bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of leflunomide in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Noh Sungryong , Yadav Ruchi , Li Manshi , Wang Xiaofeng , Sahoo Debasis , Culver Daniel A. , Pande Aman
Published: July 2020

Background

Prednisone has been shown to reverse lung function declines in hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients without established fibrosis. Second line immunosuppressants like azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil have a steroid sparing effect and improve DLCO. There is no published literature on the use of leflunomide in such patients.

Methods

We reviewed our experience with leflunomide for treatment of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis in 40 patients. We stratified patients according to the presence or absence of significant (> 20%) fibrosis. We studied the effect of leflunomide on FVC and DLCO trajectory and reported the changes at 12 months.

Results

Treatment with leflunomide tended to improve the estimated FVC slope from 0.18 ± 1.90% (SEM) of predicted per year to 4.62 ± 1.65% of predicted (NS, p = 0.118). It significantly improved the FVC at 12 months of treatment by 4.4% of predicted (p = 0.02). DLCO continued to increase at 1.45 ± 1.44% (SEM) of predicted per year. Non-fibrotic cHP patients had the largest gain in pulmonary function. Their FVC increased by 8.3% (p = 0.001) and DLCO by 4.8% (p = 0.011). Patients with fibrotic cHP did not improve. Leflunomide treatment was associated with significant gastrointestinal and other adverse effects leading 40% of patients to discontinue therapy. It had a significant steroid sparing effect with half the patients weaned off prednisone entirely.

Conclusions

Leflunomide appears to be a fairly well tolerated steroid sparing immunosuppressant that improves pulmonary function in cHP patients. It is most effective in patients without significant fibrosis.
iNOS is not responsible for RyR1 S-nitrosylation in mdx mice with truncated dystrophin
Authors: Nogami Ken’ichiro , Maruyama Yusuke , Elhussieny Ahmed , Sakai-Takemura Fusako , Tanihata Jun , Kira Jun-ichi , Miyagoe-Suzuki Yuko , Takeda Shin’ichi
Published: July 2020

Background

Previous research indicated that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is the key molecule for S-nitrosylation of ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) in DMD model mice (mdx mice) and that both neuronal NOS (nNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) might contribute to the reaction because nNOS is mislocalized in the cytoplasm and iNOS expression is higher in mdx mice. We investigated the effect of iNOS on RyR1 S-nitrosylation in mdx mice and whether transgenic expression of truncated dystrophin reduced iNOS expression in mdx mice or not.

Methods

Three- to 4-month-old C57BL/6 J, mdx, and transgenic mdx mice expressing exon 45–55-deleted human dystrophin (Tg/mdx mice) were used. We also generated two double mutant mice, mdx iNOS KO and Tg/mdx iNOS KO to reveal the iNOS contribution to RyR1 S-nitrosylation. nNOS and iNOS expression levels in skeletal muscle of these mice were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Total NOS activity was measured by a citrulline assay. A biotin-switch method was used for detection of RyR1 S-nitrosylation. Statistical differences were assessed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer post-hoc analysis.

Results

mdx and mdx iNOS KO mice showed the same level of RyR1 S-nitrosylation. Total NOS activity was not changed in mdx iNOS KO mice compared with mdx mice. iNOS expression was undetectable in Tg/mdx mice expressing exon 45–55-deleted human dystrophin, but the level of RyR1 S-nitrosylation was the same in mdx and Tg/mdx mice.

Conclusion

Similar levels of RyR1 S-nitrosylation and total NOS activity in mdx and mdx iNOS KO demonstrated that the proportion of iNOS in total NOS activity was low, even in mdx mice. Exon 45–55-deleted dystrophin reduced the expression level of iNOS, but it did not correct the RyR1 S-nitrosylation. These results indicate that iNOS was not involved in RyR1 S-nitrosylation in mdx and Tg/mdx mice muscles.
Achieving GWAS with homomorphic encryption
Authors: Sim Jun Jie , Chan Fook Mun , Chen Shibin , Meng Tan Benjamin Hong , Mi Aung Khin Mi
Published: July 2020

Background

One way of investigating how genes affect human traits would be with a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Genetic markers, known as single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), are used in GWAS. This raises privacy and security concerns as these genetic markers can be used to identify individuals uniquely. This problem is further exacerbated by a large number of SNPs needed, which produce reliable results at a higher risk of compromising the privacy of participants.

Methods

We describe a method using homomorphic encryption (HE) to perform GWAS in a secure and private setting. This work is based on a proposed algorithm. Our solution mainly involves homomorphically encrypted matrix operations and suitable approximations that adapts the semi-parallel GWAS algorithm for HE. We leverage upon the complex space of the CKKS encryption scheme to increase the number of SNPs that can be packed within a ciphertext. We have also developed a cache module that manages ciphertexts, reducing the memory footprint.

Results

We have implemented our solution over two HE open source libraries, HEAAN and SEAL. Our best implementation took 24.70 minutes for a dataset with 245 samples, over 4 covariates and 10643 SNPs.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that it is possible to achieve GWAS with homomorphic encryption with suitable approximations.
Leveraging blockchain for immutable logging and querying across multiple sites
Authors: Ozdayi Mustafa Safa , Kantarcioglu Murat , Malin Bradley
Published: July 2020

Background

Blockchain has emerged as a decentralized and distributed framework that enables tamper-resilience and, thus, practical immutability for stored data. This immutability property is important in scenarios where auditability is desired, such as in maintaining access logs for sensitive healthcare and biomedical data. However, the underlying data structure of blockchain, by default, does not provide capabilities to efficiently query the stored data. In this investigation, we show that it is possible to efficiently run complex audit queries over the access log data stored on blockchains by using additional key-value stores. This paper specifically reports on the approach we designed for the blockchain track of iDASH Privacy & Security Workshop 2018 competition. In this track, participants were asked to devise an efficient way to run conjunctive equality and range queries on a genomic dataset access log trail after storing it in a permissioned blockchain network consisting of 4 identical nodes, each representing a different site, created with the Multichain platform.

Methods

Multichain duplicates and indexes blockchain data locally at each node in a key-value store to support retrieval requests at a later point in time. To efficiently leverage the key-value storage mechanism, we applied various techniques and optimizations, such as bucketization, simple data duplication and batch loading by accounting for the required query types of the competition and the interface provided by Multichain. Particularly, we implemented our solution and compared its loading and query-response performance with SQLite, a commonly used relational database, using the data provided by the iDASH 2018 organizers.

Results

Depending on the query type and the data size, the run time difference between blockchain based query-response and SQLite based query-response ranged from 0.2 seconds to 6 seconds. A deeper inspection revealed that range queries were the bottleneck of our solution which, nevertheless, scales up linearly.

Conclusions

This investigation demonstrates that blockchain-based systems can provide reasonable query-response times to complex queries even if they only use simple key-value stores to manage their data. Consequently, we show that blockchains may be useful for maintaining data with auditability and immutability requirements across multiple sites.
Identifying the novel key genes in renal cell carcinoma by bioinformatics analysis and cell experiments
Authors: Chen Yeda , Gu Di , Wen Yaoan , Yang Shuxin , Duan Xiaolu , Lai Yongchang , Yang Jianan , Yuan Daozhang , Khan Aisha , Wu Wenqi , Zeng Guohua
Published: July 2020

Background

Although major driver gene have been identified, the complex molecular heterogeneity of renal cell cancer (RCC) remains unclear. Therefore, more relevant genes need to be identified to explain the pathogenesis of renal cancer.

Methods

Microarray datasets GSE781, GSE6344, GSE53000 and GSE68417 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by employing GEO2R tool, and function enrichment analyses were performed by using DAVID. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed and the module analysis was performed using STRING and Cytoscape. Survival analysis was performed using GEPIA. Differential expression was verified in Oncomine. Cell experiments (cell viability assays, transwell migration and invasion assays, wound healing assay, flow cytometry) were utilized to verify the roles of the hub genes on the proliferation of kidney cancer cells (A498 and OSRC-2 cell lines).

Results

A total of 215 DEGs were identified from four datasets. Six hub gene (SUCLG1, PCK2, GLDC, SLC12A1, ATP1A1, PDHA1) were identified and the overall survival time of patients with RCC were significantly shorter. The expression levels of these six genes were significantly decreased in six RCC cell lines(A498, OSRC-2, 786- O, Caki-1, ACHN, 769-P) compared to 293t cell line. The expression level of both mRNA and protein of these genes were downregulated in RCC samples compared to those in paracancerous normal tissues. Cell viability assays showed that overexpressions of SUCLG1, PCK2, GLDC significantly decreased proliferation of RCC. Transwell migration, invasion, wound healing assay showed overexpression of three genes(SUCLG1, PCK2, GLDC) significantly inhibited the migration, invasion of RCC. Flow cytometry analysis showed that overexpression of three genes(SUCLG1, PCK2, GLDC) induced G1/S/G2 phase arrest of RCC cells.

Conclusion

Based on our current findings, it is concluded that SUCLG1, PCK2, GLDC may serve as a potential prognostic marker of RCC.
Left atrial longitudinal strain as a predictor of Cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction in patients with breast Cancer
Authors: Park Hyukjin , Kim Kye Hun , Kim Hyung Yoon , Cho Jae Yeong , Yoon Hyun Ju , Hong Young Joon , Park Hyung Wook , Kim Ju Han , Ahn Youngkeun , Jeong Myung Ho , Cho Jeong Gwan
Published: July 2020

Background

We investigated the usefulness of the left atrial (LA) strain measurement on the prediction of upcoming cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) after trastuzumab therapy in patients with breast cancer who did not develop CTRCD after chemotherapy.

Methods

A total of 72 females with breast cancer who did not develop CTRCD after chemotherapy and underwent additional trastuzumab therapy were divided into CTRCD (n = 13) and no CTRCD group (n = 59). Echocardiographic measurements including left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) decline were compared.

Results

CTRCD was identified in 13 patients (18.1%) after additional trastuzumab therapy. Baseline echocardiographic findings were not different. After the completion of chemotherapy, conventional echocardiographic parameters were not different, but PALS decline (15.0 ± 4.7 vs. 8.9 ± 3.2%, p < 0.001) and LVGLS decline (10.5 ± 1.3 vs. 9.1 ± 1.1%, p = 0.002) were significantly greater in CTRCD than in no CTRCD group. PALS decline at the time of chemotherapy completion could predict future CTRCD after trastuzumab therapy with better sensitivity and specificity (cutoff value 11.79%, sensitivity 76.9% and specificity 81.4%) than LVGLS decline (cutoff value 9.9%, sensitivity 69.2% and specificity 78.0%).

Conclusions

PALS or LVGLS decline developed before developing overt CTRCD after chemotherapy for breast cancer, and PALS decline showed better sensitivity and specificity in predicting future CTRCD than LVGLS decline. Serial measurement of PALS can be used as a useful parameter in the prediction of future CTRCD.
Overrunning in clinical trials: some thoughts from a methodological review
Authors: Baldi Ileana , Azzolina Danila , Soriani Nicola , Barbetta Beatrice , Vaghi Paola , Giacovelli Giampaolo , Berchialla Paola , Gregori Dario
Published: July 2020

Background

In sequential and adaptive trials, the delay that happens after the trial is stopped, by a predetermined stopping criterion, takes the name of overrunning. Overrunning consists of extra data, collected by investigators while awaiting results of the interim analysis (IA). The inclusion of such extra data in the analyses is scientifically appropriate and follows regulatory advice. Nevertheless, its effect from a broader perspective is unclear.

Methods

This article aims at clarifying the overall impact of including such overrunning data, providing first a revision, and then a comparison of the several approaches proposed in the literature for treating such data. A simulation study is performed based on two real-life examples.

Results

The paper shows that overrunning inclusion could seriously change the decision of an early conclusion of the study. It also shows that some of the methods proposed in the literature to include overrunning data are more conservative than others.

Conclusion

The choice of a more or a less conservative method could be considered more appropriate depending on the endpoint type or the design type.
Better Outcomes for Older people with Spinal Trouble (BOOST) trial: statistical analysis plan for a randomised controlled trial of a combined physical and psychological intervention for older adults with neurogenic claudication
Authors: Marian Ioana R. , Williamson Esther , Garrett Angela , Lamb Sarah E. , Dutton Susan J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Neurogenic claudication is a common spinal condition affecting older adults that has a major effect on mobility and implicitly independence. The effectiveness of conservative interventions in this population is not known. We describe the statistical analysis plan for the Better Outcomes for Older people with Spinal trouble (BOOST) randomised controlled trial.

Methods/design

BOOST is a pragmatic, multicentre, parallel, two-arm, randomised controlled trial. Participants are community-dwelling adults, 65 years or older, with neurogenic claudication, registered prospectively, and randomised 2:1 (intervention to control) to the combined physical and psychological BOOST group physiotherapy programme or best practice advice. The primary outcome is the Oswestry Disability Index at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include the Short Physical Performance Battery, Swiss Spinal Stenosis Scale, 6 Minute Walk Test, Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, and Tilburg Frailty Indicator. Outcomes are measured at 6 and 12 months by researchers blinded to treatment allocation. The primary statistical analysis is by intention to treat. Further study design details are published in the BOOST protocol.

Discussion

The planned statistical analyses for the BOOST trial aim to reduce the risk of outcome reporting bias from prior data knowledge. Any changes or deviations from this statistical analysis plan will be described and justified in the final study report.

Trial registration

This study has been registered in the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number registry, reference number ISRCTN12698674. Registered on 10 November 2015.
Identifying targets for antibiotic stewardship interventions through analysis of the antibiotic prescribing process in hospitals - a multicentre observational cohort study
Authors: Wathne Jannicke Slettli , Skodvin Brita , Charani Esmita , Harthug Stig , Blix Hege Salvesen , Nilsen Roy M. , Kleppe Lars Kåre Selland , Vukovic Marta , Smith Ingrid
Published: July 2020

Background

In order to change antibiotic prescribing behaviour, we need to understand the prescribing process. The aim of this study was to identify targets for antibiotic stewardship interventions in hospitals through analysis of the antibiotic prescribing process from admission to discharge across five groups of infectious diseases.

Methods

We conducted a multi-centre, observational cohort study, including patients with lower respiratory tract infections, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, skin- and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections or sepsis, admitted to wards of infectious diseases, pulmonary medicine and gastroenterology at three teaching hospitals in Western Norway. Data was collected over a 5-month period and included antibiotics prescribed and administered during admission, antibiotics prescribed at discharge, length of antibiotic therapy, indication for treatment and discharge diagnoses, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on admission, antibiotic allergies, place of initiation of therapy, admittance from an institution, patient demographics and outcome data. Primary outcome measure was antibiotic use throughout the hospital stay, analysed by WHO AWaRe-categories and adherence to guideline. Secondary outcome measures were a) antibiotic prescribing patterns by groups of diagnoses, which were analysed using descriptive statistics and b) non-adherence to the national antibiotic guidelines, analysed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Through analysis of 1235 patient admissions, we identified five key targets for antibiotic stewardship interventions in our population of hospital inpatients; 1) adherence to guideline on initiation of treatment, as this increases the use of WHO Access-group antibiotics, 2) antibiotic prescribing in the emergency room (ER), as 83.6% of antibiotic therapy was initiated there, 3) understanding prescribing for patients admitted from other institutions, as this was significantly associated with non-adherence to guideline (OR = 1.44 95% CI 1.04, 2.00), 4) understanding cultural and contextual drives of antibiotic prescribing, as non-adherent prescribing differed significantly between the sites of initiation of therapy (between hospitals and ER versus ward) and 5) length of therapy, as days of antibiotic therapy was similar across a wide range of diagnoses and with prolonged therapy after discharge.

Conclusions

Analysing the process of antibiotic prescribing in hospitals with patient-level data identified important targets for antibiotic stewardship interventions in hospitals.
Correction to: Fatal injury by air gun: a case report
Authors: Dumenčić Boris , Rajc Jasmina , Pavoković Deni , Damjanović Tena
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Total knee arthroplasty following intramedullary tibial nailing
Authors: Smith Evan J. , Heng Marilyn , Bedair Hany S. , Melnic Christopher M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction/purpose

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of previous periarticular hardware increases resource utilization, readmissions, complications, and revision rates. Despite the frequency of intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation for tibial fractures, little guidance exists on the management of these patients and no series have reported on outcomes of patients undergoing TKA in the setting of a retained or removed IMN.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of patients who underwent TKA after IMN fixation of tibial fractures. Patient and case data, including need for hardware removal, staged vs non-staged procedures, operative time, and need for revision implants, were recorded. Postoperative data, including complications and revision, were recorded. Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was performed at follow-up.

Results

Nine patients were identified consisting of eight women and one man. Follow-up ranged from 0.8–13 years. Non-staged removal of the intramedullary hardware occurred in three cases that had increased operative lengths recorded. There were no complications related to wound healing or infection. No patients required revision. Two of the three patients who underwent non-staged TKA developed arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation. OKS scores in patients who underwent non-staged surgery were consistently low.

Conclusions

Conversion TKA after tibial IMN fixation can result in satisfying outcomes in many patients. However, intramedullary hardware presents challenges to TKA similar to more extensively studied conversion TKA scenarios. Removing hardware in either a staged or non-staged fashion results in increased resource utilization and imparts perioperative challenges with only theoretical benefits of one approach compared to the other. Increased stiffness may be associated with a non-staged approach to hardware removal and TKA. Several technical factors may permit component positioning without removal of hardware. Despite limitations, this is the first series to discuss this challenging clinical scenario and provides surgeons with technical guidance and data on operative outcomes.
Aorto-Left Atrial Fistula as Sequela of Endocarditis
Authors: Faloye Abimbola O. , Hollon Mckenzie M.
Published: July 2020

Aortoatrial fistula formation is a rare complication of bacterial endocarditis. Fistulous tracts may form between the aorta and either atrium. Clinical presentation varies from an insignificant murmur to refractory congestive heart failure. Most clinically relevant fistula manifests with acute and severe symptoms. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is more sensitive than transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in diagnosing intracardiac shunts, and invaluable in guiding intraoperative surgical repair. Definitive therapy involves closure of the fistula either through an open surgical approach or percutaneously with an occluder device.
Opioid-Free Epidural-Free Anesthesia for Open Hepatectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Repine Kelsey M. , Hendrickse Adrian , Tran Timothy T. , Bartels Karsten , Fernandez-Bustamante Ana
Published: July 2020

Opioid-free perioperative approaches hold promise to reduce opioid use after surgery and their associated side effects. Here, we report the perioperative analgesic plan of a patient who requested opioid-free care for an open partial hepatectomy. Opioid-free anesthesia care for abdominal surgery is usually dependent on epidural analgesia. However, as in this case, placing an epidural is not always an option due to contraindications such as infection, coagulopathy, or patient refusal. Our multimodal management plan provided an alternative opioid-free, epidural-free perioperative strategy that may prove useful for other patients undergoing similar surgeries.
Retroperitoneal Hematoma Following Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Case Report
Authors: Holowachuk Spencer , Ma Martin , Oreopoulos George
Published: July 2020

Retroperitoneal hematoma formation following elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair may be occult. We report a case of recurrent hypotensive episodes in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) that were temporarily treated successfully with fluid, blood products, and vasopressors. At reoperation, active bleeding was excluded; however, upon reopening the bovine pericardial patch closure of the retroperitoneum, hematoma between the aneurysmal sac and inferior vena cava (IVC) had caused IVC compression. Evacuation of the hematoma rapidly restored venous return and hemodynamics. This report describes a case of retroperitoneal hematoma formation and highlights challenges associated with diagnosing bleeding in this compartment.
Delayed Diagnosis of Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Case Report
Authors: Ramalingam HariPrasad , Sharma Ankur , Pathak Vinay , Narayanan Balakrishnan , Rathod Darshana Kirtikumar
Published: July 2020

Tracheal stenosis is an uncommon but severe problem after long-term intubation. Here, we report a patient who came from a containment zone of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and presented with complaints of breathlessness and cough. She was suspected to have an infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Later, she developed type 2 respiratory failure and carbon dioxide narcosis because of delay in diagnosis of severe, near-complete postintubation tracheal stenosis due to over suspicion of COVID-19 during the current pandemic.
Exercise Performance Is Impaired during the Midluteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: FREEMAS JESSICA A. , BARANAUSKAS MARISSA N. , CONSTANTINI KEREN , CONSTANTINI NAAMA , GREENSHIELDS JOEL T. , MICKLEBOROUGH TIMOTHY D. , RAGLIN JOHN S. , SCHLADER ZACHARY J.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that aerobic exercise performance is impaired in the midluteal (ML) compared with the midfollicular (MF) phase of the menstrual cycle.

Methods

Twelve recreationally active eumenorrheic women (25 ± 6 yr) completed exercise sessions during the MF and the ML phases. Each session consisted of an 8-km cycling time trial that was preceded by 10 min of cycling performed at a constant power below and above gas exchange threshold. Heart rate, ventilation, and oxygen uptake were continuously measured. RPE and ratings of fatigue were assessed during the time trial using visual analog scales. Total mood disturbance was calculated from the POMS questionnaire administered before and 20 min postexercise.

Results

Salivary progesterone concentration was 578 ± 515 pg·mL−1 higher in ML compared with MF phase (P < 0.01), whereas estradiol concentration did not differ between phases (167 ± 55 vs 206 ± 120 pg·mL−1, P = 0.31). Total mood disturbance before exercise was greater during the ML phase compared with the MF phase (P < 0.01), but this difference was abolished postexercise (P = 0.14). Mean power output was lower during the ML phase (115 ± 29 vs 125 ± 28 W, P < 0.01), which led to a slower time trial in the ML phase (18.3 ± 2.0 min) compared with the MF phase (17.8 ± 1.7 min, P = 0.03). Ratings of fatigue were greater during the ML phase from 2 to 8 km (P ≤ 0.01), whereas no differences in RPE were observed. Heart rate (P = 0.85), minute ventilation (P = 0.53), and oxygen uptake (P = 0.32) did not differ between phases during the time trial.

Conclusion

Aerobic exercise performance is worse in the ML phase compared with the MF phase in recreationally active women, which was accompanied by a more negative mood state preexercise and increased ratings of fatigue.
Thermal imaging as a tool in food analysis
Authors: Ferreira Daniela
Published: July 2020

This Letter reviews the application of thermal imaging for food quality control. Thermal imaging uses a single, portable device, which provides a visible image of the invisible infrared radiation, and can be used for real-time monitoring at low cost compared to spectral imaging technology. To monitor the quality parameters of the sample, classification or regression models are constructed using multivariate analysis or chemometrics tools. Few studies have used thermography for the analysis of food to-date, so this Letter will only address thermal mapping, internal defect detection, adulteration detection and the prediction of compound concentration.
Effects of aflatoxin B1 on the submandibular salivary gland of albino rats and possible therapeutic potential of Rosmarinus officinalis: a light and electron microscopic study
Authors: Ashraf Bassant , Ghazy Dahlia , Shamel Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Background: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a highly toxic mycotoxin, is one of the contaminants of food items such as corn, rice, nuts, and flour. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of AFB1 on the histology and ultrastructure of the submandibular salivary glands (SMSG) of albino rats and examine the possible therapeutic effect of Rosmarinus officinalis extract.

Methods: This study used 21 adult male albino rats equally divided into three groups as follows: Group C (saline-treated control group); Group A (AFB1 treated group) subjected to intraperitoneal injection of AFB1 (2 mg/kg) once daily for four weeks; Group R (rosemary-treated group) subjected to AFB1 as in Group A followed by two weeks of intraperitoneal injection of Rosmarinus officinalis extract (400mg/kg) once daily. At the end of the experimental periods, SMSGs were excised and fixed for histological and ultrastructural examinations.

Results: SMSGs of the AFB1 group presented atrophied serous acini with numerous cytoplasmic vacuolations; their granular convoluted tubules, striated ducts and excretory ducts presented signs of degeneration in their cell lining with the presence of abundant cytoplasmic vacuolations. In addition, dilated blood vessels engorged with red blood cells were frequently seen. Ultrastructural findings of the AFB1 group showed some acinar cells with degenerated mitochondria presenting loss of cristae and vacuolations as well as irregular, shrunken nuclei with condensed chromatin. Dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed in granular convoluted tubules and striated ducts. The glands of animals that received rosemary extract almost regained their normal architecture.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that rosemary extract has an ameliorative effect on the deleterious histological and ultrastructural changes induced by chronic AFB1 intake in rat SMSGs.
Insights into population structure of East African sweetpotato cultivars from hybrid assembly of chloroplast genomes
Authors: Zhou Chenxi , Duarte Tania , Silvestre Rocio , Rossel Genoveva , Mwanga Robert O. M. , Khan Awais , George Andrew W. , Fei Zhangjun , Yencho G. Craig , Ellis David , Coin Lachlan J. M.
Published: July 2020

Background:The chloroplast (cp) genome is an important resource for studying plant diversity and phylogeny. Assembly of the cp genomes from next-generation sequencing data is complicated by the presence of two large inverted repeats contained in the cp DNA.

Methods:We constructed a complete circular cp genome assembly for the hexaploid sweetpotato using extremely low coverage (<1×) Oxford Nanopore whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data coupled with Illumina sequencing data for polishing.

Results:The sweetpotato cp genome of 161,274 bp contains 152 genes, of which there are 96 protein coding genes, 8 rRNA genes and 48 tRNA genes. Using the cp genome assembly as a reference, we constructed complete cp genome assemblies for a further 17 sweetpotato cultivars from East Africa and anI. trilobaline using Illumina WGS data. Analysis of the sweetpotato cp genomes demonstrated the presence of two distinct subpopulations in East Africa. Phylogenetic analysis of the cp genomes of the species from the ConvolvulaceaeIpomoeasectionBatatasrevealed that the most closely related diploid wild species of the hexaploid sweetpotato isI. trifida.

Conclusions:Nanopore long reads are helpful in construction of cp genome assemblies, especially in solving the two long inverted repeats. We are generally able to extract cp sequences from WGS data of sufficiently high coverage for assembly of cp genomes. The cp genomes can be used to investigate the population structure and the phylogenetic relationship for the sweetpotato.
“Texts With Obligation” in the System of Interpersonal Communication
Authors: Chernikov M. , Zhuchkov D. , Zhuchkova A.
Published: July 2020

In this article, based on the use of the so-called praxiological approach to the study of the interpersonal communication phenomenon, the problem of obligations representation in the system of interpersonal communication is studied. It is argued that the representative of the obligation in the system of interpersonal communication is the so-called "texts with obligations". The semiotic organization structure and the organisation principles of "texts with obligations" are revealed. The means of articulation of "texts with obligations" in real interpersonal communication practices is also discussed.
Gamification as a Communication Technology in the Strategy of Promoting International Brands
Authors: Pryahina A. , Syrkina A.
Published: July 2020

The article deals with gamification as a technology for involving the consumer audience in the brand's activities, and the effectiveness of using gamification technology in the strategy of brand promotion in the fast food industry.
Non-Professional Political Discourse: An Intentional Aspect (Case Study of Internet Comments to Political News)
Authors: Savel'eva Irina
Published: July 2020

This study examines the issues of generating non-professional political discourse in an intentional aspect. Non-professional political discourse is born on special platforms designed to discuss events of a political nature by each user, regardless of their profession, social status, etc. Among these venues is the space of Internet comments. The multiple nature of their generation is determined by a number of discourse-forming factors (linguistic in combination with extra-linguistic ones), including the intentions of Internet users: to learn the latest political events and give their own assessment of what is happening, discuss current news and argue their political position. Despite the dependence of these texts on the primary text of political news, as well as on the preconditioned set form of a commentary, the analysis of user replicas explicates a rich repertoir of intentions of the participants. The author suggests considering the category of intentionality in the aspect of its implementation in non-professional political discourse in three guises: receptive-cognitive, communicative-interpretative and communicative-interactive.
MSE-based analysis of circular grating self-images for testing beam
collimation
Authors: Bande Shivangi , Bhatia Vimal , Prakash Shashi
Published: July 2020

Mean square error (MSE) is used to detect variations in the period
between a pair of self-images formed at two different Talbot planes of
a circular grating (CG) using a beam splitter in a conventional
collimation testing setup. By varying the position of the collimator
with respect to the point source, the collimation state of the input
beam is varied and the computed MSEs are analyzed to deduce the
collimation state. The minimum value of the MSE indicates beam
collimation. For equal sized images, the MSE relates to the sum of the
squared difference between spatially correspondent pixel values of the
images. Since comparison of the spatial information takes place at the
pixels’ level, any small spatial shift between patterns of the two
self-images due to collimation error is detected with precision. The
CG, comprising concentric circular structures, offers added
advantage in terms of error-free alignment, which otherwise is error
prone and cumbersome with widely used linear gratings. It is well
known that self-images formed with circular grating have good fidelity
with less optical distortions and irregularities, especially at
distant Talbot planes. Also, the self-images formed with circular
gratings are less affected by lens aberrations, tilts, misalignments,
etc. Higher sensitivity in beam collimation is achievable, as
self-images of a CG can be recorded at widely separated Talbot planes,
and analyzed using an algorithm which is more responsive toward any
minute difference between them. The suggested method is promising for
a quick collimation setting with good accuracy and enhanced
sensitivity.
Fast-iterative blind phase-shifting digital holographic microscopy using two images
Authors: Castañeda Raul , Buitrago-Duque Carlos , Garcia-Sucerquia Jorge , Doblas Ana
Published: July 2020

Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) has consolidated as a tool for diagnosis and measuring in life sciences, thanks to its capability to perform quantitative phase imaging. The reduction of the acquisition and computation time has driven the development of diverse reconstruction methodologies using a single-shot and two-frame approach. Methods based on the Fourier transform, the Hilbert transform, and the phase derivative are counted among the most utilized. The sensitivity of those methods is highly dependent on the compensation of the phase step, which requires the accurate knowledge of the phase shift between the two recorded holograms. Here, an alternative fast-iterative method based on the demodulation of the different components of the recorded interferograms is presented. The novelties of the proposed two-frame approach are: minimum number of images, since it requires 2 recorded holograms; a minimum phase error of the order of 0.005% independently of the phase step ranging from 0 to 180 deg.; a maximum correlation coefficient equal to 1 between the phase and the retrieved phase image; and, finally, a reduced processing time compared with the previous three-frame approach. Experimental results demonstrate the goodness and feasibility of the proposed technique.
Modeling UV-C irradiation chambers for mask decontamination using Zemax OpticStudio
Authors: Wilde Jeffrey P. , Baer Thomas M. , Hesselink Lambertus
Published: July 2020

Ultraviolet decontamination
of personal protective equipment, particularly masks, is important in
situations where mask reuse is practiced. To assist in the development
of UV-C decontamination chambers, we have constructed ray tracing
models in Zemax OpticStudio v20.1 for two distinct geometries, namely,
a rectangular cabinet and a cylindrical can. These models provide
irradiance distributions that can be used for comparison with
experiment, as well as to predict local irradiance variation over the
surface of a mask. In this paper we describe the model details,
including: (1) a mask object in CAD format; (2) our assumptions for
modeling surface properties; (3) the use of polygon object detectors
for local irradiance analysis; and (4) experimental results that
compare favorably to the simulations.
In vivo longitudinal visualization of the brain neuroinflammatory response at the cellular level in LysM-GFP mice induced by 3-nitropropionic acid
Authors: Lee Jingu , Kong Eunji , Hong Sujung , Moon Jieun , Kim Pilhan
Published: July 2020

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is related to the development of neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroinflammation has been implicated as one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Despite its importance, the impacts and underlying cellular mechanisms of chronic BBB impairment in neurodegenerative diseases are poorly understood. In this work, we performed a longitudinal intravital brain imaging of mouse model with neuroinflammation induced by 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). For this, we obtained a transgenic LysM-GFP mouse expressing the green fluorescence protein (GFP) in a subset of leukocytes. By using intravenously injected fluorescence blood tracers, we longitudinally observed in vivo dynamic cellular behaviors and the BBB integrity through a 30-day neuroinflammatory state. Vascular leakages in the cerebral cortex reflecting BBB impairment were observed at two weeks, which persisted to the third week, followed by a severe inflammatory response with massive leukocytes infiltration at day 30. These descriptions can help in the development of novel approaches to treat neurodegenerative conditions.
Error analysis of on-orbit thermal emission band radiometric calibration for FY3C/MERSI
Authors: Gao Peng , Zheng Yichao , Ai Jingjing , Fang Li
Published: July 2020

The Chinese medium resolution spectral imager (MERSI) carried on the Fengyun-3C (FY-3C) satellite can realize the high-precision global measurement of the cloud, aerosol, land surface, sea surface, and low-level water vapor. The MERSI is described conceptually in this paper, and the radiometric calibrations of its thermal emission bands by the on-board blackbody (BB) were given by two different algorithms. In order to evaluate the stability of the instrument’s performance, the measured irradiance after the dark current correction was compared with the theoretical value calculated from the BB temperature by Planck function. The results showed that the algorithm of linear fitting to the BB measurements averaged over sampling points was an optimal choice for the radiometric calibration, and that the calibration coefficients determined by this method could reflect the pixel difference while maintaining a relative stability between each frame. Using the perturbation method, the influences of the BB temperature, wavelength, and emissivity offsets on the calibration coefficients were analyzed and discussed through theoretical deduction and computer simulation for improving the calibration accuracy of the instrument.
All-photonic 20-MHz clock for latency monitoring in a 5G network at 10  Gbps over optical fiber
Authors: Nfanyana Ketshabile , Wassin Shukree , Karembera Reinhard , Jena James , Gibbon Tim
Published: July 2020

Innovation and advancement in technologies such as self-driving cars, machine learning, remote health and factory floor automation have led to extremely stringent next-generation communication requirements. For instance, in a self-driving car, sensor data may be streamed to a cloud-based computer. Decentralized machine learning relying on augmented data may be used to control the vehicle. Large amounts of sensor data, along with the real-time nature of the applications, demand requirements on the 5G networks needed to support applications such as this. Specifications for 5G networks require extremely low end-end latency

<

1

m
s

. This latency requirement is tenfold more stringent than the 4G requirement of

<

10

m
s

. In this paper, we present a novel clock method for tracking and monitoring 5G latency. The method is all-optical, can accurately track

<

1

m
s

latency, and is spectrally efficient. We experimentally demonstrate generation of a 10 Gbps intensity-modulated data signal with 12.3 GHz carrier frequency, embedded with 20 MHz phase-modulated clock. The signal is successfully transmitted over 26.6 km of nonzero dispersion shifted fiber (NZDSF) single-mode fiber at 1550 nm. Error-free forward error correction data transmission was archived with 12.05 dB receiver penalty. Phase noise of

−

40.55

d
B
c

/

H
z

and

−

77.84

d
B
c

/

H
z

were attained at 1 Hz and 1 kHz offsets, respectively, for the clock.
Pure rotational stimulated Raman scattering in H2-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Li Hao , Huang Wei , Cui Yulong , Zhou Zhiyue , Wang Zefeng
Published: July 2020

We conducted comprehensive theoretical research on rotational stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of hydrogen molecules in hollow-core fibers. A reliable model for describing the steady-state rotational SRS of hydrogen was established and the influences of various factors was investigated. To verify the theoretical model, a single-pass fiber gas Raman laser (FGRL) based on hydrogen-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fibers pumped by a 1.5 µm nanosecond-pulsed fiber amplifier was constructed. Experimental results were congruent with simulation results. As the output powers and pulse shapes can be well calculated, the model can offer guidance for FGRL investigation, particularly for achieving high-efficiency and high-power FGRLs.
Foveated display system based on a doublet geometric phase lens
Authors: Yoo Chanhyung , Xiong Jianghao , Moon Seokil , Yoo Dongheon , Lee Chang-Kun , Wu Shin-Tson , Lee Byoungho
Published: July 2020

We propose a new concept of a foveated display with a single display module. A multi-resolution and wide field of view (FOV) can be simultaneously achieved using only a single display, based on temporal polarization-multiplexing. The polarization-dependent lens set functions as an optical window or beam expander system depending on the polarization state, which can provide two operating modes: fovea mode for a high-resolution and peripheral mode for a wide viewing angle. By superimposing two-mode images, the proposed system supports a foveated and wide FOV image without an ultra-high-resolution display. We demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed configuration through the proof-of-concept system.
Optimization of prism-based stereoscopic imaging systems at the optical design stage with respect to required 3D measurement accuracy
Authors: Gorevoy Alexey V. , Machikhin Alexander S. , Khokhlov Demid D. , Batshev Vladislav I.
Published: July 2020

We address the optical design procedure of prism-based stereoscopic imaging systems. Conventional approach includes two sequential stages: selection of the hardware and development of the proper digital image processing algorithms. At each of these stages, specific techniques are applied, which are almost unrelated to each other. The main requirements to the imaging system include only the key parameters and the image quality. Therefore, the insufficient measurement accuracy may be revealed only after the prototype is assembled and tested. In this case, even applying complex time-consuming image processing and calibration procedures does not ensure the necessary precision. A radical solution of this issue is to include the measurement error estimation into the optical design stage. In this research, we discuss a simplified implementation of this approach and demonstrate the capabilities of optical design software for this purpose. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by the analysis and optimization of a prism-based stereoscopic imager with respect to required 3D measurement accuracy. The results are meaningful for the development of 3D imaging techniques for machine vision, endoscopic and measurement systems.
High-energy laser pulses for extended duration megahertz-rate flow diagnostics
Authors: Felver Josef , Slipchenko Mikhail N. , Braun Erik L. , Meyer Terrence R. , Roy Sukesh
Published: July 2020

Optical diagnostics of highly dynamic supersonic and hypersonic flows requires laser sources with a combination of high pulse intensities and fast repetition rates. A burst-mode Nd:YAG laser system is presented for increasing the overall energy of 532 nm pulse trains by

∼

100

×

and the number of high-energy pulses by

30

×

for extended duration megahertz-rate flow diagnostics. At a lower repetition rate of 100 kHz, unprecedented energies near 1 J/pulse are achieved at 532 nm over a 1.1 ms burst. The laser performance is characterized and demonstrated for megahertz-rate laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in a Mach 2 turbulent jet.
Additive manufacturing of highly reconfigurable plasmonic circuits for terahertz communications
Authors: Cao Yang , Nallappan Kathirvel , Guerboukha Hichem , Xu Guofu , Skorobogatiy Maksim
Published: July 2020

While in most existing terahertz communications systems, the THz carrier wave is transmitted via free-space channels, the THz waveguide-based integrated solutions can be of great utility at both the transmitter and receiver ends, thus simplifying the miniaturization and mass production of cost-effective THz communications systems. Here we present a new type of modular THz integrated circuits based on the two-wire plasmonic waveguide components fabricated using a combination of stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, wet chemistry metal deposition, and hot stamping techniques. Particular attention is paid to the design of the optical circuits based on the two-wire waveguides suspended inside a protective micro-sized enclosure. Such waveguides feature low transmission and bending losses, as well as low dispersion. Using such waveguides as basic building blocks, we then demonstrate several key optical subcomponents, such as low-loss broadband2×1THzcouplers that use two coalescing two-wire waveguide bends, as well as broadband waveguide Bragg gratings that feature a paper sheet with a periodic sequence of metal strips inserted into the air gap of a two-wire waveguide. Finally, using these developed subcomponents, a two-channel add-drop multiplexer is demonstrated to operate at 140 GHz. We believe that the reported micro-encapsulated two-wire waveguide-based modular platform can have a strong impact on the field of THz signal processing and sensing due to the ease of device fabrication and handling, high degree of reconfigurability, and high potential for real-time tunability.