bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bipolar offspring and mothers: interactional challenges at infant age 3 and 12 months—a developmental pathway to enhanced risk?
Authors: Anke Teija M. S. , Slinning Kari , Moe Vibeke , Brunborg Cathrine , Siqveland Torill S. , Skjelstad Dag Vegard
Published: August 2020

Background

Bipolar offspring are considered a high-risk group for developing mental disorders. Developmental outcomes result from additive and interactive effects of biological vulnerability and environmental influences. Mother–infant interactions represent important early environmental influences that may modify infants’ risk of mental disorders. The aim of the current prospective study was to investigate the patterns and development of mother–infant interactions in the first year of life in dyads in which the mothers have bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods

Twenty-six dyads in which the mothers had BD and 28 dyads in which the mothers had no mental disorder were video-taped in a free play interaction. The Parent–Child Early Relational Assessment (PCERA) was used to assess the quality of the interactions on three domains (maternal behaviour, infant behaviour and dyadic coordination) at 3 and 12 months of infant age. First, we compared the mother–infant interaction patterns between the two groups at 12 months. Second, we investigated how the patterns developed within and between the groups from infant ages 3 to 12 months.

Results

BD dyads demonstrated significantly more challenges in all three interaction domains at infant age 12 months compared to the healthy dyads. This observation was in line with the findings at infant age 3 months. Subdued expression of positive affect and mutual underinvolvement represented core challenges in maternal and infant behaviours in the BD dyads. Continuous difficulties with dyadic coordination and reciprocity were the most concerning interaction behaviours at 3 and 12 months. On the positive side, there was little expression of negative affect or tension in maternal, infant and dyadic behaviour, and some positive changes in infant behaviour from 3 to 12 months.

Conclusions

The current results suggest that challenges in mother–infant interaction patterns in the first year of life may enhance the developmental risk for bipolar offspring. Clinical interventions should address both the BD mothers’ needs in relation to postpartum mood deviations and mother–infant interactions. We suggest interaction interventions to promote dyadic coordination and reciprocity, such as helping mothers being more sensitive to their infant’s cues and to provide attuned contingent responses.
Coping strategies among Iranian children with experience of Sarpol-e-Zahab earthquake: factor structure of children’s Coping Strategies Checklist-revision1 (CCSC-R1)
Authors: Dehghan Manshadi Zobeydeh , Neshat Doost Hamid Taher , Talebi Hooshang , Vostanis Panos
Published: August 2020

Background

Stress-related situations play a significant role in children’s lives and result in different reaction in children. Among various methods of evaluating the stressful environment of children, 54-item Children’s Coping Strategies Checklist-Revision1 (CCSC-R1) has been developed as one of the most powerful tools for assessing different aspects of coping in children. The purpose of the present study is to find the psychometric properties of Persian CCSC-R1 and to identify the coping strategies used by Iranian children.

Method

Subjects included 401 female students aged between 9 and 13 who were subjected to the Sarpol-e-Zahab earthquake (in Northeast of Iran). Construct and convergence validities were examined with confirmatory factor analysis and correlated with Children’s Coping Behavior Questionnaire (CCBQ). Reliability was obtained by internal consistency. Using repeated analysis of variance, the status of coping strategies in children were achieved.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit to the four-factor structure, active coping, distracting action/distraction, avoidance, and support seeking strategies. The results also demonstrated that there was a strong relationship between four-factors of CCSC-R1 including their subscales and CCBQ. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha) for the four dimensions were in the range of 0.76 to 0.88. The findings also showed that Iranian children use active coping, especially optimism, more than other strategies in order to deal with their stressful situations.

Conclusions

It is concluded that CCSC-R1 is a valid and reliable instrument which could be employed for Iranian children. Furthermore, in the face of traumatic events, Iranian children acted same as people in individualistic cultures.
A randomized controlled trial comparing parent child interaction therapy - toddler, circle of security– parenting™ and waitlist controls in the treatment of disruptive behaviors for children aged 14–24 months: study protocol
Authors: Kohlhoff Jane , Cibralic Sara , Wallace Nancy , Morgan Susan , McMahon Cathy , Hawkins Erinn , Eapen Valsamma , Briggs Nancy , Huber Anna , McNeil Cheryl
Published: August 2020

Background

It is common for toddlers to display disruptive behaviors (e.g., tantrums, aggression, irritability) but when these become severe and persistent they can be the start of a trajectory towards poor outcomes in childhood and adolescence. Parent Child Interaction Therapy - Toddler is an intervention model designed to meet the specific developmental needs of toddlers aged 12–24 months presenting with disruptive behaviors.

Methods

This study will use a randomized controlled design to evaluate the efficacy of the Parent Child Interaction Therapy - Toddler intervention for children aged 14–24 months with disruptive behaviors. Ninety toddlers with parent-reported disruptive behavior will be randomly allocated to either Parent Child Interaction Therapy - Toddler, Circle of Security– Parenting™ or a waitlist control group. Key parenting capacity outcome variables will include positive and negative parenting, parenting sensitivity, parental sense of competence in managing negative toddler emotions, parent sense of caregiving helplessness, parent mentalizing about the child, parent emotion regulation, child abuse potential and parental stress. Key outcome variables for children will include child social-emotional functioning (initiative, relationship functioning, self-regulation), child emotion regulation, child attachment security, and child behavior.

Discussion

Delivered in the early intervention period of toddlerhood, Parent Child Interaction Therapy - Toddler has the potential to bring about significant and lasting changes for children presenting with early onset behavioral issues.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), 12618001554257. Registered 24 September 2018 – retrospectively registered.
The blood-brain barrier is disrupted in Machado-Joseph disease/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: evidence from transgenic mice and human post-mortem samples
Authors: Duarte Lobo Diana , Nobre Rui Jorge , Oliveira Miranda Catarina , Pereira Dina , Castelhano João , Sereno José , Koeppen Arnulf , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Pereira de Almeida Luís
Published: August 2020

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases. However, BBB integrity has not been assessed in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) such as Machado-Joseph disease/SCA type 3 (MJD/SCA3), a genetic disorder, triggered by polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3. To investigate that, BBB integrity was evaluated in a transgenic mouse model of MJD and in human post-mortem brain tissues.

Firstly, we investigated the BBB permeability in MJD mice by: i) assessing the extravasation of the Evans blue (EB) dye and blood-borne proteins (e.g fibrinogen) in the cerebellum by immunofluorescence, and ii) in vivo Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI). The presence of ataxin-3 aggregates in brain blood vessels and the levels of tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins were also explored by immunofluorescence and western blotting. Human brain samples were used to confirm BBB permeability by evaluating fibrinogen extravasation, co-localization of ataxin-3 aggregates with brain blood vessels and neuroinflammation.

In the cerebellum of the mouse model of MJD, there was a 5-fold increase in EB accumulation when compared to age-matched controls. Moreover, vascular permeability displayed a 13-fold increase demonstrated by DCE-MRI. These results were validated by the 2-fold increase in fibrinogen extravasation in transgenic animals comparing to controls. Interestingly, mutant ataxin-3 aggregates were detected in cerebellar blood vessels of transgenic mice, accompanied by alterations of TJ-associated proteins in cerebellar endothelial cells, namely a 29% decrease in claudin-5 oligomers and a 10-fold increase in an occludin cleavage fragment. These results were validated in post-mortem brain samples from MJD patients as we detected fibrinogen extravasation across BBB, the presence of ataxin-3 aggregates in blood vessels and associated microgliosis.

Altogether, our results prove BBB impairment in MJD/SCA3. These findings contribute for a better understanding of the disease mechanisms and opens the opportunity to treat MJD with medicinal products that in normal conditions would not cross the BBB.
Increased levels of Stress-inducible phosphoprotein-1 accelerates amyloid-β deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lackie Rachel E. , Marques-Lopes Jose , Ostapchenko Valeriy G. , Good Sarah , Choy Wing-Yiu , van Oosten-Hawle Patricija , Pasternak Stephen H. , Prado Vania F. , Prado Marco A. M.
Published: August 2020

Molecular chaperones and co-chaperones, which are part of the protein quality control machinery, have been shown to regulate distinct aspects of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathology in multiple ways. Notably, the co-chaperone STI1, which presents increased levels in AD, can protect mammalian neurons from amyloid-β toxicity in vitro and reduced STI1 levels worsen Aβ toxicity in C. elegans. However, whether increased STI1 levels can protect neurons in vivo remains unknown. We determined that overexpression of STI1 and/or Hsp90 protected C. elegans expressing Aβ(3–42) against Aβ-mediated paralysis. Mammalian neurons were also protected by elevated levels of endogenous STI1 in vitro, and this effect was mainly due to extracellular STI1. Surprisingly, in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD, by overexpressing STI1, we find increased amyloid burden, which amplifies neurotoxicity and worsens spatial memory deficits in these mutants. Increased levels of STI1 disturbed the expression of Aβ-regulating enzymes (BACE1 and MMP-2), suggesting potential mechanisms by which amyloid burden is increased in mice. Notably, we observed that STI1 accumulates in dense-core AD plaques in both 5xFAD mice and human brain tissue. Our findings suggest that elevated levels of STI1 contribute to Aβ accumulation, and that STI1 is deposited in AD plaques in mice and humans. We conclude that despite the protective effects of STI1 in C. elegans and in mammalian cultured neurons, in vivo, the predominant effect of elevated STI1 is deleterious in AD.
Is there a relationship between malocclusion and bullying? A systematic review
Authors: Tristão Sylvia Karla P. C. , Magno Marcela B. , Pintor Andréa Vaz Braga , Christovam Ilana F. O. , Ferreira Daniele Masterson T. P. , Maia Lucianne Cople , de Souza Ivete Pomarico Ribeiro
Published: August 2020

Background

Malocclusion is a highly prevalent public health problem, and several studies have shown its negative correlation with quality of life, self-esteem, and social perceptions. However, its association with bullying is still controversial.

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between malocclusion and bullying in children and adolescents.

Search methods

The databases used for the electronic researches were PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs/BBO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Grey literature was reviewed through Open Grey literature with no language or date restrictions. Selection criteria, based on the PECO strategy, were considered eligible observational studies that included schoolchildren or adolescents (P) with malocclusion (E), compared to those with normal occlusion (C), in which the relationship between malocclusion and bullying was determined (O).

Data collection and analysis

Risk of bias evaluation was made for the qualitative synthesis by the Fowkes and Fulton criteria. Data regarding the age of participants and types of malocclusion and of bullying were extracted among other reported data. The quality of the evidence analyzed was evaluated through the GRADE approach.

Results

From 2744 articles identified in databases, nine met the eligibility criteria and were included in present systematic review, of which two studies were judged with methodological soundness. The quality of the evidence was classified as very low due to very serious problems for “risk of bias” and “other considerations” and serious problems of “indirectness”. The age of participants ranged from 9 to 34 years considering a cohort study, with a bullying recalling perspective. Malocclusion was both evaluated by researchers and self-reported by participants addressing dentofacial characteristics mostly related to the incisors relationship. All studies evaluated the verbal type of bullying, while 3 also considered physical type. Both types were reported as related to malocclusion, although the results showed that extreme maxillary overjet (> 4 mm, > 6 mm, > 9 mm), extreme deep overbite, and having space between anterior teeth or missing teeth were the types of malocclusion with the strongest relations to bullying.

Conclusions

With very low certainty of evidence, the results of this systematic review suggest that conspicuous extreme malocclusion may be related to the occurrence of bullying among children and adolescents.
Investigation of the effects of P1 on HC-pro-mediated gene silencing suppression through genetics and omics approaches
Authors: Hu Sin-Fen , Wei Wei-Lun , Hong Syuan-Fei , Fang Ru-Ying , Wu Hsin-Yi , Lin Pin-Chun , Sanobar Neda , Wang Hsin-Ping , Sulistio Margo , Wu Chun-Ta , Lo Hsiao-Feng , Lin Shih-Shun
Published: August 2020

Background

Posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is one of the most important mechanisms for plants during viral infection. However, viruses have also developed viral suppressors to negatively control PTGS by inhibiting microRNA (miRNA) and short-interfering RNA (siRNA) regulation in plants. The first identified viral suppressor, P1/HC-Pro, is a fusion protein that was translated from potyviral RNA. Upon infecting plants, the P1 protein itself is released from HC-Pro by the self-cleaving activity of P1. P1 has an unknown function in enhancing HC-Pro-mediated PTGS suppression. We performed proteomics to identify P1-interacting proteins. We also performed transcriptomics that were generated from Col-0 and various P1/HC-Pro-related transgenic plants to identify novel genes. The results showed several novel genes were identified through the comparative network analysis that might be involved in P1/HC-Pro-mediated PTGS suppression.

Results

First, we demonstrated that P1 enhances HC-Pro function and that the mechanism might work through P1 binding to VERNALIZATION INDEPENDENCE 3/SUPERKILLER 8 (VIP3/SKI8), a subunit of the exosome, to interfere with the 5′-fragment of the PTGS-cleaved RNA degradation product. Second, the AGO1 was specifically posttranslationally degraded in transgenic Arabidopsis expressing P1/HC-Pro of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) (P1/HCTu plant). Third, the comparative network highlighted potentially critical genes in PTGS, including miRNA targets, calcium signaling, hormone (JA, ET, and ABA) signaling, and defense response.

Conclusion

Through these genetic and omics approaches, we revealed an overall perspective to identify many critical genes involved in PTGS. These new findings significantly impact in our understanding of P1/HC-Pro-mediated PTGS suppression.
Group based emotion recognition from video sequence with hybrid optimization based recurrent fuzzy neural network
Authors: Sreenivas Velagapudi , Namdeo Varsha , Kumar E. Vijay
Published: August 2020

Group-based emotion recognition (GER) is an interesting topic in both security and social area. In this paper, a GER with hybrid optimization based recurrent fuzzy neural network is proposed which is from video sequence. In our work, by utilizing the Neural Network the emotion recognition (ER) is performed from group of people. Initially, original video frames are taken as input and pre-process it from multi user video data. From this pre-processed image, the feature extraction is done by Multivariate Local Texture Pattern (MLTP), gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), and Local Energy based Shape Histogram (LESH). After extracting the features, certain features are selected using Modified Sea-lion optimization algorithm process. Finally, recurrent fuzzy neural network (RFNN) classifier based Social Ski-Driver (SSD) optimization algorithm is proposed for classification process, SSD is used for updating the weights in the RFNN. Python platform is utilized to implement this work and the performance of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, recall and precision is evaluated with some existing techniques. The proposed method accuracy is 99.16%, recall is 99.33%, precision is 99%, sensitivity is 99.93% and specificity is 99% when compared with other deep learning techniques our proposed method attains good result.
Traditional food knowledge of Indonesia: a new high-quality food dataset and automatic recognition system
Authors: Wibisono Ari , Wisesa Hanif Arief , Rahmadhani Zulia Putri , Fahira Puteri Khatya , Mursanto Petrus , Jatmiko Wisnu
Published: August 2020

Traditional food knowledge (TFK) is an essential aspect of human life. In terms of sociocultural aspects, TFK is necessary to protect ancestral culture. In terms of health, traditional foods contain better and more natural ingredients compared to the ingredients of processed foods. Considering this background, in this study, data acquisition and automatic food recognition were performed for traditional food in Indonesia. The food images were captured in a professional mini studio. The food image data were captured under the same light intensity, camera settings, and shooting distance from the camera. The parameters were precisely measured and configured with a light intensity meter, adjustable lighting, and a laser distance measurement device. The data of 1644 traditional food images were successfully obtained in the data acquisition process. These images corresponded to 34 types of traditional foods, and 30–50 images were obtained for each type of food. The size of the raw food image data was 53 GB. The data were divided into sets for training, testing, and validation. An automatic recognition system was developed to classify the traditional food of Indonesia. Training was performed using several types of convolutional neural network (CNN) models such as Densenet121, Resnet50, InceptionV3, and Nasnetmobile. The evaluation results indicated that when using a high quality dataset, the automatic recognition system could realize satisfactory area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) and high accuracy, precision, and recall values of more than 0.95.
Association between a history of depression and anti-müllerian hormone among late-reproductive aged women: the Harvard study of moods and cycles
Authors: Golenbock Samuel W. , Wise Lauren A. , Lambert-Messerlian Geralyn M. , Eklund Elizabeth E. , Harlow Bernard L.
Published: August 2020

Background

There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between a history of depression and risk of early menopause. In a cohort of premenopausal women, we investigated the association between depression history and ovarian reserve, as measured by anti-müllerian hormone (AMH).

Methods

The Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles (HSMC) was a prospective cohort study of women living in the Boston, MA metropolitan-area (1995–1999). Women aged 36–45 years at cohort entry (1995) were sampled from seven Boston metropolitan-area communities using census directories. We measured serum AMH in early-follicular phase venous blood specimens from 141 women with a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID)-confirmed history of depression and 228 without such a history. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) for the association between characteristics of depression history and low AMH (≤1.4 ng/mL), adjusting for several potential confounders.

Results

The prevalence of low AMH was similar among depressed (57.5%) and non-depressed (57.9%) women (Adjusted [Adj] PR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.08). Among depressed women, results were not appreciably different among those who had ever used antidepressants and those with comorbid anxiety. Modest inverse associations between depression and low AMH were seen among women aged 36–40 years (Adj PR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.52, 1.09) and nulliparous women (Adj PR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.00). No dose-response association with greater duration or length of depressive symptoms was observed.

Conclusions

Overall, the prevalence of low AMH was similar for depressed and non-depressed women 36–45 years of age. Surprisingly, among younger and nulliparous women, those with a history of depression had a slightly reduced prevalence of low AMH relative to those without such a history. These results do not indicate reduced ovarian reserve among women with a history of depression.
AbobotulinumtoxinA using 2-mL dilution (500 U/2-mL) maintains durable improvement across multiple treatment cycles
Authors: Dashtipour Khashayar , Wietek Stefan , Rubin Bruce , Maisonobe Pascal , Bahroo Laxman , Trosch Richard
Published: August 2020

Background

Cervical dystonia (CD), the most common focal dystonia, is a chronic neurological movement disorder characterized by sustained involuntary contractions of the neck muscles, leading to abnormal postures. AbobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) was approved in the US initially as a 500 U per 1-mL dilution and subsequently, as a 500 U/2-mL dilution (or 250 U/mL), thereby providing clinicians with more flexible dosing options to better meet individual patient needs. The objective of this open-label extension study was to evaluate the longer term safety and efficacy of repeat treatments with aboBoNT-A using 2-mL dilutions in adults with cervical dystonia.

Methods

Patients (N = 112) from a 12-week, double-blind lead-in study (NCT01753310) received up to three additional treatments of aboBoNT-A, with re-treatment every 12–16 weeks based on clinical judgment. Safety was assessed through treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) total and subscale scores were measured at day 1 of each treatment cycle (C), 4 weeks after each treatment, and 12 weeks after the third treatment. Descriptive statistics were used for all analyses.

Results

In cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, 35.7, 25.9, 30.2, and 22.8% of patients reported TEAEs. Dysphagia, muscular weakness, and neck pain were each reported by 10.7% of patients, over the full study duration. Mean TWSTRS total score decreased from 37.7 (SD 13.6 [C1, day 1]) to 30.1 (SD 12.8 [C3, week 12]). In each cycle, TWSTRS total and subscale scores decreased from day 1 to week 4 and increased between weeks 4 and 12, though the week 12 scores remained lower than day 1 scores.

Conclusion

Extended treatment of cervical dystonia with aboBoNT-A (up to 3 additional treatment cycles) using a 2-mL dilution is effective, with a positive risk-benefit profile.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01753336. Registered 17 Dec 2012.
Endoscopic observation of the palisade vessels in Killian–Jamieson diverticulum was useful for diagnosis and surgical treatment: a case report
Authors: Kurahashi Yasunori , Hojo Yudai , Nakamura Tatsuro , Kumamoto Tsutomu , Nakanishi Yasutaka , Ishida Yoshinori , Shinohara Hisashi
Published: August 2020

Background

Killian–Jamieson diverticulum is a rare pharyngoesophageal diverticulum that arises below the cricopharyngeus muscle. Unlike the most common Zenker’s diverticulum, which requires cricopharyngeal and esophageal myotomy, diverticulectomy is sufficient for surgical treatment of Killian–Jamieson diverticulum. Thus, accurate preoperative diagnosis is indispensable for avoiding unnecessarily invasive surgery. Here, we report a case of Killian–Jamieson diverticulum in which endoscopic observation of the palisade vessels was useful for diagnosis and intraoperative endoscopy was effective in guiding surgical resection.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old woman complained of pharyngeal discomfort and increased coughing and was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of a pharyngoesophageal diverticulum. Contrast esophagography and cervical computed tomography revealed a diverticulum measuring 3 cm in diameter on the left side of the cervix. The diverticulum was identified by endoscopy just below the palisade vessels, which represents the level of the upper esophageal sphincter, and was diagnosed as Killian–Jamieson diverticulum. She underwent diverticulectomy without cricopharyngeal and esophageal myotomy. After exposing the diverticulum under light from the endoscope and washing out the food residue inside endoscopically, the diverticulum was resected using the endoscope as a bougie so as not to narrow the esophagus. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she remains asymptomatic without recurrence or stenosis at 6 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Endoscopic observation of the palisade vessels in addition to esophagography can help diagnose Killian–Jamieson diverticulum and determine the optimal surgical procedure. Diverticulectomy can be performed intentionally and safely with the aid of intraoperative endoscopy.
Using meta-analysis of technique and timing to optimize corrective feedback for specific grammatical features
Authors: Schenck Andrew
Published: August 2020

Grammar varies in semantic, morphosyntactic, and phonological complexity, which may influence what type of Corrective Feedback (CF) is effective. The present study was designed to investigate the best form of CF for each grammatical feature, in conjunction with associated variables such as learner proficiency level and L1 influence. Fifteen studies, all of which had English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners with a Korean L1 and productive measures of speech or writing, were selected for study. Results suggest that grammatical features which are very similar to the L1 may benefit more from implicit reformulations (recasts). Explicit CF (direct and metalinguistic feedback) appears more useful for semantically and syntactically complex features such as the English article and past hypothetical conditional. Finally, research of proficiency level suggests that timely emphasis of specific grammatical features is needed in order for CF to be effective.
3D human pose estimation model using location-maps for distorted and disconnected images by a wearable omnidirectional camera
Authors: Miura Teppei , Sako Shinji
Published: August 2020

We address a 3D human pose estimation for equirectangular images taken by a wearable omnidirectional camera. The equirectangular image is distorted because the omnidirectional camera is attached closely in front of a person’s neck. Furthermore, some parts of the body are disconnected on the image; for instance, when a hand goes out to an edge of the image, the hand comes in from another edge. The distortion and disconnection of images make 3D pose estimation challenging. To overcome this difficulty, we introduce the location-maps method proposed by Mehta et al.; however, the method was used to estimate 3D human poses only for regular images without distortion and disconnection. We focus on a characteristic of the location-maps that can extend 2D joint locations to 3D positions with respect to 2D-3D consistency without considering kinematic model restrictions and optical properties. In addition, we collect a new dataset that is composed of equirectangular images and synchronized 3D joint positions for training and evaluation. We validate the location-maps’ capability to estimate 3D human poses for distorted and disconnected images. We propose a new location-maps-based model by replacing the backbone network with a state-of-the-art 2D human pose estimation model (HRNet). Our model is a simpler architecture than the reference model proposed by Mehta et al. Nevertheless, our model indicates better performance with respect to accuracy and computation complexity. Finally, we analyze the location-maps method from two perspectives: the map variance and the map scale. Therefore, some location-maps characteristics are revealed that (1) the map variance affects robustness to extend 2D joint locations to 3D positions for the 2D estimation error, and (2) the 3D position accuracy is related to the 2D locations relative accuracy to the map scale.
Changes in serum concentration of rilpivirine in an HIV-infected patient treated with a combination therapy of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Oshiro Nanako , Kohagura Kentaro , Tsuneyoshi Shoji , Tateyama Masao , Zamami Ryo , Uehara Hitoshi , Fujita Jiro , Ohya Yusuke
Published: August 2020

Background

To our knowledge, there are no preexisting reports concerning rilpivirine (RPV) removal by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Case presentation

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis on plasma concentrations of RPV in a 45-year-old man infected with HIV and exhibiting end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The extraction ratio of RPV by hemodialysis was 4.5%. Plasma concentrations of RPV remained far above the protein-binding-adjusted inhibitory levels during a combination therapy of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Our results suggest minimal RPV removal via hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis with no specific dosage adjustments required in an HIV-infected patient undergoing this combination therapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study showed that RPV administered without dose adjustment resulted in steady-state plasma drug concentration in an HIV-infected patient treated with a combination therapy of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Windswept deformities of the knee are challenging to manage
Authors: Babu Suresh , Vaish Abhishek , Vaishya Raju
Published: August 2020

Background

Little has been published about TKA in windswept deformities of the knees where combined varus and valgus deformities present in the same patient. Windswept deformities present with unique problems and must be addressed as two halves of a complex entity. Through this review we aim to understand the interrelation between the deformities, examine outcomes following simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty in windswept deformities, and develop an algorithm for the management of windswept deformities by total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

An extensive online literature search for the keywords yielded 31 articles on which we based our review. Articles were analyzed in context to our research questions and are presented in a tabular format for quick reference and a better perspective.

Results

The abnormal biomechanics and force moment of the knee cause progressive arthritis of the knee. The valgus deformity usually precedes a varus deformity on the contralateral knee in windswept deformities. Correct restoration of mechanical tibiofemoral angles by individualizing valgus correction angles have better outcomes after TKA.

Conclusion

A well-planned and judiciously executed simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement can offer distinct advantages to the patient and surgeon and provides optimum utilization of time and resources in the management of windswept knees.
Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes among hospitalized heart failure patients across different regions of Egypt
Authors: Hassanin Ahmed , Hassanein Mahmoud , Bendary Ahmed , Maksoud Madiha Abdel
Published: August 2020

Background

Regional level data on hospitalized heart failure (HHF) patients in Egypt is scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of HHF patients from four distinct geographical regions of Egypt.

Results

Study participants were part of the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long Term (ESC-HF-LT) Registry, which enrolled patients from April 2011 to February 2014. A total of 1661 HHF patients from Egypt were enrolled, of whom 1645 were eligible for analysis: 914 from Alexandria, 249 from Cairo, 409 from the Delta region, and 73 from Upper Egypt.

The mean age ranged from 52.2 to 62.8 years and differed significantly between the 4 groups (P < 0.01). Females represented one-third of the cohort (P = 0.5 between groups). The prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension also varied significantly across the groups (P < 0.01). The most common etiology of heart failure (HF) was ischemic heart disease. HF with reduced systolic function was the leading type of HF in the 4 groups (P = 0.6). The most common valvular abnormality in all regions was mitral regurgitation. For patients with prior history of HF, community-acquired infection was the most common reason for a HF exacerbation in all 4 groups.

In-hospital mortality ranged from 2.9 to 7.7% in the 4 groups (P = 0.06). Only Alexandria and Delta groups provided reliable 1-year follow-up data, given low patient retention in Cairo and Upper Egypt groups. At one-year, 32% of patients from Alexandria compared to 22.6% from Delta were re-hospitalized for HF (P < 0.01). Mortality at 1 year was also significantly higher in Alexandria compared to Delta, 31.8 vs 13.2% respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

HHF patients from different geographic regions of Egypt differed significantly in their demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Those differences underscore the importance of region-specific HF prevention and management strategies.
Prevalence and predictors of burnout syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in nursing staff in various departments
Authors: Hamed Rania A. , Abd Elaziz Shaimaa Y. , Ahmed Amani S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Hospital settings are a highly challenging work environment because of the increased demands of most of the works assigned to do, changes in the everyday routine of work, unreasonable expectations of patients and their relatives, and serious legal and death problems. Nurses experience stress due to work exhaustion that makes them vulnerable to many psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in nursing group and their possible risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 181 nurses working at Al Zahraa University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; the sociodemographic characteristics and occupational data were collected and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Davidson Trauma Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Proactive Coping Inventory were completed.

Results

Psychiatric symptoms were prevalent among nurses, 79% were positive for depression and 64.6% were positive for anxiety. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was 19.9%, while 87.8% of nurses were positive for burnout syndrome and had symptoms for at least one of the 3 types of burnout syndrome: 73.5% for emotional exhaustion, 61.9% for depersonalization, and 68.5% for personal accomplishment. Eighty-six percent of nurses who had post-traumatic stress disorder were also positive for burnout syndrome. ICU nurses had 100% emotional exhaustion symptoms compared with other departments; lack of use of different coping approach towards stressors at work and work experience was risk factors of burnout syndrome.

Conclusion

Burnout syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety were common in a wide group of nurses; the development of health educational program for nurses about different coping strategies to face stressors and conflicts at work is mandatory.
Thyroid Hormone Induces DNA Demethylation in Xenopus Tadpole Brain
Authors: Raj Samhitha , Kyono Yasuhiro , Sifuentes Christopher J , Arellanes-Licea Elvira del Carmen , Subramani Arasakumar , Denver Robert J
Published: August 2020

Thyroid hormone (T3) plays pivotal roles in vertebrate development, acting via nuclear T3 receptors (TRs) that regulate gene transcription by promoting post-translational modifications to histones. Methylation of cytosine residues in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) also modulates gene transcription, and our recent finding of predominant DNA demethylation in the brain of Xenopus tadpoles at metamorphosis, a T3-dependent developmental process, caused us to hypothesize that T3 induces these changes in vivo. Treatment of premetamorphic tadpoles with T3 for 24 or 48 hours increased immunoreactivity in several brain regions for the DNA demethylation intermediates 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) and 5-carboxylcytosine, and the methylcytosine dioxygenase ten-eleven translocation 3 (TET3). Thyroid hormone treatment induced locus-specific DNA demethylation in proximity to known T3 response elements within the DNA methyltransferase 3a and Krüppel-like factor 9 genes, analyzed by 5-hmC immunoprecipitation and methylation sensitive restriction enzyme digest. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that T3 induced TET3 recruitment to these loci. Furthermore, the messenger ribonucleic acid for several genes encoding DNA demethylation enzymes were induced by T3 in a time-dependent manner in tadpole brain. A TR ChIP-sequencing experiment identified putative TR binding sites at several of these genes, and we provide multiple lines of evidence to support that tet2 contains a bona fide T3 response element. Our findings show that T3 can promote DNA demethylation in developing tadpole brain, in part by promoting TET3 recruitment to discrete genomic regions, and by inducing genes that encode DNA demethylation enzymes.
Investigating the NPY/AgRP/GABA to GnRH Neuron Circuit in Prenatally Androgenized PCOS-Like Mice
Authors: Marshall Christopher J , Prescott Melanie , Campbell Rebecca E
Published: August 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common form of anovulatory infertility, is associated with altered signaling within the hormone-sensitive neuronal network that regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, leading to a pathological increase in GnRH secretion. Circuit remodeling is evident between GABAergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) and GnRH neurons in a murine model of PCOS. One-third of ARN GABA neurons co-express neuropeptide Y (NPY), which has a known yet complex role in regulating GnRH neurons and reproductive function. Here, we investigated whether the NPY-expressing subpopulation (NPYARN) of ARN GABA neurons (GABAARN) is also affected in prenatally androgenized (PNA) PCOS-like NPYARN reporter mice [Agouti-related protein (AgRP)-Cre;τGFP]. PCOS-like mice and controls were generated by exposure to di-hydrotestosterone or vehicle (VEH) in late gestation. τGFP-expressing NPYARN neuron fiber appositions with GnRH neurons and gonadal steroid hormone receptor expression in τGFP-expressing NPYARN neurons were assessed using confocal microscopy. Although GnRH neurons received abundant close contacts from τGFP-expressing NPYARN neuron fibers, the number and density of putative inputs was not affected by prenatal androgen excess. NPYARN neurons did not co-express progesterone receptor or estrogen receptor α in either PNA or VEH mice. However, the proportion of NPYARN neurons co-expressing the androgen receptor was significantly elevated in PNA mice. Therefore, NPYARN neurons are not remodeled by prenatal androgen excess like the wider GABAARN population, indicating GABA-to-GnRH neuron circuit remodeling occurs in a presently unidentified non-NPY/AgRP population of GABAARN neurons. NPYARN neurons do, however, show independent changes in the form of elevated androgen sensitivity.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest in a Patient With Myxedema Coma and COVID-19
Authors: Dixit Neal M , Truong Katie P , Rabadia Soniya V , Li David , Srivastava Pratyaksh K , Mosaferi Tina , Calfon Press Marcella A , Donangelo Ines , Kelesidis Theodoros
Published: August 2020

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with significant lung and cardiac morbidity but there is a limited understanding of the endocrine manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although thyrotoxicosis due to subacute thyroiditis has been reported in COVID-19, it is unknown whether SARS-CoV-2 infection can also lead to decompensated hypothyroidism. We present the first case of myxedema coma (MC) in COVID-19 and we discuss how SARS-CoV-2 may have precipitated multiorgan damage and sudden cardiac arrest in our patient.

A 69-year-old woman with a history of small cell lung cancer presented with hypothermia, hypotension, decreased respiratory rate, and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 5. The patient was intubated and administered vasopressors. Laboratory investigation showed elevated thyrotropin, very low free thyroxine, elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody, and markedly elevated inflammatory markers. SARS-CoV-2 test was positive. Computed tomography showed pulmonary embolism and peripheral ground-glass opacities in the lungs. The patient was diagnosed with myxedema coma with concomitant COVID-19. While treatment with intravenous hydrocortisone and levothyroxine were begun the patient developed a junctional escape rhythm. Eight minutes later, the patient became pulseless and was eventually resuscitated. Echocardiogram following the arrest showed evidence of right heart dysfunction. She died 2 days later of multiorgan failure. This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 infection with MC. Sudden cardiac arrest likely resulted from the presence of viral pneumonia, cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary emboli, and MC—all of which were associated with the patient’s SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Ecology of Binwa a Western Himalayan Hill Stream in relation to Water Quality
Authors: Jindal Rajender , Singh Devender
Published: August 2020

Binwa is a perennial hill stream of the Western Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh. During the present investigation, four observation sites based on altitudinal differences were selected, i.e., Kharli(S1), Baijnath (S2), near Chobin (S3), and Triveni (S4) and water samples were analyzed for physico-chemical and biological parameters for one year (Mar.2011-Feb.2012). Water temperature, water current, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, T.D.S., electric conductivity, total Hardness, phosphate, and nitrate had played an essential role in determining the variations in planktonic and macroinvertebrate fauna of the stream.Species diversity indices such as Simpson, Shannon and Wiener, and Margalef’s diversity index of macroinvertebrates were worked out for all the observation sites. Based on the comparison of physico-chemical parameters of water samples with different standards prescribed for drinking water, water quality index for four stations calculated. Similarly, EPT taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) measured, and EPT index computed. The water quality of the stream deteriorates downstream from head to mouth due to different types of anthropogenic interferences. The findings revealed that stream has no pollution at S1, while it is oligotrophic from S2 to S3 and meso-oligotrophic at S4.
The Impact of Regional Policy and Population Growth on Environmental Kuznets Curve for Agricultural Sector in Indonesia: A Provincial Dynamic Panel Data Analysis.
Authors: Prastiyo Slamet Eko , Irham Irham , Hardyastuti Suhatmini , Jamhari Jamhari
Published: August 2020

The present study was undertaken to record the diversity of Balapur pond of the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh with special reference to vertebrates and angiosperms. The Balapur pond was surveyed in detail once in a month for a period of one year from January 2018 to December 2018. The survey reflects a rich and flourishing biodiversity of the pond studied including 40 chordate species and 38 species of angiosperms. The notable chordate diversity includes 12 species of fishes, 2 species of amphibians, 7 species of reptiles, 11 species of birds and 8 species of mammals. Besides, several species of annelids, crabs, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, ants, termites, lobsters, snails, other gastropods, planktons, algae, bryophytes and pteridophytes have also been observed.
Bioaccumulation Kinetics and Bio Concentration Factors of Few Polychlorinated Biphenyls: A Study on Freshwater Fish Puntius ticto
Authors: Bhagade Advait
Published: August 2020

The present work aims to understand the bioaccumulation kinetics and bioconcentration factors (BCF) of the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) PCB 126 and PCB 169 in tissues of fish Puntius ticto. A continuous fed system was used to carry out the study. Bioconcentration in the tissues of the fish has been summarised using a first order uptake model. Fish were exposed to the PCBs continuously for a period of 30 days and this exposure has been used to calculate the steady state of BCF. The gill tissue of P. ticto showed a maximum rate of bioaccumulation of 30.61 μg g-1 wet weight for PCB 169 and 19.91 μg g-1 wet weight for PCB 126 respectively. In this study, the regression coefficients (R2), were found to vary between 0.736 and 0.97. This is indicative of a good to high correlation between the PCB concentration and exposure time. Prediction of the Octanol water partition coefficient (Kow) has been carried out to demonstrate the hydrophobic property of PCB compounds and their attraction towards lipid. The actual calculated BCF values have been used to predict the Kow values. Results indicate that it is possible to correlate the Kow values with both the lipid content of the tissue and the exposure time, in case of either PCB, and that the burden of PCB differs from one tissue to another.
College English Language Teaching Reform and Key Factors Determining EFL Teachers’ Professional Development
Authors: Zhiyong Sun , Muthukrishnan Priyadarshini , Sidhu Gurnam Kaur
Published: August 2020

Owing to the rapid expansion and development of newly upgraded undergraduate colleges and universities in China, the Ministry of Education implemented the College English Language Teaching Reform (CELTR) to improve College English language teaching and learning at higher institutions. This reform aims to improve the quality of teaching and learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The present study aims to identify potential factors influencing the EFL teachers’ professional development in the context of the College English language curriculum reform in mainland China. In total, 92 EFL college teachers from a newly upgraded university located in Nanyang City, Central China participated in this study, and data were collected using a survey questionnaire. Overall, the findings indicate that the EFL teachers’ professional development improved during the implementation process of CELTR and the potential factors that contributed to their professional development were teachers’ understanding, self-reflection, and teaching practice.