bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditions, pathogenesis, and progression of diabetic kidney disease and early decliner in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Yui , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Hirakawa Yosuke , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Noso Shinsuke , Ikegami Hiroshi , Ohsugi Mitsuru , Ueki Kohjiro , Mita Tomoya , Watada Hirotaka , Koya Daisuke , Mise Koki , Wada Jun , Shimizu Miho , Wada Takashi , Ito Yumi , Narita Ichiei , Kashihara Naoki , Nangaku Masaomi , Matsuyama Yutaka
Published: March 2020

Objective

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases without or prior to the development of albuminuria in many patients with diabetes. Therefore, albuminuria and/or a low GFR in patients with diabetes is referred to as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). A certain proportion of patients with diabetes show a rapid progressive decline in renal function in a unidirectional manner and are termed early decliners. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of DKD and early decliners and clarify their risk factors.

Research design and methods

This combination cross-sectional and cohort study included 2385 patients with diabetes from 15 hospitals. We defined DKD as a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/gCr and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m². We classified patients into four groups based on the presence or absence of albuminuria and a decrease in eGFR to reveal the risk factors for DKD. We also performed a trajectory analysis and specified the prevalence and risk factors of early decliners with sequential eGFR data of 1955 patients in five facilities.

Results

Of our cohort, 52% had DKD. Above all, 12% with a low eGFR but no albuminuria had no traditional risk factors, such as elevated glycated hemoglobin, elevated blood pressure, or diabetic retinopathy in contrast to patients with albuminuria but normal eGFR. Additionally, 14% of our patients were early decliners. Older age, higher basal eGFR, higher ACR, and higher systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with early decliners.

Conclusions

The prevalence of DKD in this cohort was larger than ever reported. By testing eGFR yearly and identifying risk factors in the early phase of diabetes, we can identify patients at high risk of developing end-stage renal disease.
Response evaluation of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using18F-FDG PET/MRI
Authors: Rasul Sazan , Geist Barbara Katharina , Brath Helmut , Baltzer Pascal , Sundar Lalith Kumar Shiyam , Pichler Verena , Mitterhauser Markus , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Hacker Marcus
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Inhibitors of sodium-glucose linked transporter-2 (SGLT2i) are enhancing glucose excretion in the proximal renal tubules, and thus are increasingly used to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The glucose analog 2-deoxy-2-(18F) fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) can be used to quantify renal function in vivo, and due to an affinity for SGLT2 could also provide information about SGLT2 transporter function. Our objectives in this study were, therefore, to assess the impact of SGLT2i on renal function parameters in patients with T2DM and identify predictive parameters of long-term response to SGLT2i using dynamic FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI.

Methods

PET FDG renal function measures such as mean transit time (MTT) and general renal performance (GRP) together with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were determined in 20 patients with T2DM before (T2DMbaseline) and 2 weeks after initiation of therapy with SGLT2i (T2DMSGLT2i). Additionally, dynamic FDG PET data of 24 healthy subjects were used as controls.

Results

MTT in T2DMbaselinewas significantly higher than in healthy controls (5.7 min vs 4.3 min, p=0.012) and significantly decreased to 4.4 min in T2DMSGLT2i(p=0.004). GRP of T2DMSGLT2iwas higher than of T2DMbaseline(5.2 vs 4.7, p=0.02) and higher but not significantly than of healthy individuals (5.2 vs 5.1, p=0.34). Expectedly, GFR of healthy participants was significantly higher than of T2DMbaselineand T2DMSGLT2i(122 vs 92 and 86 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively; p<0.001). The higher the GRP value in kidneys of T2DMSGLT2i, the lower was the glycated hemoglobin level 3 months after therapy initiation.

Conclusion

MTT and GRP values of patients with T2DM shifted significantly toward values of healthy control 2 weeks after therapy with SGLT2i begins. GRP in T2DMSGLT2iwas associated with better long-term glycemic response 3 months after initiation of therapy.

Trial registration number

NCT03557138.
Determining the psychophysiological responses of military aircrew when exposed to acute disorientation stimuli
Authors: Tornero Aguilera José Francisco , Gil-Cabrera J , Clemente-Suárez V J
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Exposure to enviromental flight conditions may impair performance and physical integrity, thus training in simulated environments it is a key factor. This research aimed to study the psychophysiological response, cortical arousal and autonomic modulation of pilots and medical aircrew personnel during disorientation exposure, considering gender, experience, flying hours and body mass index (BMI) as influencial variables.

Methods

A total of 47 soldiers (37 men and 10 women, 22 medical aircrew personnel and 25 fighter pilots) of Spanish Air Forces faced 25 min of vestibular, proprioceptive and visual disorientation.

Results

Disorientation exposure elicited an increased psychophysiological response, significant increases in isometric hand strength, cortical arousal, autonomic modulation, perceived stress and effort in both groups while a significant decrease in respiratory muscle capacity and blood oxygen saturation in the medical aircrew group were found. Cross-sectional analysis showed gender differences, males presented greater parasympathetic activity and strength. Larger BMI was associated with greater levels and perception of stress as well as lower cardiovascular performance and sympathetic modulation. Furthermore, experience, previous training and larger flying hours correlated with greater parasympathetic modulation.

Conclusion

Disorientation exposure produces an increase in cortical arousal and decrease in the parasympathetic nervous system either in pilots and medical aircrew personnel. In addition, medical aircrew personnel are less adapted to disorientation stimulus presenting significantly higher psychophysiological stress response, thus complementary physical training should be mandatory.
Reporting quality of studies using machine learning models for medical diagnosis: a systematic review
Authors: Yusuf Mohamed , Atal Ignacio , Li Jacques , Smith Philip , Ravaud Philippe , Fergie Martin , Callaghan Michael , Selfe James
Published: March 2020

Aims

We conducted a systematic review assessing the reporting quality of studies validating models based on machine learning (ML) for clinical diagnosis, with a specific focus on the reporting of information concerning the participants on which the diagnostic task was evaluated on.

Method

Medline Core Clinical Journals were searched for studies published between July 2015 and July 2018. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved articles, a third reviewer resolved any discrepancies. An extraction list was developed from the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis guideline. Two reviewers independently extracted the data from the eligible articles. Third and fourth reviewers checked, verified the extracted data as well as resolved any discrepancies between the reviewers.

Results

The search results yielded 161 papers, of which 28 conformed to the eligibility criteria. Detail of data source was reported in 24 of the 28 papers. For all of the papers, the set of patients on which the ML-based diagnostic system was evaluated was partitioned from a larger dataset, and the method for deriving such set was always reported. Information on the diagnostic/non-diagnostic classification was reported well (23/28). The least reported items were the use of reporting guideline (0/28), distribution of disease severity (8/28 patient flow diagram (10/28) and distribution of alternative diagnosis (10/28). A large proportion of studies (23/28) had a delay between the conduct of the reference standard and ML tests, while one study did not and four studies were unclear. For 15 studies, it was unclear whether the evaluation group corresponded to the setting in which the ML test will be applied to.

Conclusion

All studies in this review failed to use reporting guidelines, and a large proportion of them lacked adequate detail on participants, making it difficult to replicate, assess and interpret study findings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018099167.
Cardiac catheter intervention complexity and safety outcomes in adult congenital heart disease
Authors: Brida Margarita , Diller Gerhard Paul , Nashat Heba , Barracano Rosaria , Kempny Aleksander , Uebing Anselm , Rigby Michael L , Gatzoulis Michael A
Published: March 2020

Objective

To describe the intervention spectrum, complexity, and safety outcomes of catheter-based interventions in a contemporary adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) tertiary cohort.

Methods

All patients over 16 years who underwent a catheter-based intervention for ACHD in our centre between 2000 and 2016 were included. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, indications for and complexity of intervention, procedural complications and early and mid-term mortality were analysed.

Results

Overall, 1644 catheter-based interventions were performed. Intervention complexity ranged from simple (67.5%) to intermediate (26.4%) and to high (6.1%). Commonly performed procedures were atrial septal defect (33.4%) and patent foramen ovale closure (26.1%) followed by coarctation of the aorta (11.1%) and pulmonary artery interventions (7.0%). Age at index intervention was 40±16 years, 758 (46.1%) patients were male, 73.2% in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, 20.2% in NYHA class II, whereas 6.6% in NYHA class III/IV. In-hospital mortality was 0.7%. Median postinterventional length of stay was 1 day. Complications occurred in 129 (7.9%) with major adverse events in 21 (1.3%). One-year postintervention survival rates were 98.7% (95% CI 98.2 to 99.2). Over the study period, there was a notable shift in intervention complexity, with a predominance of simple procedures performed in early years and more complex procedures in later years. Furthermore, the case mix during the study broadened (p<0.001) with new catheter-based interventions and a more individualised approach to therapy.

Conclusion

This study shows an increasing complexity and expanding variability of ACHD catheter-based interventions, associated with low major complications, short hospital stays and low early and mid-term mortality. Ongoing investment in ACHD catheter interventions is warranted.
Determination of minimal recording period to assess resting heart rate variability during pregnancy
Authors: da Silva Danilo Fernandes , Mohammad Shuhiba , Hutchinson Kelly Ann , Adamo Kristi Bree
Published: March 2020

Traditionally, resting heart rate variability (rHRV) is measured for 10 min using the last 5 min for analyses (e.g., criterion period). It is unknown whether the measurement period can be shortened in pregnant women as there are currently no established standards. We aimed to compare shorter time segments (e.g., from the 1st to 10th minutes) of the parasympathetic index natural logarithm transformation of root mean square of successive R–R differences (Ln rMSSD) with the criterion period in pregnant and nonpregnant women. Twelve pregnant (age: 30.8 ± 3.4 years; gestational age: 20.1 ± 5.0 weeks) and 15 nonpregnant women (age: 29.8 ± 4.0 years) were included. rHRV was measured using a portable heart rate monitor for 10 min while sitting. Ln rMSSD difference/agreement between shorter time segments and criterion period was analyzed. The result observed between the 4th–5th minutes was the shortest time segment not different from/highly agreed with the criterion period in pregnant women (difference [95% confidence interval (CI)]: −0.10 [−0.22 to 0.02]/bias ± 1.96 × SD: −0.06 [−0.38 to 0.25]). In nonpregnant women, the 2nd–3rd-minute segment was the shortest with similar results (difference [95% CI]: −0.04 [−0.15 to 0.07]/bias ± 1.96 × SD: −0.03 [−0.39 to 0.32]). The Ln rMSSD was found to be stable from the 5th–10th minutes and the 3rd–10th minutes in pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively. A shortened rHRV assessment can increase its applicability in clinical/exercise-training settings.

Novelty Ln rMSSD can be measured for 5 min in pregnant women, with the last 1-min segment analyzed. The last 1-min segment from 3 min can be used for rHRV measurement in nonpregnant women. The shortened rHRV assessment can facilitate its applicability in clinical/exercise-training settings.
Muscle fiber composition, jumping performance, and rate of force development adaptations induced by different power training volumes in females
Authors: Methenitis Spyridon , Mpampoulis Thomas , Spiliopoulou Polyxeni , Papadimas George , Papadopoulos Constantinos , Chalari Eleanna , Evangelidou Eftychia , Stasinaki Angeliki-Nikoletta , Nomikos Tzortzis , Terzis Gerasimos
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 3 different eccentric-only power training volumes on muscle fiber type composition and power performance. Twenty-nine females were assigned into 3 groups and performed 10 weeks of either 3 (low volume), 6 (moderate volume), or 9 (high volume) sets/session of 4 fast-velocity eccentric-only half-squats against 70% of concentric 1-repetition maximum (1RM), followed by 3 maximum countermovement jumps (CMJs) after each set. Half-squat 1RM, CMJ height/power, maximum isometric force, rate of force development (RFD) and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were increased in all groups (p = 0.001). Low-volume training induced higher increases in CMJ height/power and early RFD, compared with the moderate- and high-volume training programs (p < 0.001). Significant reductions in type IIx muscle fiber percentages and %CSAs were found after moderate- and high-volume training, with concomitant increases in type IIa fibers (p = 0.001). Significant correlations were found between the changes in type IIa and type IIx percentages, fiber CSA, %CSA, and the changes in performance (r: –0.787 to 0.792; p < 0.05). These results suggest that relatively large eccentric power training volumes may result in detrimental neuromuscular adaptations, minimal changes in early RFD, and a reduction of type IIx muscle fiber percentage.

Novelty Low but not high volume of power training maintains type IIx muscle fibers. Early rate of force development increases after a low- or moderate-power training volume, but not after a high-power training volume. Training-induced changes in type IIx muscle fiber percentage is related with changes in early rate of force development.
Fragmentation dynamics in an Abies religiosa forest of central Mexico
Authors: Montoya E. , Guzmán-Plazola R.A. , López-Mata L.
Published: March 2020

Fir (Abies Mill.) forests of Mexico are relicts of the boreal forests that advanced southwards during glaciation periods. Mexico is a center of diversification of the Abies genus, as there are eight species in its territory, six of which are endemic. The forests of Abies religiosa (Kunth) Schltdl. & Cham. near Mexico City are subject to a process of deterioration. We analyzed the fragmentation dynamics of the A. religiosa forest in the northern region of the Sierra Nevada, Mexico. Land cover change detection was done by means of high-resolution images acquired by the SPOT satellite in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2018. Habitat fragmentation was observed, with a decrease in the size of dense Abies masses. The area covered by Abies decreased by 22.9%. The area occupied by forest openings increased 3% from 2005 to 2010 and then decreased by 1.8% and 1.6% in the following periods. The land patch type Other Forest Cover increased in both frequency and size, with the area increasing by 23.3%, which warns of a change process towards this patch type. The formation of increasingly smaller and isolated remnants of A. religiosa forest in the Sierra Nevada can lead to the loss of this vegetation relict and its replacement by other types of cover in the short term.
Knowledge Deduction and Reuse Application to the Products’ Design Process
Authors: Miled Achraf Ben , Dhaouadi Rahma , Mansour Romany F.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we introduce a framework for knowledge reuse and deduction in mechanical products design and development. The proposed system effectively exploits the capitalized and inferred knowledge. To this end, we settled up an ontology dealing with the design process of mechanical products such as “the car”. The ontology-based framework is supported by a software tool that brings an automatic and personalized assistance to correspondent actors using the deduction process. Indeed, the systems provides the relevant knowledge to the suitable users in order to facilitate their professional tasks considering their roles and collaboration. Experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness of reusing knowledge during product development lifecycle.
A Model-Based Test Case Prioritization Approach Based on Fault Urgency and Severity
Authors: Wei Dan , Sun Qingying , Wang Xingqi , Zhang Tianning , Chen Bin
Published: March 2020

With the aggrandizement scale of software system, the number of test cases has grown explosively. Test case prioritization (TCP) has been widely used in software testing to effectively improve testing efficiency. However, traditional TCP methods are mostly based on software code and they are difficult to apply to model-based testing. Moreover, existing model-based TCP techniques often do not take the likely distribution of faults into consideration, yet software faults are not often equally distributed in the system, and test cases that cover more fault prone modules are more likely to reveal faults so that they should be run with a higher priority. Therefore, in this paper, we provide a TCP approach based on Hidden Markov Model (HMM), to detect faults as earlier as possible and reduce the cost of modification. This approach consists of the following main parts: (1) transforming the Unified Modeling Language (UML) sequence diagram to HMM; (2) estimating the fault urgency according to fault priority and probability; (3) estimating the fault severity by analyzing the weight of the state in the HMM; (4) generating test case priority from fault urgency and fault severity, then prioritizing test case. The proposed approach is implemented on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) flight control system to perform TCP. The experimental results show that our proposed TCP approach can effectively enhance the probability of earlier fault detection and improve the efficiency and stability as compared to other prioritization techniques, such as original prioritization, random prioritization, additional prioritization and EPS-UML.
Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis Using Environmentally Friendly Approach for Inhibition Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Ali Thamer Neran , Adil Ban. H. , Obaid A. S.
Published: March 2020

In this study, gold nanoparticles were synthesized in a single step biosynthetic method using aqueous leaves extract of thymus vulgaris L. It acts as a reducing and capping agent. The characterizations of nanoparticles were carried out using UV-Visible spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR. The surface plasmon resonance of the as-prepared gold nanoparticles (GNPs) showed the surface plasmon resonance centered at 550[Formula: see text]nm. The XRD pattern showed that the strong four intense peaks indicated the crystalline nature and the face centered cubic structure of the gold nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of the AuNPs was 14.93[Formula: see text]nm. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used to study the morphology of the AuNPs. AuNPs exhibited a spherical shape with diameters ranging 13–53[Formula: see text]nm. The synthesized stable gold nanoparticles showed more significant anticancer activity against MCF-7 and CAL-51 cells after 48[Formula: see text]h.
Network Thinking — A Novel Strategic View for Success in Organisational Networks
Authors: Abul Ameera , Al-Dallal Ammar
Published: March 2020

Recently, organisations are viewed as a network of connected individuals embedded within a larger network. This research aims to introduce a Network Thinking framework that applies the proven efficiencies of computer networking concepts on human networks to address the issues faced by organisations at different levels. Organisational Network Analysis (ONA) methods have been used to analyse the informal network of interactions between members of the system delivery department within a financial institution. The ONA tools were used to simulate the risks faced by the organisation as a result of the current network of interactions between individuals and the impact of Network Thinking approaches on addressing these issues. This research shows that Network Thinking concepts can be applied on human networks but cannot completely control the behaviour of its nodes. The performance is influenced by how nodes interact with each other and the degree of their accessibility to network resources.
The Impact of Green Supply Chain Management on Firm’s Performance
Authors: Jassim Sara , Al-Mubarak Muneer , Hamdan Allam
Published: March 2020

As the world grows and develops, people become more aware of business operational processes that are extremely harmful to our environment. Recently, customers’ demands, and governmental legislations have forced domestic and global organizations to implement environmentally sustainable practices in order to cure what has been damaged in the previous decades. This study focuses on the impact of green supply chain management practices on firm’s performance. These practices are green purchasing, green packaging, green manufacturing, green design and green marketing. A questionnaire was circulated among two companies of two industries: shipping and automobile. 80 managers and supervisors were targeted; 59 responses were received indicating a response rate of (74%). For testing, regression analysis and T-test were used. From the analysis, it was found that most of green practices influence firm’s performance with green manufacturing the most adopted practice that shapes the industries, followed by green marketing and green purchasing. On the other hand, little impact was found in green packaging and negative impact of green design on firm’s performance. Overall, the study indicates that the tested sample is moving towards the green concept but still it is in its first stages and needs more efforts and support from firms, suppliers and customers.
Billiard Physics: Motion of a Cue Ball after Hit by a Cue Stick Horizontally
Authors: Ozkanlar Abdullah
Published: March 2020

Billiards and pool games provide an excellent medium to discuss several physics principles including Newton’s laws of motion, friction, impulse-momentum theorem, work-energy theorem, kinematics and dynamics of rotational motion, and rolling motion. This paper provides a complete analysis of the motion of a cue ball that is given a sharp impulse, which is parallel to the horizontal surface. The horizontal impulse, in this work, is restricted to be in the plane passing through the ball’s center of mass and the contact point such that it sets the ball in horizontal motion with no sidespin. The motion of the cue ball until it eventually starts to roll without slipping is analyzed for all different impulse points on the surface of the ball. These analyses provide physics instructors a set of exciting examples on the rolling motion.
The January 2020 issue
Authors: Bonaventure Olivier
Published: March 2020

This January 2020 issue starts the fiftieth volume of Computer Communication Review. This marks an important milestone for our newsletter. This issue contains four technical papers and three editorial notes. In
C-Share: Optical Circuits Sharing for Software-Defined Data-Centers
, Shay Vargaftik and his colleagues tackle the challenge of designing data-center networks that combine optical circuit switches with traditional packet switches.
Network architecture in the age of programmability
Authors: Sivaraman Anirudh , Mason Thomas , Panda Aurojit , Netravali Ravi , Kondaveeti Sai Anirudh
Published: March 2020

Motivated by the rapid emergence of programmable switches, programmable network interface cards, and software packet processing, this paper asks: given a network task (e.g., virtualization or measurement) in a programmable network, should we implement it at the network's end hosts (the edge) or its switches (the core)? To answer this question, we analyze a range of common network tasks spanning virtualization, deep packet inspection, measurement, application acceleration, and resource management. We conclude that, while the edge is better or even required for certain network tasks (e.g., virtualization, deep packet inspection, and access control), implementing other tasks (e.g., measurement, congestion control, and scheduling) in the network's core has significant benefits---especially as we raise the bar for the performance we demand from our networks.

More generally, we extract two primary properties that govern where a network task should be implemented: (1)
time scales
, or how quickly a task needs to respond to changes, and (2)
data locality
, or the placement of tasks close to the data that they must access. For instance, we find that the core is preferable when implementing tasks that need to run at short time scales, e.g., detecting fleeting and infrequent microbursts or rapid convergence to fair shares in congestion control. Similarly, we observe that tasks should be placed close to the state that they need to access, e.g., at the edge for deep packet inspection that requires private keys, and in the core for congestion control and measurement that needs to access queue depth information at switches.
The Protective Effect of Adiponectin-Transfected Endothelial Progenitor Cells on Cognitive Function in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Rats
Authors: Huang Jing , Hou Botong , Zhang Shuaimei , Wang Meiyao , Lu Xuanzhen , Wang Qunfeng , Liu Yumin
Published: March 2020

Aging is a multifactorial process involving the cumulative effects of inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dynamics, which can produce complex structural and biochemical alterations to the nervous system and lead to dysfunction of microcirculation, blood-brain barrier (BBB), and other problems in the brain. Long-term injection of D-galactose (D-gal) can induce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, accelerating aging. The model of accelerated aging with long-term administration of D-gal have been widely used in anti-aging studies, due to the increase of chronic inflammation and decline of cognition that similarity with natural aging in animals. However, despite extensive researches in the D-gal-induced aging rats, studies on their microvasculature remain limited. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are precursors to endothelial cells (ECs), play a significant role in the repair and regeneration process of endogenous blood vessel, and adiponectin (APN), a protein derived from adipocyte, has many effects on protective vascular endothelium and anti-inflammatory. Recently, many studies have shown that APN can promote improvements in cognitive function. Under these circumstances, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of the APN-transfected EPC (APN-EPC) treatment on rats after administration with D-gal and explored the likely underlying mechanisms. Compared to model group for D-gal administration, better cognitive function and denser microvessels were significantly found in the APN-EPC treatment group, and indicated APN-EPC treatment in aging rats could improve the cognitive dysfunction and microvessel density. The level of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, activated astrocytes and apoptosis rate were significantly reduced in the APN-EPC group compared with the model group, showed that APN-EPCs alleviated the neuroinflammation in aging rats. In addition, the APN-EPC group inhibited the decrease of BBB-related proteins claudin-5, occludin, and Zo-1 in aging rats and attenuated BBB dysfunction significantly. These results of our study indicated that APN-EPC treatment in D-gal-induced aging rats have a positive effect on improving cognitive and BBB dysfunction, increasing angiogenesis, and reducing neuroinflammation and apoptosis rate. This research suggests that cell therapy via gene modification may provide a safe and effective approach for the treatment of age-related neurogenerative diseases.
The Effects of Trabeculectomy on Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Li Fan , Tang Guangxian , Zhang Hengli , Yan Xiaowei , Ma Lihua , Geng Yulei
Published: March 2020

Purpose. To compare long-term effects of trabeculectomy on pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods. This retrospective case-control study included 53 eyes of PXG and 76 eyes of POAG. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications used, surgical success rate, and occurrence of complications were observed and statistically analyzed in both groups at 3 and 6 months and at 1, 3, and 5 years after trabeculectomy. Surgical success was defined according to the following 3 criteria: (1) IOP ≤ 21 mmHg; (2) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg; (3) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg. Complete success is defined as patients met these criteria without medical treatment, and qualified success is defined as patients met these criteria with medical treatment (≤3 medications). Cumulative probabilities of success were compared using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results. For the 3 criteria, there were no statistically significant differences in complete and qualified success rates between the two groups at 3 and 6 months after trabeculectomy (P>0.05). For criterion A, complete success rates in PXG at 3 and 5 years after surgery were lower than those in POAG; for criterion B, complete and qualified success rates in PXG at 3 and 5 years after surgery were lower than those in POAG; for criterion C, complete and qualified success rates in PXG at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery were lower than those in POAG, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions. The short-term success rates of both types of glaucoma were similar; however, the long-term success rate of PXG was significantly lower, and it was difficult to achieve long-term control of IOP at a low target level.
Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Migraine: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Li Yu-Xi , Xiao Xi-li , Zhong Dong-Ling , Luo Liao-Jun , Yang Han , Zhou Jun , He Ming-Xing , Shi Li-Hong , Li Juan , Zheng Hui , Jin Rong-Jiang
Published: March 2020

Background. Migraine is a common neurological disease, which burdens individuals and society all over the world. Acupuncture, an important method in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is widely used in clinical practice as a treatment for migraine. Several systematic reviews (SRs) have investigated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for migraine. Objective. To summarize and critically assess the quality of relevant SRs and present an objective and comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for migraine. Data Sources. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, PROSPERO database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal (SCTJ), and WanFang database (WF) were searched from inception to December 2019 and grey literatures were manually searched. Selection Criteria. SRs which meet the criteria were independently selected by 2 reviewers according to a predetermined protocol. Data Extraction. Characteristics of included SRs were independently extracted by 2 reviewers following a predefined data extraction form. Review Appraisal. The methodological quality, risk of bias, and reporting quality of included SRs were assessed, respectively, by a Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2, the Risk of Bias in Systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool, and the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis-Acupuncture (PRISMA-A) statement. The quality of outcomes was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results. A total of 15 SRs were included. All the SRs were published between 2011–2019. Based on AMSTAR 2, 14 out of 15 SRs were rated critically low quality and 1 was rated low quality. According to ROBIS tool, 9 SRs (60%) were low risk of bias. With the PRISMA-A checklist, we found 11 out of 15 SRs were found adequately reported over 70%. With the GRADE tool, we found high quality of evidence indicated that the effective rate of acupuncture was superior to western medicine in treatment of migraine. Besides, acupuncture reduced more headache days and the times of using painkiller and was more effective in reducing the frequency and degree of headache than western medicine and sham acupuncture. Limitations. There might be some missing information. The accuracy of the conclusions may be decreased reduced since we were unable to synthesis all the evidence. Conclusions. Based on high quality of evidence, we concluded that acupuncture may be an effective and safe therapy for migraine. However, the quality of SRs in acupuncture for migraine still needs more improvement.
Multimodal Therapeutic Effects of Neural Precursor Cells Derived from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells through Episomal Plasmid-Based Reprogramming in a Rodent Model of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Oh Seung-Hun , Jeong Yong-Woo , Choi Wankyu , Noh Jeong-Eun , Lee Suji , Kim Hyun-Sook , Song Jihwan
Published: March 2020

Stem cell therapy is a promising option for treating functional deficits in the stroke-damaged brain. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are attractive sources for cell therapy as they can be efficiently differentiated into neural lineages. Episomal plasmids (EPs) containing reprogramming factors can induce nonviral, integration-free iPSCs. Thus, iPSCs generated by an EP-based reprogramming technique (ep-iPSCs) have an advantage over gene-integrating iPSCs for clinical applications. However, there are few studies regarding the in vivo efficacy of ep-iPSCs. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of intracerebral transplantation of neural precursor cells differentiated from ep-iPSCs (ep-iPSC-NPCs) in a rodent stroke model. The ep-iPSC-NPCs were transplanted intracerebrally in a peri-infarct area in a rodent stroke model. Rats transplanted with fibroblasts and vehicle were used as controls. The ep-iPSC-NPC-transplanted animals exhibited functional improvements in behavioral and electrophysiological tests. A small proportion of ep-iPSC-NPCs were detected up to 12 weeks after transplantation and were differentiated into both neuronal and glial lineages. In addition, transplanted cells promoted endogenous brain repair, presumably via increased subventricular zone neurogenesis, and reduced poststroke inflammation and glial scar formation. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that intracerebral transplantation of ep-iPSC-NPCs is a useful therapeutic option to treat clinical stroke through multimodal therapeutic mechanisms.
Numerical Solution of a Class of Predator-Prey Systems with Complex Dynamics Characters Based on a Sinc Function Interpolation Collocation Method
Authors: Du Mingjing , Ning Pengfei , Wang Yulan
Published: March 2020

Although many kinds of numerical methods have been announced for the predator-prey system, simple and efficient methods have always been the direction that scholars strive to pursue. Based on this problem, in this paper, a new interpolation collocation method is proposed for a class of predator-prey systems with complex dynamics characters. Some complex dynamics characters and pattern formations are shown by using this new approach, and the results have a good agreement with theoretical results. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the method.
Robust Semisupervised Kernelized Fuzzy Local Information C-Means Clustering for Image Segmentation
Authors: Yang Yao , Wu Chengmao , Li Yawen , Zhang Shaoyu
Published: March 2020

To improve the effectiveness and robustness of the existing semisupervised fuzzy clustering for segmenting image corrupted by noise, a kernel space semisupervised fuzzy C-means clustering segmentation algorithm combining utilizing neighborhood spatial gray information with fuzzy membership information is proposed in this paper. The mean intensity information of neighborhood window is embedded into the objective function of the existing semisupervised fuzzy C-means clustering, and the Lagrange multiplier method is used to obtain its iterative expression corresponding to the iterative solution of the optimization problem. Meanwhile, the local Gaussian kernel function is used to map the pixel samples from the Euclidean space to the high-dimensional feature space so that the cluster adaptability to different types of image segmentation is enhanced. Experiment results performed on different types of noisy images indicate that the proposed segmentation algorithm can achieve better segmentation performance than the existing typical robust fuzzy clustering algorithms and significantly enhance the antinoise performance.
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Conbercept with Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Xiaolei , Zhang Jingjing , Tian Jingyi , Chen Shijiu , Zeng Fanxing , Yuan Gongqiang
Published: March 2020

Introduction. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the therapeutic effect and safety of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) versus intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) in treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods. Relevant studies were identified through systemic searches of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, CNKI, and Wanfang database up to 28 February 2019. Changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) in μm and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logMAR equivalents at 1, 3, and 6 months after initial treatment were performed by pooled analysis. Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Results. Eight articles involving 588 patients with DME were identified for this meta-analysis. The results showed that IVC significantly improved BCVA compared with IVR at 6 mo (SMD = −0.74 95% CI: −1.28 to −0.2; p=0.029) in patients with DME. IVC was superior to IVR in reducing central retinal thickness (CRT at 1 mo (p<0.0001), 3 mo (p=0.025), and 6 mo (p=0.019)) from baseline with statistical significance. For AEs, the pooled results showed that no significant difference in the risk of intraocular pressure increased (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 0.55 to 5.25; p=0.352) or conjunctival hemorrhage (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.34 to 2.34; p=0.65) between two groups. Conclusions. This meta-analysis showed that IVC trended to be more effective than IVR in terms of functional and anatomic outcomes for treating DME.
Neuroinflammatory Markers in the Serum of Prepubertal Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Tarani Luigi , Carito Valentina , Ferraguti Giampiero , Petrella Carla , Greco Antonio , Ralli Massimo , Messina Marisa Patrizia , Rasio Debora , De Luca Enrica , Putotto Carolina , Versacci Paolo , Ceccanti Mauro , Fiore Marco
Published: March 2020

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder. Although DS individuals are mostly perceived as characterized by some distinct physical features, cognitive disabilities, and cardiac defects, they also show important dysregulations of immune functions. While critical information is available for adults with DS, little literature is available on the neuroinflammation in prepubertal DS children. We aimed to evaluate in prepubertal DS children the serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), oxidative stress as free oxygen radicals defense (FORD), free oxygen radicals test (FORT), and cytokines playing key roles in neuroinflammation and oxidative processes as TNF-α, TGF-β, MCP-1, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12. No differences were found in NGF between DS children and controls. However, BDNF was higher in DS subjects compared to controls. We also did not reveal changes in FORD and FORT. Quite interestingly, the serum of DS children disclosed a marked decrease in all analyzed cytokines with evident differences in serum cytokine presence between male and female DS children. In conclusion, the present study evidences in DS prepubertal children a disruption in the neurotrophins and immune system pathways.
Analysis of Foveal and Parafoveal Microvascular Density and Retinal Vessel Caliber Alteration in Inactive Graves’ Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Akpolat Cetin , Kurt Muhammed M. , Yılmaz Merve , Ordulu Fikriye , Evliyaoglu Ferhat
Published: March 2020

Purpose. We aimed to evaluate foveal and parafoveal density using optical coherence tomography angiography and the alteration on the retinal vessel diameter in patients with inactive Graves’ ophthalmopathy compared to age-matched normal population. Materials and Methods. Patients with inactive Graves’ ophthalmopathy (study group) and healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in the cross sectionally designed study. The optical coherence tomography angiography parameters and retinal vessel diameter measurements were assessed between the study and control groups. Foveal and parafoveal microvascular density in the retina was measured using optical coherence tomography angiography. Retinal artery and vein diameter and artery/vein ratio were assessed for retinal vessel caliber changes. Results. Patients with inactive Graves’ ophthalmopathy had higher values of intraocular pressure, proptosis, and axial length (P=0.001, P=0.002, and P=0.008, respectively). Temporal parafoveal vessel density was 48.93 ± 3.21 and 47.62 ± 2.59 in the study and control groups, respectively (P=0.017). Nasal parafoveal vessel density was 47.55 ± 3.01 and 46.46 ± 2.57 in the study and control groups, respectively (P=0.035). Foveal, superior, and inferior parafoveal vessel density values were similar in the study and control groups (P=0.268, P=0.107, and P=0.055, respectively). Patients in the study group had narrower retinal artery and vein diameters (P≤0.001 and P=0.033). Artery/vein ratio was significantly higher in the control group (P≤0.001). Conclusion. Optical coherence tomography angiography could be a novel and promising noninvasive diagnostic technique in patients with inactive Graves’ ophthalmopathy to detect foveal and parafoveal vessel density changes compared to healthy subjects. The decrease of retinal vessel diameter might be observed in patients with inactive graves ophthalmopathy.
Combined Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery and 27-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy
Authors: Yılmaz Sami , Avcı Remzi , Mavi Yıldız Ayşegül
Published: March 2020

Purpose. To report the outcomes of combined surgery using femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and sutureless 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal tamponade.Methods. This retrospective clinical study involved 23 eyes of 23 patients on whom combined vitreoretinal surgery was performed. Patients were initially given the femtosecond laser treatment that was performed after selection of capsulotomy and lens fragmentation patterns. The capsulotomy diameter was chosen as 4.9 mm in all patients. After the femtosecond laser, the sutureless phacovitrectomy procedure was performed. At the end of surgery, perfluoropropane or sterile air tamponade was applied.Results. The mean age of patients was 66.43 ± 7.61 (range, 54–83) years. Fifteen patients were females (65.2%). The mean follow-up was 16.09 ± 4.71 (range, 9–25) months. The most common surgical indication was epiretinal membrane (65.3%). The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.71 ± 0.44 (range, 1.7–0.3) logMAR, and the mean postoperative BCVA at 6 months was 0.16 ± 0.14 (range, 0.4–0) logMARp<0.001. The mean target sphere refractive error was −0.24 ± 0.16 (range, −0.50–0.11) D, and the mean postoperative spherical equivalent refractive error was −0.14 ± 0.39 (range, −1.00–0.50) D at 6 monthsp=0.196. All intraocular lenses (IOLs) remained well centered in the capsular bag during surgery and follow-up. There was no iris capture, posterior synechiae, capsular opacification, or pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. The only complication related to femtosecond laser was two cases of subconjunctival haemorrhage related with suction.Conclusions. FLACS is a safe and effective technique providing the advantage of repeatable, precise capsulorhexis shape and size to achieve a well-centered and stable IOL postoperatively. These advantages can certainly improve the results of vitrectomy, especially in gas-filled eyes. FLACS and 27-gauge sutureless combined surgery may be a future trend in appropriate cases.
Application of Ultraviolet Radiation to Control the Calcium Carbonate Scale Formation and Deposition on the Membranes
Authors: Basheer Chanbasha , Rashwan Mokhtar , Al-Mutairi Eid , Shaikh Amjad A. , Qureshi Khurram Karim
Published: March 2020

Scale formation on surfaces in contact with water supersaturated with calcium carbonate creates technical problems, including heat transfer hindrance, energy consumption, and equipment shutdown. Thus, nowadays, there is an increasing need for new approaches that are environmentally friendly and economically feasible. In this work, for the first time, calcium carbonate growth was investigated using UV light exposure, and the growth rate was compared with control and commercial antiscalant. Saturated calcium carbonate samples were exposed to UV radiation; the growth rate of calcium carbonate crystals was monitored at different time intervals. Results clearly show that about 85% decrease in crystal growth rate was observed when compared to 43% after the addition of 3 mg/L of amino tris(methylene phosphonic acid) antiscalant. Calcium carbonate scale deposition on hydrophobic and hydrophilic membranes was investigated. The amount of scale deposited in the case of a UV-treated sample is insignificant when compared to control samples. Thus, the exposure of UV might help to improve the membranes’ lifetime. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that UV light treatment produced mostly calcite crystals. The produced calcites are less dense and less adherent, and it can be easily removable when compared to other types of calcium carbonate phases. Thus, UV radiation is an efficient green approach for calcium carbonate scale mitigation on membrane surfaces.
Functional and Social Team Dynamics in Industrial Settings
Authors: Saadi Dominic E. , Sutcliffe Mark , Bar-Yam Yaneer , Morales Alfredo J.
Published: March 2020

Like other social systems, corporations comprise networks of individuals that share information and create interdependencies among their actions. The properties of these networks are crucial to a corporation’s success. Understanding how individuals self-organize into teams and how this relates to performance is a challenge for managers and management software developers looking for ways to enhance corporate tasks. In this paper, we analyze functional and social communication networks from industrial production plants and relate their properties to performance. We use internal management software data that reveal aspects of functional and social communications among workers. We found that distinct features of functional and social communication networks emerge. The former are asymmetrical, and the latter are segregated by job title, i.e., executives, managers, supervisors, and operators. We show that performance is negatively correlated with the volume of functional communications but positively correlated with the density of the emerging communication networks. Exposing social dynamics in the workplace matters given the increasing digitization and automation of corporate tasks and managerial processes.