bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durable responses in patients with genitourinary cancers following immune checkpoint therapy rechallenge after moderate-to-severe immune-related adverse events
Authors: Siddiqui Bilal A , Gheeya Jinesh S , Goswamy Rohit , Bathala Tharakeswara K , Surasi Devaki Shilpa , Gao Jianjun , Shah Amishi , Campbell Matthew T , Msaouel Pavlos , Goswami Sangeeta , Wang Jennifer , Zurita Amado J , Jonasch Eric , Corn Paul G , Aparicio Ana M , Siefker-Radtke Arlene O , Sharma Padmanee , Subudhi Sumit K , Tannir Nizar
Published: July 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) prolongs survival in subsets of patients with cancer but can also trigger immune-related adverse events (irAEs) requiring treatment discontinuation. Recent studies have investigated safety of ICT rechallenge after irAEs, and evidence suggests that rechallenge may be associated with improved antitumor responses. However, data are limited on response duration after ICT rechallenge, particularly after severe irAEs.

Objective

To evaluate safety and efficacy of ICT rechallenge after moderate-to-severe irAEs in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), urothelial carcinoma (UC), and prostate cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, medical records from September 25, 2013, to June 1, 2020, for patients with genitourinary (GU) cancers at MD Anderson Cancer Center who were rechallenged with the same or different ICT following irAEs were reviewed. Demographics, ICT exposure, irAEs (grade and treatment), ICT discontinuation or rechallenge, rates of subsequent irAEs (new or recurrent) and antitumor activity (objective response rates and response duration) were reviewed.

Results

Sixty-one patients with RCC, UC, and prostate cancer were rechallenged with ICT after experiencing 105 total irAEs. Objective response rates after rechallenge, that is, upgrade in response, were 14% in RCC (4/28), 21% in UC (3/14), and 0% in prostate cancer. All seven patients who achieved upgrade in response had initial grade 2 or 3 irAEs. Responses were durable among these seven patients, with median radiographic progression-free survival not reached (range: 3.7–66.4 months) as of the March 8, 2021, data cut-off (median follow-up 40.9 months (95% CI 35.3 to 46.5)). All achieved complete response except one patient who was lost to follow-up. The rate of subsequent grade 3 or 4 irAEs after rechallenge was 30%, with no fatal irAEs. The rate of recrudescence of the same irAE was 26% (16/61). 54% of patients received corticosteroids (33/61), and 21% received targeted immunosuppression (13/61) for the initial irAEs.

Conclusions and relevance

ICT rechallenge after moderate-to-severe irAEs was associated with deep and durable responses in a subset of patients with RCC and UC, with acceptable safety and no fatal events. Strategies to enable ICT resumption after moderate-to-severe irAEs, such targeted immunosuppression, warrant further study.
Thromboelastography predicts dual antiplatelet therapy-related hemorrhage in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: He Dan , Guo Yinping , Zhang Yi , Zhao Jing , Wu Lingshan , Yu Zhiyuan , Qu Wensheng , Luo Xiang
Published: July 2021

Background

Stratification of the risk of hemorrhage in patients with acute ischemic stroke following dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is challenging. It remains unclear whether thromboelastography (TEG) can be used to predict DAPT-related hemorrhagic events.

Objective

The present study aims to discover predictors for hemorrhage events after DAPT based on parameters such as TEG.

Methods

A total of 859 patients with acute ischemic stroke who received DAPT were recruited consecutively. Demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging characteristics were evaluated at baseline; TEG parameters were obtained 7 days later after DAPT. Hemorrhagic events were monitored about 1 month after the stroke.

Results

Of the patients, 61 (7.1%) had hemorrhagic events. Patients in the hemorrhage group had a lower adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet-fibrin clot maximum amplitude and a higher ADP inhibition rate (ADP%) than those in the non-hemorrhage group (p<0.05). ADP% was confirmed as an independent predictor of hemorrhagic events with an optimal cut-off point of 83.3% (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.665, 95% CI 0.573 to 0.767, p<0.01). We constructed a logistic model based on D-dimer, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, and ADP% to predict hemorrhagic events in patients with acute ischemic stroke during DAPT (AUC=0.720, 95% CI 0.625 to 0.858, p<0.01), with a sensitivity of 72.1% and a specificity of 76.5%.

Conclusions

Monitoring changes of TEG parameters helps to guide personalized DAPT for patients with ischemic stroke. A 30–82.3% range of ADP% is recommended for DAPT treatment.
'Drip-and-ship' intravenous thrombolysis and outcomes for large vessel occlusion thrombectomy candidates in a hub-and-spoke telestroke model
Authors: Regenhardt Robert W , Rosenthal Joseph A , Awad Amine , Martinez-Gutierrez Juan Carlos , Nolan Neal M , McIntyre Joyce A , Whitney Cynthia , Alotaibi Naif M , Dmytriw Adam A , Vranic Justin E , Stapleton Christopher J , Patel Aman B , Rost Natalia S , Schwamm Lee H , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M
Published: July 2021

Background

Randomized trials have not demonstrated benefit from intravenous thrombolysis among patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, these trials included primarily patients presenting directly to an EVT capable hub center. We sought to study outcomes for EVT candidates who presented to spoke hospitals and were subsequently transferred for EVT consideration, comparing those administered alteplase at spokes (i.e., ‘drip-and-ship’ model) versus those not.

Methods

Consecutive EVT candidates presenting to 25 spokes from 2018 to 2020 with pre-transfer CT angiography defined emergent large vessel occlusion and Alberta Stroke Program CT score ≥6 were identified from a prospectively maintained Telestroke database. Outcomes of interest included adequate reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b–3), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), discharge functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2), and 90 day functional independence.

Results

Among 258 patients, median age was 70 years (IQR 60–81), median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 13 (6-19), and 50% were women. Ninety-eight (38%) were treated with alteplase at spokes and 113 (44%) underwent EVT at the hub. Spoke alteplase use independently increased the odds of discharge mRS ≤2 (adjusted OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.46, p=0.03) and 90 day mRS ≤2 (adjusted OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.65 to 7.22, p=0.001), even when controlling for last known well, NIHSS, and EVT; it was not associated with an increased risk of ICH (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.78, p=0.94), and there was a trend toward association with greater TICI 2b–3 (OR 3.59, 95% CI 0.94 to 13.70, p=0.06).

Conclusions

Intravenous alteplase at spoke hospitals may improve discharge and 90 day mRS and should not be withheld from EVT eligible patients who first present at alteplase capable spoke hospitals that do not perform EVT. Additional studies are warranted to confirm and further explore these benefits.
Was the implementation of standardised tobacco packaging legislation in England associated with changes in smoking prevalence? A segmented regression analysis between 2006 and 2019
Authors: Opazo Breton Magdalena , Britton John , Brown Jamie , Beard Emma , Bogdanovica Ilze
Published: July 2021

Background and aim

In 2016, England initiated the implementation of standardised tobacco packaging, introduced in conjunction with minimum pack sizes and other measures included in the 2014 European Tobacco Products Directive, over the course of a 1-year sell-off period ending in May 2017. These measures have been shown to have been associated with increases in tobacco prices and product diversity. We now investigate the association between implementation of the new legislation and smoking status in England.

Design

Segmented regression analysis of repeated cross-sectional surveys using a generalised linear model with individual-level data to test for a change in trend and immediate step change.

Setting

England.

Participants

Participants in the Smoking Toolkit Study, which involves repeated, cross‐sectional household surveys of individuals aged 16 years and older in England. The sample included 278 219 individual observations collected between November 2006 and December 2019.

Intervention

Implementation of standardised packaging legislation (May 2016 and May 2017).

Measurements

Individual-level current smoking status adjusted for implementation of tobacco control policies, cigarette price, seasonality and autocorrelation.

Findings

The implementation of standardised packaging was associated with a significant step reduction in the odds of being a smoker after May 2017 (OR: 0.93; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99). The magnitude of the association was similar when modelling the step change in May 2016 at the start of the 1-year policy implementation period (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.97).

Conclusions

This is the first independent study demonstrating that implementation of standardised packaging was associated with a reduction in smoking in England which occurred in anticipation of, rather than after, full policy implementation. It appears that the odds of being a smoker were affected by the prospect of the move to standardised packs and accompanying legislation.
Where next for the design, delivery, and evaluation of community-based physical activity prescription? Emerging lessons from the United Kingdom
Authors: Oliver E.J. , Buckley B. , Dodd-Reynolds C.J. , Downey J. , Hanson C. , Henderson H. , Hawkins J. , Steele J. , Wade M. , Watson P.M.
Published: July 2021

Despite widespread use, community-based physical activity prescription is controversial. Data limitations have resulted in a lack of clarity about what works, under what circumstances, and for whom, reflected in conservative policy recommendations. In this commentary we challenge a predominantly negative discourse, using contemporary research to highlight promising findings and “lessons learnt” for design, delivery, and evaluation. In doing so, we argue for the importance of a more nuanced approach to future commissioning and evaluation.

Novelty: Amalgamating learning from multiple research teams to create recommendations for advancing physical activity prescription.
Inertia and inertial resistance in the Special Theory of Relativity
Authors: Riggs Peter J.
Published: July 2021

A broader concept of “resistance to acceleration” than used in classical dynamics, called “inertial resistance”, is quantified for both inertial and non-inertial relativistic motion. Special Relativity shows that inertial resistance is more than particle inertia and originates from Minkowski spacetime structure. Current mainstream explanations of inertia do not take inertial resistance into account and are, therefore, incomplete.
Indigenous-led camera-trap research on traditional territories informs conservation decisions for resource extraction
Authors: Fisher Jason T , Grey Fabian , Anderson Nelson , Sawan Josiah , Anderson Nicholas , Chai Shauna-Lee , Nolan Luke , Underwood Andrew , Amerongen Maddison Julia , Fuller Hugh W. , Frey Sandra
Published: July 2021

The resource extraction that powers global economies is often manifested in Indigenous Peoples’ territories. Indigenous Peoples living on the land are careful observers of resulting biodiversity changes, and Indigenous-led research can provide evidence to inform conservation decisions. In the Nearctic western boreal forest, landscape change from forest harvesting and petroleum extraction is intensive and extensive. A First Nations community in the Canadian oil sands co-created camera-trap research to explore observations of presumptive species declines, seeking to identify the relative contributions of different industrial sectors to changes in mammal distributions. Camera data were analyzed via generalized linear models in a model-selection approach. Multiple forestry and petroleum extraction features positively and negatively affected boreal mammal species. Pipelines had the greatest negative effect size (for wolves), whereas well sites had a large positive effect size for multiple species, suggesting the energy sector as a target for co-management. Co-created research reveals spatial relationships of disturbance, prey, and predators on Indigenous traditional territories. It provides hypotheses, tests, and interpretations unique to outside perspectives; Indigenous participation in conservation management of their territories scales up to benefit global biodiversity conservation.
Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Produced byYarrowia lipolyticaAgainst Vegetative and StarvedShigella
Authors: Chourabi Kalthoum , Elleuch Lobna , Kloula Salma , Landoulsi Ahmed , Chatti Abdelwaheb
Published: July 2021

Silver nanoparticles have attracted much interest from scientists to develop nanosilver-based disinfectant products due to their unique properties of high antimicrobial activity. This study focused on biosynthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of silver nanoparticles against vegetative and starved Shigella strains. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica and characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of silver nanoparticles were tested against the growth of vegetative and starved Shigella strains. After the addition of silver nitrate solution to the supernatant of Y. lipolytica, we noticed the appearance of a brown-black coloration that suggested the formation of silver nanoparticles. The presence of silver nanoparticles was manifested by a maximum absorption in the ultraviolet–visible range, precisely at the wavelength 420[Formula: see text]nm. The crystalline nature and the stability of silver nanoparticles were confirmed, respectively, by XRD and FTIR analysis. The antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles showed significant toxicity on Shigella strains indicating that the starved cells were more sensitive to treatment with silver nanoparticles than vegetative cells. Surprisingly, the biofilm formation had not been inhibited by silver nanoparticles for both vegetative and starved cells. In conclusion, a new class of nanosilver containing disinfectant nanoproducts will be promising for advanced environmental treatments including air disinfection, water disinfection, surface disinfection and personal hygiene that will help to prevent the further outbreak of diseases.
Oogenesis Arrest Prior to Birth: A Trade-off between Possible Evolutionary Advantages and Age-Related Oocyte Dysfunction?
Authors: Varghese Joe , Peter Monica , Kamath Mohan S.
Published: July 2021

Oogenesis in mammalian females, including humans, is arrested prior to birth. Females, therefore, are born with a limited number of primary oocytes. This is in direct contrast to males in whom spermatogenesis continues during the entire lifespan following puberty. Here, we discuss possible evolutionary advantages that this confers and contrast this with age-related decline in oocyte quality that results in diminished fertility with advancing maternal age. We believe that a better understanding of these processes would be helpful in developing strategies to preserve fertility as maternal age increases, especially in the context of the current demographic shift with more and more women seeking fertility treatment at advanced age.
How Does a COVID mRNA vaccine
really
work?
Authors: Tichy Walter
Published: July 2021

The most potent weapon against COVID-19 is a vaccine based on messenger RNA (mRNA). The first of these vaccines authorized for use was developed by the German company BioNTech in cooperation with Pfizer, closely followed by the (U.S.-produced) Moderna vaccine. These vaccines send a piece of mRNA into cells of a host. The mRNA instructs the cells to produce masses of the same spike protein that also occurs on the shell of the real coronavirus. The immune system responds by learning to destroy anything showing that protein: if the real virus arrives, the immune system will attack it immediately. This much has been reported widely by the media. But important questions remain. How is mRNA actually synthesized as a transcription of the spike-producing segment of the virus' RNA? How is the selection and replication done? How does mRNA enter a host cell, and how long will it stay there? Will it produce the spike protein forever? Is it perhaps dangerous? And the biggest question of all: How does the immune system record the structure of the foreign protein, how does it recognize the invader, and how is the immune response cranked up? To answer these questions, we bring you a conversation between Ubiquity editor Walter Tichy and his daughter Dr. Evelyn Tichy, an infectious disease expert.
Carnosine, oxidative and carbonyl stress, antioxidants, and muscle fiber characteristics of quadriceps muscle of patients with COPD
Authors: De Brandt J. , Burtin C. , Pomiès P. , Vandenabeele F. , Verboven K. , Aumann J. , Blancquaert L. , Everaert I. , Van Ryckeghem L. , Cops J. , Hayot M. , Spruit M. A. , Derave W.
Published: July 2021

Carnosine, particularly present in fast-twitch fibers, was investigated in the quadriceps of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Carnosine concentration was similar between patients with COPD and healthy controls but was 30% lower in patients with severe/very severe COPD, despite their high proportion of fast-twitch fibers, versus patients with mild/moderate COPD. As no oxidative/carbonyl stress markers or antioxidants were affected, the observed carnosine deficiency is thought to be a possible first sign of muscle redox balance abnormalities.
[Retracted] Predicting the Risk of Depression Based on ECG Using RNN
Authors: Noor Sumaiya Tarannum , Asad Syeda Tasmiah , Khan Mohammad Monirujjaman , Gaba Gurjot Singh , Al-Amri Jehad F. , Masud Mehedi
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a model to predict the risk of depression based on electrocardiogram (ECG). This proposed model uses a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) autoencoder to predict normal, abnormal, and PVC heartbeats. The RNN model is a deep learning‐based model to classify normal, abnormal, and PVC heartbeats. We used the model as a classifier. The model uses a heart rates dataset to predict abnormal and PVC heartbeats. As for the dataset, we have used 5000 ECG samples. The model was trained on a training dataset and validation dataset. After that, it was tested on a test dataset. The model is trained on normal heartbeat rates, so the model can predict any heartbeat rates other than normal. Our contribution here is to build a model that can differentiate between “normal,” “abnormal,” and “risky” heartbeats. Our model predicts “normal” heartbeats with 97.24% accuracy and can predict “PVC” heartbeats with 100% accuracy. Other than the accuracy, we evaluated our model on the training loss graphs. These two types of training loss graphs were evaluated as “normal” versus “risky” and “abnormal” versus “risky.” We have seen great results there as well. The best losses for “normal,” “abnormal,” and “risky” are 5.71, 33.36, and 34.78. However, these results may improve if a larger dataset is used. In studies, it was found that patients suffering from depression may have a different kind of heartbeat than the normal ones. In most cases, it is PVC (Premature Ventricular Contraction) heartbeats. Therefore, the target is to predict abnormal heartbeats and PVC heartbeats.
Automated Detection of Arrhythmia for Hybrid Neural Network of LSTM-Residual with Multi-Information Fusion
Authors: Tao Liang , Liu Baoning , Liang Wei
Published: July 2021

Arrhythmia is a common cardiovascular disease; the electrocardiogram (ECG) is widely used as an effective tool for detecting arrhythmia. However, real-time arrhythmia detection monitoring is difficult, so this study proposes a long short-term memory-residual model. Individual beats provide morphological features and combined with adjacent segments provide temporal features. Our proposed model captures the time-domain and morphological ECG signal information simultaneously and fuses the two information types. At the same time, the attention block is applied to the network to further strengthen the useful information, capture the hidden information in the ECG signal, and improve the model classification performance. Our model was finally trained and tested on the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database, and the entire dataset was divided into intrapatient and interpatient modes. Accuracies of 99.11% and 85.65%, respectively, were obtained under the two modes. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method is an efficient automated detection method.
Image Fusion of Multislice Spiral CT with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the Diagnosis and Nursing of Malignant Bone Diseases Using ANOVA
Authors: Luo Meimei , Yang Run , Zhang Haijie , Wang Yi , Gao Shengmei
Published: July 2021

This work aimed to analyze the diagnostic value of dynamic scanning of multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for benign and malignant bone tumor and nursing intervention. 108 patients with bone tumor were selected as the research objects, all of which underwent MSCT and MRI scans. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of MSCT, MRI, and MSCT + MRI for identifying benign and malignant bone tumors and nursing care were calculated, as well as the diagnostic accuracy of MSCT, MRI, and MSCT + MRI for different bone tumor pathological types. The results showed that the accuracy of MSCT + MRI (97.56%) in distinguishing benign and malignant bone lesions was remarkably higher relative to that of MSCT (85.91%) and MRI (89.85%) (

P
<
0.05

). The sensitivity and specificity of MSCT + MRI (94.85%; 90.52%) in distinguishing benign and malignant bone lesions were obviously greater in contrast to those of MSCT (83.66%; 79.05%) and MRI (86.02%; 81.17%) (

P
<
0.05

). The malignant misdiagnosis rate and malignant missing report rate of MSCT + MRI in distinguishing benign and malignant bone lesions were inferior to those of MSCT and MRI notably (

P
<
0.05

). The accuracy of MSCT + MRI in distinguishing osteosarcoma, giant-cell tumor of bone (GCT), bone cyst, and osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) was evidently higher versus that of MSCT and MRI (

P
<
0.05

). The accuracy of MSCT + MRI in distinguishing osteofibroma and ganglioneuroma was greatly higher than that of MSCT and MRI (

P
<
0.05

). The accuracy of MSCT + MRI in distinguishing osteofibroma and ganglioneuroma was 68.64% and 71.63%, respectively. In short, in contrast to the single MSCT and MRI examination, MSCT combined with MRI detection can effectively improve the accuracy of judgment for benign and malignant bone tumor lesions and nursing care and had higher sensitivity and specificity. MSCT combined with MRI had better performance in identifying osteosarcoma, GCT, bone cyst, and OFD but poor performance in osteofibroma and ganglioneuroma.
Textile Industry Effluent Treatment Techniques
Authors: Adane Teshale , Adugna Amare Tiruneh , Alemayehu Esayas
Published: July 2021

Dyes and other chemicals laden wastewater is a main environmental concern for increasing the textile industries in many parts of the world. Textile industries consume different kinds of manmade dyes or other chemicals and release huge extents of highly polluted water into the environment. This excessive dye laden wastewater has great impacts on photosynthetic activity in aquatic plants and animals, for example, fish. It may also affect human health due to the presence of components like heavy metals and chlorine in manmade dyes. Thus, wastewater effluent from textile industries must be treated before discharge into the water body. Treatment technologies observed in this review paper include biological treatment methods (fungi, algae, bacteria, and microbial fuel cells), chemical treatment methods (photocatalytic oxidation, ozone, and Fenton’s process), and physicochemical treatment methods (adsorption, ion exchange, coagulation, and filtration). This review also includes the hybrid treatment methods and their cost per m3 of treated wastewater analysis. There are alternative wastewater treatments systems at different steps of effluent generated from the textile operational unit recommend in this review work.
Impact of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Implantation of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump on the Outcome of an Acute Total Obstruction of the Left Main Coronary Artery
Authors: Hamayel Hamza , Ismail Yahya , Majadla Sajed , Hamshari Yousef , Daralammouri Yunis
Published: July 2021

Background. Acute total occlusion of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a fatal event; most patients die before reaching hospitals. Few of them reach the hospital alive. Revascularization of the LMCA can be achieved by surgical intervention or percutaneous coronary intervention with unknown optimal modality. However, mortality of those patients is very high even with either; few cases reported successful management of acute total occlusion of the LMCA including our patient. Case Presentation. A 56-year-old male patient who is a smoker presented with typical chest pain worsened 2 hours prior to admission. He was hemodynamically stable, but he had respiratory failure due to pulmonary edema. An electrocardiogram showed anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. He was given loading doses of dual antiplatelet agents, in addition to respiratory support, then transferred immediately to the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Urgent cardiac catheterization showed total occlusion of the LMCA. Recanalization was done successfully, and a stent was inserted in the LMCA and left anterior descending artery. The patient developed cardiogenic shock during the procedure. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was applied which improved his hemodynamic status and enhanced his coronary flow. He is clinically improved, there was resolution of ST elevation, and cardiogenic shock gradually resolved. IABP was removed, and the patient was discharged in good general condition. Conclusions. Survival after acute total occlusion of the LMCA is very rare. The good outcome in this patient is attributed to early recognition and timely successful intervention, with good respiratory and hemodynamic support. The surgical and anaesthesia team should be on stand-by until complete revascularization and stabilization of the patient are achieved.
Multiagent Consensus Control Strategy considering Whole-Process Thermodynamic Characteristics of Air Conditioning Process
Authors: Li Jun , Geng Bo , Lin Zhixian , Chen Min , Shao Liangyou , Zhou Yanmin , Bao Yuqing
Published: July 2021

Due to the distributed and decentralized characteristics of air conditioning load, the distributed control strategy has advantages for the air conditioning load to participate in the demand response. However, existing approaches focus on the dynamic control performance with very few considerations on the cost. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a multiagent consensus control method considering the whole-process response cost of air conditioning. Based on the thermodynamic characteristics of air conditioning load in the load reduction process and recovery process, the cost function curve of air conditioning load is established. Then, the multiagent consensus control strategy is adopted to send the power adjustment information to each air conditioner to realize the optimal control of the air conditioning load. The simulation results verify that the proposed method can take into account the whole-process response cost of air conditioning loads and result in smaller control cost than existing methods.
A Real‐Time Deformation Monitoring Method for Large‐Scale Structure Based on Relay Camera
Authors: He Chuan , Liu Lianxiong , Hu Changhua
Published: July 2021

In the process of the deformation monitoring for large‐scale structure, the mobile vision method is often used. However, most of the existent researches rarely consider the real‐time property and the variation of the intrinsic parameters. This paper proposes a real‐time deformation monitoring method for the large‐scale structure based on a relay camera. First, we achieve the real‐time pose‐position relationship by using the relay camera and the coded mark points whose coordinates are known. The real‐time extrinsic parameters of the measuring camera are then solved according to the constraint relationship between the relay camera and the measuring camera. Second, the real‐time intrinsic parameters of the measuring camera are calculated based on the real‐time constraint relationship among the extrinsic parameters, the intrinsic parameters, and the fundamental matrix. Finally, the coordinates of the noncoded measured mark points, which are affixed to the surface of the structure, are achieved. Experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed method is higher than 1.8 mm. Besides, the proposed method also possesses the real‐time and automation property.
Fixed Points of Monotone Total Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mapping in Hyperbolic Space via New Algorithm
Authors: Kalsoom Amna , Rashid Maliha , Sun Tian-Chuan , Bibi Amna , Ghaffar Abdul , Inc Mustafa , Aly Ayman A.
Published: July 2021

In this article, we consider an extensive class of monotone nonexpansive mappings and introduce a new iteration algorithm to approximate the fixed point for monotone total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in the framework of hyperbolic space. Faster convergence and stability results are proved for that iteration; also, fixed point is approximated numerically in a nontrivial example by using MATLAB.
An Analytical Approach to Study the Blood Flow over a Nonlinear Tapering Stenosed Artery in Flow of Carreau Fluid Model
Authors: Ahmad Riaz , Farooqi Asma , Farooqi Rashada , Hamadneh Nawaf N. , Fayz-Al-Asad Md , Khan Ilyas , Sajid Muhammad , Bary Ghulam , Saleem Khan Muhammad Farooq
Published: July 2021

The current study provides an analytical approach to analyze the blood flow through a stenosed artery by using the Carreau fluid model. The flow governing equations are derived under the consideration of mild stenosis. Mathematical analysis has been carried out by considering the blood as non‐Newtonian nature. Then, the analytical solution has been investigated by using the regular perturbation technique. The solutions obtained by this perturbation are up to the second‐order in dimensionless Weissenberg number (We). The performed computations of various parameter values such as velocity, wall shear stress, shear stress, and resistance impedance at the stenotic throat are discussed in detail for different values of Weissenberg number (We). The obtained results demonstrate that for shear‐thinning fluid, the fluid velocity increases with the increasing parameter m while opposite behavior is observed with the increase in We. Hence, the presented numerical analysis reveals many aspects of the flow by considering the blood as a non‐Newtonian Carreau fluid model, and the presented model can be equally applicable to other bio‐mathematical studies.
Finite-Time

H

∞

Control of Affine Nonlinear Singular Systems Subject to Actuator Saturation
Authors: Sun Liying , Li Meiqing , Yang Renming
Published: July 2021

This paper discusses the finite-time stable and finite-time

H

∞

control problems of affine nonlinear singular systems subject to actuator saturation. Some sufficient conditions, to guarantee the system is finite-time stable, are established for the affine nonlinear singular systems subject to actuator saturation. First, the finite-time stable problem is investigated by the state undecomposed method, and then the finite-time robust

H

∞

control law is presented for the system. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed controllers is shown by an example of a nonlinear singular circuit system in this paper.
Study on the Regulation Effect of Optogenetic Technology on LFP of the Basal Ganglia Nucleus in Rotenone-Treated Rats
Authors: Zhao Zongya , Niu Yanxiang , Chen Peiqi , Zhu Yu , Shi Liangliang , Zhao Xuewei , Wang Chang , Zhang Yehong , Gao Zhixian , Jiang Wenshuai , Ren Wu , Gu Renjun , Yu Yi
Published: July 2021

Background. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurological degenerative disease that cannot be completely cured, although drugs can improve or alleviate its symptoms. Optogenetic technology, which stimulates or inhibits neurons with excellent spatial and temporal resolution, provides a new idea and approach for the precise treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, the neural mechanism of photogenetic regulation remains unclear. Objective. In this paper, we want to study the nonlinear features of EEG signals in the striatum and globus pallidus through optogenetic stimulation of the substantia nigra compact part. Methods. Rotenone was injected stereotactically into the substantia nigra compact area and ventral tegmental area of SD rats to construct rotenone-treated rats. Then, for the optogenetic manipulation, we injected adeno-associated virus expressing channelrhodopsin to stimulate the globus pallidus and the striatum with a 1 mW blue light and collected LFP signals before, during, and after light stimulation. Finally, the collected LFP signals were analyzed by using nonlinear dynamic algorithms. Results. After observing the behavior and brain morphology, 16 models were finally determined to be successful. LFP results showed that approximate entropy and fractal dimension of rats in the control group were significantly greater than those in the experimental group after light treatment (

p
<
0.05

). The LFP nonlinear features in the globus pallidus and striatum of rotenone-treated rats showed significant statistical differences before and after light stimulation (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Optogenetic technology can regulate the characteristic value of LFP signals in rotenone-treated rats to a certain extent. Approximate entropy and fractal dimension algorithm can be used as an effective index to study LFP changes in rotenone-treated rats.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of MoS2/rGO Heterostructures for Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B under Visible Light
Authors: Phan Thi Thuy Trang , Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong , Huu Ha Tran , Truong Thanh Tam , Nguyen Le Tuan , Nguyen Van Thang , Tran Vy Anh , Nguyen Thi Lan , Nguyen Hong Lien , Vo Vien
Published: July 2021

MoS2/rGO composites were synthesized by hydrothermal method from the precursors of MoS2 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) prepared in the former steps. The influence of the synthesis conditions including hydrothermal temperature and mass ratio of MoS2 to rGO on the structure, morphology, and optical absorption capacity of the MoS2/rGO composites was systematically investigated using physicochemical characterizations. The photocatalytic performance of as-prepared samples was investigated on the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light, in which, the composites obtained at hydrothermal temperature of 180°C and MoS2/rGO mass ratio of 4/1 exhibited the highest photodegradation efficiency of approx. 80% after 4 hours of reaction. This enhancement in photocatalytic behaviour of composites could be assigned to the positive effect of rGO in life time expansion of photoinduced electrons—holes.
Sites of Synchronous Distant Metastases, Prognosis, and Nomogram for Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Bone Metastasis: A Large Cohort Retrospective Study
Authors: Fan Zhiyi , Huang Zhangheng , Tong Yuexin , Zhu Zhe , Huang Xiaohui , Sun He
Published: July 2021

Background. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is often associated with metastases at the time of diagnosis, and the bone is one of the most common sites. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the site of synchronous distant metastasis to other organs in SCLC patients with bone metastasis (BM) and develop a robust predictive prognostic model. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the data from patients diagnosed with SCLC with BM in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors. A prognostic nomogram was constructed and evaluated by calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Then, according to the sites of metastasis and treatment modality, all patients were stratified into several subgroups. The relationship among sites of metastasis, treatment modality, and overall survival was then analyzed. Results. A total of 6253 patients were included. Independent prognostic factors for SCLC with BM were age, sex, primary site, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, and marital status. Calibration, ROC curves, and DCA indicated the excellent performance of the prognostic nomogram. The liver is the most common organ for extraskeletal metastases, followed by the lung. Patients with only BM had the longest mean survival time (9.30 ± 0.31 months). In the subgroup analysis, chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for all subgroups. In contrast, radiotherapy showed a positive effect on the prognosis of patients in all subgroups except those with bone and brain metastases and those with bone, lung, and brain metastases. Conclusions. The prognostic nomogram is expected to be an accurate and personalized tool for predicting the prognosis of SCLC patients with BM. Additionally, the determination of the sites of synchronous extraskeletal metastases and the associated prognosis helps in treatment selection.
Vimentin-Rab7a Pathway Mediates the Migration of MSCs and Lead to Therapeutic Effects on ARDS
Authors: Wang Kai , Du Boxiang , Zhang Yan , Wu Congyou , Wang Xiuli , Zhang Xu , Wang Liwei
Published: July 2021

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is difficult to treat and has a high mortality rate. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have an important therapeutic effect in ARDS. While the mechanism of MSC migration to the lungs remains unclear, the role of MSCs is of great clinical significance. To this end, we constructed vimentin knockout mice, extracted bone MSCs from the mice, and used them for the treatment of LPS-induced ARDS. H&E staining and Masson staining of mouse lung tissue allowed us to assess the degree of damage and fibrosis of mouse lung tissue. By measuring serum TNF-α, TGF-β, and INF-γ, we were able to monitor the release of inflammatory factors. Finally, through immunoprecipitation and gene knockout experiments, we identified upstream molecules that regulate vimentin and elucidated the mechanism that mediates MSC migration. As a result, we found that MSCs from wild-type mice can significantly alleviate ARDS and reduce lung inflammation, while vimentin gene knockout reduced the therapeutic effect of MSCs in ARDS. Cytological experiments showed that vimentin gene knockout can significantly inhibit the migration of MSCs and showed that it changes the proliferation and differentiation status of MSCs. Further experiments found that vimentin’s regulation of MSC migration is mainly mediated by Rab7a. Rab7a knockout blocked the migration of MSCs and weakened the therapeutic effect of MSCs in ARDS. In conclusion, we have shown that the Vimentin-Rab7a pathway mediates migration of MSCs and leads to therapeutic effects in ARDS.
Location of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) in the Stomach Predicts Tumor Mutation Profile and Drug Sensitivity
Authors: Sharma Ashwyn K. , de la Torre Jorge , IJzerman Nikki S. , Sutton Thomas L. , Zhao Beiqun , Khan Tahsin M. , Banerjee Sudeep , Cui Christina , Nguyen Vi , Alkhuziem Maha , Snaebjornsson Petur , van Boven Hester , Bruining Annemarie , Tang Chih-Min , Yoon Hyunho , De la Fuente Alexa , Kato Shumei , Patel Hitendra , Heinrich Michael C. , Corless Christopher L. , Horgan Santiago , Burgoyne Adam M. , Fanta Paul , Mesirov Jill P. , Blakely Andrew M. , Davis Jeremy L. , Mayo Skye C. , van Houdt Winan J. , Steeghs Neeltje , Sicklick Jason K.
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) commonly arise in different regions of the stomach and are driven by various mutations (most often in KIT, PDGFRA, and SDHx). We hypothesized that the anatomic location of gastric GIST is associated with unique genomic profiles and distinct driver mutations.

Experimental Design:

We compared KIT versus non-KIT status with tumor location within the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for 2,418 patients with primary gastric GIST. Additionally, we compiled an international cohort (TransAtlantic GIST Collaborative, TAGC) of 236 patients and reviewed sequencing results, cross-sectional imaging, and operative reports. Subgroup analyses were performed for tumors located proximally versus distally. Risk factors for KIT versus non-KIT tumors were identified using multivariate regression analysis. A random forest machine learning model was then developed to determine feature importance.

Results:

Within the NCDB cohort, non-KIT mutants dominated distal tumor locations (P < 0.03). Proximal GIST were almost exclusively KIT mutant (96%) in the TAGC cohort, whereas 100% of PDGFRA and SDH-mutant GIST occurred in the distal stomach. On multivariate regression analysis, tumor location was associated with KIT versus non-KIT mutations. Using random forest machine learning analysis, stomach location was the most important feature for predicting mutation status.

Conclusions:

We provide the first evidence that the mutational landscape of gastric GIST is related to tumor location. Proximal gastric GIST are overwhelmingly KIT mutant, irrespective of morphology or age, whereas distal tumors display non-KIT genomic diversity. Anatomic location of gastric GIST may therefore provide immediate guidance for clinical treatment decisions and selective confirmatory genomic testing when resources are limited.
Overcoming PD-1 Blockade Resistance with CpG-A Toll-Like Receptor 9 Agonist Vidutolimod in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Ribas Antoni , Medina Theresa , Kirkwood John M. , Zakharia Yousef , Gonzalez Rene , Davar Diwakar , Chmielowski Bartosz , Campbell Katie M. , Bao Riyue , Kelley Heather , Morris Aaron , Mauro David , Wooldridge James E. , Luke Jason J. , Weiner George J. , Krieg Arthur M. , Milhem Mohammed M.
Published: July 2021

Patients with advanced melanoma that is resistant to PD-1 blockade therapy have limited treatment options. Vidutolimod (formerly CMP-001), a virus-like particle containing a CpG-A Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist, may reverse PD-1 blockade resistance by triggering a strong IFN response to induce and attract antitumor T cells. In the dose-escalation part of this phase Ib study, vidutolimod was administered intratumorally at escalating doses with intravenous pembrolizumab to 44 patients with advanced melanoma who had progressive disease or stable disease on prior anti–PD-1 therapy. The combination of vidutolimod and pembrolizumab had a manageable safety profile, and durable responses were observed in 25% of patients, with tumor regression in both injected and noninjected lesions, including visceral lesions. Patients who responded to vidutolimod and pembrolizumab had noninflamed tumors at baseline and induction of an IFNγ gene signature following treatment, as well as increased systemic expression of the IFN-inducible chemokine CXCL10.

Significance:

In this phase Ib study in patients with advanced melanoma, intratumoral TLR9 agonist vidutolimod in combination with pembrolizumab had a manageable safety profile and showed promising clinical activity, supporting the further clinical development of vidutolimod to overcome PD-1 blockade resistance through induction of an IFN response.

See related commentary by Sullivan, p. 2960.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2945
Pseudomelanosis Duodeni Appearing after Oral Iron Therapy
Authors: Hirai Yuichiro , Mori Hideki , Fujimoto Ai
Published: July 2021

Pseudomelanosis duodeni is a rare condition characterized by the endoscopic appearance of diffuse dark pigmentation of the duodenal mucosa. It is typically seen in older women and has been reported to be associated with hypertension, chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and the use of medications such as oral iron, furosemide, thiazide, hydralazine, and propranolol. We present a case of pseudomelanosis duodeni appearing after 2 years of oral iron therapy in an 85-year-old woman. Although oral iron supplementation seemed the strongest possible etiology, our patient had multiple comorbidities and was on other medications that have been described as associations. The majority of individuals taking oral iron or under these clinical conditions do not develop this entity; some other factors in patients may be responsible for its occurrence.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Developing Fistula or Organ Perforation in Patients Treated with Lenvatinib for Radioiodine-Refractory Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Valerio Laura , Giani Carlotta , Agate Laura , Molinaro Eleonora , Viola David , Bottici Valeria , Matrone Antonio , Puleo Luciana , Lorusso Loredana , Cappagli Virginia , Ribechini Alessandro , Elisei Rossella
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors represent a better treatment in patients with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAI-R DTC). Lenvatinib is usually well-tolerated, but sometimes, it is associated with serious and even life-threatening side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of and the potential risk factors for fistula and/or organ perforation in RAI-R DTC patients treated with lenvatinib. Methods: This study included data from advanced and progressive RAI-R DTC patients treated with lenvatinib from February 2011 to February 2020 who were followed up at a single center. The clinical-pathological features and the biochemical and morphological results of the patients were collected at the time of starting lenvatinib and during the follow-up. Results: Fourteen of 95 (14.7%) locally advanced or metastatic RAI-R DTC patients treated with lenvatinib developed a fistula or organ perforation. Nine of 14 (64.3%) patients had tumor infiltration of the trachea, bronchus, esophagus, pleura, or bladder. Five of 14 (35.7%) had a bowel perforation, but only 2 had preexisting diverticulosis. Evaluation of the risk factors for developing a fistula or organ perforation showed that the presence of tumor infiltration and the tumor histology (papillary and poorly differentiated vs. follicular and Hurthle thyroid cancer) were significantly correlated with the development of a fistula or organ perforation (p = 0.003 and p = 0.02, respectively). In the subgroup of patients with tumor infiltration, we found that the papillary thyroid cancer histotype was the only potential predictor of fistula development. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT), the starting dose of lenvatinib, and the duration of treatment were not relevant for the development of fistula. Conclusions: In metastatic thyroid cancer patients treated with lenvatinib, the presence of tumor infiltration and histological type should be considered as potential risk factors for the development of fistula or organ perforation, although they do not represent an absolute contraindication. Although EBRT and the presence of diverticulosis were not significantly associated with the development of fistula and organ perforation, they should be regarded as potential additional reasons for the development of these complications. According to our findings, there is no reason to start lenvatinib at a lower daily dose when tumor infiltration is present.