bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameter Adaptive Terminal Sliding Mode Control of Flexible Coupling Air-Breathing Hypersonic Vehicle
Authors: Chen Haibing , Lin Wei , Ma Tielin , Jin Hengxian , Xu Cheng
Published: July 2020

The highly nonlinear and coupling characteristics of a flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle create great challenges to its flight control design. A unique parameter adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode method is proposed for longitudinal control law design of a flexible coupling air-breathing hypersonic vehicle. This method uses adaptive reaching law gain instead of the additional adaptive compensation term to handle the uncertainty to improve robustness. The stability of the close loop system is proved via a Lyapunov way. The longitudinal tracking control law for velocity and angle of attack is designed based on a rigid dynamic model of a flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle. A strong coupling model of the same vehicle, considering aerodynamic-scramjet engine-flight dynamic-elastic couplings, is established as the verification platform of the designed control law. The remarkable differences of flight dynamic characteristics between this strong coupling model and the rigid body model can be seen, which mean the controller needs to endure very great uncertainty, unmodeled dynamics, and other types of internal disturbance. Simulation results based on the coupling model demonstrate that the designed control law has good performance and acceptable robustness.
Suppression of ABCE1-Mediated mRNA Translation Limits N-MYC–Driven Cancer Progression
Authors: Gao Jixuan , Jung MoonSun , Mayoh Chelsea , Venkat Pooja , Hannan Katherine M. , Fletcher Jamie I. , Kamili Alvin , Gifford Andrew J. , Kusnadi Eric P. , Pearson Richard B. , Hannan Ross D. , Haber Michelle , Norris Murray D. , Somers Klaartje , Henderson Michelle J.
Published: July 2020

The ability of the N-MYC transcription factor to drive cancer progression is well demonstrated in neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor, where MYCN amplification heralds a poor prognosis, with only 11% of high-risk patients surviving past 5 years. However, decades of attempts of direct inhibition of N-MYC or its paralogues has led to the conclusion that this protein is “undruggable.” Therefore, targeting pathways upregulated by N-MYC signaling presents an alternative therapeutic approach. Here, we show that MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas are characterized by elevated rates of protein synthesis and that high expression of ABCE1, a translation factor directly upregulated by N-MYC, is itself a strong predictor of poor clinical outcome. Despite the potent ability of N-MYC in heightening protein synthesis and malignant characteristics in cancer cells, suppression of ABCE1 alone selectively negated this effect, returning the rate of translation to baseline levels and significantly reducing the growth, motility, and invasiveness of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells and patient-derived xenograft tumors in vivo. The growth of nonmalignant cells or MYCN-nonamplified neuroblastoma cells remained unaffected by reduced ABCE1, supporting a therapeutic window associated with targeting ABCE1. Neuroblastoma cells with c-MYC overexpression also required ABCE1 to maintain cell proliferation and translation. Taken together, ABCE1-mediated translation constitutes a critical process in the progression of N-MYC–driven and c-MYC–driven cancers that warrants investigations into methods of its therapeutic inhibition.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that N-MYC–driven cancers are reliant on elevated rates of protein synthesis driven by heightened expression of ABCE1, a vulnerability that can be exploited through suppression of ABCE1.
Mathematical Modeling Provides Evidence for Niche Competition in Human AML and Serves as a Tool to Improve Risk Stratification
Authors: Stiehl Thomas , Wang Wenwen , Lutz Christoph , Marciniak-Czochra Anna
Published: July 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a stem cell–driven malignant disease. There is evidence that leukemic stem cells (LSC) interact with stem cell niches and outcompete hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). The impact of this interaction on the clinical course of the disease remains poorly understood. We developed and validated a mathematical model of stem cell competition in the human HSC niche. Model simulations predicted how processes in the stem cell niche affect the speed of disease progression. Combining the mathematical model with data of individual patients, we quantified the selective pressure LSCs exert on HSCs and demonstrated the model's prognostic significance. A novel model-based risk-stratification approach allowed extraction of prognostic information from counts of healthy and malignant cells at the time of diagnosis. This model's feasibility was demonstrable based on a cohort of patients with ALDH-rare AML and shows that the model-based risk stratification is an independent predictor of disease-free and overall survival. This proof-of-concept study shows how model-based interpretation of patient data can improve prognostic scoring and contribute to personalized medicine.

Significance:

Combining a novel mathematical model of the human hematopoietic stem cell niche with individual patient data enables quantification of properties of leukemic stem cells and improves risk stratification in acute myeloid leukemia.
Circadian Rhythm Is Disrupted by ZNF704 in Breast Carcinogenesis
Authors: Yang Chao , Wu Jiajing , Liu Xinhua , Wang Yue , Liu Beibei , Chen Xing , Wu Xiaodi , Yan Dong , Han Lulu , Liu Shumeng , Shan Lin , Shang Yongfeng
Published: July 2020

Copy number gain in chromosome 8q21 is frequently detected in breast cancer, yet the oncogenic potential underlying this amplicon in breast carcinogenesis remains to be delineated. We report here that ZNF704, a gene mapped to 8q21, is recurrently amplified in various malignancies including breast cancer. ZNF704 acted as a transcriptional repressor and interacted with the transcriptional corepressor SIN3A complex. Genome-wide interrogation of transcriptional targets revealed that the ZNF704/SIN3A complex represses a panel of genes including PER2 that are critically involved in the function of the circadian clock. Overexpression of ZNF704 prolonged the period and dampened the amplitude of the circadian clock. ZNF704 promoted the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and accelerated the growth and metastasis of breast cancer in vivo. Consistently, the level of ZNF704 expression inversely correlated with that of PER2 in breast carcinomas, and high level of ZNF704 correlated with advanced histologic grades, lymph node positivity, and poor prognosis of patients with breast cancer, especially those with HER2+ and basal-like subtypes. These results indicate that ZNF704 is an important regulator of the circadian clock and a potential driver for breast carcinogenesis.

Significance:

This study indicates that ZNF704 could be a potential oncogenic factor, disrupting circadian rhythm of breast cancer cells and contributing to breast carcinogenesis.
Casos de polissemia e escolhas de tradução do conto O pequeno robot perdido, de Isaac Asimov
Authors: Pereira Fernanda Libério , Pisetta Lenita Maria Rimoli
Published: July 2020

Neste trabalho analisaremos a tradução de termos polissêmicos do conto de Ficção Científica Little lost robot (1947), de Isaac Asimov, publicado no Brasil em 1958 sob o título O pequeno robot perdido. Consideraremos a hipótese de que o autor utiliza a polissemia como ferramenta criativa e que os jogos polissêmicos adquirem importância no próprio enredo, devendo ser mantidos na tradução. A fim de contextualizar a análise, discutiremos a conceituação de polissemia e os desafios enfrentados em seu processo de tradução, além de comentar a relação das obras de Asimov com a investigação da competência comunicativa e do desenvolvimento cognitivo de humanos e robôs. Finalmente, abordaremos as possíveis motivações para as escolhas tradutórias empregadas na versão brasileira do conto, avaliando se o texto foi capaz de reproduzir a multiplicidade semântica explorada na obra original.
Influence of Sex on Platelet Reactivity in Response to Aspirin
Authors: Friede Kevin A. , Infeld Margaret M. , Tan Ru San , Knickerbocker Holly J. , Myers Rachel A. , Dubois Laura G. , Thompson J. Will , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Ortel Thomas L. , Voora Deepak
Published: July 2020

Background

There are sex differences in the efficacy and safety of aspirin for the prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke. Whether this is explained by underlying differences in platelet reactivity and aspirin response remains poorly understood.

Methods and Results

Healthy volunteers (n=378 208 women) and patients with coronary artery disease or coronary artery disease risk factors (n=217 112 women) took aspirin for 4 weeks. Light transmittance aggregometry using platelet‐rich plasma was used to measure platelet reactivity in response to epinephrine, collagen, and
ADP
at baseline, 3 hours after the first aspirin dose, and after 4 weeks of daily aspirin therapy. A subset of patients underwent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment with levels of salicylate and cyclooxygenase‐1–derived prostaglandin metabolites and light transmittance aggregometry in response to arachidonic acid and after ex vivo exposure to aspirin. At baseline, women had increased platelet aggregation in response to
ADP
and collagen. Innate platelet response to aspirin, assessed with ex vivo aspirin exposure of baseline platelets, did not differ by sex. Three hours after the first oral aspirin dose, platelet aggregation was inhibited in women to a greater degree in response to epinephrine and to a lesser degree with collagen. After 4 weeks of daily therapy, despite higher salicylate concentrations and greater cyclooxygenase‐1 inhibition, women exhibited an attenuation of platelet inhibition in response to epinephrine and
ADP
.

Conclusions

We observed agonist‐dependent sex differences in platelet responses to aspirin. Despite higher cyclooxygenase‐1 inhibition, daily aspirin exposure resulted in a paradoxical attenuation of platelet inhibition in response to epinephrine and
ADP
over time in women but not in men.
Is Atrial Fibrillation Noninducibility by Burst Pacing After Catheter Ablation Associated With Reduced Clinical Recurrence?
Authors: Liu Hualong , Yuan Ping , Zhu Xin , Fu Linghua , Hong Kui , Hu Jinzhu
Published: July 2020

Background

To date, there is no cumulative evidence supporting the association of atrial fibrillation (AF) noninducibility after ablation and freedom from AF. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine whether AF noninducibility by burst pacing after catheter ablation is associated with reduced AF recurrence.

Methods and Results

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases through July 2019 to identify studies that evaluated AF noninducibility versus inducibility by burst pacing after catheter ablation for freedom from AF. A fixed effects model was used to estimate relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs. Twelve prospective cohort studies with AF noninducibility (n=1612) and inducibility (n=1160) were included. Compared with AF inducibility, AF noninducibility by burst pacing after ablation was associated with a reduced risk of AF recurrence (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.60–0.77). Subgroup analysis showed that different AF types (paroxysmal AF and nonparoxysmal AF), different follow‐up times (≤6, 6–12, and >12 months), and different degrees of burst pacing (mild, moderate, severe) had no significant impact on the RRs. However, different cut‐off times for AF inducibility had a significant impact on the RR (
P
interaction
=0.009), and only the cut‐off time of 1 minute showed a significant correlation (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.45–0.66).

Conclusions

AF noninducibility by burst pacing after catheter ablation is associated with reduced clinical recurrence of AF. Induction protocols with a different cut‐off time for AF inducibility have a significant impact on the correlation, and the AF ≥1 minute for AF inducibility is recommended.
Causes of Death and Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Goldstein Sarah A. , D’Ottavio Alfred , Spears Tracy , Chiswell Karen , Hartman Robert J. , Krasuski Richard A. , Kemper Alex R. , Meyer Robert E. , Hoffman Timothy M. , Walsh Michael J. , Sang Charlie J. , Paolillo Joseph , Li Jennifer S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Little is known about the contemporary mortality experience among adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). The objectives of this study were to assess the age at death, presence of cardiovascular comorbidities, and most common causes of death among adults with CHD in a contemporary cohort within the United States.

Methods and Results

Patients with CHD who had a healthcare encounter between 2008 and 2013 at 1 of 5 comprehensive CHD centers in North Carolina were identified by
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
(
ICD‐9
), code. Only patients who could be linked to a North Carolina death certificate between 2008 and 2016 and with age at death ≥20 years were included. Median age at death and underlying cause of death based on death certificate data were analyzed. The prevalence of acquired cardiovascular risk factors was determined from electronic medical record data. Among the 629 included patients, the median age at death was 64.2 years. Those with severe CHD (n=157, 25%), shunts (n=202, 32%), and valvular lesions (n=174, 28%) had a median age at death of 46.0, 65.0, and 73.3 years, respectively. Cardiovascular death was most common in adults with severe CHD (60%), with 40% of those deaths caused by CHD. Malignancy and ischemic heart disease were the most common causes of death in adults with nonsevere CHD. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia were common comorbidities among all CHD severity groups.

Conclusions

The most common underlying causes of death differed by lesion severity. Those with severe lesions most commonly died from underlying CHD, whereas those with nonsevere disease more commonly died from non‐CHD causes.
On Visual Representations in Science
Authors: De Haro Sebastian
Published: July 2020

This is a review of Nicola Mößner’s Visual Representations in Science. Concept and Epistemology.
Sweetness in an Age Caught between Anti-Stoic Regret and Sisyphurian Cynicism
Authors: Mbogo Fredrick
Published: July 2020

This paper makes a comparative study of the dialogue found in John Sibi-Okumu’s Role Play with that in Francis Imbuga’s Betrayal in the City. It stems from the claim that both plays situate characters in spaces, through their dialogue, where escape becomes vital. Essentially, the paper focuses on characters either in regret, as Mzee in Role Play, or seeped in an urgency of correcting mistakes made within the political arena, as is the case in conversations between Mosese and Jere in Betrayal in the City. Mzee thinks himself a failure, an individual who has stood by as political decision after another have led to the mess he now finds his countrymen in. On the other hand, Mosese and Jere are in a dialogue that at first seems to suggest a Sisyphurian kind of cynicism, but which morphs into a kind of exhortation for action against oppressing circumstances. The question then is whether a director’s possible interpretation can capture the depth of Mzee’s agony while delivering an aesthetic presentation or whether as in the case of Imbuga’s Mosese and Jere, the mood swings from cynicism to agitation can muzzle the dulce, or sweetness, of the presentation.
Neuroprotective Effects of Salidroside Against Beta-Amyloid-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease Mice Through the PKC/p38MAPK Pathway
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Sixia , Xie Zeping , Lu Hui , Ling Junjun , Cheng Weidong
Published: July 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease as well as the main cause of dementia. A progressive cognitive decline with age is considered as the major manifestation of AD. Amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) is one of the primary causes leading to cognitive
dysfunction in AD. Recent studies have suggested that the activation of PKC/p38MAPK pathway is related to the neurotoxicity induced by β-amyloid. Salidroside is the major active component of Rhodiola crenu-lata, has been reported with widely neuroprotective effects. The
protective effects of salidroside against β-amyloid induced neural apoptosis via the MAPKs pathway has been confirmed in the vitro study. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of salidroside through the PKC/p38MAPK pathway in β-amyloid induced
AD mice. The results by Y maze showed that salidroside improved Aβ-induced cognitive impairment. Nissl staining results showed that salidroside affected neuronal damage in hippocampus and cerebral cortex of AD mice. Western blot results revealed that salidroside enhanced protein
expression of p-PKC, whereas it suppressed protein expression of p-p38MAPK, Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Thus, the present results demonstrated that salidroside ameliorated cognitive dysfunction in Aβ25–35 induced AD mice. And the effects on protein expression of
p-PKC and p-p38MAPK contributed to the neuroprotective effects of salidroside against neural apoptosis in AD mice.
The Role of miR-382-5p in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An In Vitro Study with Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Meng Deqian , Pan Wenyou , Li Ju
Published: July 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune inflammatory disease with high morbidity. MiR-382-5p may be associated with progression from systemic autoimmunity to RA inflammation. The present study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of miR-382-5p in the pathogenesis of
RA. In present study, the decreased expression of miR-382-5p was observed in RA-FLSs. Furthermore, miR-382-5p overexpression inhibited the proliferation and invasion of RA-FLS cells. In addition, miR-382-5p overexpression inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines and promoted apoptosis
of RA-FLS cells. Finally, miR-382-5p overexpression induced inactivation of TLR4/NF-κB/Cox2 signaling pathway. Our findings implied that miR-382-5p exerts regulative effect on pathogenesis of RA and indicated that miR-382-5p may represent as an effective therapeutic
target in the clinical treatment of RA.
Effect of Glucose Metabolism Related Protein-1 on Proliferation and Apoptosis of MIN6 Cells
Authors: Zhang Yugui , Kang Yueya , Zheng Lixia , Zheng Zhugui , He Jinshui
Published: July 2020

Apoptosis of islet β cells participates in type 1 diabetes. Exendin-4 promotes islet β cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Glucose metabolism related protein-1 (GMRP-1) has the similar effects on islet β cell. Whether the effect of exendin-4
islet β-cells is regulated by GMRP-1 is not clear. GMRP-1 siRNA or pEGFP-C3-GMRP-1 recombinant plasmid was transfected into MIN6 cells and treated with t-BHP in the presence of exendin-4 (0, 50, 100 and 200 nmol/L) followed by analysis of cell proliferation ability by CCK8 assay,
apoptosis by flow cytometry, as well as GMRP-1 protein level by Western blot. After transfection of the plasmid with high expression of GMRP-1, the number of MIN6 cells was increased significantly, and the apoptosis rate was reduced (P < 0.05). With increased exendin-4 concentration,
the number of cell proliferation was increased gradually with reduced cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). After the expression of GMRP-1 was decreased after GMRP-1 siRNA interference fragment transfection, the number of MIN6 cells was decreased significantly and the apoptosis was elevated
(P < 0.05), whereas, exendin-4’s effect on the proliferation of MIN6 cells and inhibition of apoptosis was attenuated. GMRP-1 affects the proliferation and apoptosis of MIN6 cells, and regulates exonin-4-induced MIN6 cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Effect of miR-124 on the Biological Characteristics of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: He Linfu , XiaoyanHe  , Liu Xiaocui , Shi Wenjing , PeiXu  , Zhang Zhicai
Published: July 2020

miR-124 affects migration and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but its role in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in tumor microenvironment remain unclear. Therefore, our study aims to assess miR-124’s role in BMSCs in glioma microenvironment. BMSCs were
isolated and co-cultured with glioma cells using Transwell chamber and then transfected with miR-124 mimic/NC followed by analysis of BMSCs biological characteristics (cell proliferation by CCK8, miR-124 level by Real-time PCR, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry, and cell migration
by Transwell). There were significant differences of cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle in BMSCs group compared to co-culture and co-culture+ miR-NC group (P < 0.05), without no difference compared to co-culture + miR-124 group. In addition, co-culture + miR-124
also showed significant differences of BMSCs' biological characteristics (P < 0.05). miR-124 can alter the biological characteristics of BMSCs in the tumor microenvironment simulated by C6 brain glioma cells.
Enhanced β-Catenin/Foxo1 Activity Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting β-Catenin/T Cell Factor Signaling
Authors: Gui Kun , Huang Yu , Wang Meijin , Yang Jun
Published: July 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia, resulting in chronic respiratoryfailure and eventually death. β-catenin/Foxo1 showed a protective property in kidney fibrosis, but the role of β-catenin/Foxo1 in IPF
was unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of β-catenin/Foxo1 in IPF and explore its underlying mechanism. The IPF model was established by injection of bleomycin (BLM) in vivo and stimulation by TGF-β1 in MRC5 cell in vitro. Haematoxylin-eosin
staining and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed to examine histopathological injury in lung. Protein expression of corresponding genes was detected using western blot. Immunofluorescence staining assay was carried out to detect the expression of β-catenin, Foxo1,
TCF and α-SMA. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined using ELISA kit assay. The results showed that BLM induced a serious pulmonary injury and proliferated fibroblasts. A higher interaction of β-catenin with TCF and a lower interaction of
β-catenin with Foxo1 was found in BLM group compared to the control group. TGF-β1 promoted β-catenin/TCF, whereas ICG-001 inhibited β-catenin/TCF, and promoted β-catenin/Foxo1. Furthermore, ICG-001 reversed TGF-β1 induced
largely production of inflammatory cytokines and accumulation of extracellular matrix, as well as high expression of α-SMA. However, AS1842856, a FOXO1 antagonist, strengthened the effects induced by TGF-β1. In summary, our study revealed that β-catenin/Foxo1
protected against IPF through inhibiting inflammatory response and extracellular matrix accumulation, providing an alternative approach to explain the potential mechanism of IPF and seek for more effective therapeutic drugs.
Inhibition of miR-200c Expression Promotes Activation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK)/ Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathway and Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation in Osteoporosis Mice
Authors: Wang Sheng , Min Zhonghan , Gu Run , Yu Zhongwei , Chen Pingquan , Wang Haidong , Zhou Ying , Shen Zhongwei
Published: July 2020

During OP bone metabolism, activated MAPK signaling can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts. miRNAs involve in bone diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate miR-200c’s effect on ERK/MAPK signaling pathway in OP. miR-200c expression in OP mice and normal mice
was detected by qPCR. BMSCs were cultured and transfected with siRNA to establish a miR-200c knockout model. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and ERK/MAPK signaling protein was detected by Western blot. miR-200c expression in OP mice was significantly lower than that in normal
mice. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) contain a large amount of siRNA particles under a fluorescence microscope. siRNA transfection can effectively inhibit miR-200c expression without difference of BMSCs apoptosis between miR-200c siRNA group and NC group. However, ERK1/2 and P38
expression in experimental group were significantly higher than those in NC siRNA group with reduced ALP activity. In addition, BMSCs osteogenic differentiation was further diminished when miR-200c expression was inhibited. miR-200c expression is lower in OP mice. miR-200c siRNA inhibits BMSCs
osteogenic differentiation via ERK/MAPK signaling, thereby promoting OP progression.
2Fibulin-5 Inhibits Proliferation of Endometrial Carcinoma Ishikawa Cells by Down-Regulating β-Catenin
Authors: Chu Jing , Tong Zhichao , Zhou Xiaolan , Li Teng
Published: July 2020

Endometrial cancer is a malignance in the uterus. The incidence of endometrial cancer is increasing recent years. Fibulin-5 participates in tissue homeostasis. The exact role of Fibulin-5 in endometrial cancer, such as becoming a sensitive tumor marker for endometrial cancer for diagnosis
and follow-up, remains to be determined. 30 cases of endometrial tissue cancer specimens and adjacent tissues were collected for analysis of the expression of Fibulin-5 by western blot. Endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells (ECICs) were cultured and the level of Fibulin-5 was regulated via
transfection. β-catenin level was measured followed by analysis of cell viability by MTT assay or BrdU staining. Results showed that Fibulin-5 in endometrial carcinoma tissues was significantly downregulated compared to para cancer tissues. Overexpression of Fibulin-5 decreased
cell viability of endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells (ECICs) whereas downregulation increased cell viability. Meanwhile, Fibulin-5 overexpression significantly downregulated β-catenin and β-catenin knockdown blocked the proliferation effect caused by Fibulin-5 on
ECICs. In conclusion, Fibulin-5 could inhibit cancer cell proliferation possibly via β-catenin related pathway.
miR-21 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis Through Regulating the Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog/Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathway in Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhan Zhijia , Xu Xiaoyan , Li Zining , Chen Xiujuan , Li Qian , Wang Xiaolei
Published: July 2020

A variety of miRNAs regulate cellular physiology and tumor cells. miR-21 regulates tumorigenesis though the modulating cell apoptosis, migration and invasiveness via activating PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway. This study aimed to assess miR-21’s effect on cervical cancer cells and
the underlying mechanisms. HeLa were cultured in DMEM medium. Western blotting was to measure bcl-2, bax, p-Akt, PTEN protein level. Annexin V-FITC was measured to analyze the samples by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Our result showed that miR-21 significantly induced the cell
apoptosis of HeLa via decreasing the protein expression of bcl-2. miR-21 markedly inhibited PI3K/Akt signaling, increased PTEN level, induced cancer cell apoptosis and retarded the tumor angiogenesis and proliferation. miR-21 could regulate the proliferation of HeLa via upregulation of PTEN
and downregulation of PI3K/Akt pathway, which provides a novel therapeutic insight for the therapy of cervical cancer.
Effect of Hepatic Kinase B1 (LKB1) on Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells During Senescence
Authors: Jiang Wenxiao , Zhang Yijun , Huang Ye , Cheng Yunfeng , Liu Zhigang
Published: July 2020

Hepatic kinase B1 (LKB1) is a tumor suppressor and regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, whether LKB1 affects bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) osteogenic differentiation of during aging remains unclear. Two BMSCs derived from Zempster24−/− (aging)
and Zempster24+/+ (normal) mice were cultured in vitro followed by measurement of LKB1 expression by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. LKB1 siRNA was transfected into Zempster24−/−BMSCs and LKB1 expression was measured. 14 days after osteogenic induction, mineralized
nodule formation was evaluated by alizarin red staining, expression of Calcin, type I collagen, RUNX2 and OPN mRNA expression was measured, together with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the PI3K/mTOR pathway activity. Compared with normal BMSCs, LKB1 expression was significantly increased,
calcified nodules were decreased, with reduced expression of osteocalcin, type I collagen, RUNX2 and OPN mRNA as well as decreased ALP activity and PI3K/mTOR signaling protein expression (P < 0.05). LKB1 siRNA transfection into senescent BMSCs down-regulated LKB1 expression, increased
calcification nodule formation, expression of osteocalcin, type I collagen, RUNX2 and OPN mRNA, as well as increased ALP activity and PI3K/mTOR pathway protein expression (P < 0.05). Aging can promote the increase of LKB1 expression and inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Down-regulation of LKB1 expression in BMSCs during senescence can promote osteogenic differentiation through regulating PI3K/mTOR pathway.
Using a dynamically selective support vector data description model to discover novelties in the control system of electric arc furnace
Authors: Zhang Jiong , Wang Yue , Li Qian , Wang Biao
Published: July 2020

As increasing data-driven control strategies are applied in electric arc furnace systems, the problem of novelty detection has drawn more attentions than before. The presence of outliers should be the main obstacle in practical applications for these advanced control techniques. To this end, this paper proposes a dynamically selective support vector data description model to discover novelties in electric arc furnace. In this model, support vector data description plays the role of base detector. Artificial outliers are generated with two objectives, one is to assist the dynamic selection, and the other is to optimize two parameters of support vector data description. Then clustering technique is used to determine the validation set for each test point. Finally, a probabilistic method is used to compute the competence of base detectors. In contrast to other novelty ensembles that have parallel structures, our ensemble model has a dynamic selection mechanism that could facilitate the mining of the potential of base detectors. Three synthetic and three real-world datasets are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed detection model. Experimental results have approved our method by comparing it with several competitors.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on socioeconomic and mental health aspects in Nepal
Authors: Poudel Kritika , Subedi Pramod
Published: July 2020

Background:

Public health concern is increasing with recent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Nepal. To curb this pandemic, Nepal is facing some forms of lockdown, encouraging people to implement social distancing so as to reduce interactions between people which could eventually reduce the possibilities of new infection; however, it has affected the overall physical, mental, social and spiritual health of the people.

Methods:

Published articles related to psychosocial effects due to COVID-19 and other outbreaks were searched and reviewed.

Conclusion:

While many countries are supporting their citizens with sophisticated health safety-nets and various relief funds, some developing countries have unique challenges with vulnerable populations and limited resources to respond to the pandemic. This review presents the consequences of pandemic and lockdown on socioeconomic, mental health and other aspects in Nepalese society.
The challenge and promise of Christian mission to Muslims in a neocolonial era
Authors: Kuhn Michael F.
Published: July 2020

Christian mission initiatives towards Muslim peoples which originate from the West are often perceived as an expression of a colonialist mindset expressed through religion. This article proposes to listen attentively to that critique, first through the writings of Edward Said ( Orientalism) and Ussama Makdisi ( Artillery of Heaven). Contemporary political and military developments in the Muslim world are also observed as factors in the colonialist narrative. These include the Iraq War, the issue of Israel–Palestine and the current flight of historic Christians from the Middle East. Each of these tragic developments implicates Western Christianity, reinforcing Eastern proclivities to the accusation of colonialist mission. Though the accusation of colonialism is unlikely to disappear, Western mission efforts can take measures to soften its blow. By renouncing political affiliations and working collaboratively and holistically, Western Christians can continue to pursue mission objectives in the Muslim world.
What led Thai-Buddhist background-believers to become Christian? A grounded-theory study
Authors: Hilderbrand Kelly Michael
Published: July 2020

The central question of this grounded-theory study was what do Thai-Buddhist background-believers perceive as factors or influences that led them to become Christian? Other studies have been done to identify factors or reasons Thai people become Christian. Still, few qualitative or mixed studies have been done on this subject. This study identified three factors that Thai-Buddhist background-believers expressed as influences or factors in their Christian conversion: feeling dissatisfaction, encountering cognitive dissonance between Buddhist and Christian worldviews, and supernatural encounters with God. The significant component in the majority of accounts was a supernatural encounter that influenced the convert’s decision to become a Christian. Furthermore, in every situation, the participant made a conscious decision to seek God or to find more information about God.
Contributions, challenges, and emerging patterns of short-term missions
Authors: Twibell Simone Mulieri
Published: July 2020

It was not until the last decade that missiologists placed the short-term missions (STM) movement at the center of their research. As the initial wave of STM scholarship surfaced, research centered on measuring the impact of STM on participants. Later, attention shifted to unraveling the impact upon the host community. More recently, with the exponential growth of partnerships between congregations in the Global North and the South, researchers have focused on analyzing the prevalent dynamics and patterns of relationships that involve STM teams. This article unravels the impact of STM in terms of its contributions and challenges to the global missionary enterprise and describes emerging patterns, such as reverse STM and multicultural STM teams.
Echocardiographic findings on aortic stenosis: an observational, prospective, and multi-center registry
Authors: Anwer Shehab , Oğuz Didem , Galian-Gay Laura , Peovska Mitevska Irena , Baghdassarian Lilit , Dulgheru Raluca , Lapinskas Tomas , Santoro Ciro , Loizos Savvas , Cameli Matteo , Srbinovska Elizabeta , Grapsa Julia , Magne Julien , Donal Erwan
Published: July 2020

Background:

The aim of this aortic stenosis registry was to investigate the changes of routine echocardiographic indices and strain in patients with moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis over a 6-month follow-up period.

Methods:

Our aortic stenosis registry is observational, prospective, multicenter registry of nine countries, with 197 patients with aortic valve area less than 1.5 cm2. The enrolment took place from January to August 2017. We excluded patients with uncontrolled atrial arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension or cardiomyopathies, as well as those with hemodynamically significant valvular disease other than aortic stenosis. We included patients who did not require intervention and who had a complete follow-up study.

Results:

In patients with preserved ejection fraction, left ventricular mass has significantly increased between baseline and follow-up studies (218 ± 34 grams vs 253 ± 29 grams, p = 0.02). However, when indexed to body surface area, there was no significant difference. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain significantly decreased (-19.7 ± -4.8 vs (-16.4 vs -3.8, p = 0.01). Left atrial volume was significantly higher at follow-up (p = 0.035). Right ventricular basal diameter and mid-cavity diameter were greater at the follow-up (p = 0.04 and p = 0.035, respectively). Patients with low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis had significantly lower global longitudinal strain (-12.3% ± -3.9% vs -19.7% ± -4.8%, p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Left atrial dilatation is one of the first changes to take place in low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis patients even when left ventricular dimensions and function remains intact. Global longitudinal strain is an important determinant of left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction and right ventricular function is an important parameter of aortic stenosis assessment. Accordingly, our registry has further shed the light on these indices role as multisite follow-up of aortic stenosis.
Prolonged duration of repolarization and decreased conduction velocity in the atrial myocardium after hypothermic ischemia-reperfusion may be related to expressions of inward rectifier potassium channel 2.1 protein and connexin 40
Authors: He Youqin , Wang Guilong , Gao Hong , Liu Yanqiu , Li Huayu , Feng Yurong , Tang Jian
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

The study aimed to determine the role of inward rectifier potassium channel 2.1 protein and connexin 40 expressions in regulating the duration of repolarization and conduction velocity of right atrial myocardium in rats following hypothermic ischemia-reperfusion.

Methods:

The Langendorff isolated rat cardiac perfusion models were divided into control (C) and hypothermic ischemia-reperfusion groups, with 8 models in group C and 16 models in group ischemia-reperfusion. Depending on the incidence of atrial arrhythmia after reperfusion, the models in group ischemia-reperfusion were further divided into reperfusion non-atrial arrhythmia or reperfusion atrial arrhythmia subgroup. Right atrial monophasic action potential duration at 50% and 90% of repolarization after 30 minutes of continuous perfusion in group C and group ischemia-reperfusion (T0), 105 minutes of continuous perfusion in group C or after 15 minutes of reperfusion in group ischemia-reperfusion (T1) and 120 minutes of continuous perfusion in group C or 30 minutes of reperfusion in group ischemia-reperfusion (T2) were recorded. Right atrial conduction velocity and effective refractory period were recorded at T2. Then, the expressions of inward rectifier potassium channel 2.1 protein and connexin 40 in the right atrial myocardium were detected.

Results:

Monophasic action potential duration at 50% and 90% were higher at T1 and T2 than those at T0 in subgroup reperfusion atrial arrhythmia (p < 0.05); monophasic action potential duration at 50% in subgroup reperfusion atrial arrhythmia were larger than group C and subgroup reperfusion non-atrial arrhythmia at T1 and T2 (p < 0.05); monophasic action potential duration at 90% in subgroup reperfusion atrial arrhythmia were larger than group C and subgroup reperfusion non-atrial arrhythmia at T1 and T2 (p < 0.05); effective refractory period in subgroup reperfusion atrial arrhythmia was greater than that in group C and subgroup reperfusion non-atrial arrhythmia, and the conduction velocity and the expressions of inward rectifier potassium channel 2.1 protein and connexin 40 were significantly lower than group C and subgroup reperfusion non-atrial arrhythmia (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The prolonged duration of repolarization and a decrease in conduction velocity of the atrial myocardium occur in rats after hypothermic ischemia-reperfusion. These observed effects may be related to the downregulated expressions of connexin 40 and inward rectifier potassium channel 2.1.
Case report of successful peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with chronic type B aortic dissection
Authors: Au Shek-yin , Fong Ka-man , Ng Wing-yiu George , So Sheung-on , Leung Kit-hung Anne
Published: July 2020

A case report of successful application of peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with chronic type B aortic dissection and myocardial stunning to bridge to recovery was presented. Good outcomes from the application of peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in aortic dissection have rarely been reported, and the considerations of starting veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in this situation were seldom discussed. The orthodox that peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an absolute contraindication for initiation of peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be challenged. With proper planning and real-time transesophageal echocardiography–guided cannulation, peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is possibly beneficial. The considerations and echocardiography-guided techniques would be discussed in this report.
Bilateral sequential lung transplantation in Jehovah’s Witnesses
Authors: Chan Ernest G , Morrell Matthew R , Chan Patrick G , Sanchez Pablo G
Published: July 2020

The ethical concerns of refusing lifesaving treatments after receiving an already limited resource such as a solid organ transplantation in a Jehovah’s Witness patient have been discussed in the literature. Many of these studies have concluded that with a multidisciplinary approach, solid organ transplantation is possible in the setting of Jehovah’s Witness patients. To date, there are no reported cases of bilateral sequential lung transplantation in the literature. We report two successful cases of bilateral sequential lung transplantation in Jehovah’s Witness patients with excellent long-term follow-up.
The impact of complex and unwanted feelings evoked in foster carers by traumatised children in long-term placements
Authors: Browning Andrew S
Published: July 2020

When looked after children who have been exposed to substantial trauma enter foster care, the manner in which they present can be extremely challenging for the carers and can persist for a substantial period of time. In response, foster carers may attempt to create a nurturing environment for the children. However, the way the children behave can evoke powerful and unwelcome feelings in carers, such as rage and hatred towards those they look after. The manner in which the children present and the frightening feelings this may trigger can overwhelm the foster carers’ capacity to sustain a nurturing stance in relation to the children and jeopardise the placement. In this article, two case studies chart such a dynamic and show that if carers are able to reflect upon the painful and unwanted feelings evoked in them, and acknowledge and take responsibility for what has become enacted in the placement, there may be an opportunity for this harmful dynamic to be processed and repaired. Moreover, there may be a change in the nature of the relationship between carers and children, creating a renewed hope for the life of the placement. The child, too, may benefit from an experience where the frightening, hated aspects of him- or herself are finally felt to be understood and are less overwhelming, enabling them to tolerate these perceptions and contain their enactment in the placement, so increasing their trust and belief in the nurture offered.
Confiding in others: exploring the experiences of young people who have been in care
Authors: Eldridge Joshua , John Mary , Gleeson Kate
Published: July 2020

In the general population, confiding is typically associated with increased well-being, reduced distress and strengthened relationships. However, there is a lack of research exploring the role of confiding among young people who have been in the care system. The current study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to guide the analysis of semi-structured interviews with eight young people with a range of care experiences, looking at the topic of confiding in others. Five themes emerged from the data analysis that indicated difficulties with confiding related to: holding unacceptable identities that are difficult to reveal to others; holding anticipations and expectations that confiding leads to harm; experiencing internal conflict between wanting to be open versus wanting to remain closed; and varying opportunities to develop trusted, confiding relationships across different environments within the care system. The findings suggest a need for safe, secure and stable care placements that can support the potential development of trusted confiding relationships wherein young people may be able to develop greater attachment security, and the capacity to build safe, supportive and trusted relationships through their lives. Implications for practice are discussed.
Waste policy reforms in developing countries: A comparative study of India and Brazil
Authors: Pereira Alexandre , Ribeiro Flávio de Miranda , Jeffrey Robin , Doron Assa
Published: July 2020

Over the last decade India and Brazil implemented waste policy reforms to tackle the constraints of their waste management. This study compares those reforms using the methodological framework proposed by Wilson where waste policy evolves through a series of subsequent stages, depending on two aspects: local circumstances; and stakeholders’ groups. The current research is exploratory in its scope, adopting this method to describe, compare and evaluate both Indian and Brazilian cases, and also verifying how the model performs when applied to developing countries. The paper confirms Wilson’s conclusions, and adds a perception that in developing economies a special local circumstance is to be considered the point of departure, that is, the particular starting point of Wilson’s evolution. In addition, the research concludes that participation of diverse stakeholder groups throughout the political process is fundamental, and could be key to overcoming the risks of policy setbacks.
Kinematic modeling and control of mobile robot for large-scale workpiece machining
Authors: Tao Bo , Zhao Xingwei , Yan Sijie , Ding Han
Published: July 2020

Safety and reliability are significant in the sense of robotic machining for large-scale workpieces. In this article, a control scheme is proposed to ensure the safe motion of the mobile robot. Screw theory is used to analyze the motion of the mobile robot. The mobile platform with Mecanum wheels can be considered as a mechanism with four driven screws in series. An auxiliary reference position of the mobile platform is calculated based on the kinematic model, and the motion of the mobile platform and robot arm can be decoupled to handle its redundant degrees of freedom. Constant speed control is investigated to reduce the interaction force between the robot and platform. Experiments are conducted on the mobile robotic machining task for a large-scale wind turbine blade. The mobile robot moves steadily and smoothly owing to the constant speed control with an auxiliary target.