bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of EGFR mutation status in malignant pleural effusion and plasma from patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Son Seung-Myoung , Woo Chang Gok , Han Hye Sook , Lee Ki Hyeong , Lim Young Hyun , Lee Ok-Jun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is emerging as a surrogate sample type for mutation analyses. We investigated the suitability of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and plasma as a biomaterial for analyzing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation by peptide nucleic acid (PNA) clamping-assisted fluorescence melting curve (PANAMutyper™) analysis.

Methods
Matched tissue, MPE cell block (MPE-CB), MPE supernatant, and plasma samples were collected from patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma who had a MPE at the time of diagnosis. EGFR mutation was assessed by PANAMutyper™.

Results
Mutation analyses in matched tumor tissues, MPE-CB, MPE supernatant, and/or plasma samples were available for 67 patients. In comparison with tumor tissue and MPE-CB, MPE supernatant exhibited 84.4% sensitivity, 97.1% specificity, 96.4% positive predictive value (PPV), and 87.2% negative predictive value (NPV). In the same comparison, plasma exhibited 70.6% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, 100.0% PPV, and 73.7% NPV. When sorted by mutation type, MPE supernatant had better sensitivity than plasma for the detection of two major EGFR mutations: 93.8% vs. 75.0% for exon 19 deletion and 73.3% vs. 60.0% for L858R.

Conclusions
In this cohort of patients with MPEs, MPE supernatant demonstrated superior diagnostic performance compared with plasma using a PNA-based real-time PCR method.
Availability and analytical quality of hemoglobin A1c point-of-care testing in general practitioners’ offices are associated with better glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tollånes Mette C. , Jenum Anne K. , Berg Tore Julsrud , Løvaas Karianne F. , Cooper John G. , Sandberg Sverre 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
It is not clear if point-of-care (POC) testing for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is associated with glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we linked general practitioner (GP) data on 22,778 Norwegian type 2 diabetes patients to data from the Norwegian Organization for Quality Improvement of Laboratory Examinations. We used general and generalized linear mixed models to investigate if GP offices’ availability (yes/no) and analytical quality of HbA1c POC testing (average yearly “trueness score”, 0–4), as well as frequency of participation in HbA1c external quality assurance (EQA) surveys, were associated with patients’ HbA1c levels during 2014–2017.

Results
Twenty-eight out of 393 GP offices (7%) did not perform HbA1c POC testing. After adjusting for confounders, their patients had on average 0.15% higher HbA1c levels (95% confidence interval (0.04–0.27) (1.7 mmol/mol [0.5–2.9]). GP offices participating in one or two yearly HbA1c EQA surveys, rather than the maximum of four, had patients with on average 0.17% higher HbA1c levels (0.06, 0.28) (1.8 mmol/mol [0.6, 3.1]). For each unit increase in the GP offices’ HbA1c POC analytical trueness score, the patients’ HbA1c levels were lower by 0.04% HbA1c (−0.09, −0.001) (−0.5 mmol/mol [−1.0, −0.01]).

Conclusions
Novel use of validated patient data in combination with laboratory EQA data showed that patients consulting GPs in offices that perform HbA1c POC testing, participate in HbA1c EQA surveys, and maintain good analytical quality have lower HbA1c levels. Accurate HbA1c POC results, available during consultations, may improve diabetes care.
Computing Optimal Properties of Drugs Using Mathematical Models of Single Channel Dynamics
Authors: Tveito Aslak , Maleckar Mary M. , Lines Glenn T. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Single channel dynamics can be modeled using stochastic differential equations, and the dynamics of the state of the channel (e.g. open, closed, inactivated) can be represented using Markov models. Such models can also be used to represent the effect of mutations as well as the effect of drugs used to alleviate deleterious effects of mutations. Based on the Markov model and the stochastic models of the single channel, it is possible to derive deterministic partial differential equations (PDEs) giving the probability density functions (PDFs) of the states of the Markov model. In this study, we have analyzed PDEs modeling wild type (WT) channels, mutant channels (MT) and mutant channels for which a drug has been applied (MTD). Our aim is to show that it is possible to optimize the parameters of a given drug such that the solution of theMTD model is very close to that of the WT: the mutation’s effect is, theoretically, reduced significantly.We will present the mathematical framework underpinning this methodology and apply it to several examples. In particular, we will show that it is possible to use the method to, theoretically, improve the properties of some well-known existing drugs.
A theory for non-linear prediction approach in
the presence of vague variables: with
application to BMI monitoring
Authors: Pourmousa R. , Rezapour M. , Mashinchi M. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In the statistical literature, truncated distributions can be used for modeling real data. Due to error
of measurement in truncated continuous data, choosing a crisp trimmed point caucuses a fault inference, so
using fuzzy sets to define a threshold pointmay leads us more efficient results with respect to crisp thresholds.
Arellano-Valle et al. [2] defined a selection distribution for analysis of truncated data with crisp threshold. In
this paper, we define fuzzy multivariate selection distribution that is an extension of the selection distributions
using fuzzy threshold. A practical data set with a fuzzy threshold point is considered to investigate the
relationship between high blood pressure and BMI.
INTERCROPPING SUNFLOWER AND MAIZE IN MOZAMBIQUE / CULTIVO CONJUNTO DEL GIRASOL Y MAIZ EN MOZAMBIQUE / CULTURE CONJOINTE DU TOURNESOL ET DU MAÏS AU MOZAMBIQUE
Authors: Lopez Josè , Baldini Mario , Quagliott Luciana , Olivieri Angelo M. 
Published: April 2020

SUMMARYA trial was carried out in Mozambique in 1998-1999, with the aim to study the effect of three levels of maize-sunflower intercropping ratios (25:75, 50:50, 75:25) in comparison with the pure-stand crop of two sunflower and maize varieties. For both maize varieties yield per plant decreased in relation to density, being lowest in the pure-stand crop. This beaviour was partially true for sunflower. The intercropping 75:25 maize-sunflower ratio showed the highest seed yield per hectare (5195 kg ha-1) and the maize and sunflower LER coefficients suggested that maize is slightly dominant over sunflower in the mixture. The relative advantage of the two species in respect to the single crop stand was about 16 and 19%. However each species and variety reached its maximum yield per hectare when it was grown as pure stand crop (100%). On the other side, when yield is examined in terms of food energy (K-calories), given by maize grain and sunflower protein and oil per hectare, maize-sunflower 75:25 mixture ratio appears to be much more convenient and suitable for food supply even when compared with the maize pure crop stand. The increase in K-calories is 380 ha-1 and the better balance in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids can assure sustainability to standard farm families as those living in Mozambique. Using sunflower oil, a quite good amount of unsaturated fatty acids and lyposoluble vitamins are also supplied in the diet of farming people.
Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII) – Personalisierte Benutzerschnittstellen / Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII) – Towards Personal User Interfaces
Authors: Zimmermann Gottfried , Strobbe Christophe , Stiegler Andreas , Loitsch Claudia 
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung.
Moderne Desktop- und mobile Plattformen bieten dem Benutzer die Möglichkeit, Aspekte der Präsentation und der Interaktion individuell zu konfigurieren, um damit die Benutzerschnittstelle zu personalisieren. Allerdings gibt es dazu kaum plattformübergreifende Lösungen. Dies benachteiligt insbesondere Benutzer mit Behinderungen und ältere Benutzer, die oft eine Vielzahl von Anpassungen vornehmen müssen, um ein System ohne Barrieren bedienen zu können, und die sich meist nicht genügend auskennen, um die für sie optimale Konfiguration einzustellen. Die “Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure” (GPII), eine weltweite Open-Source-Initiative, möchte dieses Problem lösen. Dieser Artikel beschreibt den GPII-Ansatz zur Personalisierung von Benutzerschnittstellen, insbesondere die Verwendung von plattformübergreifenden Benutzerprofilen zur Einstellung der Benutzerschnittstelle, und regelbasierte und statistische Ansätze zum Matchmaking. Der GPII-Ansatz wurde in einem ersten Benutzertest vorläufig validiert.
A comparison of Newtonian and non-Newtonian models for pulsatile blood flow simulations
Authors: Husain Iqbal , Labropulu Fotini , Langdon Chris , Schwark Justin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMathematical modeling of blood flows in the arteries is an important and challenging problem. This study compares several non-Newtonian blood models with the Newtonian model in simulating pulsatile blood flow through two three-dimensional models of an arterial stenosis and an aneurysm. Four non-Newtonian blood models, namely the Power Law, the Casson, the Carreau, and the Generalized Power Law, as well as the Newtonian model of blood viscosity, are used to investigate the flow effects induced by these different blood constitutive equations. The aim of this study is three-fold: firstly, to investigate the variation in wall shear stress in an artery with a stenosis or aneurysm at different flow rates and degrees of severity; secondly, to compare the various blood models and hence quantify the differences between the models and judge their significance; and lastly, to determine whether the use of the Newtonian blood model is appropriate over a wide range of shear rates.
Nanomechanics of a screw dislocation in a functionally graded material using the theory of gradient elasticity
Authors: Davoudi Kamyar M. , Davoudi Hossein M. , Aifantis Elias C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe modest aim of this short article is to provide some new results for a screw dislocation in a functionally graded material within the theory of gradient elasticity. These results, based on a displacement formulation and the Fourier transform technique, complete earlier findings obtained with the stress function method and extends them to the case of the second strain gradient elasticity. Rigorous and easy-to-use analytical expressions for the displacements, strains, and stresses are obtained, which are free from singularities at the dislocation line.
Multi-response optimization of magnetic field assisted EDM through desirability function using response surface methodology
Authors: Kumar Anish , Sharma Renu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Magnetic field assisted electrical discharge machining (MFAEDM) is the modification of in conventional EDM process by use of magnetic field on EN-31. This article explain the application of response surface methodology to analyzes the effect of various process parameters such as Ton, Toff and Ip on performance measures such as material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and overcut (OC). Analysis of variance was used to check the adequacy of response surface model and significance of process parameters on performance measures. Multi-objective desirability function has been applied to obtain the optimal process parameter settings. Thereafter, machined surface of EN-31 characterized through SEM and EDX. The novelty of this paper is to improve the strategies for flushing the debris which remain clogged in standard EDM in-between machining gap that will interrupts the regular discharge conditions and reduces cutting rate as well as deteriorate the surface characteristics.
First-Person Virtual Embodiment Modulates the Cortical Network that Encodes the Bodily Self and Its Surrounding Space during the Experience of Domestic Violence
Authors: de Borst Aline W. , Sanchez-Vives Maria V. , Slater Mel , de Gelder Beatrice 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSocial aggression, such as domestic violence, has been associated with a reduced ability to take on others’ perspectives. In this naturalistic imaging study, we investigated whether training human participants to take on a first-person embodied perspective during the experience of domestic violence enhances the identification with the victim and elicits brain activity associated with the monitoring of the body and surrounding space and the experience of threat. We combined fMRI measurements with preceding virtual reality exposure from either first-person perspective (1PP) or third-person perspective (3PP) to manipulate whether the domestic abuse stimulus was perceived as directed to oneself or another. We found that 1PP exposure increased body ownership and identification with the virtual victim. Furthermore, when the stimulus was perceived as directed toward oneself, the brain network that encodes the bodily self and its surrounding space was more strongly synchronized across participants and connectivity increased from premotor cortex (PM) and intraparietal sulcus towards superior parietal lobe. Additionally, when the stimulus came near the body, brain activity in the amygdala (AMG) strongly synchronized across participants. Exposure to 3PP reduced synchronization of brain activity in the personal space network, increased modulation of visual areas and strengthened functional connectivity between PM, supramarginal gyrus and primary visual cortex. In conclusion, our results suggest that 1PP embodiment training enhances experience from the viewpoint of the virtual victim, which is accompanied by synchronization in the fronto-parietal network to predict actions toward the body and in the AMG to signal the proximity of the stimulus.
Role of respiratory NADH oxidation in the regulation of Staphylococcus aureus virulence
Authors: Schurig‐Briccio Lici A , Parraga Solorzano Paola K , Lencina Andrea M , Radin Jana N , Chen Grischa Y , Sauer John‐Demian , Kehl‐Fie Thomas E , Gennis Robert B 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe success of Staphylococcus aureus as a pathogen is due to its capability of fine‐tuning its cellular physiology to meet the challenges presented by diverse environments, which allows it to colonize multiple niches within a single vertebrate host. Elucidating the roles of energy‐yielding metabolic pathways could uncover attractive therapeutic strategies and targets. In this work, we seek to determine the effects of disabling NADH‐dependent aerobic respiration on the physiology of S. aureus. Differing from many pathogens, S. aureus has two type‐2 respiratory NADH dehydrogenases (NDH‐2s) but lacks the respiratory ion‐pumping NDHs. Here, we show that the NDH‐2s, individually or together, are not essential either for respiration or growth. Nevertheless, their absence eliminates biofilm formation, production of α‐toxin, and reduces the ability to colonize specific organs in a mouse model of systemic infection. Moreover, we demonstrate that the reason behind these phenotypes is the alteration of the fatty acid metabolism. Importantly, the SaeRS two‐component system, which responds to fatty acids regulation, is responsible for the link between NADH‐dependent respiration and virulence in S. aureus.
ENDOCRINOLOGY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Management of adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Arlt Wiebke , Baldeweg Stephanie E , Pearce Simon H S , Simpson Helen L 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe provide guidance on prevention of adrenal crisis during the global COVID-19 crisis, a time with frequently restricted access to the usual level of healthcare. Patients with adrenal insufficiency are at an increased risk of infection, which may be complicated by developing an adrenal crisis; however, there is currently no evidence that adrenal insufficiency patients are more likely to develop a severe course of disease. We highlight the need for education (sick day rules, stringent social distancing rules), equipment (sufficient glucocorticoid supplies, steroid emergency self-injection kit) and empowerment (steroid emergency card, COVID-19 guidelines) to prevent adrenal crises. In patients with adrenal insufficiency developing an acute COVID-19 infection, which frequently presents with continuous high fever, we suggest oral stress dose cover with 20 mg hydrocortisone every 6 h. We also comment on suggested dosing for patients who usually take modified release hydrocortisone or prednisolone. In patients with adrenal insufficiency showing clinical deterioration during an acute COVID-19 infection, we advise immediate (self-)injection of 100 mg hydrocortisone intramuscularly, followed by continuous i.v. infusion of 200 mg hydrocortisone per 24 h, or until this can be established, and administration of 50 mg hydrocortisone every 6 h. We also advise on doses for infants and children.
Development and validation of GC/MS method for simultaneous determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in pork meat matrix
Authors: Givechev Ivan , Tanev Dimitar , Danalev Dancho 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe major processes for introducing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food are smoking and grilling of different products. But in addition, PAHs can permeate in the food chain due to their high lipophilicity and ability to be accumulated in specific tissue, through contaminated animal feed. Further, when some parts of these animals are marketed as food, the accumulated PAHs can go to the human organism. Some of them are classified as highly toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic for animal and human organisms so they are under consideration of International and European legislation. This work reports development and validation of simple and fast GC/MS method for 16 PAHs determination. Comparison of two methods for sample preparation in pork meat matrix standard extraction/saponification procedure and modified QuEChERS method is also done. In addition, this paper report the calibration step of instrument and a recovery study for 16 PAHs in model pork meat, using modified QuEChERS procedure for sample pretreatment. The calibration step with accessible and suitable for use in real laboratory conditions internal standard (chrysene D12) is done in the range 10–100 ppb using toluene as solvent. The obtained results show very good linearity (R2 = 0.99 to 1.00). For the recovery study six model samples were spiked with 16 PAHs and they all are subjected to QuEChERS procedure. The recovery is calculated and the obtained data (71–120%) is in a good correlation with requirements of international legislation. Finally, LOD values for all 16 investigated compounds of modified GC/MS method and for the instrument were determined.
Clinical Practice Observation of Trastuzumab in Patients with Human Epidermal Growth Receptor 2-Positive Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach or Gastroesophageal Junction
Authors: Al-Batran Salah-Eddin , Moorahrend Enno , Maintz Christoph , Goetze Thorsten O. , Hempel Dirk , Thuss-Patience Peter , Gaillard Vincent E. , Hegewisch-Becker Susanna 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
The observational study HerMES collected primary data on effectiveness and safety of trastuzumab in patients with human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancer of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) in routine clinical practice, exploring the treatment with trastuzumab, chemotherapy backbones used, and the HER2 testing in a real-world setting in Germany.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods
This noninterventional study observed patients with histologically confirmed, HER2-positive metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach or GEJ, who were treated with trastuzumab according to the physicians’ judgement and clinical practice. The observation phase per patient took as long as the duration of the trastuzumab therapy, but for a maximum of 12 months. A subsequent extended follow-up phase lasted until the patient's death or the end of the study, that is, 2 years from start of the follow-up phase of the last patient. All data were analyzed descriptively.

Results
Between February 2010 and July 2016, 364 patients were observed at 171 sites throughout Germany. The median overall survival was 14.1 months and the median progression-free survival was 7.9 months. The overall response rate was 43%. Safety was in line with previous reports. This study observed a high diversity of chemotherapy regimens that were combined with trastuzumab. Post hoc subgroup analyses showed differences in outcomes according to the chemotherapy regimen used.

Conclusion
Trastuzumab treatment in everyday practice as observed in HerMES confirmed the positive results of the pivotal study ToGA in an observational, real-world setting.

Implications for Practice
Real-world data of trastuzumab treatment of patients with gastroesophageal or gastric metastatic adenocarcinoma confirmed the positive results of the pivotal clinical trial. The observed median overall survival was 14.1 months and the median progression-free survival was 7.9 months. Although recommendations concerning administration of trastuzumab were well implemented, a high diversity of chemotherapy regimens were combined with trastuzumab. Regimens other than the in-label regimens, especially oxaliplatin-based doublets or 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, taxane triplets, were used in 29% of patients. Observation of a second, marginal HER2-positivity population confirmed the benefit of trastuzumab predominantly for well-confirmed human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)-positive tumors and the requirement of reliable HER2 testing.
Pediatric acute myeloid leukemias treatment: current scientific view
Authors: Makhacheva F. A. , Valiev T. T. 
Published: April 2020

The results of treatment of acute myeloid leukemias (AML) in children remain unsatisfactory. Modern therapeutic programs with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation allow us to get 5-year overall survival rate of 65 % in primary patients. For patients with relapses or refractory AML, 5-year overall survival is about 35 %.This article presents the possibilities of chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of AML. The possibilities of epigenetic, immune, and cellular therapy are presented for pediatric AML. Special attention is paid to targeted drugs that only beginning to be used in the complex therapy of AML.
Immune thrombocytopenia at the patient with a cystadenoma of the ovaries (а clinical case)
Authors: Pluzhnikova N. A. , Gruzdev V. E. , Byalik T. E. , Mustafina E. A. , Davydova T. V. , Zeinalova P. A. , Shikhabova Z. S. 
Published: April 2020

Immune thrombocytopenia is an immunosuppressed acquired disease characterized by low platelet levels in peripheral blood and an increased risk of bleeding. This pathology deserves special attention in cases of patients who are scheduled for surgery, which undoubtedly requires careful preparation of the patient for surgery and a complete laboratory analysis, including a thromboelastogram.This article describes the clinical case of successful surgical treatment of a patient with immune thrombocytopenia.