bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of NAFLD and Fibrosis in Bariatric Surgery Patients and the Reliability of Noninvasive Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Soresi Maurizio , Cabibi Daniela , Giglio Rosaria V. , Martorana Stefania , Guercio Giuseppina , Porcasi Rossana , Terranova Antonino , Lazzaro Luigi A. , Emma Maria R. , Augello Giuseppa , Cervello Melchiorre , Pantuso Gianni , Montalto Giuseppe , Giannitrapani Lydia
Published: April 2020

Background. Bariatric surgery patients have a higher prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) than the general population; however, its assessment and the accurate staging of fibrosis are often complicated because noninvasive tests are not very accurate in patients with morbid obesity, and liver biopsy cannot be performed as a routine exam. The aim of this study was to evaluate (A) the histological prevalence of NAFL, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and fibrosis in patients undergoing bariatric surgery; (B) the reliability of ultrasound (US) in diagnosing NAFL; and (C) the reliability of various fibrosis scoring systems for defining fibrosis. Methods. US and intraoperative liver biopsy results were reviewed in 57 bariatric surgery patients. NAFL, NASH, and fibrosis were diagnosed according to the Kleiner scoring system. US diagnosis of liver steatosis was based on the bright liver. Fibrosis scores used were (i) the BMI, AST/ALT Ratio, Diabetes (BARD) scoring system; (ii) the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score; and (iii) the fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index. Results. The prevalence of NAFL was 81%, NASH 61.4%, and fibrosis 94% (F3 5.7%, cirrhosis 2.8%). The sensitivity of US was 95%, specificity 50%, and likelihood ratio (LR+, LR‐) 1.91 and 0.1. The reliability of fibrosis scores for F ≥ 2 were as follows: BARD score: sensitivity 46%, specificity 54%, and area under the receiver‐operating characteristics (AUROC) curve 0.5; NAFLD score: sensitivity 30%, specificity 89%, and AUROC 0.5; and FIB‐4: sensitivity 68%, specificity 67%, and AUROC 0.7. Conclusions. In bariatric surgery patients, the prevalence of NAFL was 81%, NASH 61.4%, and fibrosis 94%. US is able to rule out the presence of NAFL, while the commonly used scores may be inaccurate in defining fibrosis in patients with morbid obesity.
Nonlinear Autoregressive Neural Network and Extended Kalman Filters for Prediction of Financial Time Series
Authors: Benrhmach Ghassane , Namir Khalil , Namir Abdelwahed , Bouyaghroumni Jamal
Published: April 2020

Time series analysis and prediction are major scientific challenges that find their applications in fields as diverse as finance, biology, economics, meteorology, and so on. Obtaining the method with the least prediction error is one of the difficult problems of financial market and investment analysts. State space modelling is an efficient and flexible method for statistical inference of a broad class of time series and other data. The neural network is an important tool for analyzing time series especially when it is nonlinear and nonstationary. Essential tools for the study of Box-Jenkins methodology, neural networks, and extended Kalman filter were put together. We examine the use of the nonlinear autoregressive neural network method as a prediction technique for financial time series and the application of the extended Kalman filter algorithm to improve the accuracy of the model. As application on a real example, we are analyzing the time series of the daily price of steel over a 790-day period for establishing the superiority of this method over other existing methods. The simulation results using MATLAB and R software show that the model is capable of producing a reasonable accuracy.
Modeling Software Systems as Complex Networks: Analysis and Their Applications
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Tian , Xu Xinxin , Jiang Bo , Wei Jianliang , Wang Jiale
Published: April 2020

Software systems are of great importance, whose quality will influence every walk of our life. However, with increase in their scale and complexity, we are unable to control their quality since only little is known about their actual internal structure. “We cannot control what we cannot measure.” Thus, to control these complex software systems, the first task that we should do is to measure their internal structure. In recent years, people applied the theories and techniques in the field of complex networks to systematically investigate the structure of software systems by representing software systems as networks (i.e., software networks), and many interesting and useful results have been revealed. In this work, we aim to briefly review some recent research advances in the interdisciplinary research between complex networks and software engineering, including modeling, analysis, and applications. Specifically, we first describe some novel techniques to model the structural details of a specific software system. Then, based on these modeling techniques, we introduce some research work on characterizing the static and dynamic structural properties of software systems. Third, we describe some promising applications of software networks in real-world scenarios. Finally, we suggest some future research topics.
Quadrella incana (Capparaceae) Leaf Extract Enhances Proliferation and Maintenance of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells through Upregulating Glycolytic Flux and Redox Potential
Authors: Kang Mingyu , Cho Jin-Hwa , Kim Tae-Jun , Lee Sang Min , Kim Hyeon Ji , Coronado Indiana , Yi Dong-Keun , Kim Do-Yeon
Published: April 2020

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are self-renewing, multipotent cells located in the embryonic and adult central nervous system (CNS). Extensive preclinical and clinical studies have shed light on the potential of stem cell replacement therapy for various neurodegenerative diseases. The key prerequisite for the success of these clinical applications is the procurement of a sufficient number of high-quality NSPCs. In this study, we explored the biological activity of Quadrella incana leaf in NSPC homeostasis. We showed that the leaf extract of Quadrella incana upregulated NSPC marker and proliferative potential. On the other hand, Quadrella incana leaf suppressed spontaneous unintended NSPC differentiation. Mechanistically, Quadrella incana leaf contributed to the maintenance of NSPCs by upregulating glycolytic flux and redox potential.
Factors Associated with Occupational Injury among Hydropower Dam Construction Workers, South East Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Hussen Jemal , Dagne Henok , Yenealem Dawit Getachew
Published: April 2020

Background. Occupational injuries pose a major public health and socioeconomic developmental problems. Globally, 160 million people encounter occupational injuries; the International Labour Organization estimates that the cost is 4% of the global gross domestic product (GDP) or 1.25 trillion United States Dollar (USD). The second‐largest number of occupational injuries was reported from the construction industries. There are limited studies about the prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among dam construction workers in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and associated factors of occupational injury among Genale Dawa hydropower dam construction workers. Method. Institutional‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in Genale Dawa 3D hydropower dam construction project from April 1 to 22, 2018. Four hundred and five workers were included in the study. An Oromiffa version pretested, semistructured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi‐info version 7, and analysis was done using SPSS version 20 software. Bivariable and multivariate binary logistic regression was used to see the association between predictors and the dependent variable. The 95% CI and adjusted odds ratio with a P value of 0.05 was used to fit the final model. Results. The prevalence of occupational injuries in the earlier 12 months before the study was 57.8% with (95% CI (52.8, 62.7)). Age, educational status, alcohol consumption, job stress, work shift, and working hours per week were factors significantly associated with occupational injury. Conclusion and recommendation. Occupational injuries were common among dam construction workers. Conducting regular monitoring of substance abuse, avoiding overtime work, rotation of the work shift, and considering age and the educational status during employee recruitment can be effective to decrease the prevalence of occupational injuries.
Preprocessing the Discrete Time-Cost Tradeoff Problem with Generalized Precedence Relations
Authors: Wei Hanying , Su Zhixiong , Zhang Yuan
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the deadline of the discrete time-cost tradeoff problem (DTCTP-D) with generalized precedence relations (GPRs). This problem requires modes to be assigned to the activities of a project such that the total cost is minimized and the total completion time and the precedence constraints are satisfied. Anomalies under GPRs are irreconcilable with many current theories and methods. We propose a preprocessing technology, an equivalent simplification approach, which is an effective method for solving large-scale complex problems. We first study a way to deal with the anomalies under GPRs, such as the reduce (increase) in project completion as a consequence of prolonging (shortening) an activity, and discover relationships between time floats and path lengths. Then, based on the theories, we transform the simplification into a time float problem and design a polynomial algorithm. We perform the simplification and improve the efficiency of the solution by deleting redundant calculation objects.
Freemium of Digital Products with Small-World Network
Authors: Li Wei
Published: April 2020

“Freemium” is a popular business model adopted by the vendors of digital products, and it has aroused extensive attention in the academia. The existing research studies commonly explore the business model from the perspective of network effect, but lack the attention to the small-world features of network effect. In order to explore the effect of the small-world network, the current work presents a two-period optimization model of monopolist. The optimization model is incorporating with the Freemium model and the small-world feature of consumer base. The optimization model is solved analytically, and the comparative static results show that if the integrating network effect caused by the strong and weak relationship group is sufficiently high (or the small-world feature of the user group is prominent), the user group network exerts a positive effect; if the integrating network effect is not sufficiently high (or the small-world feature of the user group is not prominent), the user group network exerts a negative effect; especially, if the integrating network effect is low or moderate, the premium product is supposed to be free for the consumers. The conclusions enrich the understanding on the operation of digital products firms in the academia and industry.
Distinguishing Kawasaki Disease from Febrile Infectious Disease Using Gene Pair Signatures
Authors: Zhong Jiayong , Huang Qingsheng , Wang Yanfei , Gao Huan , Jia Hongling , Fan Jun , Liang Huiying
Published: April 2020

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of childhood with prolonged fever, and the diagnosis of KD is mainly based on clinical criteria, which is prone to misdiagnosis with other febrile infectious (FI) diseases. Currently, there remain no effective molecular markers for KD diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to use a relative‐expression‐based method k‐TSP and resampling framework to identify robust gene pair signatures to distinguish KD from bacterial and virus febrile infectious diseases. Our study pool consisted of 808 childhood patients from several studies and assigned to three groups, namely, the discovery set (n = 224), validation set‐1 (n = 197), and validation set‐2 (n = 387). We had identified 60 biologically relevant gene pairs and developed a top‐ranked gene pair classifier (TRGP) using the first seven signatures, with the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves (AUROC) of 0.947 (95% CI, 0.918‐0.976), a sensitivity of 0.936 (95% CI, 0.872‐0.987), and a specificity of 0.774 (95% CI, 0.705‐0.836) in the discovery set. In the validation set‐1, the TRGP classifier distinguished KD from FI with AUROC of 0.955 (95% CI, 0.919‐0.991), a sensitivity of 0.959 (95% CI, 0.925‐0.986), and a specificity of 0.863 (95% CI, 0.764‐0.961). In the validation set‐2, the predictive performance of classification was with an AUROC of 0.796 (95% CI, 0.747‐0.845), a sensitivity of 0.797 (95% CI, 0.720‐0.864), and a specificity of 0.661 (95% CI, 0.606‐0.717). Our study reveals that gene pair signatures are robust across diverse studies and can be utilized as objective biomarkers to distinguish KD from FI, helping to develop a fast, simple, and effective molecular approach to improve the diagnosis of KD.
Elevated Plasma Level of 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine Is Associated with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Kondkar Altaf A. , Azad Taif A. , Sultan Tahira , Osman Essam A. , Almobarak Faisal A. , Al-Obeidan Saleh A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To determine the association between plasma 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, a marker for oxidative DNA damage, and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or its clinical phenotypes. Furthermore, we also examined the utility of plasma 8-OHdG as a potential biomarker in POAG. Materials and Methods. In a retrospective case-control study, plasma samples were obtained from 50 POAG cases and 45 glaucoma-free controls matched for age, sex, and ethnicity. 8-OHdG levels were measured in duplicate using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on an automated ELISA analyzer. Results. There was no significant difference in age, sex, and systemic disease distribution between POAG cases and controls. Both mean and median 8-OHdG levels were significantly elevated in POAG cases and male subjects. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve value for plasma 8-OHdG was 0.653 (95% confidence interval = 0.54–0.76, p=0.010). The cutoff values based on quartile distribution and ROC curve analysis showed that elevated plasma 8-OHdG significantly increased the risk of POAG by more than 4-folds. Plasma 8-OHdG had a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 53%. In logistic regression analysis, 8-OHdG showed a significant effect on POAG outcome (p=0.016) independent of age, sex, smoking, and systemic diseases. However, no significant correlation was observed between 8-OHdG and specific clinical markers of glaucoma such as intraocular pressure (p=0.699), cup/disc ratio (p=0.213), and the number of antiglaucoma medications (p=0.603). Conclusion. The study shows that there is a significant association between elevated plasma 8-OHdG and POAG, supporting the role of systemic oxidative stress-induced DNA damage in POAG pathogenesis. However, with a high rate of false-positivity, plasma 8-OHdG may lack the ability to serve as a potential biomarker in POAG. Further studies in a much larger cohort are needed to confirm these findings.
Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil an Ally for Women’s and Men’s Cardiovascular Health?
Authors: Franconi Flavia , Campesi Ilaria , Romani Annalisa
Published: April 2020

Noncommunicable diseases are long-lasting and slowly progressive and are the leading causes of death and disability. They include cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) that are rising worldwide, with CVD being the leading cause of death in developed countries. Thus, there is a need to find new preventive and therapeutic approaches. Polyphenols seem to have cardioprotective properties; among them, polyphenols and/or minor polar compounds of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are attracting special interest. In consideration of numerous sex differences present in CVD and DM, in this narrative review, we applied “gender glasses.” Globally, it emerges that olive oil and its derivatives exert some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, modulate glucose metabolism, and ameliorate endothelial dysfunction. However, as in prescription drugs, also in this case there is an important gender bias because the majority of the preclinical studies are performed on male animals, and the sex of donors of cells is not often known; thus a sex/gender bias characterizes preclinical research. There are numerous clinical studies that seem to suggest the benefits of EVOO and its derivatives in CVD; however, these studies have numerous limitations, presenting also a considerable heterogeneity across the interventions. Among limitations, one of the most relevant in the era of personalized medicine, is the non-attention versus women that are few and, also when they are enrolled, sex analysis is lacking. Therefore, in our opinion, it is time to perform more long, extensive and lessheterogeneous trials enrolling both women and men.
A Naming Game-Based Method for the Location of Information Source in Social Networks
Authors: Yang Xue , Zhu Zhiliang , Yu Hai , Zhao Yuli
Published: April 2020

We study herein the problem of the location of the information propagation source in social networks based on the network topology and a set of observations. We propose a concise and novel method to accurately locate the source of information using naming game theory. This study introduces the design of a dynamic deployment method that reduces considerably the number of observations and the time needed to locate the source. Moreover, it calculates the probability of each node that acts as a source based on the information provided by observations. This method can be potentially applied to various information propagation models. The simulation results reveal that the method is able to estimate the information source within a small number of hops from the true source.
Improving Efficacy of Endoscopic Diagnosis of Early Gastric Cancer: Gaps to Overcome from the Real‐World Practice in Vietnam
Authors: Quach Duc T. , Ho Quy-Dung D. , Vu Khien V. , Vu Khanh T. , Tran Huy V. , Le Nhan Q. , Tran Nguyen-Phuong N. , Duong Thai H. , Dinh Minh C. , Bo Phuong K. , Nguyen Xung V. , Bui Quy N. , Tran Canh D. , Dao Tien T. , Duong Huong M.
Published: April 2020

Objective. To identify factors associated with increased proportion of early gastric cancer to total detected gastric cancer among patients undergoing diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Methods. A nationwide survey was conducted across 6 central‐type and 6 municipal‐type Vietnamese hospitals. A questionnaire regarding annual esophagogastroduodenoscopy volume, esophagogastroduodenoscopy preparation, the use of image‐enhanced endoscopy, and number of gastric cancer diagnosed in 2018 was sent to each hospital. Results. The total proportion of early gastric cancer was 4.0% (115/2857). Routine preparation with simethicone and the use of image‐enhanced endoscopy were associated with higher proportion of early gastric cancer (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.2, p = 0.016; OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.8–4.0, p < 0.001, respectively). Esophagogastroduodenoscopies performed at central‐type hospitals were associated with higher proportion of early gastric cancer (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.2, p = 0.017). Esophagogastroduodenoscopies performed at hospitals with an annual volume of 30.000–60.000 were associated with higher proportion of early gastric cancer than those performed at hospitals with an annual volume of 10.000‐<30.000 (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6–4.8, p < 0.001) and with a volume of >60.000–100.000 (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.7–4.2, p < 0.001). Only four (33.3%) hospitals reported all endoscopic types of early gastric cancer. Conclusions. The detection of early gastric cancer is still challenging even for endoscopists working in regions with relatively high prevalence. The real‐world evidence showed that endoscopic detection of early gastric cancer could potentially improve with simple adjustments of esophagogastroduodenoscopy protocols.
A Simple Method for Measuring Plastic Properties of Power Hardening Metals via the Indentation Curve with a Large Depth
Authors: Kan Ying , Wu Yiwen , Ren Liping , Chen Huaining
Published: April 2020

The spherical indentation technique provides an easy way to evaluate the integrity of in‐service structures because it is nondestructive. In this study, a simple method was proposed to measure mechanical properties such as the yield strength, the ultimate tensile strength, and the strain hardening exponent from the indentation curve at a large indentation depth, which is 0.4 times of the indenter radius. Based on finite element analyses, a simple function was proposed to relate representative stress to indentation data. Besides, representative strains at different indentation depths were identified according to the load‐depth curves from simulations. The calculated plastic properties from the developed method were compared well with experimental results.
The Comparison of Nailfold Capillaroscopy between Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Healthy Controls: Correlation with Laboratory and Clinical Parameters
Authors: Raeeskarami Seyed-Reza , Namazi Navid , Assari Raheleh , Najafizadeh Seyed-Reza , Hassannejad Zohreh , Ziaee Vahid
Published: April 2020

Background. Nailfold capillaroscopy is a noninvasive technique to recognize peripheral microangiopathy, which is an important feature in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) changes in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), find out patterns of these changes, and correlate findings with clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods. Forty-nine patients with SLE, all meeting the 1997 revised ACR criteria for SLE classification, and 30 healthy controls were included. A digital video camera was used to capture nailfold capillary images. Computerized image processing was used for analysis. Results. Different abnormal NFC changes were observed with abnormal morphology, the increased diameter and abnormal loop densities in 55.1%, 93.9%, and 26.5% of the patients, respectively. No statistically significant differences were depicted between capillaroscopy with age, gender, autoantibodies (APLs, anti-ds DNA), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, thrombotic angiopathy, renal function tests (Bun, Cr), and abnormal urine analysis. However, a significant correlation was found between the branched pattern and the CNS involvement group (P value <0.03). Conclusions. Different abnormal NFC changes are quite common among patients with SLE, and nailfold capillaroscopy is an effective method to monitor such changes. Treatment strategies may change in the branched pattern of nailfold capillaroscopy due to CNS involvement.
Tuberculosis among Patients Undergoing Solid Organ Transplantation or Dialysis in a Low-Endemic Country, 2004-2017
Authors: Helleberg Marie , Cho Daniel , Ekenberg Christina , Sørensen Søren , Rix Marianne , Gustafsson Finn , Rasmussen Allan , Perch Michael , Andersen Peter H. S. , Lundgren Jens D. , Andersen Aase Bengaard
Published: April 2020

Background. The risk of active TB among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and patients initiating chronic dialysis in a country with low incidence of TB is not well elucidated. Methods. Patients aged >18 years who were transplanted with a solid organ or initiated chronic dialysis at Copenhagen University Hospital in the period 2004-2017 were followed from date of transplantation or initiation of dialysis. Data on demographics and outcomes were obtained from nationwide registries. Results. We included 1,989 SOT recipients and 1,305 patients initiating chronic dialysis, who were followed for a total of 9,785 and 4,196 person-years (PY), respectively. Only a minority of patients had been screened for latent TB prior to SOT or initiation of dialysis. The incidence rates (IRs)/100,000 PY of TB among patients from medium/high TB endemic areas were 358 (95% CI 115-1,110) and 1,266 (95% CI 681-2354) for SOT and dialysis patients, respectively, whereas IRs among patients of Danish origin were 11 (95% CI 2-81) and 31 (95% CI 4-218). Conclusion. The incidence of TB among immunosuppressed immigrants from medium/high TB endemic countries was very high, while the risk of TB among patients from low-endemic countries was minimal.
A Method for Solving Reliability of Route Travel Time
Authors: Ma Hongwei , Yi Gan , Qi Jianmin , Zhang Zhenjie
Published: April 2020

In order to obtain an effective method for solving route travel time reliability, this paper proposes an effective new method to calculate travel time reliability using an independent link travel time function. Based on several months of historical data, the results show that the Edgeworth expansion can better reflect travel time distribution law. In addition, travel time reliability can be calculated more conveniently by combining an approximate discretization algorithm and an empirical distribution function.
Maternal Satisfaction with Intrapartum Nursing Care and Its Associated Factors among Mothers Who Gave Birth in Public Hospitals of North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Demis Asmamaw , Nigatu Ribka , Assefa Derebe , Gedefaw Getnet
Published: April 2020

Background. Now a day, satisfaction had been identified as the major index to assess the quality of health-care provision in the world including Ethiopia. Mothers judge the quality of intrapartum care received based on their satisfaction with the services provided, thus influencing their utilization of the available health facilities. Therefore, this study aimed to assess maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in public hospitals in North Wollo Zone, Northeastern Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. Institutional-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in public hospitals of North Wollo Zone, and a total of 398 study participants were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire by direct interviewing of study participants, and data was analyzed using SPSS 24 versions to determine the frequency of variables. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with maternal satisfaction. Results. From the total of 398 study participants, about 51% of women were satisfied with the hospital-based intrapartum nursing care. Being rural in residency (AOR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.05-3.93), time to be seen by health-care providers (AOR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.46-5.46), having history of ANC follow-up (AOR: 3.73; 95% CI: 1.12-12.57), and getting adequate meal (AOR: 3.96; 95% CI: 1.13-13.83) had showed statistical significant association with maternal satisfaction. Conclusion. In this study, the overall maternal satisfaction with intrapartum nursing care was low. Therefore, improving ANC follow-up, early examined by health-care providers, and getting adequate meal while in labour and delivery might enhance women satisfaction with intrapartum nursing care services.
Computer Vision-Based Approach for Quantifying Occupational Therapists’ Qualitative Evaluations of Postural Control
Authors: Hagihara Hiromichi , Ienaga Naoto , Enomoto Daiki , Takahata Shuhei , Ishihara Hiroyuki , Noda Haruka , Tsuda Koji , Terayama Kei
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to leverage computer vision (CV) technology to develop a technique for quantifying postural control. A conventional quantitative index, occupational therapists’ qualitative clinical evaluations, and CV-based quantitative indices using an image analysis algorithm were applied to evaluate the postural control of 34 typically developed preschoolers. The effectiveness of the CV-based indices was investigated relative to current methods to explore the clinical applicability of the proposed method. The capacity of the CV-based indices to reflect therapists’ qualitative evaluations was confirmed. Furthermore, compared to the conventional quantitative index, the CV-based indices provided more detailed quantitative information with lower costs. CV-based evaluations enable therapists to quantify details of motor performance that are currently observed qualitatively. The development of such precise quantification methods will improve the science and practice of occupational therapy and allow therapists to perform to their full potential.
Four-Element Microstrip Patch Array Antenna with Corporate-Series Feed Network for 5G Communication
Authors: Maharjan Janam , Choi Dong-You
Published: April 2020

The paper proposes a simple four-element microstrip patch array antenna fed with corporate-series technique. The paper compares the proposed design with four-element antennas fed with only series-fed and corporate-fed microstrip antennas. All three antenna designs use rectangular microstrip patch elements with two insets and slots on both sides of the patch. The patch elements are accompanied by Yagi elements: three director elements and two reflector elements. Through comparison of simulation results, the paper shows that four-element array antenna with combined corporate-series feeding technique performs better compared to antennas with only either series or corporate feeding network. The proposed corporate-series fed antenna achieves better performance with wide frequency bandwidth of 25.04–30.87 GHz and gain of 9.5 dB. The antenna has an end-fire radiation pattern. Overall performance shows that the proposed corporate-series-fed microstrip patch antenna with Yagi elements is suitable for next generation 5G communication.
A Novel Strategy Facilitates Reference Gene Selection by RT‐qPCR Analysis in Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome Mice Infected with the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
Authors: Fu Yepei , Yang Jia , Fan Shanshan , Zhao Shaozhe , Shah Syed Muhammad Ali , Akram Muhammad , Rong Rong , Yang Yong
Published: April 2020

In reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) studies, endogenous reference genes are routinely used to normalize the expression of target gene studies. In order to precisely evaluate the relative expression of genes in the cells of mice suffering from Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome (KYDS) in response to influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1 using RT‐qPCR, it is crucial to identify reliable reference genes. In the present study, 15 candidate reference genes (Actb, β2m, Gapdh, Gusb, Tuba, Grcc10, Eif4h, Rnf187, Nedd8, Ywhae, 18S rRNA, Rpl13, Ubc, Rpl32, and Ppia) were investigated in lung cells from KYDS mice infected with IAV H1N1. NormFinder, BestKeeper, and GeNorm were used to assess the stability of reference genes. The results were authenticated over extended experimental settings by a group of 10 samples. In the present study, we explored a novel method using dual‐gene combinations; the difference in gene expression between the model and normal control groups was statistically analyzed by an independent‐samples t‐test, and the difference in the mean value between the two groups was compared. A P value > 0.05 and the lowest absolute value of the difference indicated the optimal reference two‐gene combination. Four additional host innate immune system‐related genes (TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, and RIG‐I) were analyzed together with the two treatment datasets to confirm the selected reference genes. Our results indicated that none of these 15 candidate reference genes can be used as reference gene individually for relative quantitative fluorescence PCR analysis; however, the combination of Grcc10 and Ppia, based on the process of calculating the higher P value and lower difference values between groups, was the best choice as a reference gene for the lung tissue samples in KYDS mice infected with IAV. This technique may be applied to promote the selection process of the optimal reference gene in other experiments.
Correlation between Skip N2 Metastases and SUVmax, Long Diameter of Tumor, and Ki67 Expression in Patients with Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Jian Wang , Ming-ya Peng , Long-bao Xu , Jun Zhao , Guo-qiang Shao
Published: April 2020

Background. We aim at investigating the correlation between skip N2 metastases (SN2) and SUVmax, long diameter of tumor mass after 18F‐FDG PET/CT, and pathological Ki67 expression in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods and Results. We retrospectively analyzed the factors that might affect the pathogenesis of SN2 in these patients. The clinical SN2 symptoms in patients with squamous carcinoma or adenocarcinoma were investigated. The work curve was utilized to analyze the optimal cutoff value for the SUVmax and long diameter of tumor. Multivariate analysis revealed that high expression of Ki67 was a risk factor for mediastinal SN2 (OR = 1.042, 95% CI: 1.009‐1.076). Subgroup analysis indicated that the SUVmax of the non‐SN2 group was significantly higher than that of the SN2 group in patients with squamous carcinoma (16.3 ± 6.0 vs. 10.7 ± 5.6, P = 0.026). In the patients with adenocarcinoma, the long diameter of tumor in the SN2 group was significantly longer than that of the non‐SN2 group (43.8 ± 16.3 mm vs. 30.1 ± 13.8 mm, P = 0.032). The Ki67 expression in the SN2 group was significantly higher than that of the non‐SN2 group (51.7 ± 24.0 vs. 30.0 ± 19.2, P = 0.028). Conclusions. The differences of clinical features of the patients in the SN2 group and non‐SN2 group in the NSCLC patients were associated with the pathological subtypes, which were featured by lower SUVmax in the SN2 of the squamous carcinoma, and longer diameter of SN2 in the adenocarcinoma patients.
Ruin Problems of Multidimensional Risk Models under Constant Interest Rates and Dependent Risks with Heavy Tails
Authors: Shen Xinmei , Yuan Meng , Lu Dawei
Published: April 2020

Consider a discrete-time multidimensional risk model with constant interest rates where capital transfers between lines are partially allowed over each period. By assuming a large initial capital and regularly varying distributions for the losses, we derive asymptotic estimates for the ruin probability under some dependence structure and study the optimal allocation of the initial reserve. Some numerical simulations are provided to illuminate our main results.
The Prediction and Prognostic Significance of INPP5K Expression in Patients with Liver Cancer
Authors: Wang Ruobing , Jiao Yan , Li Yanqing , Ye Siyang , Pan Guoqiang , Qin Shanshan , Hua Fang , Liu Yahui
Published: April 2020

Liver cancer is a devastating disease for humans with poor prognosis. Although the survival rate of patients with liver cancer has improved in the past decades, the recurrence and metastasis of liver cancer are still obstacles for us. Inositol polyphosphate‐5‐phosphatase K (INPP5K) belongs to the family of phosphoinositide 5‐phosphatases (PI 5‐phosphatases), which have been reported to be associated with cell migration, polarity, adhesion, and cell invasion, especially in cancers. However, there have been few studies on the correlation of INPP5K and liver cancer. In this study, we explored the prognostic significance of INPP5K in liver cancer through bioinformatics analysis of data collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Chi‐square and Fisher exact tests were used to evaluate the relationship between INPP5K expression and clinical characteristics. Our results showed that low INPP5K expression was correlated with poor outcomes in liver cancer patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses demonstrated that low INPP5K mRNA expression played a significant role in shortening overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS), which might serve as the useful biomarker and prognostic factor for liver cancer. In conclusion, low INPP5K mRNA expression is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in liver cancer.
Hydrogels Loaded with Methylene Blue: Sorption-Desorption and Antimicrobial Photoactivation Study
Authors: Nadtoka O. , Virych P. , Kutsevol N.
Published: April 2020

Cross-linked dextran-graft-polyacrylamide hydrogels with different cross-linking density loaded with methylene blue was prepared as light-activated antimicrobial materials. Sorption/desorption properties of hydrogels were studied by estimating the change in the absorption maximum of MB solutions. The sorption/desorption rate of MB into/out of hydrogel depends on the hydrogel structure. The antibacterial properties of the light-irradiated materials were tested against Staphylococcus aureus. It was shown that irradiation of hydrogels in the presence of methylene blue was able to eliminate the bacteria strains.
Loss of a Negative Feedback Loop between IRF8 and AR Promotes Prostate Cancer Growth and Enzalutamide Resistance
Authors: Wu Hongxi , You Linjun , Li Yan , Zhao Zhili , Shi Guangjiang , Chen Zhen , Wang Zhuo , Li Xianjing , Du Shijia , Ye Wanli , Gao Xiaofang , Duan Jingjing , Cheng Yan , Tao Weiyan , Bian Jinsong , Zhou Jin-Rong , Zhu Qingyi , Yang Yong
Published: April 2020

In incurable castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), resistance to the novel androgen receptor (AR) antagonist enzalutamide is driven mainly by AR overexpression. Here we report that the expression of interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is increased in primary prostate cancer but decreased in CRPC compared with normal prostate tissue. Decreased expression of IRF8 positively associated with CRPC progression and enzalutamide resistance. IRF8 interacted with AR and promoted its degradation via activation of the ubiquitin/proteasome systems. Epigenetic knockdown of IRF8 promoted AR-mediated prostate cancer progression and enzalutamide resistance in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, IFNα increased expression of IRF8 and improved the efficacy of enzalutamide in CRPC by targeting the IRF8–AR axis. We also provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of IFNα with hormonotherapy in a clinical study. Collectively, this study identifies IRF8 both as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer pathogenesis and a potential alternative therapeutic option to overcome enzalutamide resistance.

Significance:

These findings identify IRF8-mediated AR degradation as a mechanism of resistance to AR-targeted therapy, highlighting the therapeutic potential of IFNα in targeting IRF8–AR axis in CRPC.
Theranostic Targeting of CUB Domain Containing Protein 1 (CDCP1) in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Moroz Anna , Wang Yung-Hua , Sharib Jeremy M. , Wei Junnian , Zhao Ning , Huang Yangjie , Chen Zhuo , Martinko Alexander J. , Zhuo Jie , Lim Shion A. , Zhang Lydia H. , Seo Youngho , Carlin Sean , Leung Kevin K. , Collisson Eric A. , Kirkwood Kimberly S. , Wells James A. , Evans Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

The recent emergence of radioligand therapies for cancer treatment has increased enthusiasm for developing new theranostic strategies coupling both imaging and cytotoxicity in the same entity. In this study, we evaluated whether CUB domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1), a single-pass transmembrane protein highly overexpressed in diverse human cancers, might be a target for cancer theranostics.

Experimental Design:

The ectodomain of CDCP1 was targeted using radiolabeled forms of 4A06, a potent and specific recombinant human antibody that we developed. Imaging and antitumor assessment studies were performed in animal models of pancreatic cancer, including two patient-derived xenograft models we developed for this study. For antitumor assessment studies, the endpoints were death due to tumor volume >3,000 mm3 or ≥20% loss in body weight. Specific tracer binding or antitumor effects were assessed with an unpaired, two-tailed Student t test and survival advantages were assessed with a log rank (Mantel–Cox) test. Differences at the 95% confidence level were interpreted to be significant.

Results:

89Zr-4A06 detected a broad dynamic range of full length or cleaved CDCP1 expression on seven human pancreatic cancer tumors (n = 4/tumor). Treating mice with single or fractionated doses of 177Lu-4A06 significantly reduced pancreatic cancer tumor volume compared with mice receiving vehicle or unlabeled 4A06 (n = 8; P < 0.01). A single dose of 225Ac-4A06 also inhibited tumor growth, although the effect was less profound compared with 177Lu-4A06 (n = 8; P < 0.01). A significant survival advantage was imparted by 225Ac-4A06 (HR = 2.56; P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

These data establish that CDCP1 can be exploited for theranostics, a finding with widespread implications given its breadth of overexpression in cancer.
Selective Alanine Transporter Utilization Creates a Targetable Metabolic Niche in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Parker Seth J. , Amendola Caroline R. , Hollinshead Kate E.R. , Yu Qijia , Yamamoto Keisuke , Encarnación-Rosado Joel , Rose Rebecca E. , LaRue Madeleine M. , Sohn Albert S.W. , Biancur Doug E. , Paulo Joao A. , Gygi Steven P. , Jones Drew R. , Wang Huamin , Philips Mark R. , Bar-Sagi Dafna , Mancias Joseph D. , Kimmelman Alec C.
Published: April 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) evolves a complex microenvironment comprised of multiple cell types, including pancreatic stellate cells (PSC). Previous studies have demonstrated that stromal supply of alanine, lipids, and nucleotides supports the metabolism, growth, and therapeutic resistance of PDAC. Here we demonstrate that alanine cross-talk between PSCs and PDAC is orchestrated by the utilization of specific transporters. PSCs utilize SLC1A4 and other transporters to rapidly exchange and maintain environmental alanine concentrations. Moreover, PDAC cells upregulate SLC38A2 to supply their increased alanine demand. Cells lacking SLC38A2 fail to concentrate intracellular alanine and undergo a profound metabolic crisis resulting in markedly impaired tumor growth. Our results demonstrate that stromal–cancer metabolic niches can form through differential transporter expression, creating unique therapeutic opportunities to target metabolic demands of cancer.

Significance:

This work identifies critical neutral amino acid transporters involved in channeling alanine between pancreatic stellate and PDAC cells. Targeting PDAC-specific alanine uptake results in a metabolic crisis impairing metabolism, proliferation, and tumor growth. PDAC cells specifically activate and require SLC38A2 to fuel their alanine demands that may be exploited therapeutically.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 890
Unresectable Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sorafenib
Authors: Ko Yi-Ling , Takata Kazuhide , Tanaka Takashi , Ohishi Jun , Takeshita Morishige , Yamauchi Ryo , Fukuda Hiromi , Miyayama Takashi , Uchida Yotaro , Yokoyama Keiji , Morihara Daisuke , Takeyama Yasuaki , Shakado Satoshi , Sakisaka Shotaro , Hirai Fumihito
Published: April 2020

Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare malignancy, which manifests similar morphology and immunohistochemistry to intrahepatic HCC. Herein, we report a case of ectopic HCC in a 73-year-old male. The patient presented to our hospital with gradually progressing right lower abdominal pain, and enhanced computed tomography revealed multiple nodules in the peritoneum without intrahepatic mass. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, and the final pathology result confirmed that it was HCC. Additional laboratory tests showed elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II) levels, suggesting our diagnosis. The patient received sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), for unresectable ectopic HCC. However, the tumor progressed, and because of tarry stools and hemorrhagic anemia, sorafenib was ceased after 7 months of therapy. One month after the cessation of sorafenib, the PIVKA-II level increased abruptly, and the patient died 1 year after diagnosis. The effective treatment for unresectable ectopic HCC is still unknown. Additional cases should be accumulated to determine the effect of TKI on ectopic HCC.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Yuan Hai , Guo E. , Gao Zhao , Hu Fengqi , Lu Li
Published: April 2020

There has been a global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) since December 2019. Here, we describe the case of a 49-year-old male undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) who got infected with COVID-19 and our experience in performing HD for him. The patient’s symptoms and lung imaging changes were atypical. However, his lymphocyte range decreased upon admission and the polymerase chain reaction of the pharyngeal swab for the ­COVID-19 nucleic acid was positive. The patient developed respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation 8 days after admission. In the end, he died from multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The difficulties in diagnosis, infection control, and treatment of COVID-19 in maintenance HD patients are discussed in this report.
Marcelo Neves. Constituição e direito na modernidade periférica: uma abordagem teórica e uma interpretação do caso brasileiro
Authors: Carvalho Alexandre Douglas Zaidan de
Published: April 2020

Resenha do livro de Marcelo Neves. Constituição e direito na modernidade periférica: uma abordagem teórica e uma interpretação do caso brasileiro, São Paulo, Martins Fontes, 2018.
Pierre Bourdieu e Raymond Williams
Authors: Jackson Luiz Carlos , Rivetti Ugo
Published: April 2020

A breve e concentrada correspondência entre Raymond Williams (1921-1988) e Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002) comprova a existência de relações concretas, de mão dupla, entre os autores galês e francês, muito sugestivas para se pensar o desenvolvimento da sociologia da cultura europeia na segunda metade do século xx. O objetivo principal deste texto é recensear os contatos que eles mantiveram, além da correspondência, por meio de citações cruzadas, de um seminário em Paris no ano de 1976 e de um texto crítico de Williams em parceria com Nicholas Garnham, publicado em 1980, sobre a obra de Bourdieu, em seguida à publicação de A distinção na França.
El movimiento obrero organizado ante la ofensiva de la oligarquía financiera
Authors: Carrera Nicolás Iñigo , Fernandez Fabián , Cotarelo María Celia
Published: April 2020

En diciembre de 2015 retornó al gobierno la fuerza social acaudillada por la oligarquía financiera dando continuidad al período contrarrevolucionario iniciado a mediados de la década de 1970 que acompaña el desarrollo del capitalismo predominantemente en profundidad y genera una creciente masa de población sobrante para las necesidades del capital. Ese retorno, en un momento descendente de la lucha de la clase obrera, fue posible por la fractura del movimiento sindical y de la alianza social popular. Los resultados de la política económica del nuevo gobierno fueron una fuerte caída de la actividad productiva, aumento de la desocupación, fuerte inflación con deterioro del salario real e importante crecimiento de la pobreza. Pronto comenzaron las protestas, tanto de la capa más acomodada de la clase obrera como de la más pobre, que en general, y a diferencia de las décadas anteriores, no sólo se movilizaron conjuntamente sino establecieron relaciones orgánicas, a pesar de las numerosas fracciones político-sindicales en que estaban divididas. La resistencia se manifestó en seis huelgas generales y numerosas protestas callejeras entre las que se destaca la de diciembre de 2017, que desbordó el sistema institucional. Las demandas sindicales planteadas apuntaron a reivindicaciones económicas inmediatas (paritarias libres, contra despidos) y contra la política económica del gobierno en general, especialmente contra la implementación de las reformas laboral, jubilatoria y tributaria y el acuerdo con el FMI.
Retrograde Approach to Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Megaly Michael , Xenogiannis Iosif , Abi Rafeh Nidal , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Rinfret Stephane , Yamane Masahisa , Burke M. Nicholas , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: April 2020

The retrograde approach has increased the success rate of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention but has also been associated with a higher risk of complications. The retrograde approach is usually performed in complex lesions, in which the antegrade approach is not feasible or has failed previously. Using a systematic 10-step approach can maximize the likelihood of success and minimize the risks of retrograde chronic total occlusion interventions.