bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biallelic loss-of-functionZFYVE19mutations are associated with congenital hepatic fibrosis, sclerosing cholangiopathy and high-GGT cholestasis
Authors: Luan Weisha , Hao Chen-Zhi , Li Jia-Qi , Wei Qing , Gong Jing-Yu , Qiu Yi-Ling , Lu Yi , Shen Cong-Huan , Xia Qiang , Xie Xin-Bao , Zhang Mei-Hong , Abuduxikuer Kuerbanjiang , Li Zhong-Die , Wang Li , Xing Qing-He , Knisely A S , Wang Jian-She
Published: July 2020

Background

For many children with intrahepatic cholestasis and high-serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, a genetic aetiology of hepatobiliary disease remains undefined. We sought to identify novel genes mutated in children with idiopathic high-GGT intrahepatic cholestasis, with clinical, histopathological and functional correlations.

Methods

We assembled a cohort of 25 children with undiagnosed high-GGT cholestasis and without clinical features of biliary-tract infection or radiological features of choledochal malformation, sclerosing cholangitis or cholelithiasis. Mutations were identified through whole-exome sequencing and targeted Sanger sequencing. We reviewed histopathological findings and assessed phenotypical effects of ZFYVE19 deficiency in cultured cells by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

Nine Han Chinese children harboured biallelic, predictedly complete loss-of-function pathogenic mutations inZFYVE19(c.314C>G, p.S105X; c.379C>T, p.Q127X; c.514C>T, p.R172X; c.547C>T, p.R183X; c.226A>G, p.M76V). All had portal hypertension and, at liver biopsy, histopathological features of the ductal plate malformation (DPM)/congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF). Four children required liver transplantation for recurrent gastrointestinal haemorrhage. DPM/CHF was confirmed at hepatectomy, with sclerosing small-duct cholangitis. Immunostaining for two primary-cilium axonemal proteins found expression that was deficient intraluminally and ectopic within cholangiocyte cytoplasm. ZFYVE19 depletion in cultured cells yielded abnormalities of centriole and axoneme.

Conclusion

BiallelicZFYVE19mutations can lead to high-GGT cholestasis and DPM/CHF in vivo. In vitro, they can lead to centriolar and axonemal abnormalities. These observations indicate that mutation inZFYVE19results, through as yet undefined mechanisms, in a ciliopathy.
Congenital sensorineural hearing loss as the initial presentation ofPTPN11-associated Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines or Noonan syndrome: clinical features and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Gao Xue , Huang Sha-Sha , Qiu Shi-Wei , Su Yu , Wang Wei-Qian , Xu Hui-Yan , Xu Jin-Cao , Kang Dong-Yang , Dai Pu , Yuan Yong-Yi
Published: July 2020

Background

Germline variants inPTPN11are the primary cause of Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML) and Noonan syndrome (NS), which share common skin and facial symptoms, cardiac anomalies and retardation of growth. Hearing loss is considered an infrequent feature in patients with NSML/NS. However, in our cohort, we identified a group of patients withPTPN11pathogenic variants that were primarily manifested in congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This study evaluated the incidence ofPTPN11-related NSML or NS in patients with congenital SNHL and explored the expression ofPTPN11and the underlying mechanisms in the auditory system.

Methods

A total of 1502 patients with congenital SNHL were enrolled. Detailed phenotype-genotype correlations were analysed in patients withPTPN11variants. Immunolabelling of Ptpn11 was performed in P35 mice. Zebrafish withPtpn11knockdown/mutant overexpression were constructed to further explore mechanism underlying the phenotypes.

Results

Ten NSML/NS probands were diagnosed via the identification of pathogenic variants ofPTPN11, which accounted for ~0.67% of the congenital SNHL cases. In mice cochlea, Shp2, which is encoded byPtpn11, is distributed in the spiral ganglion neurons, hair cells and supporting cells of the inner ear. In zebrafish, knockdown ofptpn11aand overexpression of mutantPTPN11were associated with a significant decrease in hair cells and supporting cells. We concluded that congenital SNHL could be a major symptom inPTPN11-associated NSML or NS. Other features may be mild, especially in children.

Conclusion

Screening forPTPN11in patients with congenital hearing loss and variant-based diagnoses are recommended.
Lung cancer mortality in the French cohort of titanium dioxide workers: some aetiological insights
Authors: Guseva Canu Irina , Gaillen-Guedy Alan , Wild Pascal , Straif Kurt , Luce Danièle
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely used in construction, food, cosmetic and medical industry. The current evidence on TiO2carcinogenicity in humans is considered inadequate. As French participants of the European cohort of TiO2workers exhibited an increase in mortality from lung cancer, we aimed at investigating whether TiO2exposure, co-exposures or smoking can explain this increase.

Methods

We reanalysed the data of 833 French male workers (follow-up period 1968–1997) and used multiple imputation to complete their smoking status. We considered respirable TiO2dust as primary exposure of interest, estimated as continuous cumulative (mg/m3-year) and annual average (mg/m3) concentrations and binary and 4-class categorical variables, with cut-off values of 0.3 and 2.4 mg/m3(the German and American occupational exposure limits, respectively). For each exposure metric, we estimated HRs and associated 95% CIs, using Cox regression models adjusted for calendar period, exposure duration and smoking.

Results

The fully adjusted model yielded a HR=3.7 (95% CI=0.79 to 17.95) for TiO2-exposed workers vs unexposed and a HR=27.33 (95% CI=4.35 to 171.84) for those exposed to >2.4 mg/m3as annual average concentration. Employment duration was negatively related with lung cancer mortality, therefore cumulative exposure had a small effect on mortality (HR=1.03 (95% CI=0.99 to 1.08) per mg/m3-year).

Conclusion

This study suggests a positive relationship between TiO2exposure and lung cancer mortality in TiO2workers, whatever the exposure variable used, despite a limited statistical power in some models. The results question the current evidence on TiO2carcinogenicity in humans but need to be confirmed in other cohorts, using different statistical approaches.
Enhancing help-seeking behaviour among men who have sex with men at risk for sexually transmitted infections: the syn.bas.in randomised controlled trial
Authors: Achterbergh Roeland Christiaan Alfons , van Rooijen Martijn S , van den Brink Wim , Boyd Anders , de Vries Henry John Christiaan
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for STIs and mental disorders. Syndemic theory holds that psychosocial issues co-occur and interact, and thus increase sexual risk behaviour. Psychosocial issue identification, referral and management might reduce risk behaviour.

Methods

In the syndemic-based intervention study, an open-label randomised controlled trial, MSM were enrolled at the STI outpatient clinic of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam. We screened participants using validated questionnaires on the following problem domains: alcohol and substance use, sexual compulsivity, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alexithymia, intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse. Individuals were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either tailored, face-to-face feedback and help-seeking advice on mental health screening, or no feedback and no help-seeking advice. Participants were followed trimonthly for a year. The primary outcomes were self-reported and confirmed help-seeking behaviour.

Results

We included 155 MSM: 76 in the intervention group and 79 in the control group. At inclusion, 128 participants (83.1%) scored positive in at least one problem domain. We found no significant differences in self-reported or confirmed help-seeking behaviour between the intervention and the control group: 41% vs 29% (p=0.14) and 28% vs 22% (p=0.44), respectively. There were also no differences in STI incidence and condomless anal sex acts between the two groups.

Conclusion

Screening showed high prevalence of problems related to mental health and substance use, while tailored feedback, advice and referral did not significantly increase help-seeking behaviour. Other interventions are needed to tackle the high burden of mental disorders among MSM.

Trial registration number

NCT02859935.
Dragging of inertial frames in the composed black-hole-particle system and the weak cosmic censorship conjecture
Authors: Hod Shahar
Published: July 2020

We analyze a gedanken experiment in which a spinning particle that also possesses an extrinsic orbital angular momentum is captured by a spinning Kerr black hole. The gravitational spin-orbit interaction decreases the energy of the particle, thus allowing one to test the validity of the Penrose weak cosmic censorship conjecture in extreme situations that have not been analyzed thus far. It is explicitly shown that, to leading order in the black-hole-particle interactions, the linearized test particle can over-spin the black hole, thus exposing its inner spacetime singularity to external observers. However, we prove that the general relativistic effect of dragging of inertial frames by the orbiting particle contributes to the energy budget of the system a non-linear black-hole-particle interaction term that ultimately ensures the validity of the Penrose cosmic censorship conjecture in this type of gedanken experiments.
Origin and Evolution of the Turtle Body Plan
Authors: Lyson Tyler R. , Bever Gabriel S.
Published: July 2020

The origin of turtles and their uniquely shelled body plan is one of the longest standing problems in vertebrate biology. The unfulfilled need for a hypothesis that both explains the derived nature of turtle anatomy and resolves their unclear phylogenetic position among reptiles largely reflects the absence of a transitional fossil record. Recent discoveries have dramatically improved this situation, providing an integrated, time-calibrated model of the morphological, developmental, and ecological transformations responsible for the modern turtle body plan. This evolutionary trajectory was initiated in the Permian (>260 million years ago) when a turtle ancestor with a diapsid skull evolved a novel mechanism for lung ventilation. This key innovation permitted the torso to become apomorphically stiff, most likely as an adaption for digging and a fossorial ecology. The construction of the modern turtle body plan then proceeded over the next 100 million years following a largely stepwise model of osteological innovation.
Review—Two Different Multiple Photosynthetic Reaction Centers Using Either Zinc Porphyrinic Oligopeptide-Fulleropyrrolidine or Free-Base Porphyrinic Polypeptide-Li+@C60 Supramolecular Complexes
Authors: Solladié Nathalie , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Ohkubo Kei , D’Souza Francis , Rein Régis , Saito Kenji , Troiani Vincent , Qiu Hongjin , Gadde Suresh , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: July 2020

An overview of two successful examples of photosynthetic reaction center models combined with light-capturing antenna chromophores is presented. In the first example, supramolecular complexes are formed between flexible zinc porphyrinic oligopeptides and fulleropyrrolidine bearing either a pyridine or imidazole functionalized C60 via a coordination bond plus π−π interactions. The excited energy migration occurs between porphyrin units followed by charge separation. The charge separation (CS) lifetimes of the supramolecular oligopeptide complexes have been elongated by increasing the generation of the porphyrins, enabling us to attain the longest lifetime (0.84 ms) for the P(ZnP)8-ImC60 supramolecular system in PhCN solution at 298 K, ever reported for supramolecular complexes. In the second example, free-base porphyrin polypeptides (P(H2P)n; n = 4 and 8) form supramolecular complexes with Li+@C60 in PhCN, in which the binding is much stronger than C60. Efficient energy migration occurs between porphyrins in P(H2P)n. The triplet CS states derived from 3Li+@C60 had long lifetimes due to spin-forbidden back electron transfer. The triplet CS lifetime becomes longer upon increasing the number of H2P due to the charge migration among porphyrins. The present study provides valuable insight into the energy and electron transfer processes leading to long-lived charge separated states in artificial photosynthetic antenna-reaction center models.
Protein Crosslinking and Immobilization in 3D Microfluidics through Multiphoton Absorption
Authors: Lin Chen-Feng , Su Che-Fu , Lin Kung-Hsuan , Hsieh Yu-Shen , Cheng Yun-Chien
Published: July 2020

This study used laser multiphoton absorption (MPA) to crosslink and immobilize protein in 3D microfluidics. MPA can be used to crosslink proteins to form smaller crosslinked-protein structures than those formed through single-photon absorption. However, studies on MPA protein crosslinking in 3D microfluidics are lacking. In this study, the MPA was implemented using pulse laser to induce bovine serum albumin (BSA) crosslinking. We also applied (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane to increase the adhesion of crosslinked BSA. Also, the width of crosslinked-BSA structure was measured, and then curve-fitting and optical equation were used to predict heights of the crosslinked-BSA structures formed under various laser powers. At last, BSA structures were effectively crosslinked in the three-layered glass or polydimethylsiloxane microchannels. In contrast to studies on single-photon absorption in 3D microfluidics or MPA protein crosslinking in 2D microfluidics, we obtained relatively small crosslinked-BSA structures through MPA and immobilize BSA in 3D microfluidics. In the future, this method can be applied in monolithic 3D microfluidics for protein crosslinking to avoid misalignment and leakage in layer-by-layer 3D microchannels and form more compact 3D microfluidics. These features are conducive to enhance the diversity and convenience of microfluidics in biomedical testing.
Salt intake impacts sympathetic neural control but not morning blood pressure surge in premenopausal women with a history of normal pregnancy
Authors: Takeda Ryosuke , Stickford Abigail S. , Best Stuart A. , Yoo Jeung-Ki , Fu Qi
Published: July 2020

This is the first study to demonstrate that MBPS and ambulatory BP were not affected by salt intake despite a significant change in sympathetic outflow in healthy premenopausal women with a history of normal pregnancy. This may be due to compensatory adaptations in MSNA and sympathetic vascular transduction during salt reduction versus salt loading.
An Adjustment Method for the Suspender Tension of CFSTTTHAB Based on Influence Matrix of Single Suspender
Authors: Wang Longlin , Wang Hua , Li Litao , Hao Tianzhi , Wu Changxia
Published: July 2020

Based on the funding project “a concrete‐filled steel tube truss type half‐through arch bridge (CFSTTTHAB) with the span of 220 m,” in view of the difference of tension between one pair of suspenders, this paper proposed an improved influence matrix method for the tension of a single suspender, which was developed from a conventional influence matrix. A method for adjusting suspender tension at the completed state of construction by using numerical simulation and iterative algorithm was also presented. Finite element numerical model was used to calculate the influence matrix of a single suspender. Moreover, an iterative algorithm was used to solve the adjustment value of suspender tension. Based on the proposed method, by processing several iterations, the difference between the measured and designed suspender tension would be controlled within 6% in the projects of suspender tension adjustment. Finally, the comparison between the measured and designed suspender tension at the completed state of construction proved the feasibility and accuracy satisfaction of the proposed method for engineering requirement.
Accurate Attitude Determination Based on Adaptive UKF and RBF Neural Network Using Fusion Methodology for Micro-IMU Applied to Rotating Environment
Authors: Wang Lei , Meng Zhi Min , Guan Ying
Published: July 2020

Focusing on the issue of attitude tracking for low-cost and small-size Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in high dynamic environment, an Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter (AUKF) method combining sensor fusion methodology with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is proposed. The different control strategies are adopted by fusing multi-MEMS inertial sensors under various dynamic situations. The AUKF attitude determination approach utilizing the MEMS sensor and Global Positioning System (GPS) can provide reliable estimation in these situations. In particular, the adaptive scale factor is used to adaptively weaken or enhance the effects on new measurement data according to the predicted residual vector in the estimation process. In order to solve the problem that the new measurement data is not available in case of GPS fault, an attitude algorithm based on Radial Basis Function (RBF)-ANN feedback correction is proposed for AUKF. The estimated deviation of predicted system state can be provided based on RBF-ANN in GPS-denied environment. The corrected predicted system state is used for the estimation process in AUKF. An experimental platform was setup to simulate the rotation of the spinning projectile. The experimental results show that the proposed method has better performance in terms of attitude estimation than other representative methods under various dynamic situations.
Ganoderma lucidumAmeliorates Neurobehavioral Changes and Oxidative Stress Induced by Ethanol Binge Drinking
Authors: Nascimento Chirlene Pinheiro , Luz Diandra Araújo , da Silva Carla Cristiane Soares , Malcher Cláudia Marques Rosa , Fernandes Luanna Melo Pereira , Dalla Santa Herta Stutz , Gomes Antônio Rafael Quadros , Monteiro Marta Chagas , Ribeiro Carolina Heitmann Mares Azevedo , Fontes-Júnior Enéas Andrade , Maia Cristiane Socorro Ferraz
Published: July 2020

Ganoderma lucidum, mushroom used for centuries by Asian peoples as food supplement, has been shown interesting biological activities, including over the Central Nervous System. Besides, these mushroom bioactive compounds present antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. On the side, binge drinking paradigm consists of ethanol exposure that reflects the usual consumption of adolescents, which elicits deleterious effects, determined by high ethanol consumption, in a short period. In this study, we investigated whether the Aqueous Extract ofG. lucidum(AEGl) reduces the behavioral disorders induced by alcohol. Male (n=30) and female Wistar rats (n=40), seventy-two days old, were used for behavioral/biochemical and oral toxicity test, respectively. Animals were exposed to 5 binges (beginning at 35 days old) of ethanol (3 g/kg/day) or distilled water. Twenty-four hours after the last binge administration, animals received AEGl (100 mg/kg/day) or distilled water for three consecutive days. After treatment protocol, open field, elevated plus maze, forced swim, and step-down inhibitory avoidance tests were performed. Oxidative stress parameters were measured to evaluate the REDOX balance. Our results demonstrated that AEGl elicited the recovery of spontaneous horizontal exploration capacity, anxiogenic- and depressive-profile, as well as short-term memory damage induced by binge-ethanol exposure. The behavioral effects of the extract were associated to the reequilibrium of the animals’ REDOX balance. Thus, AEGl, a medicinal mushroom, ameliorates behavioral alteration on a model of motor, cognitive and psychiatric-like disorders induced by binge drinking paradigm and emerges as a useful tool as a food supplement in the management of disorders of alcoholic origin.
Base of Skull Metastatic Adenocarcinoma from the Breast 23 Years after the Primary Diagnosis
Authors: Othman Iylia Ajmal , Zahedi Farah Dayana , Husain Salina
Published: July 2020

Breast cancer metastases to the base of the skull with concomitant infiltration into the paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx are exceptionally rare with only small numbers of reported literatures. Greenberg et al. in 1981 described five clinical syndromes with regards to the base of skull metastases and the clinical presentation of each syndrome related to its anatomical location. Often, metastases to the base of the skull remain asymptomatic until the lesion has increased to a considerable size causing bony destruction and impingement to the surrounding structures. When involving the paranasal sinuses or nasopharynx, the most common presenting symptoms mimic those of rhinosinusitis and, hence, may delay the accurate diagnosis. We are reporting a case of base of skull metastasis from breast carcinoma, 23 years after the primary diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first case to report latent metastasis of more than 20 years.
Exploring the Impact of Wind Loads on Tower Crane Operation
Authors: Jin Lianghai , Liu Han , Zheng Xiazhong , Chen Shu
Published: July 2020

The construction industry continues to be one of the industries with the highest accident rate. Tower cranes have always been the central component of many construction operations. With recent advancements in tower cranes, more efforts have been made for their safe operation. The impact of natural environmental factors on the operation of tower cranes cannot be ignored, especially the impact of the wind load, which can be found in construction regulations worldwide. Therefore, a large number of recent studies have focused on exploring different approaches to improving the impact of loads, such as improved feedback controllers and collocated sensors. However, there are few studies on the impact of the flexible cable pendulum system under wind load. To quantify the impact in this paper, first, the swing model of the hanging and the model of sling fluctuation are proposed as the base. Second, the flexible cable pendulum model is designed for the impact of tower cranes under wind load. By field experiments, the applicability of the model in practical use is analyzed. A case of the Crane Beach Hydropower Station is investigated as a demonstration. With MATLAB programming, the variation in the hanging impulse with wind speed is shown, indicating that the maximum wind speed should be 12 m/s if the factors that people can control are considered. When considering the factors that can be harmful to humans, the maximum wind speed is 17 m/s. With the proposed model, the impacts of wind load on tower crane operation can be quantified without actual deployment, offering a more straightforward quantitative tool for safe regulations and engineering management.
Reversible Nephropathy Associated with Jet Fuel Exposure
Authors: Salam Latif A. , Amin Khabbab , Cheng Regina , Murakami Noriyuki , Brown Clinton , Kwon Lawrence
Published: July 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) with progression to oliguric or anuric acute renal failure (ARF) is often related to use of well-known nephrotoxic agents including medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and certain classes of antibiotics. Hyperosmolar IV contrast is also a well-known nephrotoxic agent. Severe sepsis with subsequent hypotension, marked hyperglycemia, and those with difficulty accessing water or with poor oral intake can also present with acute kidney injury related to kidney hypoperfusion, dehydration, and volume depletion. In this case report, we discover and discuss the possible effects of regular and daily occupational exposure of jet fuel (a mixture of hydrocarbons) on renal function. Jet fuel is an underdescribed and not well-known nephrotoxic agent; however, its direct toxicity on kidney function appears to be reversible with removal of exposure and aggressive fluid hydration.
Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Methods Discontinuation among Women within Reproductive Age in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Yifru Gizaw T. , Haileyesus Mesfin T. , Regassa Belay Tafa
Published: July 2020

Background. Modern family planning methods are widely believed to influence fertility reduction worldwide. Family planning had a clear effect on the health of women, children, and families worldwide especially those in developing countries. It has been shown that there are many instances in which women might discontinue contraception methods that put women’s health at risk. Objectives. To assess and identify Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Methods Discontinuation among Women in Reproductive age interval in Dire Dawa City. Method. A cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 811 respondent women with one-year history of modern contraceptive method usage were considered in the study. A stratified random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Result. The study indicated that 634 (78.20%) of respondent mothers continued using the method that they have used before a year. Whereas 177 (21.80%) of women discontinued using the method within a year. The factors age, number of children, who made the decision on the choice of the method used, the type of contraceptive method used, and taking counseling before using the method were found significant at 5% level of significance. Conclusion. Young women, respondents who have no or a small number of children, and not the decision maker on the choice of the method were more likely to discontinue. Whereas women who did not take counseling are less likely to discontinue. When compared to women who used implant those women who used pills and injectables are more likely to discontinue. Thus, the study identified factors that contribute to the discontinuation of modern contraception methods.
The Utility of Platelet Indices in Predicting Multiorgan Dysfunction in Scrub Typhus
Authors: Vijayakumar Saravanakumari , Viswanathan Stalin , Jain Dheeraj
Published: July 2020

Platelet indices have been used to diagnose and prognosticate infections such as tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, and septic shock. Platelet indices have previously not been used in the prediction of multiorgan dysfunction (MODS) in patients with scrub typhus. A three-year retrospective review of patient charts was performed. Patients with and without MODS were compared. Platelet indices and other clinical and laboratory variables were used in logistic regression analysis to determine significant predictors. A ROC curve was generated with the platelet indices to predict MODS. Of 189 patients, 106 were male. Respiratory rate, serum creatinine, liver function tests, platelet count, thrombocytopenia <150 × 109/L, mean platelet volume (MPV) > 7.3 fL, and plateletcrit ≤0.19% varied significantly between patients with MODS and those without. Platelet indices are inexpensive and easily available. Only thrombocytopenia along with creatinine, alanine transaminase, and abnormal chest radiograph could significantly predict MODS in patients with scrub typhus.
Two to Tango: Dialogue between Adaptive and Innate Immunity in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Sun Lin , Xi Shugang , He Guangyu , Li Zhuo , Gang Xiaokun , Sun Chenglin , Guo Weiying , Wang Guixia
Published: July 2020

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a long-term and chronic autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system attacks the pancreatic β-cells. Both adaptive and innate immune systems are involved in T1DM development. Both B-cells and T-cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, as well as other T-cell subsets, could affect onset of autoimmunity. Furthermore, cells involved in innate immunity, including the macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, could also accelerate or decelerate T1DM development. In this review, the crosstalk and function of immune cells in the pathogenesis of T1DM, as well as the corresponding therapeutic interventions, are discussed.
Aerogel‐Based TiO2 Stable Inks for Direct Inkjet Printing of Nanostructured Layers
Authors: Barreiro Aline M. , Pinheiro Geneviève K. , Wesling Bruno N. , Müller Daliana , Scarabelot Letícia T. , de Souza Luciana V. , Hotza Dachamir , Rambo Carlos R.
Published: July 2020

Inkjet printing presents a high potential for cost reduction of electronic devices manufacturing due to the capacity to deposit materials with high precision, less material waste, and large‐scale production through the roll‐to‐roll printing processes. In this work, a nanostructured TiO2 ink was developed using TiO2 aerogel and an alkaline aqueous solution, which resulted in a very stable suspension. A high‐intensity ultrasonic mixer was used to fragment and disperse TiO2 aerogels producing suspensions with particles smaller than 200 nm, which are suitable for the inkjet printing process. For the development of the ink, the viscosity and surface tension were adjusted by using glycerol and a surfactant (Triton X‐100). The influence of those components on the properties of the ink was evaluated for different concentrations. After formulation of the inks, the printing parameters were adjusted to optimize the process. Films with high surface area and less than 100 nm grain size were successfully produced. Electrical measurements revealed a resistive‐like behavior with the sheet resistance increasing with number of printed layers.
A Graphical Approach for Hybrid Simulation of 3D Diffusion Bio-Models via Coloured Hybrid Petri Nets
Authors: Ismail Amr , Herajy Mostafa , Atlam Elsayed , Heiner Monika
Published: July 2020

Three-dimensional modelling of biological systems is imperative to study the behaviour of dynamic systems that require the analysis of how their components interact in space. However, there are only a few formal tools that offer a convenient modelling of such systems. The traditional approach to construct and simulate 3D models is to build a system of partial differential equations (PDEs). Although this approach may be computationally efficient and has been employed by many researchers over the years, it is not always intuitive since it does not provide a visual depiction of the modelled systems. Indeed, a visual modelling can help to conceive a mental image which eventually contributes to the understanding of the problem under study. Coloured Hybrid Petri Nets (HPNC) are a high-level representation of classical Petri nets that offer hybrid as well as spatial modelling of biological systems. In addition to their graphical representations,HPNCmodels are also scalable. This paper shows howHPNCcan be used to construct and simulate systems that require three-dimensional as well as hybrid (stochastic/continuous) modelling. We use calcium diffusion in three dimensions to illustrate our main ideas. More specifically, we show that creating 3D models usingHPNCcan yield more flexible models as the structure can be easily scaled up and down by just modifying a few parameters. This advantage of convenient model configuration facilitates the design of different experiments without the need to alter the model structure.
Comparison of Effects of ACEIs and ARBs on Albuminuria and Hyperkalemia in Indonesian Hypertensive Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Agustina Putri S. , Yunir Em , Prawiroharjo Pukovisa , Damanik Johanda , Sauriasari Rani
Published: July 2020

Purpose. Due to economic consideration, Indonesia’s formulary restrictions are at odds with the treatment guidelines of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8). ADA and JNC 8 equally recommend the prescription of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) for hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with overt proteinuria (urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 300 mg/g creatinine). However, since 1 April 2018, Indonesian formulary restricted telmisartan and valsartan only for T2DM patients with declined renal function as shown by eGFR value. There is no compelling evidence in favor of ACEI over ARB or vice versa except for data supporting the early use of both drugs in patients with overt proteinuria. However, ARB is a choice if ACEI’s side effects, that is, coughing, occurs. Therefore, it necessitates a detailed evaluation of the effects of ACEIs and ARBs on albuminuria and their side effect, hyperkalemia, specific to Indonesian T2DM patients. Methods. This cross-sectional study involved 134 T2DM patients whose treatment was restricted to either ACEIs (n = 57) or ARBs (n = 77) for at least two months before the study during May–October 2018. Patients with known end-stage renal disease and those receiving dialysis were excluded. UACR and blood potassium levels were compared between the two study groups. Also, the risk factors of albuminuria and hyperkalemia were estimated using multivariate analysis. Results. T2DM patients in the ACEI and ARB groups had similar characteristics except for a higher body mass index (p=0.008), lower glomerular filtration rate (p=0.04), and a longer duration of prior treatment (p<0.001) in the ARB group. This study showed no differences between the ACEI and ARB groups in the proportion of cases with albuminuria (p=0.97) and hyperkalemia (p=0.86), even after adjustment for confounders. In addition, uncontrolled diastolic blood pressure was a significant factor associated with albuminuria (OR: 4.897, 95% CI: 1.026–23.366; p=0.046), whereas a female was 70.1% less likely to develop hyperkalemia than a male (OR: 0.299, 95% CI: 0.102–0.877; p=0.028). Conclusion. This cross-sectional study demonstrated that ACEIs and ARBs have a similar effect on albuminuria and hyperkalemia in Indonesian hypertensive T2DM patients, even after correction for potentially confounding variables.
Algebraic Connectivity and Disjoint Vertex Subsets of Graphs
Authors: Sun Yan , Li Faxu
Published: July 2020

It is well known that the algebraic connectivity of a graph is the second small eigenvalue of its Laplacian matrix. In this paper, we mainly research the relationships between the algebraic connectivity and the disjoint vertex subsets of graphs, which are presented through some upper bounds on algebraic connectivity.
Behavior of GFRP‐Wood Composite Sandwich Beam‐Column Joints with Angle Steels
Authors: Xie ZhiJin , Qi YuJun , Fang Hai , Liu WeiQing
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a new type of connection system was proposed for joints between GFRP‐wood composite sandwich beams and columns which were made of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) face sheets and southern pine wood cores. The connection system comprised steel angles anchored to the column, and the beam was bolted to the angles. Six different connection system configurations were tested to understand the static behavior of the connection system under different parameters including the length of the beam‐closed limb and the presence of ribs. The failure modes of the connection system obtained in tests were of three types: yield failure of the angle steels, local crushing failure of the GFRP‐wood composite sandwich beam, and tensile failure of the bolt on the beam‐closed limb. The initial rotational stiffness values of the three specimens with ribs were 113.75%, 119.56%, and 227.94% higher than the corresponding three specimens without ribs. And the ductility of connection improved by up to 30.28% due to the presence of stiffener ribs. Based on the tests, the bearing capacity and stiffness of the connection system were predicted. For the specimens without ribs, the method in Eurocode 3 was adopted for bearing capacity and stiffness predictions. For the specimens with ribs, a mechanical model was established for bearing capacity and initial stiffness predictions, which was solved according to the corresponding stress features and failure modes. The analytical results were in good agreement with the experimental results.
Comparisons of Ocular Anatomic Differences of Lens-Subluxated Eye with or without Acute Angle Closure: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Hong-Liang , Qin Yong-Jie , Zhang Yu-Lin , Zhang Yu-Qiao , Niu Yong-Yi , Chen Yan-Lei , Hu Yun-Yan , Xie Wen-Juan , Zhang Hong-Yang
Published: July 2020

Purpose. To compare ocular anatomy differences of lens subluxation between eyes with or without acute angle closure (AAC). Methods. This is a retrospective and case-control study. Sixty cases with mild lens subluxation were recruited. Among them, 30 eyes with acute angle closure were assigned to the AAC group and 30 eyes without AAC were assigned to the non-AAC group. The anterior segment was quantitatively evaluated by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). The axial length (AL) was measured with IOL Master. All patients underwent lens extraction surgery and were followed up for six months. Results. The history of blunt trauma accounted for 22 (73.3%) cases in the AAC group and 21 (70%) cases in the non-AAC group. Fifteen (50%) patients in the AAC group had iridotomy history, and high intraocular pressure recurred. The UBM analysis showed that the average central chamber depth of the affected eyes in the AAC group was 1.82 mm, which was significantly shallower than that in the fellow eyes (2.58 mm, P<0.05) or both eyes in the non-AAC group.Both eyes in the AAC group presented a shorter AL and shallower anterior chamber than the eyes in the non-AAC group. Conclusions. An asymmetrical anterior chamber between bilateral eyes is an important feature in lens subluxation-induced AAC. The crowded anterior chamber and shorter AL might be the anatomic basis for the eye with lens subluxation-induced AAC.
Large Bowel Endometriosis Mimicking Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mota Laís Marques , Hirsch Bruno Salomão , Seligman Renato
Published: July 2020

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, with 1–7% prevalence in the female population. It is observed in various locations of the human body, and large bowel endometriosis is the most common extrapelvic site, affecting about 5 to 12% of all women who present endometriosis. This study aimed to report an interesting images related to stenosing large bowel endometriosis that was possible to be diagnosed only by surgical intervention. Hence, this pathology is a diagnostic challenge and should be remembered between differential diagnoses of nonspecific or even alarming symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract.
Transient Wave Propagation Dynamics with Edge-Based Smoothed Finite Element Method and Bathe Time Integration Technique
Authors: Chai Yingbin , Zhang Yongou
Published: July 2020

In this work, the edge-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM) is incorporated with the Bathe time integration scheme to solve the transient wave propagation problems. The edge-based gradient smoothing technique (GST) can properly soften the “overly soft” system matrices from the standard finite element approach; then, the spatial numerical dispersion error of the calculated solutions for wave problems can be significantly reduced. To effectively solve the transient wave propagation problems, the Bathe time integration scheme is employed to perform the involved time integration. Due to the appropriate “numerical dissipation effects” from the Bathe time integration method, the spurious oscillations in the relatively large wave numbers (high frequencies) can be effectively suppressed; then, the temporal numerical dispersion error in the calculated solutions can also be notably controlled. A number of supporting numerical examples are considered to examine the capabilities of the present approach. The numerical results show that ES-FEM works very well with the Bathe time integration technique, and much more numerical solutions can be reached for solving transient wave propagation problems compared to the standard FEM.
Instrumentation Removal following Minimally Invasive Posterior Percutaneous Pedicle Screw-Rod Stabilization (PercStab) of Thoracolumbar Fractures Is Not Always Required
Authors: Manson Neil , El-Mughayyar Dana , Bigney Erin , Richardson Eden , Abraham Edward
Published: July 2020

Study Design. Clinical case series. Background. Percutaneous stabilization for spinal trauma confers less blood loss, reduces postoperative pain, and is less invasive than open stabilization and fusion. The current standard of care includes instrumentation removal. Objective. 1. Reporting patient outcomes following minimally invasive posterior percutaneous pedicle screw-rod stabilization (PercStab). 2. Evaluating the results of instrumentation retention. Methods. A prospective observational study of 32 consecutive patients receiving PercStab without direct decompression or fusion. Baseline data demographics were collected. Operative outcomes of interest were operative room (OR) time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Follow-up variables of interest included patient satisfaction, Numeric Rating Scales for Back and Leg (NRS-B/L) pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and return to work. Clinical outcome data (ODI and NRS-B/L) were collected at 3, 12, 24 months and continued at a 24-month interval up to a maximum of 8 years postoperatively. Results. 81.25% of patients (n = 26) retained their instrumentation and reported minimal disability, mild pain, and satisfaction with their surgery and returned to work (mean = 6 months). Six patients required instrumentation removal due to prominence of the instrumentation or screw loosening, causing discomfort/pain. Instrumentation removal patients reported moderate back and leg pain until removal occurred; after removal, they reported minimal disability and mild pain. Neither instrumentation removal nor retention resulted in complications or further surgical intervention. Conclusions. PercStab without instrumentation removal provided high patient satisfaction, mild pain, and minimal disability and relieved the patient from the burden of finances and resources allocation of a second surgery.
Association of Pathogenic Th17 Cells with the Disease Severity and Its Potential Implication for Biological Treatment Selection in Psoriasis Patients
Authors: Aguilar-Flores Cristina , Castro-Escamilla Octavio , Ortega-Rocha Elizabeth M. , Maldonado-García César , Jurado-Santa Cruz Fermín , Pérez-Montesinos Gibrán , Lemini-López Alicia , Bonifaz Laura C.
Published: July 2020

Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by cutaneous lesions in plaques. It has been proposed that the immune response has a key role in the disease progression. Particularly, the Th17 cells through IL-17 can contribute to maintain the inflammatory process. The pathogenic Th17 phenotype has been described in human diseases and associated with high severity in inflammatory experimental models. However, it is not clear if the pathogenic phenotype could be present in the skin and peripheral blood as well as its possible association to severity in psoriasis. In the lesional skin, we found high infiltration of Th17 cells and the pathogenic phenotype, finding a correlation between the frequency of Th17 cells and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. In peripheral blood, we observed a pool of Th17 lymphocytes with potential to acquire pathogenic features. Interestingly, the percentage of pathogenic Th17 cells (CD4+ RORγt+ IFN-γ+) correlates with disease severity. Moreover, we distinguished three groups of patients based on their IL-17/IFN-γ production by Th17 lymphocytes, which seems to be related with a dynamic or stable potential to express these cytokines. Remarkably, we evaluated the cytokine production by Th17 cells as an immunological marker for the adequate selection of biologic therapy. We found that patients analyzed by this immunological approach and treated with antibodies against IL-17 and TNFα showed great improvement depicted by reduction in PASI and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score as well as the percentage of Body Surface Area (BSA). Altogether, our results highlight the importance of the assessment of the pathogenic phenotype in Th17 cells as an immune personalized analysis with the potential to support the therapy choice in the clinical practice.
Young and Older Adults Differ in Integration of Sensory Cues for Vertical Perception
Authors: Abdul Razzak Rima , Bagust Jeff , Docherty Sharon
Published: July 2020

Introduction. The subjective visual vertical (SVV) measures the perception of a person’s spatial orientation relative to gravity. Weighted central integration of vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive inputs is essential for SVV perception. Without any visual references and minimal proprioceptive contribution, the static SVV reflects balance of the otolith organs. Normal aging is associated with bilateral and progressive decline in otolith organ function, but age-dependent effects on SVV are inconclusive. Studies on sensory reweighting for visual vertical and multisensory integration strategies reveal age-dependent differences, but most studies have included elderly participants in comparison to younger adults. The aim of this study was to compare young adults with older adults, an age group younger than the elderly. Methods. Thirty-three young and 28 older adults (50–65 years old) adjusted a tilted line accurately to their perceived vertical. The rod’s final position from true vertical was recorded as tilt error in degrees. For otolithic balance, visual vertical was recorded in the dark without any visual references. The rod and frame task (RFT) with tilted disorienting visual frames was used for creating visuovestibular conflict. We adopted Nyborg’s analysis method to derive the rod and frame effect (RFE) and trial-to-trial variability measures. Rod alignment times were also analyzed. Results. There was no age difference in signed tilts of SVV without visual reference. There was an age effect on RFE and on overall trial-to-trial variability of rod tilt, with older adults displaying larger frame effects and greater variability in rod tilts. Alignment times were longer in the tilted-frame conditions for both groups and in the older adults compared to their younger counterparts. The association between tilt accuracy and tilt precision was significant for older adults only during visuovestibular conflict, revealing an increase in RFE with an increase in tilt variability. Correlation of σSVV, which represents vestibular input precision, with RFE yielded exactly the same contribution of σSVV to the variance in RFE for both age groups. Conclusions. Older adults have balanced otolithic input in an upright position. Increased reliance on visual cues may begin at ages younger than what is considered elderly. Increased alignment times for older adults may create a broader time window for integration of relevant and irrelevant sensory information, thus enhancing their multisensory integration. In parallel with the elderly, older adults may differ from young adults in their integration of sensory cues for visual vertical perception.
A Shear Strength Model for a Subsidence Backfill Body Based on Adhesion Friction Theory
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Shengyou , Liu Weidong , Sun Wei , Li Jinxin
Published: July 2020

Proper determination of the shear strength of the backfill body used to fill the subsidence is the basis for subsidence restoration and the stability analysis of materials. This study developed a shear strength calculation model for the backfill body by introducing adhesive friction theory into the shear strength analysis. A direct shear test was performed in the laboratory to verify the proposed method. Test results suggested that the shear strength calculation method based on adhesive friction theory can calculate the variation in the actual contact area between grains in the tested samples undergoing shearing and estimate the peak shear strength. The actual contact area was divided into two components, namely, adhesive contact area Arm and contact area reduction caused by shear displacement, which exhibited a maximum at Armax. The shear strength values calculated by this method were smaller than laboratory values, and their differences increased with the rock proportion in the backfill body. The differences between the theoretical and experimental values of shear strength increased with the rock grain size. The results of theoretical calculation, combined with the results of laboratory experiments, can provide support for the proper determination of shear strength of the backfill body.