bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration of Angiopoietin‐Like Protein 4 Levels in Serum or Urine Correlate with Different Biochemical Markers in Hyperlipidemia‐Related Proteinuria
Authors: Gao Xia , Zhang Min , Feng Weidong , Xu Zichuan , Wang Yan , Shi Lingna , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2020

Angiopoietin‐like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is widely known as a key regulator of lipid metabolism. We investigated the relationship between ANGPTL4 expression in serum or urine and blood lipid or urine protein levels of patients with hyperlipidemia‐ (HL‐) related proteinuria. Sixty‐eight patients with HL‐related proteinuria (HL‐Pro group), 68 patients with HL without proteinuria (HL‐NPro group), 46 patients with non‐HL‐related proteinuria (NHL‐Pro group), and 50 healthy control (Con) subjects were selected. There were no significant differences in serum ANGPTL4 levels between the Con group (36.82 ± 17.03 ng/ml) and the HL‐Pro group (27.94 (18.90, 53.72) ng/ml). Additionally, the serum ANGPTL4 levels in the HL‐Pro group were significantly lower than those in the HL‐NPro group (53.32 ± 24.01 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). The urine ANGPTL4/Cr levels in the HL‐Pro group (52.01 (45.25, 79.79) μg/g) were significantly higher than those in the HL‐NPro group (9.96 (8.35, 12.43) ng/ml) (P < 0.05). A significant alteration in urine ANGPTL4/Cr levels was observed in the NHL‐Pro group (69.41 ± 55.36 μg/g) and the Con group (10.08 ± 2.38 μg/g) as well. There was no correlation between serum and urine ANGPTL4 levels of the four groups (P > 0.05). Serum ANGPTL4 levels (HL‐Pro/HL‐NPro group) were positively correlated with total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels in hyperlipidemia patients. However, there was no correlation between urinary ANGPTL4 levels and TC or TG (P > 0.05). Urine ANGPTL4 levels were positively correlated with 24hUPro in patients with renal impairment (HL‐Pro/NHL‐Pro group). To summarize, ANGPTL4 may be considered an accurate predictor of proteinuria with HL. Notably, serum or urine ANGPTL4 levels indicated the degree of proteinuria or hyperlipidemia, respectively, in HL patients.
A Simple Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Glyoxylic Acid in Its Synthesis Mixture
Authors: Abdulwahed Mazhar , Mamoly Lamia , Bosnali Wael
Published: March 2020

A new simple and reliable spectrophotometric method is described to determine glyoxylic acid in its synthesis reaction mixture containing oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, glyoxal, and ethylene glycol by means of a modified Hopkins–Cole reaction between glyoxylic acid and tryptophan in presence of ferric chloride and concentrated sulphuric acid. The linear range of glyoxylic acid concentration is 0–0.028 M. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) are 0.0019 M and 0.00577 M, respectively. The LOD, LOQ, standard deviation, relative standard deviation, and recovery ratio of the proposed method are comparable with a selected HPLC reference method. Both methods displayed same precision and credibility. Reaction stoichiometry between tryptophan and glyoxylic acid is assumed to be 2 : 3. Reaction mechanism has been postulated based on identified molar ratios of reactants. Glyoxal gave a negative test with tryptophan although it is a dialdehyde.
Leukotriene Pathway Activation Associates with Poor Glycemic Control and with Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Santos-Bezerra Daniele P. , Filgueiras Luciano R. , Monteiro Maria Beatriz , Admoni Sharon N. , Perez Ricardo V. , Cavaleiro Ana M. , Machado Cleide G. , Machado Ubiratan F. , Passarelli Marisa , Jancar Sonia , Correa-Giannella Maria Lucia
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims. Since hyperglycemia promotes inflammation by different pathways and inflammation participates in the development of chronic diabetes complications, we investigated the association between the leukotriene (LT) pathway and microvascular diabetes complications.Methods and Results. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to quantify the expression ofALOX5(encodes 5-lipoxygenase),LTB4R(encodes one of the LTB4 receptors), andMYD88in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 164 type 1 diabetes (T1D) individuals presenting or not diabetes kidney disease, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN); 26 nondiabetic subjects were included as controls. LTB4 plasmatic concentrations were also evaluated. The expression ofLTB4Rwas significantly higher in T1D individuals than in controls. T1D individuals with microvascular complications presented lowerMYD88mRNA expression when compared to those without microvascular complications. Higher LTB4 concentrations were found in individuals with CAN versus without CAN. The observation of two distinct subgroups of T1D individuals in the correlation analyses motivated us to evaluate the characteristics of each one of these groups separately. The group presenting higher expression ofALOX5and ofLTB4Ralso presented higher values of HbA1C, of fructosamine, and of plasmatic LTB4.Conclusion. In the diabetes setting, the LT pathway is not only activated by hyperglycemia but is also modulated by the status of the autonomic nervous system.
Microbiological, Biochemical, and Functional Aspects of Fermented Vegetable and Fruit Beverages
Authors: Ayed Lamia , M’hir Sana , Hamdi Moktar
Published: March 2020

In recent years, the request for the functional beverages that promote health and wellness has increased. In fact, fermented juices are an excellent delivering means for bioactive components. Their production is of crucial importance to supply probiotics, in particular, for people with particulars needs like dairy-product allergic consumers and vegetarians. This review focuses on recent findings regarding the microbial composition and the health benefits of fermented fruit and vegetable beverages by lactic acid bacteria, kefir grains, and SCOBY as well as discussing the metabolites resulting from these fermentations process. Moreover, limits that could restrain their production at the industrial level and solutions that have been proposed to overcome these constraints are also reviewed.
Association between Serum Uric Acid to HDL-Cholesterol Ratio and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Lean Chinese Adults
Authors: Zhang Ya-Nan , Wang Qin-Qiu , Chen Yi-Shu , Shen Chao , Xu Cheng-Fu
Published: March 2020

Background/Aim. The risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in lean population have not been fully clarified. This study aimed to explore the association between uric acid to HDL-cholesterol ratio (UHR) and NAFLD in lean Chinese adults. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed among 6285 lean Chinese adults (body mass index < 24 kg/m2) who took their annual health checkups. NAFLD was diagnosed based on hepatic ultrasound examination, with exclusion of other etiologies. Results. Of 6285 lean participants enrolled, 654 NAFLD cases were diagnosed. The overall NAFLD prevalence was 10.41%, and the prevalence was 15.45% and 7.16% in men and women, respectively. UHR was significantly higher in NAFLD patients than in controls (14.25 ± 5.33% versus 10.09 ± 4.23%, P<0.001). UHR quintiles were positively associated with NAFLD prevalence, which was 1.91% in the first UHR quintile and increased to 3.58%, 7.81%, 14.17%, and 24.54% in the second, third, fourth, and fifth quintile groups, respectively (P<0.001 for trend). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that UHR was independently associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (odds ratio: 1.105; 95% CI: 1.076–1.134; P<0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that UHR remained significantly associated with NAFLD in lean participants with normal range of serum uric acid and HDL-cholesterol levels. Conclusions. UHR was significantly associated with NAFLD and may serve as a novel and reliable marker for NAFLD in lean adults.
Protein Kinase A Is Involved in Neuropathic Pain by Activating the p38MAPK Pathway to Mediate Spinal Cord Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Deng Yajun , Yang Liang , Xie Qiqi , Yang Fengbiao , Li Guoqiang , Zhang Guangzhi , Li Shaoping , Wu Zuolong , Wang Jing , Kang Xuewen
Published: March 2020

Neuropathic pain is a serious clinical problem to be solved. This study is aimed at investigating protein kinase A (PKA) expression in neuropathic pain and its possible mechanisms of involvement. A neuropathic pain-related gene expression dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, and differentially expressed genes were screened using the R software. cytoHubba was used to screen for hub genes. A spared nerve injury (SNI) rat model was established, and the paw withdrawal threshold was determined using von Frey filaments. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and cellular localization, respectively, of key proteins in the spinal cord. Western blot, ELISA, and TUNEL assays were used to detect cell signal transduction, inflammation, and apoptosis, respectively. Pka was identified as a key gene involved in neuropathic pain. After SNI, mechanical allodynia occurred, PKA expression in the spinal cord increased, the p38MAPK pathway was activated, and spinal cord inflammation and apoptosis occurred in rats. PKA colocalized with neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, and apoptotic cells were mainly neurons. Intrathecal injection of a PKA inhibitor not only relieved mechanical hyperalgesia, inflammatory reaction, and apoptosis in SNI rats but also inhibited p38MAPK pathway activation. However, intrathecal injection of a p38MAPK inhibitor attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia, inflammation, and apoptosis, but did not affect PKA expression. In conclusion, PKA is involved in neuropathic pain by activating the p38MAPK pathway to mediate spinal cord cell apoptosis.
Femoral Stress Changes after Total Hip Arthroplasty with the Ribbed Prosthesis: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Luo Changqi , Wu Xiang-Dong , Wan Yifei , Liao Junyi , Cheng Qiang , Tian Mian , Bai Zhibiao , Huang Wei
Published: March 2020

Background. A total hip reconstruction is related to the stress distribution throughout the prosthesis, cement, and femur. Researches on reducing the stress in all components to minimize the risk of failure are of great significance. The objective of our study was to determine the biomechanical variation in overall femoral stress and periprosthetic femoral stress distribution after implantation with the Ribbed anatomic prosthesis. Methods. Three‐dimensional finite element models of intact femur and Ribbed prosthesis were developed according to the morphology, while the hip joint loading and the strength of related muscles were applied in the models. The overall stress changes of the intact femur before and after the implantation were analyzed, and the periprosthetic stress distribution especially in the proximal region of the femur was quantified. Results. As a result, the overall stress pattern of the femur did not change after the implantation compared with the intact femur. The region of peak stress value was located in the middle and lower segments of the full length femur, but the stress value level decreased. The final prosthesis resulted in a significant decrease in the equivalent stress level of the periprosthetic bone tissue, and the most severe area appeared at the endmost posterior quadrant. The stress shielding ratio of the Ribbed prosthesis was 71.6%. The stress value level gradually increased towards the distal part of the prosthesis and recovered to physiological level at the end of the prosthesis. Conclusions. The Ribbed prosthesis can cause significant stress shielding effect in the proximal femur. These results may help optimize prosthetic design to reduce stress shielding effect and improve clinical outcomes.
Identification of FOS as a Candidate Risk Gene for Liver Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Hu Jin-Wu , Ding Guang-Yu , Fu Pei-Yao , Tang Wei-Guo , Sun Qi-Man , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Shen Ying-Hao , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Sun Hui-Chuan , Huang Cheng
Published: March 2020

Liver cancer is a lethal disease that is associated with poor prognosis. In order to identify the functionally important genes associated with liver cancer that may reveal novel therapeutic avenues, we performed integrated analysis to profile miRNA and mRNA expression levels for liver tumors compared to normal samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identified 405 differentially expressed genes and 233 differentially expressed miRNAs in tumor samples compared with controls. In addition, we also performed the pathway analysis and found that mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pathway were two of the top significant pathway nodes dysregulated in liver cancer. Furthermore, by examining these signaling networks, we discovered that FOS (Fos proto‐oncogene, AP‐1 transcription factor subunit), LAMC2 (laminin subunit gamma 2), and CALML3 (calmodulin like 3) were the most significant gene nodes with high degrees involved in liver cancer. The expression and disease prediction accuracy of FOS, LAMC2, CALML3, and their interacting miRNAs were further performed using a HCC cohort. Finally, we investigated the prognostic significance of FOS in another HCC cohort. Patients with higher FOS expression displayed significantly shorter time to recurrence (TTR) and overall survival (OS) compared with patients with lower expression. Collectively, our study demonstrates that FOS is a potential prognostic marker for liver cancer that may reveal a novel therapeutic avenue in this lethal disease.
Anti-VEGF Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: Two-Year Visual Outcomes in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Urbančič Mojca , Klobučar Pia , Zupan Matej , Urbančič Katja , Lavrič Alenka
Published: March 2020

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 2-year visual outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with anti-VEGF agents in a routine clinical setting. Methods. The medical records of patients treated with ranibizumab or aflibercept due to DME at the Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia, between January 2016 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 123 patients (123 eyes) were included in the study. Results. Baseline visual acuity (VA) was 60.9 ± 15.2 letters (median 63; range 7–85). Baseline central retinal subfield thickness (CRT) was 440.7 ± 132.5 μm (median 430; range 114–1000). No significant change in VA over 2 years was found (mean change +2.1 ± 16.8 letters (median 2; range −53–52)). However, there was a significant change in VA in the subgroup with baseline VA <70 letters (mean change +5.7 ± 17.9 letters (median 5; range −52–52)). VA gains of ≥15 letters were achieved in 25 eyes (20.3%). Changes in CRT were significant over 2 years. Patients received 4.5 ± 2.1 (median 5, range 1–9) and 2.6 ± 2.3 (median 2, range 0–8) injections in the first and second years, respectively. Conclusions. The two-year visual outcomes in this retrospective analysis appear to be comparable to previously reported outcomes in routine clinical practice. Our analysis provides some information about the effectiveness of anti-VEGF treatment in routine clinical practice in Slovenia. More intensive treatment should be implemented in the management of patients in order to achieve better visual outcomes.
Low‐Intensity Electrical Stimulation to Improve the Neurological Aspect of Weakness in Individuals with Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Lesion
Authors: Tang Wen-Tzu , Hsu Miao-Ju , Huang Yi-Ming , Hsu Yu-Ting , Chuang Li-Ling , Chang Ya-Ju
Published: March 2020

Purpose. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of low‐intensity electrical stimulation on the voluntary activation level (VA) and the cortical facilitation/inhibition of quadriceps in people with chronic anterior cruciate ligament lesion. Methods. Twenty former athletes with unilateral ACL deficiencies (ACL group) and 20 healthy subjects (healthy control group) participated in the study. The quadriceps VA level, motor‐evoked potential (MEP), short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation were tested before and after 30 minutes of low‐intensity electrical stimulation (ES). Results. Before ES, the quadriceps VA in the ACL lesion legs of the ACL group was lower compared to the legs of the healthy control group (P < 0.05). The MEP sizes in the ACL lesion legs and the healthy control were not significantly different. The ACL lesion legs showed lower SICI and higher ICF compared to the healthy control group (P < 0.05). After ES, the quadriceps VA level increased and the SICI‐ICF was modulated only in the ACL lesion legs (P < 0.05) but not in the healthy controls. Conclusions. Low‐intensity ES can normalize the modulation of intracortical inhibition and facilitation, thereby ameliorating the activation failure in individuals with ACL lesion.
Research on Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Competing Retailers under Government Reward-Penalty Mechanism and Asymmetric Information
Authors: Zhang Xiao-qing , Yuan Xi-gang , Zhang Da-lin
Published: March 2020

In manufacturer-led closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with two competing retailers, the retailer-1 recycles WEEE whose fixed recycling cost is asymmetric information. Using dynamics game theory and principal-agent theory, three dynamic game models are built including (1) benchmark model without reward-penalty mechanism (RPM); (2) decentralized model with carbon emission RPM; (3) decentralized model with carbon emission RPM and recovery rate RPM. This paper discusses the influence of RPM and retailers competition on the CLSC and members benefits. The results show that (1) the carbon emission RPM increases retail price, but decreases the WEEE recycling motivation usually. On the contrary, the recovery rate RPM guides WEEE recycling and lowers the retail price effectively. (2) In any case, the retailer-1’s profit is higher than that of the retailer-2; apparently it suggests that the retailer recycling WEEE gains competitive advantages. Furthermore, both the recovery rate RPM and retailers competition are beneficial to improve the competitive advantage. The relationship between two retailers’ retail price is affected by many complicated factors. (3) The WEEE buyback price and WEEE recovery rate with high fixed recycling cost (H-type) are always higher than that of low fixed recycling cost (L-type), respectively, which means that the H-type fixed recycling cost has scale advantages; the greater the reward-penalty intensity and the fiercer the competition, the more obvious the scale advantages under certain condition. (4) The retailers’ competition can not only guide WEEE recycling but also improve retailers’ profits. Meanwhile, the impact of competition on the manufacturer is related to RPM, but the fierce competition decreases the manufacturer’s profit.
Effect of Temperature on Drug Release: Production of 5-FU-Encapsulated Hydroxyapatite-Gelatin Polymer Composites via Spray Drying and Analysis of In Vitro Kinetics
Authors: Aydin Nalan Erdöl
Published: March 2020

In this study, 5-fluorouracil- (5-FU-) loaded hydroxyapatite-gelatin (HAp-GEL) polymer composites were produced in the presence of a simulated body fluid (SBF) to investigate the effects of temperature and cross-linking agents on drug release. The composites were produced by wet precipitation at pH 7.4 and temperature 37°C using glutaraldehyde (GA) as the cross-linker. The effects of different amounts of glutaraldehyde on drug release profiles were studied. Encapsulation (drug loading) was performed with 5-FU using a spray drier, and the drug release of 5-FU from the HAp-GEL composites was determined at temperatures of 32°C, 37°C, and 42°C. Different mathematical models were used to obtain the release mechanism of the drug. The morphologies and structures of the composites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that for the HAp-GEL composites, the initial burst decreased with increasing GA content at all three studied temperatures. Further, three kinetic models were investigated, and it was determined that all the composites best fit the Higuchi model. It was concluded that the drug-loaded HAp-GEL composites have the potential to be used in drug delivery applications.
Mobile App for Pre- and Intraoperative Assessment of Astigmatism Correction with Toric Intraocular Lenses in Cataract Surgery
Authors: Dias Francisco Aecio Fernandes , Dias Vinicius Jose Fernandes , Dutra Barbara de Araujo Lima , Marques Anna Christina Siqueira , Marçal Edgar , Lucena Abrahao da Rocha , Crispim Ribeiro Joao
Published: March 2020

Purpose. To develop a mobile app that allows capturing and editing of photographs, performs image transposition and projection of a protractor with 360° axis markings, and permits accurate visualization of programmed alignment for the positioning of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods. In this prospective case series study, a codesign methodology was chosen to develop the Eye Axis Check application. After app development, measurements were obtained and comparisons were made between manual marks and toric IOL alignment without and with the app in 30 eyes that had undergone cataract surgery with toric IOLs. The mobile app was made available to 15 ophthalmic surgeons in different cities to assess its usability. Results. The users approved the developed application for its ease of use and utility. The mean difference between the markings made manually and those made with the app was 1° (±2°; range: 0°–5°), and the mean difference between the IOL position and the assessment made by the app was 3° (±3°; range: 0°–12°). Upon comparison of the agreement between the app measurements and the manual measurements for the IOL angle, no significant differences were found, and an excellent concordance (0.997) and a strong positive linear correlation (0.995) were observed. Conclusion. A mobile app for preoperative planning and intraoperative toric IOL alignment was developed and revealed to be useful and easy to use.
The Prognostic Value of Autophagy‐Related Markers Bclin‐1 and LC‐3 in Colorectal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Jin-xiao , Yan Qian , Liu Na , Zheng Wen-jiang , Hu Man , Yu Zhao-min , Zhou Yu-dian , Wang Xiong-wen , Liang Feng-xia , Chen Rui
Published: March 2020

Objective. At present, the relationship between autophagosomes and the prognosis of various cancers has become a subject of active investigation. A series of studies have demonstrated the correlation between autophagy microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC‐3), Beclin‐1, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Since autophagy has dual regulatory roles in tumors, the results of this correlation are also uncertain. Hence, we summarized the relationship between Beclin‐1, LC‐3, and CRC using systematic reviews and meta‐analysis to clarify their prognostic significance in it. Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched online up to April 1, 2019. The quality of the involving studies was assessed against the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS). Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a fixed or random effects model were used to assess the strength of correlation between Beclin‐1, LC‐3, and CRC. Results. A total of 9 articles were collected, involving 2,297 patients. Most literatures scored more than 6 points, suggesting that the quality of our including research was acceptable. Our finding suggested that the expression of Beclin‐1 was not associated with overall survival (HR = 0.68, 95% CI (0.31–1.52), P = 0.351). Nonetheless, LC‐3 expression exerted significant impact on OS (HR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.35–0.74), P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis exhibited that Beclin‐1 expression was associated with OS at TNM stage III (HR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.02–0.08, P < 0.05), surgical treatment (HR = 1.53, 95% CI (1.15–2.02), P = 0.003), and comprehensive treatment (HR = 0.27 95% CI (0.08–0.92), P = 0.036), respectively. Similarly, the results showed the increased LC‐3 expression in CRC was related to OS in multivariate analyses (HR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.34–0.57), P < 0.05), stages (HR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.35–0.74), P < 0.05), and comprehensive treatment (HR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.34–0.57), P < 0.05). Conclusions. Autophagy‐related proteins of LC‐3 might be an important marker of CRC progression. However, since the number of the original studies was limited, more well‐designed, large‐scale, high‐quality studies are warranted to provide more convincing and reliable information.
Influential Factors of an Asynchronous BCI for Movement Intention Detection
Authors: Rodpongpun Sura , Janyalikit Thapanan , Ratanamahatana Chotirat Ann
Published: March 2020

In recent years, asynchronous brain computer interface (BCI) systems have been utilized in many domains such as robot controlling, assistive technology, and rehabilitation. In such BCI systems, movement intention detection algorithms are used to detect movement desires. In recent years, movement-related cortical potential (MRCP), an electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern representing voluntary movement intention, attracts wide attention in movement intention detection. Unfortunately, low MRCP detection accuracy makes the asynchronous BCI system impractical for real usage. In order to develop an effective MRCP detection algorithm, EEG data have to be properly preprocessed. In this work, we investigate the relationship and effects of three factors including frequency bands, spatial filters, and classifiers on MRCP classification performance to determine best settings. In particular, we performed a systematic performance investigation on combinations of five frequency bands, five spatial filters, and six classifiers. The EEG data were acquired from subjects performing series of self-paced ankle dorsiflexions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical test was performed on F1 scores to investigate effects of these three factors. The results show that frequency bands and spatial filters depend on each other. The combinations directly affect the F1 scores, so they have to be chosen carefully. The results can be used as guidelines for BCI researchers to effectively design a preprocessing method for an advanced asynchronous BCI system, which can assist the stroke rehabilitation.
Surgical Outcomes of a Second Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Asian Eyes with Refractory Glaucoma
Authors: Ong Sze Chuan , Aquino Maria Cecilia , Chew Paul , Koh Victor
Published: March 2020

Introduction. When the initial glaucoma tube shunt fails in eyes with refractory glaucoma, one option is implantation of an additional Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) to control intraocular pressure (IOP). We aim to evaluate the outcomes of a second AGV in Asian glaucoma. Material and Methods. This is a retrospective interventional study, consisting of 21 eyes belonging to 20 patients which underwent a second FP7 AGV. Data collected included demographic characteristics, best corrected visual acuity, IOP, and number of medications. Both intraoperative and postoperative complications or interventions were recorded. The primary outcome measurement was success rate: complete success (IOP ≥5 mmHg and ≤21 mmHg without IOP-lowering medications) and qualified success (IOP ≥5 mmHg and ≤21 mmHg with IOP-lowering medications). Failure was defined as IOP ≥5 mmHg and ≤21 mmHg, reoperations for IOP-related indications, removal of second AGV implant, or loss of light perception. Postoperative complications were included as secondary outcomes. Results. The cumulative failure rates were 9.5%, 20.0%, 32.5%, and 46.0% at six months, one year, two years, and three years of follow-up. At final follow-up, complete success and qualified success rates were 23.8% and 33.3%, respectively; mean IOP and number of medications decreased by 5.6 mmHg (23.9%) and 1.7 mmHg (54.8%), respectively, from preoperative baseline (P<0.01). More common postoperative complications included hypertensive phase (38.1%), corneal decompensation (23.8%), and tube exposure (14.3%). Conclusion. An additional AGV implant had good short and modest long-term effectiveness in reducing IOP following a failed glaucoma tube shunt in Asian eyes, with the mentioned common postoperative complications to be actively monitored and managed.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block versus Wound Infiltration with Conventional Local Anesthetics in Adult Patients Underwent Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Cai Qiang , Gao Mei-ling , Chen Guan-yu , Pan Ling-hui
Published: March 2020

Background. How to effectively control the postoperative pain of patients is extremely important to clinicians. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a novel analgesic method reported to greatly decrease postoperative pain. However, in many areas, there still exists a phenomenon of surgeons using wound infiltration (WI) with conventional local anesthetics (not liposome anesthetics) as the main means to decrease postoperative pain because of traditional wisdom or convenience. Here, we compared the analgesic effectiveness of the two different methods to determine which method is more suitable for adult patients. Materials and methods. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TAP block and WI without liposome anesthetics in adult patients were performed. Frequently used databases were extensively searched. The main outcomes were postoperative pain scores in different situations (at rest or during movement) and the time until the first use of rescue analgesics. The secondary outcomes were postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) incidence and patient satisfaction scores. Results. Fifteen studies with 983 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present study. The heterogeneity in the final analysis regarding the pain score was low to moderate. The major results of the sensitivity analysis were stable. WI had the same analgesic effect as TAP block only at the one‐hour postoperative time point (mean difference = −0.32, 95% confidence interval (‐0.87, 0.24), P = 0.26) and was associated with a shorter time until the first rescue analgesic and poorer patient satisfaction. Conclusion. TAP block results in a more effective and steady analgesic effect than WI with conventional local anesthetics in adult patients from the early postoperative period and obtains higher patient satisfaction.
The DNMT1/miR-34a/FOXM1 Axis Contributes to Stemness of Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Cao Xiaocheng , Liu Lihua , Cao Xiaozheng , Cui Yinghong , Zou Chang , Chen A. , Qiu Yebei , Quan Meifang , Ren Kaiqun , Chen Xiangding , Cao Jianguo
Published: March 2020

Background. Whether DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)/miR-34a/FoxM1 signaling promotes the stemness of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess whether methylation-based silencing of miR-34a by DNMT1 contributes to stemness features via FoxM1 upregulation in LCSCs. Methods. The CD133+ subgroup of MHCC97H cells sorted by MACS was used as LCSCs. DNMT1, BMI1, SOX2, and OCT4 mRNA levels, and miR-34a amounts were determined by qRT-PCR. DNMT1, CD44, and FoxM1 proteins were analyzed by immunoblot. Sphere and colony formation abilities were detected by respective assays. CD133+ cell percentages were assessed by flow cytometry. In vivo oncogenicity was evaluated using a tumor xenograft model in mice. The effects of DNMT1/miR-34a signaling on the stemness of LCSCs were examined by knockdown or overexpression of DNMT1 and/or transfection of miR-34a mimic or inhibitor using lentivirus-delivery systems. FoxM1 association with miR-34a was detected by a reporter assay. Results. We here showed that LCSCs exhibited elevated DNMT1 activity and expression, lower miR-34a expression with higher promoter methylation, and stronger stemness, compared with the parental liver cancer cells. DNMT1 knockdown repressed DNMT1, increased miR-34a amounts by promoter demethylation, and reduced stemness in LCSCs, whereas DNMT1 overexpression had the opposite effects in liver cancer cells. Transfection with miR-34a mimic repressed the stemness of LCSCs, while miR-34a inhibitor significantly downregulated miR-34a and enhanced stemness, without affecting DNMT1 in liver cancer cells. MiR-34a mimic rescued the effects of DNMT1 overexpression on the stemness of LCSCs, without affecting DNMT1 expression. Finally, FOXM1 was identified as a direct target by miR-34a in LCSCs. Conclusions. We revealed that aberrant activation of DNMT1 causes miR-34a promoter methylation and suppression, leading to FoxM1 upregulation by disinhibition and promotion of LCSC stemness. These findings suggest that blockage of DNMT1/miR-34a-mediated FOXM1 upregulation might suppress liver cancer by targeting LCSCs.
A Seed-Expanding Method Based on TOPSIS for Community Detection in Complex Networks
Authors: Cheng Jianjun , Zhang Wenbo , Yang Haijuan , Su Xing , Ma Tao , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: March 2020

The centrality plays an important role in many community-detection algorithms, which depend on various kinds of centralities to identify seed vertices of communities first and then expand each of communities based on the seeds to get the resulting community structure. The traditional algorithms always use a single centrality measure to recognize seed vertices from the network, but each centrality measure has both pros and cons when being used in this circumstance; hence seed vertices identified using a single centrality measure might not be the best ones. In this paper, we propose a framework which integrates advantages of various centrality measures to identify the seed vertices from the network based on the TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) multiattribute decision-making technology. We take each of the centrality measures involved as an attribute, rank vertices according to the scores which are calculated for them using TOPSIS, and then take vertices with top ranks as the seeds. To put this framework into practice, we concretize it in this paper by considering four centrality measures as attributes to identify the seed vertices of communities first, then expanding communities by iteratively inserting one unclassified vertex into the community to which its most similar neighbor belongs, and the similarity between them is the largest among all pairs of vertices. After that, we obtain the initial community structure. However, the amount of communities might be much more than they should be, and some communities might be too small to make sense. Therefore, we finally consider a postprocessing procedure to merge some initial communities into larger ones to acquire the resulting community structure. To test the effectiveness of the proposed framework and method, we have performed extensive experiments on both some synthetic networks and some real-world networks; the experimental results show that the proposed method can get better results, and the quality of the detected community structure is much higher than those of competitors.
Shear Resistance of Rock Joint under Nonuniform Normal Stress
Authors: Lin Hang , Wang Hu , Chen Yifan , Cao Rihong , Wang Yixian , Yong Rui , Du Shigui
Published: March 2020

Many factors influence the shear resistance of rock joints. Among them, the above overburden load is the most important factor. The uneven thickness of the overburden causes the joints to be subjected to the nonuniform distribution load. While the peak shear strength shows nonlinear relationship with normal stress, linear superposition cannot be used to calculate the overall shear resistance of joint under nonuniform normal stress distribution. In this paper, the nonlinear shear strength model, JRC‐JCS model, is applied to study the overall shear resistance of the joint under four nonuniform distribution patterns of normal stress. The results show that when the normal stress is distributed in a nonuniform way, the shear resistance provided by rock joint as a whole decreases with the increase of the normal stress distribution interval. Given the nonuniform distribution of normal stress along the joint, the shear resistance obtained by the Mohr‐Coulomb linear model is overestimated. In order to give full play to the overall shear performance of the joint, the shear strength at different positions on the joint should be as close as possible. Then, the shear strength of joint parts can enter peak state condition simultaneously, at which time the shear strength is fully exerted.
A Prospective, Phase 1 Trial of Nivolumab, Ipilimumab, and Radiotherapy in Patients with Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Postow Michael A. , Knox Susan J. , Goldman Debra A. , Elhanati Yuval , Mavinkurve Vikram , Wong Phillip , Halpenny Darragh , Reddy Sunil K. , Vado Kenya , McCabe Danielle , Ramirez Kristen Aufiero , Macri Mary , Schwarzenberger Paul , Ricciardi Toni , Ryan Aileen , Venhaus Ralph , Momtaz Parisa , Shoushtari Alexander N. , Callahan Margaret K. , Chapman Paul B. , Wolchok Jedd D. , Subrahmanyam Priyanka B. , Maecker Holden T. , Panageas Katherine S. , Barker Christopher A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Preclinical data suggest that radiotherapy (RT) is beneficial in combination with immune checkpoint blockade. Clinical trials have explored RT with single-agent immune checkpoint blockade, but no trials have reported RT with the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a phase 1 study of patients with stage IV melanoma receiving nivolumab and ipilimumab with two different dose-fractionation schemes of RT. Patients had at least one melanoma metastasis that would benefit from palliative RT and one metastasis that would not be irradiated. Nivolumab 1 mg/kg + ipilimumab 3 mg/kg and extracranial RT with a dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions was administered in Cohort A, and then 27 Gy in 3 fractions was administered in Cohort B. The primary outcome was safety.

Results:

Twenty patients were treated (10 in each cohort). The rates of treatment-related grade 3–4 adverse events in Cohort A and B were 40% and 30%, respectively. There were no grade ≥3 adverse events attributed to RT. Patients responded to treatment outside of the irradiated volume (Cohort A 5/10; Cohort B 1/9). No evaluable patients had progression of irradiated metastases. Immunologic changes were seen in the peripheral blood with increases in T-cell receptor diversity in some responding patients.

Conclusions:

RT with nivolumab and ipilimumab was safe compared with historical data of nivolumab and ipilimumab alone. Immunologic effects were observed in the peripheral blood. Randomized studies are ongoing to assess whether RT increases the efficacy of nivolumab and ipilimumab.
Fibrinogen Alpha Chain Knockout Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis through Integrin–AKT Signaling Pathway in Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhang Guangxin , Zhang Yue , Cui Xuelian , Wang Shuaibin , Gao Song , Wang Yicun , Liu Ying , Bae Jeeyoo H. , Yang Wei-Hsiung , Qi Lei S. , Wang Lizhong , Liu Runhua
Published: March 2020

Fibrinogen is an extracellular matrix protein composed of three polypeptide chains with fibrinogen alpha (FGA), beta (FGB) and gamma (FGG). Although fibrinogen and its related fragments are involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, their functional roles are incompatible. A recent genome-scale screening reveals that loss of FGA affects the acceleration of tumor growth and metastasis of lung cancer, but the mechanism remains elusive. We used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to knockout (KO) FGA in human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell lines A549 and H1299. By colony formation, transwell migration and matrix invasion assays, FGA KO increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but decreased the expressions of epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker E-cadherin and cytokeratin 5/8 in A549 and H1299 cells. However, administration of FGA inhibited cell proliferation and migration but induced apoptosis in A549 cells. Of note, FGA KO cells indirectly cocultured by transwells with FGA wild-type cells increased FGA in the culture medium, leading to decreased migration of FGA KO cells. Furthermore, our functional analysis identified a direct interaction of FGA with integrin α5 as well as FGA–integrin signaling that regulated the AKT–mTOR signaling pathway in A549 cells. In addition, we validated that FGA KO increased tumor growth and metastasis through activation of AKT signaling in an A549 xenograft model.

Implications:

These findings demonstrate that that loss of FGA facilities tumor growth and metastasis through the integrin–AKT signaling pathway in lung cancer.
Effects of Acute Whole-Body Vibration Practice on Maximal Fat Oxidation in Adult Obese Males: A Pilot Study
Authors: Emerenziani Gian Pietro , Ferrari Dafne , Fittipaldi Simona , Bimonte Viviana Maria , Marocco Chiara , Greco Emanuela A. , Perroni Fabrizio , Migliaccio Silvia , Lenzi Andrea , Baldari Carlo , Guidetti Laura
Published: March 2020

Objective: Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been established as a useful method to improve physical fitness in obese individuals. However, the effects of WBV exercise on maximal fat oxidation (MFO) have not been examined in obese subjects yet. Method: MFO was eval­uated during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill in 12 adult obese males (BMI = 34.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2) after three different warm-up conditions: static half squat plus WBV (HSV), static half squat without WBV (HSWV), and rest (REST). Cortisol levels were evaluated before and after the warm-up, and 1 min (T1), 10 min (T10), and 30 min (T30) of the recovery phase. Results: MFO was significantly higher in HSV (p = 0.013; 569.4 ± 117.9 mg/min) and HSWV (p = 0.033; 563.8 ± 142.9 mg/min) than REST (445.5 ± 117.9 mg/min). Cortisol concentrations at T1 were significantly higher in HSV (p = 0.023) and HSWV (p = 0.015) than REST. Moreover, cortisol concentrations were significantly lower at T30 than T1 in HSWV (p = 0.04). No differences were found between T30 and T1 in HSV. Conclusions: Active warm-up increases MFO; however, vibration stimulus during half squatting does not increase MFO during a CPET in obese subjects. The lack of significant differences of cortisol concentrations in HSV during the recovery phase might suggest a long-term effect of WBV on the endocrine system.
Reproductive Risk Factors of Inflammatory Breast Cancer according to Luminal, HER2-Overexpressing, and Triple-Negative Subtypes: A Case Comparison Study
Authors: Mejri Nesrine , El Benna Houda , Rachdi Haifa , Labidi Soumaya , Benna Mahdi , Daoud Nouha , Hamdi Yosr , Abdelhak Sonia , Boussen Hamouda
Published: March 2020

Objective: We evaluated the risk factors of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) compared to non-IBC and according to histological subtype. Methods: Cases of IBC (n = 160) and controls of non-IBC (n = 580) were collected from the cohort of breast cancer patients treated in two oncology centers matched based on age at cohort entry. Data about breast cancer risk factors were collected. We evaluated correlation and ORs using conditional logistic regression analysis for each case group versus the control group. We also evaluated those factors in three further subgroups: luminal (HR+, HER2–), HER2-overexpressing (HER2+, HR–), and triple-negative (TN) patients. Results: Long duration of breastfeeding of ≥12 months (OR = 4.64, 95% CI 2.97–7.26), body mass index ≤25 (OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.71–3.58), and use of oral contraceptives (OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.62–3.84) were the most significant risk factors in favor of IBC compared to non-IBC. There was no impact of contraceptives use in the luminal subgroup and no impact of long duration of breastfeeding in the TN subgroup. The role of socioeconomic and educational levels was unclear. Age at menarche, age at first pregnancy, and age at menopause were nonsignificant risk factors of IBC. Conclusion: Reproductive risk factors were distinct in IBC patients reflecting the clinical entity of IBC.
Asthma in the Real-World: The Relevance of Gender
Authors: Ricciardolo Fabio Luigi Massimo , Levra Stefano , Sprio Andrea Elio , Bertolini Francesca , Carriero Vitina , Gallo Fabio , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: March 2020

Background: The possible gender impact on asthma arouses current and outstanding interest, but few studies addressed this issue in the real-world setting. Objective: This cross-sectional study tested the hypothesis of a potential difference between asthmatic males and females in a real-life setting, such as a third-level asthma clinic. Methods: A total of 499 asthmatic outpatients (301 females and 198 males, mean age 58.25 years) were consecutively visited. The visit included history, asthma control, and severity grade, physical examination, lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide assessment, and blood sample for biomarkers. Results: There were more females than males (about 3 of 5). Asthmatic females smoked less (p < 0.0001) than males and had higher FEV1 (p = 0.0022) and FVC (p = 0.0004) values than asthmatic males. Conclusions: Gender difference was associated with smoking and lung function impairment; thus, this issue should be carefully considered in asthmatic patients in daily clinical practice.
Qualitative Analysis of Darlington Feedback Amplifier at 45nm Technology
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Mehra Rajesh
Published: March 2020

The transistors are the key element of present communication system having high data rate. Some applications need high gain by using very low frequency, and then transistors are used. Amplifier is the key element in many applications of present high data rate communication system such as low noise amplifier (LNA), broadband amplifier, distributed and power amplifier. The Darlington pair amplifier is analyzed for high frequency performance and related effect of bandwidth. Broadband feedback Darlington pair amplifier is designed with enhanced gain, bandwidth and slew rate. This paper presents the comparison of single stage and three stage feedback Darlington feedback amplifier with reference to gain, bandwidth and slew rate. This paper is simulated on cadence analog design environment at GPDK 45nm technology. This paper shows that increase in gain, bandwidth and slew rate of three stage Darlington feedback amplifier can show better stability over the single stage Darlington feedback amplifier.
Robust Face Recognition Using Enhanced Local Binary Pattern
Authors: Ramalingam Srinivasa Perumal , R. K. Nadesh , N. C. SenthilKumar
Published: March 2020

Face recognition is an emerging research area in recognition of the people. A novel feature extraction technique was introduced for robust face recognition. Enhanced Local binary pattern (EnLBP) divided the image into sub regions. For each sub region, the salient features are extracted by obtaining the mean value of each sub region. In LBP, each pixel was replaced by applying LBP into each sub region. In this paper, the mean value of sub region was replaced for the sub region. It reduced the dimension of the image and extracts the salient information on each sub region. The extracted features are compared with similarity measures to recognize the person. EnLBP reduces the operation time and computational complexity of the system. The experimental results were carried out in the standard benchmark database LFW-a. The proposed system achieved a higher recognition rate than other local descriptors.
Quantum Dot-sensitized Solar Cells: A Review
Authors: Bhambhani Pooja
Published: March 2020

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) has an analogous structure and working principle to the dye sensitizer solar cell (DSSC). It has drawn great attention due to its unique features, like multiple exciton generation (MEG), simple fabrication and low cost. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of QDSSC is lower than that of DSSC. To increase the PCE of QDSSC, it is required to develop new types of working electrodes, sensitizers, counter electrodes and electrolytes. This review highlights recent developments in QDSSCs and their key components, including the photoanode, sensitizer, electrolyte and counter electrode.