bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Cytotoxicity of Tamoxifen Using Geranium Oil
Authors: Mizuno Dai , Kawahara Masahiro , Konoha-Mizuno Keiko , Yamazaki Kentaro
Published: March 2022

Aromatherapy and plant-based essential oils are widely used as complementary and alternative therapies for various symptoms, including anxiety, mild mood disorders, and cancer-related pain. In a previous study, we developed an in vitro assay using immortalized hypothalamic neuronal cells (GT1-7 cells). In this study, we used this assay to investigate the effects of Geranium oil on the cytotoxicity of the oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist: tamoxifen (TMX). The results showed that Geranium oil augmented TMX-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner without directly reducing the viability of GT1-7 cells. Cotreatment with Geranium oil and ER agonist β-estradiol (E2) attenuated the inhibition of GT1-7 cell growth. Moreover, Geranium oil and geraniol, a major constituent of Geranium oil, showed weak agonist activity on ERα and ERβ with geraniol augmenting TMX-induced cell death similar to that observed in Geranium oil. Both compounds impair E2 activity. These data indicate that geraniol is an essential constituent of Geranium oil.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Algorithm-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Biomechanical Changes in Articular Cartilage in Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: He Lu , Li Yanlin , Yu Hong , Liao Xinyu , Shi Zhengliang , Li Yajuan , Wang Guoliang
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to investigate the evaluation of biomechanical changes in articular cartilage in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model. The data of 90 patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in the hospital were collected and divided into the stable group (54 cases) and the unstable group (36 cases). A load of up to 134N was applied to the 3D finite element model, and the kinematics of knee flexion at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° were examined. The tibial anteversion, tibial rotation, and ACL/graft tension were recorded in the 3D finite element model, which was randomly divided into the normal group (intact group, n = 30), the ACL rupture group (deficient group, n = 30), and the anatomical reconstruction group (anatomical group, n = 30). When the graft was fixed at 0°, the anterior tibial translation at 30°, 60°, and 90° in the anatomic group was 8–19% higher than the normal value under 134 N anterior load. The tibial internal rotation in the anatomic group was 18% and 28% higher than the normal value at 30° and 90°. When the graft was fixed at 30°, the anterior tibial translation at 60° and 90° of the anatomic group was 15% higher than the normal value. The tibial internal rotation at 90° of the anatomic group was 16% higher than the normal value, and the above differences had statistical significance

P
<
0.05

. MRI images were used to assess the bone tunnel angle, and the statistical analysis by the independent-samples t-test showed that there were significant differences in the bone tunnel angle between the stable group and the unstable group

P
<
0.05

. Currently, based on the 3D finite element model, MRI can accurately evaluate the postoperative effect of anatomical ACL reconstruction in the position, diameter, and angle of tibial and femoral bone tunnels, which can be applied to clinical promotion.
Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis Predicts Persistent Organ Failure
Authors: Lu Zhihua , Chen Xiangping , Ge Huiqing , Li Man , Feng Binbin , Wang Donghai , Guo Feng
Published: March 2022

Background. The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a surrogate marker of inflammation with prognostic value in various diseases. Our objective was to investigate the predictive value of the NLR as an indicator of persistent organ failure (POF) in patients with hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP). Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the data from patients with HTGP between 2016 and 2019. The NLR was obtained at admission. The diagnostic performance of the NLR for POF was evaluated by the area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC). Multivariate logistic regression determined whether elevated NLR was independently associated with POF. Results. Of the 446 patients enrolled, 89 (20.0%) developed POF. Patients with POF showed a significantly higher NLR than those without POF (

P
<
0.001

). A positive trend for the association across increasing NLR quartiles and the incidence of POF was observed (

P

trend

<
0.001

). The AUROC of NLR to predict POF was 0.673 (95% confidence interval, 0.627-0.716). With a cut-off of

NLR
>
6.56

, the sensitivity and specificity were 73.0% and 55.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis suggested that high NLR (>6.56) was independently associated with POF (odds ratio, 2.580; 95% confidence interval, 1.439-4.626;

P
=
0.001

). Patients with a high NLR (>6.56) had a worse overall clinical course in HTGP. Conclusion. Elevated NLR was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing POF and could be an early independent predictor of POF in patients with HTGP.
Positive Solutions for Third-Order Boundary Value Problems with the Integral Boundary Conditions and Dependence on the First-Order Derivatives
Authors: Yang Fei , Lin Yuanjian , Zhang Juan , Lou Quanfu
Published: March 2022

In this paper, by the use of a new fixed point theorem and the Green function of BVPs, the existence of at least one positive solution for the third-order boundary value problem with the integral boundary conditions is considered,where there is a nonnegative continuous function. Finally, an example which to illustrate the main conclusions of this paper is given.
Influencing Factors of Recurrence of Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation and Construction of Clinical Nomogram Prediction Model
Authors: Ruan Zhong-bao , Liang Hong-xia , Wang Fei , Chen Ge-cai , Zhu Jun-guo , Ren Yin , Zhu Li
Published: March 2022

Purpose. This study sought to investigate the predictive factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in patients after radiofrequency ablation (RFCA) and construct a nomogram prediction model for providing precious information of ablative strategies. Methods. A total of 221 patients with AF who underwent RFCA were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to screen the predictors of recurrence. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Kaplan–Meier (K–M) curve were drawn to analyze the value of predictors. The nomogram model was further constructed to predict the recurrence of AF in patients after RFCA. Results. There were 59 cases of AF recurrence after RFCA. Monocyte count/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MHR), AF course (COURSE), coronary heart disease (CHD), and AF type (TYPE) were the independent risk factors for predicting AF recurrence after RFCA. Accordingly, a nomogram prediction model based on MHR, COURSE, CHD, and TYPE was constructed with a C-index of 0.818 (95% CI: 0.681∼0.954), while the C-index of verification was 0.802 (95% CI: 0.658∼0.946). Conclusions. Preoperative MHR, COURSE, CHD, and TYPE were independent risk factors for predicting recurrence of AF after RFCA. The nomogram model based on MHR, COURSE, CHD, and TYPE can be used to predict the recurrence of AF after RFCA accurately and individually.
Combination Therapy with TCM Preparation Kumu Injection and Azithromycin against Bacterial Infection and Inflammation: In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Yu Meiyu , Gu Xuejing , Qu Yanzheng , Sun Fuyou , Li Yanli , Zhao Feng , Xu Hui
Published: March 2022

Background. Azithromycin (AZM) is one of the most common broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, drug resistance is increasing and combination therapy has attracted great attention. AZM is usually combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, including Kumu injection (KM) made from Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn. Purpose. The present study aimed to investigate synergistic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of KM plus AZM with the aim of understanding the mechanism of clinical efficacy of combination regimens. Methods. Seven common bacterial clinical isolates and LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells were used for assay of in vitro potency. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for each drug, followed by synergy testing through the checkerboard method and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) for quantifying combined antibacterial effects. The rat model of Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pneumonia was developed and subjected to various drug treatments, namely, AZM, KM, or AZM plus KM, intravenously administered at 75 mg/kg once a day for one week. The combination effects then were evaluated according to pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic assessments. Results. KM-AZM combination synergistically inhibits in vitro growth of all the test standard strains except Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also the drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Shigella dysenteriae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. Despite an additive effect against NO, KM plus AZM at an equal dose could synergistically suppress overrelease of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 by LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The combination significantly inhibited the proliferation of K. pneumoniae in the rat lungs, mainly by inactivating MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. KM-AZM combination caused a onefold increase in apparent distribution volume of AZM, along with a significant decrease of AZM level in the livers and heart for pharmacokinetics. Conclusion. KM-AZM combination displayed synergistic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects beneficial to the therapeutic potential against bacterial infection.
Evaluation of Microcirculation in Optic Nerve Head Using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy in Active Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Ho Margaret Ming-Chih , Tsai Yueh-Ju , Chu Yen-Chang , Liao Yi-Lin
Published: March 2022

Background. Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) can be used to estimate optic nerve blood flow. This study used LSFG to evaluate optic nerve microcirculation in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). Methods. This was a retrospective review of patients with active TED who underwent LSFG between October 2020 and June 2021. The mean blur rate (MBR) for different severities of active TED was analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. A total of 30 patients (60 eyes) with a diagnosis of active TED who underwent LSFG were included. The mean age was 49 (range, 33–74) years. Mean best‐corrected visual acuity was the worst in the group with sight‐threatening active TED (0.29 ± 0.33 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, p = 0.01). The MBR‐overall was the highest in the group with mild active TED (28.5 ± 2.7), followed by that in the moderate to severe (23.6 ± 3.2), and in the sight‐threatening (20.2 ± 4.3) active TED groups (p < 0.001). The MBR‐vessel was 57.1, 47.0, and 39.3 in the mild, moderate to severe, and sight‐threatening active TED groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The MBR‐tissue was 16.9, 14.4, and 12.0 in the mild, moderate to severe, and sight‐threatening active TED groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions. This study demonstrates that optic nerve blood flow is lower with more severe active TED. In addition, LSFG is an effective, objective, and noninvasive method for evaluating the severity of TED.
Experimental Research on Badminton Teaching of Physical Education Major Based on Deep Learning in the Multimedia Environment
Authors: Lian Shuaiyu
Published: March 2022

There are many problems in the routine badminton teaching; there are mainly three aspects in college teaching. One is that the hardware equipment related to badminton is not enough; the second is that the badminton teaching does not meet the educational goals; the third is that the participation of college students is not high, which is no longer suitable for the current practical teaching. In order to improve the teaching method of badminton and improve the students’ special performance of badminton, this paper studies the teaching of badminton based on multimedia environment. 82 students majoring in badminton were randomly divided into two classes. The experimental class (n = 41) used multimedia badminton teaching, and the control class (n = 41) used traditional badminton teaching, which lasted for one semester. Before and after the experiment, the students’ physical fitness and badminton performance were tested. And the two classes of students were to send questionnaires to investigate interest in learning badminton and teaching satisfaction. The results of standing long jump, 50 m, and 800 m of the experimental class were improved by 0.2 m, 1.13s, and 16.25s, respectively. This shows that the physical quality and badminton performance of the experimental class under the multimedia environment are better than those of the control class under the general teaching. In the experimental class, 16 students are very interested in learning badminton, and 22 students are very satisfied with the multimedia teaching method; in the control class, only 9 students are very interested in learning badminton, and only 13 students are very satisfied with the traditional teaching method, which shows that the interest and satisfaction of students in the experimental class under the multimedia environment are higher than those in the control class under the traditional teaching.
Blood Urea Nitrogen for Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhu Yuansong , Sasmita Bryan Richard , Hu Xiankang , Xue Yuzhou , Gan Hongbo , Xiang Zhenxian , Jiang Yi , Huang Bi , Luo Suxin
Published: March 2022

Purpose. Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the leading cause of death in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our study aimed to evaluate the short-term prognostic value of admission blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in patients with CS complicating AMI. Materials and Methods. 218 consecutive patients with CS after AMI were enrolled. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. The association of admission BUN and 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was investigated by Cox regression. The integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) further examined the predictive value of BUN. Results. During a period of 30-day follow-up, 105 deaths occurred. Compared to survivors, nonsurvivors had significantly higher admission BUN

p
<
0.001

, creatinine

p
<
0.001

, BUN/creatinine (p = 0.03), and a lower glomerular filtration rate

p
<
0.001

. The area under the curve (AUC) of the 4 indices for predicting 30-day mortality was 0.781, 0.734, 0.588, and 0.773, respectively. When compared to traditional markers associated with CS, the AUC for predicting 30-day mortality of BUN, lactate, and left ventricular ejection fraction were 0.781, 0.776, and 0.701, respectively. The optimal cut-off value of BUN for predicting 30-day mortality was 8.95 mmol/L with Youden-Index analysis. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated BUN >8.95 mmol/L was an important independent predictor for 30-day mortality (HR 2.08, 95%CI 1.28–3.36, p = 0.003) and 30-day MACE (HR 1.85, 95%CI 1.29–2.66, p = 0.001). IDI (0.053, p = 0.005) and NRI (0.135, p = 0.010) showed an improvement in the accuracy for mortality prediction of the new model when BUN was included compared with the standard model of predictors in previous scores. Conclusion. An admission BUN >8.95 mmol/L was robustly associated with increased short-term mortality and MACE in patients with CS after AMI. The prognostic value of BUN was superior to other renal markers and comparable to traditional markers. This easily accessible index might be promising for early risk stratification in CS patients following AMI.
Modelling the Coupled and Coordinated Development between China’s Cross‐border E‐commerce Supply Chain and Economic System
Authors: Li Xinxin , Zheng Chunfang , Wang Tongtong
Published: March 2022

This study constructs a coupling model and establishes an index system for the coupled and coordinate development between cross‐border e‐commerce supply chain system and economic system. The index system adopts supply chain, foreign trade, e‐commerce, e‐commerce logistics, economic development, social consumption, talent environment, and technological innovation as sequential covariates. The calculation shows that the first three batches of 35 cross‐border e‐commerce comprehensive pilot areas (CBECCPA in brief) in China, in 2017, are classified into three degrees of the coupled and coordinated development: superior, good, and moderate. The study provides useful recommendations for promoting cross‐border e‐commerce supply chain, such as to pursue high‐quality balanced development, to cultivate professional composite talents, to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and to create a favorable economic environment.
Improved CNN Method for Crop Pest Identification Based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Zhang Xian , Gao Yanxia , Qu Taiguo , Shi Yuanquan
Published: March 2022

Timely treatment and elimination of diseases and pests can effectively improve the yield and quality of crops, but the current identification methods are difficult to achieve efficient and accurate research and analysis of diseases and pests. To solve this problem, this study proposes a crop pest identification method based on a multilayer network model. First, the method provides a reliable sample dataset for the recognition model through image data enhancement and other operations; the corresponding pest image recognition and analysis model is constructed based on VGG16 and Inception-ResNet-v2 transfer learning network to ensure the completeness of the recognition and analysis model; then, using the idea of an integrated algorithm, the two improved CNN series pest image recognition and analysis models are effectively fused to improve the accuracy of the model for crop pest recognition and classification. The simulation analysis is realized based on the IDADP dataset. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed method for pest identification is 97.71%, which improves the poor identification effect of the current method.
Development of Peptide-Based Vaccines for Cancer
Authors: Abd-Aziz Noraini , Poh Chit Laa
Published: March 2022

Peptides cancer vaccines are designed based on the epitope peptides that can elicit humoral and cellular immune responses targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or tumor-specific antigens (TSAs). In order to develop a clinically safe and more effective vaccine for the future, several issues need to be addressed, and these include the selection of optimal antigen targets, adjuvants, and immunization regimens. Another emerging approach involves the use of personalized peptide-based vaccines based on neoantigens to enhance antitumor response. Rationally designed combinatorial therapy is currently being investigated with chemotherapeutic drugs or immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies to improve the efficacy. This review discusses an overview of the development of peptide-based vaccines, the role of adjuvants, and the delivery systems for peptide vaccines as well as combinatorial therapy as potential anticancer strategies.
Elimination of Induced Hypoxic Regions in Depth of 3D Porous Silk Scaffolds by the Introduction of Channel Configuration
Authors: Tabesh Hadi , Elahi Zahra , Amoabediny Zeinab , Rafiei Fojan
Published: March 2022

Development of large, clinically sized tissue constructs with efficient mass transport is a tremendous need in tissue engineering. One major challenge in large tissue‐engineered constructs is to support homogeneous delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the tissue scaffold while eliminating induced hypoxic regions in depth. To address this goal, we introduced an especial channeled architecture on porous silk‐based tissue scaffolds to improve supplying of oxygen to the cells in central regions of the scaffolds. Oxygen gradients were measured and evaluated in three scaffold prototypes, namely, one unchanneled and two channeled scaffolds with different channel diameters (500 μm and 1000 μm). The channels were introduced into the constructs using stainless‐steel rods arranged uniformly in stainless‐steel mold, a fabrication method that enables precise control over channel diameter and the distance between channels. During 2‐week culture of G292 cells, the 1000 μm channeled scaffolds demonstrated higher oxygen concentration at the center compared to 500 μm channeled prototype; however, the oxygen concentration approached the same level around the last days of culture. Nevertheless, homogenous oxygen distribution throughout the 1000 μm channeled constructs and the consequence of higher cell proliferation at day 14 postseeding corroborate the efficient elimination of induced hypoxic regions; and therefore, it holds promise for clinically relevant sized scaffold especially in bone tissue engineering.
Analysis of Spatial Distribution of CVD and Multiple Environmental Factors in Urban Residents
Authors: Wang Beichen , Gu Kangkang , Dong Dong , Fang Yunhao , Tang Lingling
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a serious threat to urban health with the development of urbanization. There are multifaceted and comprehensive influencing factors for CVD, so clarifying the spatial distribution characteristics of CVD and multiple environmental influencing factors is conducive to improving the active health intervention of urban environment and promoting the sustainable development of cities The spatial distribution characteristics of CVD deaths in a certain district, Bengbu City, Huaihe River Basin, China, in 2019 were explored, and the correlation between multiple environmental factors and CVD mortality was investigated in this study, to reveal the action mechanism of multiple environmental factors affecting the risk of mortality. Relevant studies have shown that (1) CVD deaths are characterized as follows: male deaths are more than females; the mortality is higher in those of higher age; most of them are unemployed; cardiocerebral infarction is the main cause of death; and the deaths are mainly distributed in the central city and near the old urban area. (2) The increased CVD mortality can be attributed to the increased density of restaurants and cigarette and wine shops around the residential area, the increased traffic volume, the dense residential and spatial forms, the low green space coverage, and the distance from rivers. Therefore, appropriate urban planning and policies can improve the active health interventions in cities and reduce CVD mortality.
Bayesian Analysis for Metro Passenger Flows Using Automated Data
Authors: Li Chunya , Xiong Shifeng , Sun Xuan , Qin Yong
Published: March 2022

With the fast development of metro systems in many big cities, it is important to study the characteristics of passenger flows based on metro data for the management to guarantee service quality and safety. In this article, we build statistical models for the data of passengers’ tap-in and tap-out times in both no-transfer and one-transfer cases, and propose a Bayesian approach to estimate parameters in the models. These estimators can be used to evaluate a number of measures, which describe degrees of congestion and comfort, and to quantify their uncertainties. Application of our approach to Beijing metro shows different passengers follow different patterns between different routes and between off-peak and peak hours.
A Dual-Band Wearable Conformal Antenna Based on Artificial Magnetic Conductor
Authors: Wang Shuqi , Gao Huan
Published: March 2022

In order to improve the effectiveness of the antenna performance of wearable devices, a dual-band flexible monopole antenna with a 3 × 3 artificial magnetic conductor structure of the ISM band is proposed by using meander technology. An annular-shaped artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) is placed directly below the antenna, which can be better suitable for wireless body area network (WBAN) applications. A polyimide substance is used as the antenna substrate, which makes the antenna bendable and thin. Benefiting from the in-phase reflective properties of the double ring AMC structure, the antenna has good radiation characteristics. Compared with the single antenna, numerical simulation and measurement results show that the gain of the AMC-loaded antenna is increased by 4.54 dBi and 3.86 dBi at 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz, respectively. In addition, the specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1 g is only 0.35 W/kg at 2.45 GHz and 0.39 W/Kg at 5.8 GHz when the antenna is placed on human tissue, which is far below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standard. The antenna is easy to be conform to the human body and has strong robustness to structural deformation and human body load.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion after Rhinoplasty Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ansari-Astaneh Mohammad-Reza , Raoufi Fereshteh , Shokoohirad Saeed , Shoeibi Naser , Abrishami Mojtaba
Published: March 2022

Aim. This study was aimed at reporting a case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) after rhinoplasty. Case Report. Unilateral blindness occurred in a 22-year-old woman after rhinoplasty with a history of transient visual loss due to migraine aura and vasospasm. The physical examination of the patient revealed a visual acuity of no light perception in the right eye, a 4+ relative afferent pupillary defect, disc swelling, cherry-red spot in the macula, and ischemic retina in the right eye. Based on the diagnosis of CRAO, the patient underwent anterior chamber paracentesis (AC tap) along with treatment with mannitol and intravenous hydrocortisone. Visual acuity improved to 1/10 after a two-month follow-up. Conclusion. Taking history is very important in rhinoplasty surgery, and vasoconstrictors should be limited in the patients with a suspected history of vasospasm.
Quantifying Differences in Remaining Life Expectancy after Cancer Diagnosis, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and Other Australians, 2005–2016
Authors: Dasgupta Paramita , Andersson Therese M.-L. , Garvey Gail , Baade Peter D.
Published: March 2022

Background:

This study quantified differences in remaining life expectancy (RLE) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australian patients with cancer. We assessed how much of this disparity was due to differences in cancer and noncancer mortality and calculated the population gain in life years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders cancer diagnoses if the cancer survival disparities were removed.

Methods:

Flexible parametric relative survival models were used to estimate RLE by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status for a population-based cohort of 709,239 persons (12,830 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders), 2005 to 2016.

Results:

For all cancers combined, the average disparity in RLE was 8.0 years between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (12.0 years) and other Australians (20.0 years). The magnitude of this disparity varied by cancer type, being >10 years for cervical cancer versus <2 years for lung and pancreatic cancers. For all cancers combined, around 26% of this disparity was due to differences in cancer mortality and 74% due to noncancer mortality. Among 1,342 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders diagnosed with cancer in 2015 an estimated 2,818 life years would be gained if cancer survival disparities were removed.

Conclusions:

A cancer diagnosis exacerbates the existing disparities in RLE among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Addressing them will require consideration of both cancer-related factors and those contributing to noncancer mortality.

Impact:

Reported survival-based measures provided additional insights into the overall impact of cancer over a lifetime horizon among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Phase Ib/II Trial of Ribociclib in Combination with Binimetinib in Patients with NRAS-mutant Melanoma
Authors: Schuler Martin , Zimmer Lisa , Kim Kevin B. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Ascierto Paolo A. , Postow Michael A. , De Vos Filip Y.F.L. , van Herpen Carla M.L. , Carlino Matteo S. , Johnson Douglas B. , Berking Carola , Reddy Micaela B. , Harney Allison S. , Berlin Jordan D. , Amaria Rodabe N.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Enhanced MAPK pathway signaling and cell-cycle checkpoint dysregulation are frequent in NRAS-mutant melanoma and, as such, the regimen of the MEK inhibitor binimetinib and the selective CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib is a rational combination.

Patients and Methods:

This is a phase Ib/II, open-label study of ribociclib + binimetinib in patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma (NCT01781572). Primary objectives were to estimate the MTD/recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of the combination (phase Ib) and to characterize combination antitumor activity at the RP2D (phase II). Tumor genomic characterization and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics were also evaluated.

Results:

Ten patients (16.4%) experienced dose-limiting toxicities in cycle 1 of phase Ib. Overall response rate in the phase II cohort (n = 41) for the selected RP2D (binimetinib 45 mg twice daily + ribociclib 200 mg once daily, 21 days on/7 days off) was 19.5% [8/41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 8.8–34.9]. The response rate was 32.5% (13/40; 95% CI, 20.1–48.0) in patients with NRAS mutation with concurrent alterations of CDKN2A, CDK4, or CCND1. Median progression-free survival was 3.7 months (95% CI, 3.5–5.6) and median overall survival was 11.3 months (95% CI, 9.3–14.2) for all patients. Common treatment-related toxicities included creatine phosphokinase elevation, rash, edema, anemia, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Pharmacokinetics and safety were consistent with single-agent data, supporting a lack of drug–drug interaction.

Conclusions:

Ribociclib + binimetinib can be safely administered and is clinically active in patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma. Co-mutations of cell-cycle genes may define a population with greater likelihood of treatment benefit.

See related commentary by Moschos, p. 2977
Nephrotoxin Exposure in the 3 Years following Hospital Discharge Predicts Development or Worsening of Chronic Kidney Disease among Acute Kidney Injury Survivors
Authors: Schreier Diana J. , Rule Andrew D. , Kashani Kianoush B. , Mara Kristin C. , Kane-Gill Sandra L. , Lieske John C. , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Barreto Erin F. ,   on behalf of the ACT Study Team
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) are at high risk of progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), for which drugs may be a modifiable risk factor. Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study of Olmsted County, MN residents who developed AKI while hospitalized between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2014, using Rochester Epidemiology Project data. Adults with a hospitalization complicated by AKI who survived at least 90 days after AKI development were included. Medical records were queried for prescription of potentially nephrotoxic medications over the 3 years after discharge. The primary outcome was de novo or progressive CKD defined by either a new diagnosis code for CKD or ≥30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline. The composite of CKD, AKI readmission, or death was also evaluated. Results: Among 2,461 AKI survivors, 2,140 (87%) received a potentially nephrotoxic medication during the 3 years following discharge. When nephrotoxic medication use was analyzed in a time-dependent fashion, those actively prescribed at least one of these drugs experienced a significantly higher risk of de novo or progressive CKD (HR 1.38: 95% CI: 1.24, 1.54). Similarly, active potentially nephrotoxic medication use predicted a greater risk of the composite endpoint of CKD, AKI readmission, or death within 3 years of discharge (HR 1.41: 95% CI: 1.28, 1.56). Conclusion: In this population-based cohort study, AKI survivors actively prescribed one or more potentially nephrotoxic medications were at significantly greater risk for de novo or progressive CKD. An opportunity exists to reassess nephrotoxin appropriateness following an AKI episode to improve patient outcomes.
Effects of Using Epidural Analgesia during Delivery on Maternal and Infant Outcomes
Authors: Shuai Fei , Jia Junxiang , Lin Peng
Published: March 2022

Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of epidural analgesia (EA) during delivery on maternal and infant outcomes. Design: This was a prospective cohort study. Participants: In total, 159 pregnant multiparas in Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University from November 2019 to May 2020 were enrolled. Patients were divided into the EA group (n = 80) and no analgesia group (n = 79) based on the choice of the parturients. Methods: The duration of labor, levels of umbilical arterial blood gas (pH and partial pressure oxygen), visual analog score (VAS), and adverse events were evaluated to compare differences between the EA group and no analgesia group, respectively. Results: The duration of labor was prolonged in the entire labor (p = 0.002), and the first stage (p = 0.001) in the EA group compared with the no analgesia group. The second stage of labor and third stage of labor, levels of umbilical arterial blood gas, and 1-min Apgar score in neonates were similar in EA and no analgesia groups (All p > 0.05). After adjusting age, prepregnancy body mass index, and past and present medical history, the VAS was low in the EA group compared with the no analgesia group when the uterine orifice was completely open (odds ratio [OR] = 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001–0.002), 8 h postdelivery (OR = 0.508, 95% CI: 0.264–0.977), and 24 h postdelivery (OR = 0.321, 95% CI: 0.167–0.617). EA increased the proportion of adverse events occurring 5 min postdelivery (χ2 = 10.137, p = 0.001), while decreased the proportion of adverse events occurring 24 h postdelivery (χ2 = 4.750, p = 0.029). Limitations: In terms of the effects of EA on neonates, we only measured the 1-min Apgar score of neonates. Conclusions: EA might be a reliable pain relief method for pregnant women. The results of our study might give a reference for the use of EA during delivery in clinic.
Bullying Perpetration and Victimization as Social Mechanisms in the Development of Borderline Personality Traits during Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Franssens Raissa , Giletta Matteo , Vanwoerden Salome , De Clercq Barbara
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Borderline personality features are often associated with toxic social relationships and problematic peer functioning. Less is known, however, about the extent to which bullying experiences may shape the development and maintenance of borderline-related traits during crucial periods of rapid normative developments in impulse and emotion regulation skills. Given the core interpersonal character of borderline personality pathology (BPP), such research focus may be relevant to better understand possible causal social mechanisms in the development of personality difficulties within the borderline trait spectrum. Method: The current longitudinal study examined whether experiences of both bullying perpetration and victimization in pre-adolescence mediated the developmental course of BPP traits between childhood and adolescence. To examine these associations, a sample of children (N = 242; 57% girls; Mage = 10.87 years) was recruited and followed up 1 and 4 years later. Results: Mediation analysis indicated that the prospective link between child and adolescent BPP trait vulnerability was shaped by pre-adolescent experiences of bullying victimization, but not by bullying perpetration. Discussion: These results indicate that the continuity between child and adolescent borderline trait features are partly explained by exposure to bullying victimization, indicating that the impact of environmental invalidation on BPP development also extends to the peer context.
Gestational Age-Dependent Reference Ranges for Albumin Levels in Cord Serum
Authors: Ikuta Toshihiko , Iwatani Sota , Okutani Takahiro , Yoshimoto Seiji
Published: March 2022

Background: To diagnose hypoalbuminemia in newborns, it is essential to establish a definition applicable to those with a different gestational age (GA) and clinical conditions. A positive correlation between serum albumin levels and GA has been reported, but the study was limited to small numbers of newborns. We therefore investigated the GA-dependent reference ranges for serum albumin levels using cord venous blood (UC-Alb levels) from a large number of newborns delivered at a tertiary perinatal center. Methods: Albumin levels were assessed in 2,917 newborns at 22–41 weeks of GA after exclusion of those with congenital disorders. Linear regression analysis was used to correlate GA and UC-Alb levels. After calculation of the percentile values of UC-Alb levels for each week of GA, the distributions were approximated by the least-squares method. To validate the determined linear approximation of the 5%ile value, the UC-Alb levels in newborns with hydrops fetalis and gastroschisis were used. Results: A significant positive correlation between GA and UC-Alb levels was found (rs = 0.701, p < 0.001, respectively). The distribution of the 5%ile of UC-Alb levels (Y) by GA (X) was approximated as a straight line (Y = 0.062 × X + 0.326, R2 = 0.951). Among the 59 and 18 newborns with hydrops fetalis and gastroschisis, 51 (86.4%) and 15 (83.3%), respectively, were below the line. Conclusions: We established GA-dependent reference ranges for serum albumin levels, which may be useful to accurately diagnose hypoalbuminemia in newborns.
Fast band power measurement technique in Wi-Fi systems using spectrum analyzer
Authors: Malleswari Bommalapati , Sesharangaiah Mohan Kumar , Sanka Bhaskara Rao
Published: March 2022

Fast band power measurement technique used for measuring band power in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) devices. The difficulty during testing the band power is burst mode transmission takes longer time to measure. A test jig or specialized tool required is costly, which allows continuous mode of transmission for power measurement. The delivered average power by a Wi-Fi device depends upon the data rate which can also vary during time. The procedure proposed hereby developed using a spectrum analyzer to measure band power in the burst mode, in order to ensure repeatable results and optimized to enable fast measurements at low cost, less time and above 90% accurate.
Analysis of switched impedance source/quasi-impedance source DC-DC converters for photovoltaic system
Authors: Sreenu Sapavath , Upendar Jalla , Sirisha Bogimi
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes the switched impedance source converter (SZSC) or switched quasi impedance source DC-DC converter (S-qZSC) based photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected systems. To increase the voltage from low level to high level, all PV grid-connected systems need step-up DC-DC converters. This step-up factor can be increased by connecting the terminals of a traditional quasi impedance source DC-DC converter with an additional diode and a switch. In this proposed converter, the capacitor not only serves as a filter. It is, however, bound in series to the charging loops of the inductors. On the one hand, saturated inductors can trigger instability, which can be avoided. When used for dc-ac conversion, however, the modulation index of the backend H-bridge can be set to a wider range. As compared to existing Z-source-based systems, a shorter duty period results in a higher boost factor.
Comprehensive analysis and design of furnace oil-based power station using ETAP
Authors: Muzzammel Raheel , Arshad Rabia
Published: March 2022

High standards of living are linked with the availability of energy. Therefore, there is always a requirement to modify existing power generating systems or to add new systems to fulfill the increasing demands of energy. It is becoming a core issue in the South Asian region so that at least current standards of living could be maintained by controlling growing energy rates and shortening the availability of conventional sources. Furnace oil is a residue obtained in the process of distillation of crude oil in the petroleum industry. This furnace oil is applicable for power generation plants allied with the petroleum industry so that residue of oil refineries could be utilized. In this research, a furnace oil-based power plant is designed in electrical transient and analysis program (ETAP) software. Moreover, steady-state and transient analysis of the proposed design of the power plant are conducted to increase practical viability of model. Load flow is analyzed to depict the performance of the power plant model under load conditions. This model is further tested under the motor starting event to analyze the current drawn by the motor. This event helps to determine the permissible values of protective equipment installed in power plants. In the last, economic dispatch analysis is conducted to find the relative minima of generation cost of furnace oil-based power plant with respect to coal and hydel generation
Demand response planning in capacity market using microgrid
Authors: Khadem Mohammad , Karami Mahdi
Published: March 2022

Planning of the demand response has received special attention due to the cost of transmission lines development and shortage of energy resources beside the growth of demand. This research work is focused on the role of microgrid (MG) as an alternative solution for transmission system development and proposed a method for modeling of MGs in the capacity market. The results show that using of MGs leads to reduce the development costs of transmission system. Moreover, MGs cause a slight increase in the profitability of selling capacity to the consumers. These outcomes prove that continuing to grow the number and capacity of MGs in each area ultimately eliminate the inquiry of transmission network development and minimize the cost of capacity market.
Cena teatral contemporânea
Authors: Gadelha Carmem
Published: March 2022

Abordagem ético-política da tragicidade na cena teatral contemporânea. Trata-se de observara eclosão de figurações do corpo ferido daqueles que se encontram em condições de cidadania precária. Aatenção se volta para a polifonia dessas expressões minoritárias em aspectos de lirismo coral – umtrânsito por processos de subjetivação. Põem-se em questão os espaços da cidade e do palco, verificandoneles articulações entre as tramas de construção do moderno em suas diferenças com a cena atual. Astrajetórias se fazem no transitar entre a personagem individual e as múltiplas vozes da multidão.Verificam-se encontros do arcaico com a sociedade superinformada. O artigo traz, na segunda parte e atítulo de exemplo, apontamentos breves sobre espetáculos recentemente produzidos.
Odisseia que patina maneirista em belo achado
Authors: Ramos Luiz Fernando
Published: March 2022

Resenha crítica sobre o espetáculo de Cristina Jatahy, que estreou em Paris no Teatro Odeon e foi apresentado em Portugal. O espetáculo foi produzido no Brasil, em São Paulo, no Teatro do SESC Consolação. Apesar da sofisticação cenotécnica e da combatividade feminista, além da reverberação da questão migratória na Europa, o espetáculo faz opções dramatúrgicas que ao mesmo tempo o singularizam e o prejudicam.
Is the Pannexin-1 Channel a Mechanism Underlying Hypertension in Humans? a Translational Study of Human Hypertension
Authors: Gliemann Lasse , Tamariz-Ellemann Andrea , Collin Hansen Camilla , Svare Ehlers Thomas , Møller Sophie , Hellsten Ylva
Published: March 2022

Background:

In preclinical models, the pannexin-1 channel has been shown to be involved in blood pressure regulation through an effect on peripheral vascular resistance. Pannexin-1 releases ATP, which can activate constrictive purinergic receptors on the smooth muscle cells. Pannexin-1 opening is proposed to be mediated by α-adrenergic receptors to potentiate sympathetic constriction. This positions pannexin-1 as a putative pharmacological target in blood pressure regulation in humans. The aim was to provide the first translational evidence for a role of pannexin-1 in essential hypertension in humans by use of an advanced invasive mechanistic approach.

Methods:

Middle-aged stage-1 hypertensive (n=13; 135.7±6.4 over 83.7±3.7 mm Hg) and normotensive men (n=12; 117.3±5.7 over 72.2±3.5 mm Hg) were included. Blood pressure and leg vascular resistance were determined during femoral arterial infusion of tyramine (α-adrenergic receptor stimulation), sodium nitroprusside, and acetylcholine. Measurements were made during control conditions and with pannexin-1 blockade (3000 mg probenecid). Expression of Pannexin-1, purinergic- and α-adrenergic receptors in skeletal muscle biopsies was determined by Western blot.

Results:

The changes in leg vascular resistance in response to tyramine (+289% versus +222%), sodium nitroprusside (−82% versus −78%) and acetylcholine (−40% versus −44%) infusion were not different between the 2 groups (
P
>0.05) and pannexin-1 blockade did not alter these variables (
P
>0.05). Expression of pannexin-1 and of purinergic- and α-adrenergic receptors was not different between the 2 groups (
P
>0.05).

Conclusions:

Contrary to our hypothesis, the data demonstrate that pannexin-1 does not contribute to the elevated blood pressure in essential hypertension, a finding, which also opposes that reported in preclinical models.
Acute Increase of Renal Perfusion Pressure Causes Rapid Activation of mTORC1 (Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1) and Leukocyte Infiltration
Authors: Shimada Satoshi , Yang Chun , Kumar Vikash , Mattson David L. , Cowley Allen W.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The present study in Sprague-Dawley rats determined the effects of a rapid rise of renal perfusion pressure (RPP) upon the activation of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), and the effects upon the infiltration of CD68-positive macrophages/monocytes and CD3-positive T lymphocytes into the kidneys.

Methods:

RPP was elevated by 40 mm Hg for 30 minutes in male Sprague-Dawley rats while measuring renal blood flow and urine flow rate. Sham rats were studied in the same way, but RPP was not changed. Since initial studies found that the acute increase of RPP resulted in activation of mTORC1 (phosphorylation of S6
S235/236
), the effects of inhibition of mTORC1 with rapamycin pretreatment were then determined.

Results:

It was found that a 30-minute increase of RPP (≈40 mm Hg) resulted in an 8-fold increase of renal sodium excretion which was blunted by rapamycin treatment. Renal blood flow was not affected by the elevation of RPP. Activation of mTORC1 was observed. Significant increases in CD68-positive macrophages were found in both the cortex (intraglomerular and periglomerular regions) and in the outer medullary interstitial regions of the kidney and prevented by rapamycin treatment. Increases in CD3-positive T lymphocytes were observed exclusively in the periglomerular regions and prevented by rapamycin treatment. Upregulation of several proinflammatory markers was observed.

Conclusions:

We conclude that elevation of RPP rapidly activates mTORC1 resulting in infiltration of immune cells into the kidney.