bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FINDRISC in Latin America: a systematic review of diagnosis and prognosis models
Authors: Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M , Aparcana-Granda Diego J , Mejia Jhonatan R , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio
Published: April 2020

This review aimed to assess whether the FINDRISC, a risk score for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has been externally validated in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We conducted a systematic review following the CHARMS (CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies) framework. Reports were included if they validated or re-estimated the FINDRISC in population-based samples, health facilities or administrative data. Reports were excluded if they only studied patients or at-risk individuals. The search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Global Health, Scopus and LILACS. Risk of bias was assessed with the PROBAST (Prediction model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool) tool. From 1582 titles and abstracts, 4 (n=7502) reports were included for qualitative summary. All reports were from South America; there were slightly more women, and the mean age ranged from 29.5 to 49.7 years. Undiagnosed T2DM prevalence ranged from 2.6% to 5.1%. None of the studies conducted an independent external validation of the FINDRISC; conversely, they used the same (or very similar) predictors to fit a new model. None of the studies reported calibration metrics. The area under the receiver operating curve was consistently above 65.0%. All studies had high risk of bias. There has not been any external validation of the FINDRISC model in LAC. Selected reports re-estimated the FINDRISC, although they have several methodological limitations. There is a need for big data to develop—or improve—T2DM diagnostic and prognostic models in LAC. This could benefit T2DM screening and early diagnosis.
Delivering trauma and rehabilitation interventions to women and children in conflict settings: a systematic review
Authors: Jain Reena P , Meteke Sarah , Gaffey Michelle F , Kamali Mahdis , Munyuzangabo Mariella , Als Daina , Shah Shailja , Siddiqui Fahad J , Radhakrishnan Amruta , Ataullahjan Anushka , Bhutta Zulfiqar A
Published: April 2020

Background

In recent years, more than 120 million people each year have needed urgent humanitarian assistance and protection. Armed conflict has profoundly negative consequences in communities. Destruction of civilian infrastructure impacts access to basic health services and complicates widespread emergency responses. The number of conflicts occurring is increasing, lasting longer and affecting more people today than a decade ago. The number of children living in conflict zones has been steadily increasing since the year 2000, increasing the need for health services and resources. This review systematically synthesised the indexed and grey literature reporting on the delivery of trauma and rehabilitation interventions for conflict-affected populations.

Methods

A systematic search of literature published from 1 January 1990 to 31 March 2018 was conducted across several databases. Eligible publications reported on women and children in low and middle-income countries. Included publications provided information on the delivery of interventions for trauma, sustained injuries or rehabilitation in conflict-affected populations.

Results

A total of 81 publications met the inclusion criteria, and were included in our review. Nearly all of the included publications were observational in nature, employing retrospective chart reviews of surgical procedures delivered in a hospital setting to conflict-affected individuals. The majority of publications reported injuries due to explosive devices and remnants of war. Injuries requiring orthopaedic/reconstructive surgeries were the most commonly reported interventions. Barriers to health services centred on the distance and availability from the site of injury to health facilities.

Conclusions

Traumatic injuries require an array of medical and surgical interventions, and their effective treatment largely depends on prompt and timely management and referral, with appropriate rehabilitation services and post-treatment follow-up. Further work to evaluate intervention delivery in this domain is needed, particularly among children given their specialised needs, and in different population displacement contexts.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019125221.
Perceptions of the feedback process: a case study of veterinary residents and supervisors
Authors: Perry Karen Lisette , Frendo Londgren Molly , Vinten Claire
Published: April 2020

Background

Appraisal of resident clinical performance is critical during training. The most common method for this is feedback to residents based on impressions of supervising clinicians. How effective these practices are for veterinary residents remains unknown. This study focused on establishing perceptions of veterinary residents and supervisors regarding the feedback process.

Methods

A qualitative case study format was chosen to investigate the perceptions and experiences within a well‐developed residency programme. The study cohort consisted of veterinary residents and supervisors from the same specialties. Qualitative data were collected through individual semistructured interviews continuing iteratively until theoretical saturation was reached (14 in total).

Results

Mismatches in resident and supervisor perceptions were evident regarding positive feedback delivery and the importance of dialogue. The nature of the resident/supervisor relationship and the efficacy of feedback were closely interlinked. The development of a feedback‐friendly culture would be beneficial. Residents perceived that feedback on teaching was lacking. Milestones were perceived to be lacking.

Conclusion

The results highlight a need for change away from the ‘no news is good news’ culture. Development of training workshops, formation of closer relationships between supervisors and residents, and a transition to competency‐based education may be necessary.
Generation and evaluation of synthetic cone penetration test (CPT) data using various spatial interpolation techniques
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur , Abu-Farsakh Murad Y. , Jafari Navid
Published: April 2020

The cone penetration test (CPT) has been widely used in many geotechnical engineering applications, including soil identification and classification, and evaluation of different soil properties. However, the uncertainties associated with site variation are typical characteristics of subsurface soil conditions that cannot be ignored. Therefore, the effect of site variability on the correlated soil properties from collected field data, such as CPT data, obtained from discrete locations across the site needs to be evaluated. In this study, six well-established spatial interpolation techniques — ordinary kriging (OK), simple kriging (SK), universal kriging (UK), inverse distance weight (IDW), spline, and natural neighbor (NaN) — were investigated to evaluate the best interpolation method for incorporating site variability. Six CPT test sites were used to evaluate the performance of these spatial interpretation methods. For each site, CPT profiles at specified locations were generated using the different interpolation techniques, and the generated CPT profiles were compared with the measured CPT profiles. The best-fit line of measured versus predicted cone tip resistance (qc) values, mean bias factor (λ), coefficient of variation (COV), and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated for each CPT profile and used as a criteria for evaluating the different spatial interpolation methods. The results of this study demonstrated the ability of these spatial interpolation methods for generating CPT profiles with good accuracy. The slope of best-fit line of measured versus predicted qcranges from 0.93 to 0.95, the mean of λ ranges from 0.90 to 0.98, and the COV ranges from 0.34 to 0.53. The IDW, OK, and SK showed the best spatial interpolation methods (in order) for four out of the six CPT sites. For site 4, OK, IDW, and SK showed the best spatial interpolation methods (in order); while for site 5, the three best spatial interpolation techniques are SK, IDW, and OK (in order).
Performance evaluation of road surface temperature forecasts
Authors: Kwon Tae J. , Fu Liping
Published: April 2020

This paper describes a study focusing on performance evaluation of road weather information system (RWIS) surface temperature forecasts. To identify the factors influencing the accuracy of forecasts, five research hypotheses regarding climate patterns, geographical attributes, seasonal variations, time of day, and forecast horizon are proposed. Observation and forecast data were provided by four North American provinces, and were processed and stratified by station, hour, and month to quantify their effects. The findings based on two statistical measures; namely, mean absolute error and percent of acceptable forecasts suggested that the maritime climate group had the highest correspondence while the mixed climate group had the lowest. The geographical attributes showed that the forecasting performance of coastal maritime regions was found to have a negative correlation to the distance from nearby large bodies of water. Forecasts for the daytime were found to be less accurate than for the nighttime and deteriorate quickly as the forecasting horizon increased.
Estimating stand attributes of complex forest types in subtropical mountain environments by combining the shadow fraction method with analyses of high-dynamic-range photographs
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Ta , Yu Kun-Yong , Chen Chaur-Tzuhn , Chen Jan-Chang
Published: April 2020

Shadow fractions can be overestimated because of topographic shadows, which can occupy a significant area on aerial photographs of mountainous terrain. In this study, we first used high-dynamic-range (HDR) image analysis techniques to extract the original canopy shadow from the topographic shadows on aerial photographs. Subsequently, we applied the shadow fraction method to estimate selected forest attributes (stand height, basal area, and stem volume). In this paper, we discuss the effects of tree shadow fraction normalization, auxiliary spectral information, and forest type on forest attribute estimation. HDR image analysis successfully extracted canopy shadow information from topographic shadows. The tree shadow fraction normalization method had no obvious effect. The shadow fraction enhanced spectral information to estimate stand attributes. Using shadow fractions resulted in better estimates of stand height for mixed-hardwood forest ([Formula: see text] = 0.45), basal area for mixed-hardwood forest ([Formula: see text] = 0.50), and stem volume for conifer–hardwood forest ([Formula: see text] = 0.43). This difference in estimated results is related to the shade patterns produced by stand structures in the different forest types.
New general relativistic contributions to Mercury’s orbital elements and their measurability
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: April 2020

We numerically and analytically work out the first-order post-Newtonian (1pN) orbital effects induced on the semimajor axis a, the eccentricity e, the inclination I, the longitude of the ascending node $$\Omega $$Ω, the longitude of perihelion $$\varpi $$ϖ, and the mean longitude at epoch $$\epsilon $$ϵ of a test particle orbiting its primary, assumed static and spherically symmetric, by a distant massive third body X. For Mercury, the rates of change of the linear trends found are $$\dot{I}_\mathrm {1pN}^\mathrm {X} = -4.3\,\mathrm {microarcseconds\,per\,century}\,\left( \upmu \mathrm {as\,cty}^{-1}\right) $$I˙1pNX=-4.3microarcsecondspercenturyμascty-1, $${\dot{\Omega }}_\mathrm {1pN}^\mathrm {X} = 18.2\,\upmu \mathrm {as\,cty}^{-1}$$Ω˙1pNX=18.2μascty-1, $${\dot{\varpi }}_\mathrm {1pN}^\mathrm {X} = 30.4\,\upmu \mathrm {as\,cty}^{-1}$$ϖ˙1pNX=30.4μascty-1, $${\dot{\epsilon }}_\mathrm {1pN}^\mathrm {X} = 271.4\,\upmu \mathrm {as\,cty}^{-1}$$ϵ˙1pNX=271.4μascty-1, respectively. Such values, which are due to the added actions of the other planets from Venus to Saturn, are essentially at the same level of, or larger by one order of magnitude than, the latest formal errors in the Hermean orbital precessions calculated with the EPM2017 ephemerides. The perihelion precession $${\dot{\varpi }}_\mathrm {1pN}^\mathrm {X}$$ϖ˙1pNX turns out to be smaller than some values recently appeared in the literature in view of a possible measurement with the ongoing BepiColombo mission. Linear combinations of the supplementary advances of the Keplerian orbital elements for several planets, if determined experimentally by the astronomers, could be set up in order to disentangle the 1pN N-body effects of interest from the competing larger precessions like those due to the Sun’s quadrupole moment $$J_2$$J2 and angular momentum $$\varvec{S}$$S.
Topological recursion and geometry
Authors: Borot Gaëtan
Published: April 2020

This paper aims at explaining some incarnations of the idea of topological recursion: in two-dimensional quantum field theories (2d TQFTs), in cohomological field theories (CohFT), and in the computation of volumes of the moduli space of curves. It gives an introduction to the formalism of quantum Airy structures on which the topological recursion is based, which is seen at work in the above topics.
Quantum image scrambling algorithm based on discrete Baker map
Authors: Hou Chengan , Liu Xingbin , Feng Songyang
Published: April 2020

Quantum image processing has become a significant aspect within the field of quantum information processing because the image is an essential carrier of information, and quantum computation has powerful image processing ability. Image scrambling algorithms are often required as initial image operations in quantum image processing applications such as quantum image encryption and watermarking. However, the efficiency of existing quantum image scrambling algorithms needs to be improved urgently, especially in terms of periodicity. Therefore, a novel quantum image scrambling algorithm based on discrete Baker map is proposed in this paper, which can be implemented by swapping qubits with low circuit complexity. The quantum version of discrete Baker map is deduced and the corresponding quantum circuit is designed. The simulation results show that the scrambling algorithm has the characteristic of long period, which can further enhance the security of quantum image encryption algorithms. Besides, for generalized discrete Baker maps, the conditions that they can be implemented by swapping qubits are given. Moreover, the number of discrete Baker maps satisfying the conditions is also calculated.
Optical soliton solutions to the (2+1)-dimensional Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar equation
Authors: Talarposhti R. A. , Jalili P. , Rezazadeh H. , Jalili B. , Ganji D. D. , Adel Waleed , Bekir A.
Published: April 2020

In this work, a new method has been applied for finding solutions to the Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar (KMN) equation in (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1) dimensions. These optical solutions were derived with the aid of a new method named the Exp-Function method. The method is used for solving the nonlinear governing equation, which contains high nonlinear term. This method is considered as an alternative technique for obtaining both analytical and approximate solutions for a different type of PDE with several applications in science and engineering. The efficiency of the proposed technique has been shown by a few test problems. By comparing the results obtained in this paper with other researchers it can be noticed that this method is a promising technique for finding solutions to other similar problems.
Electrode State of Health Estimation for Lithium Ion Batteries Considering Half-cell Potential Change Due to Aging
Authors: Lee Suhak , Siegel Jason B. , Stefanopoulou Anna G. , Lee Jang-Woo , Lee Tae-Kyung
Published: April 2020

Estimation of electrode state of health (eSOH) is essential to understanding battery degradation status in detail. This is accomplished by considering electrode capacity and a utilization range as eSOH parameters. In this paper, we propose a novel combination of two eSOH estimation approaches (i.e. voltage fitting and differential voltage analysis). By utilizing peak information in the differential voltage curve, the proposed method can separate individual electrode's contributions from the full-cell voltage. This separation allows the proposed method to identify changes in the positive electrode half-cell potential curve and to calibrate the aged half-cell potential function by refitting the coefficient of the basis functions. A comparison between the conventional voltage fitting method and the proposed method for an aged NMC/graphite cell shows that the proposed method can significantly reduce the voltage fit error while matching the location of distinct peaks in the differential voltage curve that the conventional method fails to do.
The Process Model Development of Lithium-ion Batteries: An Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Simulation
Authors: Erol Salim
Published: April 2020

In this study, a simulation of an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for lithium-ion batteries was proposed. The electrochemical process was developed from battery electrode kinetics and mass transfer of mobile Li+ ion through negative and positive electrodes and electrolyte. The phenomena used in this process were represented by an equivalent electrical circuit. A mathematical model was designed using the equivalent circuit and its elements which are in fact battery parameters. The parameter values were presented as compared with real experimental impedance result.
Effects of alternating blood flow restricted training and heavy-load resistance training on myofiber morphology and mechanical muscle function
Authors: Hansen S. K. , Ratzer J. , Nielsen J. L. , Suetta C. , Karlsen A. , Kvorning T. , Frandsen U. , Aagaard P.
Published: April 2020

The present data demonstrate that periodically substituting heavy-load resistance training (HL-RT) with low-load blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) leads to similar gains in type II myofiber CSA and muscle strength as achieved by HL-RT alone. Furthermore, we have for the first time evaluated myonuclear content and myonuclear domain size before and after training intervention across separate fiber size clusters and found no within-cluster changes for these parameters with training.
Passive leg movement in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: evidence of locomotor muscle vascular dysfunction
Authors: Ives Stephen J. , Layec Gwenael , Hart Corey R. , Trinity Joel D. , Gifford Jayson R. , Garten Ryan S. , Witman Melissa A. H. , Sorensen Jacob R. , Richardson Russell S.
Published: April 2020

Utilizing both the single and continuous passive leg movement (PLM) models, which induce nitric oxide (NO)-dependent hyperemia, this study provides evidence of vascular dysfunction in the locomotor muscle of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), independent of central hemodynamics. This impaired hyperemia may be the result of an oxidant-mediated attenuation in NO bioavailability. In addition to clearly dysfunctional lungs, vascular dysfunction in locomotor muscle may contribute to the exercise intolerance associated with COPD and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Sleep- and time of day-linked RNA transcript expression in wild-type and IL1 receptor accessory protein-null mice
Authors: Oles Vladyslav , Koh Khia Min Sabrina , Dykstra-Aiello Cheryl J. , Savenkova Marina , Gibbons Cody M. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Karatsoreos Ilia , Panchenko Alexander , Krueger James M.
Published: April 2020

Spearman gene pair expression correlations depend upon the presence or absence of interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein and upon sleep phenotype.
A Spatiotemporal Prey-Predator Discrete Model and Optimal Controls for Environmental Sustainability in the Multifishing Areas of Morocco
Authors: El Bhih Amine , Benfatah Youssef , Ben Rhila Soukaina , Rachik Mostafa , El Alami Laaroussi Adil
Published: April 2020

In this work, we propose a multifishing area prey-predator discrete-time model which describes the interaction between the prey and middle and top predators in various areas, which are connected by their movements to their neighbors, to provide realistic description prey effects of two predators. A grid of colored cells is presented to illustrate the entire domain; each cell may represent a subdomain or area. Next, we propose two harvesting control strategies that focus on maximizing the biomass of prey, in the targeted area, and minimizing the biomass of middle and top predators coming from the neighborhood of this targeted area to ensure sustainability and maintain a differential chain system. Theoretically, we have proved the existence of optimal controls, and we have given a characterization of controls in terms of states and adjoint functions based on a discrete version of Pontryagin’s maximum principle. To illustrate the theoretical results obtained, we propose numerical simulations for several scenarios applying the forward-backward sweep method (FBSM) to solve our optimality system in an iterative process.
New Synthetic 3-Benzoyl-5-Hydroxy-2H-Chromen-2-One (LM-031) Inhibits Polyglutamine Aggregation and Promotes Neurite Outgrowth through Enhancement of CREB, NRF2, and Reduction of AMPKα in SCA17 Cell Models
Authors: Chen Chiung-Mei , Chen Wan-Ling , Yang Shu-Ting , Lin Te-Hsien , Yang Shu-Mei , Lin Wenwei , Chao Chih-Ying , Wu Yih-Ru , Chang Kuo-Hsuan , Lee-Chen Guey-Jen
Published: April 2020

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is caused by a CAG/CAA expansion mutation encoding an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in TATA-box binding protein (TBP), a general transcription initiation factor. Suppression of cAMP-responsive element binding protein- (CREB-) dependent transcription, impaired nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling, and interaction of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) with increased oxidative stress have been implicated to be involved in pathogenic mechanisms of polyQ-mediated diseases. In this study, we demonstrated decreased pCREB and NRF2 and activated AMPK contributing to neurotoxicity in SCA17 SH-SY5Y cells. We also showed that licochalcone A and the related in-house derivative compound 3-benzoyl-5-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (LM-031) exhibited antiaggregation, antioxidative, antiapoptosis, and neuroprotective effects in TBP/Q79-GFP-expressing cell models. LM-031 and licochalcone A exerted neuroprotective effects by upregulating pCREB and its downstream genes, BCL2 and GADD45B, and enhancing NRF2. Furthermore, LM-031, but not licochalcone A, reduced activated AMPKα. Knockdown of CREB and NRF2 and treatment of AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside), an AMPK activator, attenuated the aggregation-inhibiting and neurite outgrowth promoting effects of LM-031 on TBP/Q79 SH-SY5Y cells. The study results suggest the LM-031 as potential therapeutics for SCA17 and probable other polyQ diseases.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) for Moderate and High Myopia: Seven-Year Outcomes of Refraction, Corneal Tomography, and Wavefront Aberrations
Authors: Xia Fei , Shen Yang , Han Tian , Zhao Jing , Xu Haipeng , Zhou Xingtao
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To investigate the long-term outcomes of refraction, corneal tomography, and wavefront aberrations after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for moderate and high myopia. Methods. Prospective, nonconsecutive case series. A total of 26 patients (26 eyes) who underwent SMILE from May 2010 to March 2013 at the Fudan University Eye and ENT Hospital (Shanghai, China) were enrolled. The periods of follow-up were 1 month, 1 year, 5 years, and 7 years after surgery. The routine eye examinations included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, and corneal tomography. Results. All surgeries were executed without any complications. At the final visit, an UDVA of 20/20 or better was achieved in 26 eyes (100%) and 11 eyes (42%) exhibited no change in CDVA. 9 eyes (35%) gained one line, 6 eyes (23%) gained two lines, and no eyes lost CDVA. 24 eyes (92%) and 26 eyes (100%) were within ±0.5 D and ±1.00 D of the target refraction, respectively. A mean refractive regression of −0.17 D was observed between 1 month and 7 years postoperatively. Mean corneal front curvature (MCFC) was significantly decreased between pre- and post-SMILE surgery (P<0.0001). Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and vertical coma were significantly increased after SMILE compared to those measured before surgery (all P<0.001). There were no significant differences in trefoil and spherical aberration between pre- and post-SMILE surgery (all P>0.05). Conclusion. SMILE is an effective, safe, and stable procedure for moderate and high myopia, with relatively constant corneal stability and wavefront aberrations. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-ONRC-13003114.
Diverse Associations of Plasma Selenium Concentrations and SELENOP Gene Polymorphism with Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components
Authors: Zhou Li , Luo Cheng , Yin Jiawei , Zhu Yalun , Li Peiyun , Chen Sijing , Sun Taoping , Xie Manling , Shan Zhilei , Cao Benfeng , Hu Xueting , Rong Ying , Yang Wei , Li Xiaoqin , Tan Aijun , Liu Liegang
Published: April 2020

The relationship between selenium and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been discussed controversially, and limited studies have examined the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in selenoproteins genes with MetS. Hence, to examine the associations of plasma selenium concentrations and selenoprotein P rs7579 polymorphism with MetS, a case-control study of 1279 MetS cases and 1279 sex- and age- (±2 years) matched controls was conducted based on the baseline data of the Tongji-Ezhou Cohort study. Plasma selenium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. MetS was defined using the definition of the Joint Interim Statement, adjusted for the Chinese population. In addition, the rs7579 polymorphism was genotyped by the Agena MassARRAY System. Plasma selenium concentrations in the MetS group were higher than in the control group (93.88 μg/L (83.17-107.41) vs. 92.66 μg/L (82.36-103.53), P<0.05). Compared with quartile 4 (≥103.53 μg/L), the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with MetS were 0.79 (0.59-1.06) for quartile 1 (<82.36 μg/L), 0.75 (0.56-1.01) for quartile 2 (82.37-92.66 μg/L), and 0.61 (0.45-0.83) for quartile 3 (92.67-103.52 μg/L). The cubic spline analyses revealed a U-shaped association between plasma selenium and MetS, with the lowest risk at around 93.69 μg/L. Moreover, in cubic spline analyses, plasma selenium showed U-shaped associations with central obesity and high blood pressure, positive associations with hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia, and a negative association with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, both the GA and GA+AA genotype carriers were associated with increased ORs of MetS comparing with the GG genotype carriers. Our findings suggested a U-shaped association between plasma selenium and MetS and diverse associations between plasma selenium and components of MetS. Furthermore, our study found that the A allele of rs7579 was associated with higher odds of MetS. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Exploring Molecular Mechanism of Huangqi in Treating Heart Failure Using Network Pharmacology
Authors: Tao Yan-gu , Huang Xiu-Fang , Wang Jun-yan , Kang Meng-ru , Wang Ling-jun , Xian Shao-xiang
Published: April 2020

Heart failure (HF), a clinical syndrome with a high incidence due to various reasons, is the advanced stage of most cardiovascular diseases. Huangqi is an effective treatment for cardiovascular disease, which has multitarget, multipathway functions. Therefore, we used network pharmacology to explore the molecular mechanism of Huangqi in treating HF. In this study, 21 compounds of Huangqi, which involved 407 targets, were obtained and reconfirmed using TCMSP and PubChem databases. Moreover, we used Cytoscape 3.7.1 to construct compound‐target network and screened the top 10 compounds. 378 targets related to HF were obtained from CTD and GeneCards databases and HF‐target network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.1. The 46 overlapping targets of HF and Huangqi were gotten by Draw Venn Diagram. STRING database was used to set up a protein‐protein interaction network, and MCODE module and the top 5 targets with the highest degree for overlapping targets were obtained. GO analysis performed by Metascape indicated that the overlapping targets were mainly enriched in blood vessel development, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, response to wounding, blood circulation, and so on. KEGG analysis analyzed by ClueGO revealed that overlapping targets were mainly enriched in AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, IL‐17 signaling pathway, HIF‐1 signaling pathway, c‐type lectin receptor signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, and so on. Finally, molecular docking showed that top 10 compounds of Huangqi also had good binding activities to important targets compared with digoxin, which was carried out in CB‐Dock molecular docking server. In conclusion, Huangqi has potential effect on regulating overlapping targets and GE‐RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, IL‐17 signaling pathway, HIF‐1 signaling pathway, and so on to be a latent multitarget, multipathway treatment for HF.
A Nomogram Based on a Three‐Gene Signature Derived from AATF Coexpressed Genes Predicts Overall Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Liu Jun , Lu Jianjun , Ma Zhanzhong , Li Wenli
Published: April 2020

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with an extremely high mortality rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need in screening key biomarkers of HCC to predict the prognosis and develop more individual treatments. Recently, AATF is reported to be an important factor contributing to HCC. Methods. We aimed to establish a gene signature to predict overall survival of HCC patients. Firstly, we examined the expression level of AATF in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the International Union of Cancer Genome (ICGC) databases. Genes coexpressed with AATF were identified in the TCGA dataset by the Poisson correlation coefficient and used to establish a gene signature for survival prediction. The prognostic significance of this gene signature was then validated in the ICGC dataset and used to build a combined prognostic model for clinical practice. Results. Gene expression data and clinical information of 2521 HCC patients were downloaded from three public databases. AATF expression in HCC tissue was higher than that in matched normal liver tissues. 644 genes coexpressed with AATF were identified by the Poisson correlation coefficient and used to establish a three‐gene signature (KIF20A, UCK2, and SLC41A3) by the univariate and multivariate least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analyses. This three‐gene signature was then used to build a combined nomogram for clinical practice. Conclusion. This integrated nomogram based on the three‐gene signature can predict overall survival for HCC patients well. The three‐gene signature may be a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
A Review of Multimodal Medical Image Fusion Techniques
Authors: Huang Bing , Yang Feng , Yin Mengxiao , Mo Xiaoying , Zhong Cheng
Published: April 2020

The medical image fusion is the process of coalescing multiple images from multiple imaging modalities to obtain a fused image with a large amount of information for increasing the clinical applicability of medical images. In this paper, we attempt to give an overview of multimodal medical image fusion methods, putting emphasis on the most recent advances in the domain based on (1) the current fusion methods, including based on deep learning, (2) imaging modalities of medical image fusion, and (3) performance analysis of medical image fusion on mainly data set. Finally, the conclusion of this paper is that the current multimodal medical image fusion research results are more significant and the development trend is on the rise but with many challenges in the research field.
Phase I Study of TAK-659, an Investigational, Dual SYK/FLT3 Inhibitor, in Patients with B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Gordon Leo I. , Kaplan Jason B. , Popat Rakesh , Burris Howard A. , Ferrari Silvia , Madan Sumit , Patel Manish R. , Gritti Giuseppe , El-Sharkawi Dima , Chau Ian , Radford John A. , Pérez de Oteyza Jaime , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Iyer Swaminathan , Townsend William , Karmali Reem , Miao Harry , Proscurshim Igor , Wang Shining , Wu Yujun , Stumpo Kate , Shou Yaping , Carpio Cecilia , Bosch Francesc
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

TAK-659 is an investigational, dual SYK/FLT3 inhibitor with preclinical activity in B-cell malignancy models. This first-in-human, dose-escalation/expansion study aimed to determine the safety, tolerability, MTD/recommended phase II dose (RP2D), and preliminary efficacy of TAK-659 in relapsed/refractory solid tumors and B-cell lymphomas.

Patients and Methods:

Patients received continuous, once-daily oral TAK-659, 60–120 mg in 28-day cycles, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The study applied an accelerated dose-escalation design to determine the MTD and RP2D. In the expansion phase, patients with lymphoma were enrolled in five disease cohorts at the MTD.

Results:

Overall, 105 patients were enrolled [dose escalation, n = 36 (solid tumors, n = 19; lymphoma, n = 17); expansion, n = 69]. The MTD was 100 mg once daily. TAK-659 absorption was fast (Tmax ∼2 hours) with a long terminal half-life (∼37 hours). Exposure generally increased with dose (60–120 mg), with moderate variability. The most common treatment-related adverse events were generally asymptomatic and reversible elevations in clinical laboratory values. Among 43 response-evaluable patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 8 (19%) achieved a complete response (CR) with an overall response rate (ORR) of 28% [23% intent-to-treat (ITT)]. Responses were seen in both de novo and transformed disease and appeared independent of cell-of-origin classification. Among 9 response-evaluable patients with follicular lymphoma, 2 (22%) achieved CR with an ORR of 89% (57% ITT).

Conclusions:

TAK-659 has single-agent activity in patients with B-cell lymphoma. Further studies of the drug in combination, including an evaluation of the biologically optimal and safest long-term dose and schedule, are warranted.
Neonatal Dieulafoy Lesion Requiring Massive Transfusion Protocol and Surgical Intervention
Authors: Leaderer Derek , Laconi Nicholas , Brown Jamie , Ruoss J. Lauren , de la Cruz Diomel , Chan Albert , Taylor Janice A.
Published: April 2020

Neonatal Dieulafoy lesion is a rare but severe condition that can be life-threatening if not intervened upon in a timely fashion. In the general population, the majority of lesions are successfully treated with endoscopic or angiographic intervention. Surgery is usually reserved for cases that fail endoscopic or angiographic intervention. We present a case of neonatal Dieulafoy lesion that occurred less than 24 h after delivery with hematemesis. The patient required large volume resuscitation and massive transfusion of blood products for acute blood loss. The lesion was successfully treated with surgical ligation after a failed attempt at endoscopic intervention.
Plasma Oncostatin M, TNF-α, IL-7, and IL-13 Network Predicts Crohn’s Disease Response to Infliximab, as Assessed by Calprotectin Log Drop
Authors: Mateos Beatriz , Sáez-González Esteban , Moret Inés , Hervás David , Iborra Marisa , Cerrillo Elena , Tortosa Luis , Nos Pilar , Beltrán Belén
Published: April 2020

Background: Cytokines emerge as possible biomarkers of response in Crohn’s disease (CD). We aimed to determine the plasmatic cytokine profiles of active CD patients who started infliximab (IFX) treatment and their capacity to predict the response to IFX. Methods: A total of 30 active CD patients receiving an induction therapy of IFX were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples pretreatment were collected. Concentrations of 15 cytokines were measured by Luminex technology. Responses to IFX were evaluated by the drop in fecal calprotectin based on its logarithm-transformed values. A random forest (RF) predictive model was used for data analyses. Results: Samples of 22 patients were analyzed. The RF model ranked the following cytokines as the top predictors of the response: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-13, oncostatin M (OSM), and IL-7 (p < 0.005). Partial dependency plots showed that high levels of IL-13 pretreatment, low TNFα levels, and low IL-7 levels were associated with a favorable IFX response. Increased levels of OSM and TNFα predicted unfavorable responses to IFX. Conclusions: We here show that a log drop in calprotectin strongly correlates with clinical parameters and it can be proposed as a useful objective clinical response predictor. Plasma TNFα, IL-13, Il-7, and OSM network could predict CD response to IFX before induction therapy, as assessed by calprotectin log drop.
ІДЕНТИФІКАЦІЯ БУДОВИ ПРОДУКТУ ВЗАЄМОДІЇ ВЕРАПАМІЛУ ГІДРОХЛОРИДУ З БРОМКРЕЗОЛОВИМ ЗЕЛЕНИМ
Authors: Sulyma M. I. , Ogurtsov V. V. , Zhuk Y. M. , Vasyuk S. O. , Khomyak S. V.
Published: April 2020

Мета роботи. Виділення та ідентифікація продукту взаємодії верапамілу гідрохлориду з бромкрезоловим зеленим методами ІЧ-спектрофотометрії та 1H ЯMР спектроскопії.

Матеріали і методи. У дослідженні використано робочий стандартний зразок верапамілу гідрохлориду, бромкрезоловий зелений (БКЗ), взірці готових лікарських форм вітчизняного та зарубіжного виробництва.

Реагенти і розчинники: стандартний зразок верапамілу гідрохлориду, бромкрезоловий зелений, ацетон.

Аналітичне обладнання: Спектрофотометр Bruker Alpha (Bruker Optik GmbH, Ettlingen, Germany) з використанням приставки (повного внутрішнього відбиття) ATR (пряме уведення речовини), спектрофотометр Specord 200 (Німеччина) (190–1100 нм).

Результати й обговорення. Експериментально встановлено, що верапамілу гідрохлорид взаємодіє з бромкрезоловим зеленим у середовищі ацетону з утворенням йонного асоціату. ІЧ-спектр йонного асоціату відповідає сумі поглинань вихідних сполук із деякими відмінностями, що підтверджують його утворення. У йонному асоціаті в області 3600‒3400 см‒1 смуги фенольних –ОН проявляються з меншою інтенсивністю, що можна пояснити перетворенням БКЗ у хінонну структуру. У продукті також відсутні поглинання в області 2370см‒1 (R3N+Cl- у верапамілі гідрохлориді), що пояснюється утворенням йонного асоціату з БКЗ, а саме поглинання проявляється у вигляді уширеного сигналу в області 3200‒2000см‒1.

Висновки. У результаті проведених досліджень встановлено, що верапамілу гідрохлорид взаємодіє з бромкрезоловим зеленим у співвідношенні 1:1, виділено та встановлено будову забарвленого продукту взаємодії верапамілу гідрохлориду з бромкрезоловим зеленим. За допомогою методів ІЧ- спектроскопії та спектрометрії ядерного магнітного резонансу підтверджено, що продуктом взаємодії є йонний асоціат.
АСОРТИМЕНТ ЛІКАРСЬКИХ ПРЕПАРАТІВ ДЛЯ ЛІКУВАННЯ ОБСТРУКТИВНИХ ЗАХВОРЮВАНЬ ДИХАЛЬНИХ ШЛЯХІВ, ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЙ НА РИНКУ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Stadnytska N. Ye. , Мylyanych A. O. , Maltyz I. S. , Fito I. V. , Fedoryshyn O. M. , Komar A. V. , Novikov V. P.
Published: April 2020

Мета роботи. Провести аналіз асортименту лікарських препаратів для лікування обструктивних захворювань дихальних шляхів (код АТС R03) на сучасному фармацевтичному ринку України та визначити доцільність розробки нових препаратів на підставі маркетингового дослідження.

Матеріали і методи. У роботі використано статистичний і графічний методи.

Результати й обговорення. У результаті проведених маркетингових досліджень та аналізу асортименту лікарських препаратів із кодом АТС R03, зареєстрованих на території України, можна зазначити таке: найбільше лікарських засобів представлено у вигляді порошку для інгаляцій; більшість асортименту (76,1 %) досліджених препаратів складають монопрепарати; частка асортименту препаратів, виготовлених на фармацевтичних підприємствах України складає 21 %; найбільше препаратів виготовляють вітчизняні фірми-виробники ТОВ «Юрія-Фарм» та ТОВ «Мультіспрей».

Висновки. Аналіз ринку фармацевтичних препаратів України показав, що частка вітчизняних засобів є невеликою (21%). Асортимент лікарських форм потребує розширення, зокрема, варто звернути увагу на найменш численні форми: суспензії для розпилення та інгаляцій, розчини для інфузій та гранули.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ЗІ СТВОРЕННЯ МʼЯКОГО ЛІКАРСЬКОГО ЗАСОБУ З СУХИМ ЕКСТРАКТОМ ШОЛОМНИЦІ БАЙКАЛЬСЬКОЇ
Authors: Slipchenko G. D. , Ruban O. A.
Published: April 2020

Мета роботи. Провести дослідження з розробки емульгелю з сухим екстрактом шоломниці байкальської, обрати оптимальний гелеутворювач, емульгатор та визначити вміст олійної фази. Вивчити реологічні показники.

Матеріали та методи. Структурно-механічні (реологічні) властивості гелевих основ і зразків вивчали за допомогою ротаційного віскозиметра «Реотест-2» (Німеччина) з коаксіальними циліндрами. Вибір вмісту олійної фази проводили за допомогою методу оптичної мікроскопії. Ступінь дисперсності та визначення лінійних розмірів частинок емульгелю проводили за допомогою електронного мікроскопа «ConusAcademy» із вбудованою фотокамерою. Для вивчення реопараметрів розрахували показники механічної стабільності.

Результати й обговорення. У результаті проведених досліджень до складу емульгелю обрано раціональний гелеутворювач – карбопол Ultrez 10 NF, обрано концентрацію емульгатора Prolipid 141TM та визначено вміст олійної фази. Проведено дослідження реологічних властивостей та механічної стабільності запропонованого складу емульгелю.

Висновки. Як гелеутворювач обрано Ultrez 10 NF (1,5 %), як олійну фазу – олію кукурудзяну (20 %), як емульгатор – Prolipid 141TM (3 %). Доведено, що отриманий емульгель є структурованою системою з пластичним типом течії.
Contribuição dos processos magmáticos e tectono-metamórficos na gênese dos minérios sulfetados de Ni-Cu de Mangabal I e Mangabal II, Goiás, Brasil
Authors: Silva Bruno Venancio da , Lima Filipe Goulart , Assis Rafael Rodrigues , Zanardo Antenor , Godoy Daniel Françoso de
Published: April 2020

Os complexos estratiformes Mangabal I e Mangabal II fazem parte de um conjunto de intrusões máfico-ultramáficas sinorogênicas, brasilianas, que ocorrem na região central do Brasil. Neste trabalho, são apresentados novos dados petrográficos e de microscopia eletrônica de varredura dos sulfetos de Ni-Cu de ambos os complexos. Em um litotipo com textura cumulática preservada, ocorrem as associações pirrotita-pentlandita e pirrotita-pentlandita-calcopirita na forma de glóbulos de sulfetos intercumulus. A pirrotita apresenta conteúdos de ferro entre 64,9 e 65,5%, a pentlandita apresenta conteúdos de níquel entre 14,6 e 25,3% e a calcopirita apresenta conteúdos de cobre entre 29,1 e 31,5%. Nos litotipos intensamente transformados pelo metamorfismo e que não preservam textura ígnea, ocorrem as associações pirrotita-pentlandita, pirrotita-pentlandita-calcopirita e pirrotita-pentlandita-calcopirita-pirita, todas associadas a concentrações variadas de rutilo. Essas associações apresentam pirrotita com conteúdos de ferro entre 59,1 e 62,1%, pentlandita com conteúdos de níquel entre 15 e 40% e calcopirita com conteúdos de cobre entre 32,9 e 36,6%. A associação pentlandita-pirita, bem como vênulas compostas de pirita ou calcopirita, constituem fases de substituição e remobilização dos sulfetos preexistentes. Baseando-se na mineralogia, na textura e nos conteúdos de metais base, observa-se que as associações de sulfetos encontradas nos litotipos intensamente transformados pelo metamorfismo são semelhantes em ambos os complexos e diferem das associações encontradas no litotipo que preserva textura ígnea. Dessa forma, sugere-se que os processos tectono-metamórficos atribuídos ao Ciclo Brasiliano ocasionaram remobilizações e mudanças químicas nos sulfetos de Ni-Cu dos complexos Mangabal I e Mangabal II.
Modelagem física da deformação pós-sal em bacias invertidas
Authors: Almeida Gisela Miranda de Souza , Gomes Caroline Janette Souza
Published: April 2020

Este estudo analisou, em modelos físicos, uma inversão tectônica positiva de bacias com uma camada de sal na sequência pós-rifte. O intuito foi examinar a influência da variação da resistência à deformação da camada dúctil sobre a estruturação da sobrecarga, variando-se as espessuras do silicone (simulando sal) e da sobrecarga, e a velocidade de inversão. Os ensaios foram montados em caixas de areia com dimensões de 35 × 23,4 cm (comprimento × largura), nos quais o embasamento (a sequência pré-rifte) foi simulado por um pacote de areia. Após a fase de distensão e subsequente preenchimento da bacia recém-formada, depositou-se a sequência pós-rifte: um substrato de areia, uma camada de silicone e uma sobrecarga, também de areia. Cortes efetuados nos modelos úmidos após a deformação final de inversão revelaram que o número de falhas na sobrecarga variou significativamente em decorrência da variação da resistência à deformação tanto da camada dúctil quanto da sobrecarga rúptil. No caso da camada dúctil, de silicone, a resistência à deformação cresceu com o aumento da velocidade de deformação, enquanto para a sequência rúptil, de areia, a resistência cresceu quando se elevou a espessura da sobrecarga. Por outro lado, o aumento da espessura da camada dúctil produziu um decréscimo em sua resistência à deformação e acomodou por fluxo a deformação, internamente. A formação de estruturas rúpteis na sobrecarga foi associada ao desenvolvimento de falhas compressivas no pré- e sin-rifte, nucleadas durante a inversão. A reativação de falhas normais somente gerou falhas na sobrecarga quando caracterizadas por alto rejeito. Feições similares ocorrem na Bacia de Tucumán (Argentina).
Sex as a Biological Variable in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Man Joshua J. , Beckman Joshua A. , Jaffe Iris Z.
Published: April 2020

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease and the predominant cause of heart attack and ischemic stroke. Despite the well-known sexual dimorphism in the incidence and complications of atherosclerosis, there are relatively limited data in the clinical and preclinical literature to rigorously address mechanisms underlying sex as a biological variable in atherosclerosis. In multiple histological and imaging studies, overall plaque burden and markers of inflammation appear to be greater in men than women and are predictive of cardiovascular events. However, while younger women are relatively protected from cardiovascular disease, by the seventh decade, the incidence of myocardial infarction in women ultimately surpasses that of men, suggesting an interaction between sex and age. Most preclinical studies in animal atherosclerosis models do not examine both sexes, and even in those that do, well-powered direct statistical comparisons for sex as an independent variable remain rare. This article reviews the available data. Overall, male animals appear to have more inflamed yet smaller plaques compared to female animals. Plaque inflammation is often used as a surrogate end point for plaque vulnerability in animals. The available data support the notion that rather than plaque size, plaque inflammation may be more relevant in assessing sex-specific mechanisms since the findings correlate with the sex difference in ischemic events and mortality and thus may be more reflective of the human condition. Overall, the number of preclinical studies directly comparing plaque inflammation between the sexes is extremely limited relative to the vast literature exploring atherosclerosis mechanisms. Failure to include both sexes and to address age in mechanistic atherosclerosis studies are missed opportunities to uncover underlying sex-specific mechanisms. Understanding the mechanisms driving sex as a biological variable in atherosclerotic disease is critical to future precision medicine strategies to mitigate what is still the leading cause of death of men and women worldwide.