bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Findings of a Cross‐Sectional Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about COVID‐19 in Uganda: Implications for Public Health Prevention and Control Measures
Authors: Okello Gerald , Izudi Jonathan , Teguzirigwa Steven , Kakinda Allan , Van Hal Guido
Published: December 2020

Background. The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) morbidity is rising in Uganda. However, data are limited about people’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Objective. To determine knowledge about COVID‐19, attitudes towards presidential directives and Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines, and adherence to practicing public health preventive measures (KAP) in Uganda. Methods. This cross‐sectional survey was conducted between April 28 and May 19, 2020. Data were collected using online social media platforms, websites, and popular media outlets. We descriptively summarized data and categorized KAP scores as knowledgeable about COVID‐19, positive attitude towards presidential directives and MoH guidelines, and adherent to public health preventive measures, respectively. We tested sex differences in KAP using tests of significance and established independently associated factors using modified Poisson regression analysis, reported using adjusted prevalence risk ratio (aPR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. We studied 362 participants with the following sociodemographic characteristics: 86 (23.8%) aged 25‐29 years, 212 (58.6%) males, 270 (74.6%) with tertiary or university levels of education, and 268 (74.0%) urban residents. Of the 362 participants, 264 (93.9%) were knowledgeable about COVID‐19 (94.1% males and 93.8% females), 51.3% had positive attitudes towards presidential directives and MoH guidelines (51.0% male and 51.8% female), and 175 (48.3%) were adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (42.9% males and 56.0% females). Compared to males, our data shows that females were more adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (aPR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.53), knowledgeable about COVID‐19 (aPR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.95‐1.07), and had positive attitudes towards directives and guidelines (aPR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.82‐1.25). Conclusions. This study shows that public health prevention efforts should be directed to closing the identified gaps in KAP among Ugandans in order to halt the spread of COVD‐19 in Uganda as well as the East African region.
The Effect of Poor Social Support on Depression among HIV/AIDS Patients in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Weldesenbet Adisu Birhanu , Kebede Sewnet Adem , Tusa Biruk Shalmeno
Published: December 2020

Background. Low- and middle-income countries of which Ethiopia is one bears the high burden of depression among human immune deficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients. Several factors have been identified as being associated with increased depression among HIV/AIDS patients including poor social support. However, studies examining the effect of poor social support on depression among HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia have had inconsistent findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis is therefore aimed at estimating the pooled effect of poor social support on depression among HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia. Methods. All relevant articles published prior to July 1, 2020, were retrieved from scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar systematically. The identified studies reporting the association of depression and poor social support among HIV patients in Ethiopia were included.

I

2

tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Subgroup analysis was done based on tools to determine how pooled estimates of depression vary across tools. The pooled estimate of association between poor social support and depression was reported. Results. The aggregated meta-analysis revealed a higher odds of depression among patients with poor social support than those who had strong social support (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.69, 2.93). The pooled prevalence of depression among HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia was 38.93% (95%: CI: 32.01, 45.84); (

I

2

=
94.44

%,

p
≤
0.001

). The subgroup analysis was performed based on tools, and the result showed that the highest pooled prevalence (44.42%) was among primary studies that used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) tool. Conclusions. Human immune deficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients with poor social support were more likely to develop depression. The pooled prevalence of depression among HIV/AIDS patient was high in Ethiopia. The highest prevalence of depression was observed among studies that used HADS to screen depression. Therefore, we recommend integration of mental health and psychosocial support services into the HIV/AIDS care. Prevention of HIV/AIDS-related stigma for people with HIV/AIDS is also needed to reduce the impact of poor social support.
Experimental Investigation on Drying and Wetting of GMZ Bentonite Using X‐Ray Tomography and Volumetric Digital Image Correlation Technique
Authors: Chen Liufeng , Li Kang , Yang Diansen
Published: December 2020

To investigate the shrinking and swelling properties of Gao‐Miao‐Zi (GMZ) bentonite, which has been considered as engineering barriers for high‐level radioactive nuclear waste disposal in China, drying and wetting tests were carried out. The microstructure of the material at each hydric state was recorded using X‐ray tomography (X‐CT). The 3D images of the material were analyzed using digital volume correlation (DVC) technique, and the full‐field strains at mesoscale (i.e., in the order of clay aggregate) during drying and wetting were quantified. The results show that the GMZ bentonite exhibits notable swelling characteristics during wetting and the swelling strain of the material is up to 8% at mesoscale. The full‐field strain in 3D of the material is heterogeneous, anisotropic, and irreversible during drying and wetting. The corresponding deformation mechanisms are discussed. Two different swelling mechanisms were also identified: traction occurs in the interface between the matrix and inclusions during swelling; pre‐existing fissure closes during swelling.
Analysis of Rock β‐Dynamic Parameters and the Stability of Earthquake Dangerous Rocks Based on PFC
Authors: Tian Yun , Wang Lin-feng , Zeng Biao , Jin Hong-hua
Published: December 2020

Mesoparameters of rock materials are the main factors affecting the macromechanical properties of dangerous rock slopes. Based on the principle of particle flow and synthetic rock mass technology (SRM), the influence of mesoparameters on macromechanical properties is investigated by calibrating mesoparameters of rock materials at depth for a rock sequence in Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, Sichuan Province, China. By combining these parameters with conventional and dynamic cycle triaxial tests, sensitivity analysis of rock β‐parameters was completed. As a result, the reliability of mesoparameters in the simulation of dangerous rocks is strengthened, providing a basis to examine the failure mechanism of earthquake dangerous rocks in this region. Results indicate that, in the triaxial test, sandstone failed in tension, and brittleness gradually weakened as confining pressure increased. Mudstone recorded shear failure, and the characteristic value of brittle attenuation showed a V‐shaped change with increasing confining pressure. Under cyclic loading, cracks had a degrading effect on the damping ration (β) and the damping coefficient (C) of sandstone. Mudstone recorded relatively low β and low brittleness whilst sandstone had high β and high brittleness. In rock materials, βn is more sensitive than βs in mechanical properties. When the value of the βn‐parameter was between 0.2 and 0.3 and the value of the βs‐parameter was between 0.2 and 0.6, rock brittleness was more stable, and the reflected macroscopic mechanical properties were the most authentic. By using a deepened mesoparameter trial adjustment method, the failure mode of the Particle Flow Code (PFC) dangerous rock model near provincial highway 205, simulated under conditions for the Wenchuan earthquake, indicated a tensile fracture‐horizontal slip failure. The simulated failure mode was consistent with that of real dangerous rocks, with the failure trend being concentrated between the first and the third layer of the rock mass.
Research on Multidomain Authentication of IoT Based on Cross-Chain Technology
Authors: Li Dawei , Yu Jia , Gao Xue , Al-Nabhan Najla
Published: December 2020

Blockchain is an innovated and revolutionized technology, which has attracted wide attention from academia and industry. At present, blockchain has been widely used in certificate management and credential delivery in network access authentication. In a large-scale multidomain Internet of Things (IoT) environment, one of the important issues is cross-domain key sharing and secure data exchange between different IoT. In this paper, aiming at the multidomain authentication requirements of the IoT, this paper introduces the blockchain cross-chain technology into the cross-domain authentication process of the IoT and proposes an effective cross-domain authentication scheme of the IoT based on the improved PBFT algorithm. First, an architecture of blockchain-based cross-domain authentication is proposed. Then, the block data structure is designed in order to enhance the function of access authentication. Third, the authentication process is realized by intelligent contract. The authentication information is encrypted and distributed by a key sharing method to ensure the security of authentication data. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme has significant advantages in security and availability.
Pyruvate Kinase M2 Knockdown Suppresses Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition of Gastric Carcinoma via Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor Alpha/B‐Cell Lymphoma 6 Pathway
Authors: Li Ning , Meng Dandan , Xu Yue , Gao Ling , Shen Fengqian , Tie Xiaojing , Zhang Yan , Yi Zhenying , Shen Wenjie , Liu Zonglan , Xu Zhiqiao
Published: December 2020

Gastric carcinoma is a common malignant cancer. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is highly expressed in cancers, including gastric carcinoma. However, its function and molecular mechanism in gastric carcinoma remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the function and the underlying mechanism of PKM2 on malignant phenotypes in gastric carcinoma. In this study, the mRNA levels and protein levels of PKM2 in gastric carcinoma cell lines and normal gastric mucosa epithelial cell lines were detected using quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot, respectively. PKM2 was downregulated by siRNA transfection. HIF‐1α or BCL‐6 was upregulated by corresponding overexpression plasmid. Cell viability was detected using CCK‐8 assay. Cell invasion and migration were determined using transwell assay. Higher expression of PKM2 was observed in human gastric carcinoma cell lines MKN‐45 and SGC‐7901 than in the normal gastric mucosa epithelial cell line GES‐1. PKM2 knockdown suppressed cancer cell invasion and migration and inhibited the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype by inhibiting E‐cadherin and promoting vimentin and N‐cadherin expression. Also, we observed that PKM2 knockdown suppressed the hypoxia‐inducible factor alpha (HIF‐1α) and B‐cell lymphoma 6 (BCL‐6) signaling pathway. HIF‐1α overexpression reversed the function of PKM2 silencing on cell invasion, migration, EMT, and BCL‐6 expression. BCL‐6 overexpression also reversed the function of PKM2 silencing on cell invasion, migration, and EMT but did not affect HIF‐1α expression. Taken together, data from our study suggest that PKM2 knockdown impeded cell migration, invasion, and EMT of gastric carcinoma cells via the HIF‐1α/BCL‐6 pathway.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Belin Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display in Early Diagnosis of Keratoconus
Authors: Bamdad Shahram , Sedaghat Mohammad Reza , Yasemi Masoud , Vahedi Aliraza
Published: December 2020

Purpose. Early diagnosis of keratoconus disease (KCN) is the first priority in the preoperative evaluations of refractive surgery (RS).The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between findings of Belin Ambrosio enhanced ectasia display (BAD) software and conventional corneal imaging (Orbscan and topography) in the early diagnosis of KCN. Methods. For conducting this cross-sectional study, a total of 1000 eyes were selected from 500 patients that underwent the myopic photorefractive keratectomy surgery and were compared in four study groups during the years 2017–2018. In group 1, all topography, Orbscan, and BAD criteria were normal (65.8%).In contrast, in Group 2, at least one of the topography or Orbscan criteria as well as at least one BAD criterion (12.6%) were abnormal. In Group 3, the eyes had normal Orbscan and topography criteria with at least one abnormal BAD criterion (18.5%). Also, in Group 4, the patients had at least one abnormal Orbscan or topography criterion, but all BAD criteria (3.1%) were normal. Thickness of the thinnest point (TP) of cornea was compared in Pentacam and topography. Data analysis was done by SPSS software (version 21). Results. BAD criteria were normal in 78.5% of all eyes with normal topography and Orbscan criteria (specificity). BAD criteria were also abnormal in 80.2% of eyes (sensitivity). There was also no significant difference between TP in Orbscan and Pentacam. Conclusions. BAD criteria had a relatively acceptable sensitivity and specificity, compared with conventional Orbscan and topography criteria. Thus, BAD criteria can be more effective in the early diagnosis of KCN.
Effect of THBS1 on the Biological Function of Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblasts
Authors: Jiang D. , Guo B. , Lin F. , Hui Q. , Tao K.
Published: December 2020

Hypertrophic scarring is a skin collagen disease that can occur following skin damage and is unlikely to heal or subside naturally. Since surgical treatment often worsens scarring, it is important to investigate the pathogenesis and prevention of hypertrophic scarring. Thrombospondin‐1 (THBS1) is a matrix glycoprotein that can affect fibrosis by activating TGF‐β1, which plays a key role in wound repair and tissue regeneration; therefore, we investigated the effects of THBS1 on the biological function of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. THBS1 expression was measured in hypertrophic scars and adjacent tissues as well as normal fibroblasts, normal scar fibroblasts, and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. In addition, THBS1 was overexpressed or silenced in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts to determine the effects of THBS1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration, as well as TGF‐β1 expression. Finally, the role of THBS1 in hypertrophic scarring was confirmed in vivo using a mouse model. We found that THBS1 expression was increased in hypertrophic scar tissues and fibroblasts and promoted the growth and migration of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts as well as TGF‐β1 expression. Interestingly, we found that si‐THBS1 inhibited the occurrence and development of bleomycin‐induced hypertrophic scars in vivo and downregulated TGF‐β1 expression. Together, our findings suggest that THBS1 is abnormally expressed in hypertrophic scars and can induce the growth of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by regulating TGF‐β1. Consequently, THBS1 could be an ideal target for treating hypertrophic scarring.
Evaluation and Formulation of Assessment Criteria for Dominant Distresses in Preventive Maintenance of Cement Concrete Pavements
Authors: Chen Qiqi , Wang Guanhu , Huang Xuelin , Wang Guanpeng , Li Ke
Published: December 2020

Different types of distresses affect cement concrete pavement at different degrees. The determination of dominant distresses of the pavement preventive maintenance (PM) and its judgement standard can provide corresponding basis for PM decision. In this paper, 22 military airports in Northeast China, such as Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province, and Liaoning Province, were selected to collect the data of pavement distresses. Based on the structural equation model (SEM), the structural relationship between the influencing factors of each distress and the pavement damage was established, and the goodness-of-fit of the model was tested. In addition, through path analysis, the influence degree of five kinds of latent variables such as joint distress, surface distress, vertical distress, repair distress, and fracture distress on pavement damage was obtained. Four distresses, such as corner peeling, surface peeling, surface crack, and interplate slip, were identified as the dominant distresses of PM of cement concrete pavement. On this basis, a binary classification model of confusion matrix was constructed. The basic evaluation index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) curve were used to comprehensively determine the judgement standard of the dominant distresses of pavement PM from multiple evaluation angles (corner peeling rate ≤ 35%, surface peeling rate ≤ 30%, surface crack rate ≤ 8%, and interplate slip rate ≤ 0.5%). The judgement standard can be combined with the corresponding prediction model to determine the optimal timing of PM of cement concrete pavement and provide pavement maintenance managers with the support of decision-making.
Experimental Study on the Transverse Effective Bending Rigidity of Segmental Lining Structures
Authors: Tang Yong-feng , Chen Han-cheng , Ye Zhen-wei , Liu Ting-jin , Yang Yu-bing
Published: December 2020

The transverse effective rigidity ratio is a key parameter when the uniform rigidity ring model is adopted to design or numerically analyse segmental lining structures commonly used on a shield‐driven tunnel. Traditionally, the transverse effective rigidity ratio η is treated as a constant, which can be evaluated through theoretical analysis and model tests. In this study, scale models were designed and tested to investigate the variation of the transverse effective rigidity ratio in the segmental linings’ flattening deformation process. The test results suggested that in the elastic stage, the transverse effective rigidity ratio fluctuated between 0.667 and 0.734 for the stagger‐jointed rings and fluctuated between 0.503 and 0.642 for the straight‐jointed rings. When segmental linings were squashed and started to crack at the circumferential joints, the transverse effective rigidity ratio decreases sharply. Then, a regression equation was obtained to fit the variation trend of η with the increase of horizontal convergence to the outer‐diameter ratio (ΔD/Dout). Finally, in a case study, the regression equation was adapted to determine the value of η of an operated shield tunnel which was once surcharged accidentally and deformed severely so as to numerically predict the prospective deformation induced by the upcoming adjacent excavation. Numerical results indicated that as the value of η decreases, the horizontal convergences of shield tunnel induced by adjacent excavation increase significantly and even more than doubled in the case study. Comparatively, through taking account of the operating tunnels’ exiting transverse deformation, the predicted deformation tends to be unfavourable.
Directional Dependence of Experimental Trunk Stiffness: Role of Muscle-Stiffness Variation of Nonneural Origin
Authors: Mehrez Sadok , Smaoui Hichem
Published: December 2020

Trunk stiffness is an important parameter for trunk stability analysis and needs to be evaluated accurately. Discrepancies regarding the dependence of trunk stiffness on the direction of movement in the sagittal plane suggest inherent sources of error that require explanation. In contrast to the common assumption that the muscle stiffness remains constant prior to the induction of a reflex during position perturbations, it is postulated that muscle-stiffness changes of nonneural origin occur and alter the experimental trunk stiffness, causing it to depend on the sagittal direction. This is confirmed through reinterpretation of existing test data for a healthy subject, numerical simulation, and sensitivity analysis using a biomechanical model. The trunk stiffness is determined through a static approach (in forward and backward directions) and compared with the model stiffness for assumed scenarios involving deactivated muscles. The difference in stiffness between the opposite directions reaches 17.5% without a preload and decreases when a moderate vertical preload is applied. The increased muscle activation induced by preloads or electrical stimuli explains the apparent discrepancies observed in previous studies. The experimental stiffness invariably remains between low and high model-stiffness estimates based on extreme scenarios of the postulated losses of muscle activation, thereby confirming our hypothesis.
Nonlinear Seismic Performance Evaluation of Flexural Slotted Connection Using Endurance Time Method
Authors: Kolbadi Seyed Mohamad Seyed , Piri Hosein , Keyhani Ali , Seyed-Kolbadi S.Mahdi , Mirtaheri Masoud
Published: December 2020

The equivalent statistical methods, spectral analysis, and time history analysis are usually offered in the steel structure design regulations. Among these methods, the third one is more accurate; however, it requires more time to align the accelerometers due to a large number of analyses. In the endurance time (ET) method, incremental acceleration functions gradually and uniformly increases over time while their linear and nonlinear response spectra are proportional to the mean of the real seismic spectrum. These functions are used as input functions to analyze the nonlinear time history of structures, and the performance of structures is evaluated based on the maximum length of time they can meet specified performance goals. A three-story steel bending frame with (slotted web) SW and (web unslotted flange) WUF connection is examined through the performance time method in performance-based design. This article aimed at evaluating the seismic performance of these connections in the bending frame through endurance time analysis to predict the structural response in the probabilistic evaluation of the seismic performance of the structures. It is found that the endurance time analysis is justified with the seismic performance of the connections with low computational cost and proper accuracy. The results of comparing both SW and WUF connections indicated that the SW connection prevents the connection welding area from being failed due to transferring the plastic joint into the beam and in an area away from the column face and causes less damage compared to the WUF connection.
Isolation, Serotyping, and Molecular Detection of Bovine FMD Virus from Outbreak Cases in Abaʼala District of Afar Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Dubie Teshager , Amare Tsedale
Published: December 2020

Background. On the basis of FMDV outbreak cases, a cross-sectional study was undertaken to collect samples from January 2019 to March 2020 intended for isolation, serotyping, and molecular detection of FMDV in the study district. The purposive sampling method was applied to select the study area for the reason of the presence of FMD outbreak case report during the study period. Totally, 27 FMD clinical samples were collected from affected study population during field outbreak. Out of 27 samples, 18 of them were inoculated on cultured Baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) monolayer cells, and all 27 samples were tested using conventional RT-PCR and sets of specific universal primers. Finally, the PCR products were visualized with UV illumination and imaged with gel documentation system. Results. The current study results revealed that out of 18 clinical samples subjected to virus isolation, 72.2% (n = 13) of these cultures exhibited FMDV-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and the identified serotype was SAT-2 FMD virus. Out of 27 clinical samples tested by conventional RT-PCR, only 12 FMDV samples were found to be FMDV positive by universal primers. Out of 27 samples detected by conventional RT-PCR, only 12 FMDV samples were found to be FMDV positive by universal primers. Conclusions. Our study finding indicated that FMDV is prevalent in the study area and FMDV serotype SAT-2 was the causality for the outbreaks of the disease in the study area. Hence, region-wise FMD outbreak investigation, further phylogenetic analysis, and vaccine matching field isolates should be carried out for effective vaccine development to control the disease.
Retinal Structural and Microvascular Alterations in Different Acute Ischemic Stroke Subtypes
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shi Ce , Chen Yihong , Wang Weicheng , Huang Shenghai , Han Zhao , Lin Xianda , Lu Fan , Shen Meixiao
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Retinal structural and microvascular damages reflect damage to cerebral microvasculature and neurons. We aimed to investigate neovascular unit abnormalities among patients with large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) or small-vessel occlusion (SAA) and control subjects. Methods. Twenty-eight LAA patients, forty-one SAA patients, and sixty-five age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. Based on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), retinal capillary vessel density was assessed in the general and local sectors, and the thickness of individual retinal layer was extracted from retinal structural images. The differences between structural and microvascular were analyzed. Results. The superior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness was significantly different among the three groups, and the LAA group had the thinnest thickness. Compared to the control group, the deep retinal capillary vessel density in other two stroke subgroups were significantly reduced in all regions except in the inferior region (

P

 < 0.05), and the fractal dimension in C2 and C4 regions of deep retina was significantly lower in the LAA group (

P

 < 0.05). Discussion. Compared with superficial microvascular network, deep microvascular network is more sensitive to ischemic stroke. In addition, we have demonstrated quadrant-specific pRNFL abnormalities in LAA and SAA patients. Superior quadrant pRNFL thickness differences between stroke subgroups may suggest that changes in retinal nerve fiber layer are more sensitive to subtype identification than changes in retinal microvascular structure. All in all, the alteration in retinal structural and microvascular may further elucidate the role of the neovascular unit in ischemic stroke, suggesting that the combination of these two indicators could be used for subtype identification to guide prognosis and establish a risk prediction model.
Effect of Ferronickel Slag Powder on Strength of Soil in Marine Environment
Authors: Chen Feng , Tong Shenghao
Published: December 2020

Over the past few years, soil‐cement has been widely used in marine geotechnical engineering; meanwhile, the safety of soil‐cement in marine environment has attracted wide attention. In order to study the influence of composite ferronickel slag powder on the strength and micro morphology of soil‐cement in marine environment, the composite nickel iron slag powder was added into the soil‐cement in this paper. The unconfined compressive strength test, erosion resistance coefficient analysis, SEM, and EDS test analysis of soil‐cement were carried out.. Results showed that the marine environment had great influences on the strength of soil‐cement, and the addition of compound nickel‐iron slag powder can enhance the strength of soil‐cement, and the deterioration of the strength of soil‐cement is reduced. In addition, the compound ferronickel slag powder has microaggregate effect, morphological effect, and activation effect, which not only improves compaction rate of soil‐cement and prevents invasion of erosive ions in marine environment but also has positive effects on the performance of soil‐cement.
D-Mannose Inhibits Adipogenic Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells via the miR669b/MAPK Pathway
Authors: Liu Yitong , Guo Lijia , Hu Lei , Xie Chen , Fu Jingfei , Jiang Yiyang , Han Nannan , Jia Lu , Liu Yi
Published: December 2020

The adipogenic differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) plays an important role in the process of obesity and host metabolism. D-Mannose shows a potential regulating function for fat tissue expansion and glucose metabolism. To explore the mechanisms through which D-mannose affects the adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells in vitro, we cultured the ADSCs with adipogenic medium inducement containing D-mannose or glucose as the control. The adipogenic differentiation specific markers Pparg and Fabp4 were determined by real-time PCR. The Oil Red O staining was applied to measure the lipid accumulation. To further explore the mechanisms, microarray analysis was performed to detect the differences between glucose-treated ADSCs (G-ADSCs) and D-mannose-treated ADSCs (M-ADSCs) in the gene expression level. The microarray data were further analyzed by a Venn diagram and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). MicroRNA inhibitor transfection was used to confirm the role of key microRNA. Results. D-Mannose intervention significantly inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs, compared with the glucose intervention. Microarray showed that D-mannose increased the expression of miR669b, which was an inhibitor of adipogenesis. In addition, GSEA and western blot suggested that D-mannose suppressed the adipogenic differentiation via inhibiting the MAPK pathway and further inhibited the expression of proteins related to glucose metabolism and tumorigenesis. Conclusion. D-Mannose inhibits adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs via the miR669b/MAPK signaling pathway and may be further involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and the inhibition of tumorigenesis.
Dual and Opposite Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Chagas Disease: Beneficial on the Pathogen and Harmful on the Host
Authors: Maldonado Edio , Rojas Diego A. , Morales Sebastian , Miralles Vicente , Solari Aldo
Published: December 2020

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease, which affects an estimate of 6-7 million people worldwide. Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is a eukaryotic flagellate unicellular organism. At the primary infection sites, these parasites are phagocytized by macrophages, which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to the infection with T. cruzi. The ROS produce damage to the host tissues; however, macrophage-produced ROS is also used as a signal for T. cruzi proliferation. At the later stages of infection, mitochondrial ROS is produced by the infected cardiomyocytes that contribute to the oxidative damage, which persists at the chronic stage of the disease. The oxidative damage leads to a functional impairment of the heart. In this review article, we will discuss the mechanisms by which T. cruzi is able to deal with the oxidative stress and how this helps the parasite growth at the acute phase of infection and how the oxidative stress affects the cardiomyopathy at the chronic stage of the Chagas disease. We will describe the mechanisms used by the parasite to deal with ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) through the trypanothione and the mechanisms used to repair the damaged DNA. Also, a description of the events produced by ROS at the acute and chronic stages of the disease is presented. Lastly, we discuss the benefits of ROS for T. cruzi growth and proliferation and the possible mechanisms involved in this phenomenon. Hypothesis is put forward to explain the molecular mechanisms by which ROS triggers parasite growth and proliferation and how ROS is able to produce a long persisting damage on cardiomyocytes even in the absence of the parasite.
Water Softening Mechanism and Strength Model for Saturated Carbonaceous Mudstone in Panzhihua Airport, China
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Du Jifang , Wu Shuaifeng , Wei Yingqi , Xiao Jianzhang , Han Wenxi , Pan Di , Zheng Binbin
Published: December 2020

To identify the water softening mechanisms that caused landslides in Panzhihua Airport, China, property and saturation tests of the mudstones extracted from a representative landslide were proposed. In this paper, water saturation tests were carried out on samples of carbonaceous mudstone collected from the east side of the No. 12 landslide at the airport. A number of different analytical techniques and mechanical tests were used to determine changes in chemical composition, mineral assemblages, and mudstone structural characteristics, including shear strength, after the mudstone had been softened. Three kinds of changes caused by water and three mudstone softening stages are proposed. The results show that the water has a significant influence on the properties of the mudstone, so the stability of the mudstone in the watery period is a big threat to the upper structure. A model for water immersion mudstone strength softening is developed. The model incorporates a permeability coefficient, the hydraulic gradient, and time; the model can be used to determine the mudstone’s shear strength and internal friction angle. This study provides a reference for the study of rock softened by water immersion.
Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis: A Sub-Saharan Conundrum
Authors: Obayo Antonina , Mbugua Sylvia , Ali Sayed K.
Published: December 2020

Spinal cord schistosomiasis is a rare, underdiagnosed manifestation of schistosomiasis. We present the case of a 36-year-old male who presented to our institution with a one-week history of low back pain with rapidly progressive lower limb weakness, loss of sensation, and flaccid paraparesis. An MRI of the spine showed a longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis from T6 to L1, with enhancement at the cauda equina region. Further review of the images and serological tests eventually led to diagnosis of spinal schistosomiasis. He was treated with praziquantel and high-dose steroids, with minimal improvement in his symptoms.
The Protective Role of Probiotics against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ding Sujuan , Hu Chao , Fang Jun , Liu Gang
Published: December 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and a major global public health problem. With the rapid development of the economy, the incidence of CRC has increased linearly. Accumulating evidence indicates that changes in the gut microenvironment, such as undesirable changes in the microbiota composition, provide favorable conditions for intestinal inflammation and shaping the tumor growth environment, whereas administration of certain probiotics can reverse this situation to a certain extent. This review summarizes the roles of probiotics in the regulation of CRC, such as enhancing the immune barrier, regulating the intestinal immune state, inhibiting pathogenic enzyme activity, regulating CRC cell proliferation and apoptosis, regulating redox homeostasis, and reprograming intestinal microbial composition. Abundant studies have provided a theoretical foundation for the roles of probiotics in CRC prevention and treatment, but their mechanisms of action remain to be investigated, and further clinical trials are warranted for the application of probiotics in the target population.
Mycotoxins Analysis in Cereals and Related Foodstuffs by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Techniques
Authors: Smaoui Slim , Ben Braïek Olfa , Ben Hlima Hajer
Published: December 2020

In the entire world, cereals and related foodstuffs are used as an important source of energy, minerals, and vitamins. Nevertheless, their contamination with mycotoxins kept special attention due to harmful effects on human health. The present paper was conducted to evaluate published studies regarding the identification and characterization of mycotoxins in cereals and related foodstuffs by liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques. For sample preparation, published studies based on the development of extraction and clean-up strategies including solid-phase extraction, solid-liquid extraction, and immunoaffinity columns, as well as on methods based on minimum clean-up (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)) technology, are examined. LC-MS/MS has become the golden method for the simultaneous multimycotoxin analysis, with different sample preparation approaches, due to the range of different physicochemical properties of these toxic products. Therefore, this new strategy can be an alternative for fast, simple, and accurate determination of multiclass mycotoxins in complex cereal samples.
Modeling Traffic Function Reliability of Signalized Intersections with Control Delay
Authors: Hang Jiayu , Zhou Xizhao , Wang Jiawen
Published: December 2020

The performance of intersections has been considered a key factor in measuring the efficiency of urban road systems. In this paper, a reliability model for a two‐phase signalized intersection is proposed on the basis of presenting a concept of traffic function reliability (TFR). First, classic cumulative curves are created to derive delay formulas. Then, a model for traffic function reliability is proposed based on the quantitative relationship between the random traffic flows, signal timing, and queue lengths. Finally, the delay threshold of the intersection is determined by referring to the level of service. A numerical simulation has been created to clarify the proposed mechanism of TFR. The results show that the saturation and the green time ratio have a dramatical influence on TFR. Under different saturation levels, the sensitivity of TFR to changes in green time ratio gradually weakened. When the green signal ratio increases above a certain value, TFR remains nearly constant. A microscopic simulation verified the applicability of the proposed model. The results show that the accuracy of the model is close to 90% in the case of low saturation. This method provides road authorities useful insights to understand travel time variability.
Identifying Key Classes Algorithm in Directed Weighted Class Interaction Network Based on the Structure Entropy Weighted LeaderRank
Authors: Jiang Wanchang , Dai Ning
Published: December 2020

Identifying key classes can help software maintainers quickly understand software systems. The existing key class recognition algorithms consider the weight of class interaction, but the weight mechanism is single or arbitrary. In this paper, the multitype weighting mechanism is considered, and the key classes are accurately identified by using four kinds of interaction. By abstracting the software system into the directed weighted class interaction network, a novel Structure Entropy Weighted LeaderRank of identifying key classes algorithm is proposed. First, considering multiple types and directions of interactions between every pair of classes, the directed weighted class interaction software network (DWCIS-Network) is built. Second, Class Entropy of each class is initialized by the software structural entropy in DWCIS-Network; the Structure Entropy Weighted LeaderRank applies the biased random walk process to iterate Class Entropy. Finally, the iteration is completed to obtain the Final Class Entropy (FCE) of each class as the importance score of each class, top-k classes are obtained, and key classes are identified. For two sets of experiments on Ant and JHotDraw, our approach effectively identifies key classes in class-level software networks for different top-k of classes, and the recall rates of our approach are the highest, 80% and 100%, respectively. From top-15% to top-5%, the precision of our approach is improved by 13.39%, which is the highest in comparison with the precisions of the other two classical approaches. Compared with the best performance of the two classical approaches, the RankingScore of our approach is improved by 16.51% in JHotDraw.
A Survey on Daily Activity Inclination and Health Complaints among Urban Youth in Malaysia
Authors: Chen Ai−Hong , Rosli Saiful Azlan , Hovis Jeffery K.
Published: December 2020

Environmental influence is one of the attributing factors for health status. Chronic interaction with electronic display technology and lack of outdoor activities might lead to health issues. Given the concerns about the digital impact on lifestyle and health challenges, we aimed to investigate the daily activity inclination and health complaints among the Malaysian youth. A self-administered questionnaire covering lifestyle and health challenges was completed by 220 youths aged between 16 and 25. There were a total of 22 questions. Seven questions inspected the patterns of indoor and outdoor activities. Fifteen questions focused on the visual and musculoskeletal symptoms linked to both mental and physical health. The total time spent indoors (15.0 ± 5.4 hours/day) was significantly higher than that spent outdoors (2.5 ± 2.6 hours/day) (t = 39.01,

p
<
0.05

). Total time engrossed in sedentary activities (13.0 ± 4.5 hours/day) was significantly higher than that in nonsedentary activities (4.5 ± 3.8 hours/day) comprised of indoor sports and any outdoor engagements (t = 27.10,

p
<
0.05

). The total time spent on electronic related activities (9.5 ± 3.7 hours/day) was were higher than time spent on printed materials (3.4 ± 1.6 hours/day) (t = 26.01,

p
<
0.05

). The association of sedentary activities was positive in relation to tired eyes (χ2 = 17.58,

p
<
0.05

), sensitivity to bright light (χ2 = 12.10,

p
<
0.05

), and neck pain (χ2 = 17.27,

p
<
0.05

) but negative in relation to lower back pain (χ2 = 8.81,

p
<
0.05

). Our youth spent more time in building and engaged in sedentary activities, predominantly electronic usage. The health-related symptoms, both visual and musculoskeletal symptoms, displayed a positive association with a sedentary lifestyle and a negative association with in-building time.
Understanding Racial Disparities in Gastrointestinal Cancer Outcomes: Lack of Surgery Contributes to Lower Survival in African American Patients
Authors: Bliton John N. , Parides Michael , Muscarella Peter , Papalezova Katia T. , In Haejin
Published: December 2020

Background:

Race/ethnicity-related differences in rates of cancer surgery and cancer mortality have been observed for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. This study aims to estimate the extent to which differences in receipt of surgery explain racial/ethnic disparities in cancer survival.

Methods:

The National Cancer Database was used to obtain data for patients diagnosed with stage I–III mid-esophageal, distal esophagus/gastric cardia (DEGC), noncardia gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer in years 2004–2015. Mediation analysis was used to identify variables influencing the relationship between race/ethnicity and mortality, including surgery.

Results:

A total of 600,063 patients were included in the study: 3.5% mid-esophageal, 12.4% DEGC, 4.9% noncardia gastric, 17.0% pancreatic, 40.1% colon, and 22.0% rectal cancers. The operative rates for Black patients were low relative to White patients, with absolute differences of 21.0%, 19.9%, 2.3%, 8.3%, 1.6%, and 7.7%. Adjustment for age, stage, and comorbidities revealed even lower odds of receiving surgery for Black patients compared with White patients. The observed HRs for Black patients compared with White patients ranged from 1.01 to 1.42. Mediation analysis showed that receipt of surgery and socioeconomic factors had greatest influence on the survival disparity.

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that Black patients appear to be undertreated compared with White patients for GI cancers. The disproportionately low operative rates contribute to the known survival disparity between Black and White patients.

Impact:

Interventions to reduce barriers to surgery for Black patients should be promoted to reduce disparities in GI cancer outcomes.

See related commentary by Hébert, p. 438
Nutlin-3a Enhances Natural Killer Cell–Mediated Killing of Neuroblastoma by Restoring p53-Dependent Expression of Ligands for NKG2D and DNAM-1 Receptors
Authors: Veneziani Irene , Infante Paola , Ferretti Elisa , Melaiu Ombretta , Battistelli Cecilia , Lucarini Valeria , Compagnone Mirco , Nicoletti Carmine , Castellano Aurora , Petrini Stefania , Ognibene Marzia , Pezzolo Annalisa , Di Marcotullio Lucia , Bei Roberto , Moretta Lorenzo , Pistoia Vito , Fruci Doriana , Barnaba Vincenzo , Locatelli Franco , Cifaldi Loredana
Published: December 2020

In this study, we explored whether Nutlin-3a, a well-known, nontoxic small-molecule compound antagonizing the inhibitory interaction of MDM2 with the tumor suppressor p53, may restore ligands for natural killer (NK) cell–activating receptors (NK-AR) on neuroblastoma cells to enhance the NK cell–mediated killing. Neuroblastoma cell lines were treated with Nutlin-3a, and the expression of ligands for NKG2D and DNAM-1 NK-ARs and the neuroblastoma susceptibility to NK cells were evaluated. Adoptive transfer of human NK cells in a xenograft neuroblastoma-bearing NSG murine model was assessed. Two data sets of neuroblastoma patients were explored to correlate p53 expression with ligand expression. Luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of p53 functional binding on PVR promoter were performed. Primary neuroblastoma cells were also treated with Nutlin-3a, and neuroblastoma spheroids obtained from one high-risk patient were assayed for NK-cell cytotoxicity. We provide evidence showing that the Nutlin-3a–dependent rescue of p53 function in neuroblastoma cells resulted in (i) increased surface expression of ligands for NK-ARs, thus rendering neuroblastoma cell lines significantly more susceptible to NK cell–mediated killing; (ii) shrinkage of human neuroblastoma tumor masses that correlated with overall survival upon adoptive transfer of NK cells in neuroblastoma-bearing mice; (iii) and increased expression of ligands in primary neuroblastoma cells and boosting of NK cell–mediated disaggregation of neuroblastoma spheroids. We also found that p53 was a direct transcription factor regulating the expression of PVR ligand recognized by DNAM-1. Our findings demonstrated an immunomodulatory role of Nutlin-3a, which might be prospectively used for a novel NK cell–based immunotherapy for neuroblastoma.
The Role of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in ANT-DBS for LiCl-Pilocarpine-Induced Epileptic Rats
Authors: Tang Weiting , He Xinghui , Feng Li , Liu Dingyang , Yang Zhuanyi , Zhang Junmei , Xiao Bo , Yang Zhiquan
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Abnormal neurogenesis in the hippocampus after status epilepticus (SE) has been suggested as a key pathogeny of temporal lobe epilepsy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of deep brain stimulation of the anterior thalamic nucleus (ANT-DBS) on hippocampal neurogenesis in LiCl-pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats and to analyze its relationship with postoperative spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and anxiety. Method: SE was induced by a systemic LiCl-pilocarpine injection in adult male rats. Rats in the DBS group underwent ANT-DBS immediately after successful SE induction. SRS was only recorded during the chronic stage. An elevated plus maze was used to evaluate the level of anxiety in rats 7, 28, and 60 days after SE onset. After the elevated plus-maze experiment, rats were sacrificed under anesthesia in order to evaluate hippocampal neurogenesis. Doublecortin (DCX) was used as a marker for neurogenesis. Results: During the chronic stage, SRS in rats in the DBS group were significantly decreased. The level of anxiety was increased significantly in rats in the DBS group 28 days after SE, while no significant differences in anxiety levels were found 7 and 60 days after SE. The number of DCX-positive cells in the hippocampus was significantly increased 7 days after SE and was significantly decreased 60 days after SE in all rats in which SE was induced. However, the number of DCX-positive cells in the DBS group was significantly lower than that in the other groups 28 days after SE. Conclusions: ANT-DBS may suppress SRS and increase the postoperative anxiety of epileptic rats by influencing hippocampal neurogenesis.