bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localized expression and inhibition effect of miR-184 on blood digestion and oviposition in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Malik Muhammad Irfan , Nawaz Mohsin , Wang Yanan , Zhang Houshuang , Cao Jie , Zhou Yongzhi , Hassan Ibrahim A. , Islam Md. Nazrul , Anwar Muhammad Naveed , Zhou Jinlin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe hard tickHaemaphysalis longicornis(Ixodidae) is widely distributed in East Asia, China, Australia and New Zealand. It can transmit many infectious pathogens, including the causative agents of human rickettsiosis, bovine theileriosis, bovine babesiosis and canine babesiosis. Therefore, a greater understanding ofH. longicornisbiology might aid in the development of more effective control measures against the tick and tick-borne pathogens.MethodsWe analyzed the expression of miR-184 in different developmental stages and various tissues ofH. longicornisusing real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Antagomir (Ant-184) was used to knock-down miR-184, whilst Ms-Ant and non-injected ticks were used as the negative and blank controls, respectively. We used online software tools (RNAhybrid and TargetScan) to predict the putative target genes of miR-184.ResultsThe expression of miR-184 was highest in unfed nymphs and lowest in unfed larvae. The tissue distribution of miR-184 showed abundant expression in the midgut. To investigate the probable roles of miR-184, antagomir (Ant-184) was used to knock-down miR-184 (t(4)= 12.32,P= 0.0002). After inhibiting miR-184, other biological factors were examined in each group. The engorged body weight was significantly reduced in the treated group (Ant-184) in contrast to control groups (t(22)= 2.19,P= 0.0388). The mean duration of the egg-laying days was significantly increased (33.5 ± 1.91) and the number of eggs (t(10)= 3.147,P= 0.0137), and egg mass (t(10)= 3.4472,P= 0.0063) were significantly reduced in the treated group. During oviposition, eggs were monitored and in half of the ticks of the Ant-184 group the eggs were completely desiccated, lacked embryo development and did not hatch. We analyzed the expression of Vg proteins (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3) in semi-engorged ticks, engorged ticks, ticks at day 2 after engorgement and egg stage in Ant-184, non-injected and Ms-Ant groups, and found significant variation.ConclusionsThis study provides information on the role of miR-184 inH. longicornisticks. The data suggest that miR-184 targets Vg proteins and affects blood digestion and oviposition.
Nocturnal systolic blood pressure pattern of type 2 diabetic hypertensive men with erectile dysfunction: a cross sectional study from Northern Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumanan Thirunavukarasu , Sujanitha Vathulan , Rajeshkannan Nadarajah , Nisahan Balasingam 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
This small scale cross-sectional study was done to identify the common systolic blood pressure pattern (dipping or non-dipping) among type 2 diabetic men with coexisting hypertension and erectile dysfunction(ED). A recent study in the same setting showed that prevalence of ED was high among diabetic men and co-existing hypertension was identified as an independent risk factor. There was a postulation about an association between ED and non-dipping nocturnal blood pressure pattern. So ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) was obtained for participants to test this prediction. Data was analysed using SPSS 25 Version.

Results
Among 29 participants who underwent ABPM, 21 showed non-dipping pattern of nocturnal systolic blood pressure (72.4%; CI 54.3–86.3). Mean SBP of participants was 125.55 +_14.1 and Mean DBP was 81.5 + _12.82. There was no statistical difference observed in mean SBP and DBP between patients with dipping nocturnal SBP and non-dipping pattern (P > 0.05). Variability of SBP was high among the participants (Mean SD-11.96 +/_2.74) and DBP also showed relatively high variability (SD-9.28 +/_2.9). Mean dipping percentage of the SBP during sleep was 5.54 +/_6.66. A significant difference in heart rate (HR) between patients with non-dipping and dipping pattern was noted (P-0.034).
Association between increased levels of amyloid-β oligomers in plasma and episodic memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Meng Xue , Li Tao , Wang Xiao , Lv Xiaozhen , Sun Zhiyu , Zhang Jichun , Su Feng , Kang Sungmin , Kim SangYun , An Seong Soo A. , Yu Xin , Zhang Chen , Wang Huali 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
The objectives of this study were to investigate whether the plasma levels of oligomeric amyloid-β (OAβ) were affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and to examine the associations (or possible correlations) between plasma OAβ levels and memory performance.

Method
Thirty subjects with AD and 28 cognitively normal controls were recruited in the study. The multimer detection system (MDS) was used to measure the levels of OAβ in the plasma. In addition to assessing the general cognitive function with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive portion (ADAS-Cog), the common objects memory test (COMT) was used to examine the episodic memory performance. Pearson’s and partial correlation analyses were conducted to explore the associations between cognitive performance and OAβ levels in the plasma. A receiving operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to discriminate between the AD and control groups.

Results
The plasma OAβ levels in the AD group were significantly higher than those in the control group [1.88 (0.38) ng/ml vs 1.20 (0.40) ng/ml, p < 0.001]. The elevated levels of plasma OAβ showed a strong correlation with cognitive performance in patients with AD, including an inverse correlation with scores on the MMSE (r = − 0.43, p = 0.02), CASI (r = − 0.56, p < 0.01), and the immediate recall (r = − 0.45, p = 0.01), 5-min delayed recall (r = − 0.56, p < 0.01), and 30-min delayed recall (r = − 0.71, p < 0.001) tests of the COMT, and a positive correlation with the ADAS-Cog scores (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). The EDTA plasma Aβ oligomer optical density (OD) value measured using the MDS could discriminate between the AD and control groups with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89. The optimal sensitivity and specificity were 82.1% and 90.0%, respectively.

Conclusion
The elevated levels of OAβ in the plasma distinguished the AD and control groups and were associated with the severity of symptoms, especially memory performance, in patients with AD. Our results suggested that plasma OAβ could potentially be a simple and non-invasive blood-based biomarker for AD diagnosis. Furthermore, longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the application of plasma OAβ levels as a valid diagnostic biomarker in patients with AD.
Pneumocephalus and pneumorachis after blunt chest trauma without spinal fractures: a case report
Authors: Allard Etienne , Selim Jean , Veber Benoit 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Pneumocephalus and pneumorachis, presence of air inside the skull and spinal canal, are mostly seen after neurosurgical procedures and neuraxial anesthesia. They have also been described after penetrating trauma, but never after blunt trauma without adjacent bone fractures.

Case description
We present the case of an 85-year-old white male patient admitted to our intensive care unit after a high velocity car accident. On site clinical evaluation showed normal consciousness with 15/15 Glasgow Coma Scale after a short initial loss of consciousness. The patient was first sent to a nearby hospital where a whole-body computed tomography scan revealed pneumocephalus and pneumorachis and an important left hemopneumothorax with pneumomediastinum with extensive subcutaneous emphysema. The state of the patient quickly worsened with hemorrhagic shock. The patient was sent to our intensive care unit; upon neurosurgical evaluation, no surgical indication was retained due to the absence of skull and spine fracture.
A computed tomography scan performed on day 6 showed total regression of the pneumocephalus and pneumorachis. A follow-up computed tomography scan performed on day 30 revealed no intracranial bleeding or stroke, but a left pleural hernia between ribs 5 and 6. Due to respiratory complications, our patient could not be weaned from ventilator support for a proper neurological examination.
Our patient’s state finally worsened with septic shock due to ventilator-acquired pneumonia leading to multiple organ failure and our patient died on day 37.

Conclusions
This is the first case report to describe pneumorachis and pneumocephalus following blunt trauma with pneumothorax, but no spinal or skull fractures. The mechanism that is probably involved here is a migration of air with subcutaneous emphysema and a pleural hernia into the spinal canal. However, in cases of pneumorachis or pneumocephalus, skull fractures need to be investigated as these require surgery and appropriate vaccination to prevent meningitis.
Transmission of wireless backhaul signal in a cellular system with small moving cells
Authors: Kim Hyoung-Keon , Byun Yong-Suk , Jung Geon-Woong , Lee Yong-Hwan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Deployment of small moving cells (SMCs) has been considered in advanced cellular systems, where wireless backhaul links are required between base stations and SMCs. In this paper, we consider signal transmission by means of multiuser beamforming in the wireless backhaul link. We generate the beam weight in an eigen-direction of weighted combination of short- and long-term channel information of the backhaul link. The beam weight can maximize the average signal-to-leakage-plus-noise ratio (SLNR), while providing the transmission robust to SMC mobility. We analyze the performance of the proposed scheme in terms of the average signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and optimize the transmit power by iterative water-filling. Finally, we verify the performance of the proposed scheme by computer simulation.
Some bounds for the Z-eigenpair of nonnegative tensors
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Song Yisheng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Tensor eigenvalue problem is one of important research topics in tensor theory. In this manuscript, we consider the properties of Z-eigenpair of irreducible nonnegative tensors. By estimating the ratio of the smallest and largest components of a positive Z-eigenvector for a nonnegative tensor, we present some bounds for the eigenvector and Z-spectral radius of an irreducible and weakly symmetric nonnegative tensor. The proposed bounds complement and extend some existing results. Finally, several examples are given to show that such a bound is different from one given in the literature.
A conservative numerical scheme for Rosenau-RLW equation based on multiple integral finite volume method
Authors: Guo Cui , Li Fang , Zhang Wenping , Luo Yuesheng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A multiple integral finite volume method combined and Lagrange interpolation are applied in this paper to the Rosenau-RLW (RRLW) equation. We construct a two-level implicit fully discrete scheme for the RRLW equation. The numerical scheme has the accuracy of third order in space and second order in time, respectively. The solvability and uniqueness of the numerical solution are shown. We verify that the numerical scheme keeps the original equation characteristic of energy conservation. It is proved that the numerical scheme is convergent in the order of $O(\tau ^{2} + h^{3})$
O
(

τ
2

+

h
3

)
and unconditionally stable. A numerical experiment is given to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of scheme.
From social adversity to sympathy for violent radicalization: the role of depression, religiosity and social support
Authors: Rousseau Cécile , Hassan Ghayda , Miconi Diana , Lecompte Vanessa , Mekki-Berrada Abdelwahed , El Hage Habib , Oulhote Youssef 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Discrepancies among studies suggest that the relation between social adversity and sympathy for violent radicalization (SVR) is multifaceted and may differ according to social context. This paper examines the role of depression, religiosity and social support in the relation between social adversity (i.e., discrimination and exposure to violence) and SVR among college students in Quebec, Canada.

Methods
A total of 1894 students responded to an online questionnaire posted on the internet of eight colleges. Multilevel analyses were first conducted to account for the clustered nature of the data, followed by mediation and moderation analyses.

Results
First generation migrants reported less SVR than second generation youth and non-immigrants. The mediating and/or moderating role of depression, religiosity and social support was examined through causal inference models. Depression mediated the relation between social adversity and SVR, with depression scores accounting for 47% and 25% of the total effect between discrimination and exposure to violence and SVR scores, respectively. Religiosity and social support moderated the association between social adversity and SVR.

Conclusions
These results suggest that prevention programs should consider violent radicalization as a systemic issue which involves both minorities and the majority, although the specific balance between risk and protective factors may be influenced by local dynamics. They also question intervention measures targeting specifically migrants or ethno-cultural communities because of the risk of increasing profiling and stigmatization. Prevention programs should prioritize decreasing discrimination in colleges, as well as the provision of psychosocial support to depressed youth who experience social adversity.
Correlation analysis of serum thyroid stimulating hormone with acute cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Zhu Jian , Chen Ming , Li Nan , Yang Shaoling , Xu Lu , Wang Yanru , Li Hong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Acute cerebrovascular disease (ACVD) could cause abnormal metabolism of thyroid hormones (TH), mostly represented as a euthyroid sick syndrome or low T3 syndrome. However, the changes in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of TSH alteration in patients with ACVD.

Method
Patients with ACVD admitted in our hospitals between January 2013 and September 2017 were enrolled in this study (n = 245, including 176 cerebral infarctions and 69 cerebral hemorrhages). Their thyroid hormones were measured and compared with healthy individuals (n = 75). The correlation of TSH with severity and prognosis of ACVD were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results
Serum TSH in ACVD group was higher than the control group (1.64 ± 1.08 vs. 1.26 ± 0.36 μIU/mL, P < 0.05). The TSH levels in intermediate and severe patients with ACVD were higher than in mild patients (1.72 ± 1.18 vs. 2.71 ± 0.93 vs. 1.02 ± 0.47 μIU/mL, P < 0.05). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) of TSH in determining the severity of patients were 0.863 (Area under the curve, AUC), 1.496 μIU/L (optimal threshold), 76.5% (sensitivity) and 87.3% (specificity). TSH levels in improved and unchanged groups were significantly higher than the primarily healing group (2.27 ± 1.11 vs. 2.88 ± 1.07 vs. 0.86 ± 0.46 μIU/mL, P < 0.05). ROC of TSH in determining the prognosis of patients was 0.910 (AUC), 1.681 mIU/L (optimal threshold), 79.8% (sensitivity) and 90.5% (specificity) correspondingly.

Conclusion
Since elevated TSH in ACVD patients affects the outcome of thyroid function evaluation, it is preferable to re-check after the acute period. A correlation between a high TSH level and the severity and prognosis of ACVD was detected, but the mechanism of this correlation needs to be further studied.
The efficacy and safety of combination of PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Kongju , Yi Ming , Qin Shuang , Chu Qian , Zheng Xinhua , Wu Kongming 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Recently, a series of clinical trials showed that combination of anti-programmed cell death-1 (α-PD-1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (α-CTLA-4) could effectively eliminate tumor. However, in comparison with widely adopted mono-immune checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, the advantage of combination therapy of α-PD-1 and α-CTLA-4 in response rate and prognosis is controversial especially considering probably increased treatment related adverse event. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of combination treatment of α-PD-1 and α-CTLA-4.

Methods
This meta-analysis involved 8 clinical trials. In most trials, the primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Thus we calculated risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to compare ORR of patients undergoing different treatment strategies. Moreover, the co-primary endpoints in few trials included progression-free survival and overall survival. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI were employed to weigh the influence of different treatments on prognosis of patients. Subgroup analysis was conducted in patients with high and low expression of PD-L1. Lastly, the safety of combination therapy was evaluated by comparing treatment related adverse events among various treatment groups.

Results
Our results showed that ORR was significantly higher in patients receiving α-PD-1 plus α-CTLA-4 compared with α-PD-1 (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16–1.48) or α-CTLA-4 monotherapy (RR 2.11, 95% CI 1.84–2.43), chemotherapy and targeted therapy (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.26–1.58). α-PD-1 plus α-CTLA-4 treated patients had a great advantage on monotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy treated patients in PFS. Notably, no significant alteration in total adverse event rate was observed in α-PD-1 plus α-CTLA-4 treated patients. Results of subgroup analysis showed that combination therapy could enhance anti-tumor response in comparison with other treatments, especially for low PD-L1 expression patients undergoing nivolumab treatment (ORR: RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.11–1.65).

Conclusion
Combination treatment of α-PD-1 and α-CTLA-4 is a feasible strategy with enhanced efficacy and acceptable adverse event. Moreover, for some low PD-L1 expression patients, α-CTLA-4 might decrease the risk of resistance to α-PD-1 and demonstrate the synergistic anti-tumor effect.
Synaptic localization of C9orf72 regulates post-synaptic glutamate receptor 1 levels
Authors: Xiao Shangxi , McKeever Paul M. , Lau Agnes , Robertson Janice 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in a noncoding region of C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Reduction of select or total C9orf72 transcript and protein levels is observed in postmortem C9-ALS/FTD tissue, and loss of C9orf72 orthologues in zebrafish and C. elegans results in motor deficits. However, how the reduction in C9orf72 in ALS and FTD might contribute to the disease process remains poorly understood. It has been shown that C9orf72 interacts and forms a complex with SMCR8 and WDR41, acting as a guanine exchange factor for Rab GTPases. Given the known synaptosomal compartmentalization of C9orf72-interacting Rab GTPases, we hypothesized that C9orf72 localization to synaptosomes would be required for the regulation of Rab GTPases and receptor trafficking. This study combined synaptosomal and post-synaptic density preparations together with a knockout-confirmed monoclonal antibody for C9orf72 to assess the localization and role of C9orf72 in the synaptosomes of mouse forebrains. Here, we found C9orf72 to be localized to both the pre- and post-synaptic compartment, as confirmed by both post-synaptic immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence labelling. In C9orf72 knockout (C9-KO) mice, we demonstrated that pre-synaptic Rab3a, Rab5, and Rab11 protein levels remained stable compared with wild-type littermates (C9-WT). Strikingly, post-synaptic preparations from C9-KO mouse forebrains demonstrated a complete loss of Smcr8 protein levels, together with a significant downregulation of Rab39b and a concomitant upregulation of GluR1 compared with C9-WT mice. We confirmed the localization of Rab39b downregulation and GluR1 upregulation to the dorsal hippocampus of C9-KO mice by immunofluorescence. These results indicate that C9orf72 is essential for the regulation of post-synaptic receptor levels, and implicates loss of C9orf72 in contributing to synaptic dysfunction and related excitotoxicity in ALS and FTD.
Eliminating medicine waste in a Finnish university hospital — a qualitative study
Authors: Peltoniemi Teijo , Suomi Reima 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMedicine waste in hospitals leads to severe economic loss. This waste emerges for a number of reasons. Medicines are often ordered in too large quantities, which leads to stock expiring without being dispensed. Wastage can also be a consequence of poor management practices. Technical aids, such as automatic dispensers, have been suggested to reduce waste, but they too have shortcomings. Information systems can arguably contribute to waste reduction, but this area has not been widely researched.In this exploratory case study, we scrutinized the management of medicines waste in a hospital from an information systems perspective and examined how information systems are used to manage the medicine supply chain and medicine waste. Our research case was a Finnish university hospital, its central pharmacy, and, more widely, the medicine supply chain within the hospital.MethodsThis is a qualitative case study, based on data gathered through interviews and a survey and a review of other information sources, including annual reports and other relevant collateral. The study participants included pharmacy staff members and other hospital staff involved in medicine supply. The interviews were conducted in two rounds, first capturing the main themes and then exploring them further in the later study stages.ResultsThe findings outline a picture of unfit technology and inconsistent and unreliable information. This is compensated for by manual practices and processes that cause an excessive administrative burden and ultimately increased wastage. An infrequent ordering process combined with the lack of recycling practices increase the wastage even more.ConclusionMedicine supply and waste management remain a manual administrative task. Inconsistent information and unfit information systems make this task challenging, and the process relies on the medicine supply staff’s experience and assumptions.