bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Asian-Pacific Oscillation on Precipitation in Central Eastern China during Autumn (1960–2016)
Authors: Lin Zouxing , Zhu Jiajin , Hua Wei , Fan Guangzhou
Published: December 2019

The Asian-Pacific Oscillation (APO) plays an important role in precipitation in Central Eastern China (CEC). This study analyzed observational and reanalysis data to investigate CEC precipitation during autumn (1960–2016) and its association with the APO. The APO index (APOI) was redefined, and an autumn CEC precipitation index (CECPI) was calculated to elucidate the relationship between the APO and CEC precipitation. Significant positive correlation (correlation coefficient: 0.60) was found between the APOI and CECPI. Further analysis revealed anomalous southerly winds at 850 hPa over CEC when the APO was strong, which corresponded to anomalous strengthened (weakened) sea level pressure and increased 500-hPa geopotential height over Asia (the Pacific), together with strong meridional shear of the East Asian jet. This configuration is conducive to transportation of warm moist air to CEC during strong APOI years (SAY), but the effect is much diminished during weak APOI years. Moreover, strengthening of both the Walker Circulation of the tropical Pacific and the anomalous upward movement (and convergence) over the Western Pacific (WP) observed during SAY is also conducive to the formation of precipitation in CEC. A possible physical explanation for the close association of the APO with tropical circulation changes is that decreased (increased) sea surface temperature in the tropical eastern Pacific (WP and extratropical Pacific) is beneficial for stimulating a strong APO teleconnection pattern, which further affects precipitation in CEC by strengthening the connection between tropical and subtropical regions.
Systematic Review with Meta-analysis: Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Gao Huiqin , Li Lunan , Zhang Chenjing , Tu Jiangfeng , Geng Xiaoge , Wang Jingya , Zhou Xiaolu , Jing Jiyong , Pan Wensheng
Published: December 2019

Background. Helicobacter pylori is an important carcinogenic factor in gastric cancer. Studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori infection is inversely associated with certain diseases such as esophageal cancer and whose infection appears to have a “protective effect.” At present, the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and esophageal cancer remains controversial. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of esophageal cancer in different regions and ethnicities. Methods. Systematic search of the articles on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and esophageal cancer from the database with the duration time up to December 2018. This systematic review was performed under the MOOSE guidelines. Results. This meta-analysis included 35 studies with 345,886 patients enrolled. There was no significant correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the general population (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.64-1.09/OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.54-0.97). However, a significant correlation was found in the Middle East (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.22-0.52/95% CI: 0.26-0.44). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori between the case group and the control group in esophageal adenocarcinoma (8.87% vs. 9.67%). The pooled OR was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.43-0.70) or 0.23 (95% CI: 0.15-0.36). When grouped by match or not, the pooled OR of the nonmatching group and the matching group was 0.48/0.21 (95% CI: 0.36-0.65/95% CI: 0.13-0.36) and 0.73/0.71 (95% CI: 0.57-0.92/95% CI: 0.60-0.84), respectively. Conclusion. In the general populations, no significant association was found between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, lower risk was found in the Middle East. Helicobacter pylori infection may reduce the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, but such “protection effect” may be overestimated.
Behavior of Axially Loaded Stirrup Confinement Rectangular Concrete‐Filled Steel Tubular Stub Columns
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Wen-jun , Ding Fa-xing , Zeng Xin-fa , Tan Zhe , Huang Yan , Wang Bao-quan
Published: December 2019

This article presents the experimental and finite element (FE) analyses of two conventional rectangular concrete‐filled steel tubular (CFT) stub columns, two stiffened rectangular concrete‐filled steel tubular (SCFT) stub columns, and two stirrup confinement rectangular concrete‐filled steel tubular (CCFT) stub columns concentrically loaded in compression to failure. The influences of the ductility and ultimate bearing strength of these stub columns with stiffening ribs or spiral stirrup confinement were discussed. Abaqus was used to establish a 3D FE model and analyze the properties of CFT stub columns subjected to axial compression. The effect of the concrete core and rectangular steel tube under loop stirrup confinement was discussed. Analytical results showed that spiral stirrup confinement can availably retard the local bucking of the rectangular steel pipe, and the effect of the spiral stirrup confinement was stronger than that of stiffeners. The DI values of SCFT and CCFT were 21.9% and 31.9% larger than those of CFT, respectively. The ultimate capacity values of SCFT and CCFT were 10.2% and 18% larger than those of CFT, respectively. The ductility and ultimate bearing strength of the specimens improved effectively under spiral stirrup confinement, and the ductility of the CCFT columns was preferable to that of the SCFT columns.
Impact of Strontium and Krypton Release from Ghana’s MNSR following a Conjectural Accident Scenario
Authors: Birikorang S. A. , Abrefah R. G. , Obeng H. K. , Gyamfi K.
Published: December 2019

Accidental release of gaseous or liquid effluents is a critical issue and of a greater concern to the nuclear industry when it comes to the protection of the public and the environment. The emphasis becomes paramount when the release involves particulate of radiation particles. This paper provides a comprehensive insight report on an account of a research investigation carried out in addressing a radiological safety issue of Ghana’s Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) during its core conversion project. The amounts of Strontium-90 (Sr-90) and Krypton-85 (Kr-85) effluents presumably released from the reactor hall to the surroundings and the consequential emission radiation to the working area within a 200 m radius were analyzed for a six-month working period. The objective was to estimate specifically the approximate total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) of Sr-90 and Kr-85 by considering a conjectural accident scenario using a well-recognized and user-friendly known atmospheric dispersion model before the preparatory period. The maximum TEDE value recorded at a ground deposition value of 4.6E − 01 kBq/m2 was approximately 1.80E − 02 mSv and 4.90E − 4 mSv for Sr-90 and Kr-85, respectively, at a maximum distance of 0.1 km from the source. The estimated dose values recorded were found to be within the recommended regulatory safety limits of 50 mSv for onsite workers and 1 mSv for the general public. No adverse effect was experienced with respect to human health and the environment.
Effects of IL-4-590C/T (rs2243250) Polymorphism on the Susceptibility of Smoking-Related Cancer: A Meta-Analysis Involving 11,407 Subjects
Authors: Chen Guangyuan , Hu Cong , Song Yuxuan , Zhang Haifei , Li Song , Lai Penghui , Zhang Yiling , Huang Peng
Published: December 2019

Background. Several previous studies have assessed the relationship between IL-4-590C/T gene polymorphism and smoking-related cancer in recent years; however, the results remain controversial. Based on it, the study intends to clarify whether IL-4-590C/T variant increases the risk of smoking-related cancer through meta-analysis. Methods. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang data information service platform to collect qualified case-control studies in strict accordance with the inclusion and exclusion standards. The 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and its odds ratio (OR) were adopted to access the relation between IL-4-590C/T gene polymorphism and smoking-related cancer; sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment were carried out after the studies’ quality evaluation. Results. 17 studies were included in total, with 5,061 patients and 6,346 control cases. A significant association between IL-4-590C/T variant and smoking-related cancer in total population was revealed in our meta-analysis results, and IL-4-590C/T variant might have a relatively protective effect on smoking-related cancer (CT vs. TT: P=0.026, OR = 0.900, 95% CI: 0.820–0.987). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that the IL-4-590C/T polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of smoking-related cancer in the Asian population (CT vs. TT: P=0.008, OR = 0.878, 95% CI: 0.798–0.967; CC + CT vs. TT: P=0.030, OR = 0.903, 95% CI: 0.824–0.990). Subgroup analysis based on types of cancer demonstrated the IL-4-590C/T variant achieved a lower risk in renal cell cancer (CC vs. TT: P=0.046, OR = 0.640, 95% CI: 0.412–0.993). Conclusion. There is a conspicuous association between IL-4-590C/T polymorphism and decreased risk of smoking-related cancer, particularly in Asians. And IL-4-590C/T polymorphism may have a protective effect on renal cell cancer.
Extensive Circumferential Heterotopic Ossification Discovered at the Base of a Loop Ileostomy
Authors: Bosaily Ahmad , Edminister John , Magal Samarchitha , Jamil Mohammad , Lynn Amy , Hall Glenn
Published: December 2019

Heterotopic ossification is a rare phenomenon defined by the formation of bone within nonossifying soft tissues. A rare variant of heterotopic ossification is heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO), in which there is involvement of the mesentery and surrounding intra-abdominal structures. There are only four previously reported cases of HMO involving an ileostomy. We present a case of HMO affecting an ileostomy which was discovered during elective stoma reversal in a 52-year-old male who required fecal diversion following perineal necrotizing fasciitis.
Study on Identification Method for Parameter Uncertainty Model of Aero Engine
Authors: Bai Jie , Liu Shuai , Wang Wei
Published: December 2019

The linear model of an aero engine is effective in a small range of the neighborhood of equilibrium points. According to this problem, the identification method for the parameter uncertain linear model of the aero engine was proposed. The identification problem is solved by calculating nonlinear programming. Considering the parameter uncertainty of the model is the critical point of this research during the optimization process. A parameter uncertain model of an aero engine can be obtained, which has large use range. This method is used for DGEN380 aero engine. The two parameters, VDD and VE, are defined for describing error range. Compared with experimental data, the uncertain model of DGEN 380 can simulate the real state of DGEN380 within 1% error range when ΔPLA<22%. Compared with another conventional method of identification (recursive least squares), the parameter uncertain model, established by the method of this research, has a broad application area through parameter uncertainty of the model.
A Ten-Year Review of Audiological Performance in Children with Inner Ear Abnormalities after Cochlear Implantation in Singapore
Authors: Tay Sok Yan , Anicete Rosslyn , Tan Kun Kiaang Henry
Published: December 2019

Objectives. To evaluate children with inner ear malformations following cochlear implantation (CI) in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Singapore to identify factors influencing outcomes after CI.Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of children aged 0 to 18 years, who had CI between 2000 and 2013. Demographic information, data on risk factors, type of inner ear malformation (IEM), age at implantation, speech pre- and postimplantation, and duration of follow-up were collected from clinical records. Operative details and audiological outcomes were also analyzed.Results. A total of 70 children underwent 83 CI surgeries. The mean age of the patients was 4.05 ± 3.17 years (range 1–18 years). Twenty patients (28.57%) had abnormal CT scan findings. CSF gusher occurred in 15 out of 26 CI (57.69%) in the group with IEM. Nine out of twenty patients (45.00%) had poor IT-MAIS scores prior to implantation. The average preoperative IT-MAIS score for children with anomalous inner ear anatomy was 14.1. The older CI patients, 3/20 (15.00%), mean age 8.33 years (range 7–10 years), were mostly referred for persistently unclear speech following hearing aids. Eleven patients (55.00%) had good speech and aided hearing threshold within speech limits after CI and were eligible for reintegration into mainstream schools. Five patients (25.00%) had improvement in speech but continued to receive education in special schools. Four patients (20.00%) had poor progress after surgery.Conclusion. The presence of absent cochlear nerve, electrode folding, and underlying neurological disorders seemed to be associated with poorer outcomes.
Extramedullary Manifestations of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia: Do We Treat like an Acute Myeloid Leukemia?
Authors: Pudasainee Prasun , Pyakuryal Bimatshu , Subedi Yogesh , Upadhyay Jenisha , Adhikari Subarna
Published: December 2019

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a relatively rare clonal hematologic disorder with features of myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative disease. Extramedullary leukemic involvement is rarely a presenting feature of CMML. As there are no clear guidelines in regard to the treatment of patients with extramedullary manifestations, its management is challenging. In this report, we discuss the management of our patient who presented with submandibular lymphadenopathy and gingivitis and was diagnosed with CMML.
Performance of Resource Management Techniques for Weather-Impacted Satellite Networks
Authors: Imole Olugbenga Emmanuel , Walingo Tom Mmbasu
Published: December 2019

Signals transmitted via satellite networks at high frequency in the Ka,Q, andVbands are susceptible to degradation due to rain attenuation. Adaptive transmission techniques are usually employed to mitigate the effect of rain and improve users’ quality of service (QoS) but the effectiveness of these techniques hinges on the accuracy with which rain attenuation on the link is known. Commonly, most techniques rely on predicted attenuation along the link for selection of optimal transmission parameters. This paper proposes an efficient approach to predict the rain attenuation experienced by sources of multimedia connections in rain-impacted satellite networks. The proposed technique is based on three Markov models for widespread, shower, and thunderstorm rain events and predicts the attenuation experienced at different periods within the duration of a user’s connection. It relies on an adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) scheme to dynamically mitigate rain attenuation and a call admission control (CAC) policy to guarantee the satisfaction of users’ QoS requirements.
Comparative Evaluation of T-Cell Immune Response to BTV Infection in Sheep Vaccinated with Pentavalent BTV Vaccine When Compared to Un-Vaccinated Animals
Authors: Bitew Molalegne , Ravishankar Chintu , Chakravarti Soumendu , Kumar Sharma Gaurav , Nandi Sukdeb
Published: December 2019

Recent invasion of multiple bluetongue virus serotypes (BTV) in different regions of the world necessitates urgent development of efficient vaccine that is directed against multiple BTV serotypes. In this experimental study, cell mediated immune response and protective efficacy of binary ethylenimine (BEI) inactivated Montanide™ ISA 206 adjuvanted pentavalent (BTV-1, 2, 10, 16 and 23) vaccine was evaluated in sheep and direct challenge with homologous BTV serotypes in their respective group. Significant (P<0.05) up-regulation of mRNA transcripts of IFN-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α in PBMCs of vaccinated animals as compared to control (un-vaccinated) animals at certain time points was observed. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in mean ± SD percentage of CD8+ T cells after 7 days post challenge (DPC) but, the mean ± SD percentage of CD4+ T-cell population slightly declined at 7 DPC and enhanced after 14 DPC. Significant differences (P<0.05) of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells population was also observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated sheep. The vaccine also significantly (P<0.05) reduced BTV RNA load in PBMCs of vaccinated animals than unvaccinated animals following challenge. There were no significant difference (P>0.05) in cytokine induction, BTV RNA load and CD8+ and CD4+ cell count among BTV-1, 2, 10, 16 and 23 serotype challenges except significant increase in mean ± SD percentage of CD8+ in BTV-2 group. These findings put forwarded that binary ethylenimine inactivated montanide adjuvanted pentavalent bluetongue vaccine has stimulated cell mediated immune response and most importantly reduced the severity of BTV-1, 2, 10, 16 and 23 infections following challenge in respective group.
Design and Embedded Implementation of a Power Management Controller for Wind-PV-Diesel Microgrid System
Authors: Boussetta M. , Motahhir S. , El Bachtiri R. , Allouhi A. , Khanfara M. , Chaibi Y.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents an implementation of real-time energy management systems (EMS) to maximize the efficiency of the electricity distribution in an isolated hybrid microgrid system (HMGS) containing photovoltaic modules, wind turbine, battery energy storage system, and diesel generator (DG) which is used as a backup source. These systems are making progress worldwide thanks to their respect for the environment. However, hybridization of several sources requires power flow control (PFC). For this reason, in this work, a proper energy management system is developed using LabVIEW software and embedded in a suitable platform for the real-time management of the hybrid energy system. The developed EMS is tested and validated through a small-scale application which accurately represents the case study of an isolated mosque located in a remote area of Morocco. The aim of this paper is to (i) propose a novel modelling method and real-time monitoring interface under the LabVIEW software based on the real data obtained by an optimal sizing previously made using Homer-pro software and (ii) implement the power control system on a low-consumption embedded platform that is the Raspberry-pi3.
The Cross-Modal Effects of Sensory Deprivation on Spatial and Temporal Processes in Vision and Audition: A Systematic Review on Behavioral and Neuroimaging Research since 2000
Authors: Bell Laura , Wagels Lisa , Neuschaefer-Rube Christiane , Fels Janina , Gur Raquel E. , Konrad Kerstin
Published: December 2019

One of the most significant effects of neural plasticity manifests in the case of sensory deprivation when cortical areas that were originally specialized for the functions of the deprived sense take over the processing of another modality. Vision and audition represent two important senses needed to navigate through space and time. Therefore, the current systematic review discusses the cross-modal behavioral and neural consequences of deafness and blindness by focusing on spatial and temporal processing abilities, respectively. In addition, movement processing is evaluated as compiling both spatial and temporal information. We examine whether the sense that is not primarily affected changes in its own properties or in the properties of the deprived modality (i.e., temporal processing as the main specialization of audition and spatial processing as the main specialization of vision). References to the metamodal organization, supramodal functioning, and the revised neural recycling theory are made to address global brain organization and plasticity principles. Generally, according to the reviewed studies, behavioral performance is enhanced in those aspects for which both the deprived and the overtaking senses provide adequate processing resources. Furthermore, the behavioral enhancements observed in the overtaking sense (i.e., vision in the case of deafness and audition in the case of blindness) are clearly limited by the processing resources of the overtaking modality. Thus, the brain regions that were previously recruited during the behavioral performance of the deprived sense now support a similar behavioral performance for the overtaking sense. This finding suggests a more input-unspecific and processing principle-based organization of the brain. Finally, we highlight the importance of controlling for and stating factors that might impact neural plasticity and the need for further research into visual temporal processing in deaf subjects.
Perceived Stigma and Fear of Unintended Disclosure are Barriers in Medication Adherence in Adolescents with Perinatal HIV in Botswana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Madiba Sphiwe , Josiah Unaswi
Published: December 2019

Background. Maintaining optimal adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a challenge for adolescents with perinatally HIV (ALPHIV), and there is little consensus on what factors contribute to adherence in this population. This study assessed self-reported medication adherence among ALPHIV and explored structural factors that hinder or motivate them to adhere. Methods. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with ALPHIV at the infectious disease control centre of a teaching hospital in Botswana. Thirty adolescents aged 12–19 years who were aware of their HIV status were recruited purposively. Transcribed interviews were analysed using the thematic approach and NVivo data analysis software. Findings. Nonadherence was a problem across age groups and gender. Perceived stigma was a major barrier to ART adherence. The fear of stigma and unintended disclosure were more pronounced in those attending boarding school. The adolescents were not willing to take medication in front of roommates and outside of the home. They opted for hiding and taking medication in privacy which led to missed doses. The heightened fear of being seen collecting ART medication affected keeping appointments for clinic visits. Fear of stigma also influenced the choice of action when there was a clash between school activities, dosing times, and scheduled clinic appointments for ART refill. The home environment was the main facilitator for adherence. Support was the strongest motivator for adolescents to adhere and keep up with clinic visits. On a personal level, the desire to be healthy and live long was a major motivator to adhere. Conclusions. The fear of stigma shaped the adolescents’ adherence behaviour. Perceived stigma affected the time and place to take medication, the visit to the clinic for ART refill, and self-disclosure of HIV status. There is need to encourage adolescents to self-disclose their HIV status to friends since the fear of unintended disclosure fuelled perceived stigma. Planning of clinic appointments should also be consistent with realistic daily activities of adolescents.
Hierarchical Task-Parameterized Learning from Demonstration for Collaborative Object Movement
Authors: Hu Siyao , Kuchenbecker Katherine J.
Published: December 2019

Learning from demonstration (LfD) enables a robot to emulate natural human movement instead of merely executing preprogrammed behaviors. This article presents a hierarchical LfD structure of task-parameterized models for object movement tasks, which are ubiquitous in everyday life and could benefit from robotic support. Our approach uses the task-parameterized Gaussian mixture model (TP-GMM) algorithm to encode sets of demonstrations in separate models that each correspond to a different task situation. The robot then maximizes its expected performance in a new situation by either selecting a good existing model or requesting new demonstrations. Compared to a standard implementation that encodes all demonstrations together for all test situations, the proposed approach offers four advantages. First, a simply defined distance function can be used to estimate test performance by calculating the similarity between a test situation and the existing models. Second, the proposed approach can improve generalization, e.g., better satisfying the demonstrated task constraints and speeding up task execution. Third, because the hierarchical structure encodes each demonstrated situation individually, a wider range of task situations can be modeled in the same framework without deteriorating performance. Last, adding or removing demonstrations incurs low computational load, and thus, the robot’s skill library can be built incrementally. We first instantiate the proposed approach in a simulated task to validate these advantages. We then show that the advantages transfer to real hardware for a task where naive participants collaborated with a Willow Garage PR2 robot to move a handheld object. For most tested scenarios, our hierarchical method achieved significantly better task performance and subjective ratings than both a passive model with only gravity compensation and a single TP-GMM encoding all demonstrations.
Phase I/II Study of the Mesothelin-targeted Immunotoxin LMB-100 with Nab-Paclitaxel for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Alewine Christine , Ahmad Mehwish , Peer Cody J. , Hu Zishuo I. , Lee Min-Jung , Yuno Akira , Kindrick Jessica D. , Thomas Anish , Steinberg Seth M. , Trepel Jane B. , Figg William D. , Hassan Raffit , Pastan Ira
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

LMB-100 is a recombinant immunotoxin (iTox) consisting of a mesothelin-binding Fab for targeting and a modified Pseudomonas exotoxin A payload. Preclinical studies showed that combining taxanes with iTox results in synergistic antitumor activity. The objectives of this phase I/II study were to determine the MTD of LMB-100 when administered with nanoalbumin bound (nab)-paclitaxel to patients with previously treated advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma and to assess the objective response rate.

Patients and Methods:

Patients (n = 20) received fixed-dose nab-paclitaxel (125 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) with LMB-100 (65 or 100 μg/kg on days 1, 3, and 5) in 21-day cycles for 1–3 cycles.

Results:

Fourteen patients were treated on the dose escalation and an additional six in the phase II expansion. MTD of 65 μg/kg was established for the combination. Dose-limiting toxicity resulting from capillary leak syndrome (CLS) was seen in two of five patients treated at 100 μg/kg and one of six evaluable phase I patients receiving the MTD. Severity of CLS was associated with increases in apoptotic circulating endothelial cells. LMB-100 exposure was unaffected by anti-LMB-100 antibody formation in five of 13 patients during cycle 2. Seven of 17 evaluable patients experienced >50% decrease in CA 19-9, including three with previous exposure to nab-paclitaxel. One patient developed an objective partial response. Patients with biomarker responses had higher tumor mesothelin expression.

Conclusions:

Although clinical activity was observed, the combination was not well tolerated and alternative drug combinations with LMB-100 will be pursued.
Cabozantinib in Combination with Immunotherapy for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma and Urothelial Carcinoma: Rationale and Clinical Evidence
Authors: Bergerot Paulo , Lamb Peter , Wang Evelyn , Pal Sumanta K.
Published: December 2019

The treatment landscape for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and urothelial carcinoma (mUC) has evolved rapidly in recent years with the approval of several checkpoint inhibitors. Despite these advances, survival rates for metastatic disease remain poor, and additional strategies will be needed to improve the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. Combining anti-VEGF/VEGFR agents with checkpoint inhibitors has emerged as a potential strategy to advance the immunotherapy paradigm, because VEGF inhibitors have immunomodulatory potential. Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) whose targets include MET, AXL, and VEGFR2. Cabozantinib has a unique immunomodulatory profile and has demonstrated clinical efficacy as a monotherapy in mRCC and mUC, making it a potentially suitable partner for checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In this review, we summarize the current status of immunotherapy for mRCC and mUC and discuss the development of immunotherapy–TKI combinations, with a focus on cabozantinib. We discuss the rationale for such combinations based on our growing understanding of the tumor microenvironment, and we review in detail the preclinical and clinical studies supporting their use.
Oncogenic Drivers and Development
Authors: Cruz Hernandez David , Vyas Paresh
Published: December 2019

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Lopez and colleagues show that the aggressive acute leukemic phenotype caused by the chimeric transcription factor CBFA2T3–GLIS2 varies depending on the developmental stage of the cell transformed (i.e., fetal vs. adult). This is likely a general principle in pediatric cancers and begins to explain why some cancer phenotypes are more common in infants and young children, whereas others are more frequent in older individuals.

See related article by Lopez et al., p. 1736.
ВІЛ-ІНФЕКЦІЯ І СТАРІННЯ: НОВА ПРОБЛЕМА В ЕРУ ЕФЕКТИВНОЇ АНТИРЕТРОВІРУСНОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ
Authors: Zhyvytsia D. H.
Published: December 2019

Після запровадження ефективної антиретровірусної терапії у світі значно зросла частка літніх пацієнтів з ВІЛ-інфекцією. Сьогодні 27 % ВІЛ-інфікованих пацієнтів у Західній Європі та США віком від 50 років. В Україні кількість та відсоток цих пацієнтів також поступово збільшуються. Постійне застосування антиретровірусної терапії сприяло різкому зменшенню захворюваності на опортуністичні інфекції та дозволило пацієнтам з ВІЛ жити довше. Стійка активація імунітету та хронічне запалення, яке зазвичай характеризує імунологічне старіння, є важливим фактором для розвитку супутніх захворювань у пацієнтів з ВІЛ-інфекцією. Біологічні процеси, які співвідносяться зі старінням, відбуваються раніше у дорослих ВІЛ-інфікованих пацієнтів. Важливі супутні захворювання, що з’являються з віком (метаболічний синдром, нейро­когнітивні розлади, серцево-судинні захворювання, остеопороз, синдром старечої астенії і онкологічні захворювання), є більш поширеними у ВІЛ-інфікованих, ніж у ВІЛ-неінфікованих осіб. У цьому огляді буде розглянуто роль імунної активації і хронічного запалення в розвитку найважливіших, асоційованих зі старінням захворювань у ВІЛ-інфікованих пацієнтів.
ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ МЕДИЧНОЇ ГЕОІНФОРМАЦІЙНОЇ СИСТЕМИ ПРИ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯХ ІКСОДОВИХ КЛІЩІВ І КЛІЩОВИХ ІНФЕКЦІЙ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Podobivsky S. S. , Fedoniuk L. Ya. , Korda M. M. , Klishch I. M. , Andreychyn M. A. , Shkilna M. I. , Podobivsky V. S. , Nykytiuk S. O.
Published: December 2019

Мета роботи – створити медичну геоінформаційну систему на базі отриманих даних про кліщів, зібраних з тіла людей і домашніх тварин в межах м. Тернополя, Тернопільської та інших областей України, де проводилися польові дослідження; узагальнити та систематизувати дані про клінічний стан пацієнтів, уражених іксодовими кліщами за період польових і лабораторних досліджень.

Матеріали і методи. Ідентифікацію іксодових кліщів здійснювали за допомогою оптико-електронної системи SEO – IMAGLAB. Визначення збудників, яких переносили добуті кліщі, проводилось за допомогою методу полімеразно-ланцюгової реакції (ПЛР) шляхом приготування суспензії кліщів, виділення самої ДНК та проведення подальшої ампліфікації з використанням ампліфікатора «ROTORGene–6000» в «реальному часі».

За основу створеної медичної геоінформаційної системи (ГІС) була взята платформа ArcGIS.

Результати. Створена ГІС дає можливість он-лайн бачити поширення кліщів, зумовлених ними інфекцій та пацієнтів, у яких ці інфекції виявлені, в м. Тернополі, Тернопільській, Житомирській, Хмельницькій, Закарпатській та інших областях України. Операційні можливості ГІС дозволяють узагальнювати результати у вигляді таблиць, графіків і діаграм, здійснювати пошуки кліщів і пацієнтів за ідентифікаційним номером і т. п.

Висновки. Застосування медичної ГІС під час дослідження морфо-фізіологічних, біологічних та епідеміологічних особливостей іксодових кліщів дає можливість отримувати просторові уявлення та демонструвати отримані результати, важливе у плані узагальнення та впорядкування даних про стан пацієнтів, атакованих кліщами і заражених різними видами збудників інфекційних захворювань на певних територіях. Медична ГІС може використовуватися у прогнозуванні епідеміологічної небезпеки у населених пунктах і окремих регіонах.
Artificial Ladies against corruption: searching for legitimacy at the Brazilian Supreme Audit Institution
Authors: Neves Fabrício Ramos , Da Silva Polyana Batista , Carvalho Hugo Leonardo Menezes de
Published: December 2019

This study depicts the search for legitimacy by four information technology artifacts in helping auditors in the surveillance against fraud and corruption by the Brazilian Supreme Audit Institution (TCU). ALICE, ADELE, MONICA, and SOFIA are Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems proposed to aid auditing processes in the public sector. A web-based survey has been used to gather the responses from 60 auditors across Brazil and semi-structured interviews with the Chief Data Officer, three IT Developers and five TCU Audit Managers selected by purposive sampling. The research finds that the use of AI-based systems is low among auditors at the TCU due to the perceived limited benefit. While some respondents recognized the advantages of the AI-based systems, they are put off by the weak theorization and diffusion regarding the meaning and the use of AI-based systems within the organization; they showed a priority for using traditional auditing methods instead of digital innovation, restricting the potential of anticorruption control by technological artifacts.
Ang II (Angiotensin II) Conversion to Angiotensin-(1-7) in the Circulation Is POP (Prolyloligopeptidase)-Dependent and ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2)-Independent
Authors: Serfozo Peter , Wysocki Jan , Gulua Gvantca , Schulze Arndt , Ye Minghao , Liu Pan , Jin Jing , Bader Michael , Myöhänen Timo , García-Horsman J. Arturo , Batlle Daniel
Published: December 2019

The Ang II (Angiotensin II)-Angiotensin-(1-7) axis of the Renin Angiotensin System encompasses 3 enzymes that form Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] directly from Ang II: ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), PRCP (prolylcarboxypeptidase), and POP (prolyloligopeptidase). We investigated their relative contribution to Ang-(1-7) formation in vivo and also ex vivo in serum, lungs, and kidneys using models of genetic ablation coupled with pharmacological inhibitors. In wild-type (WT) mice, infusion of Ang II resulted in a rapid increase of plasma Ang-(1-7). In
ACE2
−/−
/
PRCP
−/−
mice, Ang II infusion resulted in a similar increase in Ang-(1-7) as in WT (563±48 versus 537±70 fmol/mL, respectively), showing that the bulk of Ang-(1-7) formation in circulation is essentially independent of ACE2 and PRCP. By contrast, a POP inhibitor, Z-Pro-Prolinal reduced the rise in plasma Ang-(1-7) after infusing Ang II to control WT mice. In POP
−/−
mice, the increase in Ang-(1-7) was also blunted as compared with WT mice (309±46 and 472±28 fmol/mL, respectively
P
=0.01), and moreover, the rate of recovery from acute Ang II-induced hypertension was delayed (
P
=0.016). In ex vivo studies, POP inhibition with ZZP reduced Ang-(1-7) formation from Ang II markedly in serum and in lung lysates. By contrast, in kidney lysates, the absence of ACE2, but not POP, obliterated Ang-(1-7) formation from added Ang II. We conclude that POP is the main enzyme responsible for Ang II conversion to Ang-(1-7) in the circulation and in the lungs, whereas Ang-(1-7) formation in the kidney is mainly ACE2-dependent.
Capitalised epithets in the works of Linnaeus (1758‒1767): findings and consequences in herpetology

Authors: FRÉTEY THIERRY
Published: December 2019

Starting from a finding concerning a few specific nomina proposed by Linnaeus (1758, 1760) and Linné (1766–1767) in herpetology, we returned to the ‘rules of nomenclature’ followed, more or less explicitly, in taxonomic works of the 18th century, in an attempt to understand the status of capitalised epithets. We conclude that such epithets were viewed by their authors as nouns in apposition, or more rarely as nouns in the genitive. Therefore, nowadays, they must be treated as invariable, and not as adjectives that should agree in grammatical gender with the generic substantives with which they are combined.       We provide a catalogue of these herpetological  capitalised epithets in Linnaeus (1758, 1760) and Linné (1766–1767) with some nomenclatural consequences that result from our observations, especially for Corallus hortulana, Macrovipera lebetinus and Thamnophis saurita.       In order to solve some nomenclatural cases, we had to resort to 12 Articles of the Code (1.3.1, 3, 11.9.1.2, 11.9.1.3, 23.2, 23.9, 31.1, 31A, 31.2.2, 32.5.1, 33.3.1, 34.2.1, 58) and to 29 technical nomenclatural terms. One more time, this highlights the fact that nomenclatural problems concerning old nomina cannot be properly dealt with in a hurry and without a good, but also critical, knowledge of the Code, and that the use of a more detailed terminology than that of the Code facilitates such a work.
Taxonomic status of Chironius laurenti Dixon, Wiest & Cei, 1993 and of the long-forgotten Chironius dixoni Wiest, 1978 (Squamata, Serpentes)

Authors: ENTIAUSPE-NETO OMAR M. , LOEBMANN DANIEL
Published: December 2019

The neotropical colubrid snake genus Chironius Fitzinger, 1826 comprises 22 species, distributed from Central America, at Honduras, to South America, in Uruguay and Argentina (Dixon et al. 1993; Hamdan & Fernandes 2015); this genus is diagnosed by the presence of 10–12 dorsal scale rows and hemipenis with single lobe and sulcus, centrally spinous, distally calyculate, acapitate and with a proximal naked pocket (Dixon et al. 1993). Chironius laurenti Dixon, Wiest & Cei, 1993 is a large sized colubrid, distributed in Bolivia, at departments of Beni, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, and in Brazil, in Acre, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul (Dixon et al. 1993; Miranda et al. 2014; Ferreira et al. 2017).
Two new species and one nomenclatural note in Myrtaceae from Santa Catarina, Brazil

Authors: SOBRAL MARCOS , MOLZ MARTIN , VIEIRA FÁBIO C.S.
Published: December 2019

Here are described and illustrated Eugenia quiriri and Myrceugenia basicordata, from the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, and Eugenia krapovickasiana is included in the synonymy of E. angelyana. Eugenia quiriri is morphologically related to Eugenia neotristis, but differs by its pilose twigs and blades and visibly pedicellate flowers. Myrceugenia basicordata is close to M. miersiana, but differs by its shorter petioles, oblong blades with sometimes cordiform base and ovaries with two locules. Additionally, conservation status is discussed for these species.
Planothidium kaetherobertianum, a new marine diatom (Bacillariophyta) species from the Adriatic Sea

Authors: VAN DE VIJVER BART , BOSAK SUNČICA
Published: December 2019

During a survey of the epizoic diatom flora on carapaces of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Adriatic Sea, a fairly large population of an unknown marine Planothidium species was observed. Detailed morphological analysis based on scanning electron microscopy observations and comparison with a large number of known Planothidium species, resulted in the description of the new species as Planothidium kaetherobertianum sp. nov. The new species is characterized by a rapheless valve showing a rather broad axial area with irregular, shallow depressions, striae composed of only 1–2 rows of very small areolae. The raphevalve has biseriate striae with a short third row of areolae inserted between the two rows of areolae near the valve margins. The species shows some resemblance with the group of species around Planothidium delicatulum. The new species is illustrated using both LM and SEM observations and compared with other resembling marine and brackish Planothidium species.
Improved oral hygiene care is associated with decreased risk of occurrence for atrial fibrillation and heart failure: A nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Chang Yoonkyung , Woo Ho Geol , Park Jin , Lee Ji Sung , Song Tae-Jin
Published: December 2019

Aims

Poor oral hygiene can provoke transient bacteremia and systemic inflammation, a mediator of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. This study aims to investigate association of oral hygiene indicators with atrial fibrillation and heart failure risk in Korea.

Methods

We included 161,286 subjects from the National Health Insurance System-Health Screening Cohort who had no missing data for demographics, past history, or laboratory findings. They had no history of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or cardiac valvular diseases. For oral hygiene indicators, presence of periodontal disease, number of tooth brushings, any reasons of dental visit, professional dental cleaning, and number of missing teeth were investigated.

Results

During median follow-up of 10.5 years, 4911 (3.0%) cases of atrial fibrillation and 7971 (4.9%) cases of heart failure occurred. In multivariate analysis after adjusting age, sex, socioeconomic status, regular exercise, alcohol consumption, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, current smoking, renal disease, history of cancer, systolic blood pressure, blood and urine laboratory findings, frequent tooth brushing (≥3 times/day) was significantly associated with attenuated risk of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio: 0.90, 95% confidence interval (0.83–0.98)) and heart failure (0.88, (0.82–0.94)). Professional dental cleaning was negatively (0.93, (0.88–0.99)), while number of missing teeth ≥22 was positively (1.32, (1.11–1.56)) associated with risk of heart failure.

Conclusion

Improved oral hygiene care was associated with decreased risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Healthier oral hygiene by frequent tooth brushing and professional dental cleaning may reduce risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
The interaction effect between physical and cultural leisure activities on the subsequent decline of instrumental ADL: the Fujiwara-kyo study
Authors: Komatsu Masayo , Obayashi Kenji , Tomioka Kimiko , Morikawa Masayuki , Jojima Noriko , Okamoto Nozomi , Kurumatani Norio , Saeki Keigo
Published: December 2019

Background

Maintenance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and social role (SR) is crucial to keep independent life because the decline in SR and IADL was a significant predictor of dependence in basic ADL in later. The independent effect of physical and cultural leisure activities and their effect modification on the IADL remains unknown.

Methods

We prospectively observed 3241 elderly with intact IADL at baseline for 5 years. Higher level functional capacity such as IADL and SR was assessed using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of competence (TMIG index).

Results

The mean age of the participants was 72.3 years (standard deviation 5.1), and 46.9% were male, and 90.9% of them received a follow-up assessment. Of the participants, 10.4% developed an IADL decline. Engagement in leisure physical activity was associated with a significantly lower risk of IADL decline (adjusted risk ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 0.89), and cultural leisure activity was also associated with lower risk of IADL decline (adjusted risk ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.95) independent of potential confounders. We also found significant and positive interaction between physical and cultural leisure activities at risk for IADL decline (P = 0.024) and SR decline (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

We found an independent association of physical and cultural leisure activities with a lower risk for functional decline in IADL and SR with positive interaction. Combined engagement in physical and cultural activities may effectively prevent from IADL decline and SR decline.
Evaluating the ecotoxicity of nitrification inhibitors using terrestrial and aquatic test organisms
Authors: Kösler Julia Elli , Calvo Olga C. , Franzaring Jürgen , Fangmeier Andreas
Published: December 2019

Background

The increasing demand for food and animal fodder worldwide has led to an intensified agriculture with an increasing use of nitrogen fertilizers. More recently, nitrate leaching and gaseous nitrogen emissions have become the focus of environmental discussions and climate politics. One approach to reduce such negative impacts is the use of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) that have shown to effectively reduce nitrogen losses to the groundwater and the air. However, ecotoxic effects of NIs have been studied to a limited extent only. Therefore, two commercial NIs (Piadin and Vizura) and an active ingredient of another NI, dicyandiamide (DCD), were assayed using various ecotoxicological biotests and test species: the Lemna Growth Inhibition Test (Lemna gibba), the Seed Germination/Root Elongation Toxicity Test (Agrostemma githago, Fagopyrum esculentum, Glycine max, Hordeum vulgare, Lunaria annua, Zea mays), the Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test (A. githago, F. esculentum, Z. mays) and the marine Luminescent Bacteria Test (Aliivibrio fischeri). The fresh water L. gibba and the bacterium A. fischeri were exposed to different test concentrations in liquid growth media, whereas the terrestrial plants were exposed to the test substances diluted/dissolved in deionized water and added to the solid growth medium.

Results

Dicyandiamide did not show ecotoxic effects in any test conducted. Piadin and Vizura showed ecotoxic effects throughout all experiments. Frond number and frond area of L. gibba were inhibited with increasing concentrations of both substances with Piadin leading to an earlier inhibition and therefore lower EC50 values. In the Seed Germination Test, Vizura generally inhibited seed germination and root development more effectively than Piadin. Regarding both substances, the endpoint root length was much more sensitive than the endpoint germination. In the Seedling Emergence Test, Z. mays was the least sensitive and the rare weed species A. githago the most sensitive species with regard to the tested endpoints and both substances. A. fischeri was strongly inhibited by Vizura, whereas Piadin had barely effects on the bacteria.

Conclusion

All findings indicate ecotoxic effects of Piadin and Vizura, especially on the aquatic species L. gibba and on the root development of several terrestrial plant species. However, the origins of the ecotoxic properties remain unclear as both substances contain a mixture of—to some extent unknown—chemical compounds.