bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Becoming a Faithful Defender: Traditional Chinese Medicine against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Zhang Leyin , Yu Jieru , Zhou Yiwen , Shen Minhe , Sun Leitao
Published: April 2020

The outbreak caused by COVID-19 is causing a major challenge to clinical management and a worldwide threat to public health. So far, there is no specific anti-coronavirus therapy approved for the treatment of COVID-19. Recently, as the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely acknowledged, it has been brought to a crucial status by the public, governments, and World Health Organization (WHO). For a better popularization of TCM, governments have made several advances in regulations and policies for treatment and measures of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP). Therefore, on the basis of epidemiology and virology information, we reviewed relevant meta-analysis and clinical studies of anti-coronavirus therapeutics by TCM, in the aspect of mortality, symptom improvement, duration and dosage of corticosteroid, incidence of complications and the like. In addition, we also summarized preclinical rationale for anti-coronavirus activity by TCM in terms of virion assembly and release, as well as viral entry and replication, which could be a useful contribution for figuring out effective Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for coronavirus, including ingredients from single monomeric compounds, Chinese herbs, Chinese herb extracts and Chinese herb formulas, or potential targets for medicine. We would like to see these relevant studies, ranging from basic researches to clinical application, could provide some idea on effects of CHM to combat COVID-19 or other coronaviruses, and also offer new thinking for the exploration of therapeutic strategies under the guidance of TCM.
Generalization of the Kutta–Joukowski theorem for the hydrodynamic forces acting on a quantized vortex
Authors: Sourie Aurélien , Chamel Nicolas
Published: April 2020

The hydrodynamic forces acting on a quantized vortex in a superfluid have long been a highly controversial issue. A new approach, originally developed in the astrophysical context of compact stars, is presented to determine these forces by considering small perturbations of the asymptotically uniform flows in the region far from the vortex in the framework of Landau–Khalatnikov two-fluid model. Focusing on the irrotational part of the flows in the Helmholtz decomposition, the classical Kutta–Joukowski theorem from ordinary hydrodynamics is thus generalized to superfluid systems. The same method is applied to predict the hydrodynamic forces acting on vortices in cold atomic condensates and superfluid mixtures.
TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS AND CONTROL STRATEGIES OF COVID-19 IN WUHAN, CHINA
Authors: PANG LIUYONG , LIU SANHONG , ZHANG XINAN , TIAN TIANHAI , ZHAO ZHONG
Published: April 2020

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, was identified among patients in Wuhan, China. Two strict control measures, i.e., putting Wuhan on lockdown and taking strict quarantine rule, were carried out to contain the spread of COVID-19. Based on the different control measures, we divided the transmission process of COVID-19 into three stages. An SEIHR model was established to describe the transmission dynamics and was applied to fit the published data on the confirmed cases of Wuhan city from December 31, 2019 to March 25, 2020 to deduce the time when the first patient with COVID-19 appeared. The basic reproduction number was estimated in the first stage to demonstrate the number of secondary infectious cases generated by an average infectious case in the absence of policy intervention. The effective reproduction numbers in second and third stages were estimated to evaluate the effects of the two strict control measures. In addition, sensitivity analysis of the reproduction number according to model parameters was executed to demonstrate the effect of the control measures for containing the spread of COVID-19. Finally, the numerical calculation method was applied to investigate the influence of the different control measures on the spread of COVID-19. The results indicated that following the strict quarantine rule was very effective, and reducing the effective contact rates and improving the diagnosis rate were crucial in reducing the effective reproduction number, and taking control measures as soon as possible can effectively contain a larger outbreak of COVID-19. But a bigger challenge for us to contain the spread of COVID-19 was the transmission from the asymptomatic carriers, which required to raising the public awareness of self-protection and keeping a good physical protection.
Effects of incentive spirometry on cardiopulmonary parameters, functional capacity and glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Aweto Happiness Anulika , Obikeh Esther Onyinyechi , Tella Bosede Abidemi
Published: April 2020

Background: Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) suffer cardiopulmonary impairment and may present with weakness of the inspiratory muscles.

Objective: This study was designed to determine the effects of incentive spirometry (IS) on selected cardiopulmonary parameters, functional capacity and glycemic control in patients with T2DM.

Methods: Fifty-nine participants (25 males and 34 females) recruited from the out-patient clinic of the Department of Medicine of two hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria, who were randomly assigned into two groups, completed the study. In addition to the medical management of T2DM, IS group received incentive spirometry while control group continued with the medical management of T2DM alone. Selected cardiovascular parameters, pulmonary parameters, functional capacity (using 6-min walk test) and fasting blood glucose level were assessed at baseline and at the end of eight weeks intervention period. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 21). Level of significance was set at [Formula: see text].

Results: There were statistically significant improvements in all the cardiovascular parameters ([Formula: see text]) of IS group except systolic blood pressure. There were significant changes in all the pulmonary parameters, functional capacity and glycemic control ([Formula: see text]) of IS group while there was none in control group. There were significant differences between the mean changes of various selected outcome measures of the two groups ([Formula: see text]) except for diastolic blood pressure and blood glucose level.

Conclusion: IS had positive effects in improving cardiopulmonary function, functional capacity and glycemic control in patients with T2DM.
USING SILDENAFIL TO TREAT A DOG WITH IDIOPATHIC MEGAESOPHAGUS
Authors: Tu Yi-Ju , Chung Cheng-Shu , Lin Lee-Shuan
Published: April 2020

A 4-month old, male intact, mixed-breed dog was referred for sudden onset of regurgitation for two weeks. Thoracic radiographs revealed severe dilatation of esophagus with barium aspiration pneumonia. Idiopathic megaesophagus (IME) was diagnosed after serial laboratory, endoscopic and computed tomographic examinations. Symptomatic treatment including medication for pneumonia, feeding through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube with upright feeding position was performed at first, but regurgitation persisted. Sildenafil (1[Formula: see text]mg/kg, PO, BID) was then administrated for two weeks and regurgitation remitted one day after. Sildenafil was then tapered to half dose (0.5[Formula: see text]mg/kg, PO, BID) for another two weeks. During following-up thoracic radiography on 10 days after sildenafil administration, the degree of esophagus dilation significantly reduced. The clinical sign was completely resolved without relapse for more than 300 days. Sildenafil was reported having inhibitory effect of canine gastric contraction without affecting gastric emptying time. This effect could ameliorate persisting regurgitation after using PEG feeding directly into the stomach while bypassing the esophagus.
Analytical-Based Assessment of Effect of Highly Deformable Elements on Tunnel Lining Within Viscoelastic Rocks
Authors: Wu Kui , Shao Zhushan , Qin Su , Zhao Nannan , Hu Hongkun
Published: April 2020

The utilization of highly deformable elements in lining has been proved to be an effective measure to control large deformations occurring in tunnels excavated in severe squeezing rocks. However, there exists no practiced method to transfer these benefits into engineering design. In this paper, the effect of highly deformable elements on tunnel responses is analytically conducted. The whole deformation of lining is divided into two parts to process, consisting of the first deformation of highly deformable elements and then that of segmental lining. Viscoelastic analytical solutions for lining pressure and tunnel displacement in the two deforming stages are derived, respectively. In addition, the analytical solutions are validated by comparing the predicted results with corresponding existing solutions. Good agreements between them can be achieved. Furthermore, a parametric investigation on the influence of highly deformable elements on tunnel performance is carried out. Results show that in linear viscoelastic rocks, there exists a linear relationship between lining pressure or tunnel displacement and length of the highly deformable elements with their numbers in lining remaining constant. The same lining pressure or tunnel displacement can be achieved under the condition of equal total length of highly deformable elements. Lining pressure or tunnel displacement linearly changes with Young’s modulus of highly deformable elements as well. This paper can provide a new trail to quickly and reliably evaluate the response of a tunnel where highly deformable elements are applied.
Effect of Zinc Chloride Activation on D-Glucose Derived Carbons Based Capacitors Performance in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Härmas M. , Thomberg T. , Jänes A.
Published: April 2020

Various carbon materials have been synthesized applying hydrothermal carbonization process and subsequent ZnCl2 activation step using different mass ratios of activating reagent. The resulting powder materials were characterized physically and electrochemically in a two-electrode cell configuration using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid. Activated materials porosity was highly dependent on the activation conditions i.e. on the ratio of ZnCl2 used in the activation process. The best material having Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area S
BET = 2320 m2 g−1, micropore surface area S
micro = 1510 m2 g−1 and total pore volume V
tot = 1.01 cm3 g−1 where the highest amount of ZnCl2 was used for the synthesis of carbon material. High specific parallel capacitance (140 F g−1), a wide region of ideal polarizability (ΔV ≤ 3.0 V), short characteristic relaxation time (2.12 s), and high energy density (48 W h kg−1) values have been established for material with the highest porosity showing great potential for these supercapacitor systems to be used in practical application as energy storage devices.
Electrochemical Reduction of Carbamates and Carbamic Acids: Implications for Combined Carbon Capture and Electrochemical CO2 Recycling
Authors: Bhattacharya Moumita , Sebghati Sepehr , Vercella Yvensha Madeika , Saouma Caroline T.
Published: April 2020

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO could represent the first step in solar-driven recycling of CO2 to fuels. While many reports focus on catalyst design or modification of additives such as Lewis or Brønsted acids, there is little focus on modification of the substrate, CO2 itself. Current carbon capture technology employs amines to capture CO2 as carbamates, suggesting that they may serve as a CO2 surrogate, streamlining carbon capture and recycling. Towards this, herein we explore the cyclic voltammetry of seven amines in the presence/absence of CO2. We show that on a glassy carbon electrode in acetonitrile (MeCN) up to −2.7 V vs Fc/Fc+ in tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6) electrolyte, the amines can only be reduced in the presence of CO2. The potential of the reduction is dependent on the amine identity as well as the protonation state of the resulting species, carbamate versus carbamic acid. Bulk electrolysis experiments indicate little or no reduction to CO and low Faradaic efficiency for formate. This suggests that these amines may be of use in subsequent studies with molecular electrocatalysts that take CO2 to CO and not formate.
Lung and chest wall mechanics in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, expiratory flow limitation, and airway closure
Authors: Guérin Claude , Terzi Nicolas , Galerneau Louis-Marie , Mezidi Mehdi , Yonis Hodane , Baboi Loredana , Kreitmann Louis , Turbil Emanuele , Cour Martin , Argaud Laurent , Louis Bruno
Published: April 2020

Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) and airway closure (AC) were observed in 32% and 52%, respectively, of 25 patients with ARDS investigated during mechanical ventilation in supine position with a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O. The performance of dynamic lung elastance to detect expiratory flow limitation was good and better than that to detect airway closure. The vast majority of patients with EFL also had AC; however, AC can occur in the absence of EFL.
Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets: Assessment of the Awareness and Utilization of Them among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Anikwe Chidebe Christian , Irechukwu John Chiadikobi , Okorochukwu Bartholomew Chukwunonye , Ikeoha Cyril Chijioke , Obuna Johnson Akuma , Ejikeme Brown Nnamdi , Anikwe Ifeyinwa Helen
Published: April 2020

Background. The use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLITNs) is one of the effective strategies for the prevention of malaria, especially among pregnant women. Aim. This study is aimed at assessing the awareness and utilization of LLITNs during pregnancy among antenatal clinic attendees at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study among antenatal attendees at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. A semistructured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the participants. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results. The mean age of the women was 26.05 ± 5.76 years. About one-third (30%) of the respondents were nulliparous. Most of the respondents had at least a secondary education. More than ninety percent of the respondents had a good knowledge of malaria with 95.8% being aware of LLITNs. The main source of information was from hospitals (54.5%). The rate of utilization of LLITNs was 37.5%; however, consistent use was only reported by about a third of this proportion. The major reasons for not utilizing the nets include discomfort/heat and fear of the chemical content. Women with tertiary education were more likely to utilize mosquito nets during pregnancy compared with women with secondary or primary education. Women who live in rural areas (OR = 0.393 95% CI 0.602–0.073) were less likely to use LLITNs during pregnancy, while those who are aware of the aetiology of malaria (OR = 4.38 95% CI 0.983–19.591) were more likely to utilize LLITNs in pregnancy. Conclusion. The level of awareness of LLITNs is high; however, its utilization was discouragingly low. Rural dwellers and those without appropriate knowledge of the aetiology of malaria were less likely to use LLITNs in pregnancy.
Early Cessation of Breastfeeding and Determinants: Time to Event Analysis
Authors: Babaee Ebrahim , Eshrati Babak , Asadi-Aliabadi Mehran , Purabdollah Majid , Nojomi Marzieh
Published: April 2020

Background. The onset of breastfeeding has a high success rate in most countries, but the time for termination of breastfeeding varies between countries. Objective. This survey was aimed to determine the effective factors on the early termination of breastfeeding. Methods. This study was conducted in 2018, in Iran. About 410 mothers were enrolled in the study. All considered factors were evaluated as factors influencing the continuity of breastfeeding. Survival analysis was used to analyze data. Results. The mean age of the mothers was equal to 29.48 ± 5.8 years. The frequency of termination of breastfeeding before the first 2 years was equal to 34%. The mean of breastfeeding duration was equal to 21.49 ± 5.3 months. The percentage of infants who had been breastfed for 24 months was equal to 65.8%. An infant’s birth weight (2500–4000 gr) (hazard ratio: 0.54), neonatal birth order (hazard ratio: 0.69), neonatal pathologic jaundice (hazard ratio: 1.52), starting time of using complementary food (hazard ratio: 2.45), using pacifier (hazard ratio: 2.82), and the status of using artificial milk (hazard ratio: 3.29) were significantly associated with cessation of breastfeeding before 24 months of age. The probability of termination of breastfeeding at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age was reported by 6%, 8%, 15%, and 34%, respectively. Conclusions. There were notifiable variations in breastfeeding rates both in national and international levels. Nevertheless, in this study, the mean of breastfeeding duration was longer compared to a number of countries and previous national studies.
Fuzzy Reliability Optimization for 2-Hub Center Problem with Cluster-Based Policy and Application in Cross-Border Supply Chain Network Design Using TS Algorithm
Authors: Yan Chenyi , Wang Xifu , Yang Kai
Published: April 2020

As information and communication technology evolves and expands, business and markets are linked to form a complex international network, thus generating plenty of cross-border trading activities in the supply chain network. Through the observations from a typical cross-border supply chain network, this paper introduces the fuzzy reliability-oriented 2-hub center problem with cluster-based policy, which is a special case of the well-studied hub location problem (HLP). This problem differs from the classical HLP in the sense that (i) the hub-and-spoke (H&S) network is grouped into two clusters in advance based on their cross-border geographic features, and (ii) a fuzzy reliability optimization approach based on the possibility measure is developed. The proposed problem is first modeled through a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) formulation that maximizes the reliability of the entire cross-border supply chain network. Then, some linearization techniques are implemented to derive a linear model, which can be efficiently solved by exact algorithms run by CPLEX for only small instances. To counteract the difficulty for solving the proposed problem in realistic-sized instances, a tabu search (TS) algorithm with two types of move operators (called “Swap I” and “Swap II”) is further developed. Finally, a series of numerical experiments based on the Turkish network and randomly generated large-scale datasets are set up to verify the applicability of the proposed model as well as the superiority of the TS algorithm compared to the CPLEX.
Cell Survival Is Regulated via SOX9/BCL2L1 Axis in HCT-116 Colorectal Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Lizárraga-Verdugo Erik , Ruiz-García Erika , López-Camarillo César , Bermúdez Mercedes , Avendaño-Félix Mariana , Ramos-Payán Rosalío , Romero-Quintana Geovanni , Ayala-Ham Alfredo , Villegas-Mercado Carlos , Pérez-Plasencia Carlos , Aguilar-Medina Maribel
Published: April 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent types of malignancies and one of the major causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 9 protein (SOX9) is a member of the SOX family of transcription factors which are involved in the regulation of differentiation and development. Recently, several reports suggest an important role of SOX9 in tumorigenesis since its overexpression correlates with tumor progression and poor outcome in several types of cancer; however, its role in CRC is not clear until now. Therefore, in this work, we searched for novel SOX9-regulated genes involved in cell survival of CRC. We silenced SOX9 in the poorly differentiated HCT-116 cell line, using a specific siRNA, to identify differential expressed genes by DNA microarrays and analyzed the role or candidate genes in apoptosis and autophagy. Transcriptome analysis showed that diverse cellular pathways, associated with CRC carcinogenesis such as Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, TGF-β, and mTOR, were modulated after SOX9 silencing. Interestingly, we found that SOX9 silencing promotes downregulation of BCL2L1 and overexpression of CASP3, proteins related to apoptosis, which was further confirmed in SW-480, a moderated-differentiated cell line, but not in HT-29, well-differentiated cell line. Moreover, inhibition of BCL2L1 by ABT-737 (BH3 mimetic) in SOX9-silenced HCT-116 cells resulted in an increased apoptosis percentage. However, downregulation of BCL2L1 was not enough to induce autophagy. This is the first report, suggesting that cell survival in poorly and moderated-differentiated CRC cells lines is regulated by SOX9/BCL2L1 axis, but not in well-differentiated cell lines.
Antihypertensive Activity of Eucommia Ulmoides Oliv: Male Flower Extract in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Ding Zhen-Jiang , Liang Chao , Wang Xiao , Yao Xin , Yang Ruo-Han , Zhang Zhan-Sheng , He Jin-Jin , Du Hong-Yan , Fang Dong , Li Qin
Published: April 2020

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is a traditional medical plant in Asia; however, it is still unknown whether Eucommia male flowers have an antihypertensive activity. In this study, we found that the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flowers can lower the blood pressure of SHR in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistic studies suggested that the aqueous extract of male flowers can promote the mRNA and protein expressions of ACE2 in the kidney of SHR. ELISA assay showed that the plasma levels of ANG II was decreased, while ANG‐(1–7) was increased in SHR treated with the aqueous extract of male flowers. ACE2 inhibitor DX600 can reverse the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flower‐induced downregulation of Ang II and upregulation of Ang‐(1–7), as well as the reduction of blood pressure in SHR. Moreover, Ang‐(1–7)‐Mas receptor antagonist A‐779 abolished the antihypertensive effects of the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flower in SHR. The aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flowers exhibited an antihypertensive action through the activation of ACE2‐Ang‐(1–7)‐Mas signaling pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Neuronal Differentiation in a Pituitary Macroadenoma with Focal Small Blue Round Cell Morphology: Report of a Rare Pattern
Authors: Alkhalidi Hisham
Published: April 2020

Ganglion cell-containing pituitary adenomas that are neurofilament protein-positive are the exceedingly rare form of pituitary ganliocytomas. We report a case of a 23-year-old male patient who presented with a clinical picture of acromegaly in addition to raised prolactin level. Histopathology showed areas exhibiting pseudopapillary and solid proliferation of round and monotonous blue cells. The immunohistochemistry showed strong reactivity for synaptophysin and growth hormone and focal reactivity to prolactin. Fibrous bodies are confirmed using cytokeratin immunostain, in keeping with sparsely granulated somatotroph component. The patient remained free of recurrence after one year of radiological follow-up.
Network Analysis of Transcriptome and LC‐MS Reveals a Possible Biosynthesis Pathway of Anthocyanins in Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Ren Zhiyao , Qiu Fangning , Wang Yinjie , Yu Wenxia , Liu Chenxing , Sun Yangyang , Wang Yawen , Zhang Xiaofeng , Xing Shangping , Tao Shengchang , Huang Yuechun , Liu Guoxiong , Wei Zhaofeng , Yu Baiyin , Du Shuxiu , Lei Zhouxi , Wei Gang
Published: April 2020

Anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids, are widely present in plants and determine the colors of the peels of stems, fruits, and flowers. In this study, we used UHPLC‐ESI‐MS to identify anthocyanins in the herbal plant Dendrobium officinale, which has been used for centuries in China. The results indicated that the total anthocyanin content in samples from Guangxi was the highest. Seven anthocyanins were identified, and the fragmentation pathways were proposed from D. officinale. Most of the identified anthocyanins were composed of cyanidin and sinapoyl groups. We also carried out that the sinapoyl group had active sites on breast cancer receptors by using Schrödinger. The relative levels of the 7 anthocyanins in the samples from the three locations were determined. Transcriptomic analysis was used to analyze the sinapoyl anthocyanin synthesis‐related genes in plants, such as genes encoding UGTs and serine carboxypeptidase. We speculated that sinapoyl anthocyanin biosynthesis was associated with the activities of certain enzymes, including chalcone flavonone isomerase‐like, hydroxycinnamoyltransferase 1, UGT‐83A1, UGT‐88B1 isoform X1, serine carboxypeptidase‐like 18 isoform X3, and serine carboxypeptidase‐like 18.
Pseudodominant Nanophthalmos in a Roma Family Caused by a Novel PRSS56 Variant
Authors: Dudakova Lubica , Skalicka Pavlina , Ulmanová Olga , Hlozanek Martin , Stranecky Viktor , Malinka Frantisek , Vincent Andrea L. , Liskova Petra
Published: April 2020

Background. The aim of the study was to identify the molecular genetic cause of two different Mendelian traits with ocular involvement present in the members of a single consanguineous Czech Roma family. Methods. We have performed ocular examination and review of medical records in two individuals diagnosed with nanophthalmos (proband and her father) and one individual followed for bilateral congenital cataract and microcornea (uncle of the proband). DNA of subjects with nanophthalmos was analysed by exome sequencing. Sanger sequencing was applied for targeted screening of potentially pathogenic variants and to follow segregation of identified variants within the family. Results. A homozygous variant c.1509G>C; p.(Met503Ile), in PRSS56 was found in the two individuals affected with nanophthalmos. The change was absent from the gnomAD dataset, but two out of 118 control Roma individuals were also shown to be heterozygous carriers. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in linkage disequilibrium with the c.1509G>C in PRSS56 suggested a shared chromosomal segment. The nanophthalmos phenotype, characterized in detail in the younger individual, encompassed bilateral corneal steepening, retinal folds, buried optic head drusen, and restricted visual fields, but no signs of retinal dystrophy. A known pathogenic founder CTDP1 variant c.863+389C>T in a homozygous state was identified in the other family member confirming the suspected diagnosis of congenital cataracts, facial dysmorphism, and demyelinating neuropathy syndrome. Conclusions. Herein, we report the first occurrence of nanophthalmos in the Roma population. We have identified pseudodominant inheritance for this phenotype caused by a novel variant in PRSS56, representing a possible founder effect. Despite advances in genetic technologies such as exome sequencing, careful phenotype evaluation in patients from an isolated population, along with an awareness of population-specific founder effects, is necessary to ensure that accurate molecular diagnoses are made.
Detection of Diabetic Macular Edema in Optical Coherence Tomography Image Using an Improved Level Set Algorithm
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Wenping , Sun Yanan , Yao Mudi , Yan Biao
Published: April 2020

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major cause of visual loss in the patients with diabetic retinopathy. DME detection in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image contributes to the early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and blindness prevention. Currently, DME detection in the OCT image mainly relies on the handwork by the experienced clinician. It is a laborious, time‐consuming, and challenging work to organize a comprehensive DME screening for diabetic patients. In this study, we proposed a novel algorithm for the detection and segmentation of DME region in OCT image based on the K‐means clustering algorithm and improved Selective Binary and Gaussian Filtering regularized level set (SBGFRLS) algorithm named as SBGFRLS‐OCT algorithm. SBGFRLS‐OCT algorithm was compared with the current level set algorithms, including C‐V (Chan‐Vese), GAC (geodesic active contour), and SBGFRLS, to estimate the performance of DME detection. SBGFRLS‐OCT algorithm was also compared with the clinician to estimate the precision, sensitivity, and specificity of DME segmentation. Compared with C‐V, GAC, and SBGFRLS algorithm, the SBGFRLS‐OCT algorithm enhanced the accuracy and reduces the processing time of DME detection. Compared with manual DME segmentation, the SBGFRLS‐OCT algorithm achieved a comparable precision (97.7%), sensitivity (91.8%), and specificity (99.2%). Collectively, this study presents a novel algorithm for DME detection in the OCT image, which can be used for mass diabetic retinopathy screening.
Multipulse Homoclinic Orbits and Chaotic Dynamics of a Reinforced Composite Plate with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: An Fengxian , Chen Fangqi , Bian Xiaoxia , Zhang Li
Published: April 2020

The multipulse homoclinic orbits and chaotic dynamics of a reinforced composite plate with the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under combined in-plane and transverse excitations are studied in the case of 1 : 1 internal resonance. The method of multiple scales is adopted to derive the averaged equations. From the averaged equations, the normal form theory is applied to reduce the equations to a simpler normal form associated with a double zero and a pair of pure imaginary eigenvalues. The energy-phase method proposed by Haller and Wiggins is utilized to examine the global bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of the CNT-reinforced composite plate. The analytical results demonstrate that the multipulse Shilnikov-type homoclinic orbits and chaotic motions exist in the system. Homoclinic trees are constructed to illustrate the repeated bifurcations of multipulse solutions. In order to verify the theoretical results, numerical simulations are given to show the multipulse Shilnikov-type chaotic motions in the CNT-reinforced composite plate. The results obtained here imply that the motion is chaotic in the sense of the Smale horseshoes for the CNT-reinforced composite plate.
Stability Improvement of an Efficient Graphene Nanoribbon Field-Effect Transistor-Based SRAM Design
Authors: Natarajamoorthy Mathan , Subbiah Jayashri , Alias Nurul Ezaila , Tan Michael Loong Peng
Published: April 2020

The development of the nanoelectronics semiconductor devices leads to the shrinking of transistors channel into nanometer dimension. However, there are obstacles that appear with downscaling of the transistors primarily various short-channel effects. Graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistor (GNRFET) is an emerging technology that can potentially solve the issues of the conventional planar MOSFET imposed by quantum mechanical (QM) effects. GNRFET can also be used as static random-access memory (SRAM) circuit design due to its remarkable electronic properties. For high-speed operation, SRAM cells are more reliable and faster to be effectively utilized as memory cache. The transistor sizing constraint affects conventional 6T SRAM in a trade-off in access and write stability. This paper investigates on the stability performance in retention, access, and write mode of 15 nm GNRFET-based 6T and 8T SRAM cells with that of 16 nm FinFET and 16 nm MOSFET. The design and simulation of the SRAM model are simulated in synopsys HSPICE. GNRFET, FinFET, and MOSFET 8T SRAM cells give better performance in static noise margin (SNM) and power consumption than 6T SRAM cells. The simulation results reveal that the GNRFET, FinFET, and MOSFET-based 8T SRAM cells improved access static noise margin considerably by 58.1%, 28%, and 20.5%, respectively, as well as average power consumption significantly by 97.27%, 99.05%, and 83.3%, respectively, to the GNRFET, FinFET, and MOSFET-based 6T SRAM design.
Mir‐30b‐5p Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells via Targeting ASPP2
Authors: Wu Tianqi , Song Hongming , Xie Dan , Hua Kaiyao , Hu Jiashu , Deng Yijun , Ji Changle , Fang Lin
Published: April 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, which has few effective targeted therapies. Various sources of evidence confirm that microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to the progression and metastasis of human breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the changes in miRNAs expression and the regulation of miRNAs functions have not been well clarified. In this study, we found that the expression of miR‐30b‐5p was upregulated in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cell lines, compared to paracancer tissues and normal breast cell lines. Moreover, induced overexpression of miR‐30b‐5p promoted the MDA‐MB‐231 and HCC 1937 cell growth, migration, and invasion and reduced the cellular apoptosis. Further studies confirmed that miR‐30b‐5p could directly target ASPP2 and then activate the AKT signaling pathway. Our results suggested that miR‐30b‐5p could act as a tumor promoter in TNBC. The newly identified miR‐30b‐5p/ASPP2/AKT axis represents a novel therapeutic strategy for treating TNBC.
MCM2 and NUSAP1 Are Potential Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Deng Yajun , Ma Hanyun , Hao Jinyong , Xie Qiqi , Zhao Ruochen
Published: April 2020

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant tumors. Despite considerable progress in the treatment of PC, the prognosis of patients with PC is poor. The aim of this study was to identify potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of PC. First, the original data of three independent mRNA expression datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases and screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the R software. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed, and a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen for hub genes. The hub genes were analyzed for genetic variations, as well as for survival, prognostic, and diagnostic value, using the cBioPortal and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases and the pROC package. After screening for potential biomarkers, the mRNA and protein levels of the biomarkers were verified at the tissue and cellular levels using the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, GEPIA, and the Human Protein Atlas. As a result, a total of 248 DEGs were identified. The GO terms enriched in DEGs were related to the separation of mitotic sister chromatids and the binding of the spindle to the extracellular matrix. The enriched pathways were associated with focal adhesion, ECM‐receptor interaction, and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling. The top 20 genes were selected from the PPI network as hub genes, and based on the analysis of multiple databases, MCM2 and NUSAP1 were identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of PC. In conclusion, our results show that MCM2 and NUSAP1 can be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of PC. The study also provides new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of PC.
Comparison of the Superior and Inferior Rectus Muscles in Humans: An Anatomical Study with Notes on Morphology, Anatomical Variations, and Intramuscular Innervation Patterns
Authors: Haładaj Robert , Polguj Michał , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: April 2020

A comparison of the superior and inferior rectus muscles was performed to determine whether they have similar structures and innervation attributable to their participation in the same type of, although antagonistic, eye movements. The study was conducted on 70 cadaveric hemiheads, and the anatomical variations in the superior and inferior rectus muscles were assessed. Sihler’s whole mount nerve staining technique was used on 20 isolated superior and 20 isolated inferior rectus muscle specimens to visualize the intramuscular distribution of the oculomotor nerve subbranches. In two cases (~2.8%), variant muscular slips were found that connected the superior and inferior rectus muscles. In 80% of cases, muscular branches arising directly from the inferior branch of the oculomotor nerve innervated the inferior rectus muscle, while in 20% of cases, the nerve to the inferior oblique muscle pierced the inferior rectus muscle and provided its innervation. In 15 of 70 specimens (21.4%), a branch to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle pierced the superior rectus muscle. The distance between the specific rectus muscle’s insertion and the anterior‐most terminations of the nerves’ subbranches with reference to the muscle’s total length ranged from 26.9% to 47.2% for the inferior rectus and from 34.8% to 46.6% for the superior rectus, respectively. The superior rectus muscle is slightly longer and its insertion is farther from the limbus of the cornea than is the inferior rectus muscle. Both muscles share a common general pattern of intramuscular nerve subbranches’ arborization, with characteristic Y‐shaped ramifications that form the terminal nerve plexus located near half of the muscles’ length. Unexpected anatomical variations of the extraocular muscles may be relevant during orbital imaging or surgical procedures.
Huzhang Tongfeng Granule Improves Monosodium Urate‐Induced Inflammation of Gouty Arthritis Rat Model by Downregulation of Cyr61 and Related Cytokines
Authors: Zhou Mi , Ze Kan , Wang Yifei , Li Xin , Hua Liang , Lu Yi , Chen Xi , Ding Xiaojie , Chen Siting , Ru Yi , Zhang Ming , Li Bin
Published: April 2020

Objective. Gouty arthritis (GA) is a noninfectious inflammatory disease characterized by self‐limited and severe pain. Huzhang Tongfeng granule is one of the most effective traditional Chinese medicines in the treatment of acute GA. However, its effects on the inflammatory factors in the process of acute gout inflammation remain unknown. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Huzhang Tongfeng granule on the expressions of Cyr61 and related inflammatory factors in both experimental gout models in vivo and in vitro. Methods. Huzhang Tongfeng granule was provided by the pharmaceutical preparation room of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. The expressions of Cyr61, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in monosodium urate‐ (MSU‐) induced rat models and fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) were determined by RT‐PCR, Western blotting analysis, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results. Huzhang Tongfeng granule could downregulate the expressions of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 to some extent by inhibiting the expression of Cyr61. Conclusions. Collectively, our findings indicated that Cyr61 was highly expressed in rat models of gout. By inhibiting the expression of Cyr61, Huzhang Tongfeng granule could partially attenuate the inflammation induced by MSU crystal.
The Impact of Advance Selling Strategies on a Three-Echelon Supply Chain in the Presence of Social Influence
Authors: Niu Qianyu , Yang Feng
Published: April 2020

As the quality of new products is ex-ante uncertain, social influence plays an important role in the diffusion of a new product. An important question is how to expand public knowledge about consumer experience with a new product by using promotion strategies. This paper discusses the impact of advance selling strategies on a three-echelon supply chain when upstream enterprises launch a new product facing strategic consumers under social influence. This problem is modeled as a Stackelberg game, and a two-advance-selling-discount model is presented. Furthermore, we consider the impact of advance purchase behavior on the financing strategy when the retailer places an advance order. Several results are obtained: (i) the consumers’ utility in the second period is increasing in the number of predecessors. (ii) Upstream enterprises will provide deeper advance selling discounts when consumers become more patient or predecessors have a greater influence on imitators. Moreover, the total demand will increase when the consumer’s discount factor decreases or the impact intensity of predecessors increases. However, high innovation levels will drive enterprises to set high advance selling discounts. We also obtain the condition under which the total demand increases quickly as the innovation level changes. (iii) The two-advance-selling-discount model yields Pareto-improved results compared with the case where there is no advance purchase, though it cannot coordinate the supply chain. Finally, we extend the model to analyze the two-advance-selling-discount model with a minimum order quantity constraining the precommitted order quantity, and we show this can allow the enterprises to increase their profits. We also determine a condition under which the upstream enterprises should put a constraint on the minimum order quantity.
Circuit Realization of a 3D Multistability Chaotic System and Its Synchronization via Linear Resistor and Linear Capacitor in Parallel Coupling
Authors: Hu Xikui , Zhou Ping
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a 3D multistability chaotic system with two coexisting conditional symmetric attractors is studied by using a circuit block diagram and realized by using an electronic circuit. The simulation results show that two coexisting conditional symmetric attractors are emerged in this electronic circuit. Furthermore, synchronization of this 3D multistability chaotic system and its electronic circuit is studied. It shows that linear resistor and linear capacitor in parallel coupling can achieve synchronization in this chaotic electronic circuit. That is, the output voltage of chaotic electronic circuit is coupled via one linear resistor and one linear capacitor in parallel coupling. The simulation results verify that synchronization of the chaotic electronic circuit can be achieved.
Checkpoint Inhibition Causing Complete Remission of Metastatic Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma after Hepatic Resection
Authors: Rizell Magnus , Åberg Fredrik , Perman Mats , Ny Lars , Stén Liselotte , Hashimi Farida , Svanvik Joar , Lindnér Per
Published: April 2020

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a rare type of primary liver cancer, speculated to arise from hepatic progenitor cells, and with a worse prognosis than hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels may be one prognostic factor. It has been suggested that checkpoint inhibition might be useful in the treatment of HCC where there is an increased expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the microenvironment. Its effect on CHC is unknown. We report a case with a large CHC, which was radically resected, but the 53-year-old female patient subsequently developed pulmonary metastases. Histology demonstrated low-differentiated CHC without microsatellite instability. Treatment with sorafenib was started but was stopped due to angioedema. Under subsequent gemcitabine/cisplatin treatment, the metastatic disease progressed with rising AFP levels. A third-line treatment with pembrolizumab was then started, 2 mg/kg b.w. i.v. every third week for 6 months. This resulted in a radiologically complete remission of the pulmonary metastases and AFP levels were normalized (<10 μg/L) from a level of 1,790 μg/L before treatment. The patient developed immune-related adverse events (AEs) including diarrhea and hepatitis. These AEs were successfully treated with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil, and they were eventually resolved. There are no signs of cancer recurrence neither in the liver nor in the lungs at 33 months after the start of the checkpoint inhibition treatment, and the patient is doing well. Further study is urgently needed on the role of checkpoint inhibition therapy in liver cancer.
Was bei Tumorpatienten mit Atemwegsstenosen die Prognose bestimmt: Erst Rekanalisierung, im Anschluss andere Therapieoptionen nicht versäumen
Authors: Wagner Manfred
Published: April 2020

Background: Malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) occurs in 20–30% of patients with primary pulmonary malignancy. Although bronchoscopic intervention is widely performed to treat MCAO, little data exist on the prognosis of interventional bronchoscopy. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of bronchoscopic interventions in patients with MCAO due to primary pulmonary malignancy. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital and included 224 patients who received interventional bronchoscopy from 2004 to 2017, excluding patients with salivary gland-type tumor. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors associated with survival after the first bronchoscopic intervention. Results: Among 224 patients, 191 (85.3%) were males, and the median age was 63 years. The most common histological type of malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (71.0%). Technical success was achieved in 93.7% of patients. Acute complications and procedure-related death occurred in 15.6 and 1.3% of patients, respectively. The median survival time was 7.0 months, and survival rates at one year and two years were 39.7 and 28.3%, respectively. Poor survival was associated with underlying chronic pulmonary disease, poor performance status, extended lesion, extrinsic or mixed lesion, and MCAO due to disease progression and not receiving adjuvant treatment after bronchoscopic intervention. Conclusions: Interventional bronchoscopy could be a safe and effective procedure for patients who have MCAO due to primary pulmonary malignancy. In addition, we found several prognostic factors for poor survival after intervention, which will help clinicians determine the best candidates for bronchoscopic intervention.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema in Patients with Early- and Late-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Yu , Lin Zhong , Zhai Gang , Ding Xiao Xia , Wen Liang , Li Dong , Zou Bo , Feng Ke Mi , Liang Yuan Bo , Xie Cong
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME), as well as their risk factors in patients with early-onset diabetes (EOD, ≤40 years) and late-onset diabetes (LOD, >40 years). Methods: Patients were recruited from a community-based study, Fushun Diabetic Retinopathy Cohort Study (FS-DIRECT), conducted between July 2012 and May 2013 in China. The presence and severity of DR and DME were determined by a modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) retinopathy scale of six-field fundus photographs. Results: A total of 1,932 patients (796 male, 41.2%) with gradable fundus photography were included. The prevalence of any DR and DME was 67.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 60.3–73.7%) and 39.3% (95% CI: 32.1–46.5%) in the EOD patients, respectively, which were both significantly higher than that in the LOD patients (DR: 41.9%, 39.6–44.2%, p < 0.001; DME: 14.4%, 12.7–16.1%, p < 0.001). Insulin use was associated with both the presence of DR and DME in both EOD and LOD patients. Besides insulin use, a high level of income (odds ratio [OR], 95% CI: 0.05, 0.01–0.51) was negatively associated with DR, and higher high-density lipoprotein (OR, 95% CI: 4.14, 1.44–11.91) was associated with DME among EOD patients. Conclusion: In this sample of patients with type 2 diabetes, both prevalence of DR and DME were apparently higher in patients who developed diabetes ≤40 years of age than those who developed it later.