bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of Bartonella in ixodid ticks collected from yaks and plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in Shiqu County, China
Authors: Hao Lili , Yuan Dongbo , Guo Li , Hou Wei , Mo Xi , Yin Jie , Yang Aiguo , Li Rui
Published: July 2020

Background

Bartonella bacteria have been associated with an increasingly wide range of human and animal diseases. These emerging pathogens have been identified as being globally dispersed. Ticks and small rodents are known hosts of Bartonella and play a significant role in the preservation and circulation of Bartonella in nature. This study investigated the occurrence of hoist spp. in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in Shiqu County, which is located on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China. Shiqu County is spread over approximately 26,000 km2, with an average altitude of above 4200 m and a vast area of pastureland.

Results

A total of 818 ticks (Dermacentor everestianus, 79.0%, 646/818; Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, 21.0%, 172/818) were collected from yaks in 4 villages of Shiqu County. Only Bartonella melophagi was detected in tick samples, with a total prevalence of 30.1% (246/818). The infection rates of B. melophagi in ticks from Arizha, Maga, Derongma, and Changxgma were 4.8, 76.8, 12.5, and 18.0%, respectively. The infection rate of B. melophagi in Maga was higher (p < 0.01) than those in other villages. Regarding plateau pikas, the total infection rate of Bartonella spp. was 21.7% (62/286), with 16.7% (12/72), 30.9% (25/81), 13.8% (9/65), and 23.5% (16/68) in Arizha, Maga, Derongma, and Changxgma, respectively. Finally, B. queenslandensis and B. grahamii were detected in plateau pika. No significant difference was observed (p > 0.05) in the infection rates between these study sites.

Conclusion

To date, only D. everestianus and H. qinghaiensis were found in Shiqu County with high infection of Bartonella spp. in the ticks and plateau pika. The threats of Bartonella species to public health should be closely monitored.
Lipoprotein (a) predicts recurrent worse outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with prior cardiovascular events: a prospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Jin Jing-Lu , Cao Ye-Xuan , Zhang Hui-Wen , Guo Yuan-Lin , Wu Na-Qiong , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Gao Ying , Hua Qi , Li Yan-Fang , Xu Rui-Xia , Li Jian-Jun
Published: July 2020

Background

Merging studies have reported the association of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] with poor outcomes of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the prognostic importance of Lp(a) for recurrent cardiovascular events (CVEs) is currently undetermined in patients with T2DM and prior CVEs.

Methods

From April 2011 to March 2017, we consecutively recruited 2284 T2DM patients with prior CVEs. Patients were categorized into low, medium, and high groups by Lp(a) levels and followed up for recurrent CVEs, including nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. Kaplan–Meier, Cox regression and C-statistic analyses were performed.

Results

During 7613 patient-years’ follow-up, 153 recurrent CVEs occurred. Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in patients with recurrent CVEs than counterparts (20.44 vs. 14.71 mg/dL, p = 0.002). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the event-free survival rate was dramatically lower in high and medium Lp(a) groups than that in low group irrespective of HBA1c status (< 7.0%; ≥ 7.0%, both p < 0.05). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression models indicated that Lp(a) was independently associated with high risk of recurrent CVEs [HR(95% CI): 2.049 (1.308–3.212)], such data remains in different HBA1c status (HR(95% CI): < 7.0%, 2.009 (1.051–3.840); ≥ 7.0%, 2.162 (1.148–4.073)). Moreover, the results of C-statistic were significantly improved by 0.029 when added Lp(a) to the Cox model.

Conclusions

Our data, for the first time, confirmed that Lp(a) was an independent predictor for recurrent CVEs in T2DM patients with prior CVEs, suggesting that Lp(a) measurement may help to further risk stratification for T2DM patients after they suffered a first CVE.
miR-138-5p inhibits the malignant progression of prostate cancer by targeting FOXC1
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Qingwei , Chen Xin
Published: July 2020

Background

This study aimed to uncover the effect of miR-138-5p on the proliferation and metastasis of PCa cell lines, and further explore the potential regulatory mechanisms via regulating FOXC1.

Methods

60 pairs cancer tissues and corresponding paracancerous ones from PCa patients were collected to assess the expression level of miR-138-5p by qRT-PCR. Subsequently, over-expression of miR-138-5p were established to explore the proliferation and metastasis of miR-138-5p in PCa cell lines was analyzed by CCK-8, Transwell assay and Wounding healing assay, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to search for the target genes of miR-138-5p, and FOXC1 was selected. Finally, the biological role of miR-138-5p and FOXC1 in the progression of PCa was clarified by a series of rescue experiments.

Results

The results of qRT-PCR revealed that miR-138-5p was lowly expressed in PCa tissues and cell lines. Besides, the PCa patients with low-miR-138-5p had a high Gleason score, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of PCa, compared with these patients with high-miR-138-5p. Over-expression of miR-138-5p inhibited the proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities of PC-3 and DU-145 cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay suggested that FOXC1 was predicted to be the target gene of miR-138-5p. Moreover, FOXC1 expression level was negatively correlated to that of miR-138-5p in PCa tissues. Importantly, over-expression of FOXC1 could reverse miR-138-5p mimic induced-inhibition of PCa malignant progression.

Conclusions

Downregulated miR-138-5p was closely associated with high Gleason score, more lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of PCa patients. In addition, miR-138-5p alleviated the malignant progression of PCa by targeting and downregulating FOXC1.
Daily consumption of one teaspoon of trehalose can help maintain glucose homeostasis: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted in healthy volunteers
Authors: Yoshizane Chiyo , Mizote Akiko , Arai Chikako , Arai Norie , Ogawa Rieko , Endo Shin , Mitsuzumi Hitoshi , Ushio Shimpei
Published: July 2020

Background

Trehalose is a natural disaccharide that is widely distributed. A previous study has shown that daily consumption of 10 g of trehalose improves glucose tolerance in individuals with signs of metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we determined whether a lower dose (3.3 g/day) of trehalose improves glucose tolerance in healthy Japanese volunteers.

Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of healthy Japanese participants (n = 50). Each consumed 3.3 g of trehalose (n = 25) or sucrose (n = 25) daily for 78 days. Their body compositions were assessed following 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks; and serum biochemical parameters were assayed and oral 75-g glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Results

There were similar changes in body composition and serum biochemistry consistent with established seasonal variations in both groups, but there were no differences in any of these parameters between the two groups. However, whereas after 12 weeks of sucrose consumption, the plasma glucose concentration 2 h after a 75-g glucose load was significantly higher than the fasting concentration, after 12 weeks of trehalose consumption the fasting and 2-h plasma glucose concentrations were similar. Furthermore, an analysis of the participants with relatively high postprandial blood glucose showed that the plasma glucose concentration 2 h after a 75-g glucose load was significantly lower in the trehalose group than in the sucrose group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that trehalose helps lower postprandial blood glucose in healthy humans with higher postprandial glucose levels within the normal range, and may therefore contribute to the prevention of pathologies that are predisposed to by postprandial hyperglycemia,, even if the daily intake of trehalose is only 3.3 g, an amount that is easily incorporated into a meal.

Trial registration

UMIN, UMIN000033536. Registered 27 July 2018.
Impact of maternal death reviews at a rural hospital in Zambia: a mixed methods study
Authors: Kabuya Jean-Bertin Bukasa , Mataka Arthur , Chongo Gerald , Kamavu Luc Kambale , Chola Priscilla N’gandu , Manyando Christine , De Brouwere Vincent , Ippolito Matthew M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa remains high despite programmatic efforts to improve maternal health. In 2007, the Zambian Ministry of Health mandated facility-based maternal death review (MDR) programs in line with World Health Organization recommendations. We assessed the impact of an MDR program at a district-level hospital in rural Zambia.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods convergent study using hospital data on maternal mortality and audit reports of 106 maternal deaths from 2007 to 2011. To evaluate the overall impact of MDR on maternal mortality, we compared baseline (2007) to late (2010–11) post-intervention inpatient maternal mortality indicators. MDR committee reports were coded and dominant themes were extracted in a qualitative analysis. We assessed potential risk factors for maternal mortality in a before-and-after design comparing the periods 2008–09 and 2010–11.

Results

In-hospital maternal mortality declined from 23 per thousand live births in 2007 to 8 per thousand in 2010–11 (P < 0.01). Maternal case fatality for puerperal sepsis and uterine rupture decreased significantly from 63 and 32% in 2007 to 10 and 9% in 2010–11 (P < 0.01). No significant reduction was seen in case fatality due to postpartum hemorrhage. Qualitative analysis of risk factors for maternal mortality revealed four core themes: standards of practice, health systems, accessibility, and patient factors. Specific risk factors included delayed referral, missed diagnoses, intra-hospital delays in care, low medication inventory, and medical error. We found no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of risk factors between the before-and-after periods.

Conclusions

Implementation of MDR was accompanied by a significant decrease in maternal mortality with reductions in maternal death from puerperal sepsis and uterine rupture, but not postpartum hemorrhage. Qualitative analysis of audit reports identified several modifiable risk factors within four core areas. Comparisons of potential explanatory factors did not show any differences over time. These results imply that MDR offers a means for hospitals to curtail maternal deaths, except deaths due to postpartum hemorrhage, suggesting additional interventions are needed. Documentation of MDR meetings provides an instrument to guide further quality improvements.
Corifollitropin alfa for poor responders patients, a prospective randomized study
Authors: Fusi F. M. , Zanga L. , Arnoldi M. , Melis S. , Cappato M. , Candeloro I. , Di Pasqua A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Poor ovarian response remains one of the biggest challenges for reproductive endocrinologists. The introduction of corifollitropin alpha (CFA) offered an alternative option to other gonadotropins for its longer half-life, its more rapid achievement of the threshold and higher FSH levels. We compared two different protocols with CFA, a long agonist and a short antagonist, and a no-CFA protocol.

Methods

Patients enrolled fulfilled at least two of the followings: AFC < 5, AMH < 1,1 ng/ml, less than three oocytes in a previous cycle, age > 40 years. Ovarian stimulation with an antagonist protocol was performed either with 300 UI rFSH and 150 UI rLH or 300UI HMG. In the long agonist group, after pituitary suppression with triptorelin, CFA was given the 1-2th day of cycle and 300 UI rFSH and 150 UI rLH the 5th day. In the short antagonist group CFA was given the 1-2th day of cycle and 300 UI rFSH and 150 UI rLH the 5th day. The primary objective was the effect on the number of oocytes and MII oocytes. Secondary objective were pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancies and ongoing pregnancies per intention to treat.

Results

The use of CFA resulted in a shorter lenght of stimulation and a lower number of suspended treatments. Both the CFA protocols were significantly different from the no-CFA group in the number of retrieved oocytes (p < 0,05), with a non-significant difference in favour of the long agonist protocol. Both CFA groups yielded higher pregnancy rates, especially the long protocol, due to the higher number of oocytes retrieved (p < 0,05), as implantation rates did not differ. The cumulative pregnancy rate was also different, due to the higher number of cryopreserved blastocysts (p < 0,02).

Conclusions

The long agonist protocol with the addition of rFSH and rLH showed the best results in all the parameters. A short antagonist protocol with CFA was less effective, but not significantly, although provided better results compared to the no-CFA group. We suggest that a long agonist protocol with CFA and recombinant gonadotropins might be a valuable option for poor responders.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee (EudraCT2015–002817-31).
MKL-1 is a coactivator for STAT5b, the regulator of Treg cell development and function
Authors: Xiang Yuan , Wang Jun , Li Jia Peng , Guo Wei , Huang Feng , Zhang Hui Min , Li Han Han , Dai Zhou Tong , Zhang Zi Jian , Li Hui , Bao Le Yuan , Gu Chao Jiang , Chen Kun , Zhang Tong Cun , Liao Xing Hua
Published: July 2020

Background

Foxp3+CD4+regulatory T cells (Treg) constitutes a key event in autoimmune diseases. STAT5b is the critical link between the IL-2/15 and FOXP3, the master regulator of Treg cells.

Methods

The CD3+T cell and Foxp3+CD4+regulatory T cells were overexpressioned or knockdown MKL-1 and STAT5a and tested for Treg cell development and function. Direct interaction of MKL-1 and STAT5a were analyzed by coimmunoprecipitation assays, Luciferase assay, Immunofluoresence Staining and Yeast two-hybrid screening. The effect of MKL-1 and STAT5a on the Treg genes expression was analyzed by qPCR and western blotting and Flow cytometry.

Results

However, the molecular mechanisms mediating STAT5b-dependent Treg genes expression and Treg cell phenotype and function in autoimmune diseases are not well defined. Here, we report that the MKL-1 is a coactivator for the major Treg genes transcription factor STAT5b, which is required for human Treg cell phenotype and function. The N terminus of STAT5b, which contains a basic coiled-coil protein–protein interaction domain, binds the C-terminal activation domain of MKL-1 and enhances MKL-1 mediated transcriptional activation of Treg-specific, CArG containing promoters, including the Treg-specific genes Foxp3. Suppression of endogenous STAT5b expression by specific small interfering RNA attenuates MKL-1 transcriptional activation in cultured human cells. The STAT5b–MKL-1 interaction identifies a role of Treg-specific gene regulation and regulated mouse Treg cell development and function and suggests a possible mechanism for the protective effects of autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).

Conclusions

Our studies demonstrate for the first time that MKL-1 is a coactivator for STAT5b, the regulator of Treg cell development and function.
Evolving geographic diversity in SARS-CoV2 and in silico analysis of replicating enzyme 3CLpro targeting repurposed drug candidates
Authors: Chitranshi Nitin , Gupta Vivek K. , Rajput Rashi , Godinez Angela , Pushpitha Kanishka , Shen Ting , Mirzaei Mehdi , You Yuyi , Basavarajappa Devaraj , Gupta Veer , Graham Stuart L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has been initiating pandemics since the beginning of the century. In December 2019, the world was hit again by a devastating SARS episode that has so far infected almost four million individuals worldwide, with over 200,000 fatalities having already occurred by mid-April 2020, and the infection rate continues to grow exponentially. SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single stranded RNA pathogen which is characterised by a high mutation rate. It is vital to explore the mutagenic capability of the viral genome that enables SARS-CoV-2 to rapidly jump from one host immunity to another and adapt to the genetic pool of local populations.

Methods

For this study, we analysed 2301 complete viral sequences reported from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. SARS-CoV-2 host genomes were collected from The Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database containing 9 genomes from pangolin-CoV origin and 3 genomes from bat-CoV origin, Wuhan SARS-CoV2 reference genome was collected from GeneBank database. The Multiple sequence alignment tool, Clustal Omega was used for genomic sequence alignment. The viral replicating enzyme, 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) that plays a key role in its pathogenicity was used to assess its affinity with pharmacological inhibitors and repurposed drugs such as anti-viral flavones, biflavanoids, anti-malarial drugs and vitamin supplements.

Results

Our results demonstrate that bat-CoV shares > 96% similar identity, while pangolin-CoV shares 85.98% identity with Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 genome. This in-depth analysis has identified 12 novel recurrent mutations in South American and African viral genomes out of which 3 were unique in South America, 4 unique in Africa and 5 were present in-patient isolates from both populations. Using state of the art in silico approaches, this study further investigates the interaction of repurposed drugs with the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro enzyme, which regulates viral replication machinery.

Conclusions

Overall, this study provides insights into the evolving mutations, with implications to understand viral pathogenicity and possible new strategies for repurposing compounds to combat the nCovid-19 pandemic.
Human immunodeficiency virus-associated vacuolar encephalomyelopathy with granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease improved after antiretroviral therapy: a case report
Authors: Akagi Kazumasa , Yamamoto Kazuko , Umemura Asuka , Ide Shotaro , Hirayama Tatsuro , Takazono Takahiro , Imamura Yoshifumi , Miyazaki Taiga , Sakamoto Noriho , Shiraishi Hirokazu , Takahata Hideaki , Zaizen Yoshiaki , Fukuoka Junya , Morikawa Minoru , Ashizawa Kazuto , Teruya Katsuji , Izumikawa Koichi , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

Background

Vacuolar encephalomyelopathy, a disregarded diagnosis lately, was a major neurological disease in the terminal stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection in the pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. Granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) was classically identified as a non-infectious complication of common variable immunodeficiency; however, it is now being recognized in other immunodeficiency disorders. Here, we report the first case of GLILD accompanied by vacuolar encephalomyelopathy in a newly diagnosed HIV-infected man.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old Japanese man presented with chronic dry cough and progressing paraplegia. Radiological examination revealed diffuse pulmonary abnormalities in bilateral lungs, focal demyelinating lesions of the spinal cord, and white matter lesions in the brain. He was diagnosed with GLILD based on marked lymphocytosis detecting in bronchoalveolar lavage, and transbronchial-biopsy proven T-cellular interstitial lung disease with granulomas. Microbiological examinations did not reveal an etiologic agent. The patient was also diagnosed with HIV-associated vacuolar encephalomyelopathy on the basis of an elevated HIV viral load in cerebrospinal fluid. After initiating ART, the brain lesions and paraplegia improved significantly, and interstitial abnormalities of the lungs and cough disappeared.

Conclusion

This report highlights that even in the post-ART era in developed countries with advanced healthcare services, HIV-associated vacuolar encephalomyelopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a progressive neurological disorder during the first visit. Furthermore, GLILD may represent an HIV-associated pulmonary manifestation that can be treated by ART.
Challenges and recommendations for mental health providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: the experience of China’s First University-based mental health team
Authors: Chen Shitao , Li Feihan , Lin Chaihua , Han Yuge , Nie Xilun , Portnoy Robert N. , Qiao Zhihong
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus Disease is impacting the entire world. As the first country that has needed to confront this disease, China has responded with unprecedented and hugely successful public health initiatives. Almost simultaneous with the awareness of the potential for widespread loss of life, the first Chinese university recognizing the likely psychological impacts of COVID-19, assembled the first university-based professional team to offer pandemic-related mental health services to the Chinese public. This paper describes the work that we provided and the challenges encountered. The challenges are described in four contexts: the organizational/systemic level, the technical perspective, the therapeutic process, and the ethical aspects. We also provide recommendations on what we can do in the short term, and future improvements that can be made.
Single versus dual orthogonal plating for comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures: a biomechanics study
Authors: Boyce Glenn N. , Philpott Andrew J. , Ackland David C. , Ek Eugene T.
Published: July 2020

Background

Dual orthogonal plating of clavicle fractures may provide greater stiffness and strength than unilateral plate constructs and allow the use of lower-profile plates. We aim to biomechanically compare three clavicle plating constructs in a comminuted clavicle fracture model.

Method

Fifteen clavicle sawbones were osteotomised, simulating a comminuted midshaft fracture and allocated to either: group 1, single superior plate (3.5 mm superior plate); group 2, combination plating (3.5 mm superior plate, 2.8 mm anterior plate) and group 3, dual mini-plates (two 2.8-mm orthogonal mini-plates). Specimens were biomechanically tested under torsion and cantilever bending. Construct stiffness (Nm/degree) and load to failure (Nm) were measured.

Results

Group 2 had higher torsional (0.70 vs. 0.60 Nm/deg, p = 0.017) and cantilever bending stiffness (0.61 vs. 0.51 Nm/deg, p = 0.025) than group 1. Group 3 had lower cantilever bending stiffness (0.39 vs. 0.51 Nm/deg, p < 0.004) and load to failure (40.87 vs. 54.84 Nm, p < 0.01) than group 1. All dual plate constructs that catastrophically failed did so from fracture at the lateral ends of the plates. Single plate constructs failed due to plate bending.

Conclusion

Dual orthogonal fixation with mini-plates demonstrated lower stiffness and strength than traditional superior plating. The addition of an anterior mini-plate to a traditional superior plating improved construct stiffness and may have a role in patients seeking early return to activity.

Level of evidence

Basic science biomechanical study
Effect of dietary myo-inositol supplementation on the insulin resistance and the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Asimakopoulos George , Pergialiotis Vasilios , Anastasiou Eleni , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Theodora Mariana , Vogiatzi Evangelia , Kallergi Aggela , Sindos Michael , Loutradis Dimitrios , Daskalakis George
Published: July 2020

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as impaired glucose tolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy, which is characterized by an increased insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with pregnancy-related maternal and fetal morbidity (both antenatal and perinatal).

Myo-inositol has been suggested to improve insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of myo-inositol supplementation during pregnancy on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We will conduct a single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial. A total of 160 healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancy at 11–13+6 weeks of gestation will be randomly allocated in two groups: intervention group (N = 80) and control group (N = 80). The intervention group will receive myo-inositol and folic acid (4000 mg myo-inositol and 400 mcg folic acid daily) from 11 to 13+6 weeks of gestation until 26–28 weeks of gestation, while the control group will receive folic acid alone (400 mcg folic acid daily) for the same period of time as intervention group. The primary outcome will be gestational diabetes incidence rate at 26–28 weeks of gestation, according to the results of a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test held at 26–28 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcomes will include fasting blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin levels, insulin resistance level (evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and Matsuda Index), and incidence rate of diet-treated gestational diabetes and diabetes requiring insulin therapy at 26–28 weeks of gestation.

Discussion

This trial will provide evidence for the effectiveness of myo-inositol supplementation during pregnancy in reducing the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN16142533. Registered on 9 March 2017.
Entrepreneurial orientation, competitive advantage, and SMEs’ performance: application of firm growth and personal wealth measures
Authors: Kiyabo Kibeshi , Isaga Nsubili
Published: July 2020

SMEs’ performance can be measured using various indicators. Guided by the resource-based view, this study aimed at determining the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on SMEs’ performance under the mediation of competitive advantage using firm growth and personal wealth measures. Entrepreneurial orientation was adopted as an intangible resource in form of processes. A survey method with cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 300 owners-managers of welding industry SMEs located in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Morogoro urban centers in Tanzania. By the aid of AMOS software, data analysis comprised of developing measurement and structural models using structural equation modeling technique. Sample data were then bootstrapped using 200 samples to determine the indirect effect of entrepreneurial orientation on SMEs’ performance through competitive advantage. Findings from this study inform that competitive advantage mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs’ performance for both firm growth and personal wealth performance measures. This study has contributed to existing literature by providing evidence on use of personal wealth as measures of SMEs’ performance. The findings of the study imply that the resource-based view is suitable in describing not only physical resources but also intangible resources such as entrepreneurial orientation. Future studies may investigate the influence of more constructs such as learning orientation on SMEs’ performance under the mediation of competitive advantage using the same firm growth and personal wealth performance measures. Such studies will establish whether the findings of this study are specific to entrepreneurial orientation construct or applicable to other constructs as well.
Structure-guided engineering of a Thermobifida fusca cutinase for enhanced hydrolysis on natural polyester substrate
Authors: Dong Qilei , Yuan Shuguang , Wu Lian , Su Lingqia , Zhao Qiaoling , Wu Jing , Huang Weixue , Zhou Jiahai
Published: July 2020

Cutinases could degrade insoluble polyester, including natural cutin and synthetic plastic. However, their turnover efficiency for polyester remains too low for industrial application. Herein, we report the 1.54-Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of a cutinase from Thermobifida fusca and modeling structure in complex with a cutin mimic oligo-polyester C24H42O8. These efforts subsequently guided our design of cutinase variants with less bulky residues in the vicinity of the substrate binding site. The L90A and I213A variants exhibit increased hydrolysis activity (5- and 2.4-fold, respectively) toward cutin and also showed enhanced cotton scouring efficiency compared with the wild-type enzyme.
Influence of the condition of pullout holes on the surrounding ground
Authors: Kuwahara Shuichi , Inazumi Shinya , Jotisankasa Apiniti , Chaiprakaikeow Susit
Published: July 2020

In recent years, removal work of existing piles has been increasing, and many pulling-out methods for existing piles are being applied. As for the present situation, there is concern that the physical characteristics of the ground will deteriorate due to the holes that remain after pulling out the existing piles (pullout holes). In addition, the filler to be injected into these pullout holes has not yet been specified and the influence of the physical properties of the filler on the surrounding ground has not been elucidated. In this study, therefore, the authors evaluated the influence of pullout holes on the static physical characteristics of the ground by elasto-plastic analysis using a three-dimensional static FEM. As a result, the settlement of the ground surface was seen to increase as the number of pullout holes increased, but it was obvious that the region of the surrounding ground influenced by the settlement does not depend on the number of pullout holes. The authors also clarified that the strength characteristics of the filler injected into the pullout holes do not cause local settlement of the surrounding ground and that it is important to perform reliable filling to the bottom of the pullout holes.
Large surgically resected leiomyosarcoma of the liver: a case report
Authors: Maeda Takashi , Yugawa Kyohei , Kinjo Nao , Imai Daisuke , Sanefuji Kensaku , Kawata Koto , Ikeda Shinichiro , Edahiro Keitaro , Takeishi Kazuki , Iguchi Tomohiro , Harada Noboru , Ninomiya Mizuki , Yamaguchi Shohei , Konishi Kozo , Tsutsui Shinichi , Matsuda Hiroyuki
Published: July 2020

Background

Primary hepatic leiomyosarcoma (PHL) is an extremely rare type of tumor. We herein report a case of a large surgically resected leiomyosarcoma of the liver.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old man with a feeling of epigastric compression was referred for examination of an abdominal mass. He had no history of liver disease or alcohol abuse. Liver function tests indicated Child-Pugh class A. Tumor markers were negative. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a relatively well-contrasted 12 × 11 × 8 cm tumor with well-defined boundary replacing the lateral segment of the liver alongside multiple intrahepatic metastases. Several nodules up to 12 mm were found in both lungs, suggestive of metastasis. SUVmax of the liver mass and lung tumor in positron emission tomography were 10.4 and 1.5, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma was primarily suspected. Lateral segmentectomy of the liver was performed to confirm diagnosis and prevent tumor rupture. Macroscopically, the lateral segment of the liver had been replaced by a lobular or multinodular tumor with a maximum diameter of 15 cm. In pathological findings, the tumor consisted of bundle-like proliferation of complicated banding spindle-like cells with clear cytoplasm, accompanied by storiform pattern and compressed blood vessels. Nuclear fission images were observed in 8/10 HPF. Partial necrosis was present, with associated venous invasion and intrahepatic metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining for tumor cells revealed desmin, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and h-caldesmon were all positive, informing a final diagnosis of PHL. The postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on the 12th postoperative day.

Conclusions

PHL is a rare malignant disease with relatively poor prognosis. To confirm a diagnosis of PHL, immunohistochemical analysis as well as histopathological findings is important. The preferred treatment is surgical resection, sometimes in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Further studies are needed to elucidate and better understand this uncommon clinical entity.
GeomDiff — an algorithm for differential geospatial vector data comparison
Authors: Sveen Atle Frenvik
Published: July 2020

Diffs, a concept known from source code version control systems such as git, is interesting for geospatial, event-based workflows. We investigate how the native mathematical structure of vector geometries can be utilized in order to create a diffing algorithm tailored to geospatial vector data. Diffing algorithms are a well-researched area which dates to the 1970ies; however, we find that geospatial diffing operations tends to be carried out using generic algorithms combined with a pre- and post-processing step. We created GeomDiff, an algorithm and storage format tailored to geospatial vector data. The creation time, apply/undo time, and patch size of GeomDiff was compared to three other generic algorithms by running an online experiment using 2.5 million real-world geometry pairs from OpenStreetMap. We found that the GeomDiff algorithm performs better than or on-par with the alternatives on point-geometries, and complex geometries with a small (< 500) vertex count. We argue that there are both computation time and storage space improvements to be gained by using a tailored diffing algorithm for geospatial vector data. These promising first results encourages further refinement of the algorithm in order to handle complex geometries efficiently as well.
Abdominal extranodal lymphoma detection: positron emission tomography/computed tomography can help
Authors: Abdelmohsen Mohsen Ahmed , Omar Walid Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Background

Lymphoid neoplasms that present with masses are broadly referred to as lymphomas, and they can be classified to two main groups: Hodgkin’s (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL); they are mainly characterized by enlargement of lymph nodes (nodal disease) although any organ in the body can be involved in different settings of the disease (extranodal disease). Adequate staging, which has a direct impact on prognosis, is essential to properly plan therapy. Stage IV disease with extranodal dissemination should be treated by long-term systemic chemotherapy.

By adding the metabolic changes to the conventional CT morphologic changes, combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) may offer clinically useful addition in staging of lymphomas and detection of extranodal lesions.

Results

The study included thirty nine patients, with forty-eight extranodal sites with lymphomatous infiltration, twenty-four males (61.5%), and fifteen females (38.4%). The patients showed forty-eight extranodal abdominal lymphomatous infiltration.

The study included twelve gastric lymphomatous lesions (25%), twelve splenic lymphomatous lesion (25%), three ileo-caecal lymphomatous lesions (6.25%), three patients (6.25%) with skin infiltration, three adrenal lymphomatous lesions (6.25%), three patients with hepatic lymphoma, and twelve bone marrow infiltrations (25%).

The most accurate SUV max cutoff value among studied cases was 3.5, the highest SUV max value noted was 21 in gastric lesions, and the lowest SUV max noted was 4.1 in adrenal lesions.

Confirmation of PET/CT results was done by histopathological assessment and post-management follow-up.

Conclusion

PET/CT study is an effective tool for evaluation of extranodal lymphomas. PET/CT fusion images can affect the clinical management plan by detection of extranodal lymphomas with lymphoma staging modification.
Hormonal Regulation of Autophagy in Thyroid PCCL3 Cells and the Thyroids of Male Mice
Authors: Kurashige Tomomi , Nakajima Yasuyo , Shimamura Mika , Yamada Masanobu , Nagayama Yuji
Published: July 2020

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process by which cells degrade intracellular proteins and organelles in the lysosomes and recycle their metabolites. We have recently demonstrated the crucial role for the basal level of autophagic activity in thyrocyte survival and homeostasis using the thyroid-specific autophagy knockout mice. Here, we first studied hormonal regulation of autophagy in thyrocytes in vitro using a rat thyroid cell line PCCl3 and in vivo with mice. In cultured PCCl3 cells, thyroxine decreased microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) puncta (a component of autophagosome) and increased p62 (an autophagy substrate) levels, showing thyroxine-suppression of autophagy. In contrast, TSH increased both LC3 puncta and p62 levels, but at the same time stabilized p62 protein by inhibiting p62 degradation, indicating TSH induction of autophagy. Our experiments with various inhibitors identified that both the cAMP-protein kinase (PK) A-cAMP response element binding protein/ERK and PKC signaling pathways regulates positively autophagic activity. The in vivo results obtained with wild-type mice treated with methimazole and perchlorate or thyroxine were consistent with in vitro results. Next, in thyroid-specific autophagy knockout mice treated with methimazole and perchlorate (that is, mice were placed under a stressed condition where enhanced autophagy was required) for 2 months, lower follicle sizes and lower thyroglobulin contents in thyrocytes were observed, suggesting impaired thyroglobulin production presumably from insufficient nutrient supply. We therefore conclude that TSH positively regulates autophagic activity through the cAMP-PKA-cAMP response element binding protein/ERK and PKC signaling pathways, whereas thyroid hormones inhibit its activity in thyrocytes. Metabolites produced by autophagy appear to be necessary for protein synthesis stimulated by TSH.
Ultrasensitive Serum Estradiol Measurement by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Postmenopausal Women and Mice
Authors: Handelsman David J , Gibson Emma , Davis Susan , Golebiowski Blanka , Walters Kirsty A , Desai Reena
Published: July 2020

Accurate measurement of very low circulating estradiol (E2) (<5 pg/ml) in postmenopausal women and in mice is essential to investigating sex steroid action in target tissues. However, direct immunoassays are too inaccurate and conventional mass spectrometry-based measurement too insensitive at these serum E2 levels. We report application of an ultrasensitive method using a novel estrogen-selective derivatization in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure serum E2, with a detection limit of 0.25 pg/ml in small (0.2 ml) serum volumes that can quantify serum E2 in 98% and serum E1 in 100% of healthy postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment of postmenopausal women with breast cancer further reduces serum E2 by 85% and serum estrone (E1) by 80%. The wide scatter of circulating E2 in AI-treated women suggests that the degree of sustained E2 depletion, now quantifiable, may be an efficacy or safety biomarker of adjuvant AI treatment. This ultrasensitive method can also measure serum E2 in most (65%) female but not in any male mice. Further studies are warranted using this and comparable ultrasensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry estrogen measurements to investigate the relationship of circulating E2 (and E1) in male, postmenopausal female, and childhood health where accurate quantification of serum estrogens was not previously feasible. This will focus on the direct impact of estrogens as well as the indirect effects of androgen aromatization on reproductive, bone, and brain tissues and, notably, the efficacy and safety of AIs in adjuvant breast cancer treatment.
The New Man in Spanish American Essay and Literature at the Turn of the 19th and 20th Century
Authors: Pluta Nina
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to show how the “New Man” was defined in different literary and political conceptions that abounded in Spanish American culture at the turn of the 19th and 20th century. Although both Americas were perceived through the stereotype of newness from the very beginning of the colonial era, it is at the end of the 19th century when the necessity to integrate the extremely heteregenous Spanish American societies brought forth a variety of renewal propositions. Focused on the spiritual or economic aspects of a given social or ethnic group (the elites, implicitly white, for Rodó or the working classes, mostly Indian, for the Indigenistas), those conceptions were not able to provide overall solutions for the Spanish American republics, struggling with a deepening neocolonial dependency. Nevertheless, many tendencies and formulas defined in that period – idealistic or politically subversive – have survived through the 20th century and resurfaced in new forms (e.g. the nuevo hombre bolivariano in Venezuela at the beginning of 21st century).
PRESENÇA PATERNA E CONSTRUÇÃO DA ILUSÃO DE UNIDADE A PARTIR DAS TEORIAS DE FREUD E WINNICOTT
Authors: Pinheiro Nadja Nara Barbosa
Published: July 2020

Resumo: O artigo objetiva demonstrar que Winnicott destaca, em um de seus últimos textos, a importância da presença paterna nos momentos mais arcaicos de construção subjetiva ao inserir a sensação de ilusão de unidade que sustenta o processo de diferenciação entre o bebê e sua mãe em prol do alcance da individuação pessoal. Para tal, apresenta os elementos clínicos que indicaram a Freud a necessidade de elaboração do conceito de pulsão sexual, o qual indica que tanto pulsão quanto objeto, a princípio, se mostram marcados pelas parcialidades. Debruça-se sobre a proposta winnicottiana de deslocar o início do exercício da função paterna do momento edípico para os primórdios do desenvolvimento emocional e propor que a presença do Pai produz efeitos significativos tanto sobre a mãe (apoiando-a em suas tarefas diárias) quanto sobre o bebê, apresentando-se como primeiro objeto total que pode ser usado como matriz para a construção da ilusão de unidade pessoal, capaz de ultrapassar as parcialidades pulsionais.Palavras-chave: Presença Paterna. Individuação. Winnicott. Abstract: The article aims to demonstrate the thesis that Winnicott highlights, in one of his last texts, the importance of the paternal presence in the most archaic moments of subjective construction by inserting the feeling of illusion of unity that sustains the process of differentiation between the baby and his mother in favor of reaching personal individuation. To this end, it presents the clinical elements that indicated Freud the need to elaborate the concept of sexual drive, which indicates that both drive and object, at first, are marked by partialities. It focuses on the theory postulated by Winnicott which, shifting the beginning of the exercise of the paternal function from the oedipal moment to the beginnings of emotional development. The theory proposes that the presence of the Father produces significant effects on mother ‘s mental register (supporting her in their daily tasks) and on baby’s emotional state, by presenting him as the first total object which can be used as a matrix for the construction of the illusion of personal unity and capable of overcoming the instinctual partialities.
Pensamento crítico e as estratégias de ensino para docentes do curso de graduação em enfermagem
Authors: Rufino Cleide Gonçalo , Viana Ligia De Oliveira , Menezes Harlon França de , Dutra Eva Jordana de Oliveira , Valente Geilsa Soraia Cavalcante , Silva Richardson Augusto Rosendo da
Published: July 2020

Objetivos: analisar a percepção dos docentes do curso de Graduação em Enfermagem acerca do desenvolvimento do pensamento crítico dos alunos, a partir da utilização de estratégias de ensino e suas implicações no processo ensino aprendizagem. Método: estudo exploratório, descritivo, de cunho qualitativo. Participaram da pesquisa 16 docentes de um Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem e Obstetrícia. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado e categorizados pela técnica de análise temática, sendo aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: Evidenciaram-se três categorias, que são: pensamento crítico como interpretação subjetiva, estratégias de ensino utilizadas pelos docentes no curso de graduação em enfermagem, e, desafios e facilidades para o desenvolvimento do pensamento crítico no curso de graduação em enfermagem. Conclusão: os docentes mantiveram opiniões positivas e pontuaram que o pensamento crítico é construído ao longo da vida do ser humano, sendo considerado inerente à construção das suas habilidades e capacidades profissionais.
Comparing self-categorisation approaches to measuring gender identity
Authors: Gidengil Elisabeth , Stolle Dietlind
Published: July 2020

This article compares two different measures of gender identity. Drawing on an online survey conducted with a representative sample of Americans that included both a single bipolar scale and separate masculinity and femininity scales, we compare how the same people respond depending on how gender identity is measured. The results of validation tests suggest that a single bipolar scale performs just as well in differentiating among those with sex-typical gender identities but separate masculinity and femininity scales are needed for studies investigating the political behaviour and preferences of those with sex-atypical identities.
Utilization of image phase information to achieve super-sampling
Authors: Caron James N.
Published: July 2020

For image phase-based super-sampling, an image sequence consisting of slightly displaced frames is up-sampled, aligned, and averaged into a single larger image that possesses image resolution exceeding the limitations of the imaging system. This process obtains a significant portion of high-resolution phase information and models the missing magnitude using deconvolution or reconstruction algorithms. Three simulations are presented in which a 32-frame sequence with the size 256 by 256 pixels is processed to create a single 4096 by 4096 pixel image with pixel level resolution. An empirical test was also conducted showing resolution beyond the digital sampling resolution limit of the camera.
Finite-key analysis for twin-field quantum key distribution based on generalized operator dominance condition
Authors: Wang Rui-Qiang , Yin Zhen-Qiang , Lu Feng-Yu , Wang Rong , Wang Shuang , Chen Wei , Huang Wei , Xu Bing-Jie , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu
Published: July 2020

Quantum key distribution (QKD) can help two distant peers to share secret key bits, whose security is guaranteed by the law of physics. In practice, the secret key rate of a QKD protocol is always lowered with the increasing of channel distance, which severely limits the applications of QKD. Recently, twin-field (TF) QKD has been proposed and intensively studied, since it can beat the rate-distance limit and greatly increase the achievable distance of QKD. Remarkalebly, K. Maeda et. al. proposed a simple finite-key analysis for TF-QKD based on operator dominance condition. Although they showed that their method is sufficient to beat the rate-distance limit, their operator dominance condition is not general, i.e. it can be only applied in three decoy states scenarios, which implies that its key rate cannot be increased by introducing more decoy states, and also cannot reach the asymptotic bound even in case of preparing infinite decoy states and optical pulses. Here, to bridge this gap, we propose an improved finite-key analysis of TF-QKD through devising new operator dominance condition. We show that by adding the number of decoy states, the secret key rate can be furtherly improved and approach the asymptotic bound. Our theory can be directly used in TF-QKD experiment to obtain higher secret key rate. Our results can be directly used in experiments to obtain higher key rates.