bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein D alleviates glucocorticoid-induced osteogenesis suppression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Yu Rong-Hua , Zhang Xiang-yang , Xu Wei , Li Zhi-kun , Zhu Xiao-dong
Published: August 2020

Background

To clarify the role of apolipoprotein D (Apod) in alleviating glucocorticoid-induced osteogenesis suppression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus influencing the progression of osteoporosis (OP).

Methods

Osteogenesis in MSCs was induced by dexamethasone (DEX) stimulation. Dynamic expressions of Apod in MSCs undergoing osteogenesis for different time points were determined by qRT-PCR. Relative levels of osteogenesis-associated genes, including ALP, RUNX2, and Osterix, in DEX-induced MSCs overexpressing Apod or not were examined. Moreover, the protein level of RUNX2, ALP, and Osterix; ALP activity; and mineralization ability influenced by Apod in osteogenic MSCs were assessed. At last, the potential influences of Apod on the PI3K/Akt pathway were identified through detecting the expression levels of PI3K and Akt in MSCs by Western blot.

Results

Apod was time-dependently upregulated in MSCs undergoing osteogenesis. DEX induction downregulated ALP, RUNX2, and Osterix and attenuated ALP activity and mineralization ability in MSCs undergoing osteogenesis, which were partially reversed by overexpression of Apod. In addition, Apod overexpression upregulated the reduced levels of PI3K and Akt in DEX-induced MSCs.

Conclusion

Apod alleviates glucocorticoid-induced osteogenesis suppression in MSCs via the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus protecting the progression of OP.
Exploring staff conceptions of prevention and management practices in encounters with staff-directed aggression in supported housing following education and training
Authors: Maagerø-Bangstad Erlend R. , Sælør Knut Tore , Lillevik Ole Greger , Ness Ottar
Published: August 2020

Background

Staff-directed aggression is a concern for service providers in mental healthcare, frequently affecting both the quality of services and staff wellbeing. This also applies to supported housing services for people with mental health problems. Staff themselves consider training to be an important route to improve the prevention and management of staff-directed aggression. The aims of this study are to explore how staff in community mental health supported housing services conceptualize practice in prevention and management of aggression and how these conceptions develop following a local education and training endeavor in disempowerment-sensitive, de-escalating and knowledge-based risk assessment and management.

Method

Phenomenography, a qualitative research approach, was adopted to pursue the study aims. The data consisted of 26 semi-structured interviews with 13 participants from five different municipal housing facilities in Oslo, Norway. Participants were interviewed on two occasions, once prior to participation and once subsequent to the finalization of the education and training sessions.

Results

The analysis led to the development of six qualitatively different, yet logically interrelated, categories of description regarding practice in encounters with staff-directed aggression: (1)Observation, alertness and awareness, (2)Established understanding and knowledge of service users, (3)Team-based risk management and deliberation, (4)Adaption of own dispositions and behaviors, (5)Reflexivity, sensitivity and careand (6)Involvement and dialogue. These conceptions were found to vary in meaning and focus; they ranged from implementing safeguarding and protective measures, to drawing on what was portrayed in terms of staff’s expert knowledge, to increasingly allowing for, and committing to, tenant perspectives in designing practice. The results indicate a moderate, yet beneficial, effect of the course on conceptual change in the participants.

Conclusion

This study shows that practice in encounters with staff-directed aggression is conceptualized as complex and multifaceted by staff in mental health supported housing services and that the various conceptions have different implications for the way staff-directed aggression is mitigated individually and collectively. Our findings also suggest that it is beneficial to take conceptual variation regarding practice into consideration when devising education and training aimed at enhancing staff knowledge, skills and practices.
Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. in farmed masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in southern China
Authors: Yu Zhengjie , Wen Xi , Huang Xitong , Yang Ruohong , Guo Yaqiong , Feng Yaoyu , Xiao Lihua , Li Na
Published: August 2020

Background

Masked palm civets are known to play an important role in the transmission of some zoonotic pathogens. However, the distribution and zoonotic potential of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in these animals remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 889 fecal specimens were collected in this study from farmed masked palm civets in Hainan, Guangdong, Jiangxi and Chongqing, southern China, and analyzed for these pathogens by nested PCR and DNA sequencing.

Results

Altogether, 474 (53.3%), 34 (3.8%) and 1 (0.1%) specimens were positive for E. bieneusi, G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp., respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of 11 novel E. bieneusi genotypes named as PL1–PL11 and two known genotypes Peru8 and J, with PL1 and PL2 accounting for 90% of E. bieneusi infections. Phylogenetically, PL4, PL5, PL9, PL10 and PL11 were clustered into Group 1, while PL1, PL2, PL3, PL6, PL7 and PL8 were clustered into Group 2. Assemblage B (n = 33) and concurrence of B and D (n = 1) were identified among G. duodenalis-positive animals. Further multilocus genotyping of assemblage B has revealed that all 13 multilocus genotypes in civets formed a cluster related to those from humans. The Cryptosporidium isolate from one civet was identified to be genetically related to the Cryptosporidium bamboo rat genotype II.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this first report of enteric protists in farmed masked palm civets suggests that these animals might be potential reservoirs of zoonotic E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis genotypes.
The implementation of a physical activity intervention in adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea over the age of 50 years: a feasibility uncontrolled clinical trial
Authors: Black Julie K. , Whittaker Anna C. , Tahrani Abd A. , Balanos George M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Observational studies suggested that OSA treatment might reduce CVD and T2D but RCTs failed to support these observations in part due to poor adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Physical activity (PA) has been shown to have favourable impact on CVD and the risk of T2D independent of its impact on weight and therefore might provide additional health gains to patients with OSA, whether or not adherent to CPAP.

Methods

The main aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of providing a 12-week PA intervention to adults aged over 50 with OSA. The secondary aim was to assess the impact of the PA intervention on OSA severity. Patients with moderate-severe OSA (apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15 events/hour (based on overnight ApneaLink™) were recruited in response to posters displayed in workplaces. A 12-week daily PA intervention was delivered in participant’s home setting and PA was monitored via text and validated by objective PA measures (GT3X accelerometers).

Results

The intervention was feasible as all 10 patients (8 males, mean (SD) age 57.3 (6.01)) completed the intervention and PA increased across the 12-weeks. The duration of PA increased from baseline (113.1 min (64.69) per week to study-end following the intervention (248.4 min (148.31) (p = 0.02). Perceived Exertion (RPE) (physical effort) increased significantly between baseline (M = 10.7 (1.94)) to end of intervention (M = 13.8, (1.56) (p < 0.001). The intervention had no significant impact on weight or composition. Following the intervention, there was a statistically non-significant a reduction in AHI from baseline to study end (22.3 (7.35) vs. 15.8 (7.48); p = 0.09).

Conclusion

It is feasible to deliver a PA intervention to adults aged over 50 with OSA. The intervention resulted in improved PA and AHI levels somewhat and seemingly independent of weight changes. Future trials need to examine whether PA can reduce the burden of OSA associated comorbidities.

Trial registration

CTN: ISRCTN11016312 Retrospectively Registered 21/07/20.
C. perfringens challenge reduces matrix metalloproteinase activity in the jejunal mucosa of Eimeria-infected broiler chickens
Authors: Van Damme Lore , Cox Natasja , Callens Chana , Haesebrouck Freddy , Dargatz Michelle , Ducatelle Richard , Van Immerseel Filip , Goossens Evy
Published: August 2020

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in intestinal extracellular matrix homeostasis. An overexpression of MMPs results in tissue destruction and local inflammation and has been associated with multiple inflammatory diseases. These host proteases might also be important in tissue damage caused by infectious agents, such as in intestinal damage in Clostridium perfringens-induced avian necrotic enteritis (NE). The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of a C. perfringens infection on the MMP activity in the small intestine of birds with a pre-disposing coccidial infection to obtain a more thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of NE. For this purpose, the gelatinolytic activity present in jejunal tissue of Eimeria infected birds which were challenged with either a pathogenic C. perfringens type G strain or a commensal C. perfringens type A strain was analyzed using substrate zymography. The results show that infection of broilers with Eimeria and different C. perfringens strains, independent of their pathogenicity, decreases the expression of a 40–45 kDa host collagenase in the jejunum, as compared to the expression in Eimeria-infected control birds. It was also shown that the expression of 2 MMPs with molecular weights of approximately 50–60 and 60–70 kDa was significantly lower in necrotic tissue as compared to the activity in macroscopically healthy tissue adjacent to the lesion. These results indicate that host collagenases are not elicited by the C. perfringens infection for permeabilizing the host mucosa to allow penetration of the NetB toxin in Eimeria infected broilers.
Estimation of acoustic echoes using expectation-maximization methods
Authors: Saqib Usama , Gannot Sharon , Jensen Jesper Rindom
Published: August 2020

Estimation problems like room geometry estimation and localization of acoustic reflectors are of great interest and importance in robot and drone audition. Several methods for tackling these problems exist, but most of them rely on information about times-of-arrival (TOAs) of the acoustic echoes. These need to be estimated in practice, which is a difficult problem in itself, especially in robot applications which are characterized by high ego-noise. Moreover, even if TOAs are successfully extracted, the difficult problem of echolabeling needs to be solved. In this paper, we propose multiple expectation-maximization (EM) methods, for jointly estimating the TOAs and directions-of-arrival (DOA) of the echoes, with a uniform circular array (UCA) and a loudspeaker in its center for probing the environment. The different methods are derived to be optimal under different noise conditions. The experimental results show that the proposed methods outperform existing methods in terms of estimation accuracy in noisy conditions. For example, it can provide accurate estimates at SNR of 10 dB lower compared to TOA extraction from room impulse responses, which is often used. Furthermore, the results confirm that the proposed methods can account for scenarios with colored noise or faulty microphones. Finally, we show the applicability of the proposed methods in mapping of an indoor environment.
q-Analogues and properties of the Laplace-type integral operator in the quantum calculus theory
Authors: Al-Omari Shrideh Khalaf
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we discuss the q-Laplace-type integral operator on certain class of special functions. We propose q-analogues and obtain results involving polynomials of even orders and functions of q-trigonometric types. Moreover, we establish results related to q-hyperbolic functions and certain q-differential operators. Relying on the given q-differentiation formulas, we finally derive the nth derivative of the q-Laplace-type integral and attain formulas including q-convolution products.
Generalized metric spaces endowed with vector-valued metrics and matrix equations by tripled fixed point theorems
Authors: Hadi Bonab Samira , Abazari Rasoul , Bagheri Vakilabad Ali , Hosseinzadeh Hasan
Published: August 2020

This research focuses on proving the results of tripled fixed point and coincidence point in generalized metric spaces endowed with vector-valued metrics and matrix equations. The results from this study are illustrated by two applications.
Absolutely stable difference scheme for a general class of singular perturbation problems
Authors: El-Zahar Essam R. , Alotaibi A. M. , Ebaid Abdelhalim , Baleanu Dumitru , Tenreiro Machado José , Hamed Y. S.
Published: August 2020

This paper presents an absolutely stable noniterative difference scheme for solving a general class of singular perturbation problems having left, right, internal, or twin boundary layers. The original two-point second-order singular perturbation problem is approximated by a first-order delay differential equation with a variable deviating argument. This delay differential equation is transformed into a three-term difference equation that can be solved using the Thomas algorithm. The uniqueness and stability analysis are discussed, showing that the method is absolutely stable. An optimal estimate for the deviating argument is obtained to take advantage of the second-order accuracy of the central finite difference method in addition to the absolute stability property. Several problems having left, right, interior, or twin boundary layers are considered to validate and illustrate the method. The numerical results confirm that the deviating argument can stabilize the unstable discretized differential equation and that the new approach is effective in solving the considered class of singular perturbation problems.
Dynamic behaviour and stabilisation to boost the immune system by complex interaction between tumour cells and vitamins intervention
Authors: Alharbi Sana Abdulkream , Rambely Azmin Sham
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we establish and examine a mathematical model that combines the effects of vitamins intervention on strengthening the immune system and its role in suppressing and delaying the growth and division of tumour cells. In order to accomplish this, we propose a tumour–immune–vitamins model (TIVM) governed by ordinary differential equations and comprised of two populations, namely tumour and immune cells. It is presumed that the source of vitamins in TIVM originates from organic foods and beverages, based on the food pyramid. The simulation of TIVM employs the fourth order Runge–Kutta method. It is found from the analysis and simulation results that one of the side effects of weakening the immune system is the possibility of transforming immune cells into immune cancer cells to prevent or delay the growth and division of tumour cells. Evidently, for regular intakes of vitamins, which is projected at 55% of vitamins per day, the immune system is strengthened, preventing the production of tumour cells.
Approximate multi-degree reduction of Q-Bézier curves via generalized Bernstein polynomial functions
Authors: Hu Xianzhi , Hu Gang , Abbas Muhammad , Misro Md Yushalify
Published: August 2020

Quasi Bézier curves (or QB-curves, for short) possess the excellent geometric features of classical Bézier curves and also have good shape adjustability. In this paper, an algorithm for a multi-degree reduction of QB-curves based on $L_{2}$

L
2

norm and by the analysis of geometric characteristics of QB-curves is constructed. The approximating approach for QB-curves of degree $n+1$
n
+
1
by degree m ($m\leq n$
m
≤
n
) is also given. Secondly, by solving the linear equations under the constraints of $C^{0}$

C
0

and $C^{1}$

C
1

and without constraints, the explicit expression of the points of the approximating curve is obtained, which minimizes the error between the original curve and the approximating curve using the least square method. Some numerical examples of degree reduction under different constraints are given, and the corresponding errors are calculated as well. The results show that this method can be easily implemented, is highly precise and very effective.
Oscillatory and asymptotic behavior of advanced differential equations
Authors: Bazighifan Omar , Chatzarakis George E.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a class of fourth-order differential equations with advanced type is studied. Applying the generalized Riccati transformation, integral averaging technique and the theory of comparison, a set of new criteria for oscillation or certain asymptotic behavior of solutions of this equations is given. Our results essentially improve and complement some earlier publications. Some examples are presented to demonstrate the main results.
Surviving in steep terrain: a lab-to-field assessment of locomotor costs for wild mountain lions (Puma concolor)
Authors: Dunford Carolyn E. , Marks Nikki J. , Wilmers Christopher C. , Bryce Caleb M. , Nickel Barry , Wolfe Lisa L. , Scantlebury D. Michael , Williams Terrie M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Under current scenarios of climate change and habitat loss, many wild animals, especially large predators, are moving into novel energetically challenging environments. Consequently, changes in terrain associated with such moves may heighten energetic costs and effect the decline of populations in new localities.

Methods

To examine locomotor costs of a large carnivorous mammal moving in mountainous habitats, the oxygen consumption of captive pumas (Puma concolor) was measured during treadmill locomotion on level and incline (6.8°) surfaces. These data were used to predict energetic costs of locomotor behaviours of free-ranging pumas equipped with GPS/accelerometer collars in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains.

Results

Incline walking resulted in a 42.0% ± 7.2 SEM increase in the costs of transport compared to level performance. Pumas negotiated steep terrain by traversing across hillsides (mean hill incline 17.2° ± 0.3 SEM; mean path incline 7.3° ± 0.1 SEM). Pumas also walked more slowly up steeper paths, thereby minimizing the energetic impact of vertical terrains. Estimated daily energy expenditure (DEE) based on GPS-derived speeds of free-ranging pumas was 18.3 MJ day− 1 ± 0.2 SEM. Calculations show that a 20 degree increase in mean steepness of the terrain would increase puma DEE by less than 1% as they only spend a small proportion (10%) of their day travelling. They also avoided elevated costs by utilizing slower speeds and shallower path angles.

Conclusions

While many factors influence survival in novel habitats, we illustrate the importance of behaviours which reduce locomotor costs when traversing new, energetically challenging environments, and demonstrate that these behaviours are utilised by pumas in the wild.
Demonstrating a reduced capacity for removal of fluid from cerebral white matter and hypoxia in areas of white matter hyperintensity associated with age and dementia
Authors: MacGregor Sharp Matthew , Saito Satoshi , Keable Abby , Gatherer Maureen , Aldea Roxana , Agarwal Nivedita , Simpson Julie E. , Wharton Stephen B. , Weller Roy O. , Carare Roxana O.
Published: August 2020

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) occur in association with dementia but the aetiology is unclear. Here we test the hypothesis that there is a combination of impaired elimination of interstitial fluid from the white matter together with a degree of hypoxia in WMH. One of the mechanisms for the elimination of amyloid-β (Aβ) from the brain is along the basement membranes in the walls of capillaries and arteries (Intramural Peri-Arterial Drainage – IPAD). We compared the dynamics of IPAD in the grey matter of the hippocampus and in the white matter of the corpus callosum in 10 week old C57/B16 mice by injecting soluble Aβ as a tracer. The dynamics of IPAD in the white matter were significantly slower compared with the grey matter and this was associated with a lower density of capillaries in the white matter. Exposing cultures of smooth muscle cells to hypercapnia as a model of cerebral hypoperfusion resulted in a reduction in fibronectin and an increase in laminin in the extracellular matrix. Similar changes were detected in the white matter in human WMH suggesting that hypercapnia/hypoxia may play a role in WMH. Employing therapies to enhance both IPAD and blood flow in the white matter may reduce WMH in patients with dementia.
Electron microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of airborne ultrafine particles: its effects on the cell viability
Authors: Yang Jeong Bin , Yun Hyung Joong , Yeon Min Jeong , Jeoung Dooil , Jo Kyoung-nam , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: August 2020

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most common air pollution sources causing various health-related conditions like cardiovascular diseases. However, among the three major PM types, UFPs have not yet been independently studied for their toxic effects on human health. In this study, we collected airborne dusts from Chuncheon-si, Republic of Korea, and analyzed it to understand the structural and chemical features of UFPs by using transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The TEM result showed UFP size to be within 100 nm, with some even appearing about 10 nm in size, while the X-ray spectroscopic studies implied the presence of sulfur to be a part of the UFPs chemical composition. We extended our study by carrying out in vitro cell analysis to understand the cellular response upon UFPs treatment. Our results serve as an analytical platform providing the preliminary information about the structural and compositional aspects of UFPs that can be attributed to further understanding of sulfur-induced human diseases.
Aqueous enzymatic protein and lipid release from the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Soto-Sierra Laura , Wilken Lisa R. , Dixon Chelsea K.
Published: August 2020

Advances in biochemical and molecular manipulation have led to increased biomass productivity and oil accumulation in the microalgae C. reinhardtii. However, scalable processes for the recovery of oil and other valuable biomolecules, such as protein, from C. reinhardtii are scarce. The use of aqueous enzymatic extraction, a non-solvent and environmentally friendly bioproduct recovery method, provides an opportunity to design an integrated process for oil and protein fractionation to reduce bioenergy and bioproducts costs. Based on the mechanistic understanding of biomolecule distribution and compartmentalization, an aqueous enzymatic treatment for the release of internally stored lipid bodies was designed. Application of a C. reinhardtii-produced protease, autolysin, for lysis of the microalgae cell wall was followed by a secondary treatment with trypsin for chloroplast disruption and lipid body release. Protein recovery after the primary treatment with autolysin indicated a 50.1 ± 4.2% release of total soluble protein and localization of lipid bodies still in the chloroplast. The development of a secondary enzyme treatment (trypsin) for chloroplast and lipid body lysis demonstrated a high percent of remaining lipids (73 ± 7%) released into the supernatant. The results indicate that the application of an enzymatic treatment scheme for protein and oil recovery is a promising alternative to traditional extraction processes.
Seismic analysis of slope considering log-spiral failure surface with numerical validation
Authors: Hazari Suman , Ghosh Sima , Sharma Richi Prasad
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the solution of c-φ soil slope stability problem using the pseudo-dynamic method assuming the log-spiral failure mechanism. The vertical slice analysis methodology is introduced to analyze the stability of the slope under vertical and horizontal seismic loads. The adopted pseudo-dynamic method in the present analysis considers the effect of phase difference and primary and shear wave velocity which travel through the soil medium during an earthquake. Considering the limit equilibrium method, the moment equilibrium condition for each slice was established and a factor of safety of the slope is evaluated. Results are presented in a tabular and graphical form to understand the effect of different parameters of slope soil. Comparisons of the present analysis are highlighted with the existing solutions. A numerical solution is also done by PLAXIS 2D to compare the present study under earthquake loading conditions.
Repeat hepatectomy for liver metastases from bile duct neuroendocrine tumor: a case report
Authors: Miyashita Mamiko , Ono Yoshihiro , Takamatsu Manabu , Inoue Yosuke , Sato Takafumi , Ito Hiromichi , Takahashi Yu , Saiura Akio
Published: August 2020

Background

Primary neuroendocrine tumor (NET) originating from the extrahepatic bile duct is rare, although liver metastasis from gastroenteropancreatic NET is frequently observed. We herein report a case who successfully underwent repeat hepatectomy for liver metastases from bile duct NET grade 2 (G2).

Case presentation

A 75-year-old man presented with jaundice and was suspected of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He underwent extended left hepatectomy, extrahepatic bile duct resection, and hepaticojejunostomy. Pathological findings showed a NET G2 of the biliary tract arising from the common bile duct. Two years and 11 months after surgery, a liver metastasis was detected and hepatectomy was performed. During the surgery, another liver metastasis was detected, and limited liver resection for the two lesions was performed. Pathological findings showed four liver metastases of NET G2. Five years and 4 months after the first surgery (2 years and 5 months after the second hepatectomy), four liver metastases were detected. Thereafter, he received somatostatin analogues for 1 year. Although the size of tumors increased slightly, the number did not change. He underwent limited liver resections and was diagnosed with 7 liver metastases of NET G2. Finally, another hepatectomy (fourth hepatectomy) was performed and long-term survival without recurrence was obtained for as long as 8 years after the first surgery.

Conclusions

Repeat hepatectomy is a good option to obtain long-term survival for liver metastases from bile duct NET G2 in select patients.
Healthcare utilization and hospital variation in cardiac surveillance during breast cancer treatment: a nationwide prospective study in 5000 Dutch breast cancer patients
Authors: Koop Yvonne , El Messaoudi Saloua , Vermeulen Hester , Maas Angela H. E. M. , Atsma Femke
Published: August 2020

Background

Various breast cancer (BC) treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies, increase cardiotoxicity-risk and lead to premature ischemic heart disease and heart failure among survivors. Reducing this adverse risk through early recognition and (preventive) treatment is therefore important. Conversely, we feel that screening for cardiotoxicity is currently insufficiently standardized in daily practice. A fundamental first step in identifying areas of improvement is providing an overview of current practice.

Objective

This study aims to describe current cardiac surveillance for women with BC during and after cardiotoxic cancer treatment, using routinely collected hospital data in the Netherlands. The study also describes hospital variation in cardiac surveillance.

Methods

This observational study was performed on claims data provided by Statistics Netherlands. From the data, newly diagnosed BC patients in 2013 (N = 16,040) were selected and followed up until 2015. Healthcare utilization analyses were performed for all cardiac and oncologic healthcare activities but with a specific focus on cardiac surveillance healthcare activities. In addition, differences between types and individual hospitals were evaluated.

Results

Almost one third of all BC patients received high risk cardiotoxic treatments (N = 5157), but cardiac surveillance was rarely performed. Cardiac care provided to patients mainly consisted of ECGs (52.0%) and MUGA scans (26.5%). Cardiac MRI was performed in 0.7% of the patients, echocardiography in 17.7%, and measurement of Troponin and NT-proBNP in 5.1 and 5.8%, respectively. Moreover, we observed a substantial variation in cardiac surveillance between different hospital types and between individual hospitals.

Conclusion

This study shows that women treated for BC with cardiotoxic treatments do not receive recommended cardiac surveillance. Standardized approaches in clinical care are lacking, resulting in low rates of diagnostic testing and a substantial variation in surveillance between hospitals. A structured approach and increased interprofessional collaboration could lead to tailored cardiac surveillance for early detection of cardiotoxicity and therefore start of treatment.
Past and projected growth of Australia’s older migrant populations
Authors: Wilson Tom , McDonald Peter , Temple Jeromey , Brijnath Bianca , Utomo Ariane
Published: August 2020

In recent years, Australia’s older population (aged 65 and over) has been growing rapidly, accompanied by a shift in its country of birth composition. Although a great deal of research has been undertaken on past and current aspects of Australia’s migrant groups, little attention has been paid to future demographic trends in older populations. The aim of this paper is to examine recent and possible future demographic trends of Australia’s migrant populations at the older ages. We present population estimates by country and broad global region of birth from 1996 to 2016, and then new birthplace-specific population projections for the 2016 to 2056 period. Our findings show that substantial growth of the 65+ population will occur in the coming decades, and that the overseas-born will shift from a Europe-born dominance to an Asia-born dominance. Cohort flow (the effect of varying sizes of cohorts moving into the 65+ age group over time) will be the main driver of growth for most older birthplace populations. The shifting demography of Australia’s older population signals many policy, planning, service delivery and funding challenges for government and private sector providers. We discuss those related to aged care, health care, language services, the aged care workforce, regulatory frameworks and future research needs in demography and gerontology.
Spatial ability contributes to memory for delayed intentions
Authors: Kubik Veit , Del Missier Fabio , Mäntylä Timo
Published: August 2020

Most everyday activities involve delayed intentions referring to different event structures and timelines. Yet, past research has mostly considered prospective memory (PM) as a dual-task phenomenon in which the primary task to fulfill PM intentions is realized within an ongoing secondary task. We hypothesized that these simplified simulations of PM may have obscured the role of spatial relational processing that is functional to represent and meet the increased temporal demands in more complex PM scenarios involving multiple timelines. To test this spatiotemporal hypothesis, participants monitored four digital clocks, with PM deadlines referring either to the same clock (single-context condition) or different clocks (multiple-context condition), along with separate tests of spatial ability (mental rotation task) and executive functioning (working memory updating). We found that performance in the mental rotation task incrementally explained PM performance in the multiple-context, but not in the single-context, condition, even after controlling for individual differences in working memory updating and ongoing task performance. These findings suggest that delayed intentions occurring in multiple ongoing task contexts reflect independent contributions of working memory updating and mental rotation and that spatial relational processing may specifically be involved in higher cognitive functions, such as complex PM in multiple contexts or multitasking.
Continuous paravertebral block by intraoperative direct access versus systemic analgesia for postthoracotomy pain relief
Authors: Deebis Ahmed , Elattar Hala , Saber Osama , Elfakharany Kareem , Elnahal Nezar
Published: August 2020

Background

Systemic analgesia with paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs plus opioids as a rescue medication had reported to be better than that depend mainly on opioids for postoperative pain relief. Thoracic paravertebral block reported to provide a comparable postthoracotomy pain relief to epidural analgesia, with fewer side effects due to its unilateral effect. Thoracic paravertebral catheter can be inserted intraoperatively under direct vision during thoracic surgery (Sabanathan’s technique). This prospective randomized study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique with continuous infusion of lidocaine compared to systemic analgesia for postthoracotomy pain relief.

Results

Sixty-three patients were randomized to receive a continuous infusion of lidocaine in the paravertebral catheter for 3 postoperative days (thoracic paravertebral group,n= 32) or systemic analgesia (systemic analgesia group,n= 31). All patients underwent standard posterolateral thoracotomy. There were no significant differences between both groups in age, sex, side, type, and duration of operation. Pain scores measured on visual analogue scale and morphine consumption were significantly lower in thoracic paravertebral group in all postoperative days. Spirometric pulmonary functions were not reaching the preoperative values in the third postoperative day in both groups, but restorations of pulmonary functions were superior in paravertebral group. No complications could be attributed to the paravertebral catheter. Side effects, mainly nausea and vomiting followed by urinary retention, were significantly more in systemic analgesia group (P= 0.03). Also, pulmonary complications were more in systemic analgesia group but not reaching statistical significance (P= 0.14).

Conclusion

Continuous paravertebral block by direct access to the paravertebral space using a catheter inserted by the surgeon is a simple technique, with low risk of complications, provides effective pain relief with fewer side effects, and reduces the early loss of postoperative pulmonary functions when compared to systemic analgesia.
Sex Hormones and Incident Heart Failure in Men and Postmenopausal Women: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Zhao Di , Guallar Eliseo , Ballantyne Christie M , Post Wendy S , Ouyang Pamela , Vaidya Dhananjay , Jia Xiaoming , Ying Wendy , Subramanya Vinita , Ndumele Chiadi E , Hoogeveen Ron C , Michos Erin D
Published: August 2020

Context

Sex differences exist in heart failure (HF) phenotypes, but there is limited research on the role of sex hormones in HF and its subtypes.

Objective

To examine the associations of total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with incident HF, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Design

Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (prospective cohort study). Median follow-up is 19.2 years.

Setting

General community.

Participants

4107 men and 4839 postmenopausal women, with mean age of 63.2 (standard deviation [SD] 5.7) and 62.8 (5.5) years, respectively.

Exposure

Plasma sex hormone levels were measured at visit 4 (1996-1998).

Main Outcome Measures

Incident HF events were identified through hospital discharge codes and death certificates.

Results

The Hazard Ratios for HF associated with 1 SD decrease in log-transformed total testosterone, DHEA-S, and SHBG were 1.10 (95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.17), 1.07 (1.00, 1.15), and 1.04 (0.96, 1.11) in men, and 1.05 (0.99, 1.13), 1.17 (1.09, 1.24), and 0.93 (0.85, 1.01) in women, respectively. The associations between sex hormones with subtypes of HF had similar patterns but were attenuated and became statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

In this prospective cohort, lower levels of endogenous testosterone and DHEA-S in men and DHEA-S in postmenopausal women were associated with the development of HF. Similar directions of association in both sexes and both HF subtypes suggest that sex hormones play a role in the development of HF through common pathways regardless of sex.
Regioselective Hydrosilylation of Olefins Catalyzed by Co-Iminobipyridine Complexes: The Role of Cyclohexyl Substituent on the Imino Nitrogen
Authors: Taguchi Daisuke , Kobayashi Katsuaki , Moriuchi Toshiyuki , Nakazawa Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Regioselective hydrosilylation of aliphatic olefins catalyzed by Co-iminobipyridine complexes, Co〈R〉, were investigated, where R indicates a substituent on the imino nitrogen in an iminobipyridine ligand (iminobypyridine = [2,2′-bpy]-6-C(Me)=N-R). Syntheses of two complexes, Co〈Mes〉 (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) and Co〈Cy〉 (Cy = cyclohexyl), and comparison of their catalytic activity for hydrosilylation of 1-octene with diphenylsilane revealed that the reaction system using Co〈Mes〉 produced a mixture of anti-Markovnikov and Markovnikov hydrosilylation products, whereas that using Co〈Cy〉 produced the anti-Markovnikov product selectively. Crystal structures of these complexes implied that a catalytically active species derived from Co〈Cy〉 has narrower active space for hydrosilylation than that from Co〈Mes〉. According to the Chalk-Harrod mechanism, there are two types of hydrosilylated products (anti-Markovnikov and Markovnikov products), which stem from the way of terminal olefin insertion into an M-H bond (that is 1,2- or 2,1-insertion). One of the intermediates derived from Co〈Cy〉 in the Chalk-Harrod mechanism has hydride and silyl ligands. In the step of olefin insertion into the Co-H bond, 1,2-insertion is more likely to occur from the steric point of view, leading to selective formation of the anti-Markovnikov product.
The RNA transport factor PHAX is required for proper histone H2AX expression and DNA damage response
Authors: Machitani Mitsuhiro , Taniguchi Ichiro , McCloskey Asako , Suzuki Tatsuya , Ohno Mutsuhito
Published: August 2020

PHAX (phosphorylated adaptor for RNA export) promotes nuclear export of short transcripts of RNA polymerase II such as spliceosomal U snRNA precursors, as well as intranuclear transport of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). However, it remains unknown whether PHAX has other critical functions. Here we show that PHAX is required for efficient DNA damage response (DDR) via regulation of phosphorylated histone variant H2AX (γH2AX), a key factor for DDR. Knockdown of PHAX led to a significant reduction of H2AX mRNA levels, through inhibition of both transcription of the H2AX gene and nuclear export of H2AX mRNA, one of the shortest mRNAs in the cell. As a result, PHAX-knockdown cells become more sensitive to DNA damage due to a shortage of γH2AX. These results reveal a novel function of PHAX, which secures efficient DDR and hence genome stability.
Tratamento nutricional na doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica: aspectos relevantes na composição de macronutrientes
Authors: Vieira Karina Amante , Rieger Débora Kurrle , Daltoé Felipe Perozzo
Published: August 2020

Introdução: A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) é a condição na qual há acúmulo excessivo de gordura no tecido hepático, não causada pelo consumo excessivo de etanol. A etiologia desse acúmulo é multifatorial, mas parece ocorrer por mecanismos que envolvem a síntese excessiva de lipídios e/ou a redução da excreção dos mesmos em indivíduos geneticamente predispostos. Objetivo: este artigo tem como objetivo descrever os principais mecanismos de desenvolvimento da DHGNA, assim como sua prevenção e tratamento com foco nutricional. Metodologia:  revisão de literatura. Resultados: de maneira geral, apesar de ser uma doença que envolve o acúmulo de gorduras no fígado, ela parece não estar relacionada ao consumo excessivo de gorduras em si, mas ao sobrepeso causado pelo sedentarismo e ao balanço calórico positivo. Conclusão: o principal tratamento da DHGNA envolve, portanto, perda de peso, objetivando redução lenta e gradual de cerca de 10% do peso corporal, a qual deve ser feita por readequação da dieta e prática de atividades físicas. Nesse sentido, também foram descritos e comparados estudos com dietas hipercalóricas, normocalóricas, hipocalóricas, low carb/high fat, low fat/high carb, dieta mediterrânea, entre outras, visando à melhor estratégia para a regressão da doença e melhora da qualidade de vida do paciente.
Trafficked children: towards a social work human rights response
Authors: Rigby Paul , Malloch Margaret
Published: August 2020

This article examines the response to the identification and support of unaccompanied children who have been trafficked into the UK. Locating the identification of victims of trafficking with the Home Office is problematic as their primary responsibility is not child protection. This approach is likely to prioritise immigration concerns that potentially exclude some children from the appropriate safeguarding support of local authority social work departments. In addition to the practice implications, the current responses are examined through a lens of neoliberalism, providing a unique critique of the present system. The article concludes by proposing an alternative model of identification and support that completely bypasses the Home Office. It proposes that identification of unaccompanied children who have been trafficked is located within a social work-led child protection framework. This would adhere to international obligations to child victims of human trafficking, and prioritise a human rights-based approach.
Comparison of algorithms to suppress artifacts from the natural lens in fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO)
Authors: Schweitzer D. , Haueisen J. , Brauer J. L. , Hammer M. , Klemm M.
Published: August 2020

Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) has developed as a new diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. FLIO measurements are taken from 30° retinal fields in two spectral channels (short spectral channel (SSC): 498–560 nm, long spectral channel (LSC): 560–720 nm). Because of the layered structure of the eye, the detected signal is an interaction of the fluorescence decay of the anterior part and of the fundus. By comparing FLIO measurements before and after cataract surgery, the impact of the natural lens was proven, despite the application of a confocal laser scanning (cSLO) technique. The goal of this work was to determine the best algorithmic solution to isolate the sole fundus fluorescence lifetime from the measured signal, suppressing artifacts from the natural lens. Three principles based on a tri-exponential model were investigated: a tailfit, a layer-based approach with a temporally shifted component, and the inclusion of a separately measured fluorescence decay of the natural lens. The mean fluorescence lifetime τm,12 is calculated using only the shortest and the intermediate exponential component. τm,all is calculated using all three exponential components. The results of tri-exponential tailfit after cataract surgery were considered as a reference, because the implanted artificial lens can be assumed as non-fluorescent. In SSC, the best accordance of τm,all of the reference was determined with τm,12 of the tailfit before surgery. If high-quality natural lens measurements are available, the correspondence of τm,12 is best with τm,all of the reference. In LSC, there is a good accordance for all models between τm,12 before and after surgery. To study the pure fundus fluorescence decay in eyes with natural lenses, we advise to utilize fluorescence lifetime τm,12 of a triple-exponential tailfit, as it corresponds well with the mean fluorescence lifetime τm,all of eyes with fluorescence-less artificial intraocular lenses.
Mapping the design space of photonic topological states via deep learning
Authors: Singh Robin , Agarwal Anu , W Anthony Brian
Published: August 2020

Topological states in photonics offer novel prospects for guiding and manipulating photons and facilitate the development of modern optical components for a variety of applications. Over the past few years, photonic topology physics has evolved and unveiled various unconventional optical properties in these topological materials, such as silicon photonic crystals. However, the design of such topological states still poses a significant challenge. Conventional optimization schemes often fail to capture their complex high dimensional design space. In this manuscript, we develop a deep learning framework to map the design space of topological states in the photonic crystals. This framework overcomes the limitations of existing deep learning implementations. Specifically, it reconciles the dimension mismatch between the input (topological properties) and output (design parameters) vector spaces and the non-uniqueness that arises from one-to-many function mappings. We use a fully connected deep neural network (DNN) architecture for the forward model and a cyclic convolutional neural network (cCNN) for the inverse model. The inverse architecture contains the pre-trained forward model in tandem, thereby reducing the prediction error significantly.
Multi-directional beam steering using diffractive neural networks
Authors: Idehenre I. U. , Mills M. S.
Published: August 2020

The modern-day resurgence of machine learning has encouraged researchers to revisit older problem spaces from a new perspective. One promising avenue has been implementing deep neural networks to aid in the simulation of physical systems. In the field of optics, densely connected neural networks able to mimic wave propagation have recently been constructed. These diffractive deep neural networks (D2NN) not only offer new insights into wave propagation, but provide a novel tool for investigating and discovering multi-functional diffractive elements. In this paper, we derive an efficient GPU-friendly D2NN methodology based on Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction. We then use the implementation to virtually forge cascades of optical phase masks subject to different beam steering conditions. The input and output conditions we use to train each D2NN instance is based on commercial electro-optic modulated waveguide systems to encourage experimental follow-on. In total, we analyze the beam steering efficacy of 27 individual D2NN instances which explore different permutations of input sources, mask cascades, and output steering targets.
Experimental investigation of joint measurement uncertainty relations for three incompatible observables at a single-spin level
Authors: Rehan K. , Xiong T. P. , Yan L.-L. , Zhou F. , Zhang J. W. , Li J. C. , Chen L. , Yang W. L. , Feng M.
Published: August 2020

In the light of the Busch, Lathi and Werner proposal, we explore, for the first time, the joint measurements and confirmation of uncertainty relations for three incompatible observables that reflect the original spirit proposed by Heisenberg in 1927. We first develop the error trade-off relations theoretically and then demonstrate the first experimental witness of joint measurements using a single ultracold 40Ca+ ion trapped in a harmonic potential. In addition, we report, that in contrast to the case of two observables, scarifying accuracy of any one of the three observables the rest of two can be measured with ultimate accuracy.