bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of diagnostic sensitivity of 18F-fluoroestradiol and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for breast cancer recurrence in patients with a history of estrogen receptor-positive primary breast cancer
Authors: Chae Sun Young , Son Hye Joo , Lee Dong Yun , Shin Eonwoo , Oh Jungsu S. , Seo Seung Yeon , Baek Sora , Kim Ji Young , Na Sae Jung , Moon Dae Hyuk
Published: May 2020

Background To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of [ 18 F]fluoroestradiol ([ 18 F]FES) and [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18 F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for breast cancer recurrence in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive primary breast cancer. Methods Our database of consecutive patients enrolled in a previous prospective cohort study to assess [ 18 F]FES PET/CT was reviewed to identify eligible patients who had ER-positive primary breast cancer with suspected first recurrence at presentation and who underwent [ 18 F]FDG PET/CT. The sensitivity of qualitative [ 18 F]FES and [ 18 F]FDG PET/CT interpretations was assessed, comparing them with histological diagnoses. Results Of the 46 enrolled patients, 45 were confirmed as having recurrent breast cancer, while one was diagnosed with chronic granulomatous inflammation. Forty (89%) patients were ER-positive, four (9%) were ER-negative, and one (2%) patient did not undergo an ER assay. The sensitivity of [ 18 F]FES PET/CT was 71.1% (32/45, 95% CI: 55.7–83.6), while that of [ 18 F]FDG PET/CT was 80.0% (36/45, 95% CI: 65.4–90.4) with a threshold of positive interpretation, and 93.3% (42/45, 95% CI: 81.7–98.6) when a threshold of equivocal was used. There was no significant difference in sensitivity between [ 18 F]FES and [ 18 F]FDG PET/CT ( P =0.48) with a threshold of positive [ 18 F]FDG uptake, but the sensitivity of [ 18 F]FDG was significantly higher than [ 18 F]FES ( P =0.013) with a threshold of equivocal [ 18 F]FDG uptake. One patient with a benign lesion showed negative [ 18 F]FES but positive [ 18 F]FDG uptake. Conclusions The restaging of patients who had ER-positive primary breast cancer and present with recurrent disease may include [ 18 F]FES PET/CT as an initial test when standard imaging studies are equivocal or suspicious.
Estimating the serial interval of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19): A statistical analysis using the public data in Hong Kong from January 16 to February 15, 2020
Authors: Zhao Shi , Gao Daozhou , Zhuang Zian , Chong Marc KC , Cai Yongli , Ran Jinjun , Cao Peihua , Wang Kai , Lou Yijun , Wang Weiming , Yang Lin , He Daihai , Wang Maggie H
Published: May 2020

Background : The emerging virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a large outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China since December 2019. As of February 15, there were 56 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Hong Kong since the first case with symptom onset on January 23, 2020. Methods : Based on the publicly available surveillance data, we identified 21 transmission events, which occurred in Hong Kong, and had primary cases known, as of February 15, 2020. An interval censored likelihood framework is adopted to fit three different distributions, Gamma, Weibull and lognormal, that govern the SI of COVID-19. We selection the distribution according to the Akaike information criterion corrected for small sample size (AICc). Findings : We found the Lognormal distribution performed lightly better than the other two distributions in terms of the AICc. Assuming a Lognormal distributed model, we estimated the mean of SI at 3.9 days (95%CI: 2.7−7.3) and SD of SI at 3.1 days (95%CI: 1.7−10.1) by using the information of all 21 transmission events in Hong Kong. Conclusion : The SI of COVID-19 may be shorter than the preliminary estimates in previous works. Given the likelihood that SI could be shorter than the incubation period, pre-symptomatic transmission may occur, and extra efforts on timely contact tracing and quarantine are crucially needed in combating the COVID-19 outbreak.
Randomized clinical trials in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a systematic analysis of the WHO - International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.
Authors: IUDICI Michele , Puéchal Xavier , Brigante Alejandro , Atal Ignacio , Gabay Cem
Published: May 2020

Background. The analysis of the main features of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) can inform future study design.Methods. We searched within the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform all registered RCTs on AAV from October 2008 to December 2018. Two reviewers selected studies according to pre-specified eligibility criteria. We retrieved information including countries, funding, design, sample sizes, eligibility criteria, primary outcomes (POs), and treatments.Results. Among the 40 RCTs identified, 22 (38%) were conducted in Europe, 29 (72%) in a single country, 14 (35%) were industry-funded. The median number of patients planned to enrol was 68 (IQR 36-138). Only 28% of RCTs targeted a single vasculitis and ANCA negative patients were not included in 40% of studies. Interventions investigated were mainly drugs given to induce (40%) or maintain (32%) remission. Eighty-five percent of POs were considered being ‘patient-important’, but discrepancies in definition of disease states such as remission or relapse were observed. Glucocorticoids use was part of the PO in <25% of studies. The number of trials targeting a single disease, non-industry funded, incorporating glucocorticoids in PO, as well as the planned sample size increased over time.Conclusion. Despite the important achievements in the field, the design of RCTs on AAV could be further improved.
The Changes of Gut Microbiota in Drug-Naïve First-Episode MDD Patients Under Treatment by SSRIs
Authors: Shen Yang , Yang Xiao , Li Gaofei , Xing Xiaoxi , Li Zhiyong , Huang Yichen , Gao Jiayu , Ying Liang
Published: May 2020

Background Recently, gut microbiota has been found to play an important role during the development of MDD in mice models. Meanwhile, the antidepressant treatment with SSRIs could correct the abnormal performance in mice, and played a dual role of antibiotics. Therefore, this study aims to further explore whether the gut microbiota of MDD patients can be reshaped after receiving SSRI drugs.Methods Thirty patients with drug-naive first-episode MDD and thirty healthy controls were recruited and their samples were collected to complete 16S rRNA sequencing. All patients received standardized treatment with ecitalopram. When the reduction rate of HAMD scale score ≥ 50%, their fecal samples were collected again to sequence as follows group. Bioinformatics analysis was used to understand the changes of gut microbiota before and after treatment.Results A significant difference in gut microbiota abundance was found after treatment with escitalopram. The Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio decreased significantly in the follows group. After treatment, the differences in the classification and metabolic pathways of gut microbiota still existed between follows group and controls. The mainly difference were found as follows: Transport and catabolism, Nervous system, Glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, etc.Conclusions The study found that the gut microbiota of patients with first-episode MDD was similar, but was significantly different from controls. Under escitalopram treatment, the gut microbiota diversity of MDD patients tended to transform to normal. However, there were still some differences of structures and metabolic pathways in microbes between patients and controls, which might be related to the relapse of MDD.
Clonazepam Versus Lorazepam in the Treatment of Methamphetamine-Poisoned Children: A Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Farnaghi Fariba , Rahmani Razieh , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Zamani Nasim , McDonald Rebecca , Gholami Narges , Gachkar Latif
Published: May 2020

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of oral clonazepam versus oral lorazepam following initial parenteral benzodiazepine administration to control methamphetamine-induced agitation in children.Methods: In a single-center clinical trial, intravenous diazepam (0.2 mg/Kg) was initially administered to all methamphetamine-poisoned pediatric patients to control their agitation, followed by a single dose of oral clonazepam (0.05 mg/Kg; n = 15) or oral lorazepam (0.05 mg/Kg; n = 15) to prevent relapse of toxicity.Results: The median age [IQR] (range) was 15 [10, 36] (6-144) months. The source of poisoning was methamphetamine exposure from oral ingestion in 23 (76.7%) and passive inhalation in 7 (23.3%) patients. The most common symptoms/signs were agitation (23; 96.7%), mydriatic pupils (26; 86.7%), and tachycardia (20; 66.6%). Four patients (13.3%) needed re-administration of IV diazepam due to persistent agitation. There was no report of benzodiazepine complications in either group.Conclusions: Although both benzodiazepines were effective, considering the similar administered doses of oral clonazepam and lorazepam as well as the higher potency of clonazepam, it seems that lorazepam is a better suited oral benzodiazepine for the maintenance treatment of methamphetamine-induced agitation in children and can be used with minimal complications.Trial registration: IRCT20180610040036N2, April 18th 2020. Retrospectively registered
Computed Tomography Radiomics for the Preoperative Prediction of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Development and External Validation
Authors: Han Zhi-Jiang , Wei Peiying , Ding Zhongxiang , Luo Dingcun , Qian Liping , Zhou Jian , Wang Haibin , Cai Wenli , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2020

Background Cervical lymph node (LN) status is a critical factor related to the treatment and prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The aim of this study was to investigate the preoperative predictions of cervical LN metastasis in PTC using computed tomography (CT) radiomics.Methods A total of 134 PTC patients who underwent CT examinations were enrolled in the study at two institutes between January 2018 and January 2020. Of these patients, 289 cervical LNs (institute 1: 206 LNs from 88 patients; institute 2: 83 LNs from 46 patents) were selected. All the cases had been confirmed by surgery and pathology. Each LN was segmented and 1408 radiomic features were calculated radiomic features in noncontrast and contrast-enhanced CT images. Features were selected using the Boruta algorithm followed by an iterative culling-out algorithm. We compared four machine learning classifiers, including random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), and naïve bayes (NB) for the classification of LN metastasis. The models were first trained and validated by 10-fold cross-validation using data from institute 1 and then tested using independent data from institute 2. The performance of the models was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).Results Seven radiomic features were selected for building the models − 3 histogram statistical textures, 1 gray level co-occurrence matrix texture, and 3 gray level zone size matrix textures. The AUCs of the radiomic models with 10-fold cross-validation were 0.941 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–0.95), 0.943 (95% CI: 0.93–0.95), 0.914 (95% CI: 0.90–0.95), and 0.905 (95% CI: 0.88–0.91) for RF, SVM, NN, and NB, respectively. The AUCs for the testing data were 0.926 (95% CI: 0.86–0.98), 0.932 (95% CI: 0.88–0.98), 0.925 (95% CI: 0.86–0.97), and 0.912 (95% CI: 0.83–0.98) for RF, SVM, NN, and NB, respectively.Conclusions CT radiomic model demonstrated robustness in preoperative classification of LN metastases for patients with PTC, which may provide significant support for clinical decision making and prognosis evaluation.
A data-driven analysis of fiber type architecture over the entire muscle
Authors: Bindellini Davide , Voortman Lenard M. , Olie Cyriel S. , Putten Maaike van , Akker Erik van den , Raz Vered
Published: May 2020

Background

Skeletal muscle function is inferred from the spatial arrangement of muscle fibers architecture, which corresponds to myofiber molecular and metabolic features. Myofiber types can be distinguished by the expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms, representing contraction properties. In most studies, myofiber typing is determined from a local sampling, typically obtained from the muscle median region. This median region is assumed to represent the entire muscle. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent this local sampling represents the entire muscle.
Methods

We present here a pipeline to study the architecture of muscle fiber type over the entire muscle, from sectioning, staining, imaging to image quantification and data-driven analysis.
Results

We reconstructed muscle architecture from consecutive cross-sections stained for laminin and MyHC isoforms. Examining the entire muscle using consecutive cross-sections is extremely laborious, we provide consideration to reduce dataset and yet to cover the entire muscle. Analyses of over 15,000 myofibers, showed spatial variations in myofiber geometric features, myofiber type and the distribution of neuromuscular junctions along the entire muscle.
Conclusions

We suggest that asymmetric spatial distribution of myofiber types, geometric features of myofibers and the neuromuscular junctions along the muscle could affect muscle function. Therefore, instead of a single sampling from a median region, representative regions covering the entire muscle should be investigated in future studies.
Assessing the equivalence between traditional medicinal varieties and nontraditional medicinal varieties of Citri reticulata Semen
Authors: Xian Bin , Wang Li , Wang Rui , Ren Chaoxiang , Chen Jiang , Chen Cuiping , Zhong Wanting , Wu Qinghua , Pei Jin
Published: May 2020

Background

Juhe, which is derived from seeds of citrus (Citri reticulata Semen), is wildly used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Its original plants have numinous variety, and new varieties are constantly emerging, especially in recent years. The decline in the market share of traditional varieties each year, has resulted in a shortage of Juhe resources, and nontraditional Juhe varieties have been used clinically without research. Thus Juhe resources vary significantly. Furthermore, most of new varieties are hybrids, with significant differences in genes, active ingredients. Therefore, a further research is needed on Nontraditional medicinal varieties.
Methods

In this study, the genetic diversity, shape and size, and flavonoids content of 35 different batches of Juhe samples, from different source, were analyzed base on SRAP molecular markers, a stereo microscope, and HPLC. Then correlation analysis was performed using these data.
Results

The genetic backgrounds of traditional medicinal varieties (TMV) and nontraditional medicinal varieties (N-TMV) differed significantly, and TMV were closely related to some Citrus ‘Ponkan’ samples. Seeds of TMV and N-TMV differ based on shape, size and number. In addition, flavonoid compounds and level in the seeds of TMV and N-TMV also showed a significant difference. Five batches of C. reticulata ‘Ponkan’ samples collected from Zigong, Meishan, Neijiang, Nanchong and Jiangyou were closely related to the traditional medicinal variety Citrus reticulata ‘Dahongpao’,based on genetic relationship, shape and sizes, as well as flavonoids content.
Conclusins:

A total of 5 C. reticulata ‘Ponkan’ samples, including Zigong No. 7, Meishan No. 21, Neijiang No. 27, Nanchong No. 32, and Jiangyou No. 34, were closely related to the traditional medicinal variety C. reticulata ‘Dahongpao’ in genetic relationship, seeds’ characteristics and sizes, and flavonoids content. These varieties could serve as a new medicinal variety.
Clinical Outcomes Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty without Concomitant Osteotomy in Ankles with Severe Preoperative Varus Deformity: Comparison to Ankles with Preoperative Neutral Alignment
Authors: Yamashita Takahiro , Nagai Kanto , Kanzaki Noriyuki , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Ibaraki Kazuyuki , Araki Daisuke , Hoshino Yuichi , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: May 2020

Background:It remains controversial whether satisfactory outcomes can be obtained following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) without osteotomy in patients with severe varus ankle deformities. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes following TAA without concomitant osteotomies in patients with severe varus ankle alignment by comparing them with patients with neutral alignment. Methods: Fifty-three ankles of 51 patients (71.4 ± 5.6 years old) who underwent TAA using an insert with a medial wall (TNK ankle prosthesis)were examined (mean follow-up: 36.8±17.8 months). The patients were allocated into two groups according to the preoperative talar tilt (TT) angle: the neutral group (preoperative TT angle < 9°; n=37) andthe varus group (preoperative TT angle > 10°; n=16). Outcome measures, including the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale, Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q), the ankle range of motion, and radiographic parameters, were assessed prior to the surgery and at the final follow-up.Results:Significant improvements were observed in clinical and radiographical outcomes in both groups after surgery. The postoperative JSSF scale and the subscalescores of pain and shoes in the SAFE-Q were not significantly different between the groups, while subscale scores of function, social, and health in the SAFE-Q were greater in the varus group compared to the neutral group at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). Radiographic parameters, including TT angle and tibial axis-medial malleolus (TMM) angle improved postoperatively and were not significantly differentbetween the neutral group (TT angle, 0.5 ±0.7°;TMM angle, 16.0 ± 4.6°) and the varus group (TT angle, 0.4 ± 0.7°;TMM angle, 17.0 ± 5.3°) at the final follow-up. To achieve neutral alignment, adjunctive procedures, such as deltoid ligament release, were required more often in the varus group, but no concomitant osteotomies were performed. Conclusions:Outcomes after TAA using the TNK ankle prosthesis were favorable in patients with severe varus ankle alignment and in those with neutral ankle alignment without concomitant osteotomy. Satisfactory outcomes could be achieved in patients with severe varus ankle alignment after TAA using the TNK ankle prosthesis without concomitant osteotomy.
Research The Representativeness of An Isolated Medial Malleolar Fracture
Authors: Wu Chi-Chuan , Yeh Wen-Ling , Lee Po-Cheng , Chou Ying-Chao , Hsu Yung-Heng , Yu Yi-Hsun
Published: May 2020

Background: An isolated medial malleolar fracture (IMMF) is relatively uncommon.Not only is the treatment principle undetermined well, but also is the patho-mechanism debatable. The goal of this retrospective study intended to clarify the patho-mechanism of an IMMF and develop an optimal treatment principle to upgrade a success rate.Methods: For the 10-year period, 59 consecutive adult patients (average, 38 years; range, 18-77 years) with an IMMF were treated. The causes included 42.4% of motorcycle accidents, 20.3% of working injuries, 10.2% of car accidents, 10.2% of slide injuries, and 16.9% of others. The 59 injuries were classified to 59.3% of stage 1 pronation-external rotation (PE), 20.3% of stage 2 PE, 10.2% of stage 2 pronation-abduction (PA), and 10.2% of stage 2 supination-adduction (SA) injuries. Unstable fractures which comprised stage 2 PA and stage 2 SA injuries were treated with internal fixation. Stable fractures which comprised stage 1 PE and stage 2 PE injuries were treated with either internal fixation or conservative techniques.Results: Fifty patients (84.7%, 50 / 59) were followed for at least one year (average, 1.3 years; range, 1-3.1 years). Forty-nine fractures healed with a union rate of 98%. Satisfactory ankle function was achieved in 84% of patients (42 / 50). Four out of eight patients with an unsatisfactory ankle function sustained syndesmotic diastasis. One fracture which was treated with internal fixation sustained screw breakage with nonunion. This patient also had unsatisfactory ankle function.Conclusion: Not all IMMFs can be treated conservatively. Practically, an IMMF should be classified into a stable or unstable type based on radiographs and clinical stress tests. A stable type may include 80% of IMMFs which may be treated with either surgical or conservative techniques. An unstable type may include 20% of IMMFs which had better be treated with internal fixation.
Integration of Steam with Allyl-isothiocyanate for Soil Disinfestation
Authors: Kim Dong Sub , Hoffmann Mark , Kim Steven , Scholler Bertha A. , Fennimore Steven A.
Published: May 2020

Steam has long been used to disinfest greenhouse soils. However, there is increasing interest in expanding the use of steam for in-field soil disinfestation as an alternative to chemical fumigants. Previous studies demonstrated that allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) reduced viability of weed seeds and plant pathogen propagules, but AITC has a low vapor pressure and is relatively immobile in soil. Heat has been used in the past to enhance the mobility of soil fumigants such as methyl bromide (i.e., “hot gassing”). The effect of steam heat on the mobility of AITC is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential synergistic effect of steam plus ATIC against weed seeds and a plant pathogen. AITC alone did not reduce the viability of the four weed species and the number of Verticillium dahliae microsclerotia. The steam + AITC treatment reduced the viability of V. dahliae at 12.5 and 18 cm distances by 82% and 88%, respectively, and knotweed and nettle seeds at 70 cm from injection point by 75% and 86%, respectively, from the center of microplots compared with steam alone. The results suggest that AITC and steam have a complementary effect on soilborne pests because steam increases the mobility of AITC.
Willingness to Pay for Attributes of Biodegradable Plastic Mulches in the Agricultural Sector
Authors: Chen Kuan-Ju , Galinato Suzette P. , Marsh Thomas L. , Tozer Peter R. , Chouinard Hayley H.
Published: May 2020

To mitigate the environmental harm associated with the disposal of polyethylene (PE) (plastic) mulches after use—incineration, dumping at landfills, tilling into the soil, and onsite stockpiling—biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) are proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative. These mulches are designed to degrade in the field, thereby reducing negative impacts. We conducted discrete choice experiments to evaluate willingness to pay (WTP) for BDM attributes using data collected from a survey of stakeholders in the agricultural sector (e.g., farmers, crop advisors, educators, and others) in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Results obtained using a mixed logit model show that respondents assign the greatest value to BDM attributes that provide a price premium opportunity for the product grown, improve soil health, or reduce field-borne residue, thereby enhancing sustainability. We found heterogeneity in preferences for the attributes of plastic residue and soil health: the cost of BDMs is more important to nonfarmers and noncrop advisors, whereas soil health is more of a concern for crop advisors. In addition, respondents who are less risk averse and less sensitive to cost are more willing to adopt BDMs. Results from this study have implications regarding the best ways to introduce and support sustainable practices as a part of green technology in the agricultural sector, particularly for new BDM products.
OPTIMIZATION OF FLOCCULAR CLEANING AND DRAINAGE OF THIN DISPERSED SLUDGES
Authors: Shestopalov Oleksii , Briankin Oleksandr , Rykusova Nadegda , Hetta Oksana , Raiko Valentina , Tseitlin Musii
Published: May 2020

The efficiency of solid phase retention and dehydration of finely dispersed products of a coal processing plant and a metallurgical enterprise on the module for cleaning and dewatering sludge is investigated. A technique for selecting the operating parameters of equipment based on the determination of the strength criterion of flocs is proposed. A methodology for technological tests has been developed to control the flocculation process and optimize the flow of flocculant depending on the concentration of the solid phase.

Industrial tests on the module for wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering using flocculants proved the effectiveness of the developed methodology. It is shown that the conditions for conducting tests on flocculation should correspond to the operating conditions of the circuit apparatus for cleaning and dewatering sludge. These conditions include sludge performance, sludge flow rate in the cross section of pipes and apparatuses, and the flow time from the flocculator to the centrifuge. During the testing of the Module, the solids retention efficiency of 97–99 % was achieved with the strength criteria of flocs in front of a centrifuge of 2–2.5 mm/s.

The conditions for the high efficiency of the apparatus chain are the optimization of the aggregation process itself. It is revealed that for the formation of strong flocs it is necessary to regulate the concentration of the solid phase. For coal sludge, the concentration of the solid phase before the flocculant is fed must be maintained no higher than 50–60 g/l, and for gas treatment sludge – no higher than 20–25 g/l. Correction of the concentration of sludge before the flocculator is possible by diluting it with clarified water to the optimum concentration for aggregation.

It is found that the moisture content of the sediment and the efficiency of the retention of the solid phase depend on the strength criterion of the flocs. Therefore, the optimization of the flocculant flow rate is possible by controlling and the residual floccule deposition rate after mechanical action in front of the dewatering equipment. The flocculant flow rate must be adjusted depending on the concentration of the solid phase in the sludge to achieve the desired criterion for the strength of the flocs
Trace elements in sulfides from the Maozu Pb-Zn deposit, Yunnan Province, China: Implications for trace-element incorporation mechanisms and ore genesis
Authors: Li Zhenli , Ye Lin , Hu Yusi , Wei Chen , Huang Zhilong , Yang Yulong , Danyushevsky Leonid
Published: May 2020

The Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn metallogenic province (SYGMP) is an important region for Pb-Zn resources in China. However, considerable controversy remains as to whether the Pb-Zn deposits are Mississippi Valley Type (MVT). The Maozu deposit, a typical example of the carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in the SYGMP, occurs in the late Ediacaran Dengying Formation and its ore bodies are divided into three types: lower layer (LL), vein layer (VL), and upper layer (UL) ore bodies based on their spatial relationship. In this study, laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to systematically analyze the trace-element compositions of sphalerite and galena in these three ore bodies. The results show that sphalerite is characterized by Cd and Ge enrichment; Fe, Mn, and Co depletion; and local In and Sn enrichment. Most of these elements likely appear as solid solutions in sphalerite and show a wide compositional variation, which is probably related to the medium- and low-temperature mixing of the ore-forming fluids. The local enrichment of In and Sn is likely attributed to the long-distance migration of ore-forming fluids through In-Sn-bearing volcaniclastic rocks. In vs. Sn and (Cu + Sb) vs. (Ag + Ge) show strong correlations and similar element distribution in the mapped images, indicating that these elements may be incorporated into sphalerite via a coupled substitution for Zn as 2In3+ + Sn4+ + 2☐ ↔ 5Zn2+ (☐ = vacancies) and 4(Cu+ + Sb3+) + (Ge4+ + 2Ag+) + 2☐ ↔ 13Zn2+. Galena is enriched in Ag and Sb with minor Cd and Se and depleted in Bi, and most of the elements may occur as solid solutions. Ag vs. Sb in galena displays a strong positive correlation, implying the coupled substitution of Ag+ + Sb3+ ↔ 2Pb2+. Notably, the majority of the trace-element concentrations gradually decrease in the order LL → UL except Fe, Co, Cu, and Ge, while Fe, In, and Sn in sphalerite and Ag and Sb in galena have the highest concentration in the VL, indicating that the VL is a secondary migration channel for the ore-forming fluids. Furthermore, the trace-element compositions of the sulfides in the Maozu Pb-Zn deposit are consistent with the typical MVT deposit (hosted in the carbonate sequence) but are markedly different from sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX), volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) and skarn-type deposits. Based on these results, as well as the geological and geochemical characteristics of the deposit, the Maozu Pb-Zn deposit is an MVT deposit.
Bonsai-SPH: A GPU accelerated astrophysical Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics code
Authors: Bédorf Jeroen , Portegies Zwart Simon
Published: May 2020

We present the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics simulation code,
Bonsai-SPH, which is a continuation of our
previously developed gravity-only hierarchical
NN-body
code (called Bonsai). The code is optimized
for Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) accelerators which enables
researchers to take advantage of these powerful computational resources.
Bonsai-SPH produces simulation results
comparable with state-of-the-art, CPU based, codes, but using an order
of magnitude less computation time. The code is freely available online
and the details are described in this work.
En defensa al derecho de la vida
Authors: Mosquera Vásquez Clara
Published: May 2020

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Assessment of SM2RAIN-ASCAT and CMORPH satellite precipitation products over Maharlu Lake basin in Iran
Authors: Goudarzi Fatemeh Moazami , Sarraf Amirpouya , Ahmadi Hassan
Published: May 2020

In recent years, the use of climatic databases and satellite products by researchers has become increasingly common in the field of climate modeling and research. These datasets play an important role in developing countries. This study evaluated two reanalyses, CMORPH and SM2RAIN-ASCAT over Maharlu Lake, a semi-arid region in Iran. The results showed that these two near-time datasets do not have accurate data over this basin. However, the probability of detection (POD), critical success index (CSI), and false alarm ratio (FAR) statistics showed acceptable accuracy in the detection of precipitation. The coefficient of determination and root mean square error statistics have unacceptable accuracy over this area. The monthly changes in each of the indices showed that the CMORPH database had more errors in the spring months, but in other months the error rate was improved. SM2RAIN-ASCAT had better accuracy over this area relative to CMORPH. The estimation of the total accuracy of the data showed that these two satellite databases were not capable of estimating precipitation in the area.
Modelling of the coupling of desalination plants with the thermal solar energy system
Authors: Irki Sara , Kasbadji-Merzouk Nachida , Hanini Salah , Ghernaout Djamel
Published: May 2020

This work aims to develop models able to describe and predict the thermal solar collector coupled with vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) unit to determine the growth evolution of the temperature in the solar collector and the membrane module of the VMD. These models will be used to evaluate the distillate flow rates during the year. The global solar radiation data recorded on an inclined surface as well as ambient temperature data can be included in a program. First, the models were validated with some experimental data studies from appropriate literature and then they were used to predict the unit's performance under different operating conditions in the City of Bouzaréah (Algiers). The results obtained from the proposed models showed that the distillate flux water reached 10.5 kg/h·m2 in September and around 5.6 kg/h·m2 in December during midday.
Efeito da aplicação foliar de silício nos aspectos produtivos e de qualidade de frutos de morangueiro
Authors: WÜRZ Douglas André , KOWAL Alcemir Nabir , FAGHERAZZI Antonio Felippe , SANTOS Grazieli dos , LEITE Luana
Published: May 2020

O objetivo do presente estudo é de avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de diferentes doses de silício sobre características produtivas e qualitativas das frutas de morangueiro ‘Pircinque’ cultivado nas condições edafoclimáticas do Planalto Norte Catarinense. O experimento foi realizado na área experimental do Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina, IFSC – Campus Canoinhas, e os morangueiros da cultivar Pircinque foram cultivados em sistema convencional no solo, com ambiente protegido (estufa), adotando-se um espaçamento de plantio de 30 centímetros entre plantas e linhas de plantio, com três linhas de cultivo por canteiro. Os tratamentos consistiram na aplicação foliar de cinco doses de silício, sendo elas: 0, 100, 200, 300 e 400 g/100L água, utilizando-se o produto comercial Agrisil® (99% Si). As aplicações foram realizadas a cada 21 dias, e foi avaliado seu efeito em parâmetros produtivos (número de frutos, produção, produtividade e massa fresca de fruto) e qualitativos das frutas (% comerciais, deformados e pequenos, sólidos solúveis, acidez total, Ratio e firmeza de polpa). A aplicação de silício proporcionou aumento do percentual de frutas comerciais em todas as dosagens avaliadas, além de resultar em aumento da firmeza de polpa. Ressalta-se que a aplicação do silício nas doses de 300 g e 400 g/100L água, apresentam maiores efeitos na firmeza de polpa, o que pode resultar em melhor conservação pós-colheita das frutas. A aplicação foliar de silício não influencia as variáveis produtivas e qualitativas avaliadas dos frutos do morangueiro ‘Pircinque’ cultivado no Planalto Norte Catarinense.
Secondary Metabolites in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Paradigm Shift
Authors: Chauhan Deependra Singh , Gupta Paras , Pottoo Faheem Hyder , Amir Mohd
Published: May 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, polygenic and non-infectious group of diseases that occurs due to insulin resistance or its low production by the pancreas and is also associated with lifelong damage, dysfunction and collapse of various organs. Management of diabetes is quite complex having many bodily and emotional complications and warrants efficient measures for prevention and control of the same. As per the estimates of the current and future diabetes prevalence, around 425 million people were diabetic in 2017 which is anticipated to rise up to 629 million by 2045. Various studies have vaguely proven the fact that several vitamins, minerals, botanicals and secondary metabolites demonstrate hypoglycemic activity in vivo as well as in vitro. Flavonoids, anthocyanin, catechin, lipoic acid, coumarin metabolites, etc. derived from herbs were found to elicit a significant influence on diabetes. However, the prescription of herbal compounds depend on various factors, including the degree of diabetes progression, comorbidities, feasibility, economics as well as their ADR profile. For instance, cinnamon could be a more favorable choice for diabetic hypertensive patients. Diabecon®, Glyoherb® and Diabeta Plus® are some of the herbal products that had been launched in the market for the favorable or adjuvant therapy of diabetes. Moreover, Aloe vera leaf gel extract demonstrates significant activity in diabetes. The goal of this review was to inscribe various classes of secondary metabolites, in particular those obtained from plants, and their role in the treatment of DM. Recent advancements in recognizing the markers which can be employed for identifying altered metabolic pathways, biomarker discovery, limitations, metabolic markers of drug potency and off-label effects are also reviewed.
Effect of Nigella sativa and Fenugreek on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Amlodipine in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Alam Mohd Aftab , Bin Jardan Yousef Abdullah , Raish Mohammad , Al-Mohizea Abdullah Mohammad , Ahad Abdul , Al-Jenoobi Fahad Ibrahim
Published: May 2020

Background:

The present article is related to in-vitro and in-vivo herb-drug interaction studies.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa and fenugreek on the pharmacodynamics and
pharmacokinetics of amlodipine.

Method:

Hypertensive rats of group-I were treated with amlodipine and rats of group-II and III were treated with N.
sativa, and N. sativa + amlodipine and fenugreek, and fenugreek + amlodipine, respectively. Systolic blood pressure
(SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP) of group-I, II and III rats were measured by
the “tail-cuff system”.

Results:

N. sativa, as well as fenugreek, reduced the SBP, DBP and MBP. Simultaneously, administration of
fenugreek + amlodipine or N. sativa + amlodipine showed better control of BP. Individually, fenugreek, as well as N.
sativa, showed a surprising reduction in the heart rate. There was no remarkable effect of any of these two herbs on
Cmax, AUC0-t, Kel, and terminal elimination half-life of amlodipine, but fenugreek altered the Tmax of amlodipine
significantly, from 2 ± 1.2h in control to 7.2 ± 1.7h in fenugreek treated group, probably by delaying the absorption.

Conclusion:

Results of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics studies suggested that simultaneous administration
of fenugreek or N. sativa with amlodipine improved the pharmacological response of amlodipine in hypertensive rats,
though there was no remarkable change in pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, Kel, elimination t1/2, and AUC0-t).
Effect of Green Tea and (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Pharmacokinetics of Rosuvastatin
Authors: Huang Shenjia , Xu Qingqing , Liu Linsheng , Bian Yicong , Zhang Shichao , Huang Chenrong , Miao Liyan
Published: May 2020

Background:

Green tea can inhibit OATPs, so it may interact with the substrate of OATPs, such as
rosuvastatin.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effects of green tea on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin and its
mechanism.

Methods:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received different doses of green tea extract (GTE) and (-)- epigallocatechin-3-
gallate (EGCG). Caco-2 cells and OATP1B1-HEK293T cells were used in drug uptake and transport assay. The
matrix concentrations of rosuvastatin and catechins were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatographytandem
mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

Results:

GTE and EGCG were both found to increase the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞)
of rosuvastatin ((p<0.050). In the Caco-2 cell model, the uptake and transport of rosuvastatin in the GTE groups were
1.94-fold (p<0.001) and 2.11-fold (p<0.050) higher, respectively, than those of the control group. However, in the
EGCG group, the uptake and transport of rosuvastatin were decreased by 22.62% and 44.19%, respectively
(p<0.050). In the OATP1B1- HEK293T cell model, the OATP1B1-mediated rosuvastatin uptake was decreased by
GTE to 35.02% of that in the control (p<0.050) and was decreased by EGCG to 45.61% of that in the control
(p<0.050).

Conclusion:

GTE increased the systemic rosuvastatin exposure in rats. The mechanism may include an increase in
rosuvastatin absorption and a decrease in liver distribution by inhibiting OATP1B1. EGCG may be the main
ingredient of green tea that affects the pharmacokinetic parameters of rosuvastatin. Our results showed the
importance of conducting green tea-rosuvastatin study.
Involvement of the Sodium Channel Nav1.7 in Paclitaxel-induced Peripheral Neuropathy through ERK1/2 Signaling in Rats
Authors: Wang Guang Jie , Zhang Xi , Huang Li-De , Xiao Yun
Published: May 2020

Background:

Paclitaxel treatment is a major cause of chemotherapy-induced peripheral
neuropathy. The sodium channel Nav1.7 plays a critical role in pain perception. However, whether
Nav1.7 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is involved in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy
remains unclear. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate whether Nav1.7 participates in the pathogenesis
of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

Methods:

Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy was generated by intraperitoneal administration
of paclitaxel on four alternate days.

Results:

The results showed that DRG mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 were
upregulated between days 7 and 21 after the administration of paclitaxel. Besides, paclitaxel upregulated
extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in DRG. Intrathecal injection
of U0126 (a MEK inhibitor) blocking ERK1/2 phosphorylation blunted up-regulation of
Nav1.7 in the DRG and correspondingly attenuated hyperalgesia.

Conclusion:

These results indicated that the sodium channel Nav1.7 in the DRG exerted an important
function in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy, which was associated with ERK phosphorylation in
neurons.
Brivaracetam Prevents the Over-expression of Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2A and Rescues the Deficits of Hippocampal Long-term Potentiation In Vivo in Chronic Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Rats
Authors: Ge Yu-Xing , Lin Ying-Ying , Bi Qian-Qian , Chen Yu-Juan
Published: May 2020

Background:

Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) usually suffer from cognitive
deficits and recurrent seizures. Brivaracetam (BRV) is a novel anti-epileptic drug (AEDs) recently
used for the treatment of partial seizures with or without secondary generalization. Different from
other AEDs, BRV has some favorable properties on synaptic plasticity. However, the underlying
mechanisms remain elusive.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore the neuroprotective mechanism of BRV on synaptic
plasticity in experimental TLE rats.

Methods:

The effect of chronic treatment with BRV (10 mg/kg) was assessed on Pilocarpine induced
TLE model through measurement of the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in
vivo. Differentially expressed synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) were identified with immunoblot.
Then, fast phosphorylation of synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) during
long-term potentiation (LTP) induction was performed to investigate the potential roles of BRV on
synaptic plasticity in the TLE model.

Results:

An increased level of SV2A accompanied by a depressed LTP in the hippocampus was
shown in epileptic rats. Furthermore, BRV treatment continued for more than 30 days improved
the over-expression of SV2A and reversed the synaptic dysfunction in epileptic rats. Additionally,
BRV treatment alleviates the abnormal SNAP-25 phosphorylation at Ser187 during LTP induction
in epileptic ones, which is relevant to the modulation of synaptic vesicles exocytosis and voltagegated
calcium channels.

Conclusion:

BRV treatment ameliorated the over-expression of SV2A in the hippocampus and
rescued the synaptic dysfunction in epileptic rats. These results identify the neuroprotective effect
of BRV on TLE model.
Serum Albumin as a Potential Predictor of Pneumonia after an Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yang Xue , Wang Lu , Zheng Lukai , Wu Jiongxing , Liu Junfeng , Hao Zilong , Zhang Shihong , Wu Bo , Liu Ming , Wang Deren
Published: May 2020

Background:

Serum albumin level is associated with infection after stroke, but whether
albumin predicts post-stroke pneumonia is unclear. The potential relationship between albumin
level and pneumonia in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) was evaluated in this study.

Methods:

A consecutive sample of 798 AIS patients who were admitted to West China Hospital
within 24 h after onset, from the year 2017 to 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Blood was collected
on admission and assayed for serum albumin. Univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression,
and stratified logistic regression were performed to identify the risk factors of post-stroke
pneumonia.

Results:

Out of the 798 patients, 240 (30.2%) developed pneumonia at a median of 48 h after onset
(interquartile range, 27-74 h). Patients with pneumonia had significantly lower serum albumin
levels than those without pneumonia (40.6 vs. 42.9 g/l, p<0.001). After adjustment, the albumin
level was still significantly associated with pneumonia in multivariate logistic regression (odds
ratio [OR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81-0.94). The association between serum albumin
and pneumonia tended to depend on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (p = 0.045),
but this was significant only in patients with mild stroke (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77-0.93). A dosedependent
inverse relationship was found between albumin levels and the risk of pneumonia after
AIS. Albumin values predicted pneumonia with an area under the curve of 0.661 (95% CI 0.620-
0.701), and the optimal cutoff was 42.6 g/L.

Conclusion:

Low serum albumin levels may be independent predictors of pneumonia in patients
with AIS, especially in mild stroke. In fact, the risk of pneumonia may vary inversely with albumin
level.
Energy Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks Under Dynamic Spectrum Access Using Adaptive Listening
Authors: Ahmed Mumtaz , Doja Mohammad N. , Amjad Mohd.
Published: May 2020

The efficient use of energy consumption in WSNETs is one of the most promising areas
for researchers. In such networks, a considerable amount of bandwidth and energy is wasted for
sensing the communication over the common channels. To recognise these complications, WSNETs
offers dynamic allocation of the spectrum to optimise the bandwidth utilization. The S-MAC protocol
which is based upon Time Division Multiple Access technique has already been proven as a better
protocol for the efficient use of energy at MAC Layer. We revised all the patents related to the
energy issues in Wireless Sensor Networks. The Hidden terminal problem is a well-known issue in
wireless networks due to which the performance of the single-channel medium access protocols is
affected. An adaptive listening technique at the MAC Layer was exploited under Dynamic Spectrum
Access to address the issue. Adaptive listening proposes a dynamic sleep/idle period based on the
data transmission pattern. Thus, the S-MAC protocol further improves the performance in terms of
energy consumption and bandwidth utilization at the MAC Layer. The performance of this proposed
model is compared with other protocols like IEEE 802.11 and SMAC with periodic sleep. The proposed
model offers better network throughput and better energy consumption as seen in these simulation
results under various parameters.
The Role of Society in Preventing Premarriage Sexual Behavior
Authors: Wahyuningsih Wahyuningsih
Published: May 2020

Background: Adolescents are one of the population groups that are easily affected by the flow of information, both negative and positive. One impact of the negative flow of information is premarital sexual behavior in adolescents. In fact, teens are expected to be able to replace the previous generation with optimal performance quality in accordance with their growth and development related to adolescent reproductive health rights. In this case, there needs to be efforts made by the community around adolescents in the prevention of premarital sexual behavior .

Objectives: To describe the role of the community in preventing premarriage pregnancy to adolescents in the village of Trirenggo, Bantul

Research Methodology: This research uses quantitative and qualitative research methods with a phenomenological approach. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling . The study was conducted in June-August 2019 in Trirenggo, Bantul. The research instrument used a questionnaire and interview guidelines compiled by the researcher. The data analysis process in this study uses the frequency distribution for quantitative research and steps from Colaizzi for qualitative research.

The results of the study: (1) Community norms already exist in Trirenggo, Bantul, but the implementation is still not optimal (2) Social control has been carried out by the Trirenggo community but it is still not well targeted in its implementation .

Conclusion: Community norms still do not function in the prevention of premarriage pregnancy, as well as the minimum community participation in social control.

 