bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pulse Signal Preprocessing Method Based on the Chauvenet Criterion
Authors: Ni Weiguang , Qi Jianzhuo , Liu Lijia , Li Suyi
Published: December 2019

Pulse signals are widely used to evaluate the status of the human cardiovascular, respiratory, and circulatory systems. In the process of being collected, the signals are usually interfered by some factors, such as the spike noise and the poor-sensor-contact noise, which have severely affected the accuracy of the subsequent detection models. In recent years, some methods have been applied to processing the above noisy signals, such as dynamic time warping, empirical mode decomposition, autocorrelation, and cross-correlation. Effective as they are, those methods are complex and difficult to implement. It is also found that the noisy signals are tightly related to gross errors. The Chauvenet criterion, one of the gross error discrimination criterions, is highly efficient and widely applicable for being without the complex calculations like decomposition and reconstruction. Therefore, in this study, based on the Chauvenet criterion, a new pulse signal preprocessing method is proposed, in which adaptive thresholds are designed, respectively, to discriminate the abnormal signals caused by spike noise and poor-sensor-contact noise. 81 hours of pulse signals (with a sleep apnea annotated every 30 seconds and 9,720 segments in total) from the MIT-BIH Polysomnographic Database are used in the study, including 35 minutes of poor-sensor-contact noises and 25 minutes of spike noises. The proposed method was used to preprocess the pulse signals, in which 9,684 segments out of a total of 9,720 were correctly discriminated, and the accuracy of the method reached 99.63%. To quantitatively evaluate the noise removal effect, a simulation experiment is conducted to compare the Jaccard Similarity Coefficient (JSC) calculated before and after the noise removal, respectively, and the results show that the preprocessed signal obtains higher JSC, closer to the reference signal, which indicates that the proposed method can effectively improve the signal quality. In order to evaluate the method, three back-propagation (BP) sleep apnea detection models with the same network structure and parameters were established, respectively. Through comparing the recognition rate and the prediction rate of the models, higher rates were obtained by using the proposed method. To prove the efficiency, the comparison experiment between the proposed Chauvenet-based method and a Romanovsky-based method was conducted, and the execution time of the proposed method is much shorter than that of the Romanovsky method. The results suggest that the superiority in execution time of the Chauvenet-based method becomes more significant as the date size increases.
Confirmation of the Degradation of Single Junction Amorphous Silicon Modules (a-Si:H)
Authors: Osayemwenre G. O. , Meyer E. L.
Published: December 2019

This study examines the degradation of single junction amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photovoltaic (PV) modules. It summarises the main results obtained from over 7 years of field investigation of the degradation mechanisms of a-Si:H modules. The investigation was based on performance parameters such as fill factors, parasitic resistances, and ideality factors. The initial efficiencies for these modules were in accordance with the expected values; however, a significant decrease was observed during the monitoring period.
Identification of miRNA-Based Signature as a Novel Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Tang Jia , Ma Wei , Zeng Qinlong , Tan Jieliang , Cao Keshen , Luo Liangping
Published: December 2019

To identify the novel, noninvasive biomarkers to assess the outcome and prognosis of breast cancer (BC), patients with high sensitivity and specificity are greatly desired. Herein, the miRNA expression profile and matched clinical features of BC patients were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The preliminary candidates were screened out by the univariate Cox regression test. Then, with the help of LASSO Cox regression analysis, the hsa-let-7b, hsa-mir-101-2, hsa-mir-135a-2, hsa-mir-22, hsa-mir-30a, hsa-mir-31, hsa-mir-3130-1, hsa-mir-320b-1, hsa-mir-3678, hsa-mir-4662a, hsa-mir-4772, hsa-mir-493, hsa-mir-556, hsa-mir-652, hsa-mir-6733, hsa-mir-874, and hsa-mir-9-3 were selected to construct the overall survival (OS) predicting signature, while the hsa-mir-130a, hsa-mir-204, hsa-mir-217, hsa-mir-223, hsa-mir-24-2, hsa-mir-29b-1, hsa-mir-363, hsa-mir-5001, hsa-mir-514a-1, hsa-mir-624, hsa-mir-639, hsa-mir-659, and hsa-mir-6892 were adopted to establish the recurrence-free survival (RFS) predicting signature. Referring to the median risk scores generated by the OS and RFS formulas, respectively, subgroup patients with high risk were strongly related to a poor OS and RFS revealed by Kaplan-Meier (K-M) plots. Meanwhile, receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis validated the accuracy and stability of these two signatures. When stratified by clinical features, such as tumor stage, age, and molecular subtypes, we found that the miRNA-based OS and RFS classifiers were still significant in predicting OS/RFS and showed the best predictive values than any other features. Besides, functional prediction analyses showed that these targeted genes of the enrolled miRNAs were enriched in cancer-associated pathways, such as MAPK/RTK, Ras, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. In summary, our observations demonstrate that the novel miRNA-based OS and RFS signatures are independent prognostic indicators for BC patients and worthy to be validated by further prospective studies.
Association among Weather Conditions, Ambient Air Temperature, and Sedentary Time in Chinese Adults
Authors: Wen Xu , Ma Yiqun , Yuan Bing , Wang Fubaihui
Published: December 2019

This study is aimed to quantify the association among weather conditions, ambient air temperature, and sedentary time in Chinese adults. The participants were 3,270 Chinese users of a wrist-worn activity tracker. Their daily activity data were collected using an algorithm based on raw data to determine the sedentary time. The data of ambient air temperature and weather were collected from the meteorological data released by China Central Meteorological Observatory. Two-level linear regression analyses showed that weather conditions had a significant influence on sedentary time in Chinese adults after adjustments for some covariates were made. When the weather condition changed from rainy days to sunny and cloudy days, sedentary time might decrease by about 6.89 and 5.60 min, respectively. In conclusion, weather conditions were independently associated with sedentary time in Chinese adults. The daily sedentary time was shorter on sunny and cloudy days than on rainy days.
Impact of Short-Term Continuous and Interval Exercise Training on Endothelial Function and Glucose Metabolism in Prediabetes
Authors: Malin Steven K. , Gilbertson Nicole M. , Eichner Natalie Z. M. , Heiston Emily , Miller Stephanie , Weltman Arthur
Published: December 2019

Introduction. The impact of interval (INT) vs. continuous (CONT) exercise training on endothelial function in relation to glucose metabolism prior to clinically meaningful weight loss is unknown in adults with prediabetes. Methods. Twenty-six subjects with prediabetes (60±1 y; 33±1 kg/m2; 2-hr-PG OGTT: 145±7 mg/dl) were randomized to 60 min of CONT (n=12; 70% of HRpeak) or work-matched INT exercise training (n=14; alternating 3 min at 90 and 50% HRpeak) for 2 weeks. Aerobic fitness (VO2peak) and body composition (bioelectrical impedance) were assessed before and after training. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured during a 2 h 75 g OGTT (0, 60, and 120 min) to assess endothelial function. Postprandial FMD was calculated as incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Glucose tolerance and insulin were also calculated by iAUC. Fasting plasma VCAM, ICAM, and hs-CRP were also assessed as indicators of vascular/systemic inflammation. Results. Both interventions increased VO2peak (P=0.002) but had no effect on body fat (P=0.20). Although both treatments improved glucose tolerance (P=0.06) and insulin iAUC (P=0.02), VCAM increased (P=0.01). There was no effect of either treatment on ICAM, hs-CRP, or fasting as well as postprandial FMD. However, 57% of people improved fasting and iAUC FMD following CONT compared with only 42% after INT exercise (each: P=0.04). Elevated VCAM was linked to blunted fasting FMD after training (r=−0.38, P=0.05). But, there was no correlation between fasting FMD or postprandial FMD with glucose tolerance (r=0.17, P=0.39 and r=0.02, P=0.90, respectively) or insulin iAUC following training (r=0.34, P=0.08 and r=0.04, P=0.83, respectively). Conclusion. Endothelial function is not improved consistently after short-term training, despite improvements in glucose and insulin responses to the OGTT in obese adults with prediabetes.
Identification of METTL14 in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Hao , Chen Quanbing , Wan Zhenghua , Gao Xiaoyong , Qian Wenhui
Published: December 2019

The kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) with poor prognosis is the main histological subtype of the renal cell carcinoma, accounting for 80–90% of patients. Currently, the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptional modification draws much attention. The m6A RNA modification, the most plentiful internal modification of mRNAs and noncoding RNAs in the majority of eukaryotes, regulates mRNAs at different levels and is involved in disease occurrence and progression. The GTExPortal and TCGAportal were applied to investigate the METTL14 mRNA expression in different tissues and KIRC stages. The Human Protein Atlas was used to verify the location of METTL14 in KIRC tissues. The main microRNAs (miRNAs) related to KIRC were analyzed using OncoLnc and starBase, while corresponding circular RNAs (circRNAs) interacting with miRNAs were predicted via circBank; then, the METTL14-miRNA-circRNA interaction network was established. The level of methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) mRNA was significantly lower in KIRC tissues compared with normal kidney tissues, which was relative to clinical and pathological stages. circRNAs may regulate METTL14 mRNA as miRNAs sponge to affect the KIRC progression. METTL14 mRNA is likely to regulate PTEN mRNA expression via changing its m6A RNA modification level. METTL14 mRNA expression negatively correlated with the KIRC stages and positively correlated with KIRC patients’ overall survival, which has great potential to serve as a clinical biomarker in KIRC.
Melatonin Reverses the Loss of Stemness Induced by TNF-α in Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Upregulation of YAP Expression
Authors: Wang Xudong , Liang Tongzhou , Qiu Jincheng , Qiu Xianjian , Gao Bo , Gao Wenjie , Lian Chengjie , Chen Taiqiu , Zhu Yuanxin , Liang Anjing , Su Peiqiang , Peng Yan , Huang Dongsheng
Published: December 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for tissue regeneration and disease treatment. However, long-term in vitro culture results in loss of MSC stemness. The inflammation that occurs at stem cell transplant sites (such as that resulting from TNF-α) is a contributing factor for stem cell treatment failure. Currently, there is little evidence regarding the protective role of melatonin with regard to the negative effects of TNF-α on the stemness of MSCs. In this study, we report a melatonin-based method to reduce the inflammatory effects on the stemness of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). The results of colony formation assays, Alizarin red staining, western blotting, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions suggest that melatonin can reverse the inflammatory damage caused by TNF-α treatment in the third, seventh, and tenth generations of primary BMMSCs (vs. control and the TNF-α-treated group). Meanwhile, a detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms showed that the melatonin receptor and YAP signaling pathway are closely related to the role that melatonin plays in negative inflammatory effects against BMMSCs. In addition, in vivo experiments showed that melatonin could reverse the damage caused by TNF-α on bone regeneration by BMMSCs in nude mice. Overall, our results suggest that melatonin can reverse the loss of stemness caused by inflammatory factor TNF-α in BMMSCs. Our results also provide a practical strategy for the application of BMMSCs in tissue engineering and cell therapy.
Retained Shrapnel from a Blast Injury as a Rare Cause of Secondary Osteoarthritis of the Hip Joint: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Basnayake Oshan , Nihaj Ahamed , Pitagampalage Ranji , Jayarajah Umesh , Mathangasinghe Yasith , Mendis Harsha
Published: December 2019

Background. Complications related to intra-articular retained shrapnel are rare and primarily depend on the anatomical location and the reaction with the surrounding tissue. Retained bodies causing severe osteoarthritis with bone destruction and limb shortening are extremely rare. We describe a rare occurrence of retained shrapnel, possibly iron nails causing a late presentation of grade 4 secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint with destruction of the femoral head and limb shortening. Case Presentation. A 74-year-old otherwise healthy Sri Lankan male with a history of blast injury to the right hip 35 years ago presented with an isolated, right sided mild hip pain with a progressive limp for an 8-year duration. He had a true right limb shortening of 3.6 cm and limited range of motion. However, he had minimal functional disability. An X-ray of the pelvis and hip joints showed grade 4 osteoarthritis of the right hip joint with destruction of the right femoral head. There were three retained metallic nails (shrapnel) in the right hip joint of which two were intra-articular. Although he was offered a total hip arthroplasty, he opted for conservative management due to his minimal functional disability. Modified foot wear and simple analgesics were prescribed, and he had no worsening of symptoms at 6 months of follow up. Conclusion. Late presentation due to shrapnel-induced osteoarthritis with bone destruction and limb shortening is extremely rare. Initial assessment with radiographs is essential following blast injuries to exclude intra-articular or periarticular foreign bodies. Such foreign bodies should be removed to prevent the associated local and systemic complications.
Analyzing the Relationship between Cohort and Case-Control Study Results Based on Model for Multiple Pathogenic Factors
Authors: Liu Hui
Published: December 2019

Objective. Although the relative risk from a prospective cohort study is numerically approximate to the odds ratio from a case-control study for a low-probability event, a definite relationship between case-control and cohort studies cannot be confirmed. In this study, we established a different model to determine the relationship between case-control and cohort studies. Methods. Two analysis models (the cross-sectional model and multiple pathogenic factor model) were established. Incidences in both the exposure group and the nonexposure group in a cohort study were compared with the frequency of the observed factor in each group (diseased and nondiseased) in a case-control study. Results. The relationship between the results of a case-control study and a cohort study is as follows: Pe=Pd∗m/Pc∗1−m+Pd∗m; Pn=m∗1−Pd/1−Pc∗1−m−Pd∗m, where Pe and Pn represent the incidence in the exposed group and nonexposed group, respectively, from the cohort study, while Pd and Pc represent the observed frequencies in the disease group and the control group, respectively, for the case-control study; finally, m represents the incidence in the total population. Conclusions. There is a definite relationship between the results of case-control and cohort studies assessing the same exposure. The outcomes of case-control studies can be translated into cohort study data.
Restoration of Autophagic Flux Rescues Oxidative Damage and Mitochondrial Dysfunction to Protect against Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Kang Liang , Xiang Qian , Zhan Shengfeng , Song Yu , Wang Kun , Zhao Kangcheng , Li Shuai , Shao Zengwu , Yang Cao , Zhang Yukun
Published: December 2019

Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis play crucial roles in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Increasing studies have shown that interventions targeting impaired autophagic flux can maintain cellular homeostasis by relieving oxidative damage. Here, we investigated the effect of curcumin (CUR), a known autophagy activator, on IDD in vitro and in vivo. CUR suppressed tert-butyl hydroperoxide- (TBHP-) induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and thereby inhibited human NP cell apoptosis, senescence, and ECM degradation. CUR treatment induced autophagy and enhanced autophagic flux in an AMPK/mTOR/ULK1-dependent manner. Notably, CUR alleviated TBHP-induced interruption of autophagosome-lysosome fusion and impairment of lysosomal function and thus contributed to the restoration of blocked autophagic clearance. These protective effects of CUR in TBHP-stimulated human NP cells resembled the effects produced by the autophagy inducer rapamycin, but the effects were partially eliminated by 3-methyladenine- and compound C-mediated inhibition of autophagy initiation or chloroquine-mediated obstruction of autophagic flux. Lastly, CUR also exerted a protective effect against puncture-induced IDD progression in vivo. Our results showed that suppression of excessive ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction through enhancement of autophagy coupled with restoration of autophagic flux ameliorated TBHP-induced human NP cell apoptosis, senescence, and ECM degradation. Thus, maintenance of the proper functioning of autophagy represents a promising therapeutic strategy for IDD, and CUR might serve as an effective therapeutic agent for IDD.
Efficient Acquisition of Fully Human Antibody Genes against Self-Proteins by Sorting Single B Cells Stimulated with Vaccines Based on Nitrated T Helper Cell Epitopes
Authors: Jiang Liangliang , Jiang Tao , Luo Jianhua , Kang Yanliang , Tong Yue , Song Xiaoda , Gao Xiangdong , Yao Wenbing , Tian Hong
Published: December 2019

Single B cell antibody technology is a method for isolating antigen-specific B cells from human peripheral blood and obtaining antibody genes in developing antibody drugs. However, owing to immune tolerance to autoantigen, human autoantigen-specific B cells are difficult to acquire by conventional single B cell technology. In this study, we constructed a nitrated T-cell epitope named NitraTh by incorporatingp-nitrophenylalanine into a universal T helper epitope. NitraTh had enhanced ability to activate CD4+T cells and can be recognized by CD4+T cells with different HLA class II haplotypes. This NitraTh can also break immune tolerance to autoantigens, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and cannabinoid receptor 1, and induce strong specific IgM+B cell responsesin vitro. HER2-NitraTh vaccine can also stimulate the generation of HER2-specific IgG+B cells in human immune system mice, which was established by cotransplanting lymphocytes and autologous dendritic cells in immunodeficient mice. We obtained 30 fully human IgG antibody genes by sorting single B cells from the human immune system mice immunized with HER2-NitraTh vaccine. The analysis of antibody genes showed that sorted B cells underwent the extensive somatic mutation of the antibody genes. We randomly selected eight genes for cloning, six of which expressed antibodies that can bind to HER2. Hence, we provided a convenient and effective method in acquiring fully human antibody genes against self-proteins, which can be used in developing therapeutic antibody drugs.
Improving Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Crosswalk by Using Upstream Detection Strategy
Authors: Yang Zhen , Wang Baojie , Yan Xingchen , Ma Jianxiao , Tang Wenyun
Published: December 2019

Walking, as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of travel, has been revived in many cities around the world. The mid-block crosswalk (MBC) is a common type of pedestrian facility, and the pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) is one of most commonly used signalized MBCs, having a wide range of applications. This study applied an upstream detection (UD) strategy to PHB to reduce the pedestrian waiting time at the crossing. Data were collected through video recordings at two crosswalks at two different periods of the day in the city of Nanjing. First, basic simulation models were developed in VISSIM according to the current layout and the signal control methods of the two crosswalks. Second, signal control logic was adjusted to develop simulation models of PHB. Third, upstream detectors were added to develop simulation models of PHB with a UD strategy. Models for PHB were simulated with 10 different random seeds, and a paired t-test was conducted to evaluate the performance of the UD strategy statistically. The results show that the UD strategy for PHB reduces pedestrian waiting time and increases vehicle delay. However, the reduction in pedestrian waiting time is greater than the increase in vehicle delay. The UD strategy has also been found to be more effective for crosswalks, with relatively short crossing lengths and low pedestrian volume. Finally, a discussion about factors concerned with the application of UD strategies in practice is carried out.
Unshielding Multidrug Resistant Cancer through Selective Iron Depletion of P-Glycoprotein–Expressing Cells
Authors: Cserepes Mihály , Türk Dóra , Tóth Szilárd , Pape Veronika F.S. , Gaál Anikó , Gera Melinda , Szabó Judit E. , Kucsma Nóra , Várady György , Vértessy Beáta G. , Streli Christina , Szabó Pál T. , Tovari Jozsef , Szoboszlai Norbert , Szakács Gergely
Published: December 2019

Clinical evidence shows that following initial response to treatment, drug-resistant cancer cells frequently evolve and, eventually, most tumors become resistant to all available therapies. We compiled a focused library consisting of >500 commercially available or newly synthetized 8-hydroxyquinoline (8OHQ) derivatives whose toxicity is paradoxically increased rather than decreased by the activity of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a transporter conferring multidrug resistance (MDR). Here, we deciphered the mechanism of action of NSC297366 that shows exceptionally strong Pgp-potentiated toxicity. Treatment of cells with NSC297366 resulted in changes associated with the activity of potent anticancer iron chelators. Strikingly, iron depletion was more pronounced in MDR cells due to the Pgp-mediated efflux of NSC297366–iron complexes. Our results indicate that iron homeostasis can be targeted by MDR-selective compounds for the selective elimination of multidrug resistant cancer cells, setting the stage for a therapeutic approach to fight transporter-mediated drug resistance.

Significance:

Modulation of the MDR phenotype has the potential to increase the efficacy of anticancer therapies. These findings show that the MDR transporter is a “double-edged sword” that can be turned against resistant cancer.
Aurora A Kinase Inhibition Destabilizes PAX3-FOXO1 and MYCN and Synergizes with Navitoclax to Induce Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Death
Authors: Ommer Johannes , Selfe Joanna L. , Wachtel Marco , O'Brien Eleanor M. , Laubscher Dominik , Roemmele Michaela , Kasper Stephanie , Delattre Olivier , Surdez Didier , Petts Gemma , Kelsey Anna , Shipley Janet , Schäfer Beat W.
Published: December 2019

The clinically aggressive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) subtype is characterized by expression of the oncogenic fusion protein PAX3-FOXO1, which is critical for tumorigenesis and cell survival. Here, we studied the mechanism of cell death induced by loss of PAX3-FOXO1 expression and identified a novel pharmacologic combination therapy that interferes with PAX3-FOXO1 biology at different levels. Depletion of PAX3-FOXO1 in fusion-positive (FP)-RMS cells induced intrinsic apoptosis in a NOXA-dependent manner. This was pharmacologically mimicked by the BH3 mimetic navitoclax, identified as top compound in a screen from 208 targeted compounds. In a parallel approach, and to identify drugs that alter the stability of PAX3-FOXO1 protein, the same drug library was screened and fusion protein levels were directly measured as a read-out. This revealed that inhibition of Aurora kinase A most efficiently negatively affected PAX3-FOXO1 protein levels. Interestingly, this occurred through a novel specific phosphorylation event in and binding to the fusion protein. Aurora kinase A inhibition also destabilized MYCN, which is both a functionally important oncogene and transcriptional target of PAX3-FOXO1. Combined treatment with an Aurora kinase A inhibitor and navitoclax in FP-RMS cell lines and patient-derived xenografts synergistically induced cell death and significantly slowed tumor growth. These studies identify a novel functional interaction of Aurora kinase A with both PAX3-FOXO1 and its effector MYCN, and reveal new opportunities for targeted combination treatment of FP-RMS.

Significance:

These findings show that Aurora kinase A and Bcl-2 family proteins are potential targets for FP-RMS.
Biomechanical Changes after in vivo Enzyme-Induced Corneal Crosslinking in Rabbits
Authors: Wu Yuan , Song Wenjing , Tang Yun , Yan Xiaoming
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Enzyme-induced corneal crosslinking (CXL) may be a promising and effective method to stiffen the cornea. However, there have been no reports on the effect of corneal CXL with enzyme in vivo. Objective: To evaluate the biomechanical efficacy after in vivo enzyme-induced corneal CXL in rabbits using noninvasive imaging. Methods: The eyes of 10 white New Zealand rabbits were unilaterally treated with CXL enzyme (transglutaminases [Tgases]). The contralateral eyes served as negative controls. In every rabbit, a 1 U/mL solution of Tgases was applied to the corneal surface. Corneal dynamic deformation by an air puff was measured using high-speed Scheimpflug imaging on day 14 after the procedure. Biomechanical parameters, central corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure were recorded and assessed. Then, corneal buttons were excised from euthanized animals for hematoxylin and eosin staining to evaluate changes in corneal collagen distribution and cell damage. Results: Some biomechanical parameters showed statistically significant changes after in vivo CXL. The deformation amplitude and maximum corneal velocity during the second applanations were significantly lower than those of the untreated control group. The second applanations were significantly increased compared to the control group. No changes were found in other parameters. The morphology of the corneal stroma was similar in CXL-treated and untreated corneas. No obvious cell apoptosis was observed. Conclusions: Corneal stiffness increased after in vivo CXL induced by Tgases. This CXL method may be useful for corneal ectasia.
Avaliação da automedicação entre estudantes de medicina de uma instituição de ensino de Alagoas
Authors: Nascimento Camila Suica do , Araújo Karla Morgana Mota de , Gusmão Daniela Britto Marinho de , Souza Paula Moura , Santos Júnior José Alfredo Dos
Published: December 2019

O uso medicamentoso de substâncias químicas na sociedade moderna tem crescido gradativamente. Nesse contexto, a prática de automedicação por profissionais e acadêmicos da área de saúde tem sido cada vez mais frequente, levando a uma preocupação quando se avalia o consumo abusivo de psicofármacos. A partir dessa problemática, relevante à saúde pública, se faz importante desenvolver meios e métodos que possam orientar com cautela sobre os riscos do uso indiscriminado de medicamentos. Objetivo: Avaliar a prática de automedicação e as particularidades atribuídas a ela entre estudantes de medicina de uma instituição de ensino superior. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo transversal com abordagem quantitativa realizado no Centro Universitário CESMAC através de questionários aplicados aos acadêmicos de medicina. Das 9 turmas disponíveis para realização da pesquisa, todas tiveram os dados coletados e seus resultados interpretados a partir de bancos de dados criados utilizando o programa Microsoft Office Excel. Resultados e Discussões: 280 voluntários relataram fazer uso de automedicação, sendo essa representada em sua maior parte pelos anti-inflamatórios e apenas 4 pessoas alegaram se utilizar o metilfenidato por conta própria antes das provas. Conclusão: É evidente que o hábito de automedicação de maneira inadequada acarreta em consequências indesejáveis e no mascaramento de doenças evolutivas, o que se configura, portanto, em uma atividade a ser prevenida, assim como a utilização racional de medicamentos e a recomendação de profissional especializado devem ser enfatizadas.
Perfil epidemiológico e avaliação da atenção pré e pós-natal nos pacientes portadores de hérnia diafragmática congênita
Authors: Galindo Rodrigo Melo , Pires Melina Franco , Cordeiro Raquel Nogueira , Lima Diego Laurentino , Medeiros Caline Siqueira de , Holanda Eduardo Vidal de
Published: December 2019

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os aspectos epidemiológicos e a assistência pré e pós-natal de pacientes tratados com hérnia diafragmática congênita (HDC) em um hospital terciário no nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo do tipo corte transversal através da análise dos prontuários dos pacientes com diagnóstico de HDC no período entre janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2017. Foram estudados aspectos relacionados ao pré-natal, ao puerpério imediato e ao período pós-natal, observando as taxas de sobrevida, características da hérnia e do tratamento da patologia. O estudo se desenvolveu através do preenchimento de formulários de acordo com os dados colhidos nos prontuários desses pacientes e de suas genitoras. RESULTADOS: Entre os 54 pacientes analisados, 64,8% foram diagnosticados no período pré-natal. 38% apresentavam a falha no lado esquerdo do diafragma e 50% dos pacientes tinham registro de fígado intratorácico. 63% dos pacientes foram submetidos à correção cirúrgica. 53,7% dos portadores de hérnia diafragmática congênita evoluíram para óbito. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se uma elevada taxa de mortalidade entre os pacientes, principalmente daqueles que são portadores de outras malformações além da hérnia diafragmática congênita, sendo necessário investigar e avaliar a presença das mesmas durante o pré-natal e no período pós-natal.
Manifestações neuropsicomotoras da doença de Huntington juvenil
Authors: Nogueira Letícia Alves , Rocha Anderson Elizeu de Oliveira , Vasconcelos Lígia Maizman de , Figueiredo Júnior José Alexandre Borges de , Bragato Simone Galli Rocha
Published: December 2019

A Doença de Huntington Juvenil (DHJ) consiste na neurodegeneração de células nervosas causada pela formação da proteína alterada denominada huntingtina, acumulada no citoplasma e núcleo de neurônios, capaz de gerar morte progressiva destas células de forma mais evidente no corpo estriado, que engloba os núcleos caudado e putâmen. A variante juvenil da Doença de Huntington manifesta-se em pacientes com idades entre 0 a 20 anos, com variedade de distúrbios motores, cognitivos e comportamentais. Com o objetivo de estudar os mais prevalentes sinais, sintomas e achados de imagem, bem como as manifestações iniciais e a evolução sintomatológica ao decorrer da doença, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa de literaturas, incluindo o total de 25 artigos selecionados após a adequação de critérios de exclusão e inclusão. Após a análise dos dados, concluiu-se que os sintomas mais destacados foram rigidez muscular, disartria, convulsões, bradicinesia e disfunções cognitivas e comportamentais. Em se tratando de achados de imagem, prevaleceram atrofia de núcleos da base e cerebelo em pacientes com a doença mais avançada e diagnosticados em tempo maior.
Manifestação clínica-epidemiológica do Schwannoma vestibular
Authors: Rodrigues Mateus De Sousa , Santana Leonardo Fernandes , Araújo Gabriel Almeida , Gomes Orlando Vieira , Filho Renato Bispo de Cerqueira , Brito Cleison Welligton Amorim
Published: December 2019

O Schwannoma vestibular (SV) responde por 8% dos tumores intracranianos e por 90% dos tumores do ângulo ponto-cerebelar. Entretanto, ainda existem poucos trabalhos que abordem o quadro clínico desencadeado por esse tumor. O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever as manifestações clínicas e epidemiológicas do SV. Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura. Foram pesquisados artigos publicados entre 2012-2017 na base de dados Pubmed Central®. Os termos utilizadosna pesquisa desses artigos foram: 1) “schwannoma/vestibular”; 2) “acoustic/neuroma”. Foram identificados 1.497 e 1.016 artigos a partir dos termos 1 e 2, respectivamente. Entretanto, foram analisados apenas 60 artigos a partir de cada termo, totalizando um levantamento de 120 artigos. Com a exclusão das nove repetições, restaram 111 artigos. Esses artigos foram selecionados mediante a leitura do título e do resumo. Foram excluídos os artigos com desenho do tipo relato de caso. Desse modo, foram selecionados 14 artigos. Os dados analisados nesses artigos foram: 1) descrição conceitual do SV; 2) epidemiologia (porcentagem por sexo e faixa etária) do SV; 3) expressão percentual da prevalência dos sintomas do SV. Foram utilizados oito, sete e cinco artigos nas análises 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. Esse trabalho observou que as mulheres são mais acometidas do queos homens, que a idade média mais afetada está entre a quinta e a sexta década de vida. Quanto aos sintomas, baixa auditiva e zumbidos são os mais frequentes, estando comumente associados. O conhecimento dessa epidemiologia é relevante para o aprimoramento do manejo clínico dos pacientes com SV.
A LENTE E O PINCE-NEZ: MACHADO DE ASSIS, ESPINOSA E A CULTURA POLÍTICA NO BRASIL
Authors: Braga Luiz Carlos Montans
Published: December 2019

Machado de Assis, no conto A Sereníssima República, aponta, por meio da alegoria, problemas de fundo do sistema político brasileiro. Uma espécie de cultura da fraude estaria presente nos comportamentos das aranhas (estas, na alegoria proposta no conto, fazem as vezes dos cidadãos da república), o que impossibilitaria a implantação reta e precisa da lei, bem como a instituição da paz e da securitas. Sérgio Buarque de Holanda, ao analisar, a partir de fontes primárias, o período em que se passa o conto, constata os mesmos problemas que Machado de Assis apontara. Os conceitos políticos espinosanos são movimentados, ao final, para mostrar que em um imperium no qual as leis são constantemente violadas, não se está distante do estado de natureza, com grande perigo de vida para os súditos-cidadãos. Seria este o caso da república do conto e do Brasil atual?
MODERNIDADE E ALIENAÇÃO DO MUNDO EM HANNAH ARENDT
Authors: Dias Thiago
Published: December 2019

Este artigo apresenta certos aspectos da crítica à modernidade feita por Hannah Arendt. O percurso se baseia na exposição das princi-pais razões pelas quais a autora afirma que a característica fundamental da era moderna é a alienação do mundo. Esta alienação tem sua origem no descobrimento da América, na Reforma protestante e, sobretudo, no par formado pela invenção do telescópio e a filosofia de Descartes. De-pois de indicar os tipos de alienação do mundo correspondentes a cada um destes eventos, com destaque para o papel da ciência neste proces-so, apresenta-se certos desdobramentos contemporâneos desta alienação que talvez permitam avançar a hipótese de que, de um ponto de vista arendtiano,  a  ideia  de  hipermodernidade  é  mais  pertinente  que  a  de pós-modernidade.
LEIBNIZ LEITOR DE ANSELMO: UM CASO EXEMPLAR DE DESLIZE FILOSÓFICO
Authors: Oliveira Eliakim Ferreira
Published: December 2019

O artigo procura apresentar as modificações do clássico argumento da existência de Deus feitas por Leibniz nos textos Novos ensaios sobre o entendimento humano e Meditações sobre o Conhecimento, a Verdade e as Ideias. Defende-se que já há em Leibniz uma leitura "ontologizante" de Anselmo, cuja razão bem pode ser a apropriação cartesiana do argumento. O plano de fundo dessa discussão é a maneira como os filósofos, quando leem outros, na medida em que possuem suas próprias agendas filosóficas, cometem, intencionalmente ou não, o que se chama, neste artigo, "deslize filosófico".
Routine Continuous Electrocardiographic Monitoring Following Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Al-Hijji Mohammed A. , Gulati Rajiv , Bell Malcolm , Kaplan Revelee J. , Feind Jeanna L. , Lewis Bradley R. , Borah Bijan J. , Moriarty James P. , Yoon Park Jae , El Sabbagh Abdallah , Kanwar Ardaas , Barsness Gregory , Munger Thomas , Asirvatham Samuel , Lerman Amir , Singh Mandeep
Published: December 2019

Background:

The clinical utility of routine electrocardiographic monitoring following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is not well studied.

Methods:

We prospectively evaluated the incidence, cost, and the clinical implications of actionable arrhythmia alarms on telemetry monitoring following PCI. One thousand three hundred fifty-eight PCI procedures (989 [72.8%] for acute coronary syndrome and 369 [27.2%] for stable angina) on patients admitted to nonintensive care unit were identified and divided into 2 groups; group 1, patients with actionable alarms (AA) and group 2, patients with non-AA. AA included (1) ≥3 s electrical pause or asystole; (2) high-grade Mobitz type II atrioventricular block or complete heart block; (3) ventricular fibrillation; (4) ventricular tachycardia (>15 beats); (5) atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response; (6) supraventricular tachycardia (>15 beats). Primary outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality. Cost-savings analysis was performed.

Results:

Incidence of AA was 2.2% (37/1672). Time from end of procedure to AA was 5.5 (0.5, 24.5) hours. Patients with AA were older, presented with acute congestive heart failure or non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and had multivessel or left main disease. The 30-day all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with AA (6.5% versus 0.3% in non-AA [
P
<0.001]). Applying the standardized costing approach and tailored monitoring per the American Heart Association guidelines lead to potential cost savings of $622 480.95 for the entire population.

Conclusions:

AA following PCI were infrequent but were associated with increase in 30-day mortality. Following American Heart Association guidelines for monitoring after PCI can lead to substantial cost saving.
Right Hemispheric Homologous Language Pathways Negatively Predicts Poststroke Naming Recovery
Authors: Keser Zafer , Sebastian Rajani , Hasan Khader M. , Hillis Argye E.
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in United States, and aphasia is a common sequela after a left hemisphere stroke. Functional imaging and brain stimulation studies show that right hemisphere structures are detrimental to aphasia recovery but evidence from diffusion tensor imaging is lacking. We investigated the role of homologous language pathways in naming recovery after left hemispheric stroke.

Methods—

Patients with aphasia after a left hemispheric stroke underwent naming assessment using the Boston Naming Test and diffusion tensor imaging at the acute and chronic time points. We analyzed diffusion tensor imaging of right arcuate fasciculus and frontal aslant tracts. We used Wilcoxon rank-sum test to evaluate structural lateralization patterns and partial Spearman correlation/multivariate generalized linear model to determine the role of right arcuate fasciculus and frontal aslant tracts in naming recovery after controlling for confounders. Results were corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results—

On average, the structural integrity of left language pathways deteriorated more than their right homologs, such that there was rightward lateralization in the chronic stage. Regression/correlation analyses showed that greater preservation of tract integrity of right arcuate fasciculus was associated with poorer naming recovery.

Conclusions—

Our study provides preliminary evidence that preservation of right homologs of language pathways is associated with poor recovery of naming after a left hemispheric stroke, consistent with previous evidence that maintaining greater reliance on left hemisphere structures is associated with better language recovery.
The Contribution of Vacationing Together to Couple Functioning
Authors: Shahvali Mojtaba , Kerstetter Deborah L. , Townsend Jasmine N.
Published: December 2019

Informed by the Core and Balance Model of Family Leisure Functioning, we investigated the contribution of one type of family leisure—couple vacations—in enhancing couples’ cohesion and flexibility (i.e., functioning). Studying dyadic data from 112 couples (224 individuals) from across the United States of America, results of multilevel models showed that the variable “shared experiences during vacations” was positively associated with couples’ day-to-day functioning at home. Couples who engaged in higher levels of shared experiences during their vacations, such as effective communication, showing affection, or experiencing new things together, reported higher levels of couple flexibility and cohesion following their vacations, regardless of the number of vacations. We discuss the implications of these results for couples who spend quality time together away from home, as well as future use of our study model when examining benefits of vacationing for families.
Effect of a feedback system on the quality of 2-minute chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomised crossover simulation study
Authors: Wu Chunshuang , You Jingyu , Liu Shaoyun , Ying Lan , Gao Yuzhi , Li Yulin , Lu Xiao , Qian Anyu , Zhang Mao , Zhou Guangju
Published: December 2019

Objective

We evaluated the quality of 2-minute continuous chest compressions (CCCs) performed by emergency staff in 30-second intervals to determine the effect of a feedback system on maintaining the quality of CCCs.

Methods

Two hundred three physicians and nurses were randomised into two groups. Each participant performed 2-minute CCCs both with and without feedback. Group A performed CCCs under the guidance of a feedback device followed by performance without feedback, and Group B performed these tasks in reverse order. The primary outcome was the proportion of optimal compressions; i.e., compressions at both the correct rate (100–120 beats/minute) and correct depth (5–6 cm).

Results

During 2-minute CCCs, the proportion of optimal compressions was poor in personnel without feedback. The proportion of optimal compressions was unchanged and low from 2.4% (interquartile range, 0.0%–32.8%) in the first 30 seconds to 3.3% (0.0%–47.7%) in the last 30 seconds of the 2-minute period. Use of the feedback device significantly improved and maintained the quality of compressions from the first 30 seconds (53.3%; 29.2%–70.4%) to the last 30 seconds (82.8%; 50.8%–96.2%).

Conclusion

Use of the feedback device was helpful for maintaining the quality of CCCs.
Quality of Life in Jail: Gender, Correlates, and Drivers in a Carceral Space
Authors: Prost Stephanie Grace , Panisch Lisa S. , Bedard Laura E.
Published: December 2019

Quality of life (QOL) is an important area of exploration in U.S. corrections linked closely to well-being and an important indicator of intervention efficacy. Little is known of QOL in U.S. jails despite the admittance of over 10-million people to these settings every year. Research regarding the dimensions, correlates, and gender disparities in QOL in jails is important to shaping gender-responsive supports and reducing recidivism. Independent t tests and correlational and regression analyses were used to explore dimensions, correlates, and gender disparities in QOL among persons incarcerated in a large, southeastern jail ( N = 299). All QOL domains were significantly related to overall QOL, and psychological QOL contributed most readily to respondent’s overall QOL. Females, on average, reported lower QOL than males with significant differences between the groups in physical health and psychological domains. The importance of psychological QOL intervention and healthcare continuity are discussed.
Alginate hydrogel enriched with Ambystoma mexicanum epidermal lipoxygenase-loaded pectin nanoparticles for enhanced wound healing
Authors: Oveissi Farnoush , Tavakoli Naser , Minaiyan Mohsen , Mofid Mohammad Reza , Taheri Azade
Published: December 2019

Epidermal lipoxygenase enzyme extracted from Ambystoma mexicanum (AmbLOXe) is known to accelerate the wound-healing process. AmbLOXe as a protein suffers from inactivation and losing its activity during formulation. Therefore, a delivery system that protects AmbLOXe from inactivation and preserves its activity is needed. We prepared AmbLOXe-loaded pectin nanoparticles (AmbLOXe Pec-NPs) and placed them into an alginate hydrogel. AmbLOXe Pec-NPs incorporation into the alginate hydrogel provides a means for controlled and sustained delivery of AmbLOXe to the wound site. Furthermore, the suitable swelling behavior and mechanical properties of AmbLOXe Pec-NPs alginate hydrogel make it feasible for clinical use. AmbLOXe Pec-NPs alginate hydrogel significantly enhanced the wound-healing process on the rat full-thickness excisional wounds, increased the rate of wound closure, enhanced the re-epithelialization and decreased the incidence of abnormal scarring. AmbLOXe Pec-NPs alginate hydrogel can be proposed as an effective wound hydrogel for improving wound healing with minimal scarring.
The Role of ADHD Symptomatology and Emotion Dysregulation in Gambling Disorder
Authors: Mestre-Bach Gemma , Steward Trevor , Potenza Marc N. , Granero Roser , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Mena-Moreno Teresa , Magaña Pablo , Vintró-Alcaraz Cristina , del Pino-Gutiérrez Amparo , Menchón José M. , Jiménez-Murcia Susana
Published: December 2019

Objectives: Although emotion regulation deficits have been implicated in gambling disorder and ADHD, the interplay between these factors has yet to be systematically studied. We examined relationships between ADHD symptoms, emotion regulation, and gambling disorder severity in a sample of treatment-seeking gambling disorder patients ( n = 98). We also examined clinical differences between patients with and without ADHD symptomatology. Method: Structural equation modeling (SEM) evaluated direct and indirect effects of ADHD and emotion regulation on gambling disorder severity. Results: Significant correlations between ADHD symptomatology and emotion regulation and between emotion regulation and gambling disorder severity were identified. Differences in emotion regulation were found between gambling disorder patients with and without ADHD symptomatology. Path analysis revealed emotion regulation to be a mediator between ADHD and gambling disorder. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the presence of ADHD symptomatology to be associated with greater severity of gambling disorder and greater emotional dysregulation.
A Decade of Customer Engagement Research in Hospitality and Tourism: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda
Authors: So Kevin Kam Fung , Li Xiang (Robert) , Kim Hyunsu
Published: December 2019

Over the past decade, customer engagement has attracted significant interest from academics and practitioners. This article reviews and synthesizes customer engagement research published in seven leading hospitality and tourism journals between 2009 and 2019. It systematically analyzes publication outlets and trajectories, study sectors, methodological approaches, analytical techniques, conceptualizations of customer engagement, classifications of antecedents and consequences, and key mediators and moderators. This article also presents a model summarizing extant customer engagement research and identifies critical avenues for future scholarly inquiry into customer engagement. The comprehensive review and analysis offered in this article contribute to the literature by detailing the status of customer engagement research and the evolution of relevant literature over the past 11 years.