bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social circumstances and cultural beliefs influence maternal nutrition, breastfeeding and child feeding practices in South Africa
Authors: Chakona Gamuchirai
Published: May 2020

Background

Maternal and child undernutrition remain prevalent in developing countries with 45 and 11% of child deaths linked to poor nutrition and suboptimal breastfeeding, respectively. This also has adverse effects on child growth and development. The study determined maternal dietary diversity, breastfeeding and, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and identified reasons for such behavior in five rural communities in South Africa, in the context of cultural beliefs and social aspects.

Methods

The study used mixed methodology technique. Questionnaires were administered to 84 households, pairing mother/caregiver and a child (0–24 months old) to obtain information on maternal dietary diversity, IYCF and breastfeeding practices. Qualitative data on breastfeeding perceptions, IYCF practices, perceived eating habits for lactating mothers and cultural beliefs related to mothers’ decision on IYCF and breastfeeding practices were obtained through focus group discussions.

Results

Maternal dietary diversity was very low and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life was rarely practiced, with young children exposed to poor-quality diets lacking essential nutrients for child growth and development. Social circumstances including lack of income, dependence on food purchasing, young mothers’ feelings regarding breastfeeding and cultural beliefs were the major drivers of mothers’ eating habits, breastfeeding behaviour and IYCF practices. Fathers were left out in breastfeeding and IYCF decision making and young mothers were unwilling to employ indigenous knowledge when preparing food (especially traditional foods) and feeding their children.

Conclusion

The study provides comprehensive information for South African context that can be used as an intervention measure to fight against malnutrition in young children. Finding a balance between mothers’ income, dietary diversity, cultural beliefs, breastfeeding and considering life of lactating mothers so that they won’t feel burdened and isolated when breastfeeding and taking care of their children is crucial. Paternal inclusion in breastfeeding decisions and safeguarding indigenous knowledge on IYCF practices is recommended.
New ST623 of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from a patient with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Silva Lucyane Mendes , Ferreira William Antunes , Filho Roberto Alexandre Alves Barbosa , Lacerda Marcus Vinícius Guimarães , Ferreira Guilherme Motta Antunes , Saunier Maria de Nazaré , Macedo Marielle Machado , Cristo Denise de Almeida , Alves Marla Jalene , Jackisch-Matsuura Ani Beatriz , Ferreira Cristina Motta
Published: May 2020

Background

Cryptococcosis is a disease of wide geographic distribution. It is most critical when it affects immunocompromised patients, with AIDS, tuberculosis or other diseases that require prolonged hospitalization.

Methods

This study described a case report, molecular epidemiology, the phylogenetic relationship, along with antifungal susceptibility test of a new ST 623 of C. neoformans isolated in a patient with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, from Manaus, Brazil.

Results

The new C. neoformans was susceptible to all antifungal drugs tested. Our results showed that ST623 new clone has no evident evolutionary proximity to any other ST of the VNI subtype group identified in Brazil.

Conclusions

In the context of phylogenetic analysis, this new genotype belongs to VNI subtype, and subsequencing complete genome studies are necessary to better understand the phylogenetic relationships amongst STs in this group.
Endoglin (CD105) and VEGF as potential angiogenic and dissemination markers for colorectal cancer
Authors: Nogués Ana , Gallardo-Vara Eunate , Zafra Mª. Paz , Mate Paloma , Marijuan Jose Luis , Alonso Alfredo , Botella Luisa Mª. , Prieto Mª. Isabel
Published: May 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important current problem concerning public health due to its high incidence and mortality. Advances in molecular and cellular knowledge and the detection of new disease biomarkers are very important to improve prognosis, prediction, and early diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to analyze the gene and protein expression levels of two angiogenic markers, VEGF and soluble Endoglin, during different tumor stages as well as at different stages of cancer treatment, to predict the diagnosis and evolution of colon and rectal cancer.

Material and methods

This study includes 133 CRC patients (93 with colon cancer and 40 with rectal cancer) on which the gene and protein expression of Endoglin (membrane and soluble form) and VEGF were analyzed by molecular and immunohistochemical techniques on different tumor stage samples and plasma obtained preoperatively as well as 3, 6, and 9 months after resection of the tumor.

Results

VEGF and Endoglin gene expressions were higher in tumor tissue than in surrounding non-tumoral tissue for both types of cancer. The VEGF levels in plasma were found to decrease in less aggressive tumors, whereas soluble Endoglin was increased in preoperative samples of patients with metastasis. Membrane Endoglin expression was higher on the vascular endothelium of more aggressive tumors. In contrast, Endoglin expression was mainly in the colon epithelium in less aggressive stage tumors.

Conclusion

Endoglin and VEGF are proteins with a major role in the tumor angiogenesis process. This study performed with a wide cohort of human samples shows that both proteins seem to be valuable biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.
Pretreatment resistance mutations and treatment outcomes in adults living with HIV-1: a cohort study in urban Malawi
Authors: Neuhann F. , de Forest A. , Heger E. , Nhlema A. , Scheller C. , Kaiser R. , Steffen H. M. , Tweya H. , Fätkenheuer G. , Phiri S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Pre-treatment drug resistance (PDR) among antiretroviral drug-naïve people living with HIV (PLHIV) represents an important indicator for the risk of treatment failure and the spread of drug resistant HIV variants. We assessed the prevalence of PDR and treatment outcomes among adults living with HIV-1 in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods

We selected 200 participants at random from the Lighthouse Tenofovir Cohort Study (LighTen). Serum samples were drawn prior to treatment initiation in 2014 and 2015, frozen, and later analyzed for the presence of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations. Amplicons were sequenced and interpreted by Stanford HIVdb interpretation algorithm 8.4. We assessed treatment outcomes by evaluating clinical outcome and viral suppression at the end of the follow-up period in October 2019.

Results

PDR testing was successful in 197 of 200 samples. The overall NNRTI- PDR prevalence was 13.7% (27/197). The prevalence of intermediate or high level NNRTI- PDR was 11.2% (22/197). The most common mutation was K103N (5.6%, 11/197), followed by Y181C (3.6%, 7/197). In one case, we detected an NRTI resistance mutation (M184V), in combination with multiple NNRTI resistance mutations. All HIV-1 isolates analyzed were of subtype C. Of the 27 patients with NNRTI- PDR, 9 were still alive, on ART, and virally suppressed at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion

The prevalence of NNRTI- PDR was above the critical level of 10% suggested by the Global Action Plan on HIV Drug Resistance. The distribution of drug resistance mutations was similar to that seen in previous studies from the region, and further supports the introduction of integrase inhibitors in first-line treatment in Malawi. Furthermore, our findings underline the need for continued PDR surveillance and pharmacovigilance in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“I was determined to breastfeed, and I always found a solution”: successful experiences of exclusive breastfeeding among Chinese mothers in Ireland
Authors: Zhou Qianling , Chen Haoyue , Younger Katherine M. , Cassidy Tanya M. , Kearney John M.
Published: May 2020

Background

The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months was previously found to be very low among Chinese immigrants in Ireland, at 5.8% (Zhou et al., Front Public Health 6:351, 2018). This study investigates the successful experiences of Chinese mothers living in Ireland who exclusively breastfeed for between four and 6 months.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the sample of the Ireland Chinese Mother Survey. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen participants in their homes or public places.

Results

A content analysis revealed that various factors contributed to a successful experience of exclusive breastfeeding among the group of Chinese immigrant mothers, including strong self-determination; appropriate physical conditions; awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding; a lack of time constraints; and family, professional and policy support. The barriers that the mothers faced included the difficulty of balancing breastfeeding and employment, infant health issues, language barriers, an inability to consume the traditional Chinese postpartum diet and a lack of public breastfeeding facilities. Measures taken to overcome these barriers included seeking family support, resting during the lactation period, and pumping breast milk to feed from a bottle when outside the home.

Conclusions

This study highlights unique factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding among Chinese mothers in Ireland, which may be useful to health care professionals working with Chinese immigrant women internationally.
Towards improvements in foot-and-mouth disease vaccine performance
Authors: Belsham Graham J.
Published: May 2020

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the most economically important infectious diseases of production animals. Six (out of 7 that have been identified) different serotypes of the FMD virus continue to circulate in different parts of the world. Within each serotype there is also extensive diversity as the virus constantly changes. Vaccines need to be “matched” to the outbreak strain, not just to the serotype, to confer protection. Vaccination has been used successfully to assist in the eradication of the disease from Europe but is no longer employed there unless outbreaks occur. Thus the animal population in Europe, as in North America, is fully susceptible to the virus if it is accidentally (or deliberately) introduced. Almost 3 billion doses of the vaccine are made each year to control the disease elsewhere. Current vaccines are produced from chemically inactivated virus that has to be grown, on a large scale, under high containment conditions. The vaccine efficiently prevents disease but the duration of immunity is rather limited (about 6 months) and vaccination does not provide sterile immunity or block the development of carriers. Furthermore, the vaccine is quite unstable and a cold chain needs to be maintained to preserve the efficacy of the vaccine. This can be a challenge in the parts of the world where the disease is endemic. There is a significant interest in developing improved vaccines and significant progress in this direction has been made using a variety of approaches. However, no alternative vaccines are yet available commercially. Improved disease control globally is clearly beneficial to all countries as it reduces the risk of virus incursions into disease free areas.
SYBA: Bayesian estimation of synthetic accessibility of organic compounds
Authors: Voršilák Milan , Kolář Michal , Čmelo Ivan , Svozil Daniel
Published: May 2020

SYBA (SYnthetic Bayesian Accessibility) is a fragment-based method for the rapid classification of organic compounds as easy- (ES) or hard-to-synthesize (HS). It is based on a Bernoulli naïve Bayes classifier that is used to assign SYBA score contributions to individual fragments based on their frequencies in the database of ES and HS molecules. SYBA was trained on ES molecules available in the ZINC15 database and on HS molecules generated by the Nonpher methodology. SYBA was compared with a random forest, that was utilized as a baseline method, as well as with other two methods for synthetic accessibility assessment: SAScore and SCScore. When used with their suggested thresholds, SYBA improves over random forest classification, albeit marginally, and outperforms SAScore and SCScore. However, upon the optimization of SAScore threshold (that changes from 6.0 to – 4.5), SAScore yields similar results as SYBA. Because SYBA is based merely on fragment contributions, it can be used for the analysis of the contribution of individual molecular parts to compound synthetic accessibility. SYBA is publicly available athttps://github.com/lich-uct/sybaunder the GNU General Public License.
Nitric oxide inhalation as an interventional rescue therapy for COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Murata Isamu
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 is an emerging disease of public health concern. While there is no specific recommended treatment for COVID-19, nitric oxide has the potential to be of therapeutic value for managing acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19. However, inhaled nitric oxide has not yet been formally evaluated. Given the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the large numbers of hospitalized patients requiring respiratory support, clinical use of inhaled nitric oxide may become an alternate rescue therapy before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19.
Solvability of non-semicontinuous systems of Stieltjes differential inclusions and equations
Authors: López Pouso Rodrigo , Márquez Albés Ignacio , Rodríguez-López Jorge
Published: May 2020

We prove an existence result for systems of differential inclusions driven by multivalued mappings which need not assume closed or convex values everywhere, and need not be semicontinuous everywhere. Moreover, we consider differentiation with respect to a nondecreasing function, thus covering discrete, continuous and impulsive problems under a unique formulation. We emphasize that our existence result appears to be new even when the derivator is the identity, i.e. when derivatives are considered in the usual sense. We also apply our existence theorem for inclusions to derive a new existence result for discontinuous Stieltjes differential equations. Examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Identification of chaos in fractional chaotic map
Authors: Ran Jie
Published: May 2020

This paper utilizes the 0–1 test algorithm to identify chaos in a fractional chaotic map. A fractional Burgers map is proposed by means of the Caputo-like delta difference operator. The bifurcation diagrams, phase trajectories and 0–1 test results of the fractional Burgers map are presented, respectively. This work extends the 0–1 test algorithm to the discrete fractional chaotic map.
Mechanical Performances of Concrete Produced with Desert Sand After Elevated Temperature
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Chen Xiaolong , Che Jialing , Liu Ning , Zhang Minghu
Published: May 2020

Currently, fire in building is one of the most serious disasters. With the increase of basic construction items in western China, ordinary medium sand resource no longer met with the need of engineering. Compressive strength experiments of concrete produced with desert sand after elevated temperature were carried out in this paper. The effects of desert sand replacement rate (DSRR), temperature and cooling regime on the mechanical performances of concrete produced with desert sand were analyzed. XRD and SEM experiments were also conducted to study the microstructure of concrete produced with desert sand after elevated temperature. Experimental results showed that the cubic compressive strength of concrete produced with desert sand increased firstly, and then declined with temperature. Whereas, the prismatic compressive strength and elasticity modulus of concrete produced with desert sand under static compression declined with temperature. With the enhancement of DSRR, the elasticity modulus under static compression, cubic compressive strength and prismatic compressive strength of concrete produced with desert sand after elevated temperature increased firstly, and then declined, the maximum value of which was reached when DSRR amounted to 40%. Regression models were established to predict the mechanical performances of concrete produced with desert sand after elevated temperature, which were in good agreement with experimental results.
Perceived leader integrity as a mediator between ethical leadership and ethical climate in a teaching context
Authors: Enwereuzor Ibeawuchi K. , Onyishi Ike E. , Albi-Oparaocha Florence Chiji , Amaeshi Kenneth
Published: May 2020

Background

Scandalous incidents occurring in prominent organisations in the world have brought to limelight the role of leaders in shaping the ethical climate of their organisations. As a result, several studies across different organisational/occupational contexts and climes have examined and unanimously proven that ethical leadership was positively related to ethical climate. However, there is rarely any of these studies that was conducted in teaching context. Besides, the mechanisms involved between ethical leadership and ethical climate seems not to have been addressed in literature. Thus, this paper reports the findings of a study that investigated the mediating role of perceived leader integrity in the ethical leadership–ethical climate relationship among teachers.

Methods

Data were collected from 336 teachers (105 male and 231 female) in three-time periods using measures of ethical leadership, perceived leader integrity, ethical climate, and demographics.

Results

The results from OLS regression-based path analysis showed that: 1) ethical leadership was positively related to perceived leader integrity, 2) perceived leader integrity was positively related to ethical climate, 3) ethical leadership was positively related to ethical climate, and 4) the positive relationship between ethical leadership and ethical climate was mediated by perceived leader integrity.

Conclusions

The current study extends the social learning theory by identifying perceived leader integrity as a mechanism underlying the relationship between ethical leadership and ethical climate. The findings have some implications for personnel selection especially in relation to selection of ethical leaders.
Advances in targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yu Jifeng , Jiang Peter Y. Z. , Sun Hao , Zhang Xia , Jiang Zhongxing , Li Yingmei , Song Yongping
Published: May 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal malignancy characterized by genetic heterogeneity due to recurrent gene mutations. Treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy has been the standard of care for more than half of a century. Although much progress has been made toward improving treatment related mortality rate in the past few decades, long term overall survival has stagnated. Exciting developments of gene mutation-targeted therapeutic agents are now changing the landscape in AML treatment. New agents offer more clinical options for patients and also confer a more promising outcome. Since Midostaurin, a FLT3 inhibitor, was first approved by US FDA in 2017 as the first gene mutation-targeted therapeutic agent, an array of new gene mutation-targeted agents are now available for AML treatment. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances in gene mutation-targeted therapies for patients with AML.
Understanding the decision making process of selection of medicines in the private sector in South Africa – lessons for low-middle income countries
Authors: Perumal-Pillay Velisha Ann , Suleman Fatima
Published: May 2020

Background

The affordability of essential medicines is a challenge in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). One of The Lancet Commission’s recommendations on financing of essential medicines is to ensure governments and national health systems include essential medicines in the benefit packages provided by public and private healthcare sectors. Currently in South Africa (SA), there is a dearth of information on the processes for medicines selection for private sector medical scheme formularies. This study aimed to improve the understanding of how formulary managers of selected medical schemes made decisions for the selection of medicines for their formularies. This paper described their opinions obtained from in-depth interviews.

Methods

Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 individuals from 7 private sector medical schemes and administrators in SA. All participants interviewed were involved in formulary development and management. Interviews were conducted from June 2013 – January 2015. Interviews were guided by a discussion guide and audio recorded. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded by the first author, corroborated by the second author, reconciled, and imported into NVIVO for data analysis.

Results

Schemes and administrators had similar formulary decision making and management committees in place (viz. Clinical and Therapeutics committees). The process of and criteria for medicines selection and evidence based review of formularies were also similar. Selection of medicines was inherent in the formulary review process. Medicine price was important in the decision taken to list medicines. Most schemes expressed a difficulty with lack of information to support pharmacoeconomic evaluations of medicines for inclusion on the formulary. This together with the basic monitoring of use of medicines by patients for most schemes left room for improvement in the decision making process for those schemes.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies in SA describing interviews with private sector medical scheme Formulary managers. It contributes to an increased understanding of how decisions are taken to include/exclude medicines on private sector medical scheme formularies. It provides insight into the medicine selection and review processes, including processes on monitoring and evaluation of medicines use by the private sector which serve as lessons for Low-Middle income countries moving towards UHC.
Role of interactive presentation platform ASQ in delivering web design course
Authors: Bratić Brankica , Triglianos Vasileios , Kurbalija Vladimir , Pautasso Cesare , Ivanović Mirjana
Published: May 2020

Contemporary technology enhanced learning together with different innovative learning methodologies are significantly initiating progress in educational ecosystems. Educational systems and tools that invoke active participation of learners are excellent facilitators of modern education. One such system is . is an interactive presentation platform that allows teachers to incorporate interactive questions in their presentations. Learners are then answering these questions on site on their digital devices. In that way teachers have immediate feedback from learners, allowing them to adjust course of presentation. In this paper we tried to determine in what extent is beneficial for learners. For that purpose we conducted analysis on the data collected from Web Design course, where was utilized during two school years. Results of the analysis suggest that has a positive influence on learners’ acquired knowledge.
Nestling discrimination and feeding habits during brooding of Chestnut Thrushes
Authors: Yi Tingting , Sun Yue-Hua , Liang Wei
Published: May 2020

Background

Nestling discrimination and feeding habits during brooding are important factors affecting host selection of parasitic birds. Some host birds can avoid being parasitized by discriminating their nestlings or feeding food not suitable for parasitic nestlings. Thrushes are common medium-sized birds with widespread distribution and an open nesting habit, but they are rarely parasitized. It remains controversial whether this is due to feeding habits and/or nestling discrimination.

Methods

In this study, we tested the nestling discrimination ability and feeding habits of Chestnut Thrushes (Turdus rubrocanus) which is distributed in China’s multi-cuckoo parasitism system. Their nestling discriminability and feeding habits during brooding were studied by cross-fostering experiments and video recording to examine evolutionary restrictions on nestling discrimination and whether feeding habits are consistent with the growth of cuckoo nestlings.

Results

Our results indicate that Chestnut Thrushes using earthworms as the main brooding food can feed and maintain cuckoo nestlings and show no nestling discrimination.

Conclusions

The present study confirms that feeding habits cannot be regarded as the main factor affecting Chestnut Thrushes being rarely parasitized by cuckoos but suggests that egg rejection is likely to limit the evolution of nestling discrimination in thrushes.
Battling COVID-19: using old weapons for a new enemy
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Gupta Nitin , Kodan Parul , Mittal Ankit , Soneja Manish , Wig Naveet
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic proportions. Most of the drugs that are being tried for the treatment have not been evaluated in any randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this review was to summarize the in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy of these drugs on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) and related viruses (SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and evaluate their potential for re-purposing them in the management of COVID-19.
Risk perception of health problems among travelers visiting a travel clinic in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Hiranrusme Thanyapat , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Kaewkungwal Jaranit , Silachamroon Udomsak , Leowattana Wattana , Chatapat Lapakorn , Matsee Wasin
Published: May 2020

Background

Effective pre-travel consultations cannot be achieved only through individual risk assessment and advice on vaccinations and chemoprophylaxis. Travelers’ perceptions of the risk of health problems represent another key factor in successful risk communication and co-operation with pre-travel advice. The objective of this study was to determine perception of travel-related health risks among Thais and westerners visiting the Thai Travel Clinic for consultation before visiting developing countries.

Methods

A novel pictorial scale questionnaire-based study was conducted with both Thai and western travelers who visited the Thai Travel Clinic for pre-travel consultation. All participants were approached before and after completing the consultation, and were asked about their demographic data and perceptions of travel-related health risk. The perceptions of risk before and after consultation were compared using the McNemar test, and were also compared with the actual estimated risk.

Results

During May to November 2019, 594 travelers (330 Thais and 264 Westerners) were enrolled and completed the pictorial scale questionnaires. Most Thai travelers visited Africa/South America (63%), and 20% had previously received counseling. Westerners were mostly backpackers (37.5%), traveling for > 30 days (71.6%), while 43.6% had previously received counseling. Overall, the westerners (n = 264) changed their risk perceptions slightly after counseling in contrast with the Thais. The change in perception of most health problems was observed statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) after receiving pre-travel consultation among both groups of travelers. Risk perception among western travelers after consultation compared with estimated actual risk showed accurate risk perception toward most of health problems especially in travelers who had previously received counseling in ones’ home countries.

Conclusions

Risk perception of health problems plays an important role in successful risk communication and their response to pre-travel advices. Differences in risk perceptions were evident between the two groups. Therefore, this highlight the importance of obtaining pre-travel advice in one’s home country before travelling. Raised awareness of the risks should be emphasized during consultations for underestimated health risks, especially for rabid animal exposure and sexually transmitted diseases.
Patient-specific implants for maxillofacial defects: challenges and solutions
Authors: Alasseri Nasser , Alasraj Ahmed
Published: May 2020

Background

Reconstructing maxillofacial defects is quite challenging for most surgeons due to the region’s complex anatomy and cosmetic and functional effects on patients. The use of pre-made alloplastic implants and autogenous grafts is often associated with resorption, infection, and displacement. Recent technological advances have led to the use of custom computer-designed patient-specific implants (PSIs) in reconstructive surgery. This study describes our experience with PSI, details the complications we faced, how to overcome them, and finally, evaluates patient satisfaction.

Case presentation

Six patients underwent reconstruction of various maxillofacial defects arising due to different etiologies using PSI. A combined total of 10 implants was used. PEEK was used to fabricate 8, while titanium was used to fabricate 2. No complications were seen in any patient both immediately post-op and in subsequent follow-ups. All patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the final result both functionally and cosmetically.

Conclusion

The use of computer-designed PSI enables a more accurate reconstruction of maxillofacial defects, eliminating the usual complications seen in preformed implants and resulting in higher patient satisfaction. Its main drawback is its high cost.
Exploring the relationship between auditory hallucinations, trauma and dissociation
Authors: Wearne Deborah , Curtis Guy J. , Melvill-Smith Peter , Orr Kenneth G. , Mackereth Annette , Rajanthiran Leon , Hood Sean , Choy Winston , Waters Flavie
Published: May 2020

Background

It is clinically imperative to better understand the relationship between trauma, auditory hallucinations and dissociation. The personal narrative of trauma has enormous significance for each individual and is also important for the clinician, who must use this information to decide on a diagnosis and treatment approach.

Aims

To better understand whether dissociation contributes in a significant way to hallucinations in individuals with and without trauma histories.

Method

Three groups of participants with auditory hallucinations were recruited, with diagnoses of: schizophrenia (without trauma) (n = 18), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, n = 27) and comorbid schizophrenia and PTSD (SCZ+PTSD), n = 26). Clinician-administered measures included the PTSD Symptoms Scale Interview (PSSI-5), the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS).

Results

Dissociative symptoms were significantly higher in participants with trauma histories (PTSD and SCZ+PTSD groups) and significantly correlated with hallucinations in trauma-exposed participants, but not in participants with schizophrenia (without trauma history). Hallucination severity was correlated with the CADSS amnesia subscale score, but depersonalisation and derealisation were not.

Conclusions

Dissociation may be a mechanism in trauma-exposed individuals who hear voices, but it does not explain all hallucinatory experiences. The SCZ+PTSD group were in an intermediary position between schizophrenia and PTSD on dissociative and hallucination measures. The PTSD and SCZ+PTSD groups experienced dissociative phenomena much more frequently than the schizophrenia group, with a significant trend towards the amnesia subtype of dissociation.
Perturbed Beta-Cell Function and Lipid Profile After Early Prenatal Dexamethasone Exposure in Individuals Without CAH
Authors: Wallensteen Lena , Karlsson Leif , Messina Valeria , Nordenström Anna , Lajic Svetlana
Published: May 2020

Background

Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) reduces virilization in girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The treatment is effective but may result in long-lasting adverse effects. In this study we explore the effects of DEX on metabolism in individuals not having CAH but treated with DEX during the first trimester of fetal life.

Method

All DEX-treated participants (n = 40, age range 5.1-26.4 years) and controls (n = 75, age range 4.5-26.6 years) were assessed with fasting blood samples to measure blood count, renal function, glucose homeostasis, and serum lipid profiles.

Results

There were no significant differences between DEX and control participants for birth parameters, weight and height, or body mass index at the time of testing. Analyzing the entire cohort, we found no significant effects of DEX on blood count, renal function, or serum lipid profiles. However, a lower HOMA-β index in the DEX-treated individuals (U = 893.0; P = 0.049) was observed. Post hoc analyses revealed an effect in girls (U = 152.5; P = 0.024) but not in boys (U = 299.5; P = 0.550). The effect on HOMA-β persisted (U = 117.5; P = 0.048) after analyzing data separately in the participants < 16 years of age. In addition, we observed higher plasma glucose levels (F = 14.6; P = 0.001) in the DEX-treated group. The participants ≥ 16 years of age in the DEX-treated group had significantly higher total plasma cholesterol (F = 9.8; P = 0.003) and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (F = 7.4; P = 0,009).

Conclusion

Prenatal DEX exposure in early pregnancy has negative effects on beta-cell function and lipid profile in individuals without CAH already at a young age.
Differential Glucocorticoid-Dependent Regulation and Function of the ERRFI1 Gene in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mojica Chromewell Agustin R , Ybañez Weand S , Olarte Kevin Christian V , Poblete Alyssa Beatrice C , Bagamasbad Pia D
Published: May 2020

Glucocorticoids (GCs; eg, hydrocortisone [CORT]) are routinely used as chemotherapeutic, anti-emetic, and palliative agents in breast cancer (BCa) therapy. The effects of GC signaling on BCa progression, however, remain a contentious topic as GC treatment seems to be beneficial for receptor-positive subtypes but elicits unfavorable responses in triple-negative BCa (TNBC). The mechanistic basis for these conflicting effects of GC in BCa is poorly understood. In this study, we sought to decipher the molecular mechanisms that govern the GC-dependent induction of the tumor suppressor ERRFI1 gene, an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, and characterize the role of the GC-ERRFI1 regulatory axis in TNBC. Treatment of TNBC cell lines with a protein synthesis inhibitor or GC receptor (GR) antagonist followed by gene expression analysis suggests that ERRFI1 is a direct GR target. Using in silico analysis coupled with enhancer-reporter assays, we identified a putative ERRFI1 enhancer that supports CORT-dependent transactivation. In orthogonal assays for cell proliferation, survival, migration, and apoptosis, CORT mostly facilitated an oncogenic phenotype regardless of malignancy status. Lentiviral knockdown and overexpression of ERRFI1 showed that the CORT-enhanced oncogenic phenotype is restricted by ERRFI1 in the normal breast epithelial model MCF10A and to a lesser degree in the metastatic TNBC line MDA-MB-468. Conversely, ERRFI1 conferred pro-tumorigenic effects in the highly metastatic TNBC model MDA-MB-231. Taken together, our findings suggest that the progressive loss of the GC-dependent regulation and anti-tumorigenic function of ERRFI1 influences BCa progression and may contribute to the unfavorable effects of GC therapy in TNBC.
Bidirectional transfer of homeoprotein EN2 across the plasma membrane requires PIP2
Authors: Amblard Irène , Dupont Edmond , Alves Isabel , Miralvès Julie , Queguiner Isabelle , Joliot Alain
Published: May 2020

Homeoproteins are a class of transcription factors sharing the unexpected property of intercellular trafficking that confers to homeoproteins a paracrine mode of action. Homeoprotein paracrine action participates in the control of patterning processes, including axonal guidance, brain plasticity and boundary formation. Internalization and secretion, the two steps of intercellular transfer, rely on unconventional mechanisms, but the cellular mechanisms at stake still need to be fully characterized. Thanks to the design of new quantitative and sensitive assays dedicated to the study of homeoprotein transfer within HeLa cells in culture, we demonstrate a core role of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2) together with cholesterol in the translocation of the homeobox protein engrailed-2 (EN2) across the plasma membrane. By using drug and enzyme treatments, we show that both secretion and internalization are regulated according to PIP2 levels. The requirement for PIP2 and cholesterol in EN2 trafficking correlates with their selective affinity for this protein in artificial bilayers, which is drastically decreased in a paracrine-deficient mutant of EN2. We propose that the bidirectional plasma membrane translocation events that occur during homeoprotein secretion and internalization are parts of a common process.
Atrioventricular block, due to reduced ventricular excitability, causes the depression of fish heart rate in fish at critically high temperatures
Authors: Haverinen Jaakko , Vornanen Matti
Published: May 2020

At critically high temperature, cardiac output in fish collapses due to depression of heart rate (bradycardia). However, the cause of bradycardia remains unresolved. To this end rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss; acclimated at +12°C) were exposed to acute warming, while electrocardiograms were recorded. From +12℃ to +25.3℃, electrical excitation between different parts of the heart was coordinated but above +25.3℃ atrial and ventricular beating rates became partly dissociated due to 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block. With further warming atrial rate increased to the peak value of 188±22 bpm at +27℃, while the rate of the ventricle reached the peak value of 124±10 bpm at +25.3 ℃ and thereafter dropped to 111±15 bpm at +27℃. In single ventricular myocytes, warming from +12°C to +25°C attenuated electrical excitability as evidenced by increases in rheobase current and critical depolarization required to trigger action potential. The depression of excitability was caused by temperature induced decrease in input resistance (sarcolemmal K+ leak via the outward IK1 current) of resting myocytes and decrease in inward charge transfer by the Na+ current (INa) of active myocytes. Collectively these findings show that at critically high temperatures AV block causes ventricular bradycardia which is an outcome from the increased excitation threshold of the ventricle due to changes in passive (resting ion leak) and active (inward charge movement) electrical properties of ventricular myocytes. The sequence of events from the level of ion channels to the cardiac function in vivo provides a mechanistic explanation for the depression of cardiac output in fish at critically high temperature.
Antioxidant (gallic acid and quercetin) profile of Sumatran wild mangoes (Mangifera spp.): a potential source for antidegenerative medicine
Authors: Fitmawati Fitmawati , Resida Esi , Kholifah Sri Nur , Roza Rodesia Mustika , Almurdani Muhammad , Emrizal Emrizal
Published: May 2020

Background: New findings on the potential of wild mangoes from the island of Sumatra as a source of antioxidant helps their conservation effort as it introduces their useful compounds to the public. This study aims to analyze the antioxidant profile and quantification of gallic acid and quercetin content from leaves and bark of Sumatran wild mangoes. Exploration and analysis of phytochemical constituents from 11 Sumatran wild mangoes was performed.

Methods: Antioxidant activity of wild mangoes was analysed with 1,1- diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), and determination of quercetin and gallic acid content was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Total flavonoid and phenolic analysis was also performed. Curve fitting analysis used a linear regression approach.

Results: The highest level of antioxidant activity, phenolic compound and flavonoid compound was found in the leaves and bark of Mangifera sp1. (MBS), the bark of M. foetida 3 (var. batu) and leaves of M. torquenda, and the bark and leaves of M. sumatrana, respectively. The content of gallic acid in leaves ranged from 5.23-35.48 mg/g dry weight. Quercetin content of wild mangoes leaves ranged from 0.76 to 1.16 mg/g dry weight with the lowest value in M. foetida 2 (var. manis) and the highest in M. laurina.

Conclusion: The results obtained are expected to be useful in supporting the development of antidegenerative drugs from natural ingredients that have potential as immunomodulatory agents.
La determinación social, una visión epistemológica para comprender el proceso salud-enfermedad
Authors: Carmona Moreno Luz Dary
Published: May 2020

Introducción: la investigación en salud ha sido dominada por el paradigma positivista y, en menor escala, por la tendencia fenomenológica. El artículo presenta, de manera general, las tesis y las características de esas interpretaciones, sus implicaciones para el conocimiento de la salud y su determinación, así como las contribuciones y los aspectos que contiene la perspectiva de la determinación social latinoamericana frente a la comprensión de la complejidad y el movimiento de la salud. Desarrollo: el artículo aborda la discusión teórica sobre el proceso salud-enfermedad en el marco de la determinación social: sus dimensiones y relaciones, en la interfase entre salud, ambiente y sociedad, y el papel que ha cumplido el pensamiento crítico para superar las limitaciones del positivismo, replanteando la construcción de la salud como objeto de conocimiento y acción, en disputa para rebasar el marco funcionalista y avanzar en la construcción de una visión emancipadora de las ciencias de la salud y el ambiente. Conclusiones: la perspectiva latinoamericana ha contribuido de manera sistemática con la construcción de una propuesta de salud compleja que se disputa en diversos campos: en la investigación, la acción colectiva, la política y el Estado.
Input Efficiency Measures: A Generalized, Encompassing Formulation
Authors: Briec Walter , Cavaignac Laurent , Kerstens Kristiaan
Published: May 2020

In the article “Input Efficiency Measures: A Generalized, Encompassing Formulation” we develop a generalized, encompassing formulation unifying four traditional input efficiency measures: radial, Färe-Lovell, asymmetric Färe, and multiplicative Färe-Lovell. This is basically motivated by the fact that observations on production need not be situated near the efficient subset, but could also be positioned close to the isoquant or even the boundary of the technology. This new generalized Färe-Lovell input efficiency measure shares its axiomatic properties with the original Färe-Lovell input efficiency measure. In addition, we can derive new dual interpretations for this generalized Färe-Lovell input efficiency measure. Finally, we derive mathematical programming formulations, with a special focus on cases where linear programming applies.
Analysis of surface changes of burning nanopowders using digital processing of laser monitor images
Authors: Gubarev F. A. , Kim S. , Li L. , Mostovshchikov A. V. , Ilyin A. P.
Published: May 2020

An imaging laser projection system, a laser monitor, is applied for real-time monitoring of the surface of nanopowders during high-temperature combustion. The mirror-based scheme of the laser monitor is used in the experiments to increase the range of observation. For the analysis of surface changes during combustion, the correlation coefficient together with average brightness of the images of laser monitor obtained by digital processing are proposed to use. The results of calculating the correlation coefficient demonstrate compliance with the change in the intensity of the images of the laser monitor during the combustion and visual observation of the combustion process. The distortions introduced by the instability of the brightness amplifier into the measurement results are estimated. When observing a static test object, the variation of correlation coefficient is three orders of magnitude less than fluctuation in the correlation coefficient during combustion, the variation of average image brightness is less than 5%. The obtained results indicate the possibility of the usage of the correlation coefficient and average brightness of the images as informative parameters in the analysis of surface changes of burning nanopowders in studies using laser monitors with both conventional and mirror-based schemes.
PM fiber based sensing tapes with automated 45° birefringence axis alignment for distributed force/pressure sensing
Authors: Hao Peng , Yu Chao , Feng Ting , Zhang Zeheng , Qin Mingliang , Zhao Xin , He Hua , Yao X. Steve
Published: May 2020

Polarization maintaining (PM) fibers can be used for distributed force/pressure sensing in which the birefringence axis of the PM fiber should preferably be oriented 45° from the direction of the force/pressure for the maximum sensitivity. However, it is a challenge to achieve such 45° axis orientation for a long length of PM fiber in practice. In this paper, we report the development of what we believe the first equipment and process for making PM fiber based sensing tapes, capable of automatically adjusting the fiber axis orientation 45° with respect to the tape surface. In particular, we develop a machine vision system with the ability of continuously determining fiber axis orientation in real time as the fiber passes by and feeding back the orientation information to a fiber rotation apparatus to automatically adjust its orientation before fixing the fiber on a transparent PET tape with UV epoxy. We show the results of a successfully fabricated 70-m-long PM fiber sensing tape achieving an axis orientation accuracy of 45 ± 3° throughout the whole length of the tape, which is further validated with a distributed polarization crosstalk analyzer (DPXA). Finally, we demonstrate distributed transversal load sensing with 14 force applying weights randomly distributed along the sensing tape using the DPXA, with a polarization crosstalk measurement uniformity of 0.62 dB (standard deviation) using the same applied weight of 100 grams. The same sensing tape can also be used for pressure sensing with properly designed fixtures.
Observation of the interplay between seeded and self-seeded nondegenerate four-wave mixing in cesium vapor
Authors: Zhang Yueying , Wu Jinze , He Yanyan , Zhang Yu , Hu Yaodong , Zhang Junxiang , Zhu Shiyao
Published: May 2020

Nondegenerate four-wave mixing (NFWM) is a practical and effective technique for generating or amplifying light fields at different wavelengths, and could be used to create color correlation and entanglement. Here we experimentally investigate the NFWM process in diamond atomic system via two-photon excitation with two pumps at 852 nm and 921 nm, demonstrating that a seeded NFWM with a third laser at 895 nm and two self-seeded NFWMs due to amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) occur simultaneously. We compare the two kinds of processes and show that the single- and two-photon detunings hold the key role in distinguishing them. As a result, the enhancement of seeded NFWM is obtained by selecting large one- and two-photon detunings, in which case the ASE induced self-seeded NFWM can be largely suppressed. In contrast, the ASE and its induced NFWM are effectively achieved with one- and two-photon resonant excitations allowing for population inversion for efficient ASE.