bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant dressing therapy versus standard wound care in chronic wounds (the REOX study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Comino-Sanz Inés María , López-Franco María Dolores , Castro Begoña , Pancorbo-Hidalgo Pedro Luis
Published: June 2020

Background

A wound that does not heal in the orderly stages of the healing process or does not heal within 3 months is considered a chronic wound. Wound healing is impaired when the wound remains in the inflammatory stage for too long. A range of factors can delay the healing process: imbalance between proteases and protease inhibitors in the wound bed; bacterial colonization and the presence of biofilm; and oxidative stress. Recently, wound management has improved significantly. A new antioxidant dressing has been developed, which combines an absorbent matrix obtained from locust bean gum galactomannan and a hydration solution with curcumin and N-acetylcysteine. This dressing combines the advantages of moist healing in exudate management and free radical neutralization, achieving wound reactivation. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effect of the antioxidant dressing on chronic wound healing against the use of a standard wound dressing in patients with hard-to-heal wounds.

Methods

We will conduct a multicentre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial with parallel groups. Participants will be selected from three primary public health care centres located in Andalucía (southern Spain). Patients will be randomized into an intervention group (antioxidant dressing) or a control group (standard wound dressing). Assessments will be carried out at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Follow-up will be for a period of 8 weeks or until complete healing if this occurs earlier.

Discussion

The findings from this study should provide scientific evidence on the efficacy of the antioxidant dressing as an alternative for the treatment of chronic wounds. This study fills some of the gaps in the existing knowledge about patients with hard-to-heal wounds.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03934671. Registered on 2 May 2019.
The effect of transtheoretical model-lead intervention for knee osteoarthritis in older adults: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Wang Limin , Chen Hongbo , Lu Han , Wang Yunlin , Liu Congying , Dong Xu , Chen Jieru , Liu Nan , Yu Fang , Wan Qiaoqin , Shang Shaomei
Published: June 2020

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common joint disease in people over 60 years old. Exercise therapy is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for KOA, but low exercise adherence needs to be improved. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the transtheoretical model-lead home exercise intervention (TTM-HEI) program on exercise adherence, KOA symptoms, and knee function in older adults with KOA.

Methods

A two-arm, superiority, assessor-blinded, cluster randomized trial was conducted. Community-dwelling older adults with KOA were recruited from 14 community centers in Beijing, China, via print and social media advertisements from April to October 2018. The present study lasted 48 weeks, with an intervention duration of 0–24 weeks and follow-up time of 24–48 weeks. The intervention was a two-stage and 24-week TTM-based exercise program, and the control group underwent a same-length exercise program guidance without any exercise adherence interventions. The primary outcome was exercise adherence to the prescribed home exercise program and was measured using an 11-point numerical (0 = not at all through and 10 = completely as instructed) self-rating scale at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 after the program started. KOA symptoms (pain intensity and joint stiffness) were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and knee function (lower limb muscle strength and balance) was measured using the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) at baseline, week 24, and week 48. Latent growth model (GLM), repeated measures ANOVA, and independent t test were the main statistical tests used.

Results

A total of 189 older adults (intervention group: n = 103, control group: n = 86) were enrolled. Differences of any outcome measures at baseline were not significant between groups. The growth rate of exercise adherence in the intervention group increased 2.175 units compared with that in the control group (unstandardized coefficient of slope on group B2 = 2.175, p < 0.001), and the intervention program maintained participants’ exercise adherence with 5.56 (SD = 1.00) compared with 3.16 (SD = 1.31) in the control group at week 48. In addition, the TTM-HEI program showed significant effects on relieving KOA symptoms and improving knee function.

Conclusion

Over time, TTM-HEI could improve participants’ exercise adherence, KOA symptoms, and knee function.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the ethics committee (IRB00001052-17066) in July 2017 and was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (website: www.chictr.org.cn, registry number: ChiCTR1800015458).
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes exert ameliorative effects in type 2 diabetes by improving hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism via enhancing autophagy
Authors: He Qin , Wang Lingshu , Zhao Ruxing , Yan Fei , Sha Sha , Cui Chen , Song Jia , Hu Huiqing , Guo Xinghong , Yang Mengmeng , Cui Yixin , Sun Yujing , Sun Zheng , Liu Fuqiang , Dong Ming , Hou Xinguo , Chen Li
Published: June 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy is currently considered to be an effective treatment strategy for diabetes and hepatic disorders, such as liver cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Exosomes are important mediators of cellular connections, and increasing evidence has suggested that exosomes derived from MSCs may be used as direct therapeutic agents; their mechanisms of action, however, remain largely unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of human umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes (HucMDEs) on hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

HucMDEs were used to treat T2DM rats, as well as palmitic acid (PA)-treated L-O2 cells, in order to determine the effects of HucMDEs on hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. To evaluate the changes in autophagy and potential signaling pathways, autophagy-related proteins (BECN1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta [MAP 1LC3B]), autophagy-related genes (ATGs, ATG5, and ATG7), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) were assessed by Western blotting.

Results

HucMDEs promoted hepatic glycolysis, glycogen storage, and lipolysis, and reduced gluconeogenesis. Additionally, autophagy potentially contributed to the effects of HucMDE treatment. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased formation of autophagosomes in HucMDE-treated groups, and the autophagy marker proteins, BECN1 and MAP 1LC3B, were also increased. Moreover, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine significantly reduced the effects of HucMDEs on glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM rats. Based on its phosphorylation status, we found that the AMPK signaling pathway was activated and induced autophagy in T2DM rats and PA-treated L-O2 cells. Meanwhile, the transfection of AMPK siRNA or application of the AMPK inhibitor, Comp C, weakened the therapeutic effects of HucMDEs on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that HucMDEs improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM rats by activating autophagy via the AMPK pathway, which provides novel evidence suggesting the potential for HucMDEs in clinically treating T2DM patients.
Inhibitory activity of metal-curcumin complexes on quorum sensing related virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Gholami Mina , Zeighami Habib , Bikas Rahman , Heidari Azam , Rafiee Farzaneh , Haghi Fakhri
Published: June 2020

The use of metal complexes to reduce or inhibit virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a promising strategy for the management and control of infections caused by this multidrug-resistant pathogen. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-quorum sensing activity of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate-curcumin complex (Cu-CUR), iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate -curcumin complex (Fe-CUR), zinc(II) chloride-curcumin complex (Zn-CUR) and free curcumin (free-CUR) against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Metal-CUR complexes were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The effect of sub-MIC (1/4 and 1/16 MIC) concentrations of metal-CUR complexes and free-CUR on cell growth, biofilm formation, motility, alginate and pyocyanin production, H2O2 susceptibility and expression of lasI and lasR genes in PAO1 was determined. MIC of metal-CUR complexes and free-CUR was determined as 62.5 and 125 µg/ml, respectively. Metal-CUR complexes at concentration of 62.5 µg/ml significantly reduced the cell growth to 1.5%–3.3%. Although we did not measure the anti-QS activity of metal-CUR complexes directly against PAO1, they indicated anti-QS activity in C. violaceum CV026. Copper-CUR complex at the concentration of 1/4 MIC showed the greatest inhibitory effect on swarming and twitching motilities, biofilm formation, alginate and pyocyanin production, sensitivity to H2O2 and reduction in the expression levels of lasI and lasR genes (P < 0.001). Considering the biological effects of Cu-CUR complex and its inhibitory activity on virulence factors, it may be used as an effective compound for treatment and control of infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
Amikacin pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic in intensive care unit: a prospective database
Authors: Logre Elsa , Enser Maya , Tanaka Sébastien , Dubert Marie , Claudinon Aurore , Grall Nathalie , Mentec Hervé , Montravers Philippe , Pajot Olivier
Published: June 2020

Background

Aminoglycosides have a concentration-dependent therapeutic effect when peak serum concentration (Cmax) reaches eight to tenfold the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). With an amikacin MIC of 8 mg/L, the Cmax should be 64–80 mg/L. This objective is based on clinical breakpoints and not on measured MIC. This study aimed to assess the proportion of patients achieving the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target Cmax/MIC ≥ 8 using the measured MIC in critically ill patients treated for documented Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) infections.

Methods

Retrospective analysis from February 2016 to December 2017 of a prospective database conducted in 2 intensive care units (ICU). All patients with documented severe GNB infections treated with amikacin (single daily dose of 25 mg/kg of total body weight (TBW)) with both MIC and Cmax measurements at first day of treatment (D1) were included. Results are expressed in n (%) or median [min–max].

Results

93 patients with 98 GNB-documented infections were included. The median Cmax was 55.2 mg/L [12.2–165.7] and the median MIC was 2 mg/L [0.19–16]. Cmax/MIC ratio ≥ 8 was achieved in 87 patients (88.8%) while a Cmax ≥ 64 mg/L was achieved in only 38 patients (38.7%). Overall probability of PK/PD target attainment was 93%. No correlation was found between Cmax/MIC ratio and clinical outcome at D8 and D28.

Conclusion

According to PK/PD parameters observed in our study, single daily dose of amikacin 25 mg/kg of TBW appears to be sufficient in most critically ill patients treated for severe GNB infections.
Applying time series modeling to assess the dynamics and forecast monthly reports of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation involving a vulnerable adult
Authors: Soto-Ramírez Nelís , Odeku Janet , Foxe Courtney , Flynn Cynthia , Tester Diana
Published: June 2020

Background

Application of time series modeling to predict reports related to maltreatment of vulnerable adults can be helpful for efficient early planning and resource allocation to handle a high volume of investigations. The goal of this study is to apply: (1) autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time series modeling to fit and forecast monthly maltreatment reports accepted for assessment reported to adult protective services (APS), and (2) interrupted time series analysis to test whether the implementation of intake hubs have a significant impact in the number of maltreatment reports after the implementation period.

Methods

A time series analysis on monthly APS intake reports was conducted using administrative data from SC Child and Adult Protective Services between January 2014 and June 2018. Monthly APS data were subjected to ARIMA modeling adjusting for the time period when intake hubs were implemented. The coefficient of determination, normalized SBC, AIC, MSE, and Ljung-Box Q-test were used to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of constructed models. The most parsimonious model was selected to predict the monthly APS intakes from July to December 2018. Poisson regression was fit to examine the association of the implementation of the hubs and the number of intake reports received to APS, adjusting for confounders.

Results

Over 24,000 APS intakes accepted for investigation were identified over a period of four calendar years with an increase in the monthly average of APS intakes between 2014 and 2017. An increase in the number of monthly APS intakes was found after the intake hubs were implemented in 2015 (Phase-1) and 2017 (Phase-2). Of all the models tested, an ARIMA (12), 1, 1 model was found to work best after evaluating all fit measures for both models. For Phase-1, the optimum model predicted an average of 488 APS intake reports between July and December 2018, representing a 9% increase from January–June 2018 (median = 445). For Phase-2, the percent increase was 32%.

Conclusions

The implementation of the intake hubs has a significant impact in the number of reports received after the implementation period. ARIMA time series is a valuable tool to predict future reports of maltreatment of vulnerable adults, which could be used to allow appropriate planning and resource allocation to handle a high volume of monthly intake reports.
Temporal variations in bacterial community diversity and composition throughout intensive care unit renovations
Authors: Chopyk Jessica , Akrami Kevan , Bavly Tovia , Shin Ji H. , Schwanemann Leila K. , Ly Melissa , Kalia Richa , Xu Ying , Kelley Scott T. , Malhotra Atul , Torriani Francesca J. , Sweeney Daniel A. , Pride David T.
Published: June 2020

Background

Inanimate surfaces within a hospital serve as a reservoir of microbial life that may colonize patients and ultimately result in healthcare associated infections (HAIs). Critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are particularly vulnerable to HAIs. Little is known about how the microbiome of the ICU is established or what factors influence its evolution over time. A unique opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap into how the ICU microbiome evolves emerged in our health system, where we were able to characterize microbial communities in an established hospital ICU prior to closing for renovations, during renovations, and then after re-opening.

Results

We collected swab specimens from ICU bedrails, computer keyboards, and sinks longitudinally at each renovation stage, and analyzed the bacterial compositions on these surfaces by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Specimens collected before ICU closure had the greatest alpha diversity, while specimens collected after the ICU had been closed for over 300 days had the least. We sampled the ICU during the 45 days after re-opening; however, within that time frame, the alpha diversity never reached pre-closure levels. There were clear and significant differences in microbiota compositions at each renovation stage, which was driven by environmental bacteria after closure and human-associated bacteria after re-opening and before closure.

Conclusions

Overall, we identified significant differences in microbiota diversity and community composition at each renovation stage. These data help to decipher the evolution of the microbiome in the most critical part of the hospital and demonstrate the significant impacts that microbiota from patients and staff have on the evolution of ICU surfaces.
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron-derived outer membrane vesicles promote regulatory dendritic cell responses in health but not in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Durant Lydia , Stentz Régis , Noble Alistair , Brooks Johanne , Gicheva Nadezhda , Reddi Durga , O’Connor Matthew J. , Hoyles Lesley , McCartney Anne L. , Man Ripple , Pring E. Tobias , Dilke Stella , Hendy Philip , Segal Jonathan P. , Lim Dennis N. F. , Misra Ravi , Hart Ailsa L. , Arebi Naila , Carding Simon R. , Knight Stella C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron(Bt) is a prominent member of the human intestinal microbiota that, like all gram-negative bacteria, naturally generates nanosized outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) which bud off from the cell surface. Importantly, OMVs can cross the intestinal epithelial barrier to mediate microbe-host cell crosstalk involving both epithelial and immune cells to help maintain intestinal homeostasis. Here, we have examined the interaction between Bt OMVs and blood or colonic mucosa-derived dendritic cells (DC) from healthy individuals and patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC).

Results

In healthy individuals, Bt OMVs stimulated significant (p< 0.05) IL-10 expression by colonic DC, whereas in peripheral blood-derived DC they also stimulated significant (p< 0.001 andp< 0.01, respectively) expression of IL-6 and the activation marker CD80. Conversely, in UC Bt OMVs were unable to elicit IL-10 expression by colonic DC. There were also reduced numbers of CD103+DC in the colon of both UC and CD patients compared to controls, supporting a loss of regulatory DC in both diseases. Furthermore, in CD and UC, Bt OMVs elicited a significantly lower proportion of DC which expressed IL-10 (p< 0.01 andp< 0.001, respectively) in blood compared to controls. These alterations in DC responses to Bt OMVs were seen in patients with inactive disease, and thus are indicative of intrinsic defects in immune responses to this commensal in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Conclusions

Overall, our findings suggest a key role for OMVs generated by the commensal gut bacterium Bt in directing a balanced immune response to constituents of the microbiota locally and systemically during health which is altered in IBD patients.
Effect of household water treatment with chlorine on diarrhea among children under the age of five years in rural areas of Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Solomon Ephrem Tefera , Robele Sirak , Kloos Helmut , Mengistie Bezatu
Published: June 2020

Background

Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity worldwide. Household water treatment with chlorine significantly reduces morbidity due to waterborne diseases. However, the effect of point-of-use (POU) water treatment in improving the quality of water in areas where POU is not provided free of charge and the effectiveness of home visits in inspiring household members to use POU regularly have not been studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of drinking water disinfection by chlorination on diarrheal disease reduction among children under the age of 5 years in rural eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial was carried out in rural Dire Dawa from October 2018 through January 2019. The 405 households were randomized to intervention and control arms and intervention materials were distributed after conducting a baseline survey. This trial evaluated the effectiveness of household drinking water disinfection by chlorination in reducing incidence of diarrhea among children under the age of 5 years. Intervention households received 1.2% sodium hypochlorite with demonstration of its proper use. Participants in the control households continued with their usual habits of water collection and water storage. Generalized estimation equations (GEE) with log link Poisson distribution family and exchangeable correlation matrix was used to compute crude incidence rate ratio (IRR), adjusted IRR and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals.

Results

In the intervention households, in total, 281 cases of diarrhea were documented (8.7 cases per 100 person-weeks observation); in the control households, in total 446 cases of diarrhea were documented (13.8 cases per 100 person-weeks observation). A 36.0% (adjusted IRR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57–0.73) reduction in incidence of diarrhea was observed in the intervention arm when compared with the control arm. The highest and the lowest reductions were obtained in children of age ranges 1 to 2 years and 3 to 4 years, 42.7 and 30.4%, respectively. Adherence to the intervention was 81.3% as measured by free residual chlorine test.

Conclusions

In rural areas where diarrhea is the second leading cause of morbidity, water chlorination at the household level using liquid bleach considerably reduced episodes of diarrhea among children under the age of 5 years. Therefore, chlorinating drinking water at the household level may be a valuable interim solution for reducing the incidence of diarrheal diseases until potable water is made accessible to the majority of the population in Dire Dawa Administration and other Ethiopian communities.

Trial registration

PACTR, PACTR201807815961394. Registered 16 July 2018, www.pactr.org
Rising challenge of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in China: a predictive study using Markov modeling
Authors: Li Bing-Ying , Shi Wen-Pei , Zhou Chang-Ming , Zhao Qi , Diwan Vinod K , Zheng Xu-Bin , Li Yang , Hoffner Sven , Xu Biao
Published: June 2020

Background

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is on the rise in China. This study used a dynamic Markov model to predict the longitudinal trends of MDR-TB in China by 2050 and to assess the effects of alternative control measures.

Methods

Eight states of tuberculosis transmission were set up in the Markov model using a hypothetical cohort of 100 000 people. The prevalence of MDR-TB and bacteriologically confirmed drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB+) were simulated and MDR-TB was stratified into whether the disease was treated with the recommended regimen or not.

Results

Without any intervention changes to current conditions, the prevalence of DS-TB+ was projected to decline 67.7% by 2050, decreasing to 20 per 100 000 people, whereas that of MDR-TB was expected to triple to 58/100 000. Furthermore, 86.2% of the MDR-TB cases would be left untreated by the year of 2050. In the case where MDR-TB detection rate reaches 50% or 70% at 5% per year, the decline in prevalence of MDR-TB would be 25.9 and 36.2% respectively. In the case where treatment coverage was improved to 70% or 100% at 5% per year, MDR-TB prevalence in 2050 would decrease by 13.8 and 24.1%, respectively. If both detection rate and treatment coverage reach 70%, the prevalence of MDR-TB by 2050 would be reduced to 28/100 000 by a 51.7% reduction.

Conclusions

MDR-TB, especially untreated MDR-TB, would rise rapidly under China’s current MDR-TB control strategies. Interventions designed to promote effective detection and treatment of MDR-TB are imperative in the fights against MDR-TB epidemics.
Correction to: Reduced integration schemes in micromorphic computational homogenization of elastomeric mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Rokoš Ondřej , Zeman Jan , Doškář Martin , Krysl Petr
Published: June 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported the errors in the equations.
North American survey and systematic review on caudal Septoplasty
Authors: Voizard Béatrice , Theriault Mélanie , Lazizi Selma , Moubayed Sami P.
Published: June 2020

Background

Surgical correction of caudal septal deviation is a technically challenging step of functional rhinoplasty. Multiple surgical techniques have been described in the literature but comparing the efficacy of each in relieving obstruction presents a challenge. Outcome measures are necessary to adequately compare techniques. This study aims to describe the current caudal septoplasty techniques of Otolaryngologists and Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons (FPRS), as well as their use of outcome measures, and to compare these practices with surgical trends described in the literature.

Methods

An online survey was sent to three Otolaryngology and FPRS associations in Canada and the United States. A systematic review was conducted on SCOPUS and PubMed to classify the caudal septoplasty techniques described in the literature and the outcome measurement tools used.

Results

Our survey identified that caudal septoplasty is more commonly performed by surgeons with an FPRS training background. The most common techniques were the swinging door technique (69.5%), extracorporeal septoplasy (46.7%), cartilage scoring (45.3%), and splinting with bone (25.4%). Despite using a vast array of surgical techniques, North American physicians rarely rely on standardized outcome assessment tools. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used almost twice as frequently in the literature as they are by surgeons in their clinical practice.

Conclusion

We recommend that future studies of caudal septoplasty include an assessment of both form and function using a validated PROM such as the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey.
Magnetic and near-infrared derived heating characteristics of dimercaptosuccinic acid coated uniform Fe@Fe3O4 core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Koo Changhyuk , Hong Hwichan , Im Pyung Won , Kim Hoonsub , Lee Chaedong , Jin Xuanzhen , Yan Bingyi , Lee Wooseung , Im Hyung-Jun , Paek Sun Ha , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: June 2020

Among the number of hyperthermia materials, magnetic nanoparticles have received much attention. In this work, we studied the heating characteristics of uniform Fe@Fe3O4 core–shell nanoparticle under near-infrared laser irradiation and external AC magnetic field applying. The Fe@Fe3O4 core–shell nanoparticles were prepared by thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl and followed by controlled oxidation. The prepared uniform particles were further coated with dimercaptosuccinic acid to make them well dispersed in water. Near-infrared derived photothermal study of solutions containing a different concentration of the core–shell nanoparticles was made by using 808 nm laser Source. Additionally, magnetic hyperthermia ability of the Fe@Fe3O4 nanoparticle at 150 kHz and various oersted (140–180 Oe) condition was systemically characterized. The Fe@Fe3O4 nanoparticles which exhibited effective photo and magnetic hyperthermia are expected to be used in biomedical application.
Spatial accuracy assessment of unmanned aerial vehicle-based structures from motion multi-view stereo photogrammetry for geomorphic observations in initiation zones of debris flows, Ohya landslide, Japan
Authors: Tsunetaka Haruka , Hotta Norifumi , Hayakawa Yuichi S. , Imaizumi Fumitoshi
Published: June 2020

Fluctuations in sediment storage arising from sediment discharge and recharge in headwater channels are an important factor influencing changes in landforms in mountainous areas, but the frequency of surveys is limited because of access difficulties and complex topography. Although unmanned aerial vehicle-based structure-from-motion photogrammetry (UAV-SfM) may be effective for topographic measurement, its utilization in headwater channels has not been fully examined. We assessed the accuracy and reproducibility of a digital elevation model acquired via UAV-SfM (DEMSfM) in a headwater channel within the Ohya landslide area, Japan, using a DEM acquired via terrestrial laser scanning (DEMTLS). The results indicate that differences in the measured elevation between DEMSfM and DEMTLS in the vicinity of the channel bed ranged from about 0.4 to −0.4 m, with a median of 0.06 m. Hence, the profiles acquired via DEMSfM coincide well with those acquired via DEMTLS, and the spatial distributions and histograms of the measured surface slope were nearly the same for UAV-SfM and TLS. However, part of the DEMSfM indicates low elevation compared with DEMTLS, probably because of topical distortion arising from technical problems in UAV-SfM. The positive and negative differences in volume between DEMSfM and DEMTLS were approximately 200 and −30 m3, respectively. To remedy this bias, an alignment of the UAV-SfM point cloud using the TLS point cloud in the hillslope sections was conducted, based on an iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm. Consequently, the median of the elevation differences decreased to −0.002 m, resulting in the positive and negative differences becoming approximately 100 m3. This demonstrates that ICP-based alignment can lead to a reduction of the deviation of differences in the estimated volume. In terms of eliminating biases due to topical distortion in elevation, this approach would be valid for the estimation of volumetric changes using UAV-SfM.
Simplified approach to characterize anisotropic strength of granular soils
Authors: Sun Quan , Zheng Junxing
Published: June 2020

Experimental evidence shows that the strength of granular soils is significantly influenced by inherent cross anisotropy which cannot be properly described by isotropic failure criteria. This paper reviewed laboratory test results of various sands at different fabric directions. Based on the observations, this paper formulates the hypothesis that deposit plane creates a plane of weakness and the anisotropic strength of sands depends on orientations of deposit plane and failure plane. The strength decreases when orientations of deposit plane and failure plane are close to each other, and the strength increase when they diverge from each other. Then, an anisotropic failure criterion is developed based on this hypothesis and validated by available experimental data from literature. Remarkable agreements between predictions and measurements have been observed, which demonstrate validity, effectiveness, and robustness of new criterion in characterizing anisotropic strength of sands with variations of loading directions and intermediate principal stresses.
Influence of population mobility on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic: based on panel data from Hubei, China
Authors: Jiang Junfeng , Luo Lisha
Published: June 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China. The mass population mobility in China during the Spring Festival has been considered a driver to the transmission of COVID-19, but it still needs more empirical discussion.

Methods

Based on the panel data from Hubei, China between January 6th and February 6th, 2020, a random effects model was used to estimate the impact of population mobility on the transmission of COVID-19. Stata version 12.0 was used, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The COVID-19 was more likely to be confirmed within 11–12 days after people moved from Wuhan to 16 other prefecture-level cities in Hubei Province, which suggests a period of 11–12 days from contact to being confirmed. The daily confirmed cases and daily increment in incidence in 16 prefecture-level cities show obvious declines 9–12 days post adaptation of city lockdown at the local level.

Conclusion

Population mobility is found to be a driver to the rapid transmission of COVID-19, and the lockdown intervention in local prefecture-level cities of Hubei Province has been an effective strategy to block the COVID-19 epidemic.
The relationship between J wave and ventricular tachycardia during Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Authors: Choi Seong Huan , Lee Oh-Hyun , Yoon Gwang-Seok , Kwon Sung Woo , Shin Sung-Hee , Park Sang-Don , Woo Seong-Ill , Kwan Jun , Kim Dae-Hyeok , Baek Yong-Soo
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) occasionally causes life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. J wave on surface electrocardiography (sECG) has also been associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and cardiac events; therefore, we investigated whether the presence of J wave on sECG is a potential risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia in patients with TTC.

Subjects and methods

We performed a retrospective study in 79 patients who were diagnosed with TTC from 2010 to 2014. Among them, 20 (25.3%) were diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia (VT). The J wave on the sECG was defined as J point elevation manifested through QRS notching or slurring at least 1 mm above the baseline in at least two leads.

Results

A higher prevalence of ventricular tachycardia was observed in patients with J wave. The corrected QT interval (QTc) was significantly longer in the VT group than in the non-VT group. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of J wave appeared to be the only independent predictors of VT [Hazard Ratio (HR) 3.5, p = 0.019].

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the presence of J wave on the sECG is significantly associated with VT, and appear to indicate that the presence of J wave is a strong and independent predictor of VT in patients with TTC.
Trends in knee surgery research in the official journal of the Korean Knee Society during the period 1999–2018: a bibliometric review
Authors: Park Seung-Hwan , Jung Kwang-Hwan , Chang Sung-Who , Jang Sung-Min , Park Ki-Bong
Published: June 2020

Background

We applied bibliometric tools to original articles published in the official journal of the Korean Knee Society between 1999 and 2018 to identify their characteristics related to knee surgery and to examine the changes in research trends in the last 20 years.

Methods

Over a 20-year period, 579 original articles were published in the journal Knee Surgery and Related Research (KSRR). We analyzed the title, keywords, and abstract of the article to analyze the research topics and assigned original articles to seven surgical categories as follows: total knee arthroplasty (TKA), unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), high tibial osteotomy (HTO), arthroscopy, surgery for cruciate ligament, revision surgery, and other surgery. To analyze the trends in research, we divided the study period into two equal parts of 10 years each, examined the percentage of articles in each decade, and analyzed topic trends using the growth rate.

Results

Among the original articles, 86 on the topic of non-surgery were excluded, and 493 original articles related surgical research were included. Articles related to surgery accounted for 85.2% of the total original articles published annually. By period, this was 85.6% in the first half and 84.8% in the late half (p = 0.76). A total of 493 original articles related to surgery, with the largest number of TKA-related research at 52.1%. In the study period, the largest increase in the percentage of articles was on the topic of HTO surgery, by 149%. The topics of UKA and revision surgery increased by 95.3% and 33.9%. The topic of TKA increased by 5.9% and the topic of surgery for cruciate ligament decreased by 18.7%. The topic of arthroscopy showed the largest decrease, by 47.6%.

Conclusions

The bibliometric findings of this study suggest that the majority of surgery-related original articles published in KSRR during the last 20 years involved research about TKA surgery, and the greatest relative increase over the study period involved research about HTO surgery. The authors expect that the analysis of characteristics and research trends of original articles published in KSRR will provide useful information about KSRR for future researchers.
Gene–environment interaction: New insights into perceived parenting and social anxiety among adolescents
Authors: Chubar Viktoria , Van Leeuwen Karla , Bijttebier Patricia , Van Assche Evelien , Bosmans Guy , Van den Noortgate Wim , van Winkel Ruud , Goossens Luc , Claes Stephan
Published: June 2020

Background.

Social anxiety symptoms (SAS) are among the most common mental health problems during adolescence, and it has been shown that parenting influences the adolescent’s level of social anxiety. In addition, it is now widely assumed that most mental health problems, including social anxiety, originate from a complex interplay between genes and environment. However, to date, gene–environment (G × E) interactions studies in the field of social anxiety remain limited. In this study, we have examined how 274 genes involved in different neurotransmission pathways interact with five aspects of perceived parenting as environmental exposure (i.e., support, proactive control, psychological control, punitive control, and harsh punitive control) to affect SAS during adolescence.

Methods.

We have applied an analytical technique that allows studying genetic information at the gene level, by aggregating data from multiple single-nucleotide-polymorphisms within the same gene and by taking into account the linkage disequilibrium structure of the gene. All participants were part of the STRATEGIES cohort of 948 Flemish adolescents (mean age = 13.7), a population-based study on the development of problem behaviors in adolescence. Relevant genes were preselected based on prior findings and neurotransmitter-related functional protein networks.

Results.

The results suggest that genes involved in glutamate (SLC1A1), glutathione neurotransmission (GSTZ1), and oxidative stress (CALCRL), in association with harsh punitive parenting, may contribute to social anxiety in adolescence. Isolated polymorphisms in these genes have been related to anxiety and related disorders in earlier work.Conclusions: Taken together, these findings provide new insights into possible biological pathways and environmental risk factors involved in the etiology of social anxiety symptoms’ development.

Conclusions.

Taken together, these findings provide new insights into possible biological pathways and environmental risk factors involved in the etiology of social anxiety symptoms’ development.
Leveraging Patient‐Derived Models for Immunotherapy Research
Authors: Politi Katerina
Published: June 2020

As cancer immunotherapies become mainstream for the treatment of many different cancer types and the numbers of new agents continue to increase, the need for experimental models is also rising. An approach to develop and study models for immune-oncology that has garnered intense interest in recent years is that of using patient-derived models. Patient-derived models can recapitulate many of the features and heterogeneity of the corresponding human tumors. Historically these models have been used to study cancer cell–intrinsic properties of tumors and drugs that target tumor cells directly. In recent years, increasing recognition of the role immune cells play in cancer and how these represent good therapeutic targets has led to efforts to optimize and use patient-derived models for cancer immunotherapy studies. Patient-derived models are now being used to study the properties of cancer cells that modulate their ability to respond to immune stimulation. Further efforts are underway to use and develop patient-derived models that incorporate human immune cells in vitro and in vivo (humanized mice) so that cancer cell–immune cell interactions can be studied in the context of cancer immunotherapies. As these models are further refined, leveraging patient-derived models for cancer immunotherapy research can provide insight into mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to cancer immunotherapies, uncover new targets, reveal how specific agents work, and be used to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of therapeutic regimens.
Awareness and Training in Medical Physics: An Avenue to Enhance Cancer Care Delivery in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Oyekunle Emmanuel O. , Akinlade Bidemi I. , Uwadiae Iyobosa B. , Madu Chibuzo B.
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE

Awareness and training in medical physics (MP) is crucial to enhance productivity and safety in cancer management. We evaluated the impact of the pioneer teaching hospital in Nigeria on awareness and training in MP in an attempt to appraise and enhance cancer care delivery.

METHODS

We reviewed physics students’ training records in the MP unit of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, from June 2009 to June 2019. These included demographic data, institutions, levels of study, time and training duration, and contact details. Trainees were contacted for updated information on their professional status. Awareness of the profession had been created at UCH and institutions within and outside Ibadan. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016.

RESULTS

One hundred thirteen trainees (mean age, 24.1 ± 2.3 years) composed of 65.5% male and 34.5% female students attended UCH within the 10-year period. They were categorized as undergraduates, (n = 83; 73.5%), Master’s students (n = 25; 22.1%), Doctoral students (n = 2; 1.8%), and workers within nuclear field (n = 3; 2.7%). Of the 83 undergraduates, 5 (6.0%) were on training as of mid-September 2019, 25 (30.1%) were still in universities or serving in the mandatory national youth service, 11 (13.3%) were in the MP profession, and 42 (50.6%) were in other career pathways. Candidates’ institutions spread across 5 of the 6 geopolitical zones in the country. Furthermore, 207 physics students took part in awareness seminars at 2 universities in commemoration of International Day of Medical Physics.

CONCLUSION

Candidates from almost all parts of Nigeria benefitted from workplace experience at UCH, which continues to promote the profession. A greater feat will be attained when the University of Ibadan commences MP postgraduate programs.
A relação entre a infecção por coronavírus e susceptibilidade a transtornos mentais e o risco de suicídio: o que a literatura tem evidenciado?
Authors: Silva Joice Kelly da , Albuquerque Sarah Cardoso de , Santos Suian Sávia Nunes , Santos Vanessa Mirtiany Freire dos , Farias Karol Fireman de , Figueiredo Elaine Virginia Martins de Souza , Santos Ana Caroline Melo dos
Published: June 2020

Objetivo: identificar as evidências científicas sobre perfil relacionado à saúde mental em pessoas após a aquisição da infecção pelo coronavírus, bem como elucidar a influência na saúde mental dos profissionais de saúde. Métodos: a revisão integrativa utilizou-se das bases de dados PubMed, Science direct e PMC Central, usando os descritores “covid”, “coronavirus”, “transtornos mentais” e “risco de suicídio” e seus correspondentes em inglês junto aos operadores booleanos “AND” e “OR”. Resultados: treze estudos foram incluídos nesta pesquisa, posteriormente a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão. A maioria dos estudos envolveu a metodologia transversal e, entre as síndromes respiratórias investigadas, a maioria realizou o estudo avaliando o coronavírus (COVID-19) (n=5), e cinco estudaram a síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS – Cov) (n=5). Apenas três estudos investigaram o perfil de saúde mental em profissionais de saúde. Transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT), depressão, ansiedade, distúrbios do sono e risco de suicídio. Conclusão: o impacto causado pela proliferação rápida e repentina da infecção pelo coronavírus promove o medo, a insegurança e o desenvolvimento com transtornos mentais em pacientes com coronavírus. Entretanto,
flimview : A software framework to handle, visualize and analyze FLIM data
Authors: Carrasco Kind Matias , Zurauskas Mantas , Alex Aneesh , Marjanovic Marina , Mukherjee Prabuddha , Doan Minh , Spillman Jr. Darold R. , Hood Steve , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: June 2020

flimview is a bio-imaging Python software package to read, explore, manage and visualize Fluorescence-Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) images. It can open the standard FLIM data file conventions (e.g., sdt and ptu) and processes them from the raw format to a more readable and manageable binned and fitted format. It allows customized kernels for binning the data as well as user defined masking operations for pre-processing the images. It also allows customized fluorescence decay fitting functions and preserves all of the metadata generated for provenance and reproducibility. Outcomes from the analysis are lossless compressed and stored in an efficient way providing the necessary open-source tools to access and explore the data. flimview is open source and includes example data, example Jupyter notebooks and tutorial documentation. The package, test data and documentation are available on Github.
COVID-19: Public and patient involvement, now more than ever
Authors: Murphy Edel , Tierney Edel , Ní Shé Éidín , Killilea Martha , Donaghey Casey , Daly Anne , Roche Mary , Mac Loughlin Deirdre ,   PPI Ignite @ NUI Galway Public Advisory Panel, Dinneen Sean
Published: June 2020

The research community is responding with speed to the COVID-19 pandemic, with rapid response mechanisms to fund research, shortened application turnaround times, and expedited research ethics processes. Public and patient involvement (PPI) is under pressure in this rapid response research, where it is easy for researchers and funders to dismiss PPI as non-essential, an added extra, a “nice to have”. 

In this open letter, we, researchers and PPI contributors, argue that PPI is important, now more than ever. The pandemic is impacting everyone in society, with normal rules of engagement discarded. The solution to overcoming this virus will come from many different sources and many changes will emerge to healthcare delivery and to how we live our lives. It is essential that the research to find solutions is shaped by all who will be impacted: the public and the patient must be central contributors and their voice must be hear.
Mastering the Skills of Semantic Reading As a Result of Teaching Younger Schoolchildren
Authors: Vinogradova Natalya
Published: June 2020

The article describes the semantic reading, considered as the main component of communicative functional literacy, the mastery of which includes both subject and meta-subject learning outcomes of primary schoolchildren. The features of the methodology of teaching semantic reading at different stages of school education are revealed. Examples of tasks that contribute to the development of semantic reading skills in schoolchildren studying in the first and second grades are given.
Methods for the Formation of Skills in Writing Narrative Statements by Younger Students
Authors: Mihaylova E.
Published: June 2020

The article reveals the methodology of teaching younger students the ability to write narrative-narratives: building an algorithm for writing an exposition, mastering the features of textual activity as a prerequisite for a written retelling of a text. An example of an integrated lesson of the Russian language and literary reading in the third grade is given, which includes both the mastering of knowledge of the Russian language by students and the work with author's texts.
Teaching Elementary Schoolchildren the Ability to Create Fairy Tales
Authors: Polyakova E.
Published: June 2020

The article reveals the content of the work on the development of creative abilities of primary schoolchildren in the Russian language lessons and literary reading in the process of creating children own texts in the genre of fairy tales. Using specific examples, we consider the methodological conditions and techniques for effectively teaching younger students how to write fairy tales, and provide examples of texts in this genre.The creative works of primary schoolchildren in the Komi Republic are presented.