bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain pattern of each ligamentous band of the superficial deltoid ligament: a cadaver study
Authors:   Ankle Instability Group, Takao Masato , Ozeki Satoru , Oliva Xavier M. , Inokuchi Ryota , Yamazaki Takayuki , Takeuchi Yoshitaka , Kubo Maya , Lowe Danielle , Matsui Kentaro , Katakura Mai , Glazebrook Mark
Published: May 2020

Background

There are few reports on the detailed biomechanics of the deltoid ligament, and no studies have measured the biomechanics of each ligamentous band because of the difficulty in inserting sensors into the narrow ligaments. This study aimed to measure the strain pattern of the deltoid ligament bands directly using a Miniaturization Ligament Performance Probe (MLPP) system.

Methods

The MLPP was sutured into the ligamentous bands of the deltoid ligament in 6 fresh-frozen lower extremity cadaveric specimens. The strain was measured using a round metal disk (clock) fixed on the plantar aspect of the foot. The ankle was manually moved from 15° dorsiflexion to 30° plantar flexion, and a 1.2-N-m force was applied to the ankle and subtalar joint complex. Then the clock was rotated every 30° to measure the strain of each ligamentous band at each endpoint.

Results

The tibionavicular ligament (TNL) began to tense at 10° plantar flexion, and the tension becomes stronger as the angle increased; the TNL worked most effectively in plantar flex-abduction. The tibiospring ligament (TSL) began to tense gradually at 15° plantar flexion, and the tension became stronger as the angle increased. The TSL worked most effectively in abduction. The tibiocalcaneal ligament (TCL) began to tense gradually at 0° dorsiflexion, and the tension became stronger as the angle increased. The TCL worked most effectively in pronation (dorsiflexion-abduction). The superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament (SPTTL) began to tense gradually at 0° dorsiflexion, and the tension became stronger as the angle increased, with the SPTTL working most effectively in dorsiflexion.

Conclusion

Our results show the biomechanical function of the superficial deltoid ligament and may contribute to determining which ligament is damaged during assessment in the clinical setting.
Predicting the potential distribution of the parasitic Cuscuta chinensis under global warming
Authors: Ren Zichun , Zagortchev Lyuben , Ma Junxia , Yan Ming , Li Junmin
Published: May 2020

Background

The climate is the dominant factor that affects the distribution of plants.Cuscuta chinensisis a stem holoparasitic plant without leaves or roots, which develops a haustorium and sucks nutrients from host plants. The potential distribution of the parasitic plantC. chinensishas not been predicted to date. This study used Maxent modeling to predict the potential global distribution ofC. chinensis, based on the following six main bioclimatic variables: annual mean temperature, isothermality, temperature seasonality, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the warmest quarter, and precipitation of the coldest quarter.

Results

The optimal annual average temperature and isothermality ofC. chinensisranged from 4 to 37 °C and less than 45, respectively, while the optimal temperature seasonality and precipitation seasonality ranged from 4000 to 25,000 and from 50 to 130, respectively. The optimal precipitation of the warmest season ranged from 300 to 1000 mm and from 2500 to 3500 mm, while that of the coldest season was less than 2000 mm. In Asia,C. chinensisis mainly distributed at latitudes ranging from 20° N to 50° N. During three specific historical periods (last glacial maximum, mid-Holocene, and 1960–1990) the habitats suitable forC. chinensiswere concentrated in the central, northern, southern, and eastern parts of China. From the last glacial maximum to the mid-Holocene, the total area with suitability of 0.5–1 increased by 0.0875 million km2; however, from the mid-Holocene to 1960–1990, the total area with suitability of 0.5–1 decreased by 0.0759 million km2. The simulation results of habitat suitability in the two representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6 (i.e., the low greenhouse gas emissions pathway) and 8.5 (i.e., the high greenhouse gas emissions pathway) indicate that the habitat suitability ofC. chinensisdecreased in response to the warming climate. Compared with RCP2.6, areas with averaged suitability and high suitability for survival (RCP8.5) decreased by 0.18 million km2.

Conclusion

Suitable habitats ofC. chinensisare situated in central, northern, southern, and eastern China. The habitat suitability ofC. chinensisdecreased in response to the warming climate. These results provide a reference for the management and control ofC. chinensis.
Implementation and quality assessment of a clinical orthopaedic registry in a public hospital department
Authors: Lee Binglong , Ebrahimi Milad , Ektas Nalan , Ting Chee Han , Cowley MacDougal , Scholes Corey , Bell Christopher
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a novel method of assessing data quality for an orthopaedic registry and its effects on data quality metrics.

Methods

A quality controlled clinical patient registry was implemented, comprising six observational cohorts of shoulder and knee pathologies. Data collection procedures were co-developed with clinicians and administrative staff in accordance with the relevant dataset and organised into the registry database software. Quality metrics included completeness, consistency and validity. Data were extracted at scheduled intervals (3 months) and quality metrics reported to stakeholders of the registry.

Results

The first patient was enrolled in July 2017 and the data extracted for analysis over 4 quarters, with the last audit in August 2018 (N = 189). Auditing revealed registry completeness was 100% after registry deficiencies were addressed. However, cohort completeness was less accurate, ranging from 12 to 13% for height & weight to 90–100% for operative variables such as operating surgeon, consulting surgeon and hospital. Consistency and internal validation improved to 100% after issues in registry processes were rectified.

Conclusions

A novel method to assess data quality in a clinical orthopaedic registry identified process shortfalls and improved data quality over time. Real-time communication, a comprehensive data framework and an integrated feedback loop were necessary to ensure adequate quality assurance. This model can be replicated in other registries and serve as a useful quality control tool to improve registry quality and ensure applicability of the data to aid clinical decisions, especially in newly implemented registries.

Trial registration

ACTRN12617001161314; registration date 8/08/2017. Retrospectively registered.
Effectiveness, safety, and major adverse limb events in atrial fibrillation patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants
Authors: Chan Yi-Hsin , Lee Hsin-Fu , Li Pei-Ru , Liu Jia-Rou , Chao Tze-Fan , Wu Lung-Sheng , Chang Shang-Hung , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Kuo Chi-Tai , See Lai-Chu , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Evidence of adverse clinical outcomes for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOACs) and warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus are limited. We investigated the effectiveness, safety, and major adverse limb events for NOACs versus warfarin among diabetic AF patients.

Methods

In this nationwide retrospective cohort study collected from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified a total of 20,967 and 5812 consecutive AF patients with diabetes taking NOACs and warfarin from June 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017, respectively. We used propensity-score stabilized weighting to balance covariates across study groups.

Results

NOAC was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR):0.88; [95% confidential interval (CI) 0.78–0.99]; P = 0.0283), major adverse limb events (MALE) (aHR:0.72;[95% CI 0.57–0.92]; P = 0.0083), and major bleeding (aHR:0.67;[95% CI 0.59–0.76]; P < 0.0001) compared to warfarin. NOACs decreased MACE in patients of ≥ 75 but not in those aged < 75 years (P interaction = 0.01), and in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) compared to those without IHD (P interaction < 0.01). For major adverse limb events, the advantage of risk reduction for NOAC over warfarin persisted in high risk subgroups including age ≥ 75 years, chronic kidney disease, IHD, peripheral artery disease, or use of concomitant antiplatelet drugs.

Conclusion

Among diabetic AF patients, NOACs were associated with a lower risk of thromboembolism, major bleeding, and major adverse limb events than warfarin. Thromboprophylaxis with NOACs should be considered in the diabetic AF population with a high atherosclerotic burden.
Serum lipids profiling perturbances in patients with ischemic heart disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yang Lin , Wang Liang , Deng Yangyang , Sun Lizhe , Lou Bowen , Yuan Zuyi , Wu Yue , Zhou Bo , Liu Junhui , She Jianqing
Published: May 2020

Background

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a common cardiovascular disorder associated with inadequate blood supply to the myocardium. Chronic coronary ischemia leads to ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Despite their rising prevalence and morbidity, few studies have discussed the lipids alterations in these patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed serum lipids profile in IHD and ICM patients using a lipidomics approach. Consecutive consenting patients admitted to the hospital for IHD and ICM were enrolled. Serum samples were obtained after overnight fasting. Non-targeted metabolomics was applied to demonstrate lipids metabolic profile in control, IHD and ICM patients.

Results

A total of 63 and 62 lipids were detected in negative and positive ion mode respectively. Among them, 16:0 Lyso PI, 18:1 Lyso PI in negative ion mode, and 19:0 Lyso PC, 12:0 SM d18:1/12:0, 15:0 Lyso PC, 17:0 PC, 18:1–18:0 PC in positive ion mode were significantly altered both in IHD and ICM as compared to control. 13:0 Lyso PI, 18:0 Lyso PI, 16:0 PE, 14:0 PC DMPC, 16:0 ceramide, 18:0 ceramide in negative ion mode, and 17:0 PE, 19:0 PC, 14:0 Lyso PC, 20:0 Lyso PC, 18:0 PC DSPC, 18:0–22:6 PC in positive ion mode were significantly altered only in ICM as compared to IHD and control.

Conclusion

Using non-targeted lipidomics profiling, we have successfully identified a group of circulating lipids that were significantly altered in IHD and ICM. The lipids metabolic signatures shed light on potential new biomarkers and therapeutics for preventing and treating ICM.
A comprehensive metabolic profiling of the metabolically healthy obesity phenotype
Authors: Telle-Hansen Vibeke H. , Christensen Jacob J. , Formo Gulla Aase , Holven Kirsten B. , Ulven Stine M.
Published: May 2020

Background

The ever-increasing prevalence of obesity constitutes a major health problem worldwide. A subgroup of obese individuals has been described as “metabolically healthy obese” (MHO). In contrast to metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO), the MHO phenotype has a favorable risk profile. Despite this, the MHO phenotype is still sub-optimally characterized with respect to a comprehensive risk assessment. Our aim was to increase the understanding of metabolic alterations associated with healthy and unhealthy obesity.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, men and women (18–70 years) with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) or normal weight (NW) (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2) were classified with MHO (n = 9), MUO (n = 10) or NW (n = 11) according to weight, lipid profile and glycemic regulation. We characterized individuals by comprehensive metabolic profiling using a commercial available high-throughput proton NMR metabolomics platform. Plasma fatty acid profile, including short chain fatty acids, was measured using gas chromatography.

Results

The concentrations of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) subclasses were overall significantly higher, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses lower in MUO compared with MHO. VLDL and IDL subclasses were significantly lower and HDL subclasses were higher in NW compared with MHO. The concentration of isoleucine, leucine and valine was significantly higher in MUO compared with MHO, and the concentration phenylalanine was lower in NW subjects compared with MHO. The fatty acid profile in MHO was overall more favorable compared with MUO.

Conclusions

Comprehensive metabolic profiling supports that MHO subjects have intermediate-stage cardiovascular disease risk marker profile compared with NW and MUO subjects.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT01034436, Fatty acid quality and overweight (FO-study).

Graphical abstract
Role of hypoxia-related proteins in adenoid cystic carcinoma invasion
Authors: de Mendonça Raíssa Pinheiro , Chemelo Giordanna Pereira , Mitre Geovanni Pereira , Branco Dimitra Castelo , da Costa Natacha Malu Miranda , Tuji Fabrício Mesquita , da Silva Kataoka Maria Sueli , Mesquita Ricardo Alves , de Melo Alves Júnior Sérgio , de Jesus Viana Pinheiro João
Published: May 2020

Background

Among cancers affecting the oral cavity, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively common malignant neoplasm. It has high rates of metastasis and recurrence and is associated with significant morbidity. During the progression of ACC, the oxygen concentration is reduced in specific areas of the tumour microenvironment, leading to intratumoural hypoxia. The expression of NOTCH1, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM-12), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) under hypoxic conditions has been implicated in invadopodia formation, tumour invasiveness, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of these proteins to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ACC invasiveness.

Methods

Fifteen ACC samples and 10 normal-looking salivary gland (SG) samples were used to investigate the expression of these proteins by immunohistochemistry. Primary antibodies against NOTCH1, ADAM-12, HIF-1α, and HB-EGF were used.

Results

The immunoexpression of all proteins was higher in ACC samples than in SG samples (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There was increased expression of proteins associated with hypoxia and tumour invasiveness in ACC samples, which indicates a possible role of these proteins in the biological behaviour of this tumour.
A familial case of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins: the clinicopathological features and unusual glomeruloid endothelial proliferation
Authors: Kitano Akiko , Nakaguro Masato , Tomotaki Seiichi , Hanaoka Shintaro , Kawai Masahiko , Saito Akiko , Hayakawa Masahiro , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kawasaki Hidenori , Yamada Takahiro , Ikeda Masahiko , Onda Tetsuo , Cho Kazutoshi , Haga Hironori , Nakazawa Atsuko , Minamiguchi Sachiko
Published: May 2020

Background

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV) is a rare disorder of pulmonary vascular abnormality with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. The symptom usually presents within hours after birth, leading to an early demise. Heterozygous de novo point mutations and genomic deletions of the FOXF1 (forkhead box F1) gene or its upstream enhancer have been identified in most patients with ACD/MPV. Most cases of ACD/MPV are sporadic; however, familial cases are also reported in 10% of patients.

Case presentation

We herein report a case of familial ACD/MPV that showed unusual glomeruloid proliferation of endothelial cells. In this family, three of the four siblings died within two to 3 days after birth because of persistent pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure. Only the second child remains alive and healthy. An autopsy was performed for the third and fourth children, resulting in a diagnosis of ACD/MPV based on the characteristic features, including misalignment of smaller pulmonary veins and lymphangiectasis. In both of these children, glomeruloid endothelial proliferation of vessels was noted in the interlobular septa. The vessels were immunohistochemically positive for D2–40, CD31, Factor VIII, and ERG, suggestive of differentiation for both lymphatic and blood vessels.

Conclusions

Unusual glomeruloid endothelial proliferation was observed in a familial ACD/MPV case. This histologic feature has not been described previously in ACD/MPV or any other pulmonary disease. Although the histogenesis of this histologic feature is unclear, this finding may suggest that ACD/MPV is a compound vascular and lymphovascular system disorder that exhibits various histologic features.
An integrated approach to meet the needs of high-vulnerable families: a qualitative study on integrated care from a professional perspective
Authors: Nooteboom L. A. , van den Driesschen S. I. , Kuiper C. H. Z. , Vermeiren R. R. J. M. , Mulder E. A.
Published: May 2020

Background

To meet the needs of high-vulnerable families with severe and enduring problems across several life domains, professionals must improve their ability to provide integrated care timely and adequately. The aim of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers professionals encounter when providing integrated care.

Methods

Experiences and perspectives of 24 professionals from integrated care teams in the Netherlands were gathered by conducting semi-structured interviews. A theory-driven framework method was applied to systematically code the transcripts both deductively and inductively.

Results

There was a consensus among professionals regarding facilitators and barriers influencing their daily practice, leading to an in depth, thematic report of what facilitates and hinders integrated care. Themes covering the facilitators and barriers were related to early identification and broad assessment, multidisciplinary expertise, continuous pathways, care provision, autonomy of professionals, and evaluation of care processes.

Conclusions

Professionals emphasized the need for flexible support across several life domains to meet the needs of high-vulnerable families. Also, there should be a balance between the use of guidelines and a professional’s autonomy to tailor support to families’ needs. Other recommendations include the need to improve professionals’ ability in timely stepping up to more intensive care and scaling down to less restrictive support, and to further our insight in risk factors and needs of these families.
The effect of glutamine on Dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome rats
Authors: Wu Gengxiang , Hu Xue , Ding Jinli , Yang Jing
Published: May 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and glutamine (Gln) have showed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. So the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of glutamine supplementation on PCOS rats.

Methods

Female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 10 /group), control group, PCOS group, PCOS+ 0.5 g/kg Gln group and PCOS+ 1.0 g/kg Gln group. All the PCOS rats were administrated with 6 mg/100 g dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for 20 consecutive days, all the PCOS+Gln groups were intraperitoneal injected glutamine twice in the next morning after the last DHEA injection. All the samples were collected 12 h after the last administration. Ovarian histological examinations were analyzed and the concentration of serum hormone, inflammatory and oxidative stress factors were measured.

Results

There was no obvious ovarian histological change among the PCOS group and PCOS+Gln groups. All the detected inflammation factors [C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor] showed significantly higher in all the PCOS groups compared to the control group (P < 0.01), and were significantly decreased with the supplementation of 0.5 g/kg glutamine (P < 0.01). Concentrations of superoxide dismutase were significantly lower in all the PCOS groups (P < 0.01) compared to the control group, and increased significantly with the supplementation of 0.5 g/kg glutamine (P < 0.01). Serum concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide were significantly higher in PCOS group (P < 0.01) compared with the control group, and significantly decreased to the comparative levels of control group with supplementation of 0.5 g/kg glutamine (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

There is low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress in DHEA-induced PCOS rats. The supplementation of 0.5 g/kg glutamine could effectively ameliorate the inflammation and oxidative stress conditions of PCOS.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma involving Meckel’s cave masquerading as biopsy-negative giant cell arteritis: a case report
Authors: Samec Matthew J. , Madrigal Andres G. , Rydberg Charlotte H. , Koster Matthew J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Given the absence of consensus diagnostic criteria for giant cell arteritis, clinicians may encounter difficulty with identification of new-onset headache in patients older than age 50 years presenting with visual changes and elevated inflammatory markers, particularly if temporal artery biopsies are performed and negative.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 57-year-old white man with headache, diplopia, and jaw paresthesia initially diagnosed and managed as steroid-refractory biopsy-negative giant cell arteritis. Further investigation disclosed evidence of soft tissue infiltration into Meckel’s (trigeminal) cave bilaterally. Positron emission tomography suggested the presence of a lymphoproliferative disorder. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Conclusions

Metastatic involvement in Meckel’s cave in diffuse large B cell lymphoma is extremely rare and presents a diagnostic challenge. Patients with suspicion of giant cell arteritis should undergo advanced imaging, particularly those with negative biopsy, atypical features, or lack of response to standard therapy, in order to assess for the presence of large-vessel vasculitis or other mimicking pathologies.
Correction to: A novel organ preservation solution with efficient clearance of red blood cells improves kidney transplantation in a canine model
Authors: Wang Sheng , Gumpper Kristyn , Tan Tao , Luo Xianzhang , Guo Hui , Ming Changsheng , Jiang Hanying , Fang Jiangguo , Du Guang , Zhu Hua , Ma Jianjie , Chen Zhishui , Gong Nianqiao
Published: May 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], one of the funding was missing in the Funding section.
Association between pesticide exposure and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) polymorphisms, and neurobehavioural outcomes in children: a systematic review
Authors: Banhela Nkosinathi , Naidoo Pragalathan , Naidoo Saloshni
Published: May 2020

Environmental factors such as pollution, pesticide exposure and socio-demographic location have been implicated as a pressure capable of altering genetic make-up. Altered genetic sequence of genes encoding enzymes may result in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Of peculiar interest is the genetic variance on the paraoxonase-1 gene induced by pre- and postnatal exposure to pesticides. SNP have been reported on the paraoxonase-1 gene and post-xenobiotic exposure and are presumed to alter gene sequence and ultimately enzymatic activity. The altered enzymatic activity may facilitate neurodevelopment disorders. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are among the neurodevelopment disorders of which prevalence is concurrently associated with increasing environmental xenobiotic exposure. The variance on xenobiotic metabolising genes is associated with altered neurodevelopment outcome and ultimately altered neurobehavioural outcome. Prime interests of this systematic review were to establish an understanding of the sequences on the paraoxonase-1 gene associated with adverse neurobehavioural outcome. An in-depth literature search was conducted using the term combination “pesticide exposure, pre- and postnatal exposure, organophosphates/organophosphorus, single nucleotide polymorphism, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), neurodevelopment/neurobehavioural outcome in child/infant”. Articles published from the year 2000 to 2018 were considered for review. The result showed that variance on the PON1-108 and 192 alleles could be implicated in the development of altered neurobehavioural outcomes.
Interventions for treatment of COVID-19: a protocol for a living systematic review with network meta-analysis including individual patient data (The LIVING Project)
Authors: Juul Sophie , Nielsen Niklas , Bentzer Peter , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Thabane Lehana , Linder Adam , Klingenberg Sarah , Gluud Christian , Jakobsen Janus Christian
Published: May 2020

Background

COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading virus infection that has quickly caused extensive burden to individual, families, countries, and the globe. No intervention has yet been proven effective for the treatment of COVID-19. Some randomized clinical trials assessing the effects of different drugs have been published, and more are currently underway. There is an urgent need for a living, dynamic systematic review that continuously evaluates the beneficial and harmful effects of all available interventions for COVID-19.

Methods/design

We will conduct a living systematic review based on searches of major medical databases (e.g., MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL) and clinical trial registries from their inception onwards to identify relevant randomized clinical trials. We will update the literature search once a week to continuously assess if new evidence is available. Two review authors will independently extract data and perform risk of bias assessment. We will include randomized clinical trials comparing any intervention for the treatment of COVID-19 (e.g., pharmacological interventions, fluid therapy, invasive or noninvasive ventilation, or similar interventions) with any comparator (e.g., an “active” comparator, standard care, placebo, no intervention, or “active placebo”) for participants in all age groups with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Primary outcomes will be all-cause mortality and serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes will be admission to intensive care, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, quality of life, and non-serious adverse events. The living systematic review will include aggregate data meta-analyses, Trial Sequential Analyses, network meta-analysis, and individual patient data meta-analyses. Risk of bias will be assessed with domains, an eight-step procedure will be used to assess if the thresholds for clinical significance are crossed, and the certainty of the evidence will be assessed by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE).

Discussion

COVID-19 has become a pandemic with substantial mortality. A living systematic review evaluating the beneficial and harmful effects of pharmacological and other interventions is urgently needed. This review will continuously inform best practice in treatment and clinical research of this highly prevalent disease.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020178787
An application of Phragmén–Lindelöf theorem to the existence of ground state solutions for the generalized Schrödinger equation with optimal control
Authors: Zhang Chaofeng , Hu Rong
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we develop optimal Phragmén–Lindelöf methods, based on the use of maximum modulus of optimal value of a parameter in a Schrödinger functional, by applying the Phragmén–Lindelöf theorem for a second-order boundary value problems with respect to the Schrödinger operator. Using it, it is possible to find the existence of ground state solutions of the generalized Schrödinger equation with optimal control. In spite of the fact that the equation of this type can exhibit non-uniqueness of weak solutions, we prove that the corresponding Phragmén–Lindelöf method, under suitable assumptions on control conditions of the nonlinear term, is well-posed and admits a nonempty set of solutions.
Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extracts and its components, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin, increase claudin 1 expression in human keratinocytes, enhancing intercellular tight junction capacity
Authors: Kim Jaewhan , Cho Namjoon , Kim Eun-Mi , Park Ki-Sun , Kang Yeon Woo , Nam Joong Hyeon , Nam Myoung Soo , Kim Kee K.
Published: May 2020

Dysfunction of tight junctions and their components can cause diverse skin diseases. Here, we investigated the expression of claudin 1, a major tight junction protein, and changes of tight junction capacity upon treatment of the extracts of Cudrania tricuspidata (C. tricuspidata) and its components, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin. The effects of ethanol extracts of C. tricuspidata (EECT) and water extracts of C. tricuspidata (WECT) on the viability of human keratinocyte HaCaT cells were assessed by cell proliferation assay. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to measure the expression of claudin 1 mRNA. The protein expression of claudin 1 was analyzed by western blot and its tight junctional distribution was observed with immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. The tight junction capacity was analyzed by dispase assay. Upon treatment of WECT to HaCaT cells, the mRNA and protein expressions of claudin 1 were increased. In addition, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin increased claudin 1 protein expression levels in a dose-dependent manner. WECT and these three compounds enhanced the tight junction capacity of HaCaT cells in dispase assay. WECT, and its components, such as chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin, upregulates both mRNA and protein expressions of claudin 1, which leads to the enhancement of tight junction capacity. Thus, WECT could be a therapeutic approach for treating tight junction-disrupted conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Tax structure and economic growth: a study of selected Indian states
Authors: Neog Yadawananda , Gaur Achal Kumar
Published: May 2020

The present study examines the long-run and short-run relationship between tax structure and state-level growth performance in India for the period 1991–2016. The analysis in this paper is based on the model of Acosta-Ormaechea and Yoo (2012), and for the verification of the relationship between taxation and economic growth the panel regression method is used. With the use of 14 Indian states data, Panel Pool mean group estimation indicates that income tax and commodity–service tax have negative effects whilst property and capital transaction tax have a significant positive effect on state economic growth. This study finds ‘U’ shape relationship between tax structure and growth performance. Based on the analysis, we conclude that for faster growth of Indian states, policymakers should give more focus on property taxes along with the reduction in income taxes.
Effect of evaporation through nanoporous medium on diffusiophoresis
Authors: Lee Dokeun , Kim Junsuk , Lee Hyomin , Kim Sung Jae
Published: May 2020

Diffusiophoresis near a nanoporous medium is the phenomenon that particles were spontaneously moved from low concentration region to high concentration region. However, unidirectional particle motion impeded further application of this phenomenon and lack of studies about the external convective flow effect such as evaporation through a nanoporous medium were reported. In this work, we investigated the evaporation effect through a nanoporous medium on spontaneous particle exclusion zone induced by diffusiophoresis. Consequently, particle’s motion was divided into three regimes: diffusiophoresis regime, transition regime, and evaporation regime depending on the evaporation effect. The experiment in which the time of initiating evaporation effect was controlled by adjusting the region of PDMS on a nanoporous medium showed that evaporation plays a critical role in studying the spontaneous particle exclusion zone. This rigorous analysis would provide a useful strategy for optimizing a spontaneous particle preconcentration/detection platform.
A comparison of different oxidative pretreatments on polysaccharide hydrolyzability and cell wall structure for interpreting the greatly improved enzymatic digestibility of sugarcane bagasse by delignification
Authors: Han Yazhu , Bai Yuchen , Zhang Jingzhi , Liu Dehua , Zhao Xuebing
Published: May 2020

In order to confirm the contribution of delignification to the increase in lignocellulosic cellulose digestibility, several laboratory oxidative pretreatments under mild conditions, including alkaline-hydrogen peroxide (AP), two-step alkaline/peracetic acid (APAA) and sodium chlorite (SC) pretreatments were employed to achieve selective delignification of sugarcane bagasse and retained most of the hemicelluloses (xylan) in the pretreated solids. Four commercial cellulase cocktails were used to test the enzymatic hydrolyzability of pretreated substrates. Results revealed that delignification indeed could greatly improve the final (120 h) cellulose hydrolysis with relatively high final (120 h) glucan conversion (> 90%) by different cellulase cocktails even if the substrates still had a high hemicelluloses content. However, the xylan conversion seemed to be more greatly dependent on the pretreatments and cellulase cocktails used. AP and APAA pretreatments resulted in the disappearance of middle lamella and liberation of cellulose fibers with significant etching, deformation and fracture of cell wall structure. SC pretreatment greatly modified the sugar bagasse surface morphology to make the surface much coarser. The cell wall also underwent serious fracture and deformation with some middle lamella disappearing. However, no significant alteration on the structure of pure cellulose was observed by SC oxidative pretreatment of filter paper. Oxidative pretreatment might also modify lignin structure and surface properties thus greatly reducing the non-specific adsorption of enzymes. The obtained results strongly support the conclusion that delignification under mild pretreatment condition can be very helpful to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic cellulose by commercial cellulase cocktails even if the substrates has a high hemicelluloses content.
Accuracy assessment and error analysis for diameter at breast height measurement of trees obtained using a novel backpack LiDAR system
Authors: Xie Yuyang , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiangwu , Pang Shuxin , Zeng Hui , Shen Zehao
Published: May 2020

Background

The LiBackpack is a recently developed backpack light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system that combines the flexibility of human walking with the nearby measurement in all directions to provide a novel and efficient approach to LiDAR remote sensing, especially useful for forest structure inventory. However, the measurement accuracy and error sources have not been systematically explored for this system.

Method

In this study, we used the LiBackpack D-50 system to measure the diameter at breast height (DBH) for aPinus sylvestristree population in the Saihanba National Forest Park of China, and estimated the accuracy of LiBackpack measurements of DBH based on comparisons with manually measured DBH values in the field. We determined the optimal vertical slice thickness of the point cloud sample for achieving the most stable and accurate LiBackpack measurements of DBH for this tree species, and explored the effects of different factors on the measurement error.

Result

1) A vertical thickness of 30 cm for the point cloud sample slice provided the highest fitting accuracy (adjusted R2 = 0.89, Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) = 20.85 mm); 2) the point cloud density had a significant negative, logarithmic relationship with measurement error of DBH and it explained 35.1% of the measurement error; 3) the LiBackpack measurements of DBH were generally smaller than the manually measured values, and the corresponding measurement errors increased for larger trees; and 4) by considering the effect of the point cloud density correction, a transitional model can be fitted to approximate field measured DBH using LiBackpack- scanned value with satisfactory accuracy (adjusted R2 = 0.920; RMSE = 14.77 mm), and decrease the predicting error by 29.2%. Our study confirmed the reliability of the novel LiBackpack system in accurate forestry inventory, set up a useful transitional model between scanning data and the traditional manual-measured data specifically forP. sylvestris, and implied the applicable substitution of this new approach for more species, with necessary parameter calibration.
A case of successful anesthetic management in a patient with Trousseau’s syndrome who underwent surgery for malignant ovarian tumor
Authors: Watanabe Yasuhiro , Matsunuma Kayoko , Kaneda Toru
Published: May 2020

Background

Trousseau’s syndrome, also known as cancer-associated thrombosis, has several perioperative considerations, including the timing of surgery, anticoagulant therapy, and anesthetic technique. While appropriate anesthetic management is critical, few clinical reports have addressed the issue. Here, we report a patient with Trousseau’s syndrome who successfully underwent gynecological surgery 1 month after a massive cerebral infarction.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old woman with malignant ovarian tumor and deep venous thrombosis developed systemic thromboembolism, including a massive right cerebral infarction, despite receiving direct oral anticoagulant therapy. She was diagnosed with Trousseau’s syndrome and was transferred to our hospital 17 days after the onset of cerebral infarction with left incomplete hemiparesis. Semi-radical gynecological surgery was scheduled in another 14 days (31 days after the cerebral infarction). A temporary inferior vena cava filter was placed, and both direct oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs were substituted with unfractionated heparin infusion. She underwent surgery uneventfully under general anesthesia with desflurane and remifentanil. Postoperative analgesia was achieved with a peripheral nerve block and continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl. The tumors were fully resected, thereby only anticoagulant therapy for residual venous thrombus was continued. She had a good perioperative course and was discharged without cerebral complications or thromboembolism.

Conclusions

In patients with Trousseau’s syndrome, both early radical surgery and preventing perioperative cerebrovascular complications are critical. In our present case, Trousseau’s syndrome was successfully operated under general anesthesia 1 month after a massive cerebral infarction.
Endolymphatic sac tumor: case report and literature review
Authors: Ge Hongliang , Wang Hongyao , Cai Jiawei , Zhang Xinting , Mei Wenzhong , Wu Xiyue , Kang Dezhi
Published: May 2020

Background

Endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is one of neuroectodermal tumor which arising from endolymphatic sac and duct. It is actually quite rare, with less than 200 cases reported. Although ELST presents benign appearance in histopathology, it can present aggressive destructive behavior in clinical. The cornerstone of treatment for ELST is complete surgical excision. However, it is almost impossible to completely resect the advanced stage tumor. There is still controversy about other treatments, such as radiotherapy and gamma knife surgery.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old man was admitted in The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University with a 7-year history of progressive hearing loss and near 6-month repeated attacks of headache. Preoperative CT revealed a massive intracranial lesion and associated hydrocephalus. MR scanning demonstrated a 7.2 cm × 4.6 cm × 4.2 cm bulky mass located in left-sided posterior cranial fossa and temporo-occipital region which showed hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and mixed signal intensity on T2-weighted images. There was no neither clinical manifestation nor family history of Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome (VHL).Due to the mass that was large and invading the bone of skull base, it was difficult to extirpate surgically, so the ventriculoperitoneal shunt combined with local biopsy was performed. The postoperative pathology and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the lesion was an endolymphatic sac tumor. After operation, the patient regularly received radiotherapy.

Conclusion

The widely accepted management of ELST is complete surgical resection. However, it is difficult for surgeons to achieve radical resection with late-stage ELST. Currently, there is much dispute about the role of radiotherapy for the management of ELST in academic circles. In this case where the mass cannot be surgical removed, radiotherapy has the curative effect for ELST in terms of disease control and quality of life.
Microbial formulation and growth of cereals, pulses, oilseeds and vegetable crops
Authors: Naik Kalyani , Mishra Snehasish , Srichandan Haragobinda , Singh Puneet Kumar , Choudhary Abhishek
Published: May 2020

Effective microbes (EM) are the coexisting naturally occurring useful microbes applied as inoculant to enhance the beneficial microflora of the soil ecosystem to facilitate agricultural production. The participating microbial consortium includes lactic acid and photosynthetic bacteria, actinomycetes, fermenting fungi, and yeast, among others. These microbes are physiologically well-matched and coexist in a provided medium. EM formulation could be applied to a target crop in the most appropriate manner and form, and is easy to handle. It could be applied in several manners, as soil application, foliar application and as seed treatment. Microbial formulation in agricultural practices for enhancing productivity is sustainable and eco-friendly approach. When applied, EM formulations reportedly have positive effect on several crop growth parameters. It enhances the productivity, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidative response to abiotic stress in rice. EM formulations reportedly augment the trace elements contents, root and shoot weight, nodulation and pod yield in rajmah, while it boosts the root and shoot weight, nodulation and seed yields in bean, and drought and virus tolerance, shoot weight, pod number and biomass in soybean. Reportedly, formulated EM perks up the chlorophyll, N, P, carbohydrate and protein contents in sunflower, whereas it stimulates the root and shoot growth, leaf number, fungal disease resistance in groundnut. It could lead to an improved root growth, plant height, chlorophyll content, pod yield, fungal disease resistance, Cr-resistance and pest resistance in okra. This review compiles and provides critical insight to the effects of EM formulations on various crops, particularly the cereals (rice), pulses (rajmah, bean and soybean), oilseeds (sunflower and groundnut) and vegetable (okra).
An effective polarity correction method for microseismic migration-based location
Authors: Xu Jincheng , Zhang Wei , Chen Xiaofei , Guo Quanshi
Published: May 2020

Microseismic methods are important tools for monitoring the status and consequences of hydraulic fracturing. Because microseismic data recorded at the surface have a low signal-to-noise ratio, migration-based algorithms are widely used to determine the locations of microseismic events. However, there may be polarity changes in waveforms at different receivers due to the source mechanisms, which will cause the stacking images to not reach a maximum at the event location. One way for polarity correction is to perform the source mechanism and the source location inversions simultaneously, which, however, is computationally expensive and not good for real-time monitoring. We have developed an effective polarity correction method in the data domain for migration-based location methods called the polarity correction migration-based (PCM) method. This method uses an amplitude trend least-squares fitting procedure to determine the polarities along the receiver line with low additional computational cost. Then, the fitted waveform polarities are used to convert the signs of the amplitude values to stack them consistently. Due to curve fitting, this method is more suitable for microseismic data acquired with regular arrays than with scattered arrays. Numerical experiments of synthetic and real data sets demonstrate that the proposed PCM method can improve accuracy in the detection and location of microseismic events.
Prestack Bayesian statistical inversion constrained by reflection features
Authors: Yu Bo , Zhou Hui , Wang Lingqian , Liu Wenling
Published: May 2020

Bayesian statistical inversion can integrate diverse datasets to infer the posterior probability distributions of subsurface elastic properties. However, certain existing methods may suffer from two issues in practical applications, namely spatial discontinuities and the uncertainty caused by the low-quality seismic traces. These limitations are evident in prestack statistical inversion since some traces in prestack angle gathers may be missing or low-quality. We propose a prestack Bayesian statistical inversion method constrained by reflection features to alleviate these issues. Based on a Bayesian linearized inversion framework, the proposed inversion approach is implemented by integrating the prestack seismic data with reflection features. The reflection features are captured from the poststack seismic profile, and they represent the relationships of the reflection coefficients between different traces. By utilizing the proposed approach, we are able to achieve superior inversion results and to evaluate inversion uncertainty simultaneously even with the low-quality prestack seismic data. The results of the synthetic and field data tests confirm the theoretical and practical effects of the reflection features on improving inversion continuity and accuracy and reducing inversion uncertainty. Moreover, this work gives a novel way to integrate the information of geological structures in statistical inversion methods. Other geological information, which can be linearized accurately or approximately, can be utilized in this manner.
Preoperative Topical Estrogen Treatment vs Placebo in 244 Children With Midshaft and Posterior Hypospadias
Authors: Gorduza Daniela , Plotton Ingrid , Remontet Laurent , Gay Claire-Lise , El Jani Meriem , Cheikhelard Alaa , Blanc Thomas , El Ghoneimi Alaa , Leclair Marc-David , Roy Pascal , Pirot Fabrice , Mimouni Yanis , Gaillard, Segolene , Chatelain Pierre , Morel Yves , Kassai Behrouz , Mouriquand Pierre
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Urethral fistula and dehiscence are common after hypospadias surgery. Preoperative androgens have been considered to reduce these complications although this consideration is not evidence-based. Dermatologists have reported the benefits of topical estrogens on skin healing. We investigated whether the preoperative use of topical promestriene could reduce healing complications in hypospadias surgery. Our primary objective was to demonstrate a reduction of healing complications with promestriene vs placebo. Impact on reoperations and other complications, clinical tolerance, bone growth, and biological systemic effects of the treatment were also considered.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group trial between 2011 and 2015 in 4 French centers. One-stage transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty (onlay urethroplasty) was selected for severe hypospadias. Promestriene or placebo was applied on the penis for 2 months prior to surgery. The primary outcome was the presence of postoperative urethral fistula or dehiscence in the first year postsurgery. For safety reasons, hormonal and anatomical screenings were performed.

Results

Out of 241 patients who received surgery, 122 patients were randomized to receive placebo, and 119 patients received promestriene. The primary outcome was unavailable for 11 patients. Healing complications were assessed at 16.4% (19/116) in the placebo vs 14.9% (17/114) in the promestriene arm, and the odds ratio adjusted on center was 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.45-1.94), P = 0.86.

Conclusions and relevance

Although we observed an overall lower risk of complications compared to previous publications, postsurgery complications were not different between promestriene and placebo, because of a lack of power of the study or the inefficacy of promestriene.