bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quercetin attenuates reduced uterine perfusion pressure -induced hypertension in pregnant rats through regulation of endothelin-1 and endothelin-1 type A receptor
Authors: Sun Xia , Zhang Shuping , Song Haitao
Published: August 2020

Background

Quercetin was reported to be crucial for a broad range of activities, including attenuating inflammation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability, and lipid peroxidation. However, the effect of quercetin in hypertension during pregnancy, was not fully understood.

Methods

The model of hypertension in pregnancy was established in rats by reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP). Quercetin was administrated by gavage. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured using the CODA 6 BP system. Plasma concentrations of Endothelin-1 (ET-1), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The mRNA and protein levels of ET-1 and endothelin-1 type A receptor (ETAR) were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The ETAR antagonist BQ-123 was performed by osmotic minipumps.

Results

In RUPP induced rats, quercetin treatment decreased SBP and DBP, fetal resorptions percentage, plasma ET-1 and sFlt-1 concentrations, ET-1 and ETAR levels, but increased fetal body weight and VEGF expression. BQ-123 administration attenuated SBP and DBP, suppressed fatal resorptions percentage, and increased fetal body weight of RUPP rats.

Conclusion

Quercetin attenuates RUPP induced hypertension in pregnant rats through the regulation of ET-1 and ETAR.
Spatial distribution of the “Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program” and social vulnerability: an analysis of the Brazilian metropolitan regions
Authors: Oliveira Aimê , Barreto Jorge Otávio Maia , de Araújo Sidclei Queiroga , Santos Leonor Maria Pacheco
Published: August 2020

Background

The “Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program” established in 2013 by the Brazilian Government aimed to reduce inequalities by means of an emergency provision of physicians, the improvement of medical care service in the Brazilian Unified Health System, and the expansion of medical education training in Brazil. In this context, equity should be considered when defining priorities and allocating resources. This study describes the distribution of physicians for the Program in five Brazilian metropolitan regions (MRs) and analyses whether the most vulnerable areas within each one of these regions had been prioritized in compliance with the legislation framework of the program.

Methods

This is a quantitative cross-sectional study. Official secondary data was analyzed to verify the relationship between the Index of Social Vulnerability, set up by the Institute of Applied Economic Research, and the physician allocation provided by the Program. The data were organized into categories and quintiles. For spatialization purposes, the QGIS 3.4 Madeira software was used.

Results

There are 2592 primary health care units, (in Portuguese, UBS), within the five MRs studied; 981 of these hosted at least one physician from the Program. In the Manaus, Recife, and the DF MRs, the 4th and 5th quintiles (the most vulnerable ones) hosted physicians in more significant proportions than the other quintiles, namely, 71.4%, 71.4%, and 52.2%, respectively, exceeding the national average (51.7%). It is worth mentioning that in the São Paulo MR, the units located in the most vulnerable quintiles (4th and 5th) also hosted physicians in proportions significantly higher than others (45.8%); however, this proportion did not reach 50%. There was no significant difference in the allocation of physicians in the Porto Alegre MR, indicating that there was no prioritization of the UBS according to vulnerability.

Conclusions

These results appoint to the enormous gaps of vulnerability existing both between the analyzed MRs and internally in each one of them. It emphasizes the need for criteria for the allocation of physicians so as not to increase inequities. It also highlights the importance of the continuity of the “Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program” in the metropolitan regions, above all, in areas of extreme vulnerabilities. On the other hand, they contribute to the national debate about the importance of public policies regarding constitutional rights related to access to health care and the relevance of primary care and the “Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program” for the reduction of disparities regarding access to health care, especially for the citizens who live in regions of greater vulnerability, whether it is inside or outside large metropolitan regions.
Therapeutic perspectives in food allergy
Authors: Marcucci Francesco , Isidori Chiara , Argentiero Alberto , Neglia Cosimo , Esposito Susanna
Published: August 2020

Background

In the last twenty years, several studies have been conducted in the search for new therapeutic strategies in patients with food allergy; in particular, after the failure of injection immunotherapy, three different routes of administration, oral immunotherapy (OIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT), have been tested. The aim of this manuscript is to review OIT, SLIT, and EPIT clinical trials on food allergies and to suggest advantages and limits of the different routes of immunotherapy administration.

Main body

Of the three different routes of immunotherapy used in the treatment of food allergy, OIT is, at present, the only one actually able to induce an increase in tolerance in the majority of patients. However, its use is affected by serious secondary effects, such as major abdominal symptoms and anaphylaxis. The combination with omalizumab reduces the percentage of serious side effects. There are not many studies with SLIT for food allergy, but they have nevertheless shown that it is possible to obtain an increase in tolerance; however, this increase is modest in comparison with that obtained by OIT. EPIT, performed through the diffusion of allergens on intact skin, is the most recent form of immunotherapy. Although there are many works on EPIT carried out in laboratory animals, only few clinical studies have been published in humans. EPIT, unlike OIT and SLIT, is not responsible for systemic secondary effects such as anaphylaxis and eosinophilic oesophagitis but only for local and mild effects in areas where the devices are applied. Moreover, EPIT is characterized by high patient adherence.

Conclusion

OIT seems to have a prevalent application in patients who do not report previous symptoms of systemic or gastroenteric anaphylaxis, while SLIT and EPIT, in particular, could be more preferentially used in patients with a risk of anaphylaxis.
Preconditioning with rHMGB1 ameliorates lung ischemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting alveolar macrophage pyroptosis via the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Fei Lin , Jingyuan Xiao , Fangte Liang , Huijun Dai , Liu Ye , Ren Jing , Jinyuan Lin , Linghui Pan
Published: August 2020

Background

Lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a complex pathophysiological process that can lead to poor patient outcomes. Inflammasome-dependent macrophage pyroptosis contributes to organ damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes also play an important role in LIRI. In this study, we conducted experiments to investigate whether and how preconditioning with rHMGB1 could ameliorate LIRI in a mouse model.

Methods

Adult male BALB/c mice were anesthetized, the left hilus pulmonis was clamped, and reperfusion was performed. rHMGB1 was administered via intraperitoneal injection before anesthesia, and brusatol was given intraperitoneally every other day before surgery. We measured pathohistological lung tissue damage, wet/dry mass ratios of pulmonary tissue, and levels of inflammatory mediators to assess the extent of lung injury. Alveolar macrophage pyroptosis was evaluated by measuring release of lactate dehydrogenase, caspase-1 expression was assessed using flow cytometry, and gasdermin-D expression was analyzed using immunofluorescent staining. Levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes were also analyzed.

Results

Preconditioning with rHMGB1 significantly ameliorated lung injury induced by ischemia–reperfusion, based on measurements of morphology, wet/dry mass ratios, as well as expression of IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and HMGB1 in lung tissues. It also alleviated alveolar macrophage pyroptosis, reduced oxidative stress and restored the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These beneficial effects were mediated at least in part by the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, since they were reversed by the pathway inhibitor brusatol.

Conclusions

Preconditioning with rHMGB1 may protect against LIRI by suppressing alveolar macrophage pyroptosis. This appears to involve reduction of oxidative stress and promotion of antioxidant enzyme activity via the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Epidemiology of survival pattern and its predictors among HIV positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Southern Ethiopia public health facilities: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kebede Abewa , Tessema Fasil , Bekele Gadisa , Kura Zerihun , Merga Hailu
Published: August 2020

Background

In resource poor countries like Ethiopia, little is known about the survival of patients treated with antiretroviral therapy which depends on different factors. Evidence shows that mortality has been high particularly in the first 3 to 6 months of initiating antiretroviral therapy. Hence, the study aimed to assess the Epidemiology of survival pattern and its determinants among adult HIV positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study was employed among a total of 455 records of patients who were enrolled on antiretroviral therapy from September 2006 to August 2010. Socio-demographic, clinical, immunological, behavioral, and date of antiretroviral treatment initiation including date of follow up status were extracted. Significant predictor variables were identified by fitting Cox’s proportional hazard model using a backward stepwise method and statistical significance variables were declared based on a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

A total of 455 adult HIV/AIDS patients on ART contributed to 886.05-person-year of observation and 65.7% were alive and on treatment, 17.1% were lost to follow up and 7.5% died. The study showed that the estimated mortality was 4.4%, 5.3%, 6.1%, 7%, 7.5% and 7.5% at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months of follow up period, respectively. The overall incidence rate of mortality was 4.2 per 100 person-years of observation. In multivariate analysis age 45 and above (AHR: 3.72, 95% CI 1.21–11.4), bedridden functional status (AHR: 17.4, 95% CI 6.21–48.79), poor ART drug adherence (AHR: 4.52,95% CI 2.05–9.96), Tuberculosis co-infection (AHR: 4.1, 95% CI 1.84–9.13), non-disclosure (AHR: 4.9, 95% CI 1.82–12.89) and severe anemia (AHR: 5.1, 95% CI 1.81–14.21) were found predictors.

Conclusion

Patients with older age, tuberculosis infection, bedridden patients and severe anemia were predictors. Tracing poorly adhered patients and giving drug counseling as well as encouraging them for disclosure to their families is crucial to improve their survival.
AIV polyantigen epitope expressed by recombinant baculovirus induces a systemic immune response in chicken and mouse models
Authors: Yu Lei , Pan Jun , Cao Guangli , Jiang Mengsheng , Zhang Yunshan , Zhu Min , Liang Zi , Zhang Xing , Hu Xiaolong , Xue Renyu , Gong Chengliang
Published: August 2020

Background

The protective efficacy of avian influenza virus (AIV) vaccines is unsatisfactory due to the presence of various serotypes generated by genetic reassortment. Thus, immunization with a polyantigen chimeric epitope vaccine may be an effective strategy for protecting poultry from infection with different AIV subtypes.

Methods

Baculovirus has recently emerged as a novel and attractive gene delivery vehicle for animal cells. In the present study, a recombinant baculovirus BmNPV-CMV/THB-P10/CTLT containing a fused codon-optimized sequence (CTLT) of T lymphocyte epitopes from H1HA, H9HA, and H7HA AIV subtypes, and another fused codon-optimized sequence (THB) of Th and B cell epitopes from H1HA, H9HA, and H7HA AIV subtypes, driven by a baculovirus P10 promoter and cytomegalovirus CMV promoter, respectively, was constructed.

Results

Western blotting and cellular immunofluorescence demonstrated that the CTLT (THB) can be expressed in rBac-CMV/THB-P10/CTLT-infected silkworm cells (mammalian HEK293T cells). Furthermore, the recombinant virus, rBac-CMV-THB-CTLT, was used to immunize both chickens and mice.

Conclusions

The results of an indirect ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and T lymphocyte proliferation assay indicated that specific humoral and cellular responses were detected in both chicken and mice. These results suggest that rBac-CMV/THB-P10/CTLT can be developed as a potential vaccine against different AIV subtypes.
Association of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype with renal function impairment: a cross-sectional study in a population of Chinese adults
Authors: Qiu Yun , Zhao Qi , Wang Na , Yu Yuting , Wang Ruiping , Zhang Yue , Cui Shuheng , Zhu Meiying , Liu Xing , Jiang Yonggen , Zhao Genming
Published: August 2020

Background

Hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype has been suggested as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is limited evidence on the relationship of triglyceride waist phenotypes with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) status and severity. Our aim was to explore the associations of triglyceride waist phenotypes with reduced eGFR and various decreased eGFR stages among Chinese adults.

Methods

A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among Chinese participants aged 20–74 years from June 2016 to December 2017 in Shanghai, China. An eGFR value below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2was defined as decreased eGFR. HTGW phenotype was defined as triglyceride (TG) ≥1.7 mmol/L and a waist circumference (WC) of ≥90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women. We examined the association of triglyceride waist phenotypes with decreased eGFR risk using the weighted logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 31,296 adults were included in this study. Compared with normal TG level/normal WC (NTNW) phenotype, normal TG level/enlarged WC (NTGW) and elevated TG level/enlarged WC (HTGW) phenotypes were associated with the increased risk of decreased eGFR. Multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CI) associated with NTGW, elevated TG level/normal WC (HTNW), and HTGW phenotypes were 1.75 (1.41–2.18), 1.29 (0.99–1.68), and 1.99 (1.54–2.58), respectively. These associations between triglyceride waist phenotypes and decreased eGFR risk remained across almost all the subgroups, including sex, age, BMI, T2DM, and hypertension. HTGW phenotype was consistently positively associated with the risk of mildly and moderately decreased eGFR, but not with severely decreased eGFR risk.

Conclusions

HTGW was consistently associated with the increased risk of decreased eGFR and various decreased eGFR stages, except for severely decreased eGFR. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings and to investigate the underlying biological mechanisms.
The role of shared decision-making in improving adherence to pharmacological treatments in patients with schizophrenia: a clinical review
Authors: Fiorillo Andrea , Barlati Stefano , Bellomo Antonello , Corrivetti Giulio , Nicolò Giuseppe , Sampogna Gaia , Stanga Valentina , Veltro Franco , Maina Giuseppe , Vita Antonio
Published: August 2020

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a process in which the doctor provides clear and complete medical information to patients about their treatment, and patients provide information on his/her preferences. Patients and clinicians bring different, but equally important, knowledge to the decision-making process. Through the adoption of SDM, it should be possible to overcome the barriers that hinder the acceptance of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) by patients, and often also by psychiatrists. The present paper is a critical appraisal of recent literature on the impact of SDM in improving adherence to pharmacological treatments and in implementing the use of LAIs in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. SDM is recognized as a promising strategy to improve collaboration between clinicians and patients in achieving recovery. When considering drug treatments, clinicians must evaluate the patient’s preferences, expectations and concerns towards the development of a personalized treatment strategy. Moreover, an active involvement in the decision process could reduce the patient’s perception of being coerced into the use of LAIs. Involving patients in the choice of therapy is not sufficient to increase pharmacological adherence if, at the same time, there is no constant work of comparison and communication with the reference psychiatric team. SDM can be particularly effective for LAI prescription, since patient can have prejudices and unjustified fears related to the LAI formulation, which the doctor must resolve.
Carbon ion reirradiation compared to intensity-modulated re-radiotherapy for recurrent head and neck cancer (CARE): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Held Thomas , Lang Kristin , Regnery Sebastian , Weusthof Katharina , Hommertgen Adriane , Jäkel Cornelia , Tonndorf-Martini Eric , Krisam Johannes , Plinkert Peter , Zaoui Karim , Freudlsperger Christian , Moratin Julius , Krauss Jürgen , Harrabi Semi B. , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Jürgen , Adeberg Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Background

Intensity-modulated re-radiotherapy (reIMRT) has been established as a standard local treatment option in patients with non-resectable, recurrent head and neck cancer (rHNC). However, the clinical outcome is unfavorable and severe toxicities (≥grade III) occurred in 30–40% of patients. The primary aim of the current trial is to investigate carbon ion reirradiation (reCIRT) compared to reIMRT in patients with rHNC regarding safety/toxicity as well as local control, overall survival (OS), and quality of life (QoL).

Methods

The present trial will be performed as a single center, two-armed, prospective phase II study. A maximum of 72 patients will be treated with either reIMRT or reCIRT to evaluate severe (≥grade III) treatment-related toxicities (randomization ratio 1:1). The primary target value is to generate less than 35% acute/subacute severe toxicity (≥grade III), according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0, within 6 months after study treatment. The total dose of reirradiation will range between 51 and 60 Gy or Gy (RBE), depending primarily on the radiotherapy interval and the cumulative dose to organs at risk. Individual dose prescription will be at the discretion of the treating radiation oncologist. The local and distant progression-free survival 12 months after reirradiation, the OS, and the QoL are the secondary endpoints of the trial. Explorative trial objectives are the longitudinal investigation of clinical patient-related parameters, tumor parameters on radiological imaging, and blood-based tumor analytics.

Discussion

Recent retrospective studies suggested that reCIRT could represent a feasible and effective treatment modality for rHNC. This current randomized prospective trial is the first to investigate the toxicity and clinical outcome of reCIRT compared to reIMRT in patients with rHNC.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04185974; December 4th 2019.
Traditional Chinese medicine for anti-Alzheimer’s disease: berberine and evodiamine from Evodia rutaecarpa
Authors: Fang Zhiling , Tang Yuqing , Ying Jiaming , Tang Chunlan , Wang Qinwen
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common diseases in elderly people with a high incidence of dementia at approximately 60–80%. The pathogenesis of AD was quite complicated and currently there is no unified conclusion in the academic community, so no efficiently clinical treatment is available. In recent years, with the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), researchers have proposed the idea of relying on TCM to prevent and treat AD based on the characteristic of multiple targets of TCM. This study reviewed the pathological hypothesis of AD and the potential biomarkers found in the current researches. And the potential targets of berberine and evodiamine fromEvodia rutaecarpain AD were summarized and further analyzed. A compound-targets-pathway network was carried out to clarify the mechanism of action of berberine and evodiamine for AD. Furthermore, the limitations of current researches on the TCM and AD were discussed. It is hoped that this review will provide some references for development of TCM in the prevention and treatment of AD.
The association of depression, loneliness and internet addiction levels in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Öztekin Coşkun , Öztekin Aynure
Published: August 2020

Background

Acne vulgaris is a very common skin disorder that has negative effects on the mood, self image and social relations of the patients. We want to evaluate the effects of acne vulgaris and its severity on depression, loneliness, internet addiction levels, and the quality of life of young adult females.

Methods

Two hundred three female acne vulgaris patients and 202 healthy controls who admitted to the dermatology clinic of a university hospital formed the study sample. Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) was used to assess the severity of acne. The Young Internet Addiction Scale-Short Form (YIAS-SF), The Acne Quality of Life Scale (AQLS), The University of California Los Angeles-Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS), and The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to collect information about the patients.

Results

The median BDI and the mean UCLA-LS and YIAS-SF scores were higher in the Acne group than those in the control group. The correlations between acne severity and the 3 scales were not significant but the correlations between AQLS and BDI, UCLA-LS, and YIAS-SF were highly significant. In multiple regression analysis, age and the BDI score predicted the YIAS-SF score significantly.

Conclusions

Our findings support the previous findings that acne vulgaris patients are prone to depression and loneliness, and expand these findings to the vulnerability against internet addiction. Loneliness and depression should be assessed and, if found, targeted by psychological means to prevent internet addiction in acne vulgaris patients.
The obesity paradox in critically ill patients: a causal learning approach to a casual finding
Authors: Decruyenaere Alexander , Steen Johan , Colpaert Kirsten , Benoit Dominique D. , Decruyenaere Johan , Vansteelandt Stijn
Published: August 2020

Background

While obesity confers an increased risk of death in the general population, numerous studies have reported an association between obesity and improved survival among critically ill patients. This contrary finding has been referred to as the obesity paradox. In this retrospective study, two causal inference approaches were used to address whether the survival of non-obese critically ill patients would have been improved if they had been obese.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 6557 adult critically ill patients hospitalized at the Intensive Care Unit of the Ghent University Hospital between 2015 and 2017. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m2. Two causal inference approaches were used to estimate the average effect of obesity in the non-obese (AON): a traditional approach that used regression adjustment for confounding and that assumed missingness completely at random and a robust approach that used machine learning within the targeted maximum likelihood estimation framework along with multiple imputation of missing values under the assumption of missingness at random. 1754 (26.8%) patients were discarded in the traditional approach because of at least one missing value for obesity status or confounders.

Results

Obesity was present in 18.9% of patients. The in-hospital mortality was 14.6% in non-obese patients and 13.5% in obese patients. The raw marginal risk difference for in-hospital mortality between obese and non-obese patients was − 1.06% (95% confidence interval (CI) − 3.23 to 1.11%, P = 0.337). The traditional approach resulted in an AON of − 2.48% (95% CI − 4.80 to − 0.15%, P = 0.037), whereas the robust approach yielded an AON of − 0.59% (95% CI − 2.77 to 1.60%, P = 0.599).

Conclusions

A causal inference approach that is robust to residual confounding bias due to model misspecification and selection bias due to missing (at random) data mitigates the obesity paradox observed in critically ill patients, whereas a traditional approach results in even more paradoxical findings. The robust approach does not provide evidence that the survival of non-obese critically ill patients would have been improved if they had been obese.
In vitro shared transcriptomic responses of Aedes aegypti to arboviral infections: example of dengue and Rift Valley fever viruses
Authors: Licciardi Séverine , Loire Etienne , Cardinale Eric , Gislard Marie , Dubois Emeric , Cêtre-Sossah Catherine
Published: August 2020

Background

Arthropod borne virus infections are the cause of severe emerging diseases. Among the diseases due to arboviruses, dengue (DEN) and Rift Valley fever (RVF) are in the top ten in the list of diseases responsible of severe human cases worldwide. Understanding the effects of viral infection on gene expression in competent vectors is a challenge for the development of early diagnostic tools and may enable researchers and policy makers to better anticipate outbreaks in the next future.

Methods

In this study, alterations in gene expression across the entire Aedes aegypti genome during infection with DENV and RVFV were investigated in vitro at two time points of infection, the early phase (24 h) and the late phase (6 days) of infection using the RNA sequencing approach

Results

A total of 10 upregulated genes that share a similar expression profile during infection with both viruses at early and late phases of infection were identified. Family B and D clip-domain serine proteases (CLIP) were clearly overrepresented as well as C-type lectins and transferrin.

Conclusions

Our data highlight the presence of 10 viral genes upregulated in Ae. aegypti during infection. They may also be targeted in the case of the development of broad-spectrum anti-viral diagnostic tools focusing the mosquito vectors rather than the mammalian hosts as they may predict the emergence of outbreaks.
Influence of impreciseness in designing tritrophic level complex food chain modeling in interval environment
Authors: Mahata Animesh , Mondal Sankar Prasad , Roy Banamali , Alam Shariful , Salimi Mehdi , Ahmadian Ali , Ferrara Massimiliano
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we construct a tritrophic level food chain model considering the model parameters as fuzzy interval numbers. We check the positivity and boundedness of solutions of the model system and find out all the equilibrium points of the model system along with its existence criteria. We perform stability analysis at all equilibrium points of the model system and discuss in the imprecise environment. We also perform meticulous numerical simulations to study the dynamical behavior of the model system in detail. Finally, we incorporate different harvesting scenarios in the model system and deploy maximum sustainable yield (MSY) policies to determine optimum level of harvesting in the imprecise environment without putting any unnecessary extra risk on the species toward its possible extinction.
Stability analysis of a diagonally implicit scheme of block backward differentiation formula for stiff pharmacokinetics models
Authors: Mohd Ijam Hazizah , Ibrahim Zarina Bibi , Abdul Majid Zanariah , Senu Norazak
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we analyze the criteria for the stability of a method suited to the ordinary differential equations models. The relevant proof that the method satisfies the condition of stiff stability is also provided. The aim of this paper is therefore to construct an efficient two-point block method based on backward differentiation formula which is A-stable and converged. The new diagonally implicit scheme is formulated to approximate the solution of the pharmacokinetics models. By implementing the algorithm, the numerical solution to the models is compared with a few existing methods and established stiff solvers. It yields significant advantages when the diagonally implicit method with a lower triangular matrix and identical diagonal elements is considered. The formula is designed in such a way that it permits a maximum of one LU decomposition for each integration stage.
Modelling intracellular delay and therapy interruptions within Ghanaian HIV population
Authors: Owusu Kofi F. , Doungmo Goufo Emile F. , Mugisha Stella
Published: August 2020

This paper seeks to unveil the niche of delay differential equation in harmonizing low HIV viral haul and thereby articulating the adopted model, to delve into structured treatment interruptions. Therefore, an ordinary differential equation is schemed to consist of three components such as untainted CD4+ T-cells, tainted CD4+ T-cells (HIV) and CTL. A discrete time delay is ushered to the formulated model in order to account for vital components, such as intracellular delay and HIV latency which were missing in previous works but have been advocated for future research. It was divested that when the reproductive number was less than unity, the disease free equilibrium of the model was asymptotically stable. Hence the adopted model with or without the delay component articulates less production of virions as per the decline rate. Therefore CD4+ T-cells in the blood remains constant at $\delta _{1} / \delta _{3}$

δ
1

/

δ
3

, hence declining the virions level in the blood. As per the adopted model, the best STI practice is intimated for compliance.
Corrosion shape reconstruction of the mixed boundary in electrostatic imaging
Authors: Hu Yuqing , Wang Bingxian , Li Tongxing
Published: August 2020

We consider the corrosion detection problem in terms of the Laplace equation and study a simply connected bounded domain with Wentzell-type GIBC boundary condition. We derive the systems of integral equations and establish the equivalence to the inverse shape problem in a Sobolev space setting. For the direct problem, we use potential theory to simulate the Neumann data from Dirichlet data on Dirichlet boundary. Then we propose a Newton iterative approach based on the boundary integral equations derived from Green’s representation theorem. After describing the linearization and the iteration scheme for the inverse shape, we compute the Fréchet derivatives with respect to the unknowns. We conclude by presenting several numerical examples for shape reconstructions to show the validity of the proposed method.
Cultivation of microalgae for biofuel production: coupling with sugarcane-processing factories
Authors: Zewdie Deribew Tefera , Ali Abubeker Yimam
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite their potential as biofuel resources, large-scale production of biofuels from microalgae is still uncertain primarily due to a lack of feasibility of the process and that it proves to be capital and energy intensive. Therefore, an integration of microalgal cultivation with other processes for achieving an inexpensive nutrient and energy use is an important issue. In the present study, the potential of the flue gas and the wastewater of a sugar factory to support microalgae growth for biofuel and bio-fertilizer production is evaluated.

Methods

The study was carried out by following a case study approach; an Ethiopian sugarcane-processing factory, Metahara sugar and ethanol production factory, was selected for this purpose. Conceptual microalgal biofuel production was integrated with the real sugarcane-processing factory, and the process was evaluated with regard to the product outputs and energy requirements.

Results

The integrated process model shows that three products, biodiesel, upgraded biogas, and bio-fertilizer with production capacities of 188 tons/year, 1,974,882 m3/year and 42 tons/year, respectively, were produced. For the production of these products, the electricity and thermal energy demand of the integrated process amounted to 1822.13 and 3244.99 MWh/year, respectively. A sensitivity analysis shows that the oil content of the algae, the nitrogen content of the waste, the oil extraction efficiency, and the transesterification efficiency are the main factors which affect the biodiesel production capacity of the integrated process.

Conclusions

This case study approach investigated the potential of a future possible bio-refinery and environmental pollution reduction concept by integrating microalgae biomass production with sugarcane-processing factory wastes and by-products. It was found that the factory wastes and by-products have a significant potential for a viable biofuel production from microalgae.
Radiomics for glioblastoma survival analysis in pre-operative MRI: exploring feature robustness, class boundaries, and machine learning techniques
Authors: Suter Yannick , Knecht Urspeter , Alão Mariana , Valenzuela Waldo , Hewer Ekkehard , Schucht Philippe , Wiest Roland , Reyes Mauricio
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aims to identify robust radiomic features for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), assess feature selection and machine learning methods for overall survival classification of Glioblastoma multiforme patients, and to robustify models trained on single-center data when applied to multi-center data.

Methods

Tumor regions were automatically segmented on MRI data, and 8327 radiomic features extracted from these regions. Single-center data was perturbed to assess radiomic feature robustness, with over 16 million tests of typical perturbations. Robust features were selected based on the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient to measure agreement across perturbations. Feature selectors and machine learning methods were compared to classify overall survival. Models trained on single-center data (63 patients) were tested on multi-center data (76 patients). Priors using feature robustness and clinical knowledge were evaluated.

Results

We observed a very large performance drop when applying models trained on single-center on unseen multi-center data, e.g. a decrease of the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.56 for the overall survival classification boundary at 1 year. By using robust features alongside priors for two overall survival classes, the AUC drop could be reduced by 21.2%. In contrast, sensitivity was 12.19% lower when applying a prior.

Conclusions

Our experiments show that it is possible to attain improved levels of robustness and accuracy when models need to be applied to unseen multi-center data. The performance on multi-center data of models trained on single-center data can be increased by using robust features and introducing prior knowledge. For successful model robustification, tailoring perturbations for robustness testing to the target dataset is key.
Paleosols in an outcrop of red beds from the Upper Cretaceous Yaojia Formation, southern Songliao Basin, Jilin Province, NE China
Authors: Zhang Li , Bao Zhi-Dong , Zhang Chang-Min , Dou Lu-Xing , Fu Ping , Zhao Jia-Hong , Wang Wu-Xue , Ji Yu
Published: August 2020

Paleosols in an outcrop of fluvial–lacustrine red beds have been recognized in the Upper Cretaceous Yaojia Formation in southern Songliao Basin, Songyuan City, Jilin Province, NE China. They are recognized in the field by pedogenic features, including root traces and burrows, soil horizons and soil structures. Root traces are remnants of small herbaceous plants, elongating and branching downwards in the red paleosols. They are filled by calcite, analcime, and clay minerals in spaces created by the decay of the plant roots. Burrows are found near the root traces with backfilled cells made by soil-dwelling insects. Soil horizons include calcic horizons (Bk horizon) with continuous calcareous layers, argillic horizons (Bt horizon) with clay films and dark brown to black iron-manganese cutans, vertic horizons (Bw horizon) with slickensided claystone, and deformed soil structure and gleyed horizons (Bg horizon) with mottles and reticulate mottles. Soil structures of the paleosols include pseudo-anticlinal structures, subangular blocky structures, and angular blocky structures. The micro-pedogenesis characteristics are also observed, including micrite pedogenic minerals and clay skins. Based on the pedogenic features above, paleosols types including Aridisol, Alfisol, and Vertisol are interpreted in the red beds of the Yaojia Formation. Forming in the Late Cretaceous, the paleosols can provide more details about the seasonal climate conditions and terrestrial sedimentary system in lacustrine basin.
Subjective cognitive functioning in relation to changes in levels of depression and anxiety in youth over 3 months of treatment
Authors: Allott Kelly , Gao Caroline , Hetrick Sarah E. , Filia Kate M. , Menssink Jana M. , Fisher Caroline , Hickie Ian B. , Herrman Helen E. , Rickwood Debra J. , Parker Alexandra G. , Mcgorry Patrick D. , Cotton Sue M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Subjective cognitive difficulties are common in mental illness and have a negative impact on role functioning. Little is understood about subjective cognition and the longitudinal relationship with depression and anxiety symptoms in young people.

Aims

To examine the relationship between changes in levels of depression and anxiety and changes in subjective cognitive functioning over 3 months in help-seeking youth.

Method

This was a cohort study of 656 youth aged 12–25 years attending Australian headspace primary mental health services. Subjective changes in cognitive functioning (rated as better, same, worse) reported after 3 months of treatment was assessed using the Neuropsychological Symptom Self-Report. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of baseline levels of and changes in depression (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ9) and anxiety symptoms (seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale; GAD7) on changes in subjective cognitive function at follow-up while controlling for covariates.

Results

With a one-point reduction in PHQ9 at follow-up, there was an estimated 11–18% increase in ratings of better subjective cognitive functioning at follow-up, relative to stable cognitive functioning. A one-point increase in PHQ9 from baseline to follow-up was associated with 7–14% increase in ratings of worse subjective cognitive functioning over 3 months, relative to stable cognitive functioning. A similar attenuated pattern of findings was observed for the GAD7.

Conclusions

A clear association exists between subjective cognitive functioning outcomes and changes in self-reported severity of affective symptoms in young people over the first 3 months of treatment. Understanding the timing and mechanisms of these associations is needed to tailor treatment.
On Bankers and Empire
Authors: Burden-Stelly Charisse
Published: August 2020

This essay offers a critical engagement with historian Peter James Hudson’s groundbreaking text Bankers and Empire: How Wall Street Colonized the Caribbean. It begins with an analysis of Hudson’s detailed account of the entanglements of the internationalization of US banking, imperialism, and (neo)colonialism in the epoch of US-led finance capitalism. Then it builds on Hudson’s concept of “racial capitalism,” which the author defines and explicates as a war-driven racially hierarchical global system constituting white supremacist accumulation, dependent extraction, imperial expropriation, labor superexploitation, and (neo)colonial absorption of financial risk. Next, it analyzes antiblackness—understood as legitimating architecture that devalues, distorts, criminalizes, and abjects those racialized as black—as a constitutive feature of racial capitalism. Finally, the essay illuminates the latter’s inextricable link to antiradicalism, defined as the disciplining of communists, socialists, and other radicals whose ideas, politics, or practices are deemed subversive of or threatening to the perpetuation of the capitalist world-economy.
Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan in Patients with Unresectable Ocular Melanoma Metastases Confined to the Liver: A Prospective Phase II Study
Authors: Meijer T. Susanna , Burgmans Mark C. , de Leede Eleonora M. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Boekestijn Bas , Handgraaf Henricus J. M. , Hilling Denise E. , Lutjeboer Jacob , Vuijk Jaap , Martini Christian H. , van Erkel Arian R. , van der Meer Rutger W. , Tijl Fred G. J. , Speetjens Frank M. , Kapiteijn Ellen , Vahrmeijer Alexander L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Ocular melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy and has a very poor prognosis once liver metastases occur. The
aim of this study was to prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) using the new second-generation
(GEN 2) hemofiltration system in patients with ocular melanoma metastases confined to the liver.

Methods

Prospective, single-center, single-arm, phase II study including patients with unresectable ocular melanoma metastases confined to the liver. Treatment consisted of two M-PHP procedures at 6–8 weeks interval. Procedures were performed using the CHEMOSAT (GEN 2) system with 3 mg/kg
melphalan. Primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and best overall response (BOR). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), hepatic PFS (hPFS), and safety.

Results

Sixty-four M-PHP procedures were performed in 35 patients between February 2014 and June 2017. The ORR was 72%. BOR was as follows: complete response in 3%, partial response in 69%, stable disease in 13%, and progressive disease in 16%. There was no treatment-related mortality. Fourteen serious adverse events occurred. At a median follow-up of 19.1 months (range 5.6–69.5), median OS was 19.1 months and was significantly longer in responders than in nonresponders (27.5 vs. 11.9 months, p < 0.001). The 1- and 2-year OS was 77% and 43%, respectively. PFS and hPFS were 7.6 and 11.2 months, respectively.

Conclusions

M-PHP using the GEN 2 filter can achieve a high ORR and prolonged survival in patients with liver-only ocular melanoma metastases.
On the Geometric Realisation of Equal Tempered Music
Authors: Ashton-Bell Robert Linton Tavis
Published: August 2020

Since the time of Pythagoras (c.550BC), mathematicians interested in music have asked, “What governs the whole number ratios that emerge from derivations of the harmonic series?” Simon Stevin (1548-1620) devised a mathematical underlay (where a semitone equals 21/12) that gave rise to the equal temperament tuning system we still use today. Beyond this, the structure of formalised musical orderings have eluded many of us. Music theorists use the tools and techniques of their trade to peer into the higher-order musical structures that underpin musical harmony. These methods of investigating music theory and harmony are difficult to learn (and teach), as complex abstract thought is required to imagine the components of a phenomenon that cannot be seen. This paper outlines a method to understanding the mathematical underpinnings of the equal tempered tuning system. Using this method, musical structure can be quantitatively modelled as a series of harmonic elements at each pulse of musical time.
Customer Preference and Station Network in the London Bike-Share System
Authors: He Pu , Zheng Fanyin , Belavina Elena , Girotra Karan
Published: August 2020

We study customer preference for the bike-share system in the city of London. We estimate a structural demand model on the station network to learn the preference parameters and use the estimated model to provide insights on the design and expansion of the bike-share system. We highlight the importance of network effects in understanding customer demand and evaluating expansion strategies of transportation networks. In the particular example of the London bike-share system, we find that allocating resources to some areas of the station network can be 10 times more beneficial than others in terms of system usage and that the currently implemented station density rule is far from optimal. We develop a new method to deal with the endogeneity problem of the choice set in estimating demand for network products. Our method can be applied to other settings in which the available set of products or services depends on demand.

This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.
Pendidikan Seks Dalam Islam Berbasis Komunikasi Orangtua-Anak: Langkah Pencegahan LGBT Pada Anak
Authors: Wati Dewi Eko
Published: August 2020

AbstrakPembahasan artikel ini dibatasi pada LGBT ditinjau dari sisi psikologi dan agama. Tujuan penulisan artikel ini untuk memberikan wawasan khususnya kepada orangtua mengenai pentingnya hubungan yang hangat dan harmonis antara orangtua dan anak sebagai upaya pencegahan LGBT melalui penanaman pendidikan seks pada anak dalam tinjauan agama Islam. Metode yang digunakan ialah kajian literatur. Dari tinjauan agama, Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) mengharamkan perilaku LGBT karena merupakan kejahatan yang dapat menimbulkan penyakit yang berbahaya bagi kesehatan seperti sifilis, hepatitis B, dan HIV/AIDS. Dari tinjauan psikologi, LGBT bisa mengganggu kesejahteraan psikologis seseorang. Oleh karena itu, upaya pencegahan perlu dilakukan sejak dini dimulai dari keluarga yaitu orangtua melalui pendidikan seks yang tepat.  Penanaman pendidikan seks terhadap anak harus dilakukan dalam hubungan orangtua dan anak yang hangat dan harmonis agar anak mampu menerimanya dengan baik. Komunikasi orangtua-anak yang didasarkan pada kepercayaan dan keterbukaan menjadi kunci dalam melakukan pendidikan seks yang nyaman bagi anak.Kata kunci: pendidikan seks, komunikasi, orangtua-anak, LGBT
High-precision three dimensional atom localization via multiphoton quantum destructive interference
Authors: Tian Yonghong , Wang Xin , Yang Wen-Xing , Shui Tao , Li Ling , Li Xiyun , Wu Zhen
Published: August 2020

We propose an effective scheme for high-precision three dimensional(3D) atom localization via measuring the population of excited state in a four-level atomic system driven by a probe field and three orthogonal standing-wave fields. In this scheme, the position-dependent multiphoton quantum destructive interference leads to multiphoton excitation of the excited state and enhances the fluorescence emission. We show that adjusting the frequency detuning and phase shifts associated with the standing-wave fields can modify the multiphoton quantum destructive interference and lead to a redistribution of the atoms. The maximal probability of finding the atom at the certain position in one period of the standing-wave fields can be 100% and the highest spatial precision is about 0.02λ.
Graphene-based plasmonic electro-optical SR flip-flop with an ultra-compact footprint
Authors: Rezaei Mir Hamid , Zarifkar Abbas
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present a new concept of electro-optical plasmonic Set-Reset flip-flops at mid-infrared frequencies. We use the 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to simulate and evaluate our designed flip-flop. In the proposed structure, the propagation of surface plasmon polaritons is controlled by applying an electrostatic field and the switching actions occur in the electrical domain while the output signal is in the form of light. The energy consumed by each switch is 2.5 fJ/bit. In this flip-flop, the no-change state of the flip-flop is realized by using a Bias port. The time response diagram indicates that the minimum extinction ratio of the flip-flop is 14.61 dB. The probability of various errors in the flip-flop state occurring due to the lack of synchronization between the switches is also considered by the FDTD simulations and it is shown that the device has a great performance against errors. Furthermore, the structure has an ultra-compact footprint of 1.62 µm2. Our surveys show that no plasmonic flip-flop has been reported to date.