bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of tax planning on the level of economic security of the company
Authors: Padalkin V. Yu. , Strukov G. N. , Prygunkov A. M. , Churikov L. I.
Published: January 2020

Some aspects of business value management are considered. Important attention is paid to the management of the tax burden and its impact on the level of economic security. Taxation is a combination of economic (financial) and legal relations, reflecting the compulsory, irrevocable and gratuitous withdrawal of part of the income of legal entities and individuals to the state budget and local authorities. A company’s expenses are recognized as a reduction in economic benefits resulting from the disposal of assets (cash, other property) and (or) the occurrence of obligations, which leads to a decrease in the capital of this company, with the exception of a decrease in deposits by decision of the participants (property owners), and therefore for an economic entity taxes represent a significant part in the structure of all its expenses. Competent tax planning using legal methods of tax optimization contributes to the successful conduct of business in a modern market. On the example of a large business association, the analysis of indicators of the tax burden on basic taxes in dynamics over a number of years is carried out and conclusions are made about the effectiveness of tax planning.
Ultrafiltration concentration of whey in a pilot plant
Authors: Rodionov D. A. , Lazarev S. I. , Polyansky K. K. , Eckert E. V.
Published: January 2020

Experimental data on the retention coefficient and the output specific flow are obtained. The test solutions were goat and cow's milk whey after obtaining cheese. The description, general view and technological scheme of a pilot installation of a tubular type are given. The studies were carried out on semipermeable tubular type ultrafiltration membranes manufactured by AO "ZAVKOM". Based on the studies, graphical dependences of the retention coefficient on the specific output stream were constructed and analyzed. During the analysis, it was noted that with an increase in the output specific flow of the solvent, the retention coefficient decreases. The reason for this is the boundary layers of fat and protein formed in the near-membrane layers, which prevents the passage of protein molecules through the pores of the membrane. Also during the experiment, it was noted that goat milk serum has a more oily structure and requires prior separation. For the theoretical calculation of the retention coefficient and specific output stream, mathematical expressions are developed and numerical values of the values of empirical coefficients are obtained. The developed mathematical expressions describe the experimental data with good confidence. The obtained experimental and calculated data can be used with great reliability in the calculations of mass-transported flows of substances through semipermeable membranes, as well as in engineering methods for calculating and predicting the effectiveness of the use of membrane processes for the concentration of whey.
High-Resolution Hologram Calculation Method Based on Light Field Image Rendering
Authors: Yang Xin , Xu FuYang , Zhang HanLe , Zhang HongBo , Huang Kai , Li Yong , Wang Qiong-Hua
Published: January 2020

A fast calculation method for the full parallax high-resolution hologram is proposed based on the elemental light field image (EI) rendering. A 3D object located near the holographic plane is firstly rendered as multiple EIs with a pinhole array. Each EI is interpolated and multiplied by a divergent sphere wave and interfered with a reference wave to form a hogel. Parallel acceleration is used to calculate the high-resolution hologram because calculation of each hogel is independent. A high-resolution hologram with the resolution of 20,0000×20,0000 pixels is calculated only within 8 minutes. Full parallax high-resolution 3D displays are realized by optical reconstructions.
Impact of Periampullary Diverticulum on Biliary Cannulation and ERCP Outcomes: A Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Tabak Fatema , Ji Guo-Zhong , Miao Lin
Published: January 2020

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between periampullary diverticulum (PAD) and difficult biliary cannulation, as well as to evaluate the impact of different types of PAD on the cannulation success rate and adverse events. Methods: A total of 636 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during the study period were prospectively studied and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of PAD. In group A, 126 patients had PAD compared with 510 patients in group B without PAD. The primary outcome measurements were ERCP procedures time, selective cannulation techniques, and cannulation difficulty in addition to cannulation success rate and ERCP-related adverse events. The difficult cannulation was analyzed using logistic regression considering age, co-morbidities, the presence of PAD types, and indications as independent factors. Results: The average cohort age was 65.30±16.67 years, and 52.7% were male. Significant higher rates of choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, and biliary pancreatitis were reported in the group of PAD (p<0.05). Successful selective cannulation was achieved in 97.6% in group A and 95.3% in group B (p>0.05). The cannulation time was significantly longer in the presence of PAD (5.1 min, vs. 4.09 min, p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of overall adverse events and post ERCP pancreatic PEP. Conclusion: The presence of PAD did not affect the duration or success of the ERCP procedure. Furthermore, it was associated with longer cannulation time and increase in the cannulation difficulty, especially with PAD type 1.
The Cannabis Proteome Draft Map Project
Authors: Jenkins Conor , Orsburn Ben
Published: January 2020

Recently we have seen a relaxation of the historic restrictions on the use and subsequent research on the Cannabis plants, generally classified as Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. What research has been performed to date has centered on chemical analysis of plant flower products, namely cannabinoids and various terpenes that directly contribute to phenotypic characteristics of the female flowers. In addition, we have seen many groups recently completing genetic profiles of various plants of commercial value. To date, no comprehensive attempt has been made to profile the proteomes of these plants. We report herein our progress on constructing a comprehensive draft map of the Cannabis proteome. To date we have identified over 17,000 potential protein sequences. Unfortunately, no annotated genome of Cannabis plants currently exists. We present a method by which “next generation” DNA sequencing output and shotgun proteomics data can be combined to produce annotated FASTA files, bypassing the need for annotated genetic information altogether in traditional proteomics workflows. The resulting material represents the first comprehensive annotated protein FASTA for any Cannabis plant. Using this annotated database as reference we can refine our protein identifications, resulting in the confident identification of 13,000 proteins with putative function. Furthermore, we demonstrate that post-translational modifications play an important role in the proteomes of Cannabis flower, particularly lysine acetylation and protein glycosylation. To facilitate the evolution of analytical investigations into these plant materials, we have created a portal to host resources we have developed from proteomic and metabolomic analysis of Cannabis plant material as well as our results integrating these resources. All data for this project is available to view or download at www.CannabisDraftMap.Org
Neurosymbolic Knowledge Representation for Explainable and Trustworthy AI
Authors: Di Maio Paola
Published: January 2020

AI research and implementations are growing, and so are the risks associated with AI (Artificial Intelligence) developments, especially when it’s difficult to understand exactly what they do and how they work, both at a localized level, and at deployment, in particular when distributed and on a large scale. Governments are pouring massive funding to promote AI research and education, yet research results and claims, as well as the effectiveness of educational programmes, can be difficult to evaluate given the limited reproducibility of computations based on ML (machine learning) and poor explainability, which in turn limits the accountability of the systems and can cause cascading systemic problems and challenges including poor reproducibility, reliability, and overall lack of trustworthiness. This paper addresses some of the issues in Knowledge Representation for AI at system level, identifies a number of knowledge gaps and epistemological challenges as root causes of risks and challenges for AI, and proposes that neurosymbolic and hybrid KR approaches can serve as mechanisms to address some of the challenges. The paper concludes with a postulate and points to related and future research
Enhanced Flexible Algorithm for the Optimization of Slot Filling Factors in Electrical Machines
Authors: Di Tommaso Antonino Oscar , Dietz Armin , Nevoloso Claudio , Miceli Rosario , Marignetti Fabrizio
Published: January 2020

The continuous development in the field of industrial automation and electric mobility has led to the need for more efficient electrical machines with high power density. The improvement of electrical machines slot filling factors is one of the measures to satisfy these requirements. In recent years, this topic has aroused greater interest in the industrial sector, since the evolution of the winding technological manufacturing processes allows an economically sustainable realization of ordered winding arrangements, rather than random ones. Moreover, the manufacture of electrical machines windings must be preceded by an accurate design phase in which it is possible to evaluate the maximum slot filling factor obtainable for a given wire shape and for its dimensions. For this purpose, this paper presents an algorithmic approach for the evaluation of maximum slot filling factors in electrical machines under ideal geometric premise. In particular, this algorithm has a greater degree of flexibility with respect to the algorithm approaches found in the literature, since the study has been extended to round, rectangular and hexagonal wire sections. Furthermore, the slot filling factor calculation was carried out both for standard and non-standard slots. The algorithmic approach proposed can be considered as an additional useful tool for the fast design of electrical machine windings.
The Potential of Computational Modeling to Predict Disease Course and Treatment Response in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Papparlardo Francesco , Russo Giulia , Pennisi Marzio , Parasiliti Palumbo Giuseppe Alessandro , Sgroi Giuseppe , Motta Santo , Maimone Davide
Published: January 2020

As of today, 20 disease modifying drugs (DMD) have been approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and, based on their efficacy, they can be grouped into moderate-efficacy DMDs and high-efficacy DMDs. The choice of the drug mostly relies on the judgement and experience of neurologists and the evaluation of therapeutic response can only be obtained by monitoring clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) status during follow up. In an era where therapies are focused on personalization, the aim of this study is to develop a modeling infrastructure to predict the evolution of relapsing MS and the response to treatments. We built a computational modeling infrastructure named UISS (Universal Immune System Simulator) able to simulate the main features and dynamics of the immune system activities. We extended UISS to simulate all the underlying MS pathogenesis and its interaction with the host immune system. This simulator is a multi-scale, multi-organ, agent based simulator with an attached module capable of simulating the dynamics of specific biological pathways at the molecular level. We simulated six MS patients with different relapsing-remitting courses. These patients were characterized on the basis of their age, sex, presence of oligoclonal bands, therapy and MRI lesion load at onset. The simulator framework is made freely available and can be used following the links provided in the availability section. Even though the model can be further personalized employing immunological parameters and genetic information, based on the available data we generated a few simulation scenarios for each patient, including those who matched the real clinical and MRI history. Moreover, for two patients, the simulator anticipated the timing of subsequent relapses, which really occurred, suggesting that UISS may have the potential to assist MS specialists in predicting the course of the disease and the response to treatment.
A Study on Reduction of Copper Smelting Slag by Carbon for Recycling into Metal Values and Cement Raw Material
Authors: Erdenebold Urtnasan , Wang Jei-Pil
Published: January 2020

Copper smelting slag is a solution of molten oxides created during the copper smelting and refining process, and about 1.5 million tons of copper slag is generated annually in Korea. Oxides in copper smelting slag include ferrous (FeO), ferric oxide (Fe­2O3), silica (SiO­2 from flux), alumina (AI2O3), calcia (CaO) and magnesia (MgO). Main oxides in copper slag, which iron oxide and silica, exist in the form of fayalite (2FeO·SiO2). Since the copper smelting slag contains high content of iron, and copper and zinc. Common applications of copper smelting slag are the value added products such as abrasive tools, roofing granules, road-base construction, railroad ballast, fine aggregate in concrete, etc., as well as the some studies have attempted to recover metal values from copper slag. This research was intended to recovery Fe-Cu alloy, raw material of zinc and produce reformed slag like a blast furnace slag for blast furnace slag cement from copper slag. As a results, it was confirmed that reduction smelting by carbon at temperatures above 1400°С is possible to recover pig iron containing copper from copper smelting slag, and CaO additives in the reduction smelting assist to reduce iron oxide in the fayalite and change the chemical and mineralogical composition of the slag. Copper oxide in the slag can be easily reduced and dissolved in the molten pig iron, and zinc oxide is also reduced to a volatile zinc, which is removed from the furnace as the fumes, by carbon during reduction process. When CaO addition is above 5wt.%, acid slag has been completely transformed to calcium silicate slag and observed like blast furnace slag.
Modelling the effect of subcellular mutations on the migration of cells in the colorectal crypt
Authors: Romijn Lotte B , Almet Axel A , Tan Chin Wee , Osborne James
Published: January 2020

Background: Many cancers arise from mutations in cells within epithelial tissues. Mutations manifesting at the subcellular level influence the structure and function of the tissue resulting in cancer. Previous work has proposed how cell level properties can lead to mutant cell invasion, but has not incorporated detailed subcellular modelling
Results: We present a framework that allows the straightforward integration and simulation of SBML representations of subcellular dynamics within multiscale models of epithelial tissues. This allows us to investigate the effect of mutations in subcellular pathways on the migration of cells within the colorectal crypt. Using multiple models we find that mutations in APC, a key component in the Wnt signalling pathway, can bias neutral drift and can also cause downward invasion of mutant cells in the crypt.
Conclusions: Our framework allows us to investigate how subcellular mutations, i.e. knockouts and knockdowns, affect cell-level properties and the resultant migration of cells within epithelial tissues. In the context of the colorectal crypt, we see that mutations in APC can lead directly to mutant cell invasion.
Ultrasound-guided single erector spinae plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: a single center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ma Danxu , Ren Huilong , Li Xueyang , Li Huili , Jiang Jia , Wu Anshi , Wang Yun
Published: January 2020

Background: Whether ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can replace thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of ESPB compared with TPVB for postoperative analgesia after video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy under general anesthesia. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial divided patients into a control group, a TPVB group (0.3 mL/kg, 0.5% ropivacaine), and an ESPB group (0.5 mL/kg, 0.5% ropivacaine). Dermatomes with loss of pinprick sensation, were recorded during 30 min after block administration. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, total analgesic dose, and complications after surgery were recorded. Results: Whether at rest or during coughing, the VAS scores were lower in ESPB group at 1, 6, 18, 24, and 48 h after surgery compared with the Control group. VAS scores were similar in the ESPB and TPVB groups at 1 h, but were lower in the ESPB group at 6, 18, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Conclusions: Single ESPB provided superior postoperative analgesia than TPVB, without causing any adverse effect.
Policymaking Challenges in the Oral Health in a Low-income Developing Country:A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Mohammadpour Mohammad , Bastani Peivand , Ghanbarzadegan Arash , Bahmaei Jamshid
Published: January 2020

Background: As the strategies proposed for oral health improvement in developed countries do not adapt for the setting of the developing ones, this study aimed to identify the challenges and barriers of oral health policymaking in Iran as a low-income developing country.
Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted in 2019 in Iran as a middle-eastern developing country. The study population consisted of all the experts who had enough experience in the oral health and were willing to participate in the study. Snowball sampling was used to select 12 participants for semi-structured interviews and saturation was achieved after 16 interviews with them. Guba and Lincoln criteria including credibility, transferability, confirmability and dependability were used to determine the reliability and transparency, and finally five-step framework analysis method was used to analyze the data.
Results: The analysis of the results of the interviews resulted in identification of 7 main themes and 20 sub-themes as the main challenges of achieving oral health in Iran as a developing country. The main themes identified were: policymaking, implementing, educational, stewardship, prevention, insurance, and resource allocating.
Conclusion: According to the present results, it seems that the national coverage of oral health and integration of these services in prevention and serious attention to the private sector can be considered as the most important strategies for achieving improved oral health.
Keywords: oral health, developing country, policymaking, strategy.
Defining microbiome communities in banana (Musa spp.) with and without symptoms of Fusarium wilt
Authors: Kaushal Manoj , Swennen Rony , Mahuku George
Published: January 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Nd:YAG low-level laser treatment in burning mouth syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Sun Chen , Xu Pan , Zhang Qian-Qian , Jiang Wei-Wen
Published: January 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
A data-driven approach for chemotherapy recommendation model based on deep learning for patients with colorectal cancer in Korea
Authors: Park Jinhyeok , Lee Kang-Yoon , Baek Jeong-Heum , Lee Youngho
Published: January 2020

Background: Recently, the Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) has attracted attention as a method for minimizing medical errors. To overcome the limitation that existing CDSS does not reflect actual data, we proposed CDSS based on deep learning. Methods: We proposed Colorectal Cancer Chemotherapy Recommender (C3R), a deep learning-based chemotherapy recommendation model. This supplements the limitation that the existing CDSS is difficult to support data-based decision making. It is configured to study the clinical data generated at Gachon Gil Medical Center and recommend appropriate chemotherapy. To validate the model, we compared the diagnosis concordance rate with the NCCN Guidelines, a representative cancer treatment guideline, and the results of the Gachon Gil Medical Center’s Colorectal Cancer Treatment Protocol (GCCTP). Results: The diagnosis concordance rates of the C3R model with the NCCN guidelines were 70.5% for the Top-1 Accuracy and 84% for the Top-2 Accuracy. Also, the diagnosis concordance rate with the GCCTP were 57.9% for the Top-1 Accuracy and 77.8 for the Top-2 Accuracy. Conclusions: This model is meaningful in that it is Korea’s first colon cancer treatment method decision support system that reflects actual data. In the future, if sufficient data is secured through multi-organization, more reliable results can be obtained.
Recombinant Porcine Rotavirus VP6 Proteins Expressed in Lactobacillus plantarum NC8 Strain Induces Specific Mucosal and Systemic Antibody Production in Experimental BALB/c mice
Authors: SHONYELA SERIA masole , Yang Wentao , Yang Guilian , Wang Chunfeng
Published: January 2020

Background Rotaviruses are the main cause of animal and infant diarrhea and are widely distributed worldwide. In the pig industry, porcine rotavirus infection is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity; therefore, the optimization and well-organized distribution of vaccines for infection prevention is needed. Because immune responses related to protection are mainly mucosal in nature, the induction of mucosal immunity is significant for preventing porcine rotavirus infection. Methods The major protective VP6 antigens against porcine rotavirus (PRV) expressed by Lactobacillus plantarum NC8-pSIP409-pgsA-VP6-Dcpep were used to orally immunize mice. Western blot analysis and SDS-PAGE were used to confirm the expression of recombinant NC8-pSIP409-pgsA-VP6-Dcpep, and immunofluorescence was also used to verify its surface expression on L. plantarum NC8. Results High levels of mucosal IgA and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) were produced in mice that were orally immunized with recombinant L. plantarum NC8-pSIP409-pgsA-VP6-Dcpep. Mice immunized with NC8-pSIP409-pgsA-VP6-Dcpep had higher IgA titers than mice immunized with NC8-pSIP409-pgsA and PBS. The mice orally immunized with NC8-pSIP409-pgsA-VP6-Dcpep demonstrated a virus challenge-induced mean fever peak of 38.6°C in the NC8-pSIP409-pgsA-VP6-Dcpep group and 41.1°C in the NC8-pSIP409-pgsA group 4 to 6 days after the challenge, and 7 to 9 days following challenge. Conclusion Our results confirmed that with regard to stimulating mucosal immunity, the VP6 genes of the porcine rotavirus (PRV) Chinese PRV isolate DN30209 strain expressed by L. plantarum NC8 is effective and that Dcpep is superior in its ability to stimulate mucosal immunity, suggesting that this approach can be implanted in pigs.
Development and application of a triplex real-time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, and duck Tembusu virus
Authors: Zhang Xiyu , Yao Ming , Tang Zhihui , Xu Daning , Luo Yan , Gao Yunfei , Yan Liping
Published: January 2020

Background：At present, pathogens including duck-origin avian influenza virus (AIV), duck-origin Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) have posed great harm to ducks and caused great economic losses to the duck industry. Therefore, these viruses should be detected as early as possible in suspected duck flocks. This study aims to develop and apply a triplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that can simultaneously detect these three viruses. Results：A sensitivity test shows that the positive detection limit of real-time PCR was at least 10 times higher than that of conventional PCR, with a detection limit of 1×101 copies/μL for AIV, NDV, and DTMUV. Furthermore, the cross-reactivity study of this method with other avian respiratory viruses suggested that the triplex assay was highly specific. The intra-day relative standard deviation and inter-day relative standard deviation were lower than 4.88% for these viruses at three different concentrations. Eventually, a total of 120 clinical samples were evaluated by the developed assay as well as routine PCR. Results showed that the positive rates for these two methods were 23.3% and 17.5%. Conclusion：The method developed in this research is rapid, specific and sensitive. It is feasible and effective for simultaneous detection of AIV, NDV, and DTMUV in ducks.
Cell-penetrating doxorubicin released from Elastin-like polypeptide kills doxorubicin-resistant cancer cells
Authors: Ryu Jung Su , Kratz Felix , Raucher Drazen
Published: January 2020

Background: Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) undergoes its characteristic of phase transitioning in response to ambient temperature. ELP therefore has been be used as a thermosensitive vector for the delivery of chemotherapy agents since it can be targeted to hyperthermic tumors. This novel strategy introduces unprecedented options for treating cancer, with fewer concerns about side effects. In this study, the ELP system was further modified with an enzyme-cleavable linker in order to release drugs within tumors. This system consists of ELP, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) substrate, a cell penetrating peptide (CPP), and 6-maleimidocaproyl amide derivative of doxorubicin (Dox). This construct may be initially targeted to the tumor by application of mild heat after administration. Within the hyperthermic tumor, then this construct is cleaved by MMP, releasing CPP-Dox, which can infiltrate tumor tissues and penetrate cell membranes. Methods: We produced the construct in E.coli and examined its cleavage by MMP enzymes in vitro. Flow cytometry and confocal analysis were used to verify the facilitated uptake of the digested cell-penetrating Dox by breast cancer cells and Dox-resistant cells. Cytotoxicity tests further demonstrated improvements in bioavailability of cell-penetrating Dox following the enhanced cellular uptake of the cancer cells. Comparisons with the non-cleavable ELP counterpart were paralleled. Results: This strategy shows up to a 4-fold increase in cell penetration and results in more death in breast cancer cells than the ELP-Dox. Even in doxorubicin-resistant cells (NCI/ADR and MES/ADR), ELP-released, cell-penetrating doxorubicin demonstrated better membrane penetration, leading to at least twice the killing of resistant cells than ELP-Dox and free Dox. Conclusion: MMP-digested CPP-Dox shows better membrane penetration and induces more cancer cell death in vitro. This CPP-complexed Dox released from ELP kills even dox-resistant cells more efficiently than both free doxorubicin and non-cleaved ELP-CPP-Dox.
A competing endogenous RNA mechanism in glioblastoma is investigated by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wang Jinsheng , Wang Yutao , Gao Lei , Zhao Yuhua , Liu Junhua , Cai Da , Zhang Xiao
Published: January 2020

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and most lethal primary malignant brain tumor, the 5-year survival rate of which is less than 5%. Novel potential molecular and mechanism of GBM need to investigate.Materials and methods Microarray data of GSE15824 was downloaded from GEO. Differentially expressed genes and lncRNAs were screened by Limma package in R studio, and pathway enrichment analysis was performed by clusterprofiler package in R studio and IPA. The ceRNA mechanism was analyzed and predicted by several kinds of online public databases.ResultsThere were 567 differentially expressed genes and 121 differentially expressed lncRNAs in GBM. And differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in Tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus infection, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Basal cell carcinoma, TGF-beta signaling pathway and p53 signaling pathway. Besides, Neuroinflammation signaling pathway, Role of NFAT in regulation of the immune response, and Dendritic cell maturation were significantly activated in GBM. According to the analysis of target miRNAs of SEM4D and OSER1-AS1, a possible ceRNA mechanism OSER1-AS1/hsa-miR-520h/SEMA4D axis was predicted in GBM.Conclusion Bioinformatics analysis was employed to analyze GSE15824 chip, and predict the potential mechanism. The results revealed that the ceRNA mechanism, OSER1-AS1/hsa-miR-520h/SEMA4D axis, might play a vital role in GBM.
The impact of preoperative use of calcium channel blockers on outcomes of patients undergoing esophagectomy: a propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Lin Qihua , Zhang Tianhua , Wu Zhijie , Li Huiting , Yu Junjie , Tan Hongying , Lin Wenqian , cao longhui
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND In this study, we compared the effects of using preoperative CCBs on perioperative outcomes, cancer recurrence and overall survival in patients undergoing esophagectomy. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent esophagectomy at the Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center (n=2415, 2009-2013). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the perioperative outcomes, while recurrence-free survival and overall survival were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and compared using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusted with propensity scores. RESULTS There were 162 patients in the CCB group and 1110 patients in the non-CCB group and the total incidence of perioperative complications was 45.7% in the CCB group and 42.5% in the non-CCB group. The differences in total perioperative complications and other perioperative outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). The mortality rate was not significantly different between the two groups after matching (38.1% vs 31.6%, P=0.233). The difference in recurrence rate between the two groups was not statistically significant after matching (43.2% vs 32.9%, P = 0.061). Overall survival was shorter in patients with preoperative CCB use than in patients without CCB use (hazards ratio: 1.517, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.036-2.220, P=0.030). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted with propensity scores found that a history of smoking cigarettes, clinical stage III at diagnosis, preoperative CCB use, preoperative diuretics use, operation type and postoperative chemotherapy affected the overall survival of patients after esophagectomy. Recurrence-free survival was similar between the CCB and non-CCB groups (HR: 1.425, 95%CI: 0.989-2.053, P=0.054). A history of chronic lung disease, hypertension, and preoperative use of beta-blockers affected the recurrence-free survival of patients after esophagectomy. CONCLUSION Preoperative CCBs use was associated with shorter overall survival but did not affect recurrence-free survival or the postoperative complications for patients undergoing esophagectomy.
Is surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy feasible for elderly patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Suto Hironobu , Okano Keiichi , Oshima Minoru , Ando Yasuhisa , Matsukawa Hiroyuki , Takahashi Shigeo , Shibata Toru , Kamada Hideki , Kobara Hideki , Masaki Tsutomu , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: January 2020

Background The benefit and safety of pancreas resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma for elderly patients, especially after preoperative adjuvant therapy, is still unknown. This study attempted to evaluate perioperative and long-term outcomes after pancreas resection in elderly patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and to detect the potential impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Methods One hundred and thirty-four consecutive patients undergoing curative resection for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between March 2008 and February 2018 at our institution were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: patients older than or equal to 75 years (the elderly group, n=46) and those younger than 75 years (the younger group, n= 88). Results There were no significant differences both in overall survival and relapse free survival between the two groups (P=0.270, P=0.699). Although the induction rate of adjuvant chemotherapy was not significantly different (P=0.458), the completion rate was significantly lower in elderly group than that in younger group (35% and 56%; P=0.022). Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was performed for 82 patients (61%), and the induction and completion rates were not significantly different (P=0.668, P=0.794) between the two groups. The elderly patients with completion of adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly better overall survival than those without it (P=0.032). Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy did not significantly affect overall survival in elderly patients, however, there was a trend toward longer overall survival in patients who had neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (P=0.072). Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy could be introduced and completed even for elderly patients without serious complications and might lead to improved prognosis for those who are difficult to complete postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.
Prognostic power of molecular and clinical data across cancer types
Authors: Xu Xinsen , Wang Wei , He Min , Yang Linhua , Chen Wei , Wang Jian
Published: January 2020

Background Precision medicine holds promise in prognostication of human cancer. By analyzing the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, we evaluated the prognostic power of molecular and clinical data across 33 cancer types.Methods The clinical and molecular data of more than 11,000 patients were obtained from the TCGA database. Top features associated with overall survival were identified. Concordance index of each data type was calculated to investigate the prognostic power. The performance differences among clinical data, molecular data and combination data (integration of molecular data with clinical data) were evaluated.Results The prognostic power of combination data was significantly higher than the molecular data in 108 of 163 comparisons. However, it was only significantly higher than the clinical data in 27 of 163 comparisons. The clinical data seemed to be the most informative prognostic variable in almost half cancer types (14/33). Deeper insights into the low grade glioma models showed that integration of clinical data with molecular data yielded better prognostic modelling than either data used alone. From the pan-cancer level, the combination data was shown to be the most informative prognostic predictor when the sample size was large. In addition, mutation data also showed significant prognostic value.Conclusions Molecular markers complement the traditional diagnostic approaches in the pursuit of precision medicine. The combination of reliable clinical data, multidimensional genomic measurements and mature bioinformatics algorithms may confer more robust prognostic value that will inform clinical decision making.
A simple model established by blood markers predicting overall survival after radical resection of type II and III Adenocarcinomas of the Esophagogastric Junction
Authors: Zhang Li-xiang , Wei Zhi-jian , Xu A-Man
Published: January 2020

Background The prognostic prediction after radical resection of Adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) has not been well established. We aimed to establish a prognostic model for AEG based on a new score system, which included another clinical routine serum marker.Methods 355 patients who underwent curative AEG at the first affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2010 to January 2011 were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to screen for prognostic risk factors. The construction of the nomogram was based on Cox proportional hazard regression models. The construction of the new score models was analyzed by C index and Calibration curves.Results Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, NLR and BMI were independent prognostic factors. The new score system had a higher C-index, and the Calibration curves of the nomogram was reliable.Conclusions Based on the serum markers and other clinical indicators, we developed a precise model to predict the prognosis of patients with AEG after radical surgery. This score system can provide effective help for surgeons and patients.
Fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower prevalence of asymptomatic diverticulosis: a cross-sectional colonoscopy-based study
Authors: Maxner Ben , McGoldrick Jessica , Bellavance Danielle , Liu Po-Hong , Xavier Ramnik J , Yarze Joseph C , Ricciardi Rocco , Staller Kyle , Chung Daniel C , Khalili Hamed
Published: January 2020

Background: Previous studies of the relationship between dietary factors and risk of diverticulosis have yielded inconsistent results. We therefore sought to investigate the association between consumption of fruit and vegetables and prevalent diverticulosis. Methods: Our study population included participants in the Gastrointestinal Disease and Endoscopy Registry (GIDER), a colonoscopy-based longitudinal cohort at the Massachusetts General Hospital, who provided comprehensive information on dietary intake and lifestyle factors using validated questionnaires prior to colonoscopy. Information on presence and location of diverticula was obtained from the endoscopist at the end of each procedure. We used logistic regression modeling to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among 549 participants with a mean age of 61 years enrolled in GIDER, we confirmed diverticulosis in 245 (44.6%). The prevalence of diverticulosis appeared to decrease with higher consumption of fruit and vegetables (P trend <0.001). Compared to participants with less than five servings of vegetables per week, the multivariable-adjusted ORs of diverticulosis were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.39-1.14) with five to seven servings per week and 0.37 (95% CI, 0.22-0.63) with greater than one serving per day. Similarly, compared to participants with less than five servings per week of fruit, the multivariable-adjusted OR of diverticulosis was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.20-0.59) with greater than one serving per day. These associations were not modified by age, BMI, smoking, or red meat intake (All P interaction >0.072). Conclusion: In a colonoscopy-based longitudinal cohort study, we show that consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with lower risk of prevalent diverticulosis.
Golimumab in adolescents with Crohn’s disease refractory to previous tumor necrosis factor antibody
Authors: Pichler Judith , Memaran Nima , Huber Wolf-Dietrich , Aufricht Christoph , Bidmon-Fliegenschnee Bettina
Published: January 2020

Background Inducing and maintaining clinical remission in children with Crohn’s disease (CD) is associated with treatment with antibody to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α such as infliximab or adalimumab. In the treatment of paediatric CD, there are no data about the use of a third introduced subcutaneous TNF-antibody, golimumab, Methods We evaluated the efficacy of golimumab for adolescents with moderate/severe CD. Retrospective analyses were done in all 7 (5 girls) adolescents who received golimumab at a median age of 17 years for a median of 7.2 months. Paediatric Crohn’s disease activity index (PCDAI), full blood count, inflammatory markers, use of corticosteroids and adverse events were recorded. Results With golimumab, 5 of the 7 children were PCDAI responders and 2 entered remission (PCDAI<10). There was a significant increase in haematocrit after 2 weeks, faecal calprotectin was significantly reduced after 4 weeks compared to baseline. Out of five children, steroid withdrawal was possible in one and steroid reduction in two cases. There were no serious side effects. Conclusion With moderate/severe CD, golimumab induced and maintained clinical response. The majority of children were PCDAI responders, in most steroid sparing was possible. Golimumab might be an effective rescue therapy in refractory CD.
Nootropic dipeptide, Noopept can modulate hyperalgesia by effecting on spinal microglia dependent Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) and pro-BDNF expression and apoptosis during persistent inflammation
Authors: Taghizadeh Mona , Maghsoudi Nader , Manaheji Homa , Akparov Valery , Baniasadi Mansoureh , Danyali Samira , Mohammadi Mola , Ghasemi Rasoul , Zaringhalam Jalal
Published: January 2020

Background: There are largely unknown associations between changes in pain behavior responses during persistent peripheral inflammation and spinal cell alteration such as apoptosis. Some evidence suggests that microglia and microglia related mediators play notable roles in induction and maintenance of central nervous system pathologies and inflammatory pain. By considering those relationships and microglia related nootrophic factors, such as the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in CNS, we attempted to assess the relationship between microglia dependent BDNF and its precursor with pain behavior through spinal cell apoptosis as well as the effect of Noopept on this relationship. Methods: Persistent peripheral inflammation was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) on day 0. Thermal hyperalgesia, paw edema, microglial activity, microglia dependent BDNF, pro-BDNF expression, and apoptosis were assessed in different experimental groups by confirmed behavioral and molecular methods on days 0, 7, and 21 of the study. Results: Our findings revealed hyperalgesia and spinal cell apoptosis significantly increased during the acute phase of CFA-induced inflammation but was then followed by a decrement in the chronic phase of the study. Aligned with these variations in spinal microglial activity, microglia dependent BDNF significantly increased during the acute phase of CFA-induced inflammation. Our results also indicated that daily administration of Noopept (during 21 days of the study) not only caused a significant decrease in hyperalgesia and microglia dependent BDNF expression but also changed the apoptosis process in relation to microglia activity alteration. Conclusions: It appears that the administration of Noopept can decrease spinal cell apoptosis and hyperalgesia during CFA-induced inflammation due to its direct effects on microglial activity and microglia dependent BDNF and pro-BDNF expression.
Improving the quality of external cause of death data in Brazil: evaluation and validation of a new form to investigate garbage codes
Authors: Filho Adauto Martins Soares , de Lima Raquel Barbosa , Merchan-Hamann Edgar , de Souza Maria de Fátima Marinho , Mikkelsen Lene , Mahesh Pasyodun Koralage Buddhika , Adair Tim
Published: January 2020

Background: Accurate cause of death (COD) data are essential for policy and planning. Garbage codes (GCs), such as external causes with no further specific information, are commonly used as an indicator of poor quality of COD information. The investigation of GC using an effective instrument is necessary to convert them into useful data for public health. Aim: This study was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the new investigation of deaths from external causes (IDEC) form, proposed by Ministry of Health, Brazil, to improve the quality of COD. Methods: The study compared the performance of the IDEC form on 164 external GC deaths with a stratified matched sample of 2,283 external GC deaths that used the existing standard GC form. The percentage of GCs that were reclassified into valid causes was calculated. Analyses according to subgroup (age, type of external cause) and exploration of the reclassifications of deaths between different cause groups were conducted. Qualitative data on the feasibility of the form were recorded by form users. Results: Investigation using the new form reduced all external GCs by 93% (95% confidence interval [CI] -97%, -88%), while the existing form decreased GCs by 66% (95% CI -68%, -64%). The IDEC form was most effective for external-cause GCs not of undetermined intent. Deaths that remained GCs were mainly due to a lack of detailed information on the circumstances of death, primarily poisoning and unspecified vehicle accidents occurring in a residence or on a road without witnesses. The IDEC form was found to be satisfactorily feasible in general, with specific suggestions for further improvement determined. Conclusions: The new form was more effective than the current standard form in reducing GCs and improving the quality of external causes. Feedback from the fieldwork highlighted opportunities for further improvement of external cause data.
Recurrent Henoch-Schönlein Purpura with Bullous Rash and Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Zheng Christopher Zixiang , Childers Julie , Rabinovich Egla , Nazareth-Pidgeon Kristina
Published: January 2020

Background Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood. It has a characteristic rash described as palpable purpura that most frequently affects the distal lower extremities and buttocks. HSP rarely presents with bullous rash nor pulmonary nodules. Case presentation We present a novel case of recurrent pediatric HSP with bullous rash and pulmonary nodules, successfully treated with intravenous pulse corticosteroids followed by a high dose oral corticosteroid taper. Conclusion The rare manifestations of scarring bullous rash and pulmonary nodules can be presenting features of pediatric HSP, the combination of which has not been previously reported. The treatment of intravenous corticosteroid resolved patient’s abdominal symptoms, rash and pulmonary nodules.
Activation of MAPK signaling pathway during nitrogen-deficiency responses in Ulva Prolifera
Authors: Yang Juanjuan , Yin Yi , Yu Dachun , He Lihong , Lu Shan , Shen Songdong
Published: January 2020

Background: Ulva prolifera is one of the main seaweeds (or macroalgae) species that causes “green tides”. This alga inhabits the estuarine areas that exhibit changes in nutrient contents, which include changes in nitrogen (N) levels, while the mechanisms through which these microalgae resist N deficiency remains unclear. Results: We amplified the full-length sequences and quantified expression of genes involved in the nitrogen metabolism process, the data indicated that nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and glutamine synthase increased after nitrogen deprivation in Ulva prolifera. Hence, although the ratio of cell-wall regeneration did not change, the apoptosis rates of protoplasts of Ulva prolifera increased after this deficiency. Furthermore, a decreased in N supplies triggered the activation of MAPK signaling, and SB239063, a p38 MAPKα/β inhibitor, enhanced the effects of N deficiency on the mortality of protoplasts and decreased the capacity for cell-wall regeneration. Conclusions: All the data provided evidence that MAPK signaling had functional roles in helping U. prolifera adapt to fluctuations in N availability within a short time. Hence, the application of biochemical reagents on cell-wall regeneration on the surface of protoplasts provided a new perspective in the genetic breeding of Ulva prolifera.