bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic efficacy of IL-17A neutralization with corticosteroid treatment in a model of antigen-driven mixed-granulocytic asthma
Authors: Menson Katherine E. , Mank Madeleine M. , Reed Leah F. , Walton Camille J. , Van Der Vliet Katherine E. , Ather Jennifer L. , Chapman David G. , Smith Bradford J. , Rincon Mercedes , Poynter Matthew E.
Published: August 2020

Many mouse models of allergic asthma exhibit eosinophil-predominant cellularity rather than the mixed-granulocytic cytology in steroid-unresponsive severe disease. Therefore, we sought to implement a novel mouse model of antigen-driven, mixed-granulocytic, severe allergic asthma to determine biomarkers of the disease process and potential therapeutic targets. C57BL/6J wild-type, interleukin-6 knockout (IL-6−/−), and IL-6 receptor knockout (IL-6R−/−), mice were injected with an emulsion of complete Freund’s adjuvant and house dust mite antigen (CFA/HDM) on day 1. Dexamethasone, a lymphocyte-depleting biological, or anti-IL-17A was administered during the intranasal HDM challenge on days 19–22. On day 23, the CFA/HDM model elicited mixed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellularity (typically 80% neutrophils and 10% eosinophils), airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine, diffusion impairment, lung damage, body weight loss, corticosteroid resistance, and elevated levels of serum amyloid A (SAA), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and T helper type 1/ T helper type 17 (Th1/Th17) cytokines compared with eosinophilic models of HDM-driven allergic airway disease. BAL cells in IL-6- or IL-6R-deficient mice were predominantly eosinophilic and associated with elevated T helper type 2 (Th2) and reduced Th1/Th17 cytokine production, along with an absence of SAA. Nevertheless, AHR remained in IL-6-deficient mice even when dexamethasone was administered. However, combined administration of anti-IL-17A and systemic corticosteroid significantly attenuated both overall and neutrophilic airway inflammation and also reduced AHR and body weight loss. Inhibition of IL-17A combined with systemic corticosteroid treatment during antigen-driven exacerbations may provide a novel therapeutic approach to prevent the pathological pulmonary and constitutional changes that greatly impact patients with the mixed-granulocytic endotype of severe asthma.
The effect of the Müller–Lyer configuration on saccadic eye movements is not fully due to illusory perception
Authors: Chen Jing , Yang Pin , Chen Zhongting
Published: August 2020

The Müller–Lyer illusion affects both perception and oculomotor control, but it is unknown whether these effects arise from the same or different underlying mechanisms. We developed a modified version of the Müller–Lyer configuration, which largely reduced the perceptual illusion effect compared with the typical configuration but reduced the saccadic effect to a much less extent. Such difference indicates that influence of the Müller–Lyer configuration on saccadic eye movements is not fully mediated by illusory perception.
The SLC25 Carrier Family: Important Transport Proteins in Mitochondrial Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Kunji Edmund R. S. , King Martin S. , Ruprecht Jonathan J. , Thangaratnarajah Chancievan
Published: August 2020

Members of the mitochondrial carrier family (SLC25) transport a variety of compounds across the inner membrane of mitochondria. These transport steps provide building blocks for the cell and link the pathways of the mitochondrial matrix and cytosol. An increasing number of diseases and pathologies has been associated with their dysfunction. In this review, the molecular basis of these diseases is explained based on our current understanding of their transport mechanism.
Exercise-Pharmacology Interactions: Metformin, Statins, and Healthspan
Authors: Miller Benjamin F. , Thyfault John P.
Published: August 2020

There is an increased focus on treatments to extend the healthspan. There is solid evidence that exercise extends the healthspan, but other treatments, such as metformin and statins, are also gaining traction. If metformin and statins will be used to prolong healthspan, we must understand their effects in those free of disease and in combination with exercise.
Integrative Analysis of Lipid Profiles in Plasma Allows Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Clustering in Children with Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity
Authors: Castillo Elena Cristina , Elizondo-Montemayor Leticia , Hernández-Brenes Carmen , Rodríguez-Sánchez Dariana G. , Silva-Platas Christian , Marín-Obispo Luis Martín , Rodríguez-Gutierrez Nora A. , Treviño Víctor , García-Rivas Gerardo
Published: August 2020

Hypertension, central obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the specific factors contributing to the development of unfavorable cardiometabolic characteristics in children with obesity are unknown. In this study, we investigated the cross-sectional relationships between cytokines, irisin, and fatty acid (FA) composition in plasma in school-age children with metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity (MHO and MUO, respectively) of the same age and body mass index and waist circumference percentiles. We compared the data with that of children with normal weight (NW). We found that inflammatory cytokines and low irisin plasma concentrations are associated with obesity but not with cardiometabolic risk (CMR). Lipid profiles showed that children with MUO have a distinctive FA profile compared with children with MHO and NW, whereas children with MHO shared 88% of the FA profile with the NW group. Among all FAs, concentration of myristic acid (14 : 0), arachidic acid (20 : 0), and n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) was higher in children with MHO, whereas n-6 PUFAs such as arachidonic acid (20 : 4n6) had a significant contribution in defining MUO. These data suggest that the plasma FA profile is not only a central link to obesity but also may act as an indicator of CMR presence.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Acute General Surgical Admissions in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Callan Rory , Assaf Nazrin , Bevan Katharine
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has greatly impacted healthcare systems and society more generally around the world. The management of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 has primarily impacted emergency departments, medical teams, and intensive care units. However, the impact on health systems as a whole, including surgical specialties, has been wide ranging. We aimed to establish the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown on the number and characteristics of general surgical patients reviewed and/or admitted by the surgical team within a district general hospital. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients admitted in the 2-week period from start of the lockdown (Monday 23rd March 2020 to 5th April 2020), and the same period 1 year earlier (Monday 25th March 2019 to 7th April 2019). Number of patients reviewed and admitted were compared between the two cohorts. Data including diagnosis, operation/procedural interventions, and length of stay were analysed. The overall number of patients reviewed and admitted by the surgical team was substantially lower during the period of lockdown (61 vs 126). Of the patients seen during lockdown, a smaller proportion were admitted to hospital after initial surgical review (59% vs 77%, p<0.05). Interventional/operative procedures were performed in a similar proportion of patients in both cohorts (31%). Our data show that there has been a substantial reduction in the number of patients being referred to and admitted by the general surgical team at our centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. Explanations for this include reduced attendance due to risk perception of the patients, the impact of lockdown messages and advice regarding self-isolation, as well as an increased threshold for patient admission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key learning points include the possible benefits of a reduction in admission to hospital of patients with nonurgent conditions.
Method of Separation of Incidental Acoustic Field on Cylindrical Shell by Vector Processing
Authors: Yang Baoshan , Zhongcheng Ma , Zhu Lingguo
Published: August 2020

A theoretical and experimental study on the separation method of the incident sound field based on a small-scale vector sensor is proposed in this study, with the aim of resolving the problem of separation and acquisition of an incident sound field under the interference of near-field sound scattering from a cylindrical shell in water. The method of identifying and separating sound waves obtained under plane wave conditions is extended to complex sound-field conditions. Simulation and experimental results show that the vector separation method can greatly reduce the sound pressure amplitude and the phase deviation of the incident sound field, which is affected by near-field scattering from the cylindrical surface. The separation accuracy is related to the deviation angle and the distance from the target surface. The maximum deviation of the pressure amplitude is less than 1 dB, and the phase deviation is less than 3°. This method can effectively suppress the near-field scattering of the cylindrical shell and improve the separation accuracy of the incident sound field. The research results have reference value for a range of practical engineering applications.
Case of Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy in the Uterosacral Ligament and Review of the Literature
Authors: Abedin Yasmin , Chadha Kanchi
Published: August 2020

Pregnancies that implant on the uterosacral ligament are rare. Here, we describe a case of ruptured ectopic pregnancy in the left uterosacral ligament in a patient with potential risk factors including possible endometriosis and recent hysteroscopic procedure. A 29-year-old female, para 0, presented to the emergency department with generalized abdominal pain. Pelvic examination was significant for fullness in the posterior cul-de-sac. Laboratory values were significant for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level of 6311 mIU/mL. Sonogram findings were significant for no intrauterine gestation, a 6.9×4.6×4.7 cm3 complex left adnexal mass, and moderate free fluid within the posterior cul-de-sac. The patient underwent laparoscopy, which revealed hemoperitoneum and unremarkable bilateral fallopian tubes and ovaries. An abnormal area was noted in the left uterosacral ligament. Tissue was bluntly removed and pathologically confirmed as chorionic villi within the left uterosacral ligament. After one week, her beta-hCG decreased to 784 mIU/mL. After two weeks, she was seen as an outpatient and was doing well without any symptoms. More information is required regarding these unique pregnancies to help understand the pathophysiology and determine the management.
Green Dyeing and Antibacterial Treatment of Hemp Fabrics Using Punica granatum Peel Extracts
Authors: Inprasit Thitirat , Pukkao Jarinphorn , Lertlaksameephan Nattanee , Chuenchom Araya , Motina Kanjana , Inprasit Worapat
Published: August 2020

In this study, the dyeing performance and antibacterial properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extracts were investigated, when applied to hemp fabric. A tannin-rich natural dye was extracted using water at 100°C. As the antibacterial agent was sensitive to temperature, it was extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with methanol at 55°C. The color strength (K/S) values were investigated and found to increase in line with the dye concentration, dyeing time, and temperature. Optimal dyeing of the hemp fabric was achieved when applying 6% w/v of extract at 80°C for 60 min. This produced a yellowish-brown appearance. The dyed fabrics were rated as good to excellent for color fastness against washing, water, sea water, and perspiration. The dyed fabrics were next finished with the antibacterial agent extracted from the peel and tested for activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative), using the AATCC-100 (percentage reduction) test. The fabric was demonstrated to be 99.99% effective against Staphylococcus aureus, and this was conserved across 20 wash cycles.
Determinants of Fertility Desire among Women Living with HIV in the Childbearing Age Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Aylie Nigusie Shifera , Dadi Lelisa Sena , Alemayehu Eshetu , Mekonn Mengistu Ayenew
Published: August 2020

Background. High fertility and aspiration to have more children are a normal phenomenon in many developing countries including Ethiopia. The desire of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to have children can have significant public health implications. Despite the growing number of women living with HIV/AIDS, the issues of fertility and childbearing intention have not been widely studied in Ethiopia. Objective. To identify determinants of fertility desire among women living with HIV in the childbearing age attending antiretroviral therapy clinic at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based case-control study was conducted in March 2019. Cases were women living with HIV who had fertility desire, and controls were those who had not. Data was collected using a face-to-face interview using a pretested questionnaire. The data was entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS Version 24 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify candidate and independent determinants of fertility desire, respectively. Independent determinants associated with fertility desire were assessed using AORs with their corresponding 95% CIs at P value < 0.05 cutoff point. Results. Three hundred forty-four (115 cases and 229 controls) were included into the study with a 100% response rate. Age categories 15-24 (AOR: 4.1; 95% CI: 2.0, 8.4) and 25-34 (AOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.2) years, not using family planning (AOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.0), and having a sexual partner (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.2) were independent predictors of fertility desire. Conclusions. Age of women, family planning, and sexual partner were found to be the independent predictors of fertility desire among women living with HIV/AIDS. Policymakers and health care providers who are working on an ART clinic should try to consider the effects of these factors for women living with HIV while developing HIV/AIDS interventions and discussing on sexual and reproductive health issues with their clients, respectively.
Opening a Window on Attention: Adjuvant Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Wang Qiyue , Mi Shuyi , Yu Zixuan , Li Qiyi , Lei Jiacai
Published: August 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), most commonly known as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative disease (UC), is a chronic and relapsing intestinal disease which cannot be cured completely. The prevalence of IBD in Europe and in North America has increased over the past 20 years. As most IBD patients are young at onset, their quality of life (QOL) can be influenced to varying degrees. Thus, current treatment goals are typically focused on preventing complications, including maintaining clinical remission and improving the QOL. Adjuvant therapies have been widely concerned as an effective treatment in alleviating IBD symptoms, including dietary intervention, traditional Chinese medicine, smoking, alcohol, and physical activities. This review focuses on different ancillary therapies for IBD treatments, in particular the mechanism of reducing inflammation based on the actual data from research studies. Moreover, comparing the latest data, this review also presented potential future prospect for adjuvant therapies.
Acupuncture Attenuates Inflammation in Microglia of Vascular Dementia Rats by Inhibiting miR-93-Mediated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Lu , Yang Jing-Wen , Lin Li-Ting , Huang Jin , Wang Xue-Rui , Su Xin-Tong , Cao Yan , Fisher Marc , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: August 2020

Background. It is widely accepted that inflammation may contribute to cognitive impairment in patients with vascular dementia (VD). Our prior clinical researches have reported that acupuncture can alleviate cognitive function in VD, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The purpose of this research was to explore whether acupuncture alleviates cognitive impairment by suppressing the microRNA-93- (miR-93-) mediated Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, which triggers inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. Methods. VD was established by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in male Wistar rats. Three days after operation, the rats began daily treatment with acupuncture for two weeks. The levels of miR-93, Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4), intracellular signaling molecules (myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)), and inflammatory cytokines were subsequently detected. TLR4 colocalized with neurons, microglia, and astrocytes in the hippocampus was evaluated. Neuroinflammation and cognitive function were determined after intracerebroventricular injection of TLR4 antagonist TAK-242 or agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without acupuncture. Results. We found that acupuncture notably repressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus and plasma of VD rats. The expression of TLR4, but not TLR2, was markedly downregulated by acupuncture, accompanied by a decrease in miR-93 and MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. The overexpression of TLR4 in microglia, but not in astrocytes and neurons, was reversed by acupuncture. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular injection of TAK-242 had similar effects to acupuncture on inflammation and cognitive function, while LPS injection abolished the beneficial effects of acupuncture. Conclusions. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that acupuncture attenuates cognitive impairment associated with inflammation through inhibition of the miR-93-mediated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in experimental VD. Acupuncture serves as a promising alternative therapy and may be an underlying TLR4 inhibitor for the treatment of VD.
Modeling of Surface Drainage during the Service Life of Asphalt Pavements Showing Long‐Term Rutting: A Modular Hydromechanical Approach
Authors: Alber Stefan , Schuck Barbara , Ressel Wolfram , Behnke Ronny , Canon Falla Gustavo , Kaliske Michael , Leischner Sabine , Wellner Frohmut
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a modular hydromechanical approach to assess the short‐ and long‐term surface drainage behavior of arbitrarily deformable asphalt pavements. The modular approach consists of three steps. In the first step, the experimental characterization of the thermomechanical asphalt material behavior is performed. In the second step, information about the long‐term material behavior of the asphalt mixtures is integrated on the structural scale via a finite element (FE) tire‐pavement model for steady‐state rolling conditions and time homogenization in order to achieve a computationally efficient long‐term prediction of inelastic deformations of the pavement surface (rut formation). In the third step, information regarding the current pavement geometry (deformed pavement surface) is used to carry out a surface drainage analysis to predict, e.g., the thickness of the water film or the water depth in the pavement ruts as a function of several influencing quantities. For chosen numerical examples, the influence of road geometry (cross and longitudinal slope), road surface (mean texture depth and state of rut deformation), and rainfall properties (rain intensity and duration) on the pavement surface drainage capacity is assessed. These parameters are strongly interrelated, and general statements are not easy to find. Certain trends, however, have been identified and are discussed.
Simultaneous Incomplete Traffic Data Imputation and Similarity Pattern Discovery with Bayesian Nonparametric Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Han Yaxiong , He Zhaocheng
Published: August 2020

A crucial task in traffic data analysis is similarity pattern discovery, which is of great importance to urban mobility understanding and traffic management. Recently, a wide range of methods for similarities discovery have been proposed and the basic assumption of them is that traffic data is complete. However, missing data problem is inevitable in traffic data collection process due to a variety of reasons. In this paper, we propose the Bayesian nonparametric tensor decomposition (BNPTD) to achieve incomplete traffic data imputation and similarity pattern discovery simultaneously. BNPTD is a hierarchical probabilistic model, which is comprised of Bayesian tensor decomposition and Dirichlet process mixture model. Furthermore, we develop an efficient variational inference algorithm to learn the model. Extensive experiments were conducted on a smart card dataset collected in Guangzhou, China, demonstrating the effectiveness of our methods. It should be noted that the proposed BNPTD is universal and can also be applied to other spatiotemporal traffic data.
Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells: The Prospect of Human Clinical Translation
Authors: Rady Dina , Abbass Marwa M. S. , El-Rashidy Aiah A. , El Moshy Sara , Radwan Israa Ahmed , Dörfer Christof E. , Fawzy El-Sayed Karim M.
Published: August 2020

Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) are key players in regenerative medicine, relying principally on their differentiation/regeneration potential, immunomodulatory properties, paracrine effects, and potent homing ability with minimal if any ethical concerns. Even though multiple preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated remarkable properties for MSCs, the clinical applicability of MSC-based therapies is still questionable. Several challenges exist that critically hinder a successful clinical translation of MSC-based therapies, including but not limited to heterogeneity of their populations, variability in their quality and quantity, donor-related factors, discrepancies in protocols for isolation, in vitro expansion and premodification, and variability in methods of cell delivery, dosing, and cell homing. Alterations of MSC viability, proliferation, properties, and/or function are also affected by various drugs and chemicals. Moreover, significant safety concerns exist due to possible teratogenic/neoplastic potential and transmission of infectious diseases. Through the current review, we aim to highlight the major challenges facing MSCs’ human clinical translation and shed light on the undergoing strategies to overcome them.
Fluid-Induced Nonlinear Vibration of a Cantilevered Microtube with Symmetric Motion Constraints
Authors: Guo Yong
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the dynamic behavior of a cantilevered microtube conveying fluid, undergoing large motions and subjected to motion-limiting constraints. Based on the modified couple stress theory and the von Kármán relationship, the strain energy of the microtube can be deduced and then the governing equation of motion is derived by using the Hamilton principle. The Galerkin method is applied to produce a set of ordinary differential equations. The effect of the internal material length scale parameter on the critical flow velocity is investigated. By using the projection method, the Hopf bifurcation is demonstrated. The results show that size effect on the vibration properties is significant.
Internal Standards for Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agents by the GC/MS Method: Nerve Agents
Authors: Capoun Tomas , Krykorkova Jana
Published: August 2020

General conditions and requirements for an internal standard useful in the determination of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) by the method of gas chromatography coupled with mass detection (GC/MS) were defined. The determination is based on a GC/MS analysis of a mixture of a CWA with an internal standard, conversion of the TIC chromatogram to a chromatogram extracted at a particular m/z ratio, and calculation of the CWA concentration from the internal standard concentration, response factor, and chromatographic peak areas. Available internal standards were identified, and they were verified for seven organophosphorus nerve-paralysing agents. Corresponding response factors were determined as a ratio of gradients of the linear functions of the peak area and compound concentration. Linearity, repeatability, and accuracy of the measurements were evaluated. The determination can be performed on all GC/MS systems of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic (FRS), where no CWA standards are available.
Clinical Effects of Mercury in Conservative Dentistry: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Patini Romeo , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Guglielmi Federica , Staderini Edoardo , Simeone Michele , Camodeca Andrea , Gallenzi Patrizia
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose. Following the new directives of the European Union, which foresee the amalgam ban, the debate on its hypothetical toxicity has started again. So, the aim of this systematic review is to definitively evaluate the eventual effects of the exposure to Hg in adults and children with and without dental amalgam fillings measuring the Hg concentration in various biological fluids.Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in four electronic databases (Ovid via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL) including all available randomised controlled trials published in the last 15 years comparing the use of dental amalgam with composite resins in humans with a follow-up period of at least one year. The primary outcome was the Hg concentration in biological fluids (urine, hair, blood, and saliva) with the aim of assessing their reliability as biomarkers of Hg exposure. The risk of bias was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the overall quality of evidence through the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system. The results of the meta-analysis were expressed using a random-effects model, and their power was assessed through the trial sequential analysis (TSA).Results. From the initial 2555 results, only 6 publications were included in the review: five were considered as having high risk of bias, whereas one as having moderate risk. Only two articles were eligible for quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis gathered data from 859 patients but was nevertheless not significant (p = 0.12). The TSA confirmed this evidence revealing that it was due to a lack of statistical power since the required information size (RIS) threshold is not reached.Conclusions. The existing evidence revealed that there are not enough data to support the hypothesis that restorations with dental amalgam can cause nephrotoxicity when compared with composite resins restorations.
Full- and Local-Field Strain Evolution and Fracture Behavior of Precracked Granite under Coupled Static and Dynamic Loads
Authors: Li Diyuan , Gao Feihong , Han Zhenyu , Zhu Quanqi
Published: August 2020

Flaws and discontinuities play a crucial role in the failure process of rocks. To investigate the fracturing mechanism of rock with combined flaws composed of crack and hole, the digital image correlation (DIC) method is used to record and analyze the rock failure behavior. Coupled static and dynamic loads are applied on granite specimens with prefabricated flaws by a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device. The dynamic mechanical properties of the granite specimens are affected by the flaw inclinations with the loading directions. With the inclination angle increasing, the combined strength and peak strain both decrease first and then increase. Full- and local-field strain evolution of the granite specimens is analyzed in a quantitative way by using DIC technique. The specimens with a flaw angle of 45° are broken relatively evenly with homogenous small particle sizes. The variation trend of fragment sizes is consistent with that of combined strength and absorption energy of the specimens.
Is Organizing Knowledge Effective in Primary Education?
Authors: Cueli Marisol , Álvarez Ana Isabel , Loew Stephen , González-Castro Paloma , Rodríguez Celestino
Published: August 2020

The acquisition of reading comprehension abilities and written expression is one of the key factors among learning processes in which students show many difficulties. For this reason, it is necessary to implement effective intervention strategies from early school years. The program EPI.com is aimed at improving lexical, semantic, and syntactic processes related to the reading process. This work aims to analyze the efficiency of EPI.com in years 1&2 of Primary Education. Participants in the research were 62 students (ages 6–8), who were assigned to an Experimental Group (EG; 38 students receiving the EPI.com intervention) and a Control Group (CG; 24 following traditional teaching and learning methods). The Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities and the Peabody test were applied before and after the intervention was carried out. Results showed that the strategy was effective in EG in improving the psycholinguistic aspects measured by the ITPA, with better results in the variables related to syntactic and lexical processing. Taking the results into account, it was concluded that EPI.com allows students to improve the abilities relating to reading skills. Also, the results highlight the need to incorporate interventions aimed at favoring maturation in some key aspects at early ages.
Molecular Mechanism of Stem Cell Differentiation into Adipocytes and Adipocyte Differentiation of Malignant Tumor
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Yang Xudong , Zhao Qi , Li Zugui , Fu Fangmei , Zhang Hao , Zheng Minying , Zhang Shiwu
Published: August 2020

Adipogenesis is the process through which preadipocytes differentiate into adipocytes. During this process, the preadipocytes cease to proliferate, begin to accumulate lipid droplets, and develop morphologic and biochemical characteristics of mature adipocytes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cells known for their high plasticity and capacity to generate mesodermal and nonmesodermal tissues. Many mature cell types can be generated from MSCs, including adipocyte, osteocyte, and chondrocyte. The differentiation of stem cells into multiple mature phenotypes is at the basis for tissue regeneration and repair. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a very important role in tumor development and have the potential to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells can be induced to differentiate into various benign cells, such as adipocytes, fibrocytes, osteoblast, by a variety of small molecular compounds, which may provide new strategies for cancer treatment. Recent studies have reported that tumor cells undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition can be induced to differentiate into adipocytes. In this review, molecular mechanisms, signal pathways, and the roles of various biological processes in adipose differentiation are summarized. Understanding the molecular mechanism of adipogenesis and adipose differentiation of cancer cells may contribute to cancer treatments that involve inducing differentiation into benign cells.
Prophylactic Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum YS4 on Oxazolone‐Induced Colitis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Yi Ruokun , Tan Fang , Suo Huayi , Li Wenfeng , Zhou Xianrong , Mu Jianfei , Xie Peng , Zhao Xin
Published: August 2020

In the present research, the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum YS4 (LP‐YS4) on colitis were tested in an oxazolone‐induced mouse model. BALB/c mice were induced by oxazolone and then treated with LP‐YS4. The serum levels of mice were analyzed using commercial kits and the protein and mRNA expression levels of mouse colon tissue were detected by Western blotting and qPCR assay, respectively. The results demonstrated that LP‐YS4 significantly (P < 0.05) increased the colon length and ratio of colon weight/length in mice with colitis and attenuated the negative effects of colitis. The results also showed that treatment with LP‐YS4 significantly reduced the serum concentrations of ET‐1, SP, and IL‐10 while significantly increasing those of SS, VIP, and IL‐2 in colitis mice (P < 0.05). In addition, LP‐YS4 significantly increased the activities of GSH and SOD while decreasing those of MPO and MDA in the colon tissue of colitis mice (P < 0.05). LP‐YS4 also significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of c‐Kit, eNOS, nNOSe, and SCF in colitis mice while significantly downregulating the relative expression of iNOS. In summary, LP‐YS4 could reduce the negative effects of colitis, and such effects were better than those of the common probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus.
Abstract PR17: Immunogenomic landscape of pediatric solid malignancies
Authors: Wei Jun S. , Brohl Andrew S. , Sindiri Sivasish , Song Young K. , Najaraj Sushma , Gangalapudi Vineela , Wen Xinyu , Ladanyi Marc , Khan Javed
Published: August 2020

Malignancy remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children. To identify potential tumor-driving molecular targets and immunogenomic profiles in pediatric cancers, we performed RNA-seq analysis on a cohort of 788 pediatric solid malignant tumors across 14 different diagnoses in conjunction with additional 147 normal tissues for comparison. Sequencing data were analyzed for expressed mutations, fusion events, and expressional patterns, providing therapeutic targets and rich cancer biology for these childhood cancers. Furthermore, we describe immunogenomic features of these solid tumors including immune cell infiltrate, neoantigen expression, expression of immunomodulatory molecules, and T-cell receptor repertoire. Across the cohort, we observed a striking correlation between the expressed neoantigen burden in tumors and enrichment of the effector immune signatures. Histology-specific immunogenomic patterns were also apparent. Several of the pediatric cancers such as alveolar soft part sarcoma and osteosarcoma exhibit rich immune cell infiltration and evidence for activated T-cell activities, whereas others such as Wilms’ tumors and synovial sarcoma generally have a very low T-cell infiltration. We demonstrate that RNA-seq is a powerful tool to identify clinically relevant and histology-specific recurrent mutations, novel oncogenic fusions, and translationally relevant immunogenomic patterns for pediatric cancers. This study also represents one of the largest of its type to date and provides a framework for future translational efforts in pediatric cancer.

This abstract is also being presented as Poster A69.

Citation Format: Jun S. Wei, Andrew S. Brohl, Sivasish Sindiri, Young K. Song, Sushma Najaraj, Vineela Gangalapudi, Xinyu Wen, Marc Ladanyi, Javed Khan. Immunogenomic landscape of pediatric solid malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr PR17.
HyperCKemia in Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Choi Seok-Jin , Hong Yoon-Ho , Kim Jun-Soon , Shin Je-Young , Sung Jung-Joon
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency and clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with hyperCKemia. We retrospectively identified 139 patients with GBS at 2 teaching hospitals in South Korea. We excluded patients with Miller-Fisher syndrome (n = 19), acute bulbar palsy (n = 3), and those whose serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were not measured (n = 45). Twelve of 72 patients (16.7%) had transient hyperCKemia, defined as serum CK ≥300 IU/L. The frequency of male sex and non-demyelinating electrodiagnostic features were higher in patients with hyperCKemia than those without. Transient hyperCKemia, occasionally seen in patients with GBS may be associated with the non-demyelinating subtype.
Environmental Interventions to Reduce the Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Abridged Cochrane Systematic Review
Authors: von Philipsborn Peter , Stratil Jan M. , Burns Jacob , Busert Laura K. , Pfadenhauer Lisa M. , Polus Stephanie , Holzapfel Christina , Hauner Hans , Rehfuess Eva A.
Published: August 2020

Background: Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) can increase the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dental caries. Interventions that alter the physical or social environment in which individuals make beverage choices have been proposed to reduce the consumption of SSB. Methods: We included randomised controlled, non-randomised controlled, and interrupted time series studies on environmental interventions, with or without behavioural co-interventions, implemented in real-world settings, lasting at least 12 weeks, and including at least 40 individuals. Studies on the taxation of SSB were not included, as these are subject of a separate Cochrane review. We used standard Cochrane methods for data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and evidence grading and synthesis. Searches were updated to January 24, 2018. Results: We identified 14,488 unique records and assessed 1,030 full texts for eligibility. We included 58 studies comprising a total of 1,180,096 participants and a median length of follow-up of 10 months. We found moderate-certainty evidence for consistent associations with decreases in SSB consumption or sales for the following interventions: traffic light labelling, price increases on SSB, in-store promotion of healthier beverages in supermarkets, government food benefit programs with incentives for purchasing fruits and vegetables and restrictions on SSB purchases, multi-component community campaigns focused on SSB, and interventions improving the availability of low-calorie beverages in the home environment. For the remaining interventions we found low- to very-low-certainty evidence for associations showing varying degrees of consistency. Conclusions: With observed benefits outweighing observed harms, we suggest that environmental interventions to reduce the consumption of SSB be considered as part of a wider set of measures to improve population-level nutrition. Implementation should be accompanied by evaluations using appropriate methods. Future studies should examine population-level effects of interventions suitable for large-scale implementation, and interventions and settings not yet studied thoroughly.
Targeting Stem Cells with Hyperthermia: Translational Relevance in Cancer Patients
Authors: Ammendola Michele , Currò Giuseppe , Memeo Riccardo , Curto Lucia Stella , Luposella Maria , Zuccalà Valeria , Pessaux Patrick , Navarra Giuseppe , Gadaleta Cosmo Damiano , Ranieri Girolamo
Published: August 2020

Background: Tumor recurrences or metastases remain a major hurdle in improving overall cancer survival. In anticancer therapy, some patients inevitably develop chemo-/radiotherapy resistance at some point. Cancer stem cells are the driving force of tumorigenesis, recurrences, and metastases, contributing also to the failure of some cancer treatments. Summary: Emergent evidence suggests that stem cell diseases are at the base of human cancers, and tumor progression and chemo-/radiotherapy resistance may be dependent on just a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells. Hyperthermia can be a strong cancer treatment, especially when combined with radio- or chemotherapy. It is a relatively safe therapy, may kill or weaken tumor cells, and significantly increases the effectiveness of other treatments. However, these mechanisms remain largely unknown. A literature search was performed using PubMed including cited English publications. The search was last conducted in December 2019. Search phrases included “stem cells,” “hyperthermia,” “cancer,” and “therapy.” Abstracts, letters, editorials, and expert opinions were not considered for the drafting of the study. Key Message: Our goal was to focus on and to summarize different biological features of cancer stem cells and new therapeutic approaches using hyperthermia and its potential translation to human clinical trials.
Selection for Divergent Reproductive Investment Affects Neuron Size and Foliation in the Cerebellum
Authors: EL-Andari Ryaan , Cunha Felipe , Tschirren Barbara , Iwaniuk Andrew N.
Published: August 2020

The cerebellum has a highly conserved internal circuitry, but varies greatly in size and morphology within and across species. Despite this variation, the underlying volumetric changes among the layers of the cerebellar cortex or their association with Purkinje cell numbers and sizes is poorly understood. Here, we examine intraspecific scaling relationships and variation in the quantitative neuroanatomy of the cerebellum in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) selected for high or low reproductive investment. As predicted by the circuitry of the cerebellum, the volumes of the constituent layers of the cerebellar cortex were strongly and positively correlated with one another and with total cerebellar volume. The number of Purkinje cells also significantly and positively co-varied with total cerebellar volume and the molecular layer, but not the granule cell layer or white matter volumes. Purkinje cell size and cerebellar foliation did not significantly covary with any cerebellar measures, but differed significantly between the selection lines. Males and females from the high-investment lines had smaller Purkinje cells than males and females from the low-investment lines and males from the high-investment lines had less folded cerebella than quail from the low-investment lines. These results suggest that within species, the layers of the cerebellum increase in a coordinated fashion, but Purkinje cell size and cerebellar foliation do not increase proportionally with overall cerebellum size. In contrast, selection for differential reproductive investment affects Purkinje cell size and cerebellar foliation, but not other quantitative measures of cerebellar anatomy.
Accelerated MR Evaluation of Patients with Suspected Large Arterial Vessel Occlusion: Diagnostic Performances of the FLAIR Vessel Hyperintensities
Authors: Bourcier Romain , Thiaudière Romain , Legrand Laurence , Daumas-Duport Benjamin , Desal Hubert , Boulouis Grégoire
Published: August 2020

Background: Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensity (FVH) document slowed vascular flow at the level and after the occlusion site patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to assess the accuracy of FVH for the confirmation and location of a large vessel occlusion (LVO). Methods: Three radiologists reviewed the FLAIR sequence of the admission MRI exam of patients with suspected AIS at a single academic center. Readers were provided with the main clinical deficit with National Institute of Health Stroke Severity score and were asked to identify and locate an LVO when appropriate. Kappa coefficients were calculated for agreement along with diagnosis performances of FVH to recognize and locate an LVO with digital subtracted angiography (DSA) as gold standard. Results: Among 125 patients screened with MRI for a suspected AIS, 96 (81%) were diagnosed with AIS and 47 (38%) patients had an anterior LVO of whom 25 (20%) had a DSA for mechanical thrombectomy. Kappa coefficients for intra- and inter-readers were good to excellent. Overall, the sensitivity and the specificity of the FVH to predict an anterior LVO was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94–1) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79–0.96), respectively, while PPV and NPV were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.85–0.95) and 0.98 (0.97–1), respectively. FVH also showed good to excellent accuracy for identifying M1 and M2 versus internal carotid artery occlusion site. Conclusion: We found that FVH demonstrated excellent diagnostic performances for the identification of LVO and its level with good to excellent reproducibility. This MRI radio marker of occlusion provides additional arguments and may speed-up the detection of potential candidates for MT.
Two-Hour Post-Load Plasma Glucose, a Biomarker to Improve the GRACE Score in Patients without Known Diabetes
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sudipta , George Anish , John Joseph , Sathyapalan Thozhukat
Published: August 2020

Objective: To assess improvement in predictive performance of Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score (GRS) by addition of a glucose matrix. Methods: 1,056 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) survivors without known diabetes had pre-discharge fasting (FPG) and 2-h post-load plasma glucose (2h-PG) measured. GRS was calculated. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE; death and non-fatal myocardial infarction) were recorded during follow-up. Cox proportional hazard regression predicted event-free survival. Likelihood ratio test, Akaike’s information criteria, continuous net reclassification index (NRI>0), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to test the additional prognostic value of glycaemic indices over GRS. Results: During a median follow-up of 36.5 months, 211 MACEs (20.0%), 96 deaths (9.1%), and 115 non-fatal re-infarctions (10.9%), occurred. 2h-PG, but not FPG, independently predicted MACE-free survival at all time points (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.13, p = 0.002, at 3 years). Risk of MACE increased by 8–11% with every 1 mmol/L rise in 2h-PG. 2h-PG significantly improved the prognostic models containing GRS. Models containing GRS and 2h-PG yielded lowest corrected Akaike’s information criteria compared to that with only GRS. 2h-PG, but not FPG, improved NRI>0 (NRI>0 0.169, p = 0.028 at 3 years) and IDI (IDI of 0.66%, p = 0.018 at 3 years) significantly at all time points during the follow-up. Conclusions: 2h-PG, but not FPG, improves performance of GRS-containing models in predicting post-ACS prognosis in the short to medium term.
High Frequency of Obesity in Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Patients: A Hypothesis from a Brazilian Study
Authors: Matsunaga Andrea Mizuno , Tortelly Violeta Duarte , Machado Carla Jorge , Pedrosa Ludmila Ribeiro , Melo Daniel Fernandes
Published: August 2020

Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory condition that almost exclusively affects the occipital and nape areas. Although not completely understood, its etiopathogenesis seems to be multifactorial, including association with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Despite being commonly seen in patients with MetS, obesity per se as a possible related factor for AKN has yet to be studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and AKN in a series of patients. Eight male patients, with a median age of 38 years (range 15–48), were included. Overweight/obesity was found in 8/8 (100%), with median BMI of 32.2 (range 27.7–43.85 kg/m2), including 2 patients with class 3 obesity. We hypothesize adipose tissue accumulation in the nape, the only moving part of the scalp, leads to redundant skin folds, more friction, and inflammation, triggering AKN. This paper highlights the possible relationship between AKN and overweight/obesity, hypothesizing a mechanism for their contribution to the etiopathogenesis of this scalp disorder. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focused specifically in this association. While general physicians should pay attention to the appearing of AKN in overweight/obese patients, dermatologists must be aware that AKN patients should be assessed beyond the skin.
Psychological Resilience as an Emergent Characteristic for Well-Being: A Pragmatic View
Authors: Tay Peter Kay Chai , Lim Ka Keat
Published: August 2020

Currently, there is no clear agreement on the definition and conceptualization for psychological resilience (PR) in old age. Adopting a pragmatic view, this article elucidates the definition and conceptualization of PR by (1) extracting existing PR concepts that are relevant to aging, and (2) elucidating the contributing and delimiting factors for developing and sustaining PR as guided by the biopsychosocial framework. In addition, a comprehensive review of the tools used to measure PR was conducted to examine how scholars have conceptualized PR. Consequently, the renewed understanding defines PR as an emergent construct which is malleable, enduring, and can be developed and sustained by a dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, spiritual, and social factors. Correlates in terms of physical and mental well-being in the context of aging are identified.