bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herpesvirus Epigenetic Reprogramming and Oncogenesis
Authors: Pei Yonggang , Wong Josiah Hiu-yuen , Robertson Erle S.
Published: September 2020

Among all of the known biological carcinogens, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are two of the classical oncogenic herpesviruses known to induce the oncogenic phenotype. Many studies have revealed important functions related to epigenetic alterations of the EBV and KSHV genomes that mediate oncogenesis, but the detailed mechanisms are not fully understood. It is also challenging to fully describe the critical cellular events that drive oncogenesis as well as a comprehensive map of the molecular contributors. This review introduces the roles of epigenetic modifications of these viral genomes, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA expression, and elucidates potential strategies utilized for inducing oncogenesis by these human gammaherpesviruses.
Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Heterogeneity of Virus Infection, Pathogenicity, and Host Responses: HIV as a Pioneering Example
Authors: Brandt Ludivine , Cristinelli Sara , Ciuffi Angela
Published: September 2020

While analyses of cell populations provide averaged information about viral infections, single-cell analyses offer individual consideration, thereby revealing a broad spectrum of diversity as well as identifying extreme phenotypes that can be exploited to further understand the complex virus-host interplay. Single-cell technologies applied in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection proved to be valuable tools to help uncover specific biomarkers as well as novel candidate players in virus-host interactions. This review aims at providing an updated overview of single-cell analyses in the field of HIV and acquired knowledge on HIV infection, latency, and host response. Although HIV is a pioneering example, similar single-cell approaches have proven to be valuable for elucidating the behavior and virus-host interplay in a range of other viruses.
Anethole Dithiolethione Increases Glutathione in Kidney by Inhibiting γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase: Biochemical Interpretation and Pharmacological Consequences
Authors: Giustarini Daniela , Galvagni Federico , Dalle-Donne Isabella , Milzani Aldo , Lucattelli Monica , De Cunto Giovanna , Bartolini Desirée , Galli Francesco , Santucci Annalisa , Rossi Ranieri , Persichini Tiziana
Published: September 2020

Aims. Anethole dithiolethione (ADT) is a marketed drug to treat xerostomia. Its mechanism of action is still unknown, but several preclinical studies indicate that it is able to increase intracellular glutathione (GSH) and protect against oxidative stress. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms behind these effects. Results. Oral treatment of rats confirmed the GSH enhancing properties of ADT; among the different organs examined in this study, only the kidney showed a significant GSH increase that was already observed at low-dose treatments. The increase in GSH correlated with a decrease in γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT) activity of the different tissues. In vitro and ex vivo experiments with tubular renal cells and isolated perfused rat kidney showed that the cellular uptake of intact GSH was correlated with the extracellular concentrations of GSH. Conclusions. The prominent in vivopharmacological effect of ADT was a marked increase of GSH concentration in the kidney and a decrease of some systemic and renal biomarkers of oxidative stress. In particular, by inhibition of γ-GT activity, it decreased the production cysteinylglycine, a thiol that has prooxidant effects as the consequence of its autooxidation. The activity of ADT as GSH enhancer in both the circulation and the kidney was long-lasting. All these characteristics make ADT a promising drug to protect the kidney, and in particular proximal tubule cells, from xenobiotic-induced damage.
Parameter Identification Method Based on Mixed-Integer Quadratic Programming and Edge Computing in Power Internet of Things
Authors: Xiao Jun , Situ You , Yuan Weideng , Wang Xinyang , Jiang Yi-Zhang
Published: September 2020

With the rapid development of power Internet of Things, its scale is becoming larger and larger. Many advanced applications depend on the accuracy of network model and state estimation, and the accuracy of network model and state estimation largely depends on network parameter error. Therefore, a parameter identification and estimation method based on mixed-integer quadratic programming (MIQP) and edge computing is proposed. Firstly, a “cloud-tube-edge-end” architecture of power Internet of Things is proposed, and the edge computing layer collects terminal data and conducts data analysis, which greatly reduces the computing pressure of cloud center. In this architecture, the local state estimation is used to limit the branch with error data in a specific range to prevent the measurement errors in other ranges from affecting the local estimation process. Then, the parameter identification model is transformed into MIQP model, and a penalty factor is introduced into the optimization model to identify the parameter error and measurement error in the process of minimizing the objective function. Finally, data encryption, identity authentication, and other methods are used in edge computing to achieve network security protection, so as to avoid network attacks and information leakage in the process of data transmission. The proposed method is tested and analyzed in IEEE 14-bus test system. The results show that the proposed method can accurately determine and identify the error data in a certain probability in the actual operation of the power grid, which is convenient for the controller to find out the wrong data in time and determine the source of the error data, so as to set a reasonable data value.
Immobilization of Purified Pectin Lyase from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus onto Magnetic Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanoparticles and Its Usability in Food Industry
Authors: Tasgin Esen , Babagil Aynur , Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa , Allegretti Patricia E.
Published: September 2020

An important component of the pectinase enzyme complex is pectin lyase (polymethylgalacturonate lyase; EC 4.2.2.10). In this study, extracellular pectin lyase enzyme was produced from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus bacteria. Pectin lyase was then purified using three-phase precipitation (TPP) technique with 25.5% yield. The pectin lyase was immobilized covalently via the L-glutaraldehyde spacer to the carboxymethyl cellulose. The immobilized pectin lyase was magnetized using Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Purified pectin lyase was connected to magnetized support material after 90 min at the rate of 80%. The most appropriate immobilization conditions were determined as pH 8 and 30°C. By characterizing the free and immobilized enzyme, KM, Vmax, and optimum pH and optimum temperature values were determined. It was optimum pH 8 and temperature 50°C for both free and immobilized pectin lyase. The structural characterization of the immobilized pectin lyase modified with Fe3O4 nanoparticles was carried out by SEM, FT-IR, and XRD chromatographic analyses. At the end of the study, free and immobilized enzymes were used for purification of some fruit juices and results were compared.
Application of Multiphysical Domain Modeling in Electrical System Simulation
Authors: Zheng Cao , Yuanjun Zhou , Na Wang , Strano Salvatore
Published: September 2020

The energy structure change of more electric aircraft makes the aircraft airborne system more complicated. Each subsystem realizes the transmission, interaction, and conversion of energy and information through the dynamic coupling and coordinated control of electrical energy, mechanical energy, hydraulic energy, and thermal energy. This paper applies the multiphysical domain modeling method with the parameter identification according to the original model data. Based on the power conversion relationship of electrical equipment, it defines the port with the power potential variable and flow variable and is supplemented by the information control. It can show the dynamic characteristics, power conversion, and loss characteristics of the device itself. The models can conveniently perform the large-scale system integration, which not only can build the complex electrical equipment formed by multiphysical domain models with the series connection but also can build a complex power supply system formed by multiphysical domain models with the parallel connection.
An Improved Anisotropic Vector Preisach Model for Nonoriented Electrical Steel Sheet Based on Iron Loss Separation Theory
Authors: Zhu Lixun , Jiang Jiacheng , Wu Weimin , Li Wei , Lu Kaiyuan , Koh Chang-seop , Zak Arkadiusz
Published: September 2020

An improved anisotropic vector Preisach model is proposed in this paper to describe the hysteresis properties of nonoriented (NO) electrical steel sheet (ESS) under 50 Hz rotating magnetic fields. The proposed model consists of three components, static hysteresis component, eddy current component, and excess component, which is based on the iron loss separation theory. The static hysteresis component is constructed by the static vector Preisach model. The proposed model is identified by the measured hysteresis properties under 1 Hz and 50 Hz magnetic fields. Finally, the experimental results prove the effectiveness of the proposed anisotropic vector hysteresis model.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in respect of Medical Waste Management among Healthcare Workers in Clinics
Authors: Akkajit Pensiri , Romin Husna , Assawadithalerd Mongkolchai , Al-Khatib Issam A.
Published: September 2020

Medical waste represents a significant health risk and an environmental pollution concern due to its hazardous characteristics. The knowledge and practice of healthcare personnel in respect of the disposal of medical waste is essential to perform effective medical waste management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medical waste management among healthcare workers in clinics (medical and dental clinics, specialized medical, laboratory clinics, polyclinics, and midwifery clinics) in Phuket, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was designed with stratified-random sampling used to select the sample of 344 respondents from 172 clinics of which data were collected using face-to-face interviews. The results showed that the majority of respondents (87.2%) were female of whom 36.9% were aged (20–29), 52.0% had more than 5 years working experience, and 51.2% had participated in at least one training course regarding medical waste management. The overall scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were at a high level (89.5%, 91.9%, and 92.2%, respectively). Significant and positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.464), knowledge and practice (r = 0.396), and practice and attitude (r = 0.519). Statistical analysis using t tests and one-way analysis of variance showed that working experience and its duration were significant factors influencing good medical waste management practice. However, local authorities should implement a well-planned collection and transfer process for medical waste in order to reduce the risk of environmental pollution and the risk of infection or injury to healthcare workers and the general public.
Mining-Induced Stress-Fissure Field Evolution and the Disaster-Causing Mechanism in the High Gas Working Face of the Deep Hard Strata
Authors: Dou Litong , Yang Ke , Liu Wenjie , Chi Xiaolou , Wen Zhijie
Published: September 2020

The compound dynamic disaster of coal and gas outbursts and rockburst is a typical hazard jeopardizing the mining of the high gas content coal seam under a hard roof condition. In this study, the hard roof’s mechanism inducing this hazard is analyzed. Physical analog modeling experiments and in situ monitoring of mining-induced stress were performed during coal seam mining under a hard roof condition. The pattern of hard roof breakage effect on the stress-fissure field evolution was revealed. The elastic energy was released and propagated on both sides immediately after the hard roof breaking, leading to energy accumulation. Meanwhile, expansive roof collapse resulted in the intense weighting of the working face and rockburst. Thus, the coal and gas outburst occurred under the joint action of the impact energy generated by breaking the hard roof and gas expansion energy. In other words, the compound dynamic disaster happened. Synergistic stereoextraction integrating cross-seam drilling and along-seam drilling was combined with deep hole advanced presplitting blasting technology to cope with the compound dynamic disaster in the high gas coal seam under a hard roof condition.
Parametric Analysis on Seismic Performance of Hybrid Precast Concrete Beam‐Column Joint
Authors: Choi H.-K.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis of high‐performance hybrid system (HPHS) beam‐column connections is presented. The detailed experimental results of the ten half‐scale hybrid connections with limited seismic detailing have been discussed in a different paper. However, due to the inherent complexity of HPHS beam‐column joints and the unique features of the tested specimens, the experimental study was not comprehensive enough. The new connection (HPHS) detail suggested in this study is characterized by ductile connection, steel connectors, and engineered cementitious composite (ECC) which is a kind of high‐performance fiber reinforced cement composite with multiple fine cracks (HPFRCCs). Therefore, in this paper, FE analysis results are compared with experimental results from the cycle tests of the two specimens (RC and PC) to assess model accuracy, and detailed model descriptions are presented, including the determination of stiffness and strength. The critical parameters influencing the joint’s behavior are the axial load on column, beam connection steel plate length, inner bolt stress contribution, and plastic hinge area.
Novel Pathologic Factors for Risk Stratification of Gastric “Indefinite for Dysplasia” Lesions
Authors: Yim Kwangil , Shin Jung Ha , Yoo Jinyoung , Fink Stephen
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims. “Indefinite for dysplasia” (IND) conditions of the stomach have high malignancy rates (22.6%–75.0%). Endoscopic resection is sometimes used for follow-up, but criteria for selecting this follow-up method are not established. We investigated pathologic factors to subclassify the IND of the stomach and select appropriate follow-up methods. Methods. In total, 123 IND cases with final diagnoses of cancer (29.3%), high-grade dysplasia (6.5%), low-grade dysplasia (11.4%), and nonneoplasm (52.8%) were randomly divided into test set (

n
=
27

) and validation set (

n
=
96

). By the image analysis, size, pleomorphism, hyperchromasia, irregularity of nuclei, and ratios of structural atypia area (SAA) to total IND area were measured in the test set. Using the validation set, consensus meetings were held for the evaluation of pathologic factors that predict the final diagnosis. Results. By image analysis, the only ratio of SAA to total IND area was associated with the final diagnosis (

p
<
0.001

). In the consensus meeting for validation, the nuclear factors, except loss of nuclear polarity (

p
=
0.004
–
0.026

), could not predict the final diagnosis. Conversely, most structural factors could predict the final diagnosis. In particular,

SAA
>
25
%

was the most powerful predictive factor. We proposed criteria of risk stratification by using

SAA
>
25
%

, loss of surface maturation (LOSM), and loss of nuclear polarity (LONP) (Malignancy rate; Category 0:

SAA
≤
25
%

without LOSM and LONP; 0%, Category 1:

SAA
≤
25
%

with any of LOSM or LONP; 15.2%–16.7%, Category 2:

SAA
>
25
%

without LOSM and LONP; 44.4%–50.0%, Category 3:

SAA
>
25
%

with any of LOSM or LONP 54.5%–55.6%). Conclusions. Structural atypia was more helpful than nuclear atypia and

SAA
>
25
%

was the most powerful predictor for the diagnosis of INDs of the stomach. We propose shortening the follow-up period to six months for Category 1, endoscopic resection for Category 2 and 3, postresection follow-up periods of one year for Category 2, and six months for Category 3.
Diagnostic Differences in Expert Second-Opinion Consultation Cases at a Tertiary Sarcoma Center
Authors: Rupani Asha , Hallin Magnus , Jones Robin L. , Fisher Cyril , Thway Khin , Verhoef Cornelis
Published: September 2020

Soft tissue tumors are diagnostically challenging, and it is recommended that these are reported or reviewed by specialist soft tissue pathologists. We present our experience with second-opinion (consultation) cases in a specialist tertiary sarcoma center. The aim of this study was to determine areas of diagnostic difficulty in soft tissue pathology. We assessed 581 second-opinion cases which were reviewed by two experienced pathologists in a period of one year. There was 62% concordance between the original and the second-opinion diagnosis, with diagnostic discrepancy in 38%. The largest group of soft tissue neoplasms received for second opinion was fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumors, and most major diagnostic problems were encountered in adipocytic and so-called “fibrohistiocytic” tumors. Major diagnostic errors impacting management were found in 148 cases (25%). Morphologic assessment of tumors, judicious use of molecular techniques, newer immunostains and their interpretation, along with importance of knowledge of rarer entities were found to be most useful in avoiding errors.
Derivation and Validation of a Clinical Model to Predict Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Sun Louise Y. , Bader Eddeen Anan , Ruel Marc , MacPhee Erika , Mesana Thierry G.
Published: September 2020

Background

Across the globe, elective surgeries have been postponed to limit infectious exposure and preserve hospital capacity for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, the ramp down in cardiac surgery volumes may result in unintended harm to patients who are at high risk of mortality if their conditions are left untreated. To help optimize triage decisions, we derived and ambispectively validated a clinical score to predict intensive care unit length of stay after cardiac surgery.

Methods and Results

Following ethics approval, we derived and performed multicenter valida tion of clinical models to predict the likelihood of short (≤2 days) and prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (≥7 days) in patients aged ≥18 years, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic, mitral, and tricuspid value surgery in Ontario, Canada. Multivariable logistic regression with backward variable selection was used, along with clinical judgment, in the modeling process. For the model that predicted short intensive care unit stay, the c‐statistic was 0.78 in the derivation cohort and 0.71 in the validation cohort. For the model that predicted prolonged stay, c‐statistic was 0.85 in the derivation and 0.78 in the validation cohort. The models, together termed the
CardiOttawa LOS Score
, demonstrated a high degree of accuracy during prospective testing.

Conclusions

Clinical judgment alone has been shown to be inaccurate in predicting postoperative intensive care unit length of stay. The CardiOttawa LOS Score performed well in prospective validation and will complement the clinician's gestalt in making more efficient resource allocation during the COVID‐19 period and beyond.
Restarting Human Participant Research at Community‐based Observational Studies during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Velagaleti Raghava S. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: September 2020

At the onset of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, just as public institutions and businesses closed, research programs performing human participant research (HPR) also largely ceased operations. With the partial ebbing of the pandemic in some areas, universities and healthcare organizations conducting HPR are considering reopening. Whereas guidelines from governmental authorities and medical specialty societies currently exist to help restarting health services and resuming clinical trials, no clear guidance is available to aid resumption of HPR at community‐based observational cohort studies. Indefinite stoppage of observational research at cohort studies carries many drawbacks and its safe resumption is important and feasible. In this narrative review, we describe a potential path forward for safely reopening community‐based observational studies, drawing on scientific knowledge and best practices from a variety of medical and lay sources. We highlight current recommendations regarding pandemic status assessment and the metrics useful for guiding decisions regarding safe reopening/reclosing and for screening and surveillance of COVID‐19 among employees and participants. We synthesize insights from contemporary literature regarding infection prevention and environmental safety into a set of easy to operationalize plans for restructuring HPR. And lastly, we suggest ways in which observational studies can potentially aid the efforts to characterize the pandemic.
The Art of Politics as Weaving in Plato’s Statesman
Authors: Sampson Kristin
Published: September 2020

This article asserts the significance of the portrayal of the political art of statesmanship as weaving, and aims to show how this image emphasizes two main aspects of the political art of statesmanship. Firstly, the image implies a three-dimensionality, both through the process of weaving and through the thickness of the protective fabric this produces, that in turn indicates the vital aspect of corporeality in politics. Secondly, weaving as a paradigmatic example of the art of statesmanship presents a way of incorporating different entities and joining diverse threads into a cohesive unity, without reducing them to a form of sameness as mere mathematical counting would. These two aspects are in turn connected to an emphasis on the importance in good statesmanship of recognizing the specificity of the occasion (kairos) and the variety and difference of the innumerable qualities to be interlaced in weaving the fabric of a good society.
Two new species of Clusia sect. Cordylandra (Clusiaceae) from the brejo de altitude vegetation, plateau of Ibiapaba, Ceará, Brazil

Authors: ALENCAR ANA CLÁUDIA , NASCIMENTO-JR JOSÉ ELVINO DO , BITTRICH VOLKER , FARIAS-CASTRO ANTÔNIO SÉRGIO , AMARAL MARIA DO CARMO ESTANISLAU DO
Published: September 2020

Two new shrubby species of Clusia sect. Cordylandra are described and illustrated. The male flower of Clusia nogueirae presents an androecium forming a conical volcano-like synandrium around a well-developed pistillode covered with resin. The male flower of Clusia ibiapabensis, on the other hand, presents an androecium of free claviform stamens, forming a broad torus-like structure around a well-developed pistillode. The two species occur in regions of brejos de altitude in the plateou of Ibiapaba, Ceará state, northeastern Brazil.
Rediscovery of Glenurus incalis Banks (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae), and notes on the Brazilian species of Glenurus Hagen
Authors: MACHADO RENATO JOSE PIRES
Published: September 2020

The antlion species, Glenurus incalis Banks is the most enigmatic species of this New World genus. It was described almost 100 years ago based on a single female collected in the Peruvian Amazon, which until today remained as the only known specimen. Herein I report four new specimens of Glenurus incalis, which were used to thoroughly redescribe the species and to expand its distribution to Brazil. Notes on the other Brazilian species of Glenurus is also presented, including the first record of G. heteropteryx Gerstaecker to the country.
A new species of the genus Tricholapita nom. nov. and stat. nov. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Eumolpinae) from New Caledonia
Authors: GÓMEZ-ZURITA JESÚS , PLATANIA LEONARDO , CARDOSO ANABELA
Published: September 2020

Tricholapita Gómez-Zurita and Cardoso nom. nov. is proposed as the replacement name for the leaf beetle taxon Lapita Gómez-Zurita and Cardoso, 2014, nec Bickel, 2002. Moreover, the rank of Tricholapita stat. nov. is elevated from subgenus of Taophila Heller, 1916 to generic status. Phylogenetic evidence based on mtDNA rrnS sequences and diagnostic morphological characters reveals a new species from the south of Grande Terre in New Caledonia, which is described: Tricholapita reidi sp. nov.
Bootstrap Methods for Statistical Inference. Part I: Comparative Forecast Verification for Continuous Variables
Authors: Gilleland Eric
Published: September 2020

When making statistical inferences, bootstrap resampling methods are often appealing because of less stringent assumptions about the distribution of the statistic(s) of interest. However, the procedures are not free of assumptions. This paper addresses a specific situation that occurs frequently in atmospheric sciences where the standard bootstrap is not appropriate: comparative forecast verification of continuous variables. In this setting, the question to be answered concerns which of two weather or climate models is better in the sense of some type of average deviation from observations. The series to be compared are generally strongly dependent, which invalidates the most basic bootstrap technique. This paper also introduces new bootstrap code from the R package “distillery” that facilitates easy implementation of appropriate methods for paired-difference-of-means bootstrap procedures for dependent data.
Biomarkers for Malignant Potential in Vocal Fold Leukoplakia: A State of the Art Review
Authors: Wan Ping , Ongkasuwan Julina , Martinez Julian , Sandulache Vlad , Deng Defeng , Jiang Jack , Sikora Andrew , Altman Kenneth W.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To explore biomarkers that are candidates for understanding potential degeneration to malignancy of vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL), with the goal of guiding future diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Data Sources

PubMed and Medline search engines.

Review Methods

A systematic review was conducted by searching the following key words: vocal fold or laryngeal, coupled with leukoplakia or dysplasia, and combined with the term prognostic markers. We collated the biomarkers and their significance, followed by observing the power of their evidence by assessing the quality of the studies according to guidelines of tumor marker prognostic studies (REMARK).

Conclusions

Prognostic biomarkers in the 16 studies are generally divided into 3 categories according to their biological roles: proliferation (Ki‐67, CK‐1 RS14024 SNP), cell cycle control (P53, p16, cyclin D1, p57kip2, interleukin‐10 [IL‐10], miR‐10a, and miR‐34c), cell adhesion, and invasion (neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, OPN/CD44v6 axis, MMP‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor A, MMP‐9, serpin peptidase inhibitor 1, plasminogen activator, CTNN/B1, β‐catenin, NANOG, HERG1). The prognostic use of these biomarkers is limited due to the variable methodologies, study design, assay methods, and statistical analysis performed.

Implications for Practice

Prognostic factors in vocal fold leukoplakia have important clinical implications regarding the potential for malignant degeneration. Although further study is needed, the currently available evidence suggests that p53, p16, cyclin D1, IL‐10, NLR, OPN and CD44v6, CTNNB1, and CTTN and FAK might be of particular interest in determining prognosis of VFL as related to malignancy. Future, large, well‐designed, prospective studies are expected to determine the prognostic power of these biomarkers before their implementation in routine clinical practice.
School-based management in marginal areas: Satisfying the political context and student needs
Authors: Ulfatin Nurul , Mustiningsih  , Sumarsono Raden Bambang , Yunus Jamal Nordin
Published: September 2020

This study aims to draw on elements related to the successful implementation of school-based management (SBM). Many studies show the success of governance but the objective is to examine whether SBM is tested to account for improving school effectiveness (SE) and student achievement (SA). A survey method design was used to know how the upper stream including political context, principal leadership and teacher performance (TP) contributes directly and indirectly to improve school quality and academic achievement. Questionnaires were given and were responded by teachers produced a model of direct and indirect structural relationships among the factors. The findings proved that there was a direct and indirect relationship between the upper stream factors that lead to TP to improve SE and SA as a lower stream. This shows how strong the role of a teacher as the central point of the innovation and education reform in schools. This study is limited to the secondary public schools in a marginal district. Furthermore, this study does not investigate deeply into facilitative factors within the implementation process. It focuses on factors that enable schools to bring the SA to scale.
Development and Evaluation of a System for the Semi-Quantitative Determination of the Physical Properties of Skin After Exposure to Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Tao Hong , Nagano Kazuya , Tasaki Ikkei , Zhang Tian-qi , Ishizaka Takuya , Gao Jian-Qing , Harada Kazuo , Hirata Kazumasa , Tsujino Hirofumi , Higashisaka Kazuma , Tsutsumi Yasuo
Published: September 2020

In order to ensure the safe usage of silver nanoparticles (nAgs) in cosmetics, it is necessary to reveal the physical properties of nAgs inside the skin, as these properties may change during the process of percutaneous absorption. In this study, we aimed to establish an analytical system based on single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS) to determine the physical properties of nAgs in the skin. First, we optimized a pretreatment method for solubilizing the skin samples and then showed that most of the nAgs were recovered by sodium hydroxide treatment while remaining in particle form. For separating the skin into the epidermis and dermis, we screened several conditions of microwave irradiation. The sp-ICP-MS analysis indicated that the application of 200 W for 30 s was optimal, as this condition ensured complete separation of skin layers without changing the physical properties of the majority of nAgs. Finally, we evaluated the in vivo application by analyzing the quantity as well as the physical properties of Ag in the epidermis, dermis, and peripheral blood of mice after exposing the skin to nAgs or Ag+. Subsequent sp-ICP-MS analysis indicated that nAgs could be absorbed and distributed into the deeper layers in the ionized form, whereas Ag+ was absorbed and distributed without a change in physical properties. This study indicates that in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the response of skin following exposure to nAgs, it is essential to consider the distribution and particle size of not only nAgs but also Ag+ released from nAgs into the skin.
Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms with renal cell carcinoma in Algerian population
Authors: Bensouilah F. Z. , Chellat-Rezgoune Dj. , Garcia-Gonzalez M. A. , Carrera N. , Abadi N. , Dahdouh A. , Satta D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. The etiology of RCC is a complex interaction between environmental and multigenetic factors. Genome-wide association studies have identified new susceptibility risk loci for RCC. We examined associations of genetic variants of genes that are involved in metabolism, DNA repair and oncogenes with renal cancer risk. A total of 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 11 genes (VEGF, VHL, ATM, FAF1, LRRIQ4, RHOBTB2, OBFC1, DPF3, ALDH9A1 and EPAS1) were examined.

Methods

The current case–control study included 87 RCC patients and 114 controls matched for age, gender and ethnic origin. The 14 tag-SNPs were genotyped by Sequenom MassARRAY® iPLEX using blood genomic DNA.

Results

Genotype CG and allele G of ATM rs1800057 were significantly associated with RCC susceptibility (p = 0.043; OR = 8.47; CI = 1.00–71.76). Meanwhile, we found that genotype AA of rs67311347 polymorphism could increase the risk of RCC (p = 0.03; OR = 2.95; IC = 1.10–7.89). While, genotype TT and T allele of ALDH9A1 rs3845536 were observed to approach significance for a protective role against RCC (p = 0.007; OR = 0.26; CI = 0.09–0.70).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that ATM rs1800057 may have an effect on the risk of RCC, and suggest that ALDH9A1 was a protective factor against RCC in Algerian population.
Factors contributing to diagnostic delay of Caroli syndrome: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Shi Wen , Huang Xiao-ming , Feng Yun-lu , Wang Feng-dan , Gao Xiao-xing , Jiao Yang
Published: September 2020

Background

Caroli syndrome (CS) is a rare congenital disorder without pathognomonic clinical symptoms or laboratory findings; therefore, the diagnosis is often delayed. The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic delay and associated risk factors in CS patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 16 CS patients admitted to a single tertiary medical center on mainland China. The diagnostic timelines of CS patients were reviewed to demonstrate the initial findings of CS at diagnosis, the risk factors associated with diagnostic delay, and potential clues leading to early diagnosis.

Results

The median diagnostic delay was 1.75 years (range: 1 month to 29 years, interquartile range: 6.2 years) in 16 enrolled CS patients. Sex, age, and initial symptoms were not associated with diagnostic delay. 87.5% of CS patients were diagnosed by imaging, and the accuracies of ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were 25, 69.2, and 83.3%, respectively. The median diagnostic delays for patients with or without CT performed at the first hospital visited according to physician and radiologist suspicion of the diagnosis were 7.4 months and 6 years, respectively (p = 0.021). Hepatic cysts with splenomegaly were detected by ultrasound in over half of CS patients.

Conclusions

The majority of CS patients were not diagnosed until complications of portal hypertension had already developed. Recognition and early suspicion of the disease were important factors influencing diagnostic delay of CS. Hepatic cysts plus splenomegaly detected by US might raise the clinical suspicion to include CS in the differential diagnosis.
Metabolic characterization of aggressive breast cancer cells exhibiting invasive phenotype: impact of non-cytotoxic doses of 2-DG on diminishing invasiveness
Authors: Fujita Mayumi , Imadome Kaori , Somasundaram Veena , Kawanishi Miki , Karasawa Kumiko , Wink David A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Metabolic reprogramming is being recognized as a fundamental hallmark of cancer, and efforts to identify drugs that can target cancer metabolism are underway. In this study, we used human breast cancer (BC) cell lines and established their invading phenotype (INV) collected from transwell inserts to compare metabolome differences and evaluate prognostic significance of the metabolome in aggressive BC invasiveness.

Methods

The invasiveness of seven human BC cell lines were compared using the transwell invasion assay. Among these, INV was collected from SUM149, which exhibited the highest invasiveness. Levels of metabolites in INV were compared with those of whole cultured SUM149 cells (WCC) using CE-TOFMS. The impact of glycolysis in INV was determined by glucose uptake assay using fluorescent derivative of glucose (2-NBDG), and significance of glycolysis, or tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and electron transport chain (ETC) in the invasive process were further determined in aggressive BC cell lines, SUM149, MDA-MB-231, HCC1937, using invasion assays in the presence or absence of inhibitors of glycolysis, TCA cycle or ETC.

Results

SUM149 INV sub-population exhibited a persistent hyperinvasive phenotype. INV were hyper-glycolytic with increased glucose (2-NBDG) uptake; diminished glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) levels but elevated pyruvate and lactate, along with higher expression of phosphorylated-pyruvate dehydrogenase (pPDH) compared to WCC. Notably, inhibiting of glycolysis with lower doses of 2-DG (1 mM), non-cytotoxic to MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937, was effective in diminishing invasiveness of aggressive BC cell lines. In contrast, 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NA), an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, the enzyme that oxidizes succinate to fumarate in TCA cycle, and functions as complex II of ETC, had no significant effect on their invasiveness, although levels of TCA metabolites or detection of mitochondrial membrane potential with JC-1 staining, indicated that INV cells originally had functional TCA cycles and membrane potential.

Conclusions

Hyper-glycolytic phenotype of invading cells caters to rapid energy production required for invasion while TCA cycle/ETC cater to cellular energy needs for sustenance in aggressive BC. Lower, non-cytotoxic doses of 2-DG can hamper invasion and can potentially be used as an adjuvant with other anti-cancer therapies without the usual side-effects associated with cytotoxic doses.
Does high and intensive care reduce coercion? Association of HIC model fidelity to seclusion use in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Melle A. L. , Noorthoorn E. O. , Widdershoven G. A. M. , Mulder C. L. , Voskes Y.
Published: September 2020

Background

A new inpatient care model has been developed in the Netherlands: High and Intensive Care (HIC). The purpose of HIC is to improve quality of inpatient mental healthcare and to reduce coercion.

Methods

In 2014, audits were held at 32 closed acute admission wards for adult patients throughout the Netherlands. The audits were done by trained auditors, who were professionals of the participating institutes, using the HIC monitor, a model fidelity scale to assess implementation of the HIC model. The HIC model fidelity scale (67 items) encompasses 11 domains including for example team structure, team processes, diagnostics and treatment, and building environment. Data on seclusion and forced medication was collected using the Argus rating scale. The association between HIC monitor scores and the use of seclusion and forced medication was analyzed, corrected for patient characteristics.

Results

Results showed that wards having a relatively high HIC monitor total score, indicating a high level of implementation of the model as compared to wards scoring lower on the monitor, had lower seclusion hours per admission hours (2.58 versus 4.20) and less forced medication events per admission days (0.0162 versus 0.0207). The HIC model fidelity scores explained 27% of the variance in seclusion rates (p < 0.001). Adding patient characteristics to HIC items in the regression model showed an increase of the explained variance to 40%.

Conclusions

This study showed that higher HIC model fidelity was associated with less seclusion and less forced medication at acute closed psychiatric wards in the Netherlands.
Burden of viral hepatitis caused by specific aetiologies in China, 1990–2016: findings from the GBD 2016
Authors: Li Man , Wang Zhuo-qun , Zhang Lu , Zheng Hao , Zhou Mai-geng , Liu Dian-wu
Published: September 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to quantify the burden caused by viral hepatitis in China from 1990 to 2016.

Methods

Data from the GBD 2016 study were extracted to calculate incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Trends in DALYs were assessed in 33 provinces/regions.

Results

From 1990 to 2016, the total incidence of hepatitis decreased by 88.5%. However, the prevalence of hepatitis (counts in thousands), increased by 37.6% from 153,856 (95% UI: 136,047-172,319) in 1990 to 211,721 (95% UI: 179,776-240,981) in 2016, with age-standardized prevalence rates changing slightly. The number and age-standardized rates of prevalence increased by 35.9 and 1.6% for hepatitis B, respectively, and by 81.8 and 30.4% for hepatitis C. Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan had the highest age-standardized prevalence rates (≥16,500 per 100,000). Tibet, Qinghai and Gansu had the highest age-standardized DALYs rates (≥40 per 100,000). The largest absolute number of DALYs was observed in the 15–49 year age group in 2016. The highest rate of DALYs occurred in males aged 50–69 years and in females aged ≧70 years.

Conclusion

The incidence and DALYs of viral hepatitis decreased dramatically from 1990 to 2016. However, the prevalence still remains at a high level, which may result in heavy burdens in the future.
External validation of three atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk equations in rural areas of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Jiang Yunxing , Ma Rulin , Guo Heng , Zhang Xianghui , Wang Xinping , Wang Kui , Hu Yunhua , Keerman Mulatibieke , Yan Yizhong , Ma Jiaolong , Song Yanpeng , Zhang Jingyu , He Jia , Guo Shuxia
Published: September 2020

Background

To externally validate the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (PAR) risk equation for predicting the 5-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in the Uyghur and Kazakh populations from rural areas in northwestern China and compare its performance with those of the pooled cohort equations (PCE) and Framingham risk score (FRS).

Methods

The final analysis included 3347 subjects aged 40–74 years without CVD at baseline. The 5-year ASCVD risk was calculated using the PAR, PCE, and FRS. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the three equations in predicting the 5-year ASCVD risk were assessed before and after recalibration.

Results

Of 3347 included subjects, 1839 were female. We observed 286 ASCVD events in within 5-year follow-up. All three risk equations had moderate discrimination in both men and women. C-indices of PAR, PCE, and FRS were 0.727 (95% CI, 0.725–0.729), 0.727 (95% CI, 0.725–0.729), and 0.740 (95% CI, 0.738–0.742), respectively, in men; the corresponding C-indices were 0.738 (95% CI, 0.737–0.739), 0.731 (95% CI, 0.730–0.732), and 0.761 (95% CI, 0.760–0.762), respectively, in women. PCE, PAR and FRS substantially underestimated the 5-year ASCVD risk in women by 70, 23 and 51%, respectively. However, PAR and FRS fairly predicted the risk in men and PAR was well calibrated. The calibrations of the three risk equations could be changed by recalibration. The decision curve analyses demonstrated that at the threshold risk of 5%, PCE was the most clinically useful in both men and women after recalibration.

Conclusions

All three risk equations underestimated the 5-year ASCVD risk in women, while PAR and FRS fairly predicted that in men. However, the results of predictive performances for three risk equations are inconsistent, more accurate risk equations are required in the primary prevention of ASCVD aiming to this Uyghur and Kazakh populations.
Extraordinarily long-inactive solitary fibrous tumor transformed to produce big insulin-like growth factor-2, leading to hypoglycemia and rapid liposarcoma growth: a case report
Authors: Kaneko Keizo , Sawada Shojiro , Satake Chihiro , Kondo Keiichi , Izumi Tomohito , Tanaka Mamiko , Imai Junta , Yamada Tetsuya , Katsushima Hiroki , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Katagiri Hideki
Published: September 2020

Background

A high-molecular-weight form of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2), known as “big” IGF-2, is occasionally produced by various tumor types, leading to hypoglycemia. Although solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm, it has been estimated that 4–6% of SFT patients develop hypoglycemia due to circulating big IGF-2. The mean time elapsed from tumor detection until the onset of hypoglycemia is reportedly less than one year (8.5 ± 1.9 months).

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man was hospitalized for exacerbation of recurring hypoglycemic episodes. He had been diagnosed with an SFT 17 years before the onset of hypoglycemia, and the SFT had already been very large at that time. The tumor, which was non-resectable and refractory to chemotherapies, had slowly increased in size since the initial diagnosis. Half a year before the hypoglycemic episodes manifested, another tumor, adjacent to the left kidney, was newly identified. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography scanning, revealed the left peri-renal tumor to show much higher fluorodeoxyglucose uptake than the preexisting SFT, suggesting that it was unlikely to be a metastasis from the SFT. Abundant serum big IGF-2 was detected by western immunoblot analysis, indicating it to be the cause of the hypoglycemia. Since the 17 years between SFT detection and the onset of IGF-2-induced hypoglycemia was an extremely long period as compared with those in previous reports, we initially suspected that the new, peri-renal tumor had produced big IGF-2, but transcatheter arterial embolization of its feeding arteries did not suppress hypoglycemia. Notably, by measuring the tumor volume doubling time, the peri-renal tumor growth was shown to be markedly accelerated in parallel with exacerbation of the hypoglycemia. The patient died of heart failure 21 months after the onset of hypoglycemia. Unexpectedly, autopsy revealed that big IGF-2 had been produced only by the preexisting SFT, not the peri-renal tumor, and that the peri-renal tumor was a dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

Conclusions

We should keep in mind that even a long-inactive SFT can undergo transformation to produce big IGF-2, which then acts on both insulin and IGF-1 receptors, possibly leading to both hypoglycemia and the development/growth of another tumor, respectively.
Hospitalization costs among immobile patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Hongpeng , Zhu Chen , Cao Jing , Jiao Jing , Song Baoyun , Jin Jingfen , Liu Yilan , Wen Xianxiu , Cheng Shouzhen , Wu Xinjuan
Published: September 2020

Background

In this study, we aimed to analyze the hospitalization costs for immobile patients with hemorrhagic stroke (IHS) or ischemic stroke (IIS) in China and to determine the factors associated with hospitalization costs.

Methods

We evaluated patients with IHS and IIS hospitalized between November 2015 and July 2016 in six provinces or municipality cities of China. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association with hospitalization costs and predictors.

Results

In total, 1573 patients with IHS and 3143 with IIS were enrolled and analyzed. For IHS and IIS, the average length of stay (LoS) was 17.40 ± 12.3 and 14.47 ± 11.55 days. The duration of immobility was 12.11 ± 9.98 and 7.36 ± 9.77 days, respectively. Median hospitalization costs were RMB 47000.68 (interquartile range 19,827.37, 91,877.09) for IHS and RMB 16578.44 (IQR 7020.13, 36,357.65) for IIS. In both IHS and IIS groups, medicine fees accounted for more than one-third of hospitalization costs. Materials fees and medical service fees accounted for the second and third largest proportions of hospital charges in both groups. Linear regression analysis showed that LoS, hospital level, and previous surgery were key determinants of hospitalization costs in all immobile patients with stroke. Subgroup analysis indicated that hospital level was highly correlated with hospitalization costs for IHS whereas pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis were key factors associated with hospitalization costs for IIS.

Conclusions

We found that hospitalization costs were notably higher in IHS than IIS, and medicine fees accounted for the largest proportion of hospitalization costs in both patient groups, perhaps because most patients ended up with complications such as pneumonia thereby requiring more medications. LoS and hospital level may greatly affect hospitalization costs. Increasing the reimbursement ratio of medical insurance for patients with IHS is recommended. Decreasing medicine fees and LoS, preventing complications, and improving treatment capability may help to reduce the economic burden of stroke in China.