bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which growth standards should be used to identify large- and small-for-gestational age infants of mothers with type 1 diabetes? A pre-specified analysis of the CONCEPTT trial
Authors: Meek Claire L , Corcoy Rosa , Asztalos Elizabeth , Kusinski Laura Caroline , Lopez Esther , Feig Denice S , Murphy Helen R
Published: July 2020

Background Offspring of women with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of accelerated fetal growth which is associated with perinatal morbidity. Growth standards are used to identify large- or small- for gestational age (LGA, SGA) infants. Our aim was to examine which growth standards identify infants at risk of perinatal complications during the Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 1 Diabetes Pregnancy Trial (CONCEPTT). Methods This was a pre-specified analysis of CONCEPTT involving 225 pregnant women from 31 international centres. Infants were weighed immediately at birth and GROW, INTERGROWTH and WHO centiles calculated. Unadjusted logistic regression identified the associations between different growth standards and perinatal outcomes including preterm delivery, Caesarean delivery, neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, respiratory distress, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and a composite neonatal outcome. Results Accelerated fetal growth was common, with mean birthweight percentiles of 82.1, 85.7 and 63.9 and LGA rates of 62%, 67% and 30% using GROW, INTERGROWTH and WHO standards respectively. Corresponding rates of SGA were 2.2%, 1.3% and 8.9% respectively. All standards were associated with some but not all perinatal outcomes studied. Infants born >97.7 th centile were at highest risk of complications. Conclusions WHO standards underestimated birthweight centile. GROW and INTERGROWTH standards identified similar numbers of infants as LGA and SGA with GROW showing stronger associations with neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and NICU admission. Infants with suspected birthweight >97.7th centile according to any standard may require extra surveillance. Definitions of LGA and SGA should be re-evaluated in diabetic pregnancy.
Comparison of different bacteriological testing strategies and factors for bacteriological confirmation among pulmonary TB patients: a retrospective study in Tianjin, China, 2017-2018
Authors: Zhang Guoqin , Zhang Yuhua , Chen Mingting , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2020

Background Bacteriological confirmation (BC) proportion among notified pulmonary TB patients in China is among the lowest in the world. This study was to understand the yield of BC using different testing strategies and patient-level factors associated with BC among pulmonary TB patients in Tianjin, China during 2017-2018.Methods A retrospective study was conducted, enrolling pulmonary TB patients reported to National TB Information Management System (TIMS) in Tianjin during 2017-2018. BC was defined as a positive result by any of the followings: smear microscopy, culture, or nucleic acid amplification test. Individual characteristics were compared between patients with positive and negative bacteriological results using contingency tables and c2 test. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to analyze factors associated with BC, calculating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) (α=0.05).Results Of 6,364 reported patients, 4,181 (65.7%) were bacteriologically confirmed. Positivity proportion was 43.1% (2,746/6,364) for smear microscopy, 57.7% (3,380/5,853) for culture, 61.7% (1,608/2,605) for Xpert® MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) and 73.4% (1,824/2,484) for combination of the three. The unemployed (aOR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.2) and farmers (aOR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.8) compared with students; diagnosis by inpatient hospitals compared with TB clinics (aOR=3.4, 95% CI: 2.6-4.4); having symptoms for ≥2 weeks (aOR=1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8); cough (aOR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.8-2.8); blood sputum (aOR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.2); cavitation on chest X-ray (aOR=3.3, 95% CI: 2.5-4.3); bilateral lung lobes affected (aOR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.4-2.2) were factors associated with BC.Conclusions Combination tests was an effective way to improve BC among pulmonary TB patients. Being unemployed, farmers, having prolonged symptoms, and more severe in TB condition were factors associated with BC. We recommend combination of tests to improve BC for pulmonary TB patients, especially who are in early stage of the disease or with conditions tend to be bacteriologically negative.
Convergence of Artificial Intelligence and High Performance Computing on NSF-supported Cyberinfrastructure
Authors: Huerta Eliu , Khan Asad , Davis Edward , Bushell Colleen , Gropp William , Katz Daniel S , Kindratenko Volodymyr , Koric Seid , Kramer William , McGinty Brendan , McHenry Kenton , Saxton Aaron
Published: July 2020

Significant investments to upgrade and construct large-scale scientific facilities demand commensurate investments in
R\&D to design algorithms and computing approaches to enable scientific and engineering breakthroughs in the big data
era. Innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications have powered transformational solutions for big data challenges in
industry and technology that now drive a multi-billion dollar industry, and which play an ever increasing role shaping human
social patterns. As AI continues to evolve into a computing paradigm endowed with statistical and mathematical rigor, it has
become apparent that single-GPU solutions for training, validation, and testing are no longer sufficient for AI applications that aim to provide novel solutions for big-data challenges posed by scientific facilities that produce data at a rate and volume that outstrip the computing capabilities of available cyberinfrastructure platforms. This realization has been driving the confluence of AI and high performance computing (HPC), which is critical to reduce time-to-insight, and to enable a systematic study of domain-inspired AI architectures and optimization schemes to enable data-driven discovery. In this article we present a summary of recent developments in this field, and discuss avenues to accelerate and streamline the use of HPC platforms to design accelerated AI algorithms.
Volumetric MRI Analysis of Brain Structures in Patients With History of First and Repeated Suicide Attempts: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Sarkinaite Milda , Gleizniene Rymante , Adomaitiene Virginija , Dambrauskiene Kristina , Raskauskiene Nijole , Steibliene Vesta
Published: July 2020

Background: Structural brain changes are found in suicide attempters, as well as in patients with mental disorders. It remains unclear whether the suicidal behavior is related to atrophy of brain regions and how the morphology of specific brain areas is changing with each suicide attempt. This cross-sectional study examined volumetric differences in brain regions among patients with history of first and repeated suicide attempts in comparison to healthy controls (HC).Methods: The sample consisted of 56 adults, non-psychotic patients without cognitive impairment and any organic brain disorders hospitalized after first suicide attempt (first SA) (n=29) and more than one suicide attempt (SA>1) during the lifetime (n=27); and 54 adult volunteers without history of mental disorder and suicide attempts, designated as HC. The MRI data were collected using 1.5 T Siemens Avanto scanner. Brain cortical thickness, grey and white matter volumes were measured using FreeSurfer 6.0 automatic segmentation technique.Results: In comparison to HC, patients with first SA had 3.5, 3.58 and 4.19% significantly lower mean cortical thickness of the superior and rostral middle frontal areas of the left hemisphere and superior frontal area of the right hemisphere, respectively; 4.09, 4.02 and 4.49 % lower mean cortical thickness of the inferior, middle and superior temporal areas of the left hemisphere, respectively. In comparison to HC, patients after SA>1 had a significantly lower mean cortical thickness (from 4.02 to 8.33%) in ten areas of frontal cortex of the left hemisphere and seven areas of the right hemisphere; from 3.90 to 6.04% difference in six areas of temporal cortex in both hemispheres. The comparison of hippocampus volume showed a significantly lower mean volume (7.86 to 9.89%) of left and right parts in patients with SA>1, but not in patients with first SA. Conclusions: Hospitalized suicide attempters had lower frontal and temporal cortical thickness and smaller parts of hippocampus than HC; these differences were significantly higher in repeated suicide attempters than in patients with first SA. Our findings suggest that repeated suicidal behavior is associated with intensifying atrophy of specific brain structures, independently of diagnosis of depressive disorders.
Determinants and Effects of Adolescent Substance Use in Africa: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Jumbe Sandra , Mwenda-Kamninga Tony , Mwalwimba Isaac , Kalu Ukwuori-Gisela
Published: July 2020

Background: Substance use among adolescents continues to be a growing major public health concern in Africa. Recent studies infer an overall estimated prevalence of 42% among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is not adequately documented across many settings in the continent despite known negative health and social consequences on affected individuals and their communities. Little is known about the social context of substance use in Africa among this population. Our aim is to conduct a systematic review to explore determinants and associated factors that influence adolescent substance use and the effects of substance use in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Scopus, Global Health, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and the World Health Organization (WHO) regional databases will be searched for population-based observational studies reporting on the prevalence of substance use of adolescents (age 10 - 19 years) across Africa. Search dates will be from January 2000 to December 2019. Data will be extracted from eligible publications, using a data extraction tool developed for this study. A random effects meta-analysis will be conducted to pool determinants and effects (at 95% confidence interval) of estimated substance abuse among adolescents. Alternative visual and statistical approaches will be adopted instead of traditional meta-analytic approaches where necessary.Discussion: This systematic review will describe the range of determinants and associated factors that have been found to significantly influence substance use in this population group over the last two decades. Additionally, the review will also describe the possible effects of substance use among adolescents. Documenting this evidence is important as it can potentially be used to inform comprehensive interventions and treatment programmes that are targeted at adolescents and their parents in these settings.Systematic review registration: registered on PROSPERO; registration number tbc.
The Virtue of Optimistic Realism- Expectation Fulfillment Predicts Patient-Rated Global Effectiveness of Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kästner Anne , Leong Virginie S.C. Ng Kuet , Petzke Frank , Budde Stefan , Przemeck Michael , Müller Martin , Erlenwein Joachim
Published: July 2020

Background: Emerging evidence highlights the importance of preoperative expectations in predicting patient-reported outcomes of orthopedic surgeries. To date, it is still a matter of controversy whether patient satisfaction can be maximized by promoting either optimistic or realistic outcome expectations before surgery. Adjusting overly optimistic outcome expectancies in favor of a more realistic outlook on the limitations of total hip arthroplasty could reduce the risk of disappointment and lead to greater satisfaction with surgery outcomes. Our prospective cohort study was aimed at comparing the relative predictive influence of baseline expectations, expectation fulfillment and symptomatic improvement on the global effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty. Methods: Ninety patients (49 female, 41 male; mean age: 63±12.87 years) fulfilled inclusion criteria and completed a comprehensive preoperative assessment comprising sociodemographic, clinical, functional and psychological phenotypes. Moreover, the strengths of preoperative expectations for improvements in eight pain-related and functional domains were recorded on a 5-point Likert-scale. At 12 months after surgery, patients were asked to rate perceived improvements in each of these domains as well as the global effectiveness of the total hip replacement on a 5-point Likert-scale. To evaluate the relative impact of preoperative expectations, symptom improvement and the fulfillment of expectations on the global effectiveness of surgery, a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: Compared with the actual improvement at 12 months follow-up, prior expectations had been overly optimistic in about 28% of patients for hip pain, in about 45% for walking ability and around 60% for back pain, physical exercise, general function, social interactions and mental well-being. An optimistic hip pain expectation and the fulfillment of expectations for walking ability and independence in everyday life were found to independently predict global effectiveness ratings. Conclusions: In line with many authors investigating the relationship between the fulfillment of expectations and satisfaction with medical interventions, we suggest that professionals should explicitly address their patients’ expectations during the preoperative education and consultation. While for hip pain, high expectations seem to be beneficial, a realistic outlook encouraging self-efficacy expectancies should be conveyed for complex functional domains.
Can Quantum Computers Learn Like Classical Computers? A Co-Design Framework of Machine Learning and Quantum Circuits
Authors: Jiang Weiwen , Xiong Jinjun , Shi Yiyu
Published: July 2020

Despite the pursuit of quantum supremacy in various applications, the power of quantum computers in machine learning (such as neural network models) has mostly remained unknown, primarily due to a missing link that effectively designs a neural network model suitable for quantum circuit implementation. In this article, we present the first co-design framework, namelyQuantumFlow, to fixed the missing link. QuantumFlow consists of a novel quantum-friendly neural network (QF-Net) design, an automatic tool (QF-Map) to generate the quantum circuit (QF-Circ) for QF-Net, and a theoretic-based execution engine (QF-FB) to efficiently support the training of QF-Net on a classical computer. We discover that, in order to make full use of the strength of quantum representation, data in QF-Net is best modeled as random variables rather than real numbers. Moreover, instead of using the classical batch normalization (which is key to achieve high accuracy for deep neural networks), a quantum-aware batch normalization method is proposed for QF-Net. Evaluation results show that QF-Net can achieve 97.01% accuracy in distinguishing digits 3 and 6 in the widely used MNIST dataset, which is 14.55% higher than the state-of-the-art quantum-aware implementation. A case study on a binary classification application is conducted. Running on IBM Quantum processor’s“ibmq_essex” backend, a neural network designed by QuantumFlow can achieve 82% accuracy. To the best of our knowledge,QuantumFlow is the first framework that co-designs both the machine learning model and its quantum circuit.
Beneficial Effects of Lactobacillus Zeae on the Gut Health of Piglets Challenged with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli
Authors: Wu Tao , Shi Yutao , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Ming , Zhang Lijuan , Ma Zhipeng , Zhao Di , Wang Lei , Ding Binying , Hou Yongqing , Gong Joshua
Published: July 2020

Background Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a common enteric pathogen that causes diarrhoea in humans and animals. Lactobacillus zeae LB1 has been shown to reduce ETEC infection to Caenorhabditis elegans and Salmonella burden in pigs. The present study was to evaluate the effects of L. zeae LB1 on the gut health of lactating piglets that were challenged with ETEC.Results Six-four 7-day-old piglets were assigned into 8 groups: 1) control group (basal diet, phosphate buffer saline); 2) CT group (basal diet + 40 mg/kg colistin); 3) LL group (basal diet + 1 × 107 CFU/pig/day LB1); 4) HL group (basal diet + 1 × 108 CFU/pig/day LB1); 5) ETEC group: (basal diet + ETEC challenged); 6) CT + ETEC group (basal diet + CT + ETEC); 7) LL + ETEC group (basal diet + 1 × 107 CFU/pig/day LB1 + ETEC); 8) HL + ETEC group (basal diet + 1 × 108 CFU/pig/day LB1 + ETEC). The trial lasted ten days including 3 days of adaptation. Several significant interactions were found on blood parameters, intestinal morphology, gene, and protein expression. ETEC infection disrupted the cell structure and biochemical indicators of blood, undermined the integrity of the intestinal tract, and induced oxidative stress, diarrhoea, intestinal damage, and death of piglets. The supplementation of L. zeae LB1 alleviated ETEC’s adverse effects by reducing pig diarrhoea, oxidative stress, and death, modulating cell structure and biochemical indicators of blood, improving the capacity of immunity and anti-oxidation of pigs, and restoring their intestinal integrity. At the molecular level, the beneficial effects of L. zeae LB1 appeared to be mediated by regulating functional related proteins (including HSP70, Caspase-3, NLRP3, AQP3, and AQP4) and genes (including RPL4, IL-8, HP, HSP70, Mx1, Mx2, S100A12, Nrf2, GPX2 and ARG1). Conclusions These results suggest that dietary supplementation of L. zeae LB1 improved the intestinal functions and health of piglets.
Sequential ruptures of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers of ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta
Authors: Kaul Pankaj , Paniagua Rodolfo , Petsa Afroditi , Singh Raj
Published: July 2020

BackgroundPenetrating ulcers of aorta, aortic dissections and intramural hematomas all come under acute aortic syndromes and have important similarities and differences.Case ReportWe report a 67 year old man with rupture of a large penetrating ulcer of the distal ascending aorta with hemopericardium and left hemothorax. He underwent interposition graft replacement of ascending aorta and hemi-arch with a 30 mm Gelweave Vascutek graft but represented 6 months later with development of a penetrating ulcer which ruptured into a huge 14 cm pseudoaneurysm. This was repaired with a 28 mm Vascutek Gelseal graft replacement of arch and interposition graft reconstruction of innominate and left common carotid arteries. 6 weeks later, however, he ruptured his proximal descending aorta and underwent TEVAR satisfactorily. Unfortunately, 2 days later, he developed a pathological fracture of left proximal tibia with metastasis from a primary renal cell carcinoma. He died 3 weeks later from respiratory failure.We shall briefly outline the similarities and differences in presentation and management of penetrating aortic ulcers, aortic dissections and intramural haematomas. We shall discuss, in greater detail, penetrating ulcers of thoracic aorta, their natural history, location, complications and management.ConclusionThis case report is unique on account of initial successful surgical redressal following rupture of penetrating ulcer of distal ascending aorta into left pleural and pericardial cavities, normally associated with instant death. The haemodynamic effects of the rupture were staggered due to initial contained rupture into a smaller pseudoaneurysm, followed by a further rupture into a false aneurysmal sac followed eventually by generalised rupture into the pleural and pericardial cavities - a unique way of aortic rupture. Further development of another penetrating ulcer and a small pseudoaneurysm in the distal arch 6 months later which further ruptured into a larger 14 cm false aneurysmal sac, which again did not result in exsanguination, is again extraordinarily rare. Thereafter he underwent emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for a further rupture of descending thoracic aorta. All three ruptures were managed successfully and would usually be associated with near-certain death, only for the patient to succumb eventually to the complications of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
INCIDENCE AND RECOVERY OF CHEMOSENSITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN COVID-19 POSITIVE PATIENTS
Authors: AL-ZAIDI HAIDER MAJID HAIDER , BADR HANI MUSA
Published: July 2020

Background: the objective of this study is to find the incidence of chemosensitive dysfunction in COVID-19 positive patients and its recovery.We collected the data from Sixty-five patients, all Covid-19 positive, quarantined in hospital between 5.4.2020 and 17.5.2020, by a questionnaire distributed the quarantine ward.Results: Smell dysfunction appeared in (89.23%) with or without other symptoms of COVID-19. (39.66%) had the sense of smell recovered. Taste dysfunction was found in (83.08%) patients with other COVID-19 symptoms. only (29.63%) of them recovered. The recovery took 1-3 weeks, most cases within 1 week or less. As the only symptom before COVID-19 confirmation, (18.46%) and (15.38%) had smell dysfunction and taste dysfunction respectively. Most of the chemosensitive dysfunction affected the 4th decade of age.Conclusion: Chemosensitive dysfunction is associated with COVID-19, and may be the only presenting symptom of the disease. This makes the ENT doctors in the first line of contact with corona virus. Further objective studies are required to cover chemosensitive dysfunctions, as the recognition of this dysfunction may help the diagnosis of COVID-19, and prevent the spread of this disease.
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Chinese Leishmania Isolates and Development of L. donovani Complex Specific Markers by RAPD
Authors: Yuan Dongmei , Qin Hanxiao , Chen Dali , Chen Jianping
Published: July 2020

Background: Leishmaniasis is one of the most neglected tropical diseases in the world and is still endemic in some underdeveloped regions including western of China. The phylogeny and classification of Chinese Leishmania has not yet been clarified, especially within Leishmania (L.) donovani complex, although phylogenetic analyses based on a series of gene markers were carried out. More different analytic method and data still be needed. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technology could identify slight intraspecific differences sensitively, and it always be a powerful tool to seek the species-specific markers. This work aimed to identify Chinese Leishmania isolates from diverse geographic regions at genomic level. Meanwhile, the specific markers of L. donovani complex were also developed by RAPD.Methods: The RAPD was applied on 14 Chinese Leishmania isolates from diverse geographic regions and 3 WHO reference strains. The polymorphic sites of amplification were transformed into data matrix, based on which genetic similarity were calculated and UPGMA dendrogram were constructed to analyze genetic diversity of these Leishmania isolates. Meanwhile, the specific amplification loci of L. donovani complex were TA-cloned, sequenced and converted into sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) markers, which were validated preliminarily in available 17 Leishmania strains in this study and analyzed by bioinformatics.Results: The cluster analyses showed that the three Leishmania sp. isolates SC10H2, SD and GL clustered together and apart from others, and the strains of L. donovani complex clearly divided into two clades and the three isolates Cy, WenChuan and 801 formed a subclade. Three specific SCAR markers of L. donovani complex, i.e. 1-AD17, 2-A816 and 3-O13, were successfully obtained and validated on available 17 Leishmania strains in this study. Through bioinformatics analyses, Marker 1-AD17 may have more specificity on PCR detection of VL and Marker 3-O13 has the potential of encoding protein.Conclusions: the RAPD result verified that the undescribed Leishmania species causing visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in China was a unique clade distinguished from L. donovani, and revealed that there was genetic differentiation among Chinese L. donovani. The development of L. donovani specific markers may provide the foundation for developing new specific diagnostic markers of VL and the research of specific gene function.
Leptin down-regulates KCC2 activity and controls chloride homeostasis in the neonatal rat hippocampus.
Authors: Dumon Camille , Belaidouni Yasmine , Diabira Diabe , Appleyard Suzanne , Wayman Gary , Gaiarsa Jean-Luc
Published: July 2020

The canonical physiological role of leptin is to regulate hunger and satiety acting on specific hypothalamic nuclei. Beyond this key metabolic function; leptin also regulates many aspects of development and functioning of neuronal hippocampal networks throughout life. Here we show that leptin controls the chloride homeostasis in the developing rat hippocampus in vitro . The effect of leptin relies on the donx-regulation of the activity of the potassium/chloride extruder KCC2 and is present during a restricted period of postnatal development. This study confirms and extends the role of leptin in the ontogenesis of functional GABAergic inhibition and helps understanding how abnormal levels of leptin may contribute to neurological disorders.
A single indicator joint in non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis whose ultrasound scores are correlated with disease activity
Authors: Huang Yung-Hsien , Hu Ya-Chiao , Liao Chun-Hua , Chiang Bor-Luen , Lu Cheng‐Hsun , Li Ko-Jen , Yang Yao-Hsu
Published: July 2020

Background: Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has been used worldwide in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but not in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this study was to investigate the application of MSUS findings of a single indicator joint in JIA to assess the disease activity and classify disease subtype.Methods: Thirty-five non-systemic JIA patients with a total of 62 visits were retrospectively recruited in this study. Among involved joints, the one with highest value of grey scale (GS) plus power Doppler (PD) (=GSPD) was selected as the indicator joint of each visit. The correlations between MSUS parameters of indicator joints and the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score, The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire‐disability index (CHAQ-DI), and laboratory data were analyzed. The ultrasound features in different subtypes of JIA were also compared.Results: PD was weakly correlated with the PGA score (rho=0.323, p=0.010), while both GS and GSPD were moderately correlated with the PGA score (rho=0.405, p=0.001; rho=0.434, p=0.000). On the other hand, GS, PD, and GSPD were weakly correlated with CHAQ-DI. Although erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) had a weak correlation with PGA, they were not statistically correlated with GS, PD, or GSPD. The proportions of effusion, synovial hypertrophy, and enthesopathy in 3 different subtypes, showed significant differences (Fisher’s exact test, p=0.037; p=0.004; p=0.019). Enthesopathy was only seen in joints of enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) but not in joints of polyarthritis and oligoarthritis.Conclusions: MSUS seems to be an acceptable non-invasive tool for JIA, particularly for non-systemic JIA patients, that could assist disease classification, and whose parameters of the indicator joints may potentially contribute to the disease activity evaluation.
Genomic Imbalances in the Placenta Contribute to Poor Fetal Growth
Authors: Gobbo Giulia F. Del , Yin Yue , Choufani Sanaa , Butcher Emma A. , Wei John , Rajcan-Separovic Evica , Bos Hayley , von Dadelszen Peter , Weksberg Rosanna , Robinson Wendy P , Yuen Ryan K.C.
Published: July 2020

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with increased risks for complications before, during, and after birth, in addition to risk of disease through to adulthood. Although placental insufficiency, failure to supply the fetus with adequate nutrients, underlies most cases of FGR, its causes are diverse and not fully understood. One of the few diagnosable causes of placental insufficiency in ongoing pregnancies is the presence of large chromosomal imbalances such as trisomy confined to the placenta; however, the impact of smaller copy number variants (CNVs) has not yet been adequately addressed. In this study, we comprehensively evaluate the contribution of both placental aneuploidy and CNVs to fetal growth. Methods: We used molecular-cytogenetic approaches to identify aneuploidy in placentas from N=101 infants born small-for-gestational age (SGA), typically used as a surrogate for FGR, and from N=173 non-SGA controls from uncomplicated pregnancies. We confirmed aneuploidies and assessed mosaicism by microsatellite genotyping. We then profiled CNVs using high-resolution microarrays in a subset of N=53 SGA and N=61 control euploid placentas, and compared the load, impact, gene enrichment and clinical relevance of CNVs between groups. Candidate CNVs were confirmed using quantitative PCR.Results: Aneuploidy was over 10-fold more frequent in SGA-associated placentas compared to controls (11.9% vs. 1.1%; p=0.0002, OR=11.4), was confined to the placenta, and typically involved autosomes, whereas only sex chromosome abnormalities were observed in controls. We found no significant difference in CNV load or number of placental-expressed or imprinted genes in CNVs between SGA and controls, however, a rare and likely clinically-relevant germline CNV was identified in 5.7% of SGA cases. These CNVs involved candidate genes INHBB, HSD11B2, CTCF, and CSMD3. Conclusions: We conclude that placental genomic imbalances at the cytogenetic and submicroscopic level may underlie up to ~18% of SGA cases in our population. This work contributes to the understanding of the underlying causes of placental insufficiency and FGR, which is important for counselling and prediction of long term outcomes for affected cases.
Perception and Management of COVID-19 Among Allergic Children: An Italian Survey.
Authors: Diaferio Lucia , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Brindisi Giulia , Indolfi Cristiana , Marchese Giuseppe , Ghiglioni Daniele Giovanni , Zicari Anna Maria , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Giudice Michele Miraglia del
Published: July 2020

Background There is ample evidence that COVID-19 is significantly less severe in children than in adults and it has been reported that asthma and allergy, the most prevalent chronic disorders in children, are not included in the top 10 comorbidities associated with COVID-19 fatalities. Nevertheless, there would seem that the concerns about asthma and the risk of disease and related outcomes are still high. In order to assess these features, we conducted a 20-question anonymous internet-based survey among Italian paediatricians. Methods The questionnaire was conceived and pretested in April 2020, by a working group of experts of the Italian Paediatric Society for Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP). The survey was emailed once between April and mid-May 2020. Participants were allowed to complete only a single survey.Results A total 99 participants had taken part in our survey and provided responses to our electronic questionnaire. The distribution of patients reported per month varies significantly according to the geographical area (P=0.02). Data confirmed that in the North part of Italy the rate of patients referred is higher than in the rest of Italy. Almost all respondents (98%) reported caring for up to a maximum of 10 infecting children and the last 2% more than twenty. Among these patients, according to the 75% of responders, a maximum rate of 20% were affected by allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and in particular in the North of Italy while in the Centre and in the South there was a higher incidence (P=0.09). Almost the same applies for asthma, 83% of responders declared that up to a maximum of 20% of affected children were asthmatic, from 20% to 40% for the 13,5% of responders and from 40% to 60% for the last 3,5%. As for the allergic conjunctivitis also for asthma, we found a higher incidence in the Centre and in South than in the North (P=0.03).Conclusions This study is the first to provide a comprehensive review of COVID-19 knowledge and perceptions among paediatricians in Italy. From our point of view, it provides important information clearly useful for improving a good practice.
Quantitative proteomic analysis and identification of differentially expressed proteins involved in blast exposure-induced inflammatory response
Authors: Liu Yunen , Tong Changci , Cong Peifang , Liu Ying , Shi Xiuyun , Shi Lin , Mao Shun , Zhao Yan , Hou Mingxiao , Jin Hongxu
Published: July 2020

Background

Previous studies found that blast injury caused a significant increased expression of interleukin-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor, a significant decrease in the expression of IL-10, an increase in Evans blue leakage, and a significant increase in inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs. However, the molecular characteristics of lung injury at different time points after blast exposure have not yet been reported. Therefore, in this study, tandem mass spectrometry (TMT) quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis were used for the first time to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism of lung blast injury at different time points.
Methods

Fourty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 1 w after low-intensity blast exposure. TMT quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis were performed to analyze protein expression profiling in the lungs from control and blast-exposed mice, and differential protein expression was verified by Western blotting.
Results

The results demonstrated that blast exposure induced severe lung injury, leukocyte infiltration, and the production of inflammatory factors in mice. After analyzing the expression changes in global proteins and inflammation-related proteomes after blast exposure, the results showed that a total of 6,861 global proteins and 608 differentially expressed proteins were identified, of which 215, 128, 187, 232, and 65 proteins were identified at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 1 week after blast exposure, respectively. Moreover, blast exposure-induced 177 differentially expressed proteins were associated with inflammatory responses, which were enriched in the inflammatory response regulation, leukocyte transendothelial migration, phagocytosis, and immune response.
Conclusions

Therefore, blast exposure may induce early inflammatory response of lung tissue by regulating the expression of key proteins in the inflammatory process, suggesting that early inflammatory response may be the initiating factor of lung blast injury. These data can provide potential therapeutic candidates or approaches for the development of future treatment of lung blast injury.
New pressure-induced phase transition to Co2Si-type Fe2P
Authors: Nakajima Yoichi , Araki Shunya , Kinoshita Daisuke , Hirose Kei , Tateno Shigehiko , Kawaguchi Saori I. , Hirao Naohisa
Published: July 2020

We found a new phase transition in Fe2P from Co2P-type (C23) to Co2Si-type (C37) structure above 42 ± 2 GPa based on in situ X-ray diffraction experiments. While these two structures have identical crystallographic symmetry, the orthorhombic unit cell is shortened in a-axis but elongated in c-axis, the coordination number of phosphorous increases from nine to 10, and the volume reduces by 2% across the phase transition. The new C37-type Fe2P phase has been found to be stable, at least to 83 GPa at high temperature. The Birch-Murnaghan equation of state for C37 Fe2P was also obtained from pressure-volume data, suggesting that phosphorous contributes to 17% of the observed density deficit of the Earth's outer core when it includes the maximum 1.8 wt% P as observed in iron meteorites. In addition, since both Fe2S and Ni2Si are also known to have the C37 structure under high pressure, (Fe,Ni)2(S,Si,P) could have wide solid solution and constitute planetary iron cores, although it is not dense enough to be a main constituent of the Earth's inner core.
Simulation of the capital structure of an enterprise taking into account the dynamics of parameters of the external environment
Authors: Medvedieva Irina , Ahapova Mariia
Published: July 2020

Information technology is an effective tool for substantiating management decisions in any field of activity, including the economy. One of the most important characteristics of the functioning of economic agents in a market is the structure of their capital because the interest of foreign investors in the business entity depends directly on the balance of this structure. Therefore, the process of managing the capital structure of a business unit needs special attention both in terms of sustainable development and during the crisis. Given the mentioned above, the object of the study is the process of managing the enterprise capital structure. The study aims to improve the methodological support of the process of managing the enterprise capital structure taking into account the dynamics of the parameters of the external environment of its operation. As for the results of the research, the EPC diagram of the optimization process of the enterprise capital structure was developed. Due to the use of the vector graphic editor MS Visio, this model allows visually displaying the scenario of a financial manager’s activity during performance of his duties on the modeled subject area; the methodical approach to assessing the sustainability of capital structure management based on the building of Shewhart quality maps was suggested. Such maps enable to identify typical (optimal, preventive and control) values of the components of the capital structure of an entrepreneurial unit; methodical recommendations for operative management on an enterprise capital structure at the innovation and investment stage of its development were developed. They are based on the use of a method of linear programming. They allow defining possible deviations of capital structure indicators while retaining the control of the chosen strategy of its development.
Analysis of the performance of different culvert boundary conditions in 2D shallow flow models
Authors: Fernández-Pato J. , Martínez-Aranda S. , Morales-Hernández M. , García-Navarro P.
Published: July 2020

Culverts allow roads to safely traverse small streams or drainage ditches, and their proper design is critical to ensure a safe and reliable transportation network. A correct modelization of these hydraulic structures becomes crucial in the assessment of flood footprints or discharge peak estimation in a risk evaluation plan. The question of how to include culverts comes up frequently when assembling a hydraulic model that requires the presence of as many singular elements as possible. In this work, three different culvert integrations with the surface domain are studied and compared in the context of a 2D shallow water (SW) model. All of them are based on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) formulation for the culvert discharge estimation but differ in complexity and in the interaction with the numerical model for surface flow, some of them as internal boundary conditions. Several steady and unsteady validation test cases are presented and the numerical results are compared with the predictions from HEC-RAS 1D and HY-8 software. The culvert area, shape and their sensitivity to the 2D computational mesh is also analyzed.
Radiotherapy and Its Impact on the Nervous System of Cancer Survivors
Authors: Kumar Gautam , Dutta Priyadarshini , Parihar Vipan K. , Chamallamudi Mallikarjuna R. , Kumar Nitesh
Published: July 2020

Radiotherapy is routinely used for the treatment of nearly all brain tumors, but it may lead
to progressive and debilitating impairments of cognitive function. The growing evidence supports the
fact that radiation exposure to CNS disrupts diverse cognitive functions including learning, memory,
processing speed, attention and executive functions. The present review highlights the types of radiotherapy
and the possible mechanisms of cognitive deficits and neurotoxicity following radiotherapy.
The review summarizes the articles from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science search engines. Radiation
therapy uses high-powered x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells, with minimal
damage to healthy cells. While radiotherapy has yielded relative success in the treatment of cancer, patients
are often plagued with unwanted and even debilitating side effects from the treatment, which can
lead to dose reduction or even cessation of treatment. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms
responsible for the development of these behavioral toxicities; however, neuroinflammation is
widely considered as one of the major mechanisms responsible for radiotherapy-induced toxicities.
The present study reviews the different types of radiotherapy available for the treatment of various
types of cancers and their associated neurological complications. It also summarizes the doses of radiations
used in the variety of radiotherapy, and their early and delayed side effects. Special emphasis
is given to the effects of various types of radiations or late side effects on cognitive impairments.
Fazla Kilolu ve Obez Adolesanların Depresyon Anksiyete ve Stres Düzeyleri
Authors: ARDİC Aysun
Published: July 2020

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı fazla kilolu ve obez adolesanların depresyon, anksiyete ve stres düzeyleri ile sosyo-demografik özellikleri arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemektir.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı-ilişki arayıcı türde gerçekleştirilen bu çalışmanın örneklemini İstanbul’da yer alan bir ortaokulda öğrenim gören fazla kilolu ve obez 10-13 yaşları arasında toplam 206 adolesandan oluşturmuştur. Araştırmanın verileri “Sosyo-Demografik Özellikler Formu”, “Beck Depresyon Ölçeği”, “Beck Anksiyete Ölçeği” ve “Adolesan Yaşam Biçimi Ölçeği’nin Stres Yönetimi Alt Ölçeği” kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Tanımlayıcı istatistik analizleri yüzde, ortalama, standart sapma, minimum ve maksimum; verilerin normalitesi Kolmogorov– Smirnov testi, karşılaştırmalı analizler ise One way ANOVA, T-Testi ve Mann Whitney-U Testi kullanılarak yapılmıştır.
Bulgular: Araştırmanın bulgularına göre fazla kilolu ve obez adolesanlarda yüksek stres, orta düzeyde depresyon ve şiddetli anksiyete belirlenmiştir. Babaları ilköğretim mezunu olan fazla kilolu ve obez adolesanlarda, üniversite mezunu olanlara göre depresyon ve anksiyete düzeyi anlamlı derecede yüksek bulunmuştur. Kronik bir hastalığı olan fazla kilolu ve obez adolesanlarda ise stres düzeyi olmayanlara göre anlamlı derecede yüksek bulunmuştur.
Sonuç: Bu çalışmanın sonuçları obezite ile depresyon, anksiyete ve stres arasında bir ilişki olduğunu göstermiş olup, obezite önleme ve kilo verdirmeyi amaçlayan programlarda stres yönetiminin mutlaka program içine dahil edilmesi önerilmektedir.
Aktivitas Antioksidan dan Total Fenolik Minuman Fungsional Nanoenkapsulasi Berbasis Ekstrak Sirih Merah
Authors: Safithri Mega , Indariani Susi , Septiyani Dinie
Published: July 2020

Abstrak Pengembangan minuman fungsional dari ekstrak sirih merah yang ditambahkan dengan beberapa ekstrak rempah telah dilakukan sebelumnya. Akan tetapi, hasil uji sensori masih tergolong rendah karena masih terdapat rasa pahit pada minuman fungsional tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan minuman fungsional berbasis ekstrak daun sirih merah dengan teknologi nanoenkapsulasi dan mengevaluasi total fenolik, aktivitas antioksidan in vitro serta mutu sensori. Pembuatan minuman fungsional nanoenkapsulasi menggunakan carrier agent berupa gum arab dan maltodekstrin (1:3; 1:1; 3:1), sedangkan active agent berupa campuran ekstrak daun sirih merah dan rempah-rempah (kayu manis, jahe merah, jeruk nipis). Aktivitas antioksidan menggunakan metode CUPRAC. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa minuman ready to drink memiliki nilai total fenol (786,23Â±1,52 mg GAE/g) dan aktivitas antioksidan (1583,97Â±85,52 ÂµM troloks/g ekstrak) lebih baik dibandingkan dengan minuman fungsional nanoenkapsulasi. Akan tetapi, minuman fungsional nanoenkapsulasi memberikan mutu sensori yang lebih disukai dibandingkan dengan minuman ready to drink. Nanoenkapsulasi dapat memperbaiki mutu sensori minuman fungsional sirih merah, tetapi menurunkan nilai total fenol dan aktivitas antioksidan in vitro.Â Kata kunci: gum arab, maltodekstrin, minuman fungsionalÂ AbstractThe development of functional drink from red betel extract which is added with several spice extracts has been previously conducted. However, the result of the sensory test was still not good because there was still a bitter taste in the functional drink. This study aimed to develop functional drink based on red betel extract with nanoencapsulation technology and evaluate total phenolic, in vitro antioxidant activity, as well as sensory value. The nanoencapsulated functional drink was made from carrier agent, which were arabic gum and maltodextrin (1:1; 1:3; 3:1), while the active agent were a mixture of red betel extract and spices (cinnamon, red ginger, lime juice). Antioxidant activity used the CUPRAC method. The result showed that ready to drink (RTD) drink which had a total phenolic value (786.23Â±1.52 mg GAE/g) and antioxidantÂ  activity (1583.97Â±85.52 ÂµM trolox/g extract), was better than the nanoencapsulated functional drink. However, nanoencapsulated functional drink provide sensory quality which is more preferable than the RTD drink. The nanoencapsulated technology could improved sensory value of red betel functional drink, but it decreased total phenolic value and antioxidant activity in vitro. Keywords: arabic gum, functional drink, maltodextrin
The Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Long- and Short-Term Continuous Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zavodovskiy B. V. , Papichev E. V. , Sivordova L. E. , Polyakova Yu. V. , Akhverdyan Yu. R.
Published: July 2020

Objective. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of long-term and short-term continuous NSAIDs in patients with knee osteoarthritis with insufficient efficacy “on demand” NSAIDs and SYSADOA.Study design. 12-week, prospective, comparative, randomized, single-center study.Materials and Methods. 180 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis aged 40 to 85 years with insufficient efficacy of “on demand” NSAIDs and SYSADOA were examined. Anti-inflammatory drugs were recommended for everyone: 56 people took Naproxen (31.11%), 63 — Etoricoxib (35%), 61 — Ketoprofen (33.89%). Patients were randomized into two groups: 1st group — with 8-week continuous intake of NSAIDs, 2nd group — with a 2-week continuous course of NSAIDs.Results. There was a positive dynamics of pain syndrome according to VAS and decrease in the level of the WOMAC index in both groups after 2 weeks of therapy. The pain level (VAS) and WOMAC indices in 1st group achieved after 8 weeks significantly differed from the ones after 2 weeks of therapy (VAS dynamics —10.93±2.43 mm, t = 42.64; p0.001). In both groups we noted gradual significant increase in the average pain level according to VAS and WOMAC indices after NSAIDs cancellation. However, there was better control of pain in 1st group with long-term NSAID than in 2nd one. Safety profile of drug therapy was similar in both groups.Conclusion. The long-term 8-week use of NSAIDs in patients with knee osteoarthritis with insufficient efficacy “on demand” NSAIDs and SYSADOA provides better dynamics of the pain syndrome than with 2-week therapy. After treatment is canceled longer prior NSAID therapy contributes to better control of the pain syndrome. Continuous use of NSAIDs demonstrated good tolerance and safety, did not require dose reduction and/or discontinuation of therapy. Thus, anti-inflammatory therapy of osteoarthritis in this group of patients may be prescribed for a longer period with continuous use of NSAIDs.