bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicinal Plants as a Drug Alternative Source for the Antigout Therapy in Morocco
Authors: Daoudi Nour Elhouda , Bouhrim Mohamed , Ouassou Hayat , Bnouham Mohamed
Published: November 2020

Background. The gout is a metabolic disease that is associated with a high level of uric acid in the blood. This disease is treated with some medications that aim to reduce serum urate levels. However, the use of various medicines leads to the appearance of some side effects, hence the importance of using other treatments based on natural resources. Objective. This study presents some medical treatments, their side effects, and some plants that are used for gout management in Morocco in the aim to valorize them. Methods. We have been consulting various English publications in PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect published between 1991 and 2019 using the following keywords “drugs,” “gout,” “Morocco,” “medicinal plants,” “in vitro,” and “in vivo” terms. Then, we have classified the medicines, according to their action mechanisms, and we have cited some species that were reported in Moroccan pharmacopeia as antigout. Results. Three methods of the gout medical management were cited in this work: xanthine oxidase inhibitors, uric acid excretion enhancer, and uricase recombinant. However, it was found that these treatments had various side effects. We have described 23 species, and some of them showed experimentally an antigout effect by blocking the “xanthine oxidase” enzyme. These plants belong to 11 families. Lamiaceae represents the most dominant family with six species followed by Asteraceae with two species. Colchicine isolated from Colchicum autumnale is the most known compound for its efficiency towards gout. Conclusion. This work summarized different treatments particularly medicinal plants that are used in Morocco to treat gout disease by blocking uric acid secretion. However, several studies are needed to valorize these antigout natural sources.
Novel Model to Predict the Prognosis of Patients with Stage II–III Colon Cancer
Authors: Xu Yansong , Liang Fangfang , Chen Yi , Wang Zhen , Zhong Huage , Tang Weizhong
Published: November 2020

Different opinions exist on the relationship between the C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) and the prognosis of colon cancer. This study is aimed at evaluating the relationship between CAR and prognosis of stage II–III colon cancer and establishing a clinical prognosis model. Patients were randomised to a training set (566 cases) and validation set (110 cases). The relationship between CAR and clinicopathological variables was calculated, and the Kaplan‐Meier method was used to analyse the overall survival (OS) rate of colon cancer. In the training set, colon cancer independent risk factors were included in the prognosis model and then tested in the validation set. The accuracy and discrimination of the model were assessed using the C‐index and calibration curves. Compared with patients with low CAR, patients with high CAR showed significantly poorer survival (P = 0.020). In the multivariate analysis, CAR, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), lymph node metastasis, operation mode, and perineural invasion were identified as independent prognostic indicators and adopted to establish the prediction model. The C‐index of the nomogram for predicting OS reached 0.751 in the training set and 0.719 in the validation set. The calibration curve exhibited good consistency. In the present study, the CAR may be an independent prognostic factor for stage II–III colon cancer, and the nomogram has a certain predictive value. However, further prospective large‐sample research needs to be conducted to validate our findings.
Wormhole Models and Energy Conditions in
f

ℛ

Gravity with the Hu–Sawicki Model
Authors: Ikram Ouziala , Mustafa G.
Published: November 2020

In this recent study, we shall investigate the wormhole models with a Hu–Sawicki model in the framework of

f

ℛ

gravity. Spherically static symmetric space-time is considered to construct wormhole models with the anisotropic fluid distribution. The traceless matter is discussed by imposing a particular equation of state. To address the important conditions of the shape function of the wormhole geometry, we have used the particular values of the involved parameters. Furthermore, different energy conditions are discussed to check the nature of matter against two specific models. The null energy condition is observed to be violated for both of the models. It is mentioned that our inquired results are acceptable.
Optimal Selection of the Reference Potential Probe Point in DCPD Real‐Time Monitoring of Crack Growth Rate
Authors: Xue He , Gou Siyu , Ni Chenqiang , Zhang Liang , Wang Shuai , Zhao Youjun
Published: November 2020

Quantitatively monitor the crack growth rate of material stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in an autoclave that simulates a high‐temperature and high‐pressure water environment, and the direct current potential drop (DCPD) method is the main method. Since the DCPD method tests micro‐nano‐voltage drop signals, the monitoring signal is weak and easy to be interfered by the environment. To reduce and balance the error caused by the temperature drift and other factors to the monitoring accuracy, it is very important to reasonably select the position of the reference potential probe point. In this study, genetic algorithm (GA), finite element method (FEM), and experimental analysis are used to optimize the position of the reference potential probe point of the compact tensile (CT) sample. Finite element method is used to analyze the electric potential field of the compact tensile sample, a mathematical model of the measurability and crack independence of the reference potential difference are constructed, genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal reference potential difference (RPD) probe point position, and finally, the crack monitoring experiments are performed to evaluate the feasibility of algorithm optimization results. The results indicate that the RPD measured at the current input point and the upper right position of the CT sample can provide the maximum compensation for the potential on both sides of the crack and make the performance of the monitoring signal optimal.
A Genetic Algorithm for a Two-Machine Flowshop with a Limited Waiting Time Constraint and Sequence-Dependent Setup Times
Authors: Lee Ju-Yong
Published: November 2020

This study considers a two-machine flowshop with a limited waiting time constraint between the two machines and sequence-dependent setup times on the second machine. These characteristics are motivated from semiconductor manufacturing systems. The objective of this scheduling problem is to minimize the total tardiness. In this study, a mixed-integer linear programming formulation was provided to define the problem mathematically and used to find optimal solutions using a mathematical programming solver, CPLEX. As CPLEX required a significantly long computation time because this problem is known to be NP-complete, a genetic algorithm was proposed to solve the problem within a short computation time. Computational experiments were performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm and the suggested GA outperformed the other heuristics considered in the study.
The Construction Path and Mode of Public Tourism Information Service System Based on the Perspective of Smart City
Authors: Ma Hongyan
Published: November 2020

Under the framework of smart city, starting from the demand for urban public tourism information services, drawing on the new public service theory, customer perceived value theory, and basic information service theory, combined with previous research results, using literature analysis, questionnaire survey, and other methods, and starting from the carrier level of the public tourism information service system, this study analyzed the public tourism information services in detail. This study combed the current status quo and problems of the public tourism information service system for qualitative analysis and summed up some common shortcomings and deficiencies. Along with the results of the questionnaire, this paper analyzed the existing problems in the current public tourism information service system and identified the demands of tourists for public tourism information services. Based on this, the research puts forward the idea of constructing the public tourism information service system under the background of smart city, including the system framework, characteristics, service media and mode, operation mode, management mechanism, and other aspects. The study concluded that there is a need to construct theoretical and research models of the impact of public tourism services on the quality of destination from the perspective of smart city, to use the structural equation model for quantitative analysis, to verify the model hypothesis, and to consider that public tourism services have a significant positive impact on the behavioral and psychological responses of tourists. On the basis of combing the literature and starting from the overall situation, this study puts forward a systematic integration idea, which is of theoretical significance.
Application Study on Active Advanced Support Technology in Deep Roadway under Mine Goaf
Authors: Jiang Pengfei , Xiao Peng , Meng Fanbao , Jing Suolin , Zhang Jingkai , Wang Ge , Zhao Peng
Published: November 2020

To solve the problems of the rapid advance of the working face was delayed by complicated working procedure and high labor intensity, and the severe damage of roof bolt (anchor cable) induced by advanced hydraulic support, the deformation characteristics of surrounding rock, and the supporting principle of grouting truss anchor cable were analyzed theoretically by taking the roadway of 3_(down) coal seams 2326# working face in Sanhekou coal mine as the research object; then, the mechanical model of supporting structure of roadway under goaf was established. Based on this model, the optimal supporting scheme was determined, and the active advanced support technology scheme of “advanced grouting truss anchor cable” was proposed to take the place of the existing single pillar. The deformation and failure characteristics of surrounding rock of the working face leading roadway were observed and analyzed on-site. Within the allowable range of reading error, the results showed that the maximum displacement of medium-deep base point and shallow base point of two roadways was 15.2 cm and 10.9 cm, respectively; the pressure value had a more obvious jump increase when the distance between each measuring point and the working face was about 35 m, which means the range is strongly affected by the advance mining, and the area affected by advanced mining was 35 m ahead of the working face. It was observed that the lowest position of roof separation development ranged from 0.71 m to 2.73 m. The separation layer was generally distributed in the range of 0.73 m-2.49 m, and the fracture area was roughly distributed in the range of 0.01 m-0.62 m. Under the condition of overlying goaf, there was a complete stress structure, which can meet the requirements of suspension support.
Forest Management Regimes and Drivers of Forest Cover Loss in Forest Reserves in the High Forest Zone of Ghana
Authors: Ankomah Frank , Kyereh Boateng , Ansong Michael , Asante Winston
Published: November 2020

Forest cover loss, particularly those arising from deforestation and forest degradation, is largely driven by human activities and has attracted global attention over the decades. Globally, countries have adopted strategies to manage and conserve forests in response to these human disturbances. Ghana’s strategy to ensure sustainable management of the forest and its estate was to zone the forest into management regimes based on the resource availability and the object of managing those particular areas. Whilst forest degradation and its drivers and actors have been widely reported in Ghana, it is not known how forest management regimes influence these issues. Focusing on four forest reserves in the high forest zone of Ghana, this paper used interviews of key forest stakeholders, analysis of Forestry Commission field reports, and field verification to demonstrate the effect of forest management regimes on drivers of forest degradation. A combination of many proximate and underlying factors was observed to drive degradation in a synergetic way. The main drivers which were identified and their corresponding actors varied and manifested differently across management regimes. The strive by forest landowners to earn revenue from the protected forest, perceived unfair payment of ground rents for protected areas by Timber Utilization Contract holders, poor forest management practices on the part of forestry personnel, nondeterrent penalties, poor forest monitoring, the granting of compartment re-entry permits to harvest residual yield, overdependence on few species, weak enforcement of forest regulations, and perceived corruption on the part of forestry officials were the major underlying factors that impact on how the drivers manifested in various regimes. Our study reveals that the primary forest stakeholders of the country are the main actors of forest degradation and have developed various means convenient for specific regimes that enable them to benefit from the forest at the expense of conservation.
Analysis of Influence Law of Burial Depth on Surrounding Rock Deformation of Roadway
Authors: Wu Hai , Wang Xiaokang , Yu Weijian , Wang Weijun , Zhang Zizheng , Peng Gang
Published: November 2020

In order to study the influence of burial depth on the roadway deformation, the deformation data of more than 100 roadways were collected and classified. The results have shown that, in the first 5 days of new digging roadways, the surrounding rock deformation is basically not affected by the buried depth. The influence period of roadway deformation with different depths is the same, namely, the severe period (1∼15 days), the mitigation period (15∼35 days), and the stable period (35∼50 days). With the increase in depth, the surrounding rock deformation increment of new digging roadways with a depth of 300∼600 m is much larger than that of 600∼900 m. Within 100 m of the working face from the monitoring point, the deformation of mining roadways can be divided into two stages: severe impact (10∼60 m) and stable impact (60∼100 m). With the increase in depth, the deformation increment of the surrounding rock in the mining roadways with a depth of 600∼900 m is much larger than that of 300∼600 m. The surrounding rock deformation increases with the increase in the width and height of roadways and gradually increases with the decrease in the strength of rock mass.
Influence of the Cyclic Loading Path on Rock Deformation Memory Effect
Authors: Zhong Lingwei , Wang Haijun , Ren Xuhua , Tang Lei
Published: November 2020

Deformation rate analysis utilizes deformation memory effect (DME) that is one of the fundamental properties of rock, to estimate in situ stress underground. It could be influenced by the stress history which has been subjected to in the past. To understand the influence under the cyclic loading path, in the experimental study, different stress levels were applied on sandstone samples and two types of granite samples. In the theoretical investigation, the sliding friction model consisting of multiple microstructure surfaces is considered in this paper. Both experiments and the theoretical model show that when the number of cyclic loading times keeps increasing, (1) the stress read at the DRA inflection is getting closer to the previously cyclic stress; (2) the angle at the DRA inflection becomes sharper, which gives clearer inflection point; and (3) the strain differential amplitude in the DRA curve gradually decreases and then toward a stable value. An upper limit exists for influence, indicating that the best cyclic loading times occur when the pulse amplitude of the strain differential stops changing. It is confirmed that the multiple cyclic loading method provides a better outcome for experiment using artificial preload when DME is utilized for stress reconstruction. Without other factors disturbing, the memory information of the in situ stress would hardly lose under the history of cyclic loading.
Lived Experiences of Adolescent Mothers Attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Chemutai Violet , Nteziyaremye Julius , Wandabwa Gabriel Julius
Published: November 2020

Background. Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, and is a critical stage in ones’ development. It is characterized by immense opportunities and risks. By 2016, 16% of the world’s population was of adolescents, with 82% residing in developing countries. About 12 million births were in 15–19 year olds. Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly East Africa, has high adolescent pregnancy rates, as high as 35.8% in eastern Uganda. Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) attributable to 15–19 years olds is significant with 17.1% of Uganda’s MMR 336/100.000 live births being in this age group. Whereas research is awash with contributing factors to such pregnancies, little is known about lived experiences during early motherhood. This study reports the lived experiences of adolescent mothers attending Mbale Hospital. Materials and Methods. A phenomenological study design was used in which adolescent mothers that were attending Young Child Clinic were identified from the register and simple random sampling was used to select participants. We called these mothers by way of phone numbers and asked them to come for focus group discussions that were limited to 9 mothers per group and lasting about 45 minutes–1 hour. Ethical approval was sought and informed written consent obtained from participants. At every focus group discussion, the data which had largely been taken in local languages was transcribed and translated verbatim into English. Results. The research revealed that adolescent mothers go through hard times especially with the changes of pregnancy and fear of unknown during intrapartum and immediate postpartum period and are largely treated negatively by family and other community members in addition to experiencing extreme hardships during parenting. However, these early mothers’ stress is alleviated by the joy of seeing their own babies. Conclusion. Adolescent motherhood presents a high risk group and efforts to support them during antenatal care with special adolescent ANC clinics and continuous counseling together with their household should be emphasized to optimize outcome not only during pregnancy but also thereafter. Involving these mothers in technical courses to equip them with skills that can foster self-employment and providing support to enable them pursue further education should be explored.
Velocity-Free Adaptive Time Delay Control of Robotic System
Authors: Chen Shini , Liu Xia
Published: November 2020

To improve the trajectory tracking performance of a complex nonlinear robotic system, a velocity-free adaptive time delay control is proposed. First, considering that conventional time delay control (TDC) may cause large time delay estimation (TDE) error under nonlinear friction, a TDC with gradient estimator is designed. Next, since it is complicated and time-consuming to adjust gains manually, an adaptive law is designed to estimate the gain of the gradient. Finally, in order to avoid the measurement of velocity and acceleration in the controller while enabling the robot to implement position tracking, an observer is designed. The proposed control can not only offset the nonlinear terms in the complex dynamics of the robotic system but also reduce the TDE error, estimate the gain of the gradient online, and avoid the measurement of velocity and acceleration. The stability of the system is analyzed via Lyapunov function. Simulations are conducted on a 2-DOF robot to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control.
The Contribution of Stress and Distress to Cardiovascular Health in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Lubas Margaret M. , Wang Mingjuan , Jefferies John L. , Ness Kirsten K. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Krull Kevin R. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Howell Rebecca M. , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Brinkman Tara M.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that is not fully explained by cancer-directed therapies. We examined the contribution of emotional stress and distress to cardiac health in adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods:

Participants included 3,267 adult survivors enrolled in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study [median (range) 29.9 (18.1–64.5) years of age; 7.7 (0–24.8) years at diagnosis; 48.4% female]. Survivors completed comprehensive medical assessments and standardized measures of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and perceived stress. Cardiovascular-related conditions included hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiomyopathy, dysrhythmia, myocardial infarction (severity graded 0–4), and metabolic syndrome (yes/no). Multivariable modified Poisson models examined associations between symptoms of stress/distress and cardiovascular outcomes. Longitudinal associations between stress/distress and new-onset cardiovascular outcomes, defined as a change from grade ≤1 at initial evaluation to grade ≥2 at follow-up (median 3.9 years) were examined in 1,748 participants.

Results:

In multivariable cross-sectional models, stress/distress was associated with hypertension [risk ratio (RR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–1.43], dyslipidemia (RR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03–1.61), and metabolic syndrome (RR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.17–1.54) independent of known cardiovascular risk factors. In longitudinal models, stress/distress was associated with new-onset dysrhythmia (RR = 2.87; 95% CI, 1.21–6.78), perceived stress with hypertension (RR = 1.42; 95% CI, 1.04–1.95), and PTSS and anxiety with dyslipidemia (RR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.13–2.62; RR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.01–2.35, respectively).

Conclusions:

Stress/distress is independently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes among childhood cancer survivors.

Impact:

Improving psychological health may serve as a potential intervention target for optimizing cardiac health among childhood cancer survivors.
Pediatric Keratoplasty: The Success of a Tailor-Made Surgical Management
Authors: Nuzzi Raffaele , Rossi Alessandro
Published: November 2020

A Romanian 5-month-old girl was referred to our hospital after being diagnosed with congenital corneal opacities. She was sent in order to undergo penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) surgery on her left eye. The patient presented a natural tendency to esotropia. We took into account two different surgical techniques: PKP and lamellar keratoplasty. The latter was technically impossible to carry out because of the full-thickness corneal opacity. We conducted several tests to accurately obtain the patient’s preoperative parameters and specifically decide the details of the surgical technique to be applied. For each step of the surgical procedure we carefully compared the individual results in the literature in order to ensure a stable and lasting result. In addition to this, we used an innovative suture technique: nylon thread, interrupted suture, alternating 11-0/10-0 threads. Six months after the operation, the functional result obtained was 4–5/10, with recovery of the fixation. Pediatric PKP, therefore, cannot follow a surgical standard, but requires careful case-by-case evaluation from the pre- to the postoperative phase, with the aim of maximizing stable visual acuity.
Association between Circulating Osteocalcin and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors following a 4-Week Leafy Green Vitamin K-Rich Diet
Authors: Tacey Alexander , Sim Marc , Smith Cassandra , Woessner Mary N. , Byrnes Elizabeth , Lewis Joshua R. , Brennan-Speranza Tara , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Levinger Itamar
Published: November 2020

Background: Evidence suggests that lower serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) may be negatively associated with cardiometabolic health. We investigated whether individuals with a suppression of ucOC following an increase in dietary vitamin K1 exhibit a relative worsening of cardiometabolic risk factors. Materials and Methods: Men (n = 20) and women (n = 10) aged 62 ± 10 years participated in a randomized, controlled, crossover study. The primary analysis involved using data obtained from participants following a high vitamin K1 diet (HK; 4-week intervention of increased leafy green vegetable intake). High and low responders were defined based on the median percent reduction (30%) in ucOC following the HK diet. Blood pressure (resting and 24 h), arterial stiffness, plasma glucose, lipid concentrations, and serum OC forms were assessed. Results: Following the HK diet, ucOC and ucOC/tOC were suppressed more (p < 0.01) in high responders (41 and 29%) versus low responders (12 and 10%). The reduction in ucOC and ucOC/tOC was not associated with changes in blood pressure, arterial stiffness, plasma glucose, or lipid concentrations in the high responders (p > 0.05). Discussion/Conclusion: Suppression of ucOC via consumption of leafy green vegetables has no negative effects on cardiometabolic health, perhaps, in part, because of cross-talk mechanisms.
COVID-19 bei älteren Patienten: Differenzierte Therapieplanung unter Berücksichtigung patienteneigener Faktoren
Authors: Frohnhofen Helmut
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and compare the differences of young-old patients (60–74 years old) and old-old patients (≥75 years old). Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter study, the medical records of elderly patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Hunan province, China, from January 21 to February 19, 2020 were reviewed. The characteristics of young-old patients and old-old patients were compared. Results: Of the 105 elderly patients confirmed with COVID-19, 81.0% were young-old patients, and 19.0% were old-old patients; 54.3% of elderly patients were females. Overall, 69.5% of elderly patients had underlying diseases, and the most common comorbidities included hypertension (43.8%), diabetes (25.7%), and cardiac disease (16.2%). Of the elderly patients, 22.9% were severe and 10.5% were critical severe cases. On admission, the most frequent symptoms in elderly patients included fever (66.7%), cough (64.8%), and fatigue (33.3%). Lymphopenia (31.4%), increased D-dimer (38.1%), depressed albumin (36.2%), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (41.0%), and a high level of C-reactive protein (79.0%) were common among elderly patients with COVID-19. The median prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were longer in old-old patients than young-old patients (PT median 12.3 vs. 13.1 s, p = 0.007; APTT median 39.0 vs. 33.5 s, p = 0.045). Young-old patients showed fewer complications (14.1%) than old-old patients (40.0%; p = 0.0014) and fewer received invasive ventilator support (3.5 vs. 25.0%, p = 0.006). As of March 11, 2020, 85.7% of elderly patients had been discharged, 3 deaths had occurred, and 11.4% were still hospitalized. Conclusions: Elderly patients usually have chronic medical illness and are likely to have a severe or critically severe condition. They could show atypical symptoms without fever or cough and multiple organ dysfunction. Old-old patients tend to have more complications than young-old patients during hospitalization. Careful nursing, observation, and systemic treatment are very important in elderly patients.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus Manifestations in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Jefremow André , Neurath Markus F.
Published: November 2020

Background: About 1 year ago a novel virus – SARS-CoV-2 – began to spread around the world. It can lead to the disease COVID-19, which has caused more than 1 million deaths already. Summary: While it was first recognized as a disease leading to pneumonia and lung failure, we know by now that COVID-19 is more complex. COVID-19 is a systemic hyperinflammatory disease affecting not only the lungs, but also many other organs. Especially the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is often involved in COVID-19. Key Messages: This review provides an overview of the different affected organs of the GI tract and offers information on how gastroenterologists should take care of their patients with different GI disorders.
Efeitos de um programa de Mat Pilates sobre indicadores de saúde em servidores de um hospital
Authors: Feldner Carla Borges , Cezário Nathallie de Freitas , Mendes Edmar Lacerda
Published: November 2020

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um programa Mat Pilates sobre a composição corporal, qualidade de vida, nível de atividade física, flexibilidade e força em servidores de um hospital universitário. Procedimentos metodológicos: Trata-se de um estudo quasiexperimentalcom 22 servidores, que participaram de um programa de Mat Pilates uma vez por semana, durante 20 semanas. Os servidores foram submetidos à aferição da pressão arterial, avaliação corporal, teste de força abdominal e flexibilidade, e preencheram questionáriosde qualidade de vida, saúde e nível de atividade física, antes e depois da intervenção. Para análise das variáveis contínuas e categóricas foram utilizados os testes t pareado e qui-quadrado, respectivamente, ao nível de significância p<0,05. Resultados: Após intervenção observouse redução significativa do perímetro da cintura, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, massa corporal gorda e percentagem de gordura. Ainda, houve melhora dos níveis de atividade física, força abdominal, flexibilidade e domínios da qualidade de vida. Conclusão: Mat Pilates se mostra eficiente em melhorar parâmetros hemodinâmicos, físicos e de qualidade de vida em servidores de um hospital universitário.
Novel Insights From Human Studies on the Role of High-Density Lipoprotein in Mortality and Noncardiovascular Disease
Authors: Madsen Christian M. , Varbo Anette , Nordestgaard Børge G.
Published: November 2020

The vast majority of research about HDL (high-density lipoprotein) has for decades revolved around the possible role of HDL in atherosclerosis and its therapeutic potential within cardiovascular disease prevention; however, failures with therapies aimed at increasing HDL cholesterol has left questions as to what the role and function of HDL in human health and disease is. Recent observational studies have further shown that extreme high HDL cholesterol is associated with high mortality leading to speculations that HDL could in some instances be harmful. In addition, evidence from observational, and to a lesser extent genetic studies has emerged indicating that HDL might be associated with the development of other major noncardiovascular diseases, such as infectious disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and lung disease. In this review, we discuss (1) the association between extreme high HDL cholesterol and mortality and (2) the emerging human evidence linking HDL to several major diseases outside the realm of cardiovascular disease.
Critical Interaction Between Telomerase and Autophagy in Mediating Flow-Induced Human Arteriolar Vasodilation
Authors: Hughes William E. , Chabowski Dawid S. , Ait-Aissa Karima , Fetterman Jessica L. , Hockenberry Joseph , Beyer Andreas M. , Gutterman David D.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with a compensatory switch in mechanism of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) from nitric oxide (NO) to H
2
O
2
. The underlying mechanism responsible for the pathological shift is not well understood, and recent reports directly implicate telomerase and indirectly support a role for autophagy. We hypothesize that autophagy is critical for shear stress–induced release of NO and is a crucial component of for the pathway by which telomerase regulates FMD.

Approach and Results:

Human left ventricular, atrial, and adipose resistance arterioles were collected for videomicroscopy and immunoblotting. FMD and autophagic flux were measured in arterioles treated with autophagy modulators alone, and in tandem with telomerase-activity modulators. LC3B II/I was higher in left ventricular tissue from patients with CAD compared with non-CAD (2.8±0.2 versus 1.0±0.2-fold change;
P
<0.05), although p62 was similar between groups. Shear stress increased Lysotracker fluorescence in non-CAD arterioles, with no effect in CAD arterioles. Inhibition of autophagy in non-CAD arterioles induced a switch from NO to H
2
O
2
, while activation of autophagy restored NO-mediated vasodilation in CAD arterioles. In the presence of an autophagy activator, telomerase inhibitor prevented the expected switch (Control: 82±4%; NG-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester: 36±5%; polyethylene glycol catalase: 80±3). Telomerase activation was unable to restore NO-mediated FMD in the presence of autophagy inhibition in CAD arterioles (control: 72±7%; NG-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester: 79±7%; polyethylene glycol catalase: 38±9%).

Conclusions:

We provide novel evidence that autophagy is responsible for the pathological switch in dilator mechanism in CAD arterioles, demonstrating that autophagy acts downstream of telomerase as a common denominator in determining the mechanism of FMD.
Impact of Genetic Variant Reassessment on the Diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Based on the 2010 Task Force Criteria
Authors: Costa Sarah , Medeiros-Domingo Argelia , Gasperetti Alessio , Akdis Deniz , Berger Wolfgang , James Cynthia A. , Ruschitzka Frank , Brunckhorst Corinna B. , Duru Firat , Saguner Ardan M.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy, which is associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Approximately 60% of patients carry a putative disease-causing genetic variant, but interpretation of genetic test results can be challenging. The aims of this study were to systematically reclassify genetic variants in patients with ARVC and to assess the impact on ARVC diagnosis.

Methods:

This study included patients from the Multicenter Zurich ARVC Registry who hosted a genetic variant deemed to be associated with the disease. Reclassification of pathogenicity was performed according to the modified 2015 American College of Medical Genetics criteria. ARVC diagnosis (categories: definite, borderline, possible) based on the 2010 Task Force Criteria was reclassified after genetic readjudication.

Results:

In 79 patients bearing 80 unique genetic variants, n=47 (58.8%) genetic variants were reclassified, and reclassification was judged to be clinically relevant in n=33 (41.3%). Variants in plakophilin-2 (
PKP2
) were shown to reclassify less frequently as compared with other genes (
PKP2
, n=1, 8.3%; desmosomal non-
PKP2
, n=20, 66.7%; nondesmosomal, n=26, 68.4%;
P
=0.001for overall comparison;
PKP2
versus desmosomal non-
PKP2, P
=0.001;
PKP2
versus nondesmosomal,
P
<0.001). Genetic reclassification impacted ARVC diagnosis. Eight patients (10.1%) were downgraded from definite to borderline/possible disease at the time of initial genetic testing as well as last follow-up, respectively. Separate genetic reclassification in family members led to downgrading of n=5 (38.5%) variants.

Conclusions:

Given that approximately half of genetic variants were reclassified, with 10.1% of patients losing their definite disease status, accurate determination of variant pathogenicity is of utmost importance in the diagnosis of ARVC.
The Threefold Topography of Performance: Drawing, Action, and Video in Maria Evelia Marmolejo'sAnónimo 4
Authors: Guerrero-Hernández Juan Carlos
Published: November 2020

María Evelia Marmolejo is one of the most important performance artists in the 1980s in Latin America. Her video performance Anónimo 4 (1982) outlines a threefold topography that accounts for performance in conceptual, bodily, and communicative terms, and asks viewers to understand video performance as a virtual aspect of communication and collaboration between performing embodied subjects and performing images and sounds.
Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Authors: Boserup Brad , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel
Published: November 2020

Background

Health disparities are prevalent in many areas of medicine. We aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on racial/ethnic groups in the United States (US) and to assess the effects of social distancing, social vulnerability metrics, and medical disparities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing data from the COVID-19 Tracking Project and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Demographic data were obtained from the US Census Bureau, social vulnerability data were obtained from the CDC, social distancing data were obtained from Unacast, and medical disparities data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A comparison of proportions by Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate differences between death rates stratified by age. Negative binomial regression analysis was used to predict COVID-19 deaths based on social distancing scores, social vulnerability metrics, and medical disparities.

Results

COVID-19 cumulative infection and death rates were higher among minority racial/ethnic groups than whites across many states. Older age was also associated with increased cumulative death rates across all racial/ethnic groups on a national level, and many minority racial/ethnic groups experienced significantly greater cumulative death rates than whites within age groups ≥ 35 years. All studied racial/ethnic groups experienced higher hospitalization rates than whites. Older persons (≥ 65 years) also experienced more COVID-19 deaths associated with comorbidities than younger individuals. Social distancing factors, several measures of social vulnerability, and select medical disparities were identified as being predictive of county-level COVID-19 deaths.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted many racial/ethnic minority communities across the country, warranting further research and intervention.
Intermolecular Interactions in the Polymer Blends Under High-Pressure CO2 Studied Using Two-Dimensional Correlation Analysis and Two-Dimensional Disrelation Mapping
Authors: Lu Huiqiang , Shinzawa Hideyuki , Kazarian Sergei G.
Published: November 2020

Exposing polymers to high-pressure and supercritical CO2 is a useful approach in polymer processing. Consequently, the mechanisms of polymer–polymer interaction under such conditions are worthy of further investigation. Two-dimensional correlation analysis and two-dimensional disrelation mapping were applied to datasets of polycaprolactone –poly(lactic acid) blend with or without high-pressure CO2 obtained using in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform spectroscopic imaging. The relatively weak dipole–dipole intermolecular interactions between polymer molecules were visualized through the disrelation maps for the first time. Because of the specially designed polymer interface, the interactions between the same type of polymer molecules and different types of polymer molecules were differentiated. Under exposure to high-pressure CO2, all three types of interactions: interaction between polycaprolactone molecules and poly(lactic acid) molecules, interaction between polycaprolactone molecules and interaction between poly(lactic acid) molecules become weaker than those in the polymer interface without high-pressure CO2. The resulting increase in the Flory interaction parameter is the main cause of phase separation in the PCL–PLA blend under high-pressure CO2. The findings from this study will be of benefit for polymer processing with high-pressure and supercritical CO2.
Child health behaviour and parent priorities for a school-based healthy lifestyle programme
Authors: Fernández Cristina R , Lee Janet , Duroseau Nathalie , Vargas-Rodriguez Ileana , Rieder Jessica
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to characterise parents’ concerns for their children’s health behaviour and perceptions of motivators and barriers to positive child health behaviour change, and to determine associations between motivators and barriers and parents’ priorities for a school-based healthy lifestyle programme.

Design:

Cross-sectional study of 46 parents who had completed an un-validated survey distributed during school-wide events.

Setting:

School for children aged 5–14 years in The Bronx, New York City, USA.

Methods:

Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests compared motivators and barriers to positive child health behaviour change by heath behaviour concern; Spearman’s correlation assessed associations between motivators and barriers and programme priorities.

Results:

Parents concerned about child weight significantly ranked keeping up with others and decreasing clothing size as motivators, while parents concerned about child food choices significantly ranked improving food choices and decreasing body mass index (BMI) and clothing size as motivators. Food-, play-, and self-esteem-related motivators were associated with nutrition education ( rs ⩾ .41, p ⩽ .01), physical activity classes ( rs ⩾ .29, p ⩽ .04) and child involvement in programme decision-making ( rs ⩾ .43, p ⩽ .01) priorities. Consistency-, child resistance- and home rules-related barriers were associated with nutrition education ( rs ⩾ .37, p = .02), physical activity classes ( rs ⩾ .32, p = .02) and child involvement ( rs ⩾ .40, p ⩽ .02) priorities.

Conclusions:

Despite the study sample size, selection bias, and generalisability limitations, prioritising nutrition, physical activity and child involvement in programme decision-making may enhance parent support for school-based healthy lifestyle programmes.
Access to Health Care and Treatment Among Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offenses Paroled to Urban and Rural Communities
Authors: Huebner Beth M. , Pleggenkuhle Breanne , Kras Kimberly R.
Published: November 2020

Returning from prison to the community is rife with challenges. For individuals with health care, mental health, or substance abuse treatment needs, the reentry period can be especially vulnerable. Furthermore, these services are not evenly distributed across communities. This study explores barriers to health care and treatment among individuals convicted of sexual offenses who are returning from prison to urban and rural communities. Using data from in-depth interviews and geographic data, our analysis highlights the needs of this population that is often mandated to treatment. Access to treatment and health care is a challenge for many participants and is exacerbated in rural areas because of a dearth of providers and the long distance to treatment offices. The results highlight the deficiency of treatment services across the urban–rural continuum and support new innovations in service provisions.
Huntington in Canada: The Triumph of Subjective Control
Authors: Kasurak Peter
Published: November 2020

Samuel Huntington theorized in The Soldier and the State that rather than make the military in the image of society (subjective control), both superior civilian control and military outcomes would result if the military was allowed its own sphere and culture, shaped by military requirements (objective control). Since 1963, the Canadian Armed Forces have argued for objective control, while political leadership and the country have largely paid little attention to military demands for greater social independence. An examination of defense policy, the “civilianization” crisis, the Somalia Inquiry, and diversity legislation and programs demonstrate the triumph of subjective control. This article concludes that subjective control has had costs to civilians in military shirking and to the military in alienation from its parent society. Huntington remains useful, but it is time to consider modern alternatives to understand civil-military relationships.
Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Franz Leonardo , Gallo Chiara , Marioni Gino , de Filippis Cosimo , Lovato Andrea
Published: November 2020

Objective

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is uncommon in children, and its treatment and outcome are debated. We aimed to critically review evidence in the literature about treatment options and functional outcomes of pediatric ISSNHL. Additionally, we performed a meta‐analysis of the results of combined systemic‐intratympanic steroid therapy versus solely systemic treatment.

Data Sources

A search was run in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.

Review Methods

Included articles were original ISSNHL case series, written in English, with a population age ranging from 2 to 19 years. Other study types (single case reports, editorials, and reviews) and case series with known etiology of sudden hearing loss were excluded. Descriptive data of patients, treatments, outcomes, and possible prognostic factors were extracted and recorded for every included study.

Results

Twelve articles (7 cohort and 5 case‐control studies) met all the selection criteria. Based on only the studies that provided sufficient data about clinical outcome, the pooled overall recovery rate was 67.91% (95% CI, 58.34%‐77.48%). No studies showed a significant difference between systemic steroid and combined systemic‐intratympanic steroid. The pooled odds ratio for combined systemic‐intratympanic steroid versus systemic steroid alone was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.36‐2.27) based on a random effects model, ruling out any significant difference between these treatment options.

Conclusions

The results of our meta‐analysis did not support combination therapy more than systemic steroid alone. Further prospective clinical trials are necessary to establish evidence‐based therapies.
Infants’ overlapping vocalizations during maternal humming: Contributions to the synchronization of preterm dyads
Authors: Carvalho Maria Eduarda , Justo João Manuel , Gratier Maya , Ferreira Rodrigues Helena
Published: November 2020

Despite the neurological vulnerability of premature newborns, there is evidence that they are able to process temporal aspects of the maternal voice, as a previous study observed more overlapping vocalizations during maternal humming versus speech. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the markers of the infants’ overlapping vocalizations. Our aim was to identify the location of overlapping vocalizations during the humming and the impacts of maternal antenatal and postnatal engagement of infant-directed singing on: (1) the features of humming and (2) the infants’ overlapping vocalizations during humming. Preterm dyads ( N = 36) were observed in silent, speech, and humming conditions. Microanalysis was performed using the Elan Program to identify the location of the overlapping vocalizations during the humming phrase. Infants’ overlapping vocalizations were found predominantly at the ends of each humming phrase; almost half of the overlaps occurred on the final note. More overlapping vocalizations in the final notes were observed in female infants. Antenatal and postnatal experiences of ID singing are influenced by the mothers’ nationality and contribute to maternal humming style. Preterm newborns synchronize with maternal humming, anticipating the end of musical phrases. The ability to synchronize seems to be phylogenetically associated with gender differences.