bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Scatter Associated with Earthquakes that Ended a Quiescent Period in Southeastern Korea
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zafar , Chung Tae-Woong , Nam Myung Jin
Published: April 2020

Two recent hazardous earthquakes ( M 5.8 and 5.5) in southeastern Korea were the largest instrumentally recorded inland events after an abnormally long, seismically quiet, period. In this study, we used coda envelope tomography to observe the heterogeneities related to active faults, which can, in turn, help mitigate seismic hazard in the area. However, this tomography was not able to detect faults in the intraplate region. By separating the periods before and after the M 5.8 earthquake, we analyzed 225 and 204 seismograms obtained from 127 and 86 events, respectively. Both periods showed time-varying heterogeneity correlated with fault activity. Adding 446 seismograms from 235 aftershocks of the two events to the analysis showed us a heterogenous structure that closely correlated to the active faults where the recent earthquakes originated.
Development of a Multivariable Prediction Model to Identify Patients Unlikely to Complete a Colonoscopy Following an Abnormal FIT Test in Community Clinics
Authors: Petrik Amanda , Keast Erin , Johnson Eric , Smith David H. , Coronado Gloria D.
Published: April 2020

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd leading cancer killer in the US. The Strategies and Opportunities to STOP Colon Cancer in Priority Populations (STOP CRC) project aimed to increase CRC screening among patients in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) through a mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach program. However, rates of completion of the follow-up colonoscopy following an abnormal FIT remain low. We developed a multivariable prediction model using data available in the electronic health record to assess the probability of patients obtaining a colonoscopy following an abnormal FIT test.Methods We used Cox regression to develop a risk prediction model among a retrospective cohort of patients with an abnormal FIT result and a year of follow-up data.Results Of 1723 patients with an abnormal FIT result, 699 (40.6%) had a colonoscopy within 1 year and 597 (34.6%) had a recorded colonoscopy within 6 months. The model shows adequate separation of patients across risk levels for non-adherence to follow-up colonoscopy (bootstrap-corrected C-statistic > 0.63). The refined model included 8 variables: age, race, insurance, GINI income inequality, long term anticoagulant use, receipt of a flu vaccine in the past year, frequency of missed clinic appointments, and clinic site. Probability of obtaining a follow-up colonoscopy within 6 months varied across quintiles; patients in the lowest quintile had an estimated 18% chance, whereas patients in the top quintile had a greater than 55% chance of obtaining a follow-up colonoscopy.Conclusions Knowing who may be at risk for failing to follow-up on an abnormal FIT test could help identify patients in need of early interventions aimed at completing a colonoscopy.Trial registry This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01742065) on December 5, 2012.
Surgery for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Lobectomy or Sub-lobar Resection?
Authors: Liang Hengrui , Zhang Yichi , Wang Wei , Huang Jun , Cui Fei , Cheng Bo , Zhao Yi , Xiong Shan , Li Jianfu , Li Caichen , Liu Jun , He Jianxing , Liang Wenhua
Published: April 2020

Background : A survival benefit was observed in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients that underwent operation. But no evidence to support whether lobectomy would further prolong these patients’ live than sub-lobar resection.Methods: Patients that underwent primary tumor resection with metastatic NSCLC were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database and then divided into lobectomy and sub-lobar resection groups. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance characters. Cancer specific survival (CSS) was estimated.Results: A total of 24,268 patients with metastatic NSCLC were identified; 4,114 (16.95%) received primary tumor surgery, of which 2,045 (49.71%) underwent lobectomy and 1,766 (42.93%) underwent sub-lobar resection. After PSM, 644 patients in each group were included. Lobectomy was independently correlated with longer median CSS time (HR=0.70, 95% CI 0.61-0.80, P<0.001). The 1, 2 and 3-year survival rate after PSM also favored the lobectomy group. However, no significant survival difference was found in wedge resection and segmentectomy (HR=0.96, 95% CI 0.70-1.31, P=0.490). The 1, 2 and 3-year survival rate after PSM also showed no difference within the sub-lobar group. We explore whether lymph node dissection would provide a further survival benefit for stage IV NSCLC patients. According to the multivariate Cox analysis of the matched population, lymph node dissection was independently associated with better CSS (HR=0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.88, P<0.001) and OS (HR=0.74, 95% CI 0.65-0.86, P<0.001). We confirmed this result in different types of surgery and found lymph node dissection group persist to have better survival outcomes both in lobectomy group and sub-lobar resection population. According to subgroup analysis, except for stage T4 and brain metastasis patients, all subtype of patients would benefit more from lobectomy than sub-lobar resection.Conclusions: Lobectomy brings survival benefit in metastatic NSCLC patients compared with sub-lobar resection.
Involvement of Bradykinin and Folate receptor in calming the SARS-COV2 cytokine storm: Lessons learnt from lung cancer
Authors: Gowda Pruthvi , Sen Ellora
Published: April 2020

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) is a highly pathogenic respiratory virus that causes morbidity and mortality in humans. The lungs are the major pathological target of SARS-CoV infection. The pathological derangements, aberrant signalling and dysregulated inflammation characteristics of lung cancer have marked similarities with the clinical manifestation of SARS-COV2 infection. As heightened inflammatory response is a key feature of both SARS-CoV infection and lung cancer and given the intriguing commonalities between the two, we analysed the RNA sequence dataset from lung cancer patients to get a better understanding of the critical regulators of inflammation in SAR-COV2. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets of lung cancer were analyzed for correlations between ACE2, Bradykinin, and other genes associated with inflammatory responses.Results: TCGA dataset analysis indicated an inverse correlation between ACE2 and Bradykinin Receptor 1 (BDKRB1), IL-6 and IFNg in lung adenocarcinoma. A positive correlation between EGF, FOLR1, MAOA, NOSTRIN, MARC2, PHKD1, and ACE2 was noted Summary: Our analysis has identified a common (i) ACE2- BDKRB1-inflammatory network and (ii) FOLR1-Nitric oxide cross-talk in lung cancer and SARS-CoV2. Better understanding of the convergences between critical players in these networks would enable efficient repurposing of approved lung cancer therapeutics for COVID-19 infection.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy: features on Chest Computed Tomography using a structured report system
Authors: Roberto Grassi , Roberta Fusco , Paola Belfiore Maria , Alessandro Montanelli , Gianluigi Patelli , Fabrizio Urraro , Antonella Petrillo , Vincenza Granata , Palmino Sacco , Antonietta Mazzei Maria , Beatrice Feragalli , Alfonso Reginelli , Salvatore Cappabianca
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVE. To assess the use of a structured report system in the Chest Computed Tomography (CT) reporting of patients with suspicious viral pneumonia by COVID-19 and the evaluation of the main CT patterns.MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study included 134 patients (43 women and 91 men; 68.8 years of mean age, range 29-93 years) with suspicious COVID-19 viral infection evaluated by reverse transcription real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. All patients underwent CT examinations at the time of admission. CT images were reviewed by two radiologists who identified COVID-19 CT patterns using a structured reports.RESULTS. Temporal difference mean value between RT-PCRs and CT scan was 0.18 days ±2.0 days. CT findings were positive for viral pneumonia in 94.0% patients while COVID-19 was diagnosed at RT-PCR in 77.6% patients. Mean value of time for radiologist to complete the structured report was 8.5 min±2.4 min. The disease on chest CT predominantly affected multiple lobes and the main CT feature was GGOs with or without consolidation (96.8%). GGOs was predominantly bilateral (89.3%), peripheral (80.3%), multifocal/patching (70.5%). Consolidation disease was predominantly bilateral (83.9%) with prevalent peripheral (87.1%) and segmental (47.3%) distribution. Additional CT signs were the crazy-paving pattern in 75.4% of patients, the septal thickening in 37.3% of patients, the air bronchogram sign in 39.7% and the “reversed halo” sign in 23.8%. Less frequent characteristics at CT regard discrete pulmonary nodules, increased trunk diameter of the pulmonary artery, pleural effusion and pericardium effusion (7.9%, 6.3%, 14.3% and 16.7%, respectively). Barotrauma sign was absent in all the patients. High percentage (54.8%) of the patients had mediastinal lymphadenopathy.CONCLUSION. Using a Chest CT structured report, with a standardized language, we identified that the cardinal hallmarks of COVID-19 infection were bilateral, peripheral and multifocal/patching ground-glass opacities and bilateral consolidations with peripheral and segmental distribution.
Vanadium micro-XANES determination of oxygen fugacity in olivine-hosted glass inclusion and groundmass glasses of martian primitive shergottite Yamato 980459
Authors: Nakada Ryoichi , Usui Tomohiro , Ushioda Masashi , Takahashi Yoshio
Published: April 2020

The redox condition of magma determines the stability and composition of crystallizing and volatile phases in martian meteorites, reflecting the evolution of the martian interior. In the current study, direct analyses on the oxidation states of V, Cr, and Fe were performed based on the X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurements equipped with a micro-sized X-ray beam. We first applied the micro-XANES (μ-XANES) technique to the olivine-hosted glass inclusion and groundmass glass of martian meteorite Yamato 980459 (Y98), which is interpreted as representing a primary melt composition. Mass-balance calculations and XANES spectra comparisons indicated that, while chromite and pyroxene affected Cr and Fe K-edge XANES spectra, the contribution of these minerals was minimal for V. The pre-edge peak intensity of V K-edge XANES enabled the estimation of the oxygen fugacity for inclusion and groundmass glasses. The calculated oxygen fugacity (fO2) of the glass inclusions was near the Iron-Wüstite (IW) buffer (IW-0.07 ± 0.32) for the glass inclusion, whereas it was 0.9 log units more oxidized (IW+0.93 ± 0.56) for the groundmass glasses. This result suggests that the redox condition of the parent magma of Y98 evolved during magma ascent and emplacement. Since Y98 is interpreted to have evolved in a closed system, our finding suggests that fractional crystallization and/or ascent of magma potentially induces the fO2 increase. This study shows that the μ-XANES technique enables us to determine the fO2 by only measuring a single phase of glassy compounds, and thus, it is useful to discuss the redox condition of volcanic rocks even if they do not crystallize out several equilibrium phases of minerals.
Crystal structure and Raman spectroscopic studies of OH stretching vibrations in Zn-rich fluor-elbaite
Authors: Pieczka Adam , Ertl Andreas , Gołębiowska Bożena , Jeleń Piotr , Kotowski Jakub , Nejbert Krzysztof , Stachowicz Marcin , Giester Gerald
Published: April 2020

Zinc-rich fluor-elbaite from Piława Górna, Poland, was studied by electron microprobe (EPMA), single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SREF), and Raman spectroscopy (RS) to check the possibility of the application of RS to draw crystal-chemical conclusions for Al-rich and Li-bearing tourmalines on basis of the O–H stretching vibrations in the spectral range 3400–3800 cm–1. This tourmaline, forming a thin metasomatic zone around gahnite, features varying compositions with a ZnO content reaching in the studied fragment of 5.70(12) wt%. The crystal structure of this Zn-rich fluor-elbaite [a = 15.921(1), c = 7.127(1) Å] was refined with a R1 value of 1.67%. Its formula was determined on the basis of electron-microprobe and structure refinement as (Na0.84☐0.14Ca0.01)XΣ1.00(Al1.06Li0.84Zn0.69Fe0.322+Mn0.09)YΣ3.00AlZ6(BO3)3(Si6TO18)(OH)3V(F0.65OH0.26O0.09)W. The deconvolution of the O–H stretching vibration bands, performed by fitting of an input model of component bands with Gaussian function shapes for the empirical spectrum, indicates that each of the three maxima assigned for VOH bonded to YAl3+, Y2+, and YLi+ and with the total integral intensity of at least 75% of the total OH content could be resolved into 1 to 3 bands, depending on the X-site occupation (vacancies, Na+, and Ca2+). The deconvolution indicates further that several low intense bands of WO–H modes above a Raman shift of 3600 cm–1, totally reaching ≤25%, are dependent on the occupation of triplets of YYY cations bonded to the hydroxyl. These WO–H modes are also influenced by the X-site occupation. Due to ordering of all octahedral cations (except Al) at the Y site and a complete occupation of the Z site by Al and the V site by OH, it seems possible to evaluate the Li and OH contents in a Al-rich and Li-bearing tourmaline directly from the Raman spectrum. By using the ratio VOHIYAlZAlZAl/(VOHIYZZ + WOHIYYY) as evaluated from RS, corresponding to the ratio YAl/V+WOH in the crystal, the formula of the Zn-rich fluor-elbaite can be calculated as (Na0.85☐0.14Ca0.01)XΣ1.00(Al1.11Y1.112+Li0.78)YΣ3.00AlZ6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)3(F0.65OH0.13O0.22), where Y 2+ = Zn + Fe + Mn. The formula, determined only on basis of EPMA and deconvolution of RS in the O–H stretching bands, corresponds very well (≤1 SD range of EPMA) to the formula determined on basis of EPMA and SREF. This result implicates that the O–H stretching vibrations, measured by Raman spectroscopy, could be applied for Al-rich and Li-bearing tourmalines as a useful tool for providing additional information for determining the crystal-chemical formula. It is also very helpful when crystal structural data are not available.
Donwilhelmsite, [CaAl4Si2O11], a new lunar high-pressure Ca-Al-silicate with relevance for subducted terrestrial sediments
Authors: Fritz Jörg , Greshake Ansgar , Klementova Mariana , Wirth Richard , Palatinus Lukas , Trønnes Reidar G. , Fernandes Vera Assis , Böttger Ute , Ferrière Ludovic
Published: April 2020

We report on the occurrence of a new high-pressure Ca-Al-silicate in localized shock melt pockets found in the feldspatic lunar meteorite Oued Awlitis 001 and discuss the implications of our discovery. The new mineral crystallized as tiny, micrometer-sized, acicular grains in shock melt pockets of roughly anorthitic bulk composition. Transmission electron microscopy based three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) reveals that the CaAl4Si2O11 crystals are identical to the calcium aluminum silicate (CAS) phase first reported from static pressure experiments. The new mineral has a hexagonal structure, with a space group of P63/mmc and lattice parameters of a = 5.42(1) Å; c = 12.70(3) Å; V = 323(4) Å3; Z = 2. This is the first time 3D ED was applied to structure determination of an extraterrestrial mineral. The International Mineralogical Association (IMA) has approved this naturally formed CAS phase as the new mineral “donwilhelmsite” [CaAl4Si2O11], honoring the U.S. lunar geologist Don E. Wilhelms. On the Moon, donwilhelmsite can form from the primordial feldspathic crust during impact cratering events. In the feldspatic lunar meteorite Oued Awlitis 001, needles of donwilhelmsite crystallized in ~200 mm sized shock melt pockets of anorthositic-like chemical composition. These melt pockets quenched within milliseconds during declining shock pressures. Shock melt pockets in meteorites serve as natural crucibles mimicking the conditions expected in the Earth's mantle. Donwilhelmsite forms in the Earth's mantle during deep recycling of aluminous crustal materials, and is a key host for Al and Ca of subducted sediments in most of the transition zone and the uppermost lower mantle (460–700 km). Donwilhelmsite bridges the gap between kyanite and the Ca-component of clinopyroxene at low pressures and the Al-rich Ca-ferrite phase and Ca-perovskite at high-pressures. In ascending buoyant mantle plumes, at about 460 km depth, donwilhelmsite is expected to break down into minerals such as garnet, kyanite, and clinopyroxene. This process may trigger minor partial melting, releasing a range of incompatible minor and trace elements and contributing to the enriched mantle (EM1 and EM2) components associated with subducted sedimentary lithologies.
Wavelet-based local mesh refinement for rainfall–runoff simulations
Authors: Özgen-Xian Ilhan , Kesserwani Georges , Caviedes-Voullième Daniel , Molins Sergi , Xu Zexuan , Dwivedi Dipankar , Moulton J. David , Steefel Carl I.
Published: April 2020

A wavelet-based local mesh refinement (wLMR) strategy is designed to generate multiresolution and unstructured triangular meshes from real digital elevation model (DEM) data for efficient hydrological simulations at the catchment scale. The wLMR strategy is studied considering slope- and curvature-based refinement criteria to analyze DEM inputs: the slope-based criterion uses bed elevation data as input to the wLMR strategy, whereas the curvature-based criterion feeds the bed slope data into it. The performance of the wLMR meshes generated by these two criteria is compared for hydrological simulations; first, using three analytical tests with the systematic variation in topography types and then by reproducing laboratory- and real-scale case studies. The bed elevation on the wLMR meshes and their simulation results are compared relative to those achieved on the finest uniform mesh. Analytical tests show that the slope- and curvature-based criteria are equally effective with the wLMR strategy, and that it is easier to decide which criterion to take in relation to the (regular) shape of the topography. For the realistic case studies: (i) slope analysis provides a better metric to assess the correlation of a wLMR mesh to the fine uniform mesh and (ii) both criteria predict outlet hydrographs with a close predictive accuracy to that on the uniform mesh, but the curvature-based criterion is found to slightly better capture the channeling patterns of real DEM data.
Identidad cultural, actitudes políticas y valores socioculturales en Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo y San Luis Potosí
Authors: Lozano Rendón José Carlos
Published: April 2020

Mediante el uso de la base de datos que constituye la Encuesta Socioeconómica Anual de la Frontera 1987 (ESAF 87) de El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, el presente artículo discute las actividades políticas hacia Estados Unidos y ciertos valores familiares tradicionales de México en los encuestados de Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo y San Luis Potosí.Mediante el análisis de las escalas de actitudes sobre el sistema capitalista, sobre los Estados Unidos y sobre las premisas socioculturales definidas por Rogelio Díaz Guerrero, como características de elementos de la cultura tradicional mexicana, se concluye que la clase social y el sexo constituyen variables más útiles para predecir la pérdida de identidad cultural que la proximidad geográfica con los Estados Unidos.
Modernización tecnológica y cambios organizacionales en la industria maquiladora
Authors: Carrillo Viveros Jorge
Published: April 2020

Actualmente, la importancia que representa para México la industria maquiladora de exportación (IME) puede resumirse en los siguientes cuatro puntos: primero, es la segunda fuente de divisas para el país (después del petróleo); la tasa de absorción de fuerza de trabajo excede a la de los demás sectores de la economía; su crecimiento en el número de establecimientos; la complejidad y modernización que muestra en los últimos años. Bajo este panorama, se justifica la atención que se le presta a la IME ante el probable Tratado Trilateral de Acuerdo de Libre Comercio, con el que se espera continuará su expansión, por lo que se hace necesario realizar estudios que fortalezcan el aprovechamiento de oportunidades que pudiera ofrecer la IME..Es en este sentido que en este trabajo se analizan algunos aspectos relacionados con la tecnología en plantas maquiladoras, especialmente aquellas con nuevas formas de organización en el trabajo. Las hipótesis que se manejan son dos: existe una amplia y heterogénea difusión de la tecnología en la IME; existen diferencias significativas en la estructura organizativa entre plantas que utilizan nuevas tecnologías blandas o métodos de organización flexible del trabajo, y plantas de tipo más tradicional. Para la realización de este trabajo se llevó a cabo una encuesta probabilística en Ciudad Juárez, Tijuana y Monterrey.Algunas de las conclusiones a las que se llegan reflejan que la IME no sólo es importante por las divisas y empleos que genera a nivel nacional, sino también por los impactos que propicia a nivel regional. Las características actuales de la IME la definen por su dinamismo, heterogeneidad y reestructuración. Dentro de la reestructuración se observa: la difusión de procesos automatizados; los cambios en el empleo, y la proliferación de la flexibilización organizacional.En lo que se refiere a la flexibilización organizacional en la IME, los resultados de este trabajo permiten señalar que existe un proceso generalizado, pero que éste no es homogéneo entre las distintas actividades económicas.
Statistical Analysis of the Economic Development of the Brics Countries
Authors: Balyhin M. G. , Shajlieva M. M. , Tsypin A. P.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the research. The political and economic balance between the major world powers in the 1950s was disrupted by the rejection of the socialist model of the economy by a number of countries. For this reason, countries such as Russia and China have been withdrawn from geopolitical space for decades and have re-built their economies and foreign economic ties. The exit from the "shadow" of the economies of these powers in the 2000s led to the movement of the processes of changing the unipolar world order to a multipolar one. A clear catalyst for this process was the formation of the BRICS political and economic union, which brought together the largest developing countries of the world. The topic of positioning of five countries in the world space, as well as the identification of factors that have a favorable impact on their convergence, has become relevant, in this regard, the aim of the study is to assess the position of the BRICS countries in the world community, on the quantitative side, in an inextricable connection with the qualitative basis of socio-economic laws and patterns.

Materials and methods. Statistical methods such as tabular, graphical, generalization and correlation regression analysis were used to achieve this goal. Data sources were from the World Bank, the UN Statistical Committee and the BRICS national statistical services.

Results. The main results are: on the basis of a critical analysis of the theoretical literature and empirical studies, a methodology for conducting the study was developed, which includes the use of statistical tools; during the period 1990-2018, the position of the BRICS countries in geo-economic space strengthened, as evidenced by the growth of the total share of the Union's members in world GDP; China and India have made a significant leap in economic capacity-building as a result of policies to attract foreign investment and technology; GDP growth in the 2000s continued in China and India, while in Russia, Brazil and South Africa a slowdown was observed, which, according to the forecast, would lead to a further decline in the growth rate of these countries; the main factor that has a positive impact on the growth of the five economies is services, which is fully consistent with the global trend.

Conclusion. The results will be useful for researchers in macroeconomic dynamics and geo-economics, in particular the approaches used in the article; it is possible to apply to similar political and economic unions and associations. General conclusions can also be recommended to persons responsible for making state decisions in the field of integration of Russia into the world space, as well as specialists in sociology, social economics and political science.
On One Co-Integration Issue of Trade Links of Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan
Authors: Orudzhev E. G. , Huseynova S. M.
Published: April 2020

This article, based on annual data from 1994 to 2018, considers trade and economic processes between Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan through the GDP integration indicators of Azerbaijan and foreign trade turnover with these countries.

The purpose of the research. The purpose of the study is to find cointegration relationships between the studied macroeconomic indicators and correct application of the vector model of error correction to describe the equilibrium relationship between the considered data of intercountry interaction and to develop sound economically informative recommendations in the sphere of intercountry trade and economic interaction.

Materials and methodology. Official statistics of the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan, scientific works of scientists-economists on the inter-country integration processes in the post-soviet region are used. Statistical methods of information processing are applied in relation to the empirical analysis of non-stationary time series of the studied statistical data, and correctly tested modern econometric methods and all the necessary econometric testing procedures are used to build co-integration relations and the vector model of error correction taking into account the effects of external shocks. All the calculations are made in Microsoft Excel and Eviews 8 application software packages.

Results. The properties of applying the econometric methodology of studying the statistical relationship between multidimensional nonstationary time series are investigated. For this data, the authors' approach is to use the co-integration tool and the mechanism of vector error correction, which are practically not applicable by economists in Azerbaijan to date. A new specification of the model with respect to the logarithms of the source variables is defined. Based on the minimization of the mean square error, estimates of the model parameters are found. The Granger connection causality is investigated. The Johansen tests are implemented to find the cointegration area, after which the vector error correction model is built, which describes the long-term equilibrium relationship between the studied indicators and the path of returning to the equilibrium trajectory if it deviates from it. When modeling, we used all the necessary statistical procedures required to identify and evaluate the parameters of the model and verify its adequacy and the accuracy of short-term and long-term forecast values by applying Microsoft Excel and Eviews 8 tools.

Conclusion. As a result of the study, econometrically sound recommendations are developed, which allow to conduct dynamic analyzes for effective state regulation of export-import operations between the four countries in order to balance the trade and improve the relevant inclusive parameters of the long-term sustainable development of these states.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in AML-A New Frontier
Authors: Thummalapalli Rohit , Knaus Hanna A. , Gojo Ivana , Zeidner Joshua F.
Published: April 2020

Despite recent therapeutic advancements, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenging clinical entity with overall poor outcomes. Given the evident role of T cell-mediated immunity in response to allogeneic stem cell transplantation and donor lymphocyte infusions, strategies that enhance immune activation and mitigate immune dysfunction represent attractive therapeutic platforms to improve clinical outcomes in AML. Pre-clinical data suggest that immune dysfunction is a major contributor to AML progression and relapse. Increased expression of immune checkpoints such as programmed death 1 (PD-1) contributes to AML immune evasion and is associated with disease progression. Immune checkpoint inhibition is being explored in AML with early evidence of clinical activity, particularly in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy and hypomethylating agents. In this review, we explore the scientific rationale behind the use of immune checkpoint inhibition either as single agents or in combination with hypomethylating agents or cytotoxic chemotherapy and provide a clinical update of both completed and ongoing trials in AML.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Azine Derivatives of 6-Hydroxyxanthanodiene
Authors: Neganova Margarita E. , Klochkov Sergey G. , Pukhov Sergey A. , Afanasieva Svetlana V. , Aleksandrova Yulia R. , Yandulova Ekaterina Y. , Avila-Rodriguez Marco F. , Mikhaleva Liudmila M. , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Somasundaram Siva G. , Kirkland Cecil E. , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: April 2020

Background:

The conjugates of the sesquiterpene lactone of the eremophilane series of 6-
hydroxyxanthanodiene with hydrogenated azines (piperidines and piperazines) have been synthesized
and identified by NMR spectrometer.

Objective:

A lactone with an unusual skeleton “6-hydroxyxanthanodiene” was extracted from the
plant Elecampane (Inula helenium L) and identified various species with NMR spectrometer.

Methods:

The cytotoxic, mitochondrial, and antioxidant activities on different tumor lines such as
A549, HCT116, RD and Jurkat were investigated and determined possible mechanisms.

Results:

The results showed that the most potent compound was IIIi exhibiting highest cytotoxicity
against RD cells (IC50 25.23 ± 0.04 μM), depolarized the mitochondrial membrane and was an effective
antioxidant (IC50 inhibition of LP 10.68 ± 3.21 μM) without any toxic side effect on healthy
cells.

Conclusion:

The conjugates of sesquiterpene lactone 6-hydroxyxanthanodiene III and hydrogenated
azines may help to design potential promising anticancer drugs.
Use of Chou’s 5-steps Rule to Study the Effect of Cereal Dietary Protein on Liver and Coronary Heart Disease Prevention
Authors: Molla Mohammad Mainuddin , Ren Xin , Rahman Ebeydulla , Kamal Md. M. , Sabuz Ashfak A. , Khatun Anjumanara , Chao Wang , Shen Qun
Published: April 2020

Background:

The liver is a vital organ in the human body involved in the metabolic processes.
The liver can be damaged due to factors such as protein deficiency, viral infection, as well as
consumption of alcohol, chemical contaminants, and adulterated food. High blood cholesterol, high
blood pressure, diabetes, lack of exercise, poor diet, obesity and cigarette smoking are the major risk
factors for stroke, heart attack and coronary heart disease (CHD). In medical science, several synthetic
drugs have been discovered and used for the treatment of people suffering from liver injury and
CHD, but these are not always effective and sometimes difficult to manage by medical therapies and
also found to be accompanied by other side effects.

Objective:

The study aimed to critically review the recent research and studies of epidemiological
and randomized controlled trials to find out the effective cereal protein as an alternative preventive
food to reduce the risk of CHD and protect the liver from viral hepatic diseases, focusing on daily
food intake, body weight, liver weight, serum enzyme activities and cholesterols.

Methods:

A few of the data from our experiment were used. A literature search was performed for a
reliable source of published research articles, review papers, and epidemiological and randomized
controlled trials on the effects of cereal protein on animals and human intervention on Google,
Google scholar, Redcube, Endnote, Scopus, SpringerDirect.com, PubMed and Web of Science.
Then, the data was organized, summarized and analyzed.

Results:

In medical science, serum enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lipid peroxidation stress malondialdehyde
(MDA) are commonly used as biochemical markers of the liver-damaging agents. Blood cholesterols
(total cholesterol-TC, triglyceride-TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-LDLC and highdensity
lipoprotein cholesterol-HDLC) are used as the markers of heart diseases. The review shows
that daily food intake and body weight data are not significantly differed among normal diet, casein
(CAS) and cereals protein. The millet and wheat protein increase the liver weight, whereas the rice
protein lowers the liver weight. The intake of cereal protein significantly reduces the activities of serum
AST, ALT, LDH, MDA, TC, TG and LDLC, whereas it increases the HDLC.

Conclusion:

Experimental, review and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) data confirm that cereal
protein appears to be beneficial in reducing the hepatic liver injury and CHD by maintaining body
weight, liver weight, blood pressure, serum enzyme activities of AST, ALT and LDH, lipid peroxidation
stress MDA and cholesterol concentrations both in plasma and liver.
Protective Effect of Natural and Synthetic Anthocyanins against Tert-butyl-hydroperoxide-induced Oxidative Damages in Normal and β-thalassemic Major Human Erythrocytes In Vitro
Authors: Charif Naïma , Mokhtari-Soulimane Nassima , Cherrak Sabri , Merzouk Hafida , Elhabiri Mourad
Published: April 2020

Background:

Even though β-thalassemia major is a genetic blood disorder, the damages
endured by erythrocytes are mediated in part by oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as anthocyanins
are capable to prevent the pro-oxidant effects induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the in vitro preventive effects of one natural and two synthetic
anthocyanins on normal and β-thalassemic erythrocytes on which toxicity has been induced by the
free radical generator: tert-butyl-hydroperoxide TBHP.

Methods:

Erythrocytes isolated from fasting blood samples of healthy and β-thalassemic major individuals
were treated either with TBHP alone or with TBHP after being pre-incubated with anthocyanins.
Cell viability, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were measured
after 90 minutes of incubation. In parallel, the antiradical scavenging capacities of the investigated
anthocyanins were also estimated by using the 2,2-DiPhenyl-1-PicrylHydrazyl (DPPH•) assay.

Results:

The results clearly demonstrate that the treatment of erythrocytes with TBHP induces hemolysis
along with marked redox state alteration (lipid peroxidation concomitant to GSH depletion)
in both normal and β-thalassemia erythrocytes. During the pre-treatment with anthocyanins, erythrocytes
become more resistant to oxidative impairments. Cyanin chloride and 6,7,3’,4’-
tetrahydroxyflavylium chloride effectively prevent from TBHP-induced: hemolysis, lipid peroxidation
and GSH depletion in normal and thalassemic erythrocytes, while 3’4’-dihdroxy-7-methoxyflavylium
chloride had a lesser effect on MDA levels with thalassemic erythrocytes. These results are
in agreement with those derived from the DPPH• assay.

Conclusion:

Our study contributes with important insights that tested anthocyanins may exert relevant
potential in the alleviation of oxidative stress, especially the one affecting β-thalassemia erythrocytes.
Knowledge and Prevalence Regarding Premenstrual Syndrome among Adolescents in Morang District, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Indira , Giri Rita
Published: April 2020

Background:

Premenstrual syndrome is the symptom that occurs prior to the menstrual
cycle and includes physical and psychological changes that interfere with the daily activities. There
is inadequate knowledge regarding premenstrual syndrome among adolescents and very little information
is found regarding it among adolescents in Nepal.

Objective:

To find out knowledge and prevalence regarding premenstrual syndrome among adolescent
students of a selected school in Morang District, Nepal.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 137 female adolescents from
13-19 years having a menstrual cycle. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the
school and census sampling at the time of data collection for the selection of samples. The data was
collected by a self-administered questionnaire and interview method, which was analyzed using
descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

The study revealed that most (90.5%) of the respondents had inadequate knowledge regarding
premenstrual syndrome and 57.7% of the respondents had a prevalence of premenstrual
syndrome. Most (73%) of the respondents said that they had experienced fatigue/lack of energy
prior to menstruation and many (56.93%) of the respondents said that the prevailing symptoms
interfered with their work efficiency and productivity. Statistically, a significant association was
found between the knowledge of premenstrual syndrome and ethnicity at (p=0.037). Similarly, a
statistically significant association was also found between the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome
and family history at (p=0.018); the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and regularity of
menstruation at (p= 0.002).

Conclusion:

The findings of this study concluded that there was inadequate knowledge and the
premenstrual syndrome was present among most of the respondents. The findings highlight the
importance of awareness regarding premenstrual syndrome among adolescents.
High-risk Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcome: An Observational Study
Authors: Kumar Naina , Yadav Ashu
Published: April 2020

Background:

High-risk pregnancies are associated with adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. Aim: To know the overall perinatal outcome in high-risk pregnancies.

Methods:

Present observational study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of a rural tertiary center of Northern India over eight months (February-October 2018) on 3,085 antenatal women at gestation ≥ 28 weeks with 1,309 high-risk cases and 1,776 normal pregnancy cases after Institutional ethical committee approval and informed written consent from the participants. The demographic features including age, gravidity, parity, gestation, high-risk factors, the onset of labor, mode of delivery of all the selected antenatal women at gestation ≥ 28 weeks were recorded on a preformed datasheet by trained staff. All the participants were observed till delivery and the perinatal outcome was recorded. Statistical analysis was done using software SPSS 22.0 version and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Of total 1,309 high-risk pregnancies, 365(27.9%) were preterm, 936(71.5%) term and eight (0.6%) post-term cases. Of 1,309 neonates delivered, 66(5.04%) were intra-uterine dead fetuses, 1,243 live fetuses, of which nine (0.7%) had intrapartum still-birth, 278(22.4%) required neonatal intensive care unit admission, 70(5.6%) intubated, 238(19.1%) needed oxygen support, 343(27.6%) developed complications, while 11(0.9%) had early neonatal deaths. The average birth weight of neonates delivered to high-risk mothers was 2.47±0.571 Kg with 271(20.7%) neonates having low birth weight (<2.5 Kg). Of all high-risk factor Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, Antepartum hemorrhage, Anemia, Gestational diabetes mellitus, Intra-uterine growth restriction, oligohydramnios was significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes (p<0.05). High-risk pregnancy was associated with preterm births, low birth weight, NICU admission, intubation, complications, neonatal deaths, still-births as compared to normal pregnancy. Most common neonatal complication was the low birth weight (20.7%) followed by Respiratory distress syndrome (17.6%), prematurity (13.1%).

Conclusion:

High-risk pregnancy was associated with an adverse overall perinatal outcome with increased risk of perinatal morbidities and mortalities.
The Association between Uterine Leiomyoma and Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jenabi Ensiyeh , Khazaei Salman , Masoumi Seyedeh Zahra
Published: April 2020

Background:

Some studies have shown a relationship between uterine fibroids and PPH, while other studies have not shown a risk increase for PPH with uterine fibroids.

Objective:

The aim of performing the present study was in order to assess the association between uterine leiomyoma and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) based on epidemiology studies.

Methods:

We searched for several major international databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO and Web of Science) till Oct 2019. OR was used to measure the association between uterine leiomyoma and postpartum hemorrhage. The combined OR and the corresponding 95 % CI were calculated using random-effects models. In order to control potential confounders, a meta-analysis was carried out based on crude and adjusted form. Homogeneity of effect size was tested by using the Q statistic and to measure the inconsistency across studies and the I2 statistic was used. Funnel plot and the Begg's test was employed to assess possible publication bias. Data were analyzed by the Stata software, version 14, with significance level 0.05.

Results:

Based on OR estimates obtained from adjusted studies, there was a significant relationship between the uterine leiomyoma and PPH (OR=1.44; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.73). We assessed the association according to statistical adjustment for confounding factors (crude/adjusted) and the association between uterine leiomyoma and PPH in both crude (OR=1.96; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.88) and adjusted (OR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.44) report was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

In this study, uterine leiomyoma was a risk factor for PPH. Therefore, based on our findings in pregnant women with uterine leiomyoma, clinicians should be prepared to manage postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal births and cesarean deliveries.
Nano-Curcumin Regulates p53 Phosphorylation and PAI-1 Expression during Bleomycin Induced Injury in Alveolar Basal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gouda Mahesh M. , Prabhu Ashwini , S.V. Varsha Reddy , Jahan Rafa , Bhandary Yashodhar P.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Bleomycin (BLM) is known to cause DNA damage in the Alveolar Epithelial
Cells (AECs). It is reported that BLM is involved in the up-regulation of inflammatory molecules such
as neutrophils, macrophages, chemokines and cytokines. The complex underlying mechanism for
inflammation mediated progression of lung injury is still unclear. This investigation was designed to
understand the molecular mechanisms associated with p53 mediated modulation of Plasminogen Activator
Inhibitor-I (PAI-I) expression and its regulation by nano-curcumin formulation.

Methods:

A549 cells were treated with BLM to cause the cellular damage in vitro and commercially
available nano-curcumin formulation was used as an intervention. Cytotoxic effect of nano-curcumin
was analyzed using Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Protein expressions were analyzed
using western blot to evaluate the p53 mediated changes in PAI-I expression.

Results:

Nano-curcumin showed cytotoxicity up to 88.5 % at a concentration of 20 μg/ml after 48 h of
treatment. BLM exposure to the cells activated the phosphorylation of p53, which in turn increased PAII
expression. Nano-curcumin treatment showed a protective role against phosphorylation of p53 and
PAI-I expression, which in turn regulated the fibro-proliferative phase of injury induced by bleomycin.

Conclusion:

Nano-curcumin could be used as an effective intervention to regulate the severity of lung
injury, apoptosis of AECs and fibro-proliferation during pulmonary injury.
Albumin-based Nanoparticles as Promising Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Esim Ozge , Hascicek Canan
Published: April 2020

Albumin is an ideal material for the production of drug carrier nanoparticular systems since
it is a versatile and functional protein that has been proven to be biodegradable and biocompatible,
non-toxic, and immunogenic. Albumin nanoparticles are of great interest as they have the high binding
capacity to many drugs with different physicochemical and structural properties and are well tolerated
without any side effects. In this review, different types of albumin, special nanotechnological techniques
for the production of albumin nanoparticles, such as desolvation, emulsification, thermal gelation,
nano-spray drying, and self-assembly, as well as the characterization of albumin nanoparticles,
such as particle size, surface charge, morphological properties, drug content, and release profile have
been discussed. In addition, the in vitro and in vivo studies of albumin nanoparticles intended both diagnostic
and therapeutic usage have been investigated.
Are Most of the Published Clinical Trial Results in Restorative Dentistry Invalid? An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Mickenautsch Steffen
Published: April 2020

Background:

To establish the number of invalid clinical trial reports in restorative dentistry,
due to lack of effective randomisation and/or inadequate sample size and whether this number
changed, during the 1990-2019 period.

Methods:

Databases were searched up to 14 July 2019 without limitations regarding publication language.
A Journal hand search and reference check were conducted for trial reports. Selection criteria
were: reporting on a prospective, controlled clinical trial; relevance to placing direct tooth restorations
in human vital teeth; direct comparison between restorative materials concerning tooth restoration
longevity; trial report published from 1990. Randomisation reported (Yes/No) and treatment
group sample size ≥ 200 were applied as criteria, using the deductive falsification approach for trial
report appraisal.

Results:

683 trial reports were appraised. 660 lacked effective randomisation. Of the remaining 23
reports, only 2 included a sample size of more than 200 restored teeth (mean number per treatment
group 87; Standard deviation = 108.51). 92.5% of all treatment groups had a sample size of < 200.
Randomisation reporting increased and sample size remained essentially unchanged between 1990
and 2019.

Conclusion:

Most of the published clinical trial results in restorative dentistry were judged invalid,
due to lack of effective randomisation and adequate sample size. These results are in line with previous
findings. Evidence-based recommendations on how to improve trial methodology are available
in the dental/medical literature.
Transplantation Strategies for Spinal Cord Injury Based on Microenvironment Modulation
Authors: Shu Jiawei , Cheng Feng , Gong Zhe , Ying Liwei , Wang Chenggui , Yu Chao , Zhou Xiaopeng , Xiao Mu , Wang Jingkai , Xia Kaishun , Huang Xianpeng , Tao Yiqing , Shi Kesi , Liu Yuemei , Liang Chengzhen , Chen Qixin , Feng Xinhua , Li Fangcai
Published: April 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is different from peripheral nerve injury; it results in devastating and permanent damage to the spine, leading to severe motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction. SCI produces a complex microenvironment that can result in hemorrhage, inflammation and scar formation. Not only does it significantly limit regeneration, but it also challenges a multitude of transplantation strategies. In order to promote regeneration, researchers have recently begun to focus their attention on strategies that manipulate the complicated microenvironment produced by SCI. And some have achieved great therapeutic effects. Hence, reconstructing an appropriate microenvironment after transplantation could be a potential therapeutic solution for SCI. In this review, first, we aim to summarize the influential compositions of the microenvironment and their different effects on regeneration. Second, we highlight recent research that used various transplantation strategies to modulate different microenvironments produced by SCI in order to improve regeneration. Finally, we discuss future transplantation strategies regarding SCI.