bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sensor data fusion-based locating method for large-scale metrology
Authors: Rega Andrea , Vitolo Ferdinando , Patalano Stanislao , Gerbino Salvatore
Published: December 2020

The measurement of geometric and dimensional variations in the context of large-sized products is a complex operation. One of the most efficient ways to identify deviations is by comparing the nominal object with a digitalisation of the real object through a reverse engineering process. The accurate digitalisation of large geometric models usually requires multiple acquisitions from different acquiring locations; the acquired point clouds must then be correctly aligned in the 3D digital environment. The identification of the exact scanning location is crucial to correctly realign point clouds and generate an accurate 3D CAD model.
To achieve this, an acquisition method based on the use of a handling device is proposed that enhances reverse engineering scanning systems and is able to self-locate. The present paper tackles the device’s locating problem by using sensor data fusion based on a Kalman filter. The method was first simulated in a MatLAB environment; a prototype was then designed and developed using low-cost hardware. Tests on the sensor data fusion have shown a locating accuracy better than that of each individual sensor. Despite the low-cost hardware, the results are encouraging and open to future improvements
Data enrichment and enhanced accessibility of waterborne commerce numerical data : spatially depicting the National Waterway Network
Authors: Garton Timothy
Published: December 2020

This report provides methodologies and processes of data enrichment and enhanced accessibility of Waterborne Commerce and Statistics Center (WCSC) maintained databases. These databases house tabular and statistical data that reports on The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works Division National Waterway Network (NWN), which geospatially represents approximately 1,000 harbors and 25,000 miles of channels and waterways. WCSC is a division of The Institute for Water Resources (IWR). They have been tasked with the international collection, maintenance, and archival of all records involving commercial movements and commerce that occur on federal waterways. The current records structure is a large, tabular dataset and limited to the systems and processes put in place prior to the computing standards and capabilities available today. Methods have been tested and utilized to bring the tabular datasets into an optimized, modern geospatial network and expanded upon to create a higher resolution than previously maintained by the WCSC. This report will expand upon the applied methodologies to optimize data queries and the overall enhancement of the data system to allow for linkages to various other sources of information for commerce data enhancement for decision support assistance.
Significance of KDM6A Mutation in Bladder Cancer Immune Escape
Authors: Chen Xingxing , Zhang Zhengrong , Pang Guofu , Lin Xuehua , Xie Qun , Deng Jian
Published: December 2020

Background: Bladder cancer (BC)is the fourth most prevalent neoplasm in menand is associated with high tumour recurrence rates, leading to major treatment challenges. Lysine-specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A) is frequently mutated in several cancer types; however, its effects on tumour progression and clinical outcome in BCremain unclear. Here, we explored the potential role of KDM6A in regulating the antitumor immune response. Methods: We mined The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases for somatic mutation and clinical data in patients with BC.Results: We found frequent mutations in 12 genes in both cohorts, including TP53, KDM6A, CSMD3, MUC16, STAG2, PIK3CA, ARID1A, RB1, EP300, ERBB2, ERBB3, and FGFR3. The frequency of KDM6A mutationsin the TCGA and ICGC datasets was 25.97% and 24.27%, respectively. In addition, KDM6A mutation was associated with a lower number oftumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and indicated a state ofimmunetolerance. KDM6A mutation was associated with lower KDM6A expression level compared with that in samples carrying the wild-type gene. Further, survival analysis showed that the prognosis of patients with low KDM6Aexpression was worse than that withhigh KDM6A expression. Using the CIBERSORT algorithm, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource site, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, we found that KDM6A mutation downregulated nine signalling pathways that participate in the immune system and attenuated the tumour immune response. Conclusion: Overall, we conclude that KDM6A mutation is frequent in BC and promotes tumour immune escape, which may serve as a novel biomarker to predict the immune response.
A uterus-inspired 3D niche drives embryo development beyond implantation
Authors: Gu Zhen , Guo Jia , Zhai Jinglei , Feng Guihai , Wang Xianning , Gao Zili , Jiang Liyuan , Wen Yongqiang , Wang Liu , Wei Li , Wang Shutao , Wang Hongmei , Gu Qi
Published: December 2020

The mammalian embryo must undergo dramatic morphogenetic changes to invade the uterine endometrium and achieve implantation. Thus, recapitulation of implantation using in vitro systems is crucial for revealing the mechanisms controlling early development and the main problems compromising human fertility. Experimental systems based on two-dimensional (2D) platforms cannot fully recapitulate the in vivo 3D microenvironments of the embryo. Therefore, here we use collagen grafted onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based on the uterine mechanics and microstructure to establish a uterus-inspired 3D niche (U3N). Our U3N enables mouse embryos to form egg cylinders at high rate and reach the developmental stages of heartbeat. Moreover, a unique interface forms between the embryo and collagen, showing the invasion of trophoblasts into collagen fires, which simulate the developmental process of implantation. Our findings highlight embryo-substrate interaction as a key characteristic of post-implantation development in vitro and as an important design parameter of 3D conditions for embryo culture.
The Association of N-Glycan and Alpha Fetal Protein in Hepatitis B Associated Hepatic Disease
Authors: Guo Li , Wan Lijun , Hu Youwen , He Bo , Zhang Moran , Xu Kedong , Zheng Fengfei , De Gejirifu , Wu Zhengqiang , Hu Chungen , Yuan Cheng , Huang Zixiang , Liu Ting , Chen Shanwen Shanwen , Wen Zhili
Published: December 2020

Objective: Chronic hepatic disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious threat to health in worldwide. There is evidence that the change of N-glycan is involved in the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis B. The level of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is elevated in many patients with hepatitis B infection. AFP is not only a fetal carrier protein and tumor marker, but also participates in the regulation of a variety of important cellular functions, such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and immune regulation. However, the mechanism between AFP and N-glycan is not clear. The study investigated the association of N-glycan and AFP in Hepatitis B associated hepatic disease.Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with Hepatitis B associated hepatic diseases and twenty healthy individuals were selected in this study. Serum AFP, N-glycan, hematological parameters, and clinical data were assessed in this cohort. The Spearman rank method was used to evaluate the associations among them. The study was designed as a retrospective cross-sectional study. Results：Serum levels of N-glycan and AFP were signiﬁcantly higher in Patients with hepatic disease compared with the controls; levels of both were elevated with development of the disease. In patients with hepatic disease, N-glycan was positively correlated with AFP, Age, AST, GGT, PT, CA125, while negatively correlated with ALB, CHE, RBC (P < 0.05 for all). AFP was positively correlated with HBV DNA, TBIL, DBIL, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT (P < 0.05 for all), while negatively correlated with ALB and CHE in hepatic disease patients (P < 0.05 for both). In addition, there was a trend of increasing N-glycan with elevated AFP level in the combined hepatic disease group. In LC, the level of N-glycan in the decompensatory was signiﬁcant higher than in the control (P = 0.007), and AFP level in the compensatory increased than the controls (P = 0.003). In HCC, levels of both N-glycan and AFP in the compensatory and decompensatory groups elevated than those in the control (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004 for N-glycan and P < 0.001 for both in AFP, respectively).Conclusion: Our data suggest that high AFP levels in Hepatitis B related hepatic disease are closely related to the development of liver disease through interaction with N-glycan.
Differentiation and Maturation Effect of All-trans Retinoic Acid on Cultured Fetal RPE and Stem Cell-Derived RPE Cells for Cell-Based Therapy
Authors: Yan Tingyu , Yang Na , Hu Wei , Zhang Xinxin , Li Xuedong , Wang Youjin , Kong Jun
Published: December 2020

Background: Phase I/II clinical trials using fetal retinal pigment epithelium (fRPE), human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RPE, or human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE as potential sources of materials for cell-based therapy to treat degenerative retinal diseases have been carried out during the past decade. Challenges for successful translational cell-based therapy include cell manufacture, cell quality, cell storage, and cell behavior in vivo. In this study, we investigated the culture-induced changes in passaged fetal RPE, hESC-RPE and hiPSC-RPE cells in vitro and explored the differentiation and maturation effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on those RPE cells. Methods: A total of 9 fetal RPE cell lines, hESC-RPE and hiPSC-RPE cell lines were set up using previously described methods. The culture-induced changes in subsequent passages caused by manipulating plating density, dissociation method and repeated passaging were studied by microscope, real-time quantitative PCR, western blot and immunofluorescent assays. Gene and protein expression and functional characteristics of fRPE, hESC-RPE and hiPSC-RPE incubated with ATRA at different concentration were also evaluated.Results: Compared with fRPE, hESC-RPE and hiPSC-RPE showed decreased gene and protein expression of RPE markers. P3 RPE of all three types seeded at a density of 6×105 and 9x105 cells/mL in basal medium maintained pigmented polygonal, cobblestone-like morphology. RPE cells underwent mesenchymal changes showing increased expression of mesenchymal markers including a-SMA, N-cadherin, fibronectin and decreased expression of RPE markers including RPE65, E-cadherin and ZO-1, as a subsequence of low plating density, inappropriate dissociated method, and repeated passaging. fRPE, hESC-RPE and iPSC-RPE treated by ATRA at different concentrations showed increased expression of RPE markers such as RPE65, bestrophin (BEST) and CRALBP, and increased expression of negative complement regulatory proteins (CRP) including complement factor H (CFH), CD46, CD55 and CD59, and increased transepithelial resistance (TER) as well.Conclusion: Although hESC and hiPSC-derived RPE are morphologically similar to fRPE, and also have the tendency to undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) changes during the culturing and passaging process in vitro, differences in protein and gene expression among three RPE types exist. Moreover, ATRA can increase RPE markers expression, as well as to increase the expression levels of CRPs gene and protein in fRPE and stem cell-derived RPE.
Impaired Expression of BCAT1 Relates to Muscle Atrophy of Mouse Model of Sarcopenia 
Authors: Ouyang Hui , Gao Xuguang , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2020

Background The underlying mechanism of muscle atrophy in sarcopenia is still not fully understood; BCAT1 isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 encodes an evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic aminotransferase for glutamate and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), thus constituting a regulatory component of cytoplasmic amino and keto acid metabolism. In human gliomas carrying wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase-1, BCAT1 promotes cell proliferation through amino acid catabolism. Hence, the goals of this study were to unravel the potential role of BCAT1 expression in muscle atrophy and to explore the mechanisms underlying this process.Methods We first measured BCAT1 expression by RT-qPCR and western blotting in murine and cellular models of muscle atrophy. To understand how the BCAT1-driven changes sustained muscle cell growth, we analyzed ROS levels and activation of the mTORC1/S6K1 pathway in muscle cells. Furthermore, we performed CCK8 assays and fluorescence staining to evaluate growth rate of cells and ROS levels. Finally, we verified that depletion of BCAT1 impairs the growth rate of muscle cells and increases ROS levels, indicating that muscle atrophy resulted from the downregulation of the mTORC1/S6K1 pathway. Data were analyzed by two-tailed unpaired Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test for two groups to determine statistical significance. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism version 6.0 and SPSS 16.0 software.Results BCAT1 expression level in skeletal muscles was lower in murine and cellular models of sarcopenia than in the control groups. BCAT1 knockdown not only suppressed the growth of muscle cells but also increased the production of ROS. Impaired cell growth and increased ROS production was rescued by co-introduction of an shRNA-resistant BCAT1 cDNA or addition of the mTORC1 stimulator MYH1485. Muscle cells with BCAT1 knockdown featured lower mTORC1 and S6K1 phosphorylation (pS6K1) than NT muscle cells. Addition of either shRNA-resistant BCAT1 cDNA or MYH1485 rescued the suppression of cell growth, increase in ROS production, and decrease in pS6K1. Conclusions The BCAA catabolic enzyme BCAT1 is essential for the growth of muscle cells. BCAT1 expression contributes to sustained growth of muscle cells by activating mTOR signaling and reducing ROS production.
Screening Circular RNA Related to Vascular Endothelial Proliferation, Migration and Angiogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury by RNA Sequencing
Authors: Ye Xin , Chen Yilei , Wang Jiasheng , Chen Jian , Yao Ying , Wang Lin-lin , Zhao Fengdong
Published: December 2020

Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes high rates of worldwide morbidity because of the complex secondary injury. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of endogenous non-coding RNAs, which have recently been recognized as important regulators of gene expression and pathological processes. In this study, we have attempted to elucidate the expression profiles of circRNAs in a mouse model of SCI and comprehensively understand vascular endothelial proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in the early stage of secondary injury.Methods: Deep RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatic analysis including GO enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway analysis and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network construction were performed to investigate the expression patterns of circRNAs in mouse spinal cord after SCI (n= 3 per group) for three days and explore the differentially expressed circRNAs related to vascular endothelial proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Results: Total of 1288 circRNAs were altered (>2-fold change, p<0.05) in the spinal cord after SCI, including 991 were upregulated and 297 were downregulated. Meanwhile we constructed a circRNA-mRNA network to predict their functions for circRNAs can act as “miRNA sponges”,. We next analyzed the altered circRNAs related to vascular endothelial proliferation, migration and angiogenesis by GO and KEGG analyses. 121 circRNAs were found to correlating to vascular endothelial proliferation，migration and angiogenesis in spinal cord after SCI. Conclusions: Our results reveal that circRNAs locally regulate their related protein-gene expression and play key roles in the vascular endothelial proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of SCI.
Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy for Epidermoid Cyst in An Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen: A Case Report
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Zhou Bo , Sun Qing jing , Jin Ming , Yan Sheng
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUNDPancreatic tail cystic lesions are increasingly encountered in clinical practice, however it is difficult to make a correct diagnosis preoperatively because there are many types of pancreatic neoplastic and non-neoplastic cysts. Epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (ECIPAS) is a rare non-neoplastic cyst and located in the pancreatic tail. Therefore, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic tail cystic lesions. CASE PRESENTATION A 51-year-old man was admitted for investigation of abdominal pain. The physical examination and laboratory tests found no abnormalities, except for an elevation of carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9. Imaging revealed a 2.6-cm cystic lesion within the pancreatic tail, and the solid component surrounding the cyst was enhanced similarly to those of the splenic tissue. ECIPAS was speculated. With regards to the symptoms and difficulty to completely exclude a malignant tumor, laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed. The final pathological diagnosis was epidermoid cyst arising from an intrapancreatic accessory spleen. The patient was discharged at day 5 postoperatively after an uneventful recovery. CA19-9 returned to normal after surgery. During 2-years follow-up, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence.CONCLUSIONWe describe typical imaging features of ECIPAS and showed that laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was safe and effective for treating ECIPAS.
Long-term Outcomes of contemporary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with the Xience Drug-Eluting Stent: Results from a Multicentre Australian Registry
Authors: Eccleston David , Chowdhury Enayet , Delacroix Sinny , Horrigan Mark , Rafter Tony , Sage Peter , Whelan Alan , Thompson Peter , Reid Christopher , Liew Danny , Worthley Stephen
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSeveral large registries have evaluated outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the USA, however there are no contemporary data regarding long-term outcomes after PCI in Australia, and little information comparing new second generation drug-eluting stents (DES) with earlier DES. Also, approval of new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) is almost exclusively based on non-inferiority trials comparing outcomes with first generation DES, and there are limited data comparing safety and efficacy outcomes of new second generation DES with bare metal stents (BMS). This study long-term outcomes after PCI with the Xience DES from a large national multicentre registry, the GenesisCare Outcomes Registry (GCOR).MethodsThe study population comprised the first 1500 patients consecutively enrolled from January 2015 to January 2019 who were treated exclusively with either Xience DES or BMS and were eligible for 1-year follow-up, from a total group of 4,765 PCI patients enrolled during that period. Baseline patient and procedural data, medications and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in-hospital, at 30-days and 1-year were reported and analysed with respect to the type of stent used (Xience DES n = 1000, BMS n = 500).ResultsOf the 4,765 patients enrolled in GCOR during this period, DES were exclusively used in 3621 (76.0%), BMS were exclusively used in 596 (12.5%) with the remainder receiving a combination of DES and BMS. In the study cohort of 1,500 Xience and BMS patients the mean age was 68.4 ± 10.7 years, 76.9% were male, 24.6% had diabetes mellitus and 45.9% presented with acute coronary syndromes. Adverse clinical event rates In the study cohort were low in comparison to international reports at 30-days in terms of mortality (0.20%), target lesion revascularisation (TLR, 0.27%) and MACE (0.47%). Similarly, adverse clinical event rates at 12 months were low in terms of mortality (1.26%), TLR (1.16%) and MACE (1.78%).ConclusionsClinical practice and long-term outcomes of PCI with the Xience DES in Australia are consistent with international series. Recent trends indicate DES use has increased in parallel with good outcomes despite an increasingly complex patient and lesion cohort.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12620000899943This trial was registered retrospectively on 11/09/2020.
Development of Efficient Genotyping Workflow for Accelerating Maize Improvement in Developing Countries
Authors: Obi Queen Nkem , Menkir Abebe , Babalola Deborah F. , Gedil Melaku
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMolecular breeding has been recognized as one of the pillars to accelerate the rate of genetic gain in crop improvement towards meeting the need to feed an ever-growing world population. Establishing low-cost and flexible genotyping platforms in small and public laboratories and regionally can stimulate the application of molecular breeding in developing countries where many plant breeding projects require low to medium density markers for genomics-assisted selection and quality control (QC) activities. ResultsHere we present an optimization of the entire genotyping workflow (from sample collection to genotyping and data analysis) to accelerate the QC and genomic-assisted selection process, which can readily be adopted by National agricultural research system (NARS) partners in developing countries to fast-track molecular marker-based genotyping for crop improvement. An in-house KASP genotyping system combined with optimized sample collection and DNA preparation processes expedited the genotyping workflow from over five weeks (when outsourcing) to approximately three weeks (5 days per week) for a total of 637 samples. The QC experiment using a subset of 28 KASP SNPs validated for maize revealed the genetic identity of 4 maize varieties taken from 5 seed sources. Another subset of 10 KASP SNPs was sufficient in verifying the parentage of 388 F1 lines. The marker-based selection of high PVA maize lines identified nine lines harboring the favorable allele of the crtRB1 gene, which could serve as donor lines for the maize PVA breeding program. The ongoing marker-assisted backcrossing experiment to introgress resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in elite tropical maize lines has so far identified twenty-four maize lines harboring the favorable alleles associated with resistance to aflatoxin accumulation, and are currently undergoing field evaluation. The optimized genotyping workflow has so far generated over 1700 datapoints.ConclusionThe result of this work could serve as a prototype to fast-track maize improvement activities of IITA’s MIP group, and facilitate DNA fingerprinting for adoption tracking of improved crop varieties. It will also provide public and small laboratories in developing countries with the knowledge of efficient genotyping workflow to accelerate crop improvement activities.
Cholestyramine Administration Induces Gut Dysbiosis and Severe Liver Injury in ApoE-/- Mice
Authors: Chen Jin , Sun Yifan , Luo Yan , Li Xiangsu , Zuo Zhaoxu , Bian Dongxue , Wu Xudong , Zang Shufei , Shi Junping
Published: December 2020

Background & AimBile acids, as hydrophilicity/ hydrophobic molecules and natural ligands of bile acids receptors, are involved in the pathogenesis of liver injury and metabolic disorders. Cholestyramine acts as a bile acid chelating agent and is used to reduce cholesterol in clinic, but its hepatotoxicity and effects on metabolism are still unclear.MethodsApoE-/- mice were continuously administered with low fat diet with or without 2% cholestyramine 12 weeks to determine the hepatotoxicity and metabolic influences of cholestyramine on these mice. Serum transaminases, liver histological features and hepatic inflammatory markers expression were used to assess cholestyramine hepatotoxicity. Body weight, liver weight, serum lipids profile and liver lipid metabolism related genes expression were used to evaluate effects of cholestyramine on metabolism. Differences of endogenous bile acids composition, bile acids metabolism related genes and intestinal flora structure between groups were also analyzed by an ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry system, quantitative real time PCR and 16S rDNA sequencing.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of dietary intervention, although cholestyramine decreased ApoE-/- mice serum cholesterol level, it significantly increased the body and liver weight of these mice, and caused severe liver injury: increased serum transaminases levels, promoted liver vesicular steatosis and inflammatory cells infiltration, and enhanced the expression of lipid synthesis gene: FASN and inflammatory markers genes: TNF-α 、MCP-1、F4/80 and CD68. Moreover, cholestyramine administration caused hydrophobic transformation of bile acids pool and severe gut dysbiosis, which were characterized by decreased hydrophilic bile acids: muricholic acid (MCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and increased abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria: s_Bacteroide_vulgatus.ConclusionThis study revealed that cholestyramine had the ability to induce severe liver injury and metabolic disorders. These effects might be attributed to inducing hydrophobic transformation of bile acids pool and gut dysbiosis by cholestyramine. Furthermore, our study provided a warning of hepatotoxicity and metabolic disorders for clinical application of cholestyramine, and suggested that cholestyramine was not a good scavenging tool to study the role of bile acids alternations in diseases progression.
Identification of Subclinical Myocardial Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Patients With Metabolic Syndrome After Cancer Related Comprehensive Therapy
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Siyuan , Liang Siying , Yu Chao , Li Sufang , Chen Hong , Wang Shu , Zhu Tiangang
Published: December 2020

Background: Breast cancer patients with metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These patients are more prone to suffer from cardiotoxicity after anti-cancer therapy. Patients after completion of cancer related comprehensive therapy, who show normal myocardial function, may already have subclinical myocardial dysfunction. We sought to evaluate the subclinical myocardial dysfunction in breast cancer patients with metabolic syndrome after cancer related comprehensive therapy.Methods: In this study, 45 breast cancer patients with metabolic syndrome after completion of cancer related comprehensive therapy and 45 non-breast cancer patients with metabolic syndrome were enrolled. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured using echocardiogram. Results: All the patients have normal LVEF. However, nine breast cancer patients (20%) had GLS that was lower than -17%, while all the non-cancer patients have normal GLS. Breast cancer patients with metabolic syndrome had a decrease of GLS and LVEF, compared with non-cancer patients with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, we found that decrease of age was associated with reduction of LVEF, and that use of trastuzumab for 1 year was a significant factor that associated with reduction of GLS.Conclusions: Breast cancer patients with metabolic syndrome after completion of cancer related comprehensive therapy suffered from subclinical myocardial dysfunction. GLS should be routinely performed to early identify subclinical myocardial damage of patients, in order to prevent the cardiotoxicity of cancer related comprehensive therapy.Trial registration: the Medical Ethics Committee of Peking University People’s Hospital, 2018PHB032-02, Registered 23 November 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=35202
Comparative morphofunctional analysis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in human rheumatoid arthritis and mouse collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Machado Camilla , Kakehasi Adriana , Dias Felipe , Resende Gustavo , Oliveira Patrícia , Xavier Ricardo , Andrade Marcus
Published: December 2020

BackgroundFibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a prominent role in rheumatoid synovitis and degradation of the extracellular matrix through the production of inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases (MMPs). Since animal models are frequently used for elucidating the disease mechanism and therapeutic development, it is relevant to compare ultrastructural characteristics and functional responses by human and mouse FLS. The objective of this study is to compare ultrastructural characteristics, IL-6 and MMP-3 production, and the activation of intracellular pathways in FLS from patients with RA (RA-FLS) and mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA-FLS). The objective of the study was to compare ultrastructural characteristics, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) production and the activation of intracellular pathways in Fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) cultures obtained from patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and from mice with collagen-induced arthritis.MethodsFLSs were obtained from RA patients (RA-FLSs) (n = 8) and mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA-FLSs) (n = 4). Morphology was assessed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. IL-6 and MMP-3 production was measured by ELISA, and activation of intracellular signaling pathways (NF-κB and MAPK: p-ERK1/2, p-P38 and p-JNK) was measured by Western blotting in cultures of RA-FLSs and CIA-FLSs stimulated with tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNF-α) and IL-1β.ResultsRA-FLS and CIA-FLS cultures exhibited rich cytoplasm, rough endoplasmic reticula and prominent and well-developed Golgi complexes. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of lamellar bodies, which are cytoplasmic structures related to surfactant production, in FLSs from both sources. Increased levels of pinocytosis and numbers of pinocytotic vesicles were observed in RA-FLSs (p < 0.05). Basal production of MMP-3 and IL-6 was present in RA-FLSs and CIA-FLSs. Regarding the production of MMP-3 and IL-6 and the activation of signaling pathways, the present study demonstrated a lower response to IL-1β by CIA-FLSs than by RA-FLSs.ConclusionThere were differences between RA-FLSs and CIA-FLSs in their ultrastructural morphologies and functional responses. The differences shown in our study indicate that the adoption of an RA-FLS human model is a better alternative than the CIA-FLS animal model for in vitro studies of RA etiopathogenesis and new therapeutic targets.
Microstructural evolution of h-BN matrix composite ceramics with La-Al-Si-O glass phase during hot-pressed sintering
Authors: Qiu Baofu , Duan Xiaoming , Zhang Zhuo , Zhao Chen , Niu Bo , He Peigang , Cai Delong , Chen Lei , Yang Zhihua , Wang Yujin , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: December 2020

BN/La-Al-Si-O composite ceramics were fabricated by hot-pressed sintering using h-BN, La2O3, Al2O3 and amorphous SiO2 as the raw materials. The effects of sintering temperature on the microstructural evolution, bulk density, apparent porosity, and mechanical properties of h-BN composite ceramics were investigated. The results indicated that La-Al-Si-O liquid phase was formed during sintering process, which provided an environment for the growth of h-BN grains. With increasing sintering temperature, the cristobalite phase precipitation and h-BN grain growth occurred at the same time, which had the significant influence on the densification and mechanical properties of h-BN composite ceramics. The best mechanical properties of BN/La-Al-Si-O composite ceramics were obtained under sintering temperature of 1700 °C, and the elastic modulus, flexural strength, and fracture toughness were 80.5 GPa, 266.4 MPa and 3.25 MPa·m1/2, respectively.
Cold Plasma Treatment Strategies for the Control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici in Sweet Basil
Authors: Homa Kathryn , Barney William P. , Davis William P. , Guerrero Daniel , Berger Mary J. , Lopez Jose L. , Wyenandt Christian A. , Simon James E.
Published: December 2020

Fusarium wilt of basil (FOB), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici, is an economically damaging disease of field- and greenhouse-grown sweet basil. Growers have observed a resurgence of FOB and susceptibility in FOB-resistant cultivars. Because currently available chemical, biological, and cultural control methods are costly, unsustainable, ineffective, or challenging to implement, new strategies of FOB control are needed. Cold plasma is becoming an increasingly important experimental technology in the food and agricultural industry for pathogen decontamination. To understand the effect of cold plasma treatment on FOB incidence and severity, experiments were conducted by treating FOB mycelium, inoculated sweet basil seedlings, and seeds with various experimental cold plasma treatment devices, all using helium as a feed gas. Initial results indicated that while the cold plasma jet treatment did not result in a significant reduction in mean mycelial growth rate or virulence of the pathogen, direct cold plasma jet treatments on seedlings, as well as a cold plasma dielectric barrier discharge treatment on seeds, did exhibit varying efficacies against FOB. Control of FOB appeared to be strongly dependent on the exposure time to cold plasma. These findings can aid in the standardization of a cold plasma treatment for the commercial basil seed and transplant industry.
Carletonmooreite, Ni3Si, a new silicide from the Norton County aubrite meteorite
Authors: Garvie Laurence A.J. , Ma Chi , Ray Soumya , Domanik Kenneth , Wittmann Axel , Wadhwa Meenakshi
Published: December 2020

Carletonmooreite (IMA 2018-68), Ni3Si, is a new nickel silicide mineral that occurs in metal nodules from the Norton County aubrite meteorite. These nodules are dominated by low-Ni iron (kamacite), with accessory schreibersite, nickelphosphide, perryite, and minor daubréelite, tetrataenite, taenite, and graphite. The chemical composition of the holotype carletonmooreite determined by wavelength-dispersive electron-microprobe analysis is (wt%) Ni 82.8 ± 0.4, Fe 4.92 ± 0.09, and Si 13.08 ± 0.08 (n = 6, total = 100.81) giving an empirical formula of (Ni2.87Fe0.18)Σ3.05Si0.95, with an end-member formula of Ni3Si. Further grains discovered in the specimen after the new mineral submission extend the composition, i.e., (wt%) Ni 81.44 ± 0.82, Fe 5.92 ± 0.93, Cu 0.13 ± 0.02, and Si 13.01 ± 0.1 (n = 11, total = 100.51 ± 0.41), giving an empirical formula (Ni2.83Fe0.22Cu0.004)Σ3.05Si0.95. The backscat tered electron-diffraction patterns were indexed by the Pm3m auricupride (AuCu3)-type structure and give a best fit to synthetic Ni3Si, with a = 3.51(1) Å, V = 43.2(4) Å3, Z = 1, and calculated density of 7.89 g/cm3. Carletonmooreite is silver colored with an orange tinge, isotropic, with a metallic luster and occurs as euhedral to subhedral crystals 1 × 5 µm to 5 × 14 µm growing on tetrataenite into kamacite. The dominant silicide in the Norton County aubrite metal nodules is perryite (Ni,Fe)8(Si,P)3, with carletonmooreite restricted to localized growth on rare plessite fields. The isolated nature of small euhedral carletonmooreite single crystals suggests low-temperature growth via solid-state diffusion from the surrounding kamacite and epitaxial growth on the tetrataenite. This new mineral is named in honor of Carleton B. Moore, chemist and geologist, and founding director of the Center for Meteorite Studies at Arizona State University, for his many contributions to cosmochemistry and meteoritics.
Interfacial structures and acidity constants of goethite from first-principles Molecular Dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhang Yingchun , Liu Xiandong , Cheng Jun , Lu Xiancai
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we report a first-principles Molecular Dynamics (FPMD) study of interfacial structures and acidity constants of goethite. The pKa values of the groups on (010), (110), and (021) surfaces (space group Pbnm) are derived with the FPMD based vertical energy gap technique. The results indicate that major reactive groups include ≡Fe2OH2 and ≡FeOH2 on (010), ≡FeOH2, ≡Fe3OLH, and ≡Fe3OUH on (110), and ≡FeOhH2 and ≡Fe2OH on (021). The interfacial structures were characterized in detail with a focus on the hydrogen bonding environment. With the calculated pKa values, the point of zero charges (PZCs) of the three surfaces are derived and the overall PZC range of goethite is found to be consistent with the experiment. We further discuss the potential applications of these results in future studies toward understanding the environmental processes of goethite.
Assessment of measurement and ranking of technical efficiencies of Ethiopian general insurers
Authors: Meher Kishor , Asfawu Abebe , Muthuraman Maheswaran , Kumar Satapathy Sanjay
Published: December 2020

The non-life insurance companies indemnify the properties from the risk of being damaged due to unforeseen events like natural calamity or accidents. The probability of bankruptcy is imminent on account of large, unprecedented claims. As a risk saver of various society stakeholders, these insurers must be efficient while managing the insurance business. The present research thrusts upon to evaluate the efficiency and decomposition that would further direct the insurers towards achieving optimal scale. Thus, the captioned research aims to measure and rank the technical efficiency of the general insurance firms of Ethiopia and evaluate and analyze their relative efficiencies. The research adopts a quantitative approach and deploys descriptive analysis by a panel data of 17 Ethiopian general insurers for the period 2005-2016 on the input-output-oriented approach of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The data of general insurance are obtained using stratified sampling from the mix of life and general category. The inputs employed are total expenses, total liabilities, and shareholder’s fund, while net premiums earned and income from investments are used as outputs. The findings reveal that the public insurer is technically efficient by operating at an optimal scale as compared to all private insurers who, in turn, experience pure technical inefficiency to scale inefficiency due to poor management practices and erroneous utilization of input materials. Increasing Returns to Scale (IRS) witnessed a major form of scale inefficiency in 2016. Private insurers should increase capital and size of assets, cost efficiency, and improve key management skills. AcknowledgmentThe authors express their thanks of gratitude for the support extended by Ethiopia’s insurance companies’ officials to provide the hard copies of published annual reports up to 2016 as the secondary data are not available after that year’s analysis.
E SE TIVERMOS ERRADO O CAMINHO? REFLEXÕES SOBRE QUESTÕES AMBIENTAIS-TECNOLÓGICAS EM TEMPOS DE COVID-19
Authors: Piaia Thami Covatti , Cervi Jacson Roberto
Published: December 2020

A razão geral de ser do presente trabalho, a título de problematização, consiste em verificar as influências da tecnologia em relação à sociedade e ao meio ambiente, por entender ser este o grande desafio ético-sócio-ambiental da humanidade na contemporaneidade. Para tanto, objetiva-se pôr em discussão, temas relacionados às questões ambientais, sustentáveis e tecnológicas do estágio atual do paradigma em que se encontra o mundo. Este estudo justifica-se, pois é premente o alargamento do debate acerca de reflexões sobre questões relacionadas ao enfrentamento e posterior cura da pandemia da COVID-19 e dos instrumentos utilizáveis a esse fim. O estudo apoia-se no método dialético, com abordagem analítica e delineamento a partir da averiguação bibliográfica, opções que se justificam à medida que a situação atual é entendida como um quadro contraditório, em que a sociedade, embora com o maior nível de conhecimento e arsenal tecnológico de sua história, enfrenta o risco real de colapso, amedrontando e estagnando uma geração acostumada ao progresso, não ao retrocesso, fazendo-nos questionar sobre estarmos ou não no caminho certo do progresso científico, do desenvolvimento da sociedade e da evolução humana.
SOFRIMENTO MENTAL E DIGNIDADE DA PESSOA HUMANA: INTERPRETANDO AS INTERCESSÕES HISTÓRICAS E FILOSÓFICAS DA ORDEM PSIQUIÁTRICA
Authors: Da Silva Pedro Henrique Moreira , De Carvalho Valdênia Geralda
Published: December 2020

A pesquisa se propõe discutir a respeito da questão psiquiátrica, tanto pela perspectiva do transtorno mental, quanto pela perspectiva do sofrimento mental – o que se faz pela pesquisa hipotético-dedutiva, baseada em material bibliográfico e documental. Nesse sentido, busca-se satisfazer objetivos chave, tais quais, a compreensão dos sentidos do sofrimento mental, a abordagem histórica da “loucura”, a reflexão filosófica da lógica manicomial e dos recortes sociais e a explanação da psiquiatria democrática como alternativa aos padrões predatórios. Assim, resta viabilizada uma ótica ampliada da questão psiquiátrica, imperando a perspectiva humanista da tratativa da pessoa em sofrimento e a reflexão acerca da dignidade como elemento indissociável da pessoa humana.
COMBATE À POBREZA POR MEIO DE UMA JUSTIÇA DISTRIBUTIVA: IMPORTÂNCIA DO ACESSO À EDUCAÇÃO PARA A DISTRIBUIÇÃO EQUITATIVA DE OPORTUNIDADES
Authors: Oliveira Flávia De Paiva Medeiros de , Serafim Gadelha Campos Cristina , Pereira Maria Marconiete Fernandes
Published: December 2020

O cenário de profundas desigualdades e exclusão social que marca o Brasil e, infelizmente, repete-se na imensa maioria dos países periféricos, acarreta a pobreza das camadas socialmente desfavorecidas como uma de suas principais consequências. Neste sentido, considerando que o acesso à educação possibilita que as pessoas vivam de acordo com o seu potencial e tenham a capacidade de lutar por uma boa qualidade de vida, resta evidente o quanto o incentivo à educação favorece o pleno desenvolvimento humano e social, ao mesmo tempo em que combate a pobreza. Em vista disso, o presente artigo científico pretende demonstrar que a provisão do direito fundamental à educação é um forte aliado da distribuição equitativa de recursos, que, por sua vez, trata-se de pressuposto essencial para a eliminação das desigualdades que geram a pobreza. Sendo assim, trará algumas considerações acerca da justiça distributiva proposta por John Rawls, bem como da segunda tese de Ferrajoli, além de destacar a contribuição que a cooperação internacional e a implementação de programas educacionais – públicos ou de iniciativa privada – podem oferecer à provisão do direito à educação, sobretudo no Brasil. Quanto à metodologia utilizada, será desenvolvida uma pesquisa bibliográfica e feito uso dos métodos indutivo e qualitativo.
ENGELLİ BİREYLERİN ADALETE EŞİT ERİŞİLEBİLİRLİK KONUSUNUN İNCELENMESİ: VAN İLİ ÖRNEĞİ*
Authors: MENGİ Abdurrahman
Published: December 2020

Engellilik, herhangi bir nedenle bireylerde fiziksel, ruhsal, zihinsel olarak bir yetersizliğin meydana gelmesi ve yetersizlikten etkilenen bireyin, yaşamının birçok alanında engellere maruz kalması olarak tanımlanabilir. Engellilik durumu bireyin, sağlık, eğitim ve adalet gibi kurumlarındaki temel haklarına yönelik hizmetlere eşit erişimini sınırlı kılmaktadır. Engelli bireylerin adalete erişimi sınırlı olduğu için engellilerin adalete erişim konusunda yaşadığı sorunların tespiti oldukça önemlidir. Türkiye’de engellilerin adalete eşit erişimi konusunda yapılan araştırmalar yok denecek kadar azdır. Dolayısıyla bu araştırmanın amacı, bedensel, görme ve işitme engelli bireylerin Van Adalet Sarayına eşit erişim durumlarının incelenmesi olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu Van ilinin Tuşba, İpekyolu ve Edremit ilçelerinde yaşayan ve 2018 yılı içinde adalete erişim ihtiyacı doğan toplamda 15 engelli bireyden oluşmaktadır. Veriler yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yoluyla katılımcılarla yüz yüze görüşme sonucu ve dört aylık süreçte elde edilmiştir. Katılımcılardan elde edilen veriler betimsel analize tabi tutularak sunulmuştur. Engelli bireylerin Van Adalet Sarayına eşit erişim konusunda dış mekânda güçlükler ile karşılaştıklarına, iç mekânda yeterli danışmanlık hizmeti almadıklarına, adalete eşit erişim konusunda ayrımcılığa maruz kaldıklarına ilişkin bulgulara ulaşılmıştır. Böylece, engelli bireylerin adalete eşit erişim haklarına erişebilirlik bağlamında yararlanamadıkları sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Dolayısıyla, ileri araştırmalar için engelli bireylerin adalete erişimi konusunda Türkiye geneli yeni araştırmaların yapılması önerilmektedir.
DIAGNÓSTICO DA QUALIDADE DAS ÁGUAS DO CÓRREGO JACUÍ , JOÃO MONLEVADE, MG
Authors: Paula Carlos Alberto de , Cotta Jussara Aparecida de Oliveira , Brandão Jeane De Fátima Cunha , Matozo Huita Do Couto
Published: December 2020

O trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um diagnóstico ambiental da qualidade das águas de um córrego que percorre a zona urbana do município de João Monlevade, MG. Foram selecionados três pontos para realização da amostragem, sendo o primeiro ponto na nascente do bairro Santo Hipólito (P1), e dois no curso d’água que percorre os bairros Campos Elíseos (P2) e Cruzeiro Celeste (P3), ambos recebem lançamento de esgoto. Em cada ponto, foram coletadas seis amostras em campanha única, realizada em 22 de outubro de 2018. Para cada amostra, realizaram-se a determinação do pH, oxigênio dissolvido (OD), demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), nitrogênio Kjeldahl total (NKT), fósforo total, sólidos sedimentáveis, sólidos totais e turbidez . As médias dos parâmetros foram comparados por meio de Análise de Variância (ANOVA), utilizando-se o teste F e posteriormente o teste Tukey, ao nível de 5% de significância. Os valores dos parâmetros também foram comparados com a legislação vigente. Ao término, verificaram-se os seguintes valores médios para os parâmetros avaliados: OD: P1- 9,07 mg.L-1 , P2- 7,47 mg.L-1 e P3- 6,13 mg.L-1; DBO: P1- 26,67 mg O2.L-1 , P2- 80,0 mg O2.L-1 e P3- 186,67 mg O2.L-1 ; DQO: P1- 27,50 mg O2.L-1, P2- 117,5 mg O2.L-1 e P3- 287,50 mg O2.L-1; NKT: P1- 22,32 mg N.L-1, P2- 197,76 mg N.L-1 e P3- 562,28 mg N.L-1; fósforo total: P1- 0,0161 mg P.L-1, P2- 0,1836 mg P.L-1 e P3- 0,7596 mg P.L-1. Embasados pelos resultados dos parâmetros, notou-se que o curso d’água vem passando por um processo de degradação devido ao assoreamento da nascente e ao grande lançamento de esgoto sanitário, sem tratamento em sua extensão. A maior parte dos parâmetros estão em desacordo com a legislação. Os dados levantados poderão alertar os órgãos públicos quanto aos possíveis problemas e riscos à saúde pública, bem como auxiliar na adoção de medidas para o controle da poluição.
ANÁLISE DAS RELAÇÕES INTERPESSOAIS DOS PROFESSORES DE ATENDIMENTO EDUCACIONAL ESPECIALIZADO DA REGIÃO DO PIEMONTE DA DIAMANTINA - BAHIA
Authors: Silva Osni Oliveira Noberto da , Miranda Theresinha Guimarães , Bordas Miguel Angel Garcia
Published: December 2020

O objetivo do presente artigo foi analisar as relações que os professores de Atendimento Educacional Especializado (AEE) têm com os diferentes sujeitos da escola que direta ou indiretamente influenciam seu trabalho. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram 36 professores de AEE que aceitaram participar do estudo. Através da apresentação e análise dos dados coletados das entrevistas com os professores de Atendimento Educacional Especializado foi possível perceber que a relação com os outros sujeitos da escola que direta ou indiretamente influem seu trabalho é em geral positiva. O destaque fica por conta da relação com os alunos da Sala de Recursos Multifuncionais e seus familiares. Por outro lado, dos oito itens analisados, apenas no que diz respeito a relação com o(a) secretário(a) municipal de educação e o(a) coordenador(a) pedagógico(a) tiveram resposta na opção “ruim”, sendo estes também os itens com menores porcentagens de respostas na opção “excelente”.