bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baduanjin exercise for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Ailing , Feng Fanchao , Zhang Li , Zhou Xianmei
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To objectively evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise on cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Data sources:

Articles published in PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, and China Biological Medicine Database from inception to March 2020.

Review Method:

Articles on randomized controlled trials about Baduanjin exercise for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were identified. Cochrane handbook was applied to assess the quality of included trials. Stata (version 14.0) and Review Manager (version 5.3) were employed for data analysis. Mean difference with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for pulmonary function, 6-minute walking distance, and the quality of life.

Results:

Thirty-one randomized controlled trials including 3045 patients were included. The result of meta-analysis indicated that comparing with any other type of treatment alone, Baduanjin exercise combined other type of treatment revealed well efficacy in improving exercise capability on 6-minute walking distance (mean difference = 43.83, 95% confidence interval (29.47, 58.20), P < 0.00001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (mean difference = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (0.15, 0.31), P < 0.00001), forced volume vital capacity (mean difference = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (0.08, 0.30), P = 0.0007), the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity (mean difference = 3.85, 95% confidence interval (2.19, 5.51), P < 0.00001), and the quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients regarding the St. George respiratory questionnaire (mean difference = –7.71, 95% confidence interval (–10.54, –4.89), P < 0.00001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (mean difference = –2.56, 95% confidence interval (–4.13, –1.00), P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Baduanjin exercise could improve exercise capacity, pulmonary function, and quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Guohua , Zheng Yuhui , Xiong Zhenyu , Ye Bingzhao
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Baduanjin training on the cognitive function in stroke survivors with cognitive impairment.

Design:

A randomized, two-arm parallel controlled trial with allocation concealment and assessors blinding.

Setting:

Community centre of Fuzhou city, China.

Subjects:

A total of 48 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into the Baduanjin exercise intervention or control group.

Interventions:

The control group maintained original medication and rehabilitation treatment. The Baduanjin training group received 24-week Baduanjin training with a frequency of three days a week and 40 minutes a day based on original medication and rehabilitation treatment.

Main outcome measures:

The primary outcome was global cognitive function. Secondary outcome measures included the specific domains of cognition (i.e. memory, processing speed, execution, attention and visuospatial ability) and activities daily living.

Results:

In total, 41 (Baduanjin n = 22, control n = 19) participants completed 24-week treatment and data collection. Mean differences between groups at 24-week treatment were statistically significant for global cognitive function (MoCA: 2.54 (0.91 to 4.16)), execution (TMT-A: −42.4 (−75.0 to −9.8); TMT-B: −71.3 (−130.6 to −12.1)), memory (immediate recall: 2.11 (0.49 to 3.73); short-term delayed recognition: 2.47 (0.58 to 4.35) and long-term delayed recognition: 1.68(0.18 to 3.17)), attention (response time of alertness: −245.5 (−387 to −104)) and activities of daily living (modified Barthel Index).

Conclusion:

Regular Baduanjin training is associated with less loss of cognitive function in patients after stroke.
Using Both Time Tradeoff and Discrete Choice Experiments in Valuing the EQ-5D: Impact of Model Misspecification on Value Sets
Authors: Waudby-Smith Ian , Pickard A. Simon , Xie Feng , Pullenayegum Eleanor M.
Published: June 2020

Introduction. The EQ-5D-5L valuation protocol contains both time tradeoff (TTO) tasks and discrete choice experiments (DCE), raising the question of how to best use these in creating a value set. The hybrid model, which combines TTO and DCE data, has emerged as a commonly used approach. However, this model assumes independence among responses from the same individual, a linear relationship between TTO and DCE utilities, and, in many implementations, homoscedastic residuals. The aims of this study are to examine alternatives to these assumptions and determine the impact of misspecification on value sets. Methods. We performed a simulation study, parameterized using the US EQ-5D-5L valuation study, to assess the impact of model misspecification. We simulated TTO and DCE data with nonlinear relationships between TTO and DCE utilities, heteroscedastic errors, and correlated responses. Simulated data were analyzed using hybrid models with and without heteroscedasticity, Tobit models with and without heteroscedasticity, a latent class model, and a mixed model. Results. Mean absolute errors (MAEs) for correctly specified models were <0.05, whereas models that incorrectly assumed a linear relationship between TTO and DCE utilities or homoscedasticity of TTO responses featured states with an MAE >0.1. When a linear relationship between TTO and DCE utilities held, using both TTO and DCE data under correct specification yielded smaller MAEs compared with using TTO data alone but yielded larger MAEs when a linear relationship did not hold. Mistakenly assuming homoscedasticity led to increased MAEs, whereas ignoring dependence did not. Conclusions. Because heteroscedasticity in TTO utilities and nonlinear associations between DCE and TTO utilities have been noted, we recommend careful assessment of scedasticity and linearity to ascertain the suitability of a hybrid model.
Data-driven Koopman operators for model-based shared control of human–machine systems
Authors: Broad Alexander , Abraham Ian , Murphey Todd , Argall Brenna
Published: June 2020

We present a data-driven shared control algorithm that can be used to improve a human operator’s control of complex dynamic machines and achieve tasks that would otherwise be challenging, or impossible, for the user on their own. Our method assumes no a priori knowledge of the system dynamics. Instead, both the dynamics and information about the user’s interaction are learned from observation through the use of a Koopman operator. Using the learned model, we define an optimization problem to compute the autonomous partner’s control policy. Finally, we dynamically allocate control authority to each partner based on a comparison of the user input and the autonomously generated control. We refer to this idea as model-based shared control (MbSC). We evaluate the efficacy of our approach with two human subjects studies consisting of 32 total participants (16 subjects in each study). The first study imposes a linear constraint on the modeling and autonomous policy generation algorithms. The second study explores the more general, nonlinear variant. Overall, we find that MbSC significantly improves task and control metrics when compared with a natural learning, or user only, control paradigm. Our experiments suggest that models learned via the Koopman operator generalize across users, indicating that it is not necessary to collect data from each individual user before providing assistance with MbSC. We also demonstrate the data efficiency of MbSC and, consequently, its usefulness in online learning paradigms. Finally, we find that the nonlinear variant has a greater impact on a user’s ability to successfully achieve a defined task than the linear variant.
Persuasion in Islamic finance
Authors: Azmat Saad , Ali Haiqa , Brown Kym , Skully Michael
Published: June 2020

This article explores the mechanisms of persuasion in Islamic finance that may have helped support the growth of this market. Our theoretical model may explain those factors which may influence a customer to select an Islamic financial product. For complex decisions where a person may not fully understand the background concepts such as with finance or Arabic terminology, product quality may be judged based on information in advertising and prior knowledge. Our model shows that Islamic bankers can use the customer’s “coarse thinking” process when advertising products. They may be a means to make products appear more religiously (Shariah) compliant. The equilibrium level of persuasive strategies proposed help reinforces the impact of persuasion for Islamic banks.

JEL Classification: G21, G11, M31
Quantitative Analysis of Macrotexture of Asphalt Concrete Pavement Surface Based on 3D Data
Authors: Huyan Ju , Li Wei , Tighe Susan , Sun Zhaoyun , Sun Hongchao
Published: June 2020

This research conducts a quantitative analysis on the macrotexture of asphalt concrete pavement based on three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data. A binocular stereovision-based 3D point cloud data collection system is developed. The system is composed of a packaged component that includes a lighting source and two cameras, a dark shading cloth, and the computer control side with the configuration of the operation interface. Meanwhile, specimens of both asphalt concrete and open graded friction course (OGFC) are prepared as the test specimens. Next, 3D point cloud data of the specimens are collected using the proposed system. The macrotexture information is then extracted using the robust Gaussian method. The macrotextures of the pavement surface are characterized by 10 indicators; profile arithmetic average deviation, profile root mean square difference, mean texture depth, profile skewness value, profile steepness, profile unevenness distance, profile peak distance, profile root mean square slope, profile root mean square wavelength, and surface roughness area ratio. At the same time, the friction coefficients of these specimens are measured by British Pendulum Number. Finally, the correlations between each indicator and the friction conditions of different specimens are assessed. Results demonstrate that the proposed macrotexture indicators are reliable for evaluating the friction conditions because significant correlations have been observed. Meanwhile, the correlations for the OGFC gradations are always higher than the asphalt concrete gradations. All the findings prove that the proposed quantitative indicators are effective for the characterization of the macrotexture of asphalt concrete pavement.
Lateral Center-Edge Angle Is Not Predictive of Acetabular Articular Cartilage Surface Area: Anatomic Variation of the Lunate Fossa
Authors: Trinh Thai Q. , Leunig Michael , Larson Christopher M. , Clohisy John , Nepple Jeff , Zaltz Ira , Kelly Bryan T. , Naimark Micah B. , Bedi Asheesh
Published: June 2020

Background:

Surgical treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and dysplasia requires careful characterization of acetabular morphology. The lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) is often used to assess lateral acetabular anatomy. Previous work has questioned the LCEA as a surrogate for acetabular contact/articular cartilage surface area because of the variable morphology of the lunate fossa.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that weightbearing articular cartilage of the acetabulum would poorly correlate with LCEA secondary to significant variation in the size of the lunate fossa.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients with 3D CT imaging undergoing either hip arthroscopy or periacetabular osteotomy for FAI or symptomatic hip instability were retrospectively identified. The LCEA and femoral head diameter were measured on an anteroposterior pelvis radiograph. Patients were grouped according to their lateral acetabular coverage as undercoverage (LCEA, <25°), normal coverage (LCEA, 25°-40°), or overcoverage (LCEA, >40°). Patients were randomly identified until each group contained 20 patients. The articular surface area was measured from preoperative 3D CT data. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between articular surface area and LCEA. Continuous and categorical data were analyzed utilizing analysis of variance and chi-square analysis. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

No difference in age ( P = .52), body mass index (BMI) ( P = .75), or femoral head diameter ( P = .66) was noted between groups. A significant difference in articular surface area was observed between patients with undercoverage and those with overcoverage (20.4 cm2 vs 24.5 cm2; P = .01). No significant difference was identified between the undercoverage and normal groups (20.4 cm2 vs 23.3 cm2; P = .09) or the normal and overcoverage groups (23.3 cm2 vs 24.5 cm2; P = .63). A moderate positive correlation was observed between LCEA and articular surface area across all patients ( r = 0.38; P = .002) but not when patients with undercoverage were excluded ( r = 0.02; P = .88). Significant variation in surface area was observed within each group such that no patient in any group was outside of 2 SDs of the means of the other groups. When patients were categorized into quartiles established by the articular surface area for the entire population, 40% of patients with overcoverage were observed in the first or second quartile (lower area).

Conclusion:

Lateral acetabular undercoverage based on the LCEA (<25°) correlates with decreased acetabular surface area. Normal or increased acetabular coverage (LCEA, >25°), however, is not predictive of increased, normal, or decreased acetabular surface area.
Better Clinicoradiological Results of BST-CarGel Treatment in Cartilage Repair Compared With Microfracture in Acetabular Chondral Defects at 2 Years
Authors: John Rakesh , Ma Jie , Wong Ivan
Published: June 2020

Background:

BST-CarGel (CarGel) is an injectable chitosan scaffold that is mixed with fresh, autologous blood and injected into the site of microfracture (MF) to physically stabilize clots and enhance cartilage repair.

Purpose:

To evaluate short-term clinicoradiological outcomes of patients treated arthroscopically for acetabular chondral defects with CarGel in conjunction with MF compared with those treated with MF alone.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All patients who underwent hip arthroscopy and received MF with or without CarGel for acetabular chondral defects between 2014 and 2018 with a minimum 2-year clinicoradiological follow-up were included. Intraoperative details, postoperative complications, and clinical outcome scores, including the international Hip Outcome Tool–33 (iHOT-33), Hip Outcome Score (HOS)–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and Hip Outcome Score–Sports Profile, were analyzed. Serial plain radiographs were assessed independently by 2 blinded observers. A survival analysis was performed to identify the number of cases converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in both groups, which was correlated with the cartilage defect size at the time of surgery.

Results:

Eighty patients (54 CarGel and 26 MF) were evaluated, including 56 men (70%) and 48 right hips (60%). Three patients were lost to follow-up. There were no major adverse events in either group. The average defect size was 3.63 and 4.97 cm2 in MF and CarGel, respectively ( P = .002). There was a statistically significant improvement in iHOT-33 (from 43.24 to 60.17 in MF and from 41.13 to 58.39 in CarGel) and HOS-ADL (from 62.25 to 76.75 in MF and from 44.69 to 79.16 in CarGel) scores. There was no difference between the 2 groups in the outcome scores after adjusting for covariates. Survival analysis showed 34.6% of MF cases and 5.9% of CarGel cases were converted to THA ( P = .001). The mean defect size of the failure group was higher in CarGel than in MF (8.83 and 3.72 cm2, respectively). Mean joint space reduction was 1.41 mm in MF and 0.19 mm in CarGel ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Two-year clinicoradiological results were promising in these lesions that are difficult to treat. Arthroscopic treatment of chondral acetabular defects with CarGel demonstrated a significant decrease in progressive loss of joint space and conversion to THA compared with MF as an isolated procedure.
Long-Term Follow-up of Skeletally Immature Patients With Physeal-Sparing Combined Extra-/Intra-articular Iliotibial Band Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A 3-Dimensional Motion Analysis
Authors: Sugimoto Dai , Whited Amy J. , Brodeur Jeff J. , Liotta Elizabeth S. , Williams Kathryn A. , Kocher Mininder S. , Micheli Lyle J. , Heyworth Benton E.
Published: June 2020

Background:

The physeal-sparing iliotibial band (ITB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is a well-established technique for treating skeletally immature patients with ACL rupture. However, the long-term implications of the procedure on the intricacies of kinetic and kinematic function of the knee have not been comprehensively investigated.

Purpose:

To assess the short-, mid-, and long-term effects of ITB ACLR on kinetic and kinematic parameters of knee functions.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 38 patients who had undergone an ITB ACLR as a skeletally immature child were recruited to participate in a 3-dimensional (3D) motion analysis testing protocol at an institutional injury prevention center between 1 and 20 years after reconstruction. Exclusion criteria were congenital ACL deficiency and any other major knee injury (defined as an injury requiring surgery or rehabilitation >3 months) on either knee. 3D and force plate parameters included in the analysis were knee moment, ground-reaction force, and vertical jump height measured during drop vertical jump and vertical single-limb hop. Paired t tests and equivalency analyses were used to compare the parameters between cases (ITB ACLR limb) and controls (contralateral/nonsurgical limbs).

Results:

Paired t tests showed no statistically significant differences between limbs, and equivalency analyses confirmed equivalency between limbs for all tested outcome variables.

Conclusion:

The ITB ACLR appears to restore normal, symmetric, physiologic kinetic and kinematic function in the growing knee by 1 year after reconstruction, with maintenance of normal parameters for up to 20 years.
Organizational Justice and the Inclusion of LGBT Federal Employees: A Quasi-Experimental Analysis Using Coarsened Exact Matching
Authors: Lee David , Johansen Morgen , Bae Kwang Bin
Published: June 2020

Inclusiveness occurs when employees are considered a part of critical organizational processes, which means that they have access to information (including information that may be passed around through informal networks), a connectedness to coworkers, and the ability to participate in and influence the decision-making process. With an organizational justice framework, this study examines the level of inclusion federal lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) employees perceive, compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Using a quasi-experimental method, coarsened exact matching, we find expected differences in perceptions of procedural and informational justice but no perceived differences in distributional justice between LGBT and heterosexual federal employees. The implications of our methodology and findings for the diversity management literature are discussed.
Estimating the Relationship Between Perceived Stigma and Victimization of People With Mental Illness
Authors: Harris Michelle N. , Baumann Miranda L. , Teasdale Brent , Link Bruce G.
Published: June 2020

Over the past two decades, we have substantially increased our understanding of violence committed by individuals with mental illness, while comparatively less is known about the victimization experiences of this population. What has been established in the literature is that individuals with mental illness are more likely to experience victimization than the general public, and certain risk factors influence the likelihood of victimization. What remains unexplored is the possibility that a person with mental illness’ perception that mental illness is stigmatized may be significantly associated with victimization experiences. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to examine whether stigma and victimization are associated, and in what direction. In other words, does perceived stigma lead to victimization? Or does victimization lead to perceived stigma? To assess these research questions, data from the Community Outcomes of Assisted Outpatient Treatment study are used, which is a longitudinal study of individuals with serious mental illness ( n = 184). A variety of methods are employed to assess the association between victimization and perceived stigma including logistic and ordinary least squares regression models. Results from the logistic regression model indicate that perceived stigma is associated with an increase in the odds that a person with mental illness will experience victimization at later follow-ups. Results from the ordinary least squares regression analysis, however, show that victimization at baseline does not predict perceived stigma at later times. Implications regarding future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Treatments and outcomes of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: 295 cases from a nationwide inpatient database in Japan
Authors: Konishi Takaaki , Fujiogi Michimasa , Michihata Nobuaki , Morita Kojiro , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Tanabe Masahiko , Seto Yasuyuki , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: June 2020

Background:

The number of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy is increasing. We evaluated the practice patterns and outcomes of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Methods:

Using a Japanese national inpatient database, we identified 295 patients with EPS who were hospitalized from July 2010 to March 2017. We categorized them into four groups: those who underwent surgery only ( n = 39), those who received corticosteroid treatment only ( n = 70), those who underwent both ( n = 30), and those who underwent neither ( n = 156). We investigated their characteristics, treatments, and outcomes.

Results:

More than half of patients were males and never-smokers and had a normal body mass index. Patients tended to undergo parenteral nutrition for 2 months. The proportions of emergency admission, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, central venous catheterization, catecholamine use, mechanical ventilation, and continuous hemodiafiltration were significantly different among the four groups (61%, 8.1%, 37.0%, 44.0%, 8.8%, and 5.8%, respectively). The both-treatment group had a significantly longer hospital stay (37.0 vs. 37.5 vs. 72.5 vs. 31.0 days, p < 0.001) and higher costs (US$16,554 vs. US$17,029 vs. US$33,757 vs. US$13,983, p < 0.001) than the other groups. In total, 52 patients (18%) died during hospitalization. There was no significant difference in inhospital complications and death, discharge status, 30-day readmission, or length of ICU stay among the four groups.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide useful information for clinicians and patients hospitalized for treatment of EPS.
Face-to-face soft skills for entry-level internal auditors: A practice perspective
Authors: Coetzee Philna , du Plessis Annelize
Published: June 2020

Practising internal auditors, including entry-level internal auditors, need face-to-face soft skills to effectively manage the increased complexity of their profession. Although many studies have highlighted the need for soft skills, none has identified the various categories of face-to-face soft skills required by entry-level internal auditors when interacting with stakeholders. The aim of this article is to determine the views of practising internal auditors on the face-to-face soft skills required by entry-level internal auditors. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used for the study. Two data collection methods were employed to address the research objective. First, a document analysis was conducted to compile a preliminary list of face-to-face soft skills categories. In this regard inductive thematic analysis was adopted. Second, a web-based survey, conducted among selected practising internal auditors in South Africa, confirmed the preliminary list of 21 face-to-face soft skills. Cronbach’s alpha statistics were calculated and interpreted for responses to all Likert-scale questions. The findings indicate that both practitioners and the Institute of Internal Auditors should augment the existing list of imprecise soft skills to include the identified 21 face-to-face soft skills. If this is done, entry-level internal auditors’ face-to-face soft skills will be enhanced.
Experimental study on dynamic injection behaviors of biodiesel and its blends in a common-rail injection system
Authors: Hou Junxing , Zhang Huayang , An Xiaodong , Tian Guoqiang , Yan Xuewei
Published: June 2020

The dynamic injection behaviors of pure biodiesel, high-proportioned biodiesel blends, and low-proportioned biodiesel blends in a common-rail injection system are researched. The effects of biodiesel ratio in the blended fuel and injection condition on the injection rate, cycle injection quantity, and fuel line pressure at the injector inlet are determined. The findings show that the injection duration is extended with the decrease in biodiesel ratio in the blended fuel, and fluctuation amplitude of injection rate in the stable injection stage increases. The first four pressure peaks for pure biodiesel decrease rapidly, while for blends, they decrease slowly, which results in an increasing difference of four pressure peaks between pure biodiesel and blends. With the decrease in biodiesel ratio, the mean volume injection quantity for three fuels gradually increases in the same injection condition. The coefficient of variation of the cycle injection quantity value for biodiesel and its blends with 30 cycles increases. The coefficient of variation value for biodiesel is between 0.4% and 0.7%. Compared with pure biodiesel, the mean volume injection quantity for BD70 increases by about 20–32%, and the coefficient of variation value is between 0.7% and 1.7% for high-proportioned biodiesel blends. The mean volume injection quantity increases by about 36–43% for low-proportioned biodiesel blends and the coefficient of variation value is between 1.1% and 2.1%.
Modeling and dynamic analysis of a 6 x 6 heavy military truck by adaptive model predictive control with application to NATO lane change test course
Authors: Acuña Marcelo Andrés , Simão Rodrigues Gustavo , Queiroz Rafael Vitor Guerra , Lopes Elias Dias Rossi
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the computer-aided vehicle dynamic analysis of a 6x6 heavy military truck is presented and examined. For the analysis, a MATLAB/Simulink® platform is used to design and model a truck. The vehicle configuration taken into account for the analysis is the powertrain (engine, gear box, transfer gear, differential), suspension, steering system and tire model according to the Pacekja 89’ formulation. In addition, the effect of the rolling resistance and drag is considered, in order to represent the vehicle behavior as real as possible. The longitudinal dynamic and lateral dynamic are formulated. First, the longitudinal dynamic model is established by means of implementation of the weight transfer function. The vehicles are considered as rigid bodies with 1 degree of freedom. Second, the vehicular planar model with three wheels, well known as bicycle model, is applied following the North Atlantic Treaty Organization double line change maneuver test reaching 3 degree of freedom. The driver behavior is represented by using an adaptive model predictive control varying the longitudinal velocity. The forces for braking, inertia of the rotating components, the energy lost in the powertrain, and the effect of dive squat and rollover. The numerical simulation results are shown and compared with a full-vehicle model formed by using Mechanical Simulation Corporation’s truckSIM®. There were chosen simulation scenarios applied to the model to observe the effects of different parameters concerning the dynamic behavior, and also prepared in truckSIM® environment. The main contributions of this article are the development of the vehicular model, through the use of block diagrams in a reliable and relatively simple programming code such as MATLAB/Simulink®, with innovative tools used in the control of autonomous vehicle driving and the flexibility to adapt said model to different environmental conditions and different vehicle parameters.
Effect of co-treatment with doxorubicin and verapamil loaded into chitosan nanoparticles on diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice
Authors: Abo Mansour HE , El-Batsh MM , Badawy NS , Mehanna ET , Mesbah NM , Abo-Elmatty DM
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to investigate the potential role of co-treatment with doxorubicin (DOX) and verapamil (VRP) nanoparticles in experimentally induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice and to investigate the possible mechanisms behind the potential favorable effect of the co-treatment. DOX and VRP were loaded into chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs), and cytotoxicity of loaded and unloaded drugs against HepG2 cells was evaluated. Male albino mice were divided into eight groups ( n = 15): (1) normal control, (2) diethylnitrosamine, (3) CHNPs, (4) free DOX, (5) CHNPs DOX, (6) free VRP, (7) CHNPs VRP, and (8) CHNPs DOX + CHNPs VRP. Either VRP or DOX loaded into CHNPs showed stronger growth inhibition of HepG2 cells than their free forms. DOX or VRP nanoparticles displayed pronounced anticancer activity in vivo through the decline of vascular endothelial growth factor and B cell lymphoma-2 contents in liver tissues, upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, and downregulation of multidrug resistance 1. Moreover, reduced cardiotoxicity was evident from decreased level of tumor necrosis factor-α and malondialdehyde in heart tissues coupled with decreased serum activity of creatine kinase-myocardial band and lactate dehydrogenase. Co-treatment with CHNPs DOX and CHNPs VRP showed superior results versus other treatments. Liver sections from the co-treatment group revealed the absence of necrosis, enhanced apoptosis, and nearly normal hepatic lobule architecture. Co-treatment with CHNPs DOX and CHNPs VRP revealed enhanced anticancer activity and decreased cardiotoxicity versus the corresponding free forms.
Effect of indole-3-carbinol on transcriptional profiling of wound-healing genes in macrophages of systemic lupus erythematosus patients: an RNA sequencing assay
Authors: Eghbalpour Farnaz , Aghaei Mehrdad , Ebrahimi Mansour , Tahsili Mohammad Reza , Golalipour Masoud , Mohammadi Saeed , Yazdani Yaghoub
Published: June 2020

Background

Relapses and flares with delayed wound healing are among the main symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a rheumatic autoimmune disease. The orientation of immune responses in SLE disease depends on the function of the population of macrophages. This study investigated the effect of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) on transcriptional profiling of macrophage-derived monocytes (MDMs) in four stages of the wound-healing process.

Methods

In the first phase of study, MDMs were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of three new SLE cases (unmedicated) and two healthy controls. The cases and controls were then divided into I3C treated and untreated groups after 24 hours of exposure to I3C. Single-end RNA sequencing was performed using an Illumina NextSeq 500 platform. After comprehensive analysis among differentially expressed genes, CDKN1A, FN1 and MMP15 were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction as upregulated ranked genes involved in wound-healing stages.

Results

The RNA sequencing analysis of treated cases and treated controls versus untreated cases and untreated controls (group 3 vs. group 4) revealed upregulation of various genes, for example: C1S, C1R, IGKV1-5, IGKV4-1, SERPING1, IGLC1 and IGLC2 in coagulation; ADAM19, CEACAM1 and CEACAM8 in M2 reprogramming; IRS1, FN1, THBS1 and LIMS2 in extracellular matrix organization; and STAT1, THBS1 and ATP2A3 in the proliferation stage of wound healing.

Conclusions

The results showed that treatment with I3C could modulate the gene expression involved in wound healing in SLE cases and healthy controls.
Electroacupuncture alleviates intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction by activating dopamine in a rat model of intestinal ischaemia
Authors: Li Yumeng , Xu Guochen , Hu Sen , Wu Hong , Dai Yuelong , Zhang Wenhua , Tang Fubo , Luo Hongmin , Shi Xian
Published: June 2020

Background

To investigate whether the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 involves dopamine (DA) and its receptor and whether it is mediated by the vagus nerve in a rat model of intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Methods

Rats were subjected to gut ischaemia for 30 min and then received EA for 30 min with or without abdominal vagotomy or intraperitoneal administration of butaclamol (D1 receptor antagonist) or spiperone (D2 receptor antagonist). Plasma levels of DA and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were assessed 1 or 4 h after reperfusion. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in intestinal tissues were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Intestinal tissue injury was assessed by observation of the pathological lesions and permeability to 4 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran.

Results

EA significantly increased levels of DA and lowered levels of TNF-α. EA also inhibited intestinal levels of MPO and MDA and intestinal tissue injury and decreased intestinal permeability to FITC-dextran. Abdominal vagotomy and intraperitoneal administration of butaclamol (but not spiperone) inhibited the effects of EA.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that EA at ST36 could attenuate intestinal I/R-induced inflammatory injury and that the underlying mechanism may involve EA-induced increases in levels of DA, mediated by the vagus nerve and D1 receptors.
Necessities and Ways of Combating Dissatisfactions at Workplaces Against the Job-Hopping Generation Y Employees
Authors: Hassan MD Mahamudul , Jambulingam Manimekalai , Alagas Elangkovan Narayanan , Uzir Md. Uzir Hossain , Halbusi Hussam Al
Published: June 2020

The vital role of the private sector in the overall development of a country is crucial as proven by private tertiary industries. Despite its phenomenal success all over the world, private sectors are facing enormous challenges due to frequent turnover of Generation Y (Gen Y). Such phenomena cause massive overt and covert losses. Gen Y workers are optimistic, practical and often have attrition tendencies at workplaces. Extensive literature indicates the turnover problem of Gen Y remains unresolved. Frustration acts as the most crucial factor contributing to frequent turnover. The employers state similar effects. Turnover studies have been performed in the Western sense, though turnover problems exist all over the world, which include a developing country like Bangladesh. Another problem is the turnover rate in the public sector is lower than the private sector. Since each company strives to achieve the best output and lower turnover to avoid brain drain, they refrain from high turnover costs and maintaining competent staff. This quantitative study discovers that there is an urgent need to establish retention-friendly approaches to mitigate Gen Y frustration and retain them in the workplace. Gen Y retention approaches, management initiatives, soft HRM, work–life balance and employee satisfaction are vital resources for Gen Y retention in the private sector.
A new damage-coupled cyclic plastic model for whole-life ratchetting of heat-treated U75V steel
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Xu Xiang , Ding Li , Kang Guozheng , Wang Ping , Kan Qianhua
Published: June 2020

In the framework of continuum damage mechanics, a new damage-coupled cyclic plastic model is proposed to describe the nonlinear evolution of whole-life ratchetting and its dependence on the stress level. The characteristic that the damage evolution rate of U75V heat-treated steel decays in the initial load cycles is considered by introducing a modified term into classic damage evolution equation. A hybrid fatigue failure criterion considering both the fatigue and ratchetting strain-induced failures is established based on the fatigue failure rule concluded from experiments. Comparisons between simulated and experimental stress–strain hysteresis loops, ratchetting strains, damage evolutions, and fatigue lives are performed to validate the proposed model.
Validation of Bleeding Risk Prediction Scores for Patients With Major Bleeding on Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Tchen Stephanie , Ryba Nicole , Patel Vishal , Cavanaugh Joseph , Sullivan Jesse B.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) offer many benefits over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) but still carry a significant risk of major bleeding. Bleeding risk prediction scores such as the Hypertension, Abnormal Renal/Liver Function, Stroke, Bleeding History or Predisposition, Labile International Normalized Ratio, Elderly, and Drugs/Alcohol (HAS-BLED), Hepatic or Renal Disease, Ethanol Abuse, Malignancy, Older Age, Reduced Platelet Count or Function, Re-Bleeding, Hypertension, Anemia, Genetic Factors, Excessive Fall Risk, and Stroke (HEMORR2HAGES), Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA), Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE), and CHEST scores were validated or evaluated for use with VKAs and parenteral anticoagulants, but evidence for use with DOACs is lacking.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate bleeding risk prediction scores for DOAC patients presenting with major bleeding.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of patients presenting from 2015 to 2018 was performed. Patients were separated into bleed and nonbleed groups. The primary objective was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the bleeding risk prediction scores utilizing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

A total of 126 patients were included in the analyses. The areas under the curve (AUC) for the ROC curves of the HAS-BLED, HEMORR2HAGES, ATRIA, RIETE, and CHEST scores were 0.645, 0.675, 0.580, 0.638, and 0.667, respectively.

Conclusion and Relevance:

The HAS-BLED, HEMORR2HAGES, RIETE, and CHEST scores were found to have sufficient diagnostic accuracy for predicting risk of major bleeding in our study population; however, no score was identified as having an AUC greater than 0.7. Caution may be considered when utilizing these scores for patients on DOACs.
Skin Preparation Techniques for Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Current Concepts Review
Authors: Mehraban Nasima , Holmes George B. , Lin Johnny , Lee Simon , Hamid Kamran S. , Bohl Daniel D.
Published: June 2020

Surgical site infection (SSI) following orthopedic foot and ankle surgery is associated with morbidity, mortality, and cost to the healthcare system. The local anatomy and physiology predispose patients undergoing procedures to elevated risk. In particular, sterilizing of the webspaces, nailfolds, and subungual areas presents challenges, and the preferred skin antisepsis technique for foot and ankle procedures has not yet been defined. Skin antiseptic solutions (SASs) consist of 3 main categories: alcohol, chlorhexidine, and iodine-based solutions. This review of the literature supports a combined chlorhexidine and alcohol preparation technique; however, there are a number of studies that suggest otherwise. In addition, there is variable evidence for the use of alternatives to the standard soft sponge application technique, including immersion, bristled brush, and cotton gauze application. These alternatives may have a particular advantage in the forefoot. Most studies to date use growth from skin swab cultures after skin preparation as the primary outcome. Higher-level studies with large subject populations and more meaningful clinical outcomes will be required to solidify guidelines for preoperative skin antisepsis prior to foot and ankle procedures.

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Robust tube–based model predictive control of piecewise affine systems with enlarging the region of attraction
Authors: Abbasi Yahay , Momeni Hamidreza , Ramezani Amin
Published: June 2020

This study addresses robust regulation problem for piecewise affine systems with bounded additive disturbances. Robust tube–based model predictive control strategy is used to separate the nominal system from the uncertain system and then maintain the disturbed trajectory of the uncertain system in a tube around the nominal system trajectory. Accordingly, an algorithm is proposed based on robust tube–based model predictive control strategy to enlarge the region of attraction without increasing the prediction horizon by changing the terminal constraint set. This algorithm enlarges the region of attraction without computational complexity of increasing receding horizon. Simulation examples, including two different case studies, are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed robust tube–based model predictive control.
Line spectra chaotification of the nonlinear vibration isolation system on the flexible foundation based on the open-plus-nonlinear-closed-loop method
Authors: Chai Kai , Li Shuang , Lou Jun J , Yu Xiang , Liu Yong S , Yang Chao Q
Published: June 2020

Line spectra chaotification is a principal method to weaken or eliminate the line spectra feature of submarines. However, this method is difficult to obtain chaos under the variable working conditions and small amplitudes. Furthermore, there are multistable attractors in the nonlinear vibration isolation system simultaneously. So, the quality of chaos highly depends on initial conditions and systematic parameters. In this study, the attractor entrainment control and line spectra chaotification of a nonlinear vibration isolation system on the flexible foundation have been studied by using the open-plus-nonlinear-closed-loop method. First, the dynamic equation of the nonlinear vibration isolation system on the flexible foundation was formulated, and its exhaustive bifurcation characteristics were analyzed. The regulations of global characteristics and coexistent attractors were found out. Second, the entrainments between the different attractors were carried out under the open-plus-nonlinear-closed-loop control, which can ensure the system always works in the lowest line spectra intensity and the best overall vibration isolation performance. Finally, an open-plus-nonlinear-closed-loop coupling method was used to achieve generalized chaotic synchronization between the driving system and the response system, which effectively obtained sustainable chaos even under variable working conditions and small amplitudes. Simulation results validate the feasibility and validity of the open-plus-nonlinear-closed-loop method, which achieves the dual goals of effective vibration isolation in the low frequency range and line spectra chaotification under variable working conditions.
Incidence of Injury, Maltreatment, and Developmental Disorders Among Substance Exposed Infants
Authors: Austin Anna E. , Berkoff Molly Curtin , Shanahan Meghan E.
Published: June 2020

Recent changes to federal legislation created a requirement for states to address the needs of infants with prenatal substance exposure. Understanding clinical outcomes among substance exposed infants prior to these changes is important for establishing a baseline of risk and informing systems-level responses. Using North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas Medicaid data, we examined the incidence of inpatient and outpatient diagnoses for injury, maltreatment, and developmental disorders prior to age 12 months and compared types of diagnoses among substance exposed and unexposed infants. The cumulative incidence of maltreatment (1.2% vs. 0.2%) and developmental disorder (10.7% vs. 1.5%) diagnoses prior to age 12 months was significantly higher among substance exposed compared to unexposed infants. The incidence of injury diagnoses was similar (3.7% vs. 3.4%). We observed differences in types of maltreatment and injury diagnoses. For example, diagnoses for neglect were more common among substance exposed infants while diagnoses for physical abuse were more common among unexposed infants. Results provide insight for informing monitoring and intervention by medical and public health professionals.
Indentation of a prestretched strain-stiffening elastomer
Authors: Liang Xiaodong , Dong Jiwu , Liu Junxiu , Xu Peibao , Li Kai
Published: June 2020

Strain-stiffening behavior of materials such as rubberlike materials and biological soft tissues is an important phenomenon. In this paper, we proposed a surface Green’s function tensor to describe the strain-stiffening behavior of the stretchable elastomer based on the Gent constitutive model. The surface Green’s function tensor of the Gent constitutive model can be recovered to that of neo-Hookean model, and applied to the indentation problem with a flat-ended cylindrical indenter. The relation between the indentation force and strain-stiffening parameter is analytically derived for equi-biaxial prestretched elastomers. The study shows that the strain-stiffening of the elastomer has a great impact on indentation behaviors, especially for the cases of large prestretches. For a given indentation depth, the indentation force decreases with the increase of the strain-stiffening parameter. For a given stiffening parameter, the indentation force increases with the increase of the prestretches. The proposed surface Green’s function tensor has also potential applications in other fields, such as wetting, cell migration, self-assembly on strain-stiffening materials, etc.
Household Chores or Play Outdoors? The Intersecting Influence of Gender and School Type on Physical Activity Among Indian Adolescents
Authors: Raskind Ilana G. , Patil Shailaja S. , Tandon Nikhil , Thummalapally Sharanya , Kramer Michael R. , Cunningham Solveig A.
Published: June 2020

Most Indian adolescents, particularly girls and private school students, do not engage in sufficient physical activity (PA). Current understanding of these sociodemographic differences is limited by a focus on exercise, which may not fully capture PA in developing countries. We examined how gender and school type are associated with multiple PA domains and whether associations with gender differ by school type. We randomly selected an equal number of girls and boys (ages 13-16 years) from public and private schools in Southern India ( n = 395). Cross-sectional 24-hour time-use surveys measured PA, which was categorized into three domains: chores, errands, and work; play; and transportation. Negative binomial and logistic regression modeled relative differences in domain-specific PA minutes and the probability of engaging in ≥60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), respectively, in the prior 24 hours. Girls and boys were equally likely to meet MVPA recommendations. However, girls spent twice as much active time completing chores, errands, and work (rate ratio = 1.98, 95% confidence interval = [1.32, 2.98]), while boys spent twice as much active time playing (rate ratio = 2.11, 95% confidence interval = [1.23, 3.62]). Public and private school girls spent more active time in chores, errands, and work than boys; however, gender differences were greater among public school students ( p value for interaction <.05). Although comparable MVPA levels for girls and boys are beneficial for physical health, girls may gain fewer cognitive, social, and emotional benefits associated with play. Additional research may clarify why the gendered burden of household responsibilities was greater among public school students. School-based programs to engage girls in active play may help reduce inequities.