bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Street Litter Detection and Classification Based on Faster R-CNN and Edge Computing
Authors: Ping Ping , Xu Guoyan , Kumala Effendy , Gao Jerry
Published: May 2020

Cleanliness of city streets has an important impact on city environment and public health. Conventional street cleaning methods involve street sweepers going to many spots and manually confirming if the street needs to be clean. However, this method takes a substantial amount of manual operations for detection and assessment of street’s cleanliness which leads to a high cost for cities. Using pervasive mobile devices and AI technology, it is now possible to develop smart edge-based service system for monitoring and detecting the cleanliness of streets at scale. This paper explores an important aspect of cities — how to automatically analyze street imagery to understand the level of street litter. A vehicle (i.e. trash truck) equipped with smart edge station and cameras is used to collect and process street images in real time. A deep learning model is developed to detect, classify and analyze the diverse types of street litters such as tree branches, leaves, bottles and so on. In addition, two case studies are reported to show its strong potential and effectiveness in smart city systems.
ON STABILITY CRITERIA OF FRACTAL DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEMS OF CONFORMABLE TYPE
Authors: YOUNUS AWAIS , ABDELJAWAD THABET , GUL TAZEEN
Published: May 2020

In this paper, stability results of central concern for control theory are given for finite-dimensional linear and nonlinear local fractional or fractal differential systems. The main purpose of this paper is to provide some results on stability and asymptotic stability of conformable order systems, together with some illustrating examples.
QUALITATIVE STUDY OF NONLINEAR COUPLED PANTOGRAPH DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FRACTIONAL ORDER
Authors: AHAMAD ISRAR , SHAH KAMAL , ABDELJAWAD THABET , JARAD FAHD
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we investigate a nonlinear coupled system of fractional pantograph differential equations (FPDEs). The respective results address some adequate results for existence and uniqueness of solution to the problem under consideration. In light of fixed point theorems like Banach and Krasnoselskii’s, we establish the required results. Considering the tools of nonlinear analysis, we develop some results regarding Ulam–Hyers (UH) stability. We give three pertinent examples to demonstrate our main work.
Trade Policy in American Economic History
Authors: Irwin Douglas A.
Published: May 2020

This article reviews the broad changes in US trade policy over the course of the nation's history. Import tariffs have been the main instrument of trade policy and have had three main purposes: to raise revenue for the government, to restrict imports and protect domestic producers from foreign competition, and to reach reciprocity agreements that reduce trade barriers. Each of these three objectives—revenue, restriction, and reciprocity—was predominant in one of three consecutive periods in history. The political economy of these tariffs has been driven by the location of trade-related economic interests in different regions and the political power of those regions in Congress. The review also addresses the impact of trade policies on the US economy, such as the welfare costs of tariffs, the role of protectionism in fostering US industrialization, and the relationship between the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act and the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Zerumbone Promotes Cytotoxicity in Human Malignant Glioblastoma Cells through Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation
Authors: Jalili-Nik Mohammad , Sadeghi Mohammad Montazami , Mohtashami Elmira , Mollazadeh Hamid , Afshari Amir R. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most hostile tumor in the central nervous system. Unfortunately, the prognosis of GBM patients is poor following surgical interventions, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Consequently, more efficient and effective treatment options for the treatment of GBM need to be explored. Zerumbone, as a sesquiterpene derived from Zingiber zerumbet Smith, has substantial cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities in some types of cancer. Here, we show that exposure of GBM cells (U-87 MG) to Zerumbone demonstrated significant growth inhibition in a concentration-dependent manner. Zerumbone also induced apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest of human GBM U-87 MG cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. In detail, the apoptotic process triggered by Zerumbone involved the upregulation of proapoptotic Bax and the suppression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 genes expression as determined by qRT-PCR. Moreover, Zerumbone enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), as an antioxidant, reversed the ROS-induced cytotoxicity of U-87 MG cells. The Western blot analysis suggested that Zerumbone activated the NF-κB p65, which was partly inhibited by NAC treatment. Collectively, our results confirmed that Zerumbone induces cytotoxicity by ROS generation. Thus, the study raises the possibility of Zerumbone as a potential natural agent for treating GBM due to its ability to induce cytotoxicity.
Livros e Dabucuris
Authors: Angelo Samir Ricardo Figalli de
Published: May 2020

O trabalho sistemático de narradores indígenas no noroeste amazônico teve seu principal proponente a coleção Narradores Indígenas do Rio Negro. A publicação desta coleção se insere em uma economia política do conhecimento que opera dentro de um modelo hierárquico de relação social e de produção de diferenças. A finalidade deste artigo é apresentar as ressonâncias encontradas entre a publicação de livros que compõem a coleção Narradores e a festa do dabucuri. Este tipo de análise envolve averiguar de que forma o conteúdo das narrativas míticas e a própria materialidade do livro são utilizados para a atualização de diferenças entre os grupos hierárquicos desana.
Laparoscopic treatment of giant circumferential leiomyoma of the distal esophagus
Authors: Aranha Luana Cabrino , Aranha Nilton César , Brandalise André , Brandalise Nelson Ary
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Leiomyomas are rare esophagus tumors, with 0.4-1% incidence of all esophagus tumors. Only 5% grow to the point of being called giant tumors, measuring more than 10cm. Symptoms usually begin on tumors bigger than 5cm. Objective: Reporting a new therapeutic course of action to giant leiomyomas of distal esophagus. Case Report: VCA, female, 38 years old, presented retrosternal oppression for 4 months. Having realized a computed tomography on another service which demonstrated a mass suggestive of leiomyoma. On the endoscopy exam, performed for heartburn complaint and mild dysphagia, was determined a hiatal hernia of 2cm and mild gastritis. Patient submitted to complete excision of tumor without mucosal lesion and reconstruction of the external muscular wall, by the video laparoscopic method. Hiatoplasty and partial esophagogastrofundoplication were associated. The anatomic pathological examination confirmed leiomyoma, with 10x5x2cm. Patient evolved clinically without the appearance of the heartburn or dysphagia. With contrast examination of the esophagus after 6 months and endoscopy and tomography the following 4 years, all normal. The classic treatment of giant leiomyomas, includes thoracotomy with esophagectomy. Considering that in 80% of the cases it is found in the middle and lower thirds of the esophagus, the videolaparoscopic approach by transhiatal route becomes possible. The reconstruction of the external muscular layer is important to prevent a possible prolapse of the mucosa. Also, the realization of the fundoplication in addition to avoiding the gastroesophageal reflux, allows the suture area of the esophageal muscular wall to be covered, increasing the safety in the treatment. In services with experience in the surgical treatment of diseases of the gastric esophagus transition through the videolaparoscopic method, it is possible to perform with adequate safety the surgical treatment of the tumor lesions of the distal esophagus. The method provides greater postoperative comfort and prompt clinical surgical recovery.
Águas Urbanas: três projetos para São Paulo
Authors: Sumner Anne Marie
Published: May 2020

Os projetos debruçam-se sobre as hipóteses da Arquitetura na sua interface com a infraestrutura para águas urbanas em São Paulo, tendo como vetor principal a articulação de uma ação ética, técnica e estética. Procura-se pensar a paisagem e arquitetura das águas urbanas em dupla instância: a montante com barragens e piscinas públicas e à jusante com deltas, lagoas e canal de circunvalação ladeando o Tietê. Faz parte deste último escopo a abordagem, também ao longo dos trilhos das antigas Sorocabana, Central do Brasil e Santos-Jundiaí. A inquietação é a de desenhar a geografia e a infraestrutura numa apreensão ótica da paisagem: um desdobramento visual, táctil e vivencial da cidade como opacidade (ou transparência) e situação (ou indefinição do lugar).
Bases teórico-metodológicas do patrimônio natural: o papel da Geografia e da Geomorfologia na criação de áreas naturais tombadas
Authors: Detoni Sandro Francisco
Published: May 2020

O tombamento constitui-se como uma das formas de reconhecimento institucional de objetos como patrimônios culturais. O órgão de defesa e de proteção cultural de São Paulo (Condephaat) considera que os diversos atributos da natureza pertencem às dimensões do patrimônio cultural. Porém, tornou-se necessário respaldar a proteção do denominado patrimônio natural. Este artigo analisa os quadros qualitativos e quantitativos dos objetos naturais protegidos pelo Condephaat, os quais se destaca a criação das Áreas Naturais Tombadas em função, sobretudo, de seus atributos geomorfológicos. Por meio da análise documental, verificou-se que a Geografia adquiriu um papel importante na formulação dos instrumentos legais e do referencial teórico-metodológico na construção dessa política pública de proteção da natureza na esfera cultural.
On the Nonexistence of Asymmetric DOM in Spanish
Authors: Saab Andrés , Zdrojewski Pablo
Published: May 2020

Kalin and Weisser (2019) observe that Spanish, among other differential-object-marking (DOM) languages, allows for what they call asymmetric DOM in coordination, that is, a DP coordinate structure in which an unmarked DP and a marked DP are conjoined. Given that coordinate structures are islands, asymmetric DOM challenges movement analyses for DOM. Yet we show that alleged cases of asymmetric DOM in Spanish do not involve DP-coordination; rather, they involve coordination of a larger structure plus TP-ellipsis. Evidence involves binding, extraction, fragment answers, and association with focus. We conclude that asymmetric DOM does not exist in Spanish, a fact consonant with movement analyses.
Innovating access to the nurse-led hepatitis C clinic using co-production
Authors: Wolstenholme Daniel , Poll Ray , Tod Angela
Published: May 2020

Background

Many reasons for missed appointments are given by people who inject drugs and it is suggested that one solution cannot solve this complex issue (Poll et al., 2017). Increasingly, nurses and other health professionals are expected to actively involve patients and service users in developing innovative, effective and accessible services. This project used co-production as the approach to address this challenge.

Aims

This paper describes how a co-production method was used to develop accessible nurse-led hepatitis C virus services for people who inject drugs.

Methods

Using research evidence from a study conducted by the lead author as a starting point, a series of co-production workshops were run using creative co-design methods to identify the barriers to engagement with clinics. Potential solutions were then co-produced.

Results

The solutions included myth-busting posters, peer-support, a mobile clinic van and the offer of incentives and enablers (travel costs or a reward for attendance).

Conclusions

The service-development project illustrates how, with the right methods, it is possible to successfully engage with hard-to-access groups to co-produce innovative solutions for an important clinical challenge.
Fostering nursing innovation to prevent and control antimicrobial resistance using approaches from the arts and humanities
Authors: Macduff Colin , Marie Rafferty Anne , Prendiville Alison , Currie Kay , Castro-Sanchez Enrique , King Caroline , Carvalho Fernando , Iedema Rick
Published: May 2020

Background

Efforts to address the complex global problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlight the need for imagination and innovation. However, nursing has not yet leveraged its potential to innovate to prevent AMR advancing.

Aims

This paper focuses on the initial phase of an ongoing research and development study that seeks to foster nursing imagination and innovation by enhancing the meaningfulness of AMR for practising nurses and by facilitating their creative ideas.

Methods

This aim is addressed through application of arts and humanities approaches, in particular the use of visualisation, co-design and historical methods, underpinned by the Design Council Double Diamond process model. The first phase with 20 UK participants explored how hospital and community-based nurses understand and respond to the priorities and consequences of AMR within their everyday working lives.

Results

Nurses varied in their conceptualisations of AMR and in their depictions and explanations of its meaning and priority within everyday practices. Some saw infection prevention and control as bound up with AMR, whereas others differentiated in the context of specific work activities. Insights into related reasoning and practice tactics were also generated.

Conclusions

The initial project phase provides a basis for fostering nursing innovation in this important field.
Designing and implementing an electronic nursing record to support compassionate and person-centred nursing practice in an acute hospital using practice development processes
Authors: Hardiman Michele , Connolly Marie , Hanley Sinead , Kirrane Jackie , O'Neill Winifred
Published: May 2020

Background

The complexity of nursing practice can pose challenges to the development of an e-record that meets all the requirements and standards whilst capturing the essence of the relationship between the nurse and his/her patients.

Aims

1. Describe the process of designing the content of an electronic nursing record (e-record) specific to nursing in an Irish/UK context, using Practice Development (PD) methodology. 2. To share the learning of involving the end-user in the development of a person-centred e-nursing record.

Methods

Evidence-based PD methodologies, principles and evaluation tools were employed to involve end users in the development of a person-centred and evidence-based e-record.

Results

The results are limited to evaluation of the design process and reported using the SQUIRE guidelines for reporting quality improvement. Investing in time to involve end users in the design and implementation phase resulted in satisfaction and adoption of the e-record by nurses.

Conclusions

For nurses to be satisfied with the content and process flow of an e-nursing record it needs to include the relational and non-clinical aspect of nursing practice in addition to the clinical pre-set content. Involving the end user in a meaningful way supports a positive outcome.
Collaboration for clinical innovation: a nursing and engineering alliance for better patient care
Authors: Andrews Rachael , Greasley Sarah , Knight Sarah , Sireau Sonya , Jordan Andrea , Bell Andrew , White Paul
Published: May 2020

Background

There is significant need and enormous potential for innovation in clinical settings. However, for various reasons, this potential is rarely realised.

Aims

This paper aims to present a collaborative approach to innovation between clinicians and engineers, using two nursing case studies as examples. Suggestions are offered to improve facilitation of innovation in healthcare settings.

Methods

An engineering design process was applied to develop novel medical devices in response to unmet clinical needs identified by nurses. This process includes problem exploration, definition of project scope, concept generation, detailed design, manufacture, prototype evaluation and iterative design improvements.

Results

Two case studies are presented to showcase the results of this multidisciplinary approach to innovation. Both projects resulted in novel medical devices being put into clinical use safely and effectively.

Conclusions

Collaboration between nurses and engineers facilitates rapid iteration of novel solutions to unmet clinical needs. Both professions have similar approaches to problem-solving, complemented by specialist knowledge in their contrasting areas of expertise, making for a highly capable multidisciplinary team.
Management of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection: Report of an international panel
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I , Abd-Allah Foad , Al-Senani Fahmi , Aytac Emrah , Borhani-Haghighi Afshin , Ciccone Alfonso , Gomez Camilo R , Gurkas Erdem , Hsu Chung Y , Jani Vishal , Jiao Liqun , Kobayashi Adam , Lee Jun , Liaqat Jahanzeb , Mazighi Mikael , Parthasarathy Rajsrinivas , Steiner Thorsten , Suri M Fareed K , Toyoda Kazunori , Ribo Marc , Gongora-Rivera Fernando , Oliveira-Filho Jamary , Uzun Guven , Wang Yongjun
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

On 11 March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 infection a pandemic. The risk of ischemic stroke may be higher in patients with COVID-19 infection similar to those with other respiratory tract infections. We present a comprehensive set of practice implications in a single document for clinicians caring for adult patients with acute ischemic stroke with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection.

Methods

The practice implications were prepared after review of data to reach the consensus among stroke experts from 18 countries. The writers used systematic literature reviews, reference to previously published stroke guidelines, personal files, and expert opinion to summarize existing evidence, indicate gaps in current knowledge, and when appropriate, formulate practice implications. All members of the writing group had opportunities to comment in writing on the practice implications and approved the final version of this document.

Results

This document with consensus is divided into 18 sections. A total of 41 conclusions and practice implications have been developed. The document includes practice implications for evaluation of stroke patients with caution for stroke team members to avoid COVID-19 exposure, during clinical evaluation and performance of imaging and laboratory procedures with special considerations of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions

These practice implications with consensus based on the currently available evidence aim to guide clinicians caring for adult patients with acute ischemic stroke who are suspected of, or confirmed, with COVID-19 infection. Under certain circumstances, however, only limited evidence is available to support these practice implications, suggesting an urgent need for establishing procedures for the management of stroke patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Cardiac safety of off-label COVID-19 drug therapy: a review and proposed monitoring protocol
Authors: Naksuk Niyada , Lazar Sorin , Peeraphatdit Thoetchai (Bee)
Published: May 2020

More than 2,000,000 individuals worldwide have had coronavirus 2019 disease infection (COVID-19), yet there is no effective medical therapy. Multiple off-label and investigational drugs, such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, have gained broad interest due to positive pre-clinical data and are currently used for treatment of COVID-19. However, some of these medications have potential cardiac adverse effects. This is important because up to one-third of patients with COVID-19 have cardiac injury, which can further increase the risk of cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. Adverse effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on cardiac function and conduction are broad and can be fatal. Both drugs have an anti-arrhythmic property and are proarrhythmic. The American Heart Association has listed chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as agents which can cause direct myocardial toxicity. Similarly, other investigational drugs such as favipiravir and lopinavir/ritonavir can prolong QT interval and cause Torsade de Pointes. Many antibiotics commonly used for the treatment of patients with COVID-19, for instance azithromycin, can also prolong QT interval. This review summarizes evidenced-based data regarding potential cardiac adverse effects due to off-label and investigational drugs including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, antiviral therapy, monoclonal antibodies, as well as common antibiotics used for the treatment of COVID-19. The article focuses on practical points and offers a point-of-care protocol for providers who are taking care of patients with COVID-19 in an inpatient and outpatient setting. The proposed protocol is taking into consideration that resources during the pandemic are limited.
Collaborating With Parents to Increase Proactive Bystander Messages
Authors: Banks Courtney S. , Blake Jamilia J. , Lewis Katherine
Published: May 2020

School antibullying initiatives are increasingly focused on educating students about the impact of proactive bystanders to reduce victimization. However, according to the social-ecological perspective, children can also choose to adopt bystander responses based on what their parents teach them at home. School counselors are equipped to disseminate best practices of bullying prevention to parents and increase school and home communication on effective bystander responses, but how much this influences what parents teach their children as bystanders is not clear. The current study examined whether parental perceptions of school climate and awareness of antibullying interventions affected what parents teach their children to do as bystanders to school bullying. Results indicated a significant and positive relationship between parent and school counselor agreement on the presence of antibullying interventions and parents teaching their children to stand up for the victim if they witness bullying at school. We discuss strategies to promote home and school collaboration on antibullying initiatives, extending the role of school counselors in antibullying efforts, and future directions.
Case report: acute abdominal pain in a 37-year-old patient and the consequences for his family
Authors: Niemeyer Elisabeth , Mofid Hamid , Zornig Carsten , Burandt Eike-Christian , Stein Alexander , Block Andreas , Volk Alexander E.
Published: May 2020

Background

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer is a rare condition that accounts for approximately 1–3% of all gastric cancer cases. Due to its rapid and invasive growth pattern, it is associated with a very poor prognosis. As a result, comprehensive genetic testing is imperative in patients who meet the current testing criteria in order to identify relatives at risk. This case report illustrates the substantial benefit of genetic testing in the family of a patient diagnosed with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old patient was admitted to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. Following explorative laparoscopy, locally advanced diffuse gastric cancer was diagnosed. The indication for genetic testing of CDH1 was given due to the patient’s young age. A germline mutation in CDH1 was identified in the index patient. As a result, several family members underwent genetic testing. The patient’s father, brother and one aunt were identified as carriers of the familial CDH1 mutation and subsequently received gastrectomy. In both the father and the aunt, histology of the surgical specimen revealed a diffuse growing adenocarcinoma after an unremarkable preoperative gastroscopy.

Conclusion

Awareness and recognition of a potential hereditary diffuse gastric cancer can provide a substantial health benefit not only for the patient but especially for affected family members.
Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in the urinary bladder: a case report
Authors: Li Wei , Su Ze-Zhen , Kang Ji-Hui , Xie Xiao-Yan , Xie Xiao-Hua , Zhuang Bo-Wen
Published: May 2020

Background

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the urinary bladder is an uncommon malignant bladder tumor, and the overall prognosis is poor. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) provides a new effective modality for tumor detection and diagnosis.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old man complained of repeated painless gross haematuria for half a month. Conventional ultrasound demonstrated a hypoechoic solitary lesion with hyperechoic margins measuring 3.4 × 3.1 cm in the anterior wall of the bladder. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) showed a strong flow signal in the mass. CEUS revealed that the lesion was characterized by hyper-enhancement in the early phase and hypo-enhancement in the late phase. The entire bladder wall was disrupted by homogeneous hyper-enhanced tumor tissue on CEUS. Time-intensity curves (TICs) showed a rapid wash-in with a high maximum signal intensity (SI) and quick wash-out. Finally, partial cystectomy was performed and the pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of LCNEC with invasion into the whole layer of the bladder wall.

Conclusion

This case suggested that CEUS was a valuable imaging method to detect and diagnose LCNEC in the bladder, and that CEUS can provide information related to the depth of wall invasion and the microvasculature.
A population-based survey to assess the association between cannabis and quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors
Authors: Calcaterra Susan L. , Burnett-Hartman Andrea N. , Powers J. David , Corley Douglas A. , McMullen Carmit M. , Pawloski Pamala A. , Feigelson Heather Spencer
Published: May 2020

Background

As more states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, people increasingly use cannabis to treat medical conditions and associated symptoms. The prevalence and utility of cannabis for cancer-related symptoms may be clarified by examining cannabis use among patients with a common cancer diagnosis. We aimed to determine the prevalence of cannabis use among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and its associations with quality of life (QoL) and cancer-related symptomatology.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of patient-reported QoL outcomes and behaviors, including cannabis use, was conducted within the Patient Outcomes To Advance Learning network’s (PORTAL) CRC Cohort. The cohort included a population-based sample of healthcare system members ≥18 years old diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum from 2010 through 2016. We assessed the association between cannabis use and QoL using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 summary score.

Results

Of the 1784 respondents, 293 (16.4%) reported cannabis use following CRC diagnosis. Current tobacco smokers were more likely to use cannabis compared to former or never tobacco smokers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56 to 4.70). Greater alcohol use (> 4 drinks per month versus ≤4 drinks per month) was associated with cannabis use (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.65 to 2.85). There was an association between cannabis use and cancer stage at diagnosis, with stage 3 or 4 CRC patients more likely to use cannabis than stage 1 or 2 CRC patients (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.25). After adjusting for demographics, medical comorbidities, stage and site of CRC diagnosis, and prescription opioid use, people who used cannabis had significantly lower QoL than people who did not use cannabis (difference of − 6.14, 95% CI − 8.07 to − 4.20).

Conclusion

Among CRC survivors, cannabis use was relatively common, associated with more advanced stages of disease, associated with tobacco and alcohol use, and not associated with better QoL. Clinicians should inquire about cannabis use among their patients and provide evidence-based recommendations for cancer-related symptoms.
The effect of improved housing on indoor mosquito density and exposure to malaria in the rural community of Minkoameyos, Centre Region of Cameroon
Authors: Nguela Rachel L. , Bigoga Jude D. , Armel Tedjou N. , Esther Tallah , Line Dongmo , Boris Njeambosay A. , Frederic Tchouine , Kazi Riksum , Williams Peter , Mbacham Wilfred F. , Leke Rose G. F.
Published: May 2020

Background

This study evaluated the effectiveness of improved housing on indoor residual mosquito density and exposure to infected Anophelines in Minkoameyos, a rural community in southern forested Cameroon.

Methods

Following the identification of housing factors affecting malaria prevalence in 2013, 218 houses were improved by screening the doors and windows, installing plywood ceilings on open eaves and closing holes on walls and doors. Monthly entomological surveys were conducted in a sample of 21 improved and 21 non-improved houses from November 2014 to October 2015. Mosquitoes sampled from night collections on human volunteers were identified morphologically and their parity status determined. Mosquito infectivity was verified through Plasmodium falciparum CSP ELISA and the average entomological inoculation rates determined. A Reduction Factor (RF), defined as the ratio of the values for mosquitoes collected outdoor to those collected indoor was calculated in improved houses (RFI) and non-improved houses (RFN). An Intervention Effect (IE = RFI/RFN) measured the true effect of the intervention. Chi square test was used to determine variable significance. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 1113 mosquitoes were collected comprising Anopheles sp (58.6%), Culex sp (36.4%), Aedes sp (2.5%), Mansonia sp (2.4%) and Coquillettidia sp (0.2%). Amongst the Anophelines were Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (95.2%), Anopheles funestus (2.9%), Anopheles ziemanni (0.2%), Anopheles brohieri (1.2%) and Anopheles paludis (0.5%). Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) was the only An. gambiae sibling species found. The intervention reduced the indoor Anopheles density by 1.8-fold (RFI = 3.99; RFN = 2.21; P = 0.001). The indoor density of parous Anopheles was reduced by 1.7-fold (RFI = 3.99; RFN = 2.21; P = 0.04) and that of infected Anopheles by 1.8-fold (RFI = 3.26; RFN = 1.78; P = 0.04). Indoor peak biting rates were observed between 02 a.m. to 04 a.m. in non-improved houses and from 02 a.m. to 06 a.m. in improved houses.

Conclusion

Housing improvement contributed to reducing indoor residual anopheline density and malaria transmission. This highlights the need for policy specialists to further evaluate and promote aspects of house design as a complementary control tool that could reduce indoor human–vector contact and malaria transmission in similar epidemiological settings.
Modeling and dynamic analysis of tuberculosis in mainland China from 1998 to 2017: the effect of DOTS strategy and further control
Authors: Liu Siyu , Bi Yingjie , Liu Yawen
Published: May 2020

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important health topics in the world. Directly observed treatment and short course chemotherapy (DOTS) strategy combines medicine care and modern health system firmly, and it has been carried out by World Health Organization (WHO) since 1997. In the struggle with TB, China has promoted the process of controlling the disease actively, and the full coverage of DOTS strategy has been reached around 2004. Mathematical modeling is a very useful tool to study the transmission of diseases. Understanding the impact of DOTS strategy on the control of TB is important for designing further prevention strategy.

Methods

We investigate the impact of control strategy on the transmission of TB in China by dynamic model. Then we discuss further control for TB aiming at developing new vaccine and improving treatment. The optimal control problem, minimizing the total number of infectious individuals with the lowest cost, is proposed and analyzed by Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.

Results

Theoretical analysis for the epidemic model is given. Based on the data reported by National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBSC), the basic reproduction number of each stage is estimated and compared, and they are $\mathcal {R}_{0}^{1}=1.7885$R01=1.7885 and $\mathcal {R}_{0}^{2}=1.0741$R02=1.0741, respectively. Optimal control strategy for further control is designed and proved well. An intuitionistic comparison between the optimal control strategy and the current control strategy is given.

Conclusions

The diagnosis and treatment of TB in China have been promoted a lot and the $\mathcal {R}_{0}$R0 is reduced by the full coverage of DOTS strategy. However, the $\mathcal {R}_{0}$R0 in China is still greater than 1 now. The relationship between $\mathcal {R}_{0}$R0 and vaccination strategy is shown. Optimal strategy aiming at exposed and infected population is suggested for further control.
Raman and FT-IR Spectroscopy investigation the cellulose structural differences from bacteria Gluconacetobacter sucrofermentans during the different regimes of cultivation on a molasses media
Authors: Atykyan Nelli , Revin Victor , Shutova Vitalina
Published: May 2020

Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used for investigation of structural differences of bacterial celluloses (BC), obtained by cultivation native and immobilized cells of Gluconacetobacter sucrofermentans during static and dynamic regimes of cultivation on a molasses media. It was found that the Raman and FT-IR spectra could characterized the groups of the cellulose molecules. The culturing bacterial cellulose in the presence of results in an increase of crystalline and it increased during cultivated on a molasses media with the addition of 1.5% ethanol—75.62%. The degree of BC crystallinity increased during dynamic regime of cultivation is higher than under static regime one. The maximal BC content was observed when 0.5% ascorbic acid was added to the cultivation medium with molasses and native cells. It was found, the degree of BC crystallinity during static regime cultivation on a molasses medium with ethanol, increased significantly to 73.5%, and during dynamic regime—75.6%. So, in this study, the changes of the bacterial cellulose conformation of were revealed during bacterial cultivation in a medium containing molasses in various cultivation modes.
Fractional Ostrowski type inequalities for bounded functions
Authors: Erden Samet , Budak Hüseyin , Zeki Sarikaya Mehmet , Iftikhar Sabah , Kumam Poom
Published: May 2020

We first establish some results involving Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals for partially differentiable functions. Then we obtain some fractional Ostrowski type inequalities for functions in class of functions$L_{p}$Lp,$L_{\infty }$L∞and$L_{1}$L1, respectively. We also give some midpoint type inequalities as special cases of our main results.
Development of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale Version 2.0 summary version in a representative sample of Czech population
Authors: Pipová Helena , Kaščáková Natália , Fürstová Jana , Tavel Peter
Published: May 2020

Background

Food addiction receives attention because of its participation in the rising obesity prevalence that affects the quality of life. The Czech Republic’s prevalence of obesity belongs to the highest in Europe.

Methods

We used the nationally representative non-clinical sample of 1841 respondents (N = 1841; 48,8% of men and 51.2% of women). Participants filled the sociodemographic questionnaire, Czech version of mYFAS 2.0 and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) to test the hypothesis.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the single-factor model of Czech version of mYFAS 2.0 had adequate fit indices (χ2 (55) = 9670.8, p <  0.001; CFI, TLI > 0.95; SRMR < 0.07; and RMSEA < 0.08). The sample reliability in our research corresponded to Cronbach’s α = 0.89 (95% CI 0.88–0.90). The youngest population (aged 15–19) had a significantly higher score of mYFAS 2.0, than the older age groups. People living alone scored significantly higher than the married respondents. The middle-income groups scored significantly lower in mYFAS 2.0 than the lowest income group. Occasional (social) smokers showed a higher mYFAS 2.0 score in comparison with non-smokers. A difference regarding attachment styles has also been revealed, respondents characterized by insecure attachment styles showed a higher YFAS score.

Conclusion

The findings reinforce future work on the Czech version of mYFAS 2.0, including validation and using mYFAS 2.0 to explore food addiction and its related variables and attachment styles in the Czech environment.
A systematic review regarding women’s emotional and psychological experiences of high-risk pregnancies
Authors: Isaacs Nazeema Zainura , Andipatin Michelle Glenda
Published: May 2020

Background

High-risk pregnancy refers to a pregnancy that negatively affects the health of the mother, the baby, or both. High-risk pregnancy evokes a range of emotional and psychological experiences for the expectant mother, and can adversely affect both the mother and the baby’s health. Medical research on high-risk pregnancy abounds, while women’s emotional/psychological experiences are not sufficiently documented, and hence much less attention and/or programming is directed to support women with high risk pregnancies.

Methods

The aim of this review is to present published evidence of how studies reported on the emotional and psychological experiences of a woman’s high-risk pregnancy journey. The systematic review examined qualitative studies over a 10 year period that were published between January 2006 and June 2017. These studies were identified on 10 databases. The study utilised three stages of review (i.e. abstract reading, title reading, and full-text reading) and for a successful conduction of the meta-synthesis, this study applied one of the phases provided by Noblit and Hare.

Results

The findings provide empirical evidence that women’s emotional and psychological experiences (i.e. shock, fear, frustration, grief, isolation and loneliness, anger, sadness, guilt, and mental health disorder) are evident throughout their high-risk pregnancies experience.
Dentoskeletal effects of the maxillary splint headgear in the early correction of Class II malocclusion
Authors: Miguel José Augusto M. , Masucci Caterina , Fernandes Luciana Quintanilha Pires , Artese Flavia , Franchi Lorenzo , Giuntini Veronica
Published: May 2020

Background

To compare dentoskeletal changes produced by the maxillary splint headgear and cervical headgear appliance during the early phase of Class II treatment, specially the initial overjet and upper incisors position.

Subjects and methods

In this retrospective study, 28 Class II patients treated with the maxillary splint headgear (MSG, mean age 10.1 ± 1.9 years) and 28 Class II patients treated with cervical headgear (CHG, mean age 9.5 ± 1.9 years) were evaluated before and after treatment. Statistical comparisons between the two groups for cephalometric measurements at T1 and for T2-T1 changes were performed by means of independent sample t tests.

Results

The MSG showed a significantly greater reduction of the overjet in comparison to the CHG (− 2.4 mm and − 0.7 mm, respectively) and a significantly greater maxillary incisor uprighting (− 1.8 mm and 0.4 mm, respectively). In the MSG, overjet correction was due mainly to mandibular advancement (3.5 mm), while the correction of molar relationship (3.9 mm) was 64% skeletal and 36% dentoalveolar. In the CHG, the overjet correction was also more skeletal, due to mandibular growth (1.8 mm), while correction of molar relationship (3.5 mm) was 63% dentoalveolar and 37% skeletal.

Conclusions

Both groups showed favorable skeletal mandibular changes, which was more significant in the MSG. Regarding tooth movement, the maxillary splint headgear was more effective in uprighting upper incisors and reducing the overjet than cervical headgear appliance.
Comparison of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and porcine circovirus 2 commercial vaccines efficacy when applied separate or combined under experimental conditions
Authors: Sibila M. , Guevara G. , Cuadrado R. , Pleguezuelos P. , Pérez D. , Pérez de Rozas A. , Huerta E. , Llorens A. , Valero O. , Pérez M. , López C. , Krejci R. , Segalés J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) and Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) are two of the most significant infectious agents causing economic losses in the weaning to slaughter period. Due to their similar vaccination age, the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of two already existing Mhyo (Hyogen®) and PCV-2 (Circovac®) vaccines when administered separately or combined (RTM) by means of Mhyo or PCV-2 experimental challenges.

Results

Seven groups of animals were included in the study, being three of them challenged with PCV-2, three with Mhyo and one composed of non-challenged, non-vaccinated pigs. Within each experimental challenge, non-vaccinated (NV) groups were compared with double vaccinated groups using the commercial products separated (VS) or combined (VC). Both vaccinated groups showed significant differences for most parameters measured regarding PCV-2 (serology, percentage of infected animals and viral load in tissues) and Mhyo (serology and gross lesions) when compared to NV groups. VS and VC offered similar results, being only significantly different the PCV-2 antibody values at different time points (higher in the VS group) of the study, although not at the termination day (21 days post-PCV-2 inoculation).

Conclusion

The present study expands the knowledge on the possibility of using two separate Mhyo and PCV-2 commercial vaccines as a RTM product, which offered equivalent virological, immunological and pathological outcomes as compared to these vaccines when used by separate.
Applications of radiomics in precision diagnosis, prognostication and treatment planning of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Haider Stefan P. , Burtness Barbara , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Payabvash Seyedmehdi
Published: May 2020

Recent advancements in computational power, machine learning, and artificial intelligence technology have enabled automated evaluation of medical images to generate quantitative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Such objective biomarkers are readily available and have the potential to improve personalized treatment, precision medicine, and patient selection for clinical trials. In this article, we explore the merits of the most recent addition to the “-omics” concept for the broader field of head and neck cancer – “Radiomics”. This review discusses radiomics studies focused on (molecular) characterization, classification, prognostication and treatment guidance for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). We review the underlying hypothesis, general concept and typical workflow of radiomic analysis, and elaborate on current and future challenges to be addressed before routine clinical application.
Effect of carvedilol on premature ventricular complexes originating from the ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Hwang Jongmin , Lee Kyoungmin , Han Seongwook , Bae Han-Joon , Choi Sang Woong , Lee Cheol Hyun , Kim In-Cheol , Cho Yun-Kyeong , Park Hyoung-Seob , Yoon Hyuck-Jun , Kim Hyungseop , Nam Chang-Wook , Hur Seung-Ho
Published: May 2020

Background

Carvedilol is one of the most effective beta-blockers in reducing ventricular tachyarrhythmias and mortality in patients with heart failure. One of the possible antiarrhythmic mechanisms of carvedilol is the suppression of store overload-induced Ca2+ release, especially for the triggered activity.

Objectives

Premature ventricular complex (PVC) originating from the ventricular outflow tract (OT) is the most common form of idiopathic PVC, and its main mechanism is related to triggered activity. We evaluate the efficacy of carvedilol to suppress the OT PVC.

Methods

The electronic medical records at our hospital were screened to identify OT PVC patients treated with carvedilol. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and Holter monitoring studies were reviewed.

Results

A total of 25 patients who underwent Holter monitoring before and after carvedilol administration were found and enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 54.9 ± 13.9 years, and the mean dose of carvedilol was 18.2 ± 10.2 mg (sustained release formulation, 8/16/32 mg). The 24-h burden of PVC in 18 (72%) of 25 patients was significantly reduced from 12.2 ± 9.7% to 4.4 ± 6.7% (P = 0.006). In seven patients, the burden of PVC was changed from 7.1 ± 6.1% to 9.8 ± 8.4% (P = 0.061). There was no difference in age, carvedilol dose, duration of treatment, ventricular function, and left atrial size between responding and non-responding groups.

Conclusion

In this retrospective pilot study, treatment with carvedilol showed PVC suppression in 72% of patients. Now, we are conducting a prospective, randomized, multicenter study to evaluate the effect of carvedilol on OT PVC (Clinical trial registration: FOREVER trial, Clinical-Trials.gov: NCT03587558).
Association between genetic polymorphism of XRCC7 (G6721T) and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Farokhian Farnoush , Beyzaei Zahra , Ramzi Mani , Geramizadeh Bita
Published: May 2020

Background

The DNA non-homologous end joining repair gene XRCC7 is one of the most important genes in the DNA double-strand break (DSBs) repair. It is supposed that DNA repair gene malfunction is the main risk factor in various malignancies. The XRCC7 G6721T (rs7003908) polymorphism impact was investigated on the splicing regulation that cause mRNA instability. The goal of the present hospital-based study was to investigate the association between the common genetic polymorphism of XRCC7 G6721T (rs7003908) and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This hospital-based case–control study was performed on 99 ALL patients versus 200 healthy children, as the control group, which were frequent matched by age with cases. The polymorphism of XRCC7 was determined using an RFLP-PCR technique.

Results

The GT (OR = 1.485, 95% CI 0.765–2.334, P = 0.243) and TT (OR = 1.655, 95% CI 00.875–3.128, P = 0.121) genotypes had no significant effect on the risk of ALL, in comparison with the GG genotype. However, TT genotype (OR = 1.996, 95% CI 1.033–3.858, P = 0.04) after adjusting for the parents’ smoking pattern showed a significant impact.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the TT genotype may increase the ALL susceptibility in children when facing with a tobacco smoke.
Thioredoxin level and inflammatory markers in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Abd-Allah Naglaa A. , Ibrahim Ola M. , Elmalt Heba A. , Shehata Manal A. , Hamed Rania A. , Elsaadouni Nisrin M. , Hawary Bahaa
Published: May 2020

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disabilities with unknown etiology. Recent studies suggest the contribution of immune dysfunction and oxidative stress in its pathophysiology. The present study aimed to investigate the serum level of thioredoxin (Trx), as a marker of oxidative stress and some inflammatory cytokines, and to evaluate their role in children with ASD.

Results

Concentrations of Trx, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly higher in children with ASD compared with matched controls. There were no association between cytokine levels and the severity of clinical manifestations, according to CARS classification of severity.

Conclusion

The present study provides support for the idea that physiological abnormalities, such as oxidative stress and immune dysfunction, may contribute in the pathophysiology of ASD.