bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Biological Correlates of Preoperative Cognitive Functioning of Glioma and Meningioma Patients
Authors: Pranckeviciene Aiste , Deltuva Vytenis P. , Tamasauskas Arimantas , Zegliene Jurate , Bunevicius Adomas
Published: May 2020

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the association of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) serum concentrations with cognitive functions of glioma and meningioma patients. Methods. 177 brain tumor patients awaiting for brain tumor surgery participated in the study. Patients were assessed preoperatively, using neuropsychological tests for verbal memory, psychomotor speed, mental flexibility, and verbal fluency. The functional status of patients was evaluated using the Karnofsky Performance Index. Blood samples were drawn for evaluation of serum hsCRP and NT‐proBNP concentrations upon hospital admission. Results. The highest NT‐proBNP concentration was observed in meningioma patients. Glioma and meningioma patients did not differ in hsCRB concentration. Patients in the highest hsCRP tertile were older and more frequently reported cardiovascular comorbidity. Patients in the highest NT‐proBNP tertile were older, more frequently with cardiovascular comorbidity, females, and diagnosed with a meningioma. hsCRP was significantly related to slower psychomotor speed in high‐grade glioma patients (rho = 0.30, p < 0.05). In meningioma sample, NT‐proBNP correlated with decreased psychomotor speed (rho = 0.38, p < 0.01), mental flexibility (rho = 0.33, p < 0.01), worse cumulative learning (rho = −0.27, p < 0.05), and delayed recall (rho = 0.30, p < 0.01). However, the relationship between the NT‐proBNP and cognitive functions became nonsignificant when demographic and clinical covariates were included into analysis. Higher hsCRP concentration remained significantly related to slower psychomotor speed (p = 0.02) and worse mental flexibility (p = 0.05) in glioma patients, independently from demographic and clinical covariates. Preoperative cognitive functioning was also predicted by older age, gender, side and location of the tumor, and tumor malignancy, and general functional status of a patient. Conclusions. NT‐proBNP was not associated with memory, language, and attention/executive cognitive domains of glioma and meningioma patients. Increased hsCRP was related to slower psychomotor speed and worse mental flexibility in glioma patients, indicating that inflammation processes are important for cognitive functioning in glial tumors.
Tetrandrine Attenuated Doxorubicin‐Induced Acute Cardiac Injury in Mice
Authors: Li Gang , Li Wen-Rui , Jin Ya-Ge , Jie Qi-Qiang , Wang Cheng-Yu , Wu Lin
Published: May 2020

Oxidative damage is closely involved in the development of doxorubicin‐ (DOX‐) induced cardiotoxicity. It has been reported that tetrandrine can prevent the development of cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing reactive oxygen species‐ (ROS‐) dependent signaling pathways in mice. However, whether tetrandrine could attenuate DOX‐related cardiotoxicity remains unclear. To explore the protective effect of tetrandrine, mice were orally given a dose of tetrandrine (50 mg/kg) for 4 days beginning one day before DOX injection. To induce acute cardiac injury, the mice were exposed to a single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (15 mg/kg). The data in our study showed that tetrandrine prevented DOX‐related whole‐body wasting and heart atrophy, decreased markers of cardiac injury, and improved cardiac function in mice. Moreover, tetrandrine supplementation protected the mice against oxidative damage and myocardial apoptotic death. Tetrandrine supplementation also reduced ROS production and improved cell viability after DOX exposure in vitro. We also found that tetrandrine supplementation increased nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) expression and activity in vivo and in vitro. The protection of tetrandrine supplementation was blocked by Nrf2 deficiency in mice. In conclusion, our study found that tetrandrine could improve cardiac function and prevent the development of DOX‐related cardiac injury through activation of Nrf2.
An Episode of Pseudothrombocytopenia during Pembrolizumab Therapy in NSCLC Patient
Authors: Krukowska Kinga , Kieszko Robert , Kurek Katarzyna , Chmielewska Izabela , Krawczyk Paweł , Milanowski Janusz
Published: May 2020

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is a new option of treatment in a growing range of neoplasms. In addition to an antitumor effect, ICI are associated with autoimmune reactions resulting in a wide spectrum of toxicities that have not been seen in patients receiving chemotherapy. In this article, we present a case of a patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma who developed an EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) during pembrolizumab therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of EDTA-dependent PTCP occurring during immunotherapy treatment of nonsmall lung cell cancer with ICI. The phenomenon of EDTA-dependent PTCP may prompt clinical decisions, as unnecessary transfusions or even exclusion from pembrolizumab therapy. Therefore, it is important to be aware of PTCP as a possible side effect of this therapy.
Melatonin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antidepressant Effects and HPA Hormone Modulation
Authors: Si Min , Sun Qianshu , Ding Hongcheng , Cao Chengcheng , Huang Mingwei , Wang Qian , Yang Hua , Yao Yi
Published: May 2020

Background. The present work aims at formulating the melatonin-loaded nanoparticles (MTNPs) exhibiting the controlled-release and pH-sensitivity to repurpose the use of melatonin in the treatment of depressive-like behaviors and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation.Methods. MTNPs were characterized for the size, drug incorporation, andin vitrorelease in the different pH environments. Its merits werein vivotested on the pinealectomized rats presenting the depressive-like behaviors and the abnormal HPA axis activity by calculating the improvement on saccharin preference, swimming immobility time, and the negative feedback of HPA axis.Results. Results revealed that MTNPs showed nanometer size, 15.77% of drug loading, 33.82% of encapsulation efficiency, the different controlled-release profiles in different pH environments (pH 1.2, pH 6.8, and pH 7.4), more sensitivity release in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4) and blood (pH 6.8), and less sensitivity release in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). Furthermore, MTNPs displayed better antidepressant actions in reducing the immobility time of forced swimming test, increasing the preference for saccharin, and sensitizing the blunt negative feedback of HPA axis, when compared to the free melatonin.Conclusions. The controlled-release nanoparticles is shown to be an effective improvement on the dosage form for melatonin, which is worthy of futuristic and complete evaluation.
Study on the Valuation Method for Overseas Oil and Gas Extraction Based on the Modified Trinomial Tree Option Pricing Model
Authors: Liu Jianye , Li Zuxin , Luo Dongkun , Liu Ruolei
Published: May 2020

Wandering of oil prices at lower values and the bitter reality have forced people to look for a more accurate valuation method for overseas oil and gas extraction of China. However, the currently available resource classification method, discount cash flow (DCF) method, and real option method all suffer from their own disadvantages. This paper identifies multiple uncertainty factors such as oil prices and reserves. It then investigates the transmission mechanism of how each uncertainty factor impacts the oil and gas extraction value and quantifies the transmission efficiency. The probability distribution patterns of each uncertainty factor have been determined; the trinomial tree option pricing model is modified, with consideration upon the nonstandardness of the probability distribution. Decision points and strategies space are designed in accordance with the practical oil and gas production; and the Bermuda option is adopted to replace the conventional decision-based tree model with the probability-based tree. Finally, a backward algorithm is developed to calculate the probability at each decision point, which avoids difficulties in determining the asset volatility ratio; and a case study is presented to demonstrate application of the proposed method. Results show that decision rights for overseas investment are valuable. The value of extraction does not yet necessarily grow with higher uncertainty, and instead, it is under joint effects of the cash flow and strategy space. So, valuation should incorporate the composite value of future cash flow and decision rights. Volatility of the value of extraction is not solely dependent on the oil price, but affected by multiple factors. Similar to the Bermuda option, the decision-making behavior for oil and gas extraction occurs only at finite decision points, to which the trinomial tree option pricing model is applicable. The adoption of probability distribution can to a great extent exploit the uncertain information. Replacement of the decision-based tree with the probability-based tree provides more accurate probability distribution of the calculated value of extraction, and moreover the disperse degree of the probability can reflect how high risks are, which is conducive to decision-making for investment.
Gene‐Gene Interaction Analysis for the Survival Phenotype Based on the Kaplan‐Meier Median Estimate
Authors: Park Mira , Lee Jung Wun , Park Taesung , Lee SeungYeoun
Published: May 2020

In this study, we propose a simple and computationally efficient method based on the multifactor dimensional reduction algorithm to identify gene‐gene interactions associated with the survival phenotype. The proposed method, referred to as KM‐MDR, uses the Kaplan‐Meier median survival time as a classifier. The KM‐MDR method classifies multilocus genotypes into a binary attribute for high‐ or low‐risk groups using median survival time and replaces balanced accuracy with log‐rank test statistics as a score to determine the best model. Through intensive simulation studies, we compared the power of KM‐MDR with that of Surv‐MDR, Cox‐MDR, and AFT‐MDR. It was found that KM‐MDR has a similar power to that of Surv‐MDR, with less computing time, and has comparable power to that of Cox‐MDR and AFT‐MDR, even when there is a covariate effect. Furthermore, we apply KM‐MDR to a real dataset of ovarian cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).
A Need for Standardization of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Pilot Study in an Outpatient Clinic in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Cueva Francisco , Caicedo Andrés , Hidalgo Paula
Published: May 2020

Background. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosis is often challenging as well as its treatment. This study sought to characterize the diagnostic and therapeutic trend among physicians at the outpatient level, in Quito, Ecuador, where currently no nationwide screening or specific clinical guideline has been implemented on PID or its main microbiological agents. Methods. A retrospective analysis of medical records with pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosis in an outpatient clinic was performed. Electronic medical records from 2013 to 2018 with any pelvic inflammatory disease-related diagnoses were retrieved. Information with regard to age, sexually related risk factors, symptoms and physical exam findings, ancillary tests, method of diagnosis, and antibiotic regimens was extracted. Results. A total of 186 records were included. The most frequent clinical manifestations were vaginal discharge (47%) and pelvic pain (39%). In the physical examination, leucorrhea was the most frequent finding (47%), followed by lower abdominal tenderness (35%) and cervical motion tenderness in 51 patients (27%). A clinical diagnosis was established in 60% of patients, while 37% had a transvaginal sonography-guided diagnosis. Antibiotic treatment was prescribed with standard regimens in 3% of cases, while other regimens were used in 93% of patients. Additionally, an average of 1.9 drugs were prescribed per patient, with a range from 1 to 5, all in different combinations and dosages. Conclusions. No standardized methods of diagnosis or treatment were identifiable. These findings highlight the need for standardization of the diagnosis and treatment of PID attributed to chlamydial and gonococcal infections.
Acute Airway Obstruction and Cardiopulmonary Arrest due to Tracheomalacia Caused by Megaesophagus Compression Secondary to Achalasia
Authors: Aubignat Mickael , Roger Pierre-Alexandre , Dernoncourt Amandine , Salle Valery , Smail Amar , Gourguechon Clement , Schmidt Jean , Duhaut Pierre
Published: May 2020

We report the case of an 80-year-old woman who presented one episode of cardiopulmonary arrest and two episodes of acute airway obstruction. We found in this patient the presence of tracheomalacia caused by megaesophagus compression secondary to achalasia probably responsible for episodes of acute airway obstruction and cardiopulmonary arrest.
Rough Kansei Mining Model for Market-Oriented Product Design
Authors: Akgül Esra , Özmen Mihrimah , Sinanoğlu Cem , Kizilkaya Aydoğan Emel
Published: May 2020

Companies need to develop new products towards customer's satisfaction in order to survive in the boom and bust cycle in todays’ economy. The capturing of customer satisfaction depends on customer needs, and generally, understanding emotions has a challenge for designers. Kansei engineering is a type of methodology to help customers and designers analyze needs and emotion for the new product development. Producing new product design with Kansei data increases customer satisfaction and helps to reach market goals. In this study, a market-oriented baby cradle design methodology is proposed, and we obtain the new product strategies with association rule extraction by using rough set theory. To obtain efficient rules, beforehand we selected sales knowledge-related Kansei words with our proposed approach: cost-based and multiclass decision-theoretic rough set (DTRS) attribute reduction. The new product design strategies which are obtained with proposed design methodology are consistent with customer expectations (mood space) and expert opinions (design team).
Global Existence and Decay of Solutions for Coupled Nondegenerate Kirchhoff System with a Time Varying Delay Term
Authors: Mezouar Nadia , Boulaaras Salah Mahmoud , Alodhaibi Sultan , Alkhalaf Salem
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with the global existence of solutions in a bounded domain for nonlinear viscoelastic Kirchhoff system with a time varying delay by using the energy and Faedo–Galerkin method with respect to the delay term weight condition in the feedback and the delay speed. Furthermore, by using some convex functions properties, we prove a uniform stability estimate.
Uncuffed Endotracheal Tube Experience in Pediatric Patients with Laparotomy and Laparoscopic Surgeries
Authors: Şanal Baş Sema , Erdoğan Kayhan Gülay , Onay Meryem , Kılıç Yeliz
Published: May 2020

Aim. The aim of this study is to compare endotracheal tube leak, tube selection, mechanical ventilation, and side effects in the use of uncuffed tubes in both laparoscopic and laparotomy surgeries in pediatric patients. Material and Method. Patients who underwent laparotomy (LT group) or laparoscopic (LS group) surgery between 1 and 60 months. In the selection of uncuffed tubes, it was also planned to start endotracheal intubation with the largest uncuffed tube and to start intubation with a small uncuffed tube if the tube encounters resistance and does not pass. Mechanical parameters, endotracheal tube size, tube changes, and side effects are recorded. Results. A total of 102 patients, 38 females and 64 males, with a mean age of 10.9 ± 8.1 months, body weight 7.1 ± 3.7 kg, and height 67 ± 15 cm, were included. 54 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 48 patients underwent laparotomy. Tube exchange was performed in a total of 18 patients. In patients who underwent tube exchange, 11 patients were intubated with a smaller ETT number and others endotracheal intubation; when the MV parameters were TVe < 8 ml/kg and ETT leak > 20%, a larger uncuffed tube was used due to PIP 30 cmH2O pressure. Patients with aspiration were not found in the LT and LS groups. There was no difference in the intergroup evaluation for postoperative side effects such as cough, laryngospasm, stridor, and aspiration. Conclusion. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of tube changes and side effects. So that we can start with the largest possible uncuffed tube to decrease ETT leak, both laparotomy and laparoscopic operations in children can be achieved with safe mechanical ventilation and target tidal volume.
Network Pharmacology‐Based Prediction of Active Ingredients and Potential Targets of ShengDiHuang Decoction for Treatment of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Yang Hui , Fan Yu , Cheng Jiangxue , Zou Junbo , Zhang Xiaofei , Shi Yajun , Guo Dongyan
Published: May 2020

Objective. To analyze the potential active ingredients and related crucial targets of the ShengDiHuang Decoction (SDHD) formula in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) by using network pharmacology and verification experiment. Methods. In this study, we determined the potential active ingredients from the traditional SDHD formula and their targets with the network pharmacology method. The network of “compound‐disease‐target” was constructed by the software of Cytoscape. Software of DAVID was used to enrich pathways for these 87 targets of SDHD. Further, the therapeutic effect of SDHD on DUB was verified by observing the morphological changes of the uterus and ovaries and determining the expression of ERS2 and progesterone in the plasma. Results. 52 compounds of Rheum and 5 compounds of Rehmannia were selected, and 87 potential targets were screened by network pharmacology. Furthermore, 7 main active ingredients were acquired by the ADME process. In addition, enrichment analysis of drug‐target networks indicated that SDHD may play a role in overall coordination through “multicomponent and multitarget” in different organ patterns by regulating multiple pathways directly or indirectly. Finally, in the verification experiment of SDHD on DUB, it was found that SDHD can effectively repair the uterus and ovaries and also have an upregulation effect on the target ESR2 and increase the content of progesterone. Conclusion. Overall, this study revealed potential mechanisms of multitarget and multicomponent about SDHD in the treatment of DUB and provided a scientific foundation for further studying the mechanism.
The Safety and Feasibility of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy: An Updated Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sun You-Meng , Wang Ying , Mao Yi-Xin , Wang Wei
Published: May 2020

Background. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal, multidisciplinary, evidence‐based approach to care for surgical patients and aims at optimizing the perioperative management and outcomes. The ERAS approach was first implemented in colorectal surgery patients; however, the reported applications in pancreatoduodenectomy patients are limited. In recent years, studies on ERAS for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy have been published. The accumulation of new randomized controlled trials and high‐quality case‐control studies stimulated us to update the analysis. Our study comprehensively collected data to provide the best evidence summary for the clinic. Aim. To evaluate the safety and feasibility of enhanced recovery after surgery in the perioperative management of pancreatoduodenectomy patients. Methods. A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed up to July 2019. All randomized controlled trials and case‐control studies that applied ERAS for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were considered for inclusion in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who received the ERAS perioperative management approach were defined as the ERAS group and patients who received the traditional perioperative management approach were defined as the control group. All statistical analyses were conducted using the Revman5.3 software, and the outcomes were calculated as odds ratios or weighted mean differences with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. A funnel plot was created to assess publication bias. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Results. A total of 20 studies involving 3613 patients (1914 patients in the ERAS group vs. 1699 patients in the control group) were included in this study. Among the 20 studies, 4 were randomized controlled trials, and 16 were case‐control studies. The overall postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the ERAS group (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.53‐0.74, P < 0.00001) than in the control group. In addition, the minor complication rate (Clavien‐Dindo I‐II) was also lower in the ERAS group (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58‐0.86, P = 0.0005). The patients in the ERAS group had a lower incidence of delayed gastric emptying (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.42‐0.63, P < 0.00001) and shorter length of hospital stay (WMD = −4.27, 95% CI: ‐4.81~‐3.73, P < 0.00001) than in the control group. The rates of pancreatic fistula (regardless of Grade A/B/C), wound infections, abdominal abscesses, readmission, reoperation, and morbidity were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion. The ERAS approach is safe and effective in the perioperative management of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy and helps to accelerate the postoperative recovery and improve prognosis.
The Bondage Number of Generalized Petersen Graphs Pn,2
Authors: Pei Lidan , Pan Xiangfeng
Published: May 2020

The domination number γG of a nonempty graph G is the minimum cardinality among all subsets D⊆VG such that NGD=VG. The bondage number bG of a graph G is the smallest number of edges whose removal from G results in a graph with larger domination number. The exact value of bPn,2 for n=0,3,4mod 5 and the bounds of bPn,2 for n=1,2mod 5 are determined.
Identification and Verification of Core Genes in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Houxi , Ma Yuzhu , Zhang Jinzhi , Gu Jialin , Jing Xinyue , Lu Shengfeng , Fu Shuping , Huo Jiege
Published: May 2020

Colorectal cancer, a malignant neoplasm that occurs in the colorectal mucosa, is one of the most common types of gastrointestinal cancer. Colorectal cancer has been studied extensively, but the molecular mechanisms of this malignancy have not been characterized. This study identified and verified core genes associated with colorectal cancer using integrated bioinformatics analysis. Three gene expression profiles (GSE15781, GSE110223, and GSE110224) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. A total of 87 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among GSE15781, GSE110223, and GSE110224 were identified, including 19 upregulated genes and 68 downregulated genes. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis was performed for common DEGs using clusterProfiler. These common DEGs were significantly involved in cancer‐associated functions and signaling pathways. Then, we constructed protein‐protein interaction networks of these common DEGs using Cytoscape software, which resulted in the identification of the following 10 core genes: SST, PYY, CXCL1, CXCL8, CXCL3, ZG16, AQP8, CLCA4, MS4A12, and GUCA2A. Analysis using qRT‐PCR has shown that SST, CXCL8, and MS4A12 were significant differentially expressed between colorectal cancer tissues and normal colorectal tissues (P < 0.05). Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) overall survival (OS) has shown that low expressions of AQP8, ZG16, CXCL3, and CXCL8 may predict poor survival outcome in colorectal cancer. In conclusion, the core genes identified in this study contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in colorectal cancer development and may be targets for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Single-Phase Reactive Power Compensation Control for STATCOMs via Unknown System Dynamics Estimation
Authors: Guo Cheng , Zhong Linzhen , Zhao Jun , Gao Guanbin
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a single-phase reactive power compensation control for static compensator (STATCOM) is developed. The primary novelty lies in that the reactive power compensation of STATCOM is reformulated as an equivalent tracking control for the reactive current, and a novel unknown system dynamics estimator (USDE) is also investigated to address the unknown system dynamics. A modeling phase based on a basic structure of single-phase STATCOM and the principle of STATCOM is first carried out to describe its behavior. To address the unknown dynamics and external disturbances, a new USDE is then developed, so that the modeling uncertainties and external disturbances can be accommodated without using a function approximator, where the demanding computational costs and tedious parameter tuning in the other control schemes are remedied. Finally, based on the proposed estimator, we design a composite control with a proportional integral (PI) feedback controller and the proposed estimator to achieve precise current tracking. The convergence analysis of both the estimation error and the control error is also given. Simulation results using a realistic simulator are presented to show the efficiency of the suggested strategy.
Modeling the Impact of Cardiopulmonary Irradiation on Overall Survival in NRG Oncology Trial RTOG 0617
Authors: Thor Maria , Deasy Joseph O. , Hu Chen , Gore Elizabeth , Bar-Ad Voichita , Robinson Clifford , Wheatley Matthew , Oh Jung Hun , Bogart Jeffrey , Garces Yolanda I. , Kavadi Vivek S. , Narayan Samir , Iyengar Puneeth , Witt Jacob S. , Welsh James W. , Koprowski Cristopher D. , Larner James M. , Xiao Ying , Bradley Jeffrey
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To quantitatively predict the impact of cardiopulmonary dose on overall survival (OS) after radiotherapy for locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer.

Experimental Design:

We used the NRG Oncology/RTOG 0617 dataset. The model building procedure was preregistered on a public website. Patients were split between a training and a set-aside validation subset (N = 306/131). The 191 candidate variables covered disease, patient, treatment, and dose-volume characteristics from multiple cardiopulmonary substructures (atria, lung, pericardium, and ventricles), including the minimum dose to the hottest x% volume (Dx%[Gy]), mean dose of the hottest x% (MOHx%[Gy]), and minimum, mean (Mean[Gy]), and maximum dose. The model building was based on Cox regression and given 191 candidate variables; a Bonferroni-corrected P value threshold of 0.0003 was used to identify predictors. To reduce overreliance on the most highly correlated variables, stepwise multivariable analysis (MVA) was repeated on 1000 bootstrapped replicates. Multivariate sets selected in ≥10% of replicates were fit to the training subset and then averaged to generate a final model. In the validation subset, discrimination was assessed using Harrell c-index, and calibration was tested using risk group stratification.

Results:

Four MVA models were identified on bootstrap. The averaged model included atria D45%[Gy], lung Mean[Gy], pericardium MOH55%[Gy], and ventricles MOH5%[Gy]. This model had excellent performance predicting OS in the validation subset (c = 0.89).

Conclusions:

The risk of death due to cardiopulmonary irradiation was accurately modeled, as demonstrated by predictions on the validation subset, and provides guidance on the delivery of safe thoracic radiotherapy.
Impact of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A CT Evaluation
Authors: Sawazaki Harutake , Kitamura Yosuke , Yagi Kota , Arai Yuichi
Published: May 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) by evaluation of hepatic steatosis on computed tomography (CT). Methods: The study included 77 PCa patients who underwent abdominal CT at baseline and after 6 months of ADT. The degree of hepatic steatosis was evaluated according to the attenuation value for liver parenchyma (CTLP), the attenuation ratio for liver and spleen (LSratio), and the difference in attenuation between LS (LSdif). The associations between these 3 indices and various metabolic syndrome-related factors were analyzed. Results: The number of NAFLD patients increased from 9 (11.6%) at baseline to 16 (20.7%) after ADT. The CTLP, LSratio, and LSdif values were significantly lower after ADT than before (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between the percent change in CTLP and the percent change in HbA1c, between the percent change in LSratio and the percent change in abdominal circumference, and between the percent change in LSdif and the percent change in BMI. Conclusions: Six months of ADT was associated with significant progression of NAFLD in PCa patients. This progression was strongly correlated with changes in HbA1c, abdominal circumference, and BMI.
Da formação de trabalhadores para ingressantes no vestibular
Authors: Vasconcelos Raphael Leon
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo possui como intenção analisar as transformações dos objetivos pedagógicos do Liceu de Artes e Ofícios de São Paulo na segunda metade do século XX e início do XXI. De uma escola que visava a formação de trabalhadores para a indústria passou a se tornar cada vez mais preocupada com o acesso ao ensino superior. Se em algumas décadas atrás não estava na missão do Liceu preparar o estudante para o vestibular, no século XXI percebe-se que grande parte da propaganda oficial da escola é o fato dela ser uma das que mais possuem alunos que ingressam nas universidades públicas sem a necessidade de cursinhos. Tudo isso representa alterações na forma como é encarado o ensino e no próprio corpo discente.

Os estudos acerca do Liceu concentram-se muito mais no final do século XIX e início do XX havendo muitos poucos trabalhos que exploram a segunda metade do século XX. O artigo pretende analisar esse momento histórico em que a instituição já tinha apartado o seu setor industrial do seu setor de ensino. Se em um primeiro momento, os alunos estavam associados aos ofícios do artesão e participavam da produção (inclusive tendo a possibilidade de vender os seus próprios produtos para o mercado), nos anos 40 começou haver uma especialização do setor educativo. Este é o período inicial a qual pretendo analisar e a partir dele, compreender as transformações até os dias atuais.
Marx frente à sedução domesticável
Authors: Álvares Lucas Parreira
Published: May 2020

Resenha de: TIBLE, Jean. Marx indígena, preto, feminista, operário, camponês, cigano, palestino, trans. Selvagem. São Paulo: n-1 Edições, 2019.
Consideraciones teórico-metodológicas para el abordaje de la paternidad desde una perspectiva historiográfica
Authors: Pinto Leonor Cecilia
Published: May 2020

Este artigo apresenta algumas considerações teóricas para abordar a paternidade na historiografia. Esta tarefa é assumida desde a pergunta: ¿O que é a paternidade? Realiza-se uma aproximação aos assuntos metodológicos, oferecendo grande importância à legislação como fonte, a partir da idéia de que a paternidade é uma instituição e como tal se institui pelas leis. A legislação é reconhecida como artefato cultural e literário, produto de lutas num campo de poder.
La presencia de africanos y afrodescendientes en Lima colonial y su acercamiento a la escritura
Authors: Gonzales Jauregui Yobani Maikel
Published: May 2020

Durante los siglos XVI y XVII la ciudad de Lima se fue configurando como un espacio con predominancia de las diversas comunidades afrodescendientes, llegando a representar más de la mitad del total de la población de la capital del virreinato peruano. Esta importante presencia nos ha permitido observar cual fue la reacción de los amos, que se ejemplifica en dos niveles, primero, un temor a una posible rebelión de esclavizados y segundo, preocupaciones en torno a la evangelización de los afrodescendientes. En tanto que, desde las propias comunidades afrodescendientes ocurrió un proceso de uso de la escritura, que fue utilizado para cuestionar al abuso del poder señorial, así como para reclamar mercedes, derechos de paternidad, etc.
Aplicação do método índice de susceptibilidade para estimativa da susceptibilidade à contaminação na Bacia hidrográfica dos rios Turvo, Santa Rosa e Santo Cristo
Authors: Borba Willian Fernando de , Ruchel Bruna , Menegazzo Kananda Cabral , Peil Leonardo Zuchetto , Rosa Cristiano Niederauer da
Published: May 2020

Em razão do elevado nível de contaminação das águas superficiais e da consequente diminuição da reserva hídrica potável, os mananciais de águas subterrâneas se mostram uma alternativa para suprir a demanda de água para consumo humano. Em virtude disso, é essencial o monitoramento das fontes potenciais de contaminação que podem afetar a qualidade ou a quantidade de água disponível. Desse modo, este estudo visou identificar potenciais áreas e fontes poluidoras do Sistema Aquífero da Serra Geral na escala da Bacia hidrográfica dos rios Turvo, Santa Rosa e Santo Cristo. Para isso, foi empregada a metodologia do índice de susceptibilidade à contaminação a partir do cruzamento de uma série de variáveis (topografia, uso do solo, material do aquífero, distância até o lençol freático e recarga). Os resultados indicaram que a  susceptibilidade variou de muito baixa (4,89% da área) a elevada (0,004%), com predomínio da classe moderada a baixa. Isso indica que a área apresenta condições favoráveis à contaminação em sua maior porção. Destaca-se que grande parte das áreas próximas às zonas urbanas apresentaram elevada susceptibilidade à contaminação. O presente estudo apresenta o alto potencial das ferramentas de geoprocessamento na determinação do índice de susceptibilidade e mapeamento de áreas passíveis de contaminação, capaz de aprimorar a gestão das águas subterrâneas e na elaboração de planos ambientais municipais.
Glucocorticoids Reverse Diluted Hyponatremia Through Inhibiting Arginine Vasopressin Pathway in Heart Failure Rats
Authors: Zhu Xiaoran , Huang Yaomeng , Li Shuyu , Ge Ning , Li Tongxin , Wang Yu , Liu Kunshen , Liu Chao
Published: May 2020

Background

Arginine vasopressin dependent antidiuresis plays a key role in water‐sodium retention in heart failure. In recent years, the role of glucocorticoids in the control of body fluid homeostasis has been extensively investigated. Glucocorticoid deficiency can activate V2R (vasopressin receptor 2), increase aquaporins expression, and result in hyponatremia, all of which can be reversed by glucocorticoid supplement.

Methods and Results

Heart failure was induced by coronary artery ligation for 8 weeks. A total of 32 rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=8/group): sham surgery group, congestive heart failure group, dexamethasone group, and dexamethasone in combination with glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 group. An acute water loading test was administered 6 hours after drug administration. Left ventricular function was measured by a pressure‐volume catheter. Protein expressions were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The pressure‐volume loop analysis showed that dexamethasone improves cardiac function in rats with heart failure. Western blotting confirmed that dexamethasone remarkably reduces the expressions of V2R, aquaporin 2, and aquaporin 3 in the renal‐collecting ducts. As a result of V2R downregulation, the expressions of glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1, apical epithelial sodium channels, and the furosemide‐sensitive Na‐K‐2Cl cotransporter were also downregulated. These favorable effects induced by dexamethasone were mostly abolished by the glucocorticoid receptor inhibitor RU486, indicating that the aforementioned effects are glucocorticoid receptor mediated.

Conclusions

Glucocorticoids can reverse diluted hyponatremia via inhibiting the vasopressin receptor pathway in rats with heart failure.
Highly Sensitive Cardiac Troponins: The Evidence Behind Sex‐Specific Cutoffs
Authors: Bhatia Prerana M. , Daniels Lori B.
Published: May 2020

Emergence of various highly sensitive cardiac troponin assays into clinical practice provides a new tool for clinicians diagnosing acute coronary syndrome. These assays also create a challenge for laboratories and clinicians who have yet to familiarize themselves with sex‐specific cutoffs. Healthy men and women, studied across various age groups and geographic locations, have notable differences in baseline values of highly sensitive cardiac troponin I and T, leading to establishment of sex‐specific upper reference limits and cutoffs. Several differences in cardiac physiology, size, and structure may account for baseline differences in highly sensitive cardiac troponins and outcomes between the sexes. The clinical utility of implementing sex‐specific cutoffs for diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndrome remains unclear. Presently, the only prospective study failed to show improved outcomes for men or women with use of sex‐specific cutoffs; however, a major limitation is the frequent lack of diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive interventions prescribed to women with low‐level troponin elevations. Based on the current literature, we posit that there may nonetheless be clinical value in the use of sex‐specific cutoffs for evaluating suspected acute coronary syndrome, especially in select patient populations such as younger women who tend to have lower baseline values of highly sensitive cardiac troponins. Future studies should prospectively evaluate differences in diagnostic, pharmacologic, and interventional management in men and women using myocardial infarctions classified with sex‐specific cutoffs of the highly sensitive cardiac troponin assays.
Fugiendum necne sit in persecutione— Zur rhetorischen Strategie und Disposition von Tertullians Traktat de fuga in persecutione
Authors: Greb Daniel
Published: May 2020

In his treatise de fuga in persecutione Tertullian argues that flight is not allowed for any Christian in times of persecution. As persecution originates in God and his will, there is no possibility to flee and avoid it. Such a behaviour would be nothing else than apostasy and would result in the loss of eternal life. Only by submitting oneself completely to God and his providence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Paraclete) it is possible to endure persecution and fulfil God’s demand for steadfastness. To convince his addressee Fabius, Tertullian gives his treatise a classical rhetorical disposition and arranges his arguments according to the partes orationis. This article investigates the rhetorical substance of the treatise and outlines its disposition as a deliberative speech. It is demonstrated, how Tertullian’s rhetoric influences and strengthens his argumentation.
Les traductions françaises des Commentaires de William Blackstone à la fin du XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Ranieri Filippo
Published: May 2020

The numerous translations through which the Commentaries on the Laws of England by William Blackstone – a milestone in the history of the common law – became known in France, and thus contributed for the first time to acquaint French jurists with English law, have been largely neglected by legal historians. The first section of the present contribution introduces the French anglophile visitors to England who, during the second half of the eighteenth century, disseminated the work of William Blackstone and its first translations in France. The biography and work of these first translators require a detailed examination. A second section assesses the influence of these translations, particularly in the legal and political debates on the English trial by jury in the context of revolutionary legislation. A third section considers the later translations of Blackstone’s work during the Napoleonic period and the following years. Finally, a call for further research outlines the impact of that translation literature.
Fragmentation, Disintegration, and Resurgence: Assessing the Islamist Field in Yemen
Authors: Yadav Stacey Philbrick
Published: May 2020

The well-developed literature on Islamist politics has tended to focus on partisan and welfare institutions within the context of existing states. Civil war raises important questions about whether and how the relevance of such institutions changes when the state itself fragments. This article seeks to understand Islamism in Yemen as a kind of post-organizational political field. At a theoretical scale, Yemen’s civil war and the transformation of the country’s Islamist politics offers lessons about the fixity of categorical distinctions within and across forms of Islamist activity. This article works to map dynamics of fragmentation within pre-war Islamist organizations, the disintegration of authority among Islamist leaders in the context of war, and the effect of each of these processes on the resurgence and partial transformation of particular Islamist claims. The field, as an analytic approach less firmly tied to the state itself, allows for a consideration of Islamist politics as articulated locally but shaped as well by transnational engagement with ideas and institutions.
“For them it is just a story, for me it is my life.” Ethnography and the Security Gaze
Authors: de Koning Martijn
Published: May 2020

In this article I reflect upon my own work on Salafism in the Netherlands, particularly with militant activists, in order to think through some of the ethical and methodological dilemmas that arose throughout the research when many of my interlocutors left for Syria to join Jahbat al-Nusra and/or IS(IS). This culminated in my becoming a witness and an Expert Witness at a trial, testifying against several of my known contacts. After introducing this research and outlining my experiences in court, I set out to show how academic knowledge about Salafism and militant activism is used in a process of racialised categorisation and closure. This article contributes to critical reflections on the positionalities of social scientists and of social science in public in a context of racial securitisation and politicisation.
Methodological and Ethical Challenges in Empirical Approaches to Salafism
Authors: Damir-Geilsdorf Sabine , Menzfeld Mira
Published: May 2020

The special issue “Empirical Approaches to Salafism: Methodological and Ethical Challenges” addresses urgent methodological and ethical issues in qualitative research on Salafism. The contributing authors discuss these in relation to their fieldwork on Salafi beliefs, practices, life courses and world views. The contributions problematize the limits of the usual academic definitions of Salafism by confronting the conventional categories of quietist, political and jihadist Salafism with first-hand field data. Thereby, the authors show how categorial lines begin to blur and to shift when exposed to the ambiguous and dynamic characteristics that are inherent to virtual and real-life fieldwork with Salafis.
Toward Easily Enlarged Superhydrophobic Copper Surfaces with Enhanced Corrosion Resistance, Excellent Self-Cleaning and Anti-Icing Performance by a Facile Method
Authors: Shi Xueting , Zhao Libin , Wang Jing , Feng Libang
Published: May 2020

This work reports a facile method for fabricating superhydrophobic surface on copper plate by AgNO3 treatment and dodecyl mercaptan modification. The as-prepared superhydrophobic copper plate presents hierarchical and rough morphology composed of nanosheets and nanoparticleformed
matrix. Meanwhile, long alkyl chains are assembled onto the rough surface successfully. Consequently, the copper plate is endowed with excellent superhydrophobic performance with a water contact angle of 156.8° and a rolling angle of ca. 3°. Moreover, the superhydrophobicity has long-term
durability and excellent stability. Grounded on the strong water repellence, the resultant superhydrophobic copper plate surface exhibits multi-functions. The excellent performance can be well explained by “Cushion effect” and Capillary phenomena. As a result, water and corrosive
species can be prevented from contacting with the copper plate surface, and contaminants can be taken away easily by the rolling water droplets. Meanwhile, the icing process of water is delayed on the superhydrophobic surface. Therefore, the superhydrophobic copper is endued with enhanced
corrosion resistance, excellent self-cleaning and anti-icing performance. We believe that this facile method provides a simple and cost-effective process to improve the properties of copper plate, and which may see practical application of the superhydrophobic materials.
Rapid Synthesis of Uniform CdSe Nanorods by a Microwave-Assisted Solvothermal Method in Ethylenediamine
Authors: Han Maokun , Qi Ruijuan
Published: May 2020

A rapid microwave-assisted solvothermal method is reported for the synthesis of uniform CdSe nanorods in ethylenediamine (EDA) using CdCl2 and elemental Se as reactants. The resultant nanorods have a diameter of approximately 10 nm and a length of approximately 300 nm. Our
experiments show that the concentrations of EDA and CdCl2 play important roles in product morphology. The well-dispersed CdSe nanorods with high aspect ratios were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), UV-vis
absorption and photoluminescence (PL).
Construction of g-C3N4-BiOBrxI1-x Nanocomposites with Tunable Energy Band Structure for Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Yin Hao Yong , Zheng Yi Fan , Song Xu Chun
Published: May 2020

The g-C3N4-BiOBrxI1-x nanocomposites were successfully prepared using solvothermal methods. The obtained g-C3N4-BiOBrxI1-x composites had tunable band structures and displayed
preferable photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction irradiated by visible light. Moreover, comparing to pure g-C3N4 and corresponding BiOBrxI1-x, all the obtained g-C3N4-BiOBrxI1-x
nanocomposites exhibited distinctly higher activity for CO2 reduction, with 5% g-C3N4-BiOBr0.25I0.75 nanocomposites displaying the best photocatalytic performance. Enhanced photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4-BiOBrxI1-x
nanocomposites may arrive from their advantages of high efficiency of electron-hole separation, tunable band structures, and rapid charge transfer. Moreover, a possible visible light induced photocatalytic mechanism on g-C3N4-BiOBrxI1-x
nanocomposites was further proposed.