bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serotonergic innervation of the amygdala is increased in autism spectrum disorder and decreased in Williams syndrome
Authors: Lew C. H. , Groeniger K. M. , Hanson K. L. , Cuevas D. , Greiner D. M. Z. , Hrvoj-Mihic B. , Bellugi U. , Schumann C. M. , Semendeferi K.
Published: February 2020

Background

Williams syndrome (WS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that demonstrate overlapping genetic associations, dichotomous sociobehavioral phenotypes, and dichotomous pathological differences in neuronal distribution in key social brain areas, including the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. The serotonergic system is critical to many processes underlying neurodevelopment and is additionally an important neuromodulator associated with behavioral variation. The amygdala is heavily innervated by serotonergic projections, suggesting that the serotonergic system is a significant mediator of neuronal activity. Disruptions to the serotonergic system, and atypical structure and function of the amygdala, are implicated in both WS and ASD.

Methods

We quantified the serotonergic axon density in the four major subdivisions of the amygdala in the postmortem brains of individuals diagnosed with ASD and WS and neurotypical (NT) brains.

Results

We found opposing directions of change in serotonergic innervation in the two disorders, with ASD displaying an increase in serotonergic axons compared to NT and WS displaying a decrease. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between WS and ASD data sets across multiple amygdala nuclei.

Limitations

This study is limited by the availability of human postmortem tissue. Small sample size is an unavoidable limitation of most postmortem human brain research and particularly postmortem research in rare disorders.

Conclusions

Differential alterations to serotonergic innervation of the amygdala may contribute to differences in sociobehavioral phenotype in WS and ASD. These findings will inform future work identifying targets for future therapeutics in these and other disorders characterized by atypical social behavior.
Attitudes and perceptions of UK medical students towards artificial intelligence and radiology: a multicentre survey
Authors: Sit Cherry , Srinivasan Rohit , Amlani Ashik , Muthuswamy Keerthini , Azam Aishah , Monzon Leo , Poon Daniel Stephen
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To explore the attitudes of United Kingdom (UK) medical students regarding artificial intelligence (AI), their understanding, and career intention towards radiology. We also examine the state of education relating to AI amongst this cohort.

Methods

UK medical students were invited to complete an anonymous electronic survey consisting of Likert and dichotomous questions.

Results

Four hundred eighty-four responses were received from 19 UK medical schools. Eighty-eight percent of students believed that AI will play an important role in healthcare, and 49% reported they were less likely to consider a career in radiology due to AI. Eighty-nine percent of students believed that teaching in AI would be beneficial for their careers, and 78% agreed that students should receive training in AI as part of their medical degree. Only 45 students received any teaching on AI; none of the students received such teaching as part of their compulsory curriculum. Statistically, students that did receive teaching in AI were more likely to consider radiology (p = 0.01) and rated more positively to the questions relating to the perceived competence in the post-graduation use of AI (p = 0.01–0.04); despite this, a large proportion of students in the taught group reported a lack of confidence and understanding required for the critical use of healthcare AI tools.

Conclusions

UK medical students understand the importance of AI and are keen to engage. Medical school training on AI should be expanded and improved. Realistic use cases and limitations of AI must be presented to students so they will not feel discouraged from pursuing radiology.
A bifurcation and symmetry result for critical fractional Laplacian equations involving a perturbation
Authors: Zuo Jiabin , Li Mingwei , Li Bomeng , Qiao Zhenhua
Published: February 2020

In the present paper, by using the variational and topological methods, we obtain a multiplicity and bifurcation result for the following fractional problems involving critical nonlinearities and a lower order perturbation:−LKv=μv+|v|2s∗−2v+g(x,v)in Ω,v=0in RN∖Ω,whereΩis an open and bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary,$N>2s$N>2s, with$s\in (0,1)$s∈(0,1),gis a lower order perturbation of the critical power$|v|^{2_{s}^{*}-2}v$|v|2s∗−2vandμis a positive real parameter,$2_{s}^{*}=\frac{2N}{N-2s}$2s∗=2NN−2sis the fractional critical Sobolev exponent, while$\mathcal{L}_{K}$LKis an integro-differential operator. Precisely, we show that the number of nontrivial solutions for this equation under suitable assumptions is at least twice the multiplicity of the eigenvalue. Our conclusions improve the related results in some respects.
Optimization of the utilization of deep borehole heat exchangers
Authors: Pan Sheng , Kong Yanlong , Chen Chaofan , Pang Zhonghe , Wang Jiyang
Published: February 2020

Deep-borehole heat exchangers (DBHE) are generally coaxial pipes installed in deep boreholes and has become an alternative approach to utilize geothermal energy. Since the performance of the DBHE system can be affected by several parameters, it is important to optimize the design of parameters for the DBHE. In this paper, based on the analytical method, we carried out the sensitivity analysis of DBHE design parameters, including outer pipe diameter, inner pipe diameter, flow rate, outer pipe materials, grout materials, and borehole depth during continuous operation for 4 months. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that the heat extraction rate can be significantly affected by outer pipe diameter, borehole depth, and flow rate. The effects of grout materials, inner pipe diameter and outer pipe materials are of second-order. Finally, an optimization method based on the lowest Average Energy Cost index was proposed to optimize these DBHE design parameters under different geological conditions. Given the cost in this study, a combination scheme of all the optimal parameters is given for different depth wells under different geological conditions.
Shallow crustal earthquake models, damage, and loss predictions in Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Rusydy Ibnu , Idris Yunita , Mulkal  , Muksin Umar , Cummins Phil , Akram Muhammad Nouval , Syamsidik
Published: February 2020

The city of Banda Aceh stands on Holocene fluvial basin sediment, surrounded by the Aceh and Seulimeum fault segments where large magnitude earthquakes can occur at any time. Such earthquakes could cause extensive physical infrastructure damages, injuries, and economic loss. This research aims to produce several earthquake scenarios, to determine the damage ratio of the buildings and its distribution in these different scenarios and to estimate the number of potential casualties and economic loss. Data analysis in this research includes modelling an earthquake by applying a ground motion model for shallow crustal earthquakes to yield an intensity map after the correction for site effects. The damage ratios for different types of buildings were calculated using the fragility curves of buildings that were developed by other researchers. Building occupants at different times, building damage ratios, and injury ratios were used to determine the number of injured residents in the earthquake scenario. The results show that Banda Aceh could be potentially experience earthquake ground motion within the intensity range from MMI VII to IX due to earthquakes of Mw 6.5 to Mw 7.0. The Mw 7.0 earthquake on the Aceh segment is the worst case scenario, causing building damage throughout Banda Aceh with casualty rates of 3.5–20% of the population in buildings in general if it happened during daytime, with economic loss about 3320 million USD. Mitigation and preparedness programs for the Banda Aceh community are therefore very important in order to reduce the potential level of damage, personal injury, and economic loss due to future earthquakes.
Patient experience following iliac crest-derived alveolar bone grafting and implant placement
Authors: Gjerde Cecilie G. , Shanbhag Siddharth , Neppelberg Evelyn , Mustafa Kamal , Gjengedal Harald
Published: February 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to assess patient-reported outcomes such as satisfaction and quality of life after advanced alveolar bone augmentation with anterior iliac crest grafting and implant treatment in orally compromised patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional retrospective cohort study included 59 patients (29 women and 30 men) with major functional problems, who underwent advanced alveolar augmentation with autologous iliac bone grafts during a 10-year period (2002–2012).

The self-administered questionnaire included 36 validated questions related to (1) demographics, (2) perceived general and oral health, (3) donor site and hospitalization, (4) status of implants and/or prosthesis, and (5) oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 44 patients: 24 women and 20 men (response rate, 74.6%). Most patients reported good tolerance of the operative iliac bone harvesting (85%) and implant (90%) procedures. Post-operative pain at the donor site was reported by 38%, lasting 18.1 ± 16.1 days. An average of 4.3 ± 3.5 days of hospitalization and 20.2 ± 18.5 days of sick leave was reported. The overall satisfaction with prosthetic reconstruction was 90.5%. OHRQoL was reported with a mean Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score of 8.4.

Conclusion

Favorable OHRQoL and satisfaction were reported after advanced reconstruction of alveolar ridges with iliac crest-derived grafting and implants in severely compromised patients. However, this treatment requires substantial resources including hospitalization and sick leave.
Mapping the nomenclature, methodology, and reporting of studies that review methods: a pilot methodological review
Authors: Lawson Daeria O. , Leenus Alvin , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: February 2020

Background

A relatively novel method of appraisal, methodological reviews (MRs) are used to synthesize information on the methods used in health research. There are currently no guidelines available to inform the reporting of MRs.

Objectives

This pilot review aimed to determine the feasibility of a full review and the need for reporting guidance for methodological reviews.

Methods

Search strategy: We conducted a search of PubMed, restricted to 2017 to include the most recently published studies, using different search terms often used to describe methodological reviews: “literature survey” OR “meta-epidemiologic* review” OR “meta-epidemiologic* survey” OR “methodologic* review” OR “methodologic* survey” OR “systematic survey.”

Data extraction: Study characteristics including country, nomenclature, number of included studies, search strategy, a priori protocol use, and sampling methods were extracted in duplicate and summarized.

Outcomes: Primary feasibility outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of the search terms (criteria for success of feasibility set at sensitivity and specificity of ≥ 70%).

Analysis: The estimates are reported as a point estimate (95% confidence interval).

Results

Two hundred thirty-six articles were retrieved and 31 were included in the final analysis. The most accurate search term was “meta-epidemiological” (sensitivity [Sn] 48.39; 95% CI 31.97–65.16; specificity [Sp] 97.56; 94.42–98.95). The majority of studies were published by authors from Canada (n = 12, 38.7%), and Japan and USA (n = 4, 12.9% each). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of included studies in the MRs was 77 (13–1127). Reporting of a search strategy was done in most studies (n = 23, 74.2%). The use of a pre-published protocol (n = 7, 22.6%) or a justifiable sampling method (n = 5, 16.1%) occurred rarely.

Conclusions

Using the MR nomenclature identified, it is feasible to build a comprehensive search strategy and conduct a full review. Given the variation in reporting practices and nomenclature attributed to MRs, there is a need for guidance on standardized and transparent reporting of MRs. Future guideline development would likely include stakeholders from Canada, USA, and Japan.
A physical activity intervention to improve the quality of life of patients with a stoma: a feasibility study
Authors: Hubbard Gill , Taylor Claire , Watson Angus J. M. , Munro Julie , Goodman William , Beeken Rebecca J.
Published: February 2020

Background

We hypothesise that a physical activity (PA) intervention will improve the quality of life (QoL) of people with a stoma. A feasibility study of the intervention and trial parameters is necessary to inform a future main trial.

Methods

Participants received a weekly PA consultation by telephone, video conferencing, or face-to-face for 12 weeks with a PA instructor who prescribed physical activities and supported participants by addressing stoma-related concerns and using behaviour change techniques. A feasibility study of the intervention and trial parameters was conducted in three UK sites using mixed methods.

Results

The number of eligible patients consenting to the study was 30 out of 174 (17%). Most participants were female (73%); 73% had an ileostomy and 27% a colostomy; mean time since diagnosis was 6 months. A total of 18 (64%) participants completed pre- (baseline) and post-intervention (follow-up) measures. Results show an improvement on all scales measuring QoL and disease-specific fatigue. The median PA consultation rate per participant was eight sessions. Participants reported completing 75% or more of the prescribed PA each week. Eight stoma-related themes were identified from qualitative interviews: fear of hernia, bending down, fatigue, pain, prolapse, surgical wounds, stoma appliance, and stigma. The intervention appeared to address these issues.

Conclusion

This feasibility study demonstrated that a novel manualised PA intervention for people with a stoma is safe, feasible, and acceptable, and shows promise for improving outcomes. However, difficulties with recruitment will need to be carefully considered to ensure the success of future studies in this area.

Trial registration

ISCTN, ISRCTN58613962; Registered 14/9/2017.
Does the EVA valuation model explain the market value of equity better under changing required return than constant required return?
Authors: Behera Sujata
Published: February 2020

Through the Economic-Value-Added (EVA) valuation model, the expected market value of equity can be determined by adding the book value of equity with the present value of expected EVAs under the assumption of constant required return and constant return on equity. The equation of EVA valuation model has taken its shape under the assumption of constant required return and constant return on equity. However, a large body of empirical evidence indicates that required rate of return never remain constant. The EVA- valuation model formulated under constant required return cannot be implemented under the scenario of changing required return. In this study, we explored whether the EVA valuation model could be implemented under changing required return by making any changes in the model and found that it could be implemented under the scenario of changing required return by replacing the book value of the equity of the existing model with the present value of required earnings or normal market earnings. We further examined whether the explanatory ability of the EVA valuation model under the assumption of changing required return is better than that of the valuation model under the assumption of constant required return. Relative information content analyses were conducted by considering sample of the intrinsic value of equities determined by valuation models and the market value of equities of 69 large-cap, 88 mid-cap, and 79 small-cap companies. The results showed that the EVA-based valuation model with changing normal market return outperformed the EVA-based valuation model with constant required return.
Reconfigurable control as actuator fault-tolerant control design for power oscillation damping
Authors: Nair Digvijay V. , Murty MSR
Published: February 2020

This paper presents design of an self contained actuators unit in wide area damping control of power system in stabilizing system response for both nominal system condition and during actuator faults. First it is presented that use of multiple actuators in wide area control aid in improving damping in power system. A wide area damping controller feeding multiple actuators to satisfy multiple objectives in wide area damping control of power system is designed. Minimization of infinity norm of closed loop transfer function of power system with wide area controller in feedback path & closed loop poles placement techniques are used in controller synthesis. Second a reconfigurable control on the lines of fault hiding principle is added to the controller design to maintain system damping to pre-fault level in case of actuator faults. A reconfiguration component(RC) is activated on occurrence of actuator fault thereby reconfiguring system dynamics and redistributing wide area control signal among remaining active actuators. RC together with remaining active actuators and under same wide area damping controller maintains system damping to pre-fault level thereby preserving system dynamic response. In the reconfigurable control design presented here no new actuators outside the unit of actuators designed for wide area damping control is required. This makes for an self contained actuators unit in wide area damping control of power system both for nominal system condition and for system affected by actuator faults. A two area power system model is considered here for demonstrating effectiveness of designed robust damping controller with multiple outputs feeding multiple actuators in wide area control and illustrating the idea of self contained actuators unit for maintaining system damping in case of actuator faults.
Textural radiomic features and time-intensity curve data analysis by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for early prediction of breast cancer therapy response: preliminary data
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Granata Vincenza , Maio Francesca , Sansone Mario , Petrillo Antonella
Published: February 2020

Background

To investigate the potential of semiquantitative time-intensity curve parameters compared to textural radiomic features on arterial phase images by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for early prediction of breast cancer neoadjuvant therapy response.

Methods

A retrospective study of 45 patients subjected to DCE-MRI by public datasets containing examination performed prior to the start of treatment and after the treatment first cycle (‘QIN Breast DCE-MRI’ and ‘QIN-Breast’) was performed. In total, 11 semiquantitative parameters and 50 texture features were extracted. Non-parametric test, receiver operating characteristic analysis with area under the curve (ROC-AUC), Spearman correlation coefficient, and Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction were applied.

Results

Fifteen patients with pathological complete response (pCR) and 30 patients with non-pCR were analysed. Significant differences in median values between pCR patients and non-pCR patients were found for entropy, long-run emphasis, and busyness among the textural features, for maximum signal difference, washout slope, washin slope, and standardised index of shape among the dynamic semiquantitative parameters. The standardised index of shape had the best results with a ROC-AUC of 0.93 to differentiate pCR versus non-pCR patients.

Conclusions

The standardised index of shape could become a clinical tool to differentiate, in the early stages of treatment, responding to non-responding patients.
Painting image browser applying an associate-rule-aware multidimensional data visualization technique
Authors: Kaneko Ayaka , Komatsu Akiko , Itoh Takayuki , Wang Florence Ying
Published: February 2020

Exploration of artworks is enjoyable but often time consuming. For example, it is not always easy to discover the favorite types of unknown painting works. It is not also always easy to explore unpopular painting works which looks similar to painting works created by famous artists. This paper presents a painting image browser which assists the explorative discovery of user-interested painting works. The presented browser applies a new multidimensional data visualization technique that highlights particular ranges of particular numeric values based on association rules to suggest cues to find favorite painting images. This study assumes a large number of painting images are provided where categorical information (e.g., names of artists, created year) is assigned to the images. The presented system firstly calculates the feature values of the images as a preprocessing step. Then the browser visualizes the multidimensional feature values as a heatmap and highlights association rules discovered from the relationships between the feature values and categorical information. This mechanism enables users to explore favorite painting images or painting images that look similar to famous painting works. Our case study and user evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of the presented image browser.
Prevalence updates of substance use among Egyptian adolescents
Authors: Rabie Menan , Shaker Nermin M. , Gaber Eman , El-Habiby Mahmoud , Ismail Dalia , El-Gaafary Maha , Lotfy Amina , Sabry Noha , Khafagy Wael , Muscat Richard
Published: February 2020

Background

The problem of substance use is becoming one of the most serious and rapidly growing phenomena all over the world. Efficient and well-designed prevalence studies for mental illnesses including substance use problems need to be regularly updated, in order to rearrange the prevention and management plans on a scientific basis. The aim of the study is to detect the prevalence of substance use and dependence among secondary school students, as they are one of the high-risk populations for drug use, targeting a representative sample of 10,648 of students.

Results

The most commonly used substance was nicotine during lifetime (9%), last 12 months (4.9%), and last month (2.4%). After the exclusion of nicotine, benzodiazepines was the commonest substance abused (5.1%) followed by alcohol (3.3%) and organic solvents (3.1%). The most commonly used during the last 12 months was alcohol (2.9%) followed by organic solvents (2.7%) and cannabis (2.6%). The prevalence of the regular use of any substance was 1.5%, while the prevalence of the dependence syndrome was 0.9% (excluding nicotine dependence). The prevalence of intake, regular use, and dependence were all higher among males.

Conclusion

The results of this study attract attention towards the substance abuse problem among adolescents in Egypt. Tobacco is the most commonly used substance followed by benzodiazepines which seemed to be used on a regular basis. Alcohol, organic solvents, and cannabis are also commonly used. Preventive services should be directed towards youth to combat these phenomena.
Generating value with mental health apps
Authors: Powell Adam C. , Torous John B. , Firth Joseph , Kaufman Kenneth R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Although apps are increasingly being used to support the diagnosis, treatment and management of mental illness, there is no single means through which costs associated with mental apps are being reimbursed. Furthermore, different apps are amenable to different means of reimbursement as not all apps generate value in the same way.

Aims

To provide insights into how apps are currently generating value and being reimbursed across the world, with a particular focus on the situation in the USA.

Method

An international team performed secondary research on how apps are being used and on common pathways to remuneration.

Results

The uses of apps today and in the future are reviewed, the nature of the value delivered by apps is summarised and an overview of app reimbursement in the USA and other countries is provided. Recommendations regarding how payments might be made for apps in the future are discussed.

Conclusions

Currently, apps are being reimbursed through channels with other original purposes. There may be a need to develop an app-specific channel for reimbursement which is analogous to the channels used for devices, drugs and laboratory tests.
Prognostic Awareness in Adult Oncology and Palliative Care
Authors: Butow Phyllis N. , Clayton Josephine M. , Epstein Ronald M.
Published: February 2020

Communicating prognosis clearly and empathically can foster accurate prognostic awareness in patients with advanced cancer and their family members. Whereas patients and doctors desire clear prognostic communication, it presents many challenges in oncologic and palliative care settings. Patients with advanced cancer often have poor prognostic awareness as a result of deficiencies in doctor communication and understandable—and potentially adaptive—attempts by patients and families to reduce the threat of death and maintain hope. Interventions to promote prognostic discussion have largely succeeded in increasing the frequency, but not necessarily the quality, of such discussions, yet have failed to improve prognostic awareness. Because clear communication of prognosis is an ethical mandate, more research is needed to provide an evidence base for teaching and practice in this area.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Patients With Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: El-Jawahri Areej , Nelson Ashley M. , Gray Tamryn F. , Lee Stephanie J. , LeBlanc Thomas W.
Published: February 2020

Hematologic malignancies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with unique illness trajectories, treatment paradigms, and potential for curability, which affect patients’ palliative and end-of-life care needs. Patients with hematologic malignancies endure immense physical and psychological symptoms because of both their illness and often intensive treatments that result in significant toxicities and adverse effects. Compared with patients with solid tumors, those with hematologic malignancies also experience high rates of hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and in-hospital deaths and low rates of referral to hospice as well as shorter hospice length of stay. In addition, patients with hematologic malignancies harbor substantial misperceptions about treatment risks and benefits and frequently overestimate their prognosis. Even survivors of hematologic malignancies struggle with late effects, post-treatment complications, and post-traumatic stress symptoms that can significantly diminish their quality of life. Despite these substantial unmet needs, specialty palliative care services are infrequently consulted for the care of patients with hematologic malignancies. Several illness-specific, cultural, and system-based barriers to palliative care integration and optimal end-of-life care exist in this population. However, recent evidence has demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of integrating palliative care to improve the quality of life and care of patients with hematologic malignancies and their caregivers. More research is needed to develop and test population-specific palliative and supportive care interventions to ensure generalizability and to define a sustainable clinical delivery model. Future work also should focus on identifying moderators and mediators of the effect of integrated palliative care models on patient-reported outcomes and on developing less resource-intensive integrated care models to address the diverse needs of this population.
Disparities in Palliative Care in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Griggs Jennifer J.
Published: February 2020

In the United States, racial and ethnic minorities and people with lower socioeconomic status (SES) face structural, health system, and interpersonal barriers to optimal health care, including palliative care. Much of the available data on palliative care in racial and ethnic minorities and people with lower SES have identified disparities according to race, ethnicity, and SES. Limitations to understanding disparities in palliative care include the fact that much of the available data are cross-sectional, drawn from administrative or claims data, or based on qualitative work in limited geographic areas. To advance our knowledge and achieve health equity with respect to palliative care in patient groups that have been understudied or that are known to receive disparate care, gaining a deeper understanding of the barriers to palliative care is necessary from patients, families, referring providers, and communities. In addition, cultural competency training for all members of the palliative care team and referring providers needs to be changed from being obligatory to being intentional and assessed continuously. Finally, concerted changes in coordination of care, payment structures, and policy are needed.
Radiation Oncology Workforce in Colombia
Authors: Murillo Raúl , González Alejandro , Galvis Juan Carlos , Hidalgo Iván , Marín Alejandro , Muñoz Jorge Emilio , Sánchez Ricardo
Published: February 2020

Colombia is experiencing an epidemiologic transition, with an increasing incidence of cancerous neoplasms prevalent in high-income countries, while infection-associated tumors remain highly prevalent. According to international standards, Colombia has a deficit of radiotherapy machines (a shortage of about 47 machines) and radiation oncology specialists (a shortage of about 19 to 149 specialists based on number of centers and incident cases, respectively) to meet the national demand, which may induce an inappropriate dynamic in radiation oncology services. Estimates based on cancer incidence trends and the rate of new specialists in radiation oncology expected to graduate per year suggest that the current deficit will remain unchanged or may even increase during the next decades. The situation is critical because of the existence of a single training program in the country for a population of 45 million inhabitants and the low availability of educational programs offered in the Latin American region to cover the national demand. A comprehensive analysis of radiotherapy services should include data on medical physicists, radiotherapists, and the oncology nursing workforce; however, we found no reliable information available. A better balance between the educational programs offered and the demand for radiotherapy is highly valuable.
Structural Studies of Thyroid Peroxidase Show the Monomer Interacting With Autoantibodies in Thyroid Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Williams Daniel E , Le Sarah N , Hoke David E , Chandler Peter G , Gora Monika , Godlewska Marlena , Banga J Paul , Buckle Ashley M
Published: February 2020

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is a critical membrane-bound enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of multiple thyroid hormones, and is a major autoantigen in autoimmune thyroid diseases such as destructive (Hashimoto) thyroiditis. Here we report the biophysical and structural characterization of a novel TPO construct containing only the ectodomain of TPO and lacking the propeptide. The construct was enzymatically active and able to bind the patient-derived TR1.9 autoantibody. Analytical ultracentrifugation data suggest that TPO can exist as both a monomer and a dimer. Combined with negative stain electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, these data show that the TR1.9 autoantibody preferentially binds the TPO monomer, revealing conformational changes that bring together previously disparate residues into a continuous epitope. In addition to providing plausible structural models of a TPO-autoantibody complex, this study provides validated TPO constructs that will facilitate further characterization, and advances our understanding of the structural, functional, and antigenic characteristics of TPO, an autoantigen implicated in some of the most common autoimmune diseases.
Computer-aided diagnosis system for osteoporosis based on quantitative evaluation of mandibular lower border porosity using panoramic radiographs
Authors: Nakamoto Takashi , Hatsuta Seina , Yagi Shotaro , Verdonschot Rinus Gerardus , Taguchi Akira , Kakimoto Naoya
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

A new computer-aided screening system for osteoporosis using panoramic radiographs was developed. The conventional system could detect porotic changes within the lower border of the mandible, but its severity could not be evaluated. Our aim was to enable the system to measure severity by implementing a linear bone resorption severity index (BRSI) based on the cortical bone shape.

Methods:

The participants were 68 females (>50 years) who underwent panoramic radiography and lumbar spine bone density measurements. The new system was designed to extract the lower border of the mandible as region of interests and convert them into morphological skeleton line images. The total perimeter length of the skeleton lines was defined as the BRSI. 40 images were visually evaluated for the presence of cortical bone porosity. The correlation between visual evaluation and BRSI of the participants, and the optimal threshold value of BRSI for new system were investigated through a receiver operator characteristic analysis. The diagnostic performance of the new system was evaluated by comparing the results from new system and lumbar bone density tests using 28 participants.

Results:

BRSI and lumbar bone density showed a strong negative correlation (p < 0.01). BRSI showed a strong correlation with visual evaluation. The new system showed high diagnostic efficacy with sensitivity of 90.9%, specificity of 64.7%, and accuracy of 75.0%.

Conclusions:

The new screening system is able to quantitatively evaluate mandibular cortical porosity. This allows for preventive screening for osteoporosis thereby enhancing clinical prospects.
Solubility and stability of melatonin in propylene glycol, glycofurol, and dimethyl sulfoxide
Authors: Zetner Dennis , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Local administration of melatonin might prove useful in future clinical studies. Melatonin possesses poor solubility and stability in aqueous solutions. The aim of this study was to investigate the solubility and stability of melatonin when dissolved in glycofurol, propylene glycol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

Methods: Two experiments were performed: solubility and stability. In the solubility experiment, we dissolved melatonin in 20% propylene glycol and 20% glycofurol solutions, respectively. For the stability experiment, we prepared three different formulations: melatonin and glycofurol (20% w/w, 10 mg/g); melatonin, glycofurol, and DMSO (20%, 40% w/w, 10 mg/g); and melatonin and DMSO (50% w/w, 1 mg/g). All three solutions were stored at 25°C for 45 days. Concentrations of melatonin in all solutions were measured through high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results: Melatonin demonstrated poor solubility in propylene glycol (3.6–3.8 mg/g) and better solubility in glycofurol (10.5–11.1 mg/g). All three formulations of the stability experiment showed no degradation of melatonin over 45 days.

Discussion: Glycofurol and DMSO provide better solubility and stability than aqueous solutions. The formulations used in this experiment have adequate stability to be used in clinical trials.
A systematic review of non-randomised evaluations of strategies to improve participant recruitment to randomised controlled trials
Authors: Gardner Heidi R , Albarquoni Loai , El Feky Adel , Gillies Katie , Treweek Shaun
Published: February 2020

Background: Recruitment to trials can be challenging. Currently, non-randomised evaluations of trial recruitment interventions are rejected due to poor methodological quality, but systematic assessment of this substantial body of work may inform trialists’ decision-making about recruitment methods. Our objective was to quantify the effects of strategies to improve participant recruitment to randomised trials evaluated using non-randomised study designs.

Methods: We searched relevant databases for non-randomised studies that included two or more interventions evaluating recruitment to trials. Two reviewers screened abstracts and full texts for eligible studies, then extracted data on: recruitment intervention, setting, participant characteristics, number of participants in intervention and comparator groups. The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess risk of bias. The primary outcome was the number of recruits to a trial.

Results: We identified 92 studies for inclusion; 90 studies aimed to improve the recruitment of participants, one aimed to improve the recruitment of GP practices, and one aimed to improve recruitment of GPs. Of the 92 included studies, 20 were at high risk of bias due to confounding; the remaining 72 were at high risk of bias due to confounding and at least one other category of the ROBINS-I tool. The 20 studies at least risk of bias were synthesised narratively based on seven broad categories; Face to face recruitment initiatives, postal invitations and responses, language adaptations, randomisation methods, trial awareness strategies aimed at the recruitee, trial awareness strategies aimed at the recruiter, and use of networks and databases. The utility of included studies is substantially limited due to small sample sizes, inadequate reporting, and a lack of coordination around deciding what to evaluate and how.

Conclusions: Careful thought around planning, conduct, and reporting of non-randomised evaluations of recruitment interventions is required to prevent future non-randomised studies contributing to research waste.

Registration: PROSPERO CRD42016037718
Maternal and neonatal data collection systems in low- and middle-income countries: scoping review protocol
Authors: Berrueta Mabel , Bardach Ariel , Ciaponni Agustin , Xiong Xu , Stergachis Andy , Zaraa Sabra , Buekens Pierre ,   Scoping Review Collaboration Group
Published: February 2020

Background: Pregnant women and neonates represent one of the most vulnerable groups, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A recent analysis reported that most vaccine pharmacovigilance systems in LMICs consist of spontaneous (passive) adverse event reporting. Thus, LMICs need effective active surveillance approaches, such as pregnancy registries. We intend to identify currently active maternal and neonatal data collection systems in LMICs, with the potential to inform active safety electronic surveillance for novel vaccines using standardized definitions.

Methods: A scoping review will be conducted based on established methodology. Multiple databases of indexed and grey literature will be searched with a specific focus on existing electronic and paper-electronic systems in LMICs that collect continuous, prospective, and individual-level data from antenatal care, delivery, neonatal care (up to 28 days), and postpartum (up to 42 days) at the facility and community level, at the national and district level, and at large hospitals. Also, experts will be contacted to identify unpublished information on relevant data collection systems. General and specific descriptions of Health Information Systems (HIS) extracted from the different sources will be combined and duplicated HIS will be removed, producing a list of unique statements. We will present a final list of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health systems considered flexible enough to be updated with necessary improvements to detect, assess and respond to safety concerns during the introduction of vaccines and other maternal health interventions. Selected experts will participate in an in-person consultation meeting to select up to three systems to be further explored in situ. Results and knowledge gaps will be synthesized after expert consultation.
MODERN BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND ADAPTOGENIC PREPARATY THE BASIS OF EFFICIENCY OF CALCULATED RATES OF FERTILIZERS FOR SOWING SPRING RAPESEED
Authors: Safiollin Faik , Suleymanov Salavat , Minnullin Gennadiy , Panasyuk Mihail
Published: February 2020

The article presents, according to a comparative assessment, the results of effectiveness of the interaction of calculated mineral fertilizers with various bioagents and adaptogenic preparations in spring rape crops. The studies were conducted on the experimental field of Chistopol State Breed Center of the Republic of Tatarstan. The following strains of microorganisms were used in the studies: RECB-95 B (Bacillus subtilis); RECB-50V (Bacillus spp.). Seed treatment with the aforementioned bioagents was carried out on the day of sowing, and foliar top dressing was performed in the phase of 3-4 pairs of real spring rape leaves. The predecessor of the research object was pure steam. In the experiment, a cultivar of Gedemin spring rape of the Belarusian selection was cultivated. Mineral fertilizers were applied as a general background before sowing with the expectation of a planned productivity of 3.0 tons per hectare of oilseeds of the studied crop. The repetition of the experiment is fourfold, the plot area is 32 m2. To reduce the chemical load on the environment, to save money, to fully realize the potential possibility of calculated norms of mineral fertilizers on leached chernozems of the Republic of Tatarstan in order to obtain 3.28-3.37 tons per hectare of oilseeds of spring rape, it is recommended to pre-sow seeds with strains of RECB-50 In (2.0 litres per ton) or RECB-95 V (2.0 litres per ton) in combination with foliar application in the phase of 3-4 pairs of real leaves with the same strains (norm 1.0 litres per hectare consumption) with the addition of an adaptogenic drug.
INFLUENCE OF POLLUTION OF GRAY FOREST SOIL BY OIL ON SPRING BARLEY PRODUCTIVITY AND COEFFICIENTS OF USE OF NUTRIENT SUBSTANCES FROM SOIL
Authors: Osipova Regina , Gilyazov Minnegali , Galavetdinov Salavat
Published: February 2020

The work is devoted to assessing the effect of a single oil pollution of the soil on the yield and chemical composition of spring barley plants during four rotations of crop rotation. The study was conducted in 2004-2018 on the experimental field of Agrochemistry and Soil Science Department of Kazan State Agrarian University, located in the ancestral zone of the Republic of Tatarstan. The soil of the experimental plot is gray forest medium loamy, which is the prevailing soil difference for this zone. Uncontaminated soil was characterized by a low humus content and a slightly acidic reaction of the medium, an increased content of mobile phosphorus and an average supply of mobile forms of potassium and trace elements (B, Mo, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co). The soil was artificially contaminated with salable oil at the rate of 20 l/m2, which, as shown by previous studies of the department, corresponds to the average level of pollution. The effect of oil pollution of gray forest soil on the productivity of barley sown 2, 6, 10 and 14 years after pollution was studied. A statistically significant decrease in the yield of spring barley was established within 14 years from the moment of contamination. As the pollution ages, the yields on contaminated soil gradually approach the yield level of the control (uncontaminated) soil. In all years of observation, a decrease in grain yield from oil pollution of the soil was more significant than a decrease in straw yield. Old oil pollution of gray forest soil had a weak effect on the content of total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the plants of spring barley. The spring barley utilization rates of mineral nitrogen and mobile phosphorus in gray forest soil under the influence of old oil pollution decreased by about 1/4, and mobile potassium by 1/5.
A Realistic View on Normative Conflicts
Authors: Glavaničová Daniela , Pascucci Matteo
Published: February 2020

Kulicki and Trypuz (2016) introduced three systems of multi-valued deontic action logic to handle normative conflicts. The first system suggests a pessimistic view on normative conflicts, according to which any conflicting option represents something forbidden; the second system suggests an optimistic view, according to which any conflicting option represents something obligatory; finally, the third system suggests a neutral view, according to which any conflicting option represents something that is neither obligatory nor forbidden. The aim of the present paper is to propose a fourth system in this family, which comes with a realistic view on normative conflicts: a normative conflict remains unsolved unless it is generated by two or more normative sources that can be compared. In accordance with this, we will provide a more refined formal framework for the family of systems at issue, which allows for explicit reference to sources of norms. Conflict resolution is thus a consequence of a codified hierarchy of normative sources.
Desarrollo de competencias y habilidades a través de proyectos basados en empresas reales: Análisis en asignaturas de Dirección de Operaciones
Authors: Alfaro Tanco José Antonio , Rodríguez Chacón Victoria , Amorrortu Gervasio Itxaso
Published: February 2020

El trabajo que aquí se presenta tiene como objetivo lograr que el alumno adquiera los conocimientos básicos de la Dirección de Operaciones, a la vez que desarrolle competencias necesarias para su incorporación en el mercado laboral y establezca un contacto real con la empresa. La base metodológica de la propuesta que aquí se presenta es la formación por proyectos como una metodología efectiva para lograr una educación basada en competencias, y que integra la adquisición de conocimientos con el desarrollo de habilidades y valores. Los modelos de aprendizaje basados en proyectos tienen su base científica en el proceso de generación de conocimiento, en el cual los estudiantes no son receptores pasivos de conocimiento, sino que construyen conocimiento sobre la base de lo que ellos realmente saben y han experimentado, lo que se consigue a través de la participación e interacción con otros. Los autores de este artículo muestran los resultados obtenidos en los últimos seis años a través de la experiencia en asignaturas de Operaciones. Tal y como se observa en los resultados, mediante la utilización de la metodología descrita el aprendizaje de los contenidos se resuelve de una manera exitosa. El plantearle al alumno que resuelva un problema en una empresa real de una manera semi-autónoma hace que éste se plantee cuestiones que con las clases magistrales no lo haría. Además, debido al seguimiento realizado a través de los hitos por el profesor, los equipos son capaces de corregir sus errores y el conocimiento de la materia se refuerza.
Barriers and facilitators to palliative care education in nursing and residential homes: a rapid review
Authors: Manson Jane , Gardiner Clare , McTague Laura
Published: February 2020

Background:

There is insufficient high-quality evidence to suggest that palliative care education can impact care home settings.

Aims:

To identify, appraise and synthesise all available evidence on the barriers and facilitators to providing palliative care education in residential and nursing care homes and to generate recommendations to increase the effectiveness of future palliative care education programmes in care homes.

Methods:

A rapid review searching CINAHL, Medline and ProQuest. One author screened full-text articles for inclusion. Any uncertainties were discussed with a second author.

Findings:

Twenty-two articles were included in the full review. Analysis of the included articles revealed the following overlapping themes: structural systems; cultural and personal issues; and knowledge translation issues with interaction.

Conclusion:

Addressing the barriers and facilitators when designing palliative care education programmes for care homes will lead to more successful outcomes.