bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The MRI colonic function test: Reproducibility of the Macrogol stimulus challenge
Authors: Wilkinson‐Smith Victoria , Menys Alex , Bradley Christopher , Corsetti Maura , Marciani Luca , Atkinson David , Coupland Carol , Taylor Stuart A. , Gowland Penny , Spiller Robin , Hoad Caroline
Published: July 2020

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the colonic response to a macrogol challenge drink can be used to assess the mechanisms underlying severe constipation. We measured the intrasubject reproducibility of MRI measures of colonic function to aid their implementation as a possible clinical test.

Methods

Healthy participants attended for MRI on two occasions (identical protocols, minimum 1 week apart). They underwent a fasted scan and then consumed the macrogol drink. Subjects were scanned at 60 and 120 minutes, with maximum value reached used for comparison. The colonic volume, water content, mixing of colonic content and the movement of the colon walls were measured. Coefficients of variation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated.

Results

Twelve participants completed the study: nine female, mean age 26 years (SD 5) and body mass index 24.8 kg/m2 (SD 3.2). All measures consistently increased above baseline following provocation with macrogol. The volume, water content and content mixing had good intrasubject reproducibility (ICC volume = 0.84, water content = 0.93, mixing = 0.79, P < .001). With the wall movement, the response to the challenge was generally large, but more variable between visits resulting in a lower ICC overall (ascending colon = 0.65, descending colon = 0.76, P < .001).

Conclusions

The colonic response to the macrogol stimulus as assessed by MRI is heterogeneous but large compared to baseline, with moderate to good reproducibility, making the test suitable to study potential pathologies underlying GI disorders such as constipation. More data are needed to better define the normal range for comparison with patient groups who may have both hypo‐ and hypermotile responses.
PDCD4 suppresses autophagy and promotes apoptosis via Akt in chondrocytes of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Li , Feng Yaping , Hu Shiyu , Li Huimin , Li Yanyan , Ke Jin , Long Xing
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) in chondrocytes from temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) rats.

Material and Methods

Hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O, and micro‐CT were used to detect the morphologic changes in condyles in rat TMJs receiving iodoacetic acid (MIA). The expression of PDCD4, and autophagy‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins in these condyles was measured by immunohistochemistry. Next, using a small interference RNA against PDCD4 (siPDCD4‐1086) and/or specific signaling activators, the alteration of PDCD4, and autophagy‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins, as well as Akt and JNK in the IL‐1β‐treated chondrocytes from rat TMJ, was detected by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

Elevation of PDCD4 and reduction in Beclin1, LC3II, and Bcl2 were observed in OA‐like lesions after MIA injection into rat TMJs. Then, PDCD4 downregulated autophagy and promoted apoptosis in the IL‐1β‐treated chondrocytes. Furthermore, Akt, not JNK, was responsible for PDCD4‐induced suppressed autophagy and enhanced apoptosis in the IL‐1β‐treated chondrocytes.

Conclusion

PDCD4 is highly expressed in the rat cartilage of MIA‐induced TMJOA and IL‐1β‐treated primary chondrocytes. PDCD4 inhibits autophagy and promotes apoptosis via Akt in these cells.
Do the Benefits of COVID‐19 Policies Exceed the Costs? Exploring Uncertainties in the Age–VSL Relationship
Authors: Robinson Lisa A. , Sullivan Ryan , Shogren Jason F.
Published: July 2020

Numerous analyses of the benefits and costs of COVID‐19 policies have been completed quickly as the crisis has unfolded. The results often largely depend on the approach used to value mortality risk reductions, typically expressed as the value per statistical life (VSL). Many analyses rely on a population‐average VSL estimate; some adjust VSL for life expectancy at the age of death. We explore the implications of theory and empirical studies, which suggest that the relationship between age and VSL is uncertain. We compare the effects of three approaches: (1) an invariant population‐average VSL; (2) a constant value per statistical life‐year (VSLY); and (3) a VSL that follows an inverse‐U pattern, peaking in middle age. We find that when applied to the U.S. age distribution of COVID‐19 deaths, these approaches result in average VSL estimates of $10.63 million, $4.47 million, and $8.31 million. We explore the extent to which applying these estimates alters the conclusions of frequently cited analyses of social distancing, finding that they significantly affect the findings. However, these analyses do not address other characteristics of COVID‐19 deaths that may increase or decrease the VSL estimates. Examples include the health status and income level of those affected, the size of the risk change, and the extent to which the risk is dreaded, uncertain, involuntarily incurred, and outside of one's control. The effects of these characteristics and their correlation with age are uncertain; it is unclear whether they amplify or diminish the effects of age on VSL.
Impact of mHealth on contraceptive use among women and men of reproductive age in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zulu Ethan M. , Sukwa Thomas
Published: July 2020

Objective

Around the world, the use of modern contraceptives has risen significantly, but the quality and reach of sexual and reproductive health services remains weak in the poorest countries. To address the high unmet need, an opportunity arises for mobile health technology (mHealth) to empower both clients and providers. However, evidence that mHealth is effective in increasing modern contraceptive use is limited and mixed, and we set out to assess its impact.

Methods

A systematic literature search from seven electronic databases was conducted using key search terms. Individually randomised controlled trials that compared modern contraceptive use in women and men using phone message interventions and those without the intervention were included. Stata was used to calculate pooled estimates of effect under the random‐effects model, as well as produce the risk of bias using the Egger’s regression method. GRADEpro GDT was used to assess the quality of individual studies.

Results

A pooled estimate of all of the studies showed a positive association between phone messages and contraception use, but no clear evidence of benefit (OR 1.12; 95% CI 0.97–1.29). Notably, pooled results of studies that reported modern contraceptive use as the primary outcome showed that mobile phone messaging was associated with an increase in the use of modern contraception (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.01–1.47).

Conclusions

The finding of this systematic review suggests that mobile phone message interventions utilising a behavioural change technique are an effective method of increasing modern contraceptive use among men and women of reproductive age in low‐ and middle‐income countries though the effect is small.
Lexical representation of Mandarin tones by non-tonal second-language learners
Authors: Han Jeong-Im , Tsukada Kimiko
Published: July 2020

The present study examined whether second language (L2) learners can lexically encode the tonal contrasts that do not occur in their native language. Advanced Korean learners of Mandarin performed a lexical decision task with medium-term repetition priming. The repeated words were either identical or interchanged with confusable tones. The results showed that advanced L2 learners behaved similarly to the native listeners in processing of L2 tones in favor of the correct lexical items, but still showed differences from native listeners, suggesting that L2 learners may have difficulty in utilizing the L2 sounds for word recognition.
Tonic pupil caused by adenoid cystic carcinoma versus postradiation changes to the ciliary ganglion
Authors: Yamane Maya LM , Perez Edgar L , Moonis Gul , Odel Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

A tonic pupil, without other features of an oculomotor neuropathy, is due to a lesion in the ciliary ganglion or short ciliary nerves. Here, we present a case of a tonic pupil in a woman with radiation-treated adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasopharynx with perineural spread and skull base involvement. This a rare case of a tonic pupil caused by direct invasion of the ciliary ganglion or postradiation effects.
Open removal of a migrated Gellhorn pessary and repair of a vesicovaginal fistula
Authors: Yan Sylvia , Walker Roger , Sultan Abdul H
Published: July 2020

This is a case of a 91-year-old woman presenting with urinary incontinence following insertion of a Gellhorn pessary 10 months previously. She had unfortunately missed her 6 months appointment for a change of pessary as she was admitted to hospital. Our patient was found to have had erosion of her Gellhorn shelf pessary into her urinary bladder. She underwent an open removal of the migrated Gellhorn pessary in the bladder and repair of the vesicovaginal fistula with omental interposition. She recovered well and has elected to keep her suprapubic catheter long-term.
Improved detection of adenomas and sessile serrated polyps is maintained with continuous audit of colonoscopy
Authors: Fraser Alan Gordon , Rose Toby , Wong Philip , Lane Mark , Frankish Paul
Published: July 2020

Background

The audit process may help improve performance indicators for colonoscopy quality but it is unclear whether this is sustained over several years.

Methods

44138 procedures for 28 endoscopists from 2004 to 2019 were analysed for polyp detection rate and withdrawal time. From 2012, 14 endoscopists were analysed with additional data on polyp histology and number of polyps removed.

Results

Polyp detection increased from 40.7% in 2004 to 62.2% in 2019; removal of polyps>1 cm remained constant (11%). Adenoma detection rate was 25.8% in 2012 and 28.3% in 2019. Sessile serrated polyp (SSP) detection rate increased from 4.5% to 14.7%; most of the increase was in the first 2 years of the histology part of the audit. There was a significant correlation of adenoma detection rate with mean number of adenomas (r=0.72, p=0.004) and a significant correlation of SSP detection with mean number of SSPs (r=0.85, p=0.0001).

Conclusion

The audit process appears to encourage a higher rate of polyp detection. This was due to increased detection of smaller polyps and increased detection of SSPs.
Oncology to specialised palliative home care systematic transition: the Domus randomised trial
Authors: Benthien Kirstine , Diasso Pernille , von Heymann Annika , Nordly Mie , Kurita Geana , Timm Helle , Johansen Christoffer , Kjellberg Jakob , von der Maase Hans , Sjøgren Per
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To assess the effect of a systematic, fast-track transition from oncological treatment to specialised palliative care at home on symptom burden, to explore intervention mechanisms through patient and intervention provider characteristics and to assess long-term survival and place of death.

Measures

The effect of a systematic, fast-track transition from oncological treatment to specialised palliative care at home on patient symptom burden was studied in the Domus randomised clinical trial. Participants had incurable cancer and limited treatment options. The intervention was provided by specialised palliative home teams (SPT) based in hospice or hospital and was enriched with a psychological intervention for patient and caregiver dyad. Symptom burden was measured with Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) at baseline, 8 weeks and 6 months follow-up and analysed with mixed models. Survival and place of death was analysed with Kaplan-Meier and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

The study included 322 patients. Tiredness was significantly improved for the Domus intervention group at 6 months while the other nine symptom outcomes were not significantly different from the control group. Exploring the efficacy of intervention provider demonstrated significant differences in favour of the hospice SPT on four symptoms and total symptom score. Patients with children responded more favourably to the intervention. The long-term follow-up demonstrated no differences between the intervention and the control groups regarding survival or home deaths.

Conclusions

The Domus intervention may reduce tiredness. Moreover, the intervention provider and having children might play a role concerning intervention efficacy. The intervention did not affect survival or home deaths.

Trial registration number

NCT01885637
Age-at-size relationships of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) from three contrasting thermal regimes using gastric mill band counts as a direct aging technique
Authors: Huntsberger Carl J. , Kilada Raouf , Ambrose William G. , Wahle Richard A.
Published: July 2020

Direct age determination of crustaceans has remained a long-standing challenge because all calcified structures are shed with each molt. Cuticle bands in the ossicles of the gastric mill have shown promise as age indicators. We validated the one-to-one relationship between known age and number of cuticle bands for 15 hatchery-raised juvenile American lobsters (Homarus americanus). Additionally, we applied this method to 308 lobsters from three contrasting thermal regimes in New England, USA. Band counts matched our expectations of differences in age-at-size across this thermal gradient; lobsters at harvestable size in southern New England were estimated to be 5.5 (±1.5) years old compared with 7.5 (±1.6) years in the Gulf of Maine. We found 81% of our band count estimates of age fell within 2 years of independent, regionally specified growth model estimates of age-at-size for lobster. Notwithstanding remaining uncertainties regarding the mechanism of band formation, our findings indicate the method may provide an independent and direct means to determine the age of individual American lobsters, which will improve estimates of essential life history parameters.
Nonleptonic and semileptonic $${\Lambda _b} \rightarrow {\Lambda _c}$$ transitions in a potential quark model
Authors: Rahmani S. , Hassanabadi H. , Kříž Jan
Published: July 2020

Nonleptonic and semileptonic decay widths of $${\Lambda _b} \rightarrow {\Lambda _c}$$Λb→Λc are analyzed within heavy quark limit and Isgur-Wise formalism. A modified QCD Cornell interaction with the additional logarithmic term in the hyperspherical coordinates is considered and the masses of heavy flavour baryons are calculated. The obtained masses are consequently employed to study the rates of $${\Lambda _b} \rightarrow {\Lambda _c}$$Λb→Λc. The achieved results are motivating.
Fractional Matching Preclusion for Data Center Networks
Authors: Zhu Bo , Ma Tianlong , Zhang Shuangshuang , Zhang He
Published: July 2020

An edge subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is a fractional matching preclusion set (FMP set for short) if [Formula: see text] has no fractional perfect matchings. The fractional matching preclusion number (FMP number for short) of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the minimum size of FMP sets of [Formula: see text]. A set [Formula: see text] of edges and vertices of [Formula: see text] is a fractional strong matching preclusion set (FSMP set for short) if [Formula: see text] has no fractional perfect matchings. The fractional strong matching preclusion number (FSMP number for short) of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the minimum size of FSMP sets of [Formula: see text]. Data center networks have been proposed for data centers as a server-centric interconnection network structure, which can support millions of servers with high network capacity by only using commodity switches. In this paper, we obtain the FMP number and the FSMP number for data center networks [Formula: see text], and show that [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In addition, all the optimal fractional strong matching preclusion sets of these graphs are categorized.
Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Loaded Quality Factor, Technology Node and Operating Frequency on Various Class E Power Amplifier Topologies
Authors: Rahman Mir Mohsina , Rather G. M.
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to explore and compare the dependence of power amplifier performance parameters on the loaded quality factor of the resonant circuit, the technology node used and the operating frequency for different variants of the class E power amplifier. In spite of the fact that the circuit parameter variations of the basic class E amplifier are present in the literature, there is a lack of comparative analysis with respect to other class E power amplifiers based on diverse tuned load networks. Moreover, the effects of these three parameters are rarely discussed. The comparative analysis helps the designers to narrow down the selection of a power amplifier to be used for a particular application. This study is focused on the use of class E power amplifiers in biomedical implants at the Medical Implant Communication Service band and Industrial Scientific and Medical band. It is observed that the power added efficiency and the power gain have an inverse dependence on the loaded quality factor, frequency and the technology node while the output power depends directly on these parameters.
Antipodes, preantipodes and Frobenius functors
Authors: Saracco Paolo
Published: July 2020

We prove that a quasi-bialgebra admits a preantipode if and only if the associated free quasi-Hopf bimodule functor is Frobenius, if and only if the related (opmonoidal) monad is a Hopf monad. The same results hold in particular for a bialgebra, tightening the connection between Hopf and Frobenius properties.
Distributed link scheduling in wireless networks
Authors: Bermond Jean-Claude , Mazauric Dorian , Misra Vishal , Nain Philippe
Published: July 2020

This work investigates distributed transmission scheduling in wireless networks. Due to interference constraints, “neighboring links” cannot be simultaneously activated, otherwise transmissions will fail. Here, we consider any binary model of interference. We use the model described by Bui et al. in [L. X. Bui, S. Sanghavi and R. Srikant, Distributed link scheduling with constant overhead, IEEE/ACM Trans. Netw. 17(5) (2009) 1467–1480; S. Sanghavi, L. Bui and R. Srikant, Distributed link scheduling with constant overhead, in Proc. ACM Sigmetrics (San Diego, CA, USA, 2007), pp. 313–324.]. We assume that time is slotted and during each slot there are two phases: one control phase in which a link scheduling algorithm determines a set of non-interfering links to be activated, and a data phase in which data is sent through these links. We assume random arrivals on each link during each slot, so that a queue is associated to each link. Since nodes do not have a global knowledge of the queues sizes, our aim (like in [L. X. Bui, S. Sanghavi and R. Srikant, Distributed link scheduling with constant overhead, IEEE/ACM Trans. Netw. 17(5) (2009) 1467–1480; S. Sanghavi, L. Bui and R. Srikant, Distributed link scheduling with constant overhead, in Proc. ACM Sigmetrics (San Diego, CA, USA, 2007), pp. 313–324.]) is to design a distributed link scheduling algorithm. To be efficient, the control phase should be as short as possible; this is done by exchanging control messages during a constant number of mini-slots (constant overhead). In this paper, we design the first fully distributed local algorithm with the following properties: it works for any arbitrary binary interference model; it has a constant overhead (independent of the size of the network and the values of the queues), and it does not require any knowledge of the queue-lengths. We prove that this algorithm gives a maximal set of active links, where for any non-active link there exists at least one active link in its interference set. We also establish sufficient conditions for stability under general Markovian assumptions. Finally, the performance of our algorithm (throughput, stability) is investigated and compared via simulations to that of previously proposed schemes.
Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Medicine for Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Kwon Chan-Young , Lee Boram , Kim Suran , Lee Jaesuk , Park Minjung , Kim Namkwen
Published: July 2020

Objectives. Herbal medicine (HM) is attracting attention for treating atopic dermatitis (AD). This overview was conducted to summarize and critically evaluate the current systematic reviews (SRs) on HM for the treatment of AD. Methods. Through comprehensive searches, all relevant SRs on HM for AD published until May 2020 were included. The quality of included SRs was assessed using the AMSTAR‐2 tool. Moreover, original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in the SRs were resynthesized to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral HM for AD. The quality of evidence for the main findings was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Results. Nine SRs were included in this overview. HM showed significantly better efficacy in terms of total effective rate (TER), itching and sleep symptom scores, quality of life, and the dose of topical treatment used compared with placebo. HM as a monotherapy and/or an adjunctive therapy to conventional medication (CM) showed significantly better results on the efficacy, symptom relief, and some laboratory parameters related to the inflammatory response. The methodological quality was generally low. When 58 original RCTs were reanalyzed, HM showed significantly lower SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score and higher TER than the placebo or CM. In terms of the safety profile, HM was not significantly different from the placebo and was better than CM. The quality of evidence ranged from “moderate” to “very low.” Conclusion. The results suggested that HM as a monotherapy or an adjunctive therapy is promising for the treatment of AD. However, due to low methodological quality and low quality of evidence, further rigorous, well‐designed, high‐quality SRs, and RCTs are needed to make clinical recommendations on HM use.
Analysis of Electrical Characteristics of Pd/n-Nanocarbon/p-Si Heterojunction Diodes: By C-V-f and G/w-V-f
Authors: Zkria Abdelrahman , Abubakr Eslam , Sittimart Phongsaphak , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2020

Diamond films are candidate for a wide range of applications, due to their wide band gap, high thermal conductivity, and chemical stability. In this report, diamond-based heterojunction diodes (HJDs) were fabricated by growing n-type nanocarbon composite in the form of nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond/amorphous carbon (UNCD/a-C:H:N) films onto p-type Si substrates. X-ray photoemission and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies were employed to examine the contribution of nitrogen atoms from the gas phase into the deposited films. The results indicate the incorporation of nitrogen atoms into the grain boundaries of UNCD/a-C:H film by replacing hydrogen atoms. The capacitance- (C-V-f), conductance- (G/ω-V-f), and series resistance-voltage characteristics of the fabricated Pd/n-(UNCD/a-C:H:N)/p-Si HJDs were studied in the frequency range of 40 kHz-2 MHz. The existence of interface states (Nss) and series resistance (Rs) were attributed to the interruption of the periodic lattice structure at the surface of the fabricated junction as well as the defects on the (UNCD/a-C:H:N)/Si interface. By increasing the frequency (≥500 kHz), the Nss reveals an almost frequency-independent behavior, which indicates that the charges at the interface states cannot follow ac signal at higher frequency. The obtained results demonstrated that the UNCD/a-C:H:N is a promising n-type semiconductor for diamond-based heterostructure diodes.
Study on Water Absorption and Thermal Conductivity of Tunnel Insulation Materials in a Cold Region under Freeze‐Thaw Conditions
Authors: Li Youyun , Wang Huan , Yang Li , Su Shiqiang
Published: July 2020

A thermal insulation layer is often deposited on the lining structure of tunnels in cold regions to solve the problem of frost damage. When the air humidity in the tunnel becomes excessively high, the thermal insulation material tends to absorb water, leading to significant changes in thermal conductivity. Moreover, the temperature differences between the day and night cycles have been observed to be significant in portal sections of cold region tunnels, which facilitate the freeze‐thaw cycle and, consequently, deteriorate the performance of the thermal insulation material. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the changes in the water absorption, thermal conductivity, and microstructure of polyurethane and polyphenolic insulation boards under freeze‐thaw conditions. To this end, an indoor water absorption test was conducted for both the insulation boards till they were saturated, which then underwent a freeze‐thaw cycle test. It was determined that the water absorption and thermal conductivities of these boards increased linearly with the number of freeze‐thaw cycles. In order to explore the change of thermal conductivity of thermal insulation materials after moisture absorption, this study provides insights into the relationship between the thermal conductivities and water contents of tunnel insulation materials under normal and freezing temperatures.
An Effective Method for Hybrid CNT/GNP Dispersion and Its Effects on the Mechanical, Microstructural, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Multifunctional Cementitious Composites
Authors: Abedi Mohammadmahdi , Fangueiro Raul , Correia Antonio Gomes
Published: July 2020

This paper reports a study undertaken to achieve a compatible and affordable technique for the high-quality dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in an aqueous suspension to be used in multifunctional cementitious composites. In this research work, two noncovalent surfactants with different dispersion mechanisms (Pluronic F-127 (nonionic) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (ionic)) were used. We evaluated the influences of various factors on the dispersion quality, such as the surfactant concentration, sonication time, and temperature using UV-visible spectroscopy, optical microscopic image analysis, zeta potentials, and particle size measurement. The effect of tributyl phosphate (TBP) used as an antifoam agent was also evaluated. The optimum suspensions of each surfactant were used to produce cementitious composites, and their mechanical, microstructural, electrical, and thermal behaviors were assessed and analyzed. The best dispersed CNT+GNP aqueous suspensions using Pluronic and SDBS were obtained for concentrations of 10% and 5%, respectively, with 3 hours of sonication, at 40°C, with TBP used for both surfactants. The results also demonstrate that cementitious composites reinforced with CNT+GNP/Pluronic showed better mechanical performance and microstructural characteristics due to the higher quality of the dispersion and the increasing hydration rate. Composites prepared with an SDBS suspension demonstrated lower electrical and thermal conductivities compared to those of the Pluronic suspension due to changes in the intrinsic properties of CNTs and GNPs by the SDBS dispersion mechanism.
A Network-Based Approach to Explore the Mechanism and Bioactive Compounds of Erzhi Pill against Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Huang Shaojie , Mu Fei , Li Fei , Wang Wenjun , Chen Haixia , Lei Lu , Ma Yang , Ding Yi , Wang Jingwen
Published: July 2020

Erzhi pill (EZP), a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription, exerts a potent hepatoprotective effect against metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanism and bioactive compounds underlying the hepatoprotective effect of EZP have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a systematic analytical platform was built to explore the mechanism and bioactive compounds of EZP against MAFLD. This was carried out through target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, gene ontology, KEGG pathway enrichment, and molecular docking. According to the topological parameters of the PPI network, compound-target-pathway network, 9 targets, and 11 bioactive compounds were identified as core targets and bioactive compounds for molecular docking. The results showed that EZP exerts anti-MAFLD effects through a multicomponent, multitarget, multipathway manner, and luteolin and linarin may be the bioactive compounds of EZP. This study provides further research insights and helps explore the hepatoprotective mechanism of EZP.
Flow-Batch Sample Preparation for Fractionation of the Stress Signaling Phytohormone Salicylic Acid in Fresh Leaves
Authors: Marques Thiago L. , Sasaki Milton K. , Nunes Lidiane C. , Rocha Fábio R. P.
Published: July 2020

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important stress signaling phytohormone and plays an essential role in physiological processes in plants. SA fractionation has been carried out batchwise, which is not compatible with the high analytical demand in agronomical studies and increases susceptibility to analytical errors. In this context, a novel flow-batch sample preparation system for SA fractionation on fresh plant leaves was developed. It was based on microwave-assisted extraction with water and conversion of the conjugated species to free SA by alkaline hydrolysis. Free and total SA were quantified by fluorimetry after separation by sequential injection chromatography in a C18 monolithic column. The proposed procedure is directly applicable to plant leaves containing up 16 mg kg−1SA, with a limit of detection of 0.1 mg kg−1of SA, coefficient of variation of 3.0% (n = 10), and sampling rate of 4 samples h−1. The flow-batch sample preparation system was successfully applied to SA fractionation in sugarcane, corn, and soybean leaves without clogging or increasing in backpressure. The proposed approach is simple, less time-consuming, and more environmentally friendly in comparison to batchwise procedures.
Diagnostic Challenges Using a 2-Tier Strategy for Methylmalonic Acidurias: Data from 1.2 Million Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Weiss Katharina J. , Röschinger Wulf , Blessing Holger , Lotz-Havla Amelie S. , Schiergens Katharina A. , Maier Esther M.
Published: July 2020

Background: The detection of methylmalonic acid (MMA) by second-tier analysis has been shown to reduce the number of false positives in newborn screening (NBS) for genetically determined methylmalonic acidurias (MMAuria). In addition to genetic conditions, MMA is an indicator of vitamin B12 status, thus applicable to detect maternal vitamin B12 deficiency in the newborns screened. Methods: Biochemical and clinical follow-up data of a 7.5-year pilot study with 1.2 million newborns screened were reviewed. Results: Among 1,195,850 NBS samples, 3,595 (0.3%) fulfilled criteria for second-tier analysis of MMA. In 37 (0.003%; 1/32,000) samples, elevated concentrations of MMA were detected, resulting in diagnostic workup at a metabolic center in 21 newborns. In 6 infants (1/199,000), genetic conditions were established, 1 infant with cobalamin C deficiency (CblC) showed only a moderate elevation of MMA. The remaining 15 newborns (1/79,000) displayed significantly lower concentrations of MMA and were evaluated for maternal vitamin B12 deficiency. In 9 mothers, vitamin B12 deficiency was verified, and 6 showed no indication for vitamin B12 deficiency. Treatment with vitamin B12 normalized biochemical parameters in all 15 infants. Conclusions: Applying a 2-tier strategy measuring MMA in NBS identified genetic conditions of MMAuria. It was possible to separate severe, early-onset phenotypes from maternal vitamin B12 deficiency. However, the detection of CblC deficiency with mildly elevated MMA interferes with impaired vitamin B12 status of unknown relevance and thus burdens possibly healthy newborns. Regarding maternal vitamin B12 deficiency, testing and supplementing mothers-to-be is preferable. This might decrease straining follow-up of newborns and improve quality and overall perception of NBS.
Patient Satisfaction with Treatment for Onychocryptosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stewart Claire R. , Algu Leah , Kamran Rakhshan , Leveille Cameron F. , Abid Khizar , Rae Charlene , Lipner Shari R.
Published: July 2020

Onychocryptosis, or ingrown nail, is a common condition in which the nail plate penetrates the nail fold, often resulting in inflammation and pain. Nonsurgical and surgical treatments are utilized, but patient satisfaction with these therapies has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the available literature describing patient-reported outcomes of onychocryptosis treatments. We performed a search of the literature published prior to May 22, 2019. Articles were included in the review if primary data were presented, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were used, and nail involvement was specifically examined. From the initial search, 18 studies were included in the final analysis. Patients receiving both nonsurgical and surgical interventions reported high levels of overall satisfaction; however, most studies used ad hoc measures rather than validated PROMs, providing little granular information on the impact of treatment on quality of life (QoL). This review affirms that treatment for onychocryptosis results in satisfactory outcomes for patients; however, increased efforts are needed to understand the impact of therapy on patient QoL as assessed by validated outcome measure that accurately assess patients’ cosmetic, physical, and social difficulties.
Assessing the Intention to Provide Human Genetic Resources: An Explanatory Model
Authors: Qin Qin , Sun Youhai
Published: July 2020

Background: Human genetic resources are an important material component for life science research and have strategic significance for medical science and technological innovation. In this study, we employ frameworks from social psychology and the science of human behavior to study human genetic resource providers. Aims: We used structural equation techniques to explain factors affecting the intention to provide human genetic resources and the mechanisms for providing such resources. Methods: We conducted an online survey with respondents from ethnic minorities (n = 912). Our model integrates key variables informed by the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the theory of benefit and risk assessment (BRA), as well as variables that represent the policy and political system. Results: Our results show that the factors affecting the intention to provide human genetic resources, ranked from highly influential to less influential, are perceived benefits, privacy risk, attitudes toward providing human genetic resources, perceived behavioral efficacy, psychological risk, subjective norms, and physical risk. The variables informed by the TPB all have a significant positive effect on the intention to provide human genetic resources. With the exception of physical risk, the variables informed by the theory of BRA have a significant effect on the intention to provide human genetic resources. Respondents with different health conditions have significantly different levels of physical risk. Conclusions: The results of our study provide insights into how to improve people’s intention to provide human genetic resources. We also proposed ways to protect such resources globally.
Intra-Protein Coevolution Is Increasingly Functional with Greater Proximity to Fertilization
Authors: Kwiatkowski Marcel , Asif Abdul R. , Schumacher Julia , Brenig Bertram , Zischler Hans , Herlyn Holger
Published: July 2020

Intramolecular coevolution of amino acid sites has repeatedly been studied to improve predictions on protein structure and function. Thereby, the focus was on bacterial proteins with available crystallographic data. However, intramolecular coevolution has not yet been compared between protein sets along a gradient of functional proximity to fertilization. This is especially true for the potential effect of external selective forces on intraprotein coevolution. In this study, we investigated both aspects in equally sized sets of mammalian proteins representing spermatozoa, testis, entire body, and liver. For coevolutionary analyses, we derived the proportion of covarying sites per protein from amino acid alignments of 10 mammalian orthologues each. In confirmation of the validity of our coevolution proxy, we found positive associations with the nonsynonymous or amino acid substitution rate in all protein sets. However, our coevolution proxy negatively correlated with the number of protein interactants (node degree) in male reproductive protein sets alone. In addition, a negative association of our coevolution proxy with protein hydrophobicity was significant in sperm proteins only. Accordingly, the restrictive effect of protein interactants was most pronounced in male reproductive proteins, and the tendency of sperm proteins to form internal structures decreased the more coevolutionary sites they had. Both aspects illustrate that the share of outward and thus functional coevolution increases with greater proximity to fertilization. We found this conclusion confirmed by additional comparisons within sperm proteins. Thus, sperm proteins with high hydrophobicity had the lowest proportions of covarying sites and, according to gene annotations, localized more frequently to internal cellular structures. They should therefore be less exposed to postcopulatory forms of sexual selection. Their counterparts with low hydrophobicity had larger proportions of covarying sites and more often resided at the cell membrane or were secreted. At the cellular level, they are thus closer to externally induced forces of postcopulatory selection which are known for their potential to increase substitution rates. In addition, we show that the intermediary status of the testicular protein set in correlation analyses is probably due to a special combination of reproductive and somatic involvements.
The Day after Tomorrow: How Should We Address Health System Organization to Treat Cancer Patients after the Peak of the COVID-19 Epidemic?
Authors: Tuech Jean-Jacques , Gangloff Alice , Di Fiore Frederic , Benyoucef Ahmed , Michel Pierre , Schwarz Lilian
Published: July 2020

On March 11, 2020, the WHO director general declared COVID-19 a pandemic. This pandemic evolves in successive phases, i.e., phase 1 (the start phase), phase 2 (“the storm”), and phase 3 (the recession). To date, oncology and surgery groups have only given instructions for addressing phases 1 and 2. To prevent excess cancer mortality, health care systems (HCS) need to be restructured. Our aim is to detail the specificities of each epidemic phase and discuss several methods of organization to optimize cancer patient flow during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during phase 3. Hospitals must be reorganized in order to create a cancer hub that is free of infection, allowing for the safe treatment of patients. Hospital structures are different, but all allow for the creation of virus-free areas. Screening programs are critical and need to be applied to all people entering the virus-free zone, including health care workers. Some reorganization proposals are internal to a hospital, while others require interhospital collaboration. The heterogeneity and complexity of HCS will make interhospital management difficult. The ministry of health has an important role in managing the cancer crisis. Cancer management should be declared a priority. Oncological and surgical societies must coordinate their efforts to facilitate this prioritization. The anticipation of oncological management during phase 3 of the pandemic is necessary because it requires a complete readjustment of HCS. This adaptation should allow for the continuation of cancer care to prevent excess cancer mortality, as the virus will still be present for a currently undetermined period of time.
Recomendações para prescrição de dispositivos auxiliares da marcha em idosos
Authors: Porto Jaqueline Mello , Iosimuta Natália Camargo Rodrigues , Coelho Ana Carolina , Abreu Daniela Cristina Carvalho de
Published: July 2020

O uso de um dispositivo auxiliar da marcha (DAM), como bengala ou andador, pode auxiliar os idosos na realização de suas atividades diárias, mantendo-os funcionalmente independentes e relativamente ativos. Porém, a utilização inadequada, o mau estado e as dimensões incorretas do dispositivo, assim como erros na prescrição do tipo de dispositivo podem aumentar o risco de quedas nos idosos usuários de DAM. Diante da falta de recomendações quanto à sua prescrição, o objetivo desse artigo é discorrer sobre os pré-requisitos para a prescrição de cada dispositivo (bengala e andador), de acordo com a nossa experiência adquirida na Área de Fisioterapia em Gerontologia, no Centro de Reabilitação (CER) do Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto, considerando as evidências científicas disponíveis até o momento. Assim, com a difusão das informações contidas nesse artigo para os profissionais da saúde que prestam assistência a idosos, espera-se aprimorar a prática de prescrição do DAM e de educação do idoso, de seus familiares e cuidadores, a fim de que sejam alcançados os benefícios do uso de um DAM e prevenidos os possíveis eventos adversos, como as quedas.
Content comparison: quality of life and functioning scales in non-traumatic spastic paraparesis according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health
Authors: Coelho Juliana Nogueira , Almeida Camila De , Riberto Marcelo
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Identify instruments used for the functional evaluation of people with Non-traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (NTSP), and compare their contents according to ICF concepts. Method: Literature review was conducted in the Medline, Scielo, Pubmed, and Bireme databases with the descriptors “spastic paraparesis,” “functional evaluation,” “neurological examination,” “neurological scales,” “neurological evaluation,” and “neurological evaluation measurements,” to find articles reporting the functional evaluation scales having been applied on individuals with NTSP. The content of such instruments was compared after linking them to ICF. Results: The systematic review identified 12 instruments for functional evaluation instruments of NTSP, in we described 153 ICF categories, concentrated mainly in: neuromusculoskeletal functions, digestive, motor activities, and self-care. Among the environmental factors: assistive technology for mobility, to personal use in daily life deserved greater attention. Conclusion: This study provided a guide to identify instruments to evaluate the functionality of individuals with NTSP.
Perfil de pacientes com sequelas de acidente vascular cerebral internados em um centro de reabilitação
Authors: Marques Jessica Carla , Silva Francine  Aguilera Rodrigues , Martins Amanda Neris , Oliveira Perdigão Francyelle Sales , Martins Prudente Cejane Oliveira , Fagundes Rayne Ramos
Published: July 2020

O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) causa um impacto negativo nos indivíduos afetados e ocasiona alto número de mortes e internações no mundo. O AVC causa incapacidades funcionais, e a reabilitação na fase aguda ajuda a reduzir instalação de complicações secundárias e favorecer a independência. A medida de independência funcional (MIF) é um instrumento amplo para mensurar a capacidade funcional nesta fase de reabilitação. O Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil sociodemográfico, clínico e funcional de indivíduos com AVC internados em um centro de reabilitação em Goiânia - GO. Método: O estudo foi transversal, analisou o prontuário de pacientes internados de julho de 2016 a julho de 2018, foi coletado o perfil sociodemográfico e a MIF no primeiro dia de internação. Resultados: Foram analisadas 138 fichas, houve predominância do sexo masculino, mediana de idade de 61 anos, 70,3% tiveram AVC isquêmico, 89,9% apresentaram hemiplegia, 46,4% o lado esquerdo foi mais acometido, 84,1% utilizavam cadeiras de rodas. 51,4% eram casados, 36,2% tinham baixa escolaridade e 60,1% eram hipertensos e 55 de mediana da MIF destacando  maior independência funcional nos cuidados pessoais, controle, esfincteriano e conhecimento social. Concluisão: O perfil dos pacientes com AVC internados foi caracterizado por indivíduos do sexo masculino, baixa escolaridade e renda, idade avançada, altos índices de incapacidade funcional, alterações na marcha, espasticidade, hemiplegia e disfagia. Conhecer o perfil dos indivíduos com AVC ajudará a compreender suas causas e guiar políticas de prevenção, permitindo melhor qualidade de vida, rápida recuperação e reinserção às atividades de vida diária e à vida profissional.
Negotiating and Practicing Co-Offending and (Non-)Delinquency in Altering Group Constellations of Large Peer Networks
Authors: Zdun Steffen
Published: July 2020

Despite the wealth of knowledge in criminological research on co-offending and peer involvement in delinquency, there is a research gap concerning the mechanisms and interactions in large peer networks. This paper addresses the latter, considering the meaning of fluctuating everyday group constellations in large networks as well as the inclusion of peers in and exclusion from offending. Fourtyfive qualitative interviews of youths who were between fifteen and twenty years old were analyzed. The findings not only suggest that delinquent and non-delinquent youths can easily coexist in large peer network but also that the everyday composition of singular groups of such networks and their interactions have a large impact on the engagement in or the avoidance of delinquency. Moreover, the data demonstrates the practice of including and excluding (non-)delinquent peers in/from offences. The insights contribute to the empirical discourse as well as the theory development on co-offending.
Emancipatory Aesthetics in Beckett’s Theatre of Affect
Authors: Palmstierna Einarsson Charlotta
Published: July 2020

This article uses Beckett’s directorial comments on the screened version of What Where (1982), as a point of departure for teasing out the poetic logic of Beckett’s attention to the formal aspects of the stage image. By having formal aspects take precedence over linguistic expression, Beckett refuses closure on the level of language and makes more authentic acts of judgment possible. Such ‘emancipatory aesthetics’ promotes intellectual freedom, a liberating aspect of Beckett’s work sometimes neglected.
Artistic and Cultural Values in the Churches of Diu: Reflections on Architecture, Iconography, and Artistic Processes
Authors: Reis Mónica Esteves
Published: July 2020

As examples of the interpretative capacity, ingenuity, and art of local carvers, Indo-Portuguese altarpieces show how religious-cultural differences could be re-enacted to create new and very particular forms that enriched Indo-Portuguese artistic production. The Northern Province played an important role in the economy of Portuguese India from the sixteenth century until at least the eighteenth century. Although Diu was geographically distant from Goa, the capital of the State of India, and from Bassein, the nearest artistic production center, the artistic panorama in Diu’s churches nevertheless developed to a remarkable extent, and its many hybrid depictions bear witness to artistic-cultural exchanges. Ornamental figurative elements and architectural elements of Portuguese origin were refashioned using the language of local art and its symbols of devotion. In the carvings executed by local artisans, the symbols of local religions were transposed into the Christian decorative grammar with the aim of explaining, through images, the gospel of a new religion to devotees of a religion rooted in centuries of history, resulting in artistic-cultural hybridity.