bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is it time to use real-world data from primary care in Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Ponjoan Anna , Garre-Olmo Josep , Blanch Jordi , Fages Ester , Alves-Cabratosa Lia , Martí-Lluch Ruth , Comas-Cufí Marc , Parramon Dídac , Garcia-Gil María , Ramos Rafel
Published: May 2020

Background

The analysis of real-world data in clinical research is rising, but its use to study dementia subtypes has been hardly addressed. We hypothesized that real-world data might be a powerful tool to update AD epidemiology at a lower cost than face-to-face studies, to estimate the prevalence and incidence rates of AD in Catalonia (Southern Europe), and to assess the adequacy of real-world data routinely collected in primary care settings for epidemiological research on AD.

Methods

We obtained data from the System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) database, which contains anonymized information of > 80% of the Catalan population. We estimated crude and standardized incidence rates and prevalences (95% confidence intervals (CI)) of AD in people aged at least 65 years living in Catalonia in 2016.

Results

Age- and sex-standardized prevalence and incidence rate of AD were 3.1% (95%CI 2.7–3.6) and 4.2 per 1000 person-years (95%CI 3.8–4.6), respectively. Prevalence and incidence were higher in women and in the oldest people.

Conclusions

Our incidence and prevalence estimations were slightly lower than the recent face-to-face studies conducted in Spain and higher than other analyses of electronic health data from other European populations. Real-world data routinely collected in primary care settings could be a powerful tool to study the epidemiology of AD.
An improved content-based outlier detection method for ICS intrusion detection
Authors: Li Huiping , Wang Bin , Xie Xin
Published: May 2020

Due to the complexity of industrial control systems and the diversity of protocols in networks, it is difficult to build intrusion detection models based on network characteristics and physical modeling. In order to build a better flow model without additional knowledge, we propose an intrusion detection method based on the content of network packets. The construction of the model is based on the idea of ZOE method. The similarity between flows is calculated through the sequential coverage algorithm, the normal flow model is established by multi-layered clustering algorithm, and the Count-Mean-Min Sketch is used to store and count the flow model. By comparing the unknown flow with the constructed normal flow model, we achieve the intrusion detection of industrial control system (ICS). The overall experimental results on 4 ICS datasets show that the improved method can effectively improve the detection rate and reduce the false-positive rate. The detection rate reached 96.7% on average, and the false-positive rate reached 0.7% on average.
Tax4Fun2: prediction of habitat-specific functional profiles and functional redundancy based on 16S rRNA gene sequences
Authors: Wemheuer Franziska , Taylor Jessica A. , Daniel Rolf , Johnston Emma , Meinicke Peter , Thomas Torsten , Wemheuer Bernd
Published: May 2020

Background

Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes has become a powerful technique to study microbial communities and their responses towards changing environmental conditions in various ecosystems. Several tools have been developed for the prediction of functional profiles from 16S rRNA gene sequencing data, because numerous questions in ecosystem ecology require knowledge of community functions in addition to taxonomic composition. However, the accuracy of these tools relies on functional information derived from genomes available in public databases, which are often not representative of the microorganisms present in the studied ecosystem. In addition, there is also a lack of tools to predict functional gene redundancy in microbial communities.

Results

To address these challenges, we developed Tax4Fun2, an R package for the prediction of functional profiles and functional gene redundancies of prokaryotic communities from 16S rRNA gene sequences. We demonstrate that functional profiles predicted by Tax4Fun2 are highly correlated to functional profiles derived from metagenomes of the same samples. We further show that Tax4Fun2 has higher accuracies than PICRUSt and Tax4Fun. By incorporating user-defined, habitat-specific genomic information, the accuracy and robustness of predicted functional profiles is substantially enhanced. In addition, functional gene redundancies predicted with Tax4Fun2 are highly correlated to functional gene redundancies determined for simulated microbial communities.

Conclusions

Tax4Fun2 provides researchers with a unique tool to predict and investigate functional profiles of prokaryotic communities based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. It is easy-to-use, platform-independent and highly memory-efficient, thus enabling researchers without extensive bioinformatics knowledge or access to high-performance clusters to predict functional profiles. Another unique feature of Tax4Fun2 is that it allows researchers to calculate the redundancy of specific functions, which is a potentially important measure of how resilient a community will be to environmental perturbation. Tax4Fun2 is implemented in R and freely available at https://github.com/bwemheu/Tax4Fun2.
The long-term course of fatigue following breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Biering Karin , Frydenberg Morten , Pappot Helle , Hjollund Niels Henrik
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Fatigue following breast cancer is a well-known problem, with both high and persistent prevalence. Previous studies suffer from lack of repeated measurements, late recruitment and short periods of follow-up. The course of fatigue from diagnosis and treatment to the long-time outcome status is unknown as well as differences in the level of fatigue between treatment regimens. The purpose of this study was to describe the long-time course of fatigue from the time of clinical suspicion of breast cancer, its dependence of patient characteristics and treatment regimens and the comparison with the course of fatigue among women with the same suspicion, but not diagnosed with breast cancer.

Methods

Three hundred thirty-two women referred to acute or subacute mammography was followed with questionnaires from before the mammography and up to 1500 days. Fatigue was measured by the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). The women reported their initial level of fatigue before the mammography and thus without knowledge of whether they had cancer or not. Both women with and without cancer were followed. Women with cancer were identified in the clinical database established by Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group (DBCG) to collect information on treatment regimen.

Results

Compared to fatigue scores before diagnosis, women with breast cancer reported a large increase of fatigue, especially in the first 6 months, followed by a slow decrease over time. Despite the long follow-up period, the women with breast cancer did not return to their level of fatigue at time of the mammography. Women without breast cancer, experienced a rapid decrease of fatigue after disproval of diagnosis followed by a steadier period.

Conclusions

Fatigue is a persistent problem in women diagnosed with breast cancer, even several years following diagnosis and treatment. The women with breast cancer were most affected by fatigue in the first 6 months after diagnosis.
Morphological, molecular, and pathogenicity characteristics of the native isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae against the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Birhan Aynalem , Muleta Diriba , Venegas Juan , Assefa Fassil
Published: May 2020

The South American tomato leafminer,Tuta absoluta(Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a newly introduced and a major threat of tomato production in Ethiopia. Laboratory bioassay was conducted to evaluate locally isolatedMetarhizium anisopliae(Metsch.) (Sorokin), against larvae ofT. absoluta. Twenty-fiveMetarhiziumisolates were isolated from different soil types, using the great wax moth,Galleria mellonellaL. baiting method. From these, 13 isolates were prescreened by biological efficiency index model and tested against 2nd and 3rd larval instars ofT. absolutaat the concentration of 107spores ml−1. Sterile water plus Tween 80 (0.1% v/v) was used as a control. Greenhouse reared larvae ofT. absolutawere used as experimental organisms. All testedMetarhiziumformulations were pathogenic toT. absolutain all conducted bioassays. Three isolates, AAUM78, AAUM39, and AAUM76, were the most effective and scored 88, 90, and 95% and 90, 93.3, and 95.7% mortality against 2nd and 3rd larval instars ofT. absoluta, respectively. The lowest (48.5 and 50%) mortality rate was recorded by isolate AAUM30 against 2nd and 3rd larval instars, respectively, in 7 days post inoculation. However, all isolates showed significant statistical differences withF(24, 50) = 6.825,p< 0.001 andF(23, 15) = 3.97,p< 0.001 of mortality to 2nd and 3rd larval instars, respectively. Molecular analysis categorized these selected isolates under species ofM. anisopliaeand grouped into 2 different groups. AAUM78 and AAUM39 were recorded LT50values of 3.93 and 3.5 days at the lowest (104spore ml−1) concentration and LC50values of 1.2 × 103and 2.9 × 103spore ml−1, respectively. Although AAUM78 and AAUM39 were virulent to the target pest, further field evaluation is required to determine their potential efficacy forT. absolutacontrol.
Serum progranulin/tumor necrosis factor-α ratio as independent predictor of systolic blood pressure in overweight hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaur Jasmine , Mukheja Supriya , Varma Sudhir , Kalra Harpreet Singh , Khosa Bipanjeet Singh , Vohra Kanchan
Published: May 2020

Background

Vascular inflammation plays a key role in the progression of hypertension. Progranulin (PGRN), an anti-inflammatory growth factor, mediated inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a pleiotropic cytokine, activity has been well-established. Despite the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in hypertension, serum levels of PGRN and PGRN/TNF-α ratio and, their association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure has not been determined in hypertensive patients till now. This study aims to find and correlate the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α), anti-inflammatory growth factor (PGRN), and PGRN/TNF-α ratio with the blood pressure in systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH) and isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) patients.

Results

A cross-sectional study was conducted on SDH patients (mean age, 52.95 ± 12.6 years; male/female (M/F) number = 15/10) and ISH patients (mean age, 55.80 ± 9.40 years; M/F number = 12/13) (n= 25 each). Twenty-five age and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy subjects (mean age, 56.00 ± 8.55 years; male/female number = 11/14) were considered as control. All patients and healthy subjects were overweight (BMI, 25–30 kg/m2). Overnight fasting blood samples of subjects were taken and levels of PGRN and TNF-α were measured using ELISA diagnostic kits. PGRN and TNF-α levels were found significantly high, whereas PGRN/TNF ratio was found very low, in SDH and ISH patients as compared to healthy subjects. Reduced PGRN/TNF-α ratio and pulse pressure were found as independent predictors of SBP both in SDH and ISH patients.

Conclusions

Findings of elevated PGRN levels in response to raised TNF-α levels depict the counter regulation by PGRN to neutralize TNF-α. Findings of reduced PGRN/TNF ratio, and it being an independent predictor of SBP, ascertain the key role of imbalance in pro- and anti-inflammatory environment in hypertension. Thus, it strengthens the cross-link between the concept of immunity–adiposity–inflammation–blood pressure¸ a vicious network. Further, this cross-link of SBP and progranulin must be explored in longitudinal studies. New researches should be focused not only on impact of pro-inflammatory environment rather to find on a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory status, so that new target sites could be explored for therapeutic management of hypertension.
Ophthalmic artery chemosurgery for retinoblastoma: an initial 3-year experience from two major institutes in Egypt
Authors: Othman Moustafa H , Hassan Farouk , Ibrahim Hamdy M , Ahmed Eman Aboelhamd , Yassa George , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed S , Rateb Mahmoud F. , Riad Khaled F , Kamaleldeen Eman B , Mohamed Mohamed Abou Bakr , Hassan Shimaa Abbas , Thabet Amr M , Elsawy Saied Metwaly , Hamed Rasha Ahmed , Imbaby Ahmed Said , Soliman Radwa Kamel
Published: May 2020

Background

Intra-arterial chemotherapy has shown promising results and improved the prognosis of retinoblastoma in the developed countries. Here, we aim to report our initial experience, in Egypt, in the treatment of all stages of naïve retinoblastoma with ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC), using melphalan.

Results

The technique was successful in 23 out of 26 eyes. Overall, a total of 63 treatment sessions were performed. Ophthalmic artery catheterization was performed in 59 treatment sessions, whereas middle meningeal artery catheterization was performed in 4 treatment sessions. Adequate tumor control was achieved in 95.6%. Progression has developed in one eye after the third OAC session. The mean follow-up period was 18.5 months. Recurrence of the main tumor as well as vitreous and subretinal seeds was reported in one eye after 19-month duration. A globe salvage rate of 91.3% was attained. No metastasis was recorded, and all patients were alive within the stated follow-up period.

Conclusion

A high globe salvage rate along with metastasis free survival and mild complications were achieved. Therefore, our initial experience with OAC in primary retinoblastoma proved to be safe and effective.
Solution properties and comparative antimicrobial efficacy study of different brands of toothpaste of Nepal
Authors: Chaudhary Narendra Kumar , Guragain Biswash , Lamichhane-Khadka Reena , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: May 2020

Background

The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of toothpaste formulations in giving total protection to the oral cavity. So, three important solution properties: surface tension, conductivity, and pH measurements, have been investigated for eight kinds of commercial herbal and non-herbal based toothpaste of Nepal. The study was extended to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of toothpaste formulations against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), and this was done by standard agar well diffusion technique. Amikacin (30 μg/disk) was used as a positive control to compare the antibacterial potency of the investigated toothpaste.

Results

The surface tension of all toothpaste formulations increased with the decrease in concentration. However, the conductivity of the formulations decreased with the decrease in concentration. The highest pH of 8.24 was recorded for Dabur Super Salt (DSS) and all values were found to be higher in tap water solutions. All toothpaste formulations showed significant growth inhibition against both S. aureus and E. coli. The overall antibacterial sensitivity of Dabur Red (DR) is higher for S. aureus. The solid material content was found to be highest for Dabur Herbal Gel (DHG) and lowest for Pepsodent (PD).

Conclusion

The findings of the present study showed all toothpaste formulations as effective in inhibiting the growth of tested bacterial species. Toothpaste formulations were found slightly alkaline, which favors bacterial growth inhibition. Increasing surface tension and decreasing conductivity value of toothpaste relative to a decrease in concentration favor its desirable cleansing action.
Recent Advances in Managing Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: DeAngelo Daniel J. , Jabbour Elias , Advani Anjali
Published: May 2020

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by chromosomal translocations and somatic mutations that lead to leukemogenesis. The incorporation of pediatric-type regimens has improved survival in young adults, and the incorporation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive disease has led to further improvements in outcomes. However, older patients often have poor-risk biology and reduced tolerance to chemotherapy, leading to lower remission rates and overall survival. Regardless of age, patients with relapsed or refractory ALL have extremely poor outcomes. The advent of next-generation sequencing has facilitated the revolution in understanding the genetics of ALL. New genetic risk stratification together with the ability to measure minimal residual disease, leukemic blasts left behind after cytotoxic chemotherapy, has led to better tools to guide postremission approaches—that is, consolidation chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In this article, we discuss the evolving and complex genetic landscape of ALL and the emerging therapeutic options for patients with relapsed/refractory ALL and older patients with ALL.
How Technology Is Improving the Multidisciplinary Care of Sarcoma
Authors: Schaefer Inga-Marie , Hong Kelvin , Kalbasi Anusha
Published: May 2020

Sarcomas are rare tumors but comprise a wide histologic spectrum. Advances in technology have emerged to address the biologic complexity and challenging diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The diagnostic approach to sarcomas has historically been based on morphologic features, but technologic advances in immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic/molecular testing have transformed the interdisciplinary work-up of mesenchymal neoplasms in recent years. On the therapeutic side, technologic advances in the delivery of radiation have made it a linchpin in the treatment of localized and oligometastatic sarcoma. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the pathologic diagnosis of sarcomas and discuss select sarcoma types that illustrate how newly discovered diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers have refined existing classification schemes and substantially shaped our diagnostic approach. Such examples include conventional and epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), emerging entities in the group of round cell sarcomas, and other mesenchymal neoplasms with distinct cytogenetic aberrations. Recent advances in radiation oncology, including intensity-modulated, stereotactic, MRI-guided, and proton radiotherapy (RT), will be reviewed in the context of neoadjuvant or adjuvant localized soft-tissue sarcoma and oligometastatic or oligoprogressive disease. Innovations in translational research are expected to be introduced into clinical practice over the next few years and will likely continue to affect the rapidly evolving field of sarcoma diagnostics and therapy.
Selective CDK4/6 Inhibitors: Biologic Outcomes, Determinants of Sensitivity, Mechanisms of Resistance, Combinatorial Approaches, and Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers
Authors: Knudsen Erik S. , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Keyomarsi Khandan
Published: May 2020

CDK4/6 inhibitors are now part of the standard armamentarium for hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. In this article, we review the biologic outcomes imposed by these drugs on cancer cells, determinants of response, mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance, as well as combinatorial approaches emanating from mechanistic studies that may allow use of these agents to extend beyond breast cancer. In addition, we will address tumor-, imaging-, and blood-based pharmacodynamic biomarkers that can inform rationally designed trials as clinical development continues.
Outcome and Late Complications of Hepatoblastomas Treated Using the Japanese Study Group for Pediatric Liver Tumor 2 Protocol
Authors: Hiyama Eiso , Hishiki Tomoro , Watanabe Kenichiro , Ida Kohmei , Ueda Yuka , Kurihara Sho , Yano Michihiro , Hoshino Ken , Yokoi Akiko , Takama Yuichi , Nogami Yuki , Taguchi Tomoaki , Mori Makiko , Kihira Kentaro , Miyazaki Osamu , Fuji Hiroshi , Honda Shohei , Iehara Tomoko , Kazama Takuro , Fujimura Junya , Tanaka Yukichi , Inoue Takeshi , Tajiri Tatsuro , Kondo Satoshi , Oue Takaharu , Yoshimura Kenichi
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

We report here the outcomes and late effects of the Japanese Study Group for Pediatric Liver Tumors (JPLT)-2 protocol, on the basis of cisplatin-tetrahydropyranyl-adriamycin (CITA) with risk stratification according to the pretreatment extent of disease (PRETEXT) classification for hepatoblastoma (HB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1999 to 2012, 361 patients with untreated HB were enrolled. PRETEXT I/II patients were treated with up-front resection, followed by low-dose CITA (stratum 1) or received low-dose CITA, followed by surgery and postoperative chemotherapy (stratum 2). In the remaining patients, after 2 cycles of CITA, responders received the CITA regimen before resection (stratum 3), and nonresponders were switched to ifosfamide, pirarubicin, etoposide, and carboplatin (ITEC; stratum 4). Intensified chemotherapeutic regimens with autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (SCT) after resection were an optional treatment for patients with refractory/metastatic disease.

RESULTS

The 5-year event-free and overall survival rates of HB patients were 74.2% and 89.9%, respectively, for stratum 1, 84.8% and 90.8%%, respectively, for stratum 2, 71.6% and 85.9%%, respectively, for stratum 3, and 59.1% and 67.3%%, respectively, for stratum 4. The outcomes for CITA responders were significantly better than those for nonresponders, whose outcomes remained poor despite salvage therapy with a second-line ITEC regimen or SCT. The late effects, ototoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and delayed growth, occurred in 61, 18, and 47 patients, respectively. Thirteen secondary malignant neoplasms (SMNs), including 10 leukemia, occurred, correlating with higher exposure to pirarubicin and younger age at diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The JPLT-2 protocol achieved up-front resectability in PRETEXT I/II patients with no annotation factors, and satisfactory survival in patients who were CITA responders in the remaining patients. However, outcomes for CITA nonresponders were unsatisfactory, despite therapy intensification with ITEC regimens and SCT. JPLT-2 had a relatively low incidence of cardiotoxicity but high rates of SMNs.
Implementation of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy From a Randomized Controlled Trial Setting to National Practice
Authors: Markar Sheraz R. , Ni Melody , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , van der Werf Leonie , Straatman Jennifer , van der Peet Donald , Cuesta Miguel A. , Hanna George B. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Upper GI Cancer Audit and TIME Study Group
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the external validity of the randomized TIME trial, when minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) was implemented nationally in the Netherlands, using data from the Dutch Upper GI Cancer Audit (DUCA) for transthoracic esophagectomy.

METHODS

Original patient data from the TIME trial were extracted along with data from the DUCA dataset (2011-2017). Multivariate analysis, with adjustment for patient factors, tumor factors, and year of surgery, was performed for the effect of MIE versus open esophagectomy on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred fifteen patients from the TIME trial (59 MIE v 56 open) and 4,605 patients from the DUCA dataset (2,652 MIE v 1,953 open) were included. In the TIME trial, univariate analysis showed that MIE reduced pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay. On the contrary, in the DUCA dataset, MIE was associated with increased total and pulmonary complications and reoperations; however, benefits included increased proportion of R0 margin and lymph nodes harvested, and reduced 30-day mortality. Multivariate analysis from the TIME trial showed that MIE reduced pulmonary complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.61). In the DUCA dataset, MIE was associated with increased total complications (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.57), pulmonary complications (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.74), reoperations (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.42 to 2.14), and length of hospital stay. Multivariate analysis of the combined and MIE datasets showed that inclusion in the TIME trial was associated with a reduction in reoperations, Clavien-Dindo grade > 1 complications, and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

When adopted nationally outside the TIME trial, MIE was associated with an increase in total and pulmonary complications and reoperation rate. This may reflect nonexpert surgeons outside of high-volume centers performing this minimally invasive technique in a nonstandardized fashion outside of a controlled environment.
Reader Response Joins the Resistance
Authors: Bickman Martin
Published: May 2020

Formerly, to be a radical teacher one had to be a Marxist, but in the past three years, a simple commitment to honesty, empathy, and democratic community has become an act of resistance. Examining three examples of reader-response criticism suggests how one can apply these values to deepen receptivity to literature and create a sense of agency and dialogue between students and teachers.
Modeling human epigenetic disorders in mice: Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome and Silver-Russell Syndrome
Authors: Chang Suhee , Bartolomei Marisa S.
Published: May 2020

Genomic imprinting, a phenomenon where the two parental alleles are regulated differently, is observed in mammals, marsupials and a few other species, including seed-bearing plants. Dysregulation of genomic imprinting can cause developmental disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS). In this review, we discuss 1) how various (epi)genetic lesions lead to the dysregulation of clinically relevant imprinted loci and 2) how such perturbations may contribute to the developmental defects in BWS and SRS. Given that the regulatory mechanisms of most imprinted clusters are well conserved between mice and humans, numerous mouse models of BWS and SRS have been generated. These mouse models are key to understanding how mutations at imprinted loci result in pathological phenotypes in humans, although there are some limitations. This review focuses on how the biological findings obtained from innovative mouse models explain clinical features of BWS and SRS.
Case Report: The efficacy of early phacoemulsification in the intraocular pressure control in primary angle closure glaucoma associated with cataract in a young female
Authors: Leferman Carmen-Ecaterina , Cazacut Madalina , Ciubotaru Alin Dumitru
Published: May 2020

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world, second only to cataract. Among different types of glaucoma, irreversible bilateral visual impairment is more common in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients. PACG and cataract often coexist and are both more prevalent among the elderly population, being rare in children and young adults.

Here, we discuss the case of a 39-year-old Caucasian woman with unilateral PACG associated with cataract. The patient presented with a several-day history of left sided headache, decreased and blurred vision as well as pain and redness of the left eye (LE). She reported similar episodes in the previous year. Visual acuity (VA) of the LE was limited to counting fingers and intra-ocular pressure (IOP) of the LE was 42 mmHg. Anterior segment examination of the LE revealed: edematous cornea, a peripheral anterior chamber depth corresponding to Van Herick’s grade 0, mid-dilated pupil and lens opacities with visible glaukomflecken. Gonioscopic evaluation revealed iridotrabecular contact for 360º, no visible angle structures and a flat–mild convex iris contour. The digital image of the optic disc suggested only a thinning of neuro-retinal rim at the lower pole. Following treatment of the initial symptoms, phacoemulsification with intra-ocular lens implant was performed. IOP improved and no IOP-lowering medication was required. The patient was monitored for VA, IOP, field of vision changes, and optic disc evaluation every six months for 2 years and no glaucomatous change occurred. The patient also denied ocular symptoms during this period.

This case supports the effectiveness of early phacoemulsification in the IOP control in patients with PACG.
Update to device-related pressure ulcers: SECURE prevention. COVID-19, face masks and skin damage
Authors: Gefen Amit , Ousey Karen
Published: May 2020

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the effects of device-related pressure ulcers (DRPU) into sharp focus. With the increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks, continuous positive airway pressure (CAPP) masks and other devices, the incidence of DRPUs among health professionals and patients alike has risen starkly. As such, the Journal of Wound Care (JWC) consensus document, Device-related pressure ulcers: SECURE prevention, published in February 2020, is more relevant than ever. To help support patients and frontline health professionals, JWC is republishing the consensus in a digital format, along with a new introductory article outlining the DRPU risks posed by PPE and other medical devices used by patients and health professionals during the pandemic, and how the skin damage can be avoided. The aim is to provide frontline staff with a clear, simple strategy on how to prevent the risk of personal skin damage and/or DRPU during the pandemic, as well as point them in the direction of more indepth guidance on long-term strategies for prevention, for both themselves and patients.
The effect of self-treatment of wounds on quality of life: a qualitative study
Authors: Kapp Suzanne , Santamaria Nick
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Skin wounds, such as leg ulcers and pressure ulcers (PUs), can have a negative effect on quality of life (QoL). This effect has been confirmed among self-treaters of wounds, specifically. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of self-treatment of wounds on the physical, emotional, lifestyle and financial domains of QoL. The findings of the study may be used to optimise the wellbeing of people who have wounds.

Method:

A qualitative study was conducted with people who were 18 years of age or older; lived in Victoria, Australia; spoke English; and had a wound that they had self-treated. Participants were interviewed and the data thematically analysed to identify themes that represented the effect of self-treatment on the physical, emotional, lifestyle and financial domains of QoL.

Results:

The participants (n=25) averaged 71 years of age and the majority (n=20) had leg wounds. Participants described mostly positive effects on QoL that were attributable to self-treatment. Self-treatment improved physical wellbeing because it resulted in better pain management and wound healing; however, it was a physical challenge for some. Self-treatment enhanced emotional wellbeing because it helped to manage worry about infection and resolve dissatisfaction with professional care. Self-treatment lessened the social consequences of the wound by enabling participants to create an acceptable appearance, maintain their lifestyle and minimise time receiving professional care. Self-treatment reduced the financial cost of wound dressings and the expense associated with receiving professional care.

Conclusion:

As an approach to care, self-treatment of wounds may offer QoL gains that might otherwise be unachievable. The importance of engaging patients in their own management, and the increasing accountability of healthcare providers to report consumer-focused outcomes, are further reasons to consider self-treatment of wounds as an approach to care in the community setting.
Pain control and early wound healing effect using sitz bath with ozonised water after haemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Kim Joo Hyung , Kim Dae Hyun , Baik Sae Yun , Lee Yong Pyo
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Studies have shown that ozone in an aqueous state on a scar, because of its antibacterial effect, aids wound-healing. This study aimed to compare the pain control effect, based on the time to wound healing, of using a sitz bath with ozonised water with that of using a sitz bath with ordinary tap water in patients who have had a haemorrhoidectomy.

Method:

Patients were divided into two equal-sized groups: Group O used a sitz bath with ozonised water after haemorrhoidectomy and patients in Group T used a sitz bath with ordinary tap water. Different concentrations (1ppm, 2ppm and 4ppm) of ozonized water were tested to determine their bactericidal activities. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (ranging from 0–10 where 0 is ‘no pain’ and 10 is ‘unbearable pain’), on days two, three and seven. Cohort analysis was retrospectively performed on the prospectively randomised collected data for this study.

Results:

A total of 80 patients participated in the study. No case showed any signs of bacterial growth. On postoperative day seven, patients in Group O showed a significantly lower pain level than those in Group T (1.35±0.48 versus 2.40±0.9; p<0.001). The time needed for anus scars to be completely healed was significantly shorter for Group O than that for Group T (2.75±0.63 weeks versus 3.85±0.80 weeks; p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that using a sitz bath with ozonised water reduced pain and accelerated healing in patients who have had a haemorrhoidectomy.
Evolving expertise for automated lens optimization
Authors: Gannon Caleb , Liang Rongguang
Published: May 2020

We present a process to locate the desired local optimum of high-dimensional design problems such as the optimization of freeform mirror systems. By encoding active design variables into a binary vector imitating DNA sequences, we are able to perform a genetic optimization of the optimization process itself. The end result is an optimization route that is effectively able to sidestep local minima by warping the variable space around them in a way that mimics the expertise of veteran designers. The generality of the approach is validated through the automated generation of high-performance designs for off-axis three- and four-mirror free-form systems.
Thermal compensation of molded silicone optics
Authors: Lyons Nicholas P. , Cui Sifang , Ketchum Remington S. , Kim Kyung-Jo , Norwood Robert A.
Published: May 2020

Optical grade silicone has various properties that make it attractive for solar concentrators, such as excellent transmission across the solar spectrum and flexible moldability for freeform profiles. In this study, a glass–silicone lens structure is proposed to reduce the optothermal effect on the silicone lens. Experimental measurements and simulation modeling results demonstrate that the focal length sensitivity of the glass–silicone lens with respect to temperature can be reduced by a factor of 10 when compared to a silicone lens alone. This model has been extended to the simulation of a proposed two-stage silicone solar concentrator, consisting of an array of acylindrical lenslets and rows of waveguides that focus light onto microphotovoltaic cells. The optical efficiency of the solar concentration system showed a change of less than 10% compared to the efficiency at room temperature for temperature changes from

−

10

∘

C

to 70°C.
Automatic stent reconstruction in optical coherence tomography based on a deep convolutional model
Authors: Wu Peng , Gutiérrez-Chico Juan Luis , Tauzin Hélène , Yang Wei , Li Yingguang , Yu Wei , Chu Miao , Guillon Benoît , Bai Jingfeng , Meneveau Nicolas , Wijns William , Tu Shengxian
Published: May 2020

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) can accurately assess stent apposition and expansion, thus enabling the optimisation of a stenting procedure to minimize the risk of device failure. This paper presents a deep convolutional based model for automatic detection and segmentation of stent struts. The input of pseudo-3D images aggregated the information from adjacent frames to refine the probability of strut detection. In addition, multi-scale shortcut connections were implemented to minimize the loss of spatial resolution and refine the segmentation of strut contours. After training, the model was independently tested in 21,363 cross-sectional images from 170 IVOCT image pullbacks. The proposed model obtained excellent segmentation (0.907 Dice and 0.838 Jaccard) and detection metrics (0.943 precision, 0.940 recall and 0.936 F1-score), significantly better than conventional features-based algorithms. This performance was robust and homogenous among IVOCT pullbacks with different sources of acquisition (clinical centres, imaging operators, type of stent, time of acquisition and challenging scenarios). In addition, excellent agreement between the model and a commercialized software was observed in the quantification of clinically relevant parameters. In conclusion, the deep-convolutional model can accurately detect stent struts in IVOCT images, thus enabling the fully-automatic quantification of stent parameters in an extremely short time. It might facilitate the application of quantitative IVOCT analysis in real-world clinical scenarios.
Precise phase theory for accuracy improvement in a fiber probe interferometer for nanometric sensing, taking into account fiber coupling
Authors: Yoshino Toshihiko
Published: May 2020

In a single-mode-fiber probe type of interferometer, the effect of fiber coupling on the sensing performance is theoretically comprehensively investigated in order to analyze and improve the achievable sensing accuracy for nanometric sensing. In both direct and via-lens coupling schemes for the interferometer, the scale factors to deduce optical path length change from the measured phase are analytically and numerically examined in terms of deviation from the plane wave assumption of conventional use. It is manifested that the scale factor deviation is of considerable magnitude in the case of direct coupling, but, by the incorporation of suitable collimating optics for coupling, the degree of deviation can be drastically reduced to as small as typically

10

−
8

, supporting achievement of ultrahigh accuracy such as picometer in displacement sensing. The effect of reflector tilting is also addressed.
Observation of four Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou recurrences in an ultra-low-loss optical fiber
Authors: Vanderhaegen Guillaume , Szriftgiser Pascal , Kudlinski Alexandre , Conforti Matteo , Trillo Stefano , Droques Maxime , Mussot Arnaud
Published: May 2020

We report the experimental observation of more than four Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou recurrences in an optical fiber thanks to an ultra-low loss optical fiber and to an active loss compensation system. We observe both regular (in-phase) and symmetry-broken (phase-shifted) recurrences, triggered by the input phase. Experimental results are confirmed by numerical simulations.
Augmented reality display based on photo-thermo-refractive glass planar waveguide
Authors: Odinokov S. B. , Shishova M. V. , Markin V. V. , Lushnikov D. S. , Zherdev A. Y. , Solomashenko A. B. , Kuzmin D. V. , Nikonorov N. V. , Ivanov S. A.
Published: May 2020

An augmented reality display based on a planar waveguide made in photo-thermo-refractive glass had been demonstrated. The monolithic integration of multiplexed volume Bragg gratings with the waveguide platform provided in/out-coupling and image transmission from a portable projector. Design and calculation of the grating configuration was performed. The optical replication method was simulated and implemented for manufacturing the multiplexed coupling elements. Resulted field of view was limited by the projection system of the prototype, however can be expanded beyond 50o.
Doubling the acquisition rate by spatial multiplexing of holograms in coherent sparse coded aperture correlation holography
Authors: Hai Nathaniel , Rosen Joseph
Published: May 2020

Optical, spatial, or temporal multiplexing is a well-known approach to optimize the performance of imaging systems. Following the recent discovery about the capability to record a coherent hologram in an interferenceless working mode, we propose a motionless method to spatially multiplex more than one hologram in a single camera exposure. Using the rather simple multiplexing framework based on coded aperture correlation holography, we effectively increase the acquisition rate of dynamic scenes and the holographic data compression by two-fold. Quantitative or qualitative phase microscopy and acquisition of a bipolar hologram from a single camera shot, experimentally confirm the applicability of the suggested technique.
Análisis espacial del Índice de Sustentabilidad Ambiental Urbana en la Megalópolis de México
Authors: De Las Heras Gutiérrez Daniel , Adame Martínez Salvador , Cadena Vargas Edel Gilberto , Campos Alanís Juan
Published: May 2020

La sustentabilidad ambiental urbana implica alcanzar cualitativamente un nivel medioambiental, socioeconómico, e institucional que permita el funcionamiento equilibrado de la ciudad a largo plazo. Es por ello, que su análisis es relevante en las ciudades, que concentran la mayoría de la población mundial y donde se desarrollan actividades económicas y sociales fundamentales, y que presentan, así mismo, problemáticas ambientales. La detección del patrón espacial y distribución de la sustentabilidad es de interés para investigadores y agentes políticos y sociales para la comprensión del fenómeno y para su posible solución al facilitar la delimitación y caracterización de aquellas áreas de la ciudad menos sustentables. Se elaboró el Índice de Sustentabilidad Ambiental Urbana con 35 indicadores que comprenden las tres dimensiones de sustentabilidad, aplicando técnicas de análisis espacial (autocorrelación espacial, análisis de cluster) en la Megalópolis de México. Se validó el índice, detectando una desigual distribución de los niveles de sustentabilidad , decreciente de municipios centrales a exteriores en cada zona metropolitana, una asociación espacial positiva significativa y existencia de clústeres, de elevada sustentabilidad en los centros metropolitanos conurbados y de baja sustentabilidad en zonas periféricas. Se plantea la aplicación de técnicas de análisis de correlación espacial de tipo bivariado para detección de posibles factores explicativos de sustentabilidad en posteriores estudios.
Biochemical and immunological investigation of fascioliasis in cattle in Egypt
Authors: Nasreldin Nani , Zaki Rania Samir
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim: Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica are two commonly reported liver flukes that cause fascioliasis in ruminants. Among the members of the genus Fasciola, F. hepatica was identified in the study area. Fascioliasis is a major disease that affects the production of livestock by causing liver damage. F. hepatica has developed advanced mechanisms to trick, elude, and alter the host immune response, similar to an extrinsic stressor. These mechanisms consequently affect the animals' physiological and metabolic functions in vivo and postmortem changes, which have significant influences on animal welfare and meat quality development. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the current prevalence of cattle fascioliasis at abattoirs in El-Kharga city, New Valley Governorate, Egypt, and to investigate the changes in serum biochemical and immunological parameters and oxidative stress factors due to Fasciola spp. infection in terms of meat quality and immune response.

Materials and Methods: A total of 226 cattle were inspected for the presence of Fasciola spp. The liver of each cattle was examined by making several incisions for detecting adult Fasciola spp. in El- Kharga . The blood samples were collected to analyze the changes in serum biochemical and immunological parameters and oxidative stress factors.

Results: Of the 226 cattle, 38 (16.81%) were positive for F. hepatica at the postmortem examination. Cattle infected with F. hepatica had highly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyl transferase, urea, and creatinine levels. Immunological cytokine profiles showed significantly increased serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta levels and a significantly decreased interferon-γ level. Furthermore, oxidative stress profiles showed significantly increased serum malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and significantly decreased total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione level.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that F. hepatica infection alone is an oxidative stress factor that affects slaughtered animals, leading to biochemical and metabolic alterations in the early postmortem period.
Nanoantennae on AFM-Tips for enhanced fluorescence detection
Authors: Feichtner Thorsten , Groß Heiko , Hecht Bert
Published: May 2020

To investigate the enhanced light-matter interaction mediated by optical nanoantennas, there is a need for reliable quantum emitters (QE). Nanodiamonds (ND) with N-V-centers and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are a good choice, since they are photostable and presumably do not blink.
Variação da cobertura vegetal com ênfase na identificação de mancha de cerrado em um perfil topográfico do semiárido pernambucano - Brasil
Authors: Santos Linaldo Severino , Barros Silva Helena Paula , Pereira Eugênia Cristina Gonçalves , Silva Hewerton Alves
Published: May 2020

O semiárido nordestino é uma das regiões brasileiras mais desconhecidas, no tocante à diversidade vegetacional, uma vez que são propagadas, injustamente, informações que versam sobre as poucas plantas endêmicas da Caatinga. Entretanto, apesar desse bioma ter sofrido bastante pela ação antrópica, este apresenta uma grande diversidade de tipos vegetacionais, inclusive apresentando disjunções de outros biomas em áreas de exceção, como ocorrem nos brejos de altitude, que de maneira pontual estão presentes na paisagem do semiárido nordestino. Com isso, neste estudo buscou-se realizar uma análise no sentido da diferenciação da cobertura vegetal ao longo de um perfil topográfico, em recorte espacial do agreste meridional pernambucano, compreendendo porções dos municípios de Águas Belas, Iati e Saloá, através das dez parcelas instaladas ao longo desse perfil. A aplicação do Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normalizada (NDVI) mostrou a variação dos valores em função da topografia, revelando que nas áreas de depressão, em que se observa uma caatinga mais seca, obteve-se o menor valor do NDVI (0,18). Em contrapartida, nas áreas de relevo mais elevado, onde se desenvolvem matas serranas e o cerrado, foram encontrados os maiores valores (0,49), mostrando, desta forma, a influência da topografia na distribuição da umidade e feições vegetacionais.
KOMPETENSI BERBICARA PRAMUWISATA ARAB DI INDONESIA (STUDI KASUS DI KAWASAN PUNCAK)
Authors: Misran Misran
Published: May 2020

Speaking is the most frequently used language competence for tourist guides. They use this competence in order to serve their guests optimally. This study aims to examine Arabic speaking competence of tourist guides in Puncak, West Java. This study uses a qualitative approach with various data collection techniques including participatory observation, indirect observation, and interviews with a number of key informants. The key informants in this research are tourist guides, tourist guide association committee, and tour operators in Puncak area. This study found that language acquisition methods affect the speaking competence of the tourist guide, which may increase over time depending on the intensity of interaction with tourists and language usage. These tourist guides show different levels of language proficiencies including grammar accuracy, different ability to avoid using slang, and involvement in various topics of conversation. Self-taught guides normally have limited abilities in almost all of the above indicators, while guides who studied Arabic either formally or semi-formally tend to be more competent although they cannot avoid using Arabic slang. Meanwhile, guides who learned Arabic from their interactions with native speakers tend to ignore grammar and language accuracy even though they are able to communicate effectively.