bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case of Bickerstaff encephalitis with positive glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies
Authors: Javaid Hussnain , Ejaz Urwa , Slowinski Zbigniew
Published: June 2020

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a rare inflammatory demyelinating condition, which is similar to Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS). Ophthalmoplegia and ataxia are common to these syndromes but unlike MFS, BBE is also characterised by central nervous system involvement, most commonly in the form of altered consciousness. BBE usually has a very good prognosis. We present a case of a young female with BBE. Unlike the majority of BBE patients, she (1) was negative for anti-GBQ1b antibodies but positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies and borderline positive for voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies and (2) had a delayed recovery post treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and plasma exchange. We contemplate a potential role for GAD antibodies as a marker for longer recovery time in patients with BBE.
Idiopathic spontaneous extensive iliocaval thrombosis presenting with renal infarct
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Srivastava Aneesh , Mishra Navneet , Lal Hira
Published: June 2020

We describe an extremely rare case of idiopathic spontaneous extensive venous thrombosis in a young man involving the inferior vena cava, the iliac veins and both renal veins associated with right haemorrhagic renal infarction with non-functioning right kidney.
Successful penile replantation after complete amputation and 23 hours ischaemia time: the first in reported literature
Authors: Henry Nader , Bergman Henry , Foong Deborah , Filobbos George
Published: June 2020

Complete penile amputation is a rare and poorly documented injury with severe physical and psychosocial implications. Our institution presents a case of successful penile replantation following 23 hours of ischaemia time in a 34-year-old man with a history of paranoid schizophrenia who sustained a complete penile amputation during an act of deliberate self-harm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest documented ischaemia time for a successful penile replant in literature. The patient was able to achieve a full erection as early as 6 weeks postoperatively. Skin necrosis was noted as a common complication and this was successfully managed with debridement and skin grafting. Penile amputation injuries should be managed in a specialist centre with urological and plastic surgeons with expertise in microsurgical reconstruction. Penile replantation should be attempted, even if ischaemia time is prolonged, despite lower success rates given the significance of the injury to an individual.
Translating research evidence into clinical practice: a reminder of important clinical lessons in management of resistant hypertension through a case study in general practice
Authors: Yap Timothy , Affandi Jacquita S , Reid Christopher M , Xu Dan
Published: June 2020

A case of a 59-year-old man with resistant hypertension, despite 8 months of non-pharmacological and pharmacological management up to maximal doses of triple antihypertensive therapy. Review of the literature found a study that reported improved blood pressure control with bedtime dosing of antihypertensive treatment. Changing to bedtime dosage of antihypertensives resulted in significant improvement in blood pressure control to below target levels. This highlights the importance of the clinicians’ awareness and implementation of research findings and hence delivery of best evidence-based care.
Feasibility and effectiveness of palliative intensity-modulated radiotherapy for carotid sinus syndrome secondary to recurrent head and neck cancer
Authors: Wada Kentaro , Hirata Takero , Shinoda Yuichiro , Teshima Teruki
Published: June 2020

A 74-year-old man presented with recurrent syncope 3 months after definitive surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer. The patient experienced dizziness and severe hypotension on the movement of the neck and head. CT revealed disease recurrence with masses encasing the left internal carotid artery. The patient was diagnosed with vasodepressor type of tumour-induced carotid sinus syndrome (tiCSS) and was referred for palliative intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Ten days after the commencement of IMRT (25 Gy in five fractions), the symptoms of tiCSS improved, and there was no re-exacerbation of the symptoms till the patient died 56 days after the commencement of RT. Palliative IMRT was feasible and effective for recurrent malignant tiCSS. Given the fact that palliative IMRT is minimally invasive, this option could be widely adapted for patients with such poor general condition and prognosis.
Laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty: a salvage option for genitourinary fistula after failed McIndoe’s repair
Authors: Dadhwal Rohit , Nayyar Rishi , Krishna Asuri , Kumar Prashant
Published: June 2020

A 30-year-old woman presented with vesicovaginal fistula after a forceful intercourse. She was diagnosed as a case of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome 14 years ago and had underwent McIndoe’s vaginoplasty using amniotic membrane. Similarly, another 14-year-old girl presented with an iatrogenic urethral and bladder neck injury during an attempt at McIndoe’s vaginoplasty 4 months ago at another centre leading to urinary fistula with absent vagina. A laparoscopic salvage was done for both the cases along with repair of genitourinary fistula using sigmoid colon. There was no further requirement of vaginal dilation. Both patients remain fully continent at 1 year follow-up. Laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty is a worthy minimally invasive salvage method for the patients of MRKH who develop fistulous complication after a previous attempt at neovagina creation. The bowel wall provides a structurally strong layer to withstand the repeated sexual trauma of the vagina.
Low systemic vitamin D as a potential risk factor in primary open-angle
glaucoma: a review of current evidence
Authors: Huynh Brandon , Shah Peter , Sii Freda , Hunter Damien , Carnt Nicole , White Andrew
Published: June 2020

Currently, intraocular pressure is the only modifiable risk factor for
glaucoma; thus, identifying other modifiable determinants may have far-reaching
outcomes. There has been increasing interest in vitamin D status and glaucoma
pathogenesis as low vitamin D has been identified by some studies as an
independent risk factor for glaucoma. Although the exact mechanism of vitamin D in
glaucoma remains uncertain, there is sufficient evidence to continue research in
this area. There is a potential physiological role for vitamin D as an
anti-inflammatory agent in the oxidative stress-driven pathogenesis of primary
open-angle glaucoma, and further studies are required to evaluate the temporal and
causal relationship. Ocular vitamin D status in the tear, aqueous and vitreous
fluid is a prospective gap in research.
Prospective evaluation of an artificial intelligence-enabled algorithm for
automated diabetic retinopathy screening of 30 000 patients
Authors: Heydon Peter , Egan Catherine , Bolter Louis , Chambers Ryan , Anderson John , Aldington Steve , Stratton Irene M , Scanlon Peter Henry , Webster Laura , Mann Samantha , du Chemin Alain , Owen Christopher G , Tufail Adnan , Rudnicka Alicja Regina
Published: June 2020

Background/aims

Human grading of digital images from diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening
programmes represents a significant challenge, due to the increasing prevalence
of diabetes. We evaluate the performance of an automated artificial
intelligence (AI) algorithm to triage retinal images from the English Diabetic
Eye Screening Programme (DESP) into test-positive/technical failure versus
test-negative, using human grading following a standard national protocol as
the reference standard.

Methods

Retinal images from 30 405 consecutive screening episodes from three
English DESPs were manually graded following a standard national protocol and
by an automated process with machine learning enabled software, EyeArt v2.1.
Screening performance (sensitivity, specificity) and diagnostic accuracy (95%
CIs) were determined using human grades as the reference standard.

Results

Sensitivity (95% CIs) of EyeArt was 95.7% (94.8% to 96.5%) for referable
retinopathy (human graded ungradable, referable maculopathy, moderate-to-severe
non-proliferative or proliferative). This comprises sensitivities of 98.3%
(97.3% to 98.9%) for mild-to-moderate non-proliferative retinopathy with
referable maculopathy, 100% (98.7%,100%) for moderate-to-severe
non-proliferative retinopathy and 100% (97.9%,100%) for proliferative disease.
EyeArt agreed with the human grade of no retinopathy (specificity) in 68% (67%
to 69%), with a specificity of 54.0% (53.4% to 54.5%) when combined with
non-referable retinopathy.

Conclusion

The algorithm demonstrated safe levels of sensitivity for high-risk
retinopathy in a real-world screening service, with specificity that could
halve the workload for human graders. AI machine learning and deep learning
algorithms such as this can provide clinically equivalent, rapid detection of
retinopathy, particularly in settings where a trained workforce is unavailable
or where large-scale and rapid results are needed.
Visual impairment and social isolation, depression and life satisfaction among older adults in Ghana: analysis of the WHO’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 2
Authors: Tetteh John , Fordjour Gladys , Ekem-Ferguson George , Yawson Anita Ohenewa , Boima Vincent , Entsuah-Mensah Kow , Biritwum Richard , Essuman Akye , Mensah George , Yawson Alfred Edwin
Published: June 2020

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of visual impairment (VI) and associated factors and further quantify its association with social isolation, depression and life satisfaction among older adults in Ghana.

Methods

WHO Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health Ghana dataset for older adults 50 years and above was used for this study. Social isolation, depression and life satisfaction were our primary outcomes with VI being our secondary outcome. We employed negative binomial, Poisson and generalised negative binomial regression models individually modified with Coarsened Exact Matching method of analysis. All analysis was performed by adopting robust SE estimation using Stata V.15.

Results

The prevalence of VI was 17.1% (95% CI14.3 to 20.2) and the factors associated include age groups, educational level, religion, region, where the participant was born, and difficulty in work/households activity (p<0.05). The inferential analysis shows that the significant log-likelihood score of social isolation and life satisfaction for older adults with VI was 0.25 more (95% CI 0.03 to 0.47) and 0.04 less (95% CI −0.08 to −0.01), respectively, compared with those without VI. The prevalence of depression among older adults with VI was significantly 90% higher compared with non-VI (adjusted prevalence ratio (95% CI) = 1.90 (1.17 to 3.09), p<0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of VI is associated with increasing age, educational level and self-rated health. VI was identified to be associated with social isolation, depression and diminishing life satisfaction. In order to achieve sustainable development goal #3, a national focus on geriatric care as part of the implementation of the National Ageing Policy will garner improvement in the quality of life of older adults with visual VI in Ghana. Eye health practitioners at all levels of the health systems should consider the psychosocial consequences of VI for the optimum care of the older adult client.
User-testing guidelines to improve the safety of intravenous medicines administration: a randomised in situ simulation study
Authors: Jones Matthew D , McGrogan Anita , Raynor D K , Watson Margaret C , Franklin Bryony Dean
Published: June 2020

Background

User-testing and subsequent modification of clinical guidelines increases health professionals’ information retrieval and comprehension. No study has investigated whether this results in safer care.

Objective

To compare the frequency of medication errors when administering an intravenous medicine using the current National Health Service Injectable Medicines Guide (IMG) versus an IMG version revised with user-testing.

Method

Single-blind, randomised parallel group in situ simulation. Participants were on-duty nurses/midwives who regularly prepared intravenous medicines. Using a training manikin in their clinical area, participants administered a voriconazole infusion, a high-risk medicine requiring several steps to prepare. They were randomised to use current IMG guidelines or IMG guidelines revised with user-testing. Direct observation was used to time the simulation and identify errors. Participant confidence was measured using a validated instrument. The primary outcome was the percentage of simulations with at least one moderate-severe IMG-related error, with error severity classified by an expert panel.

Results

In total, 133 participants were randomised to current guidelines and 140 to user-tested guidelines. Fewer moderate-severe IMG-related errors occurred with the user-tested guidelines (n=68, 49%) compared with current guidelines (n=79, 59%), but this difference was not statistically significant (risk ratio: 0.82; 95% CI 0.66 to 1.02). Significantly more simulations were completed without any IMG-related errors with the user-tested guidelines (n=67, 48%) compared with current guidelines (n=26, 20%) (risk ratio: 2.46; 95% CI 1.68 to 3.60). Median simulation completion time was 1.6 min (95% CI 0.2 to 3.0) less with the user-tested guidelines. Participants who used user-tested guidelines reported greater confidence.

Conclusion

User-testing injectable medicines guidelines reduces the number of errors and the time taken to prepare and administer intravenous medicines, while increasing staff confidence.

Trial registration number

researchregistry5275.
Global burden of oesophageal and gastric cancer by histology and subsite in 2018
Authors: Arnold Melina , Ferlay Jacques , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I , Soerjomataram Isabelle
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To provide updated estimates of the global burden of oesophageal and gastric cancer by subsite and type.

Methods

Using data from population-based cancer registries, proportions of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) out of all oesophageal as well as cardia gastric cancer (CGC) and non-CGC (NCGC) out of all gastric cancer cases were computed by country, sex and age group. Proportions were subsequently applied to the estimated numbers of oesophageal and gastric cancer cases from GLOBOCAN 2018. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASR) were calculated.

Results

In 2018, there were an estimated 572 000 new cases of oesophageal cancer worldwide, 85 000 OACs (ASR 0.9 per 100 000, both sexes combined) and 482 000 OSCCs (ASR 5.3). Out of 1.03 million gastric cancers, there were an estimated 181 000 cases of CGC (ASR 2.0) and 853 000 cases of NCGC (ASR 9.2). While the highest incidence rates of OSCC, CGC and NCGC were observed in Eastern Asia (ASRs 11.1, 4.4 and 17.9, respectively), rates of OAC were highest in Northern Europe (ASR 3.5). While globally OSCC and NCGC remain the most common types of oesophageal and gastric cancer, respectively, rates of OAC exceed those of OSCC in an increasing number of high-income countries.

Conclusions

These updated estimates of the global burden of oesophageal and gastric cancer by subtype and site suggest an ongoing transition in epidemiological patterns. This work will serve as a cornerstone for policy-making and will aid in developing appropriate cancer control strategies.
Preclinical evaluation of Millipede 088 intracranial aspiration catheter in cadaver and in vitro thrombectomy models
Authors: Fitzgerald Seán , Ryan David , Thornton John , Nogueira Raul G
Published: June 2020

Background

Larger bore aspiration catheters are expected to significantly improve the speed and completeness of acute stroke revascularization.

Objective

To evaluate the navigability and clot retrieval performance of a novel 8Fr aspiration catheter, Millipede 088 (Perfuze Ltd), using fresh-frozen cadavers and an in vitro thrombectomy model, respectively.

Methods

Cadaveric study:Transfemoral catheterization of the intracranial arteries was performed in six cadavers, allowing evaluation of navigation to 12 middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) and six basilar arteries. Commercially available 6Fr aspiration catheters (SOFIA Plus, Microvention) were used as controls.In vitro study:Three human blood clot phenotypes were created; red blood cell-rich, mixed, and fibrin/platelets-rich. Two clot sizes, resulting in occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and MCA-M1 were investigated. Endpoints were first-pass effect (FPE), first-pass complete ingestion, and second-pass recanalization.

Results

Cadaveric study:Both the Millipede 088 and SOFIA Plus devices reached the distal MCA-M1 and the basilar artery in 10/12 and 2/2 of the navigation attempts, respectively. In the two instances of unsuccessful navigation, neither device was able to cross the ophthalmic artery.In vitro study:In 10 mm long M1 occlusions, Millipede 088 achieved 100% FPE versus 40% for 6Fr devices (p>0.001). In 20 mm long ICA occlusions, Millipede 088 achieved 100% removal success within two passes in each clot phenotype compared with an average of 27% for 6Fr devices (p>0.001).

Conclusions

Navigation of the Millipede 088 catheter to the MCA-M1 and basilar artery is feasible in a cadaver model. Millipede 088 demonstrates superiority over 6Fr aspiration catheters for three representative clot phenotypes at the most common sites of occlusion in an in vitro vasculature model.
Nature, content and shifts over time of the most impactful unruptured intracranial aneurysms articles: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Lu Victor M , Chen Stephanie H , Young Christopher C , Starke Robert M
Published: June 2020

Background

The management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) has evolved significantly over the last few decades. Our objective was to evaluate the 100 most cited UIA articles by bibliometric analysis to identify nature, content and shifts over time.

Methods

Elsevier’s Scopus database was interrogated for the 100 most cited articles that focused on UIA. Older versus newer articles were compared, with categorical data analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square, and continuous data analyzed using Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test.

Results

The 100 most cited articles were published between 1975 and 2015, with the majority of these reporting patient clinical outcomes (n=69). There were 47/69 (68%) articles that described surgical intervention, with 38/47 (81%) and 18/47 (38%) including endovascular and open approaches, respectively . Publications peaked in 2004 (n=8), and the most common country of correspondence was the United States (n=59). Compared to older articles, newer articles had statistically higher citation rates (P<0.01), higher number of authors (P<0.01) with more multiple institution collaborations (P=0.01), greater disclosures of funding (P<0.01), more focus on endovascular treatments (P=0.04), in more journals with a clinical, non-surgical focus (P<0.01) published under open access policies (P<0.01).

Conclusions

In the 100 most cited articles about UIAs to date, there is a distinct shift towards more co-authored efforts utilizing multi-institutional efforts focused on endovascular approaches supported by funding. The emergence of endovascular techniques has refreshed the need for more contemporary rupture risk prediction models and natural history data to validate current attitudes towards clinical management after these minimally invasive procedures for UIAs.
Analysis of FDA’s IQOS marketing authorisation and its policy impacts
Authors: Lempert Lauren Kass , Glantz Stanton
Published: June 2020

Background

Philip Morris Products SA (PMPSA) submitted a premarket tobacco application (PMTA) to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking an order permitting it to market IQOS in the USA. US law requires FDA to deny marketing authorisation if applicants fail to demonstrate that their product is ‘appropriate for the protection of the public health’. FDA issued a marketing order for IQOS in April 2019, which Philip Morris is using to promote IQOS outside the USA.

Methods

We analysed FDA’s Technical Project Lead Review and marketing order for IQOS, relevant law and guidance on PMTAs and independent research on the health impacts of IQOS.

Results

FDA found that the evidence PMPSA submitted did not demonstrate reduction in long-term disease risks and that IQOS aerosol emits toxins with carcinogenic and genotoxic potential, some at higher levels than conventional cigarettes. PMPSA did not appropriately consider the health impacts of dual use, the product’s attractiveness to youth or data showing that consumers do not accurately perceive the addiction risks of IQOS. Despite FDA’s own scientists’ recommendations and independent research showing that IQOS presents serious risks to users including cytotoxic, genotoxic, hepatotoxic, cardiovascular and pulmonary risks, FDA concluded that IQOS is ‘appropriate for the protection of the public health’.

Conclusion

FDA’s decision allowing IQOS to be marketed in the USA disregarded valid scientific evidence and misapplied the public health standard mandated by law. This decision may have important health impacts, influence marketing IQOS outside the USA and erode public confidence in FDA’s future PMTA decisions.
A remark about the anomalies of cyclic holomorphic permutation orbifolds
Authors: Bischoff M.
Published: June 2020

Using a result of Longo and Xu, we show that the anomaly arising from a cyclic permutation orbifold of order 3 of a holomorphic conformal net [Formula: see text] with central charge [Formula: see text] depends on the “gravitational anomaly” [Formula: see text]. In particular, the conjecture that holomorphic permutation orbifolds are non-anomalous and therefore a stronger conjecture of Müger about braided crossed [Formula: see text]-categories arising from permutation orbifolds of completely rational conformal nets are wrong. More generally, we show that cyclic permutations of order [Formula: see text] are non-anomalous if and only if [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. We also show that all cyclic permutation gaugings of [Formula: see text] arise from conformal nets.
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of the DC–DC Buck Converter Transient Response
Authors: Zastrow João Vitor , de Souza Medeiros Henrique
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a method is presented for the mathematical modeling and analysis of the DC–DC Buck Converter output voltage. This paper consists of the demonstration of a mathematical model for the converter transient response submitted to a pulse width modulated (PWM) input voltage, resulting in accurate symbolic expressions for the output voltage. The novelty of the method is the capability of the expressions derived to describe correctly the behavior of the converter submitted to time-varying control reference input signals modulating the switch pulse width. The mathematical model was then validated by comparing it with the responses obtained using the Runge–Kutta numerical method. By using different circuit parameters and PWM input signals with constant and time-varying duty cycles, it was possible to validate the model for different cases, showing the effectiveness of the approach.
Local quantum Fisher information and one-way quantum deficit in spin-1/2 XX Heisenberg chain with three-spin interaction
Authors: Ye Biao-Liang , Li Bo , Liang Xiao-Bin , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: June 2020

We explore quantum phase transitions in the spin-1/2 [Formula: see text] chain with three-spin interaction in terms of local quantum Fisher information and one-way quantum deficit, together with the demonstration of quantum fluctuations. Analytical results are derived and analyzed in detail.
Middle-Power Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Era
Authors: SOEYA YOSHIHIDE
Published: June 2020

In an Indo-Pacific era characterized by a strategic clash between the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy and the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, middle-power cooperation needs to be re-conceptualized. Traditional ASEAN-centered processes and institutions may be strengthened if not replaced by a new type of middle-power cooperation involving “external countries” to ASEAN such as Japan, Australia, India, and South Korea.
Asymptotic behavior of estimators of entropic risk measures under asymmetric Laplace law
Authors: Yan Jun , Yin Yue
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we study several asymptotic behaviors of the estimators of convex and coherent entropic risk measures. First, the moderate deviation principles of the estimators are given. Second, the central limit theorems of the estimators are given. Finally, several simulation results are given to support our main conclusions.
The Spillover Effects of Deregulation in a Three-Country Model
Authors: Johdo Wataru
Published: June 2020

This paper develops a three-country model that incorporates international relocation of firms and explores the macroeconomic effects of deregulation in the services sector by each country. A novel feature of our model is that the international relocation of firms responds to exchange rate movements caused by deregulation shocks in the services sector. From this analysis, it is found that a deregulation shock in a country always benefits the country in spite of the outflows of firms, while it can be detrimental to other two countries, in terms of relative consumption levels.
Effect of Haptic Assistance Strategy on Mental Engagement in Fine Motor Tasks
Authors: Manjunatha Hemanth , Pareek Shrey , Memar Amirhossein H. , Kesavadas Thenkurussi , Esfahani Ehsan T.
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the effect of haptic control strategies on a subject’s mental engagement during a fine motor handwriting rehabilitation task. The considered control strategies include an error-reduction (ER) and an error-augmentation (EA), which are tested on both dominant and nondominant hand. A noninvasive brain–computer interface is used to monitor the electroencephalogram (EEG) activities of the subjects and evaluate the subject’s mental engagement using the power of multiple frequency bands (theta, alpha, and beta). Statistical analysis of the effect of the control strategy on mental engagement revealed that the choice of the haptic control strategy has a significant effect ([Formula: see text]) on mental engagement depending on the type of hand (dominant or nondominant). Among the evaluated strategies, EA is shown to be more mentally engaging when compared with the ER under the nondominant hand.
Using ratios in cave guano to assess past environmental changes
Authors: Cleary Daniel M. , Onac Bogdan P.
Published: June 2020

Stable isotope ratios of cave bat guano reflect environmental influences at the soil and plant level within the foraging range of the bats. Carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen isotopes have utility in reconstructing precipitation and temperature as well as in tracing the influence of large-scale atmospheric circulation and climate variability. Guano-derived stable isotope time series have been demonstrated to effectively provide high-resolution records of palaeoenvironmental variation from the late Pleistocene to present. Owing to their influence on these isotopes, factors such as bat ecology, species foraging range and site location must be considered when interpreting such records. Research analysing the isotopic composition of guano has provided a highly resolved history of vegetation and climate dynamics previously less understood. In this chapter we discuss the factors influencing the
δ
13
C,
δ
15
N and
δ
2
H values in guano and provide an up-to-date review of cave guano as palaeo-climate archive.
The Mass Criminalization of Black Americans: A Historical Overview
Authors: Hinton Elizabeth , Cook DeAnza
Published: June 2020

This review synthesizes the historical literature on the criminalization and incarceration of black Americans for an interdisciplinary audience. Drawing on key insights from new histories in the field of American carceral studies, we trace the multifaceted ways in which policymakers and officials at all levels of government have used criminal law, policing, and imprisonment as proxies for exerting social control in predominantly black communities from the colonial era to the present. By underscoring this antiblack punitive tradition in America as central to the development of crime-control strategies and mass incarceration, our review lends vital historical context to ongoing discussions, research, and experimentation within criminology and other fields concerned about the long-standing implications of institutional racism, violence, and inequity entrenched in the administration of criminal justice in the United States from the top down and the ground up.
Spinophilin-deficient mice are protected from diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Zhang Yong , Song Lili , Dong Huansheng , Kim Do-sung , Sun Zhen , Boger Heather , Wang Qin , Wang Hongjun
Published: June 2020

Browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) has been shown to reduce obesity and obesity-related complications, suggesting that factors that promote WAT browning may have applications in the development of therapeutic strategies for treating obesity. Here, we show that ablation of spinophilin (SPL), a ubiquitously expressed, multidomain scaffolding protein, increases metabolism and improves energy balance. Male and female SPL knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) littermate controls were fed a chow diet or a high-fat diet (HFD). Body weight, hepatic steatosis, glucose and insulin tolerance, physical activity, and expression of browning genes in adipose tissues were measured and compared. Male SPL knockout (KO) mice fed a chow diet were significantly leaner, had lower body weights, and exhibited better glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity than wild-type (WT) littermate controls. When fed an HFD, SPL KO mice were protected from increased body fat, weight gain, hepatic steatosis, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. Physical activity of SPL KO mice was markedly increased compared with WT controls. Furthermore, expression of the brown adipocyte marker, uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), and the mitochondrial activity markers, cd137 and c-idea, were significantly increased in visceral WAT (vWAT) of SPL KO mice, suggesting that SPL knockout protected the mice from HFD-induced obesity and its metabolic complications, at least in part, by promoting the browning of white adipocytes in vWAT. Our data identify a critical role of SPL in regulating glucose homeostasis, obesity, and adipocyte browning. These results suggest SPL may serve as a drug target for obesity and diabetes.
Investigating the Contact Responses of the Roller Cavity Surfaces in the Compressor Blade Rolling Process
Authors: Jin Qichao , Wang Wenhu , Jiang Ruisong
Published: June 2020

The investigation of the contact responses is the key for evaluating the local wear of dies in the plastic forming process. This paper investigated the contact load distributions and evolutions of the roller cavities in the compressor blade rolling process by the FEM. It was the first study to quantify the distributions and evolutions of the contact responses for rolling irregular components. The results indicated that the maximum contact pressure is generally present at the center of the contact interfaces, and the magnitudes of contact pressure decreased with evolution of the blade rolling process. The rolling contact interfaces can be divided into the backward slip zone, the stick zone, and the forward slip zone based on the shear stress distributions. The stick zone was a narrow belt which separated the forward and the backward slip zone, and the shear stress in the stick zone was nearly zero. The shear stress magnitudes in the forward slip zone were smaller than those in the backward slip zone, and the directions of shear stress in forward and backward slip zones were adverse. The magnitudes of shear stress over the forward and backward slip zones decreased with evolution of the blade rolling process. The distributions of local sliding were in a V‐shape, the local sliding in the stick zone was nearly zero, and the bigger sliding in backward and forward slip zones was present at the boundaries of rolling entrance and exit sections. The local sliding velocity magnitudes in the backward slip zones were always bigger than those in the forward slip zones, and the magnitudes of local sliding at the rolling entrance sections were bigger than those at the rolling exit sections. In general, the local sliding velocity magnitudes increased firstly and decreased sharply at 2T/3. The current paper develops the distributions and evolutions of contact responses in the blade rolling process. The contact responses can be used for studying the wear of roller cavities to avoid the accuracy inconsistency of the shaped blade.
Woody Species Diversity, Vegetation Structure, and Regeneration Status of the Moist Afromontane Forest of Agama in Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Dibaba Abyot , Soromessa Teshome , Kefalew Alemayehu , Addi Admassu
Published: June 2020

This study was conducted in Agama Forest in Kafa Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia, to assess species diversity, vegetation structure, and regeneration status of woody species. A systematic sampling technique was employed to collect vegetation data. Sixty (60) sample plots of 25 m × 25 m were laid at 300 m intervals all along ten grids interspaced 800 m apart. Sample plots of 25 m × 25 m were used to record DBH and H of all woody plant species reaching a DBH >2.5 cm and height >2 m. For the inventory of seedling and sapling, two subplots of 2 m × 5 m were used at the beginning and the end of the baseline on opposite sides of the main quadrat. Vegetation data such as DBH, height, seedling, and sapling density of woody species were recorded in each plot. Altogether, 72 woody plant species of 65 genera and 35 families were identified. Analysis of selected tree species showed diverse population structures. This study showed that small trees and shrubs dominated the Agama Forest, which revealed its status under a secondary regeneration stage. Study on the structure and regeneration of some woody species indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. Sound management and monitoring, as well as maintenance of biodiversity and cultural and economic values of the forest, require conservation activities that encourage sustainable uses of the forest and its products.
Numerical Simulation on Cutting and Fracturing of Rock Plate with One Side Fixed and Three Sides Free
Authors: Lu Zhenguo , Zeng Qingliang , Meng Zhaosheng , Wang Zhiwen , Gao Guanshun
Published: June 2020

Conical pick is a rock cutting tool that is commonly used in roadway driving. Pick wear frequently happens in the course of breaking hard rock. The current paper shows a new method to solve the problem of pick wear. The rock is preslit with the saw blade and then broken by the conical pick. In order to study the cutting force and features of rock fragment, the numerical model is built between rock plate and conical pick. And element erosion is added in the code to obtain the fracture result. The rock plate cutting testbed is made to testify the correctness of numerical simulation. The width, height, and thickness of the rock plate, as well as cutting angle and cutting position, which influence cutting force and rock fracture are studied. According to the results, there exist exponential relationships between cutting force and width and thickness of rock plate. In addition, a linear relationship is found between the cutting force and the height of rock plate. Furthermore, both the cutting angle and cutting depth have an influence on cutting force. In particular, the factors of thickness and height or rock plate have the most obvious influence on cutting force. It is proven that what is beneficial to rock fracture is higher height and lower thickness of rock plate.
An Indirect Multimodal Image Registration and Completion Method Guided by Image Synthesis
Authors: Yang Huan , Qian Pengjiang , Fan Chao
Published: June 2020

Multimodal registration is a challenging task due to the significant variations exhibited from images of different modalities. CT and MRI are two of the most commonly used medical images in clinical diagnosis, since MRI with multicontrast images, together with CT, can provide complementary auxiliary information. The deformable image registration between MRI and CT is essential to analyze the relationships among different modality images. Here, we proposed an indirect multimodal image registration method, i.e., sCT-guided multimodal image registration and problematic image completion method. In addition, we also designed a deep learning-based generative network, Conditional Auto-Encoder Generative Adversarial Network, called CAE-GAN, combining the idea of VAE and GAN under a conditional process to tackle the problem of synthetic CT (sCT) synthesis. Our main contributions in this work can be summarized into three aspects: (1) We designed a new generative network called CAE-GAN, which incorporates the advantages of two popular image synthesis methods, i.e., VAE and GAN, and produced high-quality synthetic images with limited training data. (2) We utilized the sCT generated from multicontrast MRI as an intermediary to transform multimodal MRI-CT registration into monomodal sCT-CT registration, which greatly reduces the registration difficulty. (3) Using normal CT as guidance and reference, we repaired the abnormal MRI while registering the MRI to the normal CT.
Elevated Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin Is a Biomarker for Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Gao Yueming , Wang Bin , Cao Jingyuan , Feng Songtao , Liu Bicheng
Published: June 2020

Objective. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major and severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), as a promising next‐generation biomarker in clinical nephrology, has received extensive attention. However, its diagnostic performance in LN has high variability. Therefore, we performed an updated meta‐analysis to further evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of urinary NGAL (uNGAL). Materials and Methods. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 27, 2019. Meta‐analysis was performed with a bivariate random effects model. Additionally, the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were established. The sources of heterogeneity were explored by meta‐regression, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was assessed using the Deeks test. Results. 19 articles consisting of 21 eligible studies were included. In diagnosing LN, the estimates (95% confidence interval (CI)) were as follows: sensitivity, 0.84 (0.71‐0.91); specificity, 0.91 (0.70‐0.98); and the SROC‐AUC value, 0.92 (0.90‐0.94). In identifying active LN, the estimates were as follows: sensitivity, 0.72 (0.56‐0.84); specificity, 0.71 (0.51‐0.84); and the AUC value, 0.77 (0.74‐0.81). With respect to predicting renal flare, the estimates were as follows: sensitivity, 0.80 (0.57‐0.92); specificity, 0.67 (0.58‐0.75); and the AUC value, 0.74 (0.70‐0.78). For the studies to distinguish proliferative LN, the estimates were as follows: sensitivity, 0.87 (0.66‐0.97), and specificity, 0.69 (0.39‐0.91). Deeks’ funnel plot suggested that there was no significant publication bias. Conclusions. Our meta‐analysis indicates that uNGAL was a useful biomarker for diagnosis, estimation of activity, and prediction of renal flare of LN. In addition, the usefulness of uNGAL to distinguish pathological types of LN needs to be further investigated.
Circular RNAs in Gastric Cancer: Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Ouyang Jiafeng , Long Zhi , Li Guoqing
Published: June 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as a recently established group of endogenous noncoding RNAs, have been involved in the occurrence and development of different malignancies. Gastric cancer (GC) remains a globally significant contributor to death in cancer patients due to insufficient early diagnosis, limited treatment measures, and poor prognosis. An increasing number of studies have found that many circRNAs are dysregulated in GC and are closely associated with its tumorigenesis and metastasis. Thus, circRNAs have the potential to serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and even therapeutic targets. This review comprehensively summarizes the most recent findings on how circRNAs influence GC progression and their clinical value. In addition, we present several methological deficiencies in the studies and provide some promising ideas for future research.
Potential Therapeutic Role of Dietary Supplementation with Spirulina platensis on the Erectile Function of Obese Rats Fed a Hypercaloric Diet
Authors: Diniz Anderson Fellyp Avelino , de Souza Iara Leão Luna , dos Santos Ferreira Elba , de Lima Carvalho Maria Thaynan , Barros Bárbara Cavalcanti , Ferreira Paula Benvindo , da Conceição Correia Silva Maria , Júnior Francisco Fernandes Lacerda , de Lima Tavares Toscano Lydiane , Silva Alexandre Sérgio , de Andrade Cavalcante Fabiana , da Silva Bagnólia Araújo
Published: June 2020

Spirulina platensis, an important source of bioactive compounds, is a multicellular, filamentous cyanobacterium rich in high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Due to its nutrient composition, the alga is considered a complete food and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, and reproprotective effects. All of which are important for prevention and treatment of organic and metabolic disorders such as obesity and erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory role of Spirulina platensis food supplementation and the mechanisms of action involved in reversing the damage caused by a hypercaloric diet on the erectile function of rats. The animals were divided into a standard diet group (SD, n=5); a hypercaloric diet group (HCD, n=5); a hypercaloric diet group supplemented with S. platensis at doses of 25 (HCD+SP25, n=5), 50 (HCD+SP50, n=5), and 100 mg/kg (HCD+SP100, n=5); and a hypercaloric diet group subsequently fed a standard diet (HCD+SD, n=5). In the rats fed a hypercaloric diet, dietary supplementation with S. platensis effectively increased the number of erections while decreasing latency to initiate penile erection. Additionally, S. platensis increases NO bioavailability, reduces inflammation by reducing the release of contractile prostanoids, enhances the relaxation effect promoted by acetylcholine (ACh), restores contractile reactivity damage and cavernous relaxation, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increases cavernous total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Food supplementation with S. platensis thus restores erectile function in obese rats, reduces production of contractile prostanoids, reduces oxidative stress, and increases NO bioavailability. Food supplementation with S. platensis thus emerges as a promising new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as induced by obesity.
ARMCX Family Gene Expression Analysis and Potential Prognostic Biomarkers for Prediction of Clinical Outcome in Patients with Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Wang TingAn , Zhong HuaGe , Qin YuZhou , Wei WeiYuan , Li Zhao , Huang MingWei , Luo XiaoLing
Published: June 2020

Armadillo gene subfamily members (ARMCX1‐6) are well‐known to regulate protein‐protein interaction involved in nuclear transport, cellular connection, and transcription activation. Moreover, ARMCX signals on cell pathways also implicated in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. However, little is known about the associations of the ARMCX subfamily members with gastric carcinoma. This study investigated the prognostic value of ARMCX subfamily mRNA expression levels with the prognosis of gastric carcinoma (GC). We retrieved the data of a total of 351 GC patients from TCGA database. Survival and gene set enrichment analyses were employed to explore the predictive value and underlying mechanism of ARMCX genes in GC. The multivariate survival analysis revealed that individually low expressions of ARMCX1 (adjusted P = 0.006, HR = 0.620, CI = 0.440 − 0.874) and ARMCX2 (adjusted P = 0.005, HR = 0.610, 95%CI = 0.432–0.861) were related to preferable overall survival (OS). The joint‐effects analysis shown that combinations of low level expression of ARMCX1 and ARMCX2 were correlated with favorable OS (adjusted P = 0.003, HR = 0.563, 95%CI = 0.384–0.825). ARMCX1 and ARMCX2 were implicated in WNT and NF‐kappaB pathways, and biological processes including cell cycle, apoptosis, RNA modification, DNA replication, and damage response. Our results suggest that mRNA expression levels of ARMCX subfamily are potential prognostic markers of GC.
Inlet Pressure Effects on Subatmospheric Flame Stabilization with an Optimum Size of a Cavity-Based Combustor
Authors: Huang Yakun , He Xiaomin , Zhu Zhixin , Zhu Huanyu
Published: June 2020

Experimental studies are conducted to find an optimum size of the cavity flameholder, which is a new combustion concept of a turbine-based combined-cycle (TBCC) engine with an excellent flame stabilization. Besides, the effect of inlet pressure on the subatmospheric performance is investigated. The experimental results indicate that the increase of the cavity length improves the flame stability with an enlarged fuel/air mixture residence time, which suggests that the big length-height ratio in a proper range of the cavity with a stable dual-vortex should be chosen when designing the cavity-based combustor. In addition, the decrease in lean ignition and the lean blowout equivalence ratios can be attributed by either increase in the inlet pressure and temperature or decrease in the Mach number. The increase in inlet pressure will lead to a linear decrease in the lean blowout equivalence ratio with a slope of 0.66 per 0.1 MPa, whereas the lean ignition equivalence ratio has a rapid drop with the increase of pressure from 0.06 MPa to 0.08 MPa and reduces slowly with the growth of pressure in the range of 0.08 MPa to 0.1 MPa. The detailed analysis of the flow field indicates that the characteristic time-scale theory can ideally explain and predict the change of flame stability in the trapped vortex cavity.
Circulating Neutrophils of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Patients Show an Activated Phenotype and Suppress T Lymphocytes Activity
Authors: Antonucci Laura , Porcu Cristiana , Timperi Eleonora , Santini Silvano Junior , Iannucci Gino , Balsano Clara
Published: June 2020

Neutrophils or PolyMorphonuclear Neutrophils (PMNs) are key effector cells of the innate immune system and thanks to their remarkable plasticity, establish a cross talk with T cells modulating their survival and effector functions. During Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), the advanced form of hepatic steatosis or NAFL, PMNs infiltrate liver tissue, becoming a histological feature of NASH. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of PMNs in NAFL and NASH patients in order to understand how they modulate the activity of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In our cohort of patients, NASH patients displayed a higher frequency of circulating PMNs that was strongly correlated to liver enzymes, grade of steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis, the hepatocellular ballooning, and NAFLD Activity Score (NAS). Furthermore, even if ex vivo, in both groups of patients, PMNs shared the same phenotype of resting cells, after 24 hours of coculture with autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, PMNs of NASH patients acquired a more active phenotype, becoming able to strongly inhibit proliferation and activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The higher ability of PMNs of NASH patients in suppressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, over time, might contribute in reducing the immunological defense of liver tissue against damages thus taking part in the progression of the NAFL disease toward NASH.