bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a self-managed digital exercise programme to prevent falls in older community-dwelling adults: study protocol for the Safe Step randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pettersson Beatrice , Lundin-Olsson Lillemor , Skelton Dawn A , Liv Per , Zingmark Magnus , Rosendahl Erik , Sandlund Marlene
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Exercise interventions have a strong evidence base for falls prevention. However, exercise can be challenging to implement and often has limited reach and poor adherence. Digital technology provides opportunities for both increased access to the intervention and support over time. Further knowledge needs to be gained regarding the effectiveness of completely self-managed digital exercise interventions. The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a self-managed digital exercise programme, Safe Step, in combination with monthly educational videos with educational videos alone, on falls over 1 year in older community-dwelling adults.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial will be conducted with at least 1400 community-living older adults (70+ years) who experience impaired balance. Participants will be recruited throughout Sweden with enrolment through the project website. They will be randomly allocated to either the Safe Step exercise programme with additional monthly educational videos about healthy ageing and fall prevention, or the monthly education videos alone. Participants receiving the exercise intervention will be asked to exercise at home for at least 30 min, 3 times/week with support of the Safe Step application. The primary outcome will be rate of falls (fall per person year). Participants will keep a fall calendar and report falls at the end of each month through a digital questionnaire. Further assessments of secondary outcomes will be made through self-reported questionnaires and a self-test of 30 s chair stand test at baseline and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after study start. Data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained by The Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå (Dnr 2018/433-31). Findings will be disseminated through the project web-site, peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences and through senior citizen organisations’ newsletters.

Trial registration number

NCT03963570.
Rates, causes, place and predictors of mortality in adults with intellectual disabilities with and without Down syndrome: cohort study with record linkage
Authors: Cooper Sally-Ann , Allan Linda , Greenlaw Nicola , McSkimming Paula , Jasilek Adam , Henderson Angela , McCowan Colin , Kinnear Deborah , Melville Craig
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To investigate mortality in adults with intellectual disabilities: rates, causes, place, demographic and clinical predictors.

Design

Cohort study with record linkage to death data.

Setting

General community.

Participants

961/1023 (94%) adults (16–83 years; mean=44.1 years; 54.6% male) with intellectual disabilities, clinically examined in 2001–2004; subsequently record-linked to their National Health Service number, allowing linkage to death certificate data, 2018.

Outcome measures

Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs), underlying and all contributing causes of death, avoidable deaths, place, and demographic and clinical predictors of death.

Results

294/961 (30.6%) had died; 64/179 (35.8%) with Down syndrome, 230/783 (29.4%) without Down syndrome. SMR overall=2.24 (1.98, 2.49); Down syndrome adults=5.28 (3.98, 6.57), adults without Down syndrome=1.93 (1.68, 2.18); male=1.69 (1.42, 1.95), female=3.48 (2.90, 4.06). SMRs decreased as age increased. More severe intellectual disabilities increased SMR, but ability was not retained in the multivariable model. SMRs were higher for most International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision chapters. For adults without Down syndrome, aspiration/reflux/choking and respiratory infection were the the most common underlying causes of mortality; for Down syndrome adults ‘Down syndrome’, and dementia were most common. Amenable deaths (29.8%) were double that in the general population (14%); 60.3% died in hospital. Mortality risk related to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/tube fed, Down syndrome, diabetes, lower respiratory tract infection at cohort-entry, smoking, epilepsy, hearing impairment, increasing number of prescribed drugs, increasing age. Bowel incontinence reduced mortality risk.

Conclusions

Adults with intellectual disabilities with and without Down syndrome have different SMRs and causes of death which should be separately reported. Both die younger, from different causes than other people. Some mortality risks are similar to other people, with earlier mortality reflecting more multimorbidity; amenable deaths are also common. This should inform actions to reduce early mortality, for example, training to avoid aspiration/choking, pain identification to address problems before they are advanced, and reasonable adjustments to improve healthcare quality.
Outcomes of COVID-19 in 79 patients with IBD in Italy: an IG-IBD study
Authors: Bezzio Cristina , Saibeni Simone , Variola Angela , Allocca Mariangela , Massari Alessandro , Gerardi Viviana , Casini Valentina , Ricci Chiara , Zingone Fabiana , Amato Arnaldo , Caprioli Flavio , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Viganò Chiara , Ascolani Marta , Bossa Fabrizio , Castiglione Fabiana , Cortelezzi Claudio , Grossi Laurino , Milla Monica , Morganti Daniela , Pastorelli Luca , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Sartini Alessandro , Soriano Alessandra , Manes Gianpiero , Danese Silvio , Fantini Massimo , Armuzzi Alessandro , Daperno Marco , Fiorino Gionata
Published: May 2020

Objectives

COVID-19 has rapidly become a major health emergency worldwide. Patients with IBD are at increased risk of infection, especially when they have active disease and are taking immunosuppressive therapy. The characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with IBD remain unclear.

Design

This Italian prospective observational cohort study enrolled consecutive patients with an established IBD diagnosis and confirmed COVID-19. Data regarding age, sex, IBD (type, treatments and clinical activity), other comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)), signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and therapies were compared with COVID-19 outcomes (pneumonia, hospitalisation, respiratory therapy and death).

Results

Between 11 and 29 March 2020, 79 patients with IBD with COVID-19 were enrolled at 24 IBD referral units. Thirty-six patients had COVID-19-related pneumonia (46%), 22 (28%) were hospitalised, 7 (9%) required non-mechanical ventilation, 9 (11%) required continuous positive airway pressure therapy, 2 (3%) had endotracheal intubation and 6 (8%) died. Four patients (6%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 while they were being hospitalised for a severe flare of IBD. Age over 65 years (p=0.03), UC diagnosis (p=0.03), IBD activity (p=0.003) and a CCI score >1 (p=0.04) were significantly associated with COVID-19 pneumonia, whereas concomitant IBD treatments were not. Age over 65 years (p=0.002), active IBD (p=0.02) and higher CCI score were significantly associated with COVID-19-related death.

Conclusions

Active IBD, old age and comorbidities were associated with a negative COVID-19 outcome, whereas IBD treatments were not. Preventing acute IBD flares may avoid fatal COVID-19 in patients with IBD. Further research is needed.
Triage during the COVID-19 epidemic in Spain: better and worse ethical arguments
Authors: Herreros Benjamin , Gella Pablo , Real de Asua Diego
Published: May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated an imbalance between the clinical needs of the population and the effective availability of advanced life support (ALS) resources. Triage protocols have thus become necessary. Triage decisions in situations of scarce resources were not extraordinary in the pre-COVID-19 era; these protocols abounded in the context of organ transplantation. However, this prior experience was not considered during the COVID-19 outbreak in Spain. Lacking national guidance or public coordination, each hospital has been forced to put forth independent and autonomous triage protocols, most of which were, nonetheless, based on common ethical principles and clinical criteria. However, controversial, non-clinical criteria have also been defended by Spanish scientific societies and public institutions, including setting an age cut-off value for unilaterally withholding ALS, using ‘social utility’ criteria, prioritising healthcare professionals or using ‘first come, first served’ policies. This paper describes the most common triage criteria used in the Spanish context during the COVID-19 epidemic. We will highlight our missed opportunities by comparing these criteria to those used in organ transplantation protocols. The problems posed by subjective, non-clinical criteria will also be discussed. We hope that this critical review might be of use to countries at earlier stages of the epidemic while we learn from our mistakes.
Neurosarcoidosis: clinical manifestations, investigation and treatment
Authors: Kidd Desmond P
Published: May 2020

Sarcoidosis affects the nervous system in 10% of cases. When it does so it can affect any part of the nervous system and with all degrees of severity. It forms part of the differential diagnosis in inflammatory, infective, neoplastic and degenerative neurological diseases and may be very difficult to diagnose without histological confirmation. Recent clinical studies and the increasing availability of new biological treatments allow a much clearer understanding of the disease. This review summarises its clinical features, imaging and laboratory characteristics, treatment and outcome.
Erratum to: DYTurbo: fast predictions for Drell–Yan processes
Authors: Camarda Stefano , Boonekamp Maarten , Bozzi Giuseppe , Catani Stefano , Cieri Leandro , Cuth Jakub , Ferrera Giancarlo , de Florian Daniel , Glazov Alexandre , Grazzini Massimiliano , Vincter Manuella G. , Schott Matthias
Published: May 2020

The Ref. [1] was missing in the published version of the paper
ISLAMIC BLENDED FINANCE FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY IMPACTFUL SMEs TO ACHIEVE SDGs
Authors: KHAN TARIQULLAH , BADJIE FATOU
Published: May 2020

In this research, we present a framework for blended Islamic finance for impactful small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The blend results from discussing the pertinent perspectives that underlie the motives of philanthropy, private sector activities and public sector facilitation. The consensus of these three stakeholders on the impact criteria is an essential precondition for the blend to happen. Therefore, we first developed the consensus-based impact criteria for SMEs, namely, 4Zeros & SS (zero-waste, zero-emissions, zero-interest, zero-foreclosures and service to society). After that, we adopted a financial engineering approach to design products by blending the three motives. Financial contracts could be incentive compatible and effective if these three motivations are recognized and brought together. The purpose of our research is to offer such incentive-compatible structures that can mobilize funding for impactful SMEs, save cost as well as generate revenue for self-sustainability. In the contract design, the private sector provides finance, the philanthropist pays the costs of funds, the public sector facilitates, and the impactful SME gets subsidized financing. Since the blended nature of the contract provides a social subsidy to fund the cost element of the financing, the proposed structure creates a win–win result for the blending parties. While financial institutions expand into the SMEs sector for profitability, blended Islamic finance will attract additional resources toward enhancing development impact. Through the philanthropic component, SMEs, on the other hand, will access the source of social subsidy that will relieve the burden of the exorbitant commercial rates. The funding structure will reduce risk perception and spur growth.

Consequently, this collaborative and innovative contract design will contribute to achieving multidimensional human development, as enshrined in the Maqasid al-Shariah, and the SDGs. Impactful businesses must integrate environmental, social and governance best practices as well as national development goals. Hence, the proposal offers several benefits and prospects of extended use for other consensus-based purposes such as low-cost housing, solar panelling, health, education, etc.
On the universal texture in the PA-2HDM for the V-spin case
Authors: Carrillo-Monteverde A. , Gómez-Ávila S. , López-Lozano L.
Published: May 2020

In a version of the PA-2HDM where only mixing between third and second fermion generations is allowed, we propose a mechanism to generate the second Yukawa matrix through a Unitary V-spin flavor transformation on the mass matrix for quarks and leptons. This flavor structure is constrained to be universal, that is, we use the same parameters to generate Yukawa matrix elements in the quark and leptonic sectors, reducing drastically the number of free parameters of the PA-2HDM.

As a consequence of this restrictive condition, we obtain relations between the Yukawa matrix elements, that we call the Universal Texture Constraint (UTC). We obtained an interval of values for the second Yukawa matrix elements, expressed in terms of the Cheng and Sher ansatz, for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] coming from the UTC and experimental bounds for light scalar masses. Finally, we find the allowed parameter region when the experimental bounds and values for [Formula: see text] decays, [Formula: see text] mixing, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are considered.
Statistical mechanics of cold deconfined quark matter using quasiparticle model
Authors: Simji P.
Published: May 2020

We discuss the statistical mechanics and thermodynamics of quark matter at zero temperature and finite chemical potential using a thermodynamically consistent framework of quasiparticle model for QGP without the need of any reformulation of statistical mechanics or thermodynamical consistency relation. Using that equation of state, we solve the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation to obtain the mass-radius relation of dense quark star.
A Low-Cost Real-Time BCI Integration for Automated Door Opening System
Authors: Guner Mustafa , Erkmen Burcu
Published: May 2020

Based on the ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG) signals obtained by noninvasive methods, Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) technologies provide real-time communication of individuals within the cyber-physical systems. However, this research area still needs low-cost solutions to become a research topic widely all around the world. In this paper, a low cost and productive BCI equipment was developed to assist daily living activities for disabled people. The control application of an integrated approach aims to open and close a door equipped with an EEG-based lock system using eye blink signals is developed. The proposed easy-to-use, portable BCI system includes cost-effective hardware/software components, modular and flexible configuration features and Bluetooth-enabled real-time data processing units. The developed BCI hardware is based on Texas Instruments ADS1299 AFE ADC, which features high flexibly in configuring of measure of various biopotentials from the human body using designed active/passive dry electrodes. Besides it is equipped with a built-in real-time data storage unit and accelerometer to make an online diagnosis, and data fusion at the interested signal investigation. Furthermore, desktop software has been implemented in the QT SDK environment, which can integrate remote BCI hardware during configuration. Experimental results of the designed system were compared with the results of the commercial-grade counterpart.
MOF-derived Co3O4 microspheres with pagoda cauliflower shape as anode materials for stable life Li-ion battery
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wang Haiyan , Nie Yanmei , Yu Weidong , Yan Jun
Published: May 2020

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely used in the synthesis of metal oxides as important organic–inorganic compound precursors. A perovskite ABO3-type Co-based MOF [NH4][Co(HCOO)3] was synthesized from a simple mixture without any adjuvant. Porous Co3O4 microspheres are used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which are obtained from [NH4][Co(HCOO)3] as a precursor through a pyrolysis process in air. The obtained pagoda cauliflower-shaped Co3O4 microspheres exhibit an excellent electrochemical performance.
ESTIMATING HEALTH CO-BENEFITS OF CLIMATE POLICIES IN CHINA: AN APPLICATION OF THE REGIONAL EMISSIONS-AIR QUALITY-CLIMATE-HEALTH (REACH) FRAMEWORK
Authors: QU CHENFEI , YANG XI , ZHANG DA , ZHANG XILIANG
Published: May 2020

Climate policies can bring local air quality and health co-benefits, which may partially or entirely offset the costs of implementing these policies. In this study, we introduce an integrated health co-benefits assessment model, the Regional Emissions-Air quality-Climate-Health (REACH) Modeling Framework, which is capable of evaluating the impact of policies on air pollution-related mortality and morbidity in the whole economic system overtime at the provincial level for China. We first provide a detailed description of the modeling framework and conduct a case study to estimate the health benefits of different climate policy scenarios. We show that a scenario consistent with the 2∘C target that peaks China’s emissions before 2025 could avoid around 190 thousand premature deaths in 2030. The health benefits could partially or fully cover the policy costs under different assumptions of the value of a statistical life (VSL). Our framework also illustrates that estimated costs and health benefits distribute unevenly across regions in China.
IMPACTS OF MECHANISMS TO PROMOTE PARTICIPATION IN CLIMATE MITIGATION: BORDER CARBON ADJUSTMENTS VERSUS UNIFORM TARIFF MEASURES
Authors: ZHANG KUN , LIANG QIAO-MEI , LIU LI-JING , XUE MEI-MEI , YU BI-YING , WANG CE , HAN RONG , DU YUN-FEI , YAO YUN-FEI , CHANG JUN-JIE , TAN JINXIAO , LIAO HUA , WEI YI-MING
Published: May 2020

Because free-riding behavior is an inherent characteristic of climate change, how to protect the economic benefits of the emission reduction regions and prompt the noncooperative region to join the emission reduction coalition is particularly important. In this study, we use a global multi-region multi-sector CGE model to compare the impacts of border carbon adjustment (BCA) and two unified tariff mechanisms based on different implementation principles on USA. The results show that the BCA is more effective in reducing carbon leakage in USA than the uniform tariff mechanisms. However, for GDP and welfare losses, the scenario Tariff-carbon-reduction results in greater GDP and welfare losses in USA, which is more conducive to prompting USA to implement carbon reduction policies than the BCA measures. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of carbon price levels and key substitution elasticity further confirmed the results.
Paternal Age Does Not Influence the Outcomes of Assisted Reproduction in Donor Oocyte Cycles
Authors: Durga Rao G , Laheri Saniya , Krishna Chaitanya M
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To study effect of paternal age on pregnancy outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI).

Methods: The present study is a retrospective analysis of 153 ICSI cycles on donor oocytes. The effect of paternal age on fertilization rates, implantation rates, total pregnancy rates, number of miscarriages and live births were analyzed.

Results: 1422 donor oocytes were injected with sperm from 153 men. Linear regression analysis revealed no association between paternal age (28-54 years) and fertilization rate. No association was found between the embryo quality and paternal age. Of the 359 embryos transferred, linear regression analysis revealed no association between paternal age and implantation rate. After correcting for maternal age, binary logistic regression analysis revealed no association between total pregnancy rates (B = 0.943, CI 0.861-1.033, P = 0.205), live birth rates (B = 1.018, CI 0.896-1.158, P = 0.562) and miscarriage rates (B = 0.944, CI 0.866-1.029, P = 0.193) and paternal age.

Conclusion: Paternal age does not seem to influence outcomes in assisted reproduction.
Genomically Aided Diagnosis of Severe Developmental Disorders
Authors: FitzPatrick David R. , Firth Helen V.
Published: May 2020

Our ability to make accurate and specific genetic diagnoses in individuals with severe developmental disorders has been transformed by data derived from genomic sequencing technologies. These data reveal both the patterns and rates of different mutational mechanisms and identify regions of the human genome with fewer mutations than would be expected. In outbred populations, the most common identifiable cause of severe developmental disorders is de novo mutation affecting the coding region in one of approximately 500 different genes, almost universally showing constraint. Simply combining the location of a de novo genomic event with its predicted consequence on the gene product gives significant diagnostic power. Our knowledge of the diversity of phenotypic consequences associated with comparable diagnostic genotypes at each locus is improving. Computationally useful phenotype data will improve diagnostic interpretation of ultrarare genetic variants and, in the long run, indicate which specific embryonic processes have been perturbed.
Machine Learning in Materials Discovery: Confirmed Predictions and Their Underlying Approaches
Authors: Saal James E. , Oliynyk Anton O. , Meredig Bryce
Published: May 2020

The rapidly growing interest in machine learning (ML) for materials discovery has resulted in a large body of published work. However, only a small fraction of these publications includes confirmation of ML predictions, either via experiment or via physics-based simulations. In this review, we first identify the core components common to materials informatics discovery pipelines, such as training data, choice of ML algorithm, and measurement of model performance. Then we discuss some prominent examples of validated ML-driven materials discovery across a wide variety of materials classes, with special attention to methodological considerations and advances. Across these case studies, we identify several common themes, such as the use of domain knowledge to inform ML models.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide stimulate release of substance P from TRPV1- and TRPA1-expressing sensory nerves
Authors: Mayer Fahima , Gunawan Amanda L. , Tso Patrick , Aponte Gregory W.
Published: May 2020

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are secreted upon eating to lower blood sugar. GLP-1 and GIP were found to induce the secretion of substance P (SP) from cultured sensory nerves. SP enhances insulin secretion. Mesenteric lymphatic fluid (MLF) also stimulates sensory neurons in a diet-dependent manner. These studies identify new actions of GLP-1 and GIP as incretins and suggest a mechanism for sensory nerves to respond to diet through MLF.
L1CAM High Expression Associates with Poor Prognosis in Glioma but Does Not Correlate with C11orf95‐RELA Fusion
Authors: Zeng Jing , Xi Shao-Yan , Wang Fang , Liao Hua-Dong , Yang Yuan-Zhong , Hu Wan-Ming
Published: May 2020

The latest WHO guideline of CNS tumor defined a RELA fusion‐positive ependymoma type with extremely poor prognosis, and the expression of L1CAM was correlated well with the presence of RELA fusion. However, the L1CAM protein expression in large sample gliomas other than ependymoma, its relationship with the RELA gene and its prognostic significance remained unknown. We examined the expression of L1CAM in 565 glioma cases (WHO grade I‐IV). The L1CAM IHC‐positive cases were selected to test RELA fusion with FISH break‐apart probes. L1CAM was positive in 109 cases (19.29%) of all 565 glioma cases, with 18.27% in low‐grade gliomas and 19.84% in high‐grade gliomas, respectively. Unlike ependymoma, L1CAM protein expression was not correlated with the C11orf95‐RELA fusion gene in other gliomas, but it had correction with the patient age (older than 45‐year‐old, p = 0.006), ATRX mutation (p = 0.003) and Ki67 (p = 0.007). High expression of L1CAM was an independent prognostic factor in our cohort. Further analysis demonstrated that L1CAM strong positive expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in gliomas, both in our cohort (p < 0.001) and TCGA (p < 0.009) dataset. Although uncorrelated with C11orf95‐RELA fusion, L1CAM was a significant poor prognostic marker in glioma patients. More aggressive treatment should be taken for these patients and L1CAM might be a promising therapeutic target in glioma.
Repeated Herbal Acupoint Sticking Relieved the Recurrence of Allergic Asthma by Regulating the Th1/Th2 Cell Balance in the Peripheral Blood
Authors: Zhao Shu-Mei , Wang He-Sheng , Zhang Cong , Hu Jun , Zhuang Lin-Li , Wang Xing , Fan Yu-Qian , Hu Wen-Jiao , Luo Jia-Qi , Zhao Ning-Wei , Yan Shi-Hai , Dong Jie , Liu Lan-Ying , Lu Qian , Cao Meng
Published: May 2020

Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease involving the Th1/Th2 cell imbalance in the peripheral blood. Repeated herbal acupoint sticking (RHAS) has been used for hundreds of years in China to relieve the recurrence of allergic asthma, and it is still practiced today. Thus, we explored the effect on allergic asthma relapse and the underlying immunoregulatory mechanism in this study. Here, we enrolled 50 allergic asthma participants, and 38 of them completed the treatment and follow‐up (the allergic asthma group). In addition, 13 healthy participants (the control group) were enrolled. The recurrence number of allergic asthma participants and asthma control test (ACT) were used to evaluate the effect of treatment on relieving allergic asthma recurrence. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the levels of Th1 and Th2 cells in the peripheral blood. The serum levels of IgE, IFN‐γ, and IL‐4 were detected by ELISA. (1) In the allergic asthma group, compared to before the first treatment, the recurrence number of allergic asthma participants decreased and the ACT score increased at end of the last treatment, 18 and 30 weeks of the trial (P < 0.05). At 18 and 30 weeks of the trial, the recurrence number of allergic asthma participants was less and the ACT score was higher than the ones from the same period last year in the allergic asthma group (P < 0.05). Compared to before the first treatment, the percentage of Th1 cell did not change significantly, the percentage of Th2 cell decreased, and the Th1/Th2 cell ratio increased in the allergic asthma group by the end of the last treatment (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the release of IgE and IL‐4 reduced (P < 0.05), and the release of IFN‐γ did not significantly change in the allergic asthma group. (2) Compared with the control group, the serum levels of IgE and IL‐4 and the percentage of Th2 cell were higher, and the Th1/Th2 cell ratio was lower in the allergic asthma group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between Th1 cell and IFN‐γ before the first treatment. (3) Compared with the control group, the IgE levels and the percentage of Th2 cell were higher in the allergic asthma group (P < 0.01). Simultaneously, there was no significant difference between Th1 cell, the Th1/Th2 cell ratio, and the serum levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 by the end of the last treatment. The data suggested that RHAS reduced the amount of Th2 cell and elevated the Th1/Th2 cell ratio, thereby alleviating the inflammatory responses in the allergic asthma participants.
Research on Information Spillover Effect of the RMB Exchange Rate and Stock Market Based on R-Vine Copula
Authors: Wu Xiaofei , Zhu Shuzhen , Wang Suxue
Published: May 2020

This paper studies the dependence structure and information spillover effect between the RMB exchange rate and the Chinese stock market based on the R-vine copula model and spillover index model. The results show that due to the occurrence of the trade war, the correlation between the three RMB exchange rate indicators and the two stock market indicators increases in varying degrees. In the intensity of spillover, the information spillover of the stock market to the RMB exchange rate is significantly enhanced, and the information spillover intensity of the RMB Index to the stock market increases, but the information spillover of the US dollar and Hong Kong dollar exchange rates to the stock market is significantly weakened. In the direction of spillover, the spillover of the RMB Index and stock market shows the characteristics of alternating transformation, while the exchange rate of a single currency and the stock market shows a one-way transmission from the stock market to the exchange rate. Additionally, the information spillover between the RMB exchange rate and the stock market is closely related to the degree of market openness. The RMB Index contains more information than the exchange rate of a single currency.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Hard Rock Breakage by Indenter Impact
Authors: Jiang Hongxiang , Cai Zhiyuan , Wang Ouguo , Meng Deguang
Published: May 2020

To investigate the effect of indenter shape, impact energy, and impact velocity on the rock breakage performance, a test device for rock fragmentation by indenter impact was developed to obtain the rock breakage volume, depth, and area under different impact conditions. By comparing the rock breakage volume, depth, area, and specific energy consumption, the results show that indenter shape has a greater influence on the rock breakage performance than that of the impact velocity with the same impact energy, and impact energy plays a decisive role in rock breakage performance with an identical indenter shape and impact velocity. For the lowest to highest specific energy consumption, the order of indenter shape is cusp-conical, warhead, hemispherical, spherical-arc, and flat-top under the same impact energy and velocity, but the cusp-conical indenter is damaged after several impacts. The rock breakage volume, depth, and area all increase with the increase in impact energy, but the effect of the impact velocity could be ignored under the same impact energy. In addition, the rock breakage features of the numerical simulation and experiments are similar, which show that the crushing zone close to the indenter impact point is mainly caused by the high compressive stress, and then radial cracks are caused by the accumulative energy release. The findings of this study will contribute to progress in the performance and efficiency for percussive rock drilling.
Insights on Embolic Protection, Repositioning, and Stroke: A Subanalysis of the RESPOND Study
Authors: Seeger Julia , Falk Volkmar , Hildick-Smith David , Bleiziffer Sabine , Blackman Daniel J. , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Allocco Dominic J. , Meredith Ian T. , Wöhrle Jochen , Van Mieghem Nicolas M.
Published: May 2020

RESPOND is a prospective, single-arm study enrolling 1014 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients. The objective of this analysis is to assess the impact of cerebral embolic protection (CEP) devices and prosthetic valve repositioning on the risk of neurologic complications in patients treated with the fully repositionable Lotus Valve in the RESPOND postmarket study. Valve repositioning and CEP use were at the operators’ discretion. Stroke events were adjudicated by an independent medical reviewer. This analysis assessed the baseline differences among patients according to CEP use and valve repositioning and evaluated the neurological complications at 72 hours after TAVR, hospital discharge, and 30-day follow-up. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the potential predictors of stroke. Of the 996 patients implanted with the Lotus Valve (mean age: 80.8 years, 50.8% female, STS score 6.0 ± 6.9), 92 cases (9.2%) used CEP. The overall rate of acute stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) was 3.0% at 72 hours after TAVR. The 72-hour stroke/TIA rate was 1.1% in patients who had CEP and 3.2% in those who did not. Use of CEP was associated with a 2.1% absolute reduction in the risk of acute neurological events (relative risk reduction: 65.6%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.51). Repositioning of the Lotus Valve occurred in 313/996 procedures (31.4%). The 72-hour rate of stroke/TIA was similar in patients who had valve repositioning (2.9%) compared with those who did not (3.1%; p=0.86). The selective use of a CEP device in the RESPOND study was associated with a nonsignificantly lower risk for stroke within 72 hours. The use of the repositioning feature of the Lotus Valve did not increase the stroke risk.
Comparison between the Express Implant and Transscleral Diode Laser in Neovascular Glaucoma
Authors: Wagdy Faried Mohammed , Zaky Adel Galal
Published: May 2020

Purpose. To compare the outcomes of Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) in the management of neovascular glaucoma (NVG).Patients and Methods. A total of 30 eyes (12 express shunts and 18 TSCP) of 28 patients were included. The eyes had NVG with intraocular pressure (IOP) more than 21 mmHg of the maximally tolerated medication treatment after previous panretinal photocoagulation and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection, with no previous history of a cyclodestruction procedure or glaucoma surgery, were randomized either for Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device or TSCP. The patients were followed up weekly for the first month and then monthly for 12 months as regard to the IOP, number of topical antiglaucoma drugs required, visual outcome, and postoperative complications.Results. IOP was successfully controlled with both techniques in 83.3% of the eyes. Both techniques had fewer complications and required fewer subsequent procedures.Conclusion. Both the Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device and TSCP might constitute safe and alternative therapeutic tools for patients with NVG. However, TSCP is an easier procedure, less time consuming, and does not require a learning curve.
The Effect of Shadow Banking on the Systemic Risk in a Dynamic Complex Interbank Network System
Authors: Fan Hong , Pan Hongjie
Published: May 2020

After the financial crisis triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis in the United States in 2008, many scholars believed that the unstable transmission of shadow banking business in the banking system is the main factor causing financial turmoil. This paper proposes a dynamic complex interbank network system model with shadow banking in which the dynamic complex interbank network system differs from the traditional banking network and is formed by the interrelated business between shadow banks and commercial banks to explore the effect of shadow banking on the systemic risk. The results show that the existence of shadow banking will increase the systemic risk, accelerate the speed of bankruptcy of banks, reduce the survival ratio of banks, and increase the strength of central bank assistance. The smaller the number of shadow banks in the system, the higher the degree of credit connection among commercial banks and the smaller the systemic risk.
Database Mining of Genes of Prognostic Value for the Prostate Adenocarcinoma Microenvironment Using the Cancer Gene Atlas
Authors: Zhao Xin , Hu Daixing , Li Jia , Zhao Guozhi , Tang Wei , Cheng Honglin
Published: May 2020

Background. Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is a common malignant tumor in elderly men. Our research uses The Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA) database to find potential related genes for predicting the prognosis of patients with PRAD. Methods. We downloaded gene expression profiles and clinical sample information from TCGA for 490 patients with PRAD (patient age: 41‐78 years). We calculated stromal and immune scores using the ESTIMATE algorithm to predict the level of stromal and immune cell infiltration. We categorized patients with PRAD in TCGA into high and low score arrays according to their median immune/stromal scores and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were significantly correlated with the prognosis of PRAD. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. The association between DEGs and overall survival was investigated by weighted Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariate analysis. Furthermore, the protein‐protein interaction network (PPI) of DEGs was constructed using the STRING tool. Finally, the hub genes were identified by analyzing the degree of association of PPI networks. Results. We found that 8 individual DEGs, C6, S100A12, MLC1, PAX5, C7, FAM162B, CAMK1G, and TCEAL5, were significantly predictive of favorable overall survival and one DEG, EPYC, was associated with poor overall survival. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the DEGs were associated with immune responses. Moreover, 30 hub genes were obtained using the PPI network of DEGs: ITGAM, CD4, CD3E, IL‐10, LCP2, ITGB2, ZAP‐70, C3, CCL19, CXCL13, CXCL9, BTK, CCL21, CD247, CD28, CD3D, FCER1G, PTPRC, TYROBP, CCR5, ITK, CCL13, CCR1, CCR2, CD79B, CYBB, IL2RG, JAK3, PLCG2, and CD19. These prominent nodes had the most associations with other genes, indicating that they might play crucial roles in the prognosis of PRAD. Conclusions. We extracted a list of genes associated with the prostate adenocarcinoma microenvironment, which might contribute to the prediction and interpretation of PRAD prognosis.
Optimal Investment of DC Pension Plan under Incentive Schemes and Loss Aversion
Authors: Dong Yinghui , Lv Wenxin , Wei Siyuan , Gong Yeyang
Published: May 2020

We investigate the DC pension manager’s portfolio problem when the manager is remunerated through two schemes for DC pension managerial compensation under loss aversion and minimum guarantee. We apply the concavification technique and a static Lagrangian technique to solve the problem and derive the closed-form representation of the optimal wealth and portfolio processes. Theoretical and numerical results show that the incentive schemes can significantly impact the distribution of the optimal terminal wealth.
Limitations of Systemic Oncological Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bednarek Anna , Mykała-Cieśla Joanna , Pogoda Katarzyna , Jagiełło-Gruszfeld Agnieszka , Kunkiel Michał , Winder Mateusz , Chudek Jerzy
Published: May 2020

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy, affecting middle-age and older women frequently suffering from other chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease. The risk of breast cancer development in women on renal replacement therapy (peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis) is higher than in the general population. Chronic kidney disease does not limit surgical treatment or radiotherapy; however, it affects the pharmacokinetics of drugs used in the systematic treatment to a different extent, increasing their toxicity and the risk of adverse drug reactions. This article summarizes the current knowledge (published studies accessed through PUBMED) on drugs used in chemotherapy, hormone therapy, anti-HER2 drugs, CDK4/6 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, and immune therapy in breast cancer patients undergoing dialysis. We discuss the data, the optimal choice of the chemotherapeutic protocol, and the administration of drugs in a specific time relation to the haemodialysis session to ensure the most effective and safe treatment to breast cancer patients.
Esmolol Use in Dual Axis Defibrillation Resistant Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: Agrawal Ankit , Cardinale Maria , Frenia Douglas , Dalia Tarun , Shah Chirag
Published: May 2020

Cardiac arrest in an event of acute myocardial infarction most commonly results in life-threatening ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (VF). Patients who remain in VF despite optimal epinephrine, amiodarone, and three or more attempts at 200 joules of biphasic current defibrillation are known to be in an electrical storm. Here, we describe a case of defibrillation refractory VF responding to intravenous esmolol resulting in a successful return of spontaneous circulation. Learning objective. This case reinforces the growing body of evidence supporting esmolol as a novel treatment approach for refractory VF before the cessation of resuscitative efforts.
miR-199a-5p Exacerbated Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction through Inhibiting Surfactant Protein D and Activating NF-κB Pathway in Sepsis
Authors: Du Xianjin , Tian Dan , Wei Jie , Yan Chen , Hu Peng , Wu Xu , Yang Wenbin , Zhu Zhanyong
Published: May 2020

Sepsis is a severe disease, which results from the excessive inflammatory response to the infection. Dysfunction of intestinal barrier is a crucial problem in various pathological conditions. Meanwhile, microRNAs exhibit significant roles in the modulation of many diseases, including sepsis. Multiple investigations indicate that miR-199a-5p participates in different human diseases. Nevertheless, little is known on the roles of miR-199a-5p in sepsis. Herein, we evaluated the mechanism of miR-199a-5p on the intestinal barrier dysfunction in sepsis. Intestinal mucosa permeability indicators including D-lactic acid, DAO, and FD-40 levels were determined, and they were greatly increased in sepsis. Then, we proved that miR-199a-5p was induced in sepsis mice tissues and isolated intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, miR-199a-5p increased D-lactic acid, DAO, and FD-40 while inhibition of miR-199a-5p exhibited a reversed process. Additionally, we observed that miR-199a-5p affected the oxidative damage and inflammation in the intestine tissues from sepsis mice. The content of MDA was elevated whereas SOD was remarkably repressed in the miR-199a-5p mimic group. IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were induced by miR-199a-5p overexpression while IL-10 was reduced by miR-199a-5p. Subsequently, surfactant protein D (SP-D) was predicted as the target of miR-199a-5p. The activation of NF-κB has been identified in sepsis. Herein, we demonstrated that inhibitor of miR-199a-5p contributed to IEC injury via targeting SP-D and inactivating the NF-κB pathway. These revealed miR-199a-5p exacerbated the intestinal barrier dysfunction via inhibiting SP-D and activating the NF-κB pathway in sepsis.
Synthesis and Characterization of Lyophilized Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Cross-Linked with Benzaldehyde for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Damiri Fouad , Bachra Yahya , Bounacir Chaimaa , Laaraibi Asmae , Berrada Mohammed
Published: May 2020

In this study, chitosan-based hydrogels were produced by incorporating three drugs with a different solubility into a polymer matrix. The lyophilized chitosan salt was prepared using an innovative and less-expensive synthetic process by the freeze-drying technique. Firstly, the three drugs (caffeine, ascorbic acid, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)) were selected as model drugs to test the in vitro release behavior of the hydrogel. The drugs were solubilized in chitosan salt, lyophilized, and cross-linked with benzaldehyde involving the formation of a Schiff base with (–C=N-) linkage to produce a physical hydrogel. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of N-benzyl chitosan and lyophilized chitosan salt were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The intrinsic viscosity of the conventional chitosan was determined by the Mark–Houwink–Sakurada equation. Moreover, the kinetics of hydrogel swelling and drug release were studied by the UV-visible method at physiological conditions (pH = 7.4 at 37°C). The results show that lyophilized N-benzyl chitosan had a maximum swelling ratio of 720 ± 2% by immersion in phosphate-buffered saline solutions (PBS) (pH = 7.4 at 37°C). In vitro drug releases were evaluated in PBS, and the obtained results show that the maximum drug release after 24 h was 42% for caffeine, 99% for 5-FU, and 94% for ascorbic acid. Then, to optimize the cumulative release of caffeine, Tween 20 was added and 98% as a release percentage was obtained. The drug-loading results were investigated with the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model and applied to determine the drug release mechanism.
Short-Term Air Quality Prediction Based on Fractional Grey Linear Regression and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Dun Meng , Xu Zhicun , Chen Yan , Wu Lifeng
Published: May 2020

To predict the daily air pollutants, the fractional multivariable model is established. The hybrid model of the grey multivariable regression model with fractional order accumulation model (FGM(0, m)) and support vector regression model (SVR) is used to predict the air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, and NO2) from December 31, 2018, to January 3, 2019, in Shijiazhuang and Chongqing. The absolute percentage errors (APEs) are used to determine the weights of the FGM(0, m) and SVR. Meanwhile, the Holt–Winters model is used to predict the air quality pollutants for the same location and period. When the mean absolute percent error (MAPE) is 0%–20%, it indicates that the model has good accuracy of fitting and prediction. The MAPE of the hybrid model is less than 20%. It is shown that except for the PM2.5 concentration prediction in Shijiazhuang (13.7%), the MAPE between the forecasting and actual values of the three air pollutants in Shijiazhuang and Chongqing was less than 10%.
Resistin Activates p65 Pathway and Reduces Glycogen Content through Keratin 8
Authors: Wen Fengyun , Xia Qiao , Zhang Hui , Shia Haipeng , Rajesh Amin , Wu Yanling , Yang Yi , Yang Zaiqing
Published: May 2020

Resistin is associated with metabolic syndrome and inflammatory conditions. Many studies have suggested that resistin inhibits the accumulation of glycogen; however, the exact mechanisms of resistin-induced decrease in glycogen content remain unclear. Keratin 8 is a typical epithelial intermediate filament protein, but numerous studies suggest a vital role of K8 in glucose metabolism. However, it is still not known whether K8 participates in the mediation of resistin-induced reduction of cellular glycogen accumulation. In this study, we found that resistin upregulated expression of the p65 subunit of NF-κB, which led to the promotion of K8 transcriptional expression; in turn, the expression of K8 inhibited glycogen accumulation in HepG2 cells.
Valganciclovir as Add-on to Standard Therapy in Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Stragliotto Giuseppe , Pantalone Mattia Russel , Rahbar Afsar , Bartek Jiri , Söderberg-Naucler Cecilia
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Several groups have reported a prevalence of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) in glioblastoma close to 100%. Previously, we reported that treatment with the antiviral drug valganciclovir as an add-on to standard therapy significantly prolonged survival in 50 patients with glioblastoma. Here, we present an updated retrospective analysis that includes an additional 52 patients.

Experimental Design:

From December 2006 to November 2019, 102 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma received valganciclovir as an add-on to standard therapy. No additional toxicity was observed. Contemporary controls were 231 patients with glioblastoma who received similar baseline therapy.

Results:

Patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma receiving valganciclovir had longer median overall survival (OS 24.1 vs. 13.3 months, P < 0.0001) and a 2-year survival rate (49.8% vs. 17.3%) than controls. Median time-to-tumor progression was also longer than in controls; 9.9 (0.7–67.5 months) versus 7.3 (1.2–49 months), P = 0.0003. Valganciclovir improved survival in patients with radical or partial resection and an unmethylated or methylated MGMT promoter gene.

Conclusions:

Valganciclovir prolonged median OS of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (with methylated or unmethylated MGMT promoter gene) and was safe to use.