bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurokinin-1 antagonist orvepitant for EGFRI-induced pruritus in patients with cancer: a randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial
Authors: Vincenzi Bruno , Trower Mike , Duggal Ajay , Guglielmini Pamela , Harris Peter , Jackson David , Lacouture Mario E , Ratti Emiliangelo , Tonini Giuseppe , Wood Andrew , Ständer Sonja
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of orvepitant (10 or 30 mg given once daily, orally for 4 weeks), a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, compared with placebo in reducing the intensity of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI)-induced intense pruritus.

Design

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Setting

15 hospitals in Italy and five hospitals in the UK.

Participants

44 patients aged ≥18 years receiving an EGFRI for a histologically confirmed malignant solid tumour and experiencing moderate or intense pruritus after EGFRI treatment.

Intervention

30 or 10 mg orvepitant or placebo tablets once daily for 4 weeks (randomised 1:1:1).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary endpoint was change from baseline in mean patient-recorded numerical rating scale (NRS) score (over the last three recordings) at week 4. Secondary outcome measures were NRS score, verbal rating scale score, Skindex-16 and Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire at each study visit (baseline, weeks 1, 4, 8); rescue medication use; EGFRI dose reduction; and study withdrawal because of intense uncontrolled pruritus.

Results

The trial was terminated early because of recruitment challenges; only 44 of the planned 90 patients were randomised. All patients were analysed for efficacy and safety. Mean NRS score change from baseline to week 4 was −2.78 (SD: 2.64) points in the 30 mg group, −3.04 (SD: 3.06) points in the 10 mg group and −3.21 (SD: 1.77) points in the placebo group; the difference between orvepitant and placebo was not statistically significant. No safety signal was detected. Adverse events related to orvepitant (asthenia, dizziness, dry mouth, hyperhidrosis) were all of mild or moderate severity.

Conclusions

Orvepitant was safe and well tolerated. No difference in NRS score between the orvepitant and placebo groups was observed at the week 4 primary endpoint. A number of explanations for this outcome are possible.

Trial registration number

EudraCT2013-002763-25.
Antiviral therapy: Valacyclovir Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (VALAD) Trial: protocol for a randomised, double-blind,placebo-controlled, treatment trial
Authors: Devanand D P , Andrews Howard , Kreisl William C , Razlighi Qolamreza , Gershon Anne , Stern Yaakov , Mintz Akiva , Wisniewski Thomas , Acosta Edward , Pollina Julianna , Katsikoumbas Mariasofia , Bell Karen L , Pelton Gregory H , Deliyannides Deborah , Prasad K M , Huey Edward D
Published: February 2020

Introduction

After infection, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV1) becomes latent in the trigeminal ganglion and can enter the brain via retrograde axonal transport. Recurrent reactivation of HSV1 may lead to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. HSV1 (oral herpes) and HSV2 (genital herpes) can trigger amyloid beta-protein (Aβ) aggregation and HSV1 DNA is common in amyloid plaques. Anti-HSV drugs reduce Aβ and phosphorylated tau accumulation in cell-culture models. Cognitive impairment is greater in patients with HSV seropositive, and antiviral drugs show robust efficacy against peripheral HSV infection. Recent studies of electronic health records databases demonstrate that HSV infections increase dementia risk, and that antiviral medication treatment reduces this risk. The generic antiviral drug valacyclovir was superior to placebo in improving memory in a schizophrenia pilot trial but has not been tested in AD.

Methods and analysis

In patients with mild AD who test positive for HSV1 or HSV2 serum antibodies, valacyclovir, repurposed as an anti-AD drug, will be compared with placebo (lactose pills) in 130 patients (65 valacyclovir and 65 placebo) in a randomised, double-blind, 78-week phase II proof-of-concept trial. Patients on valacyclovir, dose-titrated from 2 g to a targeted oral dose of 4 g daily, compared with placebo, are hypothesised to show smaller cognitive and functional decline, and, using18F-Florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET) and18F-MK-6240 PET imaging, to show less amyloid and tau accumulation, respectively. In the lumbar puncture subsample, cerebrospinal fluid acyclovir will be assayed to assess central nervous system valacyclovir penetration.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is being overseen by the New York State Psychiatric Institute Institutional Review Board (protocol 7537), the National Institute on Ageing, and the Data Safety Monitoring Board. Written informed consent is obtained for all subjects. Results will be disseminated via publication, clinicaltrials.gov, media and conferences.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT03282916) Pre-results.
RAPID-ADPKD (Retrospective epidemiological study of Asia-Pacific patients with rapId Disease progression of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease): study protocol for a multinational, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ryu Hyunjin , Park Hayne C , Oh Yun Kyu , Sangadi Irene , Wong Annette , Mei Changlin , Ecder Tevfik , Wang Angela Yee-Moon , Kao Tze-Wah , Huang Jenq-Wen , Rangan Gopala K , Ahn Curie
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) reach end-stage renal disease in their fifth decade on average. For effective treatment and early intervention, identifying subgroups with rapid disease progression is important in ADPKD. However, there are no epidemiological data on the clinical manifestations and disease progression of patients with ADPKD from the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods and analysis

The RAPID-ADPKD (Retrospective epidemiological study ofAsia-Pacific patients with rapIdDisease progression ofAutosomalDominantPolycysticKidneyDisease) study is a multinational, retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with ADPKD in the Asia-Pacific region (Australia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taipei and Turkey). This study was designed to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with ADPKD with rapid disease progression. Adult patients with ADPKD diagnosed according to the unified ultrasound criteria and with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2at baseline will be included. The cohort will include patients with ≥2 records of eGFR and at least 24 months of follow-up data. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, medications, eGFR, radiological findings that allow calculation of height-adjusted total kidney volume, ADPKD-related complications and the Predicting Renal Outcomes in autosomal dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (PRO-PKD) score will be collected. Rapid progression will be defined based on the European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) guideline. All other patients without any of these criteria will be classified to be of slow progression. Clinical characteristics will be compared between patients with rapid progression and those with slow progression. The incidence of complications and the effects of race and water intake on renal progression will also be analysed. The planned sample size of the cohort is 1000 patients, and data from 600 patients have been collected as of 30 May 2019.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved or is in the process of approval by the institutional review boards at each participating centre. The results will be presented in conferences and published in a journal, presenting data on the clinical characteristics, risk factors for disease progression and patterns of complications of ADPKD in Asian populations.
Effects of switching from a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor to luseogliflozin on nocturnal blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: protocol for a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint parallel-group comparison study
Authors: Kameda Reina , Nomoto Hiroshi , Cho Kyu Yong , Kawata Shinichiro , Omori Kazuno , Takeuchi Jun , Nagai So , Kurihara Yoshio , Aoki Shin , Nakamura Akinobu , Atsumi Tatsuya , Miyoshi Hideaki
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Nocturnal hypertension is clinically important for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), considering its strong correlation with cardiovascular events. We aim to test the hypothesis that the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, luseogliflozin, ameliorates nocturnal hypertension more effectively than a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor in patients with T2D.

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint parallel-group trial. Sixty participants with T2D and hypertension who have been treated with a DPP-4 inhibitor for more than 4 weeks and who have a glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 6.0%–9.0% will be randomised based on age, body mass index (BMI) and HbA1c to continue taking their DPP-4 inhibitor or to switch to luseogliflozin 2.5 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) will be performed twice at baseline and at the end of the study. All participants will continue their diet and exercise therapy, and the doses of concomitant medications will not be adjusted during the study. The primary endpoint is the effect of luseogliflozin on the mean change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during the night, as measured by ABPM. The secondary endpoints are mean change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during the night, 24 hours of SBP and DBP, daytime SBP and DBP, pulse rate, BP M-value, trough SBP and DBP for 1 hour before the next dose, and other laboratory parameters. The sample size was calculated for a two-sided test at 90% power for the detection of a difference between treatments.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Review Board of Hokkaido University Hospital has approved the protocol. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.

Trial registration numbers

The University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000031451); Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs011180019); Pre-results.
Enhancing feedback on performance measures: the difference in outlier detection using a binary versus continuous outcome funnel plot and implications for quality improvement
Authors: Kuhrij Laurien , van Zwet Erik , van den Berg-Vos Renske , Nederkoorn Paul , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J
Published: February 2020

Background

Hospitals and providers receive feedback information on how their performance compares with others, often using funnel plots to detect outliers. These funnel plots typically use binary outcomes, and continuous variables are dichotomised to fit this format. However, information is lost using a binary measure, which is only sensitive to detect differences in higher values (the tail) rather than the entire distribution. This study therefore aims to investigate whether different outlier hospitals are identified when using a funnel plot for a binary vs a continuous outcome. This is relevant for hospitals with suboptimal performance to decide whether performance can be improved by targeting processes for all patients or a subgroup with higher values.

Methods

We examined the door-to-needle time (DNT) of all (6080) patients with acute ischaemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis in 65 hospitals in 2017, registered in the Dutch Acute Stroke Audit. We compared outlier hospitals in two funnel plots: the median DNT versus the proportion of patients with substantially delayed DNT (above the 90th percentile (P90)), whether these were the same or different hospitals. Two sensitivity analyses were performed using the proportion above the median and a continuous P90 funnel plot.

Results

The median DNT was 24 min and P90 was 50 min. In the binary funnel plot for the proportion of patients above P90, 58 hospitals had average performance, whereas in the funnel plot around the median 14 of these hospitals had significantly higher median DNT (24%). These hospitals can likely improve their DNT by focusing on care processes for all patients, not shown by the binary outcome funnel plot. Similar results were shown in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Using funnel plots for continuous versus binary outcomes identify different outlier hospitals, which may enhance hospital feedback to direct more targeted improvement initiatives.
Subdivision Directional Fields
Authors: Custers Bram , Vaxman Amir
Published: February 2020

We present a novel linear subdivision scheme for face-based tangent directional fields on triangle meshes. Our subdivision scheme is based on a novel coordinate-free representation of directional fields as halfedge-based scalar quantities, bridging the mixed finite-element representation with discrete exterior calculus. By commuting with differential operators, our subdivision is structure preserving: it reproduces curl-free fields precisely and reproduces divergence-free fields in the weak sense. Moreover, our subdivision scheme directly extends to directional fields with several vectors per face by working on the branched covering space. Finally, we demonstrate how our scheme can be applied to directional-field design, advection, and robust earth mover’s distance computation, for efficient and robust computation.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) in Refractory Transudative Chylothorax due to Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Khaliq Muhammad Farhan , Noorani Muhammad Muslim , Chowdhry Monica , Mohamed Hesham , Koirala Ashish
Published: February 2020

Chylothorax is an infrequent type of pleural effusion, typically exudative, caused by obstruction or laceration of the thoracic duct by malignancy, trauma, or thoracic surgery. Transudative chylous pleural effusions are extremely rare. We report a case of a 63-year-old male with recurrent transudative chylothorax secondary to cirrhosis that completely resolved with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS). Transudative chylous pleural effusion is an extremely rare entity with only a few cases reported in the literature to date. Transudative chylothorax can occur in patients with liver cirrhosis. Recognizing this association will prevent unnecessary testing and procedures. Timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatment are pivotal in preventing complications from malnutrition and infection by preventing loss of electrolytes, immunoglobulins, and T-lymphocytes.
Severe Prinzmetal’s Angina Inducing Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Khiatah Bashar , Philips David , Dukes Jonathan , Frugoli Amanda
Published: February 2020

Prinzmetal’s angina is a vascular spasm of the coronary artery that can mimic acute coronary syndrome. It is rarely responsible for ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest; however, survivors with these complications are at increased risk for recurrent ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. This is true despite the presence of normal cardiac function and optimal medical therapy. Thus, this select population should be considered for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In this case vignette, we describe a healthy 48-year-old female with ventricular fibrillation arrest, followed by recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias caused by Prinzmetal’s angina.
Plasmapheresis for the Treatment of Anti-M Alloimmunization in Pregnancy
Authors: Maki Yohei , Ushijima Junko , Furukawa Seishi , Inagaki Hiroko , Takenouchi Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Shouichi , Sameshima Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Intrauterine transfusion is the standard antenatal treatment for a fetus with severe anemia. Plasmapheresis is an alternative treatment for cases with a history of severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborns at less than 20 weeks of gestation. There is only one previous report of plasmapheresis for the anti-M alloimmunization in pregnancy, and we report here on the successful treatment of plasmapheresis for anti-M alloimmunization. A woman with a history of intrauterine fetal death at 24 weeks of gestation due to severe fetal anemia caused by anti-M alloimmunization received plasmapheresis once or twice a week from 14 weeks of gestation onward. An intrauterine blood transfusion was conducted at 28 weeks, and a cesarean section was performed at 31 weeks. The infant had anemia and jaundice but was discharged at day 46. Plasmapheresis may delay the development of fetal anemia and reduce the risk of early and repeat intrauterine transfusion in cases of anti-M alloimmunization in pregnancy.
Subclinical Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Cerebral Computed Tomography
Authors: Breglia Andrea , Godi Ilaria , Virzì Grazia Maria , Guglielmetti Gabriele , Iannucci Giuseppe , De Cal Massimo , Brocca Alessandra , Carta Mariarosa , Giavarina Davide , Ankawi Ghada , Passannante Alberto , Yun Xie , Biolo Gianni , Ronco Claudio
Published: February 2020

Introduction: The nephrotoxicity of modern contrast media remains controversial. Novel biomarkers of kidney damage may help in identifying a subclinical structural renal injury not revealed by widely used markers of kidney function. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate clinical (contrast-induced acute kidney injury [CI-AKI]) and subclinical CI-AKI (SCI-AKI) after intra-arterial administration of Iodixanol and Iopamidol in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Methods: This is a prospective observational monocentric study. Urinary sample was collected at 4–8 h after contrast medium exposure to measure neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) and the product tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 ([TIMP-2] × [IGFBP7]), while blood samples were collected at 24 and 48 h after exposure to measure serum creatinine. Results: One hundred patients were enrolled, of whom 53 were exposed to Iodixanol and 47 to Iopamidol. Patients in Iodixanol and Iopamidol groups were comparable in terms of demographics, pre-procedural and procedural data. No patient developed CI-AKI according KDIGO criteria, while 13 patients reported SCI-AKI after exposure to iodine-based medium contrast (3 patients in Iodixanol group and 10 patients in Iopamidol group), defined by positive results of NGAL and/or [TIMP-2] × [IGFBP7]. A positive correlation was found between NGAL and [TIMP-2] × [IGFBP7] in the analysed population (Spearman’s rho 0.49, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, Iopamidol exposure showed higher risk for SCI-AKI compared to Iodixanol (OR 4.5 [95% CI 1.16–17.52], p = 0.030), even after controlling for eGFR and volume of contrast medium used. Conclusions: This study showed that intra-arterial modern contrast media administration may have a nephrotoxic effect in a population without pre-existing chronic kidney disease. Further investigations on larger scale are warranted to confirm if Iopamidol exposed patients to increased risk of SCI-AKI compared to Iodixanol.
Sociodemographic Correlates of Food Insecurity Among New York City Tobacco Users
Authors: Wysota Christina N. , Sherman Scott E. , Vargas Elizabeth , Rogers Erin S.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To identify rates and sociodemographic correlates of food insecurity among low-income smokers.

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline survey data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 403) testing a smoking cessation intervention for low-income smokers.

Setting:

Two safety-net hospitals in New York City.

Sample:

Current smokers with annual household income <200% of the federal poverty level.

Measures:

Food insecurity was measured using the United States Department of Agriculture 6-item food security module. Participant sociodemographics were assessed by self-reported survey responses.

Analysis:

We used frequencies to calculate the proportion of smokers experiencing food insecurity and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with being food insecure.

Results:

Fifty-eight percent of participants were food insecure, with 29% reporting very high food insecurity. Compared to married participants, separated, widowed, or divorced participants were more likely to be food insecure (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-4.33), as were never married participants (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.54-5.14).

Conclusions:

Health promotion approaches that target multiple health risks (eg, smoking and food access) may be needed for low-income populations. Interventions which seek to alleviate food insecurity may benefit from targeting socially isolated smokers.
Community Program Activities Predict Local Tobacco Policy Adoption in Florida Counties
Authors: Grattan Lauren E. , Schmitt Carol L. , Porter Lauren
Published: February 2020

The Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida’s community program funds county-level grantees who promote local policy change through activities that educate the public, policy-makers, and decision-makers. There is robust literature linking tobacco control policies such as smoke-free air laws and tax increases to reductions in tobacco use. There is less evidence documenting the local activities programs conduct to achieve local policy change. In the current study, we used a quantitative model to assess the relationship between community tobacco control activities and local tobacco policy adoption. Grantee activities and policy adoption for each county are recorded in a database. To evaluate the community program, we compiled inputs and used a fixed-effects negative binomial regression to examine the relationship between grantee activities and policy adoption across all 67 community-based programs in Florida from 2010 to 2017 and analyzed the data in 2018. Measures included categories of policies (organization policies and jurisdiction policies) and community-based activities associated with tobacco control programs. Organization policy (school and business policy) and jurisdiction policy (county or city ordinances, proclamations, and resolutions) were dependent on partner meetings (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.03, confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-1.07 and IRR = 1.04, CI = 1.01-1.07, respectively) and local decision-maker communication (IRR = 1.01, CI = 1.00-1.03 and IRR = 1.05, CI = 1.03-1.07, respectively). Jurisdiction policy was also dependent on media advocacy (IRR = 1.07, CI = 1.02-1.12) and state policy-maker education (IRR = 1.16, CI = 1.06-1.26. Community outreach was negatively associated with jurisdiction policy (IRR = 0.97, CI = 0.94-0.99), and data collection was negatively associated with organization and jurisdiction policy (IRR = 0.97, CI = 0.95-1.00 and IRR = 0.97, CI = 0.95-1.00, respectively). Results from the study demonstrate that the type and timing of community grantee activities may influence local tobacco control policy adoption.
Rapid ecosynthesis of TiO2@CuO@Chromite nanocatalyst for environmentally friendly applications: solventless cyanation of aldehydes and high efficient treatment of sewage waters
Authors: Sajadi S. Mohammad , Pirouei Mohammad , Salih Nabaz A. , Kolo Kamal , Hamad Samir M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Due to the large surface area of green-synthesized TiO2@CuO@Chromite nanocatalysts (NCs) and accumulations of bioactive phytochemicals on its surface, it was used for an efficient and safe synthesis of nitriles and also an environmentally friendly process of water treatment. For the first time, a rapid, economic, one-pot, solventless and safe protocol is presented for ecosynthesis of TiO2@CuO@Chromite nanocatalysts (NCs) to efficient, ligand-free and solventless synthesis of aromatic nitriles through the cyanation of aldehydes at room temperature. Furthermore, the eco-NCs were used as a potent adsorbent for physical and biological treatment of sewage waters collected around the natural and residential area of northern parts of the Soran city in Iraq at room temperature.

Results

The structural elucidation of the NCs using the SEM (scanning electron microscopy), Cross-sectional EDS (electron dispersive spectroscopy), elemental mapping analysis, XRD (X-ray diffractions) and BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) for detection of specific surface area of eco-NCs confirmed the formation of NCs with a large surface area. Application of green TiO2@CuO@Chromite NCs in solventless synthesis of aromatic nitriles shows high efficiency, time saving, economical aspect and ecofriendly and safe methodology. Also, the treatment process of sewage waters monitored using UV–Vis double beam spectrophotometer, optical microscopy and antibiogram tests demonstrated an efficient ability for the eco-NCs in physical and biological treatment of sewage samples.

Conclusions

The NCs employed in both ligand and solventless highly efficient and safe synthesis of aromatic nitriles through the cyanation of aldehydes at room temperature demonstrated the production of aryl nitriles in very good-to-excellent yields. This protocol indicated a green alternative to the existing methods since the reaction proceeds in solventless medium in the absence of any ligand and organic solvent with simple work-up procedure, low temperature, higher yield and shorter reaction time. Further, it was used in the physical and biological treatment of the real samples of sewage waters collected around the natural and residential area of northern parts of Iraq at room temperature, which shows a very good treatment ability in this process.
Skeletal muscle as an experimental model of choice to study tissue aging and rejuvenation
Authors: Etienne Jessy , Liu Chao , Skinner Colin M. , Conboy Michael J. , Conboy Irina M.
Published: February 2020

Skeletal muscle is among the most age-sensitive tissues in mammal organisms. Significant changes in its resident stem cells (i.e., satellite cells, SCs), differentiated cells (i.e., myofibers), and extracellular matrix cause a decline in tissue homeostasis, function, and regenerative capacity. Based on the conservation of aging across tissues and taking advantage of the relatively well-characterization of the myofibers and associated SCs, skeletal muscle emerged as an experimental system to study the decline in function and maintenance of old tissues and to explore rejuvenation strategies. In this review, we summarize the approaches for understanding the aging process and for assaying the success of rejuvenation that use skeletal muscle as the experimental system of choice. We further discuss (and exemplify with studies of skeletal muscle) how conflicting results might be due to variations in the techniques of stem cell isolation, differences in the assays of functional rejuvenation, or deciding on the numbers of replicates and experimental cohorts.
Multimodal transport information sharing platform with mixed time window constraints based on big data
Authors: Ding Liqun
Published: February 2020

The primary consideration in the top-level design of multimodal transport systems is the matching degree and coordination degree of port facilities and transport information platforms. In the process of container transportation, there exists a mixed time window consisting of a hard time window and a soft time window. This study focuses on the coordination of transport organization considering the scale effect under the constraint of a mixed time window. It is necessary to consider the influence of the mixed time window on transport efficiency. Highway transportation is relatively flexible and can be regarded as without time window constraints. Railway transportation and waterway transportation have relatively fixed delivery and operation times, reflecting hard time windows. Alternatively, the time interval of a consignee receiving goods is relatively free, reflecting a soft time window. The process of container transportation involves a mixed time window consisting of a hard time window and a soft time window. The scale effect of transportation is the result of a combination of internal and external factors. This paper will discuss the functions and operational statuses of the relatively independent information system of railways and ports and establish an electronic platform suitable for information interconnection and the interoperability of multimodal transport stations in combination with the traditional information exchange mode.
Development of E-banking channels and market share in developing countries
Authors: Nazaritehrani Ali , Mashali Behzad
Published: February 2020

There is fierce global competition within the banking industry. Therefore, banks endeavor to grow and strive to increase their market share. We analyzed the effect of developing innovative channels of presenting bank services on banks’ market share. The statistical population of this research was Shahr bank’s central headquarter and its branches in Tehran, Iran. We developed questionnaires for gathering the data. The validity and reliability of the scales were tested by EFA, CFA, experts’ opinion, and Cronbach’s alpha. We used linear regression to assess the impact of innovative channels, including internet banking, automatic teller machines (ATMs), mobile banking, telephone banking (TB), and point of sales (POS) on banks’ market share. The results indicated that some of these channels, including internet banking, POS, and TB, positively affect a bank’s market share. The effect of two other platforms, including mobile banking and ATM development, on banks’ market share was rejected. The findings of this study expand our understanding of how bank managers can improve their market share by developing innovative e-banking channels.
Prevalence of inherited changes of uric acid levels in kidney dysfunction including stage 5 D and T: a systematic review
Authors: Shamekhi Amiri Fateme , Rostami Zohreh
Published: February 2020

Background/aims

Familial juvenile hereditary nephropathy (FJHN) is characterized by hyperuricemia due to severely impaired urinary excretion of urate. Hereditary renal hypouricemia is an inborn error of membrane transport. Because studies of inherited tubulopathy is rare, prevalence and diagnosis of these inherited tubulopathy increase with genetic testing.The aim of this study is to investigate prevalence of clinical features, biochemical profiles, and genetic analysis of patients with changes in serum uric acid levels in inherited tubulopathy.

Main body

The paper has written based on searching PubMed and Google Scholar to identify potentially relevant articles or abstracts. In this retrospective study, a total 65 patients with changes of serum uric acid levels and kidney dysfunction were investigated. Clinical features, laboratory data at initial presentation, management, and outcomes were collected. Forty studies (65 participants) included in this review. The mean ± SD of age of study patients in inherited tubulointerstitial kidney disease was 25.29 ± 14.69 years. Mean ± SD age of patients at time of diagnosis in inherited renal hypouricemia was 18.83 ± 10.59 years. Correlation between exon region in mutated UMOD, SLC22A12, and SLC2A9 genes and serum uric acid levels were assessed and revealed significant statistical correlation between exon region of SLC2A9 mutation and serum uric acid levels. Prevalence of progression to end-stage kidney disease in patients with inherited tubulointerstitial kidney disease and inherited renal hypouricemia were assessed 20% and 2.5%, respectively. There was nephrolithiasis in two patients (2/25, 8%) with inherited renal hypouricemia.

Conclusions

This study shows that UMOD and SLC22A12 gene mutations were responsible for majority of autosomal-dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease and inherited renal hypouricemia, respectively.
A critical review of self-care for sleep disturbances: prevalence, profile, motivation, perceived effectiveness and medical provider communication
Authors: Meredith Sophie , Frawley Jane , Sibbritt David , Adams Jon
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study aims to undertake the first critical review of self-care use among adults with sleep disturbances by focusing on the prevalence of self-care—the self-determined and self-administered use of products or practices—by adults with sleep disturbances.

Methods

A comprehensive search of 2006–2016 international literature in CINAHL, AMED, Medline and EMBASE databases was conducted. The search was confined to empirical research findings regarding sleep disturbances - as indicated by a validated sleep scale/index or clinician diagnosis.

Results

Of the 21 articles included in this review, only three reported on sleep disturbances other than insomnia disorder (ID) or insomnia symptoms (IS). Overall, a high prevalence of self-care use is reported among adults with sleep disturbances, particularly for ID and IS. Self-care products and practices are more likely to be used by adults with sleep disturbances, than those without sleep disturbances. Commonly used self-care products and practices include OTC hypnotics, antihistamines, diphenhydramine products, diet, exercise, painkillers, herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements, yoga, tai chi, Qigong, meditation, exercise and relaxation.

Conclusions

Many adults with sleep disturbances–particularly ID or IS–frequently use self-care products and practices. Self-care products are also used concomitantly with conventional prescription medications without disclosure to medical professionals. The current literature is of varied methodological caliber, frequently relies on small sample sizes and low-quality data collection therefore further rigorous health services research is required. There is an especial paucity of data regarding self-care for sleep disturbances such as restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea. Healthcare providers may find it beneficial to actively ask patients about their use of self-care for sleep disturbances to help avoid harmful drug-drug or drug-herb interactions.
7-T clinical MRI of the shoulder in patients with suspected lesions of the rotator cuff
Authors: Lazik-Palm Andrea , Kraff Oliver , Rietsch Stefan H. G. , Ladd Mark E. , Kamminga Michael , Beck Sascha , Quick Harald H. , Theysohn Jens M.
Published: February 2020

Background

To evaluate feasibility and diagnostic performance of clinical 7-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder.

Methods

Eight patients with suspected lesions of the rotator cuff underwent 7-T MRI before arthroscopy. Image quality was scored for artifacts, B1+ inhomogeneities, and assessability of anatomical structures. A structured radiological report was compared to arthroscopy. In four patients, a visual comparison with pre-existing 1.5-T examinations was performed.

Results

Regarding image quality, the majority of the sequences reached values above the middle of each scoring scale. Fat-saturated proton density sequences showed least artifacts and best structure assessability. The most homogenous B1+ field was reached with gradient-echo sequences. Arthroscopy did not confirm tendinopathy/partial tear of supraspinatus in 5/8 patients, of subscapularis in 5/6, and of infraspinatus in one patient; only a partial lesion of the subscapularis tendon was missed. Pathologic findings of long bicipital tendon, acromioclavicular joint, glenohumeral cartilage, labrum, and subacromial subdeltoideal bursa were mainly confirmed; exceptions were one lesion of the long bicipital tendon, one subacromial bursitis, and one superior glenoid labrum anterior-to-posterior lesion, missed on 7-T MRI. Evaluating all structures together, sensitivity was 86%, and specificity 74%. A better contrast and higher image resolution was noted in comparison to previous 1.5-T examinations.

Conclusions

7-T MRI of the shoulder with diagnostic image quality is feasible. Overrating of tendon signal alterations was the main limitation. Although the diagnostic performance did not reach the current results of 3-T MRI, our study marks the way to implement clinical 7-T MRI of the shoulder.
Impact of transient temperature disturbance on the oxidative stress indices and glucose levels of juvenile Koi carps (Cyprinus carpio var koi)
Authors: Zutshi Bela , Singh Aradhana , Dasgupta Proteek
Published: February 2020

Background

The present study reports the changes in the redox state and glucose activity in gills and muscles of Koi carps, exposed to a short duration of acute thermal stress. The variation in levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, in addition to glucose levels, were analysed after exposing the fishes to 15 °C (low), 25 °C (control) and 35 °C (high) for a duration of 3 and 6 h. The upper and lower temperatures regimes were decided by the Critical Thermal Limit (CTMAX and CTMIN).

Results

The CAT activity was high in both the tissues at 35 °C within 3 h, while LPO activity decreased throughout the study when compared with the control group indicating immoderate cellular disturbance and surplus oxidative stress. At 15 °C (3 h), tissues reported more glucose compared with the upper thermal slab. GSH increased in both the tissues at 15 °C compared with the control for 3 and 6 h. GST activity, however, flourished at 35 °C in muscles and gills for the 3-h regime.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated disturbing impacts of temperature on the survivability of the Koi carps in a domesticated environment.
Determination of Sulfur and Copper Profile with nuclear reactions
Authors: Kossionides S. , Kaliambakos G. , Vlastou R. , Papadopoulos C. T.
Published: February 2020

The concentration and depth profile of Cu and S in patinna samples have been determined by using Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) and Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS). For the NRA the differential cross section was mesaured for the 1327 keV 7-ray deexciting the third excited state to the ground state of 6 3Cu through the reaction 63Cu(p,p'7), as well as, for the 2230 keV γ-ray deexciting the first excited state to the ground state through the resonant reaction 32S(p,p'7). The mesaurements of both excitation functions were performed in the energy range 3.0 - 3.7 MeV in 20 keV steps and at an angle of 125°.
Possible medium and long range effects of depleted U-238 used in ammunition
Authors: Synodinou B. M. , Papazoglou I. A.
Published: February 2020

In recent years a new type of ammunition has been included in the modern arsenals of Western countries. Depleted Uranium is used in the AlO's 30-mm gun and in a large variety of other projectiles used by Army, the Marines and Aviation. Due to the radioactive nature of this type of ammunition, it is important to know the distance of dispersion of the material produced. On account of its probable usage some hundred of km north from Greece we are interested in the evaluation of its impact on Greece. We assumed an amount of DU, equal to that daily released during the Gulf War, as being released in South Yugoslavia (Pristina). We examined the possibility of its transport to Greece at a distance more than 150 km far from the release point. For concentration, deposition, dose estimations and health effects evaluation COSYMA code is used. We assumed constant north winds of 5 m/s of speed, no rain, a mixing height equal to about 1000 m and D atmospheric stability conditions. Moreover taking account of the real wind situation during March and April 1999, we calculated the probable impact of daily releases, on selected days, to regions of Greece affected by air masses movement. The results indicate that in spite of the big amount considered as released in a single site, in no cases there has been found any appreciable radiological health effect.
Statistical model calculations of the 232Th(n,2n) reaction
Authors: Karamanis D. , Andriamonje S. , Assimakopoulos P. A. , Doukellis G. , Karademos D. A. , Karydas A. , Kokkoris M. , Kossionides S. , Nicolis N. , Pakou A. , Papachristodoulou C. , Papadopoulos C. , Patronis N. , Pavlopoulos P. , Perdikakis G. , Vlastou R.
Published: February 2020

On the context of the Cern n_TOF collaboration the 232Th(n,2n)231Th reaction cross section has been measured relative to the 56Fe(n,p)56Mn and 27Al(n,a)24Na reaction cross sections by the activation method for neutron energies up to 11 MeV. The neutrons were produced via the 2H(d,n) reaction using a deuterium filled gas-cell, at the 5.5MV TANDEM Accelerator of NCSR "Demokritos". In addition to the experimental work, theoretical Statistical model calculations have been performed using the computer code STAPRE/F. The code STAPRE is designed to calculate energy averaged cross sections for particle induced nuclear reactions with several emitted particles and gamma rays under the assumption of sequential evaporation. For the first evaporation step preequilibrium emission is taken into account while population of states resulting from the first equilibrium evaporation step is calculated using the Hauser-Feschbach theory. Fission process competition is also taken into account in the evaporation steps. Sensitive parameters for the calculation, like level density parameters, have been adopted after fitting experimental data for the competing (n,f) reaction. The results are being compared to the experimental data.
Nuclear structure is governed by the fundamental laws of electromagnetism
Authors: Kaliambos L. A.
Published: February 2020

Contradicting interpretations of the nuclear force as given by two contrasted approaches like the meson theory and the quantum chromodynamics, are overcome here by reviving the basic electromagnetic laws which are applicable on the existing charged subconstituents in nucléons. On this basis, considerable charge distributions in nucleons are determined after a careful analysis of the magnetic moments and the results of the deep inelastic scattering. Basic equations derived from the distributed charges of oriented spins of nucléons give strong and short ranged forces leading exactly to the binding energies of the deuteron and other nuclei. According to these interactions, p-p and n-n systems repel and only the p-n bonds form rectangles and closely packed parallelepipeds. Such contrary forces create structures of saturation and of finite number of nucléons. They also invalidate the charge independence hypothesis and differ fundamentally from the central potential and the effects of the Pauli principle of the electronic configurations responsible for the development of the models of the Fermi gas and nuclear shell. There are two kinds of p-n bonds, which imply anisotropy, leading often to elongated shapes of vibrational and rotational modes of excitation, while the surface tension contributes to the creation of non elongated shapes of stable arrangements. Finally, for A>40 a type of shell structure provides new rules for understanding the structure of magic nuclei for N>Z and the increasing ratio N/Z with A.
A study on the (π- , K+) reaction production of Σ-hypernuclei
Authors: Petridou Theodora
Published: February 2020

The ( π - , K+) reaction production was used recently to produce medium to heavy Σ-hypernuclei with good statistics. The observed spectra do not contain peaks and have a wide energy range. These spectra were studied within the Green function method with a simplified model. The investigation showed that a strong repulsive potential with medium imaginary and spin-orbit parts describes well the spectra.
The (K-, π+)Σ- - hypernuclear production in flight
Authors: Petridou Th. , Daskaloyannis C.
Published: February 2020

The in-flight (K-,π+) Σ~-hypernuclear spectra are studied, using a simple interaction model with a square well central part and a delta function spin-orbit Σ-nuclearcore interaction. A comparison is made between the theoretical results and the in-flight (Α'~,π+) experimental data for 12Σ C, 16Σ Ο and 6Σ Li. A shallow potential, with a central potential depth of Vc = (-5 - il5)MeV and a spin-orbit depth of Vao = lbMeV, gives a satisfactory representation of the CERN and BNL in-flight data.
The harmonic oscillator energy level spacing for neutrons and protons in nuclei
Authors: Lalazissis G. A. , Panos C. P.
Published: February 2020

Approximate expressions of hw for neutrons and protons separately, as functions of the neutron number Ν and the proton number Ζ respectively, are derived. The dependence of hωn{hωp) on N(Z) is established using a rather recently proposed semi-phenomenological density distribution based on the separation energies of the last neutron or proton. The corresponding curves of hω show "discontinuities in the slope" at the closed shells throughout the periodic table. The difference hωn — hωΛ is also discussed
Systematics of Masses and Half-Lives of Nuclei with Neural Nets
Authors: Mavrommatis E. , Athanassopoulos S. , Dakos A. , Gernoth K. A. , Clark J. W.
Published: February 2020

Ih the last few years a phenomenological approach to nuclear systematics based on multilayer feedforward neural networks has been under development[1,2,3]. Using suitable training sets,back- propagation and other related algorithms[4,5] are applied to teach such networks a given nuclear property. The networks are then asked to predict the property using test nuclei absent from the training set. Training and test sets are provided by the Brookhaven Nuclear Data facility. With proper architecture, coding schemes for input and output data,activation and error functions as well as pruning techniques,a number of networks can be produced that demonstrate high quality of performance in learning. Their predictive power can be competitive with that of traditional theoretical approaches. In this work,we study the nuclear masses and the half-lives of unstable β-decaying nuclear ground states using the following number of nuclides: 1882 and 1260 as learning sets and 627 and 423 as test sets respectively. Concerning masses, our work is a continuation of the work reported in refs [1,2]. It uses an enriched data basis and tries to achieve the highest possible performance with the smallest number of parameters. So far, our results for the root mean square error are comparable to those of ref. [2] and those derived by the mass fits of Mässon- Jänecket6! and Möller et al[7]. However, the number of the parameters used in the later fit is significantly smaller. Concerning half-lives,up to now there is no global model based on conventional nuclear theory. There are some models mainly for beta-decay. At present, most of our computer experiments have focused on the study of this decay channel.Our initial learning and test sets include 575 and 191 nuclei respectively. The performance of the models developed in learning is comparable to that of Klapdor et al[8]. The next step is to improve the predictive performance and to study and include the nuclides with other decay channels. The aim of this work is the production of global models of masses and half-lives of very good quality
131I, 137Cs, 134Cs from Fukushima fallout at Milano, Italy
Authors: Groppi F. , Manenti S. , Gini L. , Ioannidou A.
Published: February 2020

Right after the Fukushima reactor accident, a systematic air and wet sampling and analysis programme was undertaken to detect and quantitatively analyze the radionuclides in the Fukushima fallout in Milano, Italy. Radionuclides from Fukushima were first detected at Milano region in a rain water sample, collected during March 27-28, 2011 with the concentrations of 131I and 137Cs isotopes in the rainwater to be equal with 0.89 Bq/L and 0.12 Bq/L, respectively. The concentration of 131I in goat and cow milk samples from a farm in Monte Rosa mountain, were 0.25 and 0.21 Bq/L, respectively. Increased atmospheric radioactivity was detected on air filter taken on 30 March 2011, while the maximum activity of 467 μBq/m3 occurred at April 3-4, 2011. A week later the activities had fallen to about 50% of peak values, with a general increasing trend over the following days. In the time period of one month after the nuclear accident, concentrations of 137Cs and 134Cs in air as high as 63 μBq/m3 and 61 μBq/m3, respectively were recorded. The presence of more than one peaks of 131I and 137,134Cs till April 11, 2011, indicates that 131I and 137,134Cs were continuously transferred from Fukushima, Japan to Italy. According to the measurements, airborne activity levels remain of no concern for public health in Italy.