bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of common mental health disorders in adults who are high or costly users of healthcare services: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jadhakhan Ferozkhan , Lindner Oana C , Blakemore Amy , Guthrie Elspeth
Published: September 2019

Introduction

In all healthcare settings, a small proportion of patients account for a large level of healthcare use and associated high healthcare costs. Depression and anxiety are common co-morbidities in patients who are high users of care. The aims of this systematic review are to: (1) estimate the prevalence of anxiety/depression in adults who are high users of general physical healthcare services and/or who accrue high healthcare costs (2) estimate the magnitude of healthcare use associated with the presence of anxiety/depression.

Methods and analysis

This review will include any studies where patients are high users of primary, secondary or emergency healthcare services and/or accrue high healthcare costs. This is the first systematic review to focus on patients who are over the age of 18, whose degree of anxiety/depression has been evaluated with a standardised questionnaire or by a clinical interview generating a diagnosis according to international diagnostic criteria. The review will include eligible studies indexed in Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Library from inception to 1 April 2019. We will estimate the prevalence of anxiety/depression in these populations and the magnitude of use associated with anxiety/depression across various general physical healthcare settings. We will provide a narrative description of findings and factors that may influence them. A meta-analysis may be pursued if the degree of heterogeneity across studies is acceptable.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will use data from existing studies, hence no ethical approvals are required. Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed publication and at relevant academic meetings.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO CRD42018102628.
Healthcare under siege: a qualitative study of health-worker responses to targeting and besiegement in Syria
Authors: Fardousi Nasser , Douedari Yazan , Howard Natasha
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To explore health-worker perspectives on security, improving safety, managing constrained resources and handling mass casualties during besiegement in Syria.

Design

A qualitative study using semi-structured key informant interviews, conducted remotely over WhatsApp and Skype, and analysed thematically using inductive coding.

Setting

Secondary and tertiary health facilities affected by besiegement in Aleppo (from July to December 2016) and Rural Damascus (from August 2013 to February 2018).

Participants

Twenty-one male Syrian health-workers and service-users who had experienced besiegement and targeting of their health facilities.

Results

Participants described four related challenges of: (i) conflict-related responses, particularly responding to mass casualties; (ii) targeted attack responses, particularly preventing/surviving facility bombings; (iii) besiegement responses, particularly mitigating severe resource constraints; and (iv) chronic risk responses, particularly maintaining emotional resilience. Mass casualty response involved triage and training to prioritise mortality reduction and available resources, for example those with greatest need and likelihood of survival. Targeting response was largely physical, including fortification, working underground, reducing visibility and services dispersal. Besiegement response required resource conservation, for example, controlling consumption, reusing consumables, low-technology equipment, finding alternative supply routes, stockpiling and strengthening available human resources through online trainings and establishing a medical school in Ghouta. Risk responses included managing safety worries, finding value in work and maintaining hope.

Conclusion

Besieged health-workers were most affected by severe resource constraints and safety concerns while responding to overwhelming mass casualty events. Lessons for targeting/besiegement planning include training staff and preparing for: (i) mass casualties, through local/online health-worker training in triage, emergency response and resource conservation; allowing task-shifting; and providing access to low-technology equipment; (ii) attacks, through strengthened facility security, for example, protection and deterrence through fortification, working underground and reducing visibility; and (iii) besiegement, through ensuring access to internet, electricity and low-technology/reusable equipment; securely stockpiling fuel, medicines and supplies; and establishing alternative supply routes.
Integration of traditional and complementary medicine into medical school curricula: a survey among medical students in Makerere University, Uganda
Authors: Mwaka Amos Deogratius , Tusabe Gersave , Garimoi Christopher Orach , Vohra Sunita , Ibingira Charles
Published: September 2019

Objective

To describe the disposition and sociodemographic characteristics of medical students associated with inclusion of traditional and complementary medicine in medical school curricula in Uganda.

Design

A cross-sectional study conducted during May 2017. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. Disposition to include principles of traditional and complementary medicine into medical school curricula was determined as proportion and associated factors determined through multivariate logistic regression.

Participants and setting

Medical students in their second to fifth years at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda. Makerere University is the oldest public university in the East African region.

Results

393 of 395 participants responded. About 60% (192/325) of participants recommended inclusion of traditional and complementary medicine principles into medical school curricula in Uganda. The disposition to include traditional and complementary medicine into medical school curricula was not associated with sex, age group or region of origin of the students. However, compared with the second year students, the third (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.66) and fifth (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.93) year students were significantly less likely to recommend inclusion of traditional and complementary medicine into the medical school curricula. Participants who hold positive attributes and believe in effectiveness of traditional and complementary medicine were statistically significantly more likely to recommend inclusion into the medical school curricula in Uganda.

Conclusions

Inclusion of principles of traditional and complementary medicine into medical school curricula to increase knowledge, inform practice and research, and moderate attitudes of physicians towards traditional medicine practice is acceptable by medical students at Makerere University. These findings can inform review of medical schools’ curricula in Uganda.
Propofol for palliative sedation
Authors: Sulistio Merlina , Wojnar Robert , Michael Natasha G
Published: September 2019

Palliative sedation is the intentional use of sedatives to manage refractory symptom(s), such as pain and/or terminal restlessness. This case report describes the successful use of propofol, an ultra-fast-acting anaesthetic agent commonly used for anaesthesia induction and maintenance to manage refractory agitated delirium in an acute inpatient palliative medicine setting.
Declining blood lead levels among small-scale miners participating in a safer mining pilot programme in Nigeria
Authors: Gottesfeld Perry , Meltzer Gabriella , Costello Sadie , Greig Jane , Thurtle Natalie , Bil Karla , Mwangombe Benjamim Janeiro , Nota Manti Michael
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Our objective was to monitor blood lead levels (BLLs) of miners and ore processors participating in a pilot programme to reduce lead poisoning and take-home exposures from artisanal small-scale gold mining. A medical surveillance programme was established to assess exposures as new methods aimed at reducing lead exposures from ore were introduced in a community in Nigeria where children experienced substantial lead-related morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Extensive outreach and education were offered to miners, and investments were made to adopt wet methods to reduce exposures during mining and processing. We conducted medical surveillance, including a physical exam and repeated blood lead testing, for 61 miners selected from among several hundred who participated in the safer mining pilot programme and consented to testing. Venous blood lead concentrations were analysed using the LeadCare II device at approximately 3-month intervals over a period of 19 months.

Results

Overall geometric mean (GM) BLLs decreased by 32% from 31.6 to 21.5 µg/dL during the 19-month project. Women had a somewhat lower reduction in GM BLLs (23%) compared with men (36%). There was a statistically significant reduction in log BLLs from baseline to the final test taken by each participant (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The observed reductions in GM BLLs during the pilot intervention among this representative group of miners and ore processors demonstrated the effectiveness of the safer mining programme in this community. Such measures are feasible, cost-effective and can greatly improve health outcomes in mining communities.
J-shaped association between serum uric acid and acute coronary syndrome in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Shen Geng , Huang Jia-Yi , Yu Yu-Ling , Liu Lin , Chen Chao-Lei , Zhang Bin , Huang Yu-Qing , Feng Ying Qing
Published: September 2019

Background

The prognostic value of serum uric acid (SUA) for incident acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in hypertensive subjects is uncertain. Therefore, the present study examined the association between SUA and incident ACS in a large cohort of Chinese hypertensive adults.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study, which enrolled 5473 Chinese community-dwelling hypertensive patients from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012. Study outcomes were ACS events, and patients were followed until 31 December 2016. Cox regression analyses were conducted to determine adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for baseline SUA tertiles (low, middle and high group) and for men and women separately.

Results

A total of 5473 participants were included in the analysis (median follow-up was 4.5 years). Participants were divided into tertiles based on SUA levels. During follow-up, 9 (0.49%), 14 (0.77%) and 25 (1.37%) patients developed ACS in the lowest, middle and highest tertiles, respectively. When compared with the lowest tertile of SUA, the highest tertile of SUA was associated with ACS risk in all subjects and in men and women separately (HR: 2.62, 95% CI 1.14 to 7.01, p=0.0233; 2.15, 95% CI 1.08 to 6.04, p=0.021, and 3.49, 95% CI 1.25 to 7.74, p=0.017, respectively).

Conclusions

Higher SUA levels were independently associated with an elevated risk of ACS incidence. The relationship between SUA levels and ACS in hypertensive patients was J-shaped.
Valerie Ruth Pate
Authors: Scott‐Park Freda
Published: September 2019

A small animal vet who did not allow herself to be defined by a diagnosis of cancer. She will be remembered by colleagues as a caring vet, and a feisty and fun‐loving friend.
Responses of gut morphology, serum biochemistry, and quality of breast meat to water deprivation in broilers
Authors: Ndlela Sithembile Zenith , Moyo Mehluli , Mkwanazi Mbusiseni Vusumuzi , Chimonyo Michael
Published: September 2019

Responses of growth performance, gut morphology, blood biochemistry, and quality of breast meat to varying lengths of water deprivation were assessed. Ninety broilers were randomly allocated to water deprivation treatments, where water was either supplied ad libitum (0 h) or for 30 min at intervals of 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain (ADG) were estimated weekly. Six birds from each treatment were randomly slaughtered. The duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sectioned to determine gut morphology. Breast meat muscles (pectoralis major) were sampled to determine its physicochemical properties. There were linear decreases in ADG (P < 0.01) and ADFI (P < 0.05), crypt depth (P < 0.01) and crypt width (P < 0.05) in the jejunum, villus height (VH) (P < 0.01) and total mucosa thickness (P < 0.05) in the ileum, crude fat (P < 0.05), b*0 (yellowness at 0 h), a*24 (redness at 24 h), and L*24 (lightness at 24 h) (P < 0.01), and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (P < 0.05) with increases in length of water deprivation. Positive quadratic responses of VH in the duodenum (P < 0.01) and jejunum (P < 0.05) were observed after 7.6 and 19.4 h of water deprivation, respectively. Severe water deprivation periods reduced growth performance, but induced positive growth of VH, suggesting that broilers may adapt to water stress. The appropriate length of water deprivation was 7.64 h.
Rhus verniciflua and Eucommia ulmoides Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Enhancing Anti-Oxidation and AMPK Activation
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Lee Geum-Hwa , Yoon Young , Chae Han-Jung
Published: September 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disorder associated with features of metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress. We examined the mechanism by which the combined extracts of Rhus verniciflua and Eucommia ulmoides extracts (ILF-RE) regulate hepatic dyslipidemia in an established NAFLD model, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid dysmetabolism in rats. ILF-RE attenuated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 1.5% [Formula: see text], aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 1.5% [Formula: see text], triglycerides by 1.5% [Formula: see text], cholesterol by 2.0% [Formula: see text], and lipid peroxidation by 1.5% [Formula: see text] in the NAFLD model. ILF-RE, recently shown to have anti-oxidant properties, also inhibited hepatic ROS accumulation by 1.68% [Formula: see text] and regulated ER-redox imbalance, a key phenomenon of ER stress. Due to nutrient overload stress-associated protein folding, ER stress and downstream SREBP-lipogenic transcription signaling were highly activated, and the mTORC1-AMPK axis was also disturbed, leading to hepatic steatosis. ILF-RE results in recovery from hepatic conditions induced by nutrient-based protein folding stress signaling and the ER stress-SREBP and AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 axes. Based on these results, ILF-RE is suggested to be a potential therapeutic strategy for hepatic steatosis and may represent a promising novel agent for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
Effect of Dehydrocostus Lactone Isolated from the Roots of Aucklandia lappa on the Apoptosis of Endometriotic Cells and the Alternative Activation of Endometriosis-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Woo Jeong-Hwa , Ahn Ji-Hye , Jang Dae Sik , Choi Jung-Hye
Published: September 2019

The roots of Aucklandia lappa have been used in traditional medicine in Asia to treat inflammation and diseases associated with pain, including endometriosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-endometriotic effect of dehydrocostus lactone, an active compound in A. lappa roots, using human endometriotic cells and macrophages stimulated by these cells. Dehydrocostus lactone induced apoptotic cell death in 12Z human endometriotic cells. Dehydrocostus lactone stimulated the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9, while caspase inhibitors significantly reversed the dehydrocostus lactone-induced cell death in 12Z cells. In addition, dehydrocostus lactone decreased the production of PGE2 and neurotrophins (BDNF, NGF, NT3, and NT4/5), which are regarded as endometriosis-associated pain factors in human endometriotic cells. Moreover, dehydrocostus lactone inhibited the expression of M2 markers (CD206, and Trem-2), IL-10, VEGF, and MMP-2/-9 in endometriosis-associated macrophages (EAMs). Furthermore, dehydrocostus lactone inhibited the Akt and NF[Formula: see text]B pathways in both endometriotic cells and EAMs. Taken together, our findings suggest that dehydrocostus lactone, an active compound of A, lappa, has anti-endometriotic activities via induction of apoptosis and downregulation of pain factors in endometriotic cells and inhibition of the alternative activation of EAMs.
Effect of Dihydroartemisinin on Plasmodium NADH-Dependent Glutamate Synthase: The Implication in Malaria Management
Authors: Xu Wenhui , Wang Huajing , Tang Tian , Ma Ji , Cui Zhao , Li Lanfang , Guo Shuying , Zhou Yang , Jiang Tingliang , Li Canghai
Published: September 2019

Artemisinin and its analogues (ARTs) are currently the most effective anti-malarial drugs, but the precise mechanism of action is still highly controversial. Effects of ARTs on Plasmodium genes expression are studied in our Lab. The overexpression of an interesting amidotransferase, NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (NADH-GltS) was found in treated by dihydroartemisinin (DHA). The increased expression occurred not only from global transcriptomics analysis on the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) 3D7 and gene expression screening on all of iron-sulphur cluster proteins from [Formula: see text]. 3D7 in vitro but also from Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) ANKA in mice. Influence of DHA on NADH-GltS was specifically at trophozoite stage of P. falciparum and in a dose-dependent manner below the effective doses. L-glutamine (Gln) and L-glutamate (Glu) are the substrate and product of NADH-GltS respectively. Azaserine (Aza) is specific inhibitor for NADH-GltS. Experimental data showed that Glu levels were significantly decreasing with DHA dose increasing but NADH-GltS enzyme activities were still remained at higher levels in parasites, and appropriate amount of exogenous Glu could significantly reduce anti-malarial action of DHA but excessive amount lost the above effect. Aza alone could inhibit proliferation of P. falciparum and had an additive effect in combination with DHA. Those results could suggest that: Glutamate depletion is one of the anti-malarial actions of DHA; overexpression of NADH-GltS would be a feedback pattern of parasite itself due to glutamate depletion, but not a direct action of DHA; the “feedback pattern” is one of protective strategies of Plasmodium to interfere with the anti-malarial actions of DHA; and specific inhibitor for NADH-GltS as a new type of anti-malarial agents or new partner in ACT might provide a potential.
Enhancement of solar cell using two nanoparticles (Ag–Au)
Authors: AbuShaar Khoulud Kh. , Shabat Mohammed M. , El-Amassi Dena M. , Schaadt Daniel M.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, photovoltaics (PV)- or solar cells based on two types of nanoparticles have been investigated. The suggested four-layer solar cell model consists of metallic nanoparticle (Ag–Au) layers that are Si-based and covered by SiN. The transmission and reflection of the incident light on the structure model have been computed for different physical parameters of the structure. Higher transmission and lower reflections have been obtained leading to higher efficiency of the solar cells. The matrix model is used, and the numerical results obtained by MAPLE Software Program. The obtained results confirm that the nanoparticle solar cell structure can effectively enhance the efficiency of such structure model.
THE MODERATING ROLE OF CREATIVITY IN THE RELATION BETWEEN COLLABORATION AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: SCHMIDT SERJE , SCHREIBER DUSAN , PINHEIRO CRISTIANO MAX PEREIRA , BOHNENBERGER MARIA CRISTINA
Published: September 2019

Within the dynamic environment of the recent creative industries, collaboration performs a central role. The literature has consistently explored the interaction between creative professionals with three types of actors: (1) the clients or public; (2) co-workers and; (3) business agents. The relative importance of each actor in the face of creative activities, however, remains theoretically fragmented and empirically under-researched. Therefore, this study aims to address the following question: what is the role of creativity in the relation between the type of partner to which the collaborative efforts are directed and the performance factors? To answer that question, a quantitative study comparing university students in more creative-intensive and less creative-intensive occupations was performed. An exploratory structural equations modelling (SEM) was developed for that purpose. Performance factors of both groups seem to follow similar priorities. Their collaborative efforts, however, show different patterns, supporting the conclusion that creativity is indeed related to different collaboration strategies. Although collaboration with co-workers seems to be developed similarly between more creative and less creative professionals, that with clients and business agents showed different results.
INNOVATION PERFORMANCE OF THE FIRMS THAT HAVE COOPERATED WITH UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN SPAIN
Authors: LARA GIOVANNA , LLACH JOSEP , ARBUSSA ANNA
Published: September 2019

This study compares the innovation performance of the firms that have succeeded in developing product innovations in cooperation with universities with the performance of those that have done so in cooperation with research institutes. The performance of these two groups is further compared with the group of firms that have cooperated with other types of partners. The results show no differences between the innovation performance of the first two groups of firms, while the firms in these two groups outperformed those that have cooperated with other partners in introducing products that were new to the market. These results are maintained for both SMEs and large firms, although large firms are more likely to have cooperated with universities and research institutes. These results validate considering universities and research institutes as a joint category in empirical studies, and they distinguish cooperation with both types of institutions from cooperation with other partners.
How Did Poverty Reduction in China Contribute to the World? Viewing from the Implementation of the UN MDGs and SDGs
Authors: GAO Liangliang , MA Cuiping , ZENG Junxia , WANG Bin , LI Yue
Published: September 2019

Countries all over the world are highly concerned about poverty. Both the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations set ending poverty and hunger as their top priority. Whether in its own modernization drive or in the implementation of the United Nations’ MDGs and SDGs, the Chinese Government has always attached great importance to poverty issues, and actively explored measures to reduce poverty. This paper is designed to use relevant statistics to sum up China’s achievements and experience in implementing the MDGs so as to provide a policy basis for poverty reduction in China and beyond. This paper discovers that China’s achievements in poverty reduction involve four aspects: Eliminating hunger ahead of schedule, improving people’s nutritional status, enhancing food security and laying a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural development; China’s experience in poverty reduction includes the following: the government had paid high attention; economic development had served as the key to solve all problems; the development had been guided by planning and guaranteed by policies and regulations; the market mechanism had played its due role; emphasis had been placed on the pilot projects and step-by-step promotion strategy, as well as on development cooperation and experience exchanges. The Chinese Government had formulated specific plans to achieve the poverty reduction targets set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Besides, the Rural Revitalization Strategy proposed by the Chinese Government in 2017 has become the essential strategy to solve the poverty-related issues in China’s development.
Economic Development and China’s Urban Haze Pollution: Based on Spatial Correlation Networks
Authors: LIU Huajun , PEI Yanfeng
Published: September 2019

China’s urban haze pollution has manifested prominent regional characteristics and spatial interaction, and such spatial interaction has evolved into a spatial network-based structural form. By use of the 2014–2016 real-time monitoring data of 160 Chinese cities, the authors precisely identify the forms of spatial correlation networks, reveal their overall features and microscopic models, and then construct spatial network weights to conduct empirical tests on the relationship between haze pollution and economic development. Studies show that spatial correlation networks featuring compactness, connectivity and superposition have already come into being in China’s urban haze pollution. Cities within the spatial correlation networks of haze pollution are interconnected in a triangle model. In different spatial correlation networks, the Environmental Kuznets Curve of urban haze pollution shows different states. The spatial network of socio-economic correlation, rather than entirely natural correlation, is more suitable for the current situation of haze pollution, which is a forceful retort to the opinions of Reductionism and Natural Determinism. The conclusions indicate that to address China’s haze pollution, it is advisable to keep exploring and improving the inter-regional prevention and control mechanism within the framework of economic cooperation, step up the top-level design and public participation of haze governance, and further consolidate the achievements of Blue Sky Protection Campaign.
Feedback between synrift lithospheric extension, sedimentation and salt tectonics on wide, weak continental margins
Authors: Allen J. , Beaumont C. , Deptuck M. E.
Published: September 2019

Numerical modelling in 2D is used to explore interactions between synrift lithospheric extension, salt deposition and deformation, and pre- and post-salt sedimentation, for wide rifted margins with weak continental crust. Distributed aggrading synrift sedimentation enhances listric normal faulting of the sediments and crust in the mid and distal margin. In contrast, localized prograding sedimentation initiates a positive feedback between sedimentation, faulting and mid- to lower-crustal flow. This feedback causes localized crustal extension at the proximal margin, and leads to thick sediments in deep proximal basins. The feedback is more pronounced when more sediment is deposited, and does not develop in models with stronger, narrower rifted margins. Later initiation of the post-salt prograding sediments leads to a less pronounced feedback with lower-crustal flow and a more significant advancement of the prograding wedge over the salt body. We compare our model results with the rifted Nova Scotia Atlantic margin, contrasting margin evolution and salt tectonics between the northeastern region, which experienced significant post-salt synrift sedimentation, and the central region, where less post-salt sediment was deposited. We show that the northeastern margin may have experienced enhanced proximal graben development owing to prograding synrift sedimentation.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Mechanics of salt systems: state of the field in numerical methods collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/mechanics-of-salt-systems
New Exact and Heuristic Algorithms for Graph Automorphism Group and Graph Isomorphism
Authors: Stoichev Stoicho D.
Published: September 2019

We describe five new algorithms, named Vsep. Four of them are for the graph automorphism group and the fifth one is for finding an isomorphism between two graphs. All nonequivalent terminal nodes-discrete partitions of the search tree are stored. This is the main difference of the exact version with the known algorithms for graph automorphism group. A new strategy is used in the exact algorithm: if during its execution the computed stabilizer orbits and order get wrong values, then the algorithm continues from a new starting point losing some of the results determined so far. The new starting point is such that the results are correct. The proposed algorithms have been tested on well-known benchmark graphs and compared with three of the most competitive known tools. The results show that for some graph families the exact Vsep algorithm outperforms these algorithms, and vice-versa for some of the others. None of the tested algorithms outperform others in all cases. The heuristic versions use reduced search trees. They are almost exact and are faster than the exact one with very rare exceptions. They are applied mainly for regular graphs. The heuristic algorithms are a new choice for the user. The experiments show that the running times of Vsep algorithms have a slight dependence on vertex labeling.
Immersed Methods for Fluid–Structure Interaction
Authors: Griffith Boyce E. , Patankar Neelesh A.
Published: September 2019

Fluid–structure interaction is ubiquitous in nature and occurs at all biological scales. Immersed methods provide mathematical and computational frameworks for modeling fluid–structure systems. These methods, which typically use an Eulerian description of the fluid and a Lagrangian description of the structure, can treat thin immersed boundaries and volumetric bodies, and they can model structures that are flexible or rigid or that move with prescribed deformational kinematics. Immersed formulations do not require body-fitted discretizations and thereby avoid the frequent grid regeneration that can otherwise be required for models involving large deformations and displacements. This article reviews immersed methods for both elastic structures and structures with prescribed kinematics. It considers formulations using integral operators to connect the Eulerian and Lagrangian frames and methods that directly apply jump conditions along fluid–structure interfaces. Benchmark problems demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods, and selected applications at Reynolds numbers up to approximately 20,000 highlight their impact in biological and biomedical modeling and simulation.
The Nutritional Ecology of Marine Apex Predators
Authors: Machovsky-Capuska Gabriel E. , Raubenheimer David
Published: September 2019

Apex predators play pivotal roles in marine ecosystems, mediated principally through diet and nutrition. Yet, compared with terrestrial animals, the nutritional ecology of marine predators is poorly understood. One reason is that the field has adhered to an approach that evaluates diet principally in terms of energy gain. Studies in terrestrial systems, by contrast, increasingly adopt a multidimensional approach, the nutritional geometry framework, that distinguishes specific nutrients and calories. We provide evidence that a nutritional approach is likewise relevant to marine apex predators, then demonstrate how nutritional geometry can characterize the nutrient and energy content of marine prey. Next, we show how this framework can be used to reconceptualize ecological interactions via the ecological niche concept, and close with a consideration of its application to problems in marine predator research.
The syringe potentiometer: a low-cost device for pneumotachograph calibration
Authors: Cross Troy J. , Kelley Eli F. , Hardy Tim A. , Isautier Jennifer M. J. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this report was to 1) detail the construction of a low-cost device that provides a “reference” flow waveform for pneumotachograph (PNT) calibration, i.e., the “syringe potentiometer” (SP), and to compare the 2) accuracy and 3) practical performance of “calibration curves” obtained with the SP device to other more established methods of PNT calibration, i.e., the weighted averaging (WA) and polynomial least-squares (PolyLS) methods. Volume and flow waveforms obtained via the SP device were validated against a motion capture system and were deemed accurate surrogates of actual syringe volume and flows. The SP device was used to construct a calibration curve of a PNT by dividing the flow waveform of the SP by the analog output of the PNT amplifier. A total of 187 inspiratory and 187 expiratory strokes were collected. When the entire data set of expiratory strokes was used, the SP, WA, and PolyLS methods together demonstrated acceptable volume and flow errors as per American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society recommendations (less than ±3.5% and less than ±5.0% errors, respectively). The “practical” performance of each method was assessed with a nested subsampling procedure, whereby volume and flow errors were evaluated as the number of strokes was increased (in blocks of 5 strokes). To this end, the SP method demonstrated practical performance superior to that of the WA and PolyLS approaches, whereby acceptable volume and flow errors were achieved after only 5 calibration strokes; the WA and PolyLS methods required 15 and 20 strokes, respectively, to achieve the same level of volume and flow accuracy.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This report describes the construction and validation of a low-cost device for the purposes of pneumotachograph (PNT) calibration: the “syringe potentiometer” (SP). Calibration of a PNT with the SP device yielded acceptable volume and flow errors (<3.5% and 5%, respectively) across a wide range of flows (<0.5 to 15 L/s). The SP device offered superior “practical performance” over other established PNT calibration methods, whereby acceptable volume and flow errors were achieved after only five calibration strokes.
The effects of moderate and high-intensity exercise on circulating markers of endothelial integrity and activation in young, healthy men
Authors: Sapp Ryan M. , Evans William S. , Eagan Lauren E. , Chesney Catalina A. , Zietowski Evelyn M. , Prior Steven J. , Ranadive Sushant M. , Hagberg James M.
Published: September 2019

Endothelial function typically exhibits a hormetic response to exercise. It is unknown whether endothelial damage occurs in response to acute exercise and could be a contributing mechanism. We sought to determine the effects of acute exercise on endothelial-derived circulating factors proposed to reflect endothelial integrity and activation. Young, healthy men ( n = 10) underwent 30-min moderate continuous (MOD) and high-intensity interval (HII) cycling exercise bouts. Venous blood samples were taken immediately before and after exercise for quantification of circulating endothelial cells (CECs), circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), apoptotic and activated endothelial microvesicles (EMVs), thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (vWF), syndecan-1, and circulating microRNAs (ci-miRs) 126–3p and 126–5p. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery before, 10 min after, and 60 min after exercise. Numbers of CECs and EMVs were unchanged by either exercise bout ( P > 0.05). Numbers of all measured CAC subtypes decreased in response to MOD (21%–34%, P < 0.05), whereas only CD31+/34+/45dim/−CACs decreased following HII (21%, P < 0.05). TM and syndecan-1 increased with both exercise intensities (both ~20%, P < 0.05). HII, but not MOD, increased vWF (88%, P < 0.001), ci-miR-126–3p (92%, P = 0.009) and ci-miR-126–5p (110%, P = 0.01). The changes in several circulating factors correlated with changes in FMD following either one or both intensities. Changes in circulating factors do not support the concept of exercise-induced endothelial cell denudation, apoptosis, or activation, though slight disruption of endothelial glycocalyx and membrane integrity may occur. A related loss of mechanotransduction along with mechanisms underlying endothelial activation and ci-miR-126 secretion may relate to changes in endothelial function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using circulating endothelial-derived factors, we show that endothelial denudation, apoptosis, and activation do not appear to increase, whereas disrupted endothelial glycocalyx and membrane integrity may occur during both high-intensity interval and moderate intensity cycling. Increases in factors nonspecific to endothelial damage, including von Willebrand factor and microRNA-126, occurred only after high-intensity interval exercise. These results shed light on the hypothesis that disrupted endothelial integrity contributes to the endothelial function response to exercise.
Bone Mineral Density as a Predictor of Atherogenic Indexes of Cardiovascular Disease, Especially in Nonobese Adults
Authors: Chuang Tzyy-Ling , Lin Jiunn-Wen , Wang Yuh-Feng
Published: September 2019

Purpose. This study is aimed at determining whether bone mineral density (BMD) values are related to atherogenic indexes (AIs) and could predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in southern Taiwanese adults. Methods. Medical records of 3249 adults who underwent health examinations between June 2014 and February 2018 at a regional hospital in southern Taiwan were reviewed. Data collected included health history, anthropomorphic characteristics, exercise habits, diets (vegetarian or nonvegetarian), clinical laboratory results (lipid profile, systemic blood pressure (SBP), glucose level, creatinine (Cre) level, and hemoglobin (Hb) level), and bone mineral density (BMD), which were used to identify the associations of these parameters, especially BMD, with lipid profile and calculated AIs through simple and multiple linear regressions. Results. The mean age of the patients was 58.0 years, and 71.4% were male. Body mass index (BMI), SBP, glucose level, Cre level, Hb level, and all BMD values were positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) level and AIs and were negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. The significant positive correlations of BMD at all the measured sites with AIs remained after adjusting for age, sex, SBP, glucose level, Cre level, Hb level, smoking, exercise habits, and vegetarian state. The expanded adjusting model for TG/HDL-C remained significant at all the BMD measured sites in nonobese men, at bilateral femoral neck and total hips in nonobese women, and at the bilateral total hips in obese women. Conclusions. AIs are predictive markers for CVD, and BMD values are predictors of AIs, especially the novel AI, i.e., TG/HDL-C ratio, in nonobese adult men and women after dividing the patients into subgroups to eliminate the effect of BMI as a confounding factor. Thus, BMD values could predict AIs of CVD, especially in nonobese adults.
Numerical Analysis of a Dental Zirconium Restoration and the Stresses That Occur in Dental Tissues
Authors: Hernández-Vázquez Rosa Alicia , Urriolagoitia-Sosa Guillermo , Marquet-Rivera Rodrigo Arturo , Romero-Ángeles Beatriz , Mastache-Miranda Octavio-Alejandro , Urriolagoitia-Calderón G. Guillermo
Published: September 2019

When it is about restorative dental materials, aesthetics is traditionally preferred. This has led to the selection of materials very visually similar to the enamel, but unfortunately, their mechanical properties are not similar. This often translates into disadvantages than advantages. In the present work, a comparison is made of the stresses that occur during dental occlusion (dental bit) in a healthy dental organ and those that are generated in a dental organ with a dental zirconium restoration. Numerical simulation was carried out by means of the Finite Element Method, in computational biomodels, from Cone-Beam Tomography, to obtain the stresses generated during dental occlusion. It was found that the normal and von Mises stresses generated are substantially greater in the molar with restoration compared to those produced in the healthy molar. In addition, the normal function of the enamel and dentin to disperse these stresses to prevent them from reaching the pulp is altered. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the indiscriminate use of this restoration material and consider other aspects, in addition to aesthetics and biocompatibility for the choice of restorative materials such as biomechanical compatibility.
NRF1 and NRF2 mRNA and Protein Expression Decrease Early during Melanoma Carcinogenesis: An Insight into Survival and MicroRNAs
Authors: Hämäläinen Mari , Teppo Hanna-Riikka , Skarp Sini , Haapasaari Kirsi-Maria , Porvari Katja , Vuopala Katri , Kietzmann Thomas , Karihtala Peeter
Published: September 2019

The prognostic significance of the major redox regulator nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (NRF2) is recognized in many cancers, but the role of NRF1 is not generally well understood in cancer. Our aim was to investigate these redox transcription factors in conjunction with redox-related microRNAs in naevi and melanoma. We characterized the immunohistochemical expression of NRF1 and NRF2 in 99 naevi, 88 primary skin melanomas, and 67 lymph node metastases. In addition, NRF1 and NRF2 mRNA and miR-23B, miR-93, miR-144, miR-212, miR-340, miR-383, and miR-510 levels were analysed with real-time qPCR from 54 paraffin-embedded naevi and melanoma samples. The immunohistochemical expression of nuclear NRF1 decreased from benign to dysplastic naevi (p<0.001) and to primary melanoma (p<0.001) and from primary melanoma to metastatic lesions (p=0.012). Also, NRF1 mRNA levels decreased from benign naevi to dysplastic naevi (p=0.034). Similarly, immunopositivity of NRF2 decreased from benign to dysplastic naevi (p=0.02) and to primary lesions (p=0.018). NRF2 mRNA decreased from benign to dysplastic naevi and primary melanomas (p=0.012). Analysis from the Gene Expression Omnibus datasets supported the mRNA findings. High nuclear immunohistochemical NRF1 expression in pigment cells associated with a worse survival (p=0.048) in patients with N0 disease at the time of diagnosis, and high nuclear NRF2 expression in pigment cells associated with a worse survival (p=0.033) in patients with M0 disease at the time of diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, neither of these variables exceeded the prognostic power of Breslow. The levels of miR-144 and miR-212 associated positively with ulceration (p=0.012 and p=0.027, respectively) while miR-510 levels associated positively with lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis (p=0.004). Furthermore, the miRNAs correlated negatively with the immunohistochemical expression of NRF1 and NRF2 but positively with their respective mRNA. Together, this data sheds new light about NFE2L family factors in pigment tumors and suggests that these factors are worth for further explorations.
Reconstruction Using Frozen Autograft for Disseminated Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumor of the Humerus after a Pathological Fracture
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Hirai Toshihide , Makise Naohiro , Ushiku Tetsuo , Ito Nobuaki , Koga Minae , Ikegami Masachika , Shinoda Yusuke , Akiyama Toru , Tanaka Sakae
Published: September 2019

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) that cause tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) occur commonly in the bone with a small and nonaggressive appearance. Here, we report the case of a 67-year-old man with disseminated PMT in the humerus after a pathological fracture. Liquid nitrogen was used as an adjuvant therapy after curettage of the tumor, and the frozen autograft, using a pedicle freezing method, conserved the function of the shoulder joint. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a disseminated PMT in the bone that was treated with a frozen autograft, and this treatment method may be effective for cases in which curettage for PMT in the bone would be inevitably inadequate.
Corrigendum to “Spatio‐temporal Variability and Trends in Extreme Temperature Events in Finland over the Recent Decades: Influence of Northern Hemisphere Teleconnection Patterns”
Authors: Irannezhad Masoud , Moradkhani Hamid , Kløve Bjørn
Published: September 2019

Fifteen temperature indices recommended by the ETCCDI (Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices) were applied to evaluate spatiotemporal variability and trends in annual intensity, frequency, and duration of extreme temperature statistics in Finland during 1961–2011. Statistically significant relationships between these high-resolution (10 km) temperature indices and seven influential Northern Hemisphere teleconnection patterns (NHTPs) for the interannual climate variability were also identified. During the study period (1961–2011), warming trends in extreme temperatures were generally manifested by statistically significant increases in cold temperature extremes rather than in the warm temperature extremes. As expected, warm days and nights became more frequent, while fewer cold days and nights occurred. The frequency of frost and icing days also decreased. Finland experienced more (less) frequent warm (cold) temperature extremes over the past few decades. Significant lengthening in warm spells was observed in Finland during 1961–2011, while no clear changes are found in cold spells. Interannual variations in the temperature indices were significantly associated with a number of NHTPs. In general, warm temperature extremes show significant correlations with the East Atlantic and the Scandinavia patterns and cold temperature extremes with the Arctic Oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation patterns.
Using Lightweight Materials to Enhance Thermal Resistance of Asphalt Mixture for Cooling Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Deng Haibin , Deng Deyi , Du Yinfei , Lu Xinmin
Published: September 2019

This study aims to enhance the thermal resistance of asphalt mixture to cool asphalt pavement. Four kinds of asphalt mixtures were prepared by replacing basalt aggregate and limestone mineral powder with shale ceramsite (SC) and fly ash cenosphere (FAC), respectively. A series of experiments, including environment scanning electron microscope test, thermophysical parameter test, indoor irradiation test, shear strength test, and rutting test, were performed to verify the purpose of this study. The results show that using low‐density SC and FAC could produce lightweight asphalt mixtures, which had lower thermal conductivity than control asphalt mixture. The indoor irradiation test shows that the resultant asphalt mixtures had lower temperatures at the depth of lower than 4 cm. The addition of SC had a negative effect on the shear strength and dynamic stability of asphalt mixture. However, the two indicators increased due to the addition of FAC. The results presented in this study indicate that it is feasible to use lightweight aggregate to prepare low‐thermal‐conductivity asphalt mixture and use this kind of asphalt mixture to cool asphalt pavement.
GC-MS Analysis and Inhibitory Evaluation of Terminalia catappa Leaf Extracts on Major Enzymes Linked to Diabetes
Authors: Iheagwam Franklyn Nonso , Israel Emmanuel Nsedu , Kayode Kazeem Oyindamola , De Campos Opeyemi Christianah , Ogunlana Olubanke Olujoke , Chinedu Shalom Nwodo
Published: September 2019

Terminalia catappa leaves are used in managing both diabetes mellitus and its complications in Southwest Nigeria. However, its inhibitory activity on enzymes implicated in diabetes is not very clear. This study investigated the in vitro inhibitory properties and mode of inhibition of T. catappa leaf extracts on enzymes associated with diabetes. The study also identified some bioactive compounds as well as their molecular interaction in the binding pocket of these enzymes. Standard enzyme inhibition and kinetics assays were performed to determine the inhibitory effects of aqueous extract (TCA) and ethanol extract (TCE) of T. catappa leaves on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. The phytoconstituents of TCA and TCE were determined using GC-MS. Molecular docking of the phytocompounds was performed using Autodock Vina. TCA and TCE were the most potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase (IC50 = 3.28 ± 0.47 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 = 0.24 ± 0.08 mg/mL), respectively. Both extracts displayed a mixed mode of inhibition on α-amylase activity, while mixed and noncompetitive modes of inhibition were demonstrated by TCA and TCE, respectively, on α-glucosidase activity. The GC-MS analytic chromatogram revealed the presence of 24 and 22 compounds in TCE and TCA, respectively, which were identified mainly as phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, fatty acids, and other phytochemicals. The selected compounds exhibited favourable interactions with the enzymes compared with acarbose. Overall, the inhibitory effect of T. catappa on α-amylase and α-glucosidase may be ascribed to the synergistic action of its rich phenolic and terpene composition giving credence to the hypoglycaemic nature of T. catappa leaves.