bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tobacco import and tobacco control in five countries: lessons learned for Indonesia
Authors: Ahsan Abdillah , Wiyono Nur Hadi , Veruswati Meita , Adani Nadhila , Kusuma Dian , Amalia Nadira
Published: July 2020

Background

With a 264 million population and the second highest male smoking prevalence in the world, Indonesia hosted over 60 million smokers in 2018. However, the government still has not ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. In the meantime, tobacco import increases rapidly in Indonesia. These create a double, public health and economic burden for Indonesia’s welfare.

Objective

Our study analyzed the trend of tobacco import in five countries: Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Also, we analyze the tobacco control policies implemented in these countries and determine some lessons learn for Indonesia.

Methods

We conducted quantitative analyses on tobacco production, consumption, export, and import during 1990–2016 in the five countries. Data were analyzed using simple ordinary least square regressions, correcting for time series autocorrelation. We also conducted a desk review on the tobacco control policies implemented in the five countries.

Results

While local production decreased by almost 20% during 1990–2016, the proportion of tobacco imports out of domestic production quadrupled from 17 to 65%. Similarly, the ratio of tobacco imports to exports reversed from 0.7 (i.e., exports were higher) to 2.9 (i.e., import were 2.9 times higher than export) in 1990 and 2016, respectively. This condition is quite different from the other four respective countries in the observation where their tobacco export is higher than the import. From the tobacco control point of view, the four other countries have ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Conclusion

The situation is unlikely for Indonesia to either reduce tobacco consumption or improve the local tobacco farmer’s welfare, considering that the number of imports continued to increase. Emulating from the four countries, Indonesia must ratify the FCTC and implement stricter tobacco control policies to decrease tobacco consumption and import.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with chondrosarcomatous differentiation: a case report
Authors: Liu Jixuan , Cui Ni , Ding Wenjia , Dong Xinjie , Chen Xiaoshuai , Jiang Jun , Liu Yafang
Published: July 2020

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare malignant tumor. In addition to the main ATC type with classical histopathological features, the other morphological types of ATC include paucicellular variant, angiomatoid, lymphoepithelioma-like, and small-cell variant. However, an ATC variant with a chondrosarcomatous component has not been reported to date.

Case presentation

Computed tomography imaging of a 63-year-old male with a 2-month history of a cervical mass revealed a 4.5-cm lesion with heterogeneous enhancement in the left thyroid lobe and two smooth and homogeneous nodules in the right thyroid lobe. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and cervical lymph node resection. Histologically, the tumor boundary in the left lobe was clear, with a few mitotically active, spindle sarcoma-like tumor cells observed in some areas. Immunohistochemically, these spindle cells were positive for vimentin and negative for cytokeratin, paired box-8, epithelial membrane antigen, calcitonin, thyroglobulin, and thyroid transcription factor-1. In other areas, abundant cartilage matrix production and irregularly shaped lobules of cartilage, often separated by fibrous bands, were observed. The chondrocytes appeared mildly/moderately atypical and contained enlarged, hyperchromatic nucleoli. One of the two nodules in the right thyroid lobe had a clear boundary and comprised some bland spindle cells in a prominently collagenous stroma with clear boundaries. The other nodule in the right thyroid lobe was completely enclosed within a thin, fibrous capsule and exhibited normofollicular and microfollicular architecture. The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy after the surgery and was free of any local or regional recurrence or distant metastases at the 8-month follow-up evaluation.

Conclusions

This unusual case of ATC with chondrosarcomatous differentiation is an important addition to the morphology spectrum of ATC types.
Ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma arising in serous borderline tumor: a case report with complex morphological and molecular analysis
Authors: Dundr Pavel , Gregová Mária , Němejcová Kristýna , Bártů Michaela , Hájková Nikola , Hojný Jan , Stružinská Ivana , Fischerová Daniela
Published: July 2020

Background

Mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (M-LAC) is a rare, recently described tumor occurring in the uterine corpus and ovary, which shares the same morphological and immunohistochemical features with the more common mesonephric adenocarcinoma (MAC), which mostly arises the uterine cervix. Despite the similarities between these tumors, the histogenesis of M-LAC is still disputable.

Case presentation

Sixty-one-year-old woman presented with an advanced tumor of the left ovary with intraabdominal spread and liver metastases. After receiving 5 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, she underwent a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and resection of the liver metastasis, omentum, and appendix. Histologically, the ovarian tumor consisted of two components, whose morphology and immunohistochemical results were typical of either a serous borderline tumor (immunohistochemical positivity for PAX8, WT1, ER and PR) or a mesonephric-like carcinoma (immunohistochemical positivity for PAX8, TTF1 and GATA3). Only the component of the mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma metastasized to the omentum and liver. A molecular analysis with a panel of 271 genes (size 1020 kbp) was performed separately on samples from the borderline tumor, primary ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma, and liver metastasis. The results showed the clonal origin of all samples, which shared the same KRAS (NM_004985.3:c.34G > T, p.(G12C)) and PIK3CA (NM_006218.2:c.1633G > A, p.(E545K)) somatic mutations. Moreover, in the sample from the primary mesonephric-like carcinoma and its liver metastasis a likely pathogenic somatic MYCN mutation (NM_005378.4:c.131C > T, p.(P44L) was found. In all samples, the deletion of exons 9–10 in the CHEK2 gene was present, which is in concordance with the previously performed genetic testing of the blood specimen which revealed the hereditary CHEK2 mutation in this patient.

Conclusions

Our result support the theory that at least some mesonephric-like ovarian adenocarcinomas are of Müllerian origin. The serous borderline tumor seems to be a precursor of mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma, which has been proven in our case by both tumors sharing the same mutations, and the presence of cumulative molecular aberrations in the mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma.
The application of histone deacetylases inhibitors in glioblastoma
Authors: Chen Rui , Zhang Mengxian , Zhou Yangmei , Guo Wenjing , Yi Ming , Zhang Ziyan , Ding Yanpeng , Wang Yali
Published: July 2020

The epigenetic abnormality is generally accepted as the key to cancer initiation. Epigenetics that ensure the somatic inheritance of differentiated state is defined as a crucial factor influencing malignant phenotype without altering genotype. Histone modification is one such alteration playing an essential role in tumor formation, progression, and resistance to treatment. Notably, changes in histone acetylation have been strongly linked to gene expression, cell cycle, and carcinogenesis. The balance of two types of enzyme, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), determines the stage of histone acetylation and then the architecture of chromatin. Changes in chromatin structure result in transcriptional dysregulation of genes that are involved in cell-cycle progression, differentiation, apoptosis, and so on. Recently, HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) are identified as novel agents to keep this balance, leading to numerous researches on it for more effective strategies against cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). This review elaborated influences on gene expression and tumorigenesis by acetylation and the antitumor mechanism of HDACis. Besdes, we outlined the preclinical and clinical advancement of HDACis in GBM as monotherapies and combination therapies.
Blocking IL-1 to prevent respiratory failure in COVID-19
Authors: van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Netea Mihai G.
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 is an emerging disease that can manifest itself as asymptomatic or mild respiratory tract infection in the majority of individuals, but in some, it can progress into severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Inflammation is known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of severe infections and ARDS and evidence is emerging that the IL-1/IL-6 pathway is highly upregulated in patients with severe disease. These findings open new avenues for host-directed therapies in patients with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and might in addition to antiviral treatment be enough to curb the currently unacceptably high morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19.
Resting behavior of Aedes aegypti in southeastern Senegal
Authors: Diallo Diawo , Diallo Mawlouth
Published: July 2020

Background

Only the sylvatic and zoophilic population of Aedes aegypti was formerly identified in southeastern Senegal. A newly established anthropophilic population was detected in the urban area of the Kedougou city. Because of its new behavior, this species could play a primary role in the transmission of dengue and other arboviruses in this area. Because these arboviruses have no vaccine and specific treatments, vector control remains the only effective way to control their outbreaks. Effective vector control strategies require to understand some aspects of the bioecology of the vector, specially resting behavior. The aims of this study were to investigate the sites and resting behavior of Ae. aegypti in southeastern Senegal.

Methods

Mosquitoes were collected in several potential resting places (rooms, tires, bricks and scrap metal) by two technicians using a CDC back-pack aspirator in the Kedougou bus station and other sites within the city and the nearby rural area. Collected mosquitoes were identified and classified.

Results

A total of 1291 mosquitoes belonging to 6 genera and 20 species were collected. Aedes aegypti was the dominant species in all the resting places investigated. This species was found resting equally in rooms, bricks, tires and scrap metal. The average number of Ae. aegypti collected in resting places was higher in the bus station (center of the city) compared to the other areas. The rates of unfed and fed females varied significantly in the different resting places while the proportions of gravid females which varied between 7.8% in tires and 1.8% in rooms were comparable.

Conclusions

This study showed that Ae. aegypti could be found resting indoors and in several sites, including in used tires outdoors. These data will be helpful in setting better arboviruses surveillance and vector control strategies.
Existence of ground state for fractional Kirchhoff equation with $L^{2}$ critical exponents
Authors: Han Yaling , Zhang Yimin
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider a class of fractional Kirchhoff equations with $L^{2}$

L
2

critical exponents. By using the scaling technique and concentration-compactness principle we obtain the existence and nonexistence of ground state for fractional Kirchhoff equation with $L^{2}$

L
2

critical exponent.
Nonlinear regularized long-wave models with a new integral transformation applied to the fractional derivative with power and Mittag-Leffler kernel
Authors: Yavuz Mehmet , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a fundamental solution method for nonlinear fractional regularized long-wave (RLW) models. Since analytical methods cannot be applied easily to solve such models, numerical or semianalytical methods have been extensively considered in the literature. In this paper, we suggest a solution method that is coupled with a kind of integral transformation, namely Elzaki transform (ET), and apply it to two different nonlinear regularized long wave equations. They play an important role to describe the propagation of unilateral weakly nonlinear and weakly distributer liquid waves. Therefore, these equations have been noticed by scientists who study waves their movements. Particularly, they have been used to model a large class of physical and engineering phenomena. In this context, this paper takes into consideration an up-to-date method and fractional operators, and aims to obtain satisfactory approximate solutions to nonlinear problems. We present this achievement, firstly, by defining the Elzaki transforms of Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative (ABFD) and Caputo fractional derivative (CFD) and then applying them to the RLW equations. Finally, numerical outcomes giving us better approximations after only a few iterations can be easily obtained.
Body fat percentage assessment by skinfold equation, bioimpedance and densitometry in older adults
Authors: Silveira Erika Aparecida , Barbosa Larissa Silva , Rodrigues Ana Paula Santos , Noll Matias , De Oliveira Cesar
Published: July 2020

Background

Body fat estimation allows measuring changes over time attributed to interventions and treatments in different settings such as hospitals, clinical practice, nursing homes and research. However, only few studies have compared different body fat estimation methods in older adults with inconsistent results. We estimated body fat percentage (%BF) and the level of agreement among dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and Durnin & Womersley’s skinfold eq. (SF) in older Brazilian adults aged 60 years and older from the Elderly Project Goiânia, Brazil.

Methods

The analytical sample comprised of 132 participants who had DXA data. The level of agreement for the %BF estimated by BIA, SF and DXA i.e. reference method, was examined using Bland and Altman’s and Lin’s plot.

Results

Overall, women had higher body mass index and %BF values measured by all three methods used. BIA and SF equation showed strong concordance to estimate body fat percentage in all participants (CCC = 0.857 and 0.861, respectively) and among women (CCC = 0.788 and 0.726, respectively) when compared to DXA. However, both methods underestimated body fat percentage in women and men with high body fat percentage. A strong level of agreement was observed between DXA and the anthropometric equation developed by Durnin & Womersley in men (CCC = 0.846), while BIA had a moderate concordance (CCC = 0.505) in this group.

Conclusion

The examined methods indicated different body fat estimates. However, the best agreement was observed between DXA and the anthropometric SF equation for men. Future research in older adults should develop new SF equations considering different ethnic groups.
Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis and their cytotoxicity on human cancer cell lines
Authors: Choi Sung-Kyu , Lee Yeong-Geun , Wang Rong Bo , Kim Hyoung-Geun , Yoon Dahye , Lee Dae Young , Kim Yeon-Ju , Baek Nam-In
Published: July 2020

Repeated chromatographic separations of the EtOAc fraction of Schisandra chinensis fruits on silica gel, octadecyl silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20 led to the isolation and identification of seven dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (1–7). The NMR data reported in the literature for angeloyl gomisin H (5) were shown to be incorrect. We unambiguously identified the compounds based on detailed analysis of the 1D and 2D NMR data, especially from HMBC and NOESY experiments. In addition, MTT assays and cell viability experiments verified the cytotoxicity of the isolated dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans against the human cancer cell lines AGS, HeLa, and HT-29.
A study comparing the experiences of family and friends of young people with borderline personality disorder features with family and friends of young people with other serious illnesses and general population adults
Authors: Seigerman Mirra R. , Betts Jennifer K. , Hulbert Carol , McKechnie Ben , Rayner Victoria K. , Jovev Martina , Cotton Sue M. , McCutcheon Louise , McNab Catharine , Burke Emma , Chanen Andrew M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Family and friends (‘carers’) of adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and carers of young people with other serious illnesses experience significant adversity but research on the experiences of caring for a young person with BPD features is sparse. This study aimed to: (i) describe the experiences of carers of young people with BPD features; (ii) compare them with published data assessing carers of young people with other serious illnesses and with adults from the general population.

Methods

Eighty-two carers (M age = 44.74, SD = 12.86) of 54 outpatient young people (M age = 18.76, SD = 3.02) who met 3 to 9 DSM-IV BPD criteria completed self-report measures on distress, experiences of caregiving, coping, and expressed emotion. Independent-samples t-tests were employed to compare scores with those reported by convenience comparison groups of general population adults or carers of young people with eating disorders, cancer, or psychosis.

Results

Carers of young people with BPD features reported significantly elevated levels of distress, negative caregiving experiences, and expressed emotion, as well as maladaptive coping strategies, compared with general population adults or carers of young people with other serious illnesses.

Conclusions

Carers of young people with BPD features experience elevated levels of adversity compared with their peers in the general adult population. This adversity is similar to, or greater than, that reported by carers of young people with other severe illnesses. Research is needed to clarify factors underlying adverse caregiving experiences and to develop and evaluate interventions to support carers of young people with BPD features.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12616000304437 on 08 March 2016,https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=369867.
Influence of antihypertensive medications on the clinical parameters of anodized dental implants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Seki Keisuke , Hasuike Akira , Iwano Yoshihiro , Hagiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2020

Background

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. Given the large proportion of dental implant patients using antihypertensive medications, it is crucial to evaluate the effects of these drugs on the clinical parameters of osseointegrated implants. The aim of the present retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the influence of antihypertensive medications on clinical peri-implant tissue parameters.

Methods

Thirty-five patients received a total of 77 anodized dental implants. Based on the history of the use of antihypertensive medications, the patients were divided into two groups: the group taking antihypertensive medications (AH group) and the group of healthy patients (H group). Implants were followed up clinically and radiologically, with a focus on the peri-implant soft tissue parameters probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, modified plaque index, and marginal peri-implant bone level stability.

Results

None of the implants were lost, and no technical failures occurred. The mean follow-up duration was 7 years and 1 month. A significant difference was observed in the probing pocket depth 3.8 ± 1.3 mm in the AH group and 3.0 ± 0.7 mm in the H group. In the AH and H groups, 26.5% (9/34) and 4.7% (2/43) of the patients were diagnosed with peri-implantitis at the implant level, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest some correlations between antihypertensive medication use and clinical parameters in anodized peri-implant tissue.
Tranexamic acid and rosuvastatin in patients at risk of cardiovascular events after noncardiac surgery: a pilot of the POISE-3 randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marcucci Maura , Duceppe Emmanuelle , Le Manach Yannick , Kearon Clive , Eikelboom John W. , Pohl Kayla , Vincent Jessica , Darvish-Kazem Saeed , Srinathan Sadeesh K. , Neary John D. D. , Parlow Joel L. , Kurz Andrea , Gross Peter L. , Mrkobrada Marko , Balasubramanian Kumar , Sessler Daniel I. , Devereaux P. J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Surgical bleeding is associated with postoperative cardiovascular complications. The efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in noncardiac surgery are still uncertain. Statins may prevent perioperative cardiovascular complications. We conducted a pilot to assess the feasibility of a perioperative trial of TXA and rosuvastatin.

Methods

Using a factorial design, we randomized patients at cardiovascular risk undergoing noncardiac surgery to intravenous TXA (1 g at the start and end of surgery) or placebo, and oral rosuvastatin (40 mg before and 20 mg daily for 30 days after surgery) or placebo. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rates, follow-up, and compliance to interventions. Clinical outcomes were secondarily explored.

Results

After 3 months, we changed the design to a partial factorial due to the difficult recruitment of statin-naive patients. Over 6 months, 100 patients were randomized in the TXA trial (49 TXA, 51 placebo), 34 in the rosuvastatin trial (18 rosuvastatin, 16 placebo). Ninety-two percent (95% CI 80–98) of TXA and 86% (95% CI 74–94) of TXA-placebo patients received the 2 study doses. Thirty-three percent (95% CI 13–59) of rosuvastatin patients and 37% (95% CI 15–65) of rosuvastatin-placebo patients discontinued the study drug. A major cardiovascular complication occurred at 30 days in 1 TXA and 6 TXA-placebo patients, and 1 rosuvastatin and no rosuvastatin-placebo patients.

Conclusions

Our pilot study supports the feasibility of a perioperative TXA trial in noncardiac surgery. Feasibility of a perioperative rosuvastatin trial is uncertain because of a high prevalence of statin use in the target population and concerns about compliance.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02546648.
Highlights from the previous volumes
Authors: Lagendijk Ad , Le Doussal Pierre , Guo Shu , Hirsch J. E.
Published: July 2020

Mutual extinction of light Active particle in a one-dimensional force field Simulating sleep apnea dynamics through random walk model Inconsistency of the conventional theory of superconductivity
Gut Microbiota in T1DM-Onset Pediatric Patients: Machine-Learning Algorithms to Classify Microorganisms as Disease Linked
Authors: Biassoni Roberto , Di Marco Eddi , Squillario Margherita , Barla Annalisa , Piccolo Gianluca , Ugolotti Elisabetta , Gatti Cinzia , Minuto Nicola , Patti Giuseppa , Maghnie Mohamad , d’Annunzio Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Aims

The purpose of this work is to find the gut microbial fingerprinting of pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

The microbiome of 31 children with type 1 diabetes at onset and of 25 healthy children was determined using multiple polymorphic regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA. We performed machine-learning analyses and metagenome functional analysis to identify significant taxa and their metabolic pathways content.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, patients showed a significantly higher relative abundance of the following most important taxa: Bacteroides stercoris, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides intestinalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Gammaproteobacteria and its descendants, Holdemania, and Synergistetes and its descendants. On the contrary, the relative abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus, Deltaproteobacteria and its descendants, Parasutterella and the Lactobacillus, Turicibacter genera were significantly lower in patients with respect to healthy controls. The predicted metabolic pathway more associated with type 1 diabetes patients concerns “carbon metabolism,” sugar and iron metabolisms in particular. Among the clinical variables considered, standardized body mass index, anti-insulin autoantibodies, glycemia, hemoglobin A1c, Tanner stage, and age at onset emerged as most significant positively or negatively correlated with specific clusters of taxa.

Conclusions

The relative abundance and supervised analyses confirmed the importance of B stercoris in type 1 diabetes patients at onset and showed a relevant role of Synergistetes and its descendants in patients with respect to healthy controls. In general the robustness and coherence of the showed results underline the relevance of studying the microbioma using multiple polymorphic regions, different types of analysis, and different approaches within each analysis.
Continuous Paravertebral Nerve Block for Scapula Fracture Analgesia: A Case Report
Authors: Curran Brian P. , Phillips Coti R. , Swisher Matthew W. , Finneran John J.
Published: July 2020

A 46-year-old man presented with severe refractory posterior shoulder pain due to a left scapular fracture sustained during a motor vehicle collision. Despite multimodal oral and intravenous analgesics, the patient’s pain remained difficult to control. A continuous paravertebral nerve block was performed between the second and third thoracic vertebrae resulting in excellent analgesia of the scapular pain. This case suggests that a continuous thoracic paravertebral block placed between the second and third vertebrae may be considered as part of multimodal analgesia in patients with scapular fractures.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Barrier Enclosure Techniques in Protection of Healthcare Workers During Tracheal Intubation and Extubation
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed , Khan Ejaz , Babazade Rovnat , Simon Michelle , Vadhera Rakesh
Published: July 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has created serious challenges to anesthesiologists. As hospitalized patients’ respiratory function deteriorates, many will require endotracheal intubation. Airway management of infected patients risks aerosolization of viral-loaded droplets that pose serious hazards to the anesthesiologist and all health care personnel present. The addition of an enclosure barrier during airway management minimizes the hazard by entrapping the droplets and possibly the aerosols within an enclosed space adding additional protection for health care workers. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different barrier enclosure techniques during tracheal intubation and extubation.
The Hour of Revolt
Authors: Bantigny Ludivine
Published: July 2020

“This is not a yellow vest (gilet jaune). It’s much more!!!” Evoking Magritte’s famous phrase “This is not a pipe,” the slogan written on this safety vest in September 2019 holds great significance. Indeed, its meaning far exceeds the garment’s purpose of identification and distress in emergency situations. It became “much more” as the metonymy of one of the longest social and political uprisings in history. It is also “much more” because this powerful movement has taken on unprecedented dimensions. Transforming roundabouts into communal spaces; demonstrating Saturday after Saturday in Paris and cities throughout France; targeting symbols of power, with the capture of the Champs-Élysées representing that of the state and capital—in many ways, this movement is truly unique. What could not be heard before has been said.
TMEM147 interacts with lamin B receptor, regulates its localization and levels, and affects cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Christodoulou Andri , Maimaris Giannis , Makrigiorgi Andri , Charidemou Evelina , Lüchtenborg Christian , Ververis Antonis , Georgiou Renos , Lederer Carsten W. , Haffner Christof , Brügger Britta , Santama Niovi
Published: July 2020

The structurally and functionally complex endoplasmic reticulum (ER) hosts critical processes including lipid synthesis. Here, we focus on the functional characterization of transmembrane protein TMEM147, and report that it localizes at the ER and nuclear envelope in HeLa cells. Silencing of TMEM147 drastically reduces the level of lamin B receptor (LBR) at the inner nuclear membrane and results in mistargeting of LBR to the ER. LBR possesses a modular structure and corresponding bifunctionality, acting in heterochromatin organization via its N-terminus and in cholesterol biosynthesis via its sterol-reductase C-terminal domain. We show that TMEM147 physically interacts with LBR, and that the C-terminus of LBR is essential for their functional interaction. We find that TMEM147 also physically interacts with the key sterol reductase DHCR7, which is involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Similar to what was seen for LBR, TMEM147 downregulation results in a sharp decline of DHCR protein levels and co-ordinate transcriptional decreases of LBR and DHCR7 expression. Consistent with this, lipidomic analysis upon TMEM147 silencing identified changes in cellular cholesterol levels, cholesteryl ester levels and profile, and in cellular cholesterol uptake, raising the possibility that TMEM147 is an important new regulator of cholesterol homeostasis in cells.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Effect of Functional Impact Training on Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density, and Strength in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: ARTESE ASHLEY L. , HUNT RACHAEL L. , ORMSBEE MICHAEL J. , KIM JEONG-SU , ARJMANDI BAHRAM H. , PANTON LYNN B.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 24 wk of functional impact training (FIT) that consisted of resistance and high-impact exercises in comparison with yin yoga on body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), blood biomarkers for bone metabolism, and strength in breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods

Forty-four BCS (60.3 ± 8.3 yr) were randomly assigned to the FIT or yin yoga group. Body composition and BMD were measured via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood biomarkers for bone metabolism were analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Upper and lower body strength was assessed using a one-repetition maximum chest press and isokinetic knee extension/flexion using the Biodex System 3, respectively. Participants completed 45-min FIT or yin yoga sessions twice weekly for 24 wk. Changes in dependent variables over time were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Significance was accepted at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

There were no group–time effects for body composition, BMD, or blood biomarkers. Main effects were observed for left femoral neck (0.883 ± 0.138 to 0.870 ± 0.131 g·cm−2) and left forearm (0.465 ± 0.078 to 0.457 ± 0.069 g·cm−2) BMD. The FIT group improved upper body strength (73.2 ± 18.1 to 83.2 ± 22.3 kg), whereas the yin yoga group did not (59.8 ± 14.8 to 59.3 ± 15.6 kg). Main time effects were observed for peak isokinetic knee extension and flexion at all speeds with an average improvement of 13.2% and 16.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

Both FIT and yin yoga may be beneficial exercise modes for improving lower body strength, although only FIT improved upper body strength. Additional research is needed to examine the effectiveness of FIT programs of longer duration and/or higher intensity on body composition and BMD in BCS.
Blood Flow Restriction Improves Executive Function after Walking
Authors: SUGIMOTO TAKESHI , SUGA TADASHI , TOMOO KEIGO , DORA KENTO , MOK ERNEST , TSUKAMOTO HAYATO , TAKADA SHINGO , HASHIMOTO TAKESHI , ISAKA TADAO
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Blood flow restriction (BFR) walking is recognized as a beneficial strategy for increasing skeletal muscle mass and strength. No study has examined the effect of BFR exercise on cognitive functions, including executive function (EF). In this study, we examined the effect of BFR walking on EF.

Methods

We performed two studies, at rest and exercise, with BFR or non-BFR (NBFR) in a crossover design. Sitting rest was performed for 15 min (study 1, n = 8). Exercise was programmed at five sets of 2-min walking at 5 km·h−1 with 1-min rest intervals (study 2, n = 16). The BFR condition was achieved using 200 mm Hg pressure cuffs placed around the proximal region of the thighs. The NBFR condition involved no pressure cuffs. EF was assessed using the color–word Stroop task before and after each condition.

Results

In study 1, there were no significant effects on EF parameters for both BFR and NBFR conditions, suggesting that BFR alone does not improve EF. In study 2, incongruent reaction time shortened after BFR walking compared with that before walking (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the reverse Stroop interference score decreased after BFR walking compared with that before walking (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that, even with a mild exercise, BFR walking improves EF independently of the effect of BFR alone or walking alone.
Kinematic Sequence Classification and the Relationship to Pitching Limb Torques
Authors: SCARBOROUGH DONNA MOXLEY , LINDERMAN SHANNON E. , SANCHEZ JAVIER E. , BERKSON ERIC M.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The kinematic sequence (KS) during a baseball pitch provides insight into an athlete’s ability to efficiently transfer energy and develop segmental velocities, to assess the quality of body segment position and control. Study purposes were 1) to introduce the four-category Kinematic Sequence Classification System and 2) to compare elbow and shoulder torques and shoulder distraction force across the KS categories performed during the fastball pitch.

Methods

Thirty baseball pitchers (20.0 ± 3.1 yr) underwent 3D biomechanical pitch analyses of 249 fastball pitches. Seventeen distinct KS patterns were identified and assigned into four categories: 1) The proximal-to-distal (PDS) group includes the KS closest to theoretical ideal order of the five body segments (pelvis → trunk → arm → forearm → hand). The other categories were defined based on the segment where the first out-of-sequence peak angular velocity occurred: 2) distal upper extremity (DUE), 3) proximal upper extremity, and 4) pelvis/trunk. Throwing limb shoulder distraction force and shoulder and elbow torques were calculated. Linear mixed model analyses compared variables across KS categories.

Results

Average elbow valgus torques differed significantly across all categories, P = 0.023, and were greater for the DUE (73.99 ± 20.84 N·m) than the PDS (61.35 ± 16.79 N·m), P = 0.006. Shoulder external rotation torques were significantly different, P = 0.033, across categories.

Conclusion

The PDS group demonstrated less mechanical stresses on the throwing shoulder and elbow but was observed in only 12% of pitches. The DUE group was the most common and generated the greatest elbow valgus and shoulder external rotation torques. The KS can inform coaches and sports medicine clinicians where the greatest torques are incurred by a pitcher. A KS classification system may serve as a screening tool or target pitching instruction for injury avoidance.
СУЛЬБУТИАМИН В ПСИХИАТРИИ, НАРКОЛОГИИ, НЕВРОЛОГИИ И ОБЩЕСОМАТИЧЕСКОЙ МЕДИЦИНЕ (ОБЗОР ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ)
Authors: Bekker Roman Alexandrovich , Bykov Yuriy Vitalievich
Published: July 2020

Цель исследования: представить читателю данные о фармакологической активности сульбутиамина (одного из липофильных производных тиамина), о механизмах его терапевтического эффекта, о его показаниях к применению и о доказательной базе для его применения в психиатрии, наркологии и неврологии, а также при некоторых общесоматических патологиях.Методология проведения работы: мы провели поиск и изучение литературных данных о тиамине и сульбутиамине в поисковых системах и базах данных PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, с использованием соответствующих ключевых слов.Результаты: найденные нами в ходе составления настоящего обзора литературные данные свидетельствуют о том, что сульбутиамин может обладать рядом ценных для клинической практики свойств, в частности, антиоксидантным, нейропротективным, ноотропным, психостимулирующим, энергизирующим и антиастеническим действием и, возможно, также умеренными антидепрессивными, анксиолитическими и анальгетическими свойствами. Он может быть эффективным в составе комплексной терапии деменции Альцгеймера, депрессивных и тревожных расстройств, расстройств аутистического спектра, синдрома дефицита внимания и гиперактивности, астенических состояний разного генеза и др.Область применения результатов: результаты этого обзора заслуживают самого широкого применения в психиатрии, наркологии и неврологии.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ТЕЧЕНИЯ СЕРДЕЧНОЙ НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТИ У БОЛЬНЫХ ПОЖИЛОГО И СТАРЧЕСКОГО ВОЗРАСТА
Authors: Pavlova Natalya Ivanovna , Kozhevnikova Alexandra Dmitrievna , Zhdanov Gennady Nikolaevich , Yagunkina Olga Gennadievna
Published: July 2020

Изучена этиология, особенности клинической картины и тяжести течения сердечной недостаточности, причины ее прогрессирования у больных пожилого и старческого возраста. Дана оценка качества и эффективности проводимой амбулаторно терапии. Показано, что пациентам данной категории свойственна высокая коморбидность и сердечная недостаточность у них имеет многофакторный характер, что затрудняет выбор оптимальной и безопасной терапии. Основными причинами декомпенсации являются неадекватная терапия, девиация доз лекарственных препаратов и отсутствие приверженности больных к лечению.
Study of Russian Adjectival Prefixes «raz-/ras-» and «pre-», and Ways of Their Expression in Persian Language
Authors: Gholami Hosein , Salman-Asl Nemat
Published: July 2020

In this article we analyze prefixes «раз-/рас-» and «пре-», that denote highest degree of quality, and by means of which adjectives can be formed in Russian language. They were chosen from among number of prefixes, that form adjectives, because they have synonymous meanings, yet they are different. Differentiation between meanings of these prefixes and shades of their meanings plays an important role in comprehending speech and also during translation/interpretation from one language to another. In this research we also determine similarities and differences between these prefixes, bring examples for each prefix in conjunction with different adjectives, translate them to Persian language, and in the end mark and classify meaning/ meanings of each prefix within the framework of Persian language’s parts of speech, with the help of which meaning/meanings of prefixes can be transferred to Persian language.
Methods of Art Design in the Design of the External Image of a Person
Authors: Svetlichnaya Irina
Published: July 2020

The article focuses on the inclusion of the external image of a person in communication practices. The authors study variants of art activities aimed at adapting the existing external image of a person to various socio-cultural situations. Communicative practices of using art design in shaping the external image of a person are positioned as" flexible " image models recommended for communication in different communities. The external image of a person is considered as a means that provides instant information exchange between communicants of various social groups. The visual components of the external image of a person that affect the translation of socio-cultural information, such as clothing and hairstyle, are indicated. The methods of art design in modern culture are defined as creative, contributing to the formation of a visual image that participates in the unification of social groups. It is established that the methods of art design, in the context of designing the external image of a person, affect the purposeful formation and adaptation of an image that translates belonging to a social group. Based on the results of the research, recommendations are presented for the choice of art design methods in the process of designing the external image of a person, taking into account the communication goals of representatives of different social groups.
Therapeutic programs aimed at developing the theory of mind in patients with autism spectrum disorders – available methods and their effectiveness
Authors: Dyrda Karolina , Lucci Kamil , Bieniek-Pocielej Renata , Bryńska Anita
Published: July 2020

Zaburzenia ze spektrum autyzmu (Autism Spectrum Disorders-ASD) należą do zaburzeń neurorozwojowych, charakteryzujących się obecnością deficytów w zakresie umiejętności społecznych i komunikacyjnych oraz ograniczonymi i powtarzającymi się wzorcami zachowań, zainteresowań i aktywności. Wśród teorii tłumaczących mechanizmy powstawania powyższych objawów istotną rolę przypisuje się teorii umysłu, czyli umiejętności umożliwiającej wyciąganie wniosków o stanie umysłu innych osób, przypisywanie innym stanów psychicznych oraz interpretowanie ich zachowań. Zgodnie z wytycznymi NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) dotyczącymi leczenia zaburzeń ze spektrum autyzmu postępowanie terapeutyczne obejmuje różnorodne metody, dopasowane do poziomu funkcjonowania oraz prezentowanych trudności. W najczęściej stosowanych behawioralnych treningach umiejętności społecznych celem jest ćwiczenie zachowań społecznych z wykorzystaniem technik modelowania i odgrywania ról. Mniej uwagi poświęca się zagadnieniu rozumienia społecznego, teorii umysłu czyli poznawczym aspektom interwencji terapeutycznych. Istnieją badania dowodzące możliwości rozwijania kompetencji w zakresie teorii umysłu u osób z ASD, a także, generalizowania nabytych umiejętności. W artykule dokonano przeglądu piśmiennictwa dotyczącego zastosowania programów terapeutycznych, ukierunkowanych na rozwój teorii umysłu u pacjentów z ASD oraz ich skuteczności. Interwencje te uznaje się za obiecujące, choć wymagające dalszych ocen.
Stochastic Recursive Inclusions in Two Timescales with Nonadditive Iterate-Dependent Markov Noise
Authors: Yaji Vinayaka G. , Bhatnagar Shalabh
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of a stochastic approximation scheme on two timescales with set-valued drift functions and in the presence of nonadditive iterate-dependent Markov noise. We show that the recursion on each timescale tracks the flow of a differential inclusion obtained by averaging the set-valued drift function in the recursion with respect to a set of measures accounting for both averaging with respect to the stationary distributions of the Markov noise terms and the interdependence between the two recursions on different timescales. The framework studied in this paper builds on a recent work by Ramaswamy and Bhatnagar, by allowing for the presence of nonadditive iterate-dependent Markov noise. As an application, we consider the problem of computing the optimum in a constrained convex optimization problem, where the objective function and the constraints are averaged with respect to the stationary distribution of an underlying Markov chain. Further, the proposed scheme neither requires the differentiability of the objective function nor the knowledge of the averaging measure.
Hospital responses to staff who have experienced domestic and family violence: a qualitative study with survivor staff and hospital managers
Authors: McLindon Elizabeth , Humphreys Cathy , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: July 2020

Health professionals play a critical role in responding to the health consequences of domestic and family violence (DFV). However, health professional women themselves experience high rates of DFV and there is scant evidence underpinning hospital workplace responses. The aim of this Australian research was to explore the views of survivor health professional women and their managers about the role of the hospital workplace in responding to survivor staff. A ‘combined methodological approach’ encompassed open-ended survey questions to survivor health professionals about workplace experiences and support needs. Managers participated in an interview about the employment response. Thematic analysis of survivor staff (n=93) and manager (n=18) data identified three themes: (a) Understand that DFV affects staff, (b) Support for staff is essential and (c) Challenges of establishing a safe workplace. Survivors wanted understanding about how trauma had affected them, and managers recognised that staff were exposed to potentially triggering patient narratives of abuse. Both groups believed that formal resources and support were essential, including managers trained to respond sensitively to disclosures of DFV. However, challenges to creating an environment where staff felt emotionally and physically safe were identified. A trauma and violence informed hospital response could promote recovery for survivor staff and patients.
Image reconstruction for novel time domain near infrared optical tomography: towards clinical applications
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Costanzo Mata Aldo Di , Lindner Scott , Zhang Chao , Charbon Edoardo , Wolf Martin , Kalyanov Alexander
Published: July 2020

Near infrared optical tomography (NIROT) is an emerging modality that enables imaging the oxygenation of tissue, which is a biomarker of tremendous clinical relevance. Measuring in reflectance is usually required when NIROT is applied in clinical scenarios. Single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array technology provides a compact solution for time domain (TD) NIROT to gain huge temporal and spatial information. This makes it possible to image complex structures in tissue. The main aim of this paper is to validate the wavelength normalization method for our new TD NIROT experimentally by exposing it to a particularly difficult challenge: the recovery of two inclusions at different depths. The proposed reconstruction algorithm aims to tackle systematic errors and other artifacts with known wavelength-dependent relation. We validated the device and reconstruction method experimentally on a silicone phantom with two inclusions: one at depth of 10 mm and the other at 15 mm. Despite this tough challenge for reflectance NIROT, the system was able to localize both inclusions accurately.
Frequency stability characterization: DFB laser and Raman pump performance on a distributed clock signal over 24.69  km fiber
Authors: Osiemo D. M. , Waswa D. W. , Muguro K. M. , Isoe G. M. , Gibbon T. B. , Leitch A. W. R.
Published: July 2020

Distribution of timing and frequency signals in a fast-changing world requires unprecedented levels of stability for characterization. Transfer of frequency references over long distance without introducing any additional instability is of urgent concern for optical clock development. Choice of optical transmitter is critical to achieving accurate and stable RF clocks for end users. In this paper, we report the stability performance of the distributed feedback (DFB) laser and the Raman pump for transmitted clock signals. The DFB laser and the Raman pump were modulated with 2, 4, and 6 GHz RF clock signals from a signal generator and transmitted over 24.69 km SMF-Reach fiber. At 10 kHz offset frequency, we measured lowest phase noise of

−

121.22

d
B
c

/

H
z

and highest spectra power of

−

5.38

d
B
m

at 2 GHz for the DFB laser. Transfer stabilities of

1.366

×

10

−
12

and

1.626

×

10

−
12

for 2 and 4 GHz, respectively, at 1000 s averaging time were achieved. This technique does not require additional amplifiers for long-distance frequency distribution, making it simple and economical, and hence satisfying the requirements for next-generation optical fiber networks.
Fabrication of magnesium metallic nanoparticles by liquid-assisted laser ablation
Authors: ElFaham Mohamed M. , Okil M. , Mostafa Ayman M.
Published: July 2020

Magnesium metallic nanoparticles have been synthesized using the pulsed laser ablation in liquid media technique (PLAL) in the range of 20–30 nm by varying the laser ablation time. During the laser ablation process, the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique is used to investigate the physicochemical properties as laser-induced Mg plasma in terms of spectral line intensities and their plasma parameters (

n

e

and

T

e

). The X-ray diffraction technique and UV-visible technique show that the produced samples have a crystalline structure, and as the laser ablation time increases, the value of the absorption peak shifts to lower wavelengths and the average particle decreases, respectively. The use of the PLAL technique shows the capability to produce a metallic structure based on purging the solution by molecular nitrogen. The use of the LIBS technique shows a good and fast tool for detecting their particle sizes and the differentiation between the metallic form and its oxide structure.