bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical and Numerical Solutions of Pollution Concentration with Uniformly and Exponentially Increasing Forms of Sources
Authors: Manitcharoen N. , Pimpunchat B.
Published: April 2020

The study of pollution movement is an important basis for solving water quality problems, which is of vital importance in almost every country. This research proposes the motion of flowing pollution by using a mathematical model in one-dimensional advection-dispersion equation which includes terms of decay and enlargement process. We are assuming an added pollutant sources along the river in two cases: uniformly and exponentially increasing terms. The unsteady state analytical solutions are obtained by using the Laplace transformation, and the finite difference technique is utilized for numerical solutions. Solutions are compared by relative error values. The result appears acceptable between the analytical and numerical solutions. Varying the value of the rate of pollutant addition along the river (q) and the arbitrary constant of exponential pollution source term (λ) is displayed to explain the behavior of the incremental concentration. It is shown that the concentration increases asqandλincrease, and the exponentially increasing pollution source is a suitable model for the behavior of incremental pollution along the river. The results are presented and discussed graphically. This work can be applied to other physical situations described by advection-dispersion phenomena which are affected by the increase of those source concentrations.
Polymers Decorated with Functional Motifs for Mitigation of Steel Corrosion: An Overview
Authors: Aljeaban N. A. , Goni L. K. M. O. , Alharbi B. G. , Jafar Mazumder M. A. , Ali S. A. , Chen T. , Quraishi M. A. , Al-Muallem H. A.
Published: April 2020

Corrosion is a hazardous phenomenon having a devastating impact on technological and industrial applications, particularly in the oil and gas industries. Therefore, controlling the corrosion of metals is an important activity of technical, economical, environmental, and aesthetical importance in order to save huge expenses in materials, equipment, and structure. The use of corrosion inhibitors is one of the best options for controlling the metallic corrosion in various corrosive media. Numerous problems aroused with the use of inorganic and small molecule organic corrosion inhibitors, and the use of polymeric corrosion inhibitors came into limelight. This review article provides an overview of the recent development of different classes of corrosion inhibitors with special emphasis on different functional motifs of natural, synthetically modified natural, and synthetic polymeric materials. The significance, mechanism, and challenges of using polymeric materials as corrosion inhibitors are also highlighted in the review.
Prediagnostic 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Relation to Tumor Molecular Alterations and Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Peng Cheng , Heng Yujing J. , Lu Donghao , DuPre Natalie C. , Kensler Kevin H. , Glass Kimberly , Zeleznik Oana A. , Kraft Peter , Feldman David , Hankinson Susan E. , Rexrode Kathryn , Eliassen A. Heather , Tamimi Rulla M.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Although vitamin D inhibits breast tumor growth in experimental settings, the findings from population-based studies remain inconclusive. Our goals were to investigate the association between prediagnostic plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration and breast cancer recurrence in prospective epidemiologic studies and to explore the molecular underpinnings linking 25(OH)D to slower progression of breast cancer in the Nurses' Health Studies (NHS, N = 659).

Methods:

Plasma 25(OH)D was measured with a high-affinity protein-binding assay and a radioimmunoassay. We profiled transcriptome-wide gene expression in breast tumors using microarrays. Hazard ratios (HR) of breast cancer recurrence were estimated from covariate-adjusted Cox regressions. We examined differential gene expression in association with 25(OH)D and employed pathway analysis. We derived a gene expression score for 25(OH)D, and assessed associations between the score and cancer recurrence.

Results:

Although 25(OH)D was not associated with breast cancer recurrence overall [HR = 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.88–1.08], the association varied by estrogen-receptor (ER) status (Pinteraction = 0.005). Importantly, among ER-positive stage I to III cancers, every 5 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a 13% lower risk of recurrence (HR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76–0.99). A null association was observed for ER-negative cancers (HR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.91–1.27). Pathway analysis identified multiple gene sets that were significantly (FDR < 5%) downregulated in ER-positive tumors of women with high 25(OH)D (≥30 ng/mL), compared with those with low levels (<30 ng/mL). These gene sets are primarily involved in tumor proliferation, migration, and inflammation. 25(OH)D score derived from these gene sets was marginally associated with reduced risk of recurrence in ER-positive diseases (HR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59–1.01) in the NHS studies; however no association was noted in METABRIC, suggesting that further refinement is need to improve the generalizability of the score.

Conclusions:

Our findings support an intriguing line of research for studies to better understand the mechanisms underlying the role of vitamin D in breast tumor progression, particularly for the ER-positive subtype.

Impact:

Vitamin D may present a personal-level secondary-prevention strategy for ER-positive breast cancer.
Targeting NAD+ Biosynthesis Overcomes Panobinostat and Bortezomib-Induced Malignant Glioma Resistance
Authors: Jane Esther P. , Premkumar Daniel R. , Thambireddy Swetha , Golbourn Brian , Agnihotri Sameer , Bertrand Kelsey C. , Mack Stephen C. , Myers Max I. , Chattopadhyay Ansuman , Taylor D. Lansing , Schurdak Mark E. , Stern Andrew M. , Pollack Ian F.
Published: April 2020

To improve therapeutic responses in patients with glioma, new combination therapies that exploit a mechanistic understanding of the inevitable emergence of drug resistance are needed. Intratumoral heterogeneity enables a low barrier to resistance in individual patients with glioma. We reasoned that targeting two or more fundamental processes that gliomas are particularly dependent upon could result in pleiotropic effects that would reduce the diversity of resistant subpopulations allowing convergence to a more robust therapeutic strategy. In contrast to the cytostatic responses observed with each drug alone, the combination of the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib synergistically induced apoptosis of adult and pediatric glioma cell lines at clinically achievable doses. Resistance that developed was examined using RNA-sequencing and pharmacologic screening of resistant versus drug-naïve cells. Quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT), the rate-determining enzyme for de novo synthesis of NAD+ from tryptophan, exhibited particularly high differential gene expression in resistant U87 cells and protein expression in all resistant lines tested. Reducing QPRT expression reversed resistance, suggesting that QPRT is a selective and targetable dependency for the panobinostat–bortezomib resistance phenotype. Pharmacologic inhibition of either NAD+ biosynthesis or processes such as DNA repair that consume NAD+ or their simultaneous inhibition with drug combinations, specifically enhanced apoptosis in treatment-resistant cells. Concomitantly, de novo vulnerabilities to known drugs were observed.

Implications:

These data provide new insights into mechanisms of treatment resistance in gliomas, hold promise for targeting recurrent disease, and provide a potential strategy for further exploration of next-generation inhibitors.
Deconstructing Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma by Targeting the Conductor, MYC
Authors: English Isabel A. , Sears Rosalie C.
Published: April 2020

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Sodir and colleagues employ a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma mouse model with mutant KRAS and inducible MYC to demonstrate that MYC acts as a reversible driver of malignant tumor progression. Abrogation of MYC triggers rapid regression and disassembly of the ensemble tumor through both cancer cell–intrinsic and cancer cell–extrinsic mechanisms, providing a compelling rationale for therapeutic targeting of MYC.

See related article by Sodir et al., p. 588.
Accelerated Loss of Antigravity Muscles Is Associated with Mortality in Patients with COPD
Authors: Tanimura Kazuya , Sato Susumu , Sato Atsuyasu , Tanabe Naoya , Hasegawa Koichi , Uemasu Kiyoshi , Hamakawa Yoko , Oguma Tsuyoshi , Muro Shigeo , Hirai Toyohiro
Published: April 2020

Background: Low antigravity muscle mass is strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the significance of longitudinal changes in antigravity muscle mass remains unclear in patients with COPD. Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the factors associated with the longitudinal loss of antigravity muscles and whether the accelerated loss of these muscles has a negative impact on prognosis. Methods: This study was part of a prospective observational study at Kyoto University. We enrolled stable male patients with COPD who underwent longitudinal quantitative CT analysis of the cross-sectional area of the erector spinae muscles (ESMCSA) at an interval of 3 years. The associations between the rate of change in ESMCSA (%ΔESM) and clinical parameters, such as anthropometry, symptoms, lung function, exacerbation frequency, and all-cause mortality, were investigated. Results: In total, 102 stable male COPD patients were successfully evaluated in this study (71.3 ± 8.3 years, GOLD stage I/II/III/IV = 20/47/28/7 patients). ESMCSA significantly decreased from 30.53 to 28.98 cm2 (p < 0.0001) in 3 years, and the mean %ΔESM was 5.21 ± 7.24%. The rate of survival during the observation period was 85.3% (87/102). Patients with an accelerated decline in ESMCSA (n = 31; more than double the mean rate of decline) had a significantly higher frequency of moderate-to-severe exacerbations during the interval (p = 0.015). They also had significantly worse survival (p = 0.035 by log-rank test). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model showed that lower ESMCSA and greater %ΔESM decline were independently and significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions: Frequent exacerbations were related to the loss of antigravity muscles in COPD patients. The accelerated loss of antigravity muscles was associated with a poor prognosis.
Endophytic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Robot-Assisted Surgery: Functional Outcomes – A Comprehensive Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Khene Zine-Eddine , Peyronnet Benoit , Gasmi Anis , Verhoest Grégory , Mathieu Romain , Bensalah Karim
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Robotic surgery for the management of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has gained increasing popularity during the last decade. An endophytic renal tumour represents a surgical technical challenge in terms of identification and resection related to the lack of external visual cues on the kidney surface. Materials and Methods: There is little evidence of functional outcomes of robotic surgery on treating endophytic masses. For this reason, we wanted to review the contemporary literature on the functional outcomes of endophytic RCC treated with robotic surgery. Results: Many studies investigating robotic partial nephrectomy for totally endophytic RCC confirmed the good functional results of this approach at intermediate follow-up. The greater relative importance of volume loss versus ischaemia duration in predicting long-term renal function after partial nephrectomy is now established, and the robotic technique may facilitate volume preservation. Accurate use of intra-operative ultrasonography, enucleation, and intra-operative techniques using near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green dye could minimize excision of the parenchyma and prevent devascularization of adjacent healthy parenchyma. Conclusions: Unfortunately, the overall quality of the literature evidence and the high risk of selection bias limit the possibility of any causal interpretation about the relationship between the surgical technique used and functional outcomes.
Safeguarding the Maintenance Hemodialysis Patient Population during the Coronavirus Disease 19 Pandemic
Authors: Meijers Bjorn , Messa Piergiorgio , Ronco Claudio
Published: April 2020

The World Health Organization has recognized the pandemic nature of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak. A large proportion of positive patients require hospitalization, while 5–6% of them may need more aggressive therapies in intensive care. Most governments have recommended social separation and severe measures of prevention of further spreading of the epidemic. Because hemodialysis (HD) patients need to access hospital and dialysis center facilities 3 times a week, this category of patients requires special attention. In this editorial, we tried to summarize the experience of our centers that hopefully may contribute to help other centers and colleagues that are facing the coming wave of the epidemic. Special algorithms for COVID-19 spreading in the dialysis population, recommendations for isolation and preventive measures in positive HD patients, and finally directions to manage logistics and personnel are reported. These recommendations should be considered neither universal nor absolute. Instead, they require local adjustments based on geographic location, cultural and social environments, and level of available resources.
Gene Suppression of the Chloride Channel 2 Suppressed TGF-β1-Induced Proliferation, Collagen Synthesis, and Collagen Gel Contraction Mediated by Conjunctival Fibroblasts
Authors: Sun Lixia , Cui Renzhe , Meng Huan , Liu Xiwen , Liu Xin , Lu Yan , Liu Kun , Jia Liang , Zheng Yajuan
Published: April 2020

Background: Excessive scarring of filtering blebs is the main cause of surgical failure in glaucoma. Previous studies have highlighted the role of chloride channels (ClCs) in scar formation, whereas the role of ClCs in scarring of filtering blebs has not been studied. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the chloride channel 2 (ClC-2) on scar formation of filtering blebs after glaucoma filtering surgery. Methods: ClC-2 siRNA-transfected human conjunctival fibroblasts (HConFs) were cultured in type 1 collagen gels in the presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Collagen gel contraction was evaluated based on the gel area. 3D-cultured HConFs were treated with the ClC blocker NPPB in the presence of TGF-β1, and cell proliferation collagen synthesis and contractility were measured. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in HConFs were assessed by Western blotting and qPCR. Results: TGF-β1 induced cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, collagen synthesis, and collagen gel contraction in HConFs. TGF-β1 increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels but inhibited the expression of TIMPs. NPPB and ClC-2 siRNA transfection inhibited TGF-β2-induced cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, collagen synthesis, and collagen gel contraction, mediated by HConFs. TGF-β2-induced increases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also inhibited by NPPB and ClC-2 siRNA transfection, but TIMP expression was increased by NPPB and ClC-2 siRNA transfection. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that ClC-2 ClCs modulate TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and collagen gel contraction of HConFs by attenuating MMP-2 and MMP-9 production and by stimulating TIMP1 production. NPPB may therefore prove to be of clinical value for the inhibition of scar formation of filtering blebs.
Perspectiva histórica de los Lenguajes técnicos y científicos
Authors: Diaz Juan Carlos
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo hace un breve recorrido histórico del desarrollo de los lenguajes técnicos y científicos por medio de la revisión de literatura y estudios lexicográficos para exponer la forma en la que el lenguaje se ha venido transformando a la par del avance en el conocimiento y la técnica. Al mismo tiempo, busca exponer el tratamiento metodológico que se le ha dado a dichos lenguajes y cómo este tratamiento ha variado acorde con la época y los cambios sociales y económicos de la humanidad. En este recorrido también es posible ver cómo el desarrollo de la ciencia y la técnica se han transformado y se han especializado hasta llegar al punto de establecerse la necesidad de normas internacionales que proporcionen directrices generales sobre el tratamiento de los lenguajes de especialidad (LEsp). De esta forma se puede dilucidar con mayor claridad los desarrollos que llevaron al surgimiento de la terminología como ciencia y a la estandarización terminológica internacional desde la ISO y su comité técnico 37.
الخصائص اللغويّة لمقدّمة شرح موسى بن ميمون على المشنا
Authors: أحمد محمّد عليّ حسين , كامل رانيا روحي محمود
Published: April 2020

This study sheds light on the Arabic introduction of Maimonides (1135-1204) to his commentary on the Mishnā, one of the most sacred texts in Judaism after the Torah. Maimonides wrote a detailed interpretation to the Mishnā in Arabic with Hebrew script, known as Judaeo-Arabic. The study discusses the most significant linguistic features of the Arabic used by Maimonides in his introduction to his commentary on the Mishnā, based on orthographic, phonetic, syntactic and lexical analysis.
Building a Democratic Developmental State in Post-Colonial Africa: South Africa at the Glance
Authors: Mamogale Majuta Judas
Published: April 2020

Failures of neo-liberalism in Africa through Structural Adjustment Program in the 1980s and 1990s compelled many post-colonial African states to seek alternative growth models to transform and grow their economies. Inspired by the economic success of Asian region, South Africa seeks to replicate the Asian developmental model to transform and industrialise its economy. Reviewing only the literature, the paper found that despite displaying so many similarities with East and South Asian developmental states, the rhetoric for the replication of the Asian developmental state model in South Africa works like a pendulum thus adopting a topsy-turvy approach. The notion of a developmental state is elevated through policy pronouncement and government commitments through the medium term and long-term strategic frameworks for the country. Despite displaying so many similarities with Asian developmental states, affixing the label of a developmental state onto the country by South Africans themselves is not going to make it one.
Radio Communication for Forest Conservation in Tanzania: a SWOC Analysis
Authors: Zacharia Malima , Andindilile Michael
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges (SWOC) associated with the power of radio in communicating forests information to enhance community responsiveness to forest conservation in Tanzania. Data collection entailed the analysis of the content of a series of Urithi Wetu (Our Heritage) programme produced and aired by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) radio, conducting interviews with key informants, administering questionnaires with citizens living adjacent to forests, and holding focus group discussions (FGDs) with the villagers in the study area. The study established that, to some extent, radio presents some opportunities for easy communication of forest conservation information in a bid to influence communities to take the intended conservation action. On the other hand, the study found that factors such as poor packaging of forest information, lack of participation of the rural-based citizens in the programmes, and poverty among community members limited the power of the radio to influence effectively citizens to conserve forests.
A new species of the genus Mongolotettix Rehn, 1928 from Heilongjiang, China (Orthoptera, Acridoidea, Acrididae)
Authors: ZHANG XIAOHONG , YIN HONG
Published: April 2020

A new species of the genus Mongolotettix Rehn, 1928 i.e. Mongolotettix moheensis sp. nov is described from Jiangsu, China. The new species is allied to M. zhengi Li et Lian, 1994, but differs tegmina of male longer, almost almost reaching the base of epiproct, maximum width of cubital area 2.5 times maximum width of medial area, width of epiphallus equal to high, fulculae smaller and interspace of mesosternum narrowed in the middle slightly. Type specimens are deposited in the Natural Museum of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China.
A new genus of Euthyplociinae from Ecuador (Ephemeroptera: Euthyplociidae)
Authors: GONÇALVES INÊS C. , PESCADOR MANUEL L. , PETERS JANICE G.
Published: April 2020

Three unusual nymphs of Euthyplociidae, subfamily Euthyplociinae, are described from Ecuador. A new genus and new species are established to accommodate these individuals. The morphologically unique specimens are defined by the following characters: short, stout tusks lacking spine-like setae but densely covered with long, hair-like setae; head almost as long as wide; long, quadrate clypeus with acute apicolateral projections; apex of 3rd segment of labial palp acute; apex of 3rd segment of maxillary palp acute and narrow. The hind wing is small, similar to that of Mesoplocia. An ongoing study of the phylogeny of the family recovers Dasyplocia gen. nov. as closely related to Euthyplocia and Mesoplocia.
The outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus and its impact on global mental health
Authors: Torales Julio , O’Higgins Marcelo , Castaldelli-Maia João Mauricio , Ventriglio Antonio
Published: April 2020

Background:

The current outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus infection among humans in Wuhan (China) and its spreading around the globe is heavily impacting on the global health and mental health. Despite all resources employed to counteract the spreading of the virus, additional global strategies are needed to handle the related mental health issues.

Methods:

Published articles concerning mental health related to the COVID-19 outbreak and other previous global infections have been considered and reviewed.

Comments:

This outbreak is leading to additional health problems such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger and fear globally. Collective concerns influence daily behaviors, economy, prevention strategies and decision-making from policy makers, health organizations and medical centers, which can weaken strategies of COVID-19 control and lead to more morbidity and mental health needs at global level.
The Perils of Leading a Democracy
Authors: Rathee Shelly , Mishra Himanshu , Mishra Arul
Published: April 2020

Environmental characteristics can influence aging. Democracy results in higher life expectancy for its members. However, there is a lack of research that indicates the influence of democracy on its leaders. Specifically, we examine how the nature of democracy affects the perceived aging of its leaders. In this paper, we capture perceived aging via face perception. We suggest that leaders in a democracy are perceived to age more compared to those in an autocracy. Counter to the common belief that democracies are less stressful, we find that the stress of being a leader in a democracy can have adverse effects. Study 1 uses picture pairs of 268 leaders from across the world, and participants judge age difference in years between the pictures. Study 2, a controlled study, examines downstream influences on the leader’s specific attributes. Results indicate that leaders appearing to age more are more likely to avoid complex decisions, to be less charismatic, and to be less inspiring.
Age of Diagnosis and Comorbid PLMD Predict Poor Response of REM Behavior Disorder to Clonazepam
Authors: Lee Hyuk Joo , Choi Hayun , Yoon In-Young
Published: April 2020

Previous studies have shown the therapeutic effects of clonazepam for rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), but they had several limitations such as the lack of clear definition of treatment outcomes and little information about adjuvant therapy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the treatment outcomes with clonazepam and to explore possible determinants of treatment response. We performed a retrospective medical chart review of 171 patients with RBD. All the participants underwent overnight polysomnography and completed questionnaires. The positive treatment response was defined as the absence of disruptive behaviors causing sleep-related injuries during the last year of follow-up. Among the 171 patients presented with disruptive behaviors, 155 (90.6%) experienced positive treatment responses. Of the responders, 18 (11.6%) received adjunctive medication due to insufficient therapeutic effect of clonazepam monotherapy. After adjusted analysis, an earlier age of diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64–0.86, P < .001) and comorbid periodic limb movement during sleep (OR = 4.96, 95% CI = 1.05–23.33, P = .043) were related to poor treatment response. Clinicians should recognize the predictors of poor treatment response and consider combination therapy for better prevention of sleep-related injuries in those who show unsatisfactory responses to clonazepam monotherapy.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus across age groups
Authors: Massias J S , Smith E M D , Al-Abadi E , Armon K , Bailey K , Ciurtin C , Davidson J , Gardner-Medwin J , Haslam K , Hawley D P , Leahy A , Leone V , McErlane F , Mewar D , Modgil G , Moots R , Pilkington C , Ramanan A V , Rangaraj S , Riley P , Sridhar A , Wilkinson N , Beresford M W , Hedrich C M
Published: April 2020

Background

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune/inflammatory condition. Approximately 15–20% of patients develop symptoms before their 18th birthday and are diagnosed with juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE). Gender distribution, clinical presentation, disease courses and outcomes vary significantly between JSLE patients and individuals with adult-onset SLE. This study aimed to identify age-specific clinical and/or serological patterns in JSLE patients enrolled to the UK JSLE Cohort Study.

Methods

Patient records were accessed and grouped based on age at disease-onset: pre-pubertal (≤7 years), peri-pubertal (8–13 years) and adolescent (14–18 years). The presence of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria, laboratory results, disease activity [British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) scores] and damage [Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index] were evaluated at diagnosis and last follow up.

Results

A total of 418 JSLE patients were included in this study: 43 (10.3%) with pre-pubertal disease onset; 240 (57.4%) with peri-pubertal onset and 135 (32.3%) were diagnosed during adolescence. At diagnosis, adolescent JSLE patients presented with a higher number of ACR criteria when compared with pre-pubertal and peri-pubertal patients [pBILAG2004 scores: 9(4–20] vs. 7(3–13] vs. 7(3–14], respectively, p = 0.015] with increased activity in the following BILAG domains: mucocutaneous ( p = 0.025), musculoskeletal ( p = 0.029), renal ( p = 0.027) and cardiorespiratory ( p = 0.001). Furthermore, adolescent JSLE patients were more frequently ANA-positive ( p = 0.034) and exhibited higher anti-dsDNA titres ( p = 0.001). Pre-pubertal individuals less frequently presented with leukopenia ( p = 0.002), thrombocytopenia ( p = 0.004) or low complement ( p = 0.002) when compared with other age groups. No differences were identified in disease activity (pBILAG2004 score), damage (SLICC damage index) and the number of ACR criteria fulfilled at last follow up.

Conclusions

Disease presentations and laboratory findings vary significantly between age groups within a national cohort of JSLE patients. Patients diagnosed during adolescence exhibit greater disease activity and “classic” autoantibody, immune cell and complement patterns when compared with younger patients. This supports the hypothesis that pathomechanisms may vary between patient age groups.
A Rationality Immersed in Religiosity: Reason and Religiosity in Abu’l Fazl’s Oeuvre
Authors: Mukhia Harbans
Published: April 2020

Abu’l Fazl is often invested with a dichotomy between reason and religion, grandly upholding the majesty of reason ( mā’qūlāt) over received blind faith ( taqlīd), drawing inspiration from varied sources but falling short of going the distance towards ‘scientific rationality’. Abu’l Fazl’s rationality had little in common with it; it was rooted in a new dichotomy he was constituting, one between universal religiosity and denominational religions, thus redefining dīn. Sulh-i kul (Absolute peace) in the midst of religious strife was his rationality. It is suggested that the main inspiration for this dichotomy came from the saint-poet Kabir, even as Abu’l Fazl was greatly influenced by the Sufi doctrines of ‘Illumination’ of the Eastern School and wahdat al-wujūd of Ibn al-‘Arabi.
The effect of low-temperature thermal processing on the quality of chicken breast fillets
Authors: Karpińska-Tymoszczyk Mirosława , Draszanowska Anna , Danowska-Oziewicz Marzena , Kurp Lidia
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the temperature and time of sous vide cooking on the quality of chicken breast fillets. Meat was thermally processed at six different combinations of temperature and time: 55℃ (260 min and 320 min), 58℃ (140 and 200 min) and 61℃ (90 and 150 min). Thermally processed chicken breasts were analysed for cooking loss, proximate composition, colour parameters, pH, texture parameters and sensory quality. Heat processing at a temperature of 58℃/200 min produced meat with the most desirable sensory quality. These fillets were characterized by the lowest moisture content, high protein content, lowest concentration of malondialdehyde, low shear force value, lowest hardness and chewiness, and the highest scores for tenderness and overall acceptance in sensory evaluation.
Do third grade students from low-income families have access to ‘just right’ books? Results from a home visit study
Authors: Capotosto Lauren
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the extent to which third graders (n = 84) from predominantly low-socioeconomic status families had access to books matched to their reading levels in their homes. On average, students showed home visitors books that fell within the Common Core State Standards’ recommended text difficulty range for Grade 3 (mean Lexile = 587L). However, students who passed a state-mandated reading test (‘good readers’) had books with reading demands well below their reading levels. In contrast, students who failed a state-mandated reading test (‘poor readers’) had books with reading demands well above their reading levels. Findings suggest that poor readers would have limited opportunities to experience successful independent reading in the home, while good readers may find minimal challenge in the books accessible in the home. Findings have implications for efforts dedicated to increasing students’ access to books.
College Student Reactions to Holocaust Education From the Perspective of the Theme of Complicity and Collaboration
Authors: Aalai Azadeh
Published: April 2020

A colloquium series funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities explored complicity and collaboration during the Holocaust at a community college in New York. Student reactions to this theme were explored to measure their understanding of this atrocity. Twenty-three student participants of this colloquium submitted to in-depth, in-person interviews. A descriptive qualitative process enabled the researcher to identify specific themes that emerged regarding student growth. Student reflections explore the extent to which Holocaust education enables transformational learning at the college level, specifically in this case by exploring bystander behavior. Challenges of Holocaust education may be confronted by developing a focus for students to use as a framework. Results suggest a framework facilitates student growth and enrichment. This study is a reflection on practice regarding exposure to the Holocaust in higher education and its potential to stimulate transformation.
Digital Storytelling and Validity Criteria
Authors: Sitter Kathleen C. , Beausoleil Natalie , McGowan Erin
Published: April 2020

The authors explore the validity criteria of digital storytelling when applied as a research method in Participatory Health Research. The article begins with an overview of digital storytelling as a participatory visual research method. To demonstrate the validity criteria of digital storytelling, what follows is a reflexive account of a 2-year Participatory Health Research study that used digital storytelling as a research method to investigate treatment experiences among breast cancer patients. The authors offer a suggested summary of validity criteria for digital storytelling when applied to Participatory Health Research and describe the application of participatory, intersubjective, catalytic, contextual, empathic, and ethical validity. The article concludes with a discussion about resources and distribution.
CT perfusion core and ASPECT score prediction of outcomes in DEFUSE 3
Authors: Kim-Tenser May , Mlynash Michael , Lansberg Maarten G , Tenser Matthew , Bulic Sebina , Jagadeesan Bharathi , Christensen Soren , Simpkins Alexis , Albers Gregory W , Marks Michael P , Heit Jeremy J
Published: April 2020

Background

The role of Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) for thrombectomy patient selection and prognostication in late time windows is unknown.

Aims

We compared baseline ASPECTS and core infarction determined by CT perfusion (CTP) as predictors of clinical outcome in the Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3 (DEFUSE) 3 trial.

Methods

We included all DEFUSE 3 patients with baseline non-contrast CT and CTP imaging. ASPECTS and core infarction were determined by the DEFUSE 3 core laboratory. Primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2). Secondary outcomes included ordinal mRS shift at 90 days and final core infarction volume.

Results

Of the 142 patients, 85 patients (60%) had ASPECTS 8–10 and 57 (40%) had ASPECTS 5–7. Thirty-one patients (36%) with ASPECTS 8–10 and 11 patients (19%) with ASPECTS 5–7 were functionally independent at 90 days ( p = 0.03). In the primary and secondary logistic regression analysis, there was no difference in ordinal mRS shift ( p = 0.98) or functional independence (mRS ≤ 2; p = 0.36) at 90 days between ASPECTS 8–10 and ASPECTS 5–7 patients. Similarly, primary and secondary logistic regression analyses found no difference in ordinal mRS shift ( p = 1.0) or functional independence (mRS ≤ 2; p = 0.87) at 90 days between patients with baseline small core ( < 50 ml) versus medium core (50–70 ml).

Conclusions

Higher ASPECTS (8–10) correlated with functional independence at 90 days in the DEFUSE trial. ASPECTS and core infarction volume did not modify the thrombectomy treatment effect, which indicates that patients with a target mismatch profile on perfusion imaging should undergo thrombectomy regardless of ASPECTS or core infarction volume in late time windows.
Nonvolant Small Mammal (Rodentia and Didelphimorphia) Assemblages Structure in Areas Under Mining Impact in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Carla , de Moura Costa Hugo Cardoso , Faria Michel Barros , de Melo Fabiano Rodrigues
Published: April 2020

Tropical forests are the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Unfortunately, they are often degraded by large enterprises that convert large areas of continuous forest into forest mosaics or into deforested areas in order to seek economic development through infrastructure construction. This study evaluates how the assemblage of nonvolant small mammals is structured after the implementation of a bauxite mining in the Saracá-Taquera National Forest, Pará, Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that the clearings for bauxite mining produce an edge effect over the small mammal assemblage and that the size of the deforested area increases the impact’s magnitude. Data collection took place through live traps from 2010 to 2012, totaling an effort of 56,220 trap nights in both impacted and pristine areas. Generalized Linear Models revealed that the size of the mined area was the main predictor explaining species impoverishment in impacted areas. Multivariate Permutational Analysis of Variance and Multivariate Dispersion Permutation Analysis revealed differences in species composition between impacted and nonimpacted sites and that these differences are due to species turnover. We recommended that concessions for land use should be rethought, especially in protected areas and when major areas are subjected to a new economic exploitation cycle.
Status and influential factors of vitamin D among children aged 0 to 6 years in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Heng , Li Zhijuan , Wei Yarong , Fu Jinyan , Feng Yaling , Chen Daozhen , Xu Dexiang
Published: April 2020

Background

Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in childhood are common. However, the status and influential factors of vitamin D during different ages are not clear. This study aimed to survey vitamin D concentrations in children aged 0 to 6 years and explore its influential factors.

Methods

A total of 6953 children were recruited in Wuxi City of East China from January to December in 2016. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D].

Results

The median vitamin D concentrations in the infant group (0–1 years of age) was 69.40 nmol/L, which were higher than that in both the toddlerhood group (1–3 years of age; 62.30 nmol/L) and the preschool group (3–6 years of age; 50.85 nmol/L). In addition, the median vitamin D concentrations were 71.70 nmol/L in summer, which was higher than that in spring (64.25 nmol/L), autumn (62.95 nmol/L) and winter (64.10 nmol/L). However, no difference was observed between genders (P = 0.974). Furthermore, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) was 48.1% in the preschool group (3–6 years of age), which was higher than the 21.2% vitamin D deficiency in the toddlerhood group (1–3 years of age) and the 17.9% vitamin D deficiency in the infant group (0–1 years of age). Interestingly, a nonlinear association between 25(OH) D and air temperature was observed.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was common in a Chinese population of children 0–6 years old, especially in the preschool-aged children. Therefore, we suggested that we should pay more attention to vitamin D supplementation in Chinese young children.
Patient-reported quality indicators to evaluate physiotherapy care for hip and/or knee osteoarthritis- development and evaluation of the QUIPA tool
Authors: Teo Pek Ling , Hinman Rana S. , Egerton Thorlene , Dziedzic Krysia S. , Kasza Jessica , Bennell Kim L.
Published: April 2020

Background

There is no physiotherapy-specific quality indicator tool available to evaluate physiotherapy care for people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to develop a patient-reported quality indicator tool (QUIPA) for physiotherapy management of hip and knee OA and to assess its reliability and validity.

Methods

To develop the QUIPA tool, quality indicators were initially developed based on clinical guideline recommendations most relevant to physiotherapy practice and those of an existing generic OA quality indicator tool. Draft items were then further refined using patient focus groups. Test-retest reliability, construct validity (hypothesis testing) and criterion validity were then evaluated. Sixty-five people with hip and/or knee OA attended a single physiotherapy consultation and completed the QUIPA tool one, twelve- and thirteen-weeks after. Physiotherapists (n = 9) completed the tool post-consultation. Patient test-retest reliability was assessed between weeks twelve and thirteen. Construct validity was assessed with three predefined hypotheses and criterion validity was based on agreement between physiotherapists and participants at week one.

Results

A draft list of 23 clinical guideline recommendations most relevant to physiotherapy was developed. Following feedback from three patient focus groups, the final QUIPA tool contained 18 items (three subscales) expressed in lay language. The test-retest reliability estimates (Cohen’s Kappa) for single items ranged from 0.30–0.83 with observed agreement of 64–94%. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the Assessment and Management Planning subscale was 0.70 (0.54, 0.81), Core Recommended Treatments subscale was 0.84 (0.75, 0.90), Adjunctive Treatments subscale was 0.70 (0.39, 0.87) and for the total QUIPA score was 0.80 (0.69, 0.88). All predefined hypotheses regarding construct validity were confirmed. However, agreement between physiotherapists and participants for single items showed large measurement error (Cohen’s Kappa estimates ranged from − 0.04-0.59) with the ICC (95% CI) for the total score being 0.11 (− 0.14, 0.34).

Conclusions

The QUIPA tool showed acceptable test-retest reliability for subscales and total score but inadequate reliability for individual items. Construct validity was confirmed but criterion validity for individual items, subscales and the total score was inadequate. Further research is needed to refine the QUIPA tool to improve its clinimetric properties before implementation.
Influence of trends in hospital volume over time on patient outcomes for high-risk surgery
Authors: Payet Cécile , Polazzi Stéphanie , Lifante Jean-Christophe , Cotte Eddy , Grinberg Daniel , Carty Matthew J. , Sanchez Stéphane , Rabilloud Muriel , Duclos Antoine
Published: April 2020

Background

The “practice makes perfect” concept considers the more frequent a hospital performs a procedure, the better the outcome of the procedure. We aimed to study this concept by investigating whether patient outcomes improve in hospitals with a significantly increased volume of high-risk surgery over time and whether a learning effect existed at the individual hospital level.

Methods

We included all patients who underwent one of 10 digestive, cardiovascular and orthopaedic procedures between 2010 and 2014 from the French nationwide hospitals database. For each procedure, we identified three groups of hospitals according to volume trend (increased, decreased, or no change). In-hospital mortality, reoperation, and unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days were compared between groups using Cox regressions, taking into account clustering of patients within hospitals and potential confounders. Individual hospital learning effect was investigated by considering the interaction between hospital groups and procedure year.

Results

Over 5 years, 759,928 patients from 694 hospitals were analysed. Patients’ mortality in hospitals with procedure volume increase or decrease over time did not clearly differ from those in hospitals with unchanged volume across the studied procedures (e.g., Hazard Ratios [95%] of 1.04 [0.93–1.17] and 1.08 [0.97–1.21] respectively for colectomy). Furthermore, patient outcomes did not improve or deteriorate in hospitals with increased or decreased volume of procedures over time (e.g., 1.01 [0.95–1.08] and 0.99 [0.92–1.05] respectively for colectomy).

Conclusions

Trend in hospital volume over time did not appear to influence patient outcomes based on real-world data.

Trial registration

NCT02788331, June 2, 2016.
Correction to: Anti-HSV-1 activity of Aspergillipeptide D, a cyclic pentapeptide isolated from fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41501
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Jia Jiaoyan , Wang Lu , Li Feng , Wang Yiliang , Jiang Yuzhou , Song Xiaowei , Qin Shurong , Zheng Kai , Ye Ju , Ren Zhe , Wang Yifei , Qi Shuhua
Published: April 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], we have been notified that there is a typo in the title of this article.
Persistent postoperative pain and healthcare costs associated with instrumented and non-instrumented spinal surgery: a case-control study
Authors: Weir Sharada , Samnaliev Mihail , Kuo Tzu-Chun , Tierney Travis S. , Manca Andrea , Taylor Rod S. , Bruce Julie , Eldabe Sam , Cumming David
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To compare rates of persistent postoperative pain (PPP) after lumbar spine surgery—commonly known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome—and healthcare costs for instrumented lumbar spinal fusion versus decompression/discectomy.

Methods

The UK population-based healthcare data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database from NHS Digital and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) were queried to identify patients with PPP following lumbar spinal surgery. Rates of PPP were calculated by type of surgery (instrumented and non-instrumented). Total healthcare costs associated with the surgery and covering the 24-month period after index hospital discharge were estimated using standard methods for classifying health care encounters into major categories of health care resource utilization (i.e., inpatient hospital stays, outpatient clinic visits, accident and emergency attendances, primary care encounters, and medications prescribed in primary care) and applying the appropriate unit costs (expressed in 2013 GBP).

Results

Increasing the complexity of surgery with instrumentation was not associated with an increased rate of PPP. However, 2-year healthcare costs following discharge after surgery are significantly higher among patients who underwent instrumented surgery compared with decompression/discectomy.

Conclusions

Although there is a not insubstantial risk of ongoing pain following spine surgery, with 1-in-5 patients experiencing PPP within 2 years of surgery, the underlying indications for surgical modality and related choice of surgical procedure do not, by itself, appear to be a driving factor.
Valgus stability is enhanced by flexor digitorum superficialis muscle contraction of the index and middle fingers
Authors: Hoshika Shota , Nimura Akimoto , Takahashi Norimasa , Sugaya Hiroyuki , Akita Keiichi
Published: April 2020

Background

Flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle provides dynamic stabilization and medial elbow support for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The FDS contraction significantly affects the medial joint distance (MJD) through grip contraction. However, it remains unclear whether FDS activity alone contributes to medial elbow stability, or together with the activation of the flexor digitorum profundus during grip contraction, and which finger’s FDS is the main contributor to elbow stability. We investigated the resistive effects of isolated FDS contraction in individual fingers against valgus stress in the elbow joint using stress ultrasonography (US).

Methods

We investigated 17 healthy males (mean age, 27 ± 5 years). Valgus stress US was performed using the Telos device, with the elbow at 30° flexion. MJD was measured for each arm during 3 separate conditions: at rest (unloaded), under valgus load (50 N) (loaded), and under valgus load with FDS contracted in individual fingers (loaded-contracted).

Results

MJD was significantly longer when loaded (5.4 ± 0.4 mm) than unloaded (4.1 ± 0.2 mm,P= 0.007) or loaded-contracted (4.6 ± 0.3 mm,P= 0.003) for each finger. When loaded-contracted, MJD differed statistically between the index and ring fingers (P= 0.03) and between the middle and ring fingers (P= 0.04). However, the difference between the index and middle fingers was not statistically significant (P= 0.08).

Conclusions

Individual FDS contraction, particularly of the index and middle fingers, contributes most to stabilization against valgus stress. Thus, injury care programs should incorporate FDS exercises of these fingers.