bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time to adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in stage III colon cancer at a community cancer center: A quality improvement initiative.
Authors: Partridge Arun , Rother Mark , Enright Katherine , Kaizer Leonard , Myers Jeffrey A. , Quinton Cindy L. , Rajagopal Sudhashree , Strevel Elizabeth Laureen
Published: March 2020

e17503

Background: The standard of care for stage III colon cancer remains 5FU based AC. In clinical trial settings, this begins within 56 days of surgery. Recently a meta-analysis suggested that delays to starting chemotherapy are associated with inferior outcomes and the goal should be to commence AC as soon as feasible. Our objective was to assess the time to starting AC for referred patients to our center and to identify modifiable factors which may be improve upon to reduce delays. Methods: All patients referred to our center with stage III colon cancer who received at least 1 cycle of intravenous AC between Jan.1, 2010 and Dec.31, 2010 were identified. Patient characteristics and time intervals between surgery, Medical Oncology referral, Medical Oncology consultation and initiation of AC were assessed. Results: The total number of patients is 43. Median time to initiation of AC from surgery was 60 days with a range of 29-118 days. Only 32% of patients commenced AC within 56 days of surgery. The intervals of time from surgery to Medical Oncology referral and Medical Oncology consultation to initiation of AC were similar with a median of 25 and 26 days respectively. The median time interval from Medical Oncology referral to Medical Oncology consultation was only 9 days. The bulk of the interval for initiation of AC after seeing a Medical Oncologist was for placement of central intravenous (CIV) devices which took a median of 19 days. Conclusions: The majority of our patients do not start AC within an accepted timeframe. Most of the delay is related to the interval taken to request a consultation to Medical Oncology by the surgeon and to Medical Oncology access to CIV devices. Educational programs geared to referring surgeons which stress the importance of timely AC can help and are being initiated. Further options such as pre booking CIV devices and colon cancer patient-specific nurse navigators to try and streamline the processes and reduce their delays are being explored. [Table: see text]
A cost-utility analysis of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Authors: Ko Yoo-Joung , Tam Vincent Channing , Mittmann Nicole , Pasteka Mark , Chan Kelvin K.
Published: March 2020

e17569

Background: FOLFIRINOX has been shown to be superior to gemcitabine (gem) alone for metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) and has been established as the standard of care. A recent study (von Hoff et al, GI ASCO 2013) showed that gem + nab-paclitaxel (gem+nab-p) was superior to gem alone. The cost-effectiveness of gem+nab-p relative to gem or FOLFIRINOX has not been studied. Methods: A Markov cohort model was constructed for patients with MPC to examine the costs and outcomes of gem alone, gem+nab-p and FOLFIRINOX. Efficacy and side-effect data were obtained from pivotal phase III trials. Resource utilization data, unit costs and utilities were obtained from Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the literature. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) defined as cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Canadian public healthcare system over a 2-year time horizon adjusted to 2012 Canadian dollars (CAD$). Both cost and effectiveness were discounted at 5%. One way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Using gem as the base case, gem+nab-p had better outcomes but higher costs (see Table). The ICER was higher than conventional willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. Gem+nab-p was less effective but less costly when compared with FOLFIRINOX. It was dominated by combinations of gem and FOLFIRINOX (i.e. extended dominance), and therefore not cost-effective regardless of WTP threshold. If the price of nab-p was 20% lower, then gem+nab-p and FOLFORINOX would have similar cost-effectiveness. Conclusions: Gem+nab-p is not cost-effective, from the Canadian perspective, for the treatment of MPC based on the current price when compared with FOLFIRINOX. A lower-priced generic oxaliplatin, which is available in some jurisdictions including the United States, may affect the outcome of this analysis in further favor of FOLFIRINOX. [Table: see text]
Body mass index (BMI) influence on survival in adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/high-risk MDS: Retrospective study of 130 patients from a single institution.
Authors: Abdelfatah Mohamed , Al-Ameri Ali , Kanaan Zeyad , Malkawi Ahmed , Haller Nairmeen Awad
Published: March 2020

e18011

Background: The incidence of obesity is increasing worldwide and is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. In AML high body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of treatment-related complications; the overall survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia is inferior, with most studies conducted in the pediatric population. Aim: To evaluate the effect of increasing (BMI) in the overall survival (OS) of adult patients with AML/High risk MDS. Methods: After obtaining IRB approval, all adult patients with AML diagnosed and treated at our institution (2002–2010) were studied. Data collection included patient demographics, laboratory tests, bone marrow biopsies, BMI, and survival information. We classified the AML patients into two groups according to BMI (kg/m2) classification by WHO; normal Weight 18-25 kg/m2, overweight and obese >25 kg/m2. Chi-Square and T-test were used for between group comparisons and Kaplan-Meier test was applied for survival estimates. Results: Adult patients with newly diagnosed AML (n = 130) had a median age of 55 years (range: 19-90), and 43 (56%) patients were older than 75 years. Seventy-two patients (55%) were male and 58 (45%) were female. 45 patients (35%) in total had complex cytogenetics, 20 patients (15%) had AML arise from MDS.Forty-four patients (34%) were considered normal weight; Eighty-six patients (66%) were classified as overweight or obese. Overall median survival was 28 weeks; patients with BMI 18-25 kg/m2 had a 36-week median survival, while patients with BMI <25 kg/m2 had a 25-week median survival (p<0.499). Conclusions: Overall survival was low in the study population; survival in obese and overweight patients (BMI>25) was slightly lower than normal weight group (18-25 kg/m2), although this did not translate into a survival benefit. Future large scale studies may be needed to further define the role of BMI in survival benefit for these patients.
Clinical characteristics, treatment, and survival outcomes in malignant pleural mesothelioma: A institution experience in Turkey.
Authors: Kucukoner Mehmet , Kaplan Muhammed Ali , Inal Ali , Urakcı Zuhat , Abakay Ozlem , Tanrıkulu Abdullah , Abakay Abdurrahman , Senyigit Abdurrahman , Isikdogan Abdurrahman
Published: March 2020

e18544

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a aggressive tumor that causes high mortality. Treatment of MPM remains disappointing, even new approaches are present today. Methods: The present study retrospectively examined the data related to 150 patients with MPM who were examined and treated in our center in Turkey from 2005 to 2012. The aims of this study were; to investigate clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment modalities and potential prognostic factors. Results: There were 87 males (58%) and 63 females (42%), 92 of the patients (61.3%) had an asbestos contact and this contact was generally environmental. Surgical resection (EPP or P/D) was used in 32 patients, 87 patients (58%) received only chemotherapy. The median progression free and overall survival (PFS and OS) for all patients were 10.6 and 14.8 months. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients who received pemetrexed/cisplatin (54 patients) and gemcitabine/cisplatin (28 patients) regimens in terms of the PFS and OS (p=0.145, p=0.244). The comparison between patients who were operated on and those who were not did not reveal any statistical difference in PFS and OS (p=0.416, p=0.095). There was no difference in both PFS and OS rates in comparison of patients who had P/D or EPP (p=0.87, p=0.652). Log rank analysis, ECOG performance status (p=0.018), histology (p<0.001), stage (p<0.001) and leukocytosis (p=0.005) were found to be significant prognostic factors in OS. At multivariate analysis, ECOG performance status (p=0.016), and stage (p<0.001) remained independently associated with OS. Conclusions: In survival analysis revealed significant differences in terms of both the PFS and OS, performance status, histology, stage and leukocytosis. EPP or P / D surgical options did not provide difference in term of survival. Survival rates in patients who received combining platinum analogues with pemetrexed or gemcitabine as front-line chemotherapy were found similar.
A pilot feasibility study to evaluate the efficacy of lapatinib in eliminating HER2-positive tumor cells circulating in peripheral blood of women with metastatic breast cancer.
Authors: Agelaki Sofia , Kalykaki Antonia , Markomanolaki Haris , Kallergi Galatea , Kalbakis Kostas , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Georgoulias Vassilis
Published: March 2020

e22105

Background: EGFR and HER2 are expressed on CTCs from pts with breast cancer (BC). In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lapatinib, a dual EGFR and HER2 TK inhibitor, to eliminate HER2+ CTCs in metastatic BC. Methods: Pts with metastatic disease and HER2+ CTCs detected after disease stabilization or response to prior therapy were eligible. Pts received lapatinib till disease or CTC progression, whichever occurred first. Cytospins of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were double stained with HER2 or EGFR along with cytokeratin antibody; 106 PBMCs/pt were analyzed for each molecule. Results: Twenty-two pts were enrolled; median age was 62.5 yrs, 2 had HER2+ primary, 12 (54.5%) had visceral disease and 8 (36.4%) had received ≥3 lines. Treatment was discontinued in 1 pt before the end of the 1st cycle due to toxicity and 1 withdrew consent after 3 cycles. A total of 119 courses were administered [median 4.0 (range, 0.5-26.0)]; disease evaluation revealed SD in 11 pts and PD in 10. HER2+ CTC counts declined in 18 (85.7%) pts during treatment [median time to nadir 1 mo (range, 1 – 5)]. After the 1st cycle, HER2+ CTCs decreased in 14 (66.7%) pts, increased in 6 (28.6%) and remained stable in 1 (4.7%). At baseline, 3444 HER2+ CTCs were detected (median 130), whereas after the 1st and 2nd cycles, 2281 (median 1) and 989 (median 2), respectively, were identified. The difference between baseline and post-1st or post-2nd cycle CTC counts was significant for all pts and for patients with SD but not in progressing pts. EGFR expression on CTCs was evaluated at the baseline and the end of treatment sample; in 6 of 8 pts with CTCs detected at both time points, the % EGFR+ CTCs/pt increased from a mean of 29.72% to 71.52%. Moreover, the % ratio of EGFR+ among the total CTCs increased from 17.08% to 37.59%. Conclusions: Lapatinib is effective in decreasing HER2+ CTCs in pts with metastatic BC, irrespective of the HER2 status of the primary. EGFR+ CTCs increase during treatment implicating EGFR as a possible resistance mechanism. The above results suggest that tailoring therapy according to targets present on CTCs represents an effective therapeutic strategy in BC. Clinical trial information: NCT00694252.
MLN0264, an investigational, first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting guanylyl cyclase C (GCC): Phase I, first-in-human study in patients (pts) with advanced gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies expressing GCC.
Authors: Almhanna Khaldoun , Messersmith Wells A. , Rodon Ahnert Jordi , Cruz Cristina , Ryan David P. , Jung JungAh , Fasanmade Adedigbo , Wyant Tim , Kalebic Thea
Published: March 2020

TPS3646

Background: MLN0264, an investigational ADC that targets GCC, consists of a fully human monoclonal antibody conjugated to the cytotoxic microtubule disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease-cleavable linker. MMAE and the linker technology are licensed from Seattle Genetics. GCC is a cell surface protein expressed by normal intestinal epithelial cells, ~95% of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and subsets of gastric and pancreatic cancers. In normal tissue, GCC is expressed on the apical side of epithelial cell tight junctions; therefore, systemically delivered GCC-targeting agents are expected to be preferentially delivered to tumor tissue in which cell polarity is disrupted. MLN0264 has demonstrated antitumor activity in mouse xenograft models of GCC-expressing tumors (Veiby et al. EORTC-NCI-AACR, 2012), supporting the scientific rationale for this first-in-human study. Methods: This study (NCT01577758) was designed to evaluate MLN0264 in ~60 adult pts with GI malignancies expressing GCC (≥1+), measurable disease by RECIST, and ECOG PS 0/1. This study is being conducted at 4 centers in the US and EU and is estimated to last ~36–42 months. Pts receive IV MLN0264 on day 1 of 21-day cycles for up to 17 cycles or until disease progression/unacceptable MLN0264-related toxicity. Dose escalation is proceeding via an adaptive Bayesian continual reassessment model approach based on dose-limiting toxicities in cycle 1. Following determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), up to 14 pts each will be enrolled to mCRC and gastric carcinoma expansion groups to further characterize the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of MLN0264 and evaluate its clinical activity. The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and tolerability, determine the MTD, and describe the PK of IV MLN0264. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the antitumor activity and immunogenicity of MLN0264. An exploratory objective is to examine the relationship between levels of GCC protein expression in tumor tissue and clinical response. Enrollment as of Jan 2013 was 12 pts. Clinical trial information: NCT01577758.
Gender Differences in the Response to Short-term Cold Exposure in Young Adults
Authors: Mengel Laura A , Seidl Hatti , Brandl Beate , Skurk Thomas , Holzapfel Christina , Stecher Lynne , Claussnitzer Melina , Hauner Hans
Published: March 2020

Context

Cold exposure (CE) has been shown to enhance energy expenditure by activating brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and metabolism in humans. However, it remains to be elucidated if there are gender-specific differences in cold-induced thermogenesis and metabolism.

Objective

To study the impact of mild CE on resting energy expenditure (REE) and metabolism in males compared with females.

Setting

A cross-sectional study.

Participants

117 healthy young Caucasians participated in this study (58 males). Mean age was 25.1 ± 3.6 years and mean body mass index 22.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2.

Intervention

Participants underwent a short-term CE using water perfused mattresses to activate nonshivering thermogenesis.

Main Outcome Measures

REE was assessed before and 2 hours after CE followed by blood sampling. Selected metabolites and hormones were measured. Skin temperatures were monitored at various sites throughout the experiment.

Results

Participants showed a significant increase in REE after CE (6.5%, P < .001). This increase did not differ between genders (P = .908). However, there were differences between males and females in changes of plasma glucose (–5.1% versus –7.4%, P = .024), leptin (–14.3% versus –30.1%, P < .001) and adiponectin (5.4% versus 12.8%, P = .018) after CE. We observed a significant decrease of the supraclavicular skin temperature in men (–0.3%, P = .034), but not in women (0.3%, P = .326)(P = .019 between genders).

Conclusions

We did not observe a difference in the thermogenic response, measured as change of REE, to CE in women compared with men. However, we found that some metabolic and hormonal changes were more pronounced in women than in men suggesting a gender-specific response to cold.
Glycemic Measures and Development and Resolution of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Nondiabetic Individuals
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Mian , Zhao Zhiyun , Wang Shuangyuan , Lu Jieli , Chen Yuhong , Xu Min , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Bi Yufang , Wang Tiange , Xu Yu
Published: March 2020

Context

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is closely associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, evidence regarding the link between blood glucose, especially below the threshold for T2D, and NAFLD is scarce.

Objective

The objective of this work is to examine the associations of fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 2-hour glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and changes in these measures with development and resolution of NAFLD in nondiabetic individuals.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study comprised 4273 Chinese adults age 40 years or older and free of baseline T2D from 2010 to 2015. Blood sampling was performed during the OGTT test. NAFLD was ascertained by hepatic ultrasonography. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using modified Poisson regression models.

Results

During a mean 4.4 years of follow-up, NAFLD occurred in 573 (17.9%) of the 3209 participants without baseline NAFLD and resolved in 304 (28.6%) of the 1064 participants with baseline NAFLD. OGTT 2-h glucose was positively associated with NAFLD incidence (RR per 1-SD increase: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.25), whereas fasting (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78-0.94) and 2-hour glucose (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77-0.93) were inversely associated with resolution of NAFLD. Glycemic deterioration conferred increased risk of developing NAFLD and decreased likelihood of resolution of NAFLD than maintaining normal glycemic regulation (NGR). The strongest associations were observed for individuals who developed T2D. Meanwhile, baseline or incident NAFLD significantly increased the risk of deterioration in glucose metabolism.

Conclusions

Increased glycemic levels within the nondiabetic range, as well as progression from NGR to T2D or prediabetes, were adversely associated with development and improvement of NAFLD.
Fractures, Bone Mineral Density, and Final Height in Craniopharyngioma Patients with a Follow-up of 16 Years
Authors: van Santen Selveta S , Olsson Daniel S , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M , Wijnen Mark , Hammarstrand Casper , Janssen Joseph A M J L , Johannsson Gudmundur , van der Lely Aart J , Neggers Sebastian J C M M
Published: March 2020

Context

Pituitary hormonal deficiencies in patients with craniopharyngioma may impair their bone health.

Objective

To investigate bone health in patients with craniopharyngioma.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Dutch and Swedish referral centers.

Patients

Patients with craniopharyngioma (n = 177) with available data on bone health after a median follow-up of 16 years (range, 1-62) were included (106 [60%] Dutch, 93 [53%] male, 84 [48%] childhood-onset disease).

Main outcome measures

Fractures, dual X-ray absorptiometry-derived bone mineral density (BMD), and final height were evaluated. Low BMD was defined as T- or Z-score ≤-1 and very low BMD as ≤-2.5 or ≤-2.0, respectively.

Results

Fractures occurred in 31 patients (18%) and were more frequent in men than in women (26% vs. 8%, P = .002). Mean BMD was normal (Z-score total body 0.1 [range, -4.1 to 3.5]) but T- or Z-score ≤-1 occurred in 47 (50%) patients and T-score ≤-2.5 or Z-score ≤-2.0 in 22 (24%) patients. Men received less often treatment for low BMD than women (7% vs. 18%, P = .02). Female sex (OR 0.3, P = .004) and surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.2; P = .01) were both independent protective factors for fractures, whereas antiepileptic medication was a risk factor (OR, 3.6; P = .03), whereas T-score ≤-2.5 or Z-score ≤-2.0 was not (OR, 2.1; P = .21). Mean final height was normal and did not differ between men and women, or adulthood and childhood-onset patients.

Conclusions

Men with craniopharyngioma are at higher risk than women for fractures. In patients with craniopharyngioma, a very low BMD (T-score ≤-2.5 or Z-score ≤-2.0) seems not to be a good predictor for fracture risk.
Sweet taste does not modulate pain perception in adult humans
Authors: Mooney Elizabeth R , Davies Alexander J , Pickering Anthony E
Published: March 2020

Background: It is commonly observed that humans who are in pain or discomfort seek solace in the form of sweet foods and drinks. Sugar is routinely used to comfort neonates undergoing painful procedures, and animal studies have shown that sucrose increases the time to withdrawal from painful stimuli. However, there are no published studies examining the effects of sweet substances on heat pain thresholds and percept in adult humans.

Methods: Healthy adult volunteers (n=27, aged 18-48 years) were recruited to a controlled, double-blind, randomised, cross-over study to characterise the effect of tasting solutions of equivalent sweetness (10% sucrose and 0.016% sucralose) on warm detection and heat pain thresholds and the percept ratings of painfully hot stimuli. The effect of anticipation of a sweet taste on heat pain threshold was also assessed.

Results: Tasting either sucrose or sucralose had no significant effect on the percept of an individually titrated hot stimulus (54.5±4.2 and 54.9±3.2 vs 53.2±3.5 for water, 0-100 visual analogue scale), on the warm detection or heat pain threshold (43.3±0.8, 43.2±0.8 vs 43.0±0.8°C). Anticipation of a sweet substance similarly did not affect heat pain thresholds.

Conclusions: Sucrose and sucralose solutions had no analgesic effect when assessed using heat detection thresholds and percept ratings of painfully hot stimuli despite being perceived as sweeter and more pleasant than water. These findings are in contrast to results reported from previous animal studies in which thermal analgesia from sweet solutions is robust. Given the ubiquitous availability of sugar rich drinks in the modern environment, the lack of observable effect may be due to an insufficient hedonic value of the test solutions when compared to the experience of a laboratory rodent. Alternatively, sweet tastes may have a specific effect on pain tolerance rather than the threshold and acute percept measures assayed in this study.
632. Aprovechamiento del litio en la Argentina – Realidades, desafíos y perspectivas en un mundo globalizado
Authors: RUIZ PEYRÉ Fernando , DORN Felix M.
Published: March 2020

El litio adquiere cada vez una mayor importancia en la economía mundial, tanto para las nuevas tecnologías y la movilidad eléctrica, así como para la transición energética. Las principales reservas de este recurso se encuentran en Sudamérica (en el llamado Triángulo del Litio), lo cual atrae importantes inversiones internacionales y simultáneamente genera grandes expectativas para la población local. En el artículo presentamos en primer lugar el estado de los principales proyectos en Argentina, en base a una estadía de campo en la región. A continuación, se indagan los posibles conflictos socio-ambientales generados por la minería del litio. Finalmente se presentan los potenciales tanto como mineral estratégico, así como su aprovechamiento para el desarrollo industrial. El objetivo final del artículo es resaltar la necesidad de una mayor investigación y comprensión de las condiciones de la explotación del litio a fin de estar a la altura de la profundidad de los cambios que vendrán.
Sectioning with edge extraction in optical incoherent imaging processing
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Wang Rende , Tsang Peter , Poon Ting-Chung
Published: March 2020

Employing a single-pixel digital holographic recording technique called optical scanning holography (OSH), we accomplish the formidable task of sectioning with edge extraction in three-dimensional (3D) optical incoherent imaging. OSH is a special variant of generalized two-pupil heterodyning image processing, where one of the pupils used is a delta function with the other being a uniform function. In this study, we investigate the use of an annular pupil and a random-phase pupil for edge extraction during sectioning of a 3-D object. Novel simulation results indicate excellent edge extraction of a multi-section object with good sectioning capability, i.e., with each focused edge-extracted section out-of-focused haze has been eliminated.
Maghreb forever: From Third-Worldism to the epistemology of multiplicity in media culture
Authors: Ritzer Ivo
Published: March 2020

Focusing on Post-Third Cinema in the Maghreb, this article analyses productions that break ith both the elitism and the nativist agenda of Third Cinema to establish film as a mass art, which, hile still heavily politicized, no longer needs to call itself ‘African’, or ‘Arabic’ or ‘non-western’, fter all. Post-Third Cinema may therefore be a paradigm of multiplicity within World Cinema that is based n an emphatically universal approach. Regarded this way, it is an art form that is universal to the extent that it achieves a global appeal that transcends cultural differences. Drawing on the epistemology of multiplicity, as in recent times laid out by scholars such as Alain Badiou, Fredric Jameson or Quentin eillassoux, this article maps Post-Third Cinema as a paradigm of a media culture of multiplicity, ocusing on the idea of a cinematic epistemology that possesses a unique capacity for thought on its own.
Cinema is a country: The transgressive power of images in The Sea is Behind by Hicham Lasri
Authors: Fendler Ute
Published: March 2020

Since 2013, the Moroccan filmmaker Hicham Lasri has released a film each year, each of which has met with success at international festivals. All of these films transgress narrative and aesthetic cinematic boundaries, and is no exception: in a fable about the relations between human beings in a society that is losing its ethical and moral orientations, it invites us to consider our perception of the Other. The first part of the article addresses the active construction of its narrative from narrative fragments; the second part focuses on the ways in which the film's fragmented/composite narrative structure is reinforced by aesthetic means, so that, as the complex theme of the position and perception of marginalized groups is developed, new perspectives open up at the interstices, creating an impression of the dehumanizing conditions of life in this society.
The Underside of Power (Algiers): On W/Hole people, missing masses and dispositions of politics in popular cinema
Authors: Robnik Drehli
Published: March 2020

This article explores the relationships between popular film and politics of popular empowerment, especially in anti-colonial and anti-racist contexts. I am placing concepts from political theories in dialogic relationships with scenes from films. A basic tenet of this approach is that there is insight into movies, especially where orthodox scientific/philosophical discourses would not expect it (in genre cinemas, action film, horror movies, etc). So, my arguments are not made about films, but at their respective sites of insights. Conceptually, I take off first from the W/Hole of the people the popular as a totality necessarily haunted by incompleteness that figures in social struggles and dissensual film images; second, from the missing of masses as the people in an improper amount, a basic mistake in the counting of the social; and third, from dis-positions regarding power relations, also positionings on ‘sides’ (e.g., ‘undersides of power’) and on sites in social space, and dis-positioning in time, a.k.a. history.
Are synthetic peptides real toxic allergens? a comprehensive literature review and update on therapeutic and adverse toxic immunogenic potentials of peptides -truth or dare
Authors: Y. Issa Sahar , Carmichael R.
Published: March 2020

In the pharmaceutical industry, there is much debate about how to translate current guidelines on biotherapeutic immunogenicity testing into a real-life strategy that meets the regulatory requirements of newly discovered pharmaceutical peptides. This paper will present a consensus view on the essential elements for biotherapeutic immunogenicity consideration for pharmaceutical synthetic peptides to ensure patient safety and allow successful market entry. This paper's scope is limited to aspects relevant to the biotherapeutic synthetic peptide pharmaceuticals and does not include necessary academic immunogenicity studies. Medical research shows little support for antigenic or allergic reactions to short synthetic peptides. These negligible results warranted a detailed literature review to examine antigens and allergens linked to peptides.Â
Disequilibrium Trade in a Large Market for an Indivisible Good
Authors: Corchón Luis C. , Rueda-Llano José
Published: March 2020

Disequilibrium trade can occur in a market lacking both recontracting and a computational system that maps utilities into prices. This paper studies disequilibrium trade in a large market for an indivisible good. We focus on the possible speed of adjustment when arbitrage among periods is feasible and the surplus loss. We find that incentive compatible sequential trade through a disequilibrium path is only compatible with sluggish price adjustments and sufficiently impatient agents. Thus, price adjustment does not depend on excess demand alone but on arbitrage opportunities and the willingness of agents to engage on them. We find that the upper bound on the speed of price adjustment involves a lower bound for the social surplus loss, whatever the kind of rationing. The reason is that even when the market price converges to the surplus maximizing value, as it happens when rationing is efficient, some pieces of surplus are not attainable at the current period due to arbitrage. Moreover, faster price adjustments do not imply less surplus loss, because the effect of price changes on transactions via arbitrage. Finally, under weaker-than-efficient rationing there is a one period incentive compatible trading procedure in which most of the surplus is destroyed. The procedure has the property that almost every agent in the market trades.
Identification of a four-gene methylation biomarker panel in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Baranova Ivana , Kovarikova Helena , Laco Jan , Sedlakova Iva , Vrbacky Filip , Kovarik Dalibor , Hejna Petr , Palicka Vladimir , Chmelarova Marcela
Published: March 2020

Background

The lack of effective biomarkers for the screening and early detection of ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most pressing problems in oncogynecology. Because epigenetic alterations occur early in the cancer development, they provide great potential to serve as such biomarkers. In our study, we investigated a potential of a four-gene methylation panel (including CDH13, HNF1B, PCDH17 and GATA4 genes) for the early detection of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC).

Methods

For methylation detection we used methylation sensitive high-resolution melting analysis and real-time methylation specific analysis. We also investigated the relation between gene hypermethylation and gene relative expression using the 2−ΔΔCt method.

Results

The sensitivity of the examined panel reached 88.5%. We were able to detect methylation in 85.7% (12/14) of early stage tumors and in 89.4% (42/47) of late stage tumors. The total efficiency of the panel was 94.4% and negative predictive value reached 90.0%. The specificity and positive predictive value achieved 100% rates. Our results showed lower gene expression in the tumor samples in comparison to control samples. The more pronounced downregulation was measured in the group of samples with detected methylation.

Conclusions

In our study we designed the four-gene panel for HGSOC detection in ovarian tissue with 100% specificity and sensitivity of 88.5%. The next challenge is translation of the findings to the less invasive source for biomarker examination, such as plasma. Our results indicate that combination of examined genes deserve consideration for further testing in clinical molecular diagnosis of HGSOC.
The Disruptive Effect of Distributed Ledger Technology and Blockchain in the over the Counter Derivatives Market
Authors: Paolini Adolfo
Published: March 2020

The market for derivatives is substantially different after the 2007/08 financial crisis. Trust fuels business yet the financial crisis undermined this concept and customers lost faith in financial institutions. The then dichotomy, faced by innovators, was to insist with a system based on trust in financial institutions, or explore others where neither trust nor banks, as intermediaries, were indispensable for the successful and safe completion of financial transactions. The aim of this piece of research is to analyse to what extent innovative technology would change the way the ‘Over The Counter’ (OTC) market operates by providing investors with a trustworthy platform for the efficient assessment of the risk behind certain financial instruments. Consequently, the market may not be caught by surprise when another financial crisis strikes.
Chaotic Synchronization of Mutually Coupled Lasers with Another Laser and Its Encoding Application in Secret Communication
Authors: Senlin Yan
Published: March 2020

A chaotic synchronization based on mutually coupled different semiconductor lasers and its coding communications are studied. A route to chaos is illustrated by a bifurcate diagram. Chaotic distribution is presented in two lasers. The synchronization equation is given in theory. A chaotic synchronization is obtained between the emitter and the receiver. Other complex dynamical behavior synchronizations are also obtained, such as period-5 and period-10 synchronizations. Cascade synchronizations are achieved. A novel On/Off coding system is presented while its chaotic phase encoding is successfully implemented. Chaos key is also numerically simulated. We find that synchronization can still be achieved when the parameter of the emitter changes at any time so that the newly generated chaotic carrier can ensure mask the information in each communication. Then the real-time variable parameter results in difficulty for eavesdroppers to decipher. Compared with a single laser emitter, this emitter has many secret keys and high security, which is beneficial to its potential application in secret communication.
Diffraction-limited axial double foci and optical traps generated by optimization-free planar lens
Authors: Ma Long , Guan Jian , Wang Yiqun , Chen Chen , Zhang Jianlong , Lin Jie , Tan Jiubin , Jin Peng
Published: March 2020

Axial diffraction-limited multiple foci are a kind of investigated focal field for trapping multiple nano-particles. We first experimentally generated diffraction-limited axial double foci by optimization-free binary planar lens and theoretically demonstrated it, which can be applied in multi-particle trapping. The proposed binary planar lens was analytically designed. The BPL has a numerical aperture of 0.9 and a focal length of 150 μm. The focal field of the binary planar lens, which is composed of diffraction-limited axial double foci, was first experimentally validated. The measured maximum lateral full widths at half maximum of the two generated focal spots were diffraction-limited and consistent with the theoretical. The axial double foci formed two stable optical traps that can trap two Rayleigh dielectric particles simultaneously. The radial, azimuthal and axial optical forces of the double optical traps are in good uniformity, which are 0.98, 0.99 and 0.96, respectively.
Opto-thermoelectric speckle tweezers
Authors: Kotnala Abhay , Kollipara Pavana Siddhartha , Zheng Yuebing
Published: March 2020

Opto-thermoelectric tweezers present a new paradigm for optical trapping and manipulation of particles using low-power and simple optics. New real-life applications of opto-thermoelectric tweezers in areas such as biophysics, microfluidics, and nanomanufacturing will require them to have large-scale and high-throughput manipulation capabilities in complex environments. Here, we present opto-thermoelectric speckle tweezers, which use speckle field consisting of many randomly distributed thermal hotspots that arise from an optical speckle pattern to trap multiple particles over large areas. By further integrating the speckle tweezers with a microfluidic system, we experimentally demonstrate their application for size-based nanoparticle filtration. With their low-power operation, simplicity, and versatility, opto-thermoelectric speckle tweezers will broaden the applications of optical manipulation techniques.
Novel two-dimensional monoelemental and ternary materials: growth, physics and application
Authors: Gao Wei , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Wen Peiting , Huo Nengjie , Li Jingbo
Published: March 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have undergone a rapid development toward real applications since the discovery of graphene. At first, graphene is a star material because of the ultrahigh mobility and novel physics, but it always suffered from zero bandgap and limited device application. Then, 2D binary compounds such as transition-metal chalcogenides emerged as complementary materials for graphene due to their sizable bandgap and moderate electrical properties. Recently, research interests have turned to monoelemental and ternary 2D materials. Among them, monoelemental 2D materials such as arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), tellurium (Te), etc., have been the focus. For example, bismuthene can act as a 2D topological insulator with nontrivial topological edge states and high bulk gap, providing the novel platforms to realize the quantum spin-Hall systems. Meanwhile, ternary 2D materials such as Bi2O2Se, BiOX and CrOX (X=Cl, Br, I) have also emerged as promising candidates in optoelectronics and spintronics due to their extraordinary mobility, favorable band structures and intrinsic ferromagnetism with high Curie temperature. In this review, we will discuss the recent works and future prospects on the emerging monoelemental and ternary materials in terms of their structure, growth, physics and device applications.
Nonlinear optical properties of anisotropic two-dimensional layered materials for ultrafast photonics
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Li Zilong , Yu Ye , Lin Jincan , Liu Shuaishuai , Pang Fufei , Wang Tingyun
Published: March 2020

The discovery of graphene has intrigued the significant interest in exploring and developing the two-dimensional layered materials (2DLMs) for the photonics application in recent years. Unlike the isotropic graphene, a number of 2DLMs possess the in-plane anisotropic crystal structure with low symmetry, enabling a new degree of freedom for achieving the novel polarization-dependent and versatile ultrafast photonic devices. In this review article, we focus on the typical anisotropic 2DLMs including BP, ReS2, ReSe2, SnS, and SnSe and summarize the recent development of these anisotropic 2DLMs in the pulsed laser and the optical switch applications. First, we introduce the fabrication methods as well as the material characterization of the anisotropic 2DLMs by analyzing the polarized Raman configuration. Second, we discuss the anisotropic nonlinear optical properties of the anisotropic 2DLMs and concentrate on the anisotropic nonlinear absorption response. Next, we sum up state of the art of the anisotropic 2DLMs in the application of pulse lasers and optical switches. This review ends with perspectives on the challenge and outlook of the anisotropic 2DLMs for ultrafast photonics applications.
Allylic hydrocarbon polymers complexed with Fe(II)(salen) as a ultrahigh oxygen-scavenging and active packaging film
Authors: Wang Yu , Oyaizu Kenichi , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

Macromolecular metal complexes provide a molecular-based synergy function of organic polymers and combined metal complexes. A new category of macromolecular complexes includes catalytically active metal complexes immobilized by organic polymers containing reactive substrate moieties in their repeating units. Here, we describe the extremely efficient oxidation of allylic hydrocarbon polymers with the attached iron complex catalyst, as well as the efficient oxygen-consumption or oxygen-scavenging function of the matrix polymer film. The less toxic N,N´-di(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediiminatoiron(II) complex was combined with or fixed onto a series of allylic hydrocarbon polymers as both the oxidative substrate and the film matrix, i.e. poly(1,2-butadiene), polynorbornene, poly(5-vinyl-2-norbornene), poly(2,5-norboenadiene), poly(dicyclopentadiene), and poly(5-ethylidene-2-norbornene). Ultra-high oxygen-scavenging capacity up to 300 mL (oxygen gas at STP)/g(film) was achieved, based on the oxidative consumption of the allylic bond (particularly of poly(5-ethylidene-2-norbornene)), which was more than three times that of the previously reported highest oxygen-scavenging polymers. These oxygen-scavenging films are based on the high reactivity of polymer-metal complexes that provides an innovative development in the area of active packaging polymer films that facilitate cost-effective performance, safety, and sustainability.
Common well cements and the mechanism of cement-formation bonding
Authors: Lupyana Samwel Daud , Maagi Mtaki Thomas , Gu Jun
Published: March 2020

This article reviews the common well cements and describes the basic nature of the cement-formation bond in zonal isolation and its effects on the mechanical and hydraulic performance. The cements are Classes G and H Portland well cements. The cement-formation interface bonding mechanism is a combination of the mechanical indentation of the cement hydrates that interlock to the formation surface and the chemical reactions that occur between the cement slurry and constituents of the rock grains. Mechanical indentation occurs as the hydration products epitaxially grow at the formation surface. The degree to which each of these processes accounts for the formation of the bond is unknown. Here we provide a review of well cement and cement-formation bonds and a discussion of the possible factors that are proposed to influence the microstructural, chemical, and mineralogical properties at the cement-formation interface. In addition, we present some findings about how these factors affect the mechanical and hydraulic performance of the cement-formation bond in zonal isolation.
Size-Dependent Ultrasonic and Thermophysical Properties of Indium Phosphide Nanowires
Authors: Tripathi Sudhanshu , Agarwal Rekha , Singh Devraj
Published: March 2020

The present work explores the diameter- and temperature-dependent ultrasonic characterization of wurtzite indium phosphide nanowires (WZ-InP-NWs) using a theoretical model based on the ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique. Initially, the second- and third-order elastic constants (SOECs and TOECs) were computed using the Lennard-Jones potential model, considering the interactions up to the second nearest neighbours. Simultaneously, the mechanical parameters (Young’s modulus, shear modulus, elastic anisotropy factor, bulk modulus, Pugh’s ratio and Poisson’s ratio) were also estimated. Finally, the thermophysical properties and ultrasonic parameters (velocity and attenuation) of the InP-NWs were determined using the computed quantities. The obtained elastic/mechnical properties of the InP-NWs were also analyzed to explore the mechanical behaviors. The correlations between temperature-/size-dependent ultrasonic attenuation and the thermophysical properties were established. The ultrasonic attenuation was observed to be the third-order polynomial function of the diameter/temperature for the InP nanowire.
Seed dormancy and dormancy-breaking conditions of 12 West African woody species with high reforestation potential in the forest-savanna ecotone of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Koutouan-Kontchoi Milène N. , Phartyal Shyam S. , Rosbakh Sergey , Kouassi Edouard K. , Poschlod Peter
Published: March 2020

Information on the regeneration ecology of native woody species of the forest-savanna ecotone of West Africa is scarce, which is a major impediment to their optimal utilization in large-scale restoration programmes. The scattered information that is available for some of these species
reveals that freshly matured seed are dormant. However, environmental heterogeneity among different habitats may results in inter-population seed dormancy variation. Thus, our objective was to re-examine the dormancy of 12 species from the forest-savanna ecotone that have been targeted for
reforestation. Specifically, we aimed to examine the water-permeability of the seeds and explore the effectiveness of acid scarification and heat treatment to alleviate dormancy. Four species belonging to families other than Fabaceae and Malvaceae had water-permeable seeds. Two of them had
nondormant (ND) seeds, and seeds of the other two species had a mixture of ND and other kinds of dormancy (possibly physiological dormancy, PD). Most species of Fabaceae and Malvaceae had water-impermeable seeds. All seeds of three species had physical dormant (PY), and some seeds of the remaining
species had PY, while others were ND or had PD. Acid-scarification was effective in breaking PY and in augmenting imbibition and germination of non-PY seeds, while heat treatment was moderately effective in breaking dormancy. In general, acid scarification for 1-30 minutes and heat treatment
for one hour at 55-75°C were optimal to enhance seed germination, depending on species. The present study has wide practical implications for park conservationists and restoration ecologists interested in producing bulk quantities of high-quality planting stocks of native woody species
for large-scale restoration programmes.
Urgent Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Grafting in Moyamoya Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Dulic Grgur , Dulic Ivan , Pozgain Zrinka , Rimac Marko , Drinkovic Matija
Published: March 2020

Moyamoya disease is a rare progressive cerebrovascular occlusive disease that predominantly occurs in countries in Northeast Asia. We report a 54-year-old male patient with moyamoya and coronary artery disease, on whom urgent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was performed after cardiopulmonary reanimation due to ventricular fibrillation. This patient had left main trunk disease, a Pudenz peritoneal catheter (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) for liquor drainage, bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion, diffuse peripheral atherosclerotic artery disease, and chronic renal insufficiency. We prefer off-pump surgery to avoid the risk of intraoperative hypotension and minimize the risk of perioperative cerebral ischemic complications.
Evidence-Based Updates on the First Week of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Infants ≥35 Weeks
Authors: Feldman-Winter Lori , Kellams Ann , Peter-Wohl Sigal , Taylor Julie Scott , Lee Kimberly G. , Terrell Mary J. , Noble Lawrence , Maynor Angela R. , Meek Joan Younger , Stuebe Alison M.
Published: March 2020

The nutritional and immunologic properties of human milk, along with clear evidence of dose-dependent optimal health outcomes for both mothers and infants, provide a compelling rationale to support exclusive breastfeeding. US women increasingly intend to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Because establishing lactation can be challenging, exclusivity is often compromised in hopes of preventing feeding-related neonatal complications, potentially affecting the continuation and duration of breastfeeding. Risk factors for impaired lactogenesis are identifiable and common. Clinicians must be able to recognize normative patterns of exclusive breastfeeding in the first week while proactively identifying potential challenges. In this review, we provide new evidence from the past 10 years on the following topics relevant to exclusive breastfeeding: milk production and transfer, neonatal weight and output assessment, management of glucose and bilirubin, immune development and the microbiome, supplementation, and health system factors. We focus on the early days of exclusive breastfeeding in healthy newborns ≥35 weeks’ gestation managed in the routine postpartum unit. With this evidence-based clinical review, we provide detailed guidance in identifying medical indications for early supplementation and can inform best practices for both birthing facilities and providers.