bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of malarial prophylaxis with mefloquine during pregnancy in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Labama Otuli Noël , Marini Djang'eing'a Roland , Losimba Likwela Joris , Bosenge Nguma Jean‐Didier , Maindo Alongo Mike‐Antoine , Ahuka Ona Longombe Albert , Mbutu Mango Bernard , M.N. Bono Diane , L. Mokili John , Manga Okenge Jean‐Pascal
Published: January 2021

Aims

Kisangani is an area with intense malaria transmission and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine resistance. Alternative antimalaria prophylaxis medication and protocols are needed, particularly with pregnant individuals. In this study, we compare the tolerance and effectiveness of mefloquine regimen as a split dose with a meal vs. sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine for the intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant individuals in Kisangani.

Methods

This study was conducted from 15 May to 30 November 2019 as a single‐blind, randomized clinical trial comparing 2 regimens of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy. The first regimen consisted of 4 doses of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine, and the second of 2 doses of mefloquine taken as a split dose with meal.

Results

The occurrence of major or minor side‐effects among patients treated with mefloquine and those treated with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine were not statistically significant (major side effects: Fisher exact = 0.5014; minor side effects: P = .0961). Intermittent preventive treatment using mefloquine significantly reduced the risk of placental malaria (risk ratio [RR]: 0.4315, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2201–0.8460), maternal peripheral parasitaemia (RR: 0.4397, 95% CI: 0.2377–0.8132) and low birth weight (RR: 0.4708, 95% CI: 0.2455–0.9029).

Conclusion

Splitting dose and intake with a meal increased mefloquine tolerability while keeping its efficacy higher compared to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine. Intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy using mefloquine reduces the risk of placental malaria, maternal peripheral parasitaemia and low birth weight, compared to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine. Thus, mefloquine is a good alternative to intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy.
The Effect of Evidential Impact on Perceptual Probabilistic Judgments
Authors: Mangiarulo Marta , Pighin Stefania , Polonio Luca , Tentori Katya
Published: January 2021

In a series of three behavioral experiments, we found a systematic distortion of probability judgments concerning elementary visual stimuli. Participants were briefly shown a set of figures that had two features (e.g., a geometric shape and a color) with two possible values each (e.g., triangle or circle and black or white). A figure was then drawn, and participants were informed about the value of one of its features (e.g., that the figure was a “circle”) and had to predict the value of the other feature (e.g., whether the figure was “black” or “white”). We repeated this procedure for various sets of figures and, by varying the statistical association between features in the sets, we manipulated the probability of a feature given the evidence of another (e.g., the posterior probability of hypothesis “black” given the evidence “circle”) as well as the support provided by a feature to another (e.g., the impact, or confirmation, of evidence “circle” on the hypothesis “black”). Results indicated that participants’ judgments were deeply affected by impact, although they only should have depended on the probability distributions over the features, and that the dissociation between evidential impact and posterior probability increased the number of errors. The implications of these findings for lower and higher level cognitive models are discussed.
Stem cell therapies in cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Sun Jessica M , Kurtzberg Joanne
Published: January 2021

Across disciplines, there is great anticipation that evolving cell therapies may finally provide a therapeutic option for conditions in dire need. These conditions are typically complex and their pathophysiology incompletely understood, hindering the development of robust preclinical models and the precise assessment of therapeutic effects in human studies. This article provides an overview of the status of cell therapy investigations in two common neurodevelopmental disorders, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder. Challenges facing this line of study, including inherent heterogeneity, knowledge gaps, and unrealistic expectations, are discussed. Much progress has been made in the past decade, but to definitively determine if cell therapies have a role in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, both fields will need to evolve together.

What this paper adds

The safety profile of reported cell therapies in children with neurodevelopmental disorders is encouraging.

Efficacy trials in cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder are ongoing in the United States and Asia.

Unresolved issues pertain to the properties of the cells being studied and the characteristics of the neurodevelopmental conditions themselves.
Mapping air pollution and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Abramson Michael J. , Walters E. Haydn
Published: January 2021

See related article
Providing a Model For Assessing Risk Management Of Construction Projects With A Sustainable Development Approach: Case Studies Of Small-Scale Power Plants
Authors: Masoudnejad Mehrdad , Gholampour Siroos , Rayati Morteza , Nikzad Fateme
Published: January 2021

Economic growth in developing countries requires the implementation of infrastructural projects such as power plants, the sustainability of which plays an important role in the social, economic, and environmental development. Despite, these projects are always associated with uncertainties and risks due to features such as uniqueness, unspecified time, the need for specific equipment, correlation between different phases and so on. Therefore, in the present study, a small-scale power plants in Mazandaran was subjected to a case study by which the project risks were properly studied. By interviewing the experts associated with the construction of the power plant, 34 risks were identified and subsequently categorized into four categories of environmental, economic, social, and technical. Then, using the failure factor analysis method, their effects were evaluated, and critical risks were identified. In the next step, Fuzzy TOPSIS hierarchical analysis method was used to prioritize critical risks according to the project objectives in accordance with the PMBOK project management standard. After prioritizing the critical risks, in accordance with the real conditions of these projects, suggestions were made to respond and face the critical risks
Sizing Optimization of Hybrid Photovoltaic-Wind-Battery System towards Zero Energy Building using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Johar Farhana , Shu Ai Julies Bong , Mohd Siam Fuaada
Published: January 2021

A new topic of Zero Energy Building (ZEB) is getting famous in research areabecause of its goal of reaching zero carbon emission and low building cost. Renewableenergy system is one of the ideas to achieve the objective of ZEB. Genetic Algorithm (GA)is widely used in many research areas due to its capability to escape from a local minimalto obtain a better solution. In our study, GA is chosen in sizing optimization of thenumber of photovoltaic, wind turbine and battery of a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-batterysystem. The aim is to minimize the total annual cost (TAC) of the hybrid energy systemtowards the low cost concept of ZEB. Two GA parameters, which are generation numberand population size, have been analysed and optimized in order to meet the minimumTAC. The results show that the GA is efficient in minimizing cost function of a hybridphotovoltaic-wind-battery system with its robustness property
Analysis of Mortality Improvement on the Pension Cost Due to Aging Population
Authors: Ibrahim Rose Irnawaty , Mohd Nordin Norazmir
Published: January 2021

Aging is a good indicator in demographic and health areas as the lifespanof the elderly population increases. Based on the government’s Economic Outlook 2019,it was found that an aging population would increase the government pension paymentsas the pensioners and their beneficiaries have longer life expectancy. Due to mortalityrates decreasing over time, the life expectancy tends to increase in the future. Theaims of this study are to forecast the mortality rates in the years 2020 and 2025 usingthe Heligman-Pollard model and then analyse the effect of mortality improvement onthe pension cost (annuity factor) for the Malaysian population. However, this studyonly focuses on estimating the annuity factor using life annuities through the forecastedmortality rates. The findings indicated that the pension cost is expected to increase ifthe life expectancy of the Malaysian population increases due to the aging population inthe near future. Thus, to reduce pension costs and help the pensioners from insufficientfinancial income, the government needs to consider an extension of the retirement age infuture.
Issues of Poverty and Financial Support Resources among the Elderly: A Case Study in Pahang / Isu Kemiskinan dan Sokongan Sumber Kewangan dalam kalangan Warga Tua: Kajian Kes di Pahang
Authors: Md Nor Nik Norliati Fitri , Abdul Rashid Siti Masayu Rosliah , Ghazali Suriati
Published: January 2021

Poverty among the elderly is always a significant concern due to changes in demographic patterns. It's because there is an increasing number of elderly, moreover, about the disability and limited ability of employment in themselves. This situation has an economic and social impact not only on individuals but also family members and the government involved. Therefore this article aims to study the issue of poverty among the elderly. Besides, the study will identify the financial resources obtained in the help of their daily lives. The study has selected a total of 327 older people aged 60 years and above. The study used a quantitative approach using a questionnaire to obtain feedback from respondents on their financial resources and income of respondents. The results of the study found that the majority of respondents answered 50.5% of the primary source of children as the main economic source in addition to other economic resources. Nevertheless, although there are results shown by the respondents, there are various sources as financial resources, but still exist among them. Therefore, it's hoped that the authorities or non-governmental organizations can help the elderly who face the problem of poverty always provide social assistance, especially related to the social security system through medical aspects exempt free hospital medical services, distribution of first-class medical cards or even provide initiatives through the enhancement of additional income programs explicitly implemented for the needy elderly.
The Effects of Cave Exploration Activity Towards Kilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Ismail Widad , Ibrahim Putri Haryati , Mansor Mazlina
Published: January 2021

There are many natural geological heritage sites located in Kilim, as the total area of the geoforest consists of karst rock that was formed 500 million years ago. Bat Cave is among the favourite spot for tourists to appreciate and explore geological heritage sites. The Bat Cave is a-200 million years’ minerals formation site and a habitat for thousands of bats in the geoforest area. However, excessive tourism activities have affected various natural resources and wildlife habitat of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Langkawi. The Bat Cave is one of the geological sites that is most probably affected by tourism activities. The aim of this paper is to identify local residents and tourists’ opinion in the effects of cave exploration and tourism activities to the habitat of bats and geo-physical characters of the Bat Cave, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Langkawi. The methodology employed in this study is based on questionnaire survey with 93% response rate (n=299). Questionnaires were distributed to tourists (65), local residents in Kilim (145) and staff (89) who are in charged in the tourism operation of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Findings of this study suggest that tourism activities such as cave exploration and sight-seeing activities caused deterioration towards the physical characteristics of natural resources and habitat of bats in the Bat Cave, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Langkawi. This is due to tourists not adhering to a proper procedure (e.g. frequent use of torch light) while exploring the cave. Respondents agree that there is a decline in the numbers of bat population in the cave. The management agency of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park needs to take steps in controlling or reducing the number of tourist arrivals by using tourism carrying capacity approach in order to promote stability. Exceeded population could cause destructions towards the resources. Degradation of natural resources indirectly would distract the natural symbiosis of the ecosystem.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website, and using Google Patents.
Monitoring Practices of Training Load and Biological Maturity in UK Soccer Academies
Authors: Salter Jamie , De Ste Croix Mark B.A. , Hughes Jonathan D. , Weston Matthew , Towlson Christopher
Published: January 2021

Purpose:Overuse injury risk increases during periods of accelerated growth, which can subsequently impact development in academy soccer, suggesting a need to quantify training exposure. Nonprescriptive development scheme legislation could lead to inconsistent approaches to monitoring maturity and training load. Therefore, this study aimed to communicate current practices of UK soccer academies toward biological maturity and training load.Methods:Forty-nine respondents completed an online survey representing support staff from male Premier League academies (n = 38) and female Regional Talent Clubs (n = 11). The survey included 16 questions covering maturity and training-load monitoring. Questions were multiple-choice or unipolar scaled (agreement 0–100) with a magnitude-based decision approach used for interpretation.Results:Injury prevention was deemedhighestimportance for maturity (83.0 [5.3], mean [SD]) and training-load monitoring (80.0 [2.8]). There werelargedifferences in methods adopted for maturity estimation andmoderatedifferences for training-load monitoring between academies. Predictions of maturity were deemedcomparatively lowin importance for bio-banded (biological classification) training (61.0 [3.3]) andlowfor bio-banded competition (56.0 [1.8]) across academies. Few respondents reported maturity (42%) and training load (16%) to parent/guardians, and only 9% of medical staff were routinely provided this data.Conclusions:Although consistencies between academies exist, disparities in monitoring approaches are likely reflective of environment-specific resource and logistical constraints. Designating consistent and qualified responsibility to staff will help promote fidelity, feedback, and transparency to advise stakeholders of maturity–load relationships. Practitioners should consider biological categorization to manage load prescription to promote maturity-appropriate dose–responses and to help reduce the risk of noncontact injury.
Morning Priming Exercise Strategy to Enhance Afternoon Performance in Young Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Donghi Federico , Rampinini Ermanno , Bosio Andrea , Fanchini Maurizio , Carlomagno Domenico , Maffiuletti Nicola A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To compare the effects of different modalities of morning priming exercise on afternoon physical performance with the associated hormonal and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. Methods: In a randomized counterbalanced crossover design, 12 young soccer players completed 3 different morning conditions on 3 different days: repeated-sprint running (6 × 40 m), easy exercise (4 × 12 fast half squats, 6 speed ladder drills, and 20-m sprints), and control (no exercise). Blood testosterone and cortisol concentrations were assessed upon arrival (approximately 8:30AM) and approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes later. Body temperature, self-reported mood, quadriceps neuromuscular function (maximal voluntary contraction, voluntary activation, rate of torque development, and twitch contractile properties), jump, and sprint performance were evaluated twice per day, while rating of perceived exertion, motivation, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 (IR2) tests were assessed once per day. Results: Compared with the control, repeated-sprint running induced a possible positive effect on testosterone (+11.6%) but a possible to very likely negative effect on twitch contractile properties (−13.0%), jump height (−1.4%), and Yo-Yo IR2 (−7.1%). On the other hand, easy exercise had an unclear effect on testosterone (−3.3%), resulted in lower self-reported fatigue (−31.0%) and cortisol (−12.9%), and had a possible positive effect on the rate of torque development (+4.3%) and Yo-Yo IR2 (+6.5%) compared with the control. Conclusions: Players’ testosterone levels were positively influenced by repeated-sprint running, but this did not translate into better physical function, as both muscular and endurance performance were reduced. Easy exercise seemed to be suitable to optimize the physical performance and psychophysiological state of young soccer players.
Moving Beyond Models: Theorizing Physical Disability in the Sociology of Sport
Authors: Brighton James , Townsend Robert C. , Campbell Natalie , Williams Toni L.
Published: January 2021

In this paper we explore current theoretical approaches available from the discipline of critical disability studies (CDS) for conceptualizing physical disability and advocate how these understandings can advance sociological research on disability sport. After reviewing a dominant “models” approach that has historically been employed, we illuminate how theoretical architecture provided by selected sociological theorists (Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, and Zygmunt Bauman) and from aesthetic, cyborg, and new materialist approaches can help reveal the materialist conditions, sociocultural structures, and lived realities of disability. In doing so, we appeal to researchers of disability sport to develop critical understandings ofwhyalternative theoretical approaches are valuable,whattheoretical choices to make, andhowwe can use theory to highlight oppression and empower those involved in disability sport.
Control of Competence in Vibrio fischeri
Authors: Cohen Joshua J. , Eichinger Steven J. , Witte Danae A. , Cook Connor J. , Fidopiastis Pat M. , Tepavčević Jovanka , Visick Karen L.
Published: January 2021

The ability of bacteria to take up DNA (competence) and incorporate foreign DNA into their genomes (transformation) permits them to rapidly evolve and gain new traits and/or acquire antibiotic resistances. It also facilitates laboratory-based investigations into mechanisms of specific phenotypes, such as those involved in host colonization.
Vibrio fischeri
has long been a model for symbiotic bacterium-host interactions as well as for other aspects of its physiology, such as bioluminescence and biofilm formation.
LysR Family Regulator LttR Controls Production of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Lactobacillus plantarum by Directly Activating the
cla
Operon
Authors: Liu Xin-Xin , Xiong Zhi-Qiang , Wang Guang-Qiang , Wang Li-Feng , Xia Yong-Jun , Song Xin , Ai Lian-Zhong
Published: January 2021

Our work has identified a novel transcriptional regulator, LTTR, that regulates the production of CLA by activating the transcription of
cla
-dh and
cla
-dc, essential genes participating in CLA synthesis in
Lactobacillus plantarum
. This study provides insight into the regulatory mechanism of CLA synthesis and broadens our understanding of the synthesis and regulatory mechanisms of the biosynthesis of CLA.
Association of Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein Binding to Viral Genomic RNA with Attenuation of Replication of Echovirus 7
Authors: Goonawardane Niluka , Nguyen Dung , Simmonds Peter
Published: January 2021

We recently discovered that the OAS3/RNase L antiviral pathway is essential for restriction of CpG- and UpA-enriched viruses, in addition to the requirement for zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP). The current study provides evidence for the specific dinucleotide and wider recognition contexts associated with virus recognition and attenuation.
Concurrent BK polyomavirus, adenovirus and cytomegalovirus infections in a patient treated for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Kwok Michelle , Lin John , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2021

A 58-year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) presented with 2 weeks of fever and haematuria following chemo-immunotherapy. CT scan showed thickening of her left urethra and bladder, suggesting pyleo-ureteritis with cystitis. The patient was initially treated for suspected bacterial urinary tract infection although repeated blood and urine cultures remained negative. She then received multiple transfusions for chemotherapy-induced pancytopenia while her urinary symptoms did not improve. Due to her immunocompromised status, she was tested for viral infection, which revealed, BK polyomavirus, adenovirus and cytomegalovirus in serum and urine. Cidofovir was initially administered to treat these infections while ganciclovir was used with filgrastim due to neutropenia. The patient subsequently improved. This case represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to the multiple concurrent viral infections causing haematuria as well as the combined post-chemo-immunotherapy and antiviral myelotoxicity in a CLL patient.
Association between obesity and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio in the middle-aged and elderly population of Southern and Northern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Qin Shan , Wang Anping , Gu Shi , Wang Weiqing , Gao Zhengnan , Tang Xulei , Yan Li , Wan Qin , Luo Zuojie , Qin Guijun , Chen Lulu , Ning Guang , Mu Yiming
Published: January 2021

Objective

The relationship between obesity and albuminuria has not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between obesity and the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) in Southern and Northern China.

Design

A descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Eight regional centres in REACTION (China’s Risk Evaluation of cAncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals, a lONgitudinal study), including Dalian, Lanzhou, Zhengzhou, Guangzhou, Guangxi, Luzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan.

Participants

A total of 41 085 patients who were not diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and had good compliance were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Patients who were diagnosed with CKD, who had other kidney diseases that could lead to increased urinary protein excretion, who were using angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers and whose important data were missing were excluded.

Results

Participants with both, central and peripheral obesity, had a higher risk of elevated UACR, even after adjusting for multiple factors (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.12, p<0.001), and the risk of high UACR in the South was more prominent than that in the North (ORSouth: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.34; ORNorth: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.22, p<0.001). The risk was also elevated in the male population, hypertensive individuals, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)≥6.5% and age ≥60 years in the South. Besides the above groups, diabetes was also a risk factor for the Northern population.

Conclusions

In China, people with both central and peripheral obesity are prone to a high UACR, and the southern population has a higher risk than northern population. Factors such as male sex, hypertension, HbA1c≥6.5% and an age ≥60 years are also risk factors for CKD.
Rationale and design of the ADAPT-TAVR trial: a randomised comparison of edoxaban and dual antiplatelet therapy for prevention of leaflet thrombosis and cerebral embolisation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Park Hanbit , Kang Do-Yoon , Ahn Jung-Min , Kim Kyung Won , Wong Anthony Y T , Lam Simon C C , Yin Wei-Hsian , Wei Jeng , Lee Yung-Tsai , Kao Hsien-Li , Lin Mao-Shin , Ko Tsung-Yu , Kim Won-Jang , Kang Se Hun , Ko Euihong , Kim Dae-Hee , Koo Hyun Jung , Yang Dong Hyun , Kang Joon-Won , Jung Seung Chai , Lee Jae-Hong , Yun Sung-Cheol , Park Seung-Jung , Park Duk-Woo
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Optimal antithrombotic strategy following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is still unknown. We hypothesised that the direct factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban can potentially prevent subclinical leaflet thrombosis and cerebral embolisation compared with conventional dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients undergoing TAVR.

Methods and analysis

The ADAPT-TAVR trial is an international, multicentre, randomised, open-label, superiority trial comparing edoxaban-based strategy and DAPT strategy in patients without an indication for oral anticoagulation who underwent successful TAVR. A total of 220 patients are randomised (1:1 ratio), 1–7 days after successful TAVR, to receive either edoxaban (60 mg daily or 30 mg daily if patients had dose-reduction criteria) or DAPT using aspirin (100 mg daily) plus clopidogrel (75 mg daily) for 6 months. The primary endpoint was an incidence of leaflet thrombosis on four-dimensional, volume-rendered cardiac CT imaging at 6 months post-TAVR. The key secondary endpoints were the number of new lesions and new lesion volume on brain diffusion-weighted MRI and the changes in neurological and neurocognitive function assessment between immediate post-TAVR and 6 months of study drug administration. Detailed clinical information on thromboembolic and bleeding events were also assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethic approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board of Asan Medical Center (approval number: 2017–1317) and this trial is also approved by National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation of Republic of Korea (approval number: 31511). Results of this study will be disseminated in scientific publication in reputed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03284827.
Cross-sectional study examining the status of intrinsic capacity decline in community-dwelling older adults in China: prevalence, associated factors and implications for clinical care
Authors: Ma Lina , Chhetri Jagadish K , Zhang Li , Sun Fei , Li Yun , Tang Zhe
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Intrinsic capacity (IC) was proposed by the WHO as a new concept for capturing an individual’s functional capacities across their lifetime. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with IC decline and examine associations between IC and adverse outcomes among community-dwelling older adults in China.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Community, China.

Participants

Data were derived from the China Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Study, a population-based nationally representative sample. IC comprises of five domains: locomotion, cognition, vitality, sensory and psychology. Participants were deemed to have IC decline if they showed a decline in any of the five domains. Sociodemographic characteristics, chronic diseases, geriatric syndromes and adverse outcomes were also examined.

Results

Of the 5823 community-dwelling participants aged 60–98 years, 2506 had IC decline (weighted 39.9%): 57.7% in western, 38.3% in northern, 33.7% in northwest, 36.1% in middle, 16.9% in eastern and 19.8% in northeast China. The number of participants with decline in the locomotion, cognition, vitality, sensory and psychological domains were 1039 (17.8%), 646 (11.1%), 735 (12.6%), 824 (14.2%) and 713 (12.2%), respectively. Age, northern residence, low education, being unmarried, low income, less exercise, less meat intake, insomnia, memory loss, urinary incontinence, constipation, slowness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoarthritis were related to IC decline. After adjusting for age, sex, area, district, marriage, education, waist–hip ratio, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, income and chronic diseases, IC decline was independently associated with risk of frailty, disability, falls, fractures and immobility.

Conclusion

The prevalence of IC decline in China is high. IC decline was significantly associated with adverse outcomes, after adjustment for related variables. Efforts promoting IC to delay functional dependence should focus on modifiable factors, including negative social factors, poor lifestyle, chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes.
Specialised outpatient paediatric palliative care team–parent collaboration: narrative interviews with parents
Authors: Schütze Dania , Engler Fabian , Ploeger Cornelia , Ulrich Lisa-R , Hach Michaela , Seipp Hannah , Kuss Katrin , Bösner Stefan , Gerlach Ferdinand M , van den Akker Marjan , Erler Antje , Engler Jennifer
Published: January 2021

Objective

In Germany, children with life-limiting conditions and complex symptoms are eligible for specialised outpatient palliative care (SOPC). In the federal state of Hesse, SOPC for children (SOPPC) is delivered by teams with paediatric expertise. While burdened by the life-limiting condition of their child, parents must also fulfill their roles as main care providers and decision makers. Collaboration between parents and SOPPC teams is important, as the intermittent care and uncertainty it entails often lasts for several months or years. We explored parents’ experiences and their demands of collaboration with SOPPC teams.

Methods

We conducted nine narrative interviews with 13 parents of children and adolescents with life-limiting conditions and used a grounded theory approach to analyse interview data.

Results

Parents stressed the importance of paediatric expertise, honesty, psychosocial support, an individualised approach, experience of self-efficacy and the need to be recognised as experts for their children. The narrative interviews showed that collaboration between parents and SOPPC teams was characterised by parents’ need for specialised professional assistance and their simultaneous empowerment by SOPPC teams.

Conclusions

Parents’ perceptions of what good collaboration with SOPPC teams entails are manifold. To meet these complex needs, SOPPC requires time and specialised expertise.
Stability analysis of an ensemble of simple harmonic oscillators
Authors: Thakur R. K. , Tiwari B. N. , Nigam R. , Xu Y. , Thiruvikraman P. K.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we investigate the stability of the configurations of harmonic oscillator potential that are directly proportional to the square of the displacement. We derive expressions for fluctuations in partition function due to variations of the parameters, viz. the mass, temperature and the frequency of oscillators. Here, we introduce the Hessian matrix of the partition function as the model embedding function from the space of parameters to the set of real numbers. In this framework, we classify the regions in the parameter space of the harmonic oscillator fluctuations where they yield a stable statistical configuration. The mechanism of stability follows from the notion of the fluctuation theory. In Secs. 7 and 8, we provide the nature of local and global correlations and stability regions where the system yields a stable or unstable statistical basis, or it undergoes into geometric phase transitions. Finally, in Sec. 9, the comparison of results is provided with reference to other existing research.
Effects of seeds on cooperate epidemic spreading on complex networks
Authors: Zhang Tianqiao , Wang Ruijie , Zhang Yang , Chen Junliang , Zhu Xuzhen
Published: January 2021

We study the impact of seeds on cooperate epidemic spreading on complex networks. A cooperative spreading model is proposed, in which two diseases are spreading simultaneously. Once the nodes are infected by one disease, they will have a larger probability of being infected by the other. Besides, we adopt five different selection strategies to choose the seeds, and the set size of seeds is fixed at five nodes. Through extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the final fraction of nodes that have been infected by one or both diseases display continuous phase transition on both synthetic networks and real-world networks, and the selection strategy does not alter the transition type. Besides, we find that the eigenvector centrality promotes the cooperative spreading on the artificial network, and the degree centrality promotes the spreading of the two cooperative diseases on the real-world networks. The results of this study are of great significance for the development of the targeted strategies of disease control.
Long Non-Coding RNAs in Melanoma Development and Biology
Authors: Vera Olga , Jasani Neel , Karreth Florian A.
Published: January 2021

Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly type of skin cancer and presents a major clinical challenge due to its ability to rapidly metastasize and become resistant to immune and targeted therapies. The identification and characterization of new molecular targets and pathways involved in the initiation, progression, and maintenance of melanoma will be critical for the development of superior treatments. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs involved in regulating numerous cellular processes including tumor progression, cancer cell metastasis, and resistance to anti-cancer therapies, may be viable therapeutic targets in melanoma. In this review, we describe lncRNAs that contribute to melanoma development through microRNA (miRNA) sponging, regulation of metabolism, modification of the epigenome, or modulation of pro-tumorigenic signaling pathways. While more work remains to be done to characterize lncRNAs in melanoma, gaining a better understanding of their functions promises to yield a wide range of possibilities to improve melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Characterizing Stage-aware Writing Assistance for Collaborative Document Authoring
Authors: Sarrafzadeh Bahareh , Jauhar Sujay Kumar , Gamon Michael , Lank Edward , White Ryen W.
Published: January 2021

Writing is a complex non-linear process that begins with a mental model of intent, and progresses through an outline of ideas, to words on paper (and their subsequent refinement). Despite past research in understanding writing, Web-scale consumer and enterprise collaborative digital writing environments are yet to greatly benefit from intelligent systems that understand the stages of document evolution, providing opportune assistance based on authors' situated actions and context. In this paper, we present three studies that explore temporal stages of document authoring. We first survey information workers at a large technology company about their writing habits and preferences, concluding that writers do in fact conceptually progress through several distinct phases while authoring documents. We also explore, qualitatively, how writing stages are linked to document lifespan. We supplement these qualitative findings with an analysis of the longitudinal user interaction logs of a popular digital writing platform over several million documents. Finally, as a first step towards facilitating an intelligent digital writing assistant, we conduct a preliminary investigation into the utility of user interaction log data for predicting the temporal stage of a document. Our results support the benefit of tools tailored to writing stages, identify primary tasks associated with these stages, and show that it is possible to predict stages from anonymous interaction logs. Together, these results argue for the benefit and feasibility of more tailored digital writing assistance.
Fiber-Optic Seismology
Authors: Lindsey Nathaniel J. , Martin Eileen R.
Published: January 2021

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is an emerging technology that repurposes a fiber-optic cable as a dense array of strain sensors. This technology repeatedly pings a fiber with laser pulses, measuring optical phase changes in Rayleigh backscattered light. DAS is beneficial for studies of fine-scale processes over multi-kilometer distances, long-term time-lapse monitoring, and deployment in logistically challenging areas (e.g., high temperatures, power limitations, land access barriers). These benefits have motivated a decade of applications in subsurface imaging and microseismicity monitoring for energy production and carbon sequestration. DAS arrays have recorded microearthquakes, regional earthquakes, teleseisms, and infrastructure signals. Analysis of these wavefields is enabling earthquake seismology where traditional sensors were sparse, as well as structural and near-surface seismology. These studies improved understanding of DAS instrument response through comparison with traditional seismometers. More recently, DAS has been used to study cryosphere systems, marine geophysics, geodesy, and volcanology. Further advancement of geoscience using DAS requires several community efforts related to instrument access, training, outreach, and cyberinfrastructure. ▪  DAS is a seismic acquisition technology repurposing fiber optics as arrays of dynamic strain sensors at 1- to 10-m spacing over kilometers. ▪  Easy DAS installations have availed time-lapse geophysical sensing in formerly inaccessible sites: urban, icy, and offshore areas. ▪  High-frequency wavefields recorded by DAS are analyzed with array-based methods to characterize seismic sources and image the subsurface. ▪  DAS has shown low-frequency sensitivity in the laboratory and field, for slow hydrodynamic and geodynamic processes.
Vibronic and Environmental Effects in Simulations of Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Zuehlsdorff Tim J. , Shedge Sapana V. , Lu Shao-Yu , Hong Hanbo , Aguirre Vincent P. , Shi Liang , Isborn Christine M.
Published: January 2021

Including both environmental and vibronic effects is important for accurate simulation of optical spectra, but combining these effects remains computationally challenging. We outline two approaches that consider both the explicit atomistic environment and the vibronic transitions. Both phenomena are responsible for spectral shapes in linear spectroscopy and the electronic evolution measured in nonlinear spectroscopy. The first approach utilizes snapshots of chromophore-environment configurations for which chromophore normal modes are determined. We outline various approximations for this static approach that assumes harmonic potentials and ignores dynamic system-environment coupling. The second approach obtains excitation energies for a series of time-correlated snapshots. This dynamic approach relies on the accurate truncation of the cumulant expansion but treats the dynamics of the chromophore and the environment on equal footing. Both approaches show significant potential for making strides toward more accurate optical spectroscopy simulations of complex condensed phase systems.
Z-Guggulsterone Induces Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer Cells through the Intrinsic Mitochondria-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Lv Ruxi , Zhu Min , Chen Kun , Xie Haitao , Bai Hongxia , Chen Qingfa
Published: January 2021

Background. To study the effects of z-guggulsterone on gastric cancer cell apoptosis and the mechanism related. Materials and Methods. Human gastric tumor SGC-7901 cells and GES-1 normal epithelial cells were treated with z-guggulsterone (0–75 μM) for 24 h. MTT assay was applied to evaluate cell proliferation. Flow cytometry and Hoechst staining were used to assess cell apoptosis. Western blotting was applied to evaluate FXR, small heterodimer partner (SHP), Bcl-2, and Bax protein expression. ELISA was applied to gain the levels of active caspase-3 and the contents of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and VEGF. Results. The expression levels of FXR and SHP were higher in tumor cells than in normal epithelial cells. Inhibition of FXR signaling with z-guggulsterone dose-dependently inhibited SGC-7901 cell proliferation and promoted SGC-7901 cell apoptosis. Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly decreased, and active caspase-3 and Bax protein expression was increased in SGC-7901 cells incubated with z-guggulsterone. The content of TNF-α was significantly increased, and the contents of VEGF and TGF-β1 were decreased in SGC-7901 cells incubated with z-guggulsterone. Conclusions. Inhibition of FXR signaling with z-guggulsterone induced anticancer effects in SGC-7901 cells by decreasing cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Z-guggulsterone induced cell apoptosis through the mitochondria-dependent pathway.
Kinetics of Organic Biodegradation and Biogas Production in the Pilot-Scale Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) for Piggery Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ha , Nguyen Manh Khai , Le Thi Hoang Oanh , Bui Thanh Tu , Nguyen Trong Hieu , Nguyen Truong Quan , Ngo Anh van
Published: January 2021

In this research, the kinetics of COD biodegradation and biogas production in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) at pilot scale (10 m3) for piggery wastewater treatment were investigated. Polyethylene (PE) was used as a carrying material, with organic loading rates (OLRs) of 10, 15, and 18 kgCOD/m3 day in accordance to hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 0.56, 0.37, and 0.3 day. The results showed that a high COD removal efficiency was obtained in the range of 68–78% with the influent COD of 5.2–5.8 g/L at all 3 HRTs. About COD degradation kinetics, in comparison to the first- and second-order kinetics and the Monod model, Stover–Kincannon model showed the best fit with R2 0.98 and a saturation value constant (KB) and a maximum utilization rate (Umax) of 52.40 g/L day and 82.65 g/L day, respectively. The first- and second-order kinetics with all 3 HRTs and Monod model with the HRT of 0.56 day also obtained high R2 values. Therefore, these kinetics and models can be further considered to be used for predicting the kinetic characteristics of the MBBR system in piggery wastewater treatment process. The result of a 6-month operation of the MBBR was that biogas production was mostly in the operating period of days 17 to 80, around 0.2 to 0.3 and 0.15–0.20 L/gCODconverted, respectively, and then reduction at an OLR of 18 kgCOD/m3. After the start-up stage, day 35 biogas cumulative volume fluctuated from 20 to 30 m3/day and reached approximately 3500 m3 for 178 days during the whole digestive process. Methane is accounted for about 65–70% of biogas with concentration around 400 mg/L.
Industrial Structure, R&D Staff, and Green Total Factor Productivity of China: Evidence from the Low‐Carbon Pilot Cities
Authors: Guo Shengqian , Tang Xue , Meng Ting , Chu Jincan , Tang Han
Published: January 2021

Using data of 26 cities in China from 2004 to 2017, the green total factor productivity is investigated by the SMM‐GML method. The corresponding empirical analysis is conducted with the DID model. This paper investigates the relation between low‐carbon pilot policy (LCC) and green total factor productivity and discusses the mediating effect of industrial structure and the number of R&D staff (RDS). First, we find that LCC has a significant effect on pilot cities’ GTFP. And, it also promotes GTFP via industrial structure. Second, LCC can improve industrial structure optimization and realization, and industrial structure realization affects GTFP significantly, while optimization cannot. Third, LCC cannot attract more RDS, and RDS harms local GDFP because of talent misallocation. At last, the rate of GTFP presented different upward trends in the order of non‐eastern cities and eastern cities. The effect of LCC on GTFP is significant in non‐eastern cities, but not eastern ones, which clearly demonstrates the imbalanced development of the green economy. Therefore, the governments of eastern and non‐eastern regions should adopt different measures based on local conditions in industrial structure transformation and recruitment and strengthen environmental regulations to make the effect of the low‐carbon policy lasting and promote GTFP growth balance in all regions.
Skin-to-Skin Care by Mother vs. Father for Preterm Neonatal Pain: A Randomized Control Trial (ENVIRON Trial)
Authors: Shukla Vivek Vishwanath , Chaudhari Anal Jitendrakumar , Nimbalkar Somashekhar Marutirao , Phatak Ajay Gajanan , Patel Dipen Vasudev , Nimbalkar Archana Somashekhar
Published: January 2021

Objective. To compare skin-to-skin care (SSC) given by mother and father for preterm neonatal pain control by premature infant pain profile (PIPP) score. Methods. 64 stable preterm (28-36 weeks gestational age) neonates born at a level-3 neonatal intensive care unit were included in the trial. Random allocation with the help of a computer-generated sequence was done. In group A, SSC was given by the mother 15 minutes before the first heel-stick, and subsequently, SSC was given by the father before the second heel-stick. In group B, the sequence of SSC provider was reversed. Blinded PIPP score assessment at 0, 1, and 5 minutes of heel-stick were done by two independent assessors using video recording. Results. The mean (SD) birth weight was 1665.18 (339.35) grams, and mean (SD) gestational age was 34.28 (2.24) weeks. The PIPP score at 0, 1, and 5 minutes had no statistical or clinically significant differences between both groups (PIPP score mean (SD) at

0
 
minute
=
3.20

(1.11) vs. 3.01 (1.29),

p

value = 0.38;

1
 
minute
=
8.59

(4.27) vs. 8.26 (4.08),

p

value = 0.66;

5
 
minutes
=
3.79

(1.40) vs. 3.93 (1.99),

p

value = 0.65 in SSC by mother and father group, respectively). Furthermore, there was no statistical difference between the groups for any components of the PIPP score (all

p

values > 0.05). The PIPP score at 5 minutes almost attained the 0-minute level in both the groups. Conclusion. Father is as effective as the mother for providing skin-to-skin care for preterm neonatal pain control. This trial is registered with CTRI/2018/01/016783.
Targeting the IRAK1–S100A9 Axis Overcomes Resistance to Paclitaxel in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Liu Sailan , Deng Peng , Liang Yujing , Xiao Rong , Tang Lin-Quan , Chen Jinghong , Chen Qiu-Yan , Guan Peiyong , Yan Shu-Mei , Huang Xiangliang , Hong Jing Han , Chen Jianfeng , Sun Yichen , Teh Bin Tean , Yu Qiang , Mai Hai-Qiang , Tan Jing
Published: January 2021

Novel strategies to treat late-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma that often develop resistance to chemotherapy remains an unmet clinical demand. In this study, we identify the multi-kinase inhibitor pacritinib as capable of resensitizing the response to paclitaxel in an acquired resistance model. Transcriptome analysis of paclitaxel-sensitive and -resistant cell lines, as well as chemorefractory clinical samples, identified S100A9 as the top candidate gene suppressed by pacritinib and whose overexpression was significantly associated with paclitaxel resistance and poor clinical outcome. Moreover, both paclitaxel-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and relapsed/metastatic clinical samples exhibited increased IRAK1 phosphorylation and demonstrated that pacritinib could abolish the IRAK1 phosphorylation to suppress S100A9 expression. Functional studies in both in vitro and in vivo models showed that genetic or pharmacologic blockade of IRAK1 overcame the resistance to paclitaxel, and combined treatment of pacritinib with paclitaxel exhibited superior antitumor effect. Together, these findings demonstrate an important role for the IRAK1–S100A9 axis in mediating resistance to paclitaxel. Furthermore, targeting of IRAK1 by pacritinib may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Significance:

Deregulation of the IRAK1–S100A9 axis correlates with poor prognosis, contributes to chemoresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and can be targeted by pacritinib to overcome chemoresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.