bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Another piece of the Zika puzzle: assessing the associated factors to microcephaly in a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gallo Luciana Guerra , Martinez-Cajas Jorge , Peixoto Henry Maia , Pereira Ana Carolina Esteves da Silva , Carter Jillian E. , McKeown Sandra , Schaub Bruno , Ventura Camila V. , de França Giovanny Vinícius Araújo , Pomar Léo , Ventura Liana O. , Nerurkar Vivek R. , de Araújo Wildo Navegantes , Velez Maria P.
Published: June 2020

Background

Although it is known that Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy may lead to microcephaly in the fetus, the prognostic factors associated with this tragic disorder remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prognostic factors associated with the incidence of microcephaly in congenital ZIKV infection.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE (R) Epub ahead of print, Embase, Embase Classic, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS, and various thesis databases to identify human studies reporting microcephaly associated with congenital ZIKV infection. We requested primary data from the authors of the included studies to calculate summary estimates and conduct the meta-analysis of the most prevalent factors.

Results

We screened 4106 titles and abstracts, and identified 12 studies for inclusion in the systematic review. The assessment of ZIKV infection and the definition of microcephaly varied among studies. A total of 6154 newborns/fetuses were enrolled; of those, 1120 (18.20%) had a diagnostic of ZIKV infection, of which 509 (45.45%) were diagnosed with microcephaly. Nine studies addressed the link between congenital ZIKV infection and neurological findings in newborns/fetuses. Half of the studies provided primary data. Three out of 11 factors of interest seem to be prognostic factors of microcephaly: infant’s sex – males compared to females: Relative Risk (RR) 1.30, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.14 to 1.49; the stage of pregnancy when infection occurred – infection in the first trimester of pregnancy compared to infection at other stages of pregnancy: RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.82; and asymptomatic infection compared to symptomatic infection during pregnancy: RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.77.

Conclusion

Our findings support the female-biased resistance hypothesis and reinforce the risk associated with the stage of pregnancy when ZIKV infection occurs. Continued surveillance of ZIKV infection during pregnancy is needed to identify additional factors that could contribute to developing microcephaly in affected fetuses.

Protocol registration

This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration no. CRD 42018088075.
Percutaneous endoscopic-assisted direct repair of pars defect without general anesthesia could be a satisfying treatment alternative for young patient with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis: a technique note with case series
Authors: Jin Mengran , Zhang Jun , Shao Haiyu , Liu Jianwen , Zhao Tingxiao , Huang Yazeng
Published: June 2020

Background

Multiple surgical procedures are applied in young patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis when conservative treatments fail. Although the optimal surgical procedure option is controversial, the treatment paradigm has shifted from open surgery to minimally invasive spine surgery. To date, a limited number of studies on the feasibility of percutaneous endoscopic-assisted direct repair of pars defect have been carried out. Herein, for the first time, we retrospectively explore the outcomes of pars defect via percutaneous endoscopy.

Methods

We retrospectively examined young patients with spondylolysis treated using the percutaneous endoscopic-assisted direct repair of pars defect supplemented with autograft as well as percutaneous pedicle screw fixation between September 2014 and December 2018. Six patients with a mean age of 18.8 years were enrolled in the study. We used preoperatively computed tomographic (CT) scans to evaluate the size of pars defect, and graded disc degeneration using Pfirrmann’s classification through magnetic resonance images (MRI). We assessed the clinical outcomes using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as Visual Analogue Scale for back pain (VAS-B).

Results

Our findings revealed that pain intensity and function outcomes, including VAS-B, ODI, and SF-36 (PCS and MCS) scores, were markedly improved after surgery and at the final follow-up visit. The change in the gap distance of the pars defect was remarkably significant after surgery and during the follow-up period. Only one of the 12 pars repaired was reported as a non-union at the final follow-up visit. Moreover, no surgery-related complications were reported in any of the cases.

Conclusion

Percutaneous endoscopic-assisted direct repair of pars defect without general anesthesia, a minimally invasive treatment option, supplemented with autograft and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, could be a satisfying treatment alternative for young patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis.
Cytocompatibility of 3D printed dental materials for temporary restorations on fibroblasts
Authors: Park Jung-Hyun , Lee Hyun , Kim Jong-Woo , Kim Ji-Hwan
Published: June 2020

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is widely used in the fabrication of dental prostheses; however, the influence of dental materials used for 3D printing on temporary restoration of fibroblasts in tissues is unclear. Thus, the influence of different dental materials on fibroblasts were investigated.

Methods

Digital light processing (DLP) type 3D printing was used. Specimens in the control group were fabricated by mixing liquid and powder self-curing resin restoration materials. The temporary resin materials used were Model, Castable, Clear-SG, Tray, and Temporary, and the self-curing resin materials used were Lang dental, Alike, Milky blue, TOKVSO CUREFAST, and UniFast III. Fibroblast cells were cultured on each specimen and subsequently post-treated for analysis. Morphology of the adhered cells were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Results

CLSM and SEM cell imaging revealed that the 3D printed material group presented better cell adhesion with well-distributed filopodia compared to that in the conventional resin material group. Cell proliferation was significantly higher in the 3D printing materials.

Conclusion

Superior cytocompatibility of the specimens fabricated through 3D printing and polishing process was demonstrated with the proof of better cell adhesion and higher cell proliferation.
Herbal medication triggering lupus nephritis - a case report
Authors: Abdul Rashid Anna Misya’il , Abd Ghani Fauzah , Inche Mat Liyana Najwa , Lim Christopher Thiam Seong
Published: June 2020

Background

Herbal medication is widely used in our region as a mode of alternative medicine. Its contents and combinations are often modified to suit the needs of different populations. These products are said to boost the immune system and may serve as a protective measure against many diseases including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Some even lay claims to be able to cure SLE. Although they are not without side effects, these medications are still preferred due to their widespread availability and affordability, compared to modern medications. However, to date, there have been no reported cases in which these traditional medications can trigger a lupus-like reaction, moreover one involving the kidneys.

Case presentation

We report a patient who developed overt lupus nephritis after consuming a course of herbal supplement. Her renal status did not improve upon cessation of the offending drug, and she required immunosuppressive therapy. After one cycle of IV cyclophosphamide, we managed to get the patient into remission - she is now on tapering doses of steroids.

Conclusion

We wish to highlight the possibility of consumption of herbal medication and the emergence of drug-induced lupus nephritis. A thorough anamnesis and high index of suspicion of drug-induced lupus nephritis is warranted when a patient on supplements presents with urinary abnormalities.
Measuring social interdependence in collaborative learning: instrument development and validation
Authors: Shimizu Ikuo , Kikukawa Makoto , Tada Tsuyoshi , Kimura Teiji , Duvivier Robbert , van der Vleuten Cees
Published: June 2020

Background

In health professions education, several collaborative learning approaches have been used. As collaborative learning has a theoretical background of social interdependence theory, a theory informed and valid instrument to measure social interdependence is required to evaluate and compare several learning approaches. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument (the SOcial interdependence in Collaborative learning Scale; SOCS) to measure students’ perceived social interdependence in collaborative learning and validate it.

Methods

We conducted a modified Delphi procedure among stakeholders to develop the content validity of the instrument. To establish construct validity, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis, and we estimated reliability.

Results

Two rounds of Delphi were conducted to develop the instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a three-factor model with 15 items, which provided an excellent fit with CMIN/df = 1.838, GFI = 0.924, CFI = 0.951, RMSEA = 0.061, and PCLOSE = 0.121. Alpha-coefficients for all factors indicated high internal consistency of all the factors.

Conclusion

This study describes the development and construct validation of the SOCS for measuring social interdependence in collaborative learning. This instrument will provide teachers and schools with feedback about their classroom environment.
Development and validation of the isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification assays for rapid detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in sheep
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Li Ruiwen , Sun Xiaoxia , Liu Libing , Hao Xuepiao , Wang Jianchang , Yuan Wanzhe
Published: June 2020

Background

Mycoplasmal pneumonia is an important infectious disease that threatens sheep and goat production worldwide, and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is one of major etiological agent causing mycoplasmal pneumonia. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique, and RPA-based diagnostic assays have been described for the detection of different types of pathogens.

Results

The RPA assays using real-time fluorescence detection (real-time RPA) and lateral flow strip detection (LFS RPA) were developed to detect M. ovipneumoniae targeting a conserved region of the 16S rRNA gene. Real-time RPA was performed in a portable florescence scanner at 39 °C for 20 min. LFS RPA was performed in a portable metal bath incubator at 39 °C for 15 min, and the amplicons were visualized with the naked eyes within 5 min on the lateral flow strip. Both assays were highly specific for M. ovipneumoniae, as there were no cross-reactions with other microorganisms tested, especially the pathogens involved in respiratory complex and other mycoplasmas frequently identified in ruminants. The limit of detection of LFS RPA assay was 1.0 × 101 copies per reaction using a recombinant plasmid containing target gene as template, which is 10 times lower than the limit of detection of the real-time RPA and real-time PCR assays. The RPA assays were further validated on 111 clinical sheep nasal swab and fresh lung samples, and M. ovipneumoniae DNA was detected in 29 samples in the real-time RPA, 31 samples in the LFS RPA and 32 samples in the real-time PCR assay. Compared to real-time PCR, the real-time RPA and LFS RPA showed diagnostic specificity of 100 and 98.73%, diagnostic sensitivity of 90.63 and 93.75%, and a kappa coefficient of 0.932 and 0.934, respectively.

Conclusions

The developed real-time RPA and LFS RPA assays provide the attractive and promising tools for rapid, convenient and reliable detection of M. ovipneumoniae in sheep, especially in resource-limited settings. However, the effectiveness of the developed RPA assays in the detection of M. ovipneumoniae in goats needs to be further validated.
Community factors affecting participation in larval source management for malaria control in Chikwawa District, Southern Malawi
Authors: Gowelo Steven , McCann Robert S. , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M. , Takken Willem , van den Berg Henk , Manda-Taylor Lucinda
Published: June 2020

Background

To further reduce malaria, larval source management (LSM) is proposed as a complementary strategy to the existing strategies. LSM has potential to control insecticide resistant, outdoor biting and outdoor resting vectors. Concerns about costs and operational feasibility of implementation of LSM at large scale are among the reasons the strategy is not utilized in many African countries. Involving communities in LSM could increase intervention coverage, reduce costs of implementation and improve sustainability of operations. Community acceptance and participation in community-led LSM depends on a number of factors. These factors were explored under the Majete Malaria Project in Chikwawa district, southern Malawi.

Methods

Separate focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with members from the general community (n = 3); health animators (HAs) (n = 3); and LSM committee members (n = 3). In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with community members. Framework analysis was employed to determine the factors contributing to community acceptance and participation in the locally-driven intervention.

Results

Nine FGDs and 24 IDIs were held, involving 87 members of the community. Widespread knowledge of malaria as a health problem, its mode of transmission, mosquito larval habitats and mosquito control was recorded. High awareness of an association between creation of larval habitats and malaria transmission was reported. Perception of LSM as a tool for malaria control was high. The use of a microbial larvicide as a form of LSM was perceived as both safe and effective. However, actual participation in LSM by the different interviewee groups varied. Labour-intensiveness and time requirements of the LSM activities, lack of financial incentives, and concern about health risks when wading in water bodies contributed to lower participation.

Conclusion

Community involvement in LSM increased local awareness of malaria as a health problem, its risk factors and control strategies. However, community participation varied among the respondent groups, with labour and time demands of the activities, and lack of incentives, contributing to reduced participation. Innovative tools that can reduce the labour and time demands could improve community participation in the activities. Further studies are required to investigate the forms and modes of delivery of incentives in operational community-driven LSM interventions.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): a review
Authors: Feng Wei , Zong Wei , Wang Feng , Ju Shaoqing
Published: June 2020

In recent years, the prevalence and spread of coronavirus has had a huge impact on global public health. Due to the incomplete understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of the virus, it is difficult for humans to fight against the virus quickly and effectively once the outbreak occurs. In early 2020, a novel coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China. Soon after, similar cases were found in other countries around the world, and the number of infected people increased rapidly. So far, the global cumulative number of infected people has exceeded 3 million, and more than 200,000 people have died, which has had a huge impact on global human health and economic development. Every outbreak of disease makes a deep impression on mankind. Herein, we summarize the virology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2, and hope that countries can control the outbreak as soon as possible to minimize the loss.
The burden of familial chylomicronemia syndrome in Canadian patients
Authors: Gaudet Daniel , Stevenson Michael , Komari Nelly , Trentin Grace , Crowson Caroline , Hadker Nandini , Bernard Sophie
Published: June 2020

Background

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by persistent extreme hypertriglyceridemia as a result of lipoprotein lipase deficiency. Canada is an important region for FCS research due to the high prevalence rates. The burden of illness and quality of life of Canadian patients, however, have been inadequately addressed in the literature.

Objective

To understand the burden of illness of FCS on Canadian patients’ lives.

Methods

IN-FOCUS is a global web-based survey open to patients with FCS, including patients in Canada. This survey captured information on diagnostic experience, symptoms, comorbidities, disease management, and impact on multiple life dimensions.

Results

A total of 37 Canadian patients completed the IN-FOCUS survey. Patients saw a mean of 4 physicians before their FCS diagnosis despite 89% reporting an FCS family history. Patients experience multiple physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms in addition to FCS-related comorbidities. Notably, 35% of those who answered the survey have experienced acute pancreatitis, averaging 14 lifetime episodes per patient. In the preceding 12 months, 46% of patients had an FCS-related hospitalization, averaging 3 nights’ stay. All respondents restricted fat intake, with 27% following an extremely low-fat diet. Despite this, 100% of patients reported fasting TG levels above the normal range. FCS impacted career choice in nearly all patients (97%) and employment status in all patients who were employed part time, disabled, or homemakers, causing many (> 75%) to choose careers below their level of abilities. Furthermore, 2/3 of patients reported FCS had a significant impact on their decision regarding whether to have children. Most report significant interference with their emotional/mental well-being, social relationships, and the majority were concerned about the long-term impact of FCS on their health (89%).

Conclusions

This study provides the first and largest study to investigate the multi-faceted psychosocial and cognitive impacts of FCS on patients. Canadian patients with FCS experience significant multi-faceted burdens that diminish their quality of life, employment opportunities, social relationships, and mental/emotional well-being. These results highlight the need for greater disease awareness, improved clinical diagnosis, broader clinical management for heterogenous symptoms, and more effective treatment options for FCS.
When is an abscess more than an abscess? Syringe services programs and the harm reduction safety-net: a case report
Authors: Castillo Marcus , Ginoza Margaret E. C. , Bartholomew Tyler S. , Forrest David W. , Greven Costaki , Serota David P. , Tookes Hansel E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Syringe services programs (SSPs) are able to offer wrap-around services for people who inject drugs (PWID) and improve health outcomes.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old man screened positive for a skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) at an SSP and was referred to a weekly on-site student-run wound care clinic. He was evaluated by first- and third-year medical students, and volunteer attending physicians determined that the infection was too severe to be managed on site. Students escorted the patient to the emergency department, where he was diagnosed with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus arm abscess as well as acute HIV infection.

Conclusion

Student-run wound care clinics at SSPs, in conjunction with ongoing harm reduction measures, screenings, and treatment services, provide a safety-net of care for PWID and help mitigate the harms of injection drug use.
Body image mediates the relationship between post-surgery needs and health-related quality of life among women with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Kaina , Wang Wen , Li Minjie , An Jinghua , Huo Lanting , He Xiaole , Li Jin , Li Xiaomei
Published: June 2020

Background

Although body image (BI) disturbance is a common problem that often contributes to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among women with breast cancer following surgery, the mediating role of BI (as a self-perceptive factor) in the relationship between needs and HRQoL after controlling for socio-demographic factors remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the mediating role of BI between post-surgery needs and HRQoL after controlling for socio-demographic factors among women with breast cancer.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the primary outcome was HRQoL (as measured with the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 [SF-36v2] and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast version 4.0 [FACT-Bv4.0]). The secondary outcomes included needs (measured in terms of needs importance [NI] and needs satisfaction [NS]) and BI. Structural equation modeling was used to identify the mediating role of BI between needs and HRQoL while considering socio-demographics.

Results

The 406 eligible patients reported poor HRQoL, and approximately half reported important unmet needs and poor BI. NI, NS, and socio-demographics had differing direct effects on BI and HRQoL, and contrasting indirect effects on HRQoL via BI. NI, NS, surgery type, presence of chronic disease, and BI explained 4% of the variance in the SF-36v2 physical component summary score; NI, NS, surgery type, residence, and BI explained 20% of the variance in the mental component summary score; and NI, NS, marital status, employment status, radiotherapy, and BI explained 33% of the variance in the FACT-Bv4.0 total score.

Conclusions

After surgery, women with breast cancer have poor HRQoL and BI, and important unmet needs. BI mediates the relationship between needs and HRQoL after controlling for socio-demographics. The present findings provide information for developing comprehensive BI-based needs interventions and preparing targeted health-management programs for patients with breast cancer.
Effects of snack portion size on anticipated and experienced hunger, eating enjoyment, and perceived healthiness among children
Authors: Schwartz Camille , Lange Christine , Hachefa Celia , Cornil Yann , Nicklaus Sophie , Chandon Pierre
Published: June 2020

Background

Large portion sizes encourage overconsumption. Prior studies suggest that this may be due to errors in anticipating the effects of portion size, although the studies were limited to adults and energy-dense foods.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate potential anticipation errors related to the effects of portion size on hunger, eating enjoyment, and healthiness ratings among 8-to-11-year-old children, for snacks differing in energy density and healthiness perception, and as a function of initial hunger.

Methods

In a within-subject design, 83 children aged 8 to 11 years old were first asked to anticipate how much they would enjoy, how hungry they would feel after eating, and how healthy it would be to eat a recommended serving size, a 50% larger portion, and a 125% larger portion of brownie or applesauce. Over six subsequent sessions, the children were asked to eat all of each of these portions and then rate their post-intake enjoyment, residual hunger, and healthiness perceptions. We also measured hunger at the beginning of each session.

Results

For both snacks, larger portions reduced anticipated and experienced residual hunger similarly. In contrast, larger portions increased anticipated but not experienced eating enjoyment for both snacks; although larger portions increased anticipated and experienced enjoyment ratings among extremely hungry children. All children under-anticipated how much they would enjoy the smaller portion sizes. Healthiness ratings were unaffected by portion size for both snacks but differed across foods (applesauce vs. brownie).

Conclusions

Children anticipate the effects of portion size on hunger change accurately, overestimate the effects of portion size on eating enjoyment, and rate food healthiness on food type and not portion size. Helping children better anticipate the enjoyment from smaller (recommended) portion sizes and understand that food quantity, not just quality, matters for healthy eating may be a solution to improve portion control.
Recent advances of novel technologies for quality consistency assessment of natural herbal medicines and preparations
Authors: Wei Xi-Chuan , Cao Bo , Luo Chuan-Hong , Huang Hao-Zhou , Tan Peng , Xu Xiao-Rong , Xu Run-Chun , Yang Ming , Zhang Yi , Han Li , Zhang Ding-Kun
Published: June 2020

Quality consistency is one of the basic attributes of medicines, but it is also a difficult problem that natural medicines and their preparations must face. The complex chemical composition and comprehensive pharmacological action of natural medicines make it difficult to simply apply the commonly used evaluation methods in chemical drugs. It is thus urgent to explore the novel evaluation methods suitable for the characteristics of natural medicines. With the rapid development of analytical techniques and the deepening understanding of the quality of natural herbs, increasing numbers of researchers have proposed many new ideas and technologies. This review mainly focuses on the basic principles, technical characteristics and application examples of the chemical evaluation, biological evaluation methods and their combination in quality consistency evaluation of natural herbs. On the bases of chemical evaluation and clinical efficacy, new methods reflecting their pharmacodynamic mechanism and safety characteristics will be developed, and gradually towards accurate quality control, to achieve the goal of quality consistency. We hope that this manuscript can provide new ideas and technical references for the quality consistency of natural drugs and their preparations, thus better guarantee their clinical efficacy and safety, and better promote industrial development.
XPO1-dependent nuclear export as a target for cancer therapy
Authors: Azizian Nancy G. , Li Yulin
Published: June 2020

Cellular homeostasis requires the proper nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning of large molecules, which is often deregulated in cancer. XPO1 is an export receptor responsible for the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of hundreds of proteins and multiple RNA species. XPO1 is frequently overexpressed and/or mutated in human cancers and functions as an oncogenic driver. Suppression of XPO1-mediated nuclear export, therefore, presents a unique therapeutic strategy. In this review, we summarize the physiological functions of XPO1 as well as the development of various XPO1 inhibitors and provide an update on the recent clinical trials of the SINE compounds. We also discuss potential future research directions on the molecular function of XPO1 and the clinical application of XPO1 inhibitors.
Study of Medical Ultrasound for Rhizarthrosis (SUR): study protocol for a randomized controlled single-center pilot-trial
Authors: Bock Markus , Eisenschenk Andreas , Lorenzen Heiko , Lautenbach Martin
Published: June 2020

Background

Rhizarthrosis (trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis) is the second most common site of osteoarthritis in the hand affecting 10–30% of adults over the age of 50. Up to four times as many women as men have rhizarthrosis. Clinical symptoms include functional disability of the thumb, pain, joint swelling, and reduced strength. The first carpometacarpal joint is pivotal in the opposition of the thumb and allows a high degree in flexibility to humans. Current therapies focus mainly on surgical strategies, which should be considered in advanced, therapy-resistant stages to relieve pain and improve function. However, conservative treatment methods are urgently required in presurgical stages. The efficacy of conservative treatment options for rhizarthrosis, which are intended to preserve function, joint integrity and to relieve pain, has not been adequately studied. In the clinical study protocol presented here, we investigate the efficacy of multimodal hand therapy versus therapeutic ultrasound versus combination therapy with both hand therapy and therapeutic ultrasound.

Methods

This study is a single-center, randomized, controlled, parallel-group pilot trial. One hundred fifty patients with rhizarthrosis and current disease activity will be randomized to one of three conservative interventions over 6 months. Interventions are (1) multimodal hand therapy (2) therapeutic ultrasound, and (3) combination therapy with both hand therapy and ultrasound therapy. The primary outcome measure is the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score after 6 months. Secondary endpoints are changes in pain, quality of life, disability progression, and changes of hand function. Safety will also be assessed.

Discussion

Clinical data suggest that multimodal hand therapy may improve functionality and reduce pain in rhizarthrosis. Clinical data regarding therapeutic ultrasound are not available. Clinical evidence is lacking. This study is the first clinical study investigating the effects of multimodal hand therapy in direct comparison to therapeutic ultrasound and to a combination therapy with both hand therapy and ultrasound therapy for rhizarthrosis.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04115085; Registered on September 30, 2019.
Synthesis of some novel 2-(3-cyano -6-(thiophen- 2-yl)-4,4′- bipyridin-2- yloxy)acetohydrazide derivatives: assessment of their cytotoxic activity
Authors: Al Shareef Hossa F.
Published: June 2020

A new series of pyrazole, bipyridine, N-amide derivatives and Schiff bases was synthesized using compound 2-(3-cyano-6- (thiophen-2-yl)-4,4′- bipyridin-2-yloxy) acetohydrazide (3) as a starting material. The compounds structures were confirmed depending on the spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. Also, the compounds were evaluated as anticancer agents by the compounds screened towards adenocarcinoma breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The compounds showed a promising cytotoxic effect against human breast cancer cells. Compound 7c showed the most effective activity compared to other compounds with (IC50 = 0.6 ± 0.01 μg mL−1) in comparison with the reference drug doxorubicin (IC50 = 1.6 ± 0.02 μg mL−1). While compound 3 is closely active with doxorubicin. Also compounds 2, 4, 6, 7a, 7b and 7d showed noticeable cytotoxic effect. Early and late apoptotic cells were detected using Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide staining technique. The results of biologically screening of the tested compounds give an idea about the importance in the compounds acting against breast cancer and may lead to the discovery of a potent anticancer agent.
The ChemicalToolbox: reproducible, user-friendly cheminformatics analysis on the Galaxy platform
Authors: Bray Simon A. , Lucas Xavier , Kumar Anup , Grüning Björn A.
Published: June 2020

Here, we introduce the ChemicalToolbox, a publicly available web server for performing cheminformatics analysis. The ChemicalToolbox provides an intuitive, graphical interface for common tools for downloading, filtering, visualizing and simulating small molecules and proteins. The ChemicalToolbox is based on Galaxy, an open-source web-based platform which enables accessible and reproducible data analysis. There is already an active Galaxy cheminformatics community using and developing tools. Based on their work, we provide four example workflows which illustrate the capabilities of the ChemicalToolbox, covering assembly of a compound library, hole filling, protein-ligand docking, and construction of a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model. These workflows may be modified and combined flexibly, together with the many other tools available, to fit the needs of a particular project. The ChemicalToolbox is hosted on the European Galaxy server and may be accessed viahttps://cheminformatics.usegalaxy.eu.
Certain Grüss-type inequalities via tempered fractional integrals concerning another function
Authors: Rahman Gauhar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Rashid Saima , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: June 2020

We study a generalized left sided tempered fractional (GTF)-integral concerning another functionΨin the kernel. Then we investigate several kinds of inequalities such as Grüss-type and certain other related inequalities by utilizing the GTF-integral. Additionally, we present various special cases of the main result. By utilizing the connection between GTF-integral and Riemann–Liouville integral concerning another functionΨin the kernel, certain distinct particular cases of the main result are also presented. Furthermore, certain other inequalities can be formed by applying various kinds of conditions on the functionΨ.
The steepest descent of gradient-based iterative method for solving rectangular linear systems with an application to Poisson’s equation
Authors: Kittisopaporn Adisorn , Chansangiam Pattrawut
Published: June 2020

We introduce an effective iterative method for solving rectangular linear systems, based on gradients along with the steepest descent optimization. We show that the proposed method is applicable with any initial vectors as long as the coefficient matrix is of full column rank. Convergence analysis produces error estimates and the asymptotic convergence rate of the algorithm, which is governed by the term $\sqrt {1-\kappa^{-2}}$1−κ−2, where κ is the condition number of the coefficient matrix. Moreover, we apply the proposed method to a sparse linear system arising from a discretization of the one-dimensional Poisson equation. Numerical simulations illustrate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to the well-known and recent methods.
Identification of carnivore kill sites is improved by verified accelerometer data
Authors: Petroelje Tyler R. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Svoboda Nathan J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Quantifying kill rates is central to understanding predation ecology. However, estimating kill rates and prey composition in carnivore diets is challenging due to their low densities and cryptic behaviors limiting direct observations, especially when the prey is small (i.e., < 5 kg). Global positioning system (GPS) collars and use of collar-mounted activity sensors linked with GPS data can provide insights into animal movements, behavior, and activity.

Methods

We verified activity thresholds for American black bears (Ursus americanus), a bobcat (Lynx rufus), and wolves (Canis spp.) with GPS collars containing on-board accelerometers by visual observations of captive individuals’ behavior. We applied these activity threshold values to GPS location and accelerometer data from free-ranging carnivores at locations identified by a GPS cluster algorithm which we visited and described as kill sites or non-kill sites. We then assessed use of GPS, landscape, and activity data in a predictive model for improving detection of kill sites for free-ranging black bears, bobcats, coyotes (C. latrans), and wolves using logistic regression during May–August 2013–2015.

Results

Accelerometer values differed between active and inactive states for black bears (P < 0.01), the bobcat (P < 0.01), and wolves (P < 0.01). Top-performing models of kill site identification for each carnivore species included activity data which improved correct assignment of kill sites by 5–38% above models that did not include activity. Though inclusion of activity data improved model performance, predictive power was less than 45% for all species.

Conclusions

Collar-mounted accelerometers can improve identification of predation sites for some carnivores as compared to use of GPS and landscape informed covariates alone and increase our understanding of predator–prey relations.
Family Club Denmark #strongertogether - a volunteer intervention for disadvantaged families: study protocol for a quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Pontoppidan Maiken , Thorsager Mette , Larsen Arendse Tange , Friis-Hansen Mette
Published: June 2020

Background

Need-oriented family support programs are examples of voluntary-based interventions increasingly recognized by the public sector as an important contribution to health and social care provision. Voluntary interventions are attractive because of their focus on activism, inclusion, and participation, but also their low cost and easy accessibility. There is an increasing demand for documentation of the effectiveness of family support programs. Methodologically sound studies are, however, limited and findings are generally inconsistent. This trial aims to assess the effectiveness of the volunteer-based intervention Family Club Denmark on parental stress, mental health, development and well-being of parents and children and to get insight into the experiences of both volunteers and families.

Methods

This is a prospective quasi-experimental trial with two conditions: (1) intervention group participating in Family Club Denmark and (2) wait-list control group. Participants are families with children aged 2–12 years who wish to participate in the program. Participants are allocated to intervention primarily after a first-come-first-serve principle, and further families will join the wait-list and be offered participation after around 6 months. Quantitative data are collected through web surveys at three time-points: at baseline, post-intervention (6 months after baseline), and follow-up (12 months after baseline). The primary outcome is mental health. Secondary outcomes include parenting behavior, parenting stress, self-efficacy and self-worth, family routines and child well-being. Qualitative data are collected through observations, focus groups, and interviews.

Discussion

This trial is among the first experimental studies of a group-based third sector need-oriented family support program offered to a wide array of families. The trial will provide important knowledge on the effectiveness of a volunteer-based family intervention on important outcomes such as mental health, self-efficacy, family routines. Furthermore, the trial will provide knowledge on volunteer, parent, and child experiences with participating in the intervention and knowledge on how to conduct experimental trails in a complex volunteer environment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03657888 (registered 29.08.2018).
Comparison of two time-marching schemes for dynamic rupture simulation with a space-domain BIEM
Authors: Noda Hiroyuki , Sato Dye S. K. , Kurihara Yuuki
Published: June 2020

The boundary integral equation method (BIEM) is one of the important numerical techniques used to simulate geophysical phenomena including dynamic propagation, nucleation, and sequence of earthquake ruptures. We studied the stability and convergence of two time-marching schemes numerically for 2-D problems in Mode I, II, and III conditions. One was a conventional method based on piecewise-constant spatiotemporal distribution of the rate of displacement gap$$ V $$V(CM), and the other was a slightly modified scheme from a predictor–corrector method previously applied to a spectral BIEM (NL). In the stability analysis, we simulated behavior of a traction-free fault under uncorrelated random distributions of initial traction. The growth rate of the perturbation is negative in a parameter regime of complex shape with CM, which has two numerical parameters, and the intersection for all the modes is very restricted as reported previously. In contrast, NL has only one parameter and yields simpler and a wide parameter regime of stability, conceivably allowing more flexible meshing on the fault. In the convergence analysis in which a smooth problem was solved, CM resulted in a numerical error scaled as$$ \Delta x^{1} $$Δx1while NL led to the scaling of$$ \Delta x^{2} $$Δx2typically or of$$ \Delta x^{1.5} $$Δx1.5under certain conditions in Mode II problems. NL requires negligible additional computational costs and modification of the code is quite straightforward relative to CM. Therefore, we conclude that NL is a useful time-marching scheme that has wide applicability in simulations of earthquake ruptures although the reason for the rather complicated convergence behavior and verification of the findings here to more general conditions deserve further study.
Realization approach of non-linear postseismic deformation model for Taiwan semi-kinematic reference frame
Authors: Chen Kwo-Hwa , Chuang Ray Y. , Ching Kuo-En
Published: June 2020

Surface displacements associated with earthquake-cycle deformation of active faults significantly influence the accuracy of geodetic datum and reference frames, especially for the Taiwan area with high plate convergence and deformation rates. Following the current architecture of the semi-kinematic reference frame in Taiwan, which does not particularly consider the non-linear behavior of postseismic deformation, we explored the methods to implement a non-linear postseismic deformation model using the 2003 Chengkung earthquake as an example. Together with linear interseismic function, we utilized a logarithmic function to approximate the non-linear postseismic decays. For the time series without preseismic observations, we removed the interseismic velocities by spatial interpolation and fitted the resultant time series with the logarithmic function. After estimating postseismic decays for all GPS stations, we conducted two grid models of accumulative displacements for only postseismic deformation and total deformation after the earthquake. The first grid model provides a useful prediction for tracking surface movements, and the latter model provides a straightforward view to access the timing and amount of displacements to correct the semi-kinematic reference frame. The implementation of the grid models can well approximate non-linear postseismic trends for the semi-kinematic reference frame.
Notes on the arthropod fauna of Salas y Gómez island, Chile
Authors: Hershauer Samantha N. , Pakarati Sebastian Yancovic , Wynne J. Judson
Published: June 2020

Background

Salas y Gómez is a small, volcanic island largely untouched by humans due to its diminutive size and remoteness. Since the waters surrounding Salas y Gómez were established as Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park in 2010, marine investigations have been the primary research focus. Secondarily, nesting seabird communities have been censused since 2011.

Methods and findings

In 2016, terrestrial arthropods were sampled on the island. Two observers sampled two locations for 30 min per site. Fifteen morphospecies were identified including at least one likely undescribed species.

Conclusions

Our work represents the most comprehensive terrestrial arthropod inventory of Salas y Gómez island to date. We are hopeful the recommendations provided will spur additional research to both characterize the island’s arthropod community, as well as identify species of management concern.
Realizing ecosystem-safe hydropower from dams
Authors: Ahmad Shahryar Khalique , Hossain Faisal
Published: June 2020

For clean hydropower generation while sustaining ecosystems, minimizing harmful impacts and balancing multiple water needs is an integral component. One particularly harmful effect not managed explicitly by hydropower operations is thermal destabilization of downstream waters. To demonstrate that the thermal destabilization by hydropower dams can be managed while maximizing energy production, we modelled thermal change in downstream waters as a function of decision variables for hydropower operation (reservoir level, powered/spillway release, storage), forecast reservoir inflow and air temperature for a dam site with in situ thermal measurements. For data-limited regions, remote sensing-based temperature estimation algorithm was established using thermal infrared band of Landsat ETM+ over multiple dams. The model for water temperature change was used to impose additional constraints of tolerable downstream cooling or warming (1–6 °C of change) on multi-objective optimization to maximize hydropower. A reservoir release policy adaptive to thermally optimum levels for aquatic species was derived. The novel concept was implemented for Detroit dam in Oregon (USA). Resulting benefits to hydropower generation strongly correlated with allowable flexibility in temperature constraints. Wet years were able to satisfy stringent temperature constraints and produce substantial hydropower benefits, while dry years, in contrast, were challenging to adhere to the upstream thermal regime.
Molecular identification of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of different parts of methanolic extract of Senna occidentalis
Authors: Alhafiz Zainab Aliyu , Abdulsalami Mohammed Sani , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal , Bulus Timothy , Suleiman Ahmed Babangida
Published: June 2020

Objective

The present study investigated the anti-Trypanosoma brucei brucei activity of methanolic extract of Senna occidentalis roots, leaves, stem bark, and seed in vitro and bioactive components of the most active plant part.

Materials and methods

Trypanosoma brucei brucei was identified by PCR, cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and incubated at 37 °C and 5% CO2. Subsequently, the cultured T. brucei brucei were incubated with 500 μg/ml concentration of different parts of S. occidentalis plant and the most potent fraction was identified and subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results

Amplicons of the rRNA gene of T. brucei brucei detected had a size of 1200 bp. The anti-trypanosomal activities indicated that the root extract of the plant was the most active at 500 μg/ml with inhibitory activity of 88.89% and fractions (2 and 5) the most active with IC50 values of 1.49 and 1.16 μg/ml respectively.

Conclusion

Results from this study insinuates that phenolic and simple aliphatic compounds might play key role in the anti-trypanosomal activity of S. occidentalis roots.
Characterization of plasma secretory phospholipase A2 activity in the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)
Authors: Baker Sarah , Merchant Mark
Published: June 2020

Background

Plasma phospholipase A2(PLA2) enzyme activity is a key component of innate immunity in most vertebrates. We evaluated circulating secreted PLA2activity of prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) by incubation of plasma with bacteria labeled with fluorescent membrane lipids.

Results

Incubation of bacteria with increasing volumes of plasma resulted in volume-dependent lysis of fatty acids from bacterial membranes. The activity was rapid, with substantial activity recorded after only 5 min of incubation with labeled bacteria, and a linear response for 20 min. In addition, the lysis activity was temperature-dependent, increasing activities from 5 to 20 °C, peak activities at 25–30 °C, and then decreasing activities from 35 to 40 °C. Furthermore, the activity was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner byp-bromophenacyl bromide, a specific inhibitor of PLA2activity, which indicated that the observed activities were due to the presence of PLA2in the plasma ofC. viridis.

Conclusions

This study represents the first description of secretory PLA2activity in the plasma of a snake. Our study shows that in addition to being an important component of snake venom, PLA2enzymes play an important role in the snake’s immune response.
The impact of contactless payment on cash usage at an early stage of diffusion
Authors: Trütsch Tobias
Published: June 2020

This paper explores the impact of contactless payment on consumers’ demand for cash at an early stage of diffusion. The specific devices that are investigated are debit and credit cards, in which the feature is embedded. A novel balanced panel dataset drawn from representative surveys on consumer payment behavior in the USA from 2009 to 2013 is analyzed to account for unobserved heterogeneity in cash usage. The results show that contactless credit and debit cards exert no statistically significant effect on cash usage after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. Consumers’ decision to use contactless payment is an endogenous choice. Card-affined individuals replace conventional card payments with contactless card payments. Hence, the overall effect on cash usage remains unaffected.