bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the effectiveness of foreign aid on the development of Africa
Authors: Hongli Jiang , Vitenu‐Sackey Prince Asare
Published: December 2020

Foreign aid with the aim of propagating growth and development in developing countries has been in existence since the end of World War II. Africa as the recipient of aid over this period is still wallowing in poverty and underdevelopment. This phenomenon has interested many researchers and donor agencies to unravel the true impact of aid to the developmental agenda of Africa but the findings are mixed and inconsistent. Our study focused on 50 African countries for the period of 1996 to 2017 on a panel study. The study adopts panel data methodologies such as generalized linear model, Arellano‐Bond dynamic panel data estimations (GMM two‐step approach), and granger causality to achieve our objective of identifying the linear and dynamic relationship among the variables. Foreign aid through developmental assistance is assumed to significantly impact growth but the results from our study report an opposing view thus negative and statistically linear and dynamic relationship. Moreover, the undermining factors hindering aid‐growth relationships in Africa are high levels of corruption, poverty, low level of human development, political instability, and poor institutional quality. On this note, we would like to recommend to policymakers to focus on technical assistance and educational projects that could strengthen institutions rather than other developmental projects. In essence, these would propagate development in the immediate time to promote long‐run growth agenda.
Tandem mass tag‐based quantitative proteomic profiling of the serum of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding associated with copper intrauterine device
Authors: Liu Junwei , Jiang Lifang , Liu Xiaoli , Xu Linfen , Xu Jianhua , Zhu Weiqiang , Shen Yupei , Zhang Zhaofeng , Mao Yanyan , Yan Xiaoqin , Sun Junjie , Liu Fang , Xiong Xiumei , Chen Xiujuan , Che Yan , Du Jing
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate changes in the level of protein in serum and uncover the underlying pathogenesis of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) associated with copper intrauterine devices (Cu IUD).

Methods

Protein profiles were investigated via tandem mass tag (TMT)‐based quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics technology. Quantification and characterization of candidate proteins were further performed in 33 controls and 45 cases by Luminex assay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In total, 842 proteins were identified via TMT coupled with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in the serum of individuals with IUDs. Among them, 25 differentially expressed proteins (p < 0.05) were observed, including eight upregulated proteins and 17 downregulated proteins. Ten proteins were verified, and Alpha‐1‐Antitrypsin (a1AT) had a significantly elevated expression in women with AUB associated with the Cu IUD compared with healthy controls (p = 0.026) and a high area under the curve value (0.656), as well as sensitivity (64.9%) and specificity (71.9%).

Conclusion

This is the first study to explore changes in serum protein and the underlying mechanisms of AUB associated with the Cu IUD via TMT technology. a1AT with biomarker potential was validated. These findings might provide an experimental basis for the early diagnosis or treatment of AUB associated with the Cu IUD.
Plasma expression of HIF‐1α as novel biomarker for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Liu Caidong , Wang Haoyu , Zhu Chenbin , Wang Shukui
Published: December 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common breathing disorder during sleep with potential lethality and multi‐complications. Polysomnography (PSG) is now the golden standard for the diagnosis obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome. However, PSG is expensive and time‐consuming. Therefore, it is important to find inexpensive and convenient biomarkers for the diagnosis of OSAHS.

Objective

The present study aimed to explore the potential diagnostic value of HIF‐1α for OSAHS and its clinical significance.

Methods

This study consisted of 368 patients admitted to the sleep laboratory. The patients were classified according to their apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) scores as OSA negative (AHI < 5), mild‐moderate (AHI:5‐30), and severe OSA (AHI > 30), and severe OSA treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). qRT‐PCR was used to detect mRNA levels in the plasma; Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation of HIF‐1α mRNA level and the clinicopathological factors of OSAHS; ROC curve was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of HIF‐1α mRNA.

Results

HIF‐1α mRNA was significantly up‐regulated in the plasma of OSAHS patients, especially patients with severe OSAHS. HIF‐1α mRNA was positively correlated with the AHI and ODI but negatively correlated with the mean oxygen saturation in patients with OSAHS. Results of ROC curve showed that HIF‐1α is a sensitive biomarker for the diagnosis of OSAHS, especially severe OSAHS.

Conclusions

HIF‐1α mRNA might be used as s a convenient and inexpensive method for triaging OSAHS patients PSG assessment in the hospital and evaluate the curative effect.
Vibrational spectroscopic studies, theoretical aspects, and X‐ray analysis of xanthenodiones (1,8‐dioxooctahydroxanthenes)
Authors: da Silva Milene Lopes , Teixeira Róbson Ricardo , de Oliveira Fabrício Marques , de Moura Guimarães Luciano , Martins Felipe Terra
Published: December 2020

Compounds containing a pyran moiety fused to two cyclohexen‐2‐one rings are collectively called xanthenodiones (1,8‐dioxooctahydroxanthenes). With the aim of increasing the knowledge about the structures of xanthenodiones, in the present investigation two xanthenodiones, namely 9‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐3,4,5,6,7,9‐hexahydro‐1H‐xanthene‐1,8(2H)‐dione (1) and 9‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3,6‐diisopropyl 3,4,5,6,7,9‐hexahydro‐1H‐xanthene‐1,8(2H)‐dione (2), were synthesized. Their structures were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, infrared (IR), and Raman spectroscopy techniques along with mass spectrometry. In addition, a computational study was carried out involving vibrational spectroscopy, which allowed us to assign vibrational modes and their shifts as lattice environment. Even though compound 2 has two stereocenters, it crystallized in a centrosymmetric space group (P21/c) as expected from its achiral synthesis. This compound also crystallized as monohydrate and the presence of water molecule did not change the conformation of the target compounds.
A reappraisal of the pectoral skeleton of lantern sharks (Elasmobranchii: Squaliformes: Etmopteridae)
Authors: Capretz Batista Da Silva João Paulo , Datovo Aléssio
Published: December 2020

The morphology of the articular region of the pectoral girdle and associated basals in Etmopteridae is revised in light of new evidence provided by taxa unavailable for previous studies. Such studies considered that etmopterids plesiomorphically had a single pectoral articular condyle, and only Etmopterus had two separate ones. Our reanalysis indicates that the possession of two separate condyles, one for the articulation of the propterygium and the second for the meso‐ and metapterygium, is the most widespread condition in this group. However, the presence of two separate articular condyles is not recovered as a synapomorphy for Etmopteridae. Previous studies also proposed that etmopterids lack a hook‐like process on the anteroproximal margin of the anteriormost pectoral basal. We document that the hook‐like process is plesiomorphically present in Etmopteridae, thus corroborating the hypothesis of closer relationships between this family and the other squaliforms that also share this process, namely Centrophoridae, Dalatiidae, Oxynotidae, and Somniosidae.
Sex‐Specific Behaviors of Hunted Mule Deer During Rifle Season
Authors: Rodgers Patrick A. , Sawyer Hall , Mong Tony W. , Stephens Sam , Kauffman Matthew J.
Published: December 2020

Animal populations face increased threats to mobility and access to critical habitat from a variety of human disturbances including roads, residential development, agriculture, and energy development. Disturbance from human hunting is known to alter habitat use in ungulates, but recent work suggests that hunting may also trigger the onset of migration. Whether this holds true across ungulate species and hunting systems warrants further empirical testing. We used global positioning system location data from mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in south‐central Wyoming, USA, to evaluate the sex‐specific effects of hunting on habitat selection and migratory behavior from 2016 to 2018. We modeled habitat selection before and during hunting season using a step selection function, and we used time‐to‐event models to evaluate if hunting triggered migration. We found habitat selection and migration timing to be sex specific. Males responded to hunting season by selecting security habitat away from motorized routes, whereas females used habitat through hunting season that retained higher forage quality. Weather, as indexed by temperature and precipitation (i.e., snowfall), influenced migration timing for males and females. Migration timing in males was influenced by migration distance, where individuals traveling >50 km tended to migrate earlier than individuals moving <50 km. For deer that survived to rifle season, hunting was less influential on migration timing than environmental factors. Rifle season increased the likelihood of migration by 2% in females and <0.01% in males compared to outside rifle season. Our findings suggest that roadless areas on mule deer summer ranges and within migration corridors reduce the effects of hunting disturbance. Consequently, managers may consider limiting the use of motorized vehicles as a method for reducing effects on migration from hunting disturbance. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Hatch Success and Recruitment Patterns of the Bog Turtle
Authors: Knoerr Michael D. , Graeter Gabrielle J. , Barrett Kyle
Published: December 2020

Researchers suggest that several bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) populations in North Carolina, USA, are in decline and have few remaining individuals and low annual survival probability. Most populations are dominated by older adults with few juveniles encountered; however, the proportion of juveniles encountered in 2 populations is higher. It is unknown why the juvenile:adult ratio varies among populations. We conducted a nest monitoring study in 2016 and 2017 to test the hypothesis that sites with fewer juvenile encounters would be where nest predation was highest. We documented the fate of 272 eggs from 83 nests encountered across 7 sites in North Carolina. On average 28% of eggs hatched across all sites over both years, but we observed large variation in hatch success among sites. Predation by mesopredators and small mammals was the primary cause of nest failure. The probability of nest predation decreased with greater emergent vegetation density and increased with greater distance to the edge of the wetland. Cooler temperatures, which prolonged incubation and thus increased predation risk, may also hinder recruitment at higher elevation sites. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that nest predation would be highest at sites with fewer juvenile encounters. Managers concerned about low bog turtle recruitment rates should consider the role of nest predation and the potential benefits of management that increases hatch rates. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Systematic Review of Telehealth Cost Minimization for Patients and Health Systems in Otolaryngology
Authors: Cabrera Claudia I. , Ning Anne Y. , Cai Yida , D'Anza Brian
Published: December 2020

Objective/Hypothesis

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in telehealth becoming commonplace in many health care fields. Telehealth benefits include improving access, decreasing costs, and elevating patient's experience. A review of cost minimization (CM) analyses was performed in order to explore scientific studies associated with integrating tele‐otolaryngology in clinical practice. Our primary objective was to evaluate published literature for cost related to the implementation of telemedicine across otolaryngology, and to determine CM when compared to in‐person visits.

Study Design

Systematic Literature Review.

Methods

We performed a systematic review using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane in May 2020, to identify studies with a cost analysis of tele‐otolaryngology care. Inclusion criteria focused on articles citing CM data from telehealth services. Literature quality was assessed using the MINORS scoring system.

Results

From 380 original articles screened only nine evaluated cost in otolaryngology. CM in the US ranged from $68 to $900 per visit. Cost was evaluated in general otolaryngology, sleep medicine, otology, and head and neck cancer surgery, the latter had the most benefit. The most common types of telehealth visits were routine follow‐up and screening. Data were insufficient for meta‐analysis.

Conclusions

Telemedicine has been trialed across various otolaryngology subspecialties; its incorporation is projected to have a meaningful impact on access to specialty care. This research suggests that the delivery of virtual care reduces cost with the potential of increasing net revenue across multiple otolaryngology subspecialties. Further studies are needed to better discern the entirety of cost savings and the best settings for integration.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1741–1748, 2021
Cr3+‐Doped Sc‐Based Fluoride Enabling Highly Efficient Near Infrared Luminescence: A Case Study of K2NaScF6:Cr3+
Authors: Song Enhai , Ming Hong , Zhou Yayun , He Fanquan , Wu Jiachang , Xia Zhiguo , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: December 2020

The development of highly efficient and thermally stable broadband near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence materials is a great challenge to advance the next‐generation smart NIR light source. Benefitting from the low phonon energy and relatively weak electron phonon coupling effect of the fluoride, K2NaScF6:Cr3+ phosphor is designed and obtained, which demonstrates a full width at half maximum of 100 nm peaking at ≈765 nm. Upon blue light excitation, the phosphor exhibits a high quantum efficiency of 74% and its emission intensity at 150 °C can keep 89.6% of the initial value at 25 °C. An NIR output power of 159.72 mW (input electric power, 1094 mW) with a high photoelectric conversion efficiency of ≈14.60%, light‐emitting diode (LED) device is presented based on this K2NaScF6:Cr3+ phosphor. Furthermore, applying the high‐power NIR phosphor‐converted LED device as lighting source, clear and quick veins imaging and recognition in fingers, palm, wrist, and arm of the human hand are first realized, suggesting K2NaScF6:Cr3+ phosphor has high promise in practical applications.
Hyperbolic conformality in multidimensional hyperbolic spaces
Authors: Golberg A. , Luna‐Elizarrarás M. E.
Published: December 2020

In a previous work, the hyperbolic conformality for bicomplex functions was introduced, and it was proved that, with the adequate hypothesis, a bicomplex holomorphic function is hyperbolic conformal. The aim of this paper is to extend this idea to
, with
the set of hyperbolic numbers. Thus, the fundaments of the analysis in
are presented here, as well as the generalization of some geometric hyperbolic objects that were defined in the context of bicomplex analysis.
Development of a human heart‐sized perfusion system for metabolic imaging studies using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI
Authors: Mariager Christian Østergaard , Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Bech Sabrina Kahina , Eiskjær Hans , Nielsen Peter Fast , Ringgaard Steffen , Kimose Hans‐Henrik , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Increasing worldwide demand for cardiac transplantation has spurred new developments to increase the donor pool. Normothermic preservation of heart grafts for transplantation is an emerging strategy to improve the utilization of marginal grafts. Hyperpolarized MR using metabolic tracers such as [1‐13C]pyruvate, provide a novel means of investigating metabolic status without the use of ionizing radiation. We demonstrate the use of this methodology to examine ex vivo perfused porcine heart grafts.

Methods

Hearts from three 40‐kg Danish domestic pigs were harvested and subsequently perfused in Langendorff mode under normothermic conditions, using an MR‐compatible perfusion system adapted to the heart. Proton MRI and hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate were used to investigate and quantify the functional and metabolic status of the grafts.

Results

Hearts were perfused with whole blood for 120 min, using a dynamic contrast‐enhanced perfusion experiment to verify successful myocardial perfusion. Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI was used to assess the metabolic state of the myocardium. Functional assessment was performed using CINE imaging and ventricular pressure data. High lactate and modest alanine levels were observed in the hyperpolarized experiment. The functional assessment produced reduced functional parameters. This suggests an altered functional and metabolic profile compared with corresponding in vivo values.

Conclusion

We investigated the metabolic and functional status of machine‐perfused porcine hearts. Utilizing hyperpolarized methodology to acquire detailed myocardial metabolic information—in combination with already established MR methods for cardiac investigation—provides a powerful tool to aid the progress of donor heart preservation.
A high‐throughput imaging platform to characterize extracellular pH in organotypic three‐dimensional in vitro models of liver cancer
Authors: Savic Lynn Jeanette , Schobert Isabel Theresa , Hamm Charlie Alexander , Adam Lucas Christoph , Hyder Fahmeed , Coman Daniel
Published: December 2020

Given the extraordinary nature of tumor metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma and its impact on oncologic treatment response, this study introduces a novel high‐throughput extracellular pH (pHe) mapping platform using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging in a three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro model of liver cancer. pHe mapping was performed using biosensor imaging of redundant deviation in shifts (BIRDS) on 9.4 T and 11.7 T MR scanners for validation purposes. 3D cultures of four liver cancer (HepG2, Huh7, SNU475, VX2) and one hepatocyte (THLE2) cell line were simultaneously analyzed (a) without treatment, (b) supplemented with 4.5 g/L d‐glucose, and (c) treated with anti‐glycolytic 3‐bromopyruvate (6.25, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM). The MR results were correlated with immunohistochemistry (GLUT‐1, LAMP‐2) and luminescence‐based viability assays. Statistics included the unpaired t‐test and ANOVA test. High‐throughput pHe imaging with BIRDS for in vitro 3D liver cancer models proved feasible. Compared with non‐tumorous hepatocytes (pHe = 7.1 ± 0.1), acidic pHe was revealed in liver cancer (VX2, pHe = 6.7 ± 0.1; HuH7, pHe = 6.8 ± 0.1; HepG2, pHe = 6.9 ± 0.1; SNU475, pHe = 6.9 ± 0.1), in agreement with GLUT‐1 upregulation. Glucose addition significantly further decreased pHe in hyperglycolytic cell lines (VX2, HepG2, and Huh7, by 0.28, 0.06, and 0.11, respectively, all p < 0.001), whereas 3‐bromopyruvate normalized tumor pHe in a dose‐dependent manner without affecting viability. In summary, this study introduces a non‐invasive pHe imaging platform for high‐yield screening using a translational 3D liver cancer model, which may help reveal and target mechanisms of therapy resistance and inform personalized treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Heterogeneity in Quality of Life of Long-Term Colon Cancer Survivors: A Latent Class Analysis of the Population-Based PROFILES Registry
Authors: Clouth Felix J. , Moncada-Torres Arturo , Geleijnse Gijs , Mols Floortje , van Erning Felice N. , de Hingh Ignace H.J.T. , Pauws Steffen C. , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V. , Vermunt Jeroen K.
Published: December 2020

Background

Long-term colon cancer survivors present heterogeneous health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes. We determined unobserved subgroups (classes) of survivors with similar HRQOL patterns and investigated their stability over time and the association of clinical covariates with these classes.

Materials and Methods

Data from the population-based PROFILES registry were used. Included were survivors with nonmetastatic (TNM stage I–III) colon cancer (n = 1,489). HRQOL was assessed with the Dutch translation of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 version 3.0. Based on survivors’ HRQOL, latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify unobserved classes of survivors. Moreover, latent transition analysis (LTA) was used to investigate changes in class membership over time. Furthermore, the effect of covariates on class membership was assessed using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

LCA identified five classes at baseline: class 1, excellent HRQOL (n = 555, 37.3%); class 2, good HRQOL with prevalence of insomnia (n = 464, 31.2%); class 3, moderate HRQOL with prevalence of fatigue (n = 213, 14.3%); class 4, good HRQOL with physical limitations (n = 134, 9.0%); and class 5, poor HRQOL (n = 123, 8.3%). All classes were stable with high self-transition probabilities. Longer time since the diagnosis, no comorbid conditions, and male sex were associated with class 1, whereas older age was associated with class 4. Clinical covariates were not associated with class membership.

Conclusion

The identified classes are characterized by distinct patterns of HRQOL and can support patient-centered care. LCA and LTA are powerful tools for investigating HRQOL in cancer survivors.

Implications for Practice

Long-term colon cancer survivors show great heterogeneity in their health-related quality of life. This study identified five distinct clusters of survivors with similar patterns of health-related quality of life and showed that these clusters remain stable over time. It was also shown that these clusters do not significantly differ in tumor characteristics or received treatment. Cluster membership of long-term survivors can be identified by sociodemographic characteristics but is not predetermined by diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer survivors exercise at higher intensity in outdoor settings: The GECCOS trial
Authors: Miller Jonathan M. , Sadak Karim T. , Shahriar Arman A. , Wilson Natalie J. , Hampton Maree , Bhattacharya Manami , Towle Ali , Turcotte Lucie M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

: This randomized cross‐over group pilot trial assessed feasibility of recruiting survivors from a long‐term follow‐up clinic to an exercise group and measured whether outdoor or indoor exercise sessions better supported exercise motivation and behaviors in survivors of cancer.

Methods

: Sixteen adolescent and young adult survivors of any cancer completed indoor and outdoor exercise sessions in this randomized cross‐over pilot trial. Measures of physical activity, motivation, and fatigue were taken 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after indoor sessions and 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after outdoor sessions. Measures of physical activity and fatigue were also taken during each exercise session.

Results

: Initial recruiting of 19 participants met recruiting goals. Survivors who attended the most sessions lived an average of 8.7 km closer to the clinic. Objectively measured physical activity intensity was 0.63 metabolic equivalents of a task (METs) per minute greater during outdoor exercise sessions as compared to indoor exercise sessions. There were no meaningful differences in long term, habitual physical activity behavior, motivation, or fatigue in the weeks following the outdoor exercise sessions as compared to the indoor exercise sessions.

Conclusions

: This study shows the feasibility of recruiting survivors from a long‐term follow‐up clinic to community‐based exercise groups. Although this brief pilot intervention did not show significant effects on habitual physical activity behavior or motivation in adolescent and young adult survivors of cancer, the greater exercise intensity during the outdoor exercise sessions indicate that holding group exercise sessions for survivors outdoors may promote greater intensity during exercise.
A useful quality control using herbal volatiles of Artemisia princeps Pamp. cv. ssajuari (ssajuari‐ssuk; Korean mugwort) according to air‐drying time by fast gas chromatography with uncoated surface acoustic wave sensor (Electronic zNose)
Authors: Oh Se Yeon
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Korean mugwort has been used as a traditional medicine. Specifically, air‐dried Artemisia princeps Pamp. cv. ssajuari (ssajuari‐ssuk; Korean mugwort) has been used as moxa in moxibustion therapy. Thus, the evaluation of high quality ssajuari‐ssuk containing herbal volatiles is of great interest in clinical therapy and the food industry.

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine whether fast gas chromatography with uncoated surface acoustic wave (fast GC/SAW) sensor can be a useful technique for performing quality control using herbal volatiles of ssajuari‐ssuk air‐dried for different times.

Methodology

Fast GC/SAW sensor, called “Electronic zNose”, is also a headspace sampling method and is an effective simple analytical method with a second unit analysis providing on‐line measurements without the need for pretreatment of the sample. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC–MS) was employed to confirm the identification of the volatiles and compared to fast GC/SAW sensor.

Results

Artemisia princeps Pamp. cv. ssajuari air‐dried for 2 years and 4 months (the third year), containing the highest total amount of herbal volatiles, was superior to the others (the first year, the second year, the fourth year) in quality. Moreover, fast GC/SAW sensor shows a high repeatability (relative standard deviation 0.77% ∼ 6.23%), excellent sensitivity (limit of detection value of 0.47 pg/mL), and good linearity (correlation coefficient r2 = 0.997) over the range of nanogram for α‐thujone.

Conclusion

Therefore, the fast GC/SAW sensor can be a useful analytical method for the discrimination and quality control of volatiles of herbal and medicinal plants according to air‐drying time, as it provides a simple and second unit analysis.
Peripheral obstruction without airflow limitation is rare and not specific to asthma in children
Authors: Dufetelle Edouard , Mulier Guillaume , Taytard Jessica , Boizeau Priscilla , Le Roux Enora , Beydon Nicole
Published: December 2020

Peripheral (or small) airway obstruction (PAO) is considered a marker of childhood asthma but the techniques able to directly measure it are rarely used in routine. Usual spirometry and plethysmography can detect a certain degree of PAO when reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) is associated to normal forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to FVC ratio, and normal total lung capacity (TLC). The frequency of this functional pattern has never been studied in different pediatric respiratory conditions. To assess the prevalence and outcome of PAO in children with different diseases or symptoms, we retrospectively extracted from our database all files of Caucasian subjects encompassing spirometry and plethysmography measurements. Spirometry patterns (normal, airflow limitation [AFL; low FEV1/FVC], low FVC [with normal FEV1/FVC]) and final functional patterns (normal, AFL, PAO, restrictive [low TLC], or mixed) were described. We included 4394 files recorded in 1794 children (median [IQR] age: 10.7 [9.2–12.9] years). At inclusion, 125 (7%) children had low FVC of which 56 (44.8%, and 3.1% [95% CI 2.3–3.9] of the whole population) had PAO. PAO prevalence increased with age (OR (95% CI) per 2‐year‐increase: 2.26 (1.59–3.23); p < .001), and was more frequent in chronic bronchial diseases other than asthma (1.6% vs. 8.0%). On repeated tests, PAO frequently normalized (26.1%) or persisted (43.5%), but it less often progressed into AFL (13%) or restrictive (13%) patterns. PAO is an infrequent nonspecific and persistent functional pattern. Its prevalence increases with age and in diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases other than asthma.
Knowledge of prostate cancer among African American men: A systematic review
Authors: Coughlin Steven S. , Vernon Marlo , Klaassen Zachary , Tingen Martha S. , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Recent studies indicate that many African American men may not be making informed decisions about prostate cancer early detection. This is partly due to patients having limited knowledge about early detection of the disease.

Methods

The present review is based upon bibliographic searches in PubMed and CINAHL and relevant search terms. Articles (n = 235) published in English from 1993 through July 31, 2020 were identified using the following MESH search terms and Boolean algebra commands: prostate cancer and knowledge and African Americans.

Results

Forty‐two articles were eligible for inclusion. The results of this literature review indicate that many African American men have inadequate knowledge of prostate cancer and prostate cancer early detection. Studies indicate that knowledge of prostate cancer is particularly low among older, less‐educated, lower‐income, and unmarried men, along with those who lack a regular physician or health insurance. Many African American men are unaware that they are at increased risk of prostate cancer because of their age or race.

Conclusions

Culturally appropriate educational efforts are needed to inform African‐ American men about the pros and cons of prostate cancer early detection and about risk factors for the disease so that they can make an informed decision about whether prostate cancer early detection is right for them. Of particular concern is the prostate cancer knowledge of low‐income and less‐educated men, along with those who lack health care insurance or a regular provider.
Practical reliability growth modeling
Authors: Cahoon Joyce , Sanborn Kate , Wilson Alyson
Published: December 2020

Reliability growth models are commonly used in the Department of Defense (DoD) to plan, track, and project reliability during system acquisition and testing. We describe two commonly used classes of reliability growth models for continuous failure time data and the metrics appropriate for their use. We also present two Bayesian reliability growth models that are based on the DoD models. The Bayesian models are easily interpretable in a statistical framework, which supports estimation and uncertainty quantification. Our goal is to provide a practical understanding of the development, implementation, and use of reliability growth models across a sequence of DoD testing events.
Schrödinger–Pauli theory of electrons: New perspectives
Authors: Sahni Viraht
Published: December 2020

The Schrödinger–Pauli (SP) theory of electrons in an electromagnetic field explicitly accounts for the electron spin moment. The many‐electron theory is complemented via a new descriptive perspective namely, that of the individual electron via its equation of motion or “Quantal Newtonian” first law. The law is in terms of ‘classical’ fields whose sources are quantum mechanical expectation values of Hermitian operators taken with respect to the system wave function. The law states that each electron experiences an external and an internal field, the sum of which vanish. The external field is the sum of the binding electrostatic and a Lorentz field. The internal field is a sum of fields representative respectively of electron correlations due to the Pauli principle and Coulomb repulsion; the electron density; kinetic effects; and an internal magnetic field. The energy can be expressed in integral virial form in terms of these fields. The law is elucidated by application to the 23S state of a quantum dot in a magnetic field. It is proved that the Hamiltonian is an exactly known and universal functional of the wave function. This generalizes the SP equation, and reveals that its eigenfunctions and eigenvalues may be determined self‐consistently. A quantal density functional theory (QDFT) of the SP system is developed whereby additional properties are determined. A physical interpretation of Spin‐DFT based on the QDFT mapping is provided. Further generalizations of the present work to the temporal case, and relativistic Dirac theory, are proposed.
Profiling and analysis of multiple constituents in Crataegi Fructus before and after processing by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Xue Qianqian , Wang Yulin , Fei Chenghao , Ren Chenchen , Li Wenjing , Li Weidong , Yin Fangzhou , Li Lin
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Crataegi Fructus (CF) is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines with a long history of clinical applications. CF is often processed to minimize gastric membrane irritation, although differently processed products can have different biological effects. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively identify the chemical composition of CF, determine the changes caused by processing, and elucidate the active constituents causing the clinical effects. This study aimed to define a theoretical basis for intensive mechanistic studies of CF processing and its reasonable clinical applications.

Methods

An optimized ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QqTOFMS) method in positive and negative ion modes, coupled with multivariate statistical analyses, was developed for the identification and analysis of chemical components in raw and processed products of CF.

Results

A total of 87 compounds were identified, including 61 marker compounds that were found to be primary contributors to the significant differences (p < 0.01) between raw and processed products using principal component analysis, t‐test, and Venn analysis. The conversion mechanism for a subset of the changed compounds was inferred by analyzing 25 unique differential components between the raw and processed CF.

Conclusions

A rapid and efficient analytical method for identifying the chemical components in CF before and after processing was successfully established. We show how the changes in the chemical constituents in processed CF could be investigated using multivariate statistical analysis methods, and thus facilitate understanding of the processing mechanism of CF.
Skeletal muscle‐specific over‐expression of the nuclear sirtuin SIRT6 blocks cancer‐associated cachexia by regulating multiple targets
Authors: Samant Sadhana A. , Pillai Vinodkumar B. , Gupta Mahesh P.
Published: December 2020

Background

During cancer cachexia, cytokines released from tumour cells can alter body's metabolism, which can lead to onset of this disease process. Biological basis of cachexia is multifactorial; hence, it is important to identify and modulate multiple targets to curtail the process of cachexia. Previously, we reported that the nuclear sirtuin, SIRT6, blocks expression of myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth, through modulation of the NF‐κB signalling. This study was undertaken to test whether muscle‐specific over‐expression of SIRT6 can block the cancer‐associated muscle wasting in vivo and to identify additional relevant targets of SIRT6, which can explain its ability to maintain muscle health.

Methods

We generated a skeletal muscle‐specific SIRT6 over‐expressing transgenic mouse line (Sk.T6Tg) expressing SIRT6 at a moderate (two‐fold to four‐fold) level, compared with its control littermates. To generate a cancer‐cachexia model, B16F10 mouse melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously in the flanks of mice. Gastrocnemius muscle tissues from non‐tumour and tumour controls and Sk.T6Tg mice (n = 5–20) were analysed by histology, immunoblotting, and RT‐qPCR. Plasma samples of mice were evaluated using cytokine arrays and ELISA in both non‐tumour and tumour conditions.

Results

Our results demonstrate dual benefits of muscle‐specific moderate over‐expression of SIRT6 in a mouse model of cancer‐cachexia. In tumour‐bearing mice, SIRT6 over‐expression preserved muscle weight (P < 0.001) and fibre size (P < 0.005) as well as suppressed tumour growth (P < 0.05). SIRT6 over‐expression significantly reduced myostatin expression and plasma free fatty acids levels but maintained plasma insulin levels in tumour‐bearing mice. These positive effects of SIRT6 were associated with downregulation of the circulatory chemokine, CXCL10, and the myokine, WNT4. SIRT6 also upregulated expression of GLUT4, the major glucose transporter in the skeletal muscle. These results for the first time demonstrate that SIRT6 regulates multiple targets to limit tumour growth and cancer‐associated muscle atrophy.

Conclusion

Given the multifactorial nature of cachexia, SIRT6, which concurrently controls multiple pathways, can be a valuable therapeutic target to overcome this debilitating syndrome.
Sarcoidosis presenting as vocal cord palsy: an unusual presentation and literature review
Authors: Raja Mohummad Hassan Raza , Javed Muhammad Abdullah , Zubairi Ali Bin Sarwar
Published: December 2020

We report the case of a 60‐year‐old woman, presenting with left vocal cord paralysis (VCP). Diagnostic evaluation revealed sarcoidosis to be the underlying pathology. Computed tomography (CT) scans exhibited enlarged subcarinal, pretracheal, and prevascular lymph nodes as the possible mechanism of left VCP through compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Initial treatment with oral prednisolone and azathioprine led to remission of symptoms; however, tapering of dosage led to relapse of cough without any signs of VCP. The dosage of prednisolone was further boosted, leading to complete remission. A review of literature reveals 20 cases have been reported to date, with all but one involving the left vocal cord. This is the first reported case, with a relapse of the disease without a relapse of VCP, indicating the rarity of sarcoidosis‐associated VCP.
A numerical modeling‐based predictive methodology for the assessment of the impacts of ship waves on YOY fish
Authors: Fleit Gábor , Hauer Christoph , Baranya Sándor
Published: December 2020

The effects of inland navigation on the aquatic ecosystem are numerous. One of the most relevant impacts from the ecohydraulic point of view is ship‐induced waves, resulting in the local and temporary alteration of the hydrodynamic regime, especially in shallow water areas. In this paper, a novel hydrodynamic modeling‐based evaluation framework is presented and tested for the prediction of habitat use and drift risk of juvenile fish during wave events of different intensities. A vertically resolved numerical wave tank was built up using field measurements of a real vessel‐generated wave event from the Hungarian Danube. High‐frequency pressure time series were utilized to numerically reproduce the phase accurate wave trains, while acoustic Doppler velocity time series were exploited for the verification of the model. Results of the spatiotemporally resolved hydrodynamic model were combined with data from the literature to explore a case study of juvenile Nase (Chondrostoma nasus). Results highlighted the significant horizontal extension (10–15 m) of the area exposed to decreased habitat suitability and increased drift risk. Moreover, the model revealed significant vertical variabilities in the investigated near‐bank area as well, emphasizing the relevance of depth resolved hydrodynamic modeling in ecohydraulic investigations.
Phosphorization Engineering on Metal–Organic Frameworks for Quasi‐Solid‐State Asymmetry Supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Xijun , Song Yingze , Song Lixian , Liu Xu Dong , Li Yanhong , Yao Shuangrui , Xiao Peng , Zhang Yunhuai
Published: December 2020

Porous carbon and metal oxides/sulfides prepared by using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as the precursors have been widely applied to the realm of supercapacitors. However, employing MOF‐derived metal phosphides as positive and negative electrode materials for supercapacitors has scarcely been reported thus far. Herein, two types of MOFs are used as the precursors to prepare CoP and FeP4 nanocubes through a two‐step controllable heat treatment process. Due to the advantages of composition and structure, the specific capacitances of FeP4 and CoP nanocubes reach 345 and 600 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1, respectively. Moreover, a quasi‐solid‐state asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled based on charge matching principle by employing CoP and FeP4 nanocubes as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, which exhibits a high energy density of 46.38 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 695 W kg−1. Furthermore, a solar‐charging power system is assembled by combining the quasi‐solid‐state asymmetric supercapacitor and monocrystalline silicon plates, substantiating that the device can power the toy electric fan. This work paves a practical way toward the rational design of quasi‐solid‐state asymmetry supercapacitors systems affording favorable energy density and long lifespan.
Video surveillance in examination monitoring
Authors: Agwi Uche C. , Irhebhude Martins E. , Ogwueleka Francisca N.
Published: December 2020

This research assesses the efficacy of video surveillance systems in monitoring examinations in Nigerian tertiary institutions of learning. Four research questions were drawn to guide the study. Samples for the study were drawn from the population of lecturers and ICT personnel from selected tertiary institutions that are acquainted with invigilation of examination and the use of surveillance infrastructures. Questionnaires were distributed to 200 audiences online for their opinions regarding the subject of the study. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel application and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used as the estimation technique. The F‐statistic was used to determine the level of significance at 5%. From the analysis of research question one, the F‐statistics of 20.575 and P‐values of .000 at a 5% level of significance shows that CCTV systems are becoming more relevant in monitoring examination. From the analysis of research question two, the F‐statistic of 1.993 and P‐value of .092 at a 5% level of significance reveals that the conventional use of CCTV systems for monitoring examinations in Nigerian tertiary institutions is not effective. Analyzing results of research question three with F‐statistics 17.435 and P‐values .000 at 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant difference in the effectiveness of automating CCTV system compared to conventional usage while analysis of research question four shows that all the items were statistically significant as operational challenges faced by tertiary institutions in the deployment and use of CCTV systems with F‐statistic of 17.401 and P‐value of .000 at 5% level of significance.
On a New Two‐Step Air Cooling Method Following Thermomechanically Controlled Rolling: Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of a High‐Strength Multiphase Medium Carbon Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Magham Hari Srinivasa Rao , Maheswari Nandakumar , Dinesh Kumar , Vijayaraghavan Lakshmanan , Sankaran Shanmugam , Padmanabhan Kuppuswamy Anantha
Published: December 2020

A new two‐step air cooling (TSAC) process following finish rolling is developed for producing a multiphase (ferrite–bainite–martensite [FBM]) microstructure in a medium carbon V‐microalloyed steel without any post‐forming heat treatment. In TSAC, step 1, designated as natural air cooling (NAC − 4.2 and 5.1 °C s−1); step 2, representing two different cooling methods, namely, forced air cooling (FAC − 7 and 7.71 °C s−1) and controlled air cooling (CAC − 1.63 and 1.75 °C s−1), are adopted from two critical transformation temperatures. Both cooling methods result in multiphase (FBM) microstructures which consist of polygonal ferrite (PF), bainite (B), martensite (M), retained austenite (RA), and vanadium carbonitride (V (C, N)) precipitates. In both steels, the fraction of RA lies in the range of 8–11%. The FAC steel exhibits a tensile strength (TS) in the range of 1652–1671 MPa and ≈4–7% of total elongation, whereas the CAC steel displays a maximum TS of 1100 MPa and 17% elongation at fracture. The FAC steel exhibits a higher work‐hardening rate compared to a CAC steel. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of tested samples reveals that stable RA plays a crucial role in improving the work‐hardening capability of these multiphase steels.
Origin of the apogamous Japanese fern Dryopteris yakusilvicola (Dryopteridaceae)
Authors: Hori Kiyotaka , Ebihara Atsushi , Murakami Noriaki
Published: December 2020

The Japanese apogamous fern Dryopteris yakusilvicola was previously thought to be a hybrid of D. sabaei and D. sparsa var. sparsa based on morphological characterization and enzyme electrophoresis. However, the phylogenetic relationships with D. hayatae, D. melanocarpa var. melanocarpa, D. melanocarpa var. elegans, and D. sparsa var. ryukyuensis have been unclear. We performed a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequences of two plastid (trnL‐F, rbcL) and one low‐copy nuclear marker (AK1) of Dryopteris yakusilvicola and related species. The origin of D. yakusilvicola is not a hybrid between D. sparsa var. sparsa and D. sabaei, but the parents appear to have been undetected species closely related to D. melanocarpa var. elegans and D. sabaei. Analysis of additional species of the D. sparsa complex around Southeast Asia and additional nuclear markers are needed to clarify the relationships of this complex.
Conventional and Kampo medicine in the treatment of mild to moderate COVID‐19: A multicenter, retrospective observational study protocol by the Integrative Management in Japan for Epidemic Disease (IMJEDI study‐Observation)
Authors: Takayama Shin , Kashima Masayuki , Namiki Takao , Ito Takashi , Ono Rie , Arita Ryutaro , Saito Natsumi , Nakae Hajime , Irie Yasuhito , Kobayashi Seiichi , Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Ishigami Tomoaki , Tanaka Koichiro , Nogami Tatsuya , Minakawa Satoko , Nagase Mahiko , Kashio Akihiko , Ishige Tatsuya , Maehara Hirofumi , Saito Toshiaki , Sempuku Sadahiro , Yamazaki Mayuko , Tahara Eiichi , Suda Norio , Nakamoto Kayo , Mitsuma Tadamichi , Sato Hiroko , Shimooki Osamu , Nakada Yoshinobu , Abe Shuichi , Masuda Takuya , Kai Hiroki , Yokota Kenichi , Chiba Shigeki , Saitoh Fumihiro , Tanaka Yutaka , Koizumi Sayaka , Fujii Susumu , Katori Rie , Kainuma Mosaburo , Nochioka Kotaro , Chiu Shih‐Wei , Kikuchi Akiko , Suzuki Tomoko , Mimura Masaru , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Ishii Tadashi
Published: December 2020

Aim

We present the study protocol of a multicenter, retrospective observational study that aims to investigate the efficacy of the actual treatment (the efficacy of conventional and Kampo medicines) of patients with mild to moderate or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID‐19).

Methods

This study is designed as a multicenter, retrospective observational study. Outpatients and inpatients will be recruited from Japanese hospitals. The inclusion criteria are as follows: having or suspected to have COVID‐19, mild to moderate COVID‐19, symptomatic, ≥20 years of age, male or female, able to communicate in Japanese, and treated with conventional and Kampo medicine. The exclusion criteria are: unable to provide informed consent due to dementia, psychosis, or psychiatric symptoms, severe COVID‐19, or determined unsuitable for this study. The sample size is set at 1000, as this number of people can be treated at the collaborating medical institutions during the study period.

Results

The main outcome is the number of days without fever, with a body temperature of less than 37°C. The secondary outcome is set at common cold‐like symptoms other than fever (fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, sputum, diarrhea) and severity of illness and hospitalization up to 14 days after the visit.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (Reservation No. UMIN000041301) on August 4, 2020.

Conclusion

Our study will explore the contribution of conventional and Kampo medicine in the treatment of patients with mild and moderate COVID‐19.