bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox and mTOR-dependent regulation of plasma lamellar calcium influx controls the senescence-associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Chandrasekaran Akshaya , Lee May Y , Zhang Xuexin , Hasan Shaheen , Desta Habben , Tenenbaum Scott A , Melendez J Andrés
Published: July 2020

Cellular senescence has evolved as a protective mechanism to arrest growth of cells with oncogenic potential but is accompanied by the often pathologically deleterious senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here we demonstrate an H2O2-dependent functional disruption controlling senescence-associated Ca2+ homeostasis and the SASP. Senescent cells fail to respond to H2O2-dependent plasma lamellar Ca2+ entry when compared to pre-senescent cells. Limiting exposure to senescence-associated H2O2 restores H2O2-dependent Ca2+ entry as well as transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C member 6 (TRPC6) function. SA-TRPC6 and SASP expression is blocked by restoring Ca2+ entry with the TRP channel antagonist SKF-96365 or by the mTOR inhibitors rapamycin and Ku0063794. Together, our findings provide compelling evidence that redox and mTOR-mediated regulation of Ca2+ entry through TRPC6 modulates SASP gene expression and approaches which preserve normal Ca2+ homeostasis may prove useful in disrupting SASP activity.

Impact statement

Through its ability to evoke responses from cells in a paracrine fashion, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has been linked to numerous age-associated disease pathologies including tumor invasion, cardiovascular dysfunction, neuroinflammation, osteoarthritis, and renal disease. Strategies which limit the amplitude and duration of SASP serve to delay age-related degenerative decline. Here we demonstrate that the SASP regulation is linked to shifts in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and strategies which rescue redox-dependent calcium entry including enzymatic H2O2 scavenging, TRP modulation, or mTOR inhibition block SASP and TRPC6 gene expression. As Ca2+ is indispensable for secretion from both secretory and non-secretory cells, it is exciting to speculate that the expression of plasma lamellar TRP channels critical for the maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis may be coordinately regulated with the SASP.
Repurposing of medications for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Toshner Mark , Spiekerkoetter Edda , Bogaard Harm , Hansmann Georg , Nikkho Sylvia , Prins Kurt W.
Published: July 2020

This manuscript on drug repurposing incorporates the broad experience of members of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute’s Innovative Drug Development Initiative as an open debate platform for academia, the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory experts surrounding the future design of clinical trials in pulmonary hypertension. Drug repurposing, use of a drug in a disease for which it was not originally developed, in pulmonary arterial hypertension has been a remarkable success story, as highlighted by positive large phase 3 clinical trials using epoprostenol, bosentan, iloprost, and sildenafil. Despite the availability of multiple therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension, mortality rates have modestly changed. Moreover, pulmonary arterial hypertension patients are highly symptomatic and frequently end up on parental therapy and lung transplant waiting lists. Therefore, an unmet need for new treatments exists and drug repurposing may be an important avenue to address this problem.
Transmembrane protein 16A/anoctamin 1 inhibitor T16Ainh‐A01 reversed monocrotaline‐induced rat pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Xie Jianye , Liu Wenyuan , Lv Wenjing , Han Xiaohua , Kong Qingnuan , Wu Yuhui , Liu Xin , Han Ying , Shi Chunying , Jia Xiujuan
Published: July 2020

Transmembrane protein 16A was involved in the development of the monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension model through ERK1/2 activation, and it was considered as potential target for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment. A pulmonary arterial hypertension rat model was established by intraperitoneal administration of monocrotaline. Noninvasive pulsed‐wave Doppler and histological analysis was performed, and it revealed proliferation and remodeling of pulmonary arterioles and right ventricle hypertrophy. In addition, transmembrane protein 16A, proliferating cell nuclear antigen—a proliferate marker, P‐ERK1/2 increased following monocrotaline treatment. Expression of transmembrane protein 16A in the pulmonary arteries was co‐localized with a specific marker of vascular smooth muscle α‐actin. Then, a specific inhibitor of transmembrane protein 16A‐T16Ainh‐A01 was administered to pulmonary arterial hypertension rats. It was found to alleviate the remodeling of pulmonary arterioles and right ventricle hypertrophy significantly, and decrease the upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arteries. In addition, T16Ainh‐A01 could inhibit the activation of ERK1/2 in pulmonary arterial hypertension model. Transmembrane protein 16A mediated the proliferation and remodeling of pulmonary arterioles in the monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension model. ERK1/2 pathway is one of downstream factors. Long‐term use of T16Ainh‐A01 in vivo could alleviate remodeling and pressure in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
A comprehensive survey of integron-associated genes present in metagenomes
Authors: Buongermino Pereira Mariana , Österlund Tobias , Eriksson K Martin , Backhaus Thomas , Axelson-Fisk Marina , Kristiansson Erik
Published: July 2020

Background

Integrons are genomic elements that mediate horizontal gene transfer by inserting and removing genetic material using site-specific recombination. Integrons are commonly found in bacterial genomes, where they maintain a large and diverse set of genes that plays an important role in adaptation and evolution. Previous studies have started to characterize the wide range of biological functions present in integrons. However, the efforts have so far mainly been limited to genomes from cultivable bacteria and amplicons generated by PCR, thus targeting only a small part of the total integron diversity. Metagenomic data, generated by direct sequencing of environmental and clinical samples, provides a more holistic and unbiased analysis of integron-associated genes. However, the fragmented nature of metagenomic data has previously made such analysis highly challenging.

Results

Here, we present a systematic survey of integron-associated genes in metagenomic data. The analysis was based on a newly developed computational method where integron-associated genes were identified by detecting their associated recombination sites. By processing contiguous sequences assembled from more than 10 terabases of metagenomic data, we were able to identify 13,397 unique integron-associated genes. Metagenomes from marine microbial communities had the highest occurrence of integron-associated genes with levels more than 100-fold higher than in the human microbiome. The identified genes had a large functional diversity spanning over several functional classes. Genes associated with defense mechanisms and mobility facilitators were most overrepresented and more than five times as common in integrons compared to other bacterial genes. As many as two thirds of the genes were found to encode proteins of unknown function. Less than 1% of the genes were associated with antibiotic resistance, of which several were novel, previously undescribed, resistance gene variants.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the large functional diversity maintained by integrons present in unculturable bacteria and significantly expands the number of described integron-associated genes.
An analysis of the “Half-Perc” versus open surgical placement method for a peritoneal dialysis catheter: a non-inferiority cohort study
Authors: Zhang Difei , Peng Yu , Zheng Tingting , Liu Hui , Wu Jianfeng , Li Zewen , Su Jingxu , Xu Yuan , Hu Xiaoxuan , Chen Guowei , Hou Haijing , Zhang La , Wu Liwen , Liu Xusheng , Lu Fuhua
Published: July 2020

Background

Most end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergo open surgical techniques for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter placement. An alternative method to PD catheter implantation is the half-percutaneous (“Half-Perc”) technique based on a modified trocar that is performed by a nephrologist. The single-center, retrospective, observational, cohort study presented here aimed to compare the effects of the “Half-Perc” technique with the traditional open surgery on peritoneal catheter insertion.

Methods

From January 2015 to January 2018, 240 ESRD patients who received initial PD catheter placement were divided into two groups based on the “Half-Perc” technique or open surgery. All patients were followed up for 365 days or until loss of initial PD catheter or death. Prism 5 software was used to analyze baseline characteristics, operation-related parameters, mechanical complications and clinical outcomes.

Results

The “Half-Perc” technique showed shorter operation time, shorter incision length, lower postoperative pain scores and quick initiation of the PD program compared to the open surgery. After the 365-day follow-up, the “Half-Perc” group showed a higher rate of catheter dysfunction (4% versus 0.9%) that was corrected by conservative treatment in most patients and a lower rate of peritonitis (4% versus 9.6%) but mechanical complications and clinical outcomes did not differ between the two groups. There was also no significant difference based on overall patient mortality or catheter removal. One-year initial catheter survival and true catheter survival were not statistically different between the groups.

Conclusion

The “Half-Perc” placement of the PD catheter using a modified metal trocar appears to be a non-inferior alternative method and carries minimal invasiveness and risk compared to open surgical placement.
Evaluating the effect of an educational program on increasing cervical cancer screening behavior among rural women in Guilan, Iran
Authors: Eghbal Sedighe Bab , Karimy Mahmood , Kasmaei Parisa , Roshan Zahra Atrkar , Valipour Roghieh , Attari Seyedeh Maryam
Published: July 2020

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the major health problems and the third prevalent cancer in women all around the world. As a simple, inexpensive, and with no side-effects, Pap test is a reliable way to screen cervical cancer. This study aimed to investigate, the effects of educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on doing Pap smear tests among the rural women of the north of Iran.

Methods

In a quasi-experimental study, 160 rural women were randomly divided into control and experimental groups to experience a three-session intervention. The experimental group received the usual educational programs of rural health center and educational programs based on the HBM constructs through personal consultation, asking/answering questions, and an educational pamphlet. The control group, received the usual educational programs of rural health center. The post-test data were collected 2 months after the intervention and analyzed in SPSS-18.

Results

Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the control and experimental groups regarding the mean score of knowledge, performance and constructs of the HBM. After the intervention, however, there was a significant difference in the mean scores of knowledge performance and all constructs of the HBM in two groups (p < 0.001). Rate of doing the Pap smear test in the experimental group increased from 18.7 to 78.7% in the intervention group.

Conclusion

These findings support the effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention programs based on the HBM. Therefore, conducting similar programs in other regions is recommended.
HPLC-DAD analysis of Hyssopus Cuspidatus Boriss extract and mensuration of its antioxygenation property
Authors: Zhao Lu , Ji Zhihong , Li Keao , Wang Bo , Zeng Ya , Tian Shuge
Published: July 2020

Background

Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss has been used as an important ethnomedicinal plant for long to eliminate phlegm, relieve cough and as well as having antibacterial, antioxygenation, and antitumor activities. In this study, the polyphenol contents, flavonoid contents, free radical scavenging assay and animal antioxygenation property assay of ethanol extract of H. cuspidatus were measured.

Methods

This study determined the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in H. cuspidatus by UV-VIS. Caffeic, ferulic, and rosmarinic acids were measured using HPLC-DAD. Free radical scavenging assay of H. cuspidatus was studied by colorimetric method. Animal antioxygenation property assay of H. cuspidatus was studied with mice by biochemical assay kits.

Results

The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of H. cuspidatus in 2017, 2018, 2019 were determined and the contents of H. cuspidatus in 2019 was the highest. In addition, rosmarinic acid was the phenolic acid with the highest content in H. cuspidatus. Compared with those of DPPH free radical, hydroxyl free radical, and superoxide anion free radical, the scavenging ability of H. cuspidatus of ABTS free radical was stronger, the average IC50 value was 0.0245 mg/mL. In animal antioxygenation property experiment, the model group was successfully established with decreased activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-px and increased content of MDA. The ethanol extract of H. cuspidatus increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-px and reduced the content of MDA. Each group of samples and the ascorbic acid positive control group showed significant differences in the results of free radical scavenging and animal antioxygenation property experiments (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that H. cuspidatus exerts an antioxygenation property, which can be attributed to the contents of total polyphenol and flavonoid. Given its strong antioxygenation property, H. cuspidatus can be used as a new natural antioxidant in food preservation and disease treatment.
Mechanisms of Spica Prunellae against thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Li Xianzhi , Guo Congcong , Dong Jianjun , Liao Lin
Published: July 2020

Background

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder, which lacks effective treatment currently. Spica Prunellae (SP) is popularly used for its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties, indicating SP may have potential therapeutic value in TAO. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the efficiency and potential mechanism of SP in treating TAO.

Methods

A network pharmacology integrated molecular docking strategy was used to predict the underlying molecular mechanism of treating TAO. Firstly, the active compounds of SP were obtained from TCMSP database and literature research. Then we collected the putative targets of SP and TAO based on multi-sources databases to generate networks. Network topology analysis, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to screen the key targets and mechanism. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation provided an assessment tool for verifying drug and target binding.

Results

Our results showed that 8 targets (PTGS2, MAPK3, AKT1, TNF, MAPK1, CASP3, IL6, MMP9) were recognized as key therapeutic targets with excellent binding affinity after network analysis and molecular docking-based virtual screening. The results of enrichment analysis suggested that the underlying mechanism was mainly focused on the biological processes and pathways associated with immune inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Notably, the key pathway was considered as the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion

In summary, the present study elucidates that SP may suppress inflammation and proliferation and promote apoptosis through the PI3K-AKT pathway, which makes SP a potential treatment against TAO. And this study offers new reference points for future experimental research and provides a scientific basis for more widespread clinical application.
Complementary and alternative medicine use in coronary heart disease patients: a cross-sectional study from Palestine
Authors: Salah Abdelraouf O. , Salameh Ahmad D. , Bitar Mohanad A. , Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Alkaiyat Abdulsalam S. , Al-Jabi Samah W.
Published: July 2020

Background

There is a lack of data on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This study examined the use of CAM among patients with CHD, the reasons and factors influencing their use, the types of CAM used, and the relationship between patient’s demographics and the use of CAM.

Methods

In order to determine the prevalence and usage of CAM among Palestinian patients with CHD, a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed from three different hospitals. Using a convenient sampling method, a questionnaire was completed in a face-to-face interview with the patients. Descriptive statistics were used for socio-demographic, and clinical variables. Siahpush scale was used to examine the attitude of CHD patients toward CAM use.

Results

Of the 150 patients that were interviewed, 128 (85.3%) of the patients completed the questionnaire. The majority of CAM users reported CAM use for health problems other than CHD, while a total of 59 (45.9%) patients have used CAM for their heart problems. On the other hand, it was found that the place of residency and pattern of CHD were significantly associated with CAM use (p = 0.039 and 0.044, respectively). In addition, religious practices were found to be the most common form of CAM used by patients, while body and traditional alternative methods were the least being used. A significant association between the attitudes of patients with CHD and their use of CAM was found (patients’ attitudes towards alternative medicine and natural remedies were p = 0.011 and 0.044, respectively).

Conclusions

CAM use among our respondents is common. Despite a lack of evidence-based research supporting its potential benefits and side effects. Understanding the factors that affect CAM use by CHD patients offers healthcare workers and policymakers an opportunity to better understand CAM use and ultimately improve patient-physician interactions.
Clinical and molecular spectrum of 46,XY disorders of sex development that harbour MAMLD1 variations: case series and review of literature
Authors: Li Lele , Su Chang , Fan Lijun , Gao Fenqi , Liang Xuejun , Gong Chunxiu
Published: July 2020

Background

Mastermind-like domain-containing 1 (MAMLD1) has previously been identified as a causative gene for “46,XY Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)”. Recently, there has been some controversy regarding the causative role of MAMLD1 variations in DSDs. Here we describe a clinical series and review the reported cases to evaluate the role of MAMLD1 variants in children with 46,XY DSD. Cases of 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1 variants from unrelated families were recruited from the Beijing Children’s Hospital in China (N = 10) or identified through a literature search (N = 26). The clinical manifestations and genetic variants of all the patients were evaluated.

Results

Hypospadias was the most prevalent phenotype among our 10 cases (8 out of 10 cases) and in all the previously reported ones. Central precocious puberty and isolated micropenis were observed for the first time. Among the 10 cases, nine variants were identified, including three nonsense (p.R356X, p.Q152X, and p.Q124X) and six missense (p.P334S, p.S662R, p.A421P,p.T992I, p.P542S, and p.R927L) variants. In silico analysis showed that the variants p.P334S, p.P542S, p.S662R, and p.R927Lmight lead to drastic changes in the interaction force of the amino acid chain and the flexibility of the spatial structure, and such changes may affect protein function.

Conclusion

Patients with 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1variants manifest a broad spectrum of phenotypes and mostly present with hypospadias. The six novel variants reported here enrich the mutation database and contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of 46,XY DSD.
The genetic variation of different developmental stages of Schistosoma japonicum: do the distribution in snails and pairing preference benefit the transmission?
Authors: Gu Meng-Jie , Li Yan-Wei , Emery Aidan M. , Li Shi-Zhu , Jiang Yong-Zhong , Dong Hui-Fen , Zhao Qin-Ping
Published: July 2020

Background

Schistosoma japonicum is a waterborne parasite that causes schistosomiasis in humans and in more than 40 animal species. Schistosoma japonicum shows distinct genetic differentiation among geographical populations and multiple hosts, but the genetic diversity of different developmental stages of S. japonicum from is less studied. Such studies could elucidate ecological mechanisms in disease transmission by analysing feedbacks in individual physiology and population state.

Methods

After infection using cercariae from a pool of snails shedding together (Method I) and infection using mixed equal numbers of cercariae from individually shed snails (Method II), different developmental stages of S. japonicum were genotyped with microsatellite loci, including 346 cercariae, 701 adult worms and 393 miracidia. Genetic diversity and molecular variation were calculated at different population levels. Kinships (I′) among cercariae at intra-snail and inter-snail levels were evaluated. Genetic distance (Dsw) was compared between paired and unpaired worms, and partner changing was investigated through paternity identification for miracidia.

Results

The cercaria clones in individual snails varied from 1 to 8 and the kinship of cercariae within individual snails was significant higher (P < 0.001) than that among different snails after deleting near-identical multi-locus genotypes (niMLGs). The allelic diversity of worms in Method I was lower (P < 0.001) than that in Method II, and allele frequency among mice in Method I was also less consistent. The parents of some miracidia were worms that were not paired when collected. The Dsw between each female of paired and unpaired males was much larger (P < 0.001) than that between the female and male in each pair.

Conclusions

Most of the infected snails contained multiple miracidia clones. The aggregation of genetically similar S. japonicum miracidia in individual snails and the unbalanced distribution of miracidia among snails suggests a non-uniform genetic distribution of cercariae among snails in the field. This further influenced the genetic structure of adult worms from infections with different cercariae sampling methods. Schistosoma japonicum in mice can change paired partner, preferring to mate with genetically similar worms. These characteristics provide implications for understanding the balance in genetic diversity of S. japonicum related to the transmission of schistosomiasis.
The Swiss Perimenopause Study – study protocol of a longitudinal prospective study in perimenopausal women
Authors: Willi Jasmine , Süss Hannah , Ehlert Ulrike
Published: July 2020

Background

The perimenopause is associated with considerable biopsychosocial changes. The majority of women manage to adjust to these changes and cope well with the shift from reproductive to non-reproductive life. However, some women develop burdensome physical and psychological symptoms during the perimenopause. A strong link between menopausal complaints and depressed mood has been shown in this regard. To date, the decisive factors determining whether a woman will successfully achieve a healthy transition remain unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate a range of theory-based markers related to health in perimenopausal women.

Methods

The Swiss Perimenopause Study comprises a sample of 135 healthy perimenopausal women aged 40–56. A variety of health-related genetic, epigenetic, endocrinological, physiological, and psychosocial markers associated with the menopausal transition are investigated over a period of 13 months.

Discussion

The Swiss Perimenopause Study will contribute to a better understanding of the biopsychosocial processes associated with the perimenopause, which should help to improve the clinical care of women undergoing the menopausal transition.
Congestive ischemic colitis occurring after resection of left colon cancer: 4 case series
Authors: Fujii Takatsugu , Toda Shigeo , Nishihara Yuki , Maeda Yusuke , Hiramatsu Kosuke , Hanaoka Yutaka , Sato Rikiya , Matoba Shuichiro , Ueno Masashi , Kuroyanagi Hiroya
Published: July 2020

Background

Ischemic colitis can occur after colectomy and is sometimes difficult to treat. We report 4 cases of refractory, delayed onset, regional congestive colitis occurring on the anal side of the anastomosis after laparoscopic left hemicolectomy.

Case presentation

A total of 191 patients underwent surgery for left colon cancer (transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon cancer) at our hospital from January 2012 to December 2017. During the procedures, the left colic artery (LCA) or sigmoid colic artery (SA) was dissected, the superior rectal artery (SRA) was preserved, and the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was dissected at the inferior margin of the pancreas. Congestive ischemic colitis due to venous return dysfunction occurred in 4 cases (2.1%), 5 to 34 months postoperatively. The patients had diarrhea and blood in the stool. On computed tomography (CT), the patients exhibited continuous intestinal edema and high-density adipose tissue from the anastomosis site to the rectum. Contrast enhancement showed dilation of the vasa recti and arteries from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) to the SRA. Three patients improved with long-term intestinal rest; in 1 case, the stenosis did not improve and required colorectal resection.

Conclusion

Diagnoses were easy in these cases, but treatment was prolonged and surgery was necessary in 1 case. While this condition is rare, caution is warranted as it is difficult to treat.
End-user perceptions of a patient- and family-centred intervention to improve nutrition intake among oncology patients: a descriptive qualitative analysis
Authors: Marshall Andrea P. , Tobiano Georgia , Roberts Shelley , Isenring Elisabeth , Sanmugarajah Jasotha , Kiefer Deborah , Fulton Rachael , Cheng Hui Lin , To Ki Fung , Ko Po Shan , Lam Yuk Fong , Lam Wang , Molassiotis Alex
Published: July 2020

Background

People with cancer are at high risk of malnutrition. Nutrition education is an effective strategy to improve patient outcomes, however, little is known regarding the impact of family and/or carer involvement in nutrition education and requires investigation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate PIcNIC (Partnering with families to promote nutrition in cancer care) intervention acceptability from the perspective of patients, families and health care providers.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken at an inpatient and an outpatient hospital setting in Australia and an outpatient/home setting in Hong Kong. A patient-and-family centred intervention including nutrition education, goals setting/nutrition plans, and food diaries, was delivered to patients and/or families in the inpatient, outpatient or home setting. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore perceptions of the intervention. 64 participants were interviewed; 20 patients, 15 family members, and 29 health care professionals. Data were analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis.

Results

Two categories were identified; 1) ‘context and intervention acceptability’; and 2) ‘benefits of patient- and family-centred nutrition care’. Within each category redundant concepts were identified. For category 1 the redundant concepts were: the intervention works in outpatient settings, the food diary is easy but needs to be tailored, the information booklet is a good resource, and the intervention should be delivered by a dietitian, but could be delivered by a nurse. The redundant concepts for category 2 were: a personalised nutrition plan is required, patient and family involvement in the intervention is valued and the intervention has benefits for patients and families. Converging and diverging perceptions across participant groups and settings were identified.

Conclusions

In this paper we have described an acceptable patient- and family-centred nutrition intervention, which may be effective in increasing patient and family engagement in nutrition care and may result in improved nutrition intakes. Our study highlights important contextual considerations for nutrition education; the outpatient and home setting are optimal for engaging patients and families in learning opportunities.
Effect of acute kidney injury on weaning from mechanical ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases patients with respiratory failure
Authors: El-Gazzar Ahmed Gouda , El-Salahy Mahmoud Mohamad , Essway Tarek Samy , Mohammed Samar Nasef , Elnaggar Marwa Elsayed
Published: July 2020

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) worsens the outcome in mechanically ventilated patients. The occurrence of AKI may have an effect on weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV). The purpose of this work is to study the effect of AKI on weaning from MV for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with respiratory failure (RF). The study included 100 mechanically ventilated COPD patients with RF. Patients were classified into group 1, mechanically ventilated COPD patients with type 2 RF who developed AKI, and group 2, mechanically ventilated COPD patients with type 2 RF, who did not develop AKI.

Results

The age of the studied group ranged between 46 and 80 years, and serum creatinine on admission was within normal. There is a significant difference in a serum creatinine level after 2 days and after 1 week of MV in an intensive care unit (ICU) among AKI cases. There is a significant difference in weaning success between AKI and non-AKI patients with much higher weaning success in non-AKI group. Also, there is a significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in AKI patients after 48 h of admission.

Conclusions

AKI is frequent in COPD patients within 48 h of ICU admission and MV increases the risk of AKI in COPD patients.
Agentes condicionantes alternativos no procedimento adesivo: revisão de literatura
Authors: Linhares Nadine Pinheiro , De Oliveira Lucas Lino , Rabelo Zidane Hurtado , Mendes Talita Arrais Daniel
Published: July 2020

Objetivos: revisar a literatura acerca do uso de ACA no procedimento adesivo. Métodos: Realizaram-se duas buscas distintas na literatura, na base de dados PubMed, na qual a primeira se utilizou das palavras-chave “Restorative dentistry” e “Alternativeconditioning”, combinadas entre si pelo operador booleno “AND”. Encontraram-se 28 estudos sem restrição de período em que, após a leitura crítica de títulos e resumos, selecionaram-se três. A segunda busca utilizou as palavras-chave “Alternativeconditioning”, “Adhesives” e “Dentistry”, combinadas pelo operador booleano “AND”, encontrando 72 estudos sem restrição de período e, após a leitura de títulos e resumos, selecionaram-se três. Entre eles, o Ácido Fosfórico (AF) foi incapaz de remover a camada hipermineralizada de dentina das Lesões Cervicais Não Cariosas (LCNC). Resultados: Notou-se a eficácia do EDTA, como alternativa ao condicionamento convencional, nas superfícies tratadas com clorexidina. Já o ácido metafosfórico a 40% dispôs de precipitação do mineral bruxita. O condicionamento com Ácido Cítrico (AC) a 5% e Cloreto Férrico Anidro (CFA) a 0,6% e 1,8%, ambos exibiram ótima microtração. O condicionamento com Ácido Nítrico (AN) a 10% e Oxalato Férrico (OF) a 3% reduziu a resistência de união. Entretanto, o resultado pode variar conforme o adesivo utilizado. Conclusão: Os estudos comprovaram a eficácia da aplicação de ACA em procedimentos adesivos, contribuindo com o aumento da retenção das restaurações.
Ethical Considerations for safeguarding human participants in pandemic research: a rapid review protocol
Authors: O'Sullivan Lydia , Killeen Ronan P. , Doran Peter , Crowley Rachel K.
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus, designated SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for a global pandemic in 2020. Public interest in this disease has led to the publication of thousands of articles in the medical literature in a very short timeframe. It is imperative that medical research into COVID-19 is conducted quickly and safely, and that due reference is given to the ethical considerations enshrined in the ICH GCP guidelines, according to the Declaration of Helsinki.

In order to review the reporting of ethical considerations in these papers, we hereby propose a protocol for a systematic review of COVID-19 papers up to April 14 th 2020. The search criteria proposed for the review are based upon what would be a reasonable search conducted by a lay member of the public with access to PubMed.gov. Institutional Research Ethics Committees (RECs) face significant challenges in providing thorough and timely ethical review during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is proposed to publish the findings of this rapid review along with a summary of an institutional REC response to the challenges of reviewing and approving clinical research proposals in the time of a pandemic.
Transparency and open science principles in reporting guidelines in sleep research and chronobiology journals
Authors: Spitschan Manuel , Schmidt Marlene H. , Blume Christine
Published: July 2020

Background: "Open science" is an umbrella term describing various aspects of transparent and open science practices. The adoption of practices at different levels of the scientific process (e.g., individual researchers, laboratories, institutions) has been rapidly changing the scientific research landscape in the past years, but their uptake differs from discipline to discipline. Here, we asked to what extent journals in the field of sleep research and chronobiology encourage or even require following transparent and open science principles in their author guidelines.

Methods: We scored the author guidelines of a comprehensive set of 28 sleep and chronobiology journals, including the major outlets in the field, using the standardised Transparency and Openness (TOP) Factor. This instrument rates the extent to which journals encourage or require following various aspects of open science, including data citation, data transparency, analysis code transparency, materials transparency, design and analysis guidelines, study pre-registration, analysis plan pre-registration, replication, registered reports, and the use of open science badges.

Results: Across the 28 journals, we find low values on the TOP Factor (median [25th, 75th percentile] 2.5 [1, 3], min. 0, max. 9, out of a total possible score of 28) in sleep research and chronobiology journals.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest an opportunity for sleep research and chronobiology journals to further support the recent developments in transparent and open science by implementing transparency and openness principles in their guidelines and making adherence to them mandatory.
Aspectos bioéticos dos cuidados em saúde às pessoas idosas ao fim da vida [Bioethical aspects of the health care provided to older adults at the end of their lives] [Aspectos bioéticos de los cuidados de salud a adultos mayores en el final de la vida]
Authors: Oliveira Samara Gonçalves de , Pacheco Sandra Teixeira de Araújo , Nunes Michelle Darezzo Rodrigues , Caldas Célia Pereira , Cunha Adriana Loureiro da , Peres Patrícia Lima Pereira
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: analisar a produção científica nacional e internacional, buscando as interfaces existentes entre os princípios bioéticos e os cuidados em saúde prestados ao fim da vida às pessoas idosas. Método: revisão integrativa, cuja busca ocorreu entre outubro e novembro de 2019 nas bases de dados Medline via Pubmed, Lilacs e Scopus com os descritores: “Palliative Care", Aged e Bioethics de 2014-2019. Resultados: a partir dos artigos selecionados, emergiram as seguintes categorias: condutas terapêuticas frente aos cuidados ao fim da vida; tomada de decisão nos cuidados ao fim da vida; e desafios nos cuidados ao fim da vida. Conclusão: destaca-se a relevância dos profissionais manterem o compromisso com a pessoa idosa e sua família de forma a considerar suas subjetividades e preferências e os instrumentalizar para que os cuidados sejam pautados em princípios bioéticos, para assim proporcionar um processo de morte e de morrer com dignidade
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Irrigation Scheduling
Authors: Yang Yanxiang , Hu Jiang , Porter Dana , Marek Thomas , Heflin Kevin , Kong Hongxin
Published: July 2020

Highlights

Deep reinforcement learning-based irrigation scheduling is proposed to determine the amount of irrigation required at each time step considering soil moisture level, evapotranspiration, forecast precipitation, and crop growth stage.

The proposed methodology was compared with traditional irrigation scheduling approaches and some machine learning based scheduling approaches based on simulation.

Abstract. Machine learning has been widely applied in many areas, with promising results and large potential. In this article, deep reinforcement learning-based irrigation scheduling is proposed. This approach can automate the irrigation process and can achieve highly precise water application that results in higher simulated net return. Using this approach, the irrigation controller can automatically determine the optimal or near-optimal water application amount. Traditional reinforcement learning can be superior to traditional periodic and threshold-based irrigation scheduling. However, traditional reinforcement learning fails to accurately represent a real-world irrigation environment due to its limited state space. Compared with traditional reinforcement learning, the deep reinforcement learning method can better model a real-world environment based on multi-dimensional observations. Simulations for various weather conditions and crop types show that the proposed deep reinforcement learning irrigation scheduling can increase net return. Keywords: Automated irrigation scheduling, Deep reinforcement learning, Machine learning.
Polarization-switchable nanoripples fabricated on a silicon surface by femtosecond-laser-assisted nanopatterning
Authors: Cheng Huachao , Li Peng , Liu Sheng , Lu Hua , Han Lei , Zhao Jianlin
Published: July 2020

The polarization ripples on many materials have been intensively studied and have yielded significant applications such as modulating light fields, building hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces, and fabricating tunable thermal sources. It was shown that ripples are closely dependent on the ablation threshold of laser fluence and orientation of laser polarization. Here we demonstrate that laser polarization ellipticity also represents the switching effect on the formation of ripples. Two significantly different damage morphologies, ripples and hollows, are respectively observed below and above the switching value of incident laser polarization ellipticity. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that this ellipticity switching value varies with laser pulse energy and pulse number. These intriguing phenomena are qualitatively explained using a laser–surface plasmon polariton interference mechanism. Finally, we achieve the analogous laser-assisted nanopatterning by using a femtosecond laser beam with spatially inhomogeneous polarization state, demonstrating the application potential of these switchable nanoripples in laser-assisted nanopatterning.
Machine-learning-based computationally efficient particle size distribution retrieval from bulk optical properties
Authors: Jia Ruhui , Zhang Xiaohao , Cui Fenping , Chen Gongye , Li Haomiao , Peng Haochen , Cao Zhaolou , Pei Shixin
Published: July 2020

Retrieval of particle size distribution from bulk optical properties based on evolutionary algorithms is usually computationally expensive. In this paper, we report an efficient numerical approach to solving the inverse scattering problem by accelerating the calculation of bulk optical properties based on machine learning. With the assumption of spherical particles, the forward scattering by particles is first solved by Mie scattering theory and then approximated by machine learning. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is finally employed to optimize the particle size distribution parameters by minimizing the deviation between the target and simulated bulk optical properties. The accuracies of machine learning and particle swarm optimization are separately investigated. Meanwhile, both monomodal and bimodal size distributions are tested, considering the influences of random noise. Results show that machine learning is capable of accurately predicting the scattering efficiency for a specific size distribution in approximately 0.5 µs on a standalone computer. Therefore, the proposed method has the potential to serve as a powerful tool in real-time particle size measurement due to its advantages of simplicity and high efficiency.
Can artificial intelligence help predict a learner’s needs? Lessons from predicting student satisfaction
Authors: Parapadakis Dimitris
Published: July 2020

The successes of using artificial intelligence (AI) in analysing large-scale data at a low cost make it an attractive tool for analysing student data to discover models that can inform decision makers in education. This article looks at the case of decision making from models of student satisfaction, using research on ten years (2008–17) of National Student Survey (NSS) results in UK higher education institutions. It reviews the issues involved in measuring student satisfaction, shows that useful patterns exist in the data and presents issues involved in the value within the data when they are examined without deeper understanding, contrasting the outputs of analysing the data manually, and with AI. The article discusses risks of using AI and shows why, when applied in areas of education that are not clear, understood and widely agreed, AI not only carries risks to a point that can eliminate cost savings but, irrespective of legal requirement, it cannot provide algorithmic accountability.
What level of support is required to enable secondary school teachers to effectively teach first aid? A randomized trial
Authors: Ellis Lucy , Gordon Ellen , Forsyth Mark , Ward Alexander , Oliver Emily
Published: July 2020

In light of the UK government’s decision to make first aid education mandatory in schools, this article adds to the body of evidence to inform the implementation of this decision. Our research aimed to explore whether providing extra support to teachers increased their confidence to teach first aid, and whether this support influenced student learning outcomes. Thirty-five teachers were randomly allocated into two experimental groups and one control group. The first experimental group received support through a video medium, the second through an interactive webinar. The control group was provided with no support beyond the learning materials provided to all participants. Our analysis suggests that while providing support for teachers does not positively affect their confidence to teach first aid in the classroom, this increased support does positively affect the first aid knowledge of students.
Adapting to a new learning environment: Mainland Chinese students studying in master’s degree programmes in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Manhong , Lu Genshu
Published: July 2020

This article investigated the learning experiences of mainland Chinese students in master’s degree programmes in Hong Kong. Using a qualitative research approach, 20 mainland Chinese students in master’s degree programmes in a first-tier Hong Kong university were interviewed. It observed, first, that mainland Chinese students appreciate the teaching and learning approaches adopted in Hong Kong, but that they take some time to adapt. Thanks to heavy financial support from parents and parental expectations, they are pressed to adapt as soon as possible and get high marks in the one-year programmes in Hong Kong. Second, the mainland Chinese students’ previous experiences of participating in campus activities in mainland China and their instrumental views of learning restrict their involvement in informal learning through campus activities. Third, their limited interaction with local and foreign students constrains the development of their intercultural competence.
Para Além das Portas e Janelas
Authors: Kunzler Josiane , de Souza Simões Débora , Carvalho de O. Checchi Natália , Rodrigues Robson Antonio
Published: July 2020

Com suas portas e janelas abertas no século XX, os museus vêm sendo forçados a se reorganizar, deslocando seu foco de atuação para a sociedade e se instalando em diferentes espaços, se configurando como instância de diálogo e de convergência de múltiplos saberes e fazeres. Este artigo tem por objetivo trazer a reflexão sobre a atuação do Museu de Arqueologia e Paleontologia de Araraquara (MAPA) enquanto um museu de ciências em transformação, sintonizado com as mudanças que vem mobilizando museus de todo o mundo. Partimos da caracterização e do histórico do MAPA para expor o movimento realizado de repensar o lugar do museu a partir de conceitos e práticas oriundos da museologia social. Apesar de revelar desafios difíceis de serem enfrentados e ainda em curso, a experiência do MAPA pode servir como referência para outros museus, especialmente no que diz respeito àqueles com vocação territorial, voltada à preservação, pesquisa e socialização do patrimônio arqueológico e paleontológico.
Torres suspendidas o la puesta en crisis de la compresión
Authors: Montaldo Ignacio Damián
Published: July 2020

Podemos entender la arquitectura moderna, producto de la revolución industrial en occidente, como el traspaso de un modo de construir mono-material, en donde las funciones térmica, estanca y estable de la envolvente se reducen a un solo material, él que a través de su espesor resuelve todos los problemas relacionados al confort; al de una construcción de la diferenciación de las envolventes en donde cada capa va a cumplir una función específica con el menor espesor y peso posible. Dentro de éste esquema la estructura portante, a partir del desarrollo de materiales que trabajan muy bien a la tracción (el hierro y el hormigón armado), pasa de ser una estructura continua, como el muro y la bóveda, a ser un sistema de elementos articulados, como el pórtico o los sistemas trilíticos de losa columna y viga. Podemos definirlo como un cambio de paradigma constructivo desde la construcción estereotómica hacia la construcción tectónica. En ese contexto podríamos pensar que ésta reducción del material estructural a la mínima sección, alcanza su máxima expresión en las torres de estructuras suspendidas, en la mínima sección de sus cables trabajando a tracción, ¿Podíamos definir este proceso, en términos amplios, como una puesta en crisis de la compresión?
Adaptabilidade na habitação
Authors: De Paris Sabine , Lacerda Lopes Carlos Nuno
Published: July 2020

A possibilidade de alterar as atividades e funções no interior da habitação, assim como reorganizar fisicamente os seus cômodos, permite que a construção se transforme para atender de modo mais adequado os seus usuários. A implementação de estratégias simples e previamente planejadas, incrementam o grau de adaptabilidade a ser alcançado e reduzem os custos de execução. O objetivo desta investigação é apresentar o contexto atual da adaptabilidade na habitação e perceber como o tema está sendo tratado no meio científico. Busca-se compreender se as tecnologias recentes e a diversificação nos modos de habitar trazem uma nova reflexão sobre a adaptabilidade. Para isto, foram levantadas publicações científicas internacionais com revisão em pares, pertencentes ao século XXI na língua inglesa. Os artigos levantados são divididos de acordo com o tema principal, de modo a cruzar dados pertinentes sobre o assunto e criar uma discussão significativa contemporânea. Observa-se que, além de não existir um consenso sobre a conceituação de adaptabilidade, há uma carência na compreensão das vantagens e desvantagens das estratégias de projeto. Entre eles os custos, tecnologias e aspectos socais, o que representa uma barreira para a sua propagação.