bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mSphere of Influence: Understanding Virus-Host Interactions Requires a Multifaceted Approach
Authors: de Vries Rory D.
Published: March 2020

Rory de Vries works in the field of viral pathogenesis and focuses on interactions between respiratory viruses (or corresponding vaccines) and the host immune system. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the articles “Predominant infection of CD150
+
lymphocytes and dendritic cells during measles virus infection of macaques” by R. L. de Swart et al. (R. L. de Swart, M. Ludlow, L. de Witte, Y. Yanagi, et al., PLoS Pathog 3:e178, 2007,
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.0030178
) and “Long-term measles-induced immunomodulation increases overall childhood infectious disease mortality” by M.
Depletion of
Blautia
Species in the Microbiota of Obese Children Relates to Intestinal Inflammation and Metabolic Phenotype Worsening
Authors: Benítez-Páez Alfonso , Gómez del Pugar Eva M. , López-Almela Inmaculada , Moya-Pérez Ángela , Codoñer-Franch Pilar , Sanz Yolanda
Published: March 2020

Child obesity constitutes a risk factor for developing insulin resistance which, if sustained, could lead to more severe conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adulthood. Our study identified previously unknown species whose depletion (
Blautia luti
and
Blautia wexlerae
) is associated with insulin resistance in obese individuals. Our results also indicate that these bacterial species might help to reduce inflammation causally linked to obesity-related complications. Childhood is considered a window of opportunity to tackle obesity. These new findings provide, therefore, valuable information for the future design of microbiota-based strategies for the early prevention of obesity-related complications.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone associated with eosinophilic granulomatosis and polyangiitis
Authors: Lundin Michael S , Kaw Beenu , Pahwa Rajit
Published: March 2020

A 62-year-old man presented with classic signs and symptoms of eosinophilic granulomatosis and polyangiitis (EGPA, also known as Churg-Strauss syndrome)—mononeuritis multiplex, palpable purpura, hypereosinophilia, positive P-ANCA (perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) developed diffuse alveolar haemorrhage. The patient had longstanding mild hyponatraemia, but developed moderate and symptomatic hyponatraemia characteristic of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone. The patient’s serum sodium returned to his baseline- mildly hyponatraemic, after initiation of treatment targeted towards EGPA.
Childhood OSA is an independent determinant of blood pressure in adulthood: longitudinal follow-up study
Authors: Chan Kate Ching-ching , Au Chun Ting , Hui Lai Ling , Wing Yun Kwok , Li Albert Martin
Published: March 2020

Background

Current literature supports cross-sectional association between childhood obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and elevated blood pressure (BP). However, long-term cardiovascular outcomes in children with OSA remain unexplored.

Objective

To evaluate the associations of childhood OSA with BP parameters in a prospective 10 year follow-up study.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a cohort established for our previous OSA epidemiological study. They were invited to undergo clinical examination, overnight polysomnography and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the associations of baseline childhood OSA with BP outcomes at follow-up. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used with inverse probability weighting to assess the adjusted associations of childhood OSA with hypertension and non-dipping of nocturnal BP in adulthood.

Results

243 participants (59% male) attended the follow-up visit. The mean age was 9.8 (SD ±1.8) and 20.2 (SD ±1.9) years at baseline and follow-up respectively, with a mean follow-up duration of 10.4 (SD ±1.1) years. Childhood moderate-to-severe OSA was associated with higher nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) (difference from normal controls: 6.5 mm Hg, 95% CI 2.9 to 10.1) and reduced nocturnal dipping of SBP (−4.1%, 95% CI −6.3% to 1.8%) at follow-up, adjusted for age, sex, Body Mass Index and height at baseline, regardless of the presence of OSA at follow-up. Childhood moderate-to-severe OSA was also associated with higher risk of hypertension (relative risk (RR) 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.3) and non-dipping of nocturnal SBP (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.7) at follow-up.

Conclusion

Childhood OSA was found to be an independent risk factor for adverse BP outcomes in adulthood.
Acute exercise effects on postprandial fat oxidation: meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Pearson Regis C. , Olenick Alyssa A. , Green Edward S. , Jenkins Nathan T.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize and evaluate current literature examining the effects of exercise on postprandial fat oxidation, as well as to provide future direction. A quantitative review was performed using meta-analytic methods. A moderator analysis was performed to investigate potential variables that could influence the effect of exercise on postprandial fat oxidation. Fifty-six effects from 26 studies were retrieved. There was a moderate effect of exercise on postprandial fat oxidation (Cohen’s d = 0.58 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.78)). Moderator analysis revealed that sex, age, weight status, training status, exercise type, exercise intensity, timing of exercise, and composition of the meal challenge significantly affected the impact of prior exercise on postprandial fat oxidation. The moderator analysis also indicated that most previous studies have investigated the impact of prior moderate-intensity endurance exercise on postprandial fat oxidation in young, healthy, lean men. Suggested priorities for future research in this area include (i) an examination of sex differences in and/or female-specific aspects of postprandial metabolism; (ii) a comprehensive evaluation of exercise modalities, intensities, and durations; and (iii) a wider variety of test meal compositions, especially those with higher fat content.

Novelty A systematic review of the impact of exercise on postprandial fat oxidation was performed using meta-analytic methods. Analysis revealed a moderate effect of exercise on postprandial fat oxidation. The presented data support a need for future studies to investigate sex differences and to include comprehensive evaluations of exercise modalities, intensities, and duration.
Geology, geochronology, and fluid inclusion studies of the Xiaorequanzi volcanogenic massive sulphide Cu–Zn deposit in the East Tianshan Terrane, China
Authors: He Xi-Heng , Deng Xiao-Hua , Bagas Leon , Zhang Jing , Li Chao , Zhang Wen-Dong
Published: March 2020

The Xiaorequanzi Cu–Zn deposit is in the westernmost part of East Tianshan Terrane in northwestern China. The deposit is unique in the region being a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit located near a zone (or belt) containing giant late Paleozoic porphyry Cu deposits. Aiming to better understand the genesis of the mineral deposits in the terrane and their tectonic setting, we report our findings of detailed studies on fluid inclusion microthermometry, Re–Os dating of chalcopyrite from the massive ore, and U–Pb dating of zircons from the host volcanic rocks. There are two sulphide stages with early pyrite succeeded by chalcopyrite–sphalerite, which are hydrothermally overprinted and supergene enriched. The hydrothermal overprinting is characterised by quartz–sulphide veins crossed by carbonate-rich quartz veins. Quartz from the chalcopyrite–sphalerite stage is characterised by primary fluid inclusions containing H2O–NaCl(–CO2) and homogenise at 228–392 °C with a salinity of 2.2–13.3 wt.% NaCl equiv. Secondary fluid inclusions related to the hydrothermal overprinting homogenise at 170–205 °C with a salinity of 2.7–12.1 wt.% NaCl equiv. Fluid inclusions in the quartz–sulphide stage of the hydrothermal overprinting contain H2O–NaCl with homogenisation temperatures of 164–281 °C and salinities in ranging from 2.9 to 12.4 wt.% NaCl equiv. Fluid inclusion in the quartz–calcite stage contain H2O–NaCl with homogenisation temperatures of 122–204 °C with salinities of 1.4–12.4 wt.% NaCl equiv. These characteristics are like those of the secondary fluid inclusions in the VMS mineralisation. Combining these findings with H–O isotopic data from previous studies, we propose that the primary mineralising fluid is magmatic in origin. Tuff hosting the mineralisation yields a SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age of 352 ± 5 Ma, which is interpreted as the age of the tuff, and a porphyritic felsite dyke intruding the tuff yields a SHRIMP U–Pb zircon date of 345 ± 6 Ma, interpreted as the emplacement age of the dyke. Chalcopyrite from the main orebody at Xiaorequanzi yields a Re–Os isochron age of 336 ± 13 Ma with an initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.25 ± 0.55 (MSWD = 12). Given that the VMS deposit is a syngenetic deposit, we regard the upper ca. 349 Ma limit of the Re–Os date as the approximate age of the chalcopyrite. The three dates are the same within error, and the upper limit of the Re–Os date of ca. 349 is taken as the age of the volcanic, dyke, and mineralisation. The volcanic rocks around the Xiaorequanzi deposit have been previously classified as calc–alkaline to high-K calc–alkaline enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and depleted in high-field-strength elements, which are characteristics indicative of a forearc setting. It is suggested that VMS mineralisation formed in a forearc setting related to the north-directed subduction of the Palaeo-Kangguer or North Tianshan oceanic plates.
Do we know how to count powers in pionless and pionful effective field theory?
Authors: Yang C.-J.
Published: March 2020

In this article I summarize recent progress in the effective field theory approach to low energy nuclear systems, with a focus on the power counting issue. In the pionless sector, where the power counting is quite well understood at the nucleon–nucleon (NN) level, I discuss some recent developments toward few- and many-body calculations. In the pionful sector, I focus on the actively debated issue of power counting in the NN sector and some recent developments toward a model-independent NN interaction. Finally, the scenario that the power counting might depend on the number of particles is discussed.
“Recommended” cross sections for electron collisions with molecules
Authors: Song Mi-Young , Yoon Jung-Sik , Cho Hyuck , Karwasz Grzegorz P. , Kokoouline Viatcheslav , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: March 2020

The procedures for constructing recommended sets of cross sections for electron scattering on molecules are described. Possible sources of errors in total and partial cross section measurements are discussed. Examples when the theory successfully supports and/or substitutes measurements are given. The target molecules discussed comprise CH4, C2H2, NF3, N2O, NO2 and H2O.

Graphical abstract
The excitation spectrum of the Bose gas in the Gross–Pitaevskii regime
Authors: Boccato Chiara
Published: March 2020

We consider a gas of interacting bosons trapped in a box of side length one in the Gross–Pitaevskii limit. We review the proof of the validity of Bogoliubov’s prediction for the ground state energy and the low-energy excitation spectrum. This note is based on joint work with C. Brennecke, S. Cenatiempo and B. Schlein.
NSGA-II Based Thermal-Aware Mixed Polarity Dual Reed–Muller Network Synthesis Using Parallel Tabular Technique
Authors: Das Apangshu , Hareesh Yallapragada C. , Pradhan Sambhu Nath
Published: March 2020

Proposed work presents an OR-XNOR-based thermal-aware synthesis approach to reduce peak temperature by eliminating local hotspots within a densely packed integrated circuit. Tremendous increase in package density at sub-nanometer technology leads to high power-density that generates high temperature and creates hotspots. A nonexhaustive meta-heuristic algorithm named nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) has been employed for selecting suitable input polarity of mixed polarity dual Reed–Muller (MPDRM) expansion function to reduce the power-density. A parallel tabular technique is used for input polarity conversion from Product-of-Sum (POS) to MPDRM function. Without performance degradation, the proposed MPDRM approach shows more than 50% improvement in the area and power savings and around 6% peak temperature reduction for the MCNC benchmark circuits than that of earlier literature at the logic level. Algorithmic optimized circuit decompositions are implemented in physical design domain using CADENCE INNOVUS and HotSpot tool and silicon area, power consumption and absolute temperature are reported to validate the proposed technique.
Optimal Real Power Penetration to Solar PV-Fed Double Boost Integrated Multilevel Converter with Improved Power Quality
Authors: Chakravarthi B. N. Ch. V. , Siva Krishna Rao G. V.
Published: March 2020

In grid-connected solar PV system, power quality gets affected seriously due to the variable real power penetration. The transformer is mandatory to integrate and isolate the solar PV and powered network. However, due to presence of this transformer, size and cost of the entire solar PV station get increased and it requires more space while supplying poor quality of power. In order to overcome this drawback, this paper proposes a double boost integrated multilevel inverter to inject the power into utility grid. In addition, the optimal control strategy is used to tap maximum power generation from solar PV and injected into grid with improved power quality. This paper presents an adaptive digital hysteresis current control approach to penetrate optimal power into grid. To validate the proposed work, the simulation results are carried out using PSCAD/EMDTC software. Furthermore, to confirm theoretical study and simulation study, the experimental test was performed and detailed results with validation were presented in this paper.
An issue with the classification of the scalar–tensor theories of gravity
Authors: Quiros Israel , De Arcia Roberto , García-Salcedo Ricardo , Gonzalez Tame , Horta-Rangel Francisco Antonio
Published: March 2020

In the bibliography, a certain confusion arises in what regards to the classification of the gravitational theories into scalar–tensor theories (STT) and general relativity with a scalar field either minimally or nonminimally coupled to matter. Higher-derivatives Horndeski and beyond Horndeski theories that at first sight do not look like STT only add to the confusion. To further complicate things, the discussion on the physical equivalence of the different conformal frames in which a given scalar–tensor theory may be formulated, makes even harder to achieve a correct classification. In this paper, we propose a specific criterion for an unambiguous identification of STT and discuss its impact on the conformal transformations issue. The present discussion carries not only pedagogical but also scientific interest since an incorrect classification of a given theory as a scalar–tensor theory of gravity may lead to conceptual issues and to the consequent misunderstanding of its physical implications.
Light nuclei in the hadron resonance gas
Authors: Dönigus Benjamin
Published: March 2020

The description of the production of light (anti-)(hyper-)nuclei in a hadron resonance gas, or statistical-thermal model approach, has proven to be rather successful, despite the fact that the binding energies of these compound objects are small compared to the emitting fireball temperature. We summarize some recent developments and findings in this approach.
EVALUATION OF THE GRAPHENE NANOSHEETS AS GAS SENSOR FOR NH3 VIA ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: AHMED MUHANAD A. , MONIR HIND Q. MOHAMMAD , AL-KEISY AMAR
Published: March 2020

In this paper, graphene nanosheets were used to detect ammonia gas (NH[Formula: see text]. Graphene dispersion was drop cast on special ceramic substrate to fabricate the gas sensor. The measurements were based on measuring the resistance before and after the gas exposure. A considerable increase in the resistance after gas exposure was found. Resistance increased from 1.4[Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text] to 1.8[Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text] just in less than 3[Formula: see text]s. Recovery time is also determined at room temperature and it was 2[Formula: see text]h. The delay in recovery time was ascribed to the fact that desorption is slower than the adsorption. Response to ammonia gas is calculated and demonstrates a maximum response of 198.6% after about 5[Formula: see text]min.
Process Control and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Simkoff Jodie M. , Lejarza Fernando , Kelley Morgan T. , Tsay Calvin , Baldea Michael
Published: March 2020

We review the impact of control systems and strategies on the energy efficiency of chemical processes. We show that, in many ways, good control performance is a necessary but not sufficient condition for energy efficiency. The direct effect of process control on energy efficiency is manyfold: Reducing output variability allows for operating chemical plants closer to their limits, where the energy/economic optima typically lie. Further, good control enables novel, transient operating strategies, such as conversion smoothing and demand response. Indirectly, control systems are key to the implementation and operation of more energy-efficient plant designs, as dictated by the process integration and intensification paradigms. These conclusions are supported with references to numerous examples from the literature.
Improved Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm-Based Lévy Flight for Tuning of PID Controller in Force Control System
Authors: Fan Yuqi , Shao Junpeng , Sun Guitao , Shao Xuan
Published: March 2020

To enhance the anti-interference capability of an electrohydraulic force servo control system and increase the efficiency of the PID controller, this paper proposes a LBAS-PID controller. In LBAS, the random step created by the Lévy flight trajectory was used in the original algorithm to enhance the diversity of the population and convergence speed. In the force servo control system, LBAS-PID can enhance the performance of the system. First, the basic mathematical model of an electrohydraulic force servo control system was built based on theoretical analysis. The transfer function model was obtained by identifying the system parameters. Second, the introduced Lévy flight beetle antennae search algorithm was introduced and applied to ten benchmark functions, and the results were compared with those of other algorithms. Then, the proposed algorithm was applied in the PID controller to tune PID parameters in the force servo control system. To comprehensively evaluate performances of an electrohydraulic force servo control system that is controlled by the LBAS-PID controller, the frequency response analysis and temporal response analysis were obtained. The numerical analysis results indicate that an electrohydraulic force servo control system with an LBAS-PID controller could substantially increase the control characteristics of the system and restrain the external disturbances when different interference signals are examined.
Research on Intelligent Vehicle Path Planning Based on Rapidly-Exploring Random Tree
Authors: Shi Yangyang , Li Qiongqiong , Bu Shengqiang , Yang Jiafu , Zhu Linfeng
Published: March 2020

Aiming at the problems of large randomness, slow convergence speed, and deviation of Rapidly-Exploring Random Tree algorithm, a new node is generated by a cyclic alternating iteration search method and a bidirectional random tree search simultaneously. A vehicle steering model is established to increase the vehicle turning angle constraint. The Rapidly-Exploring Random Tree algorithm is improved and optimized. The problems of large randomness, slow convergence speed, and deviation of the Rapidly-Exploring Random Tree algorithm are solved. Node optimization is performed on the generated path, redundant nodes are removed, the length of the path is shortened, and the feasibility of the path is improved. The B-spline curve is used to insert the local end point, and the path is smoothed to make the generated path more in line with the driving conditions of the vehicle. The feasibility of the improved algorithm is verified in different scenarios. MATLAB/CarSim is used for joint simulation. Based on the vehicle model, virtual simulation is carried out to track the planned path, which verifies the correctness of the algorithm.
Efficacy and Safety of Tracnil™ Administration in Patients with Dermatological Manifestations of PCOS: An Open-Label Single-Arm Study
Authors: Ramanan Ezhil Arasan , Ravi Sailatha , Anbu K. R. Radha , Michael Margaret
Published: March 2020

Myo-inositol’s role in improving acne by reducing hyperandrogenism has been demonstrated in PCOS patients. Inositol and associated molecules display inhibitory properties against 5-αreductase, COX-2, and lipase enzymes in addition to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the role of myo-inositol is not well established in women patients with normal hormone levels but with clinical manifestations of PCOS. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of Tracnil™, a combination of myo-inositol with folic acid and vitamin D3, in resolving acne in overweight women of menstruation age displaying normal hormone levels. It is a single-arm study conducted at 2 centers including 33 women with acne, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities. Acne and hirsutism were assessed by manual lesion count, modified Cook’s scale, and modified Ferriman–Gallwey hirsutism score (mFGHS). Hormone levels and safety parameters were assessed throughout the study. Our results show that Tracnil™ monotherapy could drastically reduce acne-related lesions of both inflammatory and noninflammatory types as quickly as 8 weeks. Additionally, it improves hirsutism and menstrual irregularities. Adverse reactions were negligible during the whole study period with no drastic side effects reflected by a modulatory effect on hormone levels. Despite the subjects having normal hormone levels, the acne treatment with myo-inositol and vitamin D3 shows improvement in hirsutism and regularization of menstrual cycle. Therefore, we attribute the mechanism of action of Tracnil™ to modulation of receptor sensitivity to sex hormones or other downstream processing events. Tracnil™ may be considered as a first-line treatment for dermatological manifestations of PCOS even in the absence of significant hormonal abnormalities. This treatment is practically implementable in a dermatologists’s office practise.
Refocusing Algorithm Based on Nonlinear SAI System
Authors: Liu Bin , Luo Yue , Pan Yi-Hua , Yan Wen-Min , Zhang Xin-Yu
Published: March 2020

Synthetic aperture imaging (SAI) technology gets the light field information of the scene through the camera array. With the large virtual aperture, it can effectively acquire the information of the partially occluded object in the scene, and then we can focus on the arbitrary target plane corresponding to the reference perspective through the refocus algorithm. Meanwhile, objects that deviate from the plane will be blurred to varying degrees. However, when the object to be reconstructed in the scene is occluded by the complex foreground, the optical field information of the target cannot be effectively detected due to the limitation of the linear array. In order to deal with these problems, this paper proposes a nonlinear SAI method. This method can obtain the occluded object’s light field information reliably by using the nonlinear array. Experiments are designed for the nonlinear SAI, and refocusing is performed for the occluded objects with different camera arrays, different depths, and different distribution intervals. The results demonstrate that the method proposed in this paper is advanced than the traditional SAI method based on linear array.
Middle-Aged Indians with Type 2 Diabetes Are at Higher Risk of Biological Ageing with Special Reference to Serum CDKN2A
Authors: Banerjee Joyita , Dhas Yogita , Mishra Neetu
Published: March 2020

Sedentary lifestyle and high visceral adiposity have elevated the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among Indians at younger age. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory mediators with ageing with special reference to the biological ageing marker cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) among middle-aged (31-50 years) Indian healthy and T2DM subjects. Malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and CDKN2A were measured in T2DM patients (n=80) and controls (n=80) aged 31-50 years, further grouped into G1: 31-40 years and G2: 41-50 years. IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, and CDKN2A showed a significant association with ageing among both T2DM patients and controls. But the strength of the association of MCP-1 and CKDN2A with ageing was significantly stronger in T2DM patients than the controls. All the oxidative stress and proinflammatory mediators showed nonsignificant associations with CDKN2A in the controls. However, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 showed a strong association with CDKN2A in T2DM patients. An increased risk of high levels of CDKN2A was found in G1 T2DM patients (OR: 3.484 (95% CI: 1.246-9.747) p=0.017) and G2 T2DM patients (OR: 5.000 (95% CI: 1.914-13.061), p=0.001) with reference to the respective control groups. Our study reveals that the middle-aged Indians with T2DM are at higher risk of biological ageing. The development of T2DM is more common among middle-aged Indians. T2DM may exacerbate the ageing process and may subsequently predispose Indians to various age-related complications at a much early age.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Aggressive Behavior among Patients with Schizophrenia at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Araya Tesfalem , Ebnemelek Emnet , Getachew Rahel
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Mental illness and aggression are often seen as inextricably linked. There is a growing body of evidence on aggressive behavior towards others by people with schizophrenia. Even though there is no study conducted in this study area, this study will help to identify the factors associated with aggressive behavior to be dealt early and as a base line for further study. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of aggressive behavior and associated factors among people with schizophrenia. Method. An institutional‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 6 to 31, 2019, among 403 participants who were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected by an interview technique by using the Modified Overt Aggression Scale, entered and analyzed by using EPI‐INFO version 3.5.3 and Statistical Package for Social Science version 20, respectively. The association between variables was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and the level of significance of association was determined at a P value < 0.05. Results. A total of 403 schizophrenia patients were included making the response rate 95.4%. The prevalence of aggressive behavior was 26.6%. Significant associated factors for aggressive behavior were being male (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI (1.21, 5.61)), unemployment (AOR = 8.03, 95% CI (3.08, 25.95)), previous history of aggression (AOR = 6.22, 95% CI (2.75, 14.10)), psychotic symptoms (AOR = 8.12, 95% CI (3.11, 21.14)), drug nonadherence (AOR = 6.41, 95% CI (3.02, 13.63)), poor social support (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI (1.35, 7.17)), and alcohol use (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI (1.02, 5.66)). Conclusion. Prevalence of aggressive behavior is high among schizophrenia patients. Professionals have to identify clearly predictors of aggressive behavior giving special emphasis when treating male schizophrenia patients, who are unemployed, lack social support, with previous history of aggression, and alcohol users.
Contributions of Gene Modules Regulated by Essential Noncoding RNA in Colon Adenocarcinoma Progression
Authors: Li Chunhua , Yu Xiaorong , Lu Jianping , Zheng Liyu , Xu Dahua , Xu Zelong , Wang Liqiang , Cui Ying , Li Yeshuang , Wang Hong , Xu Jiankai , Li Kongning
Published: March 2020

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNA (miRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), have an impact on a variety of important biological processes during colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) progression. This includes chromatin organization, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, and cell‐cell signaling. The aim of this study is to identify the ncRNA‐regulated modules that accompany the progression of COAD and to analyze their mechanisms, in order to screen the potential prognostic biomarkers for COAD. An integrative molecular analysis was carried out to identify the crosstalks of gene modules between different COAD stages, as well as the essential ncRNAs in the posttranscriptional regulation of these modules. 31 ncRNA regulatory modules were found to be significantly associated with overall survival in COAD patients. 17 out of the 31 modules (in which ncRNAs played essential roles) had improved the predictive ability for COAD patient survival compared to only the mRNAs of those modules, which were enriched in the core cancer hallmark pathways with closer interactions. These suggest that the ncRNAs’ regulatory modules not only exhibit close relation to COAD progression but also reflect the dynamic significant crosstalk of genes in the modules to the different malignant extent of COAD.
ADAR1 Alleviates Inflammation in a Murine Sepsis Model via the ADAR1-miR-30a-SOCS3 Axis
Authors: Shangxun Zhou , Junjie Li , Wei Zhao , Yutong Wang , Wenyuan Jia , Shanshou Liu , Yanjun Wang , Qianmei Wang , Zhusheng Feng , Chaoping Yu , Ran Zhuang , Wen Yin , Yang Huang
Published: March 2020

Adenosine deaminase acting on double-stranded RNA 1 (ADAR1) mediates adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing events. ADAR1 is highly expressed in “septic” macrophages and in small intestinal tissues of mice with sepsis. Overexpression of ADAR1 suppresses inflammation and intestinal damage. However, the specific underlying mechanism is unclear. This study was conducted to explore how microRNA (miRNA) regulates the anti-inflammatory mechanism of macrophages following ADAR1 upregulation. A murine sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Mice were randomly assigned to sham, CLP, and CLP+ADAR1 groups. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and fluorescence isothiocyanate-dextran were used to evaluate intestinal injury and permeability. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and Luminex assays were performed to detect changes in the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Adenoviruses were used to express ADAR1 in RAW 264.7 cells. Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation analysis was conducted to detect the binding of ADAR1 and miRNAs. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the binding of miRNAs and regulatory factors. We observed that ADAR1 significantly increased the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in macrophages and reduced the expression of interleukin-6 in macrophages and the serum, thereby reducing intestinal permeability and mucosal injury in mice with sepsis. The RNA-ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation binding assay and qRT-PCR demonstrated a direct interaction between ADAR1 and pri-miR-30a. The luciferase assay demonstrated that SOCS3 was significantly inhibited by miR-30a-5p, the mature product of miR-30a. Thus, ADAR1 exerts a protective effect against sepsis by reducing inflammation and organ damage via the ADAR1-miR-30a-SOCS3 axis.
Mutations within the Activation Loop Domain of FLT3 in Two Pediatric Patients with Refractory Infant Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Muhlbauer Nicole , MacDonell-Yilmaz Rebecca E. , Borsuk Robyn , Welch Jennifer G.
Published: March 2020

Approximately 24% of all pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases have mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor gene. FLT3-TKD point mutations are rare in pediatrics and often occur in younger patients and in combination with 11q23 abnormalities. There is a paucity of data related to their prognostic implications in children. We describe 2 pediatric patients with FLT3-activating mutations as a feature of their AML. Both were diagnosed in infancy. The first experienced induction failure and had refractory disease without expression of FLT3-TKD mutation on subsequent bone marrow evaluations. His disease also harbored a KMT2A-PICALM gene rearrangement. He died of invasive fungal disease nine months after diagnosis. The second had a post-induction remission but developed swelling of the left calcaneus shown on biopsy to be a myeloid sarcoma positive for a new BRAF V600E mutation in addition to his known KMT2A rearrangement but without FLT3-TKD mutation. Despite multiple courses of therapy including BRAF/MEK-inhibition, he died of progressive disease nine months after diagnosis. FLT3 inhibition was not utilized in either patient as studies have largely focused on its role in internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations and because the mutation was no longer detectable in either patient on subsequent evaluation. However, these cases add to the suggestion that these mutations confer a worse prognosis in pediatric AML patients.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems: Are They Useful for Evaluating Glycemic Control in Children with Hyperinsulinism?
Authors: Rayannavar Arpana , Elci Okan U. , Mitteer Lauren , De León Diva D.
Published: March 2020

Background: Effective treatment and close monitoring in children with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) are important to prevent hypoglycemic-associated brain damage. The current monitoring approach involves measuring plasma glucose intermittently, but this does not provide a comprehensive assessment of glycemic control and may fail to detect episodes of hypoglycemia. Objective: To determine whether Dexcom G5®, a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS), is an accurate and effective method for monitoring glycemic control in children with HI. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study in 15 children with HI. Participants wore a blinded Dexcom G5® device for 2 weeks. At the end of 2 weeks, data from the Dexcom G5® and home glucose meter were downloaded and analyzed. Results: Fourteen children (15–67 months) completed the study. Using Bland-Altman analysis, the mean (SD) difference between 1,155 paired CGM and glucose meter readings was –8.09 (53.76). The sensitivity and specificity of CGM to detect hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) were 86 and 81.4%, respectively. The positive predictive values for hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemia (<54 mg/dL) detected by CGM were low (50.3 and 14.8%, respectively), while the negative predictive values were high (96.4% for glucose <70 mg/dL and 99.1% for glucose <54 mg/dL). Conclusion: Our study showed that CGM is not a reliable method to monitor for hypoglycemia, given the high number of false positive hypoglycemia readings. However, CGM can be useful in preventing unnecessary checks by glucose meter during times of normoglycemia. Therefore, the benefits of using CGM in patients with HI would be in guiding the need to check plasma glucose by glucose meter rather than point accuracy.
Age-Related Changes in Instrumental and Basic Activities of Daily Living Impairment in Older Adults with Very Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tabira Takayuki , Hotta Maki , Murata Miki , Yoshiura Kazuhiro , Han Gwanghee , Ishikawa Tomohisa , Koyama Asuka , Ogawa Noriyuki , Maruta Michio , Ikeda Yuriko , Mori Takaaki , Yoshida Taku , Hashimoto Mamoru , Ikeda Manabu
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims: Age-related changes in impairments in activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults with very mild Alzheimer’s disease (vmAD) have been scarcely explored. We clarified the characteristics of ADL impairment and examined how ADL impairments differed by age in such patients compared with community-dwelling cognitively normal older adults. Methods: The participants were 107 older adults with vmAD (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score ≥24), all of whom were first-visit outpatients at the Dementia Clinic of the Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kumamoto University Hospital. The controls were 682 community-dwelling older adults who participated in the 3rd Nakayama Study with MMSE score ≥24. We examined the association of instrumental and basic ADL (IADL and BADL, respectively) independence with the odds of vmAD using multiple logistic regression analysis and determined differences in ADL impairment by age using age- and sex-matched analysis. Results: Impairments in handling finances (OR 57.08), managing medication (OR 5.13), and dressing (OR 3.35; BADL) were associated with greater odds of vmAD. Among those aged 65 years and above, there were fewer patients with vmAD than healthy controls who could independently handle finances and medication. Among patients with vmAD, the percentages of those who could independently manage shopping, food preparation, and housekeeping only decreased after age 74. Age-related decreases in independence were observed in few BADL items; these, however, were temporary. Conclusions: Patients with vmAD show significantly decreased IADL independence from early old age.
Grade 3 Hepatotoxicity following Fulvestrant, Palbociclib, and Erdafitinib Therapy in a Patient with ER-Positive/PR-Negative/HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Schlotman Alyssa , Stater Adam , Schuler Kyle , Heideman Judd , Abramson Vandana
Published: March 2020

A 49-year-old woman with ER-positive/PR-negative/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer experienced Grade 3 hepatotoxicity following initiation of a clinical trial of fulvestrant, palbociclib, and erdafitinib. Fulvestrant was determined to be the drug most likely responsible for this hepatotoxic effect. This case report details the timing and nature of this drug-induced liver injury, adding support to an area that has yet to be described adequately in the existing literature.
Relationship between anthropometric indicators and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults and older adults of Rio Branco, Acre
Authors: Loureiro Nathalia Silva de Lima , Amaral Thatiana Lameira Maciel , Amaral Cledir De Araújo , Monteiro Gina Torres Rego , Vasconcellos Maurício Teixeira Leite de , Bortolini Miguel Junior Sordi
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between anthropometric variables and cardiovascular risk factors in adults and older adults of Rio Branco, Acre. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study with 641 adults and 957 older adults was conducted. The statistical analyses consisted of the distribution of anthropometric variables according to the cardiovascular risk factors by frequency and dispersion measures. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) using the SPSS® version 20.0. RESULTS: Moderate correlations were obtained in adult men for waist-hip ratio and total cholesterol (r = 0.486; p < 0.001) and for waist-hip and triglyceride ratios (r = 0.484; p < 0.001). The highest prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in adults were observed in men; in the older adults, the prevalence of hypertension was above 65% in both sexes. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was above 78% in obese adults and older adults. When analyzing the associations, a higher strength of association was found between arterial hypertension and waist-to-stature ratio (PR = 13.42; 95%CI 12.58–14.31) and body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 (PR = 6.61; 95%CI 6.34–6.89) in adult men. In the analysis of diabetes, the waist-hip ratio presented greater robustness in the association for women (PR = 7.53; 95%CI 6.92–8.20) and men (PR = 9.79; 95%CI 9.14–10.49). CONCLUSION: Anthropometric variables are important predictors of cardiovascular risk; however, their assessments should be performed independently, according to sex and age group.
Development of an instrument to measure the cultural competence of health care workers
Authors: Pedrero Victor , Bernales Margarita , Chepo Macarena , Manzi Jorge , Pérez Miguel , Fernández Paulina
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVE: To validate an instrument measuring the cultural competence in health care workers from Chile. METHODS: Using Sue & Sue’s theoretical model of cultural competence, we designed a scale, which was assessed by health care workers and experts. Subsequently, the scale was applied to a sample of 483 different health care workers, during 2018 in Santiago de Chile. The analysis included: exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, estimation of reliability, and analysis of measurement bias. Finally, the level of cultural competence was calculated for every professional who participated in this study. RESULTS: The final scale include 14 items that are grouped into three dimensions concordant with the theoretical model: sensitivity to own prejudices, cultural knowledge, and skills to work in culturally diverse environments. This scale showed good fit in factor models, adequate reliability and lack of evidence of measurement bias. Regarding the performance of health care workers, sensitivity showed a lower level compared with the other dimensions evaluated. CONCLUSION: The scale for measuring the level of cultural competence in health care workers (EMCC-14) is a reliable instrument, with initial support for its validity, which can be used in the Chilean context. Additionally, the results of this study could guide some possible interventions in the health sector to strengthen the level of cultural competence.
Long‐Term Outcomes in Patients With Mixed Aortic Valve Disease and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Isaza Nicolas , Desai Milind Y. , Kapadia Samir R. , Krishnaswamy Amar , Rodriguez L. Leonardo , Grimm Richard A. , Conic Julijana Z. , Saijo Yoshihito , Roselli Eric E. , Gillinov A. Marc , Johnston Douglas R. , Svensson Lars G. , Griffin Brian P. , Popović Zoran B.
Published: March 2020

Background

Concurrent presence of aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation is termed mixed aortic valve disease (
MAVD
). Although multiple articles have addressed patients with “isolated” aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation, the natural history, impact, and outcomes of
MAVD
are not well defined. Here, we evaluate long‐term outcomes in patients with
MAVD
and cardiovascular adaptations to chronic
MAVD
.

Methods and Results

This observational cohort study evaluated 862 adult patients (56.8% male) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and at least moderate aortic regurgitation and moderate aortic stenosis. Primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Subgroup analysis was based on treatment modality (aortic valve replacement [
AVR
] versus medical management). A regression analysis of longitudinal echocardiographic parameters was performed to assess the natural history of
MAVD
. Mean age was 68±15 years, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 58±5%. At 4.6 years (25th–75th percentile range, 1.0–8.7), 58.6% of patients underwent an
AVR
and 48.8% patients died. In both unadjusted and adjusted Cox survival analysis,
AVR
was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95%
CI
, 0.34–0.51,
P
<0.001). Impact of
AVR
persisted when stratifying the cohort by symptom status and baseline aortic valve area (log rank,
P
<0.001 for both) and after propensity‐score matching (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95%
CI
, 0.32–0.50;
P
<0.001). In the longitudinal analysis, there were statistically significant changes over time in aortic valve peak gradient (
P
<0.001) and aortic valve area (
P
<0.001) and only mild increases in left ventricular end‐diastolic (
P
<0.007) and ‐systolic (
P
<0.001) volumes.

Conclusions

MAVD
confers a high risk of all‐cause mortality. However,
AVR
significantly reduces this risk independent of aortic valve area, symptom status, and after controlling for confounding variables.
TÜRKİYE’DE KAMU HARCAMALARININ EKONOMİK BÜYÜME ÜZERİNE ETKİSİ
Authors: AYDIN Fatma Fehime , GÜL Mesut
Published: March 2020

Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de kamu harcamaları ile ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişki incelenmektedir. Bu amaçla 1990-2018 dönemi için kamu harcamalarının GSYİH’ya oranı ve kişi başına düşen reel GSYİH değişkenleri kullanılarak Johansen koentegrasyon testi, Granger nedensellik testi ve En Küçük Kareler (EKK) yöntemi uygulanmıştır. Johansen koentegrasyon testine göre; kamu harcamaları ile ekonomik büyüme arasında bir eşbütünleşme ilişkisi olduğu görülmüştür. Granger nedensellik testi sonuçlarına göre; kamu harcamalarından ekonomik büyümeye doğru tek yönlü bir nedensellik ilişkisi vardır. EKK yöntemine göre ekonomik büyümenin kamu harcamalarına duyarlılığı istatistiki olarak anlamlı ve ters orantılı olarak bulunmuştur. Buna göre kamu harcamalarındaki bir artış ekonomik büyümeyi olumsuz etkilemektedir. Dolayısıyla Türkiye’de kamunun ağırlığının azalmasının ekonomik büyümeyi pozitif yönde etkilediği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
HANELERDE ÜCRET KARŞILIĞI ÇALIŞAN ÇOCUK VARLIĞI İLE HANELERİN EKONOMİK VE DEMOGRAFİK ÖZELLİKLERİNİN İLİŞKİSİ, TÜRKİYE ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: TOKATLIOĞLU Yağmur , AYKAC Gokhan
Published: March 2020

Uluslararası Çalışma Örgütü çocuk işgücünü, çocukların çocukluklarından, potansiyellerinden ve onurlarından yoksun bırakıcı ve onların fiziksel ve akli gelişimlerine zarar verici işlerde istihdam edilmesi olarak tanımlamaktadır. Yazında Türkiye’de çocuk işçiliğinin temel nedenleri olarak yoksulluk, işsizlik, çocuk işgücüne olan talep, denetimsizlik, geleneksel bakış açısı ve nüfus fazlalığı gösterilmektedir. Bu çalışanın amacı, Türkiye’de çocuk işçi bulunan hanelerin yapısının ortaya konulmasıdır. Bu çerçevede çalışmada TÜİK tarafından yayınlanan Gelir ve Yaşam Koşulları Araştırması 2017 yılı verisi ile hane içinde gelir getiren 15 yaş altı çocuklar ve bu çocukların aileleri incelenmiştir. Yapılan lojistik regresyon analizi sonucunda hane reisinin çalışmıyor olması, kadın olması, evli olmaması, eğitim düzeyinin lise altı olması ve kronik rahatsızlığa sahip olması o hanede çocuk işçi çalışma olasılığını arttıran faktörler olarak tespit edilmiştir.
The Revival of Nuclear Competition in an Altered Geopolitical Context: A Chinese Perspective
Authors: Bin Li
Published: March 2020

The U.S. government considers “power competition” to be the nature of the relations among big powers, and that it will have an impact on the evolving nuclear order in the near future. When big powers worry about power challenges from their rivals, they may use the influence of nuclear weapons to defend their own power and therefore intensify the danger of nuclear confrontation. We need to manage the nuclear relations among nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-armed states to avoid the risk of nuclear escalation. The fact is that big powers including the United States have neither the interest nor the capability to expand their power, and understanding this might cause big powers to lose their interest in power competition. If we promote dialogue among nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-armed states on their strategic objectives, it is possible to reduce the power competition that results from misperceptions and overreactions. Some other factors, for example, non- nuclear technologies and multinuclear players, could complicate the future nuclear order. We therefore need to manage these factors as well and develop international cooperation to mitigate nuclear competition.