bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is There a Relationship Between Climate, Morphology and Urbanization and COVID19? Preliminary Analysis of Environmental and Pandemic Data in the Lombardy Region (Northern Italy)
Authors: Fazzini Massimiliano , Bna Claudio , Cecili Alessandro , Giuliacci Andrea , Illuminati Sonia , Pregliasco Fabrizio , Baresi Claudia , Miccadei Enrico
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the defining global health and socioeconomic crisis of our time and represents the greatest challenge faced by the world since the end of the Second World War. The academic literature indicates that climatic features, specifically the temperature and absolute humidity, are very important factors affecting infectious pulmonary disease epidemics (e.g., SARS, MERS); however, the influence of climatic parameters on COVID-19 remains extremely controversial. The goal of this study is to quantify the existing relationship between several daily climate parameters (temperature, relative humidity, accumulated precipitation, solar radiation, wind direction and intensity, and evaporation), local morphological parameters, and new daily positive swabs for COVID-19, which represents the only parameter that can be statistically used to quantify the pandemic. The daily deaths parameter was not considered because it is not reliable due to frequent administrative errors. Daily data on meteorological conditions and new cases of COVID-19 were collected for the Lombardy area from March 1, 2020, to April 20, 2020. This region in Italy exhibited the largest number of official deaths in the world per million inhabitants, with a value of approximately 1700 per million on june 30, 2020. Moreover, the apparent lethality was approximately 17% in this area, mainly due to the considerable housing density and the extensive presence of industrial and craft areas. The Mann-Kendall test and multivariate statistical analysis showed that none of the considered climatic variables exhibited statistically significant relationships with the epidemiological evolution of COVID-19, at least in the spring months in temperate subcontinental climate areas, with the exception of solar radiation, which was directly related and showed an otherwise low explained variability of approximately 20%. Furthermore, the average temperatures of two highly representative meteorological stations of Molise and Lucania, the most weakly affected by the pandemic. The temperatures at these stations were approximately 1.5°C lower than that in the cities in Lombardy of Bergamo and Brescia, again confirming that a significant relationship between the increase in temperature and decrease in virology from COVID-19 was not evident, at least in the Italian peninsula.
A Novel Oral Syringe for Dosing and Administration of Multiparticulate Formulations: Acceptability Study in Preschool and School Children
Authors: Hofmanová Justyna , Bennett Joanne , Coupe Alastair , Bartlett Jeremy , Monahan Andrew , Batchelor Hannah Katharine
Published: August 2020

The popularity of multiparticulate formulations (MPs) as a paediatric dosage form continues to increase. MPs comprise of multiple small units that are easy-to-swallow. Currently, MPs are commonly manufactured into unit doses that are either swallowed whole or opened prior to administration. While this is an acceptable approach, dosing is envisioned to be optimized with a ‘standard’ paediatric device which can better harness the flexible dosing potential of MPs. We evaluated a novel oral syringe (SympfinyTM) that is being developed as a tool to dispense and administer MPs to children. Forty children, 4-12 years old, received 0.5, 1.2, and 2.0 mL doses of placebo MPs using the oral syringe with spring water or a drink of choice to complete sample intake. Acceptability was recorded as those able to completely swallow the dose and participants also rated dose acceptability on a 5-point scale. The ability to completely swallow the dose decreased as dose volume increased; the smallest dose was completely swallowed by 87.5% (35/40) children, and 69.4% (27/39) of children confirmed their willingness to take the sample as a daily medicine. Larger doses, 1.2 and 2.0 mL, gave values of 55% and 57.5% for the doses completely swallowed and 58.8% and 51.72% for willingness to take the sample as a daily medicine, respectively. Use of a drink of choice showed no increase in swallowability as compared with water. The novel oral syringe being developed is an appropriate device for dispensing doses flexibly and administering neutral tasting MPs directly to the mouth in the lower dose range without the need for a co-administration vehicle in children aged 4-12 years.
Antibody Response and Therapy in COVID-19 Patients: Significance in Vaccine Development
Authors: Lu Ligong , Zhang Hui , Zhan Meixiao , Jiang Jun , Yin Hua , Dauphars Danielle J. , Li Shi-You , Li Yong , He You-Wen
Published: August 2020

The newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people and caused tremendous morbidity and mortality worldwide. Effective treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is lacking and different therapeutic strategies are under testing. Host humoral and cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection is a critical determinant for patients’ outcome. SARS-CoV-2 infection results in seroconversion and production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The antibodies may suppress viral replication through neutralization but also might also participate in COVID-19 pathogenesis through a process termed antibody-dependent enhancement. Rapid progress has been made in the research of antibody response and therapy in COVID-19 patients including characterization of the clinical features of antibody responses in different populations infected by SARS-CoV-2, treatment of COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma and intravenous immunoglobin products, isolation and characterization of a large panel of monoclonal neutralizing antibodies, as well as preliminary clinical results from several COVID-19 vaccine candidates. In this review, we summarize the recent progress and discuss the implications of these findings in vaccine development.
Toxic Effects of Organophosphates Pesticides. A Review
Authors: Adesiyan Ayobami , Kade Ayomikun , Oladimeji Kafayat , Sowunmi Kehinde , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: August 2020

Organophosphate pesticides (also known OPPs) have for many years been the choice candidate globally for pest control. OPPs have for over 80 years, been used in gardens, fields and greenhouses as crop protection agents, and even in homes as insecticides and mosquito abatement. Thus, year after year and with the repeated application of organophosphate agents, many problems have appeared as a result of excessive use of pesticides. The adverse effects of pesticides are well documented in human health, environment, pesticide residue in crops, soil and water contaminated by these pesticides. Therefore, it is necessary to shed more light on the risks associated with the irresponsible usage of organophosphate pesticides.
Grid-friendly Active Demand Strategy on Air Conditioning Class Load
Authors: zhu Jian-hong , Gu Juping , Wu Min
Published: August 2020

The growing number of the accessed energy-eﬀicient frequency conversion air conditioners is likely to generate a large number of harmonics on the power grid. The following shortage in the reactive power of peak load, hence, may trigger voltage collapse, and this conflicts with people’s expectations for a cozy environment. Concerning the problems mentioned above, an active management scheme is put forward to balance the electricity use and the normal operation of air conditioning systems. To be specific, firstly, schemes to suppress the low voltage ride through (LVRT) and harmonic are designed. Then to deaden the adverse effects caused by nonlinear group load running on the grid, and to prevent the unexpected accidents engendered from grid malfunction, the dynamic sensing information obtained by an online monitor is analyzed, which can be seen as active supervise mechanism. The combined application of active and passive filtering technology is studied as well. Thirdly, the new energy storage is accessed reliably to cope with peak-cutting or grid breaking emergencies, and the fuzzy control algorithm is researched. Finally, system feasibility is verified by functional modules co-operation simulation, and active management target is achieved under scientific and reasonable state-of-charge (SOC) management strategy.
The Effect of Air Quality and Weather on the Chinese Stock Market: Evidence from Shenzhen Stock Exchange
Authors: Jiang Zhuhua , Gupta Rangan , Subramaniam Sowmya , Yoon Seong-Min
Published: August 2020

We investigate the impact of air quality and weather on the stock market returns of the Shenzhen Exchange. To capture the air quality and weather effects, we apply dummy variables generated by applying a moving average and moving standard deviation. Our study provides several interesting results. First, in the whole sample period (2005–2019), we find that high air pollution and extremely high temperature have significant and negative effects on the Shenzhen stock returns. In the sub-period I (2005–2012), the 11-day model and 31-day model show that high air pollution have significant and negative effects on the Shenzhen stock returns. Second, the results of the quantile regression show that high air pollution have significant and negative effects during bullish market phase, and extremely high temperature have significant and negative effects during bearish market phase. This implies that the air quality and weather effects are asymmetric. Third, the more the Shenzhen stock returns drop, the greater the effect of the abnormal temperature is. Whereas, the more the Shenzhen stock returns increase, the greater the effect of the abnormal air quality is. Fourth, the least squares method underestimates the air quality and weather effects compared to the quantile regression method, suggesting that the quantile regression method is more suitable in analysing these effects in a very volatile emerging market such as the Shenzhen stock market.
The Severity of Traumatic Stress Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic, Perception of Support, Sense of Security, and Sense of Meaning in Life Among Nurses: Research Protocol and Preliminary Results from Poland
Authors: Nowicki Grzegorz Józef , Ślusarska Barbara , Tucholska Kinga , Naylor Katarzyna , Chrzan-Rodak Agnieszka , Niedorys Barbara
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic affects not only physical health but also deteriorates mental health resulting in sleep problems, depression, and traumatic stress. Our research investigates the level of posttraumatic stress, perceived social support, opinions on positive and negative consequences of the pandemic, sense of security, and sense of meaning among nurses in the face of new and not fully understood global epidemiological phenomena. For this purpose, computer-assisted web interviewing methods were conducted between May 1 and May 15, 2020. Participating nurses completed the following research tools: The Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CIOQ), The Safety Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) and The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Three hundred and twenty-five nurses working throughout Poland joined the study of an average age of 39.18 ± 11.16 years. The average overall IES-R score in the study group was 1.78 ± 0.65. Among the dimensions of traumatic stress, the highest score was obtained in the dimension Avoidance 1.86 ± 0.73, then in the dimensions Hyperarousal 1.8 ± 0.78 and Intrusion 1.74 ± 0.83. Amongst studied nurses, the highest support rates were provided by significant others (22.58 ± 5.22), then from friends (21.91 ± 5) and family (21.45 ± 4.4). Among the surveyed nurses, higher average scores were noted in the subscale measuring positive psychological changes (18.56 ± 4.04). In contrast, a higher average level of assessment was noted on the Reflection on the safety dimension (4.21 ± 0.49). The mean MLQ score was 5.33 ± 0.87. A slightly higher result was observed in the subscale Presence (5.35 ± 1.14). The results of the research implemented during the period of severe psychological pressure associated with the COVID-19 pandemic provided information on symptoms of traumatic stress in the examined group of nurses. Their sense of security has been lowered and accompanied by an intensified reflection on issues concerning security. However, the sense of meaning (currently felt) in life remains higher than the tendency to searching for it. The surveyed nurses perceive individual support from the so-called significant others (apart from family and friends). They see positive changes resulting from painful experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be characterized by adaptation in the form of posttraumatic growth.
Assessment and Control of Termites Infestation in the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Palanti Sabrina , Tavlaridis Georgios
Published: August 2020

The research is based on the inspection performed in June 2002 for carrying out a research program for the eradication of a termite infestation due a desertic species in the area of the Saint Catherine Holy Monastery at Mount Sinai - Egypt. The paper describes the application of the registered European bait system SentritechTM and the trend of eradication during the first year. The application of bait system blocked the termite infestation inside the Katholikon (Main church) and in the surrounding after 6 months. Nevertheless, the infestation restarted and even increased again in the surrounding of the main church. An explanation of this surprising event is attempted in this paper.
Neural Network Under External Stimulus: Improving Storage Capacity and Reactions
Authors: Curado Evaldo , Melgar Nilo , Nobre Fernando
Published: August 2020

Motivated by the way animals react in nature, we introduce a fully-connected neural-network model, which incorporates the external pattern presented to the system as a fundamental tool of the recognition process. In this new scenario, in the absence of this external field, memories are not attractors inside basins of attraction, as in usual attractor neural networks, although basins may be created according to the external pattern, thus allowing storing a much larger number of memories. The key point consists in calibrating the influence of the external pattern such as to cancel the noise generated by those memories not correlated with the external pattern.We illustrate how this proposal works by including this new contribution in the standard Hopfield model, showing a significant increase in its recognition capacity (typically by a factor $10^{2}$). As an additional feature of this model, we show its ability to react promptly to changes in the external environment, a crucial attribute of living beings. This procedure can be applied to a wide variety of neural-network models to increase considerably their recognition and reaction capabilities.
Clinicopathological Variables and Outcome in Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Associated with BCR-ABL1 Transcript Type and Body Weight
Authors: Abdulla Mohammad , Chandra Prem , El Akiki Susanna , Sorio Claudio , Tomasello Luisa , Boni Christian , Yassin Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Background: It has been reported that general adiposity in adulthood and early adulthood, and greater height may increase the risk of almost all types of lympho-haematopoietic cancers while a study done in MD Anderson found that obesity and adult weight gain are independent risk factors for CML however no study evaluated the role of obesity in the disease progression while more studies investigate the impact of translocation types. Method: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the files of 37 patients being treated in our center for CML in chronic phase (CMP-CP) with known BCR-ABL1 breakpoints, Results: patients’ management and response assessment was done based on ELN 2013 guidelines. Analysis is done based on two main groups, obese vs normal BMI, and then based on BCR-ABL1 transcripts: e13a2 vs e14a2. Although the number of cases is limited, in the patient-cohort studied an e14a2 BCR-ABL1 transcript type / normal body weight was associated with an inferior outcome when compared to e13a2 transcript / obesity groups Conclusion: our finding suggest the need to enlarge the series to better evaluate a potential role of altered metabolism and/or specific transcripts in the response to TKI in CML.
THE PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT OF PESANTRENS AND COMMUNITIES FOR THE INTEGRATED ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kurniawan Asep
Published: August 2020

Pesantrens and communities should be able to establish partnership management for good governance and the common welfare of the economy and education. Recently, many pesantrens, however, are too busy with normative activities than social activities. Similarly, recent society is more individualistic. This situation certainly inhibits this partnership management. For that pesantrens should play their role as institutions of community empowerment aside from being a massage and educational institution. Although, in essence, pesantrens and communities are not separated institutions, because, both of them need each other in achieving the integrated prosperity of economy and education. Thereby, they can make a strong civil society.
UPAYA GURU PAI DALAM MENGATASI PROBLEMATIKA PEMBELAJARAN RANAH AFEKTIF DI SMAN 1 BAE KUDUS TAHUN 2017
Authors: Zuhri Achmad
Published: August 2020

This research explains: (1) How problem of teachingIslamic education for affective domain in SMAN 1 Bae Kudus; (2) How theteachers’effort of islamic education for affective domain in SMAN 1 Bae Kudus 2017 Academic Year. This research uses qualitative approach. The study was conducted at SMAN 1 Bae Kudus. Data collection was done by interview, observation, and documentation. The data obtained is analyzed by data reduction measures, data presentation, and conclusions. The researcher collected the data while doing the analysis activity until the concluding. The results obtained in this research indicate that (1) Problematic in learning PAI affective domain at SMAN 1 Bae Kudus include: Students not aware of phenomenon, lack of attention, students less active in responding to the response, students have no confidence in value, The value becomes stable and active in itself, not able to internalize the value, the difficulty of controlling student development, teacher learning evaluation, and the influence of technological progress. (2) PAI teacher's efforts in overcoming problematic in affective learning include:Praying in beginning of learning, giving reprimand and satire, Teacher gives stimulus in the form of story, establishing closeness with student, applying method of discussion, inserting a story, applying method market place, Be a role model for students, transfering religious values intensively, organizing religious activities, provididing motivation, establishing communication between teachers, students, and parents, paying attention and observing learners’ behavior, and controlling the technological progress.
Friedrich Disease
Authors: Maya Gabriel Fraind , Nahmad David Laniado , Or Omer , Safran Ori , Beyth Shaul
Published: August 2020

Case:

A 16-year-old girl presented with pain and swelling of the medial edge of the clavicle. She denied previous trauma and was evaluated by multiple physicians for a possible infection or neoplastic lesion. The patient underwent multiple studies and procedures, including blood tests, imaging studies, and biopsy. After 6 months, a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the medial clavicle was made. After 1 year of observation, the symptoms resolved.

Conclusions:

The rarity of Friedrich disease and the scarcity of literature may lead to delayed diagnosis of this pathology. Awareness of medical personnel of this condition may facilitate accurate diagnosis.
Effects of different acupuncture treatment methods on post-stroke cognitive impairment: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Su Kai-Qi , Liu Su-Tong , Li Jie-Ying , Li Rui-Qing , Feng Hui-Li , Xue Yang , Feng Xiao-Dong
Published: August 2020

Background: Cognitive impairment is one of common dysfunctions after stroke, which seriously affects the overall recovery of patients. Cognitive rehabilitation training is currently the main treatment to improve cognitive function, but its curative effect is limited. Acupuncture is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and some previous clinical studies have shown that it might be effective in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), but further evidence from large-sample studies is needed. The overall objective of this trial is to obtain further data for forming an optimized acupuncture treatment for PSCI by comparing the effects of different acupuncture treatment methods on cognitive function in PSCI patients.Methods/Design: In this multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial, 206 eligible stroke inpatients who meet the trial criteria will be randomly assigned to 2 groups: Electroacupuncture (EA) plus needle retaining (NR) group and EA group, both groups of patients undergo the same routine cognitive rehabilitation treatments. All treatments will be given 6 times per week for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes will be assessed using the Mini Mental State Scale (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognition Assessment Scale (MOCA). The secondary outcome will be measured by the Bathel Index (BI). All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, week 4, week 8, and the third and sixth month after the end of treatments.Discussion: Our aim is to evaluate the effects of two different acupuncture treatment methods for treating PSCI patients. This study is expected to provide data to be used in developing an optimized acupuncture treatment method for PSCI treatment.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900027849. Registered on 30 November 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=46316
Optimal preparation of high-entropy boride-silicon carbide ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Shi-Kuan , Guo Wei-Ming , Xu Liang , Zhang Wei , Lin Hua-Tay
Published: August 2020

High-entropy boride-silicon carbide (HEB-SiC) ceramics were fabricated by using boride-based powders prepared from borothermal and boro/carbothermal reduction methods. The effects of processing routes (borothermal reduction and boro/carbothermal reduction) of HEB powders were examined. HEB-SiC ceramics with nearly relatively full density (>98%) were prepared by spark plasma sintering at 2000oC. It was demonstrated that the addition of SiC led to slightly coarsening of the microstructure. The HEB-SiC ceramics prepared from boro/carbothermal reduction powders showed the fine-grained microstructure and higher Vickers’ hardness but lower fracture toughness values as compared with the same composition prepared from borothermal reduction powders. These results indicated that the selection of the powder processing method and the addition of SiC phase could contribute to the optimal preparation of high-entropy boride-based ceramics.
Estimated costs for the delivery of safer conception strategies for HIV-discordant couples in Zimbabwe: A cost analysis
Authors: Hughes Carolyn Smith , Brown Joelle , Murombedzi Caroline , Chirenda Thandiwe , Chareka Gift , Mhlanga Felix , Mateveke Bismark , Gitome Serah , Makurumure Tinei , Matubu Allen , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Chirenje Zvavahera , Kahn James G
Published: August 2020

Background: In recent years, safer conception strategies have been developed to help HIV-serodiscordant couples conceive a child without transmitting HIV to the seronegative partner. The SAFER clinical trial assessed implementation of these strategies in Zimbabwe. Methods: As a part of the SAFER study, we estimated the costs (in 2017 $US) associated with individual and combination strategies, in the trial setting and real-world practice, from a healthcare system perspective. Safer conception strategies included: 1) ART with frequent viral load testing until achieving undetectable viral load (ART-VL); 2) daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); 3) semen-washing with intrauterine insemination; and 4) manual self-insemination at home. For costs in the trial, we used a micro-costing approach, including a time and motion study to quantify personnel effort, and estimated the cost per couple for individual and combination strategies for a mean of 6 months of safer services. For real-world practice, we modeled costs for three implementation scenarios, representing differences from the trial in input prices (paid by the Ministry of Health and Child Care [MOHCC]), intervention intensity, and increments to current HIV prevention and treatment practices and guidelines. We used one-way sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of uncertainty in input variables.Results: Individual strategy costs were $769-$1,615 per couple in the trial; $185-$563 if using MOHCC prices. Under the target intervention intensity and using MOHCC prices, individual strategy costs were $73-$360 per couple over and above the cost of current HIV clinical practices. The cost of delivering the most commonly selected combination, ART-VL plus PrEP, ranged from $166-$517 per couple under the three real-world scenarios. Highest costs were for personnel, lab tests, and strategy-specific consumables, in variable proportions by clinical strategy and analysis scenario. Total costs were most affected by uncertainty in the price of PrEP, number of semen-washing attempts, and scale-up of semen-washing capacity.Conclusions: Safer conception methods have costs that may be affordable in many low-resource settings. These cost data will help implementers and policymakers add safer conception services. Cost-effectiveness analysis is needed to assess value for money for safer conception services overall and for safer strategy combinations.
A prediction model of Contrast-associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Hypoalbuminemia Undergoing Coronary Angiography
Authors: Liu Liwei , Liu Jin , Lei Li , Wang Bo , Sun Guoli , Guo Zhaodong , He Yibo , Song Feier , Lun Zhubin , Liu Bowen , Chen Guanzhong , Chen Shiqun , Yang Yongquan , Liu Yong , Chen Jiyan
Published: August 2020

Background: Risk stratification is recommended as the key step to prevent contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) by allowing for prevention among at-risk patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with hypoalbuminemia are prone to CA-AKI and do not have their own risk stratification tool. Therefore, we developed and validated a model for predicting CA-AKI in patients with hypoalbuminemia undergoing CAG/PCI.Methods: A total of 1272 consecutive patients with hypoalbuminemia undergoing CAG/PCI were enrolled and randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to a development cohort (n = 848) and a validation cohort (n = 424). CA-AKI was defined as a serum creatinine (SCr) increase of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL or 50% from baseline within the first 48 to 72 hours following CAG/PCI. A prediction model was established with independent predictors according to multivariate logistic regression and a stepwise approach, showing as a nomogram. The discrimination of the nomogram was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and was compared to the classic Mehran CA-AKI score. Calibration was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test.Results: Overall, 8.4% (71/848) of patients in the development cohort and 11.2% (48/424) of patients in the validation cohort experienced CA-AKI. The simple nomogram included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum albumin (ALB), age and the use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP); showed better predictive ability than the Mehran score (C-index 0.756 vs. 0.693, p = 0.02); and had good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow test p = 0.187). Conclusions: Our data suggested that the simple model might be a good tool for predicting CA-AKI in high-risk patients with hypoalbuminemia undergoing CAG/PCI, but our findings require further external validation.Trial registration number NCT01400295
The value of local consolidative therapy in Osimertinib-treated non-small cell lung cancer with oligo-residual disease
Authors: Zeng Ya , Ni JianJiao , Yu Fan , Zhou Yue , Zhao Yang , Li Shuyan , Guo Tiantian , Chu Li , Yang Xi , Chu Xiao , Cai XuWei , ZHU Zhengfei
Published: August 2020

Background: There was no study investigating real-world utilization and outcome of LCT in Osimertinib-treated NSCLC with oligo-residual disease. This study was to analyze the clinical value of local consolidative therapy (LCT) in Osimertinib-treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with oligo-residual disease. Methods: Patients receiving standard Osimertinib treatment and developing oligo-residual disease (ﬁve or fewer residual metastatic lesions) were retrospectively reviewed. Local therapies performed to the oligo-residual tumor lesions or primary lung site before Osimertinib treatment failure were considered as LCT. Results: Of 108 patients recruited, first-line and second-line Osimertinib were administered in 25 and 83 patients, respectively, while LCT was performed in 14 patients. With a median follow-up of 43.6 months, 69 patients developed progressive disease. LCT significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) (NR vs 12.8 months, p=0.01) and was independently associated with prolonged PFS (HR=0.29, 95%CI 0.12 to 0.68, p=0.004). Patients receiving LCT had a numerically longer overall survival (OS) (85.8 vs 77.1 months, p=0.58) and after adjusting for potentially confounding factors, LCT was associated with a non-significantly prolonged OS (HR=0.37, 95%CI 0.12-1.16, p=0.089). Pattern of failure analyses indicated that progressive disease developed at the originally existed oligo-residual lesions in 76.2% of the 63 patients who didn’t receive LCT and had Osimertinib treatment failure. Of note, 7 (70%) of the 10 patients who had oligo-residual cranial disease but didn’t receive LCT, developed more than five progressive lesions in the brain, which were no longer suitable for stereotactic radiosurgery. Conclusion: Among Osimertinib-treated NSCLC patients having oligo-residual lesions, LCT could improve local control and significantly increase PFS, which need to be verified by further investigations.
Type 2 diabetes and COPD: treatment in the right healthcare setting? An observational study.
Authors: Willink Rimke P , Vos Rimke C , Akker Ingrid Looijmans-van den , Hart Huberta E
Published: August 2020

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and COPD are chronic conditions, for which patients need lifelong healthcare. The aim of the study is to examine in which healthcare setting patients with T2DM and COPD receive care, and if they are allocated to the correct setting.Method T2DM and COPD patients from five primary care centres were included. Data concerning treatment setting, patient- and clinical characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. The profile of patients treated in primary care was compared with that of those treated in secondary care. For patients treated in secondary care we evaluated whether treatment allocation was according to guidelines and if back-referral to primary care could take place.Results Of the T2DM and COPD patients 7.6% and 29.6% were treated in secondary care of which 72.7% and 31.4% according to the guideline. T2DM patients treated in primary care were older (63 versus 57 years, p = 0.001), had a shorter diabetes duration (8 versus 11 years, p < 0.001) and lower HbA1c (53.0 versus 63.5 mmmol/l, p < 0.001) than those treated in secondary care. Those with COPD treated in primary care used less inhalation medication (75.2 versus 90.1%, p < 0.001) and had better spirometry results (67.39 versus 57.53 FEV1%pred, p < 0.001).Conclusion The majority of the patients with T2DM and COPD were treated in primary care correctly. Patients treated in primary care on average had a better health condition compared to those in secondary care. The majority of the T2DM patients and the minority of COPD patients were treated correctly in secondary care.
Reduced C9orf72 function leads to defective synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular dysfunction in zebrafish
Authors: Butti Zoe , Giacomotto Jean , Patten Kessen (Shunmoogum)
Published: August 2020

A hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD). Reduced levels of C9orf72 mRNA and protein have been found in ALS/FTD patients, but the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a stable C9orf72 loss-of-function (LOF) model in the zebrafish. We show that reduced C9orf72 function leads to motor defects, muscle atrophy, motor neuron loss and mortality in early larval and adult stages. Analysis of the structure and function of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the larvae, reveal a significant reduction in the number of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures and an impaired release of quantal synaptic vesicles at the NMJ. Strikingly, we demonstrate a downregulation of SV2a upon C9orf72-LOF and a reduced rate of synaptic vesicle cycling. Furthermore, we show a reduced number and size of Rab3a-postive synaptic puncta at NMJs. Altogether, these results reveal a key function for C9orf72 in the control of presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval NMJ. Our study demonstrates a novel role for C9orf72 in ALS/FTD pathogenesis, where it regulates synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular functions.
Efficient biogenesis of Au nanoparticles using extract of Mentha pulegium flower: Evaluation of catalytic reduction of nitroarenes and anti-human colon cancer properties in the in vitro condition
Authors: Bovandi Shabnam , Shahriari Maryam , Zangeneh Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2020

Background

With regards to applicative, facile, green chemical research, a bio-inspired approach is being reported for the synthesis of Au nanoparticles by using Mentha pulegium flower extract.
Methods

The phytochemical immobilized Au NPs were characterized by advanced physicochemical techniques like Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) study. Thereafter, catalytic performance of those biomolecule functionalized Au NPs was investigated in the efficient reduction of nitroarenes over a range of substrates. To survey the anti-human colon cancer effects of gold nanoparticles, MTT assay was used on the common colon cancer cell lines i.e., colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29), colorectal carcinoma (HCT 116), ileocecal colorectal adenocarcinoma (HCT-8 [HRT-18]), and Burkitt's lymphoma (Ramos.2G6.4C10).
Results

The conversion was achieved in short reaction time with good to excellent yields in association with outstanding turnover frequency (TOF). In addition, the nanocomposite catalyst was easily recovered and recycled for 12 successive times without noticeable decrease in catalytic activity. Gold nanoparticles had high anti-colon cancer activities dose-dependently against HT-29, HCT 116, HCT-8 [HRT-18], and Ramos.2G6.4C10 cell lines. The best result of anti-colon cancer effects was seen in the case of the HCT 116 cell line.
Conclusions

It looks gold nanoparticles can be used for the treatment of several types of colon cancers in human.
Quantitative DCE-MRI: An Efficient Diagnostic Technique for Evaluating Early Micro-environment Permeability Changes in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Yang Hui , Jiang Ling , Li Jiang , Zheng Xiuzhu , Yao Qianqian , Li Changqin , Zhu Jianzhong , Qin Jian
Published: August 2020

Background: In the management of early inflammatory joint of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), there is a need for reliable noninvasive quantitative methods to closely monitor synovial inflammation to predict early diagnosis.Cognizant to this,studies geared on improving techniques for quantitative evaluation of micro-environment permeability of the joint space are necessary.Such improved techniques may provide tissue perfusion as important biological parameters and can further help in understanding the origin of early changes associated with AS.Aims:To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance and determine longitudinal relationships of early micro-environment active in the joint space of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) with a rat model by using quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI).Methods: Thirty wistar male rats were randomly assigned to the model (n= 15) or control (n = 15) group. All rats underwent DCE-MRI of SIJ region at fixed time points(12, 17 and 22 weeks),between September 2018 and October 2019. Differences in permeability parameters between the two groups at the same time point were compared by using an independent samples t test.Spearman correlations of DCE-MRI parameters with different time points in model group were analyzed.All statistical analyses were performed with software.Results: At 12 weeks,the Ktrans,Kep and Ve values in the model group were slightly lower than those in control group,but all the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05).Compared with control group,the transfer constant (Ktrans)values increased significantly at 17 weeks and 22 weeks in model group,while the rate constant (Kep) and volume of extravascular extracellular space(Ve) significantly increased only at 22weeks(p<0.05).The Ktrans,Kep and Ve were positively correlated with increasing time points (r=0.94, P＜0.01 for Ktrans; r=0.93, P＜0.01 for Kep; and r= 0.89, P＜0.01 for Ve).Conclusions: Quantitative DCE-MRI parameters are valuable for evaluating the early longitudinal relationship of micro-environment permeability changes in the joint space of SIJ.
Liquid-crystalline chiral phase formation and structural transitions of dumbbell-shaped colloids
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Guangdong , Pei Hanwen , Zhang Xuefei , Shi Wei , Liu Mingjie , Faul Charl , Yang Bai , Lu Zhongyuan , Liu Kun , Nie Zhihong
Published: August 2020

Colloidal liquid crystals (LCs) are an emerging class of soft materials that naturally combine the unique properties of both LC molecules and colloidal particles. Chiral LC blue phases are highly attractive in fast optical displays and electrooptical devices, but the formation of chiral structures from achiral colloidal particles is rare. Herein we demonstrate that achiral dumbbell-shaped colloids can assemble into a rich variety of characteristic LC phases, including nematic phases with lock structures, smectic phases, and particularly double-twisted chiral columnar phases. Phase diagrams from experiments and simulations show that the existence and stable regions of different LC phases are strongly dependent on the geometry of colloids. Furthermore, the LC phases can be dynamically tuned by external magnetic fields. This work paves a new route to the development of stimuli-responsive functional LC mesostructures for LC display and laser applications.
Cryptic developmental events determine medulloblastoma radiosensitivity and cellular heterogeneity without altering transcriptomic profile.
Authors: Malawsky Daniel Shiloh , Weir Seth , Ocasio Jennifer , Babcock Ben , Dismuke Taylor , Wilhelmsen Kirk , Gershon Timothy (R.)
Published: August 2020

Patients with medulloblastoma are typically treated with a narrow range of therapies, but may experience widely divergent outcomes; 80-90% become long-term survivors while 20% develop incurable recurrence. Transcriptomic profiling has identified four subgroups with different recurrence risks, but outcomes remain variable for individual patients within each subgroup. To gain new insight into why patients with similar-appearing tumors have variable outcomes, we examined how the timing of tumor initiation effects medulloblastomas triggered by a single, common driver mutation. We genetically-engineered mice to express an oncogenic Smo allele starting early in development in the broad lineage of neural stem cells, or later, in the more committed lineage of cerebellar granule neuron progenitors. Both groups developed medulloblastomas and no other tumors. We compared medulloblastoma progression, response to therapy, gene expression profile and cellular heterogeneity, determined by single cell transcriptomic analysis (scRNA-seq). The average transcriptomic profiles of the tumors were similar. However, stem cell-triggered medulloblastomas progressed faster, contained more OLIG2-expressing tumor stem cells, and consistently showed radioresistance. In contrast, progenitor-triggered MBs progressed slower, lost stem cell character over time and were radiosensitive. Progenitor-triggered medulloblastomas also contained more diverse stromal populations, including tumor-associated macrophages, indicating that the timing of oncogenesis affected the subsequent interactions between the tumor and microenvironment. Our findings show that developmental events in tumorigenesis may be impossible to infer from transcriptomic profile, but while remaining cryptic can nevertheless influence tumor composition and the outcome of therapy. Precise understanding of medulloblastoma pathogenesis and prognosis requires supplementing transcriptomic data with biomarkers of cellular heterogeneity.
Utility of Oxygen Insufflation Through Working Channel During Fiberoptic Intubation: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Roh Go Un , Kang Joon Gwon , Han Jung Youn , Chang Chul Ho
Published: August 2020

Background: Airway management is a part of routine anesthetic procedures; however, serious complications, including hypoxia and death, are known to occur in cases of difficult airways. Therefore, alternative techniques such as fiberoptic bronchoscope-assisted intubation (FOBI) should be considered, although this method requires more time and offers a limited visual field than does intubation with a direct laryngoscope. Oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOBI could minimize the risk of desaturation and improve the visual field. Therefore, the aim of this prospective randomized controlled study was to evaluate the utility and safety of oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOBI. Methods: Thirty-six patients were randomly allocated to an N group (no oxygen insufflation) or an O group (oxygen insufflation). After preoxygenation, FOBI was performed with (O group) or without (N group) oxygen insufflation. The primary outcome was the velocity of decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen during FOBI (VPaO2), while secondary outcomes included the success rate for FOBI, time to intubation, visual field during FOBI, findings of arterial blood gas analysis, and occurrence of FOBI-related complications. Results: We found that VPaO2 was significantly greater in the N group than in the O group (1.01 ± 0.39 vs. 0.42 ± 0.42; p < 0.001), while the visual field was similar between groups. There were no significant intergroup differences in the secondary outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOBI aids in extending the apneic window during the procedure.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02625194, registered at December 9, 2015
Social Emotional Development in the Chinese Children with Cerebral Palsy Aged at 1 to 3 Years and the Associated Risk Factors: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wu You , Tang Jianyong , Chen Yanni , Huang Yanxia
Published: August 2020

Background: With cerebral palsy children's psychological behavior problems loom large, it gradually be taken seriously. This research aimed to analyze the social emotional disorders of the Chinese children with cerebral palsy aged at 1~3 years, and further screen out the independent risk factors that affect their social emotional development.Methods: A total of 300 Chinese children with cerebral palsy aged 1~3 years-old(192 males, 108 females) and their parents took part in this cross-sectional survey, in which the Chinese Version of Infant Toddler Social-Emotional Assessment (CITSEA), the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) were for children while the Coping Style Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( HADS) were for parents. The independent risk factors related to social emotional disorders were screened out using a multivariate logistic or linear regression analysis.Results: The scores of the externalizing and competency domains for the children with cerebral palsy in different age groups were lower than those for healthy children of the same age and gender (p<0.05). For the boys with cerebral palsy, aged at 12~17 and 18~23 months, the scores of the internalizing and dysregulation domains were significantly lower than the norm (p<0.01). The effect of perinatal factors on the externalizing and competency domains is more significant than that on other domains, while the coping style of the parents significantly affected the positive detection rate of dysregulation domain (p=0.001). Conclusions: This study found that the parental emotional state, the education level, the parenting style and the perinatal factors are closely related to social emotional problems in the Chinese children with cerebral palsy.
Triphenylphosphine-catalyzed Alkylative Iododecarboxylation with Lithium Iodide under Visible Light
Authors: Fu Min-Chen , Wang Jia-Xin , Shang Rui
Published: August 2020

Photoactivation of an electron donor–acceptor encounter complex in an organic solvent cage, a phenomenon that has been described in Mulliken theory, has been known for decades, but it has not been employed as a photoactivation step in the design of photocatalysis for organic synthesis until recent years. We report herein an iododecarboxylation reaction that applies this concept for photoactivation by using a catalyst to facilitate electron transfer and to suppress back electron transfer in the photoexcited state. Under irradiation of 456 nm blue light-emitting diodes, PPh3 catalyzes the iododecarboxylation of aliphatic carboxylic acid-derived N-(acyloxy)phthalimide with lithium iodide as iodine source. The reaction delivers primary, secondary, and bridgehead tertiary alkyl iodides in acetone solvent, and the alkyl iodide products were easily used to generate C–N, C–O, C–F, and C–S bonds to allow various decarboxylative transformations without using transition-metal or organic dye-based photocatalysts. This protocol is applicable to redox-active esters derived from various natural products and pharmaceuticals.