bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size and surface modification of silica nanoparticles affect the severity of lung toxicity by modulating endosomal ROS generation in macrophages
Authors: Inoue Masahide , Sakamoto Koji , Suzuki Atsushi , Nakai Shinya , Ando Akira , Nakahara Yoshio , Nakase Ikuhiko , Sawada Makoto , Hashimoto Naozumi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAs the application of silica nanomaterials continues to expand, increasing chances of its exposure to the human body and potential harm are anticipated. Although the toxicity of silica nanomaterials is assumed to be affected by their physio-chemical properties, including size and surface functionalization, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. ResultsWe employed a murine intratracheal instillation model of amorphous silica nanoparticles (NPs) to compare their in vivo toxicity in the respiratory system. Pristine silica-NPs of 50 nm diameters (50 nm-plain) induced airway-centered lung injury with marked neutrophilic infiltration. By contrast, instillation of pristine silica particles of a larger diameter (3 μm; 3 μm-plain) significantly reduced the severity of lung injury and neutrophilic infiltration, possibly through attenuated induction of neutrotactic chemokines including MIP2. Ex vivo analysis of alveolar macrophages as well as in vitro assessment using RAW264.7 cells revealed a remarkable decline in the cellular uptake of 3 μm-plain compared with 50 nm-plain, which is assumed to be the underlying mechanism of attenuated immunotoxicity. The severity of lung injury and neutrophilic infiltration was also significantly reduced after intratracheal instillation of silica NPs with an amine surface modification (50 nm-NH2) when compared with 50 nm-plain. Despite unchanged efficacy in cellular uptake, treatment with 50 nm-NH2 induced a significantly attenuated immune response in RAW264.7 cells. Assessment of intracellular redox signaling revealed that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endosomal compartments in RAW264.7 cells treated with 50nm-plain. In contrast, endosomal ROS signals were significantly attenuated in cells treated with 50nm-NH2. Moreover, selective inhibition of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) was sufficient to inhibit endosomal ROS bursts and induction of chemokine expressions in cells treated with silica NPs, suggesting the central role of endosomal ROS generated by NOX2 in the regulation of the inflammatory response in macrophages that endocytosed silica NPs.ConclusionsOur murine model demonstrated that the pulmonary toxicity of silica NPs depended on their physico-chemical properties through distinct mechanisms. Cellular uptake of larger particles by macrophages decreased, while surface amine modification modulated endosomal ROS signaling via NOX2, both of which are assumed to be involved in mitigating immunotoxicity in macrophages and resulting lung injury.
Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms of MIR3142HG and the Risk of Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in the Population of Northern China
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Wu Huiqiang , Liu Tingting , Sun Mneghu , An Feimeng , Dong Qiumei , Wang Jianzhong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is aseptic necrosis of the femoral head caused by glucocorticoid use. Once necrotic femoral head necrosis occurs, it irreversibly affects the quality of life seriously. Studies have shown that the susceptibility to steroid-induced ONFH is likely to be related to the variation of miRNA coding genes. Therefore, this study aimed was to investigate the effect of MIR3142HG on steroid-induced ONFH.Methods: Agena MassARRAY was used to genotype MIR3142HG gene rs1582417, rs2431689, rs7727155 and rs17057846 in 199 patients and 506 healthy people. A genetic model and haplotype analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between the MIR3142HG polymorphism and the risk of steroid-induced ONFH. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained through logistic regression to assess the influence of gene polymorphisms on the occurrence of steroid-induced ONFH.Results: The consequences show that rs7727115(OR=0.76,p=0.036) is a protective factor, it could reduce the risk of steroid-induced ONFH, rs1582417(OR=1.28, p=0.041) could increase the risk of steroid-induced ONFH. Stratified analysis , according to each clinical index shows that MIR3142HG TC-CC genotype facilitated the risk of steroid-induced ONFH in male ( p<0.05). In addition, rs2431689 is related to HDL-C(p=0.012) and ApoA1 (p=0.010) levels, and rs17057846 (p=0.024) is related to ApoB levels.The linkage analysis indicated that three SNPs (rs2431689, rs7727115 and rs17057846) in MIR3142HG with significant chain imbalance. In addition, haplotype “GGG” of MIR3142HG was found out is harmful for steroid-induced ONFH.Conclusion: Our results firstly confirm that the genetic polymorphism of MIR3142HG is associated with steroid-induced ONFH susceptibility in Chinese Han population.
Identification and Comparison of Novel Circular RNAs&nbsp;With Associated Co-expression and Competing Endogenous Rna Networks in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Diao Weiyi , Wang Yongguang , Zhang Jun , Shao Haiyu , Huang Yazeng , Jin Mengran 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators in many human diseases. So far, the expression profile and regulatory mechanism of circRNAs in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) are less studied, and needed to be deciphered urgently. Herein, we aimed to reveal key circRNAs affecting PMOP, and clarify their compounding regulatory actions.Methods: To reveal key circRNAs affecting PMOP, and clarify their compounding regulatory actions. Whole transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). The expression pattern and regulatory networks of DECs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were unearthed.Results: 373 DECs comprising 123 intronic, 100 antisense, 70 exonic, 55 intergenic and 25 sense-overlapping circRNAs were identified. Among these, 73 circRNAs were upregulated and 300 circRNAs were downregulated. These DECs exerted pivotal functions in the pathogenesis of PMOP as demonstrated by Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression network comprising 28 DECs, 145 miRNAs and 175 differentially expressed mRNAs predicted the possible mechanism of the pathogenesis and progression of PMOP.Conclusion: The results of present study provided a further comprehension of circRNA‑associated competing endogenous RNA regulatory mechanism in PMOP. These steadily expressed and disease-specific DECs may serve as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PMOP.
Substance Use and Overdose Risk: Documenting the Perspectives of Formerly Incarcerated Persons in the Fraser East Region of BC
Authors: McCaughran-Contreras Celine Esther , Fernando Saranee , Sikora Mike , Hawkins Jennifer , Kniseley Marinel , Snyder Daniel , Long Connie , Robson James , Slaunwhite Amanda , Salmon Amy 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The relationship between incarceration and risk of overdose has been well-documented in the literature, but few studies document the perspectives of persons at risk of overdose who were incarcerated. This sub-inquiry aimed to understand the experiences of persons with a history of substance use and incarceration in the Fraser East region of BC and how involvement with the criminal justice system affected their drug use and perceived risk of overdose. Methods: The Fraser East Overdose Response project utilized a community-based participatory action approach that included peer researchers with lived experience in all parts of the research process. This qualitative pilot study aimed to better understand individuals at risk of an unwitnessed overdose in order to prevent deaths and identify effective local responses. A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit persons aged 19 and over who used illicit drugs over the past 3 years in the Fraser East since 2016. In total, 22 participants were interviewed. Of these, 13 participants identified a history of incarceration. Interviews were analyzed using a framework analysis approach.Results: The perspectives that participants shared revealed that impacts from incarceration are influenced by policies but also highly individualized. Our inquiry found three broader themes, within which were situated differing and sometimes conflicting interpretations and experiences of systemic environments: (1) incarceration was associated with harms and was perceived to increase risk of overdose following release, (2) incarceration was perceived to have limited impact on substance use and overdose risk, and (3) incarceration was associated with a perceived reduction of substance use and overdose risk.Conclusions: Understanding the complexities of the perceptions of those with lived experience of substance use and incarceration is of importance to better inform interventions in this population. The existing knowledge base urgently requires further inquiry into the intersections between qualitative perspectives, environments and policies, and quantitative outcomes of overdose vís-a-vís correctional institution.
Is Energy a Requirement for, or a Consequence of Economic Growth in Mauritius?
Authors: Neeliah HArris , SEETANAH Boopen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The non-reproducible nature of energy, coupled to its essentiality either as a direct or an intermediary input, makes it a crucial factor of production. We posit that it is, a complement to capital and labor and should be included in growth production models. Mauritius is a net energy importer, hence information about the nexus between energy consumption and economic growth is central to policy-making. This paper attempts to analyze this relationship for Mauritius within a multivariate framework over the period 1961 to 2019. The work adopts a dynamic time series framework (VECM approach) to account for dynamism, causality, endogeneity and omitted variables. Empirical results reveal long-run and short-run elasticities of energy consumption on economics growth of 0.33 and 0.17 respectively, thus giving credence to the thesis that energy is an important growth determinant in Mauritius. We also uncovered bi-directional causality between energy consumption and economic growth in both the long-run and the short-run. Therefore, unexpected and/ or voluntary contraction in either economic growth or energy consumption could result in a ‘feedback effect’ and dent either.JEL: Q4, O1
Unbounded Key-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption With Black-Box Traceability
Authors: ye yunxiu , Cao Zhenfu , Shen Jiachen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Attribute-based encryption received widespread attention as soon as it proposes. However, due to its specific characteristics, the attribute-based access control method is not flexible enough in actual operation. In addition, since access authorities are determined according to users' attributes, users sharing the same attributes are difficult to distinguish. Once a malicious user makes illicit gains by their decryption authorities, it is difficult to trace specific users. This paper follows the practical demand to propose a more flexible key-policy attribute-based encryption scheme with black-box traceability. The scheme has a constant number of constant parameters which can be utilized to construct attribute-related parameters flexibly, and the method of traitor tracing in broadcast encryption is introduced to achieve effective malicious user tracing. In addition, the security and feasibility can be proved by the security proofs and performance evaluation in this paper.
Randomized Phase II Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of SOX versus mFOLFOX6 as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy without Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (KSCC1301)
Authors: Miwa Keisuke , Oki Eiji , Enomoto Masanobu , Ihara Keisuke , Ando Koji , Fujita Fumihiko , Tominaga Masahiro , Mori Shinichiro , Nakayama Goro , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Saeki Hiroshi , Baba Hideo , Mori Masaki , Akagi Yoshito 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPreoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), is associated with many radiotherapy (RT)-related side effects. We aimed to evaluate whether S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) or folinic acid, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) can be as effective as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimens for LARC without RT. MethodsPatients with untreated resectable LARC were randomly assigned to receive SOX or mFOLFOX6. The NAC protocol period was 3 months. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary endpoints included pathological effects, surgical completion rate, 3-year survival, and safety.ResultsFrom September 2013 to October 2015, 56 and 54 patients were enrolled in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. The 3-year DFS rates were 69.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54.9–83.6) and 73.4% (95% CI 58.7–83.6) in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively; no significant differences were found between the arms (log-rank test; P = 0.5315, hazard ratio: 0.808, 95% CI 0.414–1.578). The 3-year survival rates were 92.3% and 91.8% in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. The surgical completion rate was 98.1% overall, 100% in the SOX arm, and 96.0% in the mFOLFOX6 arm. The incidences of pathological response rates ≥grade 1b were 41.5% and 43.8% in the SOX and mFOLFOX6 arms, respectively. Both treatments were manageable and tolerable. ConclusionWe demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of SOX and mFOLFOX6, both of which may be new neoadjuvant treatment candidates in previously untreated LARC cases.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the UMIN clinical trials registry on Aug 14th, 2013. (UMIN-CTR number UMIN000011486). https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&recptno=R000013441&language=J
Study of Efficacy of Sevoflurane with Rocuronium during Induction in Neurosurgical Patients
Authors: Jose B Cherayath  , Jitin George  
Published: October 2020

Background: Rocuronium provides good intubating conditions but large doses causes prolongation of its duration of action, making it unsuitable for short surgical procedures. Aims: We assessed the efficacy of sevoflurane with rocuronium during induction in terms of reducing the onset time for intubation, evaluating intubating conditions and haemodynamic responses during intubation.Subjects and Methods:This prospective, randomised, double-blind study was conducted in 40 adult patients undergoing lumbar disc operations under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into two equal groups namely Group R (received 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium) and Group RS (received 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium and 2% sevoflurane during induction).Results:The two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, weight and ASA grade. The time for loss of thumb adduction was 101.4 ± 11.2 s in Group R compared with 61.04 ± 5.4 s in Group RS P < 0.001]. The onset time of intubation was significant P < 0.001]. Significant differences in heart rate and mean arterial pressure were seen immediately after intubation, at 1 and 3 min after intubation (P < 0.05) between the two groups. The mean intubation score was comparable in both the groups is insignificant[P = 0.11].Conclusion:Rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg along with 2% sevoflurane provides rapid sequence intubation during anaesthesia in neurosurgical patients.
A Comparative Study of Laryngeal Mask Airway and Air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway Using Parker Flex Tip Tube
Authors: Sanjay Melville Masih  , Rakesh Kumar Gupta  
Published: October 2020

Background: To facilitate tracheal intubation, intubating laryngeal mask airway(ILMA) was designed specifically. A relatively new supraglottic airway device, air-Q ILA is an alternative to ILMA to facilitate endotracheal intubation. Considering advantages of air-Q over ILMA are that the breathing tube of the device is shorter, wider and due to removable connector, a standard e Parker Flex Tip tracheal tube (product of Parker Medical Company) has a curved, centered, flexible and tapered distal tip that is designed to facilitate easy, rapid and non-traumatic intubation. It has double murphy eyes with an anterior curvature and a posterior opening bevel. It is designed so that the posterior bevel will decrease the incidence of the tube catching at the anterior or the lateral laryngeal structures during tracheal intubation.Subjects and Methods: This is a randomized, single-blind study. Total of 100 patients of either sex aged 18–60 years belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included in the study and the patients with respiratory or pharyngeal pathology, mouth opening < 2.5 cm, body mass index ≥35 kg/m2, pregnancy and anticipated difficult airway were excluded from the study. The duration of the study was one year. The ethical clearance was taken from the institutional ethical committee. Written informed consent from all participants was obtained for participation in the study. Results: A total of 100 patients were allocated for the study. The insertion of the airway device was successful in all the patients of group 1. So, 50 patients were analysed for intubation in group 1. Air-Q ILA could not be inserted and resulted in failure in two cases. Hence, 48 patients were analysed statistically for intubation in group 2. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, weight and sex distribution. The mean age of patients in group 1 was 40.00 ± 10.76 years and in group 2 it was 40.56 ± 11.0 years (P = 0.651). There were 30 females and 20 males both in group 1 and group 2 (P = 1.000). The mean weight of patients in group 1 was 60.34 ± 8.06 kg and in group 2 was 60.10 ± 10.05 kg (P = 0.924). Conclusion:The overall success rate using Parker Flex Tip tube was more with ILMA (99%) as compared to air-Q ILA (78%). It can be further suggested that Parker Flex Tip tube can be used as an alternative to silicone tube with ILMA, but more multicentre studies are required over larger populations to evaluate the utility of Parker Flex Tip tube with air-Q ILA.
Comparison of Premixed with Sequential Administration of Intrathecal Morphine and Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Lower Segment Caesarean Section
Authors: Jahanara  , Koshyari Harish Singh , Asthana Veena , Nautiyal Ruchira 
Published: October 2020

Background: Adequate pain relief is considered as a basic human right .In obstetrics patients, using low dose opioids (Morphine, Fentanyl, sufentanil) in neuraxial blockade is effective method for anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia in LSCS and nearly no danger to parturient or unborn. Subjects and Methods: Keeping in mind the difference in the baricties of commonly used hyperbaric bupivacaine and morphine, we conducted a single blind randomized controlled trial on 156 full term parturient scheduled for elective and emergency LSCS under SAB and on the technique of intrathecal administration of drug parturients were divided into 3 groups. GROUP 1 (n=52) - Hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) 9mg (1.8ml) + morphine 200mcg (0.2ml) as a mixture GROUP 2 (n=52)-Hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) 9mg (1.8ml) + Morphine 200mcg (0.2ml) administered after bupivacaine GROUP 3 (n=52)-Hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) 9mg (1.8ml) + Morphine 200mcg (0.2ml) administered before bupivacaine. We observed for block characteristics, maternal hemodynamics and neonatal outcome. Results: In our study, duration of analgesia was clinically prolonged in all the groups. The block characteristics were comparable between the groups.These beneficial effects were not accompanied by any major hemodynamic instability or adverse effects and no untoward effect on the newborn. Conclusion: Premixed and sequential administration of IT morphine with hyperbaric bupivacaine were comparable in terms of quality of subarachnoid block maternal hemodynamic and neonatal outcome.
Histomorphological Profile of Liver and Kidney Tissues of Albino Wistar Rats Following Exposure to Cadmium-Induced Damage and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation
Authors: Uche C. Okwuonu  , Dayo R. Omotoso  , Emmanuel O. Bienonwu  , Osahenrhumwen Adagbonyin  , Joseph Dappa  
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Cadmium is a common heavy metal toxicant that can cause diverse tissue toxicities and pathologies. Conversely, ascorbic acid is a natural anti-oxidant that can ameliorate cytotoxic effects of tissue toxicants. In this study, the objective was to assess the histomorphological profile of liver and kidney tissues of albino Wistar rats after exposure to cadmium-induced damage and ascorbic acid supplementation. Subjects and Methods: 24 animals were divided into four groups (1-4) comprising of six animals each (n=6). Normal control group 1 was given distilled water, test control group 2 given 5 mg/kg Cadmium chloride and test groups 3 and 4 given 5 mg/kg Cadmium chloride + 100 mg/kg ascorbic acid and 5 mg/kg + 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid respectively. The route of the 21 days administration was oral. Thereafter, the liver and kidney of experimental animals were harvested, weighed and processed. Results: Only the test control group 2 showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in mean organ weight compared to normal control group 1. Similarly, only the test control group 2 animals showed significant alterations in the liver and kidney histomorphological profile compared to normal control group 1. Conclusion: The ascorbic acid exhibited prominent ameliorative effect against damaging effect of cadmium exposure leading to relative reparation of liver and kidney histomorphology in albino Wistar rats.
Hierarchical Image Object Search Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yao Hongge , Tan Yuxing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObject detection technology occupies a pivotal position in the field of modern computer vision research, its purpose is to accurately locate the object human beings are looking for in the image and classify the object. With the development of deep learning technology, convolutional neural networks are widely used because of their outstanding performance in feature extraction, which greatly improves the speed and accuracy of object detection. In recent years, reinforcement learning technology has emerged in the field of artificial intelligence, showing excellent decision-making ability to deal with problems. In order to combine the perception ability of deep learning technology with the decision-making ability of reinforcement learning technology, this paper incorporate reinforcement learning into the convolutional neural network, and propose a hierarchical deep reinforcement learning object detection model.