bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tobacco smoke exposure as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea in children
Authors: Włodarska Anna , Doboszyńska Anna
Published: February 2020

Background

The most common respiratory disturbance in sleeping children is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Passive smoking is one of factors predisposing to OSAS. The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between exposure to tobacco smoke (passive smoking) and development of respiratory disorders in children during sleep.

Methods

One hundred and sixty school‐aged children (6–18 years) were included in the study. The inclusion criterion was exposure to tobacco smoke at home (n = 90). The control group were school‐aged children who had had no contact with tobacco smoke at home (n = 70). Exclusion criteria were obesity and children with impaired patency of the nose. Each child had a polygraphic examination performed at home. The children and their parents completed a questionnaire to assess the level of child's exposure to tobacco smoke. The study ran from December 15, 2012 to February 26, 2016.

Results

OSAS was observed in 12% of children with an apnea‐hypopnea index >1.5 (<13 years of age) and an apnea‐hypopnea index >5 (for children >13 years), and with diurnal and nocturnal symptoms. Children exposed to tobacco smoke presented more apnea‐hypopnea events (n = 17) than the control group (n = 3; P < 0.001). In the group exposed to tobacco smoke the following issues were noted: concentration problems (38.9%), tiredness/lethargy (46.7%), and irritability/hyperactivity (36.7%). No statistically significant differences were found in waking up, snoring, or sleep apnea.

Conclusions

OSAS occurs more often in children exposed to tobacco smoke and these children demonstrate concentration problems, tiredness, and irritability/hyperactivity to a greater extent than control group.
Effects of a practical training programme on burnout among professional caregivers in a care home for older adults with dementia: a pilot study
Authors: Briones‐Peralta María Á. , Pardo‐García Isabel , Escribano‐Sotos Francisco
Published: February 2020

Aim

As the number of persons with dementia has increased so has the need for both specialized care and long‐term care centres. Professional caregivers working in these centres encounter specific problems, including stress, burnout, and feelings of dissatisfaction, each which can affect the quality of care. Due to the nature of their work, they are more likely to experience stress, which may lead to burnout syndrome. Therefore, the aim of this work was to assess the results of a practical training programme with regard to burnout among direct care professionals in a nursing home for people with dementia.

Methods

A practical training programme was conducted for caregivers at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Nursing Home in Cuenca, Spain. The programme used a dynamic, interactive methodology to provide training related to concepts and strategies for dementia care. Weekly 2‐h sessions were held over 9 months, from April 2016 to January 2017, with the post‐test administered in February. Pretest and post‐test measures were taken for a sample of 36 caregivers. An anova was used to analyze the differences in means before and after training. An ancova was also performed to determine the effects of the intervention.

Results

The results revealed a significant difference between pre‐ and post‐intervention emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores. Personal accomplishment scores improved, but the changes were not significant.

Conclusion

A practical training programme for direct care professionals working with dementia patients can decrease burnout levels.
Masonry in Argentina: Studies and perspectives
Authors: Annecchini Mariana
Published: February 2020

The study of Masonry is complex. In this sense, a rigorous critical selection of studies on the history about the topic has to be done. In this article, we tackle some historiographical perspectives around the research of Masonry in Argentina and, mainly, in national Southern regions of the country. We centre our focus in those theoretical axes which tackle the issue from a critical and academic perspective which, rather than concentrating on mystical or ritualistic components, intend to recover other elements of the study of Masonry, for instance, its historical and socio‐political aspects.
NETs analysed by novel calprotectin‐based assays in blood donors and patients with multiple myeloma or rheumatoid arthritis: A pilot study
Authors: Fagerhol Magne Kristoffer , Johnson Egil , Tangen Jon‐Magnus , Hollan Ivana , Mirlashari Mohammad Reza , Nissen‐Meyer Lise Sofie Haug , Hetland Geir
Published: February 2020

Two novel enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), designed to detect complexes containing DNA, leucocyte calprotectin and S100A12 proteins, were generated for improved specificity and rapid measurement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The assays were applied on plasma and serum samples from blood donors for establishment of reference values, and from patients with multiple myeloma (MM) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in order to examine putatively increased values in the two different inflammatory conditions. Although NETs were hardly detectable in healthy individuals, NET levels were as expected highly and statistically significantly increased in RA patients. The detection of statistically significantly increased NET levels in MM is a novel finding.
Poor response to hepatitis A vaccination in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Adati Elen Monteiro , da Silva Paula Moreira , Sumita Laura Massami , Rodrigues Marina de Oliveira , Zanetti Lilian P. , dos Santos Ana Cláudia F. , de Souza Mair P. , Colturato Vergilio R. , Machado Clarisse M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is highly prevalent in developing countries. In countries experiencing a shift from intermediate/high endemicity to low endemicity, the World Health Organization recommends the incorporation of HAV vaccine into the national vaccination calendar for children aged ≥1 year. Since HAV antibodies wane over time, most HSCT revaccination guidelines advise vaccination as optional, following the country recommendation. However, no study has evaluated the serological response to HAV vaccine in allogeneic HSCT recipients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in 46 HSCT recipients who received two doses of inactivated HAV vaccine. Blood samples were taken before vaccination to determine HAV prevalence rates, and before and 4‐6 weeks after the second dose. Specific anti‐HAV antibodies were detected by a competitive commercial enzyme immune assay.

Results

Patients received the first dose of vaccine at a median of 332.5 (120‐4134) days after HSCT. Median absolute lymphocyte count at vaccination was 1947 (696‐12 500)/mm3. The seroprevalence rate was 93.5% at inclusion. Although safe and well tolerated, the serological response to HAV vaccine in susceptible patients was poor (33%), and no boost effect was observed in seropositive patients.

Conclusions

In areas with intermediate/high seroprevalence of HAV, serology should be recommended prior to referral to vaccination. The mechanisms of antibody interference and how to overcome T‐cell function deficiency need to be better understood in transplant populations receiving HAV vaccine. Alternative schedules of HAV vaccination should be evaluated in prospective trials.
TB diagnostic cascade among patients registered under the Revised National TB Control Programme in Chennai, South India
Authors: Muniyandi M. , Karikalan N. , Kannan T. , Saravanan B. , Vidhya P. , Rajendran K.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To discern and quantify the TB diagnostic cascade among patients registered under the Revised National TB Control Programme, Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, South India.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in metropolitan Chennai from February 2017 to March 2018. We interviewed TB patients retrospectively on their diagnostic attempt in different health facilities.

Results

Of 455 TB patients, only 4.4% received their diagnosis at their first health facility. Of 1250 visits to health facilities, the vast majority (79.4 vs. 20.6%) was in the public rather than the private sector. 56% of patients went to a public facility as the first point of care, of whom 1.6% shifted to private facilities subsequently. The remaining 54.4% shifted between up to five government health facilities. Male patients and those with a higher family income were more likely to shift from private to public.

Conclusion

Most shifts between diagnostic facilities occurred in the public sector. This necessitates interventions at public health facilities for strengthening and extending services to TB patients at their first point of care.
Economic value of clinical decision support allied to direct data feedback to clinicians: blood usage in haematology
Authors: Swart Nicholas , Morris Stephen , Murphy Michael F
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

Responding to national and local pressures to reduce the amount of blood transfused, the haematology department of Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), UK implemented an electronic blood‐ordering system with clinical decision support. This intervention targeted junior doctors, giving regular feedback on their transfusion practices with respect to clinical guidelines.

Methods

We evaluated the incremental costs of the intervention using interrupted time series methods to compare red blood cell and platelet usage before and after the intervention was implemented. Difference‐in‐differences analysis was used to control for external factors that would affect the use of blood products over time. Reductions in blood usage were balanced against intervention costs.

Results

The base case analysis showed an average cost saving to the department of £89 304 annually as a result of the intervention. Scenario analyses suggested that the savings may have been greater still, had the increasing trend in blood use prior to the intervention continued in the absence of the intervention.

Conclusion

An electronic blood‐ordering system with clinical decision support can reduce blood transfusions and associated healthcare costs. Focusing on improving junior doctors' transfusion practice is expected to have a knock‐on benefit in terms of dissemination of good transfusion practice both within their own department and others as they continue their training.
Initial leak pressures of four anastomosis techniques in cooled cadaveric canine jejunum
Authors: Fealey Mark J. , Regier Penny J. , Steadman BS Charles , Brad Case J. , Garcia‐Pereira Fernando
Published: February 2020

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of four different intestinal anastomosis techniques at preventing leakage after enterectomy.

Study design

Experimental study.

Sample population

Grossly normal jejunal segments (N = 70) from three fresh canine cadavers.

Methods

Eight‐centimeter cooled canine cadaveric jejunal segments were randomly assigned to a control group (six segments) and four treatment groups (16 segments each [two segments/anastomotic construct]): (1) handsewn anastomosis (HSA), (2) barbed suture anastomosis (B‐HSA), (3) stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomosis (SFEEA), and (4) stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomosis with an oversew (SFEEA‐O). Control segments and anastomotic constructs were infused intraluminally to the point of leakage. Initial leak pressures were recorded and compared.

Results

Initial leak pressures (median + range) for jejunal control segments, HSA, B‐HSA, SFEEA, and SFEEA‐O were 331.88 mmHg (range, 315.34–346.64), 35.17 (20.29–56.24), 24.99 (6.08–38.64), 28.77 (18.80–85.09), and 35.92 (12.05–80.71), respectively. No difference was detected between leak pressures of anastomosed segments (P= .35), all of which were more variable and lower than those of intact segments.

Conclusion

No difference in initial leak pressures was detected between the four anastomosis techniques tested in cooled canine cadaveric jejunum.

Clinical significance

All four anastomosis techniques evaluated in this study may be suitable in dogs.
Hypercapnia augments resistive exercise‐induced elevations in intraocular pressure in older individuals
Authors: Mekjavic Igor B. , Amoaku Winfried , Mlinar Tinkara , Jaki Mekjavic Polona
Published: February 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Astronauts on‐board the International Space Station (ISS) perform daily exercises designed to prevent muscle atrophy and bone demineralization: what is the effect of resistive exercise performed by subjects while exposed to the same level of hypercapnia as on the ISS on intraocular pressure (IOP)?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The static exercise‐induced elevation in IOP during 6° prone head‐down tilt (simulating the headward shift of body fluids in microgravity) is augmented by hypercapnia and exceeds the ocular hypertension threshold.

The present study assessed the effect of 6° head‐down (establishing the cephalad fluid displacement noted in astronauts in microgravity) prone (simulating the effect on the eye) tilt during rest and exercise (simulating exercise performed by astronauts to mitigate the sarcopenia induced by unloading of weight‐bearing limbs), in normocapnic and hypercapnic conditions (the latter simulating conditions on the International Space Station) on intraocular pressure (IOP). Volunteers (mean age = 57.8 ± 6 years, n = 10) participated in two experimental sessions, each comprising: (i) 10 min rest, (ii) 3 min static handgrip exercise (30% max), and (iii) 2 min recovery, inspiring either room air (NCAP) or a hypercapnic mixture (1% CO2, HCAP). We measured IOP in the right eye, cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at regular intervals. Baseline IOP in the upright seated position while breathing room air was 14.1 ± 2.9 mmHg. Prone 6° head‐down tilt significantly (P < 0.01) elevated IOP in all three phases of the NCAP (rest: 27.0 ± 3.7 mmHg; exercise: 32.2 ± 4.8 mmHg; recovery: 27.4 ± 4.0 mmHg) and HCAP (rest: 27.3 ± 4.3 mmHg; exercise: 34.2 ± 6.0 mmHg; recovery: 29.1 ± 5.8 mmHg) trials, with hypercapnia augmenting the exercise‐induced elevation in IOP (P < 0.01). CO, SV, HR and MAP were significantly increased during handgrip dynamometry, but there was no effect of hypercapnia. The observed IOP measured during prone 6° HDT in all phases of the NCAP and HCAP trials exceeded the threshold pressure defining ocular hypertension. The exercise‐induced increase in IOP is exacerbated by hypercapnia.
Splenocyte transfer exacerbates salt‐sensitive hypertension in rats
Authors: Fehrenbach Daniel J. , Dasinger John Henry , Lund Hayley , Zemaj Jeylan , Mattson David L.
Published: February 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Recruitment of immune cells to the kidney potentiates hypertensive pathology, but more refined methods are needed to assess these cells functionally. Adoptive transfer studies of immune cells have been limited in rat models and especially in the study of salt‐sensitive hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that splenocyte transfer into T‐cell‐deficient rats is sufficient to exacerbate salt‐sensitive hypertension.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We demonstrate that transfer of splenocytes into T‐cell‐deficient animals exacerbates salt‐sensitive hypertension, and an enrichment in the CD4+ compartment specifically induces this phenomenon.

Increasing evidence of immune system activation during the progression of hypertension and renal injury has led to a need for new methods to study individual cell types. Transfer of immune cells serves as a powerful tool to isolate effects of specific subsets. Transfer studies in Rag1−/− mice have demonstrated an important role of T‐cell activation in hypertension, but this approach has yielded limited success in rat models. Using the T‐cell‐deficient Dahl salt‐sensitive (SS) rat, SSCD247−/−, we hypothesized that splenocyte transfer from SS wild‐type animals into SSCD247−/− animals would populate the T‐cell compartment. The Dahl SS background provides a model for studying salt‐sensitive hypertension; therefore, we also tested whether the dietary salt content of the donor would confer differential salt sensitivity in the recipient. To test this, donors were maintained on either a low‐salt or a high‐salt diet, and at postnatal day 5 the recipients received splenocyte transfer from one of these groups before a high‐salt diet challenge. We showed that splenocyte transfer elevated blood pressures while rats were fed low salt and exacerbated the salt‐sensitive increase in pressure when they were fed fed high salt. Furthermore, transfer of splenocytes conferred exacerbated renal damage. Lastly, we confirmed the presence of T cells in the circulation and in the spleen, and that infiltration of immune cells, including T cells, macrophages and B cells, into the kidney was elevated in those receiving the transfer. Interestingly, the source of the splenocytes, from donors fed either a low‐salt or a high‐salt diet, did not significantly affect these salt‐sensitive phenotypes.
La drezotomía como tratamiento eficaz para el control del dolor neuropático de origen central por trauma raquimedular: caso clínico-evaluación a largo plazo
Authors: Acevedo González Juan Carlos , López Cárdenas Gloria Viviana , Berbeo Calderón Miguel Enrique , Zorro Guio Óscar , Díaz Orduz Roberto Carlos , Feo Lee Óscar
Published: February 2020

Un 70 % de pacientes con lesión medular tiene dolor neuropático crónico e incapacitante. El caso que se presenta en este artículo corresponde a un paciente de 23 años de edad, quien sufre un intenso dolor infrasegmentario por causa de un trauma raquimedular. Se le realizó un tratamiento neuroquirúrgico del dolor. En la drezotomía se le hizo una sección selectiva de fibras nociceptivas en los segmentos medulares afectados. Luego de ello, y a los 24 meses, presenta mejoría completa y suspensión de analgésicos.
Guía para la secuencia de inducción e intubación rápida en el servicio de emergencias
Authors: Pérez Perilla Patricia , Moreno Carrillo Atilio , Gempeler Rueda Fritz E.
Published: February 2020

La secuencia de intubación rápida (SIR) es un procedimiento diseñado para minimizar el tiempo necesario en el aseguramiento de la vía aérea mediante la colocación de un tubo endotraqueal en pacientes con alto riesgo de broncoaspiración, especialmente en situaciones de emergencia. Teniendo claro este panorama, es indiscutible la importancia de la educación y el entrenamiento relacionado con la secuencia de intubación rápida que debe hacerse a los médicos responsables de las salas de reanimación, los servicios de urgencias y los paramédicos responsables del manejo de campo en emergencias y desastres. Este documento es una revisión actualizada del tema, cuyo objetivo es servir de guía para todos quienes estén interesados.
Humo en el cerebro, síndrome de moyamoya en anemia de células falciformes: presentación de caso
Authors: Uribe Vargas Mario , Rivera Diego Miguel , Morales Cárdenas Armando , Quesada Montealegre Diana
Published: February 2020

El síndrome de moyamoya es una rara entidad oclusiva que afecta los vasos cerebrales. Es predominante de la población japonesa, de donde se creía inicialmente era exclusiva; pero hoy en día se han reportado casos en todo el mundo y en diferentes grupos étnicos. Consiste en la oclusión crónica y progresiva de la circulación cerebral anterior con la consecuente aparición de colaterales que da un patrón imaginológico en arteriografía, similar a una “nube de humo”; de ahí su nombre en japonés moyamoya. En este artículo se reporta el caso de un paciente pediátrico femenino de raza negra con antecedente de anemia de células falciformes con imágenes representativas.
Torsión e infarto esplénico: reporte de caso
Authors: Aleán Argueta Luis Fernando , Londoño Arévalo María Antonieta , Morales Cárdenas Armando Manuel , Puentes Velosa Sofía , Uriza Carrasco Luis Felipe , Rubio Bermeo Óscar David
Published: February 2020

La torsión esplénica es una entidad clínica poco frecuente secundaria a una hipermotilidad del bazo, resultante de una hiperlaxitud o desarrollo anormal de los ligamentos suspensorios de este órgano. Un bazo con laxitud de ligamentos tiene riesgo de torsión sobre su pedículo vascular. Esta entidad suele cursar con síntomas que van desde la patología aguda, crónica a síntomas intermitentes secundarios. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una mujer de 21 años de edad quien consultó por dolor abdominal agudo, con historia previa de dolor abdominal intermitente, cuyo hallazgo por imágenes mostró una disposición anatómica anómala del bazo e infarto esplénico asociado, que fue llevada a esplenectomía, donde se confirmó fijación del bazo únicamente por el ligamento gastroesplénico con torsión del pedículo vascular.
Uso y capacitación en ecografía en el departamento de emergencias
Authors: Pinzón Vargas Sandy , Moreno Carrillo Atilio
Published: February 2020

La realización de ultrasonografía se ha convertido en una práctica habitual en muchos departamentos de emergencia de Estados Unidos, lo cual ha generado que la mayoría de los programas de residencia de medicina de urgencias incluyan la formación en ultrasonido dentro de su currículo. En los servicios de urgencias se ha generado la necesidad de utilizar el ecógrafo para permitir un diagnóstico rápido de patologías que requieren identificarse inmediatamente dada su alta mortalidad, como son la hemorragia intrabdominal en el contexto del paciente con traumatismos, aneurisma de aorta, taponamiento cardiaco, neumotórax, entre otros. Su aplicación genera la oportunidad de un diagnóstico oportuno y un rápido tratamiento, y con ello se logra disminuir la estancia de los pacientes en urgencias. Además, su realización evita la necesidad de traslado de pacientes potencialmente inestables fuera del área de reanimación, que puede llegar a generar complicaciones relacionadas con el desplazamiento. La ultrasonografía se ha convertido en una herramienta segura para la realización de procedimientos, como accesos vasculares, paracentesis, toracentesis, etc., pues disminuye el riesgo de posibles complicaciones que se presentan cuando estos procedimientos son realizados a ciegas.
Univ. Méd. ISSN 0041-9095. Bogotá (Colombia), 55 (1): 93-100, enero-marzo, 2014 REPORTES DE CASO Reporte de catorce casos de leptospirosis en un hospital universitario de IV nivel entre 2010 y 2012
Authors: Mosquera Klinger Gabriel Alonso , Vela Lozada Fernando , Álvarez Moreno Carlos
Published: February 2020

La leptospirosis es una enfermedad infecciosa aguda generalizada, provocada por espiroquetas del género Leptospira, caracterizada por una extensa vasculitis. Siempre debe considerarse entre los diagnósticos diferenciales de síndrome febril en nuestra población. Se reporta una serie de catorce casos con clínica indicativa de leptospirosis, que presentó resultado positivo de serología para Leptospira spp., lo cual confirma el diagnóstico. Se describen las características demográficas en la población estudiada: fue más frecuente en población entre 20 y 35 años de edad. En el 35,7 % existía un antecedente de desplazamiento reciente a municipios del norte del departamento del Tolima y en el 14,2 %, a municipios del sur de Cundinamarca. El 71,4 % de los pacientes tuvo factores de riesgo para adquirir la infección. La mayoría de las consultas a urgencias se presentó siete días de iniciados los síntomas. En todos los pacientes hubo fiebre, cefalea, mialgias y artralgias, y en menor proporción, dolor abdominal y diarreas.
Síndrome de lesión por reperfusión miocárdica
Authors: Aldana Bitar Jairo Alejandro , Santacruz Pacheco David , Urina Triana Manuel Eliseo
Published: February 2020

La reperfusión es el tratamiento definitivo para salvar miocardio isquémico del infarto. Un determinante principal del tamaño del infarto es la duración de la isquemia. El restablecimiento temprano de flujo sanguíneo al miocardio isquémico reduce los límites del tamaño del infarto y la mortalidad. De manera paradójica, el retorno del flujo sanguíneo al miocardio isquémico puede resultar en lesiones adicionales en el área de riesgo. Esta condición se conoce como lesión por reperfusión, y el daño es más probable que suceda cuando la terapia de reperfusión se retrasa. Incluso cuando la mayoría de los ensayos clínicos diseñados para evaluar agentes para prevenir la lesión por reperfusión han sido decepcionantes, terapias para limitar la lesión por reperfusión siguen siendo un área de investigación activa.
Analysis of the Contact Length During Micrometal Forming to Establish Its Efficient Measurement Method
Authors: Rathmann L. , Vollertsen F.
Published: February 2020

In microsheet metal forming, the lengths of the contact zones between blank and die are important parameters to describe the contact behavior, but they can hardly be detected experimentally. Thus, a finite element simulation enables access to these zones and especially, their length. This length and its development during a metal forming process are analyzed in this work to establish its efficient measurement method. The part at the die called drawing edge is defined as a deformable body with material properties. Since every node of such a body can report pressure, the contact length is the product of the number of n – 1 nodes under contact pressure with the equidistant distance of lE = 1 μm between each node. It is shown, that with this method the direct determination of the contact zones position and length is enabled. Additionally, the simulative results show that the contact length is influenced by the geometrical conditions of the punch and die.
Application of Raw Accelerometer Data and Machine-Learning Techniques to Characterize Human Movement Behavior: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Narayanan Anantha , Desai Farzanah , Stewart Tom , Duncan Scott , Mackay Lisa
Published: February 2020

Background: Application of machine learning for classifying human behavior is increasingly common as access to raw accelerometer data improves. The aims of this scoping review are (1) to examine if machine-learning techniques can accurately identify human activity behaviors from raw accelerometer data and (2) to summarize the practical implications of these machine-learning techniques for future work. Methods: Keyword searches were performed in Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases in 2018. Studies that applied supervised machine-learning techniques to raw accelerometer data and estimated components of physical activity were included. Information on study characteristics, machine-learning techniques, and key study findings were extracted from included studies. Results: Of the 53 studies included in the review, 75% were published in the last 5 years. Most studies predicted postures and activity type, rather than intensity, and were conducted in controlled environments using 1 or 2 devices. The most common models were support vector machine, random forest, and artificial neural network. Overall, classification accuracy ranged from 62% to 99.8%, although nearly 80% of studies achieved an overall accuracy above 85%. Conclusions: Machine-learning algorithms demonstrate good accuracy when predicting physical activity components; however, their application to free-living settings is currently uncertain.
Associations Between Television Time and activPAL-Measured Duration and Pattern of Sedentary Time Among Pregnant Women at Risk of Gestational Diabetes in the UK
Authors: Wagnild Janelle M. , Pollard Tessa M.
Published: February 2020

Background: Television (TV) time is associated with poor cardiometabolic health outcomes. This finding is commonly attributed to duration of sitting or patterns of sitting associated with high TV time, but there is very little evidence on this link. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 167) at risk of gestational diabetes wore an activPAL accelerometer and self-reported their usual TV time in the second trimester. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare objectively measured total sedentary time (ST), prolonged ST (bouts ≥30 min), and breaks in ST for all hours and evening hours (6 PM–11 PM) between those with high (≥2 h/d) and low TV time. Results: Over all waking hours, those with high TV time had fewer breaks in ST than those with low TV time, exp(b) 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 0.998; there were no differences in total ST or prolonged ST between the 2 groups. Those with high TV time had significantly higher evening ST (b = 9.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 19.2); there were no differences in prolonged ST or breaks in ST during evening hours. Conclusions: These findings suggest that high TV time may be associated with higher evening ST and fewer breaks in ST. The link between TV time and sitting patterns requires further investigation.
Prior acquired resistance to paclitaxel relays diverse EGFR-targeted therapy persistence mechanisms
Authors: Aldonza Mark Borris D. , Ku Jayoung , Hong Ji-Young , Kim Donghwa , Yu Seung Jung , Lee Min-Seok , Prayogo Monica Celine , Tan Stephanie , Kim Dayeon , Han Jinju , Lee Sang Kook , Im Sung Gap , Ryu Han Suk , Kim Yoosik
Published: February 2020

Paclitaxel failure promotes collateral resistance to EGFR-targeted therapy by adaptive rewiring of the cellular stress response.
Ultrastable atomically precise chiral silver clusters with more than 95% quantum efficiency
Authors: Han Zhen , Dong Xi-Yan , Luo Peng , Li Si , Wang Zhao-Yang , Zang Shuang-Quan , Mak Thomas C. W.
Published: February 2020

Atomically precise chiral silver clusters luminesce brightly from thermally activated delayed fluorescence.
Pumping mechanism of NM-R3, a light-driven bacterial chloride importer in the rhodopsin family
Authors: Yun Ji-Hye , Ohki Mio , Park Jae-Hyun , Ishimoto Naito , Sato-Tomita Ayana , Lee Wonbin , Jin Zeyu , Tame Jeremy R. H. , Shibayama Naoya , Park Sam-Yong , Lee Weontae
Published: February 2020

We identify the ion conduction pathway and protein dynamics in chloride pump NM-R3 using photoexcited crystals at 95 to 140 K.
Chromatin accessibility analysis reveals regulatory dynamics of developing human retina and hiPSC-derived retinal organoids
Authors: Xie Haohuan , Zhang Wen , Zhang Mei , Akhtar Tasneem , Li Young , Yi Wenyang , Sun Xiao , Zuo Zuqi , Wei Min , Fang Xin , Yao Ziqin , Dong Kai , Zhong Suijuan , Liu Qiang , Shen Yong , Wu Qian , Wang Xiaoqun , Zhao Huan , Bao Jin , Qu Kun , Xue Tian
Published: February 2020

Epigenetic and transcriptomic profiling of developing human retina and retinal organoids revealed regulators in human retinal development.
Probing spin correlations using angle-resolved photoemission in a coupled metallic/Mott insulator system
Authors: Sunko V. , Mazzola F. , Kitamura S. , Khim S. , Kushwaha P. , Clark O. J. , Watson M. D. , Marković I. , Biswas D. , Pourovskii L. , Kim T. K. , Lee T.-L. , Thakur P. K. , Rosner H. , Georges A. , Moessner R. , Oka T. , Mackenzie A. P. , King P. D. C.
Published: February 2020

An intrinsically nonmagnetic spectroscopy is shown to have strong magnetic sensitivity in Kondo-coupled PdCrO
2
.
Small-molecule activation of lysosomal TRP channels ameliorates Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mouse models
Authors: Yu Lu , Zhang Xiaoli , Yang Yexin , Li Dan , Tang Kaiyuan , Zhao Zifan , He Wanwan , Wang Ce , Sahoo Nirakar , Converso-Baran Kimber , Davis Carol S. , Brooks Susan V. , Bigot Anne , Calvo Raul , Martinez Natalia J. , Southall Noel , Hu Xin , Marugan Juan , Ferrer Marc , Xu Haoxing
Published: February 2020

A lysosome activator ameliorates muscular dystrophies.
Winning with the B team?
Authors: Pillai Shiv , Alsufyani Faisal
Published: February 2020

The accumulation of B cells and tertiary lymphoid organs in metastatic melanoma patients receiving checkpoint blockade therapy was associated with long-term survival.
Morphological stability diagram for slowly and rapidly solidifying binary systems
Authors: Galenko Peter K. , Danilov Denis A.
Published: February 2020

A linear morphological stability of the solid-liquid interface is analyzed for a binary alloy in the limit of low and high crystal growth velocities. Using the result of this analysis, a diagram of morphologies is derived for a whole range of solidification rates with indicating critical growth velocities for the transitions planar front ⇔ cellular/dendritic structure. It is specially noted that the speed of solute diffusion in the bulk liquid limits the absolute chemical stability velocity from the high-rate transition cells/dendrites ⇒ planar front.
A Game-theoretic Approach to Data Interaction
Authors: McCamish Ben , Ghadakchi Vahid , Termehchy Arash , Touri Behrouz , Cotilla-Sanchez Eduardo , Huang Liang , Changpinyo Soravit
Published: February 2020

As most users do
not
precisely know the structure and/or the content of databases, their queries do
not
exactly reflect their information needs. The database management system (DBMS) may interact with users and use their feedback on the returned results to learn the information needs behind their queries. Current query interfaces assume that users do
not
learn and modify the way they express their information needs in the form of queries during their interaction with the DBMS. Using a real-world interaction workload, we show that users learn and modify how to express their information needs during their interactions with the DBMS and their learning is accurately modeled by a well-known reinforcement learning mechanism. As current data interaction systems assume that users do
not
modify their strategies, they cannot discover the information needs behind users’ queries effectively. We model the interaction between the user and the DBMS as a game with identical interest between two rational agents whose goal is to establish a common language for representing information needs in the form of queries. We propose a reinforcement learning method that learns and answers the information needs behind queries and adapts to the changes in users’ strategies and proves that it improves the effectiveness of answering queries, stochastically speaking. We propose two efficient implementations of this method over large relational databases. Our extensive empirical studies over real-world query workloads indicate that our algorithms are efficient and effective.
Emergent Routines in Peer-Production
Authors: Arazy Ofer , Lindberg Aron , Lev Shakked , Wu Kexian , Yarovoy Alex
Published: February 2020

Current theories struggle to explain how participants in peer-production self-organize to produce high-quality knowledge in the absence of formal coordination mechanisms. The literature traditionally holds that norms, policies, and roles make coordination possible. However, peer-production is largely free from workflow constraints and most peer-production communities do not allocate or assign tasks. Yet, scholars have suggested that ordered work sequences can emerge in such settings. We refer to sequences of activities that emerge organically as components of “emergent routines.” The volunteer nature of peer-production, coupled with high degrees of turnover, makes learning and coordination difficult, calling into question the extent to which emergent routines could be ingrained in the community. The objective of this article is to characterize the work sequences that organically emerge in peer-production, as well as to understand the temporal dynamics of these emergent routine components. We center our empirical investigation on the peer-production of a set of 1,000 Wikipedia articles. Using a dataset of labeled wiki work, we employ Variable-Length Markov Chains (VLMC) to identify sequences of activities exhibiting structural dependence, cluster the sequences to identify components of emergent routines, and then track their prevalence over time. We find that work is organized according to several routine components, and that the prevalence of these components changes over time.
Seismic Performance Evaluation of Building-Damper System under Near-Fault Earthquake
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Guo Wei , Hu Ping , Bu Dan , Xie Xu , Hu Yao
Published: February 2020

The building-damper system designed by a seismic code is usually considered to be able to withstand the attack of strong earthquakes. However, near-fault earthquakes, especially those with the forward-directivity effect, might cause early and unexpected failure of code-designed dampers and consequent severe structural damage. In this paper, by taking into account near-fault earthquakes, seismic performance of the building-damper system and damper failure’s influence are evaluated systematically. A 9-storey steel building is designed by the Chinese seismic code as the benchmark model, and five typical dampers, including buckling-restrained brace damper (BRB), friction damper (FD), self-centering damper (SCD), viscous damper (VD), and viscoelastic damper (VED), are adopted. It was found that the building-damper systems show a large response and possible damper failure under the near-fault earthquake excitations. Then, the influence of damper failure is investigated, which reveals that damper failure would significantly affect seismic performance of the building-damper system, especially for the building-SCD system. Subsequently, by introducing the artificial near-fault earthquake excitation, the influences of different pulse parameters, such as pulse velocity amplitude, pulse period, and the number of significant pulses, are studied. It shows that the pulse velocity amplitude and pulse period obviously affect the seismic performance, while the number of significant pulses presents little influence.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Offset Notch on Fracture Properties of Rock under Three‐Point Bending Beam
Authors: Guo Qifeng , Wu Xinghui , Cai Meifeng , Miao Shengjun
Published: February 2020

To investigate the effects of offset notch on the fracture properties of rock beam under bending load, granite beam specimens with “one single offset notch” and “central and offset double notches” are made. A series of three‐point bending beam tests on the specimens are carried out by controlling the displacement rate of central notch. The whole load‐displacement (P‐CMOD) curves are obtained. Experimental results show that the larger the distance between the offset notch and beam central is, the larger are the peak load and nominal strength of the specimen. The peak load and nominal strength for the “central and offset double notches” specimens are both larger than those for the “single central notch” specimen. A fracture model considering the effect of offset notch is developed, and the relationship between the offset notch parameter, tensile strength, and fracture toughness is established.
Supplied Food Consistency and Oral Functions of Institutionalized Elderly
Authors: Nomura Yoshiaki , Tsutsumi Ikki , Nagasaki Masatoshi , Tsuda Hiromitsu , Koga Fumihiro , Kashima Naho , Uraguchi Masahide , Okada Ayako , Kakuta Erika , Hanada Nobuhiro
Published: February 2020

Background. Maintaining good oral function is one of the goals of dental treatment. The Japanese national insurance system newly introduced the concept of management of oral function according to the life stage. For the application of management of oral functions of the elderly, seven kinds of examination is a must for the diagnosis: xerostomia, oral hygiene status, maximum occlusal pressure, tongue and labium function, tongue pressure, chewing ability, and swallowing function. We analyzed the relationship between oral functions and supplied food consistency. Methods. Oral functions and supplied food consistency of sixty-nine institutionalized elderly were investigated. There were 13 men and 56 women, and their mean age was 86.23 ± 7.02. Oral functions were measured and evaluated according to the Japanese insurance system. Data were analyzed by item response theory analysis, ROC analysis, and decision analysis. Results. By the item response theory analysis, tongue pressure and swallowing functions had high discrimination ability. The subjects who had malfunction of the tongue and labium all had processed food. The subjects with difficulty in swallowing, even without malfunction of the tongue and labium, all had processed food. Conclusion. Supplied food consistency may depend on the oral functions. However, as oral function has some dimension, a systematic evaluation system is necessary to decide the supplied food consistency.
Hypercalcemic Encephalopathy as an Initial Presentation of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Meena Durga Shankar , Bohra Gopal Krishana , Garg Mahendra Kumar , Purohit Abhishek , Kumar Deepak , Tripathi Swapnil
Published: February 2020

We report the case of an 84-year-old female presented to us with acute onset altered sensorium. On investigation, neurological and infectious causes were ruled out. On further evaluation, her serum calcium was found elevated (15.07 gm/dl). The diagnosis of hypercalcemic encephalopathy was made with the possibility of multiple myeloma due to raised total protein and globulin levels. Serum electrophoresis, immunofixation, and bone marrow examination confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. The patient was treated with bortezomib, dexamethasone, and lenalidomide. After 1 week, she improved with normalization of serum calcium. Herein, we highlight hypercalcemia as an important cause of encephalopathy. As our report suggests, metabolic encephalopathy can be the first presentation in multiple myeloma.
An Integrated Slacks-Based Measure of Super-Efficiency with Input Saving and Output Surplus Scaling Factors and its Application in Paper Chemical Mills
Authors: Guo Dong , Cai Zheng-Qun
Published: February 2020

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a nonparametric programming approach has been widely extended and applied in many areas. Conventional DEA models can well measure the efficiency of inefficient decision-making units (DMUs) but cannot further discriminate the efficient DMUs. A lot of methods are proposed to address this problem. One of the most important methods is the slacks-based measure of super-efficiency model (S-SBM model) developed by Tone in 2002. However, the projection for a DMU on the efficient frontier identified by S-SBM model may not be strongly Pareto-efficient that makes the super-efficiency score misestimated. This paper revises the usual slacks-based measure of super-efficiency by incorporating input saving and output surplus scaling factors into the objection function for measuring DMUs. We integrate SBM model and S-SBM model effectively and yield input saving and output surplus scaling factors as well as input and output slacks under only one integrated model. According to the study, the projection reference point identified by our method is strongly Pareto-efficient. Meanwhile, how each decision variable influences the efficiency score for a specific DMU is revealed and illustrated through two numerical examples and an empirical study in paper chemical mills.
Bayesian and Frequentist Analytical Approaches Using Log-Normal and Gamma Frailty Parametric Models for Breast Cancer Mortality
Authors: Alotaibi Refah Mohammed , Guure Chris
Published: February 2020

One of the major causes of death among females in Saudi Arabia is breast cancer. Newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer among the female population in Saudi Arabia is 19.5%. With this high incidence, it is crucial that we explore the determinants associated with breast cancer among the Saudi Arabia populace—the focus of this current study. The total sample size for this study is 8312 (8172 females and about 140 representing 1.68% males) patients that were diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. These are facility-based cross-sectional data collected over a 9-year period (2004 to 2013) from a routine health information system database. The data were obtained from the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR). Both descriptive and inferential (Cox with log-normal and gamma frailties) statistics were conducted. The deviance information criterion (DIC), Watanabe–Akaike information criterion (WAIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and Akaike information criterion were used to evaluate or discriminate between models. For all the six models fitted, the models which combined the fixed and random effects performed better than those with only the fixed effects. This is so because those models had smaller AIC and BIC values. The analyses were done using R and the INLA statistical software. There are evident disparities by regions with Riyadh, Makkah, and Eastern Province having the highest number of cancer patients at 28%, 26%, and 20% respectively. Grade II (46%) and Grade III (45%) are the most common cancer grades. Left paired site laterality (51%) and regional extent (52%) were also most common characteristics. Overall marital status, grade, and cancer extent increased the risk of a cancer patient dying. Those that were married had a hazard ratio of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.03–1.80) while widowed had a hazard ratio of 1.57 (95% CI: 1.14–2.18). Both the married and widowed were at higher risk of dying with cancer relative to respondents who had divorced. For grade, the risk was higher for all the levels, that is, Grade I (Well diff) (HR = 7.11, 95% CI: 3.32–15.23), Grade II (Mod diff) (HR = 7.89, 95% CI: 3.88–16.06), Grade III (Poor diff) (HR = 5.90, 95% CI (2.91–11.96), and Grade IV (Undiff) (HR = 5.44, 95% (2.48–11.9), relative to B-cell. These findings provide empirical evidence that information about individual patients and their region of residence is an important contributor in understanding the inequalities in cancer mortalities and that the application of robust statistical methodologies is also needed to better understand these issues well.
Successful Oocyte Retrieval, Fertilization, and Clinical Pregnancy with Low Serum β-hCG on the Day of Oocyte Collection: A Reappraisal of the Definition of the Empty Follicle Syndrome
Authors: Van De Velde Nicole A. , Chatzicharalampous Charalampos , Awonuga Awoniyi O.
Published: February 2020

Objective. To describe a case of successful oocyte retrieval, fertilization and clinical pregnancy despite very low β-hCG level, twelve hours after ovulation trigger. Design. Case report. Setting. Academic medical center. Patient. A 38-year-old patient inadvertently administered 2,000 IU hCG for final oocyte maturation; serum hCG twelve hours later was 16 IU/L. Interventions. Effort to obtain and administer a booster dose of hCG over the next twenty-seven hours failed. Main Outcome. Successful oocyte retrieval. Results. Fourteen oocytes were retrieved of which twelve were in metaphase II and nine fertilized after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Of these, eight embryos survived to day 5 and were subjected to preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Results were available the next day, three of the embryos were euploid and one was transferred on day 6. Pregnancy was confirmed twelve days later and currently the patient has an ongoing singleton intrauterine pregnancy. Conclusion. Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialists should be aware that final oocyte maturation could occur following injection of a lower dose of hCG with excellent fertilization rate and embryo development.
Conhecimento e desejo de saber
Authors: Arantes Fernanda Ferrari
Published: February 2020

Resenha do livro Anacleto, J. M. B. Conhecimento e desejo de saber: de Piaget e Lacan