bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An approach for underwater image enhancement based on color correction and dehazing
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yang Fuchun , He Weikai
Published: September 2020

Due to the absorption and scattering effect on light when traveling in water, underwater images exhibit serious weakening such as color deviation, low contrast, and blurry details. Traditional algorithms have certain limitations in the case of these images with varying degrees of fuzziness and color deviation. To address these problems, a new approach for single underwater image enhancement based on fusion technology was proposed in this article. First, the original image is preprocessed by the white balance algorithm and dark channel prior dehazing technologies, respectively; then two input images were obtained by color correction and contrast enhancement; and finally, the enhanced image was obtained by utilizing the multiscale fusion strategy which is based on the weighted maps constructed by combining the features of global contrast, local contrast, saliency, and exposedness. Qualitative results revealed that the proposed approach significantly removed haze, corrected color deviation, and preserved image naturalness. For quantitative results, the test with 400 underwater images showed that the proposed approach produced a lower average value of mean square error and a higher average value of peak signal-to-noise ratio than the compared method. Moreover, the enhanced results obtain the highest average value in terms of underwater image quality measures among the comparable methods, illustrating that our approach achieves superior performance on different levels of distorted and hazy images.
Spontaneous portosystemic shunts in liver cirrhosis: new approaches to an old problem
Authors: Vidal-González Judit , Quiroga Sergi , Simón-Talero Macarena , Genescà Joan
Published: September 2020

Portal hypertension is the main consequence of liver cirrhosis, leading to severe complications such as variceal hemorrhage, ascites or hepatic encephalopathy. As an attempt to decompress the portal venous system, portal flow is derived into the systemic venous system through spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSSs), bypassing the liver. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the published reports in relation to the prevalence and physiopathology behind the appearance of SPSS in liver cirrhosis, as well as the complications derived from its formation and its management. The role of SPSS embolization is specifically discussed, as SPSSs have been assessed as a therapeutic target, mainly for patients with recurrent/persistent hepatic encephalopathy and preserved liver function. Furthermore, different aspects of the role of SPSS in liver transplantation, as well as in candidates for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are reviewed. In these settings, SPSS occlusion has been proposed to minimize possible deleterious effects, but results are so far inconclusive.
How Visual Perception of the Inside of Things Creates the Impossible Dovetail
Authors: Ekroll Vebjørn , Lier Rob van
Published: September 2020

Here, we consider a well-known wooden puzzle known as the impossible dovetail. We argue that an intriguing form of amodal completion, dealing with spontaneous interpretations of the inside of objects is the key to understanding why people find it difficult to see how the impossible dovetail is indeed possible.
An exploratory factor analysis of core competencies of public health professionals at primary care service level in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Leethongdissakul Songkramchai , Chada Wilawun , Pengpid Supa , Chualinfa Sangud
Published: September 2020

Background:

Public health professionals play a significant role in primary care services in Thailand. Although efforts are being taken to establish professional standards it has neither been outlined nor been officially announced. There is a lack of understanding of what is a suitable set of core competencies for a public health professional.

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore the core competencies of public health professionals at the primary care service level in Thailand.

Methods:

A quantitative survey using a questionnaire was conducted in 862 public health professionals in the northeast of Thailand. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to develop a tool to test the competencies of public health professionals.

Results:

The results revealed core competencies in the following five main proficiencies: (1) public health administration and laws; (2) disease prevention and control; (3) social and environmental determinant of health and health research; (4) health promotion and community; and (5) basic medical care, screening, and diagnosis. In addition, the five core competencies included 50 items suitable for this sample. These factors accounted for 71.90% of the variance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this study’s finding provides significant recommendations to policymakers to improve and initiate a new policy or a standard guideline for public health education and human resource for health production and management in Thailand.
Practice observed in managing gynaecological problems in post-menopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Karim Faisal , Araklitis George , Robinson Dudley , Cardozo Linda
Published: September 2020

The way in which gynaecology services are provided in the UK has drastically changed within a short space of time due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Gynaecologists are not considered front-line staff in the treatment of the novel coronavirus unlike our intensive care or accident and emergency colleagues. However, the impact this is having on those with chronic problems is significant, and the morbidity associated with missed malignancies could be problematic. This article summarises the strategies developed at King’s College Hospital to remodel services to best provide optimum treatment to patients in this new era.
Algorithmic ethnography, during and after COVID-19
Authors: Christin Angèle
Published: September 2020

Social scientists are increasingly turning to digital interactions as a primary source of qualitative data. Online activities in turn typically take place on algorithmically mediated platforms, which shape what people do and say in crucial ways. Here, I offer a toolkit for what I call algorithmic ethnography, that is, the ethnographic study of how computational systems structure online activities. First, scholars need to follow the data and take into consideration the tracking strategies, monetization systems, and business models of the platforms where online interactions unfold. Second, ethnographers should focus on the details of algorithmic sorting, since platforms typically have more content than they can display and thus rely on algorithmic procedures to personalize their pages. Third, ethnographers should include metrics in their fieldwork and study their effects on interactions, hierarchies, and representations. Together, these angles afford a fine-grained understanding of the computational texture of online exchanges.
Proximal humeral fracture morphology in patients with advanced osteoarthritis: An observational study in a surgically treated cohort
Authors: Schmalzl Jonas , Jessen Malik , Gilbert Fabian , Gerhardt Christian , Lehmann Lars-Johannes
Published: September 2020

Background:

Several factors affect proximal humeral fracture (PHF) morphology. In the presence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GOA), the joint kinematics is alternated which might influence fracture configuration. The purpose of this study was to identify fracture patterns in patients with advanced osteoarthritis to facilitate recognition and treatment.

Methods:

In this retrospective analysis, and computed tomography (CT) scans of all patients undergoing surgical treatment for a PHF during a 5-year period were analyzed. Fracture pattern according to the AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA) classification and the presence of GOA were evaluated. In addition, critical shoulder angle (CSA), glenoid configuration, and glenoid inclination (GI) were measured.

Results:

Of the 713 patients, 574 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 166 patients showed radiological signs of GOA (28.9%). Advanced GOA (stage 2 or 3) was identified in 23 patients (4.0%). In this group, the mean age was 77 ± 10 years, mean CSA was 28.8 ± 4.2°, and the mean GI was 19.0 ± 7.8°. All fractures were extra-articular metaphyseal fractures (5 A2, 11 A3, 7 B1.1). Patients with advanced GOA had more than threefold risk (risk ratio 3.2; confidence interval 95% 2.80–3.74; p < 0.0001) for sustaining a metaphyseal fracture. In patients with GOA grade 1 compared to patients with no radiographic signs of GOA, this could not be observed.

Conclusion:

Patients experiencing PHF with radiological signs of advanced GOA have a higher risk of sustaining a metaphyseal fracture compared to individuals with the absence of or mild GOA. To date, no classification system for PHFs takes preexisting osteoarthritis into account, although it might indicate a different treatment and therefore the recognition is crucial.
A retrospective comparison of the effect of eMP CS and traditional PS prosthesis on ERAS of total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ye Yun , Liu Jiong , Tian Zhiyong , Chen Hongqiang , Dai Kejin , Nie Hongling , Zhou Xiang
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The theoretical advantage of medial pivot (MP) knee was thought to justify and replicate the natural knee motion, however, rarely have the comparisons between different designed prosthesis on the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) of TKA can be available. We compared the effect of using Evolution Medial Pivot(eMP) knee system cruciate-substituting (CS) prosthesis and traditional posterior-stabilized(PS) prosthesis on the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) of TKA in order to have a profound understanding of the clinical effects of medial pivot prosthesis.

Hypotheses:

eMP-CS prostheses can help patients to achieve better recovery after TKA

Methods:

This study was a retrospective comparison between 2 groups of patients having unilateral TKA(48MP-CS-TKA vs 52 PS-TKA) from Jan 2019 to Mar 2020. The main factors were compared in 2 groups, including Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) pain score,HSS score,FJS-12,range of motion(ROM) and incidence of perioperative complications,as well as overall satisfaction.

Results:

The VAS score was significantly lower at 1 week,6weeks,3 months and 6 months postoperation than preoperation in two groups(P＜0.05).The HSS score was significant higher at 1 week,,6weeks,3 months and 6 months postoperation than preoperation in two groups (P＜0. 05).The range of motion of knee joint was more than 90° at 1 week after operation in both groups. The recovery of ROM was satisfactory at the early stage,and the ROM increased further with time.There was no statistical difference in VAS,HSS and ROM between two groups in 1 week,6 weeks,3 months and 6 months postoperatively(P＞0.05).In the last follow-up,“Climbing stairs” and “Standing from low sitting position” were the very condition in which the eMP group scored higer.None statistical difference in FJS-12 total score was found between two groups. No significant difference in perioperative complication incidence and blood transfusion rate,and patient-reported satisfaction were observed between two groups(P＞0. 05).

Conclusion:

Both eMP-CS prostheses and traditional PS prostheses can help to achieve ERAS after TKA.All patients get a satisfying knee function,and the incidence of perioperative complications was low. Nevertheless,it is more natural for eMP-CS prostheses patients to walk stairs and stand up,but no significant difference in patient-reported satisfaction was observed between eMP-CS prostheses and tradional PS prostheses.
Temperature Dependence of G and D’ Phonons in Monolayer to Few-Layer Graphene with Vacancies
Authors: Yang Mingming , Wang Longlong , Qiao Xiaofen , Liu Yi , Liu Yufan , Shi Yafang , Wu Hongli , Liang Baolai , Li Xiaoli , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: September 2020

The defects into the hexagonal network of a sp2-hybridized carbon atom have been demonstrated to have a significant influence on intrinsic properties of graphene systems. In this paper, we presented a study of temperature-dependent Raman spectra of G peak and D’ band at low temperatures from 78 to 318 K in defective monolayer to few-layer graphene induced by ion C+ bombardment under the determination of vacancy uniformity. Defects lead to the increase of the negative temperature coefficient of G peak, with a value almost identical to that of D’ band. However, the variation of frequency and linewidth of G peak with layer number is contrary to D’ band. It derives from the related electron-phonon interaction in G and D’ phonon in the disorder-induced Raman scattering process. Our results are helpful to understand the mechanism of temperature-dependent phonons in graphene-based materials and provide valuable information on thermal properties of defects for the application of graphene-based devices.
Robust edge-based biomarker discovery improves prediction of breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Adnan Nahim , Lei Chengwei , Ruan Jianhua
Published: September 2020

Background

The abundance of molecular profiling of breast cancer tissues entailed active research on molecular marker-based early diagnosis of metastasis. Recently there is a surging interest in combining gene expression with gene networks such as protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene co-expression (CE) network and pathway information to identify robust and accurate biomarkers for metastasis prediction, reflecting the common belief that cancer is a systems biology disease. However, controversy exists in the literature regarding whether network markers are indeed better features than genes alone for predicting as well as understanding metastasis. We believe much of the existing results may have been biased by the overly complicated prediction algorithms, unfair evaluation, and lack of rigorous statistics. In this study, we propose a simple approach to use network edges as features, based on two types of networks respectively, and compared their prediction power using three classification algorithms and rigorous statistical procedure on one of the largest datasets available. To detect biomarkers that are significant for the prediction and to compare the robustness of different feature types, we propose an unbiased and novel procedure to measure feature importance that eliminates the potential bias from factors such as different sample size, number of features, as well as class distribution.

Results

Experimental results reveal that edge-based feature types consistently outperformed gene-based feature type in random forest and logistic regression models under all performance evaluation metrics, while the prediction accuracy of edge-based support vector machine (SVM) model was poorer, due to the larger number of edge features compared to gene features and the lack of feature selection in SVM model. Experimental results also show that edge features are much more robust than gene features and the top biomarkers from edge feature types are statistically more significantly enriched in the biological processes that are well known to be related to breast cancer metastasis.

Conclusions

Overall, this study validates the utility of edge features as biomarkers but also highlights the importance of carefully designed experimental procedures in order to achieve statistically reliable comparison results.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of ABA receptor PYL gene family in rice
Authors: Yadav Shashank Kumar , Santosh Kumar Vinjamuri Venkata , Verma Rakesh Kumar , Yadav Pragya , Saroha Ankit , Wankhede Dhammaprakash Pandhari , Chaudhary Bhupendra , Chinnusamy Viswanathan
Published: September 2020

Background

Abscisic acid (ABA), a key phytohormone that controls plant growth and stress responses, is sensed by the pyrabactin resistance 1(PYR1)/PYR1-like (PYL)/regulatory components of the ABA receptor (RCAR) family of proteins. Comprehensive information on evolution and function ofPYLgene family in rice (Oryza sativa) needs further investigation. This study made detailed analysis on evolutionary relationship between PYL family members, collinearity, synteny, gene structure, protein motifs,cis-regulatory elements (CREs), SNP variations, miRNAs targetingPYLsand expression profiles in different tissues and stress responses.

Results

Based on sequence homology withArabidopsisPYL proteins, we identified a total of 13 PYLs in rice (BOP clade) and maize (PACCMAD clade), while other members of BOP (wheat – each diploid genome, barley andBrachypodium) and PACCMAD (sorghum and foxtail millet) have 8-9 PYLs. The phylogenetic analysis divided PYLs into three subfamilies that are structurally and functionally conserved across species. Gene structure and motif analysis ofOsPYLs revealed that members of each subfamily have similar gene and motif structure. Segmental duplication appears be the driving force for the expansion ofPYLs, and the majority of thePYLsunderwent evolution under purifying selection in rice. 32 unique potential miRNAs that might targetPYLswere identified in rice. Thus, the predicted regulation ofPYLsthrough miRNAs in rice is more elaborate as compared withB. napus. Further, the miRNAs identified to in this study were also regulated by stresses, which adds additional layer of regulation ofPYLs. The frequency of SAPs identified was higher inindicacultivars and were predominantly located in START domain that participate in ABA binding. The promoters of most of theOsPYLs havecis-regulatory elements involved in imparting abiotic stress responsive expression. In silico and q-RT-PCR expression analyses ofPYLgenes revealed multifaceted role of ABARs in shaping plant development as well as abiotic stress responses.

Conclusion

The predicted miRNA mediated regulation ofOsPYLsand stress regulated expression of allOsPYLs, at least, under one stress, lays foundation for further validation and fine tuning ABA receptors for stress tolerance without yield penalty in rice.
The burden of low back pain in Brazil: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 Study
Authors: de David Caroline Nespolo , Deligne Lucas de Melo Castro , da Silva Rodolfo Souza , Malta Deborah Carvalho , Duncan Bruce B. , Passos Valéria Maria de Azeredo , Cousin Ewerton
Published: September 2020

Background

The prevalence and burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are growing around the world, and low back pain (LBP) is the most significant of the five defined MSK disorders in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. LBP has been the leading cause of non-fatal health loss for the last three decades. The objective of this study is to describe the current status and trends of the burden due to LBP in Brazil based on information drawn from the GBD 2017 study.

Methods

We estimated prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) for LBP by Brazilian federative units, sex, age group, and age-standardized between 1990 and 2017 and conducted a decomposition analysis of changes in age- and sex-specific YLD rates attributable to total population growth and population ageing for the purpose of understanding the drivers of changes in LBP YLDs rates in Brazil. Furthermore, we analyzed the changes in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rankings for this disease over the period.

Results

The results show high prevalence and burden of LBP in Brazil. LBP prevalence increased 26.83% (95% UI 23.08 to 30.41) from 1990 to 2017. This MSK condition represents the most important cause of YLDs in Brazil, where the increase in burden is mainly related to increase in population size and ageing. The LBP age-standardized YLDs rate are similar among Brazilian federative units. LBP ranks in the top three causes of DALYs in Brazil, even though it does not contribute to mortality.

Conclusions

Findings from this study show LBP to be the most important cause of YLDs and the 3rd leading cause of DALYs in Brazil. The Brazilian population is ageing, and the country has been experiencing a rapid epidemiological transition, which generates an increasing number of people who need chronic care. In this scenario, more attention should be paid to the burden of non-fatal health conditions.
Inequalities in the burden of female breast cancer in Brazil, 1990–2017
Authors: Guerra Maximiliano Ribeiro , Nogueira Mário Círio , Malta Deborah Carvalho , Côrrea Camila Soares Lima , de Souza Maria de Fatima Marinho , Curado Maria Paula , Felisbino-Mendes Mariana Santos , Mooney Meghan , Naghavi Mohsen , Bustamante-Teixeira Maria Teresa
Published: September 2020

Background

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer death among females worldwide. In recent decades, breast cancer death rates have been stable or decreasing in more developed regions; however, this has not been observed in less developed regions. This study aims to evaluate inequalities in the burden of female breast cancer in Brazil including an analysis of interregional and interstate patterns in incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates from 1990 to 2017, and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR), and their association with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI).

Methods

Using estimates from the global burden of disease (GBD) study, we applied a spatial exploratory analysis technique to obtain measurements of global and local spatial correlation. Percentage changes of breast cancer incidence, mortality, and DALYs rates between 1990 and 2017 were calculated, and maps were developed to show the spatial distribution of the variables. Spatial panel models were adjusted to investigate the association between rates and SDI in Brazilian states.

Results

In Brazil, while breast cancer mortality rate have had modest reduction (−4.45%; 95% UI: −6.97; −1.76) between 1990 and 2017, the incidence rate increased substantially (+39.99%; 95% UI: 34.90; 45.39). Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in 1990 and 2017 were higher in regions with higher SDI, i.e., the most developed ones. While SDI increased in all Brazilian states between 1990 and 2017, notably in less developed regions, MIR decreased, more notably in more developed regions. The SDI had a positive association with incidence rate and a negative association with MIR.

Conclusion

Such findings suggest an improvement in breast cancer survival in the period, which may be related to a broader access to diagnostic methods and treatment. This study also revealed the inequality in breast cancer outcomes among Brazilian states and may guide public policy priorities for disease control in the country.
Changes in the quality of cause-of-death statistics in Brazil: garbage codes among registered deaths in 1996–2016
Authors: França Elisabeth , Ishitani Lenice Harumi , Teixeira Renato , Duncan Bruce B. , Marinho Fatima , Naghavi Mohsen
Published: September 2020

Background

Registered causes in vital statistics classified as garbage codes (GC) are considered indicators of quality of cause-of-death data. Our aim was to describe temporal changes in this quality in Brazil, and the leading GCs according to levels assembled for the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. We also assessed socioeconomic differences in the burden of different levels of GCs at a regional level.

Methods

We extracted data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System from 1996 to 2016. All three- and four-digit ICD-10 codes considered GC were selected and classified into four categories, according to the GBD study proposal. GC levels 1 and 2 are the most damaging unusable codes, or major GCs. Proportionate distribution of deaths by GC levels according selected variables were performed. Age-standardized mortality rates after correction of underreporting of deaths were calculated to investigate temporal relationships as was the linear association adjusted for completeness between GC rates in states and the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) from the GBD study, for 1996–2005 and 2006–2016. We classified Brazilian states into three classes of development by applying tertiles cutoffs in the SDI state-level estimates.

Results

Age-standardized mortality rates due to GCs in Brazil decreased from 1996 to 2016, particularly level 1 GCs. The most important GC groups were ill-defined causes (level 1) in 1996, and pneumonia unspecified (level 4) in 2016. At state level, there was a significant inverse association between SDI and the rate of level 1–2 GCs in 1996–2005, but both SDI and completeness had a non-expected significant direct association with levels 3–4. In 2006–2016, states with higher SDIs tended to have lower rates of all types of GCs. Mortality rates due to major GCs decreased in all three SDI classes in 1996–2016, but GC levels 3–4 decreased only in the high SDI category. States classified in the low or medium SDI groups were responsible for the most important decline of major GCs.

Conclusion

Occurrence of major GCs are associated with socioeconomic determinants over time in Brazil. Their reduction with decreasing disparity in rates between socioeconomic groups indicates progress in reducing inequalities and strengthening cause-of-death statistics in the country.
Cemented versus uncemented total hip replacement for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients: a retrospective, multicentre study with a mean 5-year follow-up
Authors: Mao Shuai , Chen Baomin , Zhu Ying , Qian Liang , Lin Jinluan , Zhang Xinchao , Yu Weiguang , Han Guowei
Published: September 2020

Background

Cemented or uncemented total hip replacement (CTR or UTR) for femoral neck fractures (AO/OTA type 31B/C) is a relatively common procedure in elderly individuals. The recent literature is limited regarding long-term outcomes following CTR versus UTR in the Asian population.

Methods

Using our institutional database, we performed long-term outcome analysis on 268 patients with femoral neck fractures (AO/OTA type 31B/C) who had undergone a primary UTR or CTR (CTR: n = 132, mean age, 67.43 ± 6.51 years; UTR: n = 136, mean age, 67.65 ± 6.13 years) during 2007–2014, and these patients were followed until 2019. Follow-up occurred 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. The primary endpoint was the Harris hip score (HHS); the secondary endpoint was the incidence of orthopaedic complications.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 62.5 months (range, 50.1–76.1 months). At the final follow-up, the HHS was 79.39 ± 16.92 vs 74.18 ± 17.55 (CTR vs UTR, respectively, p = 0.011). Between-group significant differences were observed regarding the incidence of prosthesis revision, prosthesis loosening, and periprosthetic fracture (7.6% [95% CI, 6.4–8.2] for CTR vs 16.9% [95% CI, 14.7–17.3] for UTR, p = 0.020; 9.8% [95% CI, 8.3–10.7] for CTR vs 19.9% [95% CI, 18.2–20.9] for UTR, p = 0.022; 5.3% [95% CI, 4.4–6.7] for CTR vs 13.2% [95% CI, 12.1–13.8] for UTR, p = 0.026, respectively).

Conclusion

CTR showed superiority to UTR by improving the HHS and decreasing the incidence of orthopaedic complications. Our findings need to be confirmed in a prospective, randomized controlled study to verify whether they can be applicable to a broader population.
Desoxyrhapontigenin attenuates neuronal apoptosis in an isoflurane-induced neuronal injury model by modulating the TLR-4/cyclin B1/Sirt-1 pathway
Authors: Liang Feng , Fu Xin , Li Yunpengfei , Han Fanglei
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the protective effect of desoxyrhapontigenin (DOP) against isoflurane (ISF)-induced neuronal injury in rats. Neuronal injury was induced in pups by exposing them to 0.75% ISF on postnatal day 7 with 30% oxygen for 6 h. The pups were treated with DOP 10 mg/kg, i.p., for 21 days after ISF exposure. The protective effect of DOP was estimated by assessing cognitive function using the neurological score and the Morris water maze. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed in the hippocampus using the TUNEL assay, and protein expression of caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 was measured by Western blotting. The levels of cytokines and oxidative stress parameters were assessed by ELISA. Western blotting and RT-PCR were performed to measure the expression of NF-kB, TLR-4, Sirt-1, and cyclin B1 protein in the brain. The cognitive function and neurological function scores were improved in the DOP group compared with the ISF group. Moreover, DOP treatment reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells and the expression of caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 protein in the brains of rats with neuronal injury. The levels of mediators of inflammation and oxidative stress were reduced in the brain tissue of the DOP group. Treatment with DOP attenuated the protein expression of TLR-4, NF-kB, cyclin B1, and Sirt-1 in the brain tissue of rats with neuronal injury. In conclusion, DOP ameliorates neuronal apoptosis and improves cognitive function in rats with ISF-induced neuronal injury. Moreover, DOP treatment can prevent neuronal injury by regulating the TLR-4/cyclin B1/Sirt-1 pathway.
Textiles and environment in the showcase containing Saint Canute the Holy († AD 1086): Radiocarbon dating and chemical interactions
Authors: Grinder-Hansen Poul , Kjær Ulla , Ryhl-Svendsen Morten , Colombini Maria Perla , Degano Ilaria , La Nasa Jacopo , Sabatini Francesca , van der Plicht Johannes , Rasmussen Kaare Lund
Published: September 2020

The cathedral in Odense, Denmark, has for nine centuries held the relics of the Danish King St Canute the Holy and his brother Benedikt. They were both murdered in the predecessor church at the site in AD 1086, and Canute was sanctified in already in AD 1100. The history of the relics has been that of turmoil at times, varying from initial worship of the Catholic believers, to being walled up and hidden away after the protestant reformation in AD 1536, and since the 19th Century on display as important heritage objects of national importance. In the present work we have characterised some of the textiles and analysed the air inside the glass showcases exhibiting the 11th Century wooden coffins holding the remains of St King Canute the Holy and his brother together with some precious textiles. Contrary to previous belief, we now prove that all the textiles analysed have the same age, which is consistent with the time of the enshrinement of the King and his brother in AD 1100. It is also shown that some of the textiles were treated with paraffin wax, most likely during attempts at conservation at the National Museum in the nineteenth century. The results of the air chemistry analyses show the problematic side of simultaneously storing of slowly decaying wood, fine textiles, and human bones in rather airtight environments. The wood continuously releases organic acids, the soaring concentrations of which are potentially harmful to the 11th Century textiles and probably also to the bones.
Inhibition of phospholipase D2 augments histone deacetylase inhibitor-induced cell death in breast cancer cells
Authors: Hwang Won Chan , Kang Dong Woo , Kang Youra , Jang Younghoon , Kim Jung-Ae , Min Do Sik
Published: September 2020

Background

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are promising anticancer drugs but their effect on tumor treatment has been disappointing mainly due to the acquisition of HDAC inhibitor resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying such resistance remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we performed Western blot, q-PCR, and promoter assay to examine the expression of HDAC inhibitor-induced phospholipase D2 (PLD2) in MDA-MB231and MDA-MB435 breast cancer cells. Apoptosis and proliferation were analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition to invasion and migration assay, angiogenesis was further measured using in vitro tube formation and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model.

Results

HDAC inhibitors including suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), trichostatin, and apicidin, induce expression of PLD2 in a transcriptional level. SAHA upregulates expression of PLD2 via protein kinase C-ζ in breast cancer cells and increases the enzymatic activity of PLD. The combination treatment of SAHA with PLD2 inhibitor significantly enhances cell death in breast cancer cells. Phosphatidic acid, a product of PLD activity, prevented apoptosis promoted by cotreatment with SAHA and PLD2 inhibitor, suggesting that SAHA-induced PLD2 expression and subsequent activation of PLD2 might confers resistance of breast cancer cells to HDAC inhibitor. The combinational treatment of the drugs significantly suppressed invasion, migration, and angiogenesis, compared with that of either treatment.

Conclusion

These findings provide further insight into elucidating the advantages of combination therapy with HDAC and PLD2 inhibitors over single-agent strategies for the treatment of cancer.
Impact of metal implants on xSPECT/CT Bone reconstruction: the “shining metal artefact”
Authors: Lima Thiago V. M. , Bhure Ujwal , Pérez Lago Maria de Sol , Thali Yannick , Matijasevic Savo , Roos Justus , Strobel Klaus
Published: September 2020

Background

Novel reconstruction algorithms, such as xSPECT Bone, are gaining more and more importance in Nuclear Medicine. With xSPECT Bone, the reconstructed emission image is enhanced by the information obtained in the corresponding CT image. The CT defines tissue classes according to the Hounsfield units. In the iterative reconstruction, each tissue class is handled separately in the forward projection step, and all together in the back projection step. As a consequence, xSPECT Bone reconstruction generates images with improved boundary delineation and better anatomic representation of tracer activity. Applying this technique, however, showed that artefacts may occur, when no uptake regions, like metal implants, exhibit fictitious uniform tracer uptake. Due to limitations in spatial resolution in gamma cameras, the xSPECT Bone reconstructed image resulted in spill-out activity from surrounding high uptake region being uniformly distributed over the metal implants.

This new technology of xSPECT Bone reconstruction in general enhances the image quality of SPECT/CT; however, the potential introduction of specific artefacts which inadvertently come along with this new technology and their frequency have not yet been addressed in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to identify and characterize these specific metal artefacts (the so-called shining metal artefact) in order to reduce false positives and avoid potentially misdiagnosing loosened or infected implants.

Case presentation

In this work, we report five cases imaged with bone SPECT/CT of 5 anatomical regions (foot, elbow, spine, shoulder, ribs and knee). All cases demonstrated “shining metal artefacts” in xSPECT Bone reconstruction.

Conclusion

While xSPECT Bone reconstruction algorithm significantly improves image quality for the diagnosis of bone and joint disorders with SPECT/CT, specific “shining metal artefacts” caused by the xSPECT Bone have to be recognized in order to avoid image misinterpretation suggesting metallic implant loosening or possible infection. The simultaneous analysis of conventionally reconstructed SPECT images (for Siemens the Flash3D reconstruction) helps to avoid misinterpretation of potential artefacts introduced by xSPECT Bone reconstruction.
Teleoncology: The Youngest Pillar of Oncology
Authors: Pareek Puneet , Vishnoi Jeewan Ram , Kombathula Sri Harsha , Vyas Rakesh Kumar , Misra Sanjeev
Published: September 2020

The core pillars of multimodal care of patients with cancer are surgical, radiation, and medical oncology. The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has suddenly resurrected a new pillar in oncology care: teleoncology. With oncologists reaching out to patients through telemedicine, it is possible to evaluate and fulfill patients’ needs; triage patients for elective procedures; screen them for influenza-like illness; provide them with guidance for hospital visits, if needed; and bridge oral medications and treatments when a hospital visit is not desirable because of any high risk-benefit ratio. Teleoncology can bring great reassurance to patients at times when reaching an oncology center is challenging, and more so in resource-constrained countries. Evidence-based treatment protocols, dispensable by teleoncology, already exist for many sites of cancer and they can provide a bridge to treatment when patients are unable to reach cancer centers for their standard treatment. The young pillar of teleoncology is going to remain much longer than COVID-19.
Fighting Crises with Secrecy
Authors: Gorton Gary , Ordoñez Guillermo
Published: September 2020

How does central bank lending during a crisis restore confidence? Emergency lending facilities that are opaque (in that names of borrowers are kept secret) raise the perceived average quality of bank assets in the economy, creating an information externality that prevents runs. Stigma (the cost of a bank’s participation at the lending facility becoming public) is desirable to implement opacity as an equilibrium outcome, as no bank wants to reveal its participation status. The central bank’s key policy instrument for limiting the use of lending facilities while maintaining secrecy is the haircut applied to bank assets used as collateral. (JEL D83, E52, E58, E63, G01, G21)
A comparative study on early vision quality after implantation of refractive segmental and diffractive multifocal intraocular lens
Authors: Lian Huifang , Ma Weisong , Wei Qiuhong , Yuan Xiaoyong
Published: September 2020

Objectives: To compare early subjective and objective vision quality of postoperative patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery combined with implantation of refractive segmental multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) SBL-3 and apodized diffractive MIOL SN6AD1.

Methods: As a prospective study, it enrolled 53 patients (53 eyes) to undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery combined with MIOL implantation. According to differences in MIOL implanted, patients were divided into a SBL-3 group (25 eyes) and a SN6AD1 group (28 eyes). Ophthalmological evaluation included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, uncorrected intermediate (UIVA) and near (UNVA) visual acuities, distance-corrected intermediate (DCIVA) and near (DCNVA)visual acuities and corrected near(CNVA) visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, modulation transfer function (MTF) and high order aberration (4 mm pupil diameter) at three months postoperatively. Moreover, a questionnaire survey was carried out to assess near spectacle independence, patient satisfaction and symptoms of visual disturbance.

Results: At three months after surgery, UIVA and UNVA in the SBL-3 group are statistically significantly superior to those of the SN6AD1 group (P<0.05). There was statistical difference in contrast sensitivity at four spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12, 18cycles/degree) under mesopic conditions and mesopic conditions with glare (P<0.05). The total ocular high order aberration, coma and trefoil were statistically significantly larger in the SBL-3 group than in the SN6AD1 group with 4.0 mm pupil diameters (P<0.05). Statistical differences were found in the MTF at spatial frequencies of 5, 10 and 15 cycles/degree between the groups. There were no significant differences in spectacle independence, patient satisfaction and visual disturbance between the groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions: Both the two multifocal intraocular lens provided an excellent level of quality of vision three months postoperatively. However, the application effect of SBL-3 MIOL is superior to that of SN6AD1 MIOL as far as intermediate vision, near vision and contrast sensitivity are concerned.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.3364

How to cite this:Lian H, Ma W, Wei Q, Yuan X. A comparative study on early vision quality after implantation of refractive segmental and diffractive multifocal intraocular lens. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(7):1607-1612. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.3364

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
HIV index testing services in urban Lusaka: a review of medical records
Authors: Katamba Cibangu
Published: September 2020

Background: As the proportions of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who do not know their HIV infection status decrease, reaching the remaining few who are asymptomatic and not in contact with the health care system becomes a critical challenge. Therefore, reaching the first 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets will require effective and efficient HIV testing approaches. The number of PLHIV who know their HIV status and who receive antiretroviral therapy could increase by the expansion of index testing services.

Methods: This project was a retrospective study looking at medical records of HIV positive clients who were elicited for index testing between October and December 2019. It was conducted in three high volume health facilities in Matero Urban sub-district 3 in Lusaka, Zambia.

Results: The HIV test outcomes for index contacts were as follows: 452 index contacts (53.5%) tested HIV negative, 113 index contacts (13.4%) tested HIV positive, 108 index contacts (12.8%) were known HIV positive, and 172 index contacts (20.4%) were not yet tested for HIV. Of the 113 contacts who tested HIV positive, 90 index contacts started anti-retroviral therapy within 7 days (79.6%).

The total number of 845 contacts were elicited from 604 index clients, giving a low elicitation ratio of 1:1.4. There was not much difference between gender for elicited contacts (423 men and 422 women). A total number of 565 index contacts were eligible for HIV test. 113 of them tested HIV positive, representing a positivity yield of 20%. Pearson Chi-Square test value was 0.498 and the p value was 0.481. This result is not significant since p value (0.481) is greater than the designated alpha level (0.05).

Conclusions: HIV programs need to explore and address barriers to HIV partner testing services to maximize HIV case identification.
Effective immunity and second waves: a dynamic causal modelling study
Authors: Friston Karl J. , Parr Thomas , Zeidman Peter , Razi Adeel , Flandin Guillaume , Daunizeau Jean , Hulme Oliver J. , Billig Alexander J. , Litvak Vladimir , Price Cathy J. , Moran Rosalyn J. , Costello Anthony , Pillay Deenan , Lambert Christian
Published: September 2020

This technical report addresses a pressing issue in the trajectory of the coronavirus outbreak; namely, the rate at which effective immunity is lost following the first wave of the pandemic. This is a crucial epidemiological parameter that speaks to both the consequences of relaxing lockdown and the propensity for a second wave of infections. Using a dynamic causal model of reported cases and deaths from multiple countries, we evaluated the evidence models of progressively longer periods of immunity. The results speak to an effective population immunity of about three months that, under the model, defers any second wave for approximately six months in most countries. This may have implications for the window of opportunity for tracking and tracing, as well as for developing vaccination programmes, and other therapeutic interventions.
Replacement of Radiographic Testing with Automated Ultrasonic Inspection with Data Visualization
Authors: Bazulin Andrey , Bazulin Evgeny , Vopilkin Aleksey , Butov Aleksandr , Tikhonov Dmitry
Published: September 2020

The article considers practically significant cases of substantiation of radiographic inspection replacement with automated ultrasound. Justifications are carried out by comparing the technical capabilities of existing methods for specific unit under test. The comparison is made according to the following defining directions: 1) possibilities of detecting inconsistencies depending on their danger; 2) information content of inspection results; 3) possibility of visual representation and long-term storage of control results. Examples of justification of such replacement for cases of thick-walled austenitic connection of the ITER thermonuclear reactor diverter support, annular welded joints of pipelines of various purposes, turbine rotors, welded joints of pipelines of the NPP pressure compensation system are given.
Crack Visualization and Dimensioning by Shadow Method at Refining Ultrasonic Inspection
Authors: Markov Anatoliy , Mosyagin Vladimir
Published: September 2020

Principles and results of application of specially designed ultrasonic flaw detector for detection and evaluation of parameters of transverse cracks, including under surface damages of rail head, are considered. Using a fairly simple method of multichannel shadow method of ultrasonic inspection and special algorithms for digital signal processing, a flaw detector scanner was developed and introduced, which allows layer-by-layer scanning of a defective section of the rail to visualize a defect in three orthogonal planes. Multiple comparisons of the obtained flaw detection images with the results of forced dolomes show that the measurement errors of the proposed method do not exceed 15%, which is a very high indicator for practice. Proven principles are recommended for use in other industries.
A Cross-Sectional Machine Learning Approach for Hedge Fund Return Prediction and Selection
Authors: Wu Wenbo , Chen Jiaqi , Yang Zhibin (Ben) , Tindall Michael L.
Published: September 2020

We apply four machine learning methods to cross-sectional return prediction for hedge fund selection. We equip the forecast model with a set of idiosyncratic features, which are derived from historical returns of a hedge fund and capture a variety of fund-specific information. Evaluating the out-of-sample performance, we find that our forecast method significantly outperforms the four styled Hedge Fund Research indices in almost all situations. Among the four machine learning methods, we find that deep neural network appears to be overall most effective. Investigating the source of methodological advantage of our method using a case study, we find that cross-sectional forecast outperforms forecast based on time series regression in most cases. Advanced modeling capabilities of machine learning further enhance these advantages. We find that the return-based features lead to higher returns than the benchmark of a set of macroderivative features, and our forecast method yields best performance when the two sets of features are combined.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi‐Levi, finance.
CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE PROFISSIONAL EM UM AMBIENTE TERCEIRIZADO
Authors: Lara Samara de Menezes , Marra Adriana Ventola , FERNANDES PAULA CRISTINA DE MOURA , De Paiva Kely César Martins
Published: September 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo compreender como as faxineiras terceirizadas de uma universidade federal constroem sua identidade profissional, num contexto de diferenciações e discriminação. Esses indivíduos convivem com a “invisibilidade social” e a vulneralidade que podem marcar a construção de sua identidade profissional. Adotou-se uma metodologia interpretativista com observação participante de base etnográfica e entrevistas semiestruturadas, analisadas pela Análise do Discurso de corrente francesa. As entrevistadas constroem suas identidades profissionais marcadas pelo anseio de se fazer parte do quadro de funcionários efetivos, pela instabilidade de seu trabalho, reproduzindo as rotinas dos pais, vivenciando os preconceitos e a invisibilidade pública no trabalho e na família.