bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a prognostic long non-coding RNA signature in breast cancer
Authors: Lan Gaochen , Yu Xiaoling , Zhao Yanna , Lan Jinjian , Li Wan , Gao Ruilan
Published: February 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease among women. At present, more and more attention has been paid to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the field of breast cancer research. We aimed to investigate the expression profiles of lncRNAs and construct a prognostic lncRNA for predicting the overall survival (OS) of breast cancer. Methods: The expression profiles of lncRNAs and clinical data with breast cancer were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened out by R package (limma). The survival probability was estimated by the Kaplan‑Meier Test. The Cox Regression Model was performed for univariate and multivariate analysis. The risk score (RS) was established on the basis of the lncRNAs’ expression level (exp) multiplied regression coefficient (β) from the multivariate cox regression analysis with the following formula: RS=exp a1 * β a1 + exp a2 * β a2 +……+ exp an * β an . Functional enrichment analysis was performed by Metascape. Results: A total of 3404 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. Among them, CYTOR , MIR4458HG and MAPT-AS1 were significantly associated with the survival of breast cancer. Finally, The RS could predict OS of breast cancer (RS=exp CYTOR * β CYTOR + exp MIR4458HG * β MIR4458HG + exp MAPT-AS1 * β MAPT-AS1 ). Moreover, it was confirmed that the three-lncRNA signature could be an independent prognostic biomarker for breast cancer (HR=3.040, P=0.000). Conclusions: This study established a three-lncRNA signature, which might be a novel prognostic biomarker for breast cancer.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of maspin expression in resected non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Dong Yingxian , Wang Yanwen , Li Jialong , Che Guowei
Published: February 2020

Objective To explore the association of maspin expression with clinical pathological parameters and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received the surgical therapy. Methods The EMBASE, Web of Science and PubMed were searched to identify eligible studies to 3 June, 2019. The correlation of maspin expression with clinicopathological characteristics and survival of resected NSCLC patients was assessed by the combined relative risk (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), respectively. All statistical analyses were performed via the Stata 12.0 software. Results A total of 12 articles involving 1771 patients were included. The results manifested that maspin was more prevalent in lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (RR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.22-0.60, P <0.001) and significantly associated with P53 expression (RR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.00-2.24, P =0.048), while no significant correlation of maspin with other clinicopathological parameters such as the gender, age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage or differentiation status was observed. As for the prognosis representing as overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), only significant association between maspin and CSS (HR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.16-2.15, P =0.003) was revealed. However, the subgroup analysis for OS based on the histology demonstrated that maspin expression was an unfavourable and favourable prognostic indicator in lung adenocarcinoma (HR=3.36, 95% CI: 1.44-7.87, P =0.005) and SCC (HR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.27-0.71, P =0.001), respectively. Conclusion Maspin expression was correlated with histology type and P53 expression, but no certain association of maspin with other clinicopathological characteristics or prognosis was observed in resected NSCLC. More well-designed prospective researches with big samples are still needed to further assess the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of maspin in NSCLC patients undergoing surgical resection.
Knockdown of LncRNA SNHG14 regulates proliferation and apoptosis via activating miR-204-5p/HMGA1 axis in retinoblastoma
Authors: Chen Xuedong , Tang Xianling , Zhao Shiyong , Yu Yongbin , Li Qingjun , Xu Caicai , Ge Hongyan
Published: February 2020

Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is an aggressive intraocular malignancy of infant and childhood, which seriously endangers the vision and life of children. Long non-coding RNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 14 (lncRNA SNHG14) as a novel oncogene is involved in the control of cancer cell progression. However, the effects and molecular mechanism of SNHG14 on retinoblastoma remain confusing.Methods: Levels of SNHG14, high mobility group protein A1 (HMGA1) mRNA and microRNA (miR)-204-5p were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by CKK-8 assay or flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was used to detect HMGA1 and apoptosis-related protein. The interaction between miR-204-5p and SNHG14 or HMGA1 was explored by luciferase reporter assay. Murine xenograft model was established using Y79 cells stably transfected with sh-SNHG14.Results: SNHG14 and HMGA1 were up-regulated in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines, and knockdown of SNHG14 or HMGA1 suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in retinoblastoma. MiR-204-5p was confirmed to directly bind to SNHG14 and HMGA1, SNHG14 positively regulated HMGA1 expression via miR-204-5p. Importantly, the anti-tumor effects mediated by SNHG14 knockdown could be reversed by miR-204-5p inhibition or HMGA1 overexpression in retinoblastoma cells. Furthermore, xenograft model showed SNHG14 silence impeded tumor growth in vivo.Conclusion: Knockdown of SNHG14 suppressed retinoblastoma progression by regulating miR-204-5p/HMGA1 axis, revealing a potential target to develop appropriate treatment strategies for retinoblastoma.
Measurement of central venous pressure is associated with better outcomes in septic patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhu Zhu , Zhao Chenyan , Guo Yanxia , Chen Dongyu , Wei Yao , Jin Jun
Published: February 2020

Purpose: With the proper insights, measurement of central venous pressure (CVP) can be a useful clinical aid. However, the formal utility of CVP measurement on mortality in septic patients has never been proved.Methods: The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) was applied to identify septic patients who had and did not have CVP measured. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. The statistical approaches including multivariate regression, propensity score matching (PSM) and an inverse probability of treatment weighing (IPTW) and causal mediation analysis (CMA) were utilized to elucidate the relationship between CVP measurement and 28-day mortality.Results: A total of 10275 patients were included in our study, of which 4516 patients (44%) had CVP measured within 24 h after ICU admission. A significant beneficial effect of CVP measurement in terms of 28-day mortality was observed (OR 0.60 (95% CI 0.51–0.70; p<0.001)). Patients in CVP group received more fluid on day 1, had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and vasopressor use, and the reduction of serum lactate was higher than that in the no CVP group. The mediation effect of serum lactate reduction was significant for the whole cohort (p=0.04 for average causal mediation effect (ACME)) and patients in the CVP group with an initial CVP level below 8mmHg (p=0.04 for ACME).Conclusion: CVP measurement is associated with a lower risk-adjusted 28-day mortality among patients with sepsis, which is proportionally mediated through serum lactate reduction.
Inverse Association of Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 and Atherogenic Index of Plasma in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Liu Wangshu , Xu Tianli , Tang Mengjie , Wang Xue-Qin , Su Jianbin , Xu Feng , Zhang Dongmei , Zhu Qing , Cao Jie , Wang Hong
Published: February 2020

BackgroundWe aimed to explore the relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in type 2 diabetic patients.MethodsSerum FGF19 levels and lipid profiles were measured in 200 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The levels of serum FGF19 were measured by ELISA. Lipid profiles were measured by enzymatic analysis. AIP and NAFLD fibrosis scores were calculated.ResultsT2D patients showed a significant decreasing trend of FGF19 concentrations depending on the tertiles of AIP (p for trend < 0.05). Simultaneously, the AIP level was closely related to the serum FGF19 level (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after adjusting for age, sex, duration, BMI, hypertension, and diabetic treatment, the correlation was still significant (p < 0.01), and it remained significant even after further adjusting for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) (p < 0.01). However, when stratified by BMI, AIP was positively correlated with FGF19 in normal-weight and overweight T2D patients but not in obese T2D subjects. After adjusting for sex, age, BMI, duration, hypertension, HbA1c, 2hPG, HOMA-IR, AIP, antidiabetic treatments, NAFLD and NFS via multiple stepwise linear regression, AIP was an independent factor affecting serum FGF19 concentrations (SE = 0.238, β = -0.290, p < 0.01).ConclusionsSerum FGF19 levels might be a good predictor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in T2D patients, especially among non-obese patients; serum FGF19 levels were significantly inversely associated with AIP.
How do older women perceive their safety in urban outdoor environments?
Authors: Lak Azadeh , Aghamolaei Reihaneh , Myint Phyo K
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds According to the elders' health as the main priority of Ageing in place, recent research focuses on better understanding of the elders' needs of perceived safety especially the elder women as the vulnerable group in urban open environments. The aim of this study is to explore the perception of elder women about safety and its related features in outdoor spaces according to promoting active ageing. Methodology We carried out a mixed-method study in which the data collection was conducted through content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were held with 54 older women (mean age 78.40 years). The participants were recruited in open spaces of Tehran applying the purposeful sampling and continued saturation during summer and fall of 2018. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The qualitative content analysis was used to extract sub-themes and main themes. In order to prioritize the extracted concepts, analytic hierarchy process was applied in quantitative analysis (AHP) in quantitative phase. Findings According to findings, the perception of safety in female elders can be described in three main themes consisting of psychological, functional and environmental safety, in that order of priority. Psychological safety includes fears of falling, getting lost, social limitation, anxiety, and social support or capital while functional safety consists of fears of public transportation, walkability, and physical activity. Finally, environmental safety comprises of fear of road traffic accidence, criminals, upkeep, incivility, and nuisance. Conclusion Our findings provide both personal and environmental features that can be targeted and requires implementation from policymakers and urban developers to meet the needs of growing older vulnerable population to achieve global active ageing goals.
Neurobiological Alterations Of The Substantia Nigra In Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Lavezzi Anna , Mehboob Riffat , Alfonsi Graziella , Ferrero Stefano
Published: February 2020

Background - The purpose of this study was to research possible morphological and functional alterations of the substantia nigra in SIDS. Methods - Brainstems of 46 victims of sudden infant death, aged from 1 to 7 months, were investigated. Twenty-six of these cases were diagnosed as SIDS, due to the lack of any pathological finding, while the remaining 20 cases, in which the cause of death was determined at autopsy, served as controls. Maternal smoking was reported in 10% of controls and 77% of SIDS. Histopathological examination of the substantia nigra was done on midbrain 5-µm-thick sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Klüver-Barrera. Densitometry, immunohistochemistry and histochemistry were applied to highlight the neuronal concentration, the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and neuromelanin, respectively. Results - Hypoplasia of the pars compacta of the substantia nigra was observed in SIDS but not in controls. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantia nigra was significantly higher in controls than in SIDS. Neuromelanin was observed as dark granules only in 4 infants of the control group but never in SIDS. A significant correlation was found between hypoplasia/low neuronal density, low tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantia nigra pars compacta and maternal smoking. Conclusion - The substantia nigra pars compacta, that is the main dopamine center in the brain, is involved in the control of many functions, including the sleep-arousal phase, and hence, its structural and/or functional alterations may explain the pathogenesis of SIDS, that often occurs during sleep. This study also indicates that maternal smoking can may have strongly influenced the SN altered development. Trial registration – not applicable for this study
Synergistic effect of combined GDNF and Amodiaquine attenuates behavioral deficits and protect dopaminergic neurons of Parkinson’s disease animal model through tyrosine kinase Ret receptor
Authors: Kambey Piniel , Gao Dianshuai
Published: February 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one among the most leading neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, with a prevalence of approximately 0.5–1% among those 65–69 years of age. Efforts to vitiate this disease are ongoing, and several treatment modes such as Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) have been in place since 1993. Glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protects, regenerates, and improves the metabolism of substantia nigra pars compacta neurons (SNpc), and it increases the high-affinity dopamine uptake. It has been recently reported that amodiquine could attenuates the behavioral deficits of an animal model of Parkinson’s disease, nevertheless it mechanism is obscure. We sought to demonstrate the mechanism of neuro-protection effect of amodiquine and ascertain its corroborative effect when used togather with GDNF. We show herein that combined therapy (GDNF and amodiaquine) ameliorated behavioral deficits of PD animal models as compared to single-factor treatment. TH positive neurons increased significantly upon combined therapy treatment, and besides, GDNF and amodiaquine interact functionally to protect dopaminergic neurons through the PIK-3/Akt pathway. We also found that combined therapy (GDNF and amodiaquine) mediates its action through a distinct trans-membrane tyrosine kinase Ret receptor by amplifying its effect. Slight elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were noticed in amodiaquine treated groups, alarming the bio-utility. These findings collectively suggest an interplay between GDNF and amodiaquine and co-express to exert neuronal protection hence a promising approach in PD therapy. Despite its undisputed effect on neuro-protection, we report that amodiaquine may not be safe, particularly in translation to human beings' trial settings.
Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) improves neurobehavioral deficit and modulates inflammatory response after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Paterniti Irene , Campolo Michela , Casili Giovanna , Lanza Marika , Filippone Alessia , Cordaro Marika , Ardizzone Alessio , Scuderi Sarah , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Esposito Emanuela
Published: February 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induce primary and secondary damage on endothelium and brain parenchyma, leading neurons die rapidly by necrosis. The mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway (mTOR) mediates many aspects of cell growth and regeneration and is up-regulated after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The significance of this increased signalling event for recovery of brain function is presently unclear, here we used two different selective inhibitors of mTOR activity to explore the functional role of mTOR inhibition in an validated model of TBI, the controlled cortical impact injury (CCI). We treated animals withKU0063794, a dual mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibitor, and with rapamycin a well-known inhibitor of mTOR, 1 and 4 hours after TBI. Our results demonstrated that mTOR inhibitors, especially KU0063794, significantly improve motor and cognitive recovery after TBI as well as reduce lesion volumes. Moreover we observed that mTOR inhibitors treatment ameliorate the neuroinflammation associated to TBI and showed that this acute treatment significantly diminished the extent of neuronal death, astrogliosis and apoptotic process after trauma. Our findings suggest that the neuronal mTORC1/2 activity after TBI is deleterious to brain function and acute intervention with selective mTORC1/2 inhibitor may represent an effective therapeutic strategy to improve recovery after brain trauma.
Effect of different levels of weight loss on clinical outcomes in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome underwent assisted reproduction
Authors: Li Yu-mei , Hu Shimin , He Fangfang , Liu Donge
Published: February 2020

Background

PCOS patient with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg / m2 have been withhold fertility treatment in the absence of weight loss by the National Health Service,there is a lack of appropriately powered studies to explore the relationships between weight loss level and the clinical improvement in obese PCOS women undergoing ART.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of weight loss levels on clinical outcomes in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) scheduled for assisted reproduction.

Methods

We conducted a non-randomized controlled clinical trial on 471 patients to compare the live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate of the two groups. 395 patients received weight loss interventions before assisted reproduction (intervention group), 76 patients underwent assisted reproduction directly (nonintervention group).

Results

Compared to nonintervention group, the body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower (27.30 ± 2.63 vs. 30.13 ± 2.45, p= 0.013) before embryo transfer, the rate of clinical pregnancy and live birth were significantly higher (46.6% vs. 34.2%, p=0.047; 43.4% vs. 27.6%, p=0.017) in intervention group; Compared to patients with weight loss ≥ 15%, live birth rate (OR=1.312, 95% CI: 0.699, 2.461, p = 0.398) and clinical pregnancy rate (OR= 1.77, 95% CI: 0.622, 2.229, p = 0.617) were not significantly increased in women with weight loss in the range of(≥10%, < 15%); but were significantly lower in patients with weight loss < 10%. Miscarriage rates were not significantly different among patients with every weight loss level.

Conclusion

Preconception weight loss could benefit the clinical outcomes, a target goal of ≥ 10% weight loss may recommend for obese women with PCOS before assisted reproduction.
Polymorphism in the progesterone receptor promoter gene in endometrial cancer alters its expression
Authors: Xiao Zhengwu , Xiang Huahua , Zhou Jing , Zhou Chen , Guo Zifen
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progesterone receptor (PGR) promoter +331G/A polymorphism on the mRNA and protein expression of its two isoforms, PRA and PRB, in healthy control women and women with endometrial cancer. To evaluate the relative occurrence of +331G/A polymorphism, the PGR gene promoter in the whole blood of 66 healthy volunteers and 62 endometrial cancer patients was genotyped. The results demonstrate that the frequency of GG and the overall frequency of the G allele were >90% in both populations. The GA+AA genotypes were more common in the healthy control group than in the endometrial cancer group, though the differences were not statistically significant. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of both PRB and PRA were significantly lower in endometrium from cancer patients than in normal endometrium tissue. Furthermore, among individuals with endometrial cancer, those with the +331 G/A polymorphism expressed higher mRNA levels of the PRA isoform and higher protein levels of the PRB isoform. Therefore, our findings suggest that patients with endometrial cancer express less PGR and that the mRNA and protein expression of PRA and PRB may be altered due to 331G/A PGR gene polymorphism.
Toluene Biodegradation using a Lab-Scale Biofilter Inoculated with Pseudomonas Putida PTCC 1694
Authors: Ghasemi Roohollah , golbabaei farideh , Pourmand Mohammad Reza , Rezaei Sasan , Jafari Mohammad Javad , Nabizadeh Ramin , Masoorian Ensieh
Published: February 2020

Biomanipulation is reliable method for treating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in polluted air. The performances of two biofilters in the removal of toluene vapors from air stream were compared. Two identical biofilters designed in parallel configuration were operated in lab-scale for 20 days; one of them was filled by sterilized media (compost and wood charcoal 2:1 v/v) and another was filled by the same media inoculated with Pseudomonas putida PTCC 1694, as a native strain. Moreover, batch tests were performed to determine the biodegradation rate of toluene. The results showed that, in comparison with the sterilized BF (89% vs 58%), the inoculated BF could effectively eliminate toluene from air stream. The pressure drop across the inoculated BF and the sterilized BF were 0.66±0.28 and 0.47±0.27 mm water respectively. The batch test results showed that loss of toluene in the control bottles was greater than the blanks. Based on the experimental results, inoculated BFs can effectively treat toluene vapors from gaseous streams.
Highly expressed IMP3 and GLUT-1 in combination with the loss of BAP1 expression is useful for differentiating malignant mesothelioma from reactive mesothelial hyperplasia
Authors: Zhu Hongjun , Hu Qing , Jiang Daishan , Huang Hua , Liu Jian , Zhang Jianguo , Bian Tingting , Liu Yifei
Published: February 2020

Background Our study aims to evaluate how IHC staining of BRCA1 associated protein-1 (BAP1), insulin-like growth factor mRNA binding protein 3 (IMP3), and glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) can help to differentiate MM from reactive mesothelial hyperplasia (RMH). Methods The expression levels of BAP1, IMP3, and GLUT-1 were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 38 MMs and 32 RMHs. Results BAP1 was lost in 20 (52.6%) of the 38 MMs. IMP3 and GLUT-1 were positive in 26 (68.4%) and 25 (65.8%), respectively, of the 38 MMs. The results of IHC analyses of BAP1, IMP3, and GLUT-1 indicated that these markers were characterized by a 100% specificity with sensitivities of 52.63, 68.42, and 65.79%, respectively. In addition, BAP1, IMP3, and GLUT-1 combined showed 100% specificity and the highest sensitivity (81.58%). Meanwhile, loss of BAP1 expression is related to a better prognosis. Conclusions Overexpressed IMP3 and GLUT-1 in combination with the loss of BAP1 showed high specificity to MM that was different from that in RMH and improved diagnostic accuracy, especially in MM.
Links between the amount of antipsychotic medication prescribed per population at general practice level, local demographic factors and medication selection
Authors: Heald Adrian Hugh , Stedman Mike , Farman Sanam , Khine Chaw , Davies Mark , de Hert Marc , Taylor David
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND Antipsychotic medications are the first-line pharmacological intervention for severe mental illnesses(SMI) such as schizophrenia and other psychoses, while also being used to relieve distress and treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Since 2014 many antipsychotic agents have moved to generic provision. In 2017_18 supplies of certain generic agents were affected by substantial price increases. Our aim was to examine factors relating to antipsychotic prescribing in general practices across England and how cost changes in recent years have impacted. METHODS The study examined over time the prescribing volume/prices paid for antipsychotic medication by agent in primary care. The NHS in England/Wales publishes each month the prescribing in general practice by BNF code. This was aggregated for the year 2018_19 using Defined Daily doses (DDD). Cost of each agent year-on-year was determined. Monthly prescribing in primary care was consolidated over 5 years(2013-2018) and DDD amount from WHO/ATC for each agent was used to convert the amount to total DDD/practice. RESULTS Description We included 5,750 general practices with practice population >3000 and with >30 people on their SMI register. In 2018_19 there were 10,360,865 prescriptions containing 136 million DDD with costs of £110 million at an average cost of £0.81/DDD issued in primary care. Effect of price In 2017_18 there was a sharp increase in overall prices. There was a gradual increase in antipsychotic prescribing over 2013-2019 which was not perturbed by the drug price increase in 2017/18. Regression Demographic factors The strongest positive relation to increased prescribing of antipsychotics came from higher social disadvantage, higher population density(urban), and comorbidities e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Higher %younger and %older populations, northerliness and non-white (Black and Minority Ethnic (BME)) ethnicity were all independently associated with less antipsychotic prescribing. Prescribing Factors Higher DDD/general practice population was linked with higher %injectable, higher %liquid, higher doses/prescription and higher %zuclopenthixol depot. Less DDD/population was linked with general practices using higher %risperidone and higher spending/dose of antipsychotic. CONCLUSIONS Levels of antipsychotic prescribing at general practice level are driven by social factors/comorbidities. We found a contrasting link between depot prescriptions with higher DDD and risperidone prescriptions with lower DDD.
Clinical Evaluation of Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation Based on iTrace Wavefront Keratometric Astigmatism
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Li Hui , Zhou Jing , Zhang Yaqin , Zhang Suhua
Published: February 2020

Background: There was no standard technique for measuring corneal astigmatism. The iTrace wavefront aberrometry of cornea calculated steep power and axis based on the best Zernike mathematical fit from all topo data within 4 mm circle. It was supposed to be more accurate than iTrace simulated keratometry which was calculated based on only 4 points on the circle of 3 mm. This study evaluated visual outcomes, rotational stability after performing toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation planning based on the wavefront aberrometry of the cornea with iTrace. Setting: Single site in China, Shanxi Eye Hospital, Shanxi, China. Design: Prospective case series. Methods ： The study included 85 eyes of 63 patients undergoing phacoemulsification and toric IOL implantation. The IOL power and cylinders were chosen with the help of the iTrace toric planning program using wavefront keratometric astigmatism. Over a 3-month follow-up period, astigmatic changes were assessed using the Alpins vector method. Results ： Preoperative mean corneal topographic astigmatism was 1.91 diopters (D) ± 0.69 (standard deviation). Postoperative mean refractive astigmatism decreased significantly to 0.48 D ± 0.34. Surgical induced astigmatism was 1.73 D ± 0.77 and the mean correction index was 0.89 ± 0.22, showing a slight undercorrection. The proportion of astigmatism ≤ 0.50 D increased from 0 to 71.8% postoperatively. Conclusions ： This is the first study evaluating the clinical outcomes of using iTrace wavefront keratometric readings to plan a toric IOL implantation. The findings show that the iTrace built-in toric calculator with wavefront keratometric astigmatism for toric IOL planning is safe and effective.
VALENCIA: A nearest centroid classification method for vaginal microbial communities based on composition
Authors: France Michael , Ma Bing , Gajer Pawel , Brown Sarah , Humphrys Mike S. , Holm Johanna B. , Brotman Rebecca M , Ravel Jacques
Published: February 2020

Background: Taxonomic profiles of vaginal microbial communities can be sorted into a discrete number of categories termed Community State Types (CSTs). This approach is advantageous because collapsing a hyper dimensional taxonomic profile into a single categorical variable enables efforts such as data exploration, epidemiological studies and statistical modeling. Vaginal communities are typically assigned to CSTs based on the results of hierarchical clustering of the pairwise distances between samples. However, this approach is problematic because it complicates between-study comparisons and because the results are entirely dependent on the particular set of samples that were analyzed. We sought to standardize and advance the assignment of samples to CSTs.Results: We developed VALENCIA (VAginaL community state typE Nearest CentroId clAssifier), a nearest centroid based tool which classifies samples based on their similarity to a set of reference centroids. The references were defined using a comprehensive set of 13,160 taxonomic profiles from 1,975 women in the United States. This large dataset allowed us to comprehensively identify, define, and characterize vaginal CSTs common to reproductive age women, and expand upon the CSTs that had been defined in previous studies. We validated the broad applicability of VALENCIA for the classification of vaginal microbial communities by using it to classify three test datasets which included reproductive age African women, adolescent girls, and menopausal women. VALENCIA performed well on all three datasets despite the substantial variations in sequencing strategies and bioinformatics pipelines, indicating its broad application to vaginal microbiota. We further describe the relationships between community characteristics (vaginal pH, Nugent score) and participant demographics (race, age) and the CSTs defined by VALENCIA. Conclusion: VALENCIA provides a much-needed solution for the robust and reproducible assignment of vaginal community state types. This will allow unbiased analysis of both small and large vaginal microbiota datasets, comparisons between datasets and meta-analyses that combine multiple datasets.
Preparation and Application of Keggin Silicomolybdic acid Modified Electrode
Authors: Liu Miao , Jia Mingxuan , Li Dong Hui
Published: February 2020

An innovative method for the determination of isoniazid tablets is studied through electrochemical method for the modification of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Polyoxomolybdate, with stable structures, has not been widely used for the determination of substance. In this study, the mentioned polyoxomolybdate was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and used to modify the glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical performance of the polyoxomolybdate@GCE was investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), compared with the unmodified electrode, the proposed polyoxomolybdate modified electrode exhibited strong electro-catalytic activities towards isoniazid (INH). Under the optimized conditions, there was linear relationships between the DPV peak currents and the concentrations in the range of 1 × 10 -7 g/L to 3 × 10 -7 g/L for INH (R 2 = 0.9979), with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.024 μg/L (based on S/N = 3). The modified electrode has proper reproducibility (RSD < 5%), stability, response time (< 3 min) and lifetime (up to 6 days).
TYPOLOGIZATION OF “SMART” ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS ADAPTED TO PECULIARITIES OF DOMESTIC ENERGY NETWORKS
Authors: Vakulenko I. , Kolosok S.
Published: February 2020

The article deals with the technological possibilities of building smart energy networks in Ukraine based on the use of smart innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for the country's energy complex. To this aim, we have typologized innovative energy solutions used in European Union countries, the United States of America and a number of other countries that are actively building smart energy networks, transforming their own energy system in accordance with current requirements.
The article identifies six innovative technologies (directions), the use of which will allow to expand the technical arsenal of means for modernization of the energy sector of Ukraine.

Keywords: energy sector, energy innovation, smart grids.
ANALYSIS OF THE STATE MARKET FROM THE POSITION OF ITS IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE OF ENTERPRISES OF THE REAL ECONOMY
Authors: Dushak M.
Published: February 2020

The stock market plays a significant role in financing the economic entities of the real sector of the economy. The ability to raise funds using stock market instruments makes it possible to expand significantly the scale of business activity. However, the presence of recurring financial crises in the financial sector and the weak development of the stock market make it impossible for enterprises to take full advantage of these opportunities. So it is important to evaluate the state and trends of the stock market in the context of using its funds to finance real sector enterprises.
In the course of the research, the authors conclude that the largest segment of the Ukrainian stock market serves government-owned issuers and mainly conducts domestic government bond transactions. Only a small proportion of operations provide financing for the activity of enterprises through the issue of shares and bonds. This situation testifies to the “fictitiousness” of the stock market, as it does not fulfill its key function of attracting temporarily free funds by issuers. In addition, the stock and bond market in Ukraine is scanty. Issuers, intending to make a public offering of shares, must fulfill sufficiently high requirements for their own securities, which does not encourage them to use this mechanism. The situation is similar in the bond market: in most cases, the issuers will spend more time and resources to carry out the issue than borrowing from the banking sector. The above points to the low interest of issuers in the real sector of the economy to use stock market instruments to manage the equity structure. There is a need to develop effective measures to leverage the stock sector's capabilities to finance businesses in the real economy.
Keywords: enterprise financial architecture, stock market, bond market, capital structure.
Strangeness neutrality and QCD thermodynamics
Authors: Fu Wei-jie , Pawlowski Jan M. , Rennecke Fabian
Published: February 2020

Since the incident nuclei in heavy-ion collisions do not carry strangeness, the global net strangeness of the detected hadrons has to vanish. We investigate the impact of strangeness neutrality on the
phase structure and thermodynamics of QCD at finite baryon and
strangeness chemical potential. To this end, we study the
low-energy sector of QCD within a Polyakov loop enhanced quark-meson
effective theory with 2+1 dynamical quark flavors. Non-perturbative
quantum, thermal, and density fluctuations are taken into account
with the functional renormalization group. We show that the impact
of strangeness neutrality on thermodynamic quantities such as the equation of state is sizable.
Analysis of dimensionless similarity complexes’ influence on steam-assisted gravity drainage using the integral model
Authors: Gilmanov Alexander Ya. , Fedorov Konstantin M. , Shevelev Alexander P.
Published: February 2020

This article analyzes dimensionless complexes of similarity sensitivity of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) model. The application of SAGD for development of hard-to-recover reserves is complicated by the need to choose a rational development system. Therefore, the task of modeling the process of SAGD with subsequent analysis of sensitivity of technological indexes from the essential parameters and characteristics of the reservoir is relevant. Existing works have not conducted a comprehensive analysis of all values influence. Such analysis is conducted for the first time in this article. This work aims to analyze the influence of main characteristics (steam injection rate, steam temperature, well pattern, depression and repression on wells, reservoir thickness, heat capacity) on technological parameters of SAGD. The main methods include de-dimensioning of the physical and mathematical model of the process and calculations using an explicit finite-difference scheme. Dimensionless similarity complexes with a significant contribution to SAGD are distinguished. Values of sweep efficiency and cost-effective time at different values of selected dimensionless complexes of similarity are defined. The greatest influence on SAGD is affected by three dimensionless similarity complexes, characterizing respectively the ratio of water and oil flows, heat losses vertically and horizontally, and the development system. The results show that there are some effective values of depression on the formation and the distance between pairs of wells. Based on the results of calculations, the authors provide recommendations for the future application of the method on a real field.
Materials selection and fabrication nanotechnology of the composite memristor-diode crossbar — the basis of neuroprocessor hardware implementation
Authors: Pisarev Alexander D. , Busygin Alexander N. , Bobylev Andrey N. , Ebrahim Abdulla H. , Gubin Alexey A. , Udovichenko Sergey Yu.
Published: February 2020

To examine the operation of the memory and logic matrices of the neuroprocessor, it is necessary to produce a laboratory composite memristor-diode crossbar, which is the basis of these matrices. For this purpose, the authors of this article have chosen materials and fabrication nanotechnology of Zener diode semiconductor layers and a memristor layer that provide optimal characteristics of the diode and memristors.
This article shows that magnetron-sputtering method is optimal for fabrication of both diodes and memristors. Thus, all of composite memristor-diode crossbar layers, including conducting paths, can be fabricated in single technological module.
ZnOx was chosen as the n-type semiconductor, the carrier concentration in which is controlled by changing the stoichiometry of the compound during reactive magnetron sputtering. The second p-type layer of the diode was obtained by magnetron sputtering of a silicon target doped with boron. The results show that for the p-Si/ZnOx heterojunction, there is an optimal molar fraction of zinc, which provides the best characteristics of the diode, and an increase in the doping level of the p-Si layer leads to an increase in the nonlinearity of the current-voltage characteristic and a decrease in the voltage of the reversible breakdown.
The greatest stability of electrical parameters — switching voltages and resistances in high-conductive and low-conductive states — was achieved in a memristor with doped titanium oxide W/TixAl1-xOy/TiN, which is due not only to the choice of mixed oxide, but also to the choice of its fabrication technology.
The measured current-voltage characteristics of separate cells prove the operability of fabricated memristor-diode crossbar. The authors show that the high resistance of the closed diode leads to the almost complete disappearance of the reverse branch of the memristor current — voltage characteristic, since the small resistance of the memristor is lost against the background high resistance of the diode.
The developed unified nanotechnology for fabricating a combined memristor-diode crossbar allows the production of ultra-large memory and logic matrices of a neuroprocessor based on one technological module with reactive magnetron sputtering.
A Case of 2:1 Atrio-Ventricular Block- Unravelled by Exercise Testing
Authors: Kalavakolanu Sharada Sivaram , Balakrishnan Madan Mohan , Venkatarama Deepesh
Published: February 2020

:

We present a case of 75-year-old lady with effort intolerance and baseline ECG showing 2:1 atrio-ventricular block, in whom it was unclear as to requirement of permanent pacing, even after long term ECG monitoring. She underwent a tread mill test during which her QRS became wide and developed complete heart block within 2 minutes of the test. Thus, a simple exercise test helped in confirming level of block to be infra nodal without need for invasive study. In patients with exertional symptoms, even in elderly, and in those where ECG masquerades as a benign entity, exercise testing is useful to differentiate benign cases of atrio-ventricular block from the more serious cases that mandate a pacemaker implantation.
Recovery of Sense of Smell by Mepolizumab in a Patient with Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis – A Case Report
Authors: Abuzakouk Mohamed , Ghorab Omar , Ghazala Safieeldin , Hantzakos Anastasios
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

To date, there is no permanent medical treatment for nasal polyposis and loss of sense of smell. Mepolizumab is an anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of patients with eosinophilic asthma. It has been suggested that it is capable of improving olfactory dysfunction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis.

Case:

We present a 35-year-old Emirati male with progressively worsening rhinosinusitis, recurring nasal polyps and total loss of sense of smell. He was treated with oral steroids, normal saline nasal sprays and all available topical steroids without significant or permanent symptom relief. He was commenced on Mepolizumab, and upon receiving the 4th dose, he reported full recovery of his sense of smell.

Conclusion:

Mepolizumab appears to be very effective in treating loss of sense of smell. Further studies should be conducted to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of Mepolizumab in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis and anosmia.
Edaravone May Prevent Ferroptosis in ALS
Authors: Spasić Snežana , Nikolić-Kokić Aleksandra , Miletić Srđan , Oreščanin-Dušić Zorana , Spasić Mihajlo B. , Blagojević Duško , Stević Zorica
Published: February 2020

Radicava™ (Edaravone) was approved the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a new
treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Edaravone is a synthetic antioxidant that specifically
targets oxidative damage interacting with lipid radicals in the cell. In ALS disease the multiple cell
types are involved in devastating loss of motor neurons. Mutations and biochemical changes in various
cell types jointly contribute to motor neuron death, disease onset, and disease progression. The
overall mechanism of neurodegeneration in ALS is still not completely understood. Dying motor neurons
have been reported to exhibit features of apoptosis. However, non-apoptotic features of dying
motor neurons have also been reported such as ferroptosis. The role of Edaravone in the prevention of
ferroptosis in parallel with other therapeutic approaches to ALS therapy is discussed.
Aromatase Inhibitors for Ovarian Stimulation in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Ferreiro Esteban , de Uralde Belén López , Abreu Rita , García-Velasco Juan A , Muñoz Elkin
Published: February 2020

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed in women, and its
treatment has a high probability of loss of fertility. Oocyte vitrification is the most commonly used
technique to preserve fertility before starting oncological treatment. Aromatase inhibitors induce hypoestrogenemia
while promoting the release of gonadotropins and constitute an alternative drug for
ovarian stimulation in patients with breast cancer.

Objective:

In this mini-review, we update and describe the current status of aromatase inhibitor use in
controlled ovarian stimulation for oocyte vitrification in patients with breast cancer.

Results:

Aromatase inhibitors are commonly used in combination with gonadotropins for ovarian
stimulation in patients with breast cancer who preserve their fertility through oocyte vitrification. They
achieve similar ovarian responses as conventional ovarian stimulation protocols in regards to the
number of oocytes, and no additional complications after their use have been reported. Furthermore,
aromatase inhibitors seem to be safe not only for offspring, as no more congenital defects occur in
newborns from pregnancies achieved after their use, but also for the patients, as no more malignancy
recurrence or increased mortality was found in cohort studies.

Conclusion:

Aromatase inhibitors are elective drugs for ovarian stimulation in patients with breast
cancer who decide to preserve their fertility through oocyte vitrification.
Effects of Carvedilol on the Expression of TLR4 and its Downstream Signaling Pathway in the Liver Tissues of Rats with Cholestatic Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Tian Xiaopeng , Zhao Huimin , Guo Zengcai
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

This study was designed to investigate the effects of carvedilol
on the expression of TLR4 and its downstream signaling pathway in the liver tissues of
rats with cholestatic liver fibrosis and provide experimental evidence for clinical
treatment of liver fibrosis with carvedilol.

Methods:

A total of fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five
groups (10 rats per group): sham operation (SHAM) control group, bile duct ligation
(BDL) model group, low-dose carvedilol treatment group (0.1mg·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose
carvedilol treatment group (1mg·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose carvedilol treatment group
(10mg·kg-1·d-1). Rat hepatic fibrosis model was established by applying BDL. Forty-eight
hours after the operation, carvedilol was administered twice a day. The blood and liver
were simultaneously collected under the aseptic condition for further detection in two
weeks after the operation. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate
aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil) and albumin (Alb) in serum were measured.
HE and Masson staining were used to determine hepatic fibrosis degree. Hydroxyproline
assay was employed to detect liver collagen synthesis. Western Blot was used to
measure the expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and β-arrestin2 protein. Quantitative
analysis of TLR4, MyD88, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA was performed by Realtime-PCR.

Results:

Compared with the SHAM group, the BDL group showed obvious liver injury,
increased levels of inflammatory factors, and continued progression of liver fibrosis. The
above changes in the BDL group were alleviated in the carvedilol treatment groups. The
improvement effects augmented as dosages increased. In addition, compared with the
BDL group, the reduction of the expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in liver
tissues and the increase of the expression of β -arrestin2 in the high-dose carvedilol
group were more significant.

Conclusions:

Carvedilol can reduce the release of inflammatory mediators by downregulating
TLR4 expression and inhibiting its downstream signaling pathway, thus
playing a potential therapeutic role in cholestatic liver fibrosis.