bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Treatment for Brachiocephalic Artery Aneurysm with Takayasu Arteritis Using Isolated Cerebral Perfusion
Authors: Sugiyama Kayo , Watanuki Hirotaka , Futamura Yasuhiro , Okada Masaho , Makino Satoshi , Matsuyama Katsuhiko
Published: August 2020

Background: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that induces stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysmal degeneration of the aorta and its major branches. In the surgical treatment of TA, anastomotic aneurysm can be problematic. Furthermore, atherosclerotic complications should be considered in surgical treatment for elderly TA patients. Case presentation: Here, we report a case of brachiocephalic artery (BCA) aneurysm with TA for which surgical treatment was successful. For avoidance of anastomotic aneurysm, both distal and proximal anastomosis were reinforced with Teflon felt strips. Preoperative computed tomography detected severe atherosclerotic changes in the arch vessels. The patient underwent partial arch replacement using isolated cerebral perfusion (ICP) for brain protection and recovered without any neurological deficits.Conclusions: In avoidance with anastomotic aneurysm, reinforcement of the anastomosis was introduced. ICP was effective for brain protection in case with severe atherosclerotic changes.
ITRAQ-Based quantitative proteomics reveals the proteome profiles of MDBK cells infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus
Authors: Li Yaxin , Guo Tao , Wang Xiaokui , Ni Wei , Hu Ruirui , Cui Yuying , Mi Taotao , Hu Shengwei
Published: August 2020

Background

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) which is caused by Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is an acute, contagious disease. In spite of the use of vaccines and elimination projects, BVDV is still found to cause severe financial losses to the cattle industry for the past years. The current study presents a preliminary analysis of the pathogenic mechanisms from the perspective of protein expression levels in infected host cells at different points in time to elucidate the infection process associated with BVDV.
Methods

We used the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) approach for a quantitative proteomics comparison of BVDV NADL-infected MDBK cells and non-infected cells. The functions of the proteins were deduced by functional annotation and their involvement in metabolic processes explored by KEGG pathway analysis to identify their interactions.
Results

There were 357 (47.6% downregulated, 52.4% upregulated infected vs. control), 101 (52.5% downregulated, 47.5% upregulated infected vs. control), and 66 (21.2% downregulated, 78.8% upregulated infected vs. control) proteins were differentially expressed (fold change > 1.5 or < 0.67) in the BVDV NADL-infected MDBK cells at 12, 24, and 48 h after infection. GO analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) are mainly involved in metabolic processes, biological regulation and localization. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that some signaling pathways that involved in the regulation of BVDV NADL-infection and host resistance are significantly (P < 0.05) enriched at different stages of the BVDV NADL-infection, such as Endocytosis signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, Homologous recombination signaling pathway and Lysosome pathway.
Conclusions

These results revealed that the DEPs in BVDV NADL-infected MDBK cells have a wide range of regulatory effects; in addition, they provide a lot of resources for the study of host cell proteomics after BVDV infection.
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, Delirium, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among COVID-19 Patients: Protocol for a Living Systematic Review
Authors: Shi Jiyuan , Zhao Liang , Li Yuanyuan , Yan Meili , Mingming Niu , Chen Yamin , Song Ziwei , Gao Ya , Zhang Ruixing , Tian Jinhui
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPrevious studies on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the patients has been limited by the lack of relevant data. With the rapid and sustained growth of the publications on COVID-19 research, we will perform a living systematic review (LSR) to provide comprehensive and continuously updated data to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety, delirium, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among COVID-19 patients.MethodsWe will perform a comprehensive search of the following databases: Cochrane library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Chinese Biomedicine Literature to identify relevant studies. We will utilize different tools to examine the bias risks (quality) regarding studies of varying design types, such as the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort and case-control studies, etc. Study inclusion, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments will be performed independently by two reviewers. The literature searches would be updated every three months. We will perform meta-analysis if any new eligible studies or data are obtained and resubmit an updated systematic review if any change in outcomes and heterogeneity is determined after the addition of the new studies. DiscussionThis LSR would provide an in-depth and up-to-date summary of the psychological impact of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment on the patients. Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020196610
Combined IFN-γ and IL-2 Release Assay for Detect Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Prospective Multicentre Diagnostic Study in China
Authors: Tan Yaoju , Tan Yunhong , Li Junlian , Hu Pengnan , Guan Ping , Kuang Haobin , Liang Qide , Yu Yanyan , Chen Zhongnan , Wang Quan , Yang Zhenping , AiKeReMu DiLiNaZi , Pang Yu , Liu Jianxiong
Published: August 2020

Background: We performed a prospective multicenter diagnostic study to evaluate combined interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) release assays for detecting active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in China. Methods: Adult patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary TB were consecutively enrolled in three TB-specialized hospitals. Sputum specimens and blood samples were collected from each participant at enrollment. In vitro measurements of IFN-γ and IL-2 release from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific antigen-stimulated patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells were conducted using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).Results: Between July 2017 and December 2018, a total of 3,245 patients with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary TB were included in the final analysis. Of these patients, 2,536 were diagnosed with active TB, including 1,092 definite and 1,444 clinically diagnosed cases. Overall sensitivity and specificity rates of the IFN-γ release assay were 83.8% and 81.5%, respectively, as compared to IL-2 assay rates yielding greater specificity (94.3%) but lower sensitivity (72.6%). Notably, a parallel-type combination test for IFN-γ/IL-2 provided greatest overall sensitivity (87.9%) but relatively low specificity (79.8%). Meanwhile, a series-type combination test had an overall sensitivity rate of 68.5% that, when stratified by case subgroup, yielded sensitivity rates of 72.1% and 65.8% for definite and clinically diagnosed TB cases, respectively.Conclusion: We developed a new immunological method to differentiate between active TB and other pulmonary diseases. Our data demonstrated that both series-type and parallel-type IFN-γ/IL-2 combination tests may improve diagnosis of active TB cases in different settings. Additionally, the diagnostic accuracy of the series-type combination assay correlated with disease severity in our patient cohort.
Hyponatremia is Associated with Poor Outcome in COVID-19
Authors: DE CARVALHO Hugo , LETELLIER Thibault , KARAKACHOFF Matilde , DESVAUX Geoffrey , CAILLON Hélène , PAPUCHON Emmanuelle , BENTOUMI-LOAEC Maxime , BENAOUICHA Nesrine , CANET Emmanuel , CHAPELET Guillaume , TURNIER Paul LE , MONTASSIER Emmanuel , ROUHANI Armine , GOFFINET Nicolas , FIGUERES Lucile
Published: August 2020

Background
Hyponatremia has been described in severe acute respiratory syndrome. Our objective was to describe the impact of hyponatremia on COVID-19 patients’ outcome (intensive care unit [ICU] admission, mechanic ventilation or death).
Methods
According to natremia at admission, two groups were retrospectively screened: hyponatremic (< 135 mM, n = 101) or normonatremic (natremia ≥ 135 mM, n = 222) patients. Pearson’s chi-2 (qualitative variables) and Student tests (quantitative variables) were used to compare the two groups. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the association of outcome and patients’ data.
Results
Hyponatremia was generally mild. There were more male patients in the hyponatremic group (p = 0.005). Pulmonary lesions on the first thoracic CT-scanner performed during the hospitalization were significantly more extended in the hyponatremic group (p = 0.03). ICU admission, mechanic ventilation or death were significantly higher in hyponatremic compared to normonatremic patients (34 versus 14%; p < 0.001; 16% versus 5%; p = 0.002; 19 versus 9%, p = 0.021, respectively). Hyponatremia was an independent predictor of poor outcome (adjusted Odds-ratio: 2.49 [1.18–5.33, p = 0.017]).
Conclusions
Our study showed an independent relationship between hyponatremia at admission and transfer to ICU, use of mechanic ventilation or death in COVID-19. Hyponatremia may reflect the potential severity of underlying pulmonary lesions. Our results support the use of natremia as a simple bedside screening tool for early identification of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients at high risk of poor outcome.
Microbial Genes Involved in the Aromatic Compound Degradation Deciphered Through Metagenomics Analysis of Industrial Wastewater.
Authors: Pandit Priti , Kumar Raghawendra , Kumar Dinesh , Patel Zarna , Pandya Labdhi , Joshi Chaitanya
Published: August 2020

Background: Understanding microbial and functional diversity from different stages of common effluent treatment plant (CETP) plays an important role to enhance the treatment performs of wastewater systems. However, unraveling microbial interactions as well as utilization of substrate involved in complex microbial communities is a challenging task. Hence, we demonstrate an integrated approach of shotgun metagenomics and whole genome sequencing to identify the microbial diversity and genes involved in degradation of benzoate, 1,2-dichloroethane and phenylalanine metabolism and degradation pathways from CETP microbiome.Results: The taxonomy profile was annotated using the Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) database in the MG-RAST server. The results showed that, bacteria accounted for 98.46% was the most abundant domain, followed by Eukaryota (0.10%) and Archea 0.02%. At Phylum level, Proteobacteria (28.8%) were dominant, followed by Bacteroidetes (16.1%), Firmicutes (11.7%) and Fusobacteria (6.9%). The most dominated species were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Wolinella succinogenes, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Desulfovibris vulgaris, Clostridium sticklandii, and Escherichia coli. The Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, revealed the presence of the genes responsible for the metabolism and degradation of aromatic compounds. This information was validated with the whole genome analysis of the bacteria isolated from the CETP.Conclusion: The two type of integrated meta omics analyses revealed that the metabolic and degradation capability at both community wide and individual bacterial levels. In addition, we demonstrated that microbial diversity changes with the treatment process in which inlet of CETP effluent shows higher dominancy of Proteobacteria whereas in textile industry outlet the high abundance of Firmicutes was observed. We foresee this approach would contribute in designing the bioremediation strategies for the industrial treatment process.
Reducing posttraumatic stress in parents of patients with a rare inherited metabolic disorder using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy: a case study
Authors: Conijn Thirsa , Haverman Lotte , Wijburg Frits A , de Roos Carlijn
Published: August 2020

Background
Parents of children with severe inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) frequently face stressful events related to the disease of their child and are consequently at high risk for developing parental posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in these parents is however not yet common in clinical practice. PTSD can be effectively treated by Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mostly offered in multiple weekly sessions which may preclude participation as parents are generally overburdened by the ongoing and intensive care for their child. We offered time-limited EMDR therapy with a maximum of four sessions over two subsequent days to two parents (from different families) of mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III) patients to explore the potential effect of this approach in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms and comorbid psychological distress.
Methods
Both qualitative and quantitative outcomes were used. The case conceptualisation, EMDR sessions and the effects reported by parents are described. The change in the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms and comorbid psychological distress were evaluated with the Reliable Change Index (RCI).
Results
All traumatic memories and catastrophic fears of the future reported by parents were successfully processed and neutralized. Parents felt more competent to face future difficulties related to the disease of their child, and no adverse effects were reported. Quantitative outcomes showed a clinically significant decrease in post-traumatic stress symptoms and comorbid psychological distress from pre- to post treatment, and these beneficial effects were maintained at follow-up.
Conclusion
Time-limited EMDR might be a successful treatment for traumatized parents of children with mucopolysaccharidosis type III, and we suggest that this approach may have a wider application including parents of children with other severe IEMs. More awareness in clinical practice of the need for assessment and treatment of PTSD in parents of children with IEMs is essential to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of both parent and child.
Application of Cryopreservation Technique in the Preservation of Rat Limbs
Authors: Tian Yu , Li Nan , Wang Wei , Li Na
Published: August 2020

Objective: This study aims to observe the physiological and pathological changes of severed fingers (limbs) under different storage conditions through animal experiments, and to screen out the best preservation conditions. Medthods: Sixty healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and evenly divided into 4 preservation groups, including conventional low-temperature dry (CLTD), the university of wisconsin (UW) solution, cryopreservation and cryopreservation + UW solution preservation group. After harvesting the limbs, were preservated for 72 h and 7 days, respectively. Then the limbs were thawed and replanted in situ. Sciatic nerves were collected for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and observed the changes in tissue morphology. Results: Replantation was successful in 11 out of 15 rats (73%) in cryopreservation + UW group, and the walking function of the 9 (82%) rats in cryopreservation + UW group were significantly better than that of the cryopreservation preservation group. In addition, the HE staining results shown that the CLTD group nerve bundles were morphologically damaged, and there were more acellular structures and tissue fragments; the UW group nerve bundles were less injured and the perineurium was more complete and orderly; The nerve bundles in the cryopreservation group and cryopreservation + UW group are tightly arranged and the tissue morphology is regular; Compared with the cryopreservation + UW group, the complete of the cryopreservation group is not well. Conclusions: The cryopreservation technology combined with UW solution is a new and effective method for the severed limbs preserving.
Morbidity and Mortality in the Antiretroviral Era in Sub-saharan Africa: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Ghislain Manimani Riziki , Mushebenge Aganze Gloire-Aime , Magula Nombulelo
Published: August 2020

Background: Worldwide, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a public health concern. The prevalence of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the uppermost in the world. This study aims to identify the determinants of morbidity and specific causes of mortality in the antiretroviral treatment (ART) era in Sub-Saharan Africa.Method/design: Observational studies will be systematically reviewed reporting on morbidity and mortality in the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era in Sub-Saharan Africa. We will search for relevant studies from Google Scholar, PubMed, and CINAHL databases. Two review authors will independently screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles in duplicate, extract data and assess the bias. Discrepancies will be resolved by discussion or arbitration of a third review author. The study will use the Preferred Reporting Item of Systematic Review (PRISMA 2015) guideline. We will use R software to analyze and synthesize the data, the information will be captured into a spreadsheet regarding the most causes of hospitalization and death related to HIV in the antiretroviral treatment, Graphic displays will be used to visually compare the prevalence of comorbidities across the study region. This will also enable to provide any form of patterns in the comorbidities.Discussion: This review will summarize the determinants of morbidity and causes of mortality in the antiretroviral era in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings of this study will help to improve opportunistic infection’s prevention and clinical outcomes in the ART era.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CDR42019141933
MALAT1 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Pancreatic Cancer Cells Through miR-141-5p/ TGFBR1 / TGFBR2 Axis
Authors: Lu Huimin , Li Mao , Ye Jun , Zhang Ling , Lu Shan , Yang Dujiang , Li Zhenlu , Yue Chao , Hu Weiming
Published: August 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The effect of opioid-free anesthesia on the quality of recovery after gynecological laparoscopy: study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Song Jae Yen , Choi Hoon , Chae Minsuk , Ko Jemin , Moon Youg Eun
Published: August 2020

Background: Because of the indiscriminate use of opioids during the perioperative period, opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) has been increasingly required. Nevertheless, the studies on the detailed techniques and effects of OFA are not sufficient. The Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire is a validated assessment tool for measuring recovery from general anesthesia. However, no study has used the QoR-40 to determine if OFA leads to better recovery than standard general anesthesia. Therefore, we aim to perform this study to determine the effects of OFA using dexmedetomidine and lidocaine on the quality of recovery as well as the various postoperative outcomes. Methods: The patients (n=78) will be allocated to one of the two groups; Study group will receive bolus and infusion of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine and Control group will receive remifentanil infusion during general anesthesia for gynecological laparoscopy. The other processes including anesthetic and postoperative care will be performed similarly in two groups. Intraoperative hemodynamic, anesthetic, and nociceptive variables will be recorded. Postoperative outcomes such as QoR-40, pain severity, opioid-related side effects will be assessed. Additionally, ancillary cytokine study (inflammatory cytokine, stress hormone, and reactive oxygen species) will be performed during study period. Discussion: This will be the first study to determine the effect of OFA, using the combination of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine, on the quality of recovery after gynecological laparoscopy compared with standard general anesthesia using remifentanil. The findings from this study will provide scientific and clinical evidence on the efficacy of OFA.
Ankara City Hospital COVID-19 Severity Score (ACCSES):A Calculation Tool in the Prediction of Severe Illness Requiring Intensive Care Follow-up
Authors: Guner Rahmet , Kayaaslan Bircan , Hasanoglu Imran , Aypak Adalet , Bodur Hurrem , Ates Ihsan , Akinci Esragul , Erdem Deniz , Eser Fatma , Izdes Seval , Kalem Ayse Kaya , Bastug Aliye , Karalezli Aysegul , Surel Aziz , Ayhan Muge , Karaahmetoglu Selma , Ozkocak Isil , Arguder Emine , Ozdemir Burcu , Mutlu Mehmet Nevzat , Bilir Yesim Aybar , Saricaoglu Elif Mukime , Gokcinar Derya , Gunay Sibel , Dinc Bedia , Gemcioglu Emin , Bilmez Ruveyda , Aydos Omer , Asilturk Dilek , Inan Osman , Buzgan Turan
Published: August 2020

Aim: The aim of this study is to develop and explain an easy-to-use severity score calculation tool to predict severe COVID-19 cases that would need intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up.Material method: The study was carried out in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 hospitalized in Ankara City Hospital between March 15, 2020, and June 15, 2020. The outcome was severe illness that required ICU follow-up. Univariate and binary logistic regression were used to create a prediction model by using potential predictive parameters obtained on the day of hospitalization. Youden’s J index was calculated with receiver-operator characteristic curves analysis in order to evaluate cut-off points, and predicted probability was calculated. The accuracy of the prediction model was tested by calculating the area under curve (AUC). Results: Of the total of 1022 patients, 152 had a severe illness and required ICU follow-up. Among 68 variables, 20 parameters met the potential predictive factor condition for severe illness and were included in the development process for ANKARA CITY HOSPITAL COVID-19 SEVERITY SCORE (ACCSES). The ACCSES calculation tool was created by the final 9 parameters (sex, oxygen saturation, hemoglobin, platelet count, glomerular filtration rate, aspartate transaminase, procalcitonin, ferritin, and D-dimer). AUC was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95-0.98).Conclusion: We developed a simple, accessible, easy to use calculation tool, ACCSES, with good distinctive power for a severe illness that required ICU follow-up. The clinician can easily predict the course of COVID-19 and decide the procedure and facility of further follow-up simply using available clinical and laboratory values of patients upon admission.
Rhizosphere Community Selection Reveals Bacteria Associated With Reduced Root Disease
Authors: Yin Chuntao , Vargas Juan M. Casa , Schlatter Daniel C. , Hagerty Christina H. , Hulbert Scot H. , Paulitz Timothy
Published: August 2020

Background: Microbes benefit plants by increasing nutrient availability, producing plant growth hormones, and protecting against pathogens. However, it is largely unknown how plants change root microbial communities. Results: In this study, we used a multi-cycle selection system and infection by the soilborne fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG8 (hereafter AG8) to examine how plants impact the rhizosphere bacterial community and recruit beneficial microorganisms to suppress soilborne fungal pathogens and promote plant growth. Successive plantings dramatically enhanced disease suppression on susceptible wheat cultivars to AG8 in the greenhouse. Accordingly, analysis of the rhizosphere soil microbial community using deep sequencing of 16S rRNA genes revealed distinct bacterial community profiles assembled over successive wheat plantings. Moreover, the cluster of bacterial communities formed from the AG8-infected rhizosphere was distinct from those without AG8 infection. Interestingly, the bacterial communities from the rhizosphere with the lowest wheat root disease gradually separated from those with the worst wheat root disease over planting cycles. Successive monocultures and application of AG8 increased the abundance of some bacterial genera which have potential antagonistic activities, such as Chitinophaga, Pseudomonas, Chryseobacterium, and Flavobacterium, and a group of plant growth-promoting (PGP) and nitrogen-fixing microbes, including Pedobacter, Variovorax, and Rhizobium. Furthermore, 47 bacteria isolates belong to 35 species were isolated. Among them, eleven and five exhibited antagonistic activities to AG8 and Rhizoctonia oryzae in vitro, respectively. Notably, Janthinobacterium displayed broad antagonism against the soilborne pathogens Pythium ultimum, AG8, and R. oryzae in vitro, and disease suppressive activity to AG8 in soil. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that successive wheat plantings and pathogen infection can shape the rhizosphere microbial communities and specifically accumulate a group of beneficial microbes. Our findings suggest that soil community selection may offer the potential for addressing agronomic concerns associated with plant diseases and crop productivity.
Non-parametric optimization technique for water distribution in pipe networks
Authors: Palod Nikita , Prasad Vishnu , Khare Ruchi
Published: August 2020

Water distribution networks (WDN) contribute the massive cost of pipes in total water distribution system (WDS) design, thus the optimal design of any WDN is more of a necessity than a requirement. Various evolutionary algorithms (EAs) proposed in the past involve the use of algorithm-specific parameters and their synchronizing to get the optimal solution and thus require more computational effort and time. To overcome this drawback, the present work introduces an optimization technique, JayaNet, which is the integration of the Jaya algorithm and hydraulic network solver EPANET 2. The best part of this technique is that no algorithm-specific parameter is to be synchronized for optimal cost but there needs to be adjustment of penalty parameter and population size based on network size. Four well-known benchmark networks with different sizes and layout have been taken and optimized using JayaNet. The results are compared with those obtained from other EAs. It is found that optimized costs obtained for four networks by JayaNet are either the same or less than the results obtained from other EAs even with a lower number of function evaluations (NFE). The NFE are found to increase with population size in all networks. The statistical parameter obtained from JayaNet is also compared for different networks.
Frazil ice jam risk assessment method for water transfer projects based on design scheme
Authors: Liu Mengkai , Fan Qiuyi , Guo Hui
Published: August 2020

Frazil ice jam risk assessment is an important method to improve the operational safety of water transfer projects. A frazil ice jam assessment method was developed based on project design conditions to ensure the risk level of frazil ice jam. A frazil ice jam risk assessment indicator system was incorporated into the method that included three first-level indicators, such as ice production, special hydraulic structure and basic design parameters, and 17 third-level indicators for calculation analysis. Then, a standard assessment system was proposed, and an analytic hierarchy process method was used to determine the magnitude of the frazil ice jam risk. Finally, the method was used to study the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MRSNWDP) from the Guyunhe to Beijumahe canals. The results showed that all of the canal pools had frazil ice jam risk levels between III and IV, of which approximately 15% of the pools have risk level IV, and the canal pools with risk level IV were reported to have ice jam incidents, and it suggested that the ice condition prediction, engineering operation process in winter, engineering measures for disaster reduction and emergency plan refinement need to be strengthened for the pools with risk level IV. Therefore, the method of frazil ice jam risk assessment based on project design conditions can perform well in both the built-operating stage and the design stage of water transfer projects. Frazil ice jam risk prevention is a task through the full life-cycle of water project construction, it is necessary to do risk assessment work at design stage, and the work should be written into the national standard.
Dimensiones tradicionales y emergentes de la seguridad fronteriza del extremo norte de Chile
Authors: Ovando Cristian , Álvarez Gonzalo , González Pizarro Sergio , Iturra Valenzuela Luis
Published: August 2020

Este artículo indaga en los supuestos por los cuales es construida la agenda de seguridad fronteriza en el extremo norte de Chile y en algunas de sus consecuencias previsibles. Estos supuestos se centran en la vigencia de amenazas tradicionales y en su superposición con elementos de seguridad renovada, catalogados como amenazas transnacionales. Con base a una serie de entrevistas y discusiones con académicos y tomadores de decisiones, junto al análisis de incidentes fronterizos entre Chile y Bolivia, se determina que prevalecen interpretaciones que consideran las relaciones fronterizas como un campo propio de la seguridad, aunque de manera incipiente se comienzan a considerar discursos referidos a dinámicas cooperativas transfronterizas.
Central Regulatory Role of Cytokines in Periodontitis and Targeting Options
Authors: Plemmenos Grigorios , Evangeliou Evangelos , Polizogopoulos Nikolaos , Chalazias Andreas , Deligianni Marianthi , Piperi Christina
Published: August 2020

Background:

Periodontitis is an immune-inflammatory disease that leads to the progressive destruction of bone and connective tissue in the periodontal area. The cytokine network plays a primary role in tissue homeostasis, the recruitment of immune cells to control the pathogenic impact and the regulation of osteoclastic function, thus modulating the intensity and duration of the immune response. This review provides an update on the main cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of periodontitis and their targeting potential in order to enrich current treatment options.

Methods:

A structured search of bibliographic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus) was performed for peer-reviewed cytokine studies focused on periodontitis the last ten years. A qualitative content analysis was performed in screened papers and a critical discussion of main findings is provided.

Results:

An altered cytokine profile has been detected in periodontitis patients and the interplay of pro-inflammatory and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines has been associated with disease pathogenesis. Among the most prominent pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-6 and the chemokines CXCL-6, CXCL-8 are overexpressed in periodontitis patients and correlate with disease progression. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL- 11 levels are reduced while IL-12 and IFN-γ expression play a dual role in periodontal disease. Current periodontitis treatment strategies include selective antibiotics, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and probiotics, which can modulate the cytokine network and when applied in combination with specific anti-cytokine agents can exert additional beneficial effects.

Conclusion:

It is evident that cytokines play a central regulatory role in the inflammatory process and immune cell response that underlies bone destruction in periodontitis. Specific cytokine targeting should be considered as a complementary therapeutic scheme to current periodontal management.
An Overview of Promising Biomarkers in Cancer Screening and Detection
Authors: Hasan Saba
Published: August 2020

Applications of biomarkers have been proved in oncology screening, diagnosis, predicting
response to treatment as well as monitoring the progress of the disease. Considering the crucial
role played by them during different disease stages, it is extremely important to evaluate, validate,
and assess them to incorporate them into routine clinical care. In this review, the role of few most
promising and successfully used biomarkers in cancer detection, i.e. PD-L1, E-Cadherin, TP53, Exosomes,
cfDNA, EGFR, mTOR with regard to their structure, mode of action, and reports signifying
their pathological significance, are addressed. Also, an overview of some successfully used biomarkers
for cancer medicine has been presented. The study also summarizes biomarker-driven personalized
cancer therapy i.e., approved targets and indications, as per the US FDA. The review also
highlights the increasingly prominent role of biomarkers in drug development at all stages, with
particular reference to clinical trials. The increasing utility of biomarkers in clinical trials is clearly
evident from the trend shown, wherein ~55 percent of all oncology clinical trials in 2019 were seen
to involve biomarkers, as opposed to ~ 15 percent in 2001, which clearly proves the essence and applicability
of biomarkers for synergizing clinical information with tumor progression. Still, there
are significant challenges in the implementation of these possibilities with strong evidence in cost--
effective manner.
The Identification of a Novel Unsymmetrical Azine as an Apoptosis Inducer in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Almutairi Fahad M. , Ali Ayat G. , Abdelhamid Abdou O. , Alalawy Adel I. , Bishr Mai K. , Mohamed Mervat S.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Defects in the physiological mechanisms of apoptosis are one of the pivotal factors
implicated in carcinogenesis. Thus, the development of novel compounds that target various apoptotic pathways
has provided promising anticancer therapeutic opportunities.

Objective:

This study explores the cytotoxic effects of a novel unsymmetrical azine against specific cancer cell
lines and investigates the mechanism of cytotoxicity.

Methods:

Molecular modeling was used to test the binding affinity of four new unsymmetrical azines to a model
of an apoptosis inhibitor protein (XIAP). The compound with the highest binding affinity, C4, was further tested
on different cell lines. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Transmission Electron Microscope
(TEM) were used to study apoptosis induction biochemically and morphologically.

Results:

In comparison to cisplatin as a control, the compound C4 exhibited notable cytotoxicity against all
tested cancer cell lines, especially the human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116). Furthermore, C4-treated
cells demonstrated marked overexpression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 as well as the tumor
suppressor p53. On the other hand, the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was inhibited. On TEM
examination, C4-treated HCT-116 cells showed classical structural signs of apoptosis.

Conclusion:

This study identifies a novel azine (C4), which induces remarkable cytotoxicity against the colorectal
carcinoma cell line, mediated through apoptosis induction. These novel insights suggest C4 as a promising
therapeutic agent in colorectal cancer.
Early-onset of Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in an Albanian Patient with a c.1319C>T Variant in the UBQLN2 Gene
Authors: Baglivo Mirko , Manara Elena , Capodicasa Natale , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Stuppia Liborio , Michelini Sandro , Compagna Rita , Amato Bruno , Bertelli Matteo
Published: August 2020

Background:

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is the second most common cause of dementia under 65 years of age; it has a prevalence of 4-15 per 100,000 persons. The overt disease usually manifests in the sixth decade, and it is extremely rare to find affected patients in their twenties.

Objective:

Here, we present the clinical and molecular genetic findings of an Albanian family with a patient with early-onset FTD and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Methods:

Given the great variability of clinical presentation of FTD and the number of genes involved, targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was used to screen the DNA of the 27-year-old male patient. Segregation analysis was performed in available family members.

Results and Discussion:

A variant, consisting of a proline-leucine amino acid substitution in position 440, was identified in the UBQLN2 gene on the X-chromosome. This variant was previously reported as a variant of unknown significance in a 30-year-old female patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. With the description of our case, we add evidence on its involvement, also in ALS-FTD. The variant is in a functional domain important for interaction with HSP70 and this, in turn, may impair the shuttling of proteins to the proteasome leading to an accumulation of protein aggregates. The variant was inherited from the unaffected mother, in line with the fact that incomplete penetrance has been widely described for this gene.

Conclusion:

The present report adds information regarding one of 34 variants in the UBQLN2 gene reported so far in association with neurodegeneration and proposes a molecular pathogenesis of ALS-FTD in this patient.
Lifetime Maximization of Heterogeneous WSN Using Fuzzy-based
Clustering
Authors: Saini Ritu , Dubey Kumkum , Rajpoot Prince , Gautam Sushma , Yaduvanshi Ritika
Published: August 2020

Background:

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is an arising field for research and development. It has various
applications ranging from environmental monitoring to battlefield surveillance and more. WSN is a collection of multiple
sensor nodes used for sensing the environment. But these sensing nodes are deployed in such areas where it is not that
easy to reach, so battery used in these nodes becomes quite impossible to change, so we need to utilize this energy to get
the maximum sensing for a long time.

Objective:

To use the Fuzzy approach in the clustering algorithm. Clustering is a key approach to prolong the network
lifetime with minimum energy utilization. In this paper, our main concern is on the Cluster Head (CH) selection. So, we
are proposing a clustering algorithm which is based on some of the attributes: Average Residual Energy of CHs, Average
Distance from nodes to CHs, Standard Deviation of member nodes, and Average Distance from CH to Base Station(BS).

Methods:

Initially, some of the nodes are found having greater residual energy than the average network energy, and
fifteen populations are made each having an optimum number of CHs. The final and best CHs set is chosen by
determining the maximum fitness value using a fuzzy approach.

Result:

The result positively supports the energy-efficient utilization with lifetime maximization, which is compared with
the Base algorithm [1] and LEACH [2] protocol based on residual energy and the number of nodes that die after
performing some rounds.

Conclusion:

The proposed algorithm determines a fuzzy-based fitness value, provides load-balancing among all the
networking nodes, and performs a selection of best Cluster Heads, resulting in prolonged network lifetime and maximized
efficiency.
In Memoriam
Authors: Sherman Herbert , Van Fleet David D.
Published: August 2020

IBAM is deeply saddened by the passing of one of those who originally conceived the formation of the organization that became IBAM — Dr. Barry Armandi, a Distinguished Teaching Professor at SUNY-Old Westbury. Amongst many of Barry’s numerous accomplishments (publishing, teaching, involvement in numerous professional associations), Barry was always quite proud of the fact that he was one of the guiding forces for the formation of a national academic management institute that was predominately interested in faculty and student development. Barry’s strong suit was that he was not only a gifted teacher and scholar but that he was a mentor for many junior faculty; faculty who could not find a home at the Academy of Management or even at regional Academy meetings. We honor Barry’s memory by continuing the IBAM traditions of collegiality, cutting edge research and instruction, and providing a culture that fosters personal and professional development.
The Joint Influence of Control Strategies and Market Turbulence on Strategic Performance in Sales-Driven Organizations
Authors: Pappas James M. , Flaherty Karen E. , Hunt C. Shane
Published: August 2020

The effect of management control efforts on organizational actors’ participation in the strategy process is investigated. Results from a survey of sales-driven organizations indicate that self, professional, activity, and output control systems have varying effects on participation in strategic activity. We also found that the influences of control systems on participation in strategic activity are moderated by market turbulence. Importantly, a direct relationship is established between participation in strategic activity and individual-level selling performance.
D & H Management and D & H Patio Homes: To Dream the Impossible Dream? Parts A & B
Authors: Sherman Herbert , Rowley Daniel James
Published: August 2020

This is a field-based disguised two-part case which describes the market and operation of a small conglomerate business, in the home rental and home construction markets. The immediate problem is how to make the operations profitable enough so that the managing partner can afford to start to take a salary from the business and leave his teaching position. Longer term, the partners need to address how they can make the businesses a source of income for their retirements. The case has a difficulty level appropriate for a senior level course in small business management, entrepreneurship, or strategic management.
Injectable Amoxicillin Versus Injectable Ampicillin Plus Gentamicin in the Treatment of Severe Pneumonia in Children Aged 2 to 59 Months: Protocol for an Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shahrin Lubaba , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Shahid Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayeem Bin , Rahman Abu Sayem Mirza Mohammad Hasibur , Islam Md. Zahidul , Afroze Farzana , Huq Sayeeda , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: August 2020

Background

Pneumonia causes about 0.9 million deaths worldwide each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the standard management of severe pneumonia requires parenteral ampicillin every 6 hours and once-daily parenteral gentamicin for 5 to 7 days. Although this treatment has contributed to the reduction of mortality, it requires nursing interventions every 6 hours for 7 days. Further intervention trials should be conducted to search for alternate antibiotics with better adherence, reduced cost, and reduced hospital stay. Parenteral amoxicillin is an effective alternative to ampicillin, as it has a longer half-life and broader coverage.

Objective

The aim of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of a dose of injectable amoxicillin every 12 hours plus a once-daily dose of injectable gentamicin with a dose of injectable ampicillin every 6 hours plus a once-daily dose of injectable gentamicin in children hospitalized for severe pneumonia.

Methods

This randomized, controlled, open-label, noninferiority trial is being conducted in Dhaka Hospital of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh. A sample size of 308 children with severe pneumonia will give adequate power to this study. Children aged 2 to 59 months are randomized to either intravenous ampicillin or intravenous amoxicillin, plus intravenous gentamicin in both study arms. The monitoring of the patients is carried out according to the WHO protocol for the treatment of severe pneumonia. The primary objective is the rate of treatment failure, defined by the persistence of danger signs of severe pneumonia beyond 48 hours or deterioration within 24 hours of initiation of the therapy. The secondary objectives are (1) improvement in or the resolution of danger signs since enrollment, (2) length of hospital stay, (3) death during hospitalization, and (4) rate of nosocomial infections.

Results

Enrollment in the study started on January 1, 2018, and ended on October 31, 2019. Data entry and analysis are in progress. Findings from the study are expected to be disseminated in October 2020.

Conclusions

Our study's findings will improve compliance with the use of antibiotics that require less frequent doses for the treatment of severe pneumonia.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03369093; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03369093

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/17735
Improving the Management of Atrial Fibrillation in General Practice: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: de Lusignan Simon , Hobbs F D Richard , Liyanage Harshana , Ferreira Filipa , Tripathy Manasa , Munro Neil , Feher Michael , Joy Mark
Published: August 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the commonest arrhythmias observed in general practice. The thromboembolic complications of AF include transient ischemic attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Early recognition of AF can lead to early intervention with managing the risks of these complications.

Objective

The primary aim of this study is to investigate if patients are managed in general practice according to current national guidelines. In addition, the study will evaluate the impact of direct oral anticoagulant use with respect to AF complications in a real-world dataset. The secondary aims of the study are to develop a dashboard that will allow monitoring the management of AF in general practice and evaluate the usability of the dashboard.

Methods

The study was conducted in 2 phases. The initial phase was a quantitative analysis of routinely collected primary care data from the Oxford Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Center (RCGP RSC) sentinel network database. AF cases from 2009 to 2019 were identified. The study investigated the impact of the use of anticoagulants on complications of AF over this time period. We used this dataset to examine how AF was managed in primary care during the last decade. The second phase involved development of an online dashboard for monitoring management of AF in general practice. We conducted a usability evaluation for the dashboard to identify usability issues and performed enhancements to improve usability.

Results

We received funding for both phases in January 2019 and received approval from the RCGP RSC research committee in March 2019. We completed data extraction for phase 1 in May 2019 and completed analysis in December 2019. We completed building the AF dashboard in May 2019. We started recruiting participants for phase 1 in May 2019 and concluded data collection in July 2019. We completed data analysis for phase 2 in October 2019. The results are expected to be published in the second half of 2020. As of October 2020, the publications reporting the results are under review.

Conclusions

Results of this study will provide an insight into the current trends in management of AF using real-world data from the Oxford RCGP RSC database. We anticipate that the outcomes of this study will be used to guide the development and implementation of an audit-based intervention tool to assist practitioners in identifying and managing AF in primary care.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR1-10.2196/21259