bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological study of the association between mental illness with human development, income inequalities and unemployment across OECD countries
Authors: Barbalat Guillaume , Franck Nicolas
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Recent studies have demonstrated worsened mental health in relatively highly developed countries impacted by social inequalities and unemployment. Here, we investigate (1) whether mental health issues are differently or similarly affected by these social factors and (2) whether their effects on mental health are related or unrelated to each other.

Setting

Analysis at the country level among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries (n=36). Data on social indicators were collected from OECD and the United Nations Development Programme databases. Data on the prevalence of mental issues were obtained from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease study 2017.

Participants

No involvement of participants.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Using linear regression models, we investigated the relative contribution played by human development (as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI)), social inequalities (Gini index) and unemployment (unemployment rate) on the prevalence of 10 mental health issues. We then measured the relationship between the socioeconomic factors’ effects on mental issues using 2×2 Pearson’s correlation test and principal component analysis.

Results

First, the overall effect of each socioeconomic factor on a combination of mental health disorders was large (r range: 0.51 to 0.76; p<0.002). However, the influence of social factors on mental health was relative to each mental issue (r range: −0.34 to 0.74). Second, the socioeconomic factors’ effects on mental health showed strong interdependence (rHDI-Gini=0.93, rHDI-unemploy=0.81, runemploy-Gini=0.84; p<0.001. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the first principal component of the three variables (rHDI, rGini, runemploy) explained 91.5% of the variance.

Conclusion

These results implore a reanalysis of the socioeconomic determinants of mental health where (1) the heterogeneity of mental health issues would be taken into account and (2) each socioeconomic indicator’s effect would be analysed and interpreted in conjunction with the others.
Prognostic accuracy of the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA)-lactate criteria for mortality in adults with suspected bacterial infection in the emergency department of a hospital with limited resources
Authors: Sinto Robert , Suwarto Suhendro , Lie Khie Chen , Harimurti Kuntjoro , Widodo Djoko , Pohan Herdiman T
Published: April 2020

Background

Routine use of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score to prognosticate patients with sepsis is challenged by the requirement to perform numerous laboratory tests. The prognostic accuracy of the quick SOFA (qSOFA) without or with lactate criteria has not been prospectively investigated in low and middle income countries. We assessed the performance of simplified prognosis criteria using qSOFA-lactate criteria in the emergency department of a hospital with limited resources, in comparison with SOFA prognosis criteria and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) screening criteria.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted between March and December 2017 in adult patients with suspected bacterial infection visiting the emergency department of the Indonesian National Referral Hospital. Variables from sepsis prognosis and screening criteria and venous lactate concentration at enrolment were recorded. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge or death. Prognostic accuracy was measured using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of each criterion in the prediction of in-hospital mortality.

Results

Of 3026 patients screened, 1213 met the inclusion criteria. The AUROC of qSOFA-lactate criteria was 0.74 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.77). The AUROC of qSOFA-lactate was not statistically significantly different to the SOFA score (AUROC 0.75, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.78; p=0.462). The qSOFA-lactate was significantly higher than qSOFA (AUROC 0.70, 95% CI0.67 to 0.74; p=0.006) and SIRS criteria (0.57, 95% CI0.54 to 0.60; p<0.001).

Conclusions

The prognostic accuracy of the qSOFA-lactate criteria is as good as the SOFA score in the emergency department of a hospital with limited resources. The performance of the qSOFA criteria is significantly lower than the qSOFA-lactate criteria and SOFA score.

This abstract has been translated and adapted from the original English-language content. Translated content is provided on an "as is" basis. Translation accuracy or reliability is not guaranteed or implied. BMJ is not responsible for any errors and omissions arising from translation to the fullest extent permitted by law, BMJ shall not incur any liability, including without limitation, liability for damages, arising from the translated text.
Multiple sclerosing pneumocytomas: a review
Authors: Pal Prodipto , Chetty Runjan
Published: April 2020

Sclerosing pneumocytoma (SP) is a rare benign low-grade tumour of the lung, and typically presents as single discrete coin lesions on imaging. Multiple SP is an exceedingly rare entity and thus reported sparingly. We review the literature on multiple SP, their clinical presentations, histopathology, relevant differential diagnoses and molecular histogenesis of this entity. SP has a predilection for East Asian origin females who have never smoked. Patients are either asymptomatic or have symptoms such as cough, haemoptysis that may be persistent, chest pain if involving the pleura and presents as discrete coin lesion on chest X-ray. Histologically, they are papillary, solid, angiomatoid or sclerotic, or combinations of these four basic patterns. Multiple lesions have the same or slightly different histological patterns. They can be distributed in either lung, in any lobe and can even be bilateral.AKT-1molecular pathways are pivotal in their molecular pathogenesis. In this review, we further propose a classification based on five types of distribution of multiple SP.
Results of a randomized, double-blind phase II clinical trial of NY-ESO-1 vaccine with ISCOMATRIX adjuvant versus ISCOMATRIX alone in participants with high-risk resected melanoma
Authors: Cebon Jonathan S , Gore Martin , Thompson John F , Davis Ian D , McArthur Grant A , Walpole Euan , Smithers Mark , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Dunbar P Rod , MacGregor Duncan , Fisher Cyril , Millward Michael , Nathan Paul , Findlay Michael P N , Hersey Peter , Evans T R Jeffry , Ottensmeier Christian Hermann , Marsden Jeremy , Dalgleish Angus G , Corrie Pippa G , Maria Marples , Brimble Margaret , Williams Geoff , Winkler Sintia , Jackson Heather M , Endo-Munoz Liliana , Tutuka Candani S A , Venhaus Ralph , Old Lloyd J , Haack Dennis , Maraskovsky Eugene , Behren Andreas , Chen Weisan
Published: April 2020

Background

To compare the clinical efficacy of New York Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 (NY-ESO-1) vaccine with ISCOMATRIX adjuvant versus ISCOMATRIX alone in a randomized, double-blind phase II study in participants with fully resected melanoma at high risk of recurrence.

Methods

Participants with resected stage IIc, IIIb, IIIc and IV melanoma expressing NY-ESO-1 were randomized to treatment with three doses of NY-ESO-1/ISCOMATRIX or ISCOMATRIX adjuvant administered intramuscularly at 4-week intervals, followed by a further dose at 6 months. Primary endpoint was the proportion free of relapse at 18 months in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population and two per-protocol populations. Secondary endpoints included relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), safety and NY-ESO-1 immunity.

Results

The ITT population comprised 110 participants, with 56 randomized to NY-ESO-1/ISCOMATRIX and 54 to ISCOMATRIX alone. No significant toxicities were observed. There were no differences between the study arms in relapses at 18 months or for median time to relapse; 139 vs 176 days (p=0.296), or relapse rate, 27 (48.2%) vs 26 (48.1%) (HR 0.913; 95% CI 0.402 to 2.231), respectively. RFS and OS were similar between the study arms. Vaccine recipients developed strong positive antibody responses to NY-ESO-1 (p≤0.0001) and NY-ESO-1-specific CD4+and CD8+responses. Biopsies following relapse did not demonstrate differences in NY-ESO-1 expression between the study populations although an exploratory study demonstrated reduced (NY-ESO-1)+/Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I+double-positive cells in biopsies from vaccine recipients performed on relapse in 19 participants.

Conclusions

The vaccine was well tolerated, however, despite inducing antigen-specific immunity, it did not affect survival endpoints. Immune escape through the downregulation of NY-ESO-1 and/or HLA class I molecules on tumor may have contributed to relapse.
Laparoscopic‐assisted gastrotomy for foreign body retrieval in four dogs
Authors: Gibson Erin , Culp William , Mayhew Philipp , Runge Jeffrey J , Peterson Lindsay C , Balsa Ingrid M , Kim Sun Y
Published: April 2020

Four dogs with gastric foreign bodies were treated by laparoscopic‐assisted gastrotomy. Techniques included two‐port technique (n=two dogs), single‐port with Alexis wound retractor (one) and single‐port GelSeal cap with three cannulae (one). Foreign bodies retrieved included gravel (n=two dogs), trichobezoar (one) and a ball (one). All dogs had foreign bodies successfully removed, and no complications were encountered associated with the surgical procedures. These results suggest that laparoscopic‐assisted gastrotomy is a feasible treatment for dogs with gastric foreign bodies via standard two‐port technique, single‐port with Alexis wound retractor, or single‐port with GelSeal device. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery have been well‐established for veterinary patients, and further investigation into additional uses is essential; the findings of this series highlight the importance of considering laparoscopic assistance for procedures such as gastrotomy.
Can intubation confirmed by capnography be misleading? Complication with rabbit intubation
Authors: Calice Ivana , Rocchi Attilio
Published: April 2020

Rapid and accurate tracheal intubation in rabbits is challenging. It requires skill and is a technically demanding procedure. Visualisation of a normal capnography trace is widely considered the most objective indication of a correct orotracheal intubation, especially with blind intubation and small tidal volumes. This case report describes how a large defect in the oesophageally dislocated endotracheal tube led to misleading positive capnography signal.
Species composition, richness, and diversity of weed communities of winter arable land in relation to geo-environmental factors: a gradient analysis in mainland Italy
Authors: Fanfarillo Emanuele , Petit Sandrine , Dessaint Fabrice , Rosati Leonardo , Abbate Giovanna
Published: April 2020

The interest in knowledge of the weed communities of arable land is growing worldwide. Italy is one of the countries in Europe that is the most biodiverse, geographically and environmentally heterogeneous, and rich in arable weed species. Thus, in this study, the geo-environmental factors influencing the floristic composition, the species richness, and the Shannon diversity of weed communities of Italian winter arable crops were investigated along a gradient across mainland Italy. Original data were collected in the spring of 2018 in 106 winter cereal and legume arable fields from one fixed area plot per field. Environmental and geographic data were retrieved for each plot, including latitude, longitude, elevation, soil texture, soil pH, continentality, temperature, and precipitation. The effect of crop type was also tested. Latitude was the main driver of floristic differentiation between the studied plant communities, followed by precipitation, temperature, continentality, elevation, and longitude. Soil features and crop type had no significant effects. Higher values of species richness and Shannon diversity were found in southern areas and at higher elevations. Significant explanatory variables accounted for 11.55% of the total variation in species composition of the surveyed communities. The results are discussed and compared with those of similar studies in other Eurasian countries.
Adjacent functional group effects on the assembly of columnar liquid crystals
Authors: Zellman Carson O. , Vu Danielle , Williams Vance E.
Published: April 2020

Although the impact of individual functional groups on the self-assembly of columnar liquid crystal phases has been widely studied, the effect of varying multiple substituents has received much less attention. Herein, we report a series of dibenzo[a,c]phenazines containing an alcohol or ether adjacent to an electron-withdrawing ester or acid. With one exception, these difunctional mesogens form columnar phases. The phase behavior appeared to be dominated by the electron-withdrawing substituent; transition temperatures were similar to derivatives with these groups in isolation. In most instances, the addition of an electron-donating group ortho to an ester or acid suppressed the melting temperature and elevated the clearing temperature, leading to broader liquid crystal thermal ranges. This effect was more pronounced for derivatives functionalized with longer chain hexyloxy groups. These results suggest a potential strategy for controlling the phase ranges of columnar liquid crystals and achieving room temperature mesophases.
Modeling tree diameters using mixtures of skewed Student’s t and related distributions
Authors: Teimouri Mahdi , Podlaski Rafał
Published: April 2020

The size structure of tree populations making up a forest stand provides a scientific basis for evaluating the forest resources and scheduling future silviculture treatments. We evaluated the efficiency of the skewed Student’s t (ST) model to predict the distributions of various complex diameter at breast height (DBH) data. The ST model was compared with finite mixtures of selected functions (gamma, log-normal, and Weibull). Additionally, two scenarios were employed to determine the number of components: (1) the use of the Bayesian information criterion and (2) visual analysis of the histogram of the DBH relative frequencies. The ST model demonstrated the highest degree of flexibility for fitting the DBH distributions. It outperformed other competitors in modeling the DBH variables in terms of all implemented scenarios. It possesses a high degree of flexibility. This model should be used to fit the DBH distributions of multigeneration forest patches with diverse size structures.
A cyclic self-learning Chinese word segmentation for the geoscience domain
Authors: Qiu Qinjun , Xie Zhong , Wu Liang
Published: April 2020

Unlike English and other western languages, Chinese does not delimit words using white-spaces. Chinese Word Segmentation (CWS) is the crucial first step towards natural language processing. However, for the geoscience subject domain, the CWS problem remains unresolved with many challenges. Although traditional methods can be used to process geoscience documents, they lack the domain knowledge for massive geoscience documents. Considering the above challenges, this motivated us to build a segmenter specifically for the geoscience domain. Currently, most of the state-of-the-art methods for Chinese word segmentation are based on supervised learning, whose features are mostly extracted from a local context. In this paper, we proposed a framework for sequence learning by incorporating cyclic self-learning corpus training. Following this framework, we build the GeoSegmenter based on the Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) network model to perform Chinese word segmentation. It can gain a great advantage through iterations of the training data. Empirical experimental results on geoscience documents and benchmark datasets showed that geological documents can be identified, and it can also recognize the generic documents.
Yard Crane Scheduling in the Ground Trolley-Based Automated Container Terminal
Authors: Yang Xiao-Ming , Jiang Xin-Jia
Published: April 2020

The yard crane (YC) scheduling problem is studied for a new terminal design, known as the Ground Trolley-based Automated Container Terminal (GT-ACT). At the operational level, the YC scheduling problem considering GT could be formalized as job sequencing. The cooperative operation of the twin YCs, GT and the transport vehicles is complicated, a small change in the operation sequence may cause a chain reaction, which could overthrow the partial sequence preferred previously. A hybrid algorithm based on the nested partition (NP) framework is proposed. The ant colony (AC) algorithm is combined in the method for solution construction, while genetic algorithm (GA) is used for the perturbation and backtrack purposes. Experiments show the hybrid method is effective for practical problems under different scales. The AC and GA algorithms play an important role in improving the optimization.
Parity and the origin of neutrino mass
Authors: Senjanović Goran , Tello Vladimir
Published: April 2020

In the LHC era the issue of the origin and nature of neutrino mass has attained a new meaning and a renewed importance. The growing success of the Higgs–Weinberg mechanism behind the charged fermion masses paves the way for answering the question of neutrino mass. We have shown recently how the spontaneous breaking of parity in the context of the minimal left–right symmetric model allows to probe the origin of neutrino mass in complete analogy with the charged fermions masses in the Standard Model. We revisit here this issue and fill in the gaps left in our previous work. In particular we discuss a number of different mathematical approaches to the problem of disentangling the seesaw mechanism and show how a unique analytical solution emerges. Most important, we give all the possible expressions for the neutrino Dirac mass matrix for general values of light and heavy neutrino mass matrices. In practical terms what is achieved is an untangling of the seesaw mechanism with clear and precise predictions testable at hadron colliders such as LHC.
Monopole dynamics of Bose–Fermi mixtures in a three-dimensional optical lattice on a harmonic trap
Authors: Hatsuda Rei , Arahata Emiko
Published: April 2020

Motivated by recent developments in experimental studies of Bose–Fermi mixtures, we investigate monopole oscillation dynamics of Bose–Fermi mixtures in a three-dimensional (3D) optical lattice and an external isotropic harmonic trap potential. We use dynamical Gutzwiller approximation and calculate time dependence of the average spatial extent of particles in a coexisting phase where superfluid bosons and metal fermions coexist. With the trap potential, the bosons concentrate at and around the center of the potential and the fermions surround the bosons. They begin to demonstrate monopole oscillations when the trap potentials are suddenly changed to the ones with smaller curvature. In particular, the correlation between the oscillations of the bosons and fermions is different depending on the condition of the initial confinement. We also show the case where only one of the two trap potentials is changed.
Factors Influencing Bone Union in Finger Distal Interphalangeal and Thumb Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis
Authors: Heinonen Aaro , Leppänen Olli , Huhtala Heini , Karjalainen Teemu , Jokihaara Jarkko
Published: April 2020

Background: Finger joint arthrodesis is a common operation which has many indications including acute trauma, post traumatic condition, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid joint deformity. The objective of this study was to evaluate factors which may influence bone union in arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the fingers and interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb.

Methods: A total of 310 arthrodesis (221 finger DIP and 89 thumb IP joint) were analysed retrospectively. We used variables related to the patient and to the operative technique in univariable and multivariable regression analysis. Outcome events were bone union within 90 days, established non-union, infection and re-operation.

Results: Of the 310 operations 280 resulted in a favourable outcome while 30 resulted in bone non-union. In the univariable analysis the most important negative predictor variable for bone non-union was an operation done by other than hand surgery specialist (OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.727–8.140, p = 0.001), which also predicted the indication for re-operation (OR = 4.705, 95% CI = 1.563–14.163, p = 0.006). Because of insufficient event rate of bone non-union multivariable analysis was not possible for bone non-union. In the multivariable analysis rheumatoid arthritis had negative influence on bone union within 90 days (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.219–0.925, p = 0.03) and none of the variables predicted infection.

Conclusions: In our cohort finger DIP and thumb IP joint arthrodesis generally resulted in favourable outcome in terms of bony union regardless of the underlying medical condition or technical details of the surgical operation. Overall the results emphasize the importance of adequate surgical skill and practice even with a simple surgical operation.
Experience with the Use of Splint Caps for the Management of Fingertip Amputation Injuries
Authors: Ng Hannah Jia Hui , Sim Jane , Tey Vanessa Hwee Ting , Selvaganesh Sellakuddy , Rebosura Cheyenne Kate Pueblos , Rajaratnam Vaikunthan
Published: April 2020

Background: Fingertip amputation injuries are common hand injuries amongst all ages. If occurring as a result of workplace accidents, these injuries has the potential to lead to significant socioeconomic costs. Non-surgical techniques can treat these injuries with the potential to alleviate the burden of these socioeconomic costs. The aim of our study is to describe an alternative, cost-effective device to manage fingertip amputation injuries, and to present our short-term outcomes with this treatment modality.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients with isolated fingertip amputation injuries who received treatment with semi-occlusive dressing and splint cap from 1 February 2018–21 December 2018 was conducted. The semi-occlusive dressing used was UrgoTul. The splint cap is a 3-dimensional thermoplastic splint to cover the semi-occlusive dressing of the injured finger.

Results: There were 28 patients and 31 digits. The average age was 39.9 ± 12.7 years. 89.3% were male, 75% were foreign workers, 96.4% were blue-collared workers, 40% had dominant hand injuries and 25.8% had nailbed involvement. The average duration of follow-up was 66 ± 37.4 days and the average duration of hospital leave was 6.5 ± 4 weeks. The splint cap was applied for an average of 18.1 ± 6.2 days. The total time for tissue regrowth was 27.5 ± 8.8 days. 14.8% had residual nail deformities and return of sensation took 31.5 ± 11 days. Grip strength was 82.5% of unaffected hand. The mean range of motion at the distal interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint was 58.8 ± 21.3°, 86.9 ± 15.5°, 81.4 ± 6.0° respectively, and 63.9 ± 23.6° and 66.3 ± 17.3° at the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb respectively. Cost analysis will be further elaborated in the paper.

Conclusions: Fingertip amputation injuries have a potential for regeneration through healing by secondary intention under semi-occlusive dressing conditions. The splint cap provides an easy to fashion, cost-efficient and comfortable addition to semi-occlusive dressings for fingertip injuries.
About this title - Post-Archean Granitic Rocks: Petrogenetic Processes and Tectonic Environments
Authors: Janoušek V. , Bonin B. , Collins W. J. , Farina F. , Bowden P.
Published: April 2020

Granites (
sensu lato
) represent the dominant rock-type forming the upper–middle continental crust but their origin remains a matter of long-standing controversy. The granites may result from fractionation of mantle-derived basaltic magmas, or partial melting of different crustal protoliths at contrasting P–T conditions, either water-fluxed or fluid-absent. Consequently, many different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the compositional variability of granites ranging from whole igneous suites down to mineral scale. This book presents an overview of the state of the art, and envisages future avenues towards a better understanding of granite petrogenesis. The volume focuses on the following topics:

compositional variability of granitic rocks generated in contrasting geodynamic settings during the Proterozoic to Phanerozoic Periods;

main permissible mechanisms producing subduction-related granites;

crustal anatexis of different protoliths and the role of water in granite petrogenesis; and

new theoretical and analytical tools available for modelling whole-rock geochemistry in order to decipher the sources and evolution of granitic suites.
Population Screening for Inherited Predisposition to Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Manchanda Ranjit , Lieberman Sari , Gaba Faiza , Lahad Amnon , Levy-Lahad Ephrat
Published: April 2020

The discovery of genes underlying inherited predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer has revolutionized the ability to identify women at high risk for these diseases before they become affected. Women who are carriers of deleterious variants in these genes can undertake surveillance and prevention measures that have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, under current strategies, the vast majority of women carriers remain undetected until they become affected. In this review, we show that universal testing, particularly of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, fulfills classical disease screening criteria. This is especially true for BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Ashkenazi Jews but is translatable to all populations and may include additional genes. Utilizing genetic information for large-scale precision prevention requires a paradigmatic shift in health-care delivery. To address this need, we propose a direct-to-patient model, which is increasingly pertinent for fulfilling the promise of utilizing personal genomic information for disease prevention.
Biomolecular Phase Separation: From Molecular Driving Forces to Macroscopic Properties
Authors: Dignon Gregory L. , Best Robert B. , Mittal Jeetain
Published: April 2020

Biological phase separation is known to be important for cellular organization, which has recently been extended to a new class of biomolecules that form liquid-like droplets coexisting with the surrounding cellular or extracellular environment. These droplets are termed membraneless organelles, as they lack a dividing lipid membrane, and are formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Elucidating the molecular determinants of phase separation is a critical challenge for the field, as we are still at the early stages of understanding how cells may promote and regulate functions that are driven by LLPS. In this review, we discuss the role that disorder, perturbations to molecular interactions resulting from sequence, posttranslational modifications, and various regulatory stimuli play on protein LLPS, with a particular focus on insights that may be obtained from simulation and theory. We finally discuss how these molecular driving forces alter multicomponent phase separation and selectivity.
Nonstatistical Reaction Dynamics
Authors: Jayee Bhumika , Hase William L.
Published: April 2020

Nonstatistical dynamics is important for many chemical reactions. The Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory of unimolecular kinetics assumes a reactant molecule maintains a statistical microcanonical ensemble of vibrational states during its dissociation so that its unimolecular dynamics are time independent. Such dynamics results when the reactant's atomic motion is chaotic or irregular. Intrinsic non-RRKM dynamics occurs when part of the reactant's phase space consists of quasiperiodic/regular motion and a bottleneck exists, so that the unimolecular rate constant is time dependent. Nonrandom excitation of a molecule may result in short-time apparent non-RRKM dynamics. For rotational activation, the 2J + 1 K levels for a particular J may be highly mixed, making K an active degree of freedom, or K may be a good quantum number and an adiabatic degree of freedom. Nonstatistical dynamics is often important for bimolecular reactions and their intermediates and for product-energy partitioning of bimolecular and unimolecular reactions. Post–transition state dynamics is often highly complex and nonstatistical.
In Situ Analysis of NMC∣graphite Li-Ion Batteries by Means of Complementary Electrochemical Methods
Authors: Landa-Medrano Imanol , Eguia-Barrio Aitor , Sananes-Israel Susan , Lijó-Pando Silvia , Boyano Iker , Alcaide Francisco , Urdampilleta Idoia , de Meatza Iratxe
Published: April 2020

Lithium-ion technology is considered as outstanding candidate for implementation in high energy density applications. Adjusting the cycling conditions of electrodes and monitoring the undergoing reactions are necessary to maximize their potentiality and ensure high performance and safe operation for end-users. Herein, in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), direct current (DC) resistance and differential voltage analysis (DVA) are complementarily used to understand and predict the lifetime of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) vs graphite coin cells cycled at different upper cut-off voltage (UCV). Lithium de/intercalation reactions in graphite, phase transitions in NMC and the formation of electrode-electrolyte interphases have been identified by DVA. Combined with EIS and DC resistance, the occurrence of these reactions has been monitored upon cycling. The main findings indicate that despite observing other detrimental phenomena (charge transfer resistance increase or irreversibility of NMC622 phase transitions), the different solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and resistance with UCV are most relevant factors affecting cycle life. The loss of lithium inventory is the main cause of the capacity fade. The need of a stable SEI to delay the continuous electrolyte consumption is highlighted. The combined information provided by these techniques can be leveraged by battery management systems to optimize cell performance while cycling.
Chlamydia muridarum infection differentially alters smooth muscle function in mouse uterine horn and cervix
Authors: Lee Jia Ming , Mayall Jemma R. , Chevalier Anne , McCarthy Huw , Van Helden Dirk , Hansbro Philip M. , Horvat Jay C. , Jobling Phillip
Published: April 2020

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a primary cause of reproductive tract diseases including infertility. Previous studies showed that this infection alters physiological activities in mouse oviducts. Whether this occurs in the uterus and cervix has never been investigated. This study characterized the physiological activities of the uterine horn and the cervix in a Chlamydia muridarum ( Cmu)-infected mouse model at three infection time points of 7, 14, and 21 days postinfection (dpi). Cmu infection significantly decreased contractile force of spontaneous contraction in the cervix (7 and 14 dpi; P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), but this effect was not observed in the uterine horn. The responses of the uterine horn and cervix to oxytocin were significantly altered by Cmu infection at 7 dpi ( P < 0.0001), but such responses were attenuated at 14 and 21 dpi. Cmu infection increased contractile force to prostaglandin (PGF2α) by 53–83% in the uterine horn. This corresponded with the increased messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of Ptgfr that encodes for its receptor. However, Cmu infection did not affect contractions of the uterine horn and cervix to PGE2 and histamine. The mRNA expression of Otr and Ptger4 was inversely correlated with the mRNA expression of Il1b, Il6 in the uterine horn of Cmu-inoculated mice ( P < 0.01 to P < 0.001), suggesting that the changes in the Otr and Ptger4 mRNA expression might be linked to the changes in inflammatory cytokines. Lastly, this study also showed a novel physiological finding of the differential response to PGE2 in mouse uterine horn and cervix.
Dietary carbohydrates modulate metabolic and β-cell adaptation to high-fat diet-induced obesity
Authors: Her Tracy K. , Lagakos William S. , Brown Matthew R. , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Rakshit Kuntol , Matveyenko Aleksey V.
Published: April 2020

Obesity is associated with several chronic comorbidities, one of which is type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The pathogenesis of obesity and T2DM is influenced by alterations in diet macronutrient composition, which regulate energy expenditure, metabolic function, glucose homeostasis, and pancreatic islet cell biology. Recent studies suggest that increased intake of dietary carbohydrates plays a previously underappreciated role in the promotion of obesity and consequent metabolic dysfunction. Thus, in this study, we utilized mouse models to test the hypothesis that dietary carbohydrates modulate energetic, metabolic, and islet adaptions to high-fat diets. To address this, we exposed C57BL/6J mice to 12 wk of 3 eucaloric high-fat diets (>60% calories from fat) with varying total carbohydrate (1–20%) and sucrose (0–20%) content. Our results show that severe restriction of dietary carbohydrates characteristic of ketogenic diets reduces body fat accumulation, enhances energy expenditure, and reduces prevailing glycemia and insulin resistance compared with carbohydrate-rich, high-fat diets. Moreover, severe restriction of dietary carbohydrates also results in functional, morphological, and molecular changes in pancreatic islets highlighted by restricted capacity for β-cell mass expansion and alterations in insulin secretory response. These studies support the hypothesis that low-carbohydrate/high-fat diets provide antiobesogenic benefits and suggest further evaluation of the effects of these diets on β-cell biology in humans.
Adaptive Cat Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Applications in Vehicle Routing Problems
Authors: Ji Xiao-Fang , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Chu Shu-Chuan , Hu Pei , Chai Qing-Wei , Zhang Ping
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a novel hybrid algorithm named Adaptive Cat Swarm Optimization (ACSO). It combines the benefits of two swarm intelligence algorithms, CSO and APSO, and presents better search results. Firstly, some strategies are implemented to improve the performance of the proposed hybrid algorithm. The tracing radius of the cat group is limited, and the random number parameter r is adaptive adjusted. In addition, a scaling factor update method, called a memory factor y, is introduced into the proposed algorithm. They can be learnt very well so as to jump out of local optimums and speed up the global convergence. Secondly, by comparing the proposed algorithm with PSO, APSO, and CSO, 23 benchmark functions are verified by simulation experiments, which consists of unimodal, multimodal, and fixed-dimension multimodal. The results show the effectiveness and efficiency of the innovative hybrid algorithm. Lastly, the proposed ACSO is utilized to solve the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). Experimental findings also reveal the practicability of the ACSO through a comparison with certain existing methods.
Detection of Chemical Weapon Agents Using Spectroscopic Probes: A Computational Study
Authors: Braga Letícia S. , Silva Érika F. , Mancini Daiana T. , da Rocha Eduardo P. , da Cunha Elaine F. F. , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: April 2020

Organophosphorus compounds are organic compounds widely employed in agriculture as well as in chemical weapons. The use in agriculture is due to their insecticidal properties. However, in chemical warfare, the use of organophosphorus is associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibition, which promotes the cholinergic syndromes. In this line, the fast detection of this class of compound is crucial for the determination of environmental exposure. This improved detection will naturally allow for more prompt courses of treatment depending on the contaminant findings. In this perspective, the dipyrrinone oxime (1) was employed for the detection of organophosphorus compounds that are employed as nerve agents, such as cyclosarin, sarin, soman, diethyl chlorophosphate, diisopropylfluorophosphate, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl N,N-dimethylphosphoramidofluoridate, O-ethyl-S-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate, O-ethyl-S-[2(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothioate, and O,O-diethyl-S-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl] phosphorothioate, through fluorescent emission. The thermodynamics and kinetic parameters as well as spectroscopic properties of the complexes formed for 1 and all organophosphorus compounds previously cited were investigated by means of theoretical calculations. From our findings, only the diethyl chlorophosphate, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl N,N-dimethylphosphoramidofluoridate, and O,O-diethyl-S-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl] phosphorothioate emitted fluorescence in the hexane, toluene, chloroform, dichloromethane, methanol, acetonitrile, water, and dimethyl sulfoxide solvents. The study of the absorption wavelength with the most polar solvent showed higher values compared to apolar solvents. In the same solvent, for instance, soman in hexane showed the lowest absorption wavelength value, 324.5 nm, and DCP the highest value, 330.8 nm. This behavior was observed in other tested solvents. The thermodynamic parameters indicate negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG) values for the O-ethyl-S-[2(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothioate with 1 reaction. On the other hand, the sarin and cyclosarin revealed the lowest Gibbs free energy (ΔG‡) values, being kinetically favorable and presenting more reactivity.
Role of Baicalin and Liver X Receptor Alpha in the Formation of Cholesterol Gallstones in Mice
Authors: Chen Geng , Wu Shuodong
Published: April 2020

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of baicalin on experimental cholesterol gallstones in mice. The mouse gallstone model was induced by feeding with a lithogenic diet, and cholesterol stones were found in the gallbladder. The lithogenic diet caused elevation of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein concentrations and descent of high-density lipoprotein concentration in serum. Hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration were observed in the gallbladder wall of lithogenic diet-fed mice. We also found the increase of cholesterol content and the decrease of bile acid in bile. Real-time PCR and western blot results demonstrated that the expression levels of two enzymes (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7a1) and sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8b1)) to catalyze the synthesis of bile acid from cholesterol were decreased and that two cholesterol transporters (ATP-binding cassette transporter G5/G8 (ABCG5/8)) were increased in the liver of lithogenic diet-fed mice. The lithogenic diet also led to enhanced activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in serum; increased concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, and malondialdehyde; and decreased superoxide dismutase activity in the liver, suggesting inflammatory and oxidative stress. In addition, liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) was increased in the liver. After gavage of baicalin, the lithogenic diet-induced gallstones, hyperlipidemia, gallbladder hyperplasia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in liver and cholesterol metabolism disorders were all alleviated to some degree. The expression of LXRα in the liver was inhibited by baicalin. In addition, the LXRα agonist T0901317 aggravated lithogenic diet-induced harmful symptoms in mice, including the increase of gallstone formation, hyperlipidemia, hepatic injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, we demonstrated that baicalin played a protective role in a lithogenic diet-induced gallstone mouse model, which may be mediated by inhibition of LXRα activity. These findings may provide novel insights for prevention and therapy of gallstones in the clinic.
Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Tonifying Kidney (Bushen) and Activating Blood (Huoxue) Prescription for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Hui-Fang , Shen Qi-Hong , Chen Wen-Jun , Chen Wei-Min , Feng Zhang-Feng , Yu Li-Ying
Published: April 2020

Context. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the difficult gynecological diseases with complex etiologies. Tonifying kidney (bushen) and activating blood (huoxue) prescription (TKABP) is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy which is commonly applied for POI. However, its efficacy and safety are still controversial. Objective. We carried out this systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of TKABP on POI. Methods. The following eight databases were searched from the establishment to September 30, 2019, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs): PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese BioMedical database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and the Wanfang database. The quality of evidence was estimated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results. Twenty‐three RCTs involving 1712 patients with POI were included. Compared to hormone therapy (HT) groups, TKABP groups showed a significantly higher total effective rate (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04–1.17; P < 0.01, I2 = 32%). In addition, TKABP groups revealed a better improvement in terms of serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, serum estradiol (E2) levels, peak systolic velocity (PSV) of ovarian stromal blood, and Kupperman index (KI) score. However, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and ovarian volume (OV) showed no significant statistical difference. Subgroup analyses showed that herbal paste and 3 months of treatment duration had a greater effect on the improvement of hormone levels. Besides, the occurrence of related adverse events in TKABP groups was lower than that in HT groups. Conclusions. Our review suggests that TKABP appears to be an effective and safe measure for patients with POI, and the herbal paste may be superior. However, the methodological quality of included RCTs was unsatisfactory, and it is necessary to verify its effectiveness with furthermore standardized researches of rigorous design.
Predictors for Short-Term Efficacy of Allergen-Specific Sublingual Immunotherapy in Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Zeng Qingxiang , Luo Renzhong
Published: April 2020

Background.A good compliance in allergen-specific sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) often comes from good short-term efficacy. We aimed to evaluate the pretreatment parameters which can predict the short-term clinical efficacy in children that underwent SLIT. Methods. 517 children with allergic rhinitis (AR) that underwent SLIT were recruited in this study. Baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were collected, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated using symptom and medication scores. A multivariate logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established. Results. A total of 303 (65%) in 466 children that underwent SLIT achieved short-term clinical efficacy. The time of using the air conditioner was negatively correlated with clinical efficacy, whereas the serum-specific IgE (s-IgE) levels, the serum IL-10 and IL-35 levels, and the s-IgE/total-IgE ratio were positively correlated with clinical efficacy. Conclusion. The time of using the air conditioner, serum-specific IgE (s-IgE) levels, serum IL-10 and IL-35 levels, and s-IgE/total-IgE ratio may be helpful for child selection before SLIT.
Sequential Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization and Gravitational Search Algorithm with Dependent Random Coefficients
Authors: Jiang Shanhe , Zhang Chaolong , Chen Shijun
Published: April 2020

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been proven to show good performance for solving various optimization problems. However, it tends to suffer from premature stagnation and loses exploration ability in the later evolution period when solving complex problems. This paper presents a sequential hybrid particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm with dependent random coefficients called HPSO-GSA, which first incorporates the gravitational search algorithm (GSA) with the PSO by means of a sequential operating mode and then adopts three learning strategies in the hybridization process to overcome the aforementioned problem. Specifically, the particles in the HPSO-GSA enter into the PSO stage and update their velocities by adopting the dependent random coefficients strategy to enhance the exploration ability. Then, the GSA is incorporated into the PSO by using fixed iteration interval cycle or adaptive evolution stagnation cycle strategies when the swarm drops into local optimum and fails to improve their fitness. To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed HPSO-GSA, the simulations were conducted on benchmark test functions. The results reveal that the HPSO-GSA exhibits superior performance in terms of accuracy, reliability, and efficiency compared to PSO, GSA, and other recently developed hybrid variants.
Antisynchronization of the Hyperchaotic Systems with Uncertainty and Disturbance Using the UDE-Based Control Method
Authors: Wang Zuoxun , Yu Xiaotong , Wang Guijuan
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we investigate the antisynchronization problem of a class of hyperchaotic systems with both model uncertainty and external disturbance. Firstly, combining the dynamic feedback control method and the uncertainty and disturbance estimation (UDE)-based control method, we propose a new UDE-based dynamic feedback control method. Secondly, we take the 4D hyperchaotic system as an example and realize the antisynchronization problem of such system. Finally, the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed method is verified by numerical simulation.
Optimal Capacity Allocation of Energy Storage System considering Uncertainty of Load and Wind Generation
Authors: Ge Leijiao , Zhang Shuai , Bai Xingzhen , Yan Jun , Shi Changli , Wei Tongzhen
Published: April 2020

Energy storage systems (ESSs) are promising solutions for the mitigation of power fluctuations and the management of load demands in distribution networks (DNs). However, the uncertainty of load demands and wind generations (WGs) may have a significant impact on the capacity allocation of ESSs. To solve the problem, a novel optimal ESS capacity allocation scheme for ESSs is proposed to reduce the influence of uncertainty of both WG and load demands. First, an optimal capacity allocation model is established to minimize the ESS investment costs and the network power loss under constraints of DN and ESS operating points and power balance. Then, the proposed method reduces the uncertainty of load through a comprehensive demand response system based on time-of-use (TOU) and incentives. To predict the output of WGs, we combined particle swarm optimization (PSO) and backpropagation neural network to create a prediction model of the wind power. An improved simulated annealing PSO algorithm (ISAPSO) is used to solve the optimization problem. Numerical studies are carried out in a modified IEEE 33-node distribution system. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model can provide the optimal capacity allocation and investment cost of ESSs with minimal power losses.
Primary Dural Lymphoma: Clinical Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Dobran M. , Paracino R. , Mancini F. , Nasi D.
Published: April 2020

Primary dural lymphoma (PDL) is an extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that accounts for less than 1% of all central nervous system lymphomas. Primary dural lymphoma grows from the dura mater, and it is often diagnosed as meningioma or acute subdural hematoma due to its radiological characteristics. Surgery is the gold standard of therapy; in many patients, PDL is relatively benign with good outcome. Authors report their experience in three patients affected by extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PDL) mimicking a meningioma.