bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Enlargement of Abdominal Lymph Nodes Is a Characteristic of Autoimmune Liver Disease
Authors: Wang Yongjuan , Xu Xiuxiu , Ran Maojuan , Guo Xiaopei , Zhou Lu , Wang Xi , Wang Bangmao , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2020

Background. The enlargement of lymph nodes is a common clinical sign in connective tissue disease (CTD) and viral hepatitis. In this research, we evaluated the incidence of enlarged lymph nodes in autoimmune liver diseases (AILD). Moreover, we identified the clinical significance of abdominal lymph node enlargement in AILD. Methods. The characteristics of abdominal lymph nodes, including their morphology and distribution, were assessed by ultrasonography and computed tomography in 125 patients with AILD, 54 with viral hepatitis, 135 with CTD, and 80 healthy controls. The pathological and laboratory results of 106 AILD patients were collected to analyze the association between lymphadenectasis and disease activity. Results. Enlargement of abdominal lymph nodes was found in 69.6% of patients with AILD, 63% of patients with viral hepatitis, 29.6% of patients with CTD, and 2% of healthy controls. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate transpeptidase (GGT), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were significantly increased in AILD patients with lymphadenectasis (LA) in contrast to patients without lymphadenectasis (NLA) (P<0.05). The pathological characteristics of inflammation, cholestasis, and focal necrosis were more common in the LA group than in the NLA group (P<0.05). As shown by multivariate logistic regression analysis, interface hepatitis (OR=3.651, P<0.05), cholestasis (OR=8.137, P<0.05), and focal necrosis (OR=5.212, P<0.05) were related to LA. Conclusions. The percentage of abdominal lymph node enlargement in AILD subjects was significantly higher than that in CTD subjects. Therefore, the enlargement of lymph nodes can represent a noninvasive indicator of histological and biochemical inflammation activity in AILD.
Fasting Induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis by Inhibiting SET8 Expression
Authors: Qi Jie , Chen Xiangyuan , Wu Qichao , Wang Jing , Zhang Hao , Mao Anrong , Zhu Minmin , Miao Changhong
Published: March 2020

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a life-threatening cancer, and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signalling pathway plays a crucial role in apoptosis resistance in cancer cells. Fasting is reported to mediate tumour growth reduction and apoptosis. SET8 is involved in cancer proliferation, invasiveness, and migration. However, whether SET8 participates in fasting-mediated apoptosis in HCC remains unclear. Methods. We used immunohistochemical staining to analyse the expression of SET8, Keap1, and Nrf2 in HCC tissues. Cell viability, apoptosis, and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed, and Western blot and qPCR analyses were used to examine the expression of Keap1/Nrf2 in HCC cells under fasting, SET8 overexpression, and PGC1α overexpression conditions. Mass spectrometry, coimmunoprecipitation, and confocal microscopy were used to determine whether PGC1α interacts with SET8. In vivo experiments were performed to verify the conclusions from the in vitro experiments. Results. Our data indicate that SET8 expression is associated with poor survival in HCC patients. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that fasting decreased cell viability and downregulated expression of SET8, Nrf2, and downstream effectors of Nrf2, while it upregulated Keap1 expression, mediated ROS accumulation, and induced HCC cell apoptosis. These results were similar to what is observed in SET8-deficient cells. Furthermore, SET8 was found to interact with PGC1α, and both PGC1α and H4K20me1, a downstream target of SET8, were found to be enriched at the Keap1 promoter region. These two factors were further determined to attenuate Keap1 promoter activity. Conclusions. The results of our study demonstrate that fasting induces HCC apoptosis by inhibiting SET8 expression and that SET8 interacts with PGC1α to activate the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway by inhibiting Keap1 expression.
A Prospective Observational Study of Drug Therapy Problems in Pediatric Ward of a Referral Hospital, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Bizuneh Gizachew Kassahun , Adamu Betelhem Anteneh , Bizuayehu Getenet Tadege , Adane Solomon Debebe
Published: March 2020

Background. A drug therapy problem is any undesirable event experienced by a patient during drug therapy that interferes with achieving the desired goals of therapy. It has been pointed out that hospitalized pediatric patients are particularly prone to drug-related problems. Identifying drug therapy problems enables risk quantification and determination of the potential impact of prevention strategies. The purpose of this study was to assess the drug therapy problems in a pediatric ward of Dessie Referral Hospital, northeast of Ethiopia, and to identify associated factors for drug therapy problems. Methods. A prospective observational study design was carried out to assess drug therapy problems in a pediatric ward of Dessie Referral Hospital from February 1, 2018, to May 30, 2018. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was signed by each study participant’s parent before the commencement of the study. All patients admitted to the ward during the study period were included in the study. Data was collected by trained pharmacy staffs through medical record reviews of patients using a prepared standard checklist and semistructured questionnaire. The collected data were cleared and checked every day for completeness and consistency before processing. Data were entered, and descriptive statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 20 Software. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results. The participants’ mean age was 2.32 years with the standard deviation (SD) of 0.76 years. Among 81 patients, 71 (87.7%) of them had at least one drug therapy problem per patient which indicates that the prevalence of the drug therapy problem was substantially high. Needs additional drug was the most predominantly encountered drug therapy problem accounted (30 (25.2%)). On the other hand, ineffective drug was the least (3 (2.5%)) drug therapy problem. Antibiotics (47 (39.5%)) followed by fluid and electrolyte (25 (21%)) were classes of drugs mostly involved in the drug therapy problem. The main risk factors reported to the occurrence of the drug therapy problems were prescribing and dose calculation errors. Conclusion. The present study revealed that majority of the patients had at least one DTP per patient; this indicates that prevalence of DTP was very high in the study area. Needs additional drug therapy followed by noncompliance was the major cause of the occurrence of DTP. Antibiotics were the main class of drugs involved in the drug therapy problem, and among the risk factors assessed, prescribing and dose calculation errors showed statistical significance.
Phenomena of Removal of Crystal Violet from Wastewater Using Khulays Natural Bentonite
Authors: Al-Shahrani Saad
Published: March 2020

The study investigates the phenomena involved in the crystal violet (CV) removal using the Khulays natural bentonite from the wastewater. The batch technique was utilized for performing the adsorption experiments. The operating systems were used for the investigation of the adsorption behaviour in the study, which included the initial CV concentration, time taken for shaking, the dosage of adsorbent, and the initial solution pH. The Freundlich isotherm framework and the Langmuir data were assessed in the experiment. The study outcome revealed that the equilibrium in the study was reached when shaking takes place for about 40 minutes. Additionally, the data of the sorption revealed that the enhancement of the CV concentration at the start mitigates the percentage of the CV removal as a result of which saturation integration in the Khulays bentonite dye occurs. The initial improvement in the solution pH led to improved CV adsorption. The data achieved at the isotherm adsorption were found adequate with the frameworks of Freundlich isotherm and Langmuir. Along with it, the model of pseudo-second-order kinetics was used to exhibit the adsorption of crystal violet with the Khulays natural bentonite. The Khulays natural bentonite adsorption of CV was demonstrated by the thermodynamic data exhibiting its spontaneous as well as endothermic nature. The study concludes that basic dyes can be effectively removed from the wastewater by the use of Khulays natural bentonite.
A Computational Framework for Revealing Competitive Travel Times with Low-Carbon Modes Based on Smartphone Data Collection
Authors: Bagheri Mehrdad , Mladenovic Milos N. , Kosonen Iisakki , Nurminen Jukka K. , Roncoli Claudio , Ylä-Jääski Antti
Published: March 2020

Evaluating potential of shifting to low-carbon transport modes requires considering limited travel-time budget of travelers. Despite previous studies focusing on time-relevant modal shift, there is a lack of integrated and transferable computational frameworks, which would use emerging smartphone-based high-resolution longitudinal travel datasets. This research explains and illustrates a computational framework for this purpose. The proposed framework compares observed trips with computed alternative trips and estimates the extent to which alternatives could reduce carbon emission without a significant increase in travel time.. The framework estimates potential of substituting observed car and public-transport trips with lower-carbon modes, evaluating parameters per individual traveler as well as for the whole city, from a set of temporal and spatial viewpoints. The illustrated parameters include the size and distribution of modal shifts, emission savings, and increased active-travel growth, as clustered by target mode, departure time, trip distance, and spatial coverage throughout the city. Parameters are also evaluated based on the frequently repeated trips. We evaluate usefulness of the method by analyzing door-to-door trips of a few hundred travelers, collected from smartphone traces in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Finland, during several months. The experiment’s preliminary results show that, for instance, on average, 20% of frequent car trips of each traveler have a low-carbon alternative, and if the preferred alternatives are chosen, about 8% of the carbon emissions could be saved. In addition, it is seen that the spatial potential of bike as an alternative is much more sporadic throughout the city compared to that of bus, which has relatively more trips from/to city center. With few changes, the method would be applicable to other cities, bringing possibly different quantitative results. In particular, having more thorough data from large number of participants could provide implications for transportation researchers and planners to identify groups or areas for promoting mode shift. Finally, we discuss the limitations and lessons learned, highlighting future research directions.
Rinsing with L-Ascorbic Acid Exhibits Concentration-Dependent Effects on Human Gingival Fibroblast In Vitro Wound Healing Behavior
Authors: Chaitrakoonthong Tatcha , Ampornaramveth Ruchanee , Kamolratanakul Paksinee
Published: March 2020

Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid has diverse functions in the body, especially healing promotion in tissue injury via participating in the hydroxylation reactions required for collagen formation. Systemic administration of vitamin C plays an important role on gingival fibroblast proliferation and functions. Whether local or rinsing administration of vitamin C alters gingival fibroblast wound healing behavior remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the rinsing effect of vitamin C on gingival fibroblast behavior utilizing an in vitro wound healing model. Primary human gingival fibroblasts isolated from gingival tissue were rinsed with medium containing various concentrations of vitamin C. The rinsing effect of vitamin C on in vitro wound healing was assessed using a scratch test assay. Cell migration, cell viability, and extracellular matrix gene expression were analyzed by transwell migration assay, MTT assay, and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. We found that rinsing with 10 or 20 µg/ml vitamin C significantly increased fibroblast migration (p≤0.05). However, no significant effect was found in the cell viability or in vitro wound healing assays. In contrast, rinsing with 50 µg/ml vitamin C significantly delayed wound closure (p≤0.05). Real-time PCR demonstrated that 50 µg/ml vitamin C significantly increased fibroblast expression of COL1, FN, IL-6, and bFGF. The data demonstrate that rinsing with vitamin C (10/20 µg/ml) accelerates fibroblast migration. However, 50 µg/ml of vitamin C increases the expression of COL1, FN, IL-6, and bFGF, which are related to fibroblast wound healing activity. Prescribing vitamin C with the appropriate duration and drug administration method should be determined to maximize its benefit.
Redox-Active Drug, MnTE-2-PyP5+, Prevents and Treats Cardiac Arrhythmias Preserving Heart Contractile Function
Authors: Barbosa Andrezza M. , Sarmento-Neto José F. , Menezes Filho José E. R. , Jesus Itamar C. G. , Souza Diego S. , Vasconcelos Valério M. N. , Gomes Fagner D. L. , Lara Aline , Araújo Juliana S. S. , Mattos Sandra S. , Vasconcelos Carla M. L. , Guatimosim Silvia , Cruz Jader S. , Batinic-Haberle Ines , Araújo Demetrius A. M. , Rebouças Júlio S. , Gomes Enéas R.
Published: March 2020

Background. Cardiomyopathies remain among the leading causes of death worldwide, despite all efforts and important advances in the development of cardiovascular therapeutics, demonstrating the need for new solutions. Herein, we describe the effects of the redox-active therapeutic Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin, AEOL10113, BMX-010 (MnTE-2-PyP5+), on rat heart as an entry to new strategies to circumvent cardiomyopathies. Methods. Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were used in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, to analyze intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, L-type Ca2+ currents, Ca2+ spark frequency, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cardiomyocyte and cardiac contractility, in control and MnTE-2-PyP5+-treated cells, hearts, or animals. Cells and hearts were treated with 20 μM MnTE-2-PyP5+ and animals with 1 mg/kg, i.p. daily. Additionally, we performed electrocardiographic and echocardiographic analysis. Results. Using isolated rat cardiomyocytes, we observed that MnTE-2-PyP5+ reduced intracellular Ca2+ transient amplitude, without altering cell contractility. Whereas MnTE-2-PyP5+ did not alter basal ROS levels, it was efficient in modulating cardiomyocyte redox state under stress conditions; MnTE-2-PyP5+ reduced Ca2+ spark frequency and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load. Accordingly, analysis of isolated perfused rat hearts showed that MnTE-2-PyP5+ preserves cardiac function, increases SR Ca2+ load, and reduces arrhythmia index, indicating an antiarrhythmic effect. In vivo experiments showed that MnTE-2-PyP5+ treatment increased Ca2+ transient, preserved cardiac ejection fraction, and reduced arrhythmia index and duration. MnTE-2-PyP5+ was effective both to prevent and to treat cardiac arrhythmias. Conclusion. MnTE-2-PyP5+ prevents and treats cardiac arrhythmias in rats. In contrast to most antiarrhythmic drugs, MnTE-2-PyP5+ preserves cardiac contractile function, arising, thus, as a prospective therapeutic for improvement of cardiac arrhythmia treatment.
Turbulence Modeling Using Z-F Model and RSM for Flow Analysis in Z-SHAPE Ducts
Authors: Karbon Mohammed , Sleiti Ahmad K.
Published: March 2020

Turbulent flow in Z-shape duct configuration is investigated using Reynolds stress model (RSM) andζ-fmodel and compared to experimental results. Both RSM andζ-fmodels are based on steady-state RANS solutions. The focus was on regions where the RSM has over- or underpredicted the flow when compared to the experimental results and on regions where there are flow separations and high turbulence. The performance of predicting the flow reattachment length in each model is studied as well. RSM has shown the mean flow velocity profile results match reasonably well with the experiment. Advancedζ-fturbulence model is introduced as user-defined function (UDF) code and applied to the Z-shape duct. It is found that the turbulent kinetic energy production inζequation is much easier to reproduce accurately. Both mean velocity gradient and local turbulent stress terms are also much easier to be resolved properly. The current research has found that not onlyζ-fmodel takes less time to complete the simulation but also the mean flow velocity profile results are in better agreement with the experimental data than the RSM although both are coupled steady-state RANS.ζ-fmodel numerically resolved both the flow separation and reattachment regions better than the RSM. The current numerical results fromζ-fmodel are attractive and encouraging for wall-bounded flow applications where flow separation and flow reattachment are important for the flow mechanism.
Morphological Variability of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. in Togo
Authors: Johnson Benziwa N. , Quashie Marie Luce A. , Adjonou Kossi , Segla Kossi N. , Kokutse Adzo D. , Kokou Kouami
Published: March 2020

Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae), also called Vène or West African rosewood, is a multipurpose endemic forest species of Sahelo-Sudanian and Sudano-Guinean savannas and forests of West Africa. In Togo, the species is overexploited, which dangerously hinders its survival. The need and emergency of restoring declining stands, using seeds, or propagating material suggests an assessment of its morphological variability. The purpose of this study is to identify the discriminating morphological descriptors, allowing us to describe and also to characterize the species. Five provenances distributed over the whole geographical distribution area in Togo were evaluated for leaf (7 descriptors), fruit (4 descriptors), and seed (4 descriptors) traits. The coefficient of variation (CV) and the principal component analysis (PCA) are used to assess the variability among tree populations. Results show that the discriminating morphological descriptors for P. erinaceus in Togo are the width of the leaf and the terminal leaflet, the length and the width of the fruit, and length and the weight of the seed. These six main relevant variables allow us to discriminate three morphological groups of P. erinaceus population.
EFEMP1 as a Potential Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Kang Jihui , Lian Jiayan , Huang Leilei , Xie Wenlin , Zhao Dongliang , Ma Huisi , Lin Zhongwei
Published: March 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy. Our previous study revealed an association between the level of epidermal growth factor‐containing fibulin‐like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) and the invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis of OS. However, the exact correlation between the serum EFEMP1 level and OS diagnosis and progression was unclear. This study is aimed at determining the value of the serum EFEMP1 level in the diagnosis and prognosis of OS. Fifty‐one consecutive OS patients were prospectively registered in this study. The serum EFEMP1 levels were measured using ELISA at diagnosis, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and before and after surgical treatment. Sixty‐nine healthy subjects in the control group, nine patients with chondrosarcoma, and 12 patients with giant cell tumor of the bone were also enrolled in this study. Surgical orthotopic implantation was used to generate a mouse OS model, and the correlation between the circulating EFEMP1 levels and tumor progression was examined. Then, OS patients had significantly higher mean serum EFEMP1 levels (7.61 ng/ml) than the control subjects (1.47 ng/ml). The serum EFEMP1 levels were correlated with the Enneking staging system (r = 0.32, P = 0.021) and lung metastasis (r = 0.50, P < 0.001). There was also a correlation between the serum EFEMP1 level and EFEMP1 expression in the respective OS samples (r = 0.49, P < 0.001). Additionally, patients with either chondrosarcoma or giant cell tumor of the bone had significantly higher serum EFEMP1 levels than OS patients. Surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment led to an increase in the serum EFEMP1 levels. Then, the destruction of bone tissues might be one of the factors about the EFEMP1 levels. In the mouse OS model, the serum EFEMP1 level was correlated with tumor progression. Our results suggested that serum EFEMP1 levels might be used to distinguish OS patients from healthy controls and as an indicator for OS lung metastasis. Serum EFEMP1 levels could serve as a new and assisted biomarker for the auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis of OS.
Assessment of Major and Trace Elements in Drinking Groundwater in Bisha Area, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Faleh Z. , DaifAllah Saifedin Y. , Alaryan Yasir F. , Elkhaleefa Abubakr M. , Brima Eid I.
Published: March 2020

Drinking groundwater represents 30% of the world’s fresh water and 0.9% of the whole world’s water. Therefore, routine analysis and monitoring of the groundwater is a paramount issue, specifically the measurement of elemental concentrations due to aquifer characterization. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to determine major and trace elements in groundwater. In total, 25 samples of groundwater were collected from wells in the Bisha area, Asir province, Saudi Arabia. All samples were analyzed for major and trace elements by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In total, 15 elements were measured including four major elements (Na, K, Mg, and Ca) and 11 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, and Pb). Major elements (Na, Mg, and Ca) exceeded the guideline limits in some samples. In addition, only one trace element (Se) exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits in some samples. This could be due to rock characteristics in aquifers. Very hard water was shown in 92% of the samples. Moreover, a high percentage (32%) of the analyzed samples also exceeded the guideline levels for chloride. ANOVA analysis showed significant difference (p<0.05) between Bisha samples (North and South), Bisha samples (North), and the remaining samples, for V and pH, and Na, Cl−, EC, and TDS, respectively. No significant differences (p>0.05) were reported for Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, and Pb between all samples. In general, 25 significant (p>0.05) correlations were reported among the measured elements. For the positive correlations, similar distribution for the elements is anticipated. In conclusion, the groundwater in this study is not suitable for domestic use due to its hardness and only some are suitable for irrigation. More studies are needed to confirm our findings in the study area.
New Construction Technology of a Shallow Tunnel in Boulder‐Cobble Mixed Grounds
Authors: Liu Tong , Zhong Yujian , Feng Zhihua , Xu Wei , Song Feiting , Li Chenghan
Published: March 2020

As a typical granular bulk medium, problems are common in boulder‐cobble mixed grounds, such as easy collapse and instability and difficult effective support for large‐section tunnel excavation. Tunnels constructed in BCM grounds are rare still, and there is a big gap between the design and construction of tunnels. Based on the Nianggaicun highway tunnel crossing the BCM grounds, the construction technology of tunnel in BCM grounds is studied by means of literature investigation and field survey. Here are the main conclusions: the overall deformation of surrounding rock is quite small; the pressure distribution of surrounding rock is small and loose pressure is dominant, and the safety reserve of secondary lining is large. The deformation process of surrounding rock concentrates on the construction stage. During the construction process, there are many problems, such as serious overexcavation, difficulty of bolt penetration, and continuous rock fall. In this paper, a three‐bench complementary cyclic excavation method is proposed, which replaces the original CD and CRD methods. Meanwhile, the supporting system is optimized. The results show that the disturbance of surrounding rock is reduced, while the safety of construction process and the reliability of structure are increased. The new excavation method and optimized supporting system are expected to fill the gap between design and construction of tunnel in BCM grounds and provide reference for construction of such tunnels in the future.
Klein-Gordon Oscillator in the Presence of External Fields in a Cosmic Space-Time with a Space-Like Dislocation and Aharonov-Bohm Effect
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we study interactions of a scalar particle with electromagnetic potential in the background space-time generated by a cosmic string with a space-like dislocation. We solve the Klein-Gordon oscillator in the presence of external fields including an internal magnetic flux field and analyze the analogue effect to the Aharonov-Bohm effect for bound states. We extend this analysis subject to a Cornell-type scalar potential and observe the effects on the relativistic energy eigenvalue and eigenfunction.
Immune Regulation of TNFAIP3 in Psoriasis through Its Association with Th1 and Th17 Cell Differentiation and p38 Activation
Authors: Jiang Yanyun , Wang Wenming , Zheng Xiaofeng , Jin Hongzhong
Published: March 2020

Background. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disorder in which the dysregulation of immune cells plays an important role in its development. Tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α antagonists affect the immune repertoire, while TNF-α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) has a protective role against the deleterious effects of inflammation and participates in immune regulation. Objective. We investigated the immune regulation of TNFAIP3 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and determined whether it is involved in the antipsoriatic effect of TNF-α antagonists. Methods. mRNA levels were evaluated in blood from patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The effects of TNF-α antagonists were examined in a mouse imiquimod- (IMQ-) induced psoriasis-like dermatitis model. In the mouse model, TNFAIP3 mRNA expression was determined using RT-PCR. Serum levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IFN-γ, TNF-α, phosphorylated ERK1/2, p38, and JNK were measured using ELISA. The proportion of Th1 and Th17 cells in mouse spleens was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results. mRNA expression levels of TNFAIP3 in the blood were significantly lower in patients with moderate and severe psoriasis (mean±SD=0.44±0.25) compared with normal subjects (mean±SD=1.00±0.82) (P<0.01). In the mouse model, IMQ downregulated TNFAIP3 expression levels, which were increased after TNF-α antagonist treatment (P<0.05). Serum levels of Th17 cytokines (IL-17A and IL-23) and Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) were significantly higher in the IMQ and IMQ/rat IgG1 groups compared with the control group, and the application of TNF-α antagonists significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01). Notably, phosphorylated p38 levels were increased in the IMQ and IMQ/rat IgG1 groups compared with the control group but were downregulated by treatment with TNF-α antagonists (P<0.05). Th1 and Th17 cells were significantly increased in the IMQ group compared with the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion. TNFAIP3 downregulation associated with Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation and p38 activation might contribute in part to the mechanism of immune dysfunction in psoriasis. TNF-α antagonists might partly exert their effects on psoriasis via this pathway.
Associated Factors of Postpartum Modern Contraceptive Use in Burie District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Ashebir Wassachew , Tadesse Tilahun
Published: March 2020

Introduction. The first 12 months after giving birth in relation to family planning use is the time which is often given less attention by health care managers, health service providers, and users. Even most women do not realize that they are at risk for subsequent pregnancy. Due to this, there is an increased substantial risk of unwanted conception and an often-frustrated desire for contraceptive protection. As a result, many women in the postpartum period did not start use of any modern contraceptive method. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess associated factors of postpartum modern contraceptive use in Burie District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 686 mothers in Burie District from March 16 to March 25, 2017. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using face to face interviewer administered structured questionnaires. Then, the collected data was entered, coded, and cleaned into EPI Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for data analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to assess the association of factors with postpartum modern contraceptive use. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and p values <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Result. This study revealed that postpartum modern contraceptive use was found to be 20.7%. Postpartum modern contraceptive use was significantly associated with women’s level of education (AOR=0.15, 95% CI (0.03-0.71)), discussing FP methods with partner (AOR=0.60, 95% CI (0.40-0.90)), knowing menses return after birth (AOR=0.39, 95% CI (0.25-0.59)), ever heard about modern FP methods (AOR=0.06, 95% CI (0.01-0.43)), and contacting health professionals (AOR=1.85, 95% CI (1.19-2.88)). Conclusion and Recommendations. Postpartum modern contraceptive use was found to be low. Therefore, health professionals should work on improvements in women’s educational status, making awareness of the women and counseling of their husbands about the use of postpartum contraception, when fertility returned and risky timing for becoming pregnant.
Vulval Intestinal/Enteric Heterotopia in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Noël Jean-Christophe , Rotea Cristina , Verset Laurine , Catteau Xavier
Published: March 2020

Intestinal/enteric heterotopia of the vulva is an extremely rare disease with only 3 cases described in the literature. We report here an unusual case of this disease occurring in a 26-year-old patient in a context of Crohn’s disease. To the best of our knowledge, such type of association has not been previously described. The potential origins of these lesions including metaplastic transformation, dysontogenetic changes, or epithelial colonic displacement/implantation are discussed.
Noncanonical Roles of hα-syn (A53T) in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease: Synaptic Pathology and Neuronal Aging
Authors: Wang Qing-Jun , Chen An-Di , Chen Hai-Chao , Wang Dong-Xin , Cai Yi-Ting , Yin Jie , Jing Yu-Hong , Gao Li-Ping
Published: March 2020

The motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD involve several brain regions. However, whether α-syn pathology originating from the SNc can directly lead to the pathological changes in distant cerebral regions and induce PD-related symptoms remains unclear. Here, AAV9-synapsin-mCherry-human SNCA (A53T) was injected into the unilateral SNc of mice. Motor function and olfactory sensitivity were evaluated. Our results showed that AAV9-synapsin-mCherry-human SNCA was continuously expressed in SNc. The animals showed mild motor and olfactory dysfunction at 7 months after viral injection. The pathology in SNc was characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons accompanied by ER stress. In the striatum, hα-syn expression was high, CaMKβ-2 and NR2B expression decreased, and active synapses reduced. In the olfactory bulb, hα-syn expression was high, and aging cells in the mitral layer increased. The results suggested that hα-syn was transported in the striatum and OB along the nerve fibers that originated from the SNc and induced pathological changes in the distant cerebral regions, which contributed to the motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD.
Definitive Obturator Fabrication for Partial Maxillectomy Patient
Authors: Singh M. , Limbu I. K. , Parajuli P. K. , Singh R. K.
Published: March 2020

Maxillectomy defects can result in oroantral communication that causes difficulty in mastication and deglutition, impaired speech, and facial disfigurement. The prosthodontist plays an important role in the rehabilitation of such defects with obturators. This paper describes a clinical report of fabricating a definitive obturator with a cast metal framework using a single flask and one-time processing method for an acquired maxillary defect. A tripodal design was selected for this case. Rest was placed on the premolars and molars of both quadrants of the maxilla. Complete palate as the major connector was designed to ensure maximum distribution of the functional load to the tissue. Indirect retainer was planned on the right first premolar. Direct retention was provided by the I-bar clasp placed on the left first premolar, circumferential clasp on the right first premolar, and embrasure clasp between the right first and second molars. Thus, this definitive prosthesis rehabilitated the patient by providing better masticatory efficiency, improving the clarity of speech and quality of life of the patient.
Impact of the Westerly Jet on Rainfall/Runoff in the Source Region of the Yangtze River during the Flood Season
Authors: Lai Xin , Gong Yuanfa , Cen Sixian , Tian Hui , Zhang Heng
Published: March 2020

Based on runoff data collected at the Zhimenda station, reanalysis data from the National Centers of Environmental Prediction/National Centers of Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR), and observation data from ground stations in China, this study analyzes the characteristics of changes in runoff in the source region of the Yangtze River (SRYR) during the flood season (from July to September), the relationship between runoff and antecedent rainfall, and the impact of the westerly jet (WJ) on rainfall in the coastal zone of the SRYR. The results show the following. The runoff in the SRYR displays a significant interannual and interdecadal variability. The runoff in the SRYR during the flood season is most closely related to 15-day (June 16 to September 15) antecedent rainfall in the coastal zone of the SRYR. In turn, the antecedent rainfall in the coastal zone of the SRYR is mainly affected by the intensity of the simultaneous WJ over a key region (55–85°E, 45–55°N). When the intensity of the WJ over the key region is greater (less) than normal,the jet position moves northward (southward), and the easterly (westerly) wind anomalies over the region to the west of the SRYR become unfavorable (favorable) to the transport of water vapor from high-latitude regions to the SRYR. In addition, the southerly wind over the equatorial region cannot (can) easily advance northward, which is unfavorable (favorable) to the northward transport of water vapor from the low-latitude ocean. Hence, these conditions result in a decrease (increase) in the water vapor content in the SRYR. Furthermore, the convergence (divergence) anomalies in the upper level and the divergence (convergence) anomalies in the lower level result in the descending (ascending) motion over the SRYR. These factors decrease (increase) the rainfall, thereby decreasing (increasing) the runoff in the SRYR during the flood season.
Response Solutions for a Singularly Perturbed System Involving Reflection of the Argument
Authors: Zhu Shanliang , Zhang Shufang , Zhang Xinli , Li Qingling
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the existence and uniqueness of response solutions, which has the same frequencyωwith the nonlinear terms, are investigated for a quasiperiodic singularly perturbed system involving reflection of the argument. Firstly, we prove that all quasiperiodic functions with the frequencyωform a Banach space. Then, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of quasiperiodic solutions by means of the fixed-point methods and theB-property of quasiperiodic functions.
Evaluation of the Fracture Liaison Service within the Canadian Healthcare Setting
Authors: Wong-Pack Matthew , Naqvi Nawazish , Ioannidis George , Khalil Ramy , Papaioannou Alexandra , Adachi Jonathan , Lau Arthur N.
Published: March 2020

Previous studies evaluating fracture liaison service (FLS) programs have found them to be cost-effective, efficient, and reduce the risk of fracture. However, few studies have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of these programs. We compared the patient populations of those referred for osteoporosis management by FLS to those referred by primary care physicians (PCP), within the Canadian healthcare system in the province of Ontario. Specifically, we investigated if a referral from FLS is similarly effective as PCP at identifying patients at risk for future osteoporotic fractures and if osteoporosis therapies have been previously initiated. A retrospective chart review of patients assessed by a single Ontario rheumatology practice affiliated with FLS between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017, was performed identifying two groups: those referred by FLS within Hamilton and those referred by their PCP for osteoporosis management. Fracture risk of each patient was determined using FRAX. A total of 573 patients (n = 225 (FLS group) and n = 227 (PCP group)) were evaluated. Between the FLS and PCP groups, there were no significant differences in the absolute 10-year risk of a major osteoporotic fracture (15.6% (SD = 10.2) vs 15.3% (SD = 10.3)) and 10-year risk of hip fracture (4.7% (SD = 8.3) vs 4.7% (SD = 6.8)), respectively. 10.7% of patients referred by FLS and 40.5% of patients referred by their PCP were on osteoporosis medication prior to fracture. Our study suggests that referral from FLS is similarly effective as PCP at identifying patients at risk for future osteoporotic fractures, and clinically effective at identifying the care gap with the previous use of targeted osteoporosis therapies from referral from PCP being low and much lower in those referred by FLS. Interventional programs such as FLS can help close the treatment gap by providing appropriate care to patients that were not previously identified to be at risk for fracture by their primary care physician and initiate proper medical management.
A Novel Malware Classification Method Based on Crucial Behavior
Authors: Xiao Fei , Sun Yi , Du Donggao , Li Xuelei , Luo Min
Published: March 2020

Recently, some graph-based methods have been proposed for malware detection. However, current malware is generally characterized by sophisticated behaviors, which makes graph-based malware detection extremely challenging. To address this issue, we propose a graph repartition algorithm by transforming API call graphs into fragment behaviors based on programs’ dynamic execution traces. The proposed algorithm relies on the N-order subgraph (NSG) for constructing the appropriate fragment behavior. Moreover, we improve the term frequency-inverse document frequency- (TF-IDF-) like measure and information gain (IG) to extract the crucial N-order subgraph (CNSG). This novel behavioral representation and improved extraction method can accurately represent crucial behaviors of malware. Experiments on 4,400 samples demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a high accuracy of 99.75% in malware detection and promising performance of 95.27% in malware classification.
Metastasis of Ewing Sarcoma to the Pancreas: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Polimera Hyma , Moku Prashanth , Abusharar Shady Piedra , Vasekar Monali , Chintanaboina Jayakrishna
Published: March 2020

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive malignant bone cancer. ES is part of the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT), which express characteristic t(11;22) translocation as well as higher levels of CD99. Given that metastasis and tumor burden are significant prognostic factors in patient’s response to treatment, prompt diagnosis is needed to effectively treat ESFT patients. However, the challenges in classifying and characterizing ESFT complicate effective management and treatment of ES. In this report, we present a rare case of ES metastasis to the pancreas. Upon review of the literature, we found 39 cases of ESFT involving the pancreas, but only 3 were metastatic to the pancreas while the remaining cases of ESFT primarily originated from the pancreas. Given the rarity of such metastasis, the positive outcome in our patient’s case may explain the importance of prompt diagnosis in order to initiate appropriate treatment.
Fluid Biomarkers for Predicting the Prognosis of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Si-Hai , Wan Qin-Si , Wang Ting , Zhang Kun-He
Published: March 2020

Liver cirrhosis is the terminal stage of most chronic liver conditions, with a high risk of mortality. Careful evaluation of the prognosis of cirrhotic patients and providing precise management are crucial to reduce the risk of mortality. Although the liver biopsy and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) can efficiently evaluate the prognosis of cirrhotic patients, their application is limited due to the invasion procedures. Child‐Pugh score and the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score had been widely used in the assessment of cirrhotic prognosis, but the defects of subjective variable application in Child‐Pugh score and unsuitability to all phases of liver cirrhosis in MELD score limit their prognostic values. In recent years, continuous efforts have been made to investigate the prognostic value of body fluid biomarkers for cirrhotic patients, and promising results have been reported. Since the collection of fluid specimens is easy, noninvasive, and repeatable, fluid biomarkers can be ideal indicators to predict the prognosis of cirrhosis. Here, we reviewed noninvasive fluid biomarkers in different prognostic functions, including the prediction of survival and complication development.
Clinical Performance of the Automated LIAISON® Meridian H. pylori SA Stool Antigen Test
Authors: Opekun Antone R. , Zierold Claudia , Rode Ashli , Blocki Frank A. , Fiorini Giulia , Saracino Ilaria Maria , Vaira Dino , Sutton Fred M.
Published: March 2020

Background. Antigens derived from Helicobacter pylori can be used as stool biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Since current assays have variable performance, we assessed the clinical performance of the automated LIAISON® Meridian H. pylori SA chemiluminescent immunoassay against more invasive biopsy tests that are considered to be the “gold standard” (Composite Reference Method). Methods. This prospective multisite study enrolled patients undergoing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy with collection of biopsy and stool specimens. Adult patients (≥22 years) participated in the study from February 2017 to August 2018. Specimens of the stomach were tested by three methods, known as the Composite Reference Method: (1) histological evaluation, (2) culture of the organism, and (3) rapid urease detection test. H. pylori in stool was detected using the automated LIAISON® Meridian H. pylori SA assay, a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc 18.11.6. Results. 277 patients (63% female) were included in the study. The prevalence of infected subjects was 24.2% in this study cohort. Clinical performance assessed against the Composite Reference Method showed very good agreement (Cohen’s kappa = 0.922), with good sensitivity (95.5%) and specificity (97.6%). Reproducibility study results showed total imprecision ranging from 3.1% to 13.9% CV. Conclusion. The automated LIAISON® Meridian H. pylori SA assay brings reliable noninvasive testing for H. pylori to the laboratory that is in very good agreement with the current, more invasive biopsy‐based methods such as histology, culture, or rapid urease test. The clinical trial identifiers are NCT03060746 (pretherapy) and NCT03060733 (posttherapy).
Assessment of Hemoglobin Variants in Patients Receiving Health Care at the Ho Teaching Hospital: A Three-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Awaitey Daniel Kpodji , Akorsu Elliot Elikplim , Allotey Emmanuel Allote , Kwasie David Annor , Kwadzokpui Precious Kwablah , Tawiah Philip Apraku , Amankwah Stephen Adomako , Abaka-Yawson Albert
Published: March 2020

Background. It is estimated that one out of every three Ghanaians has hemoglobin genotype mutation. This change in genetic make-up may result in genotypes such as HbAS, HbSS, and HbSC. Many children in low- and middle-income countries die even before they are diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD). In Africa, there are limited data on the incidence and prevalence of SCD and the Volta region of Ghana is no exception. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SCD and to assess the hemoglobin variants among patients attending Ho Teaching Hospital. Methods. A retrospective study design was used to extract information from the Hospital Administration and Management Systems (HAMS) on the hemoglobin electrophoresis results and corresponding full blood count results of the SCD and sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients as well as patients who were asked to do Hb electrophoresis irrespective of their sickling status. Data were collected for the period January 2016 to December 2018. Sickle cell disease status was determined using the Hb genotypes from the Hb electrophoresis results. The full blood count was used to categorize the severity of anemia based on the hemoglobin concentration in the SCA and SCD patients. Results. A total of 1,523 subjects were included in the study of which the prevalence for sickle cell disease was 16.7%. The SCD genotypes included HbS (6.2%), HbSC (7.9%), and HbSF (2.6%). Hemoglobin C disease (HbCC) constituted 0.3% out of the total prevalence of SCD. The prevalence of anemia was 99.2%, with the severest form in HbS. Also, majority of the SCD patients had severe anemia. Difference in the severity of anemia was found to be significant among both male (P=0.006) and female (P=0.004) participants with SCD. Conclusion. Patients receiving health care at the Ho Teaching Hospital had different hemoglobin variants with HbAS recording the highest prevalence. The high incidence of hemoglobin AS implies the possibility of having an increased population of individuals with sickle cell disease in future if measures are not put in place to improve screening, counseling, and education of the public about the health threat SCD poses.