bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Res-WGAN: Image Classification for Plant Small-scale Datasets
Authors: Jiaqi Mi , Xia Hao , Si Yang , Wanlin Gao , Minzan Li , Wang Minjuan , Lihua Zheng
Published: February 2020

Background: The artificial identification of rare plants is always a challenging problem in plant taxonomy. Although the convolutional neural network (CNN) in the deep learning method can better realize the automatic classification of plant samples through training, the model accuracy is difficult to reach the human eye discrimination due to the quantitative limit of training samples. Thus, effective data enhancement is vital to improve the generalization ability and robustness of deep learning models, especially for plant small-scale data classification task. Different from traditional methods, the Generative adversarial network (GAN) mimics original data distribution and produces new samples with similar features which can help classifiers equip with extraordinary generalization ability. It has not been studied that data enhancement for plant samples’ characteristics with GAN since sliced bread. Result: In this study, we present a novel GAN model named as Residual Wasserstein GAN (Res-WGAN) for data enhancement. To further adapt to plant small-scale datasets, residual blocks were introduced into the classic WGAN-GP as the basic network unit. These blocks enrich the presentation skills and sustained parameters unchanged simultaneously. Moreover, we enforce the idea from SRGAN to take content loss into a final function, which guarantes the similarity between generated samples and original samples in high-dimensional features. Benefiting from these improvements, the proposed Res-WGAN expanded original datasets efficiently. We test it on the ResNet and the experimental results show that new datasets combined transfer learning significantly promoted the accuracy of classification, especially at testing data. To illustrate the generalization of the model, more particular small datasets are applied for expansion and classification in this paper. Conclusions: Our works report competitive accuracy results than other data enhancement methods, and user study confirms it’s an ideal alternative strategy for small-scale plant datasets enhancement. Developing robust and effective small-scale plants classification method to replace expert testimony, is highly relevant for agricultural automation development.
Sentinel node theory helps tracking of primary lesions of cancers of unknown primary
Authors: Shao Yilin , Liu Xin , Hu Silong , Zhang Yingjian , Li Wentao , Zhou Xiaoyan , Wang Qifeng , Hou Yifeng , Chen Yong , Wang Yanli , Wang Yaohui , Luo Zhiguo , Hu Xichun
Published: February 2020

Background: Sentinel lymph node is the first stop of lymphatic spreading of cancer with known primary. The lymph node metastasis pattern of cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is unclear and has been presumed to follow the same pathway. To test this hypothesis, data of all 716 patients clinically diagnosed as CUP in our center were collected.Methods: Diagnoses of lymph node metastasis were established by 18F-FDG PET-CT and/or biopsy pathology. Three hundred and forty-seven cases meeting the criteria were divided into three groups: pathology-confirmed primary with invasive biopsy or surgery of the suspicious lesion (group A, n=64), primary still unknown even with invasive biopsy or surgery of the suspicious lesion (group B, n=204), and others with no suspicious lesion or lesions who had not been sampled due to medical or other reasons (group C, n=79). We assessed the clinicopathological features between these groups, and the relationship between lymph node metastasis pattern and confirmed primary site. Results: In group A, the primary sites of 61 cases were compatible with sentinel node theory, resulting in a positive predictive value of 95%. No significant differences in age, sex, bone metastasis, or visceral metastasis observed between group A and group B, except that group A had a higher ratio of differentiated carcinoma (94% vs. 77%, P=0.003). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first evidence indicating that the majority of clinical CUP cases follow the sentinel node theory to spread in lymph nodes, which helps tracking the primary, especially for differentiated carcinoma.
Association of DNA repair gene variants with colorectal cancer: risk, toxicity, and survival
Authors: Salimzadeh Hamideh , Lindskog Elinor Bexe , Gustavsson Bengt , Wettergren Yvonne , Ljungman David
Published: February 2020

Background : Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes have a potential clinical value in predicting treatment outcomes. In the current study, we examined the association of SNPs in the genes XRCC1-rs25487, ERCC1-rs11615, ERCC2-rs238406, and ERCC2-rs13181 with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity during chemotherapy. Methods: SNPs were analysed in 590 CRC cases and 300 controls using TaqMan technology. The association of SNPs with CRC risk and toxicity during chemotherapy was analysed using Chi2 test. The Kaplan–Meier method and Log-rank test was used to measure the effects of the SNPs on RFS and OS. Results: The ERCC2-rs238406 A allele and the ERCC2-rs13181 C allele were associated with a significantly increased risk of CRC. The ERCC1-rs11615 genotype T/T was associated with stomatitis in adjuvant chemotherapy ( p = 0.03). Also, more patients with the ERCC2rs13181 C allele needed dose reduction compared to patients with the A/A genotype ( p = 0.02). In first line chemotherapy, more patients with the ERCC1-rs11615 C allele suffered from nausea compared with those with the T/T genotype ( p = 0.04) and eye reactions and thrombocytopenia were more common in patients with the ERCC2-rs13181 C allele compared to the A/A genotype ( p = 0.006 and p = 0.004, respectively). Also, ERCC2- rs238406 C/C was associated with a higher frequency of thrombocytopenia ( p =0.03). A shorter 5-year OS was detected in stage I & II CRC patients with the ERCC2- rs238406 C allele ( p = 0.02). However, there was no significant association between the SNPs and 5-year RFS. Conclusions: Both SNPs in ERCC2 were associated with risk of CRC as well as toxicity during first line treatment. In addition, ERCC2- rs238406 was linked to OS in early stage CRC. The ERCC1-rs11615 variant was associated with toxicity during adjuvant chemotherapy. The results add support to previous findings that SNPs in ERCC1 and ERCC2 have a prognostic and predictive value in clinical management of CRC.
Tax Reform and Economic Growth in Developing Countries: The Trade Openness and Public Revenue Channels
Authors: GNANGNON SENA KIMM
Published: February 2020

The current article examines the economic growth effect of tax reform in developing countries. Tax reform is defined here as the process that entails the convergence of developing countries' tax structure towards that of developed countries. The analysis covers a sample of 92 developing countries over the period 1980-2015. The empirical results have shown that tax reform promotes economic growth, including when governments are able to collect a minimum level of public revenue-to-GDP ratio and when they further open-up their economies to international trade. These findings have an important policy implication.
Feasibility study of amyloid PET-only quantification; a comparison with visual interpretation.
Authors: Shimokawa Natsumi , Akamatsu Go , Kadosaki Miyako , Sasaki Masayuki
Published: February 2020

Objective Visual evaluation is the standard for amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) examination, though the result depends upon the physician’s subjective review of the images. Therefore, objective quantitative evaluation is expected to be useful for image interpretation. In this study, we examined the usefulness of the quantitative evaluation of amyloid PET using a PET-only quantification method in comparison with visual evaluation. Methods A total of 166 individuals, including 58 cognitively normal controls, 62 individuals with mild cognitive impairment, and 46 individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease, were retrospectively investigated. They underwent 11C-Pittsburgh compound-B (PiB) PET examination through the Japanese-Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative (J-ADNI). Amyloid accumulation in cerebral cortices was assessed using visual and quantitative methods. The quantitative evaluation was performed using the adaptive template method and empirically PiB-prone region of interest, and the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) in each area was obtained. Results Visual evaluation and SUVR were significantly correlated in the cerebral cortices (ρ = 0.85–0.87; p < 0.05). In visual evaluation, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 78%, 76%, and 77%, respectively. Meanwhile, for quantitative evaluation, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 78%, 76%, and 77%, in mean cortical SUVR (mcSUVR) and 79%, 79%, and 79% in maximum SUVR (maxSUVR), respectively. Conclusion The PET-only quantification method resulted in a concordant result with visual evaluation and was considered to be useful for amyloid PET.
Free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with a single-pedicle bilobed design for pediatric multifinger defect reconstruction
Authors: Li Zhangcan , Zheng Dawei , Zheng Jian , Qi Weiya , Qi Qiang , Liu Yunyun
Published: February 2020

Objectives This paper describes imaging and anatomical features, in order to assess the feasibility of superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap with a single-pedicle bilobed design for multifinger skin and soft tissue reconstruction in pediatric patients. Methods A total of 7 pediatric patients who were being treated with free single-pedicle bilobed SCIP flap reconstruction for multifinger defects were included in this study. The details of the clinical features were collected, and the following were successively analyzed: the preoperative CTA and CDS examinations for flap design, the intraoperative anatomy for perforator vessel, defect reconstruction and the postoperative aesthetic, motor function and sensation recovery results. Results CTA and CDS performed preoperatively could accurately and rapidly identify the position, location and course of the SCIP flap. All flaps survived well, all wounds healed by the first follow-up and no complications occurred at the follow-up visit. The fingers had good aesthetic appearance, there was recovery of motor function and protective sensation, and the donor area was primarily sutured with good scar concealment in the underwear region. Conclusion CTA and CDS performed preoperatively are accurate and intuitive methods for assessing the location and course of SCIP. The SCIP flap is highly suitable for pediatric patients due to its small caliber, specific functional and aesthetic benefits. It can be designed in a lobulated fashion in order to repair two or more wounds during one surgery. We suggest that the free single-pedicle bilobed SCIP flap should be considered an optimal choice for multifinger defect reconstruction in pediatric patients in the clinic.
Cervical pedicle screws fixation treatment the atlantoaxial instability of axis burst fractures
Authors: Yan Denglu , Zhang Zaiheng , Zhang Zhi
Published: February 2020

BackgroundAlthough the cervical pedicle screws and rods were used for atlantoaxial instable, the axis fractures still a challenge for spine surgeon.ObjectiveThis study was to evaluated the clinical outcomes of axis burst fractures had C1C3 pedicles screws fixation treatment.MethodsFrom June 2014 to July 2018, 45 patients with axis fractures were enrolled in this study; 23 patients was odontoid underwent C1C2 pedicles screws fixation, and 21 patients was odontoid combine body fractures had C1C3 pedicles screws fixation. The clinical outcomes of pain relief (visual analog scale, VAS), functional disability (neck disability index, NDI) were recorded at baseline and at the final follow-up.ResultsThe pain index and NDI were all significantly improved when compared to pretreatment (P < 0.01). The VAS and ND were no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). All patients, suffered from severe mechanical upper cervical neck pain at pre-operative, were pain free post-operation. Pre-operative neurological examination was normal in all patients, and remained the same after surgery. All cases showed normal neurological function at the final follow-up. No vascular or neurological complication was noted. The fracture healing and the bony union of the fixed segments were revealed in all cases on CT views. Implant failure and instability were not seen on lateral flexion/extension radiographs of the cervical spine.ConclusionsCervical pedicle screws fixation was effective and safe procedures in the treatment of traumatic spondylolisthesis of axial fractures. The atlantoaxial instable of axis burst fractures can be managed with C1-C3 pedicles screws fixation.
Assessment Of Air Quality In The Southwestern Part Of The Świętokrzyskie Mountains Based On Selected Indicators
Authors: Szwed Mirosław , KOZŁOWSKI Rafał , ŻUKOWSKI Witold
Published: February 2020

Background: This article presents the results of research on the air quality which has been under the anthropogenic impact of the cement and lime industry in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains for many years. Research using geo- and bio-indicators was carried out at fixed measuring points in the years 2016-2018. Results: Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. and two-year old Scots pine needles Pinus silvestris L. were used for bioindication research. Physico-chemical properties of precipitation were developed on the basis of research conducted at the Jan Kochanowski University’s field research station located on the Malik. Increased pH and specific electrolytic conductivity (EC) of precipitation, as well as variable concentrations of heavy metals throughout a year were shown.Conslusions: Analysis of the chemical properties of transplanted lichens and pine needles confirmed the presence of elements from the cement and lime industry sector located in the Białe Zagłębie. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the needles’ surface revealed morphological changes resulting from pollution of stoma opening and closing by small solid particles of anthropogenic origins, disturbing a gas exchange.
“You talk about problems until you feel free”: South African adolescent and young women’s narratives on the value of HIV prevention peer support clubs
Authors: Baron Deborah , Scorgie Fiona , Ramskin Lethabo , Khoza Nomhle , Schutzman Jennifer , Stangl Anne , Harvey Sheila , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead
Published: February 2020

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV infection in adolescent girls and young women if used consistently during periods of risk. The EMPOWER study evaluated peer-based clubs incorporating an empowerment curriculum offered to adolescent girls and young women (16-24 years) in South Africa and Tanzania for adherence support. Using serial in-depth interviews (n=33), we assessed the benefits and challenges of club attendance among 13 EMPOWER participants in the Johannesburg site who were randomised to clubs. We used a summary matrix of coded data to support a narrative, case-based analysis. Four case studies are presented. Club participants reported benefits such as increased self-esteem and self-efficacy, reduced isolation, and greater insight into gender-based violence and strategies to address it. Day-to-day PrEP adherence was not the only topic discussed in clubs; participants also appreciated the safe space for sharing problems and found interactive exercises helpful in improving partner communication. Findings support the use of peer-based clubs using a structured empowerment approach, which may offer valuable PrEP initiation support to adolescent girls and young women in settings with high HIV and gender-based violence prevalence.
Bio-Banding In Junior Soccer Players – A Pilot Study
Authors: Romann Michael , Lüdin Dennis , Born Dennis-Peter
Published: February 2020

Objective Bio-banding (BB) has been introduced to account for varying maturity and to improve the talent development of junior soccer players. To date, research that investigated the physiological and technical effects of BB is sparse. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess BB based on practical considerations in a cohort of 62 under (U)13 and U14 soccer players in a paired crossover design. Results BB significantly increased the number of duels and set pieces compared to chronological age (p<0.05). The mean time of ball possession per action was reduced and the rate of successful passes was lower with BB. Meanwhile, the total number of passes was unaffected, and there was a trend towards a lower difference in ball possession between BB teams (p<0.1). In addition, BB reduced the distances covered while jogging (p<0.001), running (p<0.05) and high-speed running (p<0.05). With BB, an increased number of duels, unsuccessful passes and set pieces seemed to result from a quicker and more balanced match play between teams. While physical demand was reduced, BB seems to result in a more technically and tactically challenging game. Benefits in long-term player development, however, require further investigation.
WITHDRAWN: Do the retina and brain share similar molecular and cellular pathological footprints? Insights from an Alzheimer´s disease animal model
Authors: Neves Ana Catarina Rodrigues , Carecho Rafael , Correia Sónia C. , Carvalho Cristina , Campos Elisa J. , Baptista Filipa I. , Moreira Paula I. , Ambrósio António Francisco
Published: February 2020

Background: The concept 'the retina as a window to the brain' in Alzheimer´s disease (AD) has been explored in recent years since patients sometimes present visual alterations before the first symptoms of dementia. The retina is an extension of the brain and can be assessed by non-invasive methods. However, assessing the retina for AD diagnosis is still a matter of debate. Using the triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD), this study was undertaken to investigate whether the retina and brain undergo similar molecular and cellular changes during the early stages of AD pathology, and if the retina could anticipate the pathological alterations occurring in the brain. Methods: We used the 3xTg-AD and wild-type mice (C57BL6/129S), at 4 and 8 months of age, and assessed several parameters in the retina and brain (hippocampus and cortex): amyloid-beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels, barrier permeability, cell death, neurotransmitter levels and glial changes. Results: We detected increased Aβ levels in the hippocampus and cortex and increased p-tau in the hippocampus, retina and cortex of 3xTg-AD mice. The brain and retinal barriers were unaffected. At 4 months, the content of some synaptic proteins increased in the brain but not in the retina. No cell death, including retinal ganglion cells loss, was detected in 3xTg-AD mice. Overall, no changes were observed in glutamate and GABA levels in all regions. There was an increase in astrogliosis in the hippocampus at 4 months and a decrease in the retina at 8 months. No changes were detected in Müller cells reactivity. Furthermore, we did not find changes in the number of microglia in 3xTg-AD mice, but we detected a different profile in microglia branching in the hippocampus and retina, at 4 months, where the number and length of the processes increased in the hippocampus and decreased in the retina. Conclusions: At the early stages of pathology, the retina, hippocampus and cortex of 3xTg-AD are not significantly affected, but already present some molecular and cellular alterations. The retina did not mirror the changes detected in the brain in this animal model of familial AD, and these observations should be taking into account when using the retina as a potential diagnostic tool for AD.
Low hepatitis B vaccination coverage among hepatitis B virus carriers communicants in an eastern Brazilian Amazon city
Authors: Oliveira Candida Maria Abrahão , Souza Alex Junior Souza de , Brasil Maria de Jesus de Souza , Soares Manoel do Carmo Pereira , Nunes Heloisa Marceliano , Nunes Márcio Roberto Teixeira
Published: February 2020

Objective Hepatitis B virus (HBV), even though it is an immunopreventable disease, represents a serious worldwide public health problem. This study evaluated hepatitis B vaccination coverage and the frequency of infection in HBV carrier communicants 20 years after vaccine implementation in the city of Belém, located in the eastern Brazilian Amazon.Results The study, developed between 2015 to 2018, included 288 (n = 288) communicants of HBV carriers. The analyzed population was 53.5% male, with a mean age of 9.4 years (ranging 4 months to 19 years old and a median age of 10 years). Among the examined samples, no HBV carriers (HBsAg positive) were detected; total isolated anti-HBc was detected in 2.1%; 4.2% were anti-HBc total/anti-HBs and 42% anti-HBs isolated, attributed to vaccination; 41.7% received a complete vaccination schedule (three/four doses) and 58.3% were susceptible to HBV. Although the research did not detect HBV in the studied population, there was presence of infection and a significant number of susceptible individuals.
Growth-uncoupled isoprenoid synthesis in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Orsi Enrico , Mougiakos Ioannis , Post Wilbert , Beekwilder Jules , Dompè Marco , Eggink Gerrit , Oost John van der , Kengen Servé W. M. , Weusthuis Ruud A.
Published: February 2020

Background Microbial cell factories are usually engineered and employed for cultivations that combine product synthesis with growth. Such a strategy inevitably invests part of the substrate pool towards the generation of biomass and cellular maintenance. Hence, engineering strains for the formation of a specific product under non-growth conditions would allow to reach higher product yields. In this respect, isoprenoid biosynthesis represents an extensively studied example of growth-coupled synthesis with rather unexplored potential for growth-independent production. Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a model bacterium for isoprenoid biosynthesis, either via the native 2-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway or the heterologous mevalonate (MVA) pathway, and for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthesis. Results This study investigates the use of this bacterium for growth-independent production of isoprenoids, with amorpha-4,11-diene as reporter molecule. For this purpose, we employed the recently developed Cas9-based genome editing tool for R. sphaeroides to rapidly construct single and double deletion mutant strains of the MEP and PHB pathways, and we subsequently transformed the strains with the amorphadiene producing plasmid. Furthermore, we employed 13 C-metabolic flux ratio analysis to monitor the changes in the isoprenoid metabolic fluxes under different cultivation conditions. We demonstrated that active flux via both isoprenoid pathways while inactivating PHB synthesis maximizes growth-coupled isoprenoid synthesis. On the other hand, the strain that showed the highest growth-independent isoprenoid yield and productivity, combined the plasmid-based heterologous expression of the orthogonal MVA pathway with the inactivation of the native MEP and PHB production pathways. Conclusions Apart from proposing a microbial cell factory for growth-independent isoprenoid synthesis, this work provides novel insights about the interaction of MEP and MVA pathways under different growth-conditions.
Klotho, fibroblast growth factors 19 and 21 serum concentrations in children and adolescents with normal body weight and obesity – and their associations with metabolic parameters.
Authors: Socha-Banasiak Anna , Michalak Arkadiusz , Pacześ Krzysztof , Gaj Zuzanna , Fendler Wojciech , Socha Anna , Głowacka Ewa , Kapka Karolina , Gołąbek Violetta , Czkwianianc Elżbieta
Published: February 2020

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and Klotho are regulators of energy homeostasis. However, in the paediatric population the relationship between obesity, metabolic disorders and mentioned factors has not been clearly investigated. We analysed serum concentrations of FGF19, FGF21 and Klotho in children and adolescents with normal body weight as well as in overweight and obese subjects – and their associations with components of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance (IR).Methods: The cross-sectional study conducted in the group of hospitalised children and adolescents. Laboratory investigation included serum ELISA tests for FGF19, FGF21, Klotho as well as lipid profile and oral glucose tolerance test for calculation of the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index. The clinical analysis included blood pressure measurement, body fat percentage estimation and assessing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components. Results: The study was conducted on 174 children/adolescents aged 6-17 years divided into the following groups: with normal body weight (N=48), with obesity (N=92) and overweight subjects (N=34). Klotho levels were significantly higher in the group of subjects with obesity [median 168.6 pg/ml]) than those with overweight [131.3 pg/ml] and normal body weight [116.6 pg/ml] (p=0.0334). Median serum FGF21 level was elevated in the group of patients with MS in comparison to other subjects [136.2 pg/ml vs 82.6 pg/ml, p=0.0285]. Increased Klotho concentrations were noted in patients affected by IR compared with subjects with normal insulin sensitivity [185.3 pg/ml vs 132.6 pg/ml, p=0.0282]. Multivariable model for HOMA-IR showed FGF19 as an independent predictor for IR after adjusting for the pubertal stage and BMI Z-score.Conclusions: Klotho levels were associated with body weight status in children and adolescents. Moreover, Klotho, FGF19 and FGF21 concentrations correlated with IR status and traits of MS.
Stunting Diagnostic and Awareness: Impact assessment study of sociodemographic factors of stunting among school-going children of Pakistan
Authors: Ponum Mahvish , Khan Saadia , Hasan Osman , Mahmood Muhammad Tahir , Abbas Asad , Iftikhar Mehwish , Arshad Reema
Published: February 2020

Background: Stunting is a major public health issue in most of developing countries. Although, its worldwide prevalence is decreasing slowly but the number of stunted children is still rising in Pakistan. Stunting is highly associated with several long-term consequences, including higher rate of mortality and morbidity, deficient cognitive growth, school performance, learning capacity, work capacity and work productivity. To prevent stunting, we proposed Stunting Diagnostic and Education app. This app includes detailed knowledge of stunting and it’s all forms, symptoms, causes, video tutorials and guidelines by the Pediatricians and Nutritionists.Methods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted in schools of Multan District, Pakistan for the period of January 2019 to June 2019. Sample data of 1420 children, aged 4 to 18 years using three age groups, were analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0 to assess the prevalence of stunting and to analyze the risk factors associated with it in children under and over 5 age. Chi square test was applied in comparison with rural and urban participants and p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. This study includes distribution of sociodemographic characteristics, parental education, working status of mothers, dietary patterns of school going children and prevalence of stunting in school going children. After getting study results, Stunting Diagnostic and Education app was developed according to the instructions of child experts and nutritionists.Results: 354 (24.93%) participants were stunted out of 1420, 11.9 % children were obese and 63.17% children were normal. Out of 354 stunted children, higher ratio of stunting was found in the age group of 8-11 years children with 51.98 percentage. 37.85% stunted children were found in the age group of 4-7 years and 10.17% stunting was found in the age group of 12-18 years children. It was observed in the study that male children were highly stunted than female with 57.91 % and 42.09% respectively. Children living in rural areas were more stunted affected as compared to the children living in urban society with percentage 58.76 and 41.24 respectively.Conclusions: Our study concluded that 24.93% children were stunted, out of which, age group of 8-11 years children were highly stunted. The study showed that the literacy of mother or caregiver had high impact on children’s health. Therefore, Stunting Diagnostic and Education app was developed to educate mothers to prevent stunting.
Personalized peptide vaccination for castration-resistant prostate cancer progressing after docetaxel: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial
Authors: Noguchi Masanori , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Arai Gaku , Uemura Hiroji , Hashine Katsuyoshi , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Fukasawa Satoshi , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Nakatsu Hideomi , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato , Uemura Hirotsugu , Naito Seiji , Egawa Shin , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Hinotsu Shiro , Itoh Kyogo
Published: February 2020

Background To develop a new treatment modality, we conducted a phase 3 randomized trial of personalized peptide vaccination (PPV) for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A24-positive patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) for whom docetaxel chemotherapy failed. Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial was done at 68 medical centers in Japan. Eligible patients were aged 20 years or older, positive immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to at least 2 of 12 warehouse peptides, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, life expectancy of at least 12 weeks, serum testosterone level of ≤ 50 ng/dl, and satisfactory bone marrow function, hepatic function, and renal function. Patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive PPV or placebo. Four of 12 warehouse peptides selected based on pre-existing peptide-specific IgG levels or the corresponding placebo were subcutaneously injected in 6 doses weekly and then bi-weekly following the maximum of 30 doses until disease progression. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Efficacy analyses were by the full analysis set. Results Between August 2013 and April 2016, 310 patients were randomly assigned, and 306 patients were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. The estimated median OS was 16.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13–18.2) with PPV and 16.9 months (95% CI, 13.1–20.4) with placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04, 95% CI, 0.80–1.37; p = 0.77). Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in 41% in both groups. The analysis of treatment arm effects among subgroups revealed lower HRs for OS in favor of the PPV arm in patients with < 64% neutrophils (HR, 0.55, 95% CI, 0.33–0.93; p = 0.03) or ≥ 26% lymphocytes (HR, 0.70, 95% CI, 0.52–0.92; p = 0.02) at base line. Conclusions PPV did not prolong OS in HLA-A24-positive patients with CRPC progressing after docetaxel chemotherapy. Subgroup analysis suggested that the patients with a lower proportion of neutrophils or a higher proportion of lymphocytes at base line can receive survival benefits from PPV treatment.
RETRACTED: Effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative delirium and expression of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in elderly patients after hip fracture operation
Authors: Zhang Wenchao , Wang Tianlong , Wang Geng , Yang Minghui , Zhou Yan , Yuan Yi
Published: February 2020

3 September, 2024. Research Square has retracted this preprint due to retraction of the associated journal publication at Frontiers. The journal retraction notice can be found [here](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1483859/full).
Epidemiological, Clinical characteristics and Drug resistance situation of Culture-confirmed Children TBM in Southwest of China: A 6-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Dong-Mei , Li Qing-Feng , Zhu Ma , Wu Gui-Hui , Li Xi , Xu Yuan-Hong , Zhong Jing , Luo Jia , Li Ying-Jie , Ying Bin-Wu , Tao Chuan-Min
Published: February 2020

Background : Sichuan is a province located in southwestern China, which have a higher incidence of tuberculosis (TB).This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, as well as drug resistance in culture-confirmed children with Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) in Southwest of China. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study on children (<14 years old) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture-confirmed TBM between January 2013 and December 2018 at Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu (PHCCC). Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) drug sensitivity testing (DST) was performed using the MicroDST TM method. The age, gender, family history of tuberculosis, status of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination, residential areas information, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics Client 25.0, and the change in drug resistance rate was examined using the Cruskal-Wallis test. Results: Among 319 patients clinically diagnosed with TBM, 42 cases were Mycobacterial culture-positive, with a positive rate of 13.2 per 100 patients. Their median age was nine years, and the distribution was equal among female and male patients. Among 42 patients who were enrolled in the study, 1/42 (2.38%) passed away. Children with TBM were concentrated in the minority areas of western Sichuan, where 34/42 (81.0%) patients with TBM were ethnic minorities, and only 2/42 (4.76%) received BCG vaccination in the past. Chest X-rays changes were observed in all patients. Fever and headache were the most common presenting symptom. Thirty-five (83.3%) patients suffered from neck stiffness, and 30/42 (71.4%) had high CSF pressure. DST results showed that the resistance rate was high; resistance to any anti-tuberculosis drug (ATD) was observed in 13 (31.0%) patient isolates, while multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) were found in 2 (4.8%) and 1 (2.4%) patients, respectively. Conclusions : TBM among children in Southwest China was mainly concentrated in the minority areas of western Sichuan. The most common symptoms were fever, headache, and neck stiffness and all patients had positive chest X-ray findings. In addition, high rates of drug resistance were found; and more than 95% of patients did not receive BCG vaccination at birth.ΦΦΦ
Analysis of the United Territorial Communities Strategies in the Context of Sustainable Development Policy Implementation
Authors: Petrushenko Yuriy M. , Vorontsova Anna S. , Ponomarenko Oksana S. , Derbenov Kostiantyn O.
Published: February 2020

The concept of sustainable development has been considered as the main ideological paradigm of human existence. It is oriented not only on economic but also on social and environmental development. Its main ideas are grouped into Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which found their implementation at the national level of different countries, including Ukraine. They are also documented in such important political documents, as programs and strategies of the socio-economic development of the regions and the united territorial communities that have been formed due to the decentralization reform. The research paper analyses the number of SDGs which are adapted to the national (Ukraine) and regional (Sumy) levels. During the study, the aggregated ratings of SDGs according to their significance have been proposed. The study results reveal the priority directions of sustainable development of the whole country and its regional development vector. At the country level, the main trends have been highlighted: firstly economic, which involves the development of industry and infrastructure, increase in innovations, energy efficiency and secondly social, which includes improvement of healthcare, a justice system, and education. As for regional development, the main vectors have also been determined as economic growth, which is primarily due to the betterment in the labor market, the development of industry and infrastructure and social improvement, which is related to poverty reduction and improvements in quality of education, cooperation, and partnership. At the local level, the nine Strategies of united territorial communities of Sumy region were analyzed for using the methodology of sustainable development. Their main priorities have been appealed as followings: the openness, security, vitality and environmental sustainability of cities and towns; the strengthening of the global partnership for sustainable development; the establishment of sustainable infrastructure, the promotion of comprehensive and sustainable industrialization and innovation.
Key words: united territorial community, sustainable development, strategy, global sustainable development goal, national sustainable development goal, regional development.
The Prerequisites of National Economy Oil Industry Development
Authors: ABAAS MLAABDAL SAADY MAHMOOD
Published: February 2020

The country's energy security is an important component of the national security of any state. In countries where the oil sector is the development determinant of the national economy, the functioning of all other sectors and the satisfaction of the population needs in energy resources depends on the efficiency of the industry operation. Therefore, it is relevant to study the prerequisites for the development of the oil-producing industry of Ukraine in the context of the formation of perspective ways of its development and modernization. The article analyzes the Ukraine’s' oil-producing potential, its current state and directions of development. At the same time, the author emphasizes that the availability of sufficient oil reserves in Ukraine creates preconditions for ensuring energy independence in the near future. In the paper, the author emphasizes that the current challenges in the oil sector for Ukraine are: the balance of exports and imports, increasing of own oil production, reduction of monopolization and creation of competitive, transparent energy markets. An analysis of the oil and gas industry functioning and the domestic market of oil and petroleum products made it possible to distinguish the relevant trends of its development. At the same time, it was concluded that the oil refining sector of the oil complex is one of the low efficient branches in the industry. The paper identifies the main negative trends in the development of the oil industry in Ukraine: the lack of a comprehensive state program for the industry development, a lack of investment in exploration, unsystematic and slow reform of the oil sector, unsustainable rental and tax rules, and the unresolved issues connected with environment protection, which lead to regression of the domestic oil-producing complex. In order to develop the oil industry in Ukraine and increase the efficiency of its functioning, the author has formed the directions of state regulation that will stimulate the development of the oil-extracting industry in Ukraine.
Key words: oil-extracting complex, oil production, energy security, efficiency, state regulation.
Sterile phosphate as a novel calcic adsorbent for phosphorus removal from wastewater
Authors: Hassoune Hicham , Lachehab Adil
Published: February 2020

Sterile phosphate (SP) was investigated for phosphorus removal from wastewater using batch adsorption experiments. The novel adsorbent is a mining by-product obtained from the phosphate mining plants having a strong affinity with phosphorus ions present in wastewater. The results of the batch adsorption experiments indicated that 30 min of contact time between the adsorbent and wastewater was sufficient for attaining equilibrium. The phosphorus removal from wastewater increased with increasing initial phosphorus concentration, adsorbent dose and temperature, while it decreased with increasing initial pH values. The maximum phosphorus removal efficiency was noted to be 94.4%. It was achieved in slightly acidic conditions (pH = 4), with an adsorbent dose and initial phosphorus concentration of 3 g L−1 and 20 mg L−1, respectively, and at room temperature. Kinetic analysis showed that phosphorus adsorption onto sterile phosphate was best fitted with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The adsorption equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir model equation, indicating monolayer coverage of the adsorbent. The adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir model equation was found to be 7.962 mg g−1. Comparing with some industrial products and natural mineral adsorbents, sterile phosphate was found to be the most efficient adsorbent for phosphorus removal from wastewater.
Survival of Beneficial Vaginal Lactobacilli (BVL) to Different Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions
Authors: Marchesi Antonella , Silva Jessica A. , Wiese Birgitt , Nader-Macías María E.F.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Lactobacilli are the dominant bacteria in the healthy vaginal tract, preventing the income
of pathogenic microorganisms, either sexually or not transmitted. Probiotics are used to restore the vaginal microbiome
by local administration. However, the ascendant colonization is proposed as a way to restore the vaginal
balance, and to exert some complementary effects on the host, situation that requires that probiotic strains resist
the gastrointestinal tract passage.

Objective:

To determine which probiotic vaginal strains were able to resist different gastrointestinal factors (pH,
bile salts, and enzymes) to advance in the design of oral formulas.

Methods:

Different protocols were applied to evaluate the growth of 24 beneficial vaginal lactic bacteria (BVL)
strains at low pH and high bile salts (individually evaluated) and in combined protocols. The viability of the
strains in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions was studied to select the most resistant strains.

Results:

A low number of BVL was able to grow at low pH. Most of the strains did not survive at high bile salts
concentration. The passage through pH first and bile salts later showed that only three strains were able to survive.
In the simulated intestinal conditions, only Lactobacillus gasseri CRL1290, L. jensenii CRL1313, and L.
jensenii CRL1349 decrease one or two logarithmic growth units (UFC/ml) at the end of the assay, maintaining
their beneficial properties.

Conclusion:

The behavior of BVL in the conditions assayed is not related to specific strain or metabolic group,
because the resistance is strain-specific. The results highlight the importance of the screening performed in a way
to select the most adequate strains to be included in the oral designed formula for the restoration of the vaginal
tract microbiome.
Issues with Cancer Spheroid Models in Therapeutic Drug Screening
Authors: Fröhlich Eleonore
Published: February 2020

In vitro screening for anti-cancer agents currently uses mainly cell lines in 2D culture. It is generally assumed that 3D culture, namely spheroids, represents physiologically more relevant models for tumors. Unfortunately, drug testing in spheroids is not as easy and reproducible as in 2D culture because there are factors that limit the universal use of spheroids as screening platforms. Technical problems in the generation of uniform spheroids, cell/tumor-specific differences in the ability to form spheroids, and more complex readout parameters are the main reasons for differences between spheroid data. The review discusses requirements for cancer spheroids to be representative models, suitable methodologies to generate spheroids for the screening and readout parameters for the evaluation of anti-cancer agents.
Cerebrovascular Changes and Neurodegeneration Related to Hyperlipidemia: Characteristics of the Human ApoB-100 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Tóth Melinda E. , Dukay Brigitta , Hoyk Zsófia , Sántha Miklós
Published: February 2020

Serum lipid levels are closely related to the structure and function of blood vessels. Chronic hyperlipidemia may lead to damage in both the cardio- and the cerebrovascular systems. Vascular dysfunctions, including impairments of the blood-brain barrier, are known to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases. A growing number of evidence suggests that cardiovascular risk factors, such as hyperlipidemia, may increase the likelihood of developing dementia. Due to differences in lipoprotein metabolism, wild-type mice are protected against dietinduced hypercholesterolemia, and their serum lipid profile is different from that observed in humans. Therefore, several transgenic mouse models have been established to study the role of different apolipoproteins and their receptors in lipid metabolism, as well as the complications related to pathological lipoprotein levels. This minireview focused on a transgenic mouse model overexpressing an apolipoprotein, the human ApoB-100. We discussed literature data and current advancements on the understanding of ApoB-100 induced cardio- and cerebrovascular lesions in order to demonstrate the involvement of this type of apolipoprotein in a wide range of pathologies, and a link between hyperlipidemia and neurodegeneration.
Evaluation of Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Pediatric Patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Yazıcı Mutlu U. , Ayar Ganime , Çetinkaya Semra , Keskin Meliksah , Azapağası Ebru , Neşelioğlu Saim , Erel Özcan , Bayrakçı Benan
Published: February 2020

Aim and Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the value of Thiol/Disulfide
homeostasis in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis patients suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods:

This study featured children who were diagnosed with diabetic
ketoacidosis and who were consecutively admitted to pediatric intensive care within one year of
their diagnosis. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was evaluated in 45 pediatric patients suffering from
DKA, as well as 45 healthy controls of parallel gender and age. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis
parameters were measured using a novel automated measurement method and the correlation
between demographic data and parameters was measured.

Results:

Pediatric patients were found to have low native thiols, total thiols and disulfide levels
with type 1 diabetes after DKA (331.82±106.40, 362.71±113.31, 17.02±5.33 μmol/L, respectively)
as compared to the control group (445.08±24.41, 481.21± 28.47, 18.06±5.12 μmol/L,
respectively).

Conclusion:

Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was distorted in pediatric patients with DKA.
Furthermore, it was found that they are not likely to return to normal, immediately after treatment.
Macromolecular Targets of Antiparasitic Germacranolide Sesquiterpenoids: An In Silico Investigation
Authors: Arnston Phillip M. , Setzer William N.
Published: February 2020

Background:

The parasitic protozoal infections leishmaniasis, human African
trypanosomiasis, and Chagas disease are neglected tropical diseases that pose serious health risks
for much of the world’s population. Current treatment options suffer from limitations, but plantderived
natural products may provide economically advantageous therapeutic alternatives. Several
germacranolide sesquiterpenoids have shown promising antiparasitic activities, but the
mechanisms of activity have not been clearly established.

Objective:

The objective is to use in silico screening of known antiparasitic germacranolides
against recognized protozoal protein targets in order to provide insight into the molecular
mechanisms of activity of these natural products.

Methods:

Conformational analyses of the germacranolides were carried out using density
functional theory, followed by molecular docking. A total of 88 Leishmania protein structures, 86
T. brucei protein structures, and 50 T. cruzi protein structures were screened against 27
antiparasitic germacranolides.

Results:

The in-silico screening has revealed which of the protein targets of Leishmania spp.,
Trypanosoma brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi are preferred by the sesquiterpenoid ligands.