bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helminth infections, atopy, asthma and allergic diseases: protocol for a systematic review of observational studies worldwide
Authors: Arrais Margarete , Maricoto Tiago , Cooper Philip , Gama Jorge M R , Nwaru Bright I , Brito Miguel , Taborda-Barata Luís
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Childhood infections, particularly those caused by helminths are considered to be important environmental exposures influencing the development of allergic diseases. However, epidemiological studies focusing on the relationship between helminth infections and risk of allergic diseases, performed worldwide, show inconsistent findings. Previous systematic reviews of observational studies published 10 or more years ago showed conflicting findings for effects of helminths on allergic diseases. Over the past 10 years there has been growing literature addressing this research area and these need to be considered in order to appreciate the most contemporary evidence. The objective of the current systematic review will be to provide an up-to-date synthesis of findings of observational studies investigating the influence of helminth infections on atopy, and allergic diseases.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol was registered at PROSPERO. We will search Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, ISI Web of Science, WHO Global Health Library, Scielo, IndMed, PakMediNet, KoreaMed, Ichushi for published studies from 1970 to January 2020. Bibliographies of all eligible studies will be reviewed to identify additional studies. Unpublished and ongoing research will also be searched in key databases. There will be no language or geographical restrictions regarding publications. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessment tool will be used to appraise methodological quality of included studies. A descriptive summary with data tables will be constructed, and if adequate, meta-analysis using random-effects will be performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist will be followed for reporting of the systematic review.

Ethics and dissemination

Since this systematic review will be only based on published and retrievable literature, no ethics approval will be sought. The multidisciplinary team performing this systematic review will participate in relevant dissemination activities. Findings will be presented at scientific meetings and publish the systematic review in international, peer-reviewed, open-access journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020167249.
NKTR-214 immunotherapy synergizes with radiotherapy to stimulate systemic CD8+T cell responses capable of curing multi-focal cancer
Authors: Walker Joshua M , Rolig Annah S , Charych Deborah H , Hoch Ute , Kasiewicz Melissa J , Rose Daniel C , McNamara Michael J , Hilgart-Martiszus Ian F , Redmond William L
Published: May 2020

Background

High-dose radiotherapy (RT) is known to be immunogenic, but is rarely capable of driving clinically relevant abscopal antitumor immunity as monotherapy. RT is known to increase antigen presentation, type I/II interferon responses, and immune cell trafficking to irradiated tumors. Bempegaldesleukin (NKTR-214) is a CD122-preferential interleukin 2 (IL-2) pathway agonist that has been shown to increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, T cell clonality, and increase PD-1 expression. NKTR-214 has increased drug half-life, decreased toxicity, and increased CD8+T cell and natural killer cell stimulation compared with IL-2.

Methods

Animals bearing bilateral subcutaneous MCA-205 fibrosarcoma or CT26 colorectal tumors were treated with NKTR-214, RT, or combination therapy, and tumor growth of irradiated and abscopal lesions was assessed. Focal RT was delivered using a small animal radiation research platform. Peripheral and tumor-infiltrating immune phenotype and functional analyses were performed by flow cytometry. RNA expression profiling from both irradiated and abscopal lesions was performed using microarray.

Results

We demonstrate synergy between RT of a single tumor and NKTR-214 systemic therapy resulting in dramatically increased cure rates of mice bearing bilateral tumors compared with RT or NKTR-214 therapy alone. Combination therapy resulted in increased magnitude and effector function of tumor-specific CD8+T cell responses and increased trafficking of these T cells to both irradiated and distant, unirradiated, tumors.

Conclusions

Given the increasing role of hypofractionated and stereotactic body RT as standard of care treatments in the management of locally advanced and metastatic cancer, these data have important implications for future clinical trial development. The combination of RT and NKTR-214 therapy potently stimulates systemic antitumor immunity and should be evaluated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced and metastatic solid tumors.
Implications of achieving TICI 2b vs TICI 3 reperfusion in patients with ischemic stroke: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Wu Xiao , Khunte Mihir , Gandhi Dheeraj , Matouk Charles , Hughes Danny R , Sanelli Pina , Malhotra Ajay
Published: May 2020

Background

The benefit of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) depends on the degree of recanalization achieved. We aimed to determine the health outcomes and cost implications of achieving TICI 2b vs TICI 3 reperfusion in acute stroke patients with LVO.

Methods

A decision-analytic study was performed with Markov modeling to estimate the lifetime quality-adjusted life years (QALY) of EVT-treated patients, and costs based on the degree of reperfusion achieved. The study was performed with a societal perspective in the United States' setting. The base case calculations were performed in three age groups: 55-, 65-, and 75-year-old patients.

Results

Within 90 days, achieving TICI 3 resulted in a cost saving of $3676 per patient and health benefit of 11 days in perfect health as compared with TICI 2b. In the long term, for the three age groups, achieving TICI 3 resulted in cost savings of $46,498, $25,832, and $15 719 respectively, and health benefits of 2.14 QALYs, 1.71 QALYs, and 1.23 QALYs. Every 1% increase in TICI 3 in 55-year-old patients nationwide resulted in a cost saving of $3.4 million and a health benefit of 156 QALYs. Among 65-year-old patients, the corresponding cost savings and health benefit were $1.9 million and 125 QALYs.

Conclusion

There are substantial cost and health implications in achieving complete vs incomplete reperfusion after EVT. Our study provides a framework to assess the cost-benefit analysis of emerging diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that might improve patient selection, and increase the chances of achieving complete reperfusion.
Active group route guidance based on DODE: A novel modeling framework integrating dynamic driver behavior
Authors: Xu Tian-dong , Hao Yuan
Published: May 2020

This work aims to provide effective and reliable traffic guidance strategies for improving the system performance and travel reliability, wherein the drivers’ route diversion behavior is the key determinant in these strategies. This study presents a novel modeling framework that can incorporate the dynamic driver behavior into a real-time group route guidance model based on dynamic origin–destination demand estimation and prediction (DODE) for information-based active traffic management. Experiments are conducted to test the effectiveness of the proposed model on the basis of the traffic dataset of the Route Guidance Pilot Project. Experimental results show that the effect of route diversion on DODE under information provision, which can improve the accuracy of DODE, must be considered. Compared with the traditional guidance model, the proposed model considers the system objective and the actual route diversion behavior and can provide better performance and ensure system sustainability.
Central charges from thermodynamics method in 3D gravity
Authors: Mahdavian Yekta Davood , Golchin Hanif
Published: May 2020

In the context of guage/gravity duality, we investigate the central charges of a number of 2-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs) that might live on the boundary of some 3-dimensional (3D) toy models of gravity, from the thermodynamics aspect of the black holes. For many black hole solutions, the entropy product of the inner Cauchy and outer event horizons is universal (mass independent). It is proposed that for these solutions, the central charges of the left- and right-moving sectors of the dual CFTs should be the same and one may read the central charges from the universal entropy product. This provides strong motivations for investigating this prescription for BTZ and Warped $$\hbox {AdS}_{{3}}$$AdS3 black holes in a number of 3D gravity theories and we will show that the proposal works truly. One striking result of our analysis is that if the entropy product is not universal in any theory of 3D gravity, then the left and right central charges are not equal.
Modeling the early evolution of the COVID-19 in Brazil: Results from a Susceptible–Infectious–Quarantined–Recovered (SIQR) model
Authors: Crokidakis Nuno
Published: May 2020

The world evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov2 or simply COVID-19) led the World Health Organization to declare it a pandemic. The disease appeared in China in December 2019, and it has spread fast around the world, especially in European countries like Italy and Spain. The first reported case in Brazil was recorded in February 26, and after that the number of cases grew fast. In order to slow down the initial growth of the disease through the country, confirmed positive cases were isolated to not transmit the disease. To better understand the early evolution of COVID-19 in Brazil, we apply a Susceptible–Infectious–Quarantined–Recovered (SIQR) model to the analysis of data from the Brazilian Department of Health, obtained from February 26, 2020 through March 25, 2020. Based on analytical and numerical results, as well on the data, the basic reproduction number is estimated to [Formula: see text]. In addition, we estimate that the ratio between unidentified infectious individuals and confirmed cases at the beginning of the epidemic is about 10, in agreement with previous studies. We also estimated the epidemic doubling time to be [Formula: see text] days.
Thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline Bi2Se3−x by powder compaction sintering
Authors: Zhou Ying , Ge Zhenhua , Guo Jun , Feng Jing
Published: May 2020

[Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text] compound (where Pn = Bi and Sb, Ch = Te, Se, and S), which has attracted increasing attention as a candidate for use in thermoelectric applications. Previous studies demonstrated the advantage of [Formula: see text] thermoelectric materials, despite an inferior thermoelectric performance. Herein, a series of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25) thermoelectric materials were prepared by powder compaction sintering. The effects of phase structures and microstructure of the [Formula: see text] bulk material were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The thermoelectric properties, including Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity, were measured systematically. The results show that carrier concentration increased with decreasing Se content, which in turn affected the electrical transport properties. Low Se contents gave larger power factor (PF) values than the pristine [Formula: see text] sample, the maximum PF value being [Formula: see text] at 320 K for [Formula: see text]. The variation in PF was attributed to the variations in electrical conductivity [Formula: see text] and Seebeck coefficient [Formula: see text] upon optimizing Se content. The [Formula: see text] samples showed an enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) with increasing measurement temperature, due to the increased [Formula: see text] value, [Formula: see text], and decreased [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text] sample exhibited the highest ZT (0.28) at 575 K, while [Formula: see text] exhibited the lowest ZT (0.14) at 325 K. This indicated that tuning Se content was an effective way to enhance carrier concentration.
Measurement of geophysical effects on the large-scale gravitational-wave interferometer
Authors: Gusev A. V. , Majorana E. , Rudenko V. N. , Yushkin V. D.
Published: May 2020

Geophysical application of large free-mass laser interferometers, which had been designed merely for the detection of gravitational radiation of an astrophysical nature, are considered. Despite the suspended mass-mirrors, these interferometers can be considered as two coordinate meters even at very low frequency ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Hz) are rather accurate two-coordinate distance meters. In this case, the measurement of geodynamic deformations looks like a parallel product of long-term observations dictated by the task of the blind search for gravitational waves (GW) of extraterrestrial origin. Compared to conventional laser strain meters, gravitational interferometers have the advantage of an increased absolute value of the deformation signal due to the 3–4[Formula: see text]km baseline. The magnitude of the tidal variations of the baseline is 150–200[Formula: see text]microns, leading to conceive the observation of the fine structure of geodynamic disturbances. This paper presents the results of processing geophysical measurements made on a Virgo interferometer during test (technical) series of observations in 2007–2009.

The specific design of mass-mirrors suspensions in the Virgo gravitational interferometer also creates a unique possibility of separating gravitational and deformation perturbations through a recording mutual angular deviations of the suspensions of its central and end mirrors. It gives a measurement of the spatial derivative of the gravity acceleration along with the geoid of the Earth. In this mode, the physics of the interferometer is considered with estimates of the achievable sensitivity in the application to the classical problem of registration of oscillations of the inner Earth’s core.
End-to-End Text-to-Image Synthesis with Spatial Constrains
Authors: Wang Min , Lang Congyan , Liang Liqian , Feng Songhe , Wang Tao , Gao Yutong
Published: May 2020

Although the performance of automatically generating high-resolution realistic images from text descriptions has been significantly boosted, many challenging issues in image synthesis have not been fully investigated, due to shapes variations, viewpoint changes, pose changes, and the relations of multiple objects. In this article, we propose a novel end-to-end approach for text-to-image synthesis with spatial constraints by mining object spatial location and shape information. Instead of learning a hierarchical mapping from text to image, our algorithm directly generates multi-object fine-grained images through the guidance of the generated semantic layouts. By fusing text semantic and spatial information into a synthesis module and jointly fine-tuning them with multi-scale semantic layouts generated, the proposed networks show impressive performance in text-to-image synthesis for complex scenes. We evaluate our method both on single-object CUB dataset and multi-object MS-COCO dataset. Comprehensive experimental results demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches consistently across different evaluation metrics.
Political Effects of the Internet and Social Media
Authors: Zhuravskaya Ekaterina , Petrova Maria , Enikolopov Ruben
Published: May 2020

How do the Internet and social media affect political outcomes? We review empirical evidence from the recent political economy literature, focusing primarily on work that considers traits that distinguish the Internet and social media from traditional off-line media, such as low barriers to entry and reliance on user-generated content. We discuss the main results about the effects of the Internet in general, and social media in particular, on voting, street protests, attitudes toward government, political polarization, xenophobia, and politicians’ behavior. We also review evidence on the role of social media in the dissemination of fake news, and we summarize results about the strategies employed by autocratic regimes to censor the Internet and to use social media for surveillance and propaganda. We conclude by highlighting open questions about how the Internet and social media shape politics in democracies and autocracies.
Pangenome Graphs
Authors: Eizenga Jordan M. , Novak Adam M. , Sibbesen Jonas A. , Heumos Simon , Ghaffaari Ali , Hickey Glenn , Chang Xian , Seaman Josiah D. , Rounthwaite Robin , Ebler Jana , Rautiainen Mikko , Garg Shilpa , Paten Benedict , Marschall Tobias , Sirén Jouni , Garrison Erik
Published: May 2020

Low-cost whole-genome assembly has enabled the collection of haplotype-resolved pangenomes for numerous organisms. In turn, this technological change is encouraging the development of methods that can precisely address the sequence and variation described in large collections of related genomes. These approaches often use graphical models of the pangenome to support algorithms for sequence alignment, visualization, functional genomics, and association studies. The additional information provided to these methods by the pangenome allows them to achieve superior performance on a variety of bioinformatic tasks, including read alignment, variant calling, and genotyping. Pangenome graphs stand to become a ubiquitous tool in genomics. Although it is unclear whether they will replace linearreference genomes, their ability to harmoniously relate multiple sequence and coordinate systems will make them useful irrespective of which pangenomic models become most common in the future.
A Tale of Good Fortune in the Era of DNA
Authors: Roberts Jeffrey
Published: May 2020

Two strains of good fortune in my career were to stumble upon the Watson–Gilbert laboratory at Harvard when I entered graduate school in 1964, and to study gene regulation in bacteriophage λ when I was there. λ was almost entirely a genetic item a few years before, awaiting biochemical incarnation. Throughout my career I was a relentless consumer of the work of previous and current generations of λ geneticists. Empowered by this background, my laboratory made contributions in two areas. The first was regulation of early gene transcription in λ, the study of which began with the discovery of the Rho transcription termination factor, and the regulatory mechanism of transcription antitermination by the λ N protein, subjects of my thesis work. This was developed into a decades-long program during my career at Cornell, studying the mechanism of transcription termination and antitermination. The second area was the classic problem of prophage induction in response to cellular DNA damage, the study of which illuminated basic cellular processes to survive DNA damage.
A Key Selected S-Box Mechanism and Its Investigation in Modern Block Cipher Design
Authors: Lu Jiqiang , Seo Hwajung
Published: May 2020

The block cipher is an important means to provide data confidentiality in reality, and the S-box is an essential part in most of modern block cipher designs. In 1973, Feistel used a key selected S-box mechanism in his early block cipher designs, whose idea is to let each S-box have two different states and use a key bit to select which of the two states is to be used in an encryption or decryption operation. However, this key selected S-box mechanism has not got much attention in modern block cipher design with the DES block cipher published in 1977. In this paper, we revisit Feistel’s key selected S-box mechanism, give a generalised version of Feistel’s key selected S-box mechanism, compare it with existing close notions, and design the LBC example cipher to demonstrate that the generalised key selected S-box mechanism can be advantageous over the ordinary S-box mechanism in modern block cipher design for improving security and/or performance without intensifying computational effort and space in some application environments.
Acute Brainstem Dysfunction Caused by Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Oka Yuwa , Komatsu Kenichi , Abe Soichiro , Yoshimoto Naoya , Taki Junya , Matsumoto Sadayuki
Published: May 2020

Symptoms of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula depend on the drainage patterns and are very diverse. Among these, brainstem dysfunction is a rare but serious complication. Here, we describe a case with isolated and rapidly progressive brainstem dysfunction due to cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula. An 80-year-old woman presented with a 2-day history of progressive gait disturbance. Neurological examination revealed mild confusion, dysarthria, and left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed pontine swelling without evidence of infarction. Magnetic resonance angiography suggested a faint abnormality near the cavernous sinus. Dural arteriovenous fistula was suspected, and digital subtraction angiography was planned for the next day. Her condition had progressed to coma by the next morning. Pontine swelling worsened, and hyperintensity appeared on diffusion-weighted imaging. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a right-sided cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula with venous reflux into the posterior fossa. Orbital or ocular symptoms had preceded brainstem symptoms in all nine previously reported cases, but brainstem symptoms were the only presentation in our case, making the diagnosis difficult. Some dural arteriovenous fistulas mimic inflammatory diseases when the clinical course is acute. Prompt diagnosis using enhanced computed tomography or MRI and emergent treatment are needed to avoid permanent sequelae.
Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Associated Risk Factors among Patients with Wound Infection at Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Tsige Yeterefwork , Tadesse Senait , G/Eyesus Tsehaynesh , Tefera Mulugeta Mihrete , Amsalu Anteneh , Menberu Marta Alemayhu , Gelaw Baye
Published: May 2020

Background. The spectrums of infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are manifold and are associated with worse outcomes. A study on the prevalence of these pathogens and their sensitivity patterns will give updated information which is very helpful for health personnel responsible in the management of patients and timely monitoring of the emergence of resistant bacteria. Hence, the study aimed at assessing the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and associated factors among patients with wound infection at Dessie Referral Hospital. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 266 patients at Dessie Referral Hospital from February to May 2016. Wound swab samples were collected aseptically using Levine’s technique and transported to Dessie Regional Laboratory by using brain-heart infusion transport media. Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus was done based on cultural and biochemical profiles. Drug susceptibility test was performed using the disc diffusion technique as per the standard and interpreted based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Result. Staphylococcus isolates from 266 processed wound swabs were 92 (34.58%). Of these, 26 (28.3%) were identified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 66 (71.7%) were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus. The overall prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus among the study population was 9.8%. The isolated methicillin-resistant S. aureus showed full resistance to penicillin (100%) followed by erythromycin and ciprofloxacin (16, 61.5%) and cotrimoxazole and gentamicin (14, 53.8%). From the total S. aureus isolates, 20 (21.7%) of them showed multidrug resistance. Of these methicillin-resistant S. aureus, 18 (69.8%) showed high multidrug resistance. Patients who are farmers in occupation (AOR = 6.1, 95% CI (1.086–33.724)), admitted in the hospital (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI (1.429–8.857)), and have low BMI (<18.5) (AOR = 13.89, 95% CI (4.919–39.192)) were among the risk factors significantly associated with wound infection due to methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Conclusion. All methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates were 100% resistant to penicillin and showed high multidrug resistance. Therefore, antibiotic susceptibility test should be performed prior to treatment.
Preliminary Study on the Tears Oxidative Stress Status and Sleep Disturbances in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients
Authors: Balmus Ioana-Miruna , Cojocariu Roxana-Oana , Ciobica Alin , Strungaru Stefan , Strungaru-Jijie Roxana , Cantemir Alina , Galatanu Catalina , Gorgan Lucian
Published: May 2020

According to the latest gastrointestinal disorders diagnostic criteria (ROME IV), the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is mainly characterized by the presence of abdominal pain and changes in intestinal transit. However, both sleep impairments and oxidative status changes (in patients’ sera, mucosal level, and other body fluids) were reported IBS. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate several aspects regarding the oxidative stress status in patients’ tears as well as sleep disturbances by comparison with the intensity of IBS symptoms, as assessed by the visual analogue scale for irritable bowel syndrome (VAS-IBS). Ten IBS patients and fourteen healthy sex- and age-matched volunteers were recruited from the Oftaprof Ophthalmological Clinic (Iași, Romania). Visual analogue scale for irritable bowel syndrome and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires were administered to all the patients. Tear samples were collected using the Schirmer test procedure and were subjected to biochemical analysis—superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, malondialdehyde, and total soluble proteins levels were determined. Standard statistical analysis was applied. We found significant differences in oxidative stress marker dynamics in IBS patients as compared to healthy age- and sex-matched controls: increased superoxide dismutase activity (p=0.02), increased malondialdehyde (p=0.007), and total soluble proteins levels (p=0.019). We found no significant differences in tear glutathione peroxidase activity in IBS patients as compared to healthy age- and sex-matched controls (p=0.55). Furthermore, we observed that the oxidative stress tear markers are correlated with gastrointestinal symptoms severity (as evaluated by VAS-IBS) but not correlated to the sleep quality index and items (as evaluated by PSQI), with significant differences according to patient sex and IBS subtype stratification. In this way, this study brings additional evidence of the oxidative stress role in IBS pathology alongside the evaluation of tear fluid molecular dynamics in IBS for the first time in our best knowledge.
Huangbai Liniment Accelerated Wound Healing by Activating Nrf2 Signaling in Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Zhou Rui , Xiang Changpei , Jia Qiang , Wu Hongwei , Yang Hongjun
Published: May 2020

As a serious complication of diabetes, nonhealing skin ulcer leads to high mortality and disability in diabetic patients. However, limited therapy is available in managing diabetic wounds. In this study, RNA-seq technology was used to systematically investigate the effect of Huangbai (HB) liniment, a traditional Chinese medicine, on the streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic wound. HB liniment significantly accelerated the wound closure and enhanced the generation of extracellular matrix in diabetic rats, and oxidative stress was identified to play a vital role in HB-mediated wound healing. Importantly, HB liniment activated nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream antioxidant genes (e.g., genes involved in glutathione system, thioredoxin system, and GAPDH generation as well as other antioxidant genes), which inhibited oxidative damage and apoptosis. By associating drug targets of HB liniment with Nrf2 and its downstream genes, 54 components in HB liniment were screened out, and the majority was from Cortex Phellodendri and Forsythia suspensa. Additionally, HB liniment enhanced TGF-β1 and reduced MMP9 level, accelerating wound healing in diabetes. The in vitro experiment showed HB facilitated cell proliferation and inhibited oxidative damage in high glucose-induced HaCaT cells. Our findings provided the experimental evidence for the treatment of diabetic wound with HB, clarified the potential mechanism of HB, and improved our understanding of diabetic wound healing.
Cordia lutea L. Flowers: A Promising Medicinal Plant as Chemopreventive in Induced Prostate Carcinogenesis in Rats
Authors: Rojas-Armas Juan Pedro , Arroyo-Acevedo Jorge Luis , Ortiz-Sánchez José Manuel , Palomino-Pacheco Miriam , Herrera-Calderón Oscar , Calva James , Rojas-Armas Agustín , Justil-Guerrero Hugo Jesús , Castro-Luna Américo , Hilario-Vargas Julio
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of the ethanolic extract of Cordia lutea flowers (EECL) on N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐ (MNU), cyproterone‐, and testosterone‐induced prostate cancer in rats. 40 Holtzman male rats were used and assigned to 5 groups (n = 8). In Group I, rats received normal saline (10 mL/Kg); Group II: rats were induced for prostate cancer with cyproterone, testosterone, and NMU; Groups III, IV, and V: rats received EECL daily, at doses of 50, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. After the period of treatment, animals were sacrificed by an overdose of pentobarbital and blood samples were collected for determination of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). The prostate was dissected and weighed accurately. The ventral lobe of the prostate was processed for histopathology analysis. The somatic prostate index decreased with EECL at dependent dose, from 0.34 ± 0.04 to 0.23 ± 0.05 (P < 0.05). The PSA levels also decreased significantly at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Histopathological analysis showed a decrease in the number of prostatic layers with high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG‐PIN) and low‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (LG‐PIN) at the dose of 500 mg/kg. The ethanolic extract of Cordia lutea flowers had a chemopreventive effect on induced prostate cancer in rats.
The Performance of Immunocytochemistry Staining as Triaging Tests for High-Risk HPV-Positive Women: A 24-Month Prospective Study
Authors: Li Yu-Cong , Zhao Yu-Qian , Li Ting-Yuan , Chen Wen , Liao Guang-Dong , Wang Hai-Rui , Lei Hai-Ke , Guo Yue , Zhou Qi
Published: May 2020

It is urgent to develop an accurate approach to improve the predictive performance of hrHPV-based screening. The aim is to evaluate the performance of p16/Ki-67 and p16/MCM2 staining to triage high-risk human papillomavirus- (hrHPV-) positive women. Cervical specimens were collected from eligible women and tested for hrHPV genotyping, cytology, p16/Ki-67, and p16/MCM2 staining at baseline. Women were invited to participate in follow-up screening by cytology and hrHPV testing at 24 months. Positive women received colposcopy and biopsies. Histopathological diagnoses were the gold standard. 485 women came back for the follow-up screening. The positive rate of p16/Ki-67 was 20.2% and of p16/MCM2 was 27.2%. The positive rates of p16/Ki-67 ( P<0.001) and p16/MCM2 (P=0.021) were increased by the severity of histopathology findings. Among hrHPV-positive women, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for p16/Ki-67 were 90.9%, 67.0%, 16.5%, and 99.0%, and for p16/MCM2 were 81.8%, 43.1%, 9.4%, and 97.1%. The sensitivity of cytology for triaging hrHPV-positive women were lower than p16/Ki-67 (P=0.012) and p16/MCM2 (P=0.065). The cocktail staining did not add sensitivity to p16/Ki-67 or p16/MCM2 staining alone (P>0.05), however, cutting down the specificity of p16/Ki-67 staining alone with statistical significance (67.0% vs. 40.2%, P<0.001). The risk of CIN2+ within 24 months for hrHPV-positive but triaging negative women at baseline was 0.5 (0.1–2.7), 0.7 (0.1–4.1), and 2.4 (1.1–5.0) for p16/Ki-67, p16/MCM2, and cytology, respectively. As an objective and accurate immunocytochemical staining, the p16/Ki-67 and p16/MCM2 dual staining performed better than cytology to triage positive hrHPV. On condition that high-quality cytology is unavailable, immunocytochemical staining by p16/Ki-67 or p16/MCM2 is an option for triaging hrHPV-positive women. The combination of p16/Ki-67 and p16/MCM2 could not improve the accuracy in detecting CIN2+.
A SEIQR Model considering the Effects of Different Quarantined Rates on Worm Propagation in Mobile Internet
Authors: Zheng Yonghua , Zhu Jianhua , Lai Chaoan
Published: May 2020

At present, Wi-Fi is a common medium for connecting smart devices to networks in factories. The application of mobile Internet in smart manufacturing system (SMIS) speeds up the process of smart manufacturing but also increases SMIS vulnerability to worm attack from mobile networks. In this paper, we propose a new SLBQR (susceptible-latent-breaking out-quarantined-recovered) model considering vaccination strategies with temporary immunity and quarantined strategies. Based on basic reproduction number, we give expression of quarantined rate φ and obtain the threshold ϕ∗ of quarantined rate φ such that the worm-free equilibrium is asymptotically stable when ϕ≥ϕ∗, implying that the worm dies out eventually and its attack remains under control; the endemic equilibrium is asymptotically stable when φ<φ∗, namely, the worm is always persistent and spreading within a population. Hence, we give the quarantined strategy ϕ≥ϕ∗ to suppress the spread of virus. In addition, by theoretical analysis, we can conclude that even if the immunity time is unlimited, endemic equilibrium will not become worm-free. In other words, there is a mutation in the virus, which proves that there is no vaccination strategy with permanent immunity. Finally, we simulate our model with different temporary immune time and quarantine rates, and the results verify our theorem.
Coinfection of Strongyloides stercoralis and Aspergillus sp.
Authors: Motamedi Marjan , Haghighi Lida , Omidian Mostafa , Sarkari Bahador
Published: May 2020

Background. Strongyloides stercoralis has the ability to proliferate in its hosts for a long time. In most patients with a competent immune system, the infection remains asymptomatic. Objectives. Herein, we report a case of concomitant infection of Strongyloides and Aspergillus. Similar cases reported previously were reviewed in the literature and discussed in terms of diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment. Methods. The patient was a 55-year-old man who had a medical history of two masses in his lung and was treated with corticosteroids six months before the presentation. Results. Using the parasitological methods, massive actively motile larvae of S. stercoralis were seen in the patient’s faecal sample. Aspergillus infection was isolated from his fresh bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample and confirmed by observing the septate, dichotomously branched hyphae in direct microscopic examination and also the isolation of the fungus from the culture medium. Molecular analysis revealed that the fungal species isolated from the patient are A. flavus and A. niger. Conclusion. The case highlights the features of concomitant infection of S. stercoralis and Aspergillus in immunocompromised patients and the importance of screening patients for strongyloidiasis before initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.
The English Galileo and His Vision of Projectile Motion under Air Resistance
Authors: Kantrowitz Robert , Neumann Michael M.
Published: May 2020

This article presents a detailed discussion of the shape of the trajectory traced by a projectile under the forces of gravity and air resistance. In particular, our results confirm the insight of the English scientist Thomas Harriot into the motion of a projectile before the development of Newtonian classical mechanics. Our approach is based on the fact that the flight path of a resisted projectile is implemented by a strictly concave function for which the derivative is also strictly concave.
Desmoplastic Fibroblastoma Invading the Humerus
Authors: Matsunobu Tomoya , Maekawa Akira , Fukushima Suguru , Jotatsu Mao , Makihara Kosuke , Hisaoka Masanori , Iwamoto Yukihide
Published: May 2020

Desmoplastic fibroblastoma (DFB) is an uncommon, benign, soft tissue tumor. The tumor most often presents as a slowly growing, painless soft tissue mass and is usually small. There have been only a few reports of patients with DFB who presented with bone invasion. Herein, we report the case of a 66-year-old woman with DFB with bone invasion in her left axilla. A lump under the left axilla was detected and was associated with pain and limited range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder. Computed tomography showed a soft tissue mass with invasion of the adjacent left humerus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion with low signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, and weak internal enhancement on postcontrast T1-weighted images with fat suppression. Histologic evaluation of a preoperative needle biopsy revealed DFB with FOSL1 expression. The tumor was marginally excised. Postoperative outpatient follow-up demonstrated a significant improvement in pain and ROM of the shoulder and no recurrence after 1 year. Even though DFB with bone invasion can cause pronounced clinical symptoms with pain and limited ROM, we conclude that simple excision is an adequate treatment.
A Proposal for the Performance, Classification, and Reporting of Lymph Node Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytopathology: The Sydney System
Authors: Al-Abbadi Mousa A. , Barroca Helena , Bode-Lesniewska Beata , Calaminici Maria , Caraway Nancy P. , Chhieng David F. , Cozzolino Immacolata , Ehinger Mats , Field Andrew S. , Geddie William R. , Katz Ruth L. , Lin Oscar , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Monaco Sara E. , Rajwanshi Arvind , Schmitt Fernando C. , Vielh Philippe , Zeppa Pio
Published: May 2020

Background: The evaluation of lymph nodes (LN) by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is routinely used in many institutions but it is not uniformly accepted mainly because of the lack of guidelines and a cytopathological diagnostic classification. A committee of cytopathologists has developed a system of performance, classification, and reporting for LN-FNAC. Methods: The committee members prepared a document that has circulated among them five times; the final text has been approved by all the participants. It is based on a review of the international literature and on the expertise of the members. The system integrates clinical and imaging data with cytopathological features and ancillary techniques. The project has received the endorsement and patronage of the International Academy of Cytology and the European Federation of the Cytology Societies. Results: Clinical, imaging, and serological data of lymphadenopathies, indications for LN-FNAC, technical procedures, and ancillary techniques are evaluated with specific recommendations. The reporting system includes two diagnostic levels. The first should provide basic diagnostic information and includes five categories: inadequate/insufficient, benign, atypical lymphoid cells of undetermined/uncertain significance, suspicious, and malignant. For each category, specific recommendations are provided. The second diagnostic level, when achievable, should produce the identification of specific benign or malignant entities and additional information by utilizing ancillary testing. Conclusion: The authors believe that the introduction of this system for performing and reporting LN-FNAC may improve the quality of the procedure, the report, and the communication between cytopathologists and the clinicians. This system may lead to a greater acceptance and utilization of LN-FNAC and to a better interdisciplinary understanding of the results of this procedure.
Follow-Up Ileocolonoscopy Is Underused in Crohn’s Disease Patients after Ileocecal Resection despite Higher Total and Inpatient Health-Care Costs Compared to Controls
Authors: Vavricka Stephan R. , Greuter Thomas , Brüngger Beat , Blozik Eva , Celeiro Jennifer , Schoepfer Alain M. , Bähler Caroline
Published: May 2020

Background: Postoperative recurrence is frequently observed after ileocecal resection in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. Since 2010, endoscopy within 1 year is considered the gold standard for its diagnosis. However, if and how frequent such endoscopies are performed in clinical practice remains unknown. Methods: We analyzed 1-year follow-up data on CD patients who underwent ileocecal resection between 2012 and 2014 and compared them with hospitalized, non-resected CD controls. Data were extracted from the Helsana database. Helsana is one of the largest Swiss health insurance companies providing coverage for 1.2 million individuals. Results: A total of 645 CD patients were identified with ≥1 hospitalization between 2012 and 2014 and a follow-up of 1 year. Of these, 79 (12.2%) underwent ileocecal resection. Although endoscopy rates increased over time and were higher in patients with resection versus controls (p = 0.029), in only 54.4% a 1-year follow-up ileocolonoscopy was performed. Postoperative prophylaxis with anti-tumor necrosis factor or azathioprine was prescribed in 63.3%. Female sex and age >60 years were independent predictors for not receiving prophylaxis (odds ratio [OR] 0.36, p = 0.048, and OR 0.2, p = 0.022). Patients with resection had significantly lower numbers of rehospitalizations (1.2 vs. 1.8, p = 0.021), with resection being an independent negative predictor for number of rehospitalizations in a Poisson regression model (incident risk ratio 0.64, p = 0.029). However, disease-related surgery was more often the cause for rehospitalization after resection versus controls (47.6 vs. 22.1%, p = 0.015). Total and inpatient health-care costs were higher in these patients. Conclusion: Endoscopies are underused after ileocecal resection. This contrasts current guidelines. Physicians should be aware of this underuse and perform follow-up examinations more often.
Hypopituitarism in Patients with Blepharophimosis and FOXL2 Mutations
Authors: Castets Sarah , Roucher-Boulez Florence , Saveanu Alexandru , Mallet-Motak Delphine , Chabre Olivier , Amati-Bonneau Patrizia , Bonneau Dominique , Girardin Celine , Morel Yves , Villanueva Carine , Brue Thierry , Reynaud Rachel , Nicolino Marc
Published: May 2020

Background: FOXL2 is the gene involved in blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). There have been few single case reports of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) with this syndrome, and Foxl2 is known to be involved in pituitary development in mice. Our aim was to analyze the prevalence of FOXL2 gene alteration in a series of patients with congenital hypopituitarism and eyelid anomalies. Methods: FOXL2 was analyzed in 10 patients with hypopituitarism (ranging from isolated GHD to complete pituitary hormone deficiency) and eyelid anomalies (typical BPES in 4 patients and milder anomalies in 6 patients). In patients with an FOXL2 mutation, we ruled out other possible molecular explanations by analyzing a panel of 20 genes known to be associated with hypopituitarism, and a candidate gene approach was used for patients without an FOXL2mutation. Results: Three patients had an FOXL2mutation. All 3 had typical BPES. Their pituitary phenotype varied from GHD to complete pituitary hormone deficiency and their pituitary morphology ranged from normal to an interrupted pituitary stalk. No mutations were found in genes previously associated with hypopituitarism. Conclusion: Our study shows that some patients with BPES have hypopituitarism with no molecular explanation other than FOXL2 mutation. This points toward an involvement of FOXL2 in human pituitary development.
Triggers and Clinical Presentations of Functional Neurological Disorders: Lessons from World War 1
Authors: Linden Stefanie Caroline
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The psychological contribution to functional neurological and somatic symptom disorders is a major topic in current medical debate. Objective: For an understanding of the processes leading to functional somatic symptoms, it is paramount to explore their relationship with stress and life events and to elucidate the contribution of cultural factors. Methods: A total of 937 case records of civilian and military patients with functional somatic disorders treated in London during World War 1 were analysed. Group differences in symptom profiles and contemporaneous diagnoses were tested with χ2 tests. Results: Paralyses and speech disturbances were significantly more common in soldiers (43.3 and 17.2% of cases) than in civilian male (28.1 and 6.5%) and female patients (32.4 and 7.5%), whereas female patients had the highest rates of pain (48.6%) and somatic symptoms (67%). Triggers were identified in around two-thirds of cases and included accidents, physical illness, and work stress, in addition to the combat experience of the soldier patients. The nature of the trigger influenced symptom expression, with acute (combat and noncombat) events being particularly prone to trigger loss of motor function. Symptom profiles showed a great deal of multi-morbidity and overlap, although some symptom clusters were more (motor and speech disturbance) or less common (pain and loss of energy) in soldiers than civilians. Triggering life events in civilians were similar to those reported by patients with somatic symptom disorders today, with an important role of physical factors. Patterns of multi-morbidity and symptom clusters also resembled those of modern cohorts. Conclusions: Analysis of historical records, illness trajectories, and treatments can enhance the understanding of the presentation, mechanisms, and course of functional neurological and related disorders and their consistency over time.
Myelomeningocele Repair Combining a Double Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane Homograft and the Keystone Flap in a 3-Year-Old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Pignatti Marco , Feletti Alberto , Sapino Gianluca , Marotti Francesca , Pavesi Giacomo , De Santis Giorgio
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Early repair in patients affected by myelomeningocele (MMC) is of paramount importance in order to prevent infection, minimize neural tissue damage, and reduce mortality. Treatment must include duraplasty and possibly an adequate soft tissue coverage. Delayed surgery in MMC patients can be more tedious due to the less clear borders between the placode and the skin. Moreover, the risks of wound infection and breakdown increase significantly. Case Presentation: We present the unusual case of a large MMC in a 3-year-old patient treated by combining the recently described cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM) as homograft for dural reconstruction and a bilateral Keystone flap for soft tissue reconstruction. Discussion: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and elastic proprieties, the AM can play an important role in preventing adhesion between the reconstructed layers, thus reducing the risk of spinal cord tethering. The Keystone flap, at the same time, allows the wound tension to be distributed widely over the flap margins and not only along the midline, which overlies the duraplasty, enhancing the scar quality and lowering the risk of cerebrospinal fluid recurrence and wound dehiscence, with no donor site morbidity.