bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between dental care approachability and dental attendance among women pregnant with an Indigenous child: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gao Yuan , Ju Xiangqun , Jamieson Lisa
Published: September 2021

Background

Oral health during pregnancy is vital for both mother and child. Indigenous Australians face many barriers in accessing dental care. Service approachability is one of the key domains in accessing health services. There is little empirical evidence of the association between service approachability and dental care attendance or oral health outcome. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between dental service approachability on dental care attendance and self-reported gum disease among South Australian women pregnant with an Aboriginal child.

Methods

Four hundred and twenty-seven women pregnant with an Aboriginal child completed questionnaires in both metropolitan and regional health settings in South Australia in 2011. Four variables related to approachability of dental services: (1) perception of need; (2) service-related health literacy; (3) oral health beliefs and; (4) trust and expectation of dental service. The association between service approachability-related factors, dental utilisation and self-reported gum disease during pregnancy were assessed using Generalised Poisson regression models, after adjusting for age, remoteness, employment status and education. Estimates were presented as adjusted prevalence ratios (APR).

Results

Most participants (85.8%) reported a need for dental care, had positive oral health beliefs (88.3%) and had expectations towards dental care (86.2%). Dental service utilisation during pregnancy was low (35.7%). Many participants (78.0%) expressed knowing what to do if they needed dental care, while most (39.8%) doubted that dental care would be available the next day. Poor health service literacy was identified as a risk factor for non-optimal dental attendance (APR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.74–0.99). Perceived need for dental care was positively associated with self-reported gum disease (APR = 1.24, 95%CI 1.06–1.45).

Conclusion

Inability to navigate the dental care system was a risk factor for poor dental attendance among South Australian women pregnant with an Aboriginal child. Perceived need for dental care was associated with gum disease.
Compound heterozygous mutations in the LTBP2 gene associated with microspherophakia in a Chinese patient: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Manhua , Li Kaiming , He Weimin
Published: September 2021

Background

Microspherophakia (MSP, OMIM 251,750) is a rare inherited autosomal recessive eye disorder characterized by small spherically shaped lens. Several studies have indicated that the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) binding proteins(LTBP2) gene mutation is the predominant cause of MSP. In our study, novel compound heterozygous mutations in the LTBP2 gene associated with MSP were reported, which was different from previous reported homozygous mutations.

Case presentation

The proband was an 18‐year‐old male in Western China with bilateral MSP, accompanied by ectopia lentis, secondary glaucoma and blindness in both eyes. In our hospital, he received bilateral lens resection and trabeculectomy combined with peripheral iridotomy. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based gene panel tests, we identified pathogenic mutations in the peripheral blood DNA sample from the proband: c.3614_3618dupCTGGC (exon24, NM_000428) and c.2819G > A (exon18, NM_000428). The presence of the novel compound heterozygous mutations in the LTBP2 gene was linked with the development of MSP. Sanger sequencing confirmed the existence of one of the two variants in each parent respectively.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated a rare case of MSP phenotype associated with novel compound heterozygous mutations in the LTBP2 gene using NGS technology.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: LncRNA LBX2-AS1 promotes colorectal cancer progression and 5-fluorouracil resistance
Authors: Ma Yu-Nan , Hong Yong-Gang , Yu Guan-Yu , Jiang Si-yuan , Zhao Bo-lun , Guo An , Wang Yao , Cui Xiao-ming , Hao Li-Qiang , Zheng Hao
Published: September 2021

Background

Recent reports suggest that the long non-coding RNA LBX2 antisense RNA 1 (LBX2-AS1) acts as an important regulator in cancer progression, but its significance in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains undetermined.

Methods

LBX2-AS1 expression levels in CRC were determined from the GEPIA database and CRC tissues to investigate clinical relevance. meRIP-PCR assays investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of m6A in LBX2-AS1. Loss of function experiments was used to define the role of LBX2-AS1 in the progression of CRC. The ceRNA function of LBX2-AS1 was evaluated by RNA immunoprecipitation. In vitro and PDX models were used to determine if LBX2-AS1 promotes 5-fluorouracil resistance.

Results

Data from the TCGA and our institutional patient cohorts established that LBX2-AS1 levels were significantly upregulated in most CRC tissues relative to normal adjacent colon tissues. Moreover, LBX2-AS1 levels were positively correlated with aggressive disease characteristics, constituting an independent prognostic indicator of overall patient survival. Mechanistic investigations suggested that the increased LBX2-AS1 in CRC was mediated by METTL3-dependent m6A methylation. In vitro experiments indicated that knockdown of LBX2-AS1 inhibited CRC proliferation, migration and invasion with this phenotype linked to LBX2-AS1-mediated regulation of AKT1, acting as a ceRNA to sponge miR-422a. Ex vivo analysis of patient-derived CRC xenografts showed that low LBX2-AS1 expression cases exhibited 5-FU responsiveness and clinical investigations confirmed that low LBX2-AS1 expression was associated with improved clinical benefits from 5-FU therapy.

Conclusions

Together these results suggest that LBX2-AS1 may serve as a therapeutic target and predictor of 5-FU benefit in CRC patients.
The role of postoperative radiotherapy in pN1 oral cavity cancer without extranodal extension
Authors: Tsai Tsung-You , Huang Yenlin , Iandelli Andrea , Tai Shiao-Fwu , Hung Shao-Yu , Kao Huang-Kai , Chang Kai-Ping
Published: September 2021

Background

The administration of postoperative radiotherapy remains controversial in pN1 oral cavity cancer patients without extranodal extension. The aim is to determine whether postoperative radiotherapy reduces the neck recurrence rate and improves the survival outcomes of pN1 patients.

Methods

This study consecutively enrolled 1056 patients with newly diagnosed oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent tumor wide excision and neck dissection from September 2002 to November 2019. One hundred two pN1 patients without extranodal extension were eligible for analysis. Then, a subgroup analysis of 40 patients was performed after patients with other adverse risk factors (positive margins, close margins, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor depth ≥ 10 mm, and poor histological differentiation) were excluded.

Results

Of the 102 eligible pN1 patients, 26 patients received surgery alone, and 76 received postoperative radiotherapy. No significant differences were observed in the neck recurrence rate (7.7% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.30). Similarly, in patients without other adverse risk factors, no significant differences were observed in the neck recurrence rate (5% vs. 20%, p = 0.15) between surgery alone group and postoperative radiotherapy group. Moreover, no significant difference was found in the neck recurrence-free survival rate, overall survival, and disease-specific survival (77.1% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.42, 83.5% vs. 64.5%, p = 0.81, and 88.2% vs. 67.9%, p = 0.34, respectively).

Conclusion

Postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly decrease the probability of neck recurrence and survival outcomes in pN1 patients without extranodal extension. Radical surgery alone may be considered sufficient treatment for pN1 patients without other adverse risk factors.
Regulation of non-conventional therapies in Portugal: lessons learnt for strengthening human resources in health
Authors: Amaral Pascoal , Fronteira Inês
Published: September 2021

Background

The integration of non-conventional therapies (NCT) into health policies and health services delivery is a worldwide trend and might have a role in achieving Universal Health Coverage. WHO has encouraged countries to integrate NCT into health service delivery and to increase the interest and utilization by consumers. Following two resolutions by the European Parliament and by the Council of Europe, in the late 1990s, recommending the recognition of NCT and calling for EU legislation on non-conventional forms of medicine, Portugal initiated, in 2003, its path towards regulation of NCT. We analyze this process and discuss its implications and impacts in terms of health policies, health services delivery and overall health workforce.

Case presentation

The need to regulate NCT in Portugal stemmed from a growing demand for NCT (and acceptability) among lay citizens and a positive attitude among conventional health professionals which also advocated for a regulatory framework. Political efforts undertaken since 2003 allowed for important advances in the regulation of NCT, beneficiating safe professional practices, and ensuring future academic training at the highest standards, with the defining moment of the social and legal model transition occurring in 2013, when acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, phytotherapy and traditional Chinese Medicine were recognized and regulated. Nevertheless, and because the process knew important time gaps, significant deficiencies arose, mainly between regulation of the training and of the professional activities and the capacity to ensure the continuous production of NCT professionals at an acceptable rate and with minimum quality standards guaranteed.

Conclusions

The regulation of NCT in Portugal was lengthy but steady and was able to bring consumers a safer practice environment and NCT professionals a legal and deontological umbrella for their training, practice, and professional development.

Nevertheless, and despite the growing acceptability and normative quality assurance of NCT and its workforce, the regulation process has highlighted some fragilities in terms of accessibility and availability that need attention and urgent action to achieve universal coverage.
Online MR evaluation of inter- and intra-fraction uterus motions and bladder volume changes during cervical cancer external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Lizhen , Cui Zhen , Li Yukun , Liu Pei , Wang Yungang , Zhu Jinhong , Zhu Jianmin , Yin Yong , Li Zhenjiang
Published: September 2021

Purpose/objective(s)

The purpose of the study was to assess the uterus motions and bladder volume changes of fractional movements in cervical sites throughout the external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) treatment.

Materials/methods

A prospective online MR imaging tracking study was conducted in EBRT 43 patients with at least 4 scans during each treatment (before: ultrasound scan, MRI scan, CBCT scan, after: MRI scan) were included. In order to improve the treatment repeatability, each patient was instructed to empty the bladder and drink 500 ml water 1 h before CT simulation and each treatment. If the ultrasound scan result reached the CT simulation volume of bladder, the treatment began. Bladder was outlined on the T2 weighted axial sequence and CBCT image by the two observers to avoid the influence of contouring. The data of bladder volume and scanning time were accurately recorded. The bladder volumes, filling rates and uterus motion were retrospectively analyzed by MIM software.

Results

Inter-fraction variation of the bladder volume was significant (p < 0.0001). Intra-fraction mean increase of the bladder volume was modest (30 cc) but significant (p < 0.001). Both inter- and intra-fraction of the uterus motion were significant. The average time between the pre-and post-fraction MRI scans was 27.82 ± 7.12 min (range 10–55 min) for IMRT plans and 24.14 ± 5.86 min (range7-38 min) for VMAT plan. Average bladder filling rate was 3.43 ml/min. The bladder filling rate did not change significantly with the course of treatment, but the bladder was more intolerant.

Conclusion

This is the most detailed assessment of intra-fraction and inter-fraction motion during EBRT for cervical cancer. Finally, this study will inform appropriate treatment margins for online adaptive radiotherapy. We suggest that at least one image scan is needed before the EBRT. The portable US scanner provides a quick but unreliable measurement of the bladder volume. There is a significant statistical difference between the results of ultrasonic scanning and that of image scanning.
Nuclear dynamics and stress responses in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Iatrou Artemis , Clark Eric M. , Wang Yanling
Published: September 2021

In response to extracellular and intracellular stressors, the nucleus and nuclear compartments undergo distinct molecular changes to maintain cell homeostasis. In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, misfolded proteins and various cellular stressors lead to profound structural and molecular changes at the nucleus. This review summarizes recent research on nuclear alterations in AD development, from the nuclear envelope changes to chromatin and epigenetic regulation and then to common nuclear stress responses. Finally, we provide our thoughts on the importance of understanding cell-type-specific changes and identifying upstream causal events in AD pathogenesis and highlight novel sequencing and gene perturbation technologies to address those challenges.
DISCO App: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a patient intervention to reduce the financial burden of cancer in a diverse patient population
Authors: Hamel Lauren M. , Dougherty David W. , Kim Seongho , Heath Elisabeth I. , Mabunda Lorna , Tadesse Eyouab , Hill RaeAnn , Eggly Susan
Published: September 2021

Background

Financial toxicity, the material and psychological burden of the cost of treatment, affects 30–50% of people with cancer, even those with health insurance. The burden of treatment cost can affect treatment adherence and, ultimately, mortality. Financial toxicity is a health equity issue, disproportionately affecting patients who are racial/ethnic minorities, have lower incomes, and are < 65 years old. Patient education about treatment cost and patient-oncologist cost discussions are recommended as ways to address financial toxicity; however, research shows cost discussions occur infrequently (Altice et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 109:djw205, 2017; Schnipper et al. J Clin Oncol 34:2925-34, 2016; Zafar et al. Oncologist 18:381-90, 2013; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network 2010). Our overall goal is to address the burden of financial toxicity and work toward health equity through a tailorable education and communication intervention, the DISCO App. The aim of this longitudinal randomized controlled trial is to test the effectiveness of the DISCO App on the outcomes in a population of economically and racially/ethnically diverse cancer patients from all age groups.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectal, or prostate cancer at a NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Detroit, MI, will be randomized to one of three study arms: one usual care arm (arm 1) and two intervention arms (arms 2 and 3). All intervention patients (arms 2 and 3) will receive the DISCO App before the second interaction with their oncologist, and patients in arm 3 will receive an intervention booster. The DISCO App, presented on an iPad, includes an educational video about treatment costs, ways to manage them, and the importance of discussing them with oncologists. Patients enter socio-demographic information (e.g., employment, insurance status) and indicate their financial concerns. They then receive a tailored list of questions to consider asking their oncologist. All patients will have up to two interactions with their oncologist video recorded and complete measures at baseline, after the recorded interactions and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the second interaction. Outcome measures will assess discussions of cost, communication quality, knowledge of treatment costs, self-efficacy for treatment cost management, referrals for support, short- and longer-term financial toxicity, and treatment adherence.

Discussion

If effective, this intervention will improve awareness of and discussions of treatment cost and alleviate the burden of financial toxicity. It may be especially helpful to groups disproportionately affected by financial toxicity, helping to achieve health equity.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04766190. Registered on February 23, 2021
Effects of Hydroxychloroquine on endOthelial function in eLDerly with sleep apnea (HOLD): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tedesco Silva Leticia Maria , Cortes Antonio , Rossi Beatriz , Boll Liliana , Waclawovsky Gustavo , Eibel Bruna , Cadaval Gonçalves Sandro , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Martinez Denis
Published: September 2021

Background

Sleep apnea and coronary artery disease are prevalent and relevant diseases. The mechanism by which sleep apnea leads to coronary artery disease remains unclear. Intermittent hypoxia, caused by sleep apnea, leads to inflammation and consequent endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction precedes the development of atherosclerotic disease and the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Agents that potentially act to improve endothelial function can help prevent cardiovascular events. Patients using immunomodulators due to rheumatic diseases have a lower prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. However, the potential cardioprotective effect of these drugs in patients without autoimmune diseases is not clear. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an immunomodulator used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, HCQ reduces cholesterol and blood glucose levels and has antithrombotic effects. The drug is inexpensive and widely available. Adverse effects of HCQ are rare and occur more frequently with high doses.

Objective

In this randomized clinical trial, the effect of HCQ treatment on endothelial function will be tested in seniors with sleep apnea.

Methods

We will recruit participants over the age of 65 and with moderate-severe sleep apnea from an ongoing cohort. We chose to use this sample already evaluated for sleep apnea for reasons of convenience, but also because the elderly with sleep apnea are vulnerable to heart disease. Endothelial function will be assessed by examining flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, the gold standard method, considered an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in the general population and by peripheral arterial tonometry, the most recent and most easily obtained method. Hydroxychloroquine will be used at a dose of 400 mg/daily for 8 weeks.

Discussion

Our study aims to obtain evidence, albeit preliminary, of the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in improving endothelial function and reducing cardiovascular risk markers. If the improvement occurs, we plan to design a randomized multicenter clinical trial to confirm the findings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04161339. Registered on November 2019.
Study TPX-100-5: intra-articular TPX-100 significantly delays pathological bone shape change and stabilizes cartilage in moderate to severe bilateral knee OA
Authors: McGuire Dawn , Bowes Michael , Brett Alan , Segal Neil A. , Miller Meghan , Rosen David , Kumagai Yoshinari
Published: September 2021

Background

TPX-100, a promotor of osteoblast and chondroblast differentiation, is a potential osteoarthritis (OA) therapy. This retrospective study compared MRI 3D femoral bone shape changes (B-scores) after intra-articular TPX-100 or placebo and analyzed the relationship between cartilage thickness and bone shape change over 12 months.

Methods

One hundred and four participants with bilateral moderate to severe knee cartilage defects were randomized to receive TPX-100 (200 mg) or placebo. Each subject’s contralateral placebo-treated knee served as a paired internal control. After MRI quality control, 78/93 subjects (84%; 156 knees) were analyzed for quantitative femoral B-score and cartilage thickness. All analyses were performed centrally, blind to treatment assignment and clinical data.

Results

TPX-100-treated knees (n = 78) demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in pathologic bone shape change compared with placebo-treated knees at 6 and 12 months: 0.0298 (95% C.I. − 0.037, 0.097) vs 0.1246 (95% C.I. 0.067, 0.182) (P = 0.02), and 0.0856 (95% C.I. 0.013, 0.158) vs. 0.1969 (95% C.I. 0.123, 0.271) (P = 0.01), respectively. The correlation between bone shape change and medial and total tibiofemoral cartilage thickness changes at 12 months was statistically significant in TPX-100-treated knees (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This is the first report of a potential therapy demonstrating a significant effect on bone shape measured by B-score in knee OA. These data, in combination with previously reported statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in WOMAC physical function versus placebo, support TPX-100 as a candidate for disease modification in knee OA.

Trial registration

NIH ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01925261. Registered 15 August 2013
MiR-125b regulates inflammation in bovine mammary epithelial cells by targeting the NKIRAS2 gene
Authors: Luoreng Zhuo-Ma , Wei Da-Wei , Wang Xing-Ping
Published: September 2021

Mastitis is a complex inflammatory disease caused by pathogenic infection of mammary tissue in dairy cows. The molecular mechanism behind its occurrence, development, and regulation consists of a multi-gene network including microRNA (miRNA). Until now, there is no report on the role of miR-125b in regulating mastitis in dairy cows. This study found that miR-125b expression is significantly decreased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MAC-T bovine mammary epithelial cells. Also, its expression is negatively correlated with the expression of NF-κB inhibitor interacting Ras-like 2 (NKIRAS2) gene. MiR-125b target genes were identified using a double luciferase reporter gene assay, which showed that miR-125b can bind to the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the NKIRAS2, but not the 3′UTR of the TNF-α induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3). In addition, miR-125b overexpression and silencing were used to investigate the role of miR-125b on inflammation in LPS-induced MAC-T. The results demonstrate that a reduction in miR-125b expression in LPS-induced MAC-T cells increases NKIRAS2 expression, which then reduces NF-κB activity, leading to low expression of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α. Ultimately, this reduces the inflammatory response in MAC-T cells. These results indicate that miR-125b is a pro-inflammatory regulator and that its silencing can alleviate bovine mastitis. These findings lay a foundation for elucidating the molecular regulation mechanism of cow mastitis.
A note on degenerate generalized Laguerre polynomials and Lah numbers
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Dolgy Dmitry V. , Kim Dae San , Kim Hye Kyung , Park Seong Ho
Published: September 2021

The aim of this paper is to introduce the degenerate generalized Laguerre polynomials as the degenerate version of the generalized Laguerre polynomials and to derive some properties related to those polynomials and Lah numbers, including an explicit expression, a Rodrigues type formula, and expressions for the derivatives. The novelty of the present paper is that it is the first paper on degenerate versions of orthogonal polynomials.
3-D generated anatomic custom talar cement spacers: case reports, technical tips and literature review
Authors: Broughton Kimberly K. , Chien Bonnie , Stenquist Derek , Williams Caroline , Miller Christopher P. , Kwon John Y.
Published: September 2021

Background

With today’s expanding use of total ankle arthroplasty, the ever-present trauma patient, and patients with uncontrolled comorbid conditions, surgeons face significant challenges for lower extremity reconstruction. These patients highlight some of those who may present with unique anatomy, bone loss, infection, and various other local and systemic factors that affect treatment options for successful outcomes. Three dimensional (3-D) printing for medical devices is allowing for new and customized ways to meet patient and surgeon goals of limb salvage and reconstruction.

Case presentations

While the majority of 3-D printing is done for the purpose of implantation, we present a technical tip for designing a 3-D printed mold from which to create an antibiotic cement spacer for implantation. With two case illustrations including a talus fracture nonunion and infected subtalar arthrodesis nonunion, we describe the process of patient selection, implant design, fabrication, and implantation of a custom molded antibiotic cement talus.

Discussion

Case illustrations present two successful limb salvage patients while giving a thorough explanation of our technique, learned tips and tricks. This applied technology builds on prior use of antibiotic cement in limb salvage of the lower extremity, most of which are joint sacrificing. 3-D printing the mold for an anatomic talus cement spacer results in a joint sparing limb salvage solution.

Innovative 3-D printing technology is merged with current, pertinent literature regarding antibiotic cement to offer surgeons expanded options for temporary or definitive reconstructive techniques in some of the most challenging patients.
Score equivalence of paper-, tablet-, and interactive voice response system-based versions of PROMIS, PRO-CTCAE, and numerical rating scales among cancer patients
Authors: Lee Minji K. , Beebe Timothy J. , Yost Kathleen J. , Eton David T. , Novotny Paul J. , Dueck Amylou C. , Frost Marlene , Sloan Jeff A.
Published: September 2021

Background

The study tests the effects of data collection modes on patient responses associated with the multi-item measures such as Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS®), and single-item measures such as Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE), and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) measures.

Methods

Adult cancer patients were recruited from five cancer centers and administered measures of anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain intensity, pain interference, ability to participate in social roles and activities, global mental and physical health, and physical function. Patients were randomized to complete the measures on paper (595), interactive voice response (IVR, 596) system, or tablet computer (589). We evaluated differential item functioning (DIF) by method of data collection using the R software package, lordif. For constructs that showed no DIF, we concluded equivalence across modes if the equivalence margin, defined as ± 0.20 × pooled SD, completely surrounds 95% confidence intervals (CI's) for difference in mean score. If the 95% CI fell totally outside the equivalence margin, we concluded systematic score difference by modes. If the 95% CI partly overlaps the equivalence margin, we concluded neither equivalence nor difference.

Results

For all constructs, no DIF of any kind was found for the three modes. The scores on paper and tablet were more comparable than between IVR and other modes but none of the 95% CI’s were completely outside the equivalence margins, in which we established neither equivalence nor difference. Percentages of missing values were comparable for paper and tablet modes. Percentages of missing values were higher for IVR (2.3% to 6.5% depending on measures) compared to paper and tablet modes (0.7% to 3.3% depending on measures and modes), which was attributed to random technical difficulties experienced in some centers.

Conclusion

Across all mode comparisons, there were some measures with CI’s not completely contained within the margin of small effect. Two visual modes agreed more than visual-auditory pairs. IVR may induce differences in scores unrelated to constructs being measured in comparison with paper and tablet. The users of the surveys should consider using IVR only when paper and computer administration is not feasible.
Response surface method for optimization of prepared satranidazole powder layered pellets
Authors: Mazumder Rana , Mahanti Beduin , Majumdar Subhabrota , Pal Rabindranath , Chowdhury Ashok Dhar
Published: September 2021

Background

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate layered of satranidazole powder using natural polysaccharides as coating materials for colon targeting that were inexpensive and natural with a non-toxic nature using a composite response design of 3 levels and 2 factors for each of the four responses in the quadratic model. The independent variables were the ratio of coating consistency % (X1) and coating level % (X2) in the pellet. The dependent factors were % release of drug at 2 h. (Y1), % release of drug at 6 h. (Y2), % release of drug difference in presence & absence of colonic enzyme (Y3) and mean dissolution time (Y4). The various models were fitted for the responses with an explanation of suitable statistical methods. Variance analysis and different factor levels of responses were constructed by response surface plots.

Results

Satranidazole pellets were efficiently prepared by the variable amount of ingredients that showed compatibility with possible pellet characterization and drug dissolution profiles to optimize the formulation.

Conclusions

The strategy of response surface can be a successful tool for improving the prepared satranidazole pellets which can be an appropriate replacement of regular one.
Editorial on Psychological distress in the Greek general population during the first COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Tromans Samuel
Published: September 2021

This editorial discusses a study by Karaivazoglou and colleagues, where the authors investigated anxiety, depressive, post-traumatic stress-related symptoms and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related beliefs in the Greek population during the first COVID-19 lockdown, via an anonymous online survey.
Between Gaia and Ground
Authors: Povinelli Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2021

In Between Gaia and Ground Elizabeth A. Povinelli theorizes the climatic, environmental, viral, and social catastrophe present as an ancestral catastrophe through which that Indigenous and colonized peoples have been suffering for centuries. In this way, the violence and philosophies the West relies on now threaten the West itself. Engaging with the work of Glissant, Deleuze and Guattari, Césaire, and Arendt, Povinelli highlights four axioms of existence—the entanglement of existence, the unequal distribution of power, the collapse of the event as essential to political thought, and the legacies of racial and colonial histories. She traces these axioms' inspiration in anticolonial struggles against the dispossession and extraction that have ruined the lived conditions for many on the planet. By examining the dynamic and unfolding forms of late liberal violence, Povinelli attends to a vital set of questions about changing environmental conditions, the legacies of violence, and the limits of inherited Western social theory. Between Gaia and Ground also includes a glossary of the keywords and concepts that Povinelli has developed throughout her work.
A quantitative study of the Golgi retention of glycosyltransferases
Authors: Sun Xiuping , Mahajan Divyanshu , Chen Bing , Song Zhiwei , Lu Lei
Published: September 2021

How Golgi glycosyltransferases and glycosidases (hereafter glycosyltransferases) localize to the Golgi is still unclear. Here, we first investigated the post-Golgi trafficking of glycosyltransferases. We found that glycosyltransferases can escape the Golgi to the plasma membrane, where they are subsequently endocytosed to the endolysosome. Post-Golgi glycosyltransferases are probably degraded by ectodomain shedding. We discovered that most glycosyltransferases are not retrieved from post-Golgi sites, indicating that retention rather than retrieval is the primary mechanism for their Golgi localization. We therefore used the Golgi residence time to study Golgi retention of glycosyltransferases quantitatively and systematically. Quantitative analysis of chimeras of ST6GAL1 and either transferrin receptor or tumor necrosis factor α revealed the contributions of three regions of ST6GAL1, namely the N-terminal cytosolic tail, the transmembrane domain and the ectodomain, to Golgi retention. We found that each of the three regions is sufficient for Golgi retention in an additive manner. N-terminal cytosolic tail length negatively affects the Golgi retention of ST6GAL1, similar to effects observed for the transmembrane domain. Therefore, the long N-terminal cytosolic tail and transmembrane domain could act as Golgi export signals for transmembrane secretory cargos.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A survey of RNA editing at single-cell resolution links interneurons to schizophrenia and autism
Authors: Ansell Brendan Robert E. , Thomas Simon N. , Bonelli Roberto , Munro Jacob E. , Freytag Saskia , Bahlo Melanie
Published: September 2021

Conversion of adenosine to inosine in RNA by ADAR enzymes, termed “RNA editing,” is essential for healthy brain development. Editing is dysregulated in neuropsychiatric diseases, but has not yet been investigated at scale at the level of individual neurons. We quantified RNA editing sites in nuclear transcriptomes of 3055 neurons from six cortical regions of a neurotypical female donor, and found 41,930 sites present in at least ten nuclei. Most sites were located within Alu repeats in introns or 3′ UTRs, and approximately 80% were cataloged in public RNA editing databases. We identified 9285 putative novel editing sites, 29% of which were also detectable in unrelated donors. Intersection with results from bulk RNA-seq studies provided cell-type and spatial context for 1730 sites that are differentially edited in schizophrenic brain donors, and 910 such sites in autistic donors. Autism-related genes were also enriched with editing sites predicted to modify RNA structure. Inhibitory neurons showed higher overall transcriptome editing than excitatory neurons, and the highest editing rates were observed in the frontal cortex. We used generalized linear models to identify differentially edited sites and genes between cell types. Twenty nine genes were preferentially edited in excitatory neurons, and 43 genes were edited more heavily in inhibitory neurons, includingRBFOX1, its target genes, and genes in the autism-associated Prader–Willi locus (15q11). The abundance of SNORD115/116 genes from locus 15q11 was positively associated with editing activity across the transcriptome. We contend that insufficient editing of autism-related genes in inhibitory neurons may contribute to the specific perturbation of those cells in autism.
Associations between self-reported changes in physical activities and sedentary behaviors and changes in mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)
Authors: McDowell Cillian , Ward Mark , McGarrigle Christine , O'Halloran Aisling , Gibney Sarah , Kenny Rose Anne , De Looze Céline
Published: September 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and containment strategies employed to limit its spread have profoundly impacted daily life. Emerging evidence shows that mental health worsened compared to pre-pandemic trends. In this study, we examine associations of self-reported changes in physical activities and sedentary behaviors with mental health changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among older Irish adults.

Methods: This study used data from Wave 5 (2018) and the COVID-19 study (July–November 2020) of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Depressive symptoms were measured using the 8-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; Perceived stress, using the 4‐item Perceived Stress Scale. Participants reported perceived changes in participation in physical activities and sedentary behaviours before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Linear regressions examined separate associations between changes in physical activities and sedentary behaviours and changes in perceived stress/depressive symptoms. Adjustment included demographics, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, chronic diseases and stress/depressive symptoms at Wave 5.

Results: Among 2,645 participants (mean age, 68.2yrs; 56% female), 19.5% (95%CI: 18.2–20.9) reported clinically significant depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to before the pandemic, reduced and no exercise at home and walking were associated with increased depressive symptoms and stress. A reduction in home DIY (do it yourself) was also associated with both depression and stress while doing no DIY at all was associated with increased stress but not depressive symptoms (all p<.05). Reduced hobbies and reading were associated with higher depressive symptoms, and both reduced and increased screen time were associated with increased depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: Greater decreases in mental health were seen among those who reported negative changes in their physical and sedentary activities. These findings have important implications for mental health care both as we transition back to normal life and for responses to future pandemics.
Stan i perspektywy badań nad średniowiecznymi żeńskimi klasztorami w Małopolsce
Authors: Pluta-Saladra Edyta
Published: September 2021

Niniejszy artykuł stanowi omówienie aktualnego stanu badań dotyczącego średniowiecznych klasztorów żeńskich na terenie Małopolski (norbertanek, benedyktynek, kanoniczek św. Ducha de Saxia (duchaczki), klarysek, brygidek). Starsza historiografia koncentrowała się przede wszystkim na zagadnieniu fundacji oraz uposażenia. Nowsze studia podejmują problematykę mieszkanek klasztorów i ich aktywności na różnych obszarach. Artykuł ma także na celu wskazanie dalszych możliwości badawczych w omawianej problematyce.
EL EROTISMO FEMENINO Y LA CONSTRUCCIÓN SIMBÓLICA DEL CUERPO EN SABOR A MÍ DE CECIILIA VICUÑA.
Authors: Lorca Ornella
Published: September 2021

Con la propuesta poética de Cecilia Vicuña contenida en su libro Sabor a mí encontramos la transgresión a un sistema que, a través, de diversas estrategias no ha hecho más que administrar nuestros cuerpos a su conveniencia y hemos permanecido ocultando lo que es inherente a nuestra naturaleza: los deseos. La autora nos invita a desligarnos de la censura en que vivimos hablando desde su corporalidad femenina.
A New Likelihood Ratio Method for Training Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Peng Yijie , Xiao Li , Heidergott Bernd , Hong L. Jeff , Lam Henry
Published: September 2021

We investigate a new approach to compute the gradients of artificial neural networks (ANNs), based on the so-called push-out likelihood ratio method. Unlike the widely used backpropagation (BP) method that requires continuity of the loss function and the activation function, our approach bypasses this requirement by injecting artificial noises into the signals passed along the neurons. We show how this approach has a similar computational complexity as BP, and moreover is more advantageous in terms of removing the backward recursion and eliciting transparent formulas. We also formalize the connection between BP, a pivotal technique for training ANNs, and infinitesimal perturbation analysis, a classic path-wise derivative estimation approach, so that both our new proposed methods and BP can be better understood in the context of stochastic gradient estimation. Our approach allows efficient training for ANNs with more flexibility on the loss and activation functions, and shows empirical improvements on the robustness of ANNs under adversarial attacks and corruptions of natural noises.

Summary of Contribution: Stochastic gradient estimation has been studied actively in simulation for decades and becomes more important in the era of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The stochastic gradient descent is a standard technique for training the artificial neural networks (ANNs), a pivotal problem in deep learning. The most popular stochastic gradient estimation technique is the backpropagation method. We find that the backpropagation method lies in the family of infinitesimal perturbation analysis, a path-wise gradient estimation technique in simulation. Moreover, we develop a new likelihood ratio-based method, another popular family of gradient estimation technique in simulation, for training more general ANNs, and demonstrate that the new training method can improve the robustness of the ANN.
Ambiguity and the Tradeoff Theory of Capital Structure
Authors: Izhakian Yehuda , Yermack David , Zender Jaime F.
Published: September 2021

We examine the impact of ambiguity, or Knightian uncertainty, on the capital structure decision, using a static tradeoff theory model in which agents are both ambiguity and risk averse. The model confirms the well-known result that greater risk—the uncertainty over outcomes—leads firms to decrease leverage. Conversely, the model indicates that greater ambiguity—the uncertainty over the probabilities associated with the outcomes—leads firms to increase leverage. Using a theoretically based measure of ambiguity, our empirical analysis presents evidence consistent with these notions, showing that ambiguity has an important and distinct impact on capital structure.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
An Analysis of “Buy X, Get One Free” Reward Programs
Authors: Liu Yan , Sun Yacheng , Zhang Dan
Published: September 2021

Redemption hurdles, such as finite expiration terms and redemption thresholds, are common for customer reward programs. In “An Analysis of ‘Buy X, Get One Free’ Reward Programs,” Yan Liu, Yacheng Sun, and Dan Zhang study the economic rationale behind redemption hurdles and how they should be optimally set. They show analytically that redemption hurdles can be used as a price-discriminating vehicle that increases firm profitability. Redemption hurdles can facilitate the firm’s price discrimination on consumers whose valuations may vary over time. Redemption threshold alone cannot ensure profitability, unless it is coupled with a finite expiration term or a positive transaction utility from the rewarded free product. Optimal design of redemption hurdles is not straightforward, and the interdependence between the two types of redemption hurdles and the price is nontrivial. Optimally set redemption hurdles may not only increase firm profitability but also, increase the welfare of consumers who purchase frequently.
CattleReview
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

In this Cattle Review we consider the perceptions of New York State dairy veterinarians regarding antibiotic use and resistance, evidence for the efficacy of probiotics in cattle, and the use of antibiotics in calf diarrhoea.
Lameness in sheep: a practical guide to non-contagious foot diseases
Authors: Clifton Rachel
Published: September 2021

Non-contagious foot diseases are the most important causes of lameness on some farms, and farmers are often concerned when they see abnormal feet. Granulomas, shelly hoof and white line abscesses are common non-contagious foot diseases on UK sheep farms. This article presents an overview of these diseases, including their clinical presentation, aetiology and epidemiology, and treatment and control.
General practice data for planning and research
Authors: Ashby Ruby
Published: September 2021

The new general practice data for planning and research system has raised concerns around privacy, as Ruby Ashby, associate in Nelsons' expert dispute resolution team, explains
Els Fages de Figueres i els inicis de l'associacionisme agrari català (1845-1851)
Authors: Gifre Ribas Pere
Published: September 2021

La Societat d’Agricultura de l’Empordà, fundada el 1845, tenia l’objectiu de representar la veu dels propietaris davant la nova administració liberal, la qual, des del 1847, voldrà canalitzar-los a través de les juntes provincials d’agricultura. A través d’El Bien del País, del qual va ser director l’advocat Narcís Fages de Romà, es va mobilitzar els propietaris empordanesos perquè es posessin al davant de les seves explotacions i perquè s’associessin. I també per mostrar els greuges del sector agrari davant el govern liberal moderat. L’experiència empordanesa i més tard gironina acabà influint en la fundació de l’Institut Agrícola Català de Sant Isidre el 1851.
Liquid reconfigurable stealth window constructed by a metamaterial absorber
Authors: Kong Xiangkun , Lin Weihao , Wang Xuemeng , Xing Lei , Jiang Shunliu , Kong Lingqi , Liu Meilin
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a liquid reconfigurable stealth window constructed by a metamaterial absorber at the microwave band is proposed. The stealth window consists of an anti-reflection glass with indium tin oxide (ITO) as resistive film and a liquid container made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Since the materials constituting the window are all optically transparent, the metamaterials that can be switched through the liquid control system can always maintain high light transmission. The proposal can obtain a transmission passband from 2.3 GHz to 5 GHz with low insertion loss, especially at 2.45 GHz and 5 GHz with the insertion loss of the passband reaching 0.51 dB and 0.99 dB, by water with 75% ethanol drainage. It can also reflect electromagnetic waves at 2.45 GHz and absorb them from 4.5 GHz to 10.5 GHz with a strong absorptivity over 90% by ethanol injection, exhibiting the reconfigurable electromagnetic characteristic of switching between the transmission state and absorption state. Furthermore, the proposed absorber shows its good transmission/absorption performance. Under the condition of ethanol filling, when electromagnetic waves are incident obliquely at 50°, the absorption rate still exceeds 80%. Finally, the prototype window has been fabricated to demonstrate the validity of the proposed structure, which indicates that the proposal presents significant implications for smart stealth systems and wireless local area network (WLAN) communication that require switching of working states in a complex electromagnetic environment.
Optical voltage sensor based on a piezoelectric thin film for grid applications
Authors: Edmunds Jordan L. , Sonmezoglu Soner , Martens Julien , Von Meier Alexandra , Maharbiz Michel M.
Published: September 2021

Continuous monitoring of voltages ranging from tens to hundreds of kV over environmental conditions, such as temperature, is of great interest in power grid applications. This is typically done via instrument transformers. These transformers, although accurate and robust to environmental conditions, are bulky and expensive, limiting their use in microgrids and distributed sensing applications. Here, we present a millimeter-sized optical voltage sensor based on piezoelectric aluminum nitride (AlN) thin film for continuous measurements of AC voltages <350kV
rms
(via capacitive division) that avoids the drawbacks of existing voltage-sensing transformers. This sensor operated with 110μW incident optical power from a low-cost LED achieved a resolution of 170mV
rms
in a 5kHz bandwidth, 0.04% second harmonic distortion, and a gain deviation of +/-0.2% over the temperature range of ~20-60°C. The sensor has a breakdown voltage of 100V, and its lifetime can meet or exceed that of instrument transformers when operated at voltages <70kV
rms
with capacitive division. We believe that our sensor has the potential to reduce the cost of grid monitoring, providing a path towards more distributed sensing and control of the grid.