bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Study of the Processing Accuracy after the Grindingof the Inner Ring Raceway with the Abrasive Tool without a Sheaf
Authors: Bannikov Alexander I. , Dyatlov Nikolay A. , Makarova Olga A. , Serov Aleksey
Published: November 2019

The article is about the increasing of the shape accuracy of a roller bearing during the processing by the abrasive tool without a sheaf.
Hobbing of Cylindrical Wheels without Coolants
Authors: Kalashnikov Aleksandr S. , Morgunov Yuriy A. , Kalashnikov Pavel A.
Published: November 2019

This article studies dry hobbing of external cylindrical wheels by worm wheel hobs and reasons why some gear manufactures use hobbing without cutting fluids. Cutting fluids reduce frictional wear, provides temperature cooling of the tool or workpiece and helps flush away the chips from the cutting zone. But uneven cooling and different cutting conditions on the engaging and disengaging sides of a gear mesh provoke intensive wear of the teeth of the worm wheel hob, thus decreasing the life of worm hobs and increasing both the consumption of cutting tools and expenses for them. In this context, it becomes rather difficult to achieve efficiency and stability for the hobbing process. In the recent times, the cost of coolant disposal has been raised; in some cases, it accounts for 15-20% in terms of shop costs. Research was carried out under the following experimental conditions: a hobbing machine equipped with an automation system of high efficiency and with basic units of high static and dynamic stiffness; a high-accuracy worm hob from powdered metal wear-resistant high-speed steel of grade Р6М5К5; a workholding device with an elastic bush, and various cutting modes. Recommendations are given on using the multi-cycle hob-shifting strategy rather than the strategy of single-cycle shifting; and advantages gained by this technique are observed. Best cutting conditions and precision attained by dry gear-hobbing are described.
Production of High-Quality Castings from Gray Iron by Differentiated Cooling in Iron Mould
Authors: Gabelchenko Natalia I. , Belov Artem A. , Meshcheryakova Oksana N.
Published: November 2019

The paper considers the possibility of improving the quality of gray cast iron castings by controlling the cooling rate of castings in a mold. It is shown that the use of differentiated cooling can increase tensile strength of cast iron by 12-16%
Analyzing the Features of Non-Metallic Inclusion Distribution in Ø410 mm Continuously Cast Billets of Low Carbon Steel Grades
Authors: Chubukov Mikhail Y. , Rutskiy Dmitriy V. , Uskov Dmitriy P.
Published: November 2019

The paper reports findings on the morphology of non-metallic inclusions in low carbon pre-peritectic and peritectic steel grades used for the fabrication of seamless pipes. It is demonstrated that the distribution of non-metallic inclusions over the cross section area of continuously cast billets is of a step-like nature conditioned by the features of billet solidification. In all the steels analyzed the non-metallic inclusions are presented by oxides, sulfides and complex oxi-sulfides not larger than 2 μm.
Pathogenic Role of an IL-23/γδT17/Neutrophil Axis in Coxsackievirus B3–Induced Pancreatitis
Authors: Yan Kepeng , Yang Jie , Qian Qian , Xu Dan , Liu Hui , Wei Lin , Li Min , Xu Wei
Published: November 2019

Coxsackievirus B is a common cause of viral myocarditis and pancreatitis. IL-17A is intensively involved in the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis. Whether IL-17A plays a role in Coxsackievirus B–induced pancreatitis, characterized by acinar cell destruction and immune infiltration, remains largely unknown. We found a significant, but transient, increase of IL-17A expression and γδT influx in the pancreas of C57BL/6J mice within 3 d following CVB3 infection. The pancreatic IL-17A was mainly produced by Vγ4 γδ T cells, to a lesser extent by CD4+ Th17 cells. IL-17A−/− and TCRδ−/− mice both reduced their susceptibility to CVB3 infection and pancreatitis severity when compared with the wild-type mice, without altering viral load. mAb depletion of Vγ4γδ T cells significantly improved mice survival and pancreatic pathology via decreasing Th17 expansion and neutrophil influx into the pancreas compared with isotype-treated mice. Transfer of Vγ4γδ T cells from wild-type, but not IL-17−/−, mice reconstituted TCRδ−/− mice to produce IL-17 and develop pancreatitis to the level of wild-type mice during CVB3 infection, indicating γδ T IL-17A is required for the onset of viral pancreatitis. IL-23 was robustly induced in the pancreas within the first day of infection. Administration of exogenous rIL-23 to mice increased CVB3 pancreatitis through in vivo expansion of IL-17+γδT17 cells at 12 h postinfection. Our findings reveal a key pathogenic role for early-activated γδT17 cells in viral pancreatitis via promoting neutrophil infiltration and Th17 induction. This IL-23/γδT17/neutrophil axis is critically involved in the onset of CVB3 pancreatitis and represents a potential treating target for the disease.
A Case Report of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum-like Papillary Dermal Elastolysis
Authors: Hariri Jehad O.
Published: November 2019

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis is a relatively rare disorder within the literature. Increased awareness of this entity will broaden the differential diagnoses among dermatologists encountering such a condition. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis tends to occur predominantly in elderly females. Clinically, the lesions present as papules and cobblestone plaques on the neck, resembling pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Histologically, there is absence of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis, and no calcification of the remaining fibers. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis differs from Pseudoxanthoma elasticum by the absence of systemic manifestations, hence patients are reassured and no further workup is warranted. As of now, no effective treatments are available for this entity. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis should be in the differential diagnosis of a dermatologist when encountering a clinical presentation of Pseudoxanthoma elasticum in an elderly patient localized to the neck, with absence of fragmented and calcified elastic fibers on histologic examination.
Research Production of Current Saudi Emergency Medicine Training Centers in the New Millennium: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Alsulimani Loui K. , Khan Anas , Bokhari Ahmed M.
Published: November 2019

The development of the specialty of emergency medicine demands a concurrent development of research in the field; training emergency departments are expected to take the lead in research production. This study aims to evaluate the research production of 14 Saudi Emergency Medicine training departments, from January 2000 to June 2016. From April to July 2016, we searched for articles published by first authors affiliated with Saudi Emergency Medicine training centers. We searched for original articles using the following search engines: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Scopus, Inspec, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and Cochrane Central Registers. Based on previous literature, we used certain metrics to evaluate the articles: journal’s impact factor, number of citations by Web of Science, number of citations by Google Scholar, and Altmetric score. Out of 9520 publications screened, only 76 articles were included for evaluation. The average number of publications per year was 4.7. However, it increased from two publications in year 2000 to 14 publications in 2015. Most of the publications (n = 65, 86%) were in journals with no or low IF (IF < 2). Although, there is progressive improvement in the quantity and quality of research from Saudi Emergency Medicine training departments, there should be more eff ort to reach to a higher level of research production.
A Case of Pregnant Female Detected with Ampullary Carcinoma, the Course of the Disease and Pregnancy after Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple’s Procedure)
Authors: Al Mansouri Nisma M.
Published: November 2019

Ampullary and pancreatic carcinoma have high mortality rates particularly among the solid tumors. The median survival of untreated metastatic and locally advanced ampullary and pancreatic carcinoma are 3-5 and 6-10 months, respectively. The worldwide mortality due to these types of malignancies is increasing with more reported cases from the Middle East and North Africa. The incidence of ampullary carcinoma among pregnant females is rare. A limited number of cases have been reported. Here we report a case of a pregnant female detected with ampullary carcinoma, the course of the disease and pregnancy after pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple’s procedure).
Evaluation of Nutritional Status for Some Sensitive Sets and its Relationship to Natural Antioxidants
Authors: Sami Rokayya A. , Khojah Ebtihal Y. , Elgarni Eman A. , Benajiba Nada
Published: November 2019

There exists a need to get the knowledge of natural antioxidants’ sources as a result of several factors; perhaps most notably is the change in our lifestyle. Although modern life has become easier and more comfortable, it harms us in diff erent ways. So, we should look for the best ways to support our health. Although our body manufactures antioxidants, we need additional quantities for protecting the body. Natural antioxidants are found in fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood and some nuts. Sport is essential for our health. The short periodsports could increase the antioxidant production quickly too. Groups of children, adolescents, adults and elderly have been tested. A selfadministered questionnaire asking about socio-demographic data, various forms of activities, dietary intakes and habits was used for data collection. The elementary schoolchildren were interviewed by structured interview to gather information. Therefore, there is a necessity to develop a nutrition education program in order to change lifestyle habits and avoid the negative health consequences.
Gastric Histopathology of Chronic Gastritis in Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Local Experience
Authors: Alturkustani Murad A.
Published: November 2019

A retrospective review was conducted using the database at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, to determine the most common cause of chronic gastritis among obese individuals. One hundred and thirty-one specimens were examined, obtained from patients who had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and diagnosed with chronic gastritis. Helicobacter pylori was detected in 15 cases only. The most common diagnosis was “Chronic inactive gastritis without Helicobacter pylori infection” in 57 (43.50%) cases, then “Chronic gastritis with lymphoid follicular hyperplasia” in 54 (41.20%) cases, and lastly “Chronic active gastritis” in the remaining 20 (15.20%) Cases. The low incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection even in cases of gastritis with lymphoid follicular hyperplasia support the existence of the new proposed entity (i.e., obesity-related gastritis). Biopsy specimens for cases diagnosed as chronic gastritis were used as control group to confirm the appropriate rate of detecting Helicobacter pylori organisms by morphological examination in the same laboratory. In these biopsies, Helicobacter pylori was present in (50.70%), and reactive follicular hyperplasia was detected in (6%) of total controls.
Vaginal Colonization by Escherichia coli in Pregnant Women at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Jamal Taghreed J. , Younus Hassan El-Banna A. , Abduljabbar Hassan S. , Jiman-Fatani Asif A. , Makled Amal F.
Published: November 2019

Maternal and neonatal infections by Escherichia coli remain a challenging problem for obstetricians and pediatricians. This study aims to determine the prevalence of vaginal colonization by Escherichia coli among pregnant women attending the Antenatal Clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah- Saudi Arabia, and to investigate the susceptibility of isolated Escherichia coli to the most commonly used antimicrobials. In this study, 100 pregnant women in the last trimester and 25 non-pregnant women were screened for vaginal colonization of Escherichia coli. The suspected colonies were identified by conventional methods and were confirmed by automated technology "Vitek 2 System". Also, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done by the same methods". Escherichia coli isolates were serotyped to detect the presence of K1 antigen. Out of 100 pregnant women in the last trimester; twenty-one (21%) were Escherichia coli positive. Also, out of 25 non-pregnant women; four (16%) were Escherichia coli-positive. All of the isolated Escherichia coli were susceptible to most antimicrobial agents. The percentage of vaginal Escherichia coli resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin and piperacillin ranged from 38.1% to 42.9%. The virulence factor K1 antigen was demonstrated in 42.9% of Escherichia coli -positive pregnant women.
Findings in an Elderly Patient after a Fall
Authors: Aljabr Qasem M.
Published: November 2019

A 76-year-old male presented with neck pain beginning a month earlier, when he tripped over a ledge while exiting his truck. The patient landed on his face and lost consciousness. In the emergency room, the initial work up, including a head computed tomography scan, came back negative, but the fall work-up was incomplete. He was discharged with a physical therapy appointment to manage his neck pain but did not go. The patient’s pain continued for another four weeks before he went to the clinic. The pain was located at the midline of his posterior cervical spine with limited range of motion. He was otherwise asymptomatic. A more comprehensive fall assessment and work-up was completed. An immediate neck computed tomography scan was ordered and revealed subacute Stage 2 odontoid fractures. The patient was placed in a neck collar. An urgent appointment with the neurosurgery clinic was requested. The neurosurgeon reviewed the neck computed tomography scan; a follow up by magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the findings. After discussing treatment options, the patient agreed to proceed with fusion surgery. This case demonstrates the importance of performing a complete fall assessment and workup to ensure early detection and prevention of serious or life-threatening injuries.
Can Intraprostatic Injection of OnabotulinumtoxinA be Benefi cial to Treat Premature Ejaculation? Results of a Prospective Study
Authors: Abdel-Meguid Taha A. , Alsayyad Ahmed J. , Tayib Abdulmalik M. , Farsi Hasan M. , Mosli Hisham A. , Sait Moataz , Abdelsalam Ahmed
Published: November 2019

We prospectively evaluated efficacy and adverse effects of intraprostatic injections of onabotulinumtoxinA to treat premature ejaculation. Twenty-four men ≥19 years-old with premature ejaculation for ≥ 6 months and intravaginal ejaculation latency time ≤ 2 minutes underwent transurethral intraprostatic injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (100 U). Primary endpoint was change of intravaginal ejaculation latency time at 3-months. Secondary endpoints included changes in premature ejaculation profile and patient-reported global impression of change (PGI). Mean baseline ejaculation latency time has significantly increased at 1-, 3- and 6-months, respectively. In premature ejaculation profile “perceived control over ejaculation”, significant improvement was reported at 3-months, while non-significant changes were reported at 1- and 6-months. Patients reported non-significant changes of “personal distress related to ejaculation” and “interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculation”. Only 8.3%, 12.5% and 12.5% of men reported “better” at 1-, 3- and 6-months, respectively, while all other patients reported “no change” or “slightly better” in patient-reported global impression of change. No serious adverse effects were observed. Improvements of intravaginal ejaculation latency time were not clinically meaningful, as most men reported “no change” or “slightly better” in patient-reported global impression of change. These marginal improvements did not support using onabotulinumtoxinA intraprostatic injections to remedy premature ejaculation.
Frequency of ABO-Rhesus Blood Groups in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Faisal M. , Shaikh Saeed S. , Rasheed Muzaheed A.
Published: November 2019

The western region of Saudi Arabia is known as a multinational region with different ethnic groups of people. This study aims to evaluate the ABO and rhesus blood groups among study subjects in the Western area of Saudi Arabia and their comparison with other regions of the Kingdom. It is a retrospective study. 35,388 participants were included. ABO blood grouping was done using tube method. Agglutination in any tube or hemolysis was considered as positive. Blood grouping was done by a preliminary finger prick, and was repeated again and a serum sample was obtained at the time of donation. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used for the data analysis. Results showed that the most common blood group is O, (50.1%) followed by A (29.7%), B (16%) and less frequent is AB (4.1%). Rhesus positive were 91.3%, while rhesus negative were 8.63%. These results demonstrate that the most common blood group in the Western province is O. Blood group A was noticed to be less frequent. Understanding the frequencies of the blood groups and their phenotypes is crucial for blood banking and for setting transfusion service protocols.
A Clinical and Pathological Study of Kikuchi–Fujimoto Disease in A University Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Fahad A. , Abdelwahed Mohammed S. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz , Marzouki Hani z. , Mokhtar Ghadeer A. , Alkhayyat Shadi S.
Published: November 2019

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease is a benign disease of self-limiting course characterized by lymphadenopathy that is often mistaken clinically as lymphoma or infectious lymphadenitis. To prevent such a mistake, a clinical and pathological correlation is recommended. In this retrospective study, we are documenting the clinical and pathological features of this disease through the last 15 years (2001-2016) in King Abdulaziz University Hospital; and comparing results with that of international findings. From a total number of 1805 lymph nodes sent for histopathological examination during that period, only 9 cases had been diagnosed as Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease. Three (33%) cases were 20 years old and under; five (56%) cases were in the ages between 20 to 40 years old and only one (11%) was above 40 years old. Eight (89%) cases were females. Regarding the outcome, all cases showed complete recovery and there was no recurrence. Only two histological phases were seen, namely proliferative and necrotizing phases.
Gastric Bypass and Absorption of Antihypertensive Medications
Authors: Altyar Ahmed E.
Published: November 2019

Little is known about the effects of gastric bypass on the absorption of prescription medications in the post-operative state. This poses a considerable clinical dilemma especially that the prevalence of morbid obesity continues to escalate in the United States of America, and as a result the number of gastric bypass procedures performed each year has similarly increased dramatically. The author presented a case of a 45-year-old male with refractory hypertension, secondary to mechanical complications after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure due to anatomical alteration contributing to pill retention and change in medications' pharmacokinetics. Investigations for secondary causes of hypertension were made, patient’s blood pressure had become exceedingly difficult to control after his Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure and had only been controlled with IV medications. Further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of a mechanical gastrointestinal complication.
Low Dose-Olanzapine-Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in Adolescent, and Literature Review
Authors: Alfakeh Sulhi A.
Published: November 2019

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but potentially lethal condition associated with neuroleptic medications. It is characterized by high temperature, extrapyramidal symptoms, autonomic variability, and changes in consciousness. Although olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic, which exhibits more affinity to serotonin receptors than to dopamine receptors, atypical antipsychotics (like olanzapine) can cause "typical and atypical" forms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Previous reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with olanzapine have described patients who had been previously treated with other antipsychotic medications, patients who had previous incidents of neuroleptic malignant syndrome caused by other neuroleptics, or patients treated with olanzapine and another neuroleptic. This article describes a case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome linked to olanzapine in a male adolescent, 17-year old, who had not previously been treated with antipsychotic medications. He presented in an agitated state, with acute onset of fever, catatonia for 15 days, and severe negativism, refusal to eat, mutism, and brief episodes of abrupt psychomotor agitation and aggression toward his family.
The Effects of Loading Frequency, Sensitization, and Crack Length on Corrosion Fatigue of AA5456-H116
Authors: Schrock D.J. , (Warner) Locke J.S.
Published: November 2019

The effects of fatigue loading frequency (f), sensitization, and crack length on corrosion fatigue crack growth rates (da/dN) were investigated for AA5456-H116 under full immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl. Results from fracture mechanics-based experiments conducted at a constant stress-intensity range (ΔK) and load ratio (R) suggest that highly sensitized AA5456-H116 microstructures (ASTM G67 nitric acid mass loss tests [NAMLT] value of 24 mg/cm2 and higher) exhibit increased da/dN over microstructures in the as-received condition (NAMLT 5 mg/cm2) and the onset of an inverse f-dependence. For a single, high level of sensitization (70 mg/cm2), da/dN increased 3.5× as f decreased from 10 Hz to 0.03 Hz. At a singular low loading f of 0.03 Hz, high sensitization levels (65 mg/cm2) accelerated da/dN fivefold over da/dN in the as-received condition. The da/dN of microstructures below a critical NAMLT value of 24 mg/cm2 were f-independent. Specifically, in microstructures with a low sensitization level (ASTM G67 NAMLT value less than 24 mg/cm2), there was no increase in da/dN as f decreased from 1 Hz to 0.03 Hz. At any singular f, sensitization up to 24 mg/cm2 did not accelerate da/dN over the rate in an as-received microstructure. Additional testing established that the inverse f-dependence of da/dN observed in highly sensitized microstructures cannot be attributed to crack length effects. Two hypotheses are discussed that may explain the observed inverse relationship between f and da/dN in microstructures at or above the critical NAMLT value of 24 mg/cm2.
Models for Prediction of Long-Term Corrosion of Cast Iron Water Mains
Authors: Melchers R.E.
Published: November 2019

Corrosion of cast iron pipes buried in wet soils has long been associated with severe localized effects often attributed to microbiological influences and also with the chemical and physical properties of the soils. Despite more than 70 y of research effort, correlations have remained poor. Recently, the reasons for this have been elucidated, as reviewed briefly herein. Also, interpretation of data from actual cast iron pipes buried in a variety of soils for up to 129 y shows that two critical factors governing depth of local corrosion penetration are the type of soil and the compaction of that soil around the pipe. The latter influences the size of wet air-voids in the soil at the pipe surface. These cause differential aeration and associated severe localized corrosion. The other critical factor is the time of wetness of the soil/metal interface. This is related both to atmospheric precipitation (e.g., rain) and to soil permeability as governed by compaction. Microbiological corrosion has no influence unless essential nutrients continue to be available. These new views on an old subject permit the development of corrosion penetration models for longer-term corrosion.
Levosimendan in the modern treatment of patients with acute heart failure of various aetiologies
Authors: Glinka Lidia , Mayzner-Zawadzka Ewa , Onichimowski Dariusz , Jalali Rakesh , Glinka Maciej
Published: November 2019

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a common clinical problem associated with a high mortality rate. Because ADHF has various aetiologies, there are a range of therapeutic options, among others, positive inotropes (inotropic drugs). As an inotropic agent whose mechanism is different than that of “classical” medicines, levosimendan (LSM) is one of the most common therapeutic options. Despite many publications on LSM, some issues related to its application remain unclear. The authors of this paper have attempted to summarise expert recommendations and reports available in the literature.
Angiopoietin-2 as a biomarker of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients with or without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Skowerski Tomasz , Nabrdalik Katarzyna , Kwiendacz Hanna , Pajak Maciej , Mizia-Stec Katarzyna , Gasior Zbigniew , Gumprecht Janusz
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a novel marker of coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes (DM). The aim was to evaluate Ang-2 as a potential new biomarker of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients with or without type 2 DM (T2DM).

Material and methods

This was a multi-center, prospective study that included 138 (males: 91/66%) consecutive patients hospitalized due to NSTEMI, T2DM, or different cardiac disorders. The subjects were divided into four study groups: group A: 28 patients with NSTEMI and T2DM; group B: 47 patients with NSTEMI without T2DM; group C: 31 patients with T2DM, without a history of CAD; group D: 32 patients as a control group. Patients with NSTEMI underwent urgent coronarography. Clinical characteristics including biomarkers (hs-CRP, hsTnT, NT-proBNP, VEGF, HbA1c), SYNTAX SCORE, type of intervention (PCI vs. CABG), and number of implanted stents were taken into account in the analysis.

Results

Serum Ang-2 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with NSTEMI (group A: 1769 pg/ml; group B: 1757 pg/ml) and patients with T2DM (group C: 1993 pg/ml) as compared to the patients without CAD and without T2DM (group D: 866.8 pg/ml; p < 0.05). The prognostic accuracy of Ang-2 in NSTEMI diagnosis was determined with the area under the ROC curve (area under curve (AUC) = 0.63).

Conclusions

Angiopoietin-2 serum concentration is elevated in the presence of NSTEMI in patients with and without T2DM and does not correspond to the degree of myocardial injury and hemodynamic status. Ang-2 remains elevated also in patients with T2DM without a history of CAD.
Activation of CREB-binding protein ameliorates spinal cord injury in tabersonine treatment by suppressing NLRP3/Notch signaling
Authors: Chuan Yu , Wang Yu , Jin Xu , Ming Shi , Bing Wan , Kai Wu , Xiang Chen , Kun Peng
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Spinal cord injury (SCI) alters the integrity of the spinal cord, which leads to loss of multiple organs’ function including locomotor function. The present study evaluates the protective effect of tabersonine against SCI.

Material and methods

SCI was induced by traumatic injury and animals were treated with tabersonine 20 and 40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for the period of 10 days. Tabersonine’s effect was determined by estimating locomotor and neurological function in spinal cord injured rats. Moreover, mediators of inflammation were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the effect of tabersonine on Notch/inflammasome signaling was estimated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis of neuronal cells was estimated by staining with Nissl stain on spinal cord tissue in SCI rats.

Results

Data of the study suggest that neurological and motor functions were improved in the tabersonine treated group compared to the spinal cord injured (SI) group. There was a decrease in the mediators of inflammation in the spinal cord tissue of the tabersonine treated group compared to the SI group. Treatment with tabersonine ameliorates the altered expression of NICD, Nestin and Hes-1 protein and mRNA expression of Notch-1 and Hes-1 in the SCI rats. It was also observed that the tabersonine treated group showed activation of CREB and inhibition of the NLRP-3 pathway in SCI rats. Moreover, apoptosis of neuronal cells was reduced in the tabersonine treated group compared to the SI group.

Conclusions

Data of the investigation suggest that tabersonine protects against spinal cord injury by activating CREB and reducing NLRP3/Notch signaling.
Analysis of master transcription factors related to Parkinson’s disease through the gene transcription regulatory network
Authors: Wei Li , He Fei , Zhang Wen , Chen Wenhua , Yu Bo
Published: November 2019

Introduction

This study investigated the relationships between differentially co-expressed gene pairs or links (DCLs) and transcription factors (TFs) in the gene transcription regulatory network (GTRN) to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Material and methods

Microarray dataset GSE7621 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and perform Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Differentially co-expressed genes (DCGs) and DCLs were identified by the DCGL package in R soft-ware. DCLs that were potentially related to the regulation mechanisms, and corresponding TFs, were identified using the DR sort function in the DCGL V2.0 package. The GTRN was constructed with these DCLs-TFs, and visualized with Cytoscape software.

Results

A total of 131 DEGs, including 77 up-regulated DEGs and 54 down-regulated DEGs, were identified, which were mainly enriched for plasma membrane, cell activities, and metabolism. We found that ICAM1-LTBP and CTHRC1-UTP3 might alter gene regulation relationships in PD. The GTRN was constructed with DCLs-TFs, including 348 nodes (118 TFs and 230 DCGs) and 1045 DCLs. These TFs (AHR, SP1, PAX5, etc.) could regulate many target genes (e.g. ICAM1 and LTBP) in the GTRN of PD.

Conclusions

ICAM1 and LTBP may play a role in PD symptom development and pathology, and might be regulated by important TFs (AHR, SP1, PAX5, etc.) identified in the GTRN of PD. These findings may help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PD and find a novel drug target for this disease.
Long non-coding RNA LINC00336 as an independent prognostic indicator and an oncogenic lncRNA in bladder cancer
Authors: Guo Xi , Liu Naijiang , Liu Mingkai
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the initiation and progression of malignant tumor. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether LINC00336 contributes to the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer (BCa).

Material and methods

LncRNA expression profiling in BCa tissues was analyzed using lncRNA microarray. Cell viability, invasion and apoptosis were detected using CCK8, Transwell and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexin V-FITC) double staining, respectively.

Results

LncRNA microarray and RT-qPCR revealed that LINC00336 was significantly up-regulated in BCa tissues and cell lines compared with the corresponding control group. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that LINC00336 could serve as an independent risk factor for predicting the prognosis of BCa patients. In vitro experimental measurements showed that knockdown of LINC00336 had the ability to block cell proliferation and invasion, as well as to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that LINC00336 might serve as an oncogene in the initiation and progression of BCa, and LINC00336 may be a valuable and promising therapeutic target for the treatment of BCa.
Low expression of microRNA-125b enhances the expression of STAT3 and contributes to cholesteatoma growth
Authors: Zang Jian , Yang Bo , Feng Shuai , Jiang Xuejun
Published: November 2019

Introduction

MicroRNA-125b has been found to be down-regulated in many types of malignant tumours and diseases with excessive proliferation of keratinocytes, such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and psoriasis. Cholesteatoma, which is mainly composed of keratinocytes, also has characteristics of abnormal proliferation similar to a malignant tumour. However, the expression and regulatory mechanisms of miR-125b and its downstream genes in cholesteatoma have not been clarified.

Material and methods

Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR was applied to detect the expression of miR-125b in the cholesteatoma and corresponding retroauricular skin. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to detect signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the downstream gene cyclinD1, survivin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the cholesteatoma and corresponding retroauricular skin. The targeted regulatory relationship between miR-125b and STAT3 was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. Proliferation and apoptosis of transfected HaCaT cells were detected by MTS, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays.

Results

We observed down-regulation of miR-125b and up-regulation of STAT3, cyclinD1, survivin, and VEGF in cholesteatoma tissues. STAT3 was a direct target gene of miR-125b. Inhibition of miR-125b enhanced STAT3 and its downstream genes expression, promoted HaCaT cell proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that miR-125b can influence the growth of cholesteatoma by targeting STAT3 and its downstream genes, including cyclinD1, survivin, and VEGF, thus providing an opportunity to establish new medical therapy strategies and facilitating further study of the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma.
The identification and preliminary study of lncRNA TUG1 and its related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Shuiping , Peng Li , Zhang Yapen , Zhang Yaqin , Zeng Haiyan , Li Guanchen , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour of the digestive system, which is a threat to public health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the featured genes and pathways of HCC from a bioinformatics database, and verify their correlation with diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.

Material and methods

We downloaded the gene expression profile on HCC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and software R was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNA (DEL). The target genes of the lncRNA were further predicted by using a cluster database and molecular interaction database. Subsequently, a combined interaction network of target genes was constructed using the Cytoscape platform with preliminary verification at the level of different databases, cell lines, and tissues. Finally, we explored the effectiveness of TUG1 and its target genes on the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC by univariate Cox analysis and survival analysis.

Results

A total of four DELs were identified and the most remarkably up-regulated lncRNA was TUG1, which included 12 high-confidence target genes. Moreover, we found that the expression changes of TUG1 and its target genes in different databases, cell lines, and liver cancer tissues were consistent with the prediction. The high expression of TUG1 and its target genes could significantly predict the shorter survival time of HCC patients, among which NCAPG, MCM6, PIGC, PEA15, and RACGAP1 have significant diagnostic value for HCC (AUC > 0.9).

Conclusions

This study provides a starting point for the screening of therapeutically relevant targets in HCC. Further experiment should be conducted to verify our findings.
Expression differences between proteins responsible for DNA damage repair according to the Gleason grade as a new heterogeneity marker in prostate cancer
Authors: Jaworski Damian , Gzil Arkadiusz , Antosik Paulina , Zarębska Izabela , Dominiak Joanna , Neska-Długosz Izabela , Kasperska Anna , Grzanka Dariusz , Szylberg Łukasz
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The purpose of this research was to explore the correlation between Gleason score and pattern and the expression of the MLH1, MSH2, MDC1, TP53BP1 proteins in prostate cancer (PC). Prostate cancer development is related to errors in DNA, among others double-strand breaks (DSB) and changes in the base sequence of the DNA. These errors should be repaired through mismatch (MMR) or DSB repair proteins such as MSH2, MLH1, MDC1 and TP53BP1.

Material and methods

A total of 500 prostate cancer specimens were recruited in this study. From among all gathered specimens the 52 most suitable cases were selected. The expression of examined proteins was detected by immunohistochemistry, and its correlation with the Gleason score and pattern were further analyzed through standard statistical algorithms.

Results

The results show a significant correlation between Gleason pattern and the nuclear expression of the MSH2 protein and the cytoplasmic expression of the MLH1 protein. Gleason score significantly correlates with the nuclear and the cytoplasmic expression of the MSH2 protein and the cyto­plasmic expression of the MDC1 protein. There is no correlation between the nuclear or cytoplasmic expression of the TP53BP1 protein and Gleason pattern or score.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the aberration in the MMR repair mechanism may be significantly more important regarding the grading among PC cells in comparison to the impact of alterations in the DSB repair mechanism. The lack of correlation between expression of the TP53BP1 protein and Gleason pattern and Gleason score suggests that the radiation resistance of PC is independent of alterations connected with TP53BP1.
Does concomitance of Hashimoto’s disease and type 1 diabetes affect diabetes control and development of its complications?
Authors: Szcześniak Grzegorz , Kozak-Nurczyk Patrycja , Dziemidok Piotr
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Autoimmune diseases concomitant with diabetes may complicate the treatment and adversely affect the prognosis. The most common is Hashimoto’s disease (HD). We compared diabetes control and prevalence of chronic complications in type 1 diabetes patients differing in the coexistence of HD.

Material and methods

Medical records of 188 type 1 diabetics were analysed. Hashimoto’s disease was diagnosed based on medical history, as well as determination of the levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, hormones and ultrasound exa¬mination. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10PL.

Results

HD was diagnosed in 43 patients (23%). The mean HbA1c was 8.8 ±1.5% in the group with HD, and 9 ±1.6% in the group without HD (ns). The prevalence of diabetes complications was similar in both groups: ischae¬mic heart disease was diagnosed in 19% of patients with HD and 19% without HD, cerebral vascular insufficiency – 8% and 7%, peripheral neuropathy – 14% and 12%, sensory polyneuropathy – 47% and 46%, diabetic foot – 7% and 8%, Charcot osteoarthropathy – 7% and 2%, cardiovascular neuropathy – 21% and 28%, neuropathy of the gastrointestinal tract – 5% and 6%, nephropathy – 12% and 19%, retinopathy – 42% and 43%, and cataract in 28% and 19%, respectively. Impaired hypoglycaemia perception was rarer in the group with HD: 9% vs. 25% (p ≈0.04).

Conclusions

Hashimoto’s disease does not significantly affect the level of type 1 diabetes control or the development of its complications. Only autonomic neuropathy in the form of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia is rarer in patients with that thyroiditis.
Diurnal variation of high-level clouds from the synergy of AIRS and IASI space-borne infrared sounders
Authors: Feofilov Artem G. , Stubenrauch Claudia J.
Published: November 2019

Abstract. By covering about 30 % of the Earth and by exerting a
strong greenhouse effect, high-level clouds play an important role in the
energy balance of our planet. Their warming and cooling effects within the
atmosphere strongly depend on their emissivity. The combination of cloud
data from two space-borne infrared sounders, the Atmospheric InfraRed
Sounder, AIRS, and the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer, IASI,
which observe the Earth four times per day, allows us to
investigate the diurnal variation of these high-level clouds by
distinguishing between high opaque, cirrus, and thin cirrus clouds. We
demonstrate that the diurnal phase and amplitude of high-level clouds can be
estimated from these measurements with an uncertainty of 1.5 h and 20 %,
respectively. By applying the developed methodology to AIRS and IASI cloud
observations for the period of 2008–2015, we obtained monthly geographical
distributions of diurnal phase and amplitude at a spatial resolution of
1∘ latitude ×1∘ longitude. In agreement with other
studies, the diurnal cycle of high-level clouds is the largest over land in
the tropics. At higher latitudes, their diurnal cycle is the largest during
the summer. For selected continental regions we found diurnal amplitudes of
cloud amount of about 7 % for high opaque clouds and for thin cirrus, and
9 % for cirrus. Over ocean, these values are 2 to 3 times smaller. The
diurnal cycle of tropical thin cirrus seems to be similar over land and over
ocean, with a minimum in the morning (09:00 LT) and a maximum during the night (01:00 LT). Tropical high opaque clouds have a maximum in the evening (21:00 LT over
land), a few hours after the peak of convective rain. This lag can be
explained by the fact that this cloud type includes not only the convective
cores, but also part of the thicker anvils. Tropical cirrus show maximum
coverage during the night (01:00 LT over land). This lag indicates that they are part
of the deep convective cloud systems. However, the peak local times also
vary regionally. We are providing a global monthly database of detected
diurnal cycle amplitude and phase for each of these three high-level cloud
types.
Effect of Inorganic-to-Organic Mass Ratio on the Heterogeneous OH Reaction Rates of Erythritol: Implications for Atmospheric Chemical Stability of 2-Methyltetrols
Authors: Xu Rongshuang , Lam Hoi Ki , Wilson Kevin R. , Davies James F. , Song Mijung , Li Wentao , Tse Ying-Lung Steve , Chan Man Nin
Published: November 2019

Abstract. 2-methyltetrols have been widely chosen as chemical tracers for isoprene-derived secondary organic aerosols. While they are often assumed to be relatively unreactive, a laboratory study reported that pure erythritol particles (an analog of 2-methyltetrols) can be heterogeneously oxidized by gas-phase OH radicals at a significant rate. This might question the efficacy of these compounds as tracers in aerosol source apportionment studies. Additional uncertainty could raise since organic compounds and inorganic salts are often coexisted in atmospheric particles. To gain more insights into the chemical stability of 2-methyltetrols in atmospheric particles, this study investigates the heterogeneous OH oxidation of pure erythritol particles and particles containing erythritol and ammonium sulfate (AS) at different dry inorganic-to-organic mass ratios (IOR) in an aerosol flow tube reactor at a high relative humidity of 85 %. The same reaction products are formed upon heterogenous OH oxidation of erythritol and erythritol-AS particles, suggesting that the reaction pathways are not strongly affected by the presence and amount of AS. On the other hand, the effective OH uptake coefficient, γeff, is found to decrease by about a factor of ~ 20 from 0.45 ± 0.025 to 0.02 ± 0.001 when the relative abundance of AS increases and the IOR increases from 0.0 to 5.0. One likely explanation is the presence of dissolved ions slows down the reaction rates by decreasing the surface concentration of erythritol and reducing the frequency of collision between erythritol and gas-phase OH radicals at the particle surface. Hence, the heterogeneous OH reactivity of erythritol and likely 2-methyltetrols in atmospheric particles would be slower than previously thought when the salts are present. Given 2-methyltetrols often coexist with a significant amount of AS in many environments, where ambient IOR can vary from ~ 1.89 to ~ 250, our kinetic data would suggest that 2-methyltetrols in atmospheric particles are likely chemically stable against heterogeneous OH oxidation under humid conditions.
A Machine Learning-Based Cloud Detection and Thermodynamic Phase Classification Algorithm using Passive Spectral Observations
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Platnick Steven , Meyer Kerry , Zhang Zhibo , Zhou Yaping
Published: November 2019

Abstract. We trained two Random Forest (RF) machine-learning models for cloud mask and cloud thermodynamic phase detection using spectral observations from VIIRS on Suomi-NPP (SNPP). Observations from CALIOP were carefully selected to provide reference labels. The two RF models were trained for all-day and daytime-only conditions using a 4-year collocated VIIRS/CALIOP dataset from 2013 to 2016. Due to the orbit difference, the collocated CALIOP and SNPP VIIRS training samples cover a broad viewing zenith angle range, which is a great benefit to overall model performance. The all-day model uses 3 VIIRS infrared (IR) bands (8.6, 11, and 12 μm) and the daytime model uses 5 Near-IR (NIR) and Shortwave-IR (SWIR) bands (0.86, 1.24, 1.38, 1.64 and 2.25 μm) together with the 3 IR bands to detect clear, liquid water, and ice cloud pixels. Up to 7 surface types, namely, ocean/water, forest, cropland, grassland, snow/ice, barren/desert, and shrubland, were considered separately to enhance performance for both models. Detection of cloudy pixels and thermodynamic phase with the two RF models were compared against collocated CALIOP products from 2017. It is shown that the two RF models have high accuracy rates in comparison with the CALIOP reference for both cloud detection and thermodynamic phase. For cloud detection, the accuracy rates of the daytime RF model are higher than 92%thinsp;% for all surface types, while the accuracy rates of the all-day RF model decrease by 3~8%thinsp;%, depending on surface type. For cloud thermodynamic phase, both RF models agree well with CALIOP, except over barren/desert regions. Other existing SNPP VIIRS and Aqua MODIS cloud mask and phase products are also evaluated, with results showing that the two RF models and the MODIS MYD06 optical property phase product are the top 3 algorithms with respect to lidar observations during the daytime. During the nighttime, the RF all-day model works best for both cloud detection and phase, in particular for pixels over snow/ice surfaces. The present RF models can be extended to other similar passive instruments if training samples can be collected from CALIOP or other lidars. However, the quality of reference labels and potential sampling issues that may impact model performance would need further attention.