bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An anisotropic model for stars
Authors: Estevez-Delgado Joaquin , Soto-Espitia Rafael , Ceballos Joel Arturo Rodriguez , Cleary-Balderas Arthur , Cabrera Jose Vega
Published: April 2020

A stellar model with anisotropic pressure is constructed and analyzed, the metric components that describe the geometry and the source of matter satisfy Einstein’s equations and both are finite inside the star. In addition, density and pressure are decreasing monotone functions of the radial distance. The speed of sound is positive and less than the speed of light, furthermore the model is potentially stable. The model allows describing compact objects with compactness of [Formula: see text] and as a result of the anisotropic value there is a range of values of the central density, in particular for the maximum value of compactness a star with [Formula: see text] and a value of anisotropic parameter [Formula: see text] we get a stellar radius of [Formula: see text] and a central density [Formula: see text]. The above makes the solution a physically realistic model that can be used to describe dense objects such as neutron stars whose characteristic density is of the order of nuclear density.
Numerical investigations on the thrust generation of a manta-inspired foil
Authors: Huang Qiao-Gao , Ma Yun-Long , Chao Li-Ming , Pan Guang
Published: April 2020

In this work, we present a systematical investigation to understand the hydrodynamic characteristics of the manta-inspired foil. At the Reynolds number of 200, the thrust acting on an active deforming foil is numerically studied. Based on the numerical results, we reveal that the propulsive force of the manta-inspired foil is increased with keeping increase of the kinematic frequency and amplitude of the foil. In addition, it is found that the flexibility of the foil also plays a key role in affecting the foil’s propulsive performance. This work provides helpful findings for designing the manta-inspired underwater robots.
Analytical expressions of copositivity for fourth-order symmetric tensors
Authors: Song Yisheng , Qi Liqun
Published: April 2020

In particle physics, scalar potentials have to be bounded from below in order for the physics to make sense. The precise expressions of checking lower bound of scalar potentials are essential, which is an analytical expression of checking copositivity and positive definiteness of tensors given by such scalar potentials. Because the tensors given by general scalar potential are fourth-order and symmetric, our work mainly focuses on finding precise expressions to test copositivity and positive definiteness of fourth-order tensors in this paper. First of all, an analytically sufficient and necessary condition of positive definiteness is provided for fourth-order 2-dimensional symmetric tensors. For fourth-order 3-dimensional symmetric tensors, we give two analytically sufficient conditions of (strictly) copositivity by using proof technique of reducing orders or dimensions of such a tensor. Furthermore, an analytically sufficient and necessary condition of copositivity is showed for fourth-order 2-dimensional symmetric tensors. We also give several distinctly analytically sufficient conditions of (strict) copositivity for fourth-order 2-dimensional symmetric tensors. Finally, these results may be applied to check lower bound of scalar potentials, and to present analytical vacuum stability conditions for potentials of two real scalar fields and the Higgs boson.
Ovulation Rate after Metformin and Clomiphene vs Clomiphene Alone in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Heathcote Georgia , Boothroyd Clare , Forbes Kevin , Lee Alan , Gregor Margaret , Luscombe Georgina
Published: April 2020

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5%-15% of women of reproductive age and has a negative impact on their fertility. The primary outcome of this study is ovulation rate when standard (immediate release) metformin (MF) is added to clomiphene citrate (CC) in oligoovulatory and anovulatory women with PCOS.

Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Twenty-seven women with PCOS (according to the Rotterdam consensus), desiring pregnancy and without another cause of subfertility were recruited from a public hospital outpatient gynecology clinic. Up to six cycles of CC (25-150 mg) plus either MF 500 mg tds (CC+MF) or placebo (CC+Pl) were offered. Student’s t-test, Chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test were used for analysis.

Results: Thirteen women with up to six cycles each were included in the final analysis. The rate of ovulation and ovulation rate per cycle was similar between women in the CC+MF and CC+Pl groups RR 1.09 (95% CI 0.80-1.49) and RR 0.88 (95% CI 0.63-1.22), respectively as was chemical pregnancy rate RR 1.77 (95% CI 0.58-5.38). The live birth rate was higher in CC+MF RR 6.83 (95% CI 0.83-56.27) and miscarriage rate was lower RR 0.21 (95% CI 0.002-1.07). The number needed to treat for live birth was 10.

Conclusion: Use of standard MF, 500 mg tds, when given with CC results in an increase in live birth rate, and a decrease in miscarriage rate.
Geological and petrophysical applications of imaging infrared spectroscopy for mineralogical analysis of core and cuttings: examples from the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea
Authors: Hunt Gavin A. , Williams Richard , Charnock Michael A. , Moss Adam , Meltveit Jan , Florescu Doru
Published: April 2020

The most recent advance in infrared spectroscopy is in the use of real-time imaging reflectance spectrometers to study cores and cuttings. These are non-contact and non-destructive, and acquire continuous mineral and hydrocarbon data in a detailed sub-millimetre pixel image format. The main strength of this approach is the unique ability to accurately discriminate and quantify the clays, carbonates and sulfates, along with hydrocarbon information.

Three hyperspectral core-scanning projects from the UK and Norwegian Continental Shelf highlight how these detailed, continuous mineral and hydrocarbon data can be used in geological and petrophysical evaluations. In the Dunbar Field of the Northern North Sea, UK, the spectral recognition of illite and kaolinite polytypes associated with faulted sandstone units contributed to a successful revision of lithostratigraphic correlation between wells with core material and those with only cuttings. These had been hitherto problematical. In Norway, hyperspectral mineral data from mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sequences across the Permo-Triassic boundary in the Alta Field, Barents Sea, helped in the delineation of a karstified dolomitic reservoir. A kaolinite cyclicity associated with an Upper Triassic stacked alluvial fan sequence was also identified in the Lorry Prospect, Norwegian Sea. Finally, it is demonstrated how hyperspectral data can be applied quantitatively to help to calibrate downhole petrophysical data, improve gamma log scaling for shale volume calculations and link mineralogy to permeability.
JavaScript AOT compilation
Authors: Serrano Manuel
Published: April 2020

Static compilation,
a.k.a.,
ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation, is an alternative approach to JIT compilation that can combine good speed and lightweight memory footprint, and that can accommodate read-only memory constraints that are imposed by some devices and some operating systems. Unfortunately the highly dynamic nature of JavaScript makes it hard to compile statically and all existing AOT compilers have either gave up on good performance or full language support. We have designed and implemented an AOT compiler that aims at satisfying both. It supports full unrestricted ECMAScript 5.1 plus many ECMAScript 2017 features and the majority of benchmarks are within 50
Anomaly analyses for feature-model evolution
Authors: Nieke Michael , Mauro Jacopo , Seidl Christoph , Thüm Thomas , Yu Ingrid Chieh , Franzke Felix
Published: April 2020

Software Product Lines (SPLs) are a common technique to capture families of software products in terms of commonalities and variabilities. On a conceptual level, functionality of an SPL is modeled in terms of features in Feature Models (FMs). As other software systems, SPLs and their FMs are subject to evolution that may lead to the introduction of anomalies (e.g., non-selectable features). To fix such anomalies, developers need to understand the cause for them. However, for large evolution histories and large SPLs, explanations may become very long and, as a consequence, hard to understand. In this paper, we present a method for anomaly detection and explanation that, by encoding the entire evolution history, identifies the evolution step of anomaly introduction and explains which of the performed evolution operations lead to it. In our evaluation, we show that our method significantly reduces the complexity of generated explanations.
Knowledge-Based Biomedical Data Science
Authors: Callahan Tiffany J. , Tripodi Ignacio J. , Pielke-Lombardo Harrison , Hunter Lawrence E.
Published: April 2020

Knowledge-based biomedical data science involves the design and implementation of computer systems that act as if they knew about biomedicine. Such systems depend on formally represented knowledge in computer systems, often in the form of knowledge graphs. Here we survey recent progress in systems that use formally represented knowledge to address data science problems in both clinical and biological domains, as well as progress on approaches for creating knowledge graphs. Major themes include the relationships between knowledge graphs and machine learning, the use of natural language processing to construct knowledge graphs, and the expansion of novel knowledge-based approaches to clinical and biological domains.
Infectious Disease Research in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Kasson Peter M.
Published: April 2020

Infectious disease research spans scales from the molecular to the global—from specific mechanisms of pathogen drug resistance, virulence, and replication to the movement of people, animals, and pathogens around the world. All of these research areas have been impacted by the recent growth of large-scale data sources and data analytics. Some of these advances rely on data or analytic methods that are common to most biomedical data science, while others leverage the unique nature of infectious disease, namely its communicability. This review outlines major research progress in the past few years and highlights some remaining opportunities, focusing on data or methodological approaches particular to infectious disease.
Water Treatment: Are Membranes the Panacea?
Authors: Landsman Matthew R. , Sujanani Rahul , Brodfuehrer Samuel H. , Cooper Carolyn M. , Darr Addison G. , Davis R. Justin , Kim Kyungtae , Kum Soyoon , Nalley Lauren K. , Nomaan Sheik M. , Oden Cameron P. , Paspureddi Akhilesh , Reimund Kevin K. , Rowles Lewis Stetson , Yeo Seulki , Lawler Desmond F. , Freeman Benny D. , Katz Lynn E.
Published: April 2020

Alongside the rising global water demand, continued stress on current water supplies has sparked interest in using nontraditional source waters for energy, agriculture, industry, and domestic needs. Membrane technologies have emerged as one of the most promising approaches to achieve water security, but implementation of membrane processes for increasingly complex waters remains a challenge. The technical feasibility of membrane processes replacing conventional treatment of alternative water supplies (e.g., wastewater, seawater, and produced water) is considered in the context of typical and emerging water quality goals. This review considers the effectiveness of current technologies (both conventional and membrane based), as well as the potential for recent advancements in membrane research to achieve these water quality goals. We envision the future of water treatment to integrate advanced membranes (e.g., mixed-matrix membranes, block copolymers) into smart treatment trains that achieve several goals, including fit-for-purpose water generation, resource recovery, and energy conservation.
The Genomics and Genetics of Oxygen Homeostasis
Authors: Semenza Gregg L.
Published: April 2020

Human survival is dependent upon the continuous delivery of O2 to each cell in the body in sufficient amounts to meet metabolic requirements, primarily for ATP generation by oxidative phosphorylation. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) regulate the transcription of thousands of genes to balance O2 supply and demand. The HIFs are negatively regulated by O2-dependent hydrox-ylation and ubiquitination by prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) proteins and the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) protein. Germline mutations in the genes encoding VHL, HIF-2α, and PHD2 cause hereditary erythrocytosis, which is characterized by polycythemia and pulmonary hypertension and is caused by increased HIF activity. Evolutionary adaptation to life at high altitude is associated with unique genetic variants in the genes encoding HIF-2α and PHD2 that blunt the erythropoietic and pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia.
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Sprouted Seed Extract: Its Chemical HPLC Analysis, Abortive Effect, and Neurodevelopmental Toxicity on Mice
Authors: Oufquir Sara , Ait Laaradia Mehdi , El Gabbas Zineb , Bezza Kenza , Laadraoui Jawad , Aboufatima Rachida , Sokar Zahra , Chait Abderrahman
Published: April 2020

The Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds, in a dormant or sprouted state, have been largely investigated for their therapeutic activities such as being antidiabetic, antioxidant, cholesterol‐lowering, and as a digestive enhancer too. Nevertheless, there are no studies evaluating the potential developmental toxicity of germinated grains despite the availability of numerous research studies demonstrating the teratogenicity effect of unsprouted seeds. Therefore, this research work was conducted to assess the impact of fenugreek sprouts on maternal and neurobehavioral developmental toxicities on mice. The lyophilized aqueous extract of germinated seeds was administered via oral gavage on a daily basis to five groups of mated female mice throughout pregnancy at doses of 200, 500, 800, and 1000 mg/kg/day and the control group was administered distilled water. Maternal reproductive toxicity was evaluated, and the surviving pups were assessed for their physical development, malformation, and neurobehavioral toxicity by using a battery of tests from birth to the 25th postnatal day. Additionally, the aqueous extract of germinated and ungerminated seeds was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for a comparison of their major compounds. For pregnant treated female mice, no death and no intoxication symptoms have been registered during the test. However, the sprouts’ extract has provoked a significant decrease in fertility, spontaneous abortion, pup’s mortality, and neurobehavioral disorder in offspring. HPLC analysis reveals an increase in total phenolic compound concentration by the process of sprouting.
Comparison of Using One Trabecular Microbypass Stent versus Two during Cataract Surgery at Two Sites: One‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Yang Shuo , Ittarat Mantapond , Tran Elaine , Ferrell Patricia , Wang Gloria , Fisher Ann C. , Li Zhongqiu , Chang Robert T.
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To compare IOP and ocular hypotensive medication reduction of using one trabecular microbypass stent versus two in patients with open‐angle glaucoma. Setting. Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital and the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA. Design. Retrospective case series. Methods. A chart review included patients who underwent trabecular microbypass implantation with cataract surgery in 2015‐2017, with at least one‐year follow‐up. Subjects were divided into two groups by location (always one stent at Stanford versus two stents at the VA). Primary outcome measures included IOP and medication reduction at baseline and 12‐month follow‐up. Results. 132 subjects (166 eyes) were included. The preoperative IOP was 16.3 ± 3.4 mmHg on 2.6 ± 1.1 medications in the one‐stent group (N = 85) and 17.5 ± 3.1 mmHg on 2.7 ± 0.6 medications in the two‐stent group (N = 81). There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.06). At the 12‐month visit, there was a 13.37% ± 2.93 reduction in IOP in the 1‐stent group (p ≤ 0.001) and 13.49% ± 2.69 in the 2‐stent group (p ≤ 0.001); both were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.074). At 12 months, there was also a 14.5% reduction in medication use for the 1‐stent group and 15.3% reduction in the 2‐stent group, both statistically significant from baseline, (p = 0.022 and p = 0.037, respectively). Conclusions. Implantation with either one or two stents during cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma demonstrated similar IOP and med reduction in both groups between the two sites.
A Mislocated Intrauterine Device Migrating to the Urinary Bladder: An Uncommon Complication Leading to Stone Formation
Authors: Nouioui Mohamed Ali , Taktak Tarek , Mokadem Seif , Mediouni Houssem , Khiari Ramzi , Ghozzi Samir
Published: April 2020

Intrauterine devices are a popular form of reversible contraception among women. Its administration can lead to some uncommon but serious complications such as perforation leading to its migration into adjacent organs. Like any foreign body, the presence of an IUD in the bladder can result in stone formation due to its lithogenic potential. We report a case of an IUD migrating from its normal position in the uterine cavity into the urinary bladder causing chronic low urinary tract symptoms in a 43-year-old female patient. The device was securely removed without complications using grasping forceps under cystoscopy, and no parietal defect was detected. A mislocated IUD is a rare complication that should be considered in female patients presenting with chronic urinary symptoms.
Quinonoids: Therapeutic Potential for Lung Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ying Hua-Zhong , Yu Chen-Huan , Chen Hao-Kun , Zhang Huan-Huan , Fang Jie , Wu Fang , Yu Wen-Ying
Published: April 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Owing to its high incidence and mortality, the development and discovery of novel anticancer drugs is of great importance. In recent years, many breakthroughs have been achieved in the search for effective anticancer substances from natural products. Many anticancer drugs used clinically and proven to be effective are derived from natural products. Quinonoids, including naphthoquinones, phenanthrenequinones, benzoquinones, and anthraquinones, constitute a large group of natural bioactive compounds that widely exist in higher and lower plant species. Given that most of these compounds possess anticancer effects, they are applied in many cancer studies, especially in lung cancer research. They can promote apoptosis, induce autophagy, and inhibit proliferation, angiogenesis, and cell invasion and migration. Some drugs can enhance anticancer effects when combined with other drugs. Thus, quinonoids have broad application prospects in the treatment of lung cancer. Here, we summarize the previous studies on the antilung cancer activities of quinonoids together with their underlying mechanisms and analyze the common research targets with different effects so as to provide references for the discovery of quinonoids against lung cancer.
Partnerships of Bidders with Constant Relative Risk Aversions
Authors: Zhao Pingping , Xiang Kaili , Chen Peimin
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we study a dynamic auction for allocating a single indivisible project while different participants have different bid values for the project. When the price rises continuously, the bidders can retreat the auction and obtain the compensation by the difference between the price at retreating time and the previous bid price. The final successful bidder achieves the project and pays compensations to others. We show that the auction of bidders with constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) has a unique equilibrium. While the relative risk aversion coefficient approaches to zero, the equilibrium with CRRA bidders would approach to the equilibrium with risk-neutral bidders.
Chemerin: A Potential Regulator of Inflammation and Metabolism for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Authors: Li Jian , Lu Yufan , Li Ning , Li Peijun , Wang Zhengrong , Ting Wang , Liu Xiaodan , Wu Weibing
Published: April 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) features chronic inflammatory reactions of both intra‐ and extrapulmonary nature. Moreover, COPD is associated with abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in patients, which influences the prognosis and chronicity of this disease. Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism are also closely related to inflammation processes. Further insights into the interactions of inflammation and glucose and lipid metabolism might therefore inspire novel therapeutic interventions to promote lung rehabilitation. Chemerin, as a recently discovered adipokine, has been shown to play a role in inflammatory response and glucose and lipid metabolism in many diseases (including COPD). Chemerin recruits inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation during the early stages of COPD, leading to endothelial barrier dysfunction, early vascular remodeling, and angiogenesis. Moreover, it supports the recruitment of antigen‐presenting cells that guide immune cells as part of the body’s inflammatory responses. Chemerin also regulates metabolism via activation of its cognate receptors. Glucose homeostasis is affected via effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity, and lipid metabolism is changed by increased transformation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes through chemerin‐binding receptors. Controlling chemerin signaling may be a promising approach to improve various aspects of COPD‐related dysfunction. Importantly, several studies indicate that chemerin expression in vivo is influenced by exercise. Although available evidence is still limited, therapeutic alterations of chemerin activity may be a promising target of therapeutic approaches aimed at the rehabilitation of COPD patients based on exercises. In conclusion, chemerin plays an essential role in COPD, especially in the inflammatory responses and metabolism, and has a potential to become a target for, and a biomarker of, curative mechanisms underlying exercise‐mediated lung rehabilitation.
Reproductive Risk Factors Associated with Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes among Young Women in Northern China
Authors: Wang Jian Ming , Wang Jun , Zhao Hong Guang , Liu Tong Tong , Wang Fei Yang
Published: April 2020

Purpose. Accumulated evidence suggests that reproductive factors are related to different breast cancer subtypes, but most studies on these relationships are mainly focused on middle‐aged and older patients, and it remains unclear how reproductive factors impact different subtypes of breast cancer in young women. Methods. We assessed the relationships between fertility factors and luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐enriched, and triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes in 3792 patients and 4182 controls aged 20–70 years. Data on the reproductive history of the study participants were acquired through face‐to‐face interviews and questionnaires. We conducted case‐control comparisons among tumor subtypes based on estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 statuses using unconditional polychotomous multivariate logistic regression models to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Parity was inversely related to both luminal A and luminal B subtypes in young women and older women (all Ptrend < 0.05). Later age at first full‐term birth was inversely related to the luminal A subtype (Ptrend < 0.05) in young women but correlated with an increased risk of the luminal A subtype (Ptrend < 0.05) in older women. Parous Chinese women 40 years old or younger who breastfed for 12 months or longer had a lower risk of luminal B and TNBC subtypes than women who never breastfed (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.36‐0.84 and OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.28‐0.99, respectively). Conclusions. Our results implied that parity exerted a strong protective effect against luminal A and luminal B subtype breast cancer in young Chinese women, and long‐term breastfeeding obviously decreased the risk of luminal B and TNBC subtypes in this population.
Demographic Associations of Diabetes Status by Both Fasting Plasma Glucose Concentration and Glycated Hemoglobin in a Community Survey in Galle District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wasana Keddagoda Gamage Piyumi , Attanayake Anoja Priyadarshani , Weerarathna Thilak Priyantha , Ayoma Perera Wijewardana Jayatilaka Kamani
Published: April 2020

Diagnostic tools used in detecting individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) include fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The present study was aimed to determine the demographic associations of diabetes status by both tests (FPG and HbA1C) in Galle district, Sri Lanka. 147 adults (30–60 years) who are having FPG ≥ 126 mg/dL underwent demographic evaluations and testing for HbA1C. Group 01 (diabetes status diagnosed by both tests) and group 2 (diabetes status diagnosed only by FPG) were compared using independant sample t-test and chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to study the association between the demographic factors and the diabetes status by both tests. Of the 147 study subjects, 38.1% were males, 61.9% were females, and 63.3% had a family history of diabetes among first-degree relatives (FDR). Mean age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), FPG, and HbA1C of the participants were 48.4 ± 7.2 years, 25.1 ± 4.0 kg/m2, 88.8 ± 9.0 cm, 139.4 ± 30.1 mg/dL, and 6.4 ± 0.7%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes based on both tests was 55.1%. There is a significant difference in mean BMI and WC while no significant differences in mean age between groups 01 and 02. No association was seen between gender and diabetes status (X2(1) = 0.086, p=0.770), while a significant difference was observed between DM among FDR and diabetes status (X2(1) = 33.215, p<0.001). Significance of odds of having diabetes by both tests with rising BMI (OR = 1.97, CI 1.15–3.36, p=0.013) and DM among FDR (OR = 7.95, CI 3.54–17.88, p=0.000) was seen. We conclude rising BMI and having DM among FDR are strongly associated with diabetes status diagnosed by both tests of FPG and HbA1C in community screening.
Constructing Real-Life Benchmarks for Community Detection by Rewiring Edges
Authors: Xiao Jing , Ren Hong-Fei , Xu Xiao-Ke
Published: April 2020

In order to make the performance evaluation of community detection algorithms more accurate and deepen our analysis of community structures and functional characteristics of real-life networks, a new benchmark constructing method is designed from the perspective of directly rewiring edges in a real-life network instead of building a model. Based on the method, two kinds of novel benchmarks with special functions are proposed. The first kind can accurately approximate the microscale and mesoscale structural characteristics of the original network, providing ideal proxies for real-life networks and helping to realize performance analysis of community detection algorithms when a real network varies characteristics at multiple scales. The second kind is able to independently vary the community intensity in each generated benchmark and make the robustness evaluation of community detection algorithms more accurate. Experimental results prove the effectiveness and superiority of our proposed method. It enables more real-life networks to be used to construct benchmarks and helps to deepen our analysis of community structures and functional characteristics of real-life networks.
The Therapeutic Effects and Possible Mechanism of Pranoprofen in Mouse Model of Corneal Alkali Burns
Authors: Chen Minting , Gureeye Abdirahman Abdinasir , Cissé Yacouba , Bai Lang
Published: April 2020

Objective. To investigate therapeutic effects and possible mechanism of pranoprofen in a mouse model of corneal alkali burns and provide new evidence for the clinical treatment of corneal alkali burns. Methods. A unilateral alkali burn was created in the central cornea by placing a piece of 2 mm diameter filter paper soaked in 1N NaOH on the right eye for 30 seconds. After the model was performed, C57BL/6J mice received topical treatment with saline eye drops or pranoprofen eye drops and were, respectively, categorized as saline group and pranoprofen group, whereas the remaining normal mice that were not subjected to alkali burns served as control, each group containing 15 mice (n = 45). On the 5th day after model establishment, the corneal fluorescein sodium staining score was evaluated in order to assess corneal epithelial damage. Tissue HE stain was used to observe the pathological changes of corneal tissue in each group. Real-time RT-PCR and western blot were also performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, IL-1β/p17, and matrix metallopeptidase MMP-13. Results. 5 days after burns, microscopic observations of the pranoprofen group showed less corneal opacity and neovascularization development than the saline group. Sodium fluorescein staining showed obvious corneal structure disorders, poor corneal epithelium continuity, and a larger corneal epithelial defect area in the saline group (10.33±+−0.57) as opposed to the pranoprofen group (8.33 ± 0.57） (p<0.05). HE stain results showed the saline group had obvious corneal structure disorder and the corneal epithelial layer was incomplete as opposed to the pranoprofen group. PCR and western blot results suggested that the pranoprofen group expressed less NLRP3, IL-1β, and MMP-13 mRNA and protein expression in corneal tissue than the saline group (p<0.05). Conclusion. Pranoprofen may alleviate inflammatory response by inhibiting the expression levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β at the early stage of corneal alkali injury, lowering the expression of MMP-13 and ultimately reducing corneal epithelial damage.
Multidirectional Gradient Neighbourhood-Weighted Image Sharpness Evaluation Algorithm
Authors: Yan Xingya , Lei Jian , Zhao Zhi
Published: April 2020

Aiming at the problem that the image sharpness evaluation algorithm in the photoelectric system has a slow speed in actual processing and is severely disturbed by noise, an improved image sharpness evaluation algorithm is proposed by combining multiscale decomposition tools and multidirectional gradient neighbourhood weighting. This paper applies non-subsampled shearlet transform (NSST) to perform multiscale transformation of the input images, obtaining high-frequency sub-band images and low-frequency sub-band images. In order to enhance the detection of the edge orientation of images, multidirectional gradient processing of the image matrix is added to each sub-band image. In addition, the weight corresponding to the current pixel is obtained by calculating the inverse ratio of the gradient of each direction and the distance of the center pixel. Through calculating the ratio of the gradient neighbourhood weighting operators of high-frequency sub-band images and low-frequency sub-band images, the image sharpness evaluation value can be acquired further. Moreover, the image sequence collected by a certain type of photoelectric system is selected as the image sequence of the noisy real environment for simulation experiments and compared with the current mainstream algorithms. Finally, the experimental draws a conclusion that compared with the mainstream evaluation algorithms, the evaluation results of the proposed method perform better in terms of steepness, sensitivity, and flat area fluctuation, it can better suppress noise and improve accuracy, and its running speed meets the basic requirements of the image sharpness evaluation algorithm.
Deep and Prolonged Response to Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor and Subsequently to Nivolumab in MYCL1-Driven Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kolla Bhaskar C. , Racila Emilian , Patel Manish R.
Published: April 2020

Small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is one of the most aggressive solid tumors, and the prognosis has not improved significantly in 25 years. Despite a recent understanding of the genomic aberrations seen in SCLC, these insights have not led to any breakthroughs in treatment. We present a patient with SCLC harboring a novel MYCL1 fusion protein who experienced a prolonged disease course due to the use of Aurora A kinase inhibitor and subsequently nivolumab. MYC family genes are master regulators of several cellular pathways including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis and recently have been shown to be involved in tumor immune evasion. Large studies have shown that a significant proportion of patients with SCLC have amplification or overexpression of MYC family genes. Preclinical data have exposed vulnerability of MYC-driven tumors to Aurora kinase inhibitors, bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitors, and recently to immune checkpoint blockers. Further studies using these agents with selective enrolling of patients with MYC-altered tumors are warranted to exploit these vulnerabilities.
Food Fortification: The Level of Awareness among Kenyan Consumers
Authors: Linda Amaya Aura , Kyallo Florence , Okoth Judith K. , Kahenya Peter , Makokha Anselimo , Sila Daniel , Mwai John
Published: April 2020

More than half of the morbidity and mortality cases among children in Kenya are as a result of micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs). Food fortification is considered by the Government of Kenya as a feasible strategy for addressing MNDs. Worldwide, fortification has been proven to be effective since it does not require any change in dietary habits. Success of large-scale food fortification however may depend on consumer awareness of the fortification benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 counties to collect information on fortification awareness using structured questionnaires. 1435 respondents were selected using the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling method. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14.0 and statistical significance p<0.05. The study participants were described using descriptive statistics. The association of sociodemographic characteristics and awareness of fortification was performed using binary logistic regression analysis. The median age of the study participants was 35 years. Only 28% of the respondents were aware of the term “fortification.” Of the respondents, about 27% heard of food fortification through radio. Vernacular radio emerged as the most preferred channel for communicating fortification information among 24.9% of the respondents. Although awareness of vitamins (32%) and minerals (1.5%) was limited, most (76%) respondents reported of existence of health risks for lacking micronutrients. Awareness of food fortification was significantly associated with respondents’ occupation (p< 0.001), household size (p=0.012), education levels (p<0.001), and age (p=0.025). There is need for a wider use of broadcast media sources to modify information and education materials to promote fortification awareness among Kenyan consumers.
Biological Efficacy of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts of Cultivated and Wild Ecotypes of Origanum vulgare L.
Authors: Jan Sumira , Rashid Megna , Abd_Allah Elsayed F. , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: April 2020

Current study describes discrepancy in biological efficacy of methanolic and ethanolic extracts and essential oil procured from cultivated and wild accessions of Origanum vulgare. Simultaneously, quantification of carvacrol, thymol, caryophyllene, ocimene, and terpinen‐4‐ol contents was determined via GC‐MS and GC in both accessions. The results revealed significantly a higher antioxidant potential by methanolic extracts displaying IC50 of 19.9 μg/ml compared to essential oil with IC50 of 10 μg/ml, and ethanolic extracts were found to be less effective even at the concentration of 3 μg/ml. However, essential oil from wild and cultivated accessions of O. vulgare exhibited significantly high antimicrobial activity against all 39 bacteria, 16 fungi, and 2 yeast species tested due to higher concentrations of carvacrol and thymol as revealed by GC analysis. Inhibition of tyrosinase activity in a C6 cell line displayed 81.0%–87.0% depigmentation potential of the methanolic extracts, while ethanolic extracts revealed a maximum of 88.54–99.02% inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H2O2‐treated cells. Hence, the study determines efficacy of essential oil against microbial pathogenesis, methanolic extracts as potent depigmentation agents, and ethanolic extracts as potent free radical scavenger.
Detection and Management of Intraoperative Pneumothorax during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Heyba Mohammed , Rashad Areej , Al-Fadhli Abdul-Aziz
Published: April 2020

Intraoperative pneumothorax is a rare but potentially lethal complication during general anesthesia. History of lung disease, barotrauma, and laparoscopic surgery increase the risk of developing intraoperative pneumothorax. The diagnosis during surgery could be difficult because the signs are often nonspecific. We report a case of a middle-aged gentleman who developed right pneumothorax during an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient had no risk factors for adverse events during the preoperative assessment (ASA1). The patient underwent general anesthesia and was put on mechanical ventilation. The first signs of abnormality immediately after surgical port insertion were tachycardia and low oxygen saturation in addition to sings of airway obstruction. The diagnosis of pneumothorax was made clinically by chest auscultation and later confirmed by intraoperative chest radiograph. Supportive treatment was started immediately through halting the surgery and manually ventilating the patient using 100% oxygen. Definitive treatment was then done by inserting an intercostal tube. After stabilizing the patient, the surgery was completed; then, the patient was extubated and shifted to the surgical ward. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan was done and showed only minimal liver laceration. The patient was discharged after removing the intercostal tube and was stable at the follow-up visit. Therefore, it is important to have a high index of suspicion to early detect and treat such complication. In addition, good communication with the surgeon and use of available diagnostic tools will aid in the proper management of such cases.
Personalization of Treatment is the Way Forward in Care and Trials
Authors: Esserman Laura J.
Published: April 2020

It has been demonstrated that, in early breast cancer, there is no survival benefit to additional treatment once a patient has achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR). Together with the well-established prognostic association between pCR and survival, this presents a strong rationale for escalation/deescalation of neoadjuvant treatment based upon response.

See related article by Spring et al., p. 2838
Anti-DSF70 zur Differenzierung der Genese von interstitiellen Lungenerkrankungen
Authors: Kahn Nicolas
Published: April 2020

Background: Anti-DFS70 antibodies, corresponding to the dense fine speckled antinuclear antibody (ANA) pattern in HEp-2 substrates, have been observed in chronic inflammatory conditions, cancer and in healthy individuals but in only a small percentage of patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD). Objectives: The study was aimed to investigate the possible role of anti-DFS70 antibodies to distinguish CTD associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) from idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) and to explore potential correlations between anti-DFS70 antibodies and clinical parameters. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 49 healthy controls (HC), 35 scleroderma-ILD (SSc-ILD) patients as negative controls for anti-DFS70 antibody, and 260 patients with the initial diagnosis IIP including 100 nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and 160 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. ANA pattern was identified by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells and anti-DFS70 antibodies were measured in serum by ELISA. Results: Serum anti-DFS70 antibodies were less frequently seen in ILD and SSc-ILD patients compared to HCs. Thirty-seven patients (34 initial idiopathic NSIP and 3 initial IPF patients) developed CTD during 24 months of follow-up, most of them combined with ANA positivity and anti-DFS70 antibody negativity. Anti-DFS70 antibody positivity was not significantly different between CTD-ILD and idiopathic ILD. Conclusions: The frequency of serum anti-DFS70 antibody is markedly decreased in patients with ILDs. Anti-DFS70 antibodies may be useful to predict CTD development in ILD patients.
Analgesie nach VATS-Lobektomie: Vorteile der patientengesteuerten Schmerztherapie nutzen
Authors: Hekmat Khosro
Published: April 2020

Background: The optimal perioperative analgesic strategy in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for anatomic lung resections remains an open issue. Regional analgesic concepts as thoracic paravertebral or epidural analgesia were used as systemic opioid application. We hypothesized that regional anesthesia would provide improved analgesia compared to systemic analgesia with parenteral opioids in VATS lobectomy and would be associated with a lower incidence of pulmonary complications. Methods: The study was approved by the local ethics committee (AZ 99/15) and registered (germanctr.de; DRKS00007529, 10th June 2015). A retrospective analysis of anesthetic and surgical records between July 2014 und February 2016 in a single university hospital with 103 who underwent VATS lobectomy. Comparison of regional anesthesia (i.e. thoracic paravertebral blockade (group TPVB) or thoracic epidural anesthesia (group TEA)) with a systemic opioid application (i.e. patient controlled analgesia (group PCA)). The primary endpoint was the postoperative pain level measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at rest and during coughing during 120 h. Secondary endpoints were postoperative pulmonary complications (i.e. atelectasis, pneumonia), hemodynamic variables and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Results: Mean VAS values in rest or during coughing were measured below 3.5 in all groups showing effective analgesic therapy throughout the observation period. The VAS values at rest were comparable between all groups, VAS level during coughing in patients with PCA was higher but comparable except after 8-16 h postoperatively (PCA vs. TEA; p < 0.004). There were no significant differences on secondary endpoints. Intraoperative Sufentanil consumption was significantly higher for patients without regional anesthesia (p < 0.0001 vs. TPVB and vs. TEA). The morphine equivalence postoperatively applicated until POD 5 was comparable in all groups (mean ± SD in mg: 32 ± 29 (TPVB), 30 ± 27 (TEA), 36 ± 30 (PCA); p = 0.6046). Conclusions: Analgesia with TEA, TPVB and PCA provided a comparable and effective pain relief after VATS anatomic resection without side effects. Our results indicate that PCA for VATS lobectomy may be a sufficient alternative compared to regional analgesia. Trial registration: The study was registered (germanctr.de; DRKS00007529; 10th June, 2015).
Frühgeborene mit bronchopulmonaler Dysplasie: Geeignete Therapien im Kindheitsverlauf entwickeln
Authors: Brandt David
Published: April 2020

Background: Extreme prematurity has been associated with exercise intolerance and reduced physical activity. We hypothesized that children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) would be especially affected based on longterm lung function impairments. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare exercise capacity and habitual physical activity between children born very and extremely preterm with and without BPD and term-born children. Methods: Twenty-two school-aged children (aged 8 to 12 years) born with a gestational age < 32 weeks and a birthweight < 1500 g (9 with moderate or severe BPD (=BPD), 13 without BPD (=No-BPD)) and 15 healthy termborn children (=CONTROL) were included in the study. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry, lung function by spirometry and exercise capacity by an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test. Results: Peak oxygen uptake was reduced in the BPD-group (83 ± 11%predicted) compared to the No-BPD group (91 ± 8%predicted) and the CONTROL group (94 ± 9%predicted). In a general linear model, variance of peak oxygen uptake was significantly explained by BPD status and height but not by prematurity (p < 0.001). Compared to CONTROL, all children born preterm spent significantly more time in sedentary behaviour (BPD 478 ± 50 min, No-BPD 450 ± 52 min, CONTROL 398 ± 56 min, p < 0.05) and less time in moderate-to-vigorous-physical activity (BPD 13 ± 8 min, No-BPD 16 ± 8 min, CONTROL 33 ± 16 min, p < 0.001). Prematurity but not BPD contributed significantly to explained variance in a general linear model of sedentary behaviour and likewise moderate-tovigorous-physical activity (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: In our cohort, BPD but not prematurity was associated with a reduced exercise capacity at school-age. However, prematurity regardless of BPD was related to less engagement in physical activity and more time spent in sedentary behaviour. Thus, our findings suggest diverging effects of prematurity and BPD on exercise capacity and physical activity.
Computed Tomography-Based Tumor Heterogeneity Analysis Reveals Differences in a Cohort with Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma under Palliative Chemotherapy
Authors: Steinacker Jochen Paul , Steinacker-Stanescu Nora , Ettrich Thomas , Kornmann Marko , Kneer Katharina , Beer Ambros , Beer Meinrad , Schmidt Stefan Andreas
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Imaging in pancreatic cancer is a challenge, especially regarding therapy response evaluation. Tumor size, attenuation, and perfusion are widely used as parameters for computed tomography (CT) examinations, but are often limited due to blurry tumor borders and missing qualitative parameters. To improve monitoring of therapy response, we tested a new CT-based approach of tumor heterogeneity feature analysis. Methods: A total of 13 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma undergoing abdominal CT according to standard as baseline imaging with clinical follow-up and imaging (median time span 64 days) under systematic therapy (FOLFIRINOX/gemcitabine) were retrospectively analyzed. Progression was defined as new lesions and local tumor spread. Tumor heterogeneity analysis was performed using mintLesion®. Seven different image features referring to image heterogeneity were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with Spearman’s rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: During follow-up, tumor volume did not significantly change between our groups with overall progression (local and systemic) and progression-free patients (p = 0.661). Mean positivity of pixel values were significantly higher in patients without progression compared to patients with progression (p = 0.030). There was a significant negative correlation between changes in kurtosis and time to local tumor spread (p = 0.008) or systemic progression (p = 0.017). Conclusions: Results suggest that analysis of tumor heterogeneity might provide valuable information from routine-acquired images regarding therapy response evaluation. This might help adjusting therapy regimes and could be easily integrated in clinical workflows. Furthermore, this procedure might possibly predict therapy response and, hence could lead the way to find a potential marker for progression-free survival.