configuration, and several members of them have been reported to be capable of regulating various biological processes and predicting the outcome of disease. Among them, circular RNA circ‐ITCH has been identified to be aberrantly expressed and associated with disease progression in diverse cancers. However, the correlation of circ‐ITCH expression with clinicopathological features, as well as the prognosis of cancers, remains inconclusive. Therefore, a meta‐analysis was performed to investigate the clinical significance of circ‐ITCH in cancers by systematically summarizing all eligible literatures. Up to August 31, 2020, relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A total of 1604 patients from 14 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The results showed that cancer patients with low circ‐ITCH expression were more susceptible to develop lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.67‐3.02, p ≤ 0.01), larger tumor size (OR = 3.01, 95% CI: 2.01‐4.52, p ≤ 0.01), advanced TNM stage (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.92‐4.14, p ≤ 0.01), and poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 2.07–2.90, p ≤ 0.01, univariate analysis; HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.82‐3.96, p ≤ 0.01, multivariate analysis). Thus, low circ‐ITCH expression was significantly associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and unfavorable outcome in various cancers. Therefore, circ‐ITCH may serve as a molecular therapy target and a prognostic marker in human cancers.
Power Level Control of Nuclear Power Plant Based on Asymptotical State Observer under Neutron Sensor Fault
Authors: Zhang Liming , Xie Hongyun , Duan Qizhi , Lu Chao , Li Jixue , Lv Zhihong
Published: February 2021

Power level control is one of the critical functions in the instrument and control system of nuclear power plants (NPPs). In most power level control systems of NPPs, the power level or average neutron flux in reactor cores provided by out-of-core neutron sensors are usually measured as feedback of power control systems, while, as critical measuring devices, there is a risk of damage to out-of-core neutron sensors. For improving the operation reliability of NPPs under the neutron sensors’ failure, a power control system based on power observer is developed in this work. The simulation based on NPP simulator shows the power control system based on the observer is effective when neutron sensors fail.
A New CYP2E1 Inhibitor, 12-Imidazolyl-1-dodecanol, Represents a Potential Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Diesinger Torsten , Lautwein Alfred , Bergler Sebastian , Buckert Dominik , Renz Christian , Dvorsky Radovan , Buko Vyacheslav , Kirko Siarhei , Schneider Edith , Kuchenbauer Florian , Kumar Mukesh , Günes Cagatay , Genze Felicitas , Büchele Berthold , Simmet Thomas , Haslbeck Martin , Masur Kai , Barth Thomas , Müller-Enoch Dieter , Wirth Thomas , Haehner Thomas
Published: February 2021

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is a key target protein in the development of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD). The pathophysiological correlate is the massive production of reactive oxygen species. The role of CYP2E1 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the final complication of FLD, remains controversial. Specifically, CYP2E1 has not yet been defined as a molecular target for HCC therapy. In addition, a CYP2E1-specific drug has not been developed. We have already shown that our newly developed CYP2E1 inhibitor 12-imidazolyl-1-dodecanol (I-ol) was therapeutically effective against alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of I-ol on HCC tumorigenesis and whether I-ol could serve as a possible treatment option for terminal-stage FLD. I-ol exerted a very highly significant antitumour effect against hepatocellular HepG2 cells. Cell viability was reduced in a dose-dependent manner, with only the highest doses causing a cytotoxic effect associated with caspase 3/7 activation. Comparable results were obtained for the model colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, DLD-1, whose tumorigenesis is also associated with CYP2E1. Transcriptome analyses showed a clear effect of I-ol on apoptosis and cell-cycle regulation, with the increased expression of p27Kip1 being particularly noticeable. These observations were confirmed at the protein level for HepG2 and DLD-1 cells grafted on a chorioallantoic membrane. Cell-cycle analysis showed a complete loss of proliferating cells with a simultaneous increase in S-phase arrest beginning at a threshold dose of 30 μM. I-ol also reduced xenograft tumour growth in nude mice. This antitumour effect was not associated with tumour cachexia. I-ol was not toxic to healthy tissues or organs. This study demonstrates for the first time the therapeutic effect of the specific CYP2E1 inhibitor I-ol on the tumorigenesis of HCC. Our findings imply that I-ol can potentially be applied therapeutically on patients at the final stage of FLD.
Laparoscopic versus Open Complete Mesocolic Excision for Right Colon Cancer
Authors: Zedan Ali , Elshiekh Essam , Omar Mohamed I , Raafat Mohamad , Khallaf Salah M. , Atta Haisam , Hussien Marwa T.
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives. The use of complete mesocolic excision (CME) technique seems to be gaining popularity in the management of cancer colon. We aim to compare the laparoscopic approach for CME with the open approach in right colon cancer treatment with regard to the feasibility, safety, and perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Patients and Methods. A prospective study which included all patients that underwent radical right hemicolectomy for pathologic confirmed stage II or stage III tumor with CME at South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, from January 2012 to December 2019. Patients were grouped according to the surgical approach into the laparoscopic colectomy (LCME) group (n = 48) or open colectomy (OCME) group (n = 48). Results. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the LCME group than that in the OCME group with less mean intraoperative blood loss. Conversion was required in 4 patients (8.3%) in the LCME group. The use of laparoscopy increased the number of harvested lymph nodes compared to the open approach (39.81 ± 16.74 vs. 32.65 ± 12.28, respectively,

P
=
0.010

). The laparoscopic approach was associated with a shorter time interval to first flatus as well as shorter time interval to liquid and normal diet after surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LCME group. The complication rate was slightly lower in the LCME (14.7%) than in the OCME group (27.2%) (

P
=
0.252

). The 3-year OS in the LCME group was similar to that in OCME (78.2% vs. 63.2%, respectively,

P

value = 0.423). The three-year DFS in the laparoscopic group was higher (74.5%) than the open group (60.0%), but did not reach statistical significance (

P

value = 0.266). Conclusions. In conclusion, laparoscopic CME right hemicolectomy is a technically feasible and safe procedure if surgeon expertise is present. LCME has long-term oncologic outcomes (recurrence and survival) comparable to open surgery for management of patients with stage II or III colon cancer.
Construction and Analysis of Emotion Computing Model Based on LSTM
Authors: Jiang Huiping , Jiao Rui , Wang Zequn , Zhang Ting , Wu Licheng
Published: February 2021

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most common method used to study emotions and capture electrical brain activity changes. Long short‐term memory (LSTM) processes the temporal characteristics of data and is mostly used for emotional text and speech recognition. Since an EEG involves a time series signal, this article mainly studied the introduction of LSTM for emotional EEG recognition. First, an ALL‐LSTM model with a four‐layered LSTM network was established in which the average accuracy rate for emotional classification reached 86.48%. Second, four EEG characteristics were extracted via the wavelet transform (WT) using the LSTM‐based sentiment classification network. The experimental results showed that the best average classification accuracy of these four features was 73.48%. This was 13% lower than in the ALL‐LSTM model, indicating that inappropriate feature extraction methods could destroy the timing of EEG signals. LSTM can be used to thoroughly examine EEG signal timing and preprocessed EEG data. The accuracy and stability of the ALL‐LSTM model are significantly superior to those of the WT‐LSTM model. The result showed that the process of emotion generation based on EEG is sequential. Compared with EEG emotion extraction using WT, the raw EEG signal’s timing is more suitable for the LSTM network.
Rapamycin and UCN-01 synergistically induce apoptosis in human leukemia cells through a process that is regulated by the Raf-1/MEK/ERK, Akt, and JNK signal transduction pathways
Authors: Hahn Michael , Li Weiqun , Yu Chunrong , Rahmani Mohamed , Dent Paul , Grant Steven
Published: February 2021

Interactions between the protein kinase C and Chk1 inhibitor UCN-01 and rapamycin in human leukemia cells have been investigated in relation to apoptosis induction. Treatment of U937 monocytic leukemia cells with rapamycin (10 nmol/L) in conjunction with a minimally toxic concentration of UCN-01 (100 nmol/L) for 36 hours resulted in marked potentiation of mitochondrial injury (i.e., loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytosolic release of cytochrome c, AIF, and Smac/DIABLO), caspase activation, and apoptosis. The release of cytochrome c, AIF, and Smac/DIABLO were inhibited by BOC-D-fmk, indicating that their release was caspase dependent. These events were associated with marked down-regulation of Raf-1, MEK, and ERK phosphorylation, diminished Akt activation, and enhanced phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). Coadministration of UCN-01 and rapamycin reduced the expression levels of the antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL and diminished the expression of cyclin D1 and p34cdc2. Furthermore, enforced expression of a constitutively active MEK1 or, to a lesser extent, myristoylated Akt construct partially but significantly attenuated UCN-01/rapamycin–mediated lethality in both U937 and Jurkat cell systems. Finally, inhibition of the stress-related JNK by SP600125 or by the expression of a dominant-negative mutant of c-Jun significantly attenuated apoptosis induced by rapamycin/UCN-01. Together, these findings indicate that the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor potentiates UCN-01 cytotoxicity in a variety of human leukemia cell types and suggest that inhibition of both Raf-1/MEK/ERK and Akt cytoprotective signaling pathways as well as JNK activation contribute to this phenomenon.
Bcl-XL small interfering RNA suppresses the proliferation of 5-fluorouracil-resistant human colon cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Hongbo , Guo Wei , Zhang Lidong , Davis John J. , Teraishi Fuminori , Wu Shuhong , Cao Xiaobo , Daniel Jonathan , Smythe W. Roy , Fang Bingliang
Published: February 2021

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is commonly used to treat human colon cancers but resistance to this compound is frequently observed in clinics. To characterize mechanisms of resistance to 5-FU and to develop new strategies for overcoming it, we established two cell lines that were resistant to 5-FU but not other chemotherapeutic agents from parental 5-FU-sensitive cell lines. Western blot analysis revealed that these resistant cells overexpressed the proteins Bcl-XL, Bcl-Xs, and Bik, and further data showed that the cells were resistant to 5-FU-induced DNA damage and cell cycle disorder. However, in parental cells, enforced expression of Bcl-XL protein provided only limited protection from 5-FU-induced apoptosis and overexpression of Bcl-XL protein did not affect 5-FU-induced DNA damage or cell cycle changes; these findings suggested that overexpression of Bcl-XL protein was not the major contributor to 5-FU resistance in any of our cells lines. Even so, knockdown of Bcl-XL protein expression by Bcl-XL-specific small interfering RNA could inhibit proliferation more effectively in 5-FU-resistant cells than in 5-FU-sensitive cells, and the combination of Bcl-XL-specific small interfering RNA and 5-FU had additive effect on the inhibition of 5-FU-resistant cells. These results suggest that down-regulation of Bcl-XL protein expression might provide a new treatment strategy for human 5-FU-resistant colon cancer therapy.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–related protein inhibits multiple members of the EGFR family in colon and breast cancer cells
Authors: Xu Hu , Yu Yingjie , Marciniak Dorota , Rishi Arun K. , Sarkar Fazlul H. , Kucuk Omer , Majumdar Adhip P.N.
Published: February 2021

Inactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members represents a promising strategy for the development of selective therapies against epithelial cancers. Current anti-EGFR therapies, such as cetuximab (Erbitux), gefitinib (Iressa), or trastuzumab (Herceptin), target EGFR or HER-2 but not both. Because solid tumors express different EGFRs, identification of inhibitor(s), targeting multiple EGFR family members may provide a therapeutic benefit to a broader patient population. We have identified a natural inhibitor of EGFRs called EGFR-related protein (ERRP), a 53 to 55 kDa protein that is present in most, if not all, normal human epithelial cells. The growth of colon (HCT-116, Caco2, and HT-29) and breast (MDA-MB-468 and SKBR-3) cancer cells expressing varying levels of EGFR, HER-2, and/or HER-4 was inhibited by recombinant ERRP in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, ERRP caused no inhibition of growth of normal mouse fibroblast cell lines (NIH-3T3, NIH-3T3/P67), and the growth of nontransformed rat small intestinal IEC-6 cells expressing relatively low levels of EGFRs was inhibited only at high doses of ERRP. Transforming growth factor-α or heparin-binding epidermal growth factor–induced activation of EGFR and HER-2 was inhibited by ERRP in colon and breast cancer cells expressing high levels of EGFR or HER-2. In contrast, cetuximab inhibited the growth- and ligand-induced activation of EGFR in cell lines expressing high levels of EGFR, whereas trastuzumab was effective only in HER-2–overexpressing cells. ERRP and trastuzumab, but not cetuximab, attenuated heregulin-α–induced activation of colon and breast cancer cells that expressed high levels of HER-2. Furthermore, ERRP, but not cetuximab or trastuzumab, significantly induced apoptosis of colon and breast cancer cells. None of these agents induced apoptosis of either NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast or normal rat small intestinal IEC cells. Our results suggest that ERRP is an effective pan-erbB inhibitor and, thus, may be a potential therapeutic agent for a wide variety of epithelial cancers expressing different levels and subclasses of EGFRs.
Endoscopic Removal of a Press-Through Pack from the Anal Canal
Authors: Takasu Ayaka , Ikeya Takashi , Fukuda Katsuyuki
Published: February 2021

The incidence of press-through pack (PTP) ingestion has been increasing. In many cases, the ingested PTP is lodged in the esophagus. Here, we report a case of endoscopic removal of a PTP from the anal canal. An 89-year-old man with mild dementia presented with a 3-day history of anal pain. On digital rectal examination, we felt a hard and sharp object, which could not be manually removed due to its shape. Therefore, it was removed endoscopically. We inserted an endoscope with a large-caliber soft oblique cap and observed the PTP in the anal canal. It was successfully removed using grasping forceps. The patient was stable, with only mild anal fissures, and no serious complications such as perforation and bleeding were observed. It is generally recognized that a PTP that reaches the large intestine is naturally expelled. Even if a PTP could pass through the pylorus or the small intestine, it could still be difficult to discharge naturally from the anus without discomfort or pain, as in this case.
Screening for Open Spina Bifida in a Routine Clinical Setting at the First-Trimester Scan: A Prospective Multicentre Cohort Study
Authors: Tiechl Johanna , Abdel Azim Samira , Leitner Katharina , Berger Astrid , Mutz-Dehbalaie Irene , Goebel Georg , Scheier Matthias
Published: February 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of screening for open spina bifida (OSB) integrated into the routine first-trimester screening. Method: This is a prospective multicentre study of 4,755 women undergoing first-trimester ultrasound scans over a 4-year period. Measurements of the brainstem (BS) diameter and brainstem-to-occipital-bone (BSOB) distance were performed. The cisterna magna (CM) was measured in the tilted axial view. Results: Pregnancy outcome data were available for 4,658 fetuses included in this study. There were 5 fetuses with OSB, and in all of them, the BS/BSOB ratio and the CM measurements were abnormal. The sensitivity and specificity of a BS/BSOB ratio >1 were 100%. The sensitivity of a CM width <5th centile was 100%, and the specificity was 95.1%. In 4.6% of cases, the BS/BSOB ratio was between the 95th percentile and 1. In 87.1% of these cases, the CM was normal, and 12.9% had a CM below the 5th percentile. Conclusion: Screening for OSB is feasible in routine first-trimester scans. The BS/BSOB ratio shows a very good sensitivity and specificity. In cases with near-normal values for the BS/BSOB ratio, the CM width might be helpful for further assessment.
Urinary System Iatrogenic Injuries: Problem Review
Authors: Vorobev Vladimir , Beloborodov Vladimir , Golub Igor , Frolov Aleksandr , Kelchevskaya Elena , Tsoktoev Darizhab , Maksikova Tatyana
Published: February 2021

Introduction: From May to December 2019, a literature review of the urinary system iatrogenic injury problem was performed. The most cited, representative articles in PubMed, Scopus, and WoS databases dedicated to this problem were selected. Urinary system iatrogenic injuries include ureter, bladder, urethra, and kidney traumas. It is widely thought that the main causes of such injuries are urological, obstetric, gynecological, and surgical operations on the retroperitoneal space, pelvis, or perineum. Methods: The purpose of the study is to describe all aspects of the iatrogenic injure problem, under the established scheme and for each of the most damaged organs: the urethra, bladder, kidney, and ureter. The treatment of confirmed iatrogenic injuries largely depends on the period of its detection. Modern medical procedures provide conservative or minimally invasive treatment. An untimely diagnosis worsens the treatment prognosis. “Overlooked” urinary system trauma is a serious threat to society and a particular patient. Thus, incorrect or traumatic catheterization can lead to infection (RR 95%) and urethral stricture (RR ≥11–36%), and percutaneous puncture nephrostomy can cause the risk of functional renal parenchyma loss (median 5%), urinary congestion (7%), or sepsis (0.6–1.5%). Results: Lost gain, profits, long-term and expensive, possibly multistage treatment, stress and depression, and the risks of suicide put a heavy financial, moral, and ethical burden on a person and society. Also, iatrogenic injury might have legal consequences. Discussion/Conclusion: Thus, the significant problem of urinary tract iatrogenic injuries is still difficult to solve. There is a need to implement mandatory examining algorithms for patients at risk, as well as the multidisciplinary principle for all pelvic surgery.
Effect of -55C/T Polymorphism of Uncoupling Protein 3 Gene on Risk for New-Onset Diabetes in Chinese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Yun , Dai Shuqi , Shang Da , Ge Xiaolin , Xie Qionghong , Hao Chuan-Ming , Zhu Tongying
Published: February 2021

Background: A high-glucose load in therapy can cause new-onset diabetes (NOD) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Genetic variability may result in risk modulation. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association between −55C/T polymorphism of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) gene and the risk of NOD in PD patients. Methods: Nondiabetic incident PD patients between May 2005 and January 2017 were recruited (n = 154). −55C/T polymorphism of the UCP3 was genotyped in all participants at baseline. The cohort of wild group (−55CC) and mutant group (−55CT or −55TT) was built based on the genotypic difference. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR) during the follow-up. Binary logistic regression was performed to explore the association between HOMA-IR and genotypes. Competitive risk analysis was used to analyze the impact of −55C/T polymorphism of UCP3 on risk for NOD. Results: The cohort was followed for up to 164.6 months (median: 58.3 months; interquartile range: 30.7 months). During the follow-up, 14 NODs occurred in the mutant group, while only 3 occurred in the wild group. Patients in the mutant group had higher HOMA-IR (Odd ratio: 2.210; 95% CI: 1.043–4.680; p = 0.038). Genotype with the variant T allele turned out to be an independent predictor for NOD morbidity (HR: 7.639; 95% CI: 1.798–32.451; p = 0.006). Conclusions: The variant of T allele of UCP3 −55C/T polymorphism was an independent predictor for NOD in PD patients. Early identification of the genotype may provide scientific basis for patients’ clinic management.
Effect of infant pelage colour on infant caring by other group members: a case study of wild Javan lutungs (Trachypithecus auratus)
Authors: Trisilo S.P. , Widayati K.A. , Tsuji Y.
Published: February 2021

We observed interactions of group members with seven Javan lutungs (Trachypithecus auratus) infants from January to March 2018. Infants’ pelage colouration changed from bright yellow to black, and it took about 2.9 months (on average) until the yellowness disappeared, and about 6.1 months (on average) until the colouration change was completed. Infants with yellow pelage spent more time being held and screaming, while infants with black pelage spent more time moving and feeding. The number of neighbouring animals decreased as the infants’ pelage became black, which implied that group members are attracted to the yellowness of infants. As the pelage became black and the infant aged, the neighbouring animals exhibited more social behaviour. Our results implied that bright yellow pelage colour triggers their parental instincts. The bright pelage colour would benefit infants because group members protect them from unfamiliar males and predators.
Gregory Thaumaturgus and Early Christian Apologetics
Authors: Mihai Constantin-Ionuț
Published: February 2021

Gregory Thaumaturgus has only occasionally been discussed in relation to early Christian apologetics. The paper provides a new step in this direction by exploring the points of contact between Gregory’s Address to Origen and previous apologetic literature. As the analysis below will indicate, the Address shows parallels with several apologetic texts from the second and early third century, both in terms of content and style. By discussing the apologetic topics and strategies found in the Address, I will argue that Gregory intended to respond, at least indirectly, to some of the main charges raised against Christians by their pagan opponents. Such an approach not only sheds light on the content and purposes of the Address, but also illuminates the historical and literary background against which Gregory wrote his text.
Pluteus anatolicus (Pluteaceae, Agaricales): a new species of Pluteus sect. Celluloderma from Turkey based on both morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: KAYGUSUZ OGUZHAN , KNUDSEN HENNING , MENOLLI JR. NELSON , TÜRKEKUL IBRAHIM
Published: February 2021

A new species belonging to Pluteus sect. Celluloderma with specimens collected in Artvin Province, Black Sea region, northeastern Turkey, is described as Pluteus anatolicus sp. nov. based on morphological characteristics and molecular data (nrITS). The new species was found in Fagus orientalis forests and is mainly characterized by a terrestrial habit, small-sized basidiomata, cracking pileus surface depressed at the center, broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores, narrowly utriform to narrowly fusiform or fusiform pleurocystidia with obtuse or subcapitate apex and sometimes with elongated pedicel, narrowly clavate to clavate cheilocystidia, absence of caulocystidia and pileipellis elements predominantly with a broadly mucronate apex and long pedicel. A comprehensive description and illustrations are provided, with its phylogenetic placement based on ITS also evaluated and including comparison to morphologically similar taxa and phylogenetically related species.
An account of the genus Acrobolbus Nees (Marchantiophyta: Acrobolbaceae) in Thailand with a new record, Acrobolbus knightii (Mitt.) Briscoe
Authors: SUKKHARAK PHIANGPHAK
Published: February 2021

Two species of Acrobolbus are recorded from Thailand. Of these, A. knightii is reported as a new to the country. A description, illustration, ecology, and geographical distribution of the species are provided.
A corrigendum to the phylogeny of the family Gammaridae (Crustacea: Amphipoda)
Authors: HOU ZHONGE , SKET BORIS
Published: February 2021

We stated an error in our previous DNA analysis of Gammaridae. The right position of Zenkevitchia in the phylogenetic tree is close to marine and American Gammarus spp., far from the Dinaric troglobiotic Typhlogammarus group of genera. The morphologically diverse Zenkevitchia group supports the necessity of some paraphyly in systematics.
Phylogenetic position and relationships of mountain loaches (Teleostei: Balitoridae) of the Western Ghats as revealed by CO1 sequences
Authors: SIDHARTHAN ARYA , RAGHAVAN RAJEEV , ANOOP V. K. , KESKAR ASHWINI , DAHANUKAR NEELESH
Published: February 2021

The teleostean family Balitoridae comprises small-sized freshwater fishes adapted to swift-flowing torrential mountain streams in South and South-East Asia. Little is known about their molecular phylogenetics and evolutionary biogeography, and much of the scientific literature that references them is focused on morphological taxonomy. In this paper, we generate CO1 sequences for the endemic balitorid lineages of the Western Ghats (WG) Hotspot in India, particularly for the endemic genera, Bhavania, Ghatsa and Travancoria. Integration of these data into a phylogeny revealed that the endemic WG genera together form a well-supported monophyletic clade that shows, subject to our limited taxon sampling, a sister-group relationship to the Southeast Asian genus Pseudohomaloptera. Three WG endemic species of the genus Balitora, namely B. chipkali, B. jalpalli and B. laticauda, though morphologically distinct, have low genetic divergence and barcode gap, suggestive of recent speciation. Interestingly, a fourth WG endemic, B. mysorensis, formed a clade with two species of Balitora from Eastern-Himalaya and Indo-Burma. We also show that all available CO1 sequences assigned to WG endemic balitorid genera in GenBank are misidentifications, and provide diagnostic characters for the accurate identification of these taxa in the future.
Effect of Nitrogen Addition on TiNi Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Ur Rehman Izaz , Nam Tae-Hyun
Published: February 2021

In present paper we will show how nitrogen effects microstructures, transformation temperatures, and mechanical properties of equiatomic Ti50–Ni50 and Ti-rich Ti51–Ni49 binary shape memory alloys. 0.5 at.% of nitrogen was added
to prepare Ti50–Ni49.5–N0.5, and Ti51–Ni48.5–N0.5 (at.%) alloys by arc-melting. Microstructures were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), phase constitutions were investigated by X-ray
diffraction (XRD), transformation temperatures were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and mechanical properties were tested by tensile tests. Solutions treated Ti–Ni–N shape memory alloys contain TiNi matrix without nitrogen, Ti2Ni type phase containing
a small amount of nitrogen and a new Ti2N type phase containing a small amount of nickel. Compared with Ti50–Ni50 and Ti51–Ni49 binary alloys, the martensitic transformation starts temperatures (Ms) of Ti50–Ni49.5–N0.5
and Ti51–Ni48.5–N0.5 ternary alloys decreased from 63.4 °C to 41.6 °C and from 85.3 °C to 79.4 °C, respectively. By adding N, fracture strain decreased and incomplete superelasticity was observed.
Mineralogical classification and crystal water characterisation of beryl from the W–Sn–Be occurrence of Xuebaoding, Sichuan province, western China
Authors: Wang Ping , Gray Thomas P. , Li Zhe , Anderson Evan J.D. , Allaz Julien , Smyth Joseph R. , Koenig Alan E. , Qi Lijian , Zhou Yan , Raschke Markus B.
Published: February 2021

Beryl from Xuebaoding, Sichuan Province, western China is known for its unusual tabular habit and W–Sn–Be paragenesis in a greisen-type deposit. The crystals are typically colourless transparent to pale blue, often with screw dislocations of hexagonal symmetry on the (0001) crystal faces. Combining electron microprobe analyses and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), correlated with Raman and micro-infrared (IR) spectroscopy and imaging, the crystal chemical characteristics are determined. The contents of Na+ (0.24–0.38 atoms per formula unit (apfu)) and Li+ up to 0.38 apfu are at the high end compared to beryl from other localities worldwide. Li+ substitution for Be2+ on the tetrahedral (T2) site is predominantly charge balanced by Na+ on the smaller channel (C2) site, with Na+ ranging from 91.5% to 99.7% (apfu) of the sum of all other alkali elements. Cs+ and minor Rb+ and K+ primarily charge balance the minor M2+ substitution for Al3+ at the A site; all iron at the A site is suggested to be trivalent. The a axis ranges from 9.2161(2) to 9.2171(4) Å, with unit-cell volume from 678.03(3) to 678.48(7) Å3. The c/a ratio of 1.0002–1.0005 is characteristic for T2-type beryl with unit-cell parameters controlled primarily by Be2+ substitution. Transmission micro-IR vibrational spectroscopy and imaging identifies coordination of one or two water molecules to Na+ (type IIs and type IId, respectively) as well as alkali free water (type I). Based on IR absorption cross section and XRD a C1 site water content of 0.4–0.5 apfu is derived, i.e. close to 50% site occupancy. Secondary crystal phases with a decrease in Fe and Mg, yet increase in Na, suggest early crystallisation of aquamarine, with goshenite being late. With similar crystal chemistry to beryl of columnar habit from other localities worldwide, the tabular habit of Xuebaoding beryl seems to be unrelated to chemical composition and alkali content.
Low socioeconomic status relates to asthma and wheeze, especially in women
Authors: Schyllert Christian , Lindberg Anne , Hedman Linnea , Stridsman Caroline , Andersson Martin , Ilmarinen Pinja , Piirilä Päivi , Krokstad Steinar , Lundbäck Bo , Rönmark Eva , Backman Helena
Published: February 2021

Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with asthma and wheezing. Occupational group, educational level and income are commonly used indicators for SES, but no single indicator can illustrate the entire complexity of SES. The aim was to investigate how different indicators of SES associate with current asthma, allergic and nonallergic, and asthmatic wheeze.

In 2016, a random sample of the population aged 20–79 years in Northern Sweden were invited to a postal questionnaire survey, with 58% participating (n=6854). The survey data were linked to the national Integrated Database for Labour Market Research by Statistics Sweden for the previous calendar year, 2015. Included SES indicators were occupation, educational level and income.

Manual workers had increased risk for asthmatic wheeze, and manual workers in service for current asthma, especially allergic asthma. Primary school education associated with nonallergic asthma, whereas it tended to be inversely associated with allergic asthma. Low income was associated with asthmatic wheeze. Overall, the findings were more prominent among women, and interaction analyses between sex and income revealed that women, but not men, with low income had an increased risk both for asthmatic wheeze and current asthma, especially allergic asthma.

To summarise, the different indicators of socioeconomic status illustrated various aspects of associations between low SES and asthma and wheeze, and the most prominent associations were found among women.
Immune defects in patients with pulmonaryMycobacterium abscessusdisease without cystic fibrosis
Authors: Schuurbiers Milou M.F. , Bruno Mariolina , Zweijpfenning Sanne M.H. , Magis-Escurra Cecile , Boeree Martin , Netea Mihai G. , van Ingen Jakko , van de Veerdonk Frank , Hoefsloot Wouter
Published: February 2021

The prevalence ofMycobacterium abscessusinfections in non-cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has increased in recent years. In this study, we investigate whether immune defects explain the apparent susceptibility to this opportunistic infection in non-CF patients.

We performed stimulations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and whole blood from 13 patients withM. abscessuspulmonary disease and 13 healthy controls to investigate their cytokine production after 24 h and 7 days.

Patients were predominantly women (54%) with a mean age of 59 years; 62% had nodular bronchiectatic disease. Many patients had predisposing pulmonary diseases, such as COPD (46%), and asthma (23%). Patients with COPD showed an impaired interleukin (IL)-6 response toM. abscessusand a reduced IL-17 response toCandida, together with aM. abscessus-specific enhanced IL-22 production. Patients without COPD showed higher levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), an anti-inflammatory molecule. Within the non-COPD patients, those with bronchiectasis showed defective interferon (IFN)-γ production in response toCandida albicans.

In conclusion, susceptibility toM. abscessusis likely determined by a combination of immunological defects and predisposing pulmonary disease. The main defect in the innate immune response was a shift of the ratio of IL-1β to IL-1Ra, which decreased the bioactivity of this pathway in the adaptive immune response. In the adaptive immune response there was defective IL-17 and IFN-γ production. Patients with COPD and bronchiectasis showed different cytokine defects. It is therefore crucial to interpret the immunological results within the clinical background of the patients tested.