bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Short-time Fourier Transform in Feeder Fault Detection of Flexible Multi-state Switch
Authors: Cheng Yimin , Zhang Guorong , Yu Chong , Peng Bo , Wu Xuewei , Xu Feng
Published: February 2021

Flexible multi-state switch (FMSS) is widely used in active distribution networks. However, the medium voltage distribution network that includes FMSS requires more accurate fault detection method. To solve this problem, the application of short-time Fourier transform (STFT) in the design of FMSS fault detection methods is studied. The data of power spectrum density in the STFT spectrogram is used to define the Fault Index, Λ. The A can be used to accurately detect the fault type of FMSS in a relatively short time. In order to verify the effectiveness of this fault detection method, this paper builds a control structure for each port based on the FMSS topology and mathematical model. The FMSS model is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink, and the fault signal is analysed by STFT in MATLAB. The results show that the proposed fault detection method can accurately detect the fault type. The STFT parameters have a great influence on the fault detection result, which is studied in the parameters influence analysis.
Direct Power Control Strategy for Three-phase Vienna Rectifier
Authors: Chen Lan , Xiao Huihui , Guo Qiang , Liu Shuxi , Sun Chaojun
Published: February 2021

Firstly, through a detailed analysis of the working principle of the voltage-type Vienna rectifier, the mathematical model of the rectifier power control is established according to the mathematical model of the Vienna rectifier based on the equivalent switch function in the d-q two-phase synchronous rotation coordinate system. Secondly, according to the mathematical model of power control, using the principle of direct power control (DPC), the outer loop of the DC bus voltage PI control of the Vienna rectifier is described in detail, the dual loop structure of the direct power control inner loop and the overall system structure. Finally, the control strategy was verified by Simulink simulation. The results show that the Vienna rectifier based on direct power control has good steady state and dynamic performances, and verify the correctness and feasibility of the control strategy.
Simulation analysis and suppression measures of harmonic resonance of offshore wind farm
Authors: Quanchun YAN , Wen GU , Yanan LIU , Chenglong LI , Tao WU
Published: February 2021

Large-capacity long-distance offshore wind farm adopts high-voltage AC submarine cable outgoing line and collecting system. Due to the high capacitance of submarine cable to ground, the harmonic resonance problem of wind farm is increasingly prominent. First of all, through the actual measurement of the wind turbine yaw system exiting due to the 5th harmonic resonance when the wind turbine is shut down in an offshore wind farm along Jiangsu coast, and the analysis of harmonic current and impedance frequency, the reason of resonance is further analyzed. Finally, the ETAP simulation software is used to analyze the measured data, and then several kinds of causes of offshore wind power resonance are obtained, and the corresponding improvement measures are put forward.
Simulation of Vector Control System of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Wang Luyao , Chen Biyun , Sui Lihui
Published: February 2021

The article analysed and studied the structure performance and mathematical model of the permanent magnet synchronous motor, and it further researched the principle of vector control technology and the SVPWM algorithm on this basis. A closed-loop simulation model of permanent magnet synchronous motor speed/current was built. The waveform of the simulation result is consistent with the theoretical analysis, which verifies the effectiveness of the simulation experiment platform and mathematical model. It also verifies the superiority of the id=0 control algorithm and vector control. A theory for the research and design of the permanent magnet synchronous motor vector control system basis is provided.
Human motion recognition using three-dimensional skeleton model based on RGBD vision system
Authors: Ye Qing , Tan Zexian , Qu Chang , Zhang Li
Published: February 2021

Human action recognition is one of the most important topics in computer vision. It has a lot of applications in intelligent monitoring, human-computer interaction, virtual reality, motion analysis and video annotation, etc. However, the effects of recognition are usually affected by human occlusion, self-occlusion, ambiguity and so on. In view of the above problems, this article describes an algorithm to recognize human motion using three-dimensional skeleton model based on RGBD vision system. Firstly, the human body three-dimensional skeleton model is established with the Kinect. Next, the normalized relative positions of skeleton joints and joint angles are adopted as features, and the action database containing the color image, the depth image, the skeletal image and the coordinates of the joints is built. Then, the features are trained and classified by multi-class support vector machine classifier. Finally, human motion recognitions are carried out. Experimental results indicate that the algorithm can recognize 12 kinds of actions behaved by different humans effectively.
Human Interaction Behavior Recognition based on Local Spatial - Temporal and Global Feature
Authors: Ye Qing , Li Rui , Guo Xinran
Published: February 2021

At present, the human interaction behavior algorithm has received great attention, but how to effectively extract the interactive characteristics of human interaction and establish the complex model between multiple targets is still a difficult problem. Aiming at this problem, we proposed a human interaction recognition method based on local spatial - temporal and global feature. This method treats people who are interacting as a whole. Firstly, foreground human object is extracted by the inter-frame difference. Secondly, the optical flow and space-time points of interest are extracted. Considering the large and high dimension of the feature, the characteristics of each frame image are described by the gradient direction histogram HOG and the optical flow histogram HOF. Then, BP neural network is used to classify each feature of each frame. Considering the limitations of different features for interactive behavior recognition, BP neural network combined with classification fusion is used to obtain the final interaction behavior category. The algorithm tested in the UT interaction dataset, and the experimental results show that this method can recognize the interaction behaviors of hitting, hugging, kicking, pushing and handshaking. The proposed method can be applied to intelligent video surveillance.
Research on Novel Whale Algorithm for Multi-objective Optimal Power Flow Problem
Authors: Zhao Xilai , Chen Gonggui , Qin Qilin
Published: February 2021

To solve the non-differentiable optimal power flow (OPF) problems while satisfying various operational constrains, a multi-objective novel whale optimization algorithm (MONWOA) is proposed. MONWOA algorithm can overcome the premature-convergence of standard whale optimization algorithm. A Pareto-dominant approach with constrains (PDA) is employed to guarantee no violations of various inequality constraints on state variables. MONWOA algorithm is applied to optimize fuel cost, emission, active power loss and fuel cost (with value-point loadings). The bi-objective and tri-objective trials are implemented on IEEE30-bus system and the IEEE57-bus system. A large number of experimental results obtained by MONWOA and MOPSO algorithms, demonstrate that MONWOA has the definite competitive advantages to obtain uniform distribution Pareto front set (PFs), high-quality Pareto optimal solution (POS) and search for the best compromise solution (BCS) in solving MOOPF problem.
A New Dead-time Compensation Method Based on LMS Algorithm for PMSM
Authors: Zhu Hongguan , Chen Ying , Lei Hongdan , Chen Dongdong , Li Zongwei
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a new dead-time compensation method for permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) at low speed. Based on least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm and combined with the traditional average voltage compensation method, the proposed method can determine the current polarity through extracting the fundamental current. Compared with traditional compensation methods, the proposed method can detect current polarity more accurately at low speed due to the narrower notch bandwidth. Moreover, this method is robust to motor parameters and easy to implement. The proposed method is simulated in a voltage-source inverter PMSM drive controlled by I/F and the results show that it meets the requirement of dead-time compensation and eliminates the influence of dead-time effect.
Reconstruction of complex temperature field based on improved Tikhonov regularization
Authors: Chen Yutong , Yan Hua
Published: February 2021

In order to improve the reconstruction accuracy of complex temperature field by acoustic CT, an improved Tikhonov regularization temperature field reconstruction algorithm is proposed. In this method, the filtering factor of standard Tikhonov regularization method is changed, so that no correction is made for larger singular values, while the correction for smaller singular values will increase with the decrease of singular values. The reconstruction results of typical temperature fields based on simulation data and experiment data verify the the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm on reducing reconstruction errors of temperature fields.
An Optimization Strategy for Intra-day Demand Response Based on Security Constraints
Authors: Sun Ziru , Chen Minyu , Ai Qian , Zhao Long , Liu Xiaoming , Sun Donglei
Published: February 2021

Demand response(DR) has become an effective means to deal with renewable energy integration and load fluctuations in the power system. This article first analyzes the classification and characteristics of controllable resources used in DR. Secondly, taking into consideration the transferable load, interruptible load and the energy storage system in DR, an intra-day scheduling model is then established based on safety constraints. Finally, a case is studied to analyze the role of DR in improving system safety and reducing operating costs. Results show the effectiveness of this model.
Broadband Power Line Carrier Communication MAC Layer Scheduling Algorithm for Multi-service Transmission Requirements in Electric Internet of Things
Authors: Yin Xiyang , Liu Yizhao , Ji Hao
Published: February 2021

Since traditional power line carrier communication resource allocation algorithm does not consider the mixed services QoS requirements and the queue buffer the MAC layer, the user could not be reasonably scheduled in mixed service flow, which causes the problem of poor distribution balance among different users. This paper proposes a MAC layer user scheduling algorithm for broadband power line carrier communication in a concurrent mixed service scenario. The algorithm dynamically prioritizes the data packets in the user buffer area according to the QoS requirements of the application layer power multi-service and the queue length in the data link layer buffer area, and gives the minimum physical layer required to meet the QoS requirements of mixed services transmission rate, and then realize the MAC layer user scheduling process of broadband power line carrier communication in the concurrent mixed service scenario.
Pathologic Lymph Node Staging of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Díaz del Arco Cristina , Ortega Medina Luis , Estrada Muñoz Lourdes , García Gómez de las Heras Soledad , Fernández Aceñero M Jesús
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The TNM classification is the main tool for lymph node (LN) staging in gastric cancer (GC). However, alternative LN staging systems have been proposed, and the role of features other than the number of metastatic LNs is being investigated. Our aim is to discuss the main challenges of LN assessment in GC.

Methods

Comprehensive review of the literature on alternative LN staging systems, examined LNs, sentinel LN (SLN) biopsy, LN micrometastases (LNMIs), extracapsular extension (ECE), and tumor deposits (TDs) in GC.

Results

Many controversies exist regarding LN assessment in GC. The TNM classification shows excellent prognostic performance, but alternative prognostic methods such as the LN ratio or log odds of positive LNs have demonstrated to be better than the TNM system in terms of prognostic accuracy. The value of SLN biopsy and LNMIs in GC is still unclear, and several challenges concerning their clinical impact and pathologic analysis must be overcome before their introduction in clinical practice. Most authors have identified ECE and TDs as independent prognostic factors for survival in GC.

Conclusions

Further studies should be performed to evaluate the impact of these features on the TNM classification and patient outcomes, as well as to standardize alternative LN staging systems.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors: Significant advancements in non–small cell lung cancer treatment
Authors: Glode Ashley E , May Megan B
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This article explores the efficacy, toxicity, place in therapy, and considerations for use of recently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States and is responsible for more cancer-related deaths than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer combined. The landscape for lung cancer treatment is evolving with the approval of new and exciting novel therapies. Within the last decade numerous ICIs have been approved for use in the management of the most common subtype of lung cancer, NSCLC. The ICI agents currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in NSCLC include ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, durvalumab, and atezolizumab. These agents are approved for specific indications; therefore, they are not interchangeable. This review focuses on the landmark trials that led to each FDA-approved indication, as well as common toxicities seen with use of these agents. It also discusses the use of ICIs in special populations and unique considerations prior to initiation of treatment with these novel therapies in a patient with NSCLC.

Conclusion

ICIs can provide a breakthrough treatment option for the management of NSCLC and are rapidly being adopted into clinical practice. It is important to be familiar with appropriate selection of an ICI therapy option for each patient based on approved indication, unique considerations, and anticipated toxicities.
Changes in the Psychological State of Medical Personnel in the Department of Radiotherapy at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in China during the Epidemic
Authors: Chen Fangjie , Zhan Wenming , Xu Hong’en , Wu Ying , Jia Yongshi , Liang Xiaodong , Chen Weijun
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in the psychological state of medical personnel in the Department of Radiotherapy during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods

Psychological state was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). All three questionnaires were first completed by medical personnel on 17–18 February 2020 and were repeated every 3 months thereafter until 17–18 August. The number and intentions of patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) in our department were also collected.

Results

Twenty medical personnel participated in the present study. The global PSQI score recorded in August was significantly lower than that recorded in February (P = 0.045). Among the seven components of the PSQI, sleep quality (P = 0.048) and daytime dysfunction (P = 0.006) in August were significantly improved compared with February, whereas SDS and SAS did not significantly differ among the three different time points. The proportion of patients who received palliative radiotherapy was significantly higher on 18 May than on 17 February (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Medical personnel in the Department of Radiotherapy experienced a significantly elevated incidence of sleeping problems during the early COVID-19 outbreak period. Multiple combinations of protective measures to avoid infection could improve sleep quality and ensure the safe delivery of RT to cancer patients.
BigDataProcessor2: a free and open-source Fiji plugin for inspection and processing of TB sized image data
Authors: Tischer Christian , Ravindran Ashis , Reither Sabine , Chiaruttini Nicolas , Pepperkok Rainer , Norlin Nils
Published: February 2021

Modern bioimaging and related areas such as sensor technology have undergone tremendous development over the last few years. As a result, contemporary imaging techniques, particularly electron microscopy (EM) and light sheet microscopy, can frequently generate datasets attaining sizes of several terabytes (TB). As a consequence, even seemingly simple data operations such as cropping, chromatic- and drift-corrections and even visualisation, poses challenges when applied to thousands of time points or tiles. To address this we developed BigDataProcessor2—a Fiji plugin facilitating processing workflows for TB sized image datasets.

Availability and implementation

BigDataProcessor2 is available as a Fiji plugin via the BigDataProcessor update site. The application is implemented in Java and the code is publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/bigdataprocessor/bigdataprocessor2).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Safety and Tolerability of Fluoroquinolones in Patients with Staphylococcal Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Vollmer Nicholas J , Rivera Christina G , Stevens Ryan W , Oravec Caitlin P , Mara Kristin C , Suh Gina A , Osmon Douglas R , Beam Elena N , Abdel Matthew P , Virk Abinash
Published: February 2021

Background

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are known to be accompanied by significant risks. However, the incidence of adverse events (ADEs) resulting in unplanned drug discontinuation when used for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) is currently unknown.

Methods

This study included 156 patients over the age of 18 treated for staphylococcal PJI with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention between 1 January 2007 and 21 November 2019. Of the 156 patients, 64 had total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 92 had total knee arthroplasty (TKA) infections. The primary outcome was rate of unplanned drug discontinuation. Secondary outcomes included incidence of severe ADEs, unplanned rifamycin discontinuation, mean time to unplanned regimen discontinuation, and all-cause mortality.

Results

Overall, unplanned drug discontinuation occurred in 35.6% of patients in the FQ group and 3% of patients in the non-FQ group. The rate of unplanned discontinuation of FQ regimens as compared with non-FQ regimens was 27.5% vs 4.2% (P = .021) in THA infections and 42% vs 2.4% (P < .001) in TKA infections. There was no significant difference in severe ADEs between FQ and non-FQ regimens in both THA and TKA infections. The overall rate of nonsevere ADEs in FQ compared with non-FQ regimens was 43.3% vs 6.1% (P < .001). FQs were associated with tendinopathy, myalgia, arthralgia, and nausea.

Conclusions

A significantly higher rate of unplanned drug discontinuation was associated with FQ as compared with non-FQ regimens. This provides a real-world view of the implications of FQ-related ADEs on unplanned discontinuation when used in prolonged durations for the management of staphylococcal PJIs.
Perspective on New Equations for Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Miller W Greg
Published: February 2021

The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline on Chronic Kidney Disease (1) recommends calculating estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using equations developed by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) for adults ≥18 years (2) and by the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) for ages <18 years (3). These equations were recommended because they used readily available information, serum/plasma/blood creatinine, plus age, sex, and race for adults, and height for children; and have been validated in large and diverse cohorts of people who had measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) as a basis for establishing accuracy.
Super Glenn for staged biventricular repair: impact on left ventricular growth?
Authors: Marathe Supreet P , Piekarski Breanna , Beroukhim Rebecca S , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Baird Christopher W , Emani Sitaram M , del Nido Pedro J , Kaza Aditya K
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The Super Glenn procedure involves targeted increased in blood flow to left sided heart structures with fenestrated atrial septation. The objective of this study was to examine the outcomes of patients who had this procedure as a part of biventricular staging and specifically evaluate the effect on dimensions of left heart structures.

Methods

Data for patients who had this procedure between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively identified.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were identified. Most common diagnosis was hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 40% (n = 15). On echocardiography, the median mitral valve z score was −2.26. On cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, median indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume was 31.5 ml/m2 and mitral/tricuspid inflow ratio was 0.35. The median age at Super Glenn was 2.3 years (interquartile range 1.5–3.6) while median weight was 12 kg (interquartile range 9.8–14). There were no early/hospital deaths. The median intensive care unit length of stay was 4 days, and median hospital length of stay was 10 days. Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 3 years (range 15 days to 13.2 years). There was a statistically significant increase in indexed left ventricular dimensions. There were 5 deaths (14%). Three patients (8%) underwent heart transplant. Freedom from death/transplant was 79% at 5 years. Seven patients (19%) needed a reoperation. Twenty-three patients (62%) underwent biventricular conversion after a median of 11.3 months after Super Glenn.

Conclusions

The Super Glenn procedure achieves consistent increase in left ventricular dimensions. This may be a useful strategy to help achieve a successful biventricular circulation in patients with borderline left ventricle. The superiority/non-inferiority of this approach over the conventional Fontan pathway is unclear.
Comprehensive assessment of frailty score supplements the existing cardiac surgical risk scores
Authors: Bäck Caroline , Hornum Mads , Jørgensen Morten Buus , Lorenzen Ulver Spangsberg , Olsen Peter Skov , Møller Christian H.
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

The commonly used cardiac surgery risk scores, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, are inaccurate in predicting mortality in the ageing patient population and do not include the biological age. This requests a need for a new risk score incorporating frailty. The aim of this study was to compare the prediction of mortality and the additive effect of comprehensive assessment of frailty score and the shortened version, frailty predicts death one year after elective cardiac surgery test on the existing risk scores.

METHODS

Six hundred four patients undergoing cardiac surgery and aged ≥65 years were included in this prospective observational study. These frailty scores are based on minor physical tests. We compared these frailty score predictions of mortality and their added value to the existing risk scores evaluated by concordance-statistics (C-statistics), integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement.

RESULTS

The median age was 73 years (21% female). C-statistics showed that comprehensive assessment of frailty score with a value of 0.69, frailty predicts death one year after elective cardiac surgery test 0.68, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 0.70 and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation 0.64. Frailty assessment, added to the existing risk scores, significantly improved integrated discrimination improvement up to 0.05, and net reclassification improvement up to 0.04. Frailty assessment also increased the C-statistics, but this did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty scores are as good as the existing risk scores for the prediction of mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Added to the existing scores, frailty assessment improves the C-statistics and integrated discrimination improvement over time.

Clinical trials registration number

NCT02992587
MicroMundo@UPorto: an experimental microbiology project fostering student's antimicrobial resistance awareness and personal and social development
Authors: Antunes Patrícia , Novais Carla , Novais Ângela , Grosso Filipa , Ribeiro Teresa G , Mourão Joana , Perovic Svetlana Ugarcina , Rebelo Andreia , Ksiezarek Magdalena , Freitas Ana R , Peixe Luísa
Published: February 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global societal challenge requiring the contribution of professionals along with general community citizens for their containment. Portugal is one of the European countries where a lack of knowledge on the correct use of antimicrobials and AMR problematic is preeminent. Moreover, youth demotivation to pursue science careers is emerging. To address these problems an innovative experimental service-learning pedagogical strategy, MicroMundo@UPorto, was implemented in Portugal during 2018 through University of Porto as a partner of the global Citizen Science project ‘Tiny Earth’ responding to the AMR crisis. In this first edition of MicroMundo@UPorto, university students (n = 41; Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nutrition Sciences) organized in eight teams tutored by university professors/researchers (n = 13) on Microbiology and AMR theoretical and practical aspects as well on communication skills to enable their guidance of younger school students (n = 140/3 schools) in experiments to discover antimicrobial-producing microorganisms while exploring the soil microbial diversity. Post-survey-based evaluation revealed that this project allowed university students to acquire diverse personal, social and scientific skills while increasing AMR awareness, in the One-Health perspective, and interest for science in school students. This University to Society approach can be successfully extended across Portugal and for education in Microbiology in general, with benefits for the future generations contributing to socially responsible and scientifically-literate citizens.
Yarrowia lipolytica: a multitalented yeast species of ecological significance
Authors: Mamaev Dmitry , Zvyagilskaya Renata
Published: February 2021

Yarrowia lipolytica is characterized by GRAS (Generally regarded as safe) status, the versatile substrate utilization profile, rapid utilization rates, metabolic diversity and flexibility, the unique abilities to tolerate to extreme environments (acidic, alkaline, hypersaline, heavy metal-pollutions and others) and elevated biosynthesis and secreting capacities. These advantages of Y. lipolytica allow us to consider it as having great ecological significance. Unfortunately, there is still a paucity of relevant review data. This mini-review highlights ecological ubiquity of Y. lipolytica species, their ability to diversify and colonize specialized niches. Different Y. lipolytica strains, native and engineered, are beneficial in degrading many environmental pollutants causing serious ecological problems worldwide. In agriculture has a potential to be a bio-control agent by stimulating plant defense response, and an eco-friendly bio-fertilizer. Engineered strains of Y. lipolytica have become a very promising platform for eco-friendly production of biofuel, commodities, chemicals and secondary metabolites of plant origin, obtaining which by other method were limited or economically infeasible, or were accompanied by stringent environmental problems. Perspectives to use potential of Y. lipolytica’s capacities for industrial scale production of valuable compounds in an eco-friendly manner are proposed.
Colectomy Incidence Rates in Five-Year Data From the Observational Postmarketing Ulcerative Colitis Study of Originator Infliximab
Authors: Panés Julián , Lindsay James O , Teich Niels , Lindgren Stefan , Colombel Jean-Frédéric , Flynn Heather Ann , Huyck Susan , Yao Ruji , Philip George , Reinisch Walter
Published: February 2021

Background

This analysis of the Observational Postmarketing Ulcerative Colitis Study examined incidence rates of colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis who received originator infliximab (IFX) or conventional therapies (ConvRx) as per their treating physician.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards models compared time to colectomy for both treatment groups. A secondary analysis examined colectomy incidence rates based on IFX exposure timing (defined by a 90-day window after the last IFX dose date).

Results

Of 2239 patients with data, 1059 enrolled in IFX and 1180 enrolled in ConvRx (including 296 patients who switched to IFX). Patients in the IFX group had more severe disease at baseline vs the ConvRx group (percentage with baseline partial Mayo score 7-9: 46.0% vs 30.5%, respectively). During 5 years of follow-up, 271 patients (12.1% of enrolled patients) had colectomy. Enrollment in the IFX group was associated with a higher risk of colectomy (hazard ratio = 3.12; 95% confidence interval, 2.25-4.34; P < 0.001) compared with enrollment in the ConvRx group. A total of 174 colectomies occurred in the IFX group, but 97 of these colectomies occurred ≥90 days after the last IFX dose date.

Conclusions

Colectomy was reported at a higher rate in the IFX group than in the ConvRx group, although patients in the IFX group had more severe disease at baseline and most of the colectomies occurred after patients had been off of IFX for ≥90 days.
Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injuries: a retrospective cohort analysis of 2 decades of experience
Authors: Prendes Carlota Fernandez , Stana Jan , Schneidwind Karina Domingos , Rantner Barbara , Konstantinou Nikolaos , Bruder Jan , Kammerlander Christian , Banafsche Ramin , Tsilimparis Nikolaos
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse and report the changes in the management of blunt traumatic aortic injuries (BTAIs) in a single centre during the last 2 decades.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with BTAI from January 1999 to January 2020 was performed. Data were collected from electronic/digitalized medical history records.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were included [median age 42.4 years (16–84 years), 71.7% males]. The predominant cause of BTAI was car accidents (54.5%, n = 24) and all patients presented with concomitant injuries (93% bone fractures, 77.8% abdominal and 62.2% pelvic injuries). Over 70% presented grade III or IV BTAI. Urgent repair was performed in 73.8% of patients (n = 31), with a median of 2.75 h between admission and repair. Thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) was performed in 87% (n = 49), open surgery (OS) in 10.9% (n = 5) and conservative management in 2.1% (n = 1). Technical success was 82.6% (92.1% TEVAR, 79% OS). In-hospital mortality was 19.5% (17.5% TEVAR, 40% OS). Of these, 3 died from aortic-related causes. Seven (15.2%) required an early vascular reintervention. The median follow-up was 34 months (1–220 months), with 19% of early survivors having a follow-up of >10 years. Only 1 vascular reintervention was necessary during follow-up: secondary TEVAR due to acute graft thrombosis. Of the patients who survived the initial event, 6.7% died during follow-up, none from aortic-related causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Even with all the described shortcomings, in our experience TEVAR for BTAI proved to be feasible and effective, with few complications and stable aortic reconstruction at mid-term follow-up. With the current technical expertise and wide availability of a variety of devices, it should be pursued as a first-line therapy in these challenging scenarios.
Divisor Varieties of Symmetric Products
Authors: Sheridan John
Published: February 2021

The geometry of divisors on algebraic curves has been studied extensively over the years. The foundational results of this Brill-Noether theory imply that on a general curve, the spaces parametrizing linear series (of fixed degree and dimension) are smooth, irreducible projective varieties of known dimension. For higher dimensional varieties, the story is less well understood. Our purpose in this paper is to study in detail one class of higher dimensional examples where one can hope for a quite detailed picture, namely (the spaces parametrizing) divisors on the symmetric product of a curve.
Presence of Pathogen-killed Larvae Influences Nesting Behavior of the Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Klinger Ellen G , Welker Dennis L , James Rosalind R
Published: February 2021

The alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata (Fabricius)), a commercial pollinator used for alfalfa seed production, is susceptible to chalkbrood disease via ingested fungal spores. Diseases of insects can elicit behavioral changes in their hosts, but there are no recorded behaviors of alfalfa leafcutting bees in response to this fungal exposure. We conducted field studies to determine whether bees in pathogen-dense environments altered their nesting patterns, specifically if bees exposed to fungal spores produced higher numbers of nest cells and whether the proportions of nest cells that failed as eggs or small larvae (a state known as ‘pollen ball’) were greater. We found that our control bees, nontreated bees which were not exposed to chalkbrood spores other than those in the natural environment, had the highest proportion of pollen ball cells. Bees experimentally exposed to infective spores created the lowest number of nests and the fewest cells. Bees experimentally exposed to heat killed noninfective spores produced the greatest number of nests and cells overall and the greatest number of healthy progeny. We conclude that there are underlying behaviors that are elicited in response to the presence of chalkbrood spores that reduce the proportion of failed nest cells (grooming) and increase retention of bees at nesting sites (delay of bee emergence). Through further study of these behaviors, bee managers can potentially increase the productivity of their bee populations.
Feminist Overview of International Investment Law—A Preliminary Inquiry
Authors: Sinha Amit Kumar , Anand Pushkar
Published: February 2021

There have not been many studies to evaluate the tenets of international investment law from a feminist perspective. Thus, a study from a feminist perspective is not only desirable but also necessary to understand the position of women in this regime. To fill this gap, the article presents an analysis of the normative and structural frameworks of international investment law from a feminist standpoint. This article finds that women are under-represented in the structural framework of international investment law, and the normative framework barely touches upon the issues of women. The article suggests measures to gender-mainstream the investment law regime. It concludes that gender inclusiveness of the international investment regime can only be achieved when international investment policymaking is complemented by a flexible but robust municipal structure that supports gender equality and women’s participation in economic activities.
Eugenol modulates insulin sensitivity by upregulating insulin receptor substrate-2 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats
Authors: Fawzy Mariam H , Saeed Noha M , El-Sherbiny Doaa A , El-Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to estimate the possible modulatory effect of Eugenol (EUG) on insulin resistance (IR) and liver fibrosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. It has been shown that EUG, a natural phenolic compound, has anti-hyperglycaemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Methods

For 8 consecutive weeks, standard rat chow diet (control group, EUG only treated group) or HFD (HFD group and HFD+EUG-treated group) were fed to rats daily. HFD+EUG-treated group and EUG only treated group were administered EUG (10 mg/kg) orally three times per week. Various indices of hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, indicators of inflammation and liver fibrosis were investigated.

Key findings

HFD-induced liver transaminases and triglycerides (TGs) were significantly decreased and histopathological lesions were improved with EUG treatment. EUG significantly improved IR evoked by HFD, as demonstrated by Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and increased insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) sensitivity. In addition, EUG improved oxidative stress damage elicited by HFD as shown by the restoration of reduced glutathione (GSH) level and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) expression and plummeting lipid peroxidation. Further, EUG lessened pro-inflammatory cytokines surge [tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6] via inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) stimulation. As markers of fibrosis, EUG reduced collagen accumulation and smooth muscle alpha actin (SMaA) and TGF-β expression.

Conclusions

EUG may have protective effect against progression of fibrosis in NAFLD. The antifibrotic effect of EUG is probably due to EUG’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycaemic.
Design and characterisation of an amorphous formulation of nifedipine for the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia
Authors: Browne Emer , Quinn Sian , Cheyne Sheena , Healy Anne Marie
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Current treatment for autonomic dysreflexia (AD) involves rupturing a liquid-filled soft capsule of nifedipine to aid rapid drug release and absorption, however, this application is not covered under the manufacturer's license. The objective of the current work was to design a rapidly dissolving solid dosage formulation for the treatment of AD as an alternative to the off-license “bite and swallow” use of currently available commercial products.

Methods

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of nifedipine were prepared by spray-drying using three different polymers: hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl caprolactam–polyvinyl acetate–polyethylene glycol (Soluplus), at a 15% w/w drug loading and were formulated and compressed into tablets. Dissolution testing was performed in the paddle dissolution apparatus using either a monophasic or biphasic medium.

Key findings

The PVP–nifedipine ASD tablets exhibited rapid dissolution, with 35% of the total nifedipine dose dissolving within 15 min in the monophasic dissolution medium. The HPMC–nifedipine ASD exhibited a very slow dissolution, while the Solupus–nifedipine system exhibited no nifedipine release over 120 min. When tested in the biphasic dissolution medium, the PVP–nifedipine ASD tablets exhibited a release profile comparable to that of the pre-split/ruptured nifedipine soft capsule product.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that a nifedipine–PVP ASD is a promising formulation strategy in the treatment of AD.
Does the management of woody edges in urban parks match aesthetic and ecological user perception?
Authors: Bergerot Benjamin , Hellier Emmanuelle , Burel Françoise
Published: February 2021

In recent times, the focus in urban park management has shifted from mere aesthetics to the difficult task of striking a balance between ecology and the aesthetic outlay of those parks. Park managers design the spatial arrangement, the structure and the ecological diversity of vegetation to mimic natural ecosystems. However, the ecological benefit is often associated with a decrease in the aesthetic value for users. To better understand this trade-off, we eye-tracked 196 users in Rennes (France) to test if ‘ecological’ management of woody edges was in accordance with their aesthetic preferences and ecological perception. We identified which were the visual areas of interest for users in four types of managed woody edges and analysed which were considered as the most aesthetic and the most ecologically valuable. Finally, we analysed if both aesthetic user preferences and ‘ecological’ management of woody edges were compatible. Based on a classification of increasing management complexity of woody edges, we showed that users’ aesthetic preferences were mainly focused on tree and shrub layers, while users identified the herb and shrub layers as the most favourable area for maintaining biodiversity. Thus, the more complex the edge, the more the relationship between aesthetic preferences and ecological management is for park management. More precisely, in complex woody edge structures, some vegetation layers such as shrub could represent a specific lever to fulfil both aesthetic and ecological purposes.
Phase I trial of intranasal NEO100, highly purified perillyl alcohol, in adult patients with recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Schönthal Axel H , Peereboom David M , Wagle Naveed , Lai Rose , Mathew Anna J , Hurth Kyle M , Simmon Vincent F , Howard Steven P , Taylor Lynne P , Chow Frances , da Fonseca Clovis O , Chen Thomas C
Published: February 2021

Background

Better treatments for glioblastoma (GBM) patients, in particular in the recurrent setting, are urgently needed. Clinical trials performed in Brazil indicated that intranasal delivery of perillyl alcohol (POH) might be effective in this patient group. NEO100, a highly purified version of POH, was current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) manufactured to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this novel approach in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in the United States.

Methods

A total of 12 patients with recurrent GBM were enrolled into Phase I of this trial. NEO100 was administered by intranasal delivery using a nebulizer and nasal mask. Dosing was 4 times a day, every day. Four cohorts of 3 patients received the following dosages: 96 mg/dose (384 mg/day), 144 mg/dose (576 mg/day), 192 mg/dose (768 mg/day), and 288 mg/dose (1152 mg/day). Completion of 28 days of treatment was recorded as 1 cycle. Adverse events were documented, and radiographic response via Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria was evaluated every 2 months. Progression-free and overall survival were determined after 6 and 12 months, respectively (progression-free survival-6 [PFS-6], overall survival-12 [OS-12]).

Results

Intranasal NEO100 was well tolerated at all dose levels and no severe adverse events were reported. PFS-6 was 33%, OS-12 was 55%, and median OS was 15 months. Four patients (33%), all of them with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1)-mutant tumors, survived >24 months.

Conclusion

Intranasal glioma therapy with NEO100 was well tolerated. It correlated with improved survival when compared to historical controls, pointing to the possibility that this novel intranasal approach could become useful for the treatment of recurrent GBM.
Genetic syndromes predisposing to pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Farouk Sait Sameer , Walsh Michael F , Karajannis Matthias A
Published: February 2021

The application of high-throughput sequencing approaches including paired tumor/normal sampling with therapeutic intent has demonstrated that 8%-19% of pediatric CNS tumor patients harbor a germline alteration in a classical tumor predisposition gene (NF1, P53). In addition, large-scale germline sequencing studies in unselected cohorts of pediatric neuro-oncology patients have demonstrated novel candidate tumor predisposition genes (ELP1 alterations in sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma). Therefore, the possibility of an underlying tumor predisposition syndrome (TPS) should be considered in all pediatric patients diagnosed with a CNS tumor which carries critical implications including accurate prognostication, selection of optimal therapy, screening, risk reduction, and family planning. The Pediatric Cancer Working Group of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently published consensus screening recommendations for children with the most common TPS. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant as well as recently identified TPS associated with the most frequently encountered pediatric CNS tumors with an emphasis on pathogenesis, genetic testing, clinical features, and treatment implications.
Chronotropic effects and mechanisms of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on heartbeat: the latest insights
Authors: Zhang Weiguo
Published: February 2021

The roles of the resting heart rate (RHR) have been actively investigated and increasingly recognized in recent decades, because of the growing evidence that fast RHR is associated with and predicts the risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, as well as all-cause mortality. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (eg, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) have been shown to have chronotropic effects on heartbeat in both healthy people and patients with various disease conditions. The aims of this review are (1) to briefly summarize the importance of elevated RHR in disease pathogenesis and mortality; (2) to provide an update on the negative chronotropic effect of omega-3 PUFAs on the heart; (3) to highlight how omega-3 PUFAs regulate heart rate through the autonomic nervous system – a central control mechanism; and (4) to highlight how omega-3 PUFAs modulate the trans-membrane ionic channels in cardiomyocytes – a fundamental mechanism of cardiac automaticity. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are nutrients derived from some aquatic organisms, and they can also be converted from digested oily seeds and nuts of some terrestrial plants in the body. The consumption of omega-3 PUFAs for RHR reduction represents a lifestyle modification for risk factor management and promises nutritional benefits for public health improvement.
The Effect of Antibiotic Restriction Programs on Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schuts Emelie C , Boyd Anders , Muller Anouk E , Mouton Johan W , Prins Jan M
Published: February 2021

Background

In hospital settings, restriction of selected classes of antibiotics is usually believed to contribute to containment of resistance development. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of restricting the use of specific antibiotic classes on the prevalence of resistant bacterial pathogens.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in Embase and PubMed/OVID MEDLINE. We included studies until June 4, 2020 in which a restrictive antibiotic policy was applied and prevalence of resistance and use of antibiotics were reported. We calculated the overall effect of antimicrobial resistance between postintervention versus preintervention periods using pooled odds ratios (ORs) from a mixed-effects model. We stratified meta-analysis by antibiotic-pathogen combinations. We assessed heterogeneity between studies using the I2 statistic and sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression.

Results

We included 15 individual studies with an overall low quality of evidence. In meta-analysis, significant reductions in resistance were only observed with nonfermenters after restricting fluoroquinolones (OR = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62–0.97) and piperacillin-tazobactam (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.72–0.92). High degrees of heterogeneity were observed with studies restricting carbapenem (Enterobacterales, I2 = 70.8%; nonfermenters, I2 = 81.9%), third-generation cephalosporins (nonfermenters, I2 = 63.3%), and fluoroquiolones (nonfermenters, I2 = 64.0%). Results were comparable when excluding studies with fewer than 50 bacteria. There was no evidence of publication bias for any of the antibiotic-pathogen combinations.

Conclusions

We could not confirm that restricting carbapenems or third-generation cephalosporins leads to decrease in prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Enterobacterales, nonfermenters, or Gram-positive bacteria in hospitalized patients. Nevertheless, reducing fluoroquinolone and piperacilline-tazobactam use may decrease resistance in nonfermenters.