bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and Reliability of Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) in Iranian People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mehdizadeh Maryam , Fereshtehnejad Seyed-Mohammad , Goudarzi Sepide , Moshtagh Ainaz , Dehghanian Nasrabadi Farzaneh , Habibi Sayed Amir Hasan , Taghizadeh Ghorban
Published: August 2020

Purpose. Pain is one of the nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that, in order to be better managed, requires to be evaluated. Evaluations are done using pain assessment scales such as the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2). The goal of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of SF-MPQ-2 to measure pain in people with PD. Methods. Four hundred and twenty-eight PD patients with a mean (SD) age of 60.11 (11.44) years were included. Accessibility was measured through floor and ceiling effects. Dimensionality was estimated by exploratory factor analysis. The association between SF-MPQ-2 and other scales such as Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, Douleur Neuropathic 4, Brief Pain Inventory, King’s Pain Parkinson’s Disease Scale, and Visual Analog Scale-Pain was considered to calculate convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed by Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Results. A noticeable floor effect was found. Dimensionality results indicated four factors for this scale. A strong relationship was found between the SF-MPQ-2 total score and other scales (r = 0.55 to 0.85). In reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha and ICC were 0.93 and 0.94 for SF-MPQ-2, respectively. Conclusion. The results of this study showed that SF-MPQ-2 has adequate validity and reliability to measure pain in people with Parkinson’s disease.
A Novel Metabolic Connectome Method to Predict Progression to Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wang Min , Yan Zhuangzhi , Xiao Shu-yun , Zuo Chuantao , Jiang Jiehui
Published: August 2020

Objective. Glucose-based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been widely used to predict the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) into Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinically. However, existing discriminant methods are unsubtle to reveal pathophysiological changes. Therefore, we present a novel metabolic connectome-based predictive modeling to predict progression from MCI to AD accurately. Methods. In this study, we acquired fluorodeoxyglucose PET images and clinical assessments from 420 MCI patients with 36 months follow-up. Individual metabolic network based on connectome analysis was constructed, and the metabolic connectivity in this network was extracted as predictive features. Three different classification strategies were implemented to interrogate the predictive performance. To verify the effectivity of selected features, specific brain regions associated with MCI conversion were identified based on these features and compared with prior knowledge. Results. As a result, 4005 connectome features were obtained, and 153 in which were selected as efficient features. Our proposed feature extraction method had achieved 85.2% accuracy for MCI conversion prediction (sensitivity: 88.1%; specificity: 81.2%; and AUC: 0.933). The discriminative brain regions associated with MCI conversion were mainly located in the precentral gyrus, precuneus, lingual, and inferior frontal gyrus. Conclusion. Overall, the results suggest that our proposed individual metabolic connectome method has great potential to predict whether MCI patients will progress to AD. The metabolic connectome may help to identify brain metabolic dysfunction and build a clinically applicable biomarker to predict the MCI progression.
Circulating Inflammatory Markers Are Inversely Associated with Heart Rate Variability Measures in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Wegeberg Anne-Marie L. , Okdahl Tina , Fløyel Tina , Brock Christina , Ejskjaer Niels , Riahi Sam , Pociot Flemming , Størling Joachim , Brock Birgitte
Published: August 2020

Introduction. A neuroimmune communication exists, and compelling evidence suggests that diabetic neuropathy and systemic inflammation are linked. Our aims were (1) to investigate biomarkers of the ongoing inflammation processes including cytokines, adhesion molecules, and chemokines and (2) to associate the findings with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in type 1 diabetes by measuring heart rate variability and cardiac vagal tone. Materials and Methods. We included 104 adults with type 1 diabetes. Heart rate variability, time domain, and frequency domains were calculated from a 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram, while cardiac vagal tone was determined from a 5-minute electrocardiogram. Cytokines (interleukin- (IL-) 1α, IL-4, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α), adhesion molecules (E-selectin, P-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule- (ICAM-) 1), and chemokines (chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)2, CCL3, CCL4, and C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL)10) were assessed using a Luminex multiplexing technology. Associations between concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers and continuous variables of heart rate variability and cardiac vagal tone were estimated using multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, sex, disease duration, and smoking. Results. Participants with the presence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy had higher systemic levels of IL-1α, IL-4, CCL2, and E-selectin than those without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. IL-1α, IL-4, IL-12, TNF-α, and E-selectin were inversely associated with both sympathetic and parasympathetic heart rate variability measures (p>0.01). Discussion. Our results show that several pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, believed to be involved in the progression of diabetic polyneuropathy, are associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, suggesting that these factors may also contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. Our findings emphasize the importance of the neuroimmune regulatory system in the pathogenesis of neuropathy in type 1 diabetes.
Numerical and Theoretical Study on the Settlement of Capped Piles Composite Foundation under Embankment
Authors: Liu Ming-Quan , Huang Da , Song Yi-Xiang , Cen Duo-Feng
Published: August 2020

Capped piles are efficient in settlement control and have been widely used in the reinforcement of soft soil foundations for high‐speed railways and highways. In this study, scenarios involving both capped piles and ordinary piles without caps are numerically studied using the finite element software (ABAQUS). The settlement characteristics of capped piles composite foundation considering the effects of both the pile spacing and the ratio of pile cap to pile diameter are achieved. Based on the numerical results, assuming that the capped pile and the soil under the cap jointly bear load and settle together, a settlement calculation model for capped piles composite foundation is established. By both replacing the compression modulus with the deformation modulus obtained from the field static load test and calculating the area replacement ratio, the formula for calculating the total settlement of the capped piles composite foundation is derived using the layer‐wise summation method. In addition, a real embankment engineering with capped piles composite foundation is adopted to validate the accuracy of this method; by comparing with other methods, the results show that this method is in better agreement with the field monitoring data. Therefore, the proposed method is recommended in the relevant engineering design.
Effect of Biochar Application on Physicochemical and Hydraulic Properties of Loess
Authors: Yang Xiujuan , Fan Henghui , Du Yuhang , Zhang Lu
Published: August 2020

Biochar is important for optimizing soil physical structure and improving soil water retention. The saturated water capacity test, water repellency test, and permeability coefficient test were used to study the effects of biochar additive amount (0, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg) and particle size (>2 mm, 2 mm–0.075 mm, and <0.075 mm) on the basic physicochemical and hydraulic properties of loess. The results showed that with the increase of biochar additive content, the relative particle density decreased linearly (R2 = 0.984); the plastic limit, liquid limit, and plasticity index increased (R2 = 0.947, 0.991, and 0.984, respectively); the maximum dry density decreased (R2 = 0.900); and the optimal water content and saturated water content increased gradually. At the same time, the soil’s pH increased (R2 = 0.957), the soil water repellency decreased, and the water infiltration became easier, but the soil’s permeability coefficient (saturated water conductivity) decreased. When the the biochar particles size is smaller, the soil’s water repellency and permeability coefficient reduced. Studies had shown that the application of biochar makes the loess infiltrate easily, seepage slowly, and contain more water, which improve the water infiltration characteristics and water retention capacity of loess.
Blood and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing in Pneumonia
Authors: Chen Xu , Ding Shuizi , Lei Cheng , Qin Jieli , Guo Ting , Yang Danhui , Yang Min , Qing Jie , He Wenlong , Song Min , Zhang Yan , Zeng Huihui , Qin Qingwu , Yang Lizhen , Long Yingjiao , Chen Yan , Ma Bingyin , Ouyang Ruoyun , Chen Ping , Luo Hong
Published: August 2020

Background. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has made a revolution in the mode of pathogen identification. We decided to explore the diagnostic value of blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as mNGS samples in pneumonia. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 467 mNGS results and assessed the diagnostic performance of paired blood and BALF mNGS in 39 patients with pneumonia. Results. For bacteria and fungi, 16 patients had culture-confirmed pathogen diagnosis, while 13 patients were culture-negative. BALF mNGS was more sensitive than blood mNGS (81.3% vs. 25.0%, p=0.003), and the specificity in BALF and blood mNGS was not statistically significant different (76.9% vs. 84.6%, p=0.317). For 10 patients without culture test, treatments were changed in 2 patients. For viruses, Epstein-Barr virus was positive in blood mNGS in 9 patients. Human adenovirus was detected in both BALF and blood mNGS in 3 patients. Conclusion. Our study suggests that BALF mNGS is more sensitive than blood mNGS in detecting bacteria and fungi, but blood also has advantages to identify the pathogens of pneumonia, especially for some viruses.
Clinacanthus nutans Leaves Extract Reverts Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Rats by Improving Protein Expression of eNOS
Authors: Azemi Ahmad Khusairi , Mokhtar Siti Safiah , Rasool Aida Hanum Ghulam
Published: August 2020

Diabetes mellitus is associated with endothelial dysfunction; it causes progressive vascular damage resulting from an impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. In the diabetes state, presence of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance predisposes to endothelial dysfunction. Clinacanthus nutans, widely used as a traditional medicine for diabetes is reported to have hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the possibility of C. nutans affecting the vascular endothelial function in diabetes remains unclear. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of C. nutans methanolic leaves extract (CNME) on endothelial function in a type 2 diabetes (T2DM) rat model. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=12 per group): nondiabetic control, nondiabetic treated with four weeks of CNME (500 mg/kg/daily), untreated diabetic rats, diabetic treated with metformin (300 mg/kg/daily), and diabetic treated with CNME (500 mg/kg/daily). T2DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) to rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Endothelial-dependent and endothelial-independent relaxations and contractions of the thoracic aorta were determined using the organ bath. Aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was determined using Western blotting. Endothelial-dependent relaxation was reduced in diabetic rats. Both diabetic groups treated with CNME or metformin significantly improved the impairment in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation; this was associated with increased expression of aortic eNOS protein. CNME- and metformin-treated groups also reduced aortic endothelium-dependent and aortic endothelium-independent contractions in diabetics. Both of these diabetic-treated groups also reduced blood glucose levels and increased body weight compared to the untreated diabetic group. In conclusion, C. nutans improves endothelial-dependent vasodilatation and reduces endothelial-dependent contraction, thus ameliorating endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rats. This may occur due to its effect on increasing eNOS protein expression.
miRNA-10a-5p Alleviates Insulin Resistance and Maintains Diurnal Patterns of Triglycerides and Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Guo Yawei , Zhu Xiaohui , Zeng Sha , He Mingyi , Xing Xiurong , Wang Changyuan
Published: August 2020

miRNA-10a is rhythmically expressed and regulates genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the effects of miRNA-10a on obesity and glucose intolerance, as well as on the diurnal pattern of expression of circadian clock genes, remain unknown. We explored the effects of miRNA-10a-5p on insulin resistance and on the diurnal patterns of serum triglycerides and gut microbiota in high-fat diet- (HFD-) fed mice. The results showed that oral administration of miRNA-10a-5p significantly prevented body weight gain and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in HFD-fed mice. Administration of miRNA-10a-5p also maintained the diurnal rhythm of Clock, Per2, and Cry1 expression, as well as serum glucose and triglyceride levels. Surprisingly, the diurnal oscillations of three genera of microbes, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, and Lachnospiraceae, disrupted by HFD feeding, maintained by administration of miRNA-10a-5p. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was found between hepatic Clock expression and relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, both in control mice (r=0.877) and in mice administered miRNA-10a-5p (r=0.853). Furthermore, we found that along with changes in Lachnospiraceae abundance, butyrate content in the feces maintained a diurnal rhythm after miRNA-10a-5p administration in HFD-fed mice. In conclusion, we suggest that miRNA-10a-5p may improve HFD-induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance through the modulation of the diurnal rhythm of Lachnospiraceae and its metabolite butyrate. Therefore, miRNA-10a-5p may have preventative properties in subjects with metabolic disorders.
Reliability Analysis of Key Components of the Pod Based on Grey System Theory
Authors: Hu Dongfang , Su Hang , Shen Zuhui
Published: August 2020

For improving the reliability of key components in an airborne pod, gray system theory is introduced into the virtual design of airborne pod. Based on this theory, key components of airborne pod are analyzed and mathematical models of the gray relational model and absolute and relative gray relational model are established, respectively. The differences and relations of the three methods for evaluating the robustness of products are researched. Considering the influence of relevant factors, the change rate of each evaluation index is calculated, and the reliability analysis of the airborne pod body is realized ultimately. Finally, the No. 2 test pod body is the optimal solution, which provides an effective theoretical basis for determining the optimal structure of the airborne pod body.
Study on Fatigue Characteristics of Carbonation Erosion Prestressed Hollow Slabs in Whole Life Cycle
Authors: Zheng Yuanxun , Li Kuan , Ji Mengen , Moshtagh Ehsan
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the whole life cycle (failure‐reinforcement‐failure) durability and related fatigue properties of prestressed hollow beam under carbonation erosion environment were studied. According to a 20 m hollow slab beam, the model of prestressed hollow beam was designed and made, and the durability and fatigue tests for the whole life cycle of prestressed hollow beam were carried out. The results showed that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the specimens increased by about 20% under the action of carbonization erosion. With the increase of fatigue loading cycles, the crack occurrence and development speed of carbonized erosion components were greater than those of healthy components, and the fatigue life decreased sharply from 3 million cycles to 50,000 cycles. Pasting carbon fiber and steel plate had better reinforcement effect on the damaged prestressed plate beam and could help improving the fatigue life of the reinforced component. Comparing the reinforcement of different strengthening methods, it is found that the steel‐plate‐reinforced components have better mechanical properties and antifatigue attenuation characteristics than the carbon‐fiber‐reinforced ones. The research results have important theoretical value for improving the durability of structure and prolonging its service life.
Survival Analysis of Clinical Cases of Caseous Lymphadenitis of Goats in North Shoa, Ethiopia
Authors: Yitagesu Erdachew , Alemnew Enyiew , Olani Abebe , Asfaw Tadiwos , Demis Chekol
Published: August 2020

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a bacterial disease of small ruminants causing abscesses in lymph nodes of the body and internal organs. A longitudinal study from 2011 to 2019 was undertaken at Ataye site of Debre Birhan Research Center to estimate the prevalence and incidence, identify associated risk factors, and characterize the causative bacteria. 1025 goats were followed up for the CLA study. Survival analysis was done using SAS 9.4 software program. Biochemical tests and Biolog microbial identification system were used to characterize the bacteria. In the recurrent survival data analysis, there were 1,138 clinical observations and 214 CLA cases (18.8% prevalence) based on clinical diagnosis. The incidence rate was 0.14 cases per animal year. From a total of 214 cases, 130 have occurred once and 84 cases are recurrent cases following first cases. The cumulative failure rates were 68% for newborn and 64% for yearling age groups. The parotid lymph node was the most frequently affected site. Proportional hazard analysis results showed that sex, age, and breed were associated (p<0.05) with CLA incidence. Females, newborn age group, Boer, and Boer × Central Highland Goat (CHG) were at higher risks compared to males, yearling age group, and CHG goats, respectively. The present study indicated that a high incidence rate of CLA in the goat farm is difficult to control and prevent because of its poor response to clinical treatment. Thus, control and prevention should focus on the spread of the disease such as isolation of clinically sick animals, culling, and vaccination of flocks.
Effects of Organic Nutrient Sources and NPS Fertilizer on the Agronomic and Economic Performance of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Elka Ermias , Laekemariam Fanuel
Published: August 2020

Despite the fact that mineral fertilizers are widely considered as a major option for addressing the crisis of nutrient depletion, their use among smallholder farmers is not adequate due to an escalating cost. Alternatively, nutrient-rich organic sources that are easily available to farmers are not widely promoted. Thus, this study was carried out in the research field of Wolaita Sodo University, Southern Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of locally available organic nutrient sources and nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) sulfur (S) fertilizer (19N-46P2O5-7S) on the productivity and economic performance of common bean. The organic materials used were Croton (Croton macrostachyus) and Erythrina (Erythrina brucei) at 2 : 1 ratio, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments for organic fertilizer (OF) were 0, 2.5, and 5 t·ha−1 and for NPS fertilizer were 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·ha−1. Chemical composition analysis of organic materials showed high nutrient content where the amount varied from 4.7%–5.2% N, 11.07–18.6 mg/kg P, and 2.12%–3.07% K. Results on agronomic parameters revealed that the leaf area index, grain weight, number of pods per plant, dry matter per plant, and grain yield of haricot bean were significantly affected by both main and combined effects of NPS and OF fertilizers. The grain yield under integrated application of 150 kg NPS/ha and 2.5 t·OF/ha (4.16 t/ha) was significantly higher than that obtained from unfertilized crop (1.01 t/ha) by 312%. Additionally, it resulted in 34%, 31%, and 79% yield increment over the blanket dose (100 kg·NPS·ha−1), 2.5 t/ha and 5 t/ha, respectively. It was also noted that resource-poor farmers, compared to unfertilized crop, can get grain yield superior by 130% and 214% using sole OF at 2.5 and 5 t·ha−1, respectively. Furthermore, the highest economic benefit (27, 179.5EtB) was recorded from 150 kg NPS/ha + 2.5 t·OF/ha. The finding suggested that locally available organic materials of plant origin alone/integrated with NPS fertilizer are helpful for increased yield of haricot bean.
Approximating Stationary Points of Multivalued Generalized Nonexpansive Mappings in Metric Spaces
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Ahmad Junaid , Arshad Muhammad , de la Sen Manuel , Khan Muhammad Safi Ullah
Published: August 2020

In this research, under some appropriate conditions, we approximate stationary points of multivalued Suzuki mappings through the modified Agarwal-O’Regan-Sahu iteration process in the setting of 2-uniformly convex hyperbolic spaces. We also provide an illustrative numerical example. Our results improve and extend some recently announced results of the current literature.
Capacity Improvement for DVB-NGH with Dual-Polarized MIMO Spatial Multiplexing and Hybrid Beamforming
Authors: Nguyen Huu Trung , Le Trung Tan , Nguyen Trung Hien
Published: August 2020

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna scheme is an effective technique for future terrestrial broadcasting systems such as digital video broadcasting-next-generation handheld (DVB-NGH) to overcome the limits on information theory of traditional single-antenna wireless communications without any additional bandwidth or increased transmit power. In this paper, we propose a hybrid beamforming scheme for dual-polarized MIMO spatial multiplexing DVB-NGH broadcasting systems. The system of interest makes use of phase shifters and amplitude attenuators for the digital-analog precoder at beamforming stage of the transmitter end to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio to increase the channel capacity of the DVB-NGH systems. At the receiver end, the maximum likelihood (ML) detector is used to evaluate the system performance. We consider the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) and the achievable average capacity for the DVB-NGH MIMO with various FFT sizes, number of transmit antennas, and different modulation schemes. The performance results on bit error rate, channel capacity, and beampatterns show that the proposed hybrid beamforming and dual-polarized MIMO spatial multiplexing schemes provide more robustness against signal interference by beamforming and/or nulling techniques. The simulation results also show that the proposed system achieves higher capacity than the existing MIMO schemes for the DVB-NGH systems.
Performance Analysis of Parameter Estimator Based on Closed-Form Newton Method for Ultrawideband Positioning
Authors: Wang Chuanyang , Ning Yipeng , Wang Jian , Yao Guobiao , Zhang Longping , Yang Haichao
Published: August 2020

Ultrawideband (UWB) is considered as a promising technology in indoor positioning due to its accurate time resolution and good penetration through objects. Since the functional model of UWB positioning is nonlinear, iterative algorithms are often considered for solving the nonlinear problem. With a rough initial value, we can obtain the optimal solution by the way of continuous iteration. As an iterative descent method of high efficiency, the Gauss–Newton method is widely used to estimate the position. However, in the UWB indoor positioning, since the location information of the user is rather limited, it is not easy to get a good initial value for iteration. Besides, the positioning system is prone to become ill-posed. These factors make the Gauss–Newton method not easy to converge to a global optimal solution or even diverge, especially under ill-conditioned positioning configuration. Furthermore, the linearization of the positioning functional model results in biased least-squares estimation. The Gauss–Newton method only includes the first-order Taylor expansion of distance equations. The bias comes from neglected higher order terms. In this study, the closed-form Newton method which considers the high order partial derivatives is introduced and proposed. The simulation and measurement experiments are implemented to analyze the performance of the closed-form Newton method in UWB positioning. Both the initial value factor and geometric configuration factor are discussed. Experimental results are given to demonstrate that the closed-form Newton method can converge to the global optimal solution with better convergence and higher efficiency regardless of whether the initial iteration value is reasonable or not. Meanwhile, the closed-form Newton method can improve the accuracy of positioning results, particularly when the anchors are not uniformly and symmetrically distributed, or the ranging error is relatively large. The study shows that closed-form of the Newton method has better convergence and positioning performance than the Gauss–Newton method, especially under ill-conditioned positioning configuration or relatively low measurement precision, even though it adds a little computational cost.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Attenuates Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Neural Stem Cell Proliferation in Dentate Gyrus of Rats
Authors: Zhang Xin , Hei Yue , Bai Wei , Huang Tao , Kang Enming , Chen Huijun , Kong Chuiguang , Yang Yongxiang , Ye Yuqin , He Xiaosheng
Published: August 2020

It was not clear how and whether neural stem cells (NSCs) responded to toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in the inflammatory environment after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The current study investigated the correlation of TLR2 and NSC proliferation in the dentate gyrus (DG) using the TBI model of rats. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to observe the expression of BrdU, nestin, and TLR2 in the DG in morphology. Proliferating cells in the DG were labelled by thymidine analog 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Three-labelled BrdU, nestin, and DAPI was used for the identification of newly generated NSCs. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to observe the expression of TLR2 from the level of protein and mRNA. We observed that BrdU+/nestin+/DAPI+ cells accounted for 84.30%±6.54% among BrdU+ cells; BrdU+ and nestin+ cells in the DG were also TLR2+ cells. BrdU+ cells and the expression of TLR2 (both protein and mRNA levels) both elevated immediately at 6 hours (h), 24 h, 3 days (d), and 7 d posttrauma and peaked in 3 d. Results indicated that TLR2 was expressed on proliferating cells in the DG (NSCs possibly) and there was a potential correlation between increased TLR2 and proliferated NSCs after TBI. Taken together, these findings suggested that TLR2 was involved in endogenous neurogenesis in the DG after TBI.
Angiogenic and Immune-Related Biomarkers and Outcomes Following Axitinib/Pembrolizumab Treatment in Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Martini Jean-François , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Choueiri Toni K. , McDermott David F. , Puzanov Igor , Fishman Mayer N. , Cho Daniel C. , Vaishampayan Ulka , Rosbrook Bradley , Fernandez Kathrine C. , Tarazi Jamal C. , George Saby , Atkins Michael B.
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Combined axitinib/pembrolizumab is approved for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). This exploratory analysis examined associations between angiogenic and immune-related biomarkers and outcomes following axitinib/pembrolizumab treatment.

Patients and Methods:

Prospectively defined retrospective correlative exploratory analyses tested biospecimens from 52 treatment-naïve patients receiving axitinib and pembrolizumab (starting doses 5 mg twice daily and 2 mg/kg respectively, every 3 weeks). Tumor tissue, serum, and whole blood samples were collected at baseline, at cycle 2 day 1 (C2D1), and end of treatment (EOT) for blood-based samples. Clinical outcomes were objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

Higher baseline tumor levels of CD8 showed a trend toward longer PFS (HR 0.4; P = 0.091). Higher baseline serum levels of CXCL10 (P = 0.0197) and CEACAM1 (P = 0.085) showed a trend toward better ORR and longer PFS, respectively. Patients for whom IL6 was not detected at baseline had longer PFS versus patients for whom it was detected (HR 0.4; P = 0.028). At C2D1 and/or EOT, mainly immune-related biomarkers showed any association with better outcomes. The genes CA9 (P = 0.084), HIF1A (P = 0.064), and IFNG (P = 0.073) showed trending associations with ORR, and AKT3 (P = 0.0145), DDX58 (P = 0.0726), GZMA (P = 0.0666), LCN2 (NGAL; P = 0.0267), and PTPN11 (P = 0.0287) with PFS.

Conclusions:

With combined axitinib/pembrolizumab treatment in patients with aRCC, mostly immune-related biomarkers are associated with better treatment outcomes. This exploratory analysis has identified some candidate biomarkers to consider in future prospective testing.
Race-Dependent Differences in Risk, Genomics, and Epstein–Barr Virus Exposure in Monoclonal Gammopathies: Results of SWOG S0120
Authors: Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Sexton Rachael , Hoering Antje , Van Rhee Frits , Barlogie Bart , Orlowski Robert
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Risk of multiple myeloma is increased in African American (AA) populations compared with European American (EA) cohorts. Current estimates of risk of progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are based largely on studies in EA cohorts. Prospective analyses of this risk in AA cohorts are lacking.

Patients and Methods:

Between 2003 and 2011, 331 eligible patients with IgG/A monoclonal gammopathy were enrolled in a prospective observational trial (SWOG S0120).

Results:

Of 331 eligible patients, 57 (17%) were of AA descent. The risk of transformation to clinical malignancy in AA patients was significantly lower than in non-AA cohort (2-year risk 5% vs. 15%; 5-year risk 13% vs. 24%; log-rank P = 0.047). Differences in risk were evident for both MGUS and asymptomatic multiple myeloma. Gene expression profile (GEP) of CD138-purified plasma cells revealed that all molecular multiple myeloma subsets can be identified in both cohorts. However, the proportion of patients with high-risk GEP risk score (GEP-70 gene risk > −0.26) was lower in the AA cohort (0% vs. 33%, P = 0.01). AA cohorts also have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

These data provide the first prospective evidence that multiple myeloma precursor states in AA patients may have lower risk of disease compared with non-AA counterparts with lower incidence of high-risk GEP and increased EBV seropositivity. Race-dependent differences in biology and clinical risk of gammopathy may impact optimal management of these patients.
The Race toward Equity: Increasing Racial Diversity in Cancer Research and Cancer Care
Authors: Brady Donita C. , Weeraratna Ashani T.
Published: August 2020

Cancer research and cancer care require deliberate attention to racial diversity. Here we comment on the ongoing issues of diversity and racism in cancer research.
Precision Nephrology Is a Non-Negligible State of Mind in Clinical Research: Remember the Past to Face the Future
Authors: Provenzano Michele , De Nicola Luca , Pena Michelle J. , Capitoli Giulia , Garofalo Carlo , Borrelli Silvio , Gagliardi Ida , Antolini Laura , Andreucci Michele
Published: August 2020

CKD is a major public health problem. It is characterized by a multitude of risk factors that, when aggregated, can strongly modify outcome. While major risk factors, namely, albuminuria and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) have been well analyzed, a large variability in disease progression still remains. This happens because (1) the weight of each risk factor varies between populations (general population or CKD cohort), countries, and single individuals and (2) response to nephroprotective drugs is so heterogeneous that a non-negligible part of patients maintains a high cardiorenal risk despite optimal treatment. Precision nephrology aims at individualizing cardiorenal prognosis and therapy. The purpose of this review is to focus on the risk stratification in different areas, such as clinical practice, population research, and interventional trials, and to describe the strategies used in observational or experimental studies to afford individual-level evidence. The future of precision nephrology is also addressed. Observational studies can in fact provide more adequate findings by collecting more information on risk factors and building risk prediction models that can be applied to each individual in a reliable fashion. Similarly, new clinical trial designs can reduce the individual variability in response to treatment and improve individual outcomes.
Impact of Mental Health Background and Nutrition Intake on Medium-Term Weight Loss in Japanese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Saiki Atsuhito , Kanai Rieko , Nakamura Shoko , Tanaka Sho , Oka Rena , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Yamaguchi Takashi , Ohira Masahiro , Oshiro Takashi , Hayashi Karin , Tatsuno Ichiro
Published: August 2020

Objectives: Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss therapy, and recently laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining popularity worldwide. On the other hand, patients undergoing bariatric surgery have a high prevalence of mental disorders. A Japanese nationwide survey reported high prevalence of mental disorders in patients with low percent total weight loss (%TWL) and also in those with high %TWL. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of 1-year %TWL with background mental health status, 3-year outcomes, and nutrition intake in Japanese patients after LSG. Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective database analysis. A total of 89 Japanese patients who underwent LSG and were followed for 3 years were enrolled (mean age 41.9 years, baseline body mass index 44.9, baseline glycosylated hemoglobin, HbA1c, 7.0%). The patients were divided into 3 groups according to 1-year %TWL as follows: ≤19.9% (insufficient group), 20.0–34.9% (average group) and ≥35.0% (excessive group). Psychosocial and nutritional status as well as physical data were collected from all patients. Results: The prevalence of mental disorders was 51.7%, and 1-year %TWL was 28.1% in all patients. No significant differences were observed in the changes in body weight and HbA1c between patients with and those without mental disorders. The prevalence of mental disorders was particularly high in the insufficient and excessive groups. In the insufficient group, mood disorders and mental retardation/developmental disorders were frequent, and snacking and eating out habits were often observed. In the excessive group, the frequencies of mood disorders and binge eating were high, and a decrease in skeletal muscle mass due to low protein intake was observed. Furthermore, weight regain was shown 12 months after LSG in both groups. In the average group, there were fewer problems in weight loss outcomes, mental health, nutrition intake and body composition. Conclusions: Psychosocial and nutritional problems were often found not only in patients with insufficient weight loss, but also in those with seemingly “excellent” weight reduction. To improve long-term weight loss outcome and future health, a multidisciplinary approach focusing on mental health and nutrition is essential for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Systemic Inflammation Is Associated with Oncological Outcome in Patients with High-Grade Myxofibrosarcoma of the Extremities: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Sambri Andrea , Zucchini Riccardo , Giannini Claudio , Cevolani Luca , Fiore Michele , Spinnato Paolo , Bianchi Giuseppe , Donati Davide Maria , De Paolis Massimiliano
Published: August 2020

Background: The aim of this retrospective study is to verify whether preoperative systemic inflammatory markers (serum C-reactive protein [CRP] and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio [NLR]) can help in predicting the disease-specific survival (DSS) and local recurrence (LR) rate in adult patients affected by localized myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) of the extremities. Methods: We reviewed 126 adult patients with primary, localized MFS of the limbs. We analyzed DSS and LR. Results: Median age at the time of surgery was 68 years (range 19–92). Median CRP was 0.4 mg/dL and median NLR was 2.8. A worse DSS was found in patients who had preoperative CRP >0.5 mg/dL (p = 0.002) and in those with NLR >3.5 (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, tumor size and grade as well as preoperative CRP values and NLR were confirmed to be prognostic factors in terms of DSS. An increased risk of LR was found in multivariate analysis in patients with a tail sign and with high gadolinium enhancement at preoperative MRI. Conclusions: Patients with high preoperative CRP and NLR levels, as well as large and high-grade tumors, might be considered as candidates for additional, more aggressive treatment approaches or more stringent follow-up schedules.
Whole-Genome-Sequenzierung von Schleimhautmelanomen zeigt diverse Treiber und therapeutische Targets auf
Authors: Newell Felicity , Kong Yan , Wilmott James S. , Johansson Peter A. , Ferguson Peter M. , Cui Chuanliang , Li Zhongwu , Kazakoff Stephen H. , Burke Hazel , Dodds Tristan J. , Patch Ann-Marie , Nones Katia , Tembe Varsha , Shang Ping , van der Weyden Louise , Wong Kim , Holmes Oliver , Lo Serigne , Leonard Conrad , Wood Scott , Xu Qinying , Rawson Robert V. , Mukhopadhyay Pamela , Dummer Reinhard , Levesque Mitchell P. , Jönsson Göran , Wang Xuan , Yeh Iwei , Wu Hong , Joseph Nancy , Bastian Boris C. , Long Georgina V. , Spillane Andrew J. , Shannon Kerwin F. , Thompson  John F. , Saw Robyn P.M. , Adams David J. , Si Lu , Pearson John V. , Hayward Nicholas K. , Waddell Nicola , Mann Graham J. , Guo Jun , Scolyer Richard A.
Published: August 2020

Das Wissen über die genetischen Treiber und therapeutischen Zielstrukturen von Melanomen der Schleimhäute ist bisher lückenhaft, weil nur wenig umfassende Daten zu den Mutationen bei dieser seltenen Tumorart vorliegen. Um die genomische Landschaft des mukosalen Melanoms besser zu verstehen, beschreiben wir hier die Analyse von 67 Tumoren mittels Whole-Genome-Sequenzierung nebst Validierung von Treibermutationen durch Whole-Exome-Sequenzierung von 45 Tumoren. Die Tumoren zeigten eine geringe Punktmutationslast und eine hohe Zahl von Strukturvarianten, einschließlich rekurrenter Rearrangements im Bereich von TERT, CDK4 und MDM2. Signifikant mutierte Gene sind NRAS, BRAF, NF1, KIT, SF3B1, TP53, SPRED1, ATRX, HLA-A und CHD8. SF3B1-Mutationen kamen mit erhöhter Häufigkeit in Melanomen des weiblichen Genitaltrakts und der Anorektalregion vor, und CTNNB1-Mutationen deuten auf den Beitrag einer gestörten WNT-Signaltransduktion zur Entstehung eines Teils der Schleimhautmelanome hin. TERT-Aberrationen und ATRX-Mutationen sind mit Veränderungen der Telomerlängen assoziiert. Die Mutationsprofile eines Großteils der Schleimhautmelanome deuten auf eine mögliche Empfindlichkeit gegenüber CDK4/6- und/oder MEK-Inhibitoren hin.
Impact of COVID-19 on Public Mental Health and the Buffering Effect of a Sense of Coherence
Authors: Schäfer Sarah K. , Sopp M. Roxanne , Schanz Christian G. , Staginnus Marlene , Göritz Anja S. , Michael Tanja
Published: August 2020

Introduction: It is claimed that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a negative impact on mental health. However, to date, prospective studies are lacking. Moreover, it is important to identify which factors modulate the stress response to the pandemic. Previously, sense of coherence (SOC) has emerged as a particularly important resistance factor. Objective: This prospective study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on mental health and to investigate the ability of pre-outbreak SOC levels to predict changes in psychopathological symptoms. Methods: This study assessed psychopathological symptoms and SOC before and after the COVID-19 outbreak as well as post-outbreak COVID-19-related traumatic distress in a German-speaking sample (n =1,591). Bivariate latent change score (BLCS) modeling was used to analyze pre- to post-outbreak changes in psychopathological symptoms and the ability of SOC to predict symptom changes. Results: Overall, there was no change in psychopathological symptoms. However, on an individual-respondent level, 10% experienced a clinically significant increase in psychopathological symptoms and 15% met cut-off criteria for COVID-19-related traumatic distress. Using BLCS modeling, we identified a high-stress group experiencing an increase in psychopathological symptoms and a decrease in SOC and a low-stress group showing the reversed pattern. Changes in SOC and psychopathological symptoms were predicted by pre-outbreak SOC and psychopathological symptom levels. Conclusions: Although mental health was stable in most respondents, a small group of respondents characterized by low levels of SOC experienced increased psychopathological symptoms from pre- to post-outbreak. Thus, SOC training might be a promising approach to enhance the resistance to stressors.
Pleurale Infektionen: Die Rolle der Multiplex-PCR in der Erregerdiagnostik einordnen
Authors: Keymel Stefanie
Published: August 2020

Background: The identification of the pathogens in pleural effusion has mainly relied on conventional bacterial culture or single species polymerase chain reaction (PCR), both with relatively low sensitivity. We investigated the efficacy of a commercially available multiplex bacterial PCR assay developed for pneumonia to identify the pathogens involved in pleural infection, particularly empyema. Methods: A prospective, monocentric, observational study including 194 patients with pleural effusion. Patients were evaluated based on imaging, laboratory values, pleura ultrasound and results of thoracentesis including conventional microbiology studies during hospitalisation. Multiplex bacterial PCR (Curetis Unyvero p55) was performed in batch and had no influence on therapeutic decisions. Results: Overall, there were 51/197 cases with transudate and 146/197 with exudate. In 42% (n = 90/214) there was a clinical suspicion of parapneumonic effusion and the final clinical diagnosis of empyema was made in 29% (n = 61/214) of all cases. The most common microorganisms identified in the cases diagnosed with empyema were anaerobes [31] followed by gram-positive cocci [10] and gram-negative rods [4]. The multiplex PCR assay identified more of the pathogens on the panel than the conventional methods (23.3% (7/30) vs. 6.7% (2/30), p = 0.008). Conclusion: The multiplex PCR-based assay had a higher sensitivity and specificity than conventional microbiology when only the pathogens on the pneumonia panel were taken into account. A dedicated pleural empyema multiplex PCR panel including anaerobes would be needed to cover most common pathogens involved in pleural infection.
Evaluation of Refractive Status and Ocular Biometric Parameters in Primary Angle Closure Disease
Authors: Loh Chow Chin , Kamaruddin Haireen , Bastion Mae-Lynn Catherine , Husain Rahat , Mohd Isa Hazlita , Md. Din Norshamsiah
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the refractive status and ocular biometric parameters in subjects with angle closure in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 171 primary angle closure patients (268 eyes). Visual acuity, refraction, and ocular biometry (central anterior chamber depth [ACD], axial length [AL], and lens thickness) were recorded. Vitreous cavity length (VL) and relative lens position (RLP) were calculated. Results: A total of 92 Primary Angle Closure Suspect (PACS), 30 Primary Angle Closure (PAC), and 146 Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG) eyes were included. Chinese ethnicity formed the majority (n = 197, 73.5%), followed by Malay (n = 57, 21.3%) and Indian (n = 14, 5.2%). There was a significant female preponderance with a female to male ratio of 1.85. Mean age was 65.7 ± 7.7 years. Mean spherical equivalent was +0.33 ± 1.29 D. Approximately half (n = 137, 51%) of the eyes were hyperopic (spherical power ≥+0.5), with PACG having the highest percentage of hyperopia (n = 69, 50.4%). Myopia and emmetropia were present in 48 (17.9) and 83 (31%) eyes, respectively. Although AL and VL in myopia patients were significantly longer than emmetropic and hyperopic eyes (p < 0.001), the ACD was not significantly different (p = 0.427). While the RLP is smaller in myopic eyes, lens thickness was increased in hyperopic eyes. PACG was significantly higher in elderly patients compared to PACS and PAC (p = 0.005). A total of 37 (13.8%) eyes were blind (vision worse than 3/60) and 19 of them (51.3%) were female patients. Conclusion: A decrease in RLP is predictive of angle closure disease in myopic eyes, whereas increased lens thickness contributes to angle closure disease in hyperopic eyes.
O imaginário como estrutura semiótica dos sintomas positivos da psicose paranoica: uma interface entre semiótica cognitiva e psicanálise
Authors: Lepesqueur Marcus
Published: August 2020

A partir de uma análise dos sintomas positivos da psicose paranoica, este artigo propõe uma interlocução entre a semiótica cognitiva e a psicanálise.  Pretende-se mostrar que a iconicidade pode constituir um sistema epistemológico que serve de pano de fundo para a semiose delirante. A adesão ao imaginário, característica da psicose lacaniana, torna-se, aqui, equiparável à predominância de um esquema icônico que modula a interação entre o sujeito psicótico e o outro. Por fim, apresenta-se um modelo preliminar da semiose delirante, capaz de oferecer uma inteligibilidade, em termos cognitivos, para o processo empático sobre o qual se desenrola os sintomas positivos da psicose.
Greimas et la Psychanalyse
Authors: Darrault-Harris Ivan
Published: August 2020

Les relations de Greimas avec la psychanalyse n'ont pas suscité jusqu'à présent d'étude systématique. Et pourtant, dès Sémantique structurale (1966), Greimas construit ses premiers modèles sémiotiques (ainsi le célèbre modèle actantiel) dans le dialogue, quelquefois, certes, très polémique, avec la psychanalyse (cf. sa sévère critique de la psychocritique de Ch. Mauron); il va même jusqu'à évaluer son modèle narratif transformationnel en analysant des séances de psychodrame psychanalytique (avec l'aide de M. Safouan). On s'efforcera donc de préciser à la fois les emprunts à la psychanalyse mais aussi les différences fermement affirmées qui ont permis à Greimas de poser l'identité de la discipline, la sémiotique, qu'il créait, dépassant de fort loin son projet initial de fonder une sémantique. On découvrira chemin faisant les influences, les échos, les homologations suscitées essentiellement par la lecture, sur une longue période, du texte de Freud le plus important à ses yeux, soit la Traumdeutung (1942). Et même si les références à la psychanalyse, dès après Sémantique structurale, s'appauvrissent au point de finir par disparaître totalement. Enfin, les rares allusions de Greimas aux apports de Lacan (ainsi le concept d' «assomption») permettront de clarifier ses rapports avec celui qui, en psychanalyse, fut constamment le partenaire le plus attentif mais aussi le plus critique des linguistes.