bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of novel patient-centred juvenile idiopathic arthritis-specific patient-reported outcome and experience measures (PROMs/PREMs)
Authors: Lunt Laura E , Shoop-Worrall Stephanie , Smith Nicola , Cleary Gavin , McDonagh Janet , Smith Andrew D , Thomson Wendy , McErlane Flora
Published: July 2020

Background: Measuring the outcomes that matter to children and young people (CYP) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a necessary precursor to patient-centred improvements in quality of clinical care. We present a two-centre validation of novel JIA patient-reported outcome and experience measures (PROM and PREM) developed as part of the CAPTURE-JIA project. Methods: CYP with JIA were recruited from paediatric rheumatology clinics, completing the CAPTURE-JIA PROM and PREM, CHAQ and CHU 9D. A subset participated in face-to-face interviews and completed the PROM/PREM one week later. The OMERACT filter was applied and the three domains of validation assessed. Truth assessments included cognitive interviewing, sensitivity analysis and Spearman’s correlations. Discrimination assessments included specificity and reliability testing. Feasibility was assessed using time to form completion and proportion of missing data. Results: Eighty-two CYP and their families were recruited; ten cognitive interviews and fifteen PROM/PREM test/retests were conducted. Truth: CYP and parents understood the PROM/PREM and felt important areas were covered. PROM criteria had high sensitivities (>70%) against similar items on the CHU 9D, with the exception of fatigue (58%). Correlations between similar PROM and CHU 9D criteria were moderate to very strong (coefficients 0.40-0.82.) Discrimination: high specificities (>70%) on corresponding PROM and CHU 9D domains. Feasibility: median completion times for PROM sixty seconds (IQR 38-75) and PREM forty-nine seconds (IQR 30-60) respectively. Conclusion: The CAPTURE-JIA PROM and PREM are valid and feasible in UK paediatric rheumatology clinics. Embedding routine collection into clinical care would be a major step towards improving quality of care.
Emergency Demand Response in Edge Computing
Authors: Song Zhaoyan , Zhou Ruiting , Zhao Shihan , Qin Shixin , Lui John C.S. , Li Zongpeng
Published: July 2020

A cloudlet is a small-scale cloud datacenter deployed at the network edge to support mobile applications in proximity with low latency. While an individual cloudlet operates on moderate power, cloudlet clusters are well-suited candidates for emergency demand response (EDR) scenarios due to substantial electricity consumption and job elasticity: mobile workloads in the edge often exhibit elasticity in their execution. To efficiently carry out edge EDR via cloudlet cluster control, two fundamental problems need to be addressed: how to incentivize the participation of cloudlet clusters, and how to schedule and allocate workloads in each cluster to satisfy EDR requirements. We propose a two-stage control scheme, consisting of: i) an auction mechanism to motivate clusters' voluntary energy reduction and select participants with the minimum social cost; ii) an online task scheduling algorithm for chosen clusters to dispatch workloads to guarantee target EDR power reduction. Using the primal-dual optimization theory, we prove that our control scheme is truthful, individually rational, runs in polynomial time and achieves near-optimal performance. Large-scale simulation studies based on real-world data also confirm the efficiency and superiority of our scheme over state-of-the-art algorithms.
Addressing the challenges and relational aspects of index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents: insights from the B-GAP study in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikwari Chido Dziva , Bernays Sarah , Dringus Stefanie , Simms Victoria , Weiss Helen A , Sibanda Edwin , Kranzer Katharina , Ncube Gertrude , Chikodzore Rudo , Webb Karen , Chirimambowa Trevor , Sithole Kenny , Ndondo Nonhlanhla , Apollo Tsitsi , Mutseta Miriam , Ferrand Rashida A
Published: July 2020

Introduction Index-linked HIV testing, targeted at sexual contacts or children of individuals with HIV, may improve yield and efficiency. The B-GAP study evaluated index-linked testing approaches in health facility and community-based settings. This paper reports on a qualitative study to understand factors that affect index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents. Methods We conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with caregivers who had their children tested through B-GAP and one FGD with providers who offered index-linked HIV testing to indexes. We aimed to understand enabling and inhibiting factors in the decision-making process. Translated and transcribed transcripts were read for familiarisation. Following initial coding, analytical memos were written to identify emerging key themes across the data.Results Caregivers did not have adequate knowledge about the need for, and importance of, paediatric HIV testing. Once the decision to test had been made, access to facilities was sometimes challenging, and alleviated by community-based testing. A key finding was that HIV testing is not a discrete event but a process that was influenced by relationships with other family members and children themselves. These relationships raised complex issues that could prevent or delay the testing process. Conclusion There is a need to improve paediatric HIV literacy and to provide support to caregivers and their families in order to improve testing uptake. Addressing access barriers through the provision of community-based testing and implementing a family centred approach can optimize index-linked testing.
Non-Abelian Bloch oscillations in higher-order topological insulators
Authors: Liberto Marco Di , Goldman Nathan , Palumbo Giandomenico
Published: July 2020

Bloch oscillations (BOs) are a fundamental phenomenon by which a wave packet undergoes a periodic motion in a lattice when subjected to an external force. Observed in a wide range of synthetic lattice systems, BOs are intrinsically related to the geometric and topological properties of the underlying band structure. This has established BOs as a prominent tool for the detection of Berry phase effects, including those described by non-Abelian gauge fields. In this work, we unveil a unique topological effect that manifests in the BOs of higher-order topological insulators through the interplay of non-Abelian Berry curvature and quantized Wilson loops. It is characterized by an oscillating Hall drift that is synchronized with a topologically-protected inter-band beating and a multiplied Bloch period. We identify the origin of this synchronization mechanism through a quantum dance of Wannier centers. Our work paves the way to the experimental detection of non-Abelian topological properties in synthetic matter through the measurement of Berry phases and center-of-mass displacements.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the Chinese public with respect to coronavirus disease (COVID-19): An online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Gao Huiming , Hu Rujun , Yin Ling , Yuan Xiaoli , Tang Hao , Luo Lan , Chen Mei , Huang Di , Wang Ying , Yu Anyong , Jiang Zhixia
Published: July 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become pandemic. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the public play a major role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the KAP of the Chinese public and to assess potential influencing factors related to practices.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China in February 2020 via a self-designed questionnaire comprising 33 questions assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices.Results: For the 2,136 respondents from 30 provinces or municipalities in China, the accurate response rate for the knowledge section was 72.7–99.5%, and the average was 91.2%. In the attitude section, the percentage of positive attitudes (“strongly agree” and “agree”) ranged from 94.7–99.7%, and the average value was 98.0%. The good practices (“always” and “often”) results ranged from 76.1–99.5%, and the average value was 96.8%. The independent samples t-test revealed that gender and ethnic differences had no effect on knowledge, attitude or behaviour (P > 0.05). However, knowledge was associated with age (t = 4.842, p < 0.001), marital status (t=-5.323, p < 0.001), education level (t = 8.441, p < 0.001), occupation (t=-10.858, p < 0.001), and place of residence (t = 7.929, p < 0.001). Similarly, attitude was associated with marital status (t=-2.383, p = 0.017), education level (t = 2.106, p = 0.035), occupation (t=-4.834, p < 0.001), and place of residence (t = 4.242, p < 0.001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the factors influencing practices were knowledge (t=-3.281, p = 0.001), attitude (t = 18.756, p < 0.001), occupation (t=-3.860, p < 0.001), education level (t = 3.136, p = 0.002), and place of residence (t = 3.257, p = 0.001).Conclusions: The Chinese public exhibited a good level of knowledge of COVID-19, a positive attitude, and high adherence to good practices. COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices were affected by age, marital status, education level, occupation, and place of residence to varying degrees. In addition, practices were affected by knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19.
Femtosecond control of phonon dynamics near a magnetic order critical point
Authors: Gorobtsov Oleg , Ponet Louis , Patel Sheena , Hua Nelson , Shabalin Anatoly , Hrkac Stjepan , Wingert James , Cela Devin , Glownia James , Zhu Diling , Medapalli Rajasekhar , Chollet Matthieu , Fullerton E.E. , Artyukhin Sergey , Shpyrko Oleg , Singer Andrej
Published: July 2020

The spin-phonon interaction in spin density wave (SDW) systems often determines the free energy landscape that drives the evolution of the system [1, 2]. When a passing energy flux, such as photoexcitation [3], drives a crystalline system far from equilibrium [4] [5], the resulting lattice displacement generates transient vibrational states. Manipulating intermediate vibrational states in the vicinity of the critical point, where the SDW order parameter changes dramatically, would then allow dynamical control over functional properties. Here we combine double photoexcitation [6] with an X-ray Free-Electron Laser (XFEL) probe [7] [8] to control and detect the lifetime and magnitude of the intermediate vibrational state near the critical point of the SDW. We apply Landau theory to identify the mechanism of control as a repeated partial quench and sub picosecond recovery of the SDW. Our results showcase the capabilities to influence and monitor quantum states by combining multiple optical photoexcitations with an XFEL probe. They open new avenues for manipulating and researching the behaviour of photoexcited states in charge and spin order systems near the critical point.
Tailoring Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in a transition metal dichalcogenide by dual-intercalation
Authors: Zheng Guolin , Wang Maoyuan , Zhu Xiangde , Tan Cheng , Wang Jie , Albarakati Sultan , Aloufi Nuriyah , Algarni Meri , Farrar Lawrence , Wu Min , Yao Yugui , Tian Mingliang , Zhou Jianhui , Wang Lan
Published: July 2020

Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) is vital to form various chiral spin textures, novel behaviors of magnons and permits their potential applications in energy-efficient spintronic devices. Here, we realize a sizable bulk DMI in a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) 2H-TaS2 by intercalating Fe atoms, which form the chiral supercells with broken spatial inversion symmetry and also act as the source of magnetic orderings. Using a newly developed protonic gate technology, gate-controlled protons intercalation could further change the carrier density and intensely tune DMI via the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida mechanism. The resultant giant topological Hall resistivity ρxyT of 1.4 μΩ∙cm at Vg=-5.2 V (about 460% of the zero-bias value) is larger than most of the known magnetic materials. Theoretical analysis indicates that such a large topological Hall effect originates from the two-dimensional Bloch-type chiral spin textures stabilized by DMI, while the large anomalous Hall effect comes from the gapped Dirac nodal lines by spin-orbit interaction. Dual-intercalation in 2H-TaS2 provides a model system to reveal the nature of DMI in the large family of TMDs and a promising way of gate tuning of DMI, which further enables an electrical control of the chiral spin textures and related electromagnetic phenomena.
Multispectral camouflage for infrared, visible, lasers and microwave with radiative cooling
Authors: Zhu Huanzheng , Li Qiang , Tao Chenning , Hong Yu , Xu Ziquan , Shen Weidong , Kaur Sandeep , Ghosh Pintu , Qiu Min
Published: July 2020

Interminable surveillance and reconnaissance through various sophisticated multispectral detectors present threats to military equipment and manpower. However, a combination of detectors operating in different wavelength bands (from hundreds of nanometers to centimeters) and based on different principles raises challenges to the conventional single-band camouflage devices. In this paper, multispectral camouflage is demonstrated for the visible, mid-infrared (MIR, 3-5 and 8-14 μm), lasers (1.55 and 10.6 μm) and microwave (8-12 GHz) bands with simultaneous efficient radiative cooling in the non-atmospheric window (5-8 μm). The device for multispectral camouflage consists of ZnS/Ge multilayer for wavelength selective emission and Cu-ITO-Cu metasurface for microwave absorption. In comparison with conventional broadband low emittance material (Cr), the IR camouflage performance of this device manifests 8.4/5.9 °C reduction of inner/surface temperature, and 53.4/13.0 % IR signal decrease in mid/long wavelength IR bands, at 2500 W∙m-2 input power density. Furthermore, we revealed that the natural convection in the atmosphere can be enhanced by radiation in the non-atmospheric window, which increases the total cooling power from 136 W∙m-2 to 252 W∙m-2 at 150 °C surface temperature. This work may introduce the opportunities for multispectral manipulation, infrared signal processing, thermal management, and energy-efficient applications.
Ten years of research and publications about hospice and palliative care in Mainland China: a bibliometric study
Authors: Jin Shuang , Liu Shuo , Li Jiaojiao , Ning Xiaohong , Liu Xiaohong
Published: July 2020

Background Research is a fundamental element in the sustainable development of hospice and palliative care. Mainland China is facing increasing demand for hospice and palliative care and has launched related policies over the past decade. However, the state of research and publications in this field in China remains largely unknown. This study aimed to provide an overall picture of hospice-and palliative care -related research and publications in Mainland China from 2010 to 2019.Methods We searched Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for hospice-and palliative care -related publications in English and Chinese for 2010–2019. We analyzed the production, repercussions, publishing journals, region and institution of origin, and themes and active topics.Results A total of 3140 publications were identified, and 552 of them were of high quality. The production and repercussions showed a clear increase—especially after 2016. However, the regional disparity between East and Western China in production was conspicuous and closely linked to economic factors. Beijing and Shanghai were the most productive regions. The hospice providers in the first five pilot regions had no collaboration with leading universities in their publications. Hospice and palliative care for cancer patients was the most common publication topic; some essential themes were rarely explored.Conclusion Research and publications of hospice and palliative care in Mainland China is developing faster than before; however, it remains at an early stage and should be promoted in terms of interregional equity. Collaboration among different disciplines, institutes, and regions should be encouraged.
Dopaminergic stimulation leads B-cell infiltration into the central nervous system upon autoimmunity
Authors: Prado Carolina , Osorio-Barrios Francisco , Espinoza Alexandra , Saez Juan J , Yuseff María I , Pacheco Rodrigo
Published: July 2020

Background: Recent evidence has shown dopamine as a major regulator of inflammation. Accordingly, dopaminergic regulation of adaptive and innate immune cells plays an important role in the physiopathology of inflammatory disorders. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease involving a CD4+ T-cell-driven autoimmune response to central nervous system (CNS) derived antigens. Evidence from animal models has suggested that B-cells play a fundamental role as antigen-presenting cells (APC) re-stimulating CD4+ T-cells in the CNS as well as regulating T-cell response by mean of inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. Here we addressed the role of the dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3), which display the highest affinity for dopamine, in B-cells in animal models of MS.Methods: Mice harbouring Drd3-deficient or Drd3-suficient B-cells were generated by bone marrow transplantation into recipient mice devoid of B-cells. In these mice we compare the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by immunization with a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-derived peptide (pMOG), a model that leads to CNS-autoimmunity irrespective of the APC function of B-cells, or by immunization with full-length human MOG protein (huMOG), a model in which antigen-specific activated B-cells display a fundamental APCs function in the CNS. Results: Our data shows that, by promoting the expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 in autoreactive B-cells, DRD3-stimulation favours the CNS-tropism in a subset of B-cells that act as APC in the CNS, which is fundamental for disease development. Furthermore, we found that DRD3- stimulation induced the expression of the CNS-homing molecule CD49d in a B-cell subset with anti-inflammatory features, thus attenuating EAE manifestation in a CNS-autoimmunity model independent of the APC function of B-cells.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that DRD3-stimulation in B-cells exerts a dual role in CNS-autoimmunity, favouring CNS-tropism of pro-inflammatory B-cells with APC function, and also promoting CNS-homing of B-cells with anti-inflammatory features. Thus, these results show DRD3-stimulation in B-cells as a key regulator of CNS-autoimmunity.
Impact of placental malaria on maternal, placental and foetal cord responses and its role in pregnancy outcomes in women from Blue Nile State, Sudan
Authors: Omer Samia Ali , Franco-Jarava Clara , Noureldien Ali , Omer Mona , Abdelrahim Mutasim , Molina Israel , Adam Ishag
Published: July 2020

Background
Sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected cells in the placenta results in placental malaria (PM). It activates a mother's immune cells and induces secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which might influence pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to investigate the inflammatory environment in maternal peripheral, placental, and umbilical cord blood in response to PM and the extent to which this may influence maternal haemoglobin levels and birth weight
Methods
A total of 185 consenting Sudanese women from Blue Nile state were enrolled in a cross sectional conducted between Jan 2012-Dec2005. Malaria infection in the collected samples was determined microscopically, and ELISA was used to measure the plasma levels of the antibodies, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and INF γ in the collected positive and negative malaria samples.
Results
Elevated levels of antibodies, IL-4 and IL-10 and reduced levels of IL-6 were detected in the malaria positive samples in comparison to the negative ones in the three types of samples investigated. Maternal antibodies, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the samples collected from the PM infected group compared to the non-infected control (P < 0.001). While the absence of PM was significantly associated with the IL-6 and maternal IFN-γ levels, maternal IL-17A, placental and umbilical cord IFN-γ levels showed no significant difference (P = 0.214, P = 0.065, P = 0.536 respectively) due to infection. Haemoglobin level and birth weight were increased in the group with high levels of IL-6 and IL-17A but not in the group with IL-4 and IL-10 levels. Only maternal peripheral FN-γ level was significantly positively correlated with maternal hemoglobin (r = 0.171, P = 0.020), and baby birth weight (r = 0.233, P = 0.001).
Conclusion
These results suggest that PM cross-reacts with the mother’s immune response and impairs her cytokine profile, which might alter maternal haemoglobin levels and the baby's birth weight.
Examination on Level of Scale Efficiency In Public Hospitals In Tanzania
Authors: Fumbwe Fatuma , Lihawa Robert , Andrew Felician , Kinyanjui George , Mkuna Eliaza
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Tanzania has implemented policies that aim at improving health sector performance as well as the general health status of citizens. Establishment of community insurance fund, increase government budget allocation in health sector, establishment of institutions for critical and special diseases like Tanzania Ocean road cancer institute, Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute and many other that aim at improving sector efficiency. These efforts and policies had a direct impact on improving the health sector and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite these improvement efforts, the health sector continues to face enormous challenges. Among the major challenges identified is the level of inefficiencies in healthcare delivery. It is for this reason; this paper examines the scale efficiency level in Tanzania’s public hospitals.Methods: Using data from the Ministry of Health, this paper employs the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to examine Tanzania’s public hospital efficiency levels.Results: Findings showed that the average scale efficiency was 78.6%. and 72.9% for regional and district hospitals respectively. Additionally, 43.8% of the regional referral hospitals attained the most productive scale size compared to 21.05% in district hospitals.Conclusion: The study concludes that there is dire need for the ministry of health to consider resource reallocation across public hospitals. Periodic re-estimation of efficiency levels coupled with increased health care input injection is of urgent need.
Mental Activity and All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults: A 4-Year Community-Based Cohort
Authors: Xiao Qianyi , Liu Xin , Ruan Ye , Huang Limei , Guo Yanfei , Sun Shuangyuan , Chen Hao , Gao Junling , Shi Yan
Published: July 2020

Background
The mental activity, such as reading, playing mahjong or cards and computer use, is common among older adults in China. Previous researches suggest a protective role of mental activity against cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between mental activity and all-cause mortality has rarely been reported.
Objectives
This study aims to explore the effect of mental activity on all-cause mortality in a community-based elderly cohort in China.
Methods
The current study sample comprised 4003 community residents age ≥ 60 y who were enrolled at June 2015, and were followed up every year from 2015 to 2018. Reading, playing mahjong or cards and computer use were measured by questionnaires and summed into a mental activity index (MAI) score. Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to examined the effect of mental activity on all-cause mortality.
Results
During 4 y of follow-up of 4003 participants, 208 (5.2%) deaths were registered. Of all participants, 66.8%, 26.7%, 6.1% and 0.35% reported 0, 1, 2 and 3 MAI score, respectively. There was a strong association between the MAI score and all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.54–0.96, P = 0.025). Stratified analysis suggested that higher MAI score was significantly associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality mainly among those who were male, aged ≥ 80 y, physical inactive, and diagnosed without cancer in past (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Mental activity could reduce the risk for death from all cause, which help promote a comprehensive understanding of health characteristics at advanced ages.
Predicting Osteoporosis with Body Compositions in Postmenopausal Women: A Noninvasive Method
Authors: Hsu Wei-Hsiu , Hsu Wei-Bin , Fan Chun-Hao , Hsu Wen-Wei Robert
Published: July 2020

Background: The prevalence of osteoporosis is rising steadily as the aging population increases. Bone mineral density (BMD) assessment is an established test for osteoporosis. However, the accessibility and radiation exposure limited its role in community screening. A more convenient approach for screening is suggested.Methods: A total of 363 postmenopausal women over 50 age were included in this study and assessed with the body composition [including fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR)] and BMD. Normal distributions and correlation coefficients among variables were calculated using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Pearson’s correlation analysis, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and area under the ROC curves (AUC) was determined the optimal cut-off values of the body composition variables for osteoporosis prediction.Results: The correlation coefficient of FFM, FM, FM ratio and BMR with femur neck T-score were 0.373, 0.266, 0.165, and 0.369, respectively while with spine T-score were 0.350, 0.251, 0.166, and 0.352, respectively (p < 0.01 for all). FFM, FM, and BMR showed an optimal the cut-off value of 37.9 kg, 18.6 kg and 1187.5 kcal for detecting osteoporosis.Conclusions: The present study provided a model to predict osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and the optimal cut-off value of FFM, FM, and BMR could be calculated. Among these factors, BMR seemed a better predictor than others. The BMR could be a target for exercise intervention in postmenopausal women for maintaining or improving BMD.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02936336. Registered 13 October 2016 -Retrospectively registered
Defining Type 2 asthma and patients eligible for dupilumab in Italy: a biomarker-based analysis
Authors: Canonica Giorgio Walter , Blasi Francesco , Crimi Nunzio , Paggiaro Pierluigi , Papi Alberto , Fanelli Francesca , Stassaldi Annalisa , Furneri Gianluca
Published: July 2020

Background Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and mucus production. In Type 2 asthma, two phenotypic components are often co-expressed (eosinophilic and allergic). Elevated biomarker levels, such as eosinophils (EOS), fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and immunoglobulin E (IgE), are key clinical indicators of Type 2 inflammation. Dupilumab has been recently approved for the treatment of uncontrolled severe Type 2 asthma. Type 2 asthma includes allergic and/or eosinophilic phenotypes. The aim of this analysis was to estimate the dupilumab-eligible population in Italy and characterize it by expected biomarker status.Methods A 4-step approach was carried out to calculate dupilumab-eligible population. The approach consisted in: 1) estimating the total number of asthma patients in Italy (using 2016–2017 Italian-adapted Global Initiative for Asthma -GINA- guidelines); 2) estimating the number of severe asthma patients with poorly controlled or uncontrolled disease (using the findings of two recent administrative claim analyses conducted in Italy); 3) stratifying the severe uncontrolled population by biomarker levels (EOS, FeNO and IgE) according to the outcomes of the QUEST trial (a clinical study assessing the efficacy of dupilumab in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma; NCT02414854); 4) identifying the sub-populations of severe uncontrolled asthma patients characterised by raised blood EOS and/or FeNO level (thus indicated to receive dupilumab).Results According to these estimates, about 3.3 million asthmatic patients live in Italy (6.10% of the population). Of them, almost 20 thousand (N = 19,960) have uncontrolled severe asthma. Dupilumab-eligible patients would be N = 15,988, corresponding to 80.1% of the total uncontrolled severe population. Most of these patients (89.3%; N = 14,271) have at least an increase of EOS level, while slightly more than half (51.9%; N = 8,303) have raised levels of both biomarkers. Increased FeNO levels without increased EOS are observed less frequently (N = 1,717; 10.7% of the eligible population).Conclusions There is a strong rationale for testing all asthma biomarkers during diagnosis and disease follow-up. Given the large availability and the limited costs, these tests are cost-effective tools to detect severe Type 2 asthma, stratify patients by phenotype, and drive appropriate treatment decisions.
Development of a Behaviour Change Workplace-Based Intervention to Improve Nurses’ Eating and Physical Activity
Authors: Power Brian T , Kiezebrink Kirsty , Allan Julia L , Campbell Marion K
Published: July 2020

Background There is a critical need for an intervention to improve nurse’s eating and physical activity behaviours. As nurses spend a substantial proportion of their waking hours at work, concerted efforts to deliver such interventions in the workplace is growing. This study formed part of a multiphase programme of research that aimed to systematically develop an evidence-based and theory-informed workplace intervention to promote changes in eating and physical activity among nurses.Methods The intervention was developed iteratively, in line with Medical Research Council complex intervention guidelines. It involved four activities; (1) identifying the evidence base; (2) understanding the determinants of nurses’ eating and physical activity behaviour change through theory-based qualitative interviews and survey; (3) identifying intervention options using the Behaviour Change Wheel; and (4) specifying intervention content and implementation options using a taxonomy of behaviour change techniques.Results Data from 13 randomised controlled trials indicated that workplace-based behaviour change interventions targeted to this population are effective in changing behaviour. The evidence base was, however, limited in quantity and quality. Nurses’ beliefs about important factors determining their eating and physical activity behaviour were identified across 16 qualitative interviews and 245 survey responses and key determinants included: environmental context and resources; behavioural regulation; emotion; beliefs about consequences; knowledge and optimism. Based on these findings, 22 behaviour change techniques suitable for targeting the identified determinants were identified and combined into a potential workplace intervention. Conclusions An evidence-based and theory-informed intervention tailored to the target population and setting has been explicitly conceptualised using a systematic approach. The proposed intervention addresses previous evidence gaps for the user population of nurses. Further to this, such an intervention, if implemented, has the potential to impact nurses’ eating and physical activity behaviours and in turn, the health of nurses and the quality of healthcare delivery.
Association between visceral adiposity and DDX11 as a predictor of aggressiveness of small clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma: a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Park Jee Soo , Jang Won Sik , Kim Jongchan , Lee Seung Hwan , Rha Koon Ho , Ham Won Sik
Published: July 2020

BackgroundVisceral fat produces several hormones and cytokines associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Herein, we investigated the association between visceral adiposity and target-gene mRNA expression in patients with localized small clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC).MethodsWe included 105 patients with localized clinical T1a stage ccRCC who had undergone nephrectomy from November 2018 to November 2019 in a prospective clinical trial (NCT03694912). Visceral, subcutaneous, and total adipose tissue in these patients was measured via preoperative computerized tomography of the mid-third lumbar vertebra region. We then examined the association between adiposity and the mRNA levels of PBRM1, BAP1, SETD2, KDM5C, FOXC2, CLIP4, AQP1, DDX11, BAIAP2L1, and TMEM38B in matched frozen tumor tissues and plasma samples.ResultsUpon the stratification of patients into quartiles according to their relative visceral adiposity, high visceral adiposity was found to be significantly associated with low ISUP grade (P = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between visceral adiposity and body mass index [odds ratio (OR) 1.462, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.175–1.820, P = 0.017], plasma levels of DDX11 mRNA (OR 0.928, 95% CI 0.870–0.989, P = 0.022), and ISUP nuclear grade (OR 0.258, 95% CI 0.069–0.965, P = 0.044). The plasma mRNA expression of DDX11 was identified as a biomarker for visceral adiposity.ConclusionsThe results obtained herein will aid in inferring the aggressiveness of small ccRCCs, represented by ISUP nuclear grade, in clinical practice. Our findings indicated that DDX11 and visceral fat play active roles in small ccRCC. These roles should be examined in future studies for the possible use of DDX11 and visceral fat as prognostic biomarkers in the treatment of patients with ccRCC.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03694912, Registered 3 October 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03694912
Effect of Bi2O3-B2O3 as a Sintering aid in Microstructure and Dielectric Properties of Fe2Mo3O12 Electroceramic.
Authors: Araújo Eduardo , Silva Marcelo , Pereira Mauricio , Sombra Antonio , Vasconcelos Igor , Fechine Pierre
Published: July 2020

Molybdates from A2Mo3O12 family have been widely investigated due to its low sintering temperature, low thermal expansion coefficient, and low dielectric loss. Fe2Mo3O12 (FMO) is an oxide from this family and widely used in the catalytic field. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of the Bi2O3-B2O3 as a sintering aid in the microstructure and dielectric properties of FMO. The diffraction results showed that the FMO with the monoclinic structure phase was obtained after the calcination process (650 °C). Mössbauer spectroscopy showed the formation of Fe2O3 after the sintering process at 800 °C. The scanning electron-microscopic demonstrates an increase of the grain as a function of sintering aid concentration. The samples were analyzed by using the impedance spectroscopy at radiofrequency with temperature variation. The Nyquist diagram obtained in this temperature range was fitted from an equivalent circuit with three R-CPE associations, corresponding to the morphology of the electroceramics. For dielectric properties in the microwave, all the samples showed values of εr lower than 10. Values of Q x f above 14132.35 GHz were achieved. The thermal stability was evaluated by the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf). The lowest τf values of -6.55 ppm/°C and -4.35 ppm/°C (near-zero) were measured to FMO and FMO mixed with 7.5 wt% Bi2O3-B2O3, respectively. Based on these results, FMO can be used to low permittivity ceramic for low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) applications, antenna substrate, and millimeter-wave range.
Genetic diversity of circumsporozoite protein in Plasmodium knowlesi isolates from Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Chong Eric Tzyy Jiann , Neoh Joveen Wan Fen , Lau Tiek Ying , Lim Yvonne Ai-Lian , Chai Hwa Chia , Chua Kek Heng , Lee Ping Chin
Published: July 2020

Background
Understanding the genetic diversity of candidate genes for malaria vaccines such as circumsporozoite protein (csp) may enhance the development of vaccines for treating Plasmodium knowlesi. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity of non-repeat regions of csp in P. knowlesi from Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.
Methods
A total of 46 csp genes were subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification. The genes were obtained from P. knowlesi isolates collected from different divisions of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and Peninsular Malaysia. The targeted gene fragments were cloned into a commercial vector and sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed while incorporating 168 csp sequences retrieved from the GenBank database. The genetic diversity and natural evolution of the csp sequences were analysed using MEGA6 and DnaSP ver. 5.10.01. A genealogical network of the csp haplotypes was generated using NETWORK ver. 4.6.1.3.
Results
The phylogenetic analysis revealed indistinguishable clusters of P. knowlesi isolates across different geographic regions, including Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Nucleotide analysis showed that the csp non-repeat regions of zoonotic P. knowlesi isolates obtained in this study underwent purifying selection with population expansion, which was supported by extensive haplotype sharing observed between humans and macaques.
Conclusions
The csp non-repeat regions are relatively conserved and cannot be used to distinguish P. knowlesi isolates between Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Novel variations were observed in the C-terminal non-repeat region of csp. The data obtained could be beneficial for the design and development of vaccines to treat P. knowlesi.
A Cohort Study To Identify Risk Factors For Malaria In Burkinabe Children: Implications For Other High Burden High Impact Countries
Authors: Yaro Jean Baptiste , Ouedraogo Alphonse , Ouedraogo Z Amidou , Diarra Amidou , Lankouande Malik , Agboraw Efundem , Worrall Eve , Toe Kobié Hyacinthe , Sanou Antoine , Guelbeogo W Moussa , Sagnon N’Fale , Ranson Hilary , Tiono Alfred B. , Lindsay Steven W , Wilson Anne Louise
Published: July 2020

Background: Progress in controlling malaria has stalled in recent years. Today the malaria burden is increasingly concentrated in a few countries, including Burkina Faso, where malaria is not declining. We carried out a cohort study to identify risk factors for malaria infection in children in south-west Burkina Faso, an area with high insecticide-treated net (ITN) coverage and insecticide-resistant vectors.Methods: Incidence of malaria infection was measured in 252 children aged 5 to 15 years, using active and passive detection, during the 2017 transmission season, following clearance of infection. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and entomological risk factors, including use of ITNs and insecticide resistance were monitored. Results: During the six-month follow-up period, the overall incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection, was 2.78 episodes per child (95% CI= 2.66-2.91) by microscopy, and 3.11 (95% CI= 2.95-3.28) by PCR. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was 80.4 infective bites per child over the six-month malaria transmission season. At baseline, 80.6% of children were reported as sleeping under an ITN the previous night, although at the last survey, 23.3% of nets were in poor condition and considered no longer protective. No association was found between the rate of P. falciparum infection and either EIR (Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR: 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00–1.00, p=0.08) or mortality in WHO tube tests when vectors were exposed to 0.05% deltamethrin (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.73–1.50, p=0.79). Travel history (IRR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.45–1.59, p<0.001) and increasing socio-economic status were associated with an increased risk of P. falciparum infection (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.11, p=0.04).Conclusions: Malaria infection incidence remains overwhelmingly high in the study area. Our findings suggest that because of the exceptionally high levels of malaria transmission in the study area, malaria elimination cannot be achieved solely by mass deployment of ITNs and additional control measures are needed.
Teste de repelência de óleos essenciais sobre Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Guerra Antonia Mirian Nogueira de Moura , Silva Deyse dos Santos , Santos Priscila Silva , Santos Lucas Barbosa dos
Published: July 2020

Este trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia campus Barra, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito repelente dos óleos essenciais de plantas medicinais, como método de controle do bruchidio Callosobruchus maculatus. O efeito repelente dos óleos essenciais de Capim-santo (Cymbopogon citratus) e Erva cidreira brasileira (Lippia alba) e do extrato etanólico de Malvão (Plectranthus amboinicus) foi testado sobre os adultos de C. maculatus. Os óleos essenciais foram obtidos em extração por arraste de vapor utilizando o aparelho de extração tipo Clevenger. Já o extrato etanólico Malvão foi obtido a partir da maceração de 100g de folhas e imersão em 200 mL de etanol 70%, e após 48h foi realizada a filtragem. Utilizaram-se placas de Petri de 90mm de diâmetro contendo discos de papel filtro divididos ao meio para a aplicação dos óleos essenciais/extrato etanólico, sendo aplicados em uma das metades e na outra aplicou-se apenas água destilada como controle. Após a secagem foram liberados 10 insetos adultos não sexados, registrando, após 24h a sua distribuição. Para o estudo de repelência foram utilizadas as doses de 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100μL. Nos ensaios de mortalidade, utilizou-se um tempo fixo de 24h para a avaliação, e avaliou-se a variação nas doses dos óleos/extrato sobre a mortalidade dos insetos. Seguiu-se a mesma metodologia de aplicação dos óleos essenciais/extrato sobre discos de discos de papel filtro nas placas de Petri. Adotaram-se as doses de 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100μL do óleo/extrato etanólico. Os testes foram realizados em uma temperatura ambiente de 27 ± 2 °C e uma umidade relativa do ar de 70 ± 5%. Foram estimadas as doses letais para 30, 50, 70 e 90% dos insetos adultos para cada espécie. Seguiu-se um esquema fatorial com seis repetições num delineamento inteiramente casualizado. As espécies avaliadas neste estudo apresentaram efeito repelente e potencial inseticida, causando mortalidades acima de 50% e Índices de Repelência (IR) de aproximadamente 100% sobre o C. maculatus. O óleo essencial de L. alba o foi mais eficiente nas doses superiores a 40μL ocasionando maior IR. Os óleos essenciais de C. citratus e L. alba ocasionaram mortalidades superiores a 70%. Observou-se que os óleos essenciais apresentaram toxidade aguda tópica para os gorgulhos C. maculatus: C. citratus (DL50 = 13,67μL), L. alba (DL50 = 13,28μL) e P. amboinicus (DL50 = 12,89μL). Os óleos essenciais e o extrato etanólico das plantas estudadas apresentaram toxicidade ao gorgulho-do-feijão, podendo, serem utilizados no controle desta praga durante o armazenamento
Unpacking piped water consumption subsidies: Who benefits? New evidence from 10 countries
Authors: Abramovsky Laura , Andrés Luis , Joseph George , Rud Juan Pablo , Sember Germán , Thibert Michael
Published: July 2020

This paper provides new evidence on the recent performance of piped water consumption subsidies in terms of pro-poor targeting for 10 low- and middle-income countries around the world. Our results suggest that in these countries, existing tariff structures fall well short of recovering the costs of service provision, and that, moreover, the resulting subsidies largely fail to achieve the goal of improving the accessibility and affordability of piped water among the poor. Instead, the majority of subsidies in all 10 countries are captured by the richest households. On average, across the 10 low- and middle-income countries examined, 56% of subsidies end up in the pockets of the richest 20%, but only 6% of subsidies find their way to the poorest 20%. This is predominantly due to the most vulnerable segments of the population facing challenges in access and connection to piped water services. Shortcomings in the design of the subsidy, conditional on poor households being connected, exist but are less important.
Tumor-Induced Metabolism and T Cells Located in Tumor Environment
Authors: Iranparast Sara , Tayebi Sanaz , Ahmadpour Fatemeh , Yousefi Bahman
Published: July 2020

Several subtypes of T cells are located in a tumor environment, each of which supplies
their energy using different metabolic mechanisms. Since the cancer cells require high levels of glucose,
the conditions of food poverty in the tumor environment can cause inactivation of immune
cells, especially the T-effector cells, due to the need for glucose in the early stages of these cells activity.
Different signaling pathways, such as PI3K-AKt-mTOR, MAPK, HIF-1α, etc., are activated
or inactivated by the amount and type of energy source or oxygen levels that determine the fate of
T cells in a cancerous environment. This review describes the metabolites in the tumor environment
and their effects on the function of T cells. It also explains the signaling pathway of T cells in
the tumor and normal conditions, due to the level of access to available metabolites and subtypes
of T cells in the tumor environment.
Phytocannabinoids: General Aspects and Pharmacological Potential in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: dos Reis Rosa Franco Graziella , Smid Scott , Viegas Cláudio
Published: July 2020

In the last few years research into Cannabis and its constituent phytocannabinoids has
burgeoned, particularly in the potential application of novel cannabis phytochemicals for the treatment
of diverse illnesses related to neurodegeneration and dementia, including Alzheimer’s (AD),
Parkinson’s (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD). To date, these neurological diseases have mostly
relied on symptomatological management. However, with an aging population globally, the search
for more efficient and disease-modifying treatments that could delay or mitigate disease progression
is imperative. In this context, this review aims to present state of the art in the research with cannabinoids
and novel cannabinoid-based drug candidates that have been emerged as novel promising
alternatives for drug development and innovation in the therapeutics of a number of diseases, especially
those related to CNS-disturbance and impairment.
Molecular Cloning and Structural Insights into Pectin Lyase Proteins from Different Strains of Fusarium
Authors: Yadav Sangeeta , Anand Gautam , Singh Vinay K , Yadav Dinesh
Published: July 2020

Aim:

Molecular cloning and analysis of Pectin Iyase (PNL) genes from different strains
of Fusarium for structural predictions and docking studies.

Background:

PNLs cleave pectin by β-elimination resulting in the formation of 4,5-unsaturated oligogalacturonates,
without affecting the ester content of the polymer chain and hence maintaining
the specific aroma of fruits. Several PNL lyase genes from Aspergillus and Penicillium have been
cloned, but the molecular biology of that from Fusarium has not been explored.

Objective:

To obtain an insight into the three-dimensional structure of PNL of Fusarium.

Methods:

PCR amplification-based molecular cloning of PNL genes from Fusarium strains, sequencing,
and sequence analysis using bioinformatics tools for homology search, multiple sequence
alignment, motif search, physiochemical characterization, phylogenetic tree construction,
3D structure prediction, and molecular docking were conducted.

Results:

Five PNL genes were cloned from F. oxysporum MTCC1755, F. monoliforme var. subglutinans
MTCC2015, F. avenaceum MTCC10572, and F. solani MTCC3004 using the PCR approach.
Many conserved amino acids were found at several positions in all the PNL proteins. Phylogenetic
analysis of these proteins with other pectinases revealed two major clusters representing
members of lyases and hydrolases. In-silico characterization revealed stable PNL proteins. PNL
proteins from different Fusarium strains were similar in structural features and biochemical properties
owing to their similar primary sequence. Docking studies revealed that electrostatic forces and
van der Waal and hydrogen bonds effectuate the interaction between the ligand and the enzyme. Aspartate,
tyrosine, and tryptophan residues in the active site of the enzyme are responsible for ligand
binding.

Conclusion:

PNL from different Fusarium species show similarity at structural as well as biochemical
level. PNL protein from F. moniliforme and F. solani was similar in properties except for the
variation of single amino acid. Docking studies on the enzyme and different ligands provided an insight
into the interacting residues and forces as well as the suitability of the substrate for catalysis.