bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol of a phase 1 clinical trial establishing the safety of intrapleural administration of liposomal curcumin: curcumin as a palliative treatment for malignant pleural effusion (IPAL-MPE)
Authors: Hocking Ashleigh Jean , Farrall Alexandra L , Newhouse Sarah , Sordillo Peter , Greco Kim , Karapetis Christos Stelios , Dougherty Brendan , Klebe Sonja
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This is a phase 1, open-label, single-centre, uncontrolled, dose-escalation study to evaluate the feasibility, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profiles of a single dose of liposomal curcumin, administered via an existing tunnelled indwelling pleural catheter (TIPC) directly to the tumour site in individuals with diagnoses of malignant pleural effusion. Primarily, we aim to determine a maximum tolerated dose of liposomal curcumin administered via this method.

Methods and analysis

We will use a 3+3 expanded cohort for predefined dose-escalation levels or until a predefined number of dose-limiting toxicities are reached. Participants will be administered a single dose of liposomal curcumin (LipoCurc, SignPath Pharma) via their existing TIPC as a sequential enrolling case series with the following dose cohorts: 100, 200 and 300 mg/m2. Primary endpoints are determination of the maximum tolerated dose within the predetermined dose range, and determination of the feasibility of intrapleural administration of liposomal curcumin via an existing TIPC. Secondary endpoints include determination of the safety and tolerability of intrapleural administration of liposomal curcumin, median overall survival, effects on quality of life and on feelings of breathlessness, and the pharmacokinetics and concentrations of curcumin from the plasma and the pleural fluid. Important inclusion criteria include age ≥18 years, an existing TIPC, a pleural biopsy or pleural fluid cytology-proven diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and for whom no antitumour therapy of proven benefit is available or has been previously declined, eastern cooperative group performance status <2.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (approval number: HREC/20/SAC/11). Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, and presented at conferences, in field of medical oncology and respiratory medicine.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12620001216909.

Protocol version number

V.1.0.
Cribriform colon cancer: a morphological growth pattern associated with extramural venous invasion, nodal metastases and microsatellite stability
Authors: Taylor Alexander S , Liu Natalia , Fang Jiayun M , Panarelli Nicole , Zhao Lili , Cheng Jerome , Gopal Purva , Hammer Suntrea , Sun Jing , Appelman Henry , Westerhoff Maria
Published: March 2021

Background

Cribriform comedo-type adenocarcinoma was a colon cancer subtype recognised in the previous WHO classification of tumours that is no longer included in the recent edition. Previous reports have described colon cancers with cribriform growth as having worse overall survival and being associated with microsatellite stability. We sought to validate whether cribriform carcinoma (CC) is a distinct morphological subtype with clinical relevance in the context of modern colon cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Consecutive cases of non-neoadjuvantly treated colon cancer resections were identified (n=177) and reviewed to evaluate for CC and other histopathological and clinical features. CC was defined as solid nests of cancer with round, ‘punched out’ spaces and intraluminal bridges, reminiscent of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast.

Results

CC was present in 18.6% of the consecutive case cohort. Compared with all other cases, CC was associated with positive lymph nodes, increased depth of invasion, extramural venous involvement (EMVI), and microsatellite stability, and was less likely to have tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (p<0.05). In contrast to previous reports, we did not find significantly worse overall, disease-specific or recurrence-free survival for CC. Morphological features mimicking CC occurred in 33.3% of all other colon cancer cases.

Conclusion

Identifying CC may be useful due to its association with worse stage at presentation and EMVI, but given that cribriform-like appearance may be found in many colon cancer cases and that we did not find a survival difference for CC, CC may not necessitate its own subtype classification.
Exploring multilevel social determinants of depressive symptoms for Tanzanian adolescents: evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Prencipe Leah , Houweling Tanja AJ , van Lenthe Frank J , Palermo Tia M , Kajula Lusajo
Published: March 2021

Background

Depression has substantial and enduring impacts for adolescents, particularly those living in poverty. Yet, evidence on its determinants in low-income countries remains scarce. We examined the social determinants of depressive symptoms for Tanzanian adolescents.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data for 2458 adolescents (aged 14–19), to describe associations with depressive symptoms within and across five domains—demographic, economic, neighbourhood, environmental and social-cultural—using linear mixed models. We estimated depressive symptoms using the 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, which ranges from 0 to 30 and increases with additional symptoms.

Results

Factors associated with depressive symptoms in the fully adjusted models included experiencing five or more household economic shocks (β=2.40; 95% CI 1.48 to 3.32), experiencing droughts/floods (β=0.76; 95% CI 0.36 to 1.17), being in a relationship (β=1.82; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.33), and having moderate (β=1.26; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.71) or low (β=2.27; 95% CI 1.81 to 2.74) social support. Exclusive schooling was protective compared with being engaged in both school and paid work (β=1.07; 95% CI 0.05 to 2.61) and not engaged in either (β=0.73; 95% CI 0.24 to 1.22). Household size and relationship status were more important factors for girls, while employment status, and extreme precipitation were more important for boys.

Conclusion

Mental health is associated with determinants from multiple domains. Results suggest that environmental shocks related to climate change contribute to poor mental health in adolescents, highlighting an important area for intervention and research.
‘From disaster, miracles are wrought’: a narrative analysis of UK media depictions of remote GP consulting in the COVID-19 pandemic using Burke’s pentad
Authors: Mroz Gilly , Papoutsi Chrysanthi , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: March 2021

During crises (major events characterised by uncertainty, urgency and threat), society must make sense of rapidly unfolding events. This happens mainly through narrativising—depicting a setting, characters and a meaningful sequence of events and actions unfolding over time. In the early months of the pandemic, UK general practice shifted from face-to-face consultations to a remote-by-default model (telephone, video or e-consultation). This shift was initially widely accepted by press and public, but support waned after a politician declared that the change would be permanent. We invoke Burke’s dramatistic pentad of act, scene, agent, agency and purpose to theorise findings from a detailed analysis of media coverage of the remote-by-default policy and reactions to it. We consider the 12 weeks from March to June 2020 (first lockdown, when remote-by-default services had just been introduced) and 1 week from late July 2020 (following the ministerial announcement). The initial introduction of remote consulting had strong narrative coherence in which all parts of the pentad were balanced: scene (a deadly virus threatening the country) aligned with act (lockdown, including avoiding face-to-face appointments unless essential), agents (the National Health Service and digital technology as heroic macro-actors), agency (general practitioners ‘deployed’) and purpose (to control the pandemic). The later period, however, was characterised by a mismatch between scene (a country emerging from lockdown and resuming normal life), act (imposition of the remote model), agent (a politician known for his enthusiasm for technology), agency (top-down directive) and purpose (modernisation). Whereas media narratives in the first period aligned with the genre of heroic adventure (suggesting a worthy battle, bravely fought), those of the second had characteristics of farce (something both comic and grotesque). We conclude that close reading of media narratives may surface potential misalignments between policy decisions and the context in which they must be implemented.
Colchicine in coronary artery disease
Authors: Katira Arnav , Katira Ravish
Published: March 2021

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation has been seen to be a key feature of atherosclerosis and CAD, with a raised C-reactive protein being a marker of poor prognosis. Thus, the role of anti-inflammatory agents has been investigated in CAD. Colchicine is a well-known, inexpensive drug with marked anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we discuss the role of colchicine in stable CAD and post-acute coronary syndrome. We suggest that colchicine may play a key role in prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with stable and unstable CAD as colchicine is associated with a reduction in the rate of myocardial infarction and other major cardiovascular outcomes.
Chlamydia trachomatisandMycoplasma genitaliumprevalence and associated factors among women presenting to a pregnancy termination and contraception clinic, 2009–2019
Authors: Shilling Hannah S , Garland Suzanne M , Costa Anna-Maria , Marceglia Alex , Fethers Katherine , Danielewski Jennifer , Murray Gerald , Bradshaw Catriona , Vodstrcil Lenka , Hocking Jane S , Kaldor John , Guy Rebecca , Machalek Dorothy A
Published: March 2021

Background

Risk of pelvic inflammatory disease associated withChlamydia trachomatisandMycoplasma genitaliumis increased after termination of pregnancy (TOP) and may be increased after insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs). Screening prior to these procedures is recommended only forC. trachomatis. We examinedC. trachomatisandM. genitaliumprevalence and associated factors among women presenting to a pregnancy termination and contraception service over 10 years.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical data collected from 17 573 women aged 15–45 years in 2009–2019 and for 266M.genitaliumpositive women tested for macrolide resistance-associated mutations in 2016–2019.

Results

C. trachomatisandM. genitaliumprevalence was 3.7% and 3.4%, respectively. In multivariable analyses, shared risk factors were younger age (p<0.001, for bothC. trachomatisandM. genitalium), socioeconomic disadvantage (p=0.045 and p=0.008, respectively) and coinfection (p<0.001, for both sexually transmitted infections), with 10.1% ofC. trachomatispositive women also positive forM. genitalium. Additional risk factors were earlier year of visit (p=0.001) forC. trachomatisand forM. genitaliumresiding outside a major city (p=0.013). The proportion ofM. genitaliuminfections tested between 2016 and 2019 with macrolide resistance-associated mutations was 32.7%.

Conclusions

Given the high level of antimicrobial resistance and the prevalence of coinfection, testingC. trachomatispositive women forM. genitaliumcould be considered in this setting to prevent further spread of resistant infections. Further research is required into the causal link betweenM. genitaliumand pelvic inflammatory disease in women undergoing TOP and IUD insertion.
On generation of a stochastic GW background by the scattering on relic wormholes
Authors: Kirillov A. A. , Savelova E. P. , Lecian O. M.
Published: March 2021

We study collective features of the scattering of gravitational waves on relic wormholes and normal matter objects. We derive and solve the GW energy transport equation and show that the scattered signal lies in the same frequency spectrum bands as the basic signal. The scattering forms long living tails which always accompany the basic signal and have a universal form. The scattering on normal matter objects forms tails which have always the retarded character, while wormholes lead to advanced tails as well. In addition, wormholes may produce considerably stronger effect when the total energy in tails detected on the Earth exceeds that in the incident direct wave. In both cases the retarding tails have a long living character when the mean amplitude behaves with time as $$h\sim 1/\sqrt{t+R/c}$$

h
∼
1
/

t
+
R
/
c

. For a single GW event the echo tails give only a tiny contribution to the mean amplitude. However such tails accumulate with events and form a stochastic GW background which may be observed by the contribution to the noise.
The interaction of simultaneous diseases and awareness in multiplex networks
Authors: Hao Changqing , Zhou Jie , Zhang Xiyun , Liang Xiaoming
Published: March 2021

It is common that the spreading of epidemics is influenced by other simultaneous spreading diseases and preventive reactions due to the awareness of people. In this paper, we study the co-evolution dynamics of two competing epidemics and the awareness process for prevention related to the epidemics, where the former represents the biological suppression impact and the latter represents social suppression impact. Our analysis reveals that when the two factors act simultaneously their impact is not guaranteed to be suppression, but may even prompt the spreading of an epidemic. Detailed analyses are provided to account for these phenomena which are supported by numerical simulations.
Fabrication of high-performance flexible transparent conductive silver nanowire films using spray coating
Authors: Wang Y. H. , Wu X. L. , Yang X. , Xie H.
Published: March 2021

Flexible silver nanowires (AgNWs) transparent conductive films (TCFs) were fabricated on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate by using spray coating process. Effects of concentration and amount of AgNWs suspension on the performances of optoelectronics and microstructures of AgNWs TCFs were investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that as the increase of both of concentration and amount of AgNWs suspension, the sheet resistance and nonuniformity factor of the sheet resistance (NUF) and transmittance of AgNWs TCFs decrease and the root mean square (RMS) roughness and figure of merit (FoM) and haze of the AgNWs TCFs increase, respectively, due to the increase of the deposition density of AgNWs on the substrate. The flexible AgNWs TCFs with excellent comprehensive performance, which is a NUF of 0.48, haze of 1.94%, FoM of 148.5, transmittance of 84.5%, and sheet resistance of [Formula: see text], can be obtained under the proper experimental conditions. The pressure treatment can improve the electrical conductivity of AgNWs TCFs due to the increase of contact area and the decrease of contact resistance. AgNWs TCF with pressure treatment also exhibits excellent reliability against mechanical bending over 1000 cycles. Our works demonstrate that flexible AgNWs TCFs with high performance can be obtained by using spray coating method, which is one of the common techniques for preparing coatings or films.
Anisotropic properties of nanofiber porous materials of fibroin silk and cotton cellulose
Authors: Matyakubov B. M. , Kholmuminov A. A.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the results of a study on the production of nanofiber anisotropic nanoporous materials based on silk fibroin and cotton cellulose by electrospinning using a rotating screen-receiver of nanofibers in the form of a thin material. The difference in the anisotropic properties of the nanofiber material is shown by the method of birefringence, sorption of water vapor and filtration of a liquid-phase mixture. The possibility of using nanofiber nanoporous fibroin and cotton cellulose materials as a nanofilter of gaseous and liquid-phase mixtures has been shown.
NOTE ON THE UNIQUENESS OF AN ENDEMIC EQUILIBRIUM OF AN EPIDEMIC MODEL WITH BOOSTING OF IMMUNITY
Authors: YANG LIU , NAKATA YUKIHIKO
Published: March 2021

For some diseases, it is recognized that immunity acquired by natural infection and vaccination subsequently wanes. As such, immunity provides temporal protection to recovered individuals from an infection. An immune period is extended owing to boosting of immunity by asymptomatic re-exposure to an infection. An individual’s immune status plays an important role in the spread of infectious diseases at the population level. We study an age-dependent epidemic model formulated as a nonlinear version of the Aron epidemic model, which incorporates boosting of immunity by a system of delay equations and study the existence of an endemic equilibrium to observe whether boosting of immunity changes the qualitative property of the existence of the equilibrium. We establish a sufficient condition related to the strength of disease transmission from subclinical and clinical infective populations, for the unique existence of an endemic equilibrium.
Fundamentals of Soft Logic
Authors: Klein Moshe , Maimon Oded
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we develop a new theory termed Soft Logic. This theory addresses the need to combine real processes and cognitive ones in the same framework. At the same time, we develop a new concept of modeling and dealing with uncertainty: the uncertainty of time and space. We develop a language that can talk in two reference frames, and also suggest a way to combine them. This constitutes a fundamental new mathematics. In this paper, we present the theory from its foundation.

In Soft Logic, we refer to situations of uncertainty occurring in the present. Ambiguity is created from the possible point of view of the observer of the phenomenon. Sometimes reality contains contradictory or opposite situations at the same time, which can be interpreted in different ways by the observer. Such is the case of the Necker cube or the Fechner color effect, in which a texture of black and white colors moving in a certain pattern creates a rainbow of colors. Another example is the Mobius strip, which from a local point of view seems to have two sides, but from a global point of view has only one.

The mathematical solution for expressing uncertainty in Soft Logic is the blow-up of the number zero by distinguishing between multiples of this number. In this manner, we create a zero-axis and define a new type of number called Soft Numbers, which have the following form: [Formula: see text] The zero-axis expresses the inner world of the observer and is the component of a subjective interpretation and a certain type of uncertainty that occurs in the present.

Soft Numbers are similar to complex numbers, but the specific mathematical definitions are different and therefore Soft Numbers are a different world. This paper presents five axioms of Soft Logic, which form a new system of coordinates that differs from the Cartesian system and Gauss’s complex plane. We define the algebra of Soft Numbers, show the connection to differential and integral calculus, expand analytical functions to soft functions, and describe continuous curves in the soft coordinate system. In conclusion, we suggest several avenues for theoretical and practical research.
Molecular dynamics simulations of amorphous NaFePO4 as an Na-ion battery cathode material
Authors: Bong Jia Hui , Adams Stefan
Published: March 2021

While LiFePO4 found wide applications as a high-performance Li-ion battery cathode material, its sodium analog, crystalline NaFePO4, cannot deliver its attractive theoretical capacity of 154 mAh ⋅ g[Formula: see text] at practical (dis)charge rates due to the low ionic conductivity of the stable Maricite phase of NaFePO4. Recently, it was found that amorphization greatly enhances the rate capability of NaFePO4 turning it into an attractive Na-ion battery cathode material. Here, we study the effect of amorphization on the rate-limiting ionic conductivity. To this end, structure models of amorphous NaFePO4 are produced by simulated melt-quenching of Maricite. Ion transport pathways in the resulting glass structure are then compared to those in crystalline Maricite to provide a more in-depth understanding of the mechanism behind the significantly enhanced rate performance. Static bond valence site energy landscape analyses reveal a considerable reduction of the sodium migration energy for crystalline Maricite from about 1.6 eV to 0.65(11) eV for 1D paths and 0.77(15) eV for 2D paths in amorphous NaFePO4. Detailed molecular dynamics simulations then reveal that the first local Na[Formula: see text] redistributions can even occur with the extremely low migration energy of 0.12 eV.
Decomposition of hypercubes into sunlet graphs of order eight
Authors: Sonawane A. V. , Borse Y. M.
Published: March 2021

The sunlet graph of order eight, denoted by [Formula: see text] is the graph obtained by adding a pendant edge to each vertex of a cycle of length [Formula: see text] We prove that the [Formula: see text]-dimensional hypercube [Formula: see text] can be decomposed into the copies of the graph [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is 4 or [Formula: see text]
Algorithmic complexity of weakly connected Roman domination in graphs
Authors: Chakradhar Padamutham , Venkata Subba Reddy Palagiri , Himanshu Khandelwal
Published: March 2021

For a simple, undirected, connected graph [Formula: see text], a function [Formula: see text] which satisfies the following conditions is called a weakly connected Roman dominating function (WCRDF) of [Formula: see text] with weight [Formula: see text]. (C1). For all [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] there exists a vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and (C2). The graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and edge set [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] or both[Formula: see text] is connected. The problem of determining WCRDF of minimum weight is called minimum weakly connected Roman domination problem (MWCRDP). In this paper, we show that MWCRDP is polynomial time solvable for bounded treewidth graphs, threshold graphs and chain graphs. We design a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for the MWCRDP and show that the same cannot have [Formula: see text] ratio approximation algorithm for any [Formula: see text] unless [Formula: see text]. Next, we show that MWCRDP is APX-hard for graphs with [Formula: see text]. We also show that the domination and weakly connected Roman domination problems are not equivalent in computational complexity aspects. Finally, two different integer linear programming formulations for MWCRDP are proposed.
China’s Efforts to Peak Carbon Emissions: Targets and Practice
Authors: CAO Ying , Li Xiaomei , YAN Haoben , KUANG Shuya
Published: March 2021

According to the statement of President Xi Jinping at the general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, China aims to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030. Regions are the major units undertaking carbon emissions control. The achievement of the national emission peaking target requires the participation of all regions. However, regions still need to rationally judge their peaking targets and paths and enhance their basic capabilities while promoting carbon emissions peak. Besides, China should step up its macro-guidance for regions to peak carbon emissions in terms of top-level design, mechanisms improvement, and overall coordination.
Impact of Catalyst Ink Dispersing Solvent on PEM Fuel Cell Performance and Durability
Authors: Lei Chao , Yang Fan , Macauley Natalia , Spinetta Magali , Purdy Gerie , Jankovic Jasna , Cullen David A. , More Karren L. , Kim Yu Seung , Xu Hui
Published: March 2021

The dispersing solvent used for fuel cell catalyst ink preparation plays a vital role in establishing the resulting morphology of the electrode layers, which in turn will impact the performance of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. In this study, we report the impact of various ionomer dispersion solvents on PEM fuel cell performance and durability; two aqueous (1-propanol/water and 2-propanol/water) and several non-aqueous dispersing solvents (ethylene glycol and 1,2-butanediol) are compared. The cathode catalyst layer (CCL) fabricated using inks prepared with 1-propanol/water (3:1, w/w) exhibited the best initial performance followed by the CCL prepared using ethylene glycol. The CCLs made from non-aqueous ethylene glycol and 1,2-butanediol exhibited the best durability upon accelerated stress testing. Scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that, after the stress test, the distribution of both the Nafion ionomer and Pt nanoparticles within the CCLs prepared with non-aqueous ionomer dispersions underwent less change than those prepared with aqueous dispersions, which is responsible for the improved durability.
Synthesis of Dilute Phosphorous-Embedded Co Alloy Films on a NiSi Substrate with a Superior Gap-Filling Capability for Nanoscale Interconnects
Authors: Fang Jau-Shiung , Wu Yu-Lin , Cheng Yi-Lung , Chen Giin-Shan
Published: March 2021

Nanoscale cobalt interconnection wire has a lower mean free path of electrons to reduce the electrical resistivity, therefore it has been increasingly studied as a promising interconnect material to replace the conventionally used copper in state-of-the-art nanoscale devices. This process further limits the space for barrier/seed layer deposition to conformally fill the narrow trenches/contact holes in nanoscale devices. Thus, an electrochemical approach not involving a conventional high-resistivity barrier is presented to study the gap-filling capability and properties of Co(P) films with a controlled composition on a NiSi substrate. Examining electrodeposited Co(P) films reveals that the composition is determined mainly by the deposition potential instead of the amount of NaH2PO2 in the electrolytes, yielding a film with a phosphorous concentration lower than 2.62 at.%. The lightly doped Co(P) film has an hexagonal close-packed Co structure with phosphorous atoms at the interstitial lattice site. A chronoamperometry study on the current transient during the electrochemical deposition indicates that NaH2PO2 addition can enhance the deposition of the Co(P) films. Hence, the Co(P) film developed here is capable of gap filling nanoscale trenches up to an aspect ratio of 5 and is practical as a contact plug material for NiSi in nanoscale devices.
UAB-UCSD O’Brien Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research
Authors: Curtis Lisa M. , George James , Vallon Volker , Barnes Stephen , Darley-Usmar Victor , Vaingankar Sucheta , Cutter Gary R. , Gutierrez Orlando M. , Seifert Michael , Ix Joachim H. , Mehta Ravindra L. , Sanders Paul W. , Agarwal Anupam
Published: March 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a significant clinical problem through its diverse etiologies, the challenges of robust measurements of injury and recovery, and its progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Bridging the gap in our knowledge of this disorder requires bringing together not only the technical resources for research but also the investigators currently endeavoring to expand our knowledge and those who might bring novel ideas and expertise to this important challenge. The University of Alabama at Birmingham-University of California-San Diego O’Brien Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research brings together technical expertise and programmatic and educational efforts to advance our knowledge in these diverse issues and the required infrastructure to develop areas of novel exploration. Since its inception in 2008, this O’Brien Center has grown its impact by providing state-of-the-art resources in clinical and preclinical modeling of AKI, a bioanalytical core that facilitates measurement of critical biomarkers, including serum creatinine via LC-MS/MS among others, and a biostatistical resource that assists from design to analysis. Through these core resources and with additional educational efforts, our center has grown its investigator base to include >200 members from 51 institutions. Importantly, this center has translated its pilot and catalyst funding program with a $37 return per dollar invested. Over 500 publications have resulted from the support provided with a relative citation ratio of 2.18 ± 0.12 (iCite). Through its efforts, this disease-centric O’Brien Center is providing the infrastructure and focus to help the development of the next generation of researchers in the basic and clinical science of AKI. This center creates the promise of the application at the bedside of the advances in AKI made by current and future investigators.
Degree-Based Topological Indices of Boron B12
Authors: Saeed Nouman , Long Kai , Mufti Zeeshan Saleem , Sajid Hafsa , Rehman Abdul
Published: March 2021

Topological index sometimes called molecular descriptor is a numerical value which associates a chemical composition for correlating chemical structure with numerous physical properties, chemical reactivity, or biological activity. In this paper, we study some topological indices of boron and try to correlate the physicochemical properties such as freezing points, boiling points, melting points, infrared spectrum, electronic parameters, viscosity, and density of chemical graphs. We discuss these topological indices, and some of them are mentioned here such as Randic index, the first general Zagreb index, the general sum connectivity index, hyper-Zagreb index (HM), the atom-bond connectivity index (ABC), the geometric-arithmetic index (GA), the harmonic index (H), and the forgotten index (F).
Surgical Treatment of Oesophagostomum spp. Nodular Infection in a Chimpanzee at the CIRMF Primatology Center, Gabon
Authors: Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Boundenga Larson , Dibakou Serge-Ely , Tsoumbou Thierry-Audrey , Moussadji Kinga Cyr , Prugnolle Franck , Fouchet David , Pontier Dominique
Published: March 2021

Oesophagostomosis is a zoonotic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Oesophagostomum in the intestinal walls of many species, including ruminants, pigs, humans, and nonhuman primates. Although great apes appear to tolerate the parasite in the wild, they can develop a clinical form that can lead to death in captivity and the natural environment. At the Primatology Centre of the International Centre for Medical Research in Franceville (CIRMF) in Gabon, we recorded 4 deaths of chimpanzees (Pan t. troglodytes) caused by Oesophagostomum spp. between 2015 and 2019. In each case, coprological analysis was positive for strongylid eggs and abdominal ultrasound revealed nodules about 4 cm in diameter on the intestinal and abdominal walls. Albendazole treatments administered by mouth in two doses of 400 mg six months apart resulted in the disappearance of the parasite in coprological samples but the chimpanzees still died. Autopsies carried out on all four chimpanzees revealed a rupture of the cysts and a discharge of pus into the abdomen in each case. We report surgical management involving the removal of Oesophagostomum spp. cysts from a chimpanzee following coprological analysis and abdominal ultrasound examination. Surgical exploration confirmed the fragility of the cystic walls, the rupture of which we avoided. This 5th new case of Oesophagostomum ssp. nodules recovered without complications following the operation and could rejoin his group. We suggest that surgical intervention should be considered in similar cases in captive primates, especially chimpanzees.
Simultaneous Quantification of Aspirin, Its Metabolite Salicylic Acid, and Salvianolic Acid B in Human Plasma Using UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Cao Weiyi , Yao Hezhi , Qian Zhenzhen , Wu Yi , Wang Shuge , Li Rui , Gao Rui
Published: March 2021

Salvianolic acid B is the main active ingredient in salvianolate injection, which is produced by extracting danshen, the most commonly used Chinese herbal medicine for cardiovascular treatment. Clinically, salvianolate injection and aspirin are commonly combined to treat coronary heart diseases in patients with stable angina. To support clinical studies on drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between salvianolate injection and aspirin, a rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), its metabolite salicylic acid, and salvianolic acid B in human plasma was developed. The analytes and internal standard were extracted from the acidified plasma by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and then separated by gradient elution with acetonitrile/0.5% formic acid in water on a C18 column. Salvianolic acid B, acetylsalicylic acid, and salicylic acid were quantified in multiple-reaction monitoring mode with negative ion electrospray ionization. The method was fully validated according to the current regulatory guidance for bioanalysis. Calibration curves in the range 5–6000 ng/mL, all with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99, were established using linear regression models for salvianolic acid B and acetylsalicylic acid and a quadratic model for salicylic acid. The validated method was successfully used to measure salvianolic acid B, acetylsalicylic acid, and salicylic acid concentrations in human plasma samples from 16 patients to observe the pharmacokinetic changes caused by DDIs.
Finger Citron Extract Ameliorates Glycolipid Metabolism and Inflammation by Regulating GLP-1 Secretion via TGR5 Receptors in Obese Rats
Authors: Yang Yujiao , Tian Aofei , Wu Zhen , Wei Yao , Hu Xuguang , Guo Jiao
Published: March 2021

Finger citron (FC) is one of many traditional Chinese herbs that have been used to treat obesity. The aim of this study was to elucidate the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of FC on obese rats. Rats were fed with a high-fat diet as a model of obesity and treated with FC at three different dosages for 6 weeks. Pathology in liver tissue was observed. Glucose levels, lipids levels, and inflammatory indicators in serum were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the expression of G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) pathway genes in rat colon tissue was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR). Our result revealed that FC alleviates obesity by reducing body weight (BW) and waist circumference, managing inflammation and improving glycolipid metabolism, liver function, and liver lipid peroxidation in vivo. In addition, the mechanism of FC on obesity is possibly the stimulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion by activating the TGR5 pathway in intestinal endocrine cells. Our studies highlight the obesity reduction effects of FC and one of the mechanisms may be the activation of the TGR5 pathway in intestinal endocrine cells.
Forecasting China’s per Capita Living Energy Consumption by Employing a Novel DGM (1, 1, tα) Model with Fractional Order Accumulation
Authors: Liu Shuanghua , Liu Chong , Pang Haodan , Feng Ting , Dong Zijie
Published: March 2021

The living energy consumption of residents has become an important technical index to promote the economic and social development strategy. The country’s medium- and short-term living energy consumption is featured with both a certainty of annual increment and an uncertainty of random variation. Thus, it can be seen as a typical grey system and shall be suitable for the grey prediction model. In order to explore the future development trend of China’s per capita living energy consumption, this paper establishes a novel grey model based on the discrete grey model with time power term and the fractional accumulation (FDGM (1, 1, tα) for short) for forecasting China’s per capita living energy consumption, which makes the existing model to adapt to different time series by adjusting fractional order accumulation parameter and power term. In order to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the novel model, the proposed and eight other existing grey prediction models are applied to the case of China’s per capita living energy consumption. The results show that the proposed model is more suitable for predicting China’s per capita energy consumption than the other eight grey prediction models. Finally, the proposed model based on metabolism mechanism is used to predict China’s per capita living energy consumption from 2018 to 2029, which can provide a reference for energy companies or government decision makers.
History Matching and Production Prediction of Steam Drive Reservoir Based on Data-Space Inversion Method
Authors: Gong RuXiang , Li JingSong , Huang ZiJun , Wang Fei , Yang Hao , Rao Xiang , Sheng GuangLong , Zhao Hui , Xu YunFeng , Liu Deng
Published: March 2021

Recently, a data-space inversion (DSI) method has been proposed and successfully applied for the history matching and production optimization for conventional waterflooding reservoir. Under Bayesian framework, DSI can directly and effectively obtain posterior flow predictions without inverting any geological parameters of reservoir model. In this paper, we integrate the numerical simulation model with DSI method for rapid history matching and production prediction for steam flooding reservoir. Based on the finite volume method, a numerical simulation model is established and it is used to provide production data samples for DSI by the simulation of ensemble geological models. DSI-based production prediction model is then established and get trained by the historical data through the random maximum likelihood principle. The posterior production estimation can be obtained fast by training the DSI-based model with history data, but without any posterior geological parameters. The proposed method is applied for history matching and estimating production performance prediction in some numerical examples and a field case, and the results prove its effectiveness and reliability.
Long Short-Term Memory Networks and Bayesian Optimization for Predicting the Time-Weighted Average Pressure of Shield Supporting Cycles
Authors: Yan Wanzi , Wang Junhui , Cheng Jingyi , Wan Zhijun , Xing Keke , Gao Kuidong
Published: March 2021

Characteristic parameters of shield supporting in fully mechanized mining, especially time-weighted average pressure (TWAP), are crucial for the analysis and prediction of roof weightings in longwall panels. Despite the leap-forward development of underground data collection and transmission, mining and regional correlation analysis of massive shield data remains challenging. In this study, a hybrid machine learning model integrating the long short-term memory (LSTM) networks and the Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm was developed to predict TWAP based on the setting pressure (SP), revised setting pressure (RSP), final pressure (FP), number of yielding (NY), TWAP in the last supporting cycle (TWAP (last)), and loading rate in each period. Statistical measures including the mean square error and mean absolute error were used to validate and compare the prediction performances of the BP model, the LSTM model, and the BO-LSTM model. Furthermore, sensitivity studies were carried out to evaluate the importance of input parameters. The results show that the BO-LSTM model is robust in predicting TWAP. FP and TWAP (last) are the most important input parameters in TWAP prediction, followed by RSP and NY. Moreover, the total importance scores of loading rates reach 0.229, indicating the necessity of including these parameters into the dataset. The proposed BO-LSTM model is capable of predicting TWAP which serves for shield-roof status intelligent perception.
Enhanced Recovery after Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Cancer: Is it Better for Patients to Have a Quick Discharge?
Authors: Dominique Inès , Palamara Corinne , Seizilles De Mazancourt Emilien , Ecochard Rene , Hacquard Helene , Tremblais Benjamin , Morel Journel Nicolas , Champetier Denis , Ruffion Alain , Paparel Philippe
Published: March 2021

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of an enhanced recovery program (ERP) after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for cancer. Methods: It was a monocentric, retrospective, comparative study. An ERP after RAPN was introduced at our institution in 2015 and proposed to all consecutive patients admitted for RAPN. The control group for this study was composed of patients managed immediately before the introduction of the ERP. We collected information on patient characteristics, tumor sizes, ischemia times, biology, hospital length of stays, postoperative (≤30 days) complications, and readmission rates. Group comparisons were made using the Pearson χ2 test for qualitative data and the Student t test for quantitative data. Results: Between 2015 and 2017, 112 patients were included in the ERP group. Fifty patients were included in the control group. Ninety patients in the ERP group (80.4%) were discharged at or before postoperative day (POD) 2 versus 10 patients (20%) in the control group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the ERP and control groups for the urinary retention rate (respectively 3.6 vs. 2%; p = 0.593). Resumption of normal bowel function was significantly shorter in the ERP group (94.6% at POD1 vs. 69.6% in the control group, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences for postoperative complications (15.2% in the ERP group vs. 20% in the control group, p = 0.447) or readmissions within 30 days (8.04 vs. 0.2%, p = 0.140). Conclusions: ERP after RAPN seems to reduce postoperative length of stay without increasing postoperative complications or readmissions.
Role of Preoperative Renal Stone Complexity Assessment by Guy’s Stone Score as a Predictor of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Outcomes
Authors: Adapala Rajesh Kumar Reddy , Prabhu G.G. Laxman , Shetty Ranjit , Yalla Durga Rao , Rakesh Bisalehalli , Venugopal Padmanabha
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Various nephrolithometric scoring systems have recently emerged to predict the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, there is no consensus upon an ideal tool. The current study aimed to assess the correlation between Guy’s stone score (GSS) and PCNL outcomes. Method: This was a hospital-based observational study of 2-year duration. All patients electively undergoing PCNL for renal stones during the study period were included. Based on the imaging findings, the stones were categorized as simple (GSS I & II) and complex (GSS III & IV). The association between GSS and duration of the procedure, the number of percutaneous tracts needed, stone-free rate (SFR), and the severity of complications based on modified Clavien classification and postoperative stay were assessed. Results: Total number of the patients studied were 100 (n = 100), and most of the patients were in the category of GSS II (51%). Post-extrapolation of χ2 to Pearson’s test, GSS demonstrated a significant association with duration of surgery, the number of percutaneous tracts needed, the severity of complications, and SFR. Conclusions: Preoperative assessment of stone complexity by using GSS effectively correlated with SFR as well as other PCNL outcomes. Hence, we recommend utilizing this predictive tool for standardized documentation, preoperative planning, and better patient counseling.
Standardized Patients in Clinical Psychology: From Research to Practice
Authors: Kühne Franziska , Maaß Ulrike , Weck Florian
Published: March 2021

Background: Within the pending reform of the German law of psychotherapy training, education in clinical psychology and the examination of psychotherapeutic competencies are established as more practice oriented. Students will acquire and demonstrate therapeutic skills through interactions with standardized patients (SPs). The aim of the current paper is to enhance evidence-based implementation of these new methods of education and examination by presenting the current evidence regarding the use of SPs and by pointing out areas for further research. Results: Results of recent studies demonstrate that SPs are able to present mental disorders authentically. Prerequisites are, among others, the selection of suitable SPs, detailed role scripts, specific training, feedback, and corrective training. Although some research questions, including the comparative effectiveness of SPs, remain unanswered, practice implications for using SPs in education, examination, and research can be drawn. These implications are illustrated schematically. Conclusions: The use of SPs has large potential for education in clinical psychology and for research on psychotherapy training. With a view to encouraging the widespread use of SPs, we provide exemplary materials (e.g., role script) within the online supplements (for all online suppl. material, see www.karger.com/doi/10.1159/000510049).
MicroRNA-125a Correlates with Decreased Psoriasis Severity and Inflammation and Represses Keratinocyte Proliferation
Authors: Su Fang , Jin Liang , Liu Wei
Published: March 2021

Background: Psoriasis has a complex etiology related to inflammation and dysregulated immune system. MicroRNA (miR)-125a is a miRNA intimately related to inflammation and immunity; therefore, we presumed that it might play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of miR-125a with disease severity and inflammation in psoriasis patients, and the effect of miR-125a on proliferation, apoptosis as well as its target signaling pathway in keratinocytes. Methods: Sixty psoriasis patients were consecutively recruited, then lesional and non-lesional skin tissue samples were collected. miR-125a in lesional and non-lesional skin tissues, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 mRNA expressions in lesional skin tissues were detected. Then, miR-125a overexpression, control overexpression, miR-125a knockdown and control knockdown plasmids were transfected into HaCaT cells. Subsequently, cell proliferation, apoptosis, IL-23R, JAK2, and STAT3 expressions were assessed. Results: miR-125a was reduced in lesional skin tissue compared with non-lesional skin tissue (p < 0.001), and it distinguished lesional skin tissue from non-lesional skin tissue with a high area under curve of 0.917 (95% CI 0.866–0.968). Negative association of miR-125a in lesional skin tissue with lesional body surface area (p = 0.037) and psoriasis area and severity index score (p < 0.001) was found. Additionally, miR-125a was negatively correlated with TNF-α (p = 0.001), IL-1β (p = 0.014), and IL-17 (p = 0.003) in lesional skin tissue. In cellular experiments, miR-125a overexpression inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while miR-125a knockdown enhanced proliferation and repressed apoptosis in HaCaT cells. Additionally, miR-125a negatively regulated the IL-23R/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in HaCaT cells. Conclusion: miR-125a could facilitate the disease monitoring and probably has the potential to be a therapeutic target in psoriasis.