bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Evidence of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Chen Minyi , Hu Runkai , Han Weichao , Ding Shaobo
Published: July 2020

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a kind of movement and posture disorder syndrome in early childhood. In recent years, human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) transplantation has become a promising therapeutic strategy for CP. However, clinical evidence is still limited and controversial about clinical efficacy of hMSC therapy for CP. Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hMSC transplantation for children with CP using a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a systematic literature search including Embase, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, and Web of Science from building database to February 2020. We used Cochrane bias risk assessment for the included studies. The result of pooled analysis showed that hMSC therapy significantly increased gross motor function measure (GMFM) scores (standardized mean difference SMD=1.10, 95%CI=0.66‐1.53, P<0.00001, high-quality evidence) and comprehensive function assessment (CFA) (SMD=1.30, 95%CI=0.71‐1.90, P<0.0001, high-quality evidence) in children with CP, compared with the control group. In the subgroup analysis, the results showed that hMSC therapy significantly increased GMFM scores of 3, 6, and 12 months and CFA of 3, 6, and 12 months. Adverse event (AE) of upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, and constipation was not statistically significant between the two groups. This meta-analysis synthesized the primary outcomes and suggested that hMSC therapy is beneficial, effective, and safe in improving GMFM scores and CFA scores in children with CP. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that hMSC therapy has a lasting positive benefit for CP in 3, 6, and 12 months.
The Pathogenesis and Treatment of Complications in Nanophthalmos
Authors: Yang Ning , Jin Siyan , Ma Linlin , Liu Jia , Shan Chenli , Zhao Jinsong
Published: July 2020

Microphthalmos is a type of developmental disorder ophthalmopathy, which can occur isolated or combined with other ocular malformations and can occur secondary to a systemic syndrome. Nanophthalmos is one of the clinical phenotypes of microphthalmos. Due to the special and complex structure of nanophthalmic eyes, the disorder is often associated with many complications, including high hyperopia, angle-closure glaucoma, and uveal effusion syndrome. The management of these complications is challenging, and conventional therapeutic methods are often ineffective in treating them. The purpose of this paper was to review the concept of nanophthalmos and present the latest progress in the study of the pathogenesis and treatment of its complications. As it is considerably challenging for ophthalmologists to prevent or treat these nanophthalmos complications, timely diagnosis and a suitable clinical treatment plan are vital to ensure that nanophthalmos patients are treated and managed effectively.
Herbal Medicinal Products fromPassiflorafor Anxiety: An Unexploited Potential
Authors: Fonseca Lyca R. da , Rodrigues Rafaele de A. , Ramos Aline de S. , da Cruz Jefferson D. , Ferreira José Luiz P. , Silva Jefferson Rocha de A. , Amaral Ana Claudia F.
Published: July 2020

Herbal medicines containingPassifloraspecies have been widely used to treat anxiety since ancient times. The speciesPassiflora incarnataL. is included in many Pharmacopoeias, and it is the most used species in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, there are around 600 species of the genusPassifloraand probably other species that can be used safely. Thus, this article was based on a search into the uses of the main species of the genusPassiflorawith anxiolytic activity and its main secondary metabolites and some pharmacological studies, patents, and registered products containingPassiflora.Furthermore, the Brazilian Regulatory Health Agency Datavisa, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom, and the European Medicines Agency websites were consulted. The results showed thatPassifloraspecies have health benefits but clinical trials are still scarce. The complexity ofPassifloraextracts creates challenges for the development of herbal medicines.P. incarnatais the most studied species of the genus and the most used in natural anxiolytic herbal medicine formulations. However, there are hundreds ofPassifloraspecies potentially useful for medicinal and nutraceutical purposes that are still little explored.
Identification of Vinculin as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Acute Aortic Dissection Using Label‐Free Proteomics
Authors: Wang He-Qing , Yang Hang , Tang Qian , Gong Yi-Chen , Fu Yuan-Hao , Wan Feng , Yang Bo , Guo Rui , Zhong Yong-Liang , Zhu Jun-Ming , Zhang Zhe
Published: July 2020

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is an emergent vascular disease. Currently, its diagnosis depends on clinical and radiological investigations but lacking of serum biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to identify potential serum biomarkers for AAD using label‐free proteomics approach. A total of 90 serum samples were collected from three groups: patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD, n = 30), patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI, n = 30), and healthy controls (n = 30), and the first four samples from each group were selected for label‐free proteomics analysis. Using label‐free approach, a total of 22 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the serum samples of the AAD group, of which 15 were upregulated and 7 were downregulated as compared to the AMI and healthy control groups. The most prominent increased protein was vinculin, which was selected to validate in total samples. The level of vinculin was significantly elevated in AAD patients (15.8 ng/ml, IQR: 9.3‐19.9 ng/ml) than that in AMI patients (8.6 ng/ml, IQR:5.3‐11.4 ng/ml) and healthy volunteers (5.3 ng/ml, IQR:2.8‐7.6 ng/ml), P < 0.0001. Furthermore, the concentration of vinculin both increased in type A and B dissection. At the early stage of AAD, vinculin maintained a high level to 48 hours compared with that of AMI. Our study demonstrated that vinculin may play a role in the early diagnosis of AAD.
Corneal Stem Cells as a Source of Regenerative Cell-Based Therapy
Authors: Nurković Jasmin S. , Vojinović Radiša , Dolićanin Zana
Published: July 2020

In the past few years, intensive research has focused on corneal stem cells as an unlimited source for cell-based therapy in regenerative ophthalmology. Today, it is known that the cornea has at least two types of stem cells: limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) and corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs). LESCs are used for regeneration of corneal surface, while CSSCs are used for regeneration of corneal stroma. Until now, various approaches and methods for isolation of LESCs and CSSCs and their successful transplantation have been described and tested in several preclinical studies and clinical trials. This review describes in detail phenotypic characteristics of LESCs and CSSCs and discusses their therapeutic potential in corneal regeneration. Since efficient and safe corneal stem cell-based therapy is still a challenging issue that requires continuous cooperation between researchers, clinicians, and patients, this review addresses the important limitations and suggests possible strategies for improvement of corneal stem cell-based therapy.
Traffic Flow Modeling of Freeway Variable Speed Limit Control Based on the Big Data of Driving Behavior
Authors: Qu Xu , Li Linheng , Yi Ziwei , Mao Peipei , Yang Mofeng
Published: July 2020

Variable speed limit (VSL) control is a flexible restriction on the rate at which motorists can drive on a given stretch of road. Effective VSL control can increase safety and provide clear guidance for motorists. Previous traffic flow models of VSL control were mostly based on the influence of VSL on average speed (macro) or driver’s expected speed (micro). Few models considered the influence of VSL on driver’s actual driving behavior. In this paper, we first briefly introduce the big traffic data involved in this study and explain the mapping relationship between the data and driving behavior. Then, we analyze the driver’s actual driving behavior under the VSL control. Then, an improved single-lane cellular automaton model is established based on the driving behavior characteristics under VSL control. After that, we calibrate the parameters of the single-lane cellular automaton model with the left lane as the calibration object. Finally, this paper uses the proposed single-lane cellular automaton model to simulate the traffic flow characteristics under VSL control. The numerical simulation results show that the simulation of the variable speed limit in different density intervals presents different results, but these results are consistent with the actual situation of variable speed limit control, which verifies the validity of the proposed model.
Study on Stressing State and Failure Criterion of Concrete‐Filled Stainless Steel and Steel Tubular Column
Authors: Yang Baisong , Wang Wei , Yang Lingxian , Sun Guorui , Liu Sijin
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the mechanical characteristics of concrete‐filled stainless steel and steel tubular (CFSSAST) columns under axial and eccentric loads are analyzed by using the theory of structural stressing state. Firstly, the sum of generalized strain energy density (GSED) values of the short column at every load value (Fj) is normalized as Ej,norm to describe the structural stressing state. Then, according to Mann–Kendall (M‐K) criterion and the natural law from quantitative change to qualitative change, the transition of stressing state is distinguished, which leads to the update of failure load. Then, the corresponding finite element models are established, and the accuracy of the models is verified by the experimental data, and the stress contour maps are analyzed by simulation data. Finally, the simulation data are used to perform parameter analysis. This study explores a new method to reveal the invisible working characteristics of structures and provides a new reference for the study of similar structures.
Coelomic Fluid of Eisenia fetida Ameliorates Cetuximab to Reduce K‐Ras and Vimentin Expression through Promoting RUNX3 in an AOM/DSS‐Induced Colitis Associated Colon Cancer
Authors: Permana Sofy , Putri Fityanti Reyudzky , Norahmawati Eviana , Iskandar Agustin , Anggraini Mulyadi Erika Desy , Tri Endharti Agustina
Published: July 2020

Ulcerative colitis is a major risk factor that increases the occurrence of colorectal cancer. In colorectal cancer due to colitis, intestinal inflammation plays an important role which causes DNA damage. The aim of this study is to investigate the anticancer effect of coelomic fluid of Eisenia fetida (CFEF) and cetuximab combinations. Colitis associated colon cancer was induced in BALB/c mice by DSS/AOM. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: group 1 received vehicle (control), groups 2–6 received DSS/AOM, groups 3–5 received cetuximab + CFEF (30, 60, or 120 mg/kgBW), and group 6 received CFEF only. After the 12th week of treatments, the colon tissues were removed for histological examination and immune‐fluorescence. Intestinal Epithelial Cells (CECs) were analyzed by flow cytometer. Administration of CFEF significantly decreased the severity of DSS/AOM‐induced CAC in a dose‐dependent manner. The combinations of CFEF‐cetuximab were revealed by histological change. The CFEF significantly reduced the severity scores (P < 0.05). The combinations of CFEF‐cetuximab significantly inhibited K‐Ras and vimentin expressions, whereas the percentage of RUNX3 significantly increased in CECs. The increasing of RUNX3 could prevent EMT, so that it can decrease K‐Ras and vimentin to suppressed cell invasion and migration by CFEF. Our results suggest that CFEF has the therapeutic potential to CAC.
Salvia miltiorrhiza Injection Alleviates LPS‐Induced Acute Lung Injury by Adjusting the Balance of MMPs/TIMPs Ratio
Authors: Chen Guobing , Ge Dandan , Zhu Bizhen , Shi Huixuan , Ma Qilin
Published: July 2020

Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (SMI) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine, which plays an active role in the treatment of many diseases such as promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, reducing inflammatory reaction, and improving acute lung injury (ALI). Previous studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are involved in the pathophysiological process of ALI. However, the relationship between SMI and MMPs/TIMPs remains unclear. In this study, Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (NC), Salvia miltiorrhiza group (SM), lipopolysaccharide group (LPS), and Salvia miltiorrhiza treatment group (Tsm). The four groups were subdivided into four time points (2, 6, 12, and 24 hours), and specimens were collected after animal sacrifice at each time point. Serum TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels were detected by ELISA. The degree of lung injury was determined by lung tissue hematoxylin‐eosin staining, lung wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio, and lung permeability index. The changes in lung MMPs/TIMPs protein and mRNA were detected by Western blot and real‐time quantitative PCR. The results showed that rats injected with LPS experience acute lung injury, and the ratio of MMPs/TIMPs in lung tissues increased gradually with time. In the Tsm group, the ratio of MMPs/TIMPs decreased gradually, and likewise, the balance was gradually restored, while indicators related to lung injury were gradually declined. These data suggest that SMI alleviates LPS‐induced acute lung injury; this protective effect may be related to regulation of the balance of MMPs/TIMPs ratio.
Peculiarities and Consequences of Different Angiographic Patterns of STEMI Patients Receiving Coronary Angiography Only: Data from a Large Primary PCI Registry
Authors: Burlacu Alexandru , Tinica Grigore , Artene Bogdan , Simion Paul , Savuc Diana , Covic Adrian
Published: July 2020

Background. Inappropriate cardiac catheterization lab activation together with false-positive angiographies and no-culprit found coronary interventions are now reported as costly to the medical system, influencing STEMI process efficiency. We aimed to analyze data from a high-volume interventional centre (>1000 primary PCIs/year) exploring etiologies and reporting characteristics from all “blank” coronary angiographies in STEMI. Methods. In this retrospective observational single-centre cohort study, we reported two-year data from a primary PCI registry (2035 patients). “Angio-only” cases were assigned to one of these categories: (a) Takotsubo syndrome; (b) coronary embolisation; (c) myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries; (d) myocarditis; (e) CABG-referred; (f) normal coronary arteries (mostly diagnostic errors); and (g)others (refusals and death prior angioplasty). Univariate analysis assessed correlations between each category and cardiovascular risk factors. Results. 412 STEMI patients received coronary angiography “only,” accounting for 20.2% of cath lab activations. Barely 77 patients had diagnostic errors (3.8% from all patients) implying false-activations. 40% of “angio-only” patients (n = 165) were referred to surgery due to severe atherosclerosis or mechanical complications. Patients with diagnostic errors and normal arteries displayed strong correlations with all cardiovascular risk factors. Probably, numerous risk factors “convinced” emergency department staff to call for an angio. Conclusions. STEMI network professionals often confront with coronary angiography “only” situations. We propose a classification according to etiologies. Next, STEMI guidelines should include audit recommendations and specific thresholds regarding “angio-only” patients, with specific focus on MINOCA, CABG referrals, and diagnostic errors. These measures will have a double impact: a better management of the patient, and a clearer perception about the usefulness of the investments.
Nrf2 Inhibitor, Brusatol in Combination with Trastuzumab Exerts Synergistic Antitumor Activity in HER2-Positive Cancers by Inhibiting Nrf2/HO-1 and HER2-AKT/ERK1/2 Pathways
Authors: Yang Yun , Tian Ziyin , Guo Rui , Ren Feng
Published: July 2020

The HER2-targeting antibody trastuzumab has shown effectiveness in treating HER2-positive breast and gastric cancers; however, its responses are limited. Currently, Nrf2 has been deemed as a key transcription factor in promoting cancer progression and resistance by crosstalk with other proliferative signaling pathways. Brusatol as a novel Nrf2 inhibitor has been deemed as an efficacious and safe drug candidate in cancer therapy. In this study, we firstly reported that brusatol exerted the growth-inhibitory effects on HER2-positive cancer cells by regressing Nrf2/HO-1 and HER2-AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathways in these cells. More importantly, we found that brusatol synergistically enhanced the antitumor activity of trastuzumab against HER2-positive SK-OV-3 and BT-474 cells, which may be attributed to the inhibition of Nrf2/HO-1 and HER2-AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Furthermore, the synergistic effects were also observed in BT-474 and SK-OV-3 tumor xenografts. In addition, our results showed that trastuzumab markedly enhanced brusatol-induced ROS accumulation and apoptosis level, which could further explain the synergistic effects. To conclude, the study provided a new insight on exploring Nrf2 inhibition in combination with HER2-targeted trastuzumab as a potential clinical treatment regimen in treating HER2-positive cancers.
Conversion of Optic Neuritis to Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Comorbidity Cohort Study
Authors: Koseoglu Mesrure , Tutuncu Mesude
Published: July 2020

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) conversion after optic neuritis (ON) and to identify the predictive factors on conversion in Turkish patients. Methods: Patients whose first clinical attacks had been ON were included in the study. The primary end point was the diagnosis of clinical relapse-remitting MS. Result: Except for the bilateral involvement rate, the clinical and demographic characteristics of the cohort are similar to Western studies. Though one-third of the patients with ON had bilateral involvement, bilateral involvement reduces the risk of conversion. Also, active lesions at the initial cranial magnetic resonance imagination increase the conversion rate. Conclusion: This research confirms previous findings and contributes additional evidence that if the patients have unilateral involvement and active lesions, they should be closely monitored. Moreover, our research supports the hypothesis that risk factors may be affected by racial, environmental, and genetic factors.
The Duels of Pierre Marie and Jules Dejerine
Authors: Teive Hélio , Ferreira Matheus Gomes , Camargo Carlos Henrique Ferreira , Munhoz Renato Puppi , Walusinski Olivier
Published: July 2020

In no country has the duel prevailed to such a great extent as in France where the matter of dueling and affairs of honor were of frequent occurrence until the 20th century. The term duel has since been established for any contest between 2 persons or parties, be they sporting, intellectual, political, or in other matters. Despite their worldwide recognition and great scientific production, Pierre Marie and Jules Dejerine became rivals at the end of the 19th century. While Marie defended Charcot’s neurological school at Salpêtrière Hospital, Dejerine had his own neurology school to contend. The fierce antagonism between them materialized to the verge of a real death duel in 1892 and later to an intellectual duel in the famous debate about aphasias, held in Paris in 1908.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Yao Panpan , Zhou Liping , Zhu Lujie , Zhou Binjie , Yu Qin
Published: July 2020

Neurodegenerative disease is a kind of chronic, progressive nervous system disease characterized by neuron degeneration or apoptosis. Current treatments cannot prevent the development of the disease. Possible alternative treatments include cell therapy, especially with the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are pluripotent stem cells with capacities for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation. MSCs may serve as a reliable source of neural cells for potential cell replacement therapy or regenerative medicine treatment. Here, we summarized the therapeutic mechanisms of MSCs and how they can contribute to the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Gall-inducing arthropods in a Neotropical savanna area in the EPA of Rio Pandeiros (Bonito de Minas, MG, Brazil): effects of plant species richness and super-host abundance
Authors: Araújo Walter Santos de , Costa Kelly Christie dos Santos , Silveira Luana Teixeira , Freitas Érica Vanessa Durães de , Nunes Yule Roberta Ferreira , Azevedo Islaine Franciely Pinheiro de
Published: July 2020

Several plant-related factors can influence the diversity of gall-inducing species communities. In the present study we performed an inventory of gall-inducing arthropods and we tested if the plant species richness and the abundance of super-host plants (Copaifera oblongifolia) influenced positively in the diversity of gall-inducing arthropod species. The study was realized in an area of Neotropical savanna (cerrado sensu stricto) in the Environmental Protection Area (EPA) of Rio Pandeiros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Host-plant species and gall-inducing arthropods were sampled in 18 10 × 10 m plots distributed in the vegetation. In total we found 40 arthropod gall morphotypes, distributed on 17 botanical families and 29 plant species. Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) induced the most arthropod galls (85%), and the plant family Fabaceae had the greatest richness of gall morphotypes (16). The plant species Copaifera oblongifolia and Andira humilis (Fabaceae) were the most important host species with five and three morphotypes, respectively. Galling species richness was not affected by none of explanatory variables (plant species richness and abundance of super-host plants). On the other hand, galling species per plant species was negatively affected by plant species richness and positively affected by abundance of super-host plants. This is the first study of arthropod-induced galls conducted in EPA of Rio Pandeiros, Brazil. Our results corroborate previous studies that highlight the importance of super-host plants for galling arthropod diversity on a local scale.
The species of the bee genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by Curt Schrottky (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Vivallo Felipe
Published: July 2020

In this paper the primary types of Centris bees described by the German entomologist Curt Schrottky were studied. The type specimens of C. anisitsi, C. brethesi, C. ehrhardti, C. garleppi, C. garleppi var. unifasciata, C. pectoralis var. flava, C. pocograndensis, and C. xanthocnemis var. perflava were analyzed, providing notes on their current status and depository. To stabilize the application of the name C. ehrhardti a lectotype was designated. Notes and photographs of selected types are also provided.
Cerithiidae, Litiopidae, Modulidae and Planaxidae (Gastropoda, Cerithioidea) collected by the Marion Dufresne MD55 expedition in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Cavallari Daniel Caracanhas , Almeida Sérgio Mendonça , Simone Luiz Ricardo L.
Published: July 2020

Several deep-water mollusks collected during the Marion Dufresne MD55 expedition off SE Brazil have been studied in recent papers. The present work focuses on eight species belonging to the cerithioidean families Cerithiidae, Litiopidae, Modulidae and Planaxidae. Three species have their geographic distributions greatly expanded: Bayericerithium bayeri Petuch, 2001 from Pernambuco to Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará states (north) and to Bahia and Espírito Santo states (south), Brazilian coast; Ittibittium oryza (Mörch, 1876), from the Caribbean to the SW Atlantic; and Angiola lineata (Costa, 1778), from Trindade Island, Brazil to the Abrolhos Slope, nearly 870 km westward. Four species reported herein had their bathymetric ranges greatly expanded: Alaba incerta (d’Orbigny, 1841) from 0-40 m to 300 m; B. bayeri from 0-2 m to 120 m (live specimens); Litiopa melanostoma Rang, 1829 from 0-805 m to 1,550 m; Fossarus orbignyi Fischer, 1864 from 0-40 to 830 m (shells only).
Introdução ao direito para a terceira idade
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Direito de Ribeirão, Universitária Comissão de Cultura e Extensão
Published: July 2020

Tendo em vista que população idosa no Brasil tem crescido rapidamente, de forma heterogênea, com diferenças entre os indivíduos que a compõem e, para se evitar nomenclaturas que pudessem atribuir carga negativa ao idoso, a partir de 2020 o programa "Universidade Aberta à Terceira Idade" passou a denominar-se “USP 60+”, oferecendo semestralmente cursos e atividades gratuitas em todos os câmpus da USP. Esta obra é resultado de uma iniciativa da Comissão de Cultura e Extensão Universitária e Comissão de Pós-Graduação, da Faculdade de Direito de Ribeirão Preto, segundo o "Edital CCEx 01/2017". Trata-se de uma seleção de catorze trabalhos aprovados que abordam diferentes facetas do Direito voltadas ao contexto da Terceira Idade
Infrastructure and work process in primary health care: PMAQ in Ceará
Authors: Vieira-Mey Anya Pimentel Gomes Fernandes , Morais Ana Patrícia Pereira , Guimarães José Maria Ximenes , Campelo Isabella Lima Barbosa , Vieira Neiva Francenely Cunha , Machado Maria de Fátima Antero Sousa , Nogueira Paula Sacha Frota , Nuto Sharmênia De Araújo Soares , Freitas Roberto Wagner Júnior Freire de
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the quality of the infrastructure and work process of the Family Health Strategy in the municipalities of Ceará between 2012 and 2014. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, using secondary data from the external evaluation of the 1st (2012) and 2nd (2014) cycle of the National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Primary Care in Ceará. A total of 20 composite indicators were used to verify the quality of infrastructure and work process. RESULTS: Data from 183 (99.4%) of the 184 municipalities of Ceará were collected in both cycles. A total of 1,441 teams were evaluated for the infrastructure and 800 for the work process. Among the 20 composite indicators evaluated, 18 presented an improvement, but in a non-homogeneous way, ranging between 0.0 and 413.5%. We observed that the lower the initial value of the indicator, the greater the variation in quality between 2012 and 2014. The indicators of infrastructure and work process were influenced by the regional health system and population size of the municipality, being more evident the influence on the variables of the work process. CONCLUSIONS: We identified that quality improvements related to infrastructure and work process occurred in the period of implementation of the program in the state of Ceará in an equitable manner, being influenced by population size and regional health system, showing the influence of the context in the implementation of public policies of this nature.
Socioeconomic factors and inequality in the distribution of physicians and nurses in Mexico
Authors: Montañez-Hernández Julio César , Alcalde-Rabanal Jacqueline , Reyes-Morales Hortensia
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE: To describe the human resources for health and analyze the inequality in its distribution in Mexico. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE in Spanish) for the fourth quarter of 2018 in Mexico. Graduated physicians and nurses, and auxiliary/technician nurses with completed studies were considered as human resources for health. States were grouped by degree of marginalization. Densities of human resources for health per 1,000 inhabitants, Index of Dissimilarity (DI) and Concentration Indices (CI) were estimated as measures of unequal distribution. RESULTS: The density of human resources for health was 4.6 per 1,000 inhabitants. We found heterogeneity among states with densities from 2.3 to 10.5 per 1,000 inhabitants. Inequality was higher in the states with a very low degree of marginalization (CI = 0.4) than those with high marginalization (CI = 0.1), and the inequality in the distribution of physicians (CI = 0.5) was greater than in graduated nurses (CI = 0.3) among states. In addition, 17 states showed a density above the threshold of 4.5 per 1,000 inhabitants proposed in the Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health. That implies a deficit of nearly 60,000 human resources for health among the 15 states below the threshold. For all states, to reach a density equal to the national density of 4.6, about 12.6% of human health resources would have to be distributed among states that were below national density. CONCLUSIONS: In Mexico, there is inequality in the distribution of human resources for health, with state differences. Government mechanisms could support the balance in the labor market of physicians and nurses through a human resources policy
Attenuation of Oxidative Injury With Targeted Expression of NADPH Oxidase 2 Short Hairpin RNA Prevents Onset and Maintenance of Electrical Remodeling in the Canine Atrium
Authors: Yoo Shin , Pfenniger Anna , Hoffman Jacob , Zhang Wenwei , Ng Jason , Burrell Amy , Johnson David A. , Gussak Georg , Waugh Trent , Bull Suzanne , Benefield Brandon , Knight Bradley P. , Passman Rod , Wasserstrom J. Andrew , Aistrup Gary L. , Arora Rishi
Published: July 2020

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults and a major cause of stroke. Unfortunately, current treatments of AF are suboptimal because they are not targeted to the molecular mechanisms underlying AF. Using a highly novel gene therapy approach in a canine, rapid atrial pacing model of AF, we demonstrate that NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) generated oxidative injury causes upregulation of a constitutively active form of acetylcholine-dependent K
+
current (
I
KACh
), called
I
KH
; this is an important mechanism underlying not only the genesis, but also the perpetuation of electric remodeling in the intact, fibrillating atrium.

Methods:

To understand the mechanism by which oxidative injury promotes the genesis and maintenance of AF, we performed targeted injection of NOX2 short hairpin RNA (followed by electroporation to facilitate gene delivery) in atria of healthy dogs followed by rapid atrial pacing. We used in vivo high-density electric mapping, isolation of atrial myocytes, whole-cell patch clamping, in vitro tachypacing of atrial myocytes, lucigenin chemiluminescence assay, immunoblotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Masson trichrome staining.

Results:

First, we demonstrate that generation of oxidative injury in atrial myocytes is a frequency-dependent process, with rapid pacing in canine atrial myocytes inducing oxidative injury through the induction of NOX2 and the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. We show that oxidative injury likely contributes to electric remodeling in AF by upregulating
I
KACh
by a mechanism involving frequency-dependent activation of PKC
ε
(protein kinase C epsilon). The time to onset of nonsustained AF increased by >5-fold in NOX2 short hairpin RNA–treated dogs. Furthermore, animals treated with NOX2 short hairpin RNA did not develop sustained AF for up to 12 weeks. The electrophysiological mechanism underlying AF prevention was prolongation of atrial effective refractory periods, at least in part attributable to the attenuation of
I
KACh
. Attenuated membrane translocation of PKC
ε
appeared to be a likely molecular mechanism underlying this beneficial electrophysiological remodeling.

Conclusions:

NOX2 oxidative injury (1) underlies the onset, and the maintenance of electric remodeling in AF, as well, and (2) can be successfully prevented with a novel, gene-based approach. Future optimization of this approach may lead to a novel, mechanism-guided therapy for AF.
Novel Acute Retinal Artery Ischemia and Reperfusion Model in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Gao Yuan , Wu Di , Liu Dachuan , Huber Mitchell , Chen Jian , Wang Xizhe , Lv Kui , He Xiaodu , Yang Huiqing , Ren Changhong , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Zhang Xuxiang
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose:

The retina, as an externally located neural tissue, offers unique advantages in investigating the effect of therapeutic intervention on the brain. In this study, we put forth a clinically relevant model of retinal ischemia and reperfusion in nonhuman primates.

Methods:

Acute retinal artery ischemia and reperfusion was induced by injecting an autologous clot into the ophthalmic artery of adult rhesus monkeys, and recanalization was achieved by focal thrombolysis with tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator). Digital subtraction angiography and fluorescein angiography were used to evaluate blood flow in the retina and the choroid. Electroretinogram, optical coherence tomography, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the structure and function of the retina after ischemia.

Results:

Digital subtraction angiography and fluorescein angiography images confirmed occlusion of the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries, as well as recanalization after tPA thrombolysis. Electroretinogram indicated retinal functional damage following ischemia, and thrombolysis partially rescued its impairment. Optical coherence tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed ischemia-induced changes in the retina, and tPA partially mitigated these damages.

Conclusions:

This novel acute retinal artery ischemia and reperfusion model in rhesus monkeys may closely simulate retinal ischemia/reperfusion in clinical practice and provide an optimal platform for screening neuroprotective strategies.
China's Grand Strategy under Xi Jinping: Reassurance, Reform, and Resistance
Authors: Goldstein Avery
Published: July 2020

China's grand strategy under Xi Jinping is clearly distinctive. It does not, however, fundamentally break with the grand strategy that China has embraced since the early 1990s—one that aims to realize what is now labeled “the dream of national rejuvenation.” Leaders in Beijing have implemented three different approaches to this strategy. In 1992, the approach to rejuvenation followed Deng Xiaoping's admonition for China to hide its capabilities and bide its time. In 1996, Beijing shifted to a more proactive approach, peaceful rise, seeking to reassure others that a stronger and wealthier China would not pose a threat. In 2012, Xi again recast the grand strategy of rejuvenation to realize the Chinese dream. His approach is distinguished by its combination of three efforts: (1) continuing earlier attempts to reassure others about the benign intentions of rising China, (2) moving China from rhetoric to action in promoting reform of an international order that has facilitated China's rise, and (3) resisting challenges to what the Chinese Communist Party defines as the country's core interests. Xi's bolder approach has further clarified China's long-standing international aspirations and triggered reactions abroad that raise doubts about the prospects for his approach to realizing the goal of national rejuvenation.
A Mean-Field Description of Bursting Dynamics in Spiking Neural Networks with Short-Term Adaptation
Authors: Gast Richard , Schmidt Helmut , Knösche Thomas R.
Published: July 2020

Bursting plays an important role in neural communication. At the population level, macroscopic bursting has been identified in populations of neurons that do not express intrinsic bursting mechanisms. For the analysis of phase transitions between bursting and non-bursting states, mean-field descriptions of macroscopic bursting behavior are a valuable tool. In this article, we derive mean-field descriptions of populations of spiking neurons and examine whether states of collective bursting behavior can arise from short-term adaptation mechanisms. Specifically, we consider synaptic depression and spike-frequency adaptation in networks of quadratic integrate-and-fire neurons. Analyzing the mean-field model via bifurcation analysis, we find that bursting behavior emerges for both types of short-term adaptation. This bursting behavior can coexist with steady-state behavior, providing a bistable regime that allows for transient switches between synchronized and nonsynchronized states of population dynamics. For all of these findings, we demonstrate a close correspondence between the spiking neural network and the mean-field model. Although the mean-field model has been derived under the assumptions of an infinite population size and all-to-all coupling inside the population, we show that this correspondence holds even for small, sparsely coupled networks. In summary, we provide mechanistic descriptions of phase transitions between bursting and steady-state population dynamics, which play important roles in both healthy neural communication and neurological disorders.
Typification of the infrageneric names published in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) by Alwin Berger

Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: July 2020

As part of the treatment of the Crassulaceae for Die natürlichen Pflanzenfamilien, Berger (1930: 402–408) published 10 named and numbered (“§ 1.” to “§ 10.”), but unranked groups in the genus Kalanchoe Adanson (1763: 248) sensu stricto. Berger (1930: 404–412) recognised Kalanchoe, Bryophyllum Salisbury (1805: t. 3), and Kitchingia Baker (1881: 268) as three separate genera. However, Berger (1930) did not subdivide Bryophyllum and Kitchingia into unranked groups. Rather, he restricted his infrageneric classification, of unranked “Gruppen”, to Kalanchoe sensu stricto, i.e., K. subg. Kalanchoe sensu Smith & Figueiredo (2018).
A new species of Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) Smith, 1925 from Wuling Mountains in Hunan Province, China
Authors: QIAN TIAN-YU , XIA XIN , CAO YUE , XIAO NENG-WEN , YANG DAO-DE
Published: July 2020

A new species of Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella wulingensis sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected from the Wuling mountains in Hunan Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of having a SVL body size range of 24.5–32.8 mm in four adult males and 29.9–38.5 mm in three adult females; dorsal surface brown to reddish brown with indistinct markings; ventral surface creamy white, often with pale brown speckling on chest and margins; flanks with small to moderate black spots; skin on dorsum shagreened with sparse large warts, sometimes with short longitudinal ridges; toes with rudimentary webbing and narrow lateral fringes; dermal ridges under toes interrupted at the articulations; and iris bicolored with a bright orange or golden upper half, fading to silver in the lower half. Uncorrected sequence divergence between L. wulingensis sp. nov. and homologous 16S rRNA sequences available for all known species in the genus are ≥ 2.3%–2.9%.
A Method for a Direct Measure of Entrainment and Detrainment
Authors: Wang Zhiting
Published: July 2020

The entrainment and detrainment rates are important quantities characterizing airmass exchange between clouds and the environment. One of the challenges in calculating the rates is the need to know the velocity vector of the cloud interface in relation to that of the cloud-free air; however, the interface is not well resolved in most cloud model simulations and so the precise value of the vector is not known. Here a new method is described to approximately calculate mass fluxes across the cloud surface in well-resolved simulations of cumulus convection. The method does away with the need to calculate a cloud interface velocity and instead uses gradients of a defined cloud scalar across the cloud interface. As a result, the entrainment and detrainment rates are expressed as an integration over a small region around the cloud interface. The integrand is composed of the total derivative of the cloud scalar. The new method is applied to large-eddy simulations (LES) of a shallow cumulus case and a deep convection case. Compared to a previous method, the approach described here gives 1.5–2 times smaller exchange rates and shows less noise. The smaller exchange rates are explained as the result of differences in how the two methods correct for the advective contribution to variations of cloud volume. Derived two-dimensional distributions of the exchange rates agree well for both methods. Spatial correlation coefficients are about 0.69–0.88 for entrainment and 0.55–0.78 for detrainment.
Sucrase Breath Testing in Children Presenting With Chronic Abdominal Pain
Authors: Rathod Sandeep , Friesen Craig A. , Radford Kim , Colombo Jennifer M.
Published: July 2020

Sucrase deficiency has been implicated in chronic abdominal pain. Testing for sucrase deficiency generally involves invasive procedures or lengthy clinical visits, but now noninvasive kits that allow home testing are available to test for sucrase deficiency. In order to assess feasibility and utility of at-home testing, we reviewed our experience in 75 consecutive patients. All patients seen in the abdominal pain clinic had histories obtained in a standardized fashion and all had sucrase breath tests completed at home utilizing a commercially available kit. Testing was completed by 46 patients (61.3%). Tests were abnormal indicating sucrase deficiency in 34.8% of those completing testing. No symptoms were predictive of a positive test although there were trends of an association of an abnormal test with diarrhea and bloating. Our findings suggest that sucrase deficiency occurs frequently enough that more widespread testing and/or an empiric trial of sucrose and starch restriction should be considered.
Mental health of forced migrants recently granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom
Authors: Walker Sophie , von Werthern Martha , Brady Francesca , Katona Cornelius
Published: July 2020

Background:

Asylum seekers who are granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom are required to make a rapid transition to housing and welfare benefits. The challenges facing new refugees during this ‘transition period’ can affect their mental health, but this has not been quantified.

Aims:

To assess the impact of the transition period on new refugees’ mental health in the 12 months after being granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom.

Method:

A longitudinal survey design was used to measure the mental health of 30 newly recognised refugees at monthly intervals in the first 6 months and again at 1 year after receiving leave to remain in the United Kingdom. There were five outcome measures for symptoms of anxiety, depression, distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), post-migration living difficulties (PMLD) and a life events calendar to record key changes in housing and welfare.

Results:

The results showed that the trajectory of scores across all measures fluctuates, but overall they all improve from baseline to Month 12. Scores for depression and PMLD showed significant improvement at Month 5, and scores for anxiety, depression, distress and PMLD showed significant improvement at Month 12. PTSD scores did not show significant improvement at any month. In months with a high number of stressful life events, participants had worse PMLD and PTSD scores.

Conclusion:

Overall improvement in mental health could partly be explained by the stability of being granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom, but may also be due to the high level of practical support these participants received. Recommendations are made for those working with clients during the transition period.
Nonsuicidal self-injury and identity formation in Indian clinical and nonclinical samples: A comparative study
Authors: Gandhi Amarendra , Luyckx Koen , Adhikari Alka , Parmar Dhruv , De Sousa Avinash , Shah Nilesh , Maitra Shubhada , Claes Laurence
Published: July 2020

Background:

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is being increasingly identified as an important emerging mental health issue in the West. Yet, NSSI has not been adequately studied in clinical and nonclinical contexts in countries like India.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to compare different features of NSSI between clinical and nonclinical samples in India. We also explored if the strength of the association between NSSI and disturbances in identity formation – a risk factor that can increase vulnerability to NSSI – was similar in the two samples mentioned above.

Method:

For the clinical sample, data regarding NSSI and identity formation were collected from 100 psychiatric patients (47.0% females, mean age = 34.76 years, SD = 12.76, 17–70 years) from an outpatient/inpatient psychiatric department of a large tertiary hospital in Mumbai, India. Nonclinical data were collected from 120 young adults studying in a medical college in Mumbai, India (51.7% females, mean age = 19.7 years, SD = 2.16, 17–28 years). Information regarding NSSI and identity were collected using self-report questionnaires.

Results:

Lifetime prevalence of NSSI in the clinical and nonclinical samples was found to be around 17% and 21%, respectively. Although the prevalence of NSSI did not significantly differ between the two samples, some features of NSSI did differ between the two groups. Finally, multigroup Bayesian structural equation modeling indicated that irrespective of the type of the sample (i.e. clinical or nonclinical), consolidated and disturbed identity significantly (negative and positive, respectively) predicted lifetime NSSI. Additionally, the association between the aforementioned identity variables and NSSI did not significantly differ between the two samples.

Conclusion:

The findings of these studies highlight the need for exploring issues related to identity formation in individuals who engage in NSSI irrespective of whether they suffer from a psychiatric disorder or not.
Climate Change, Economic Growth and Growth Determinants: Insights From Vietnam’s Coastal South Central Region
Authors: Hiep Hoang Hong , Minh Huynh Cong
Published: July 2020

Using the Feasible Generalized Least Squares econometric method, the paper analyzes the impact of climate change on economic growth in Vietnam’s coastal South Central region over the period of 2006–2015. The results indicate that, after controlling for the main determinants in the growth model, the climate change with various proxies has a significantly negative impact on provinces’ economic growth in the region. In particular, local institutions not only increase economic growth, but also reduce the negative impact of climate change on economic growth as well. These results suggest some policy implications aimed at boosting the process of transforming the economic growth model for the coastal region adapting to climate change.

JEL codes: F21, F23, E22
Mugabe’s Urban Legacy: A Postcolonial Perspective on Urban Development in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Matamanda Abraham R
Published: July 2020

Robert Gabriel Mugabe resigned as the President of Zimbabwe in 2017 after being in office since 1980 when Zimbabwe gained independence from British colonial rule. Mugabe implemented various policies that impacted on the urbanscape of Zimbabwe. Using a desktop approach that is based on bibliography research, the study examines Mugabe’s urban legacy through the lenses of postcolonial theory and the concept of Mugabeism. The results show that power was a dominant feature in Mugabe’s legacy, as he used it to influence the socio-spatial configuration of the urban scape whenever he saw it befitting. His power was rooted in corruption, clientism, patronage, state capture and sanctioning of opponents. Essentially, Mugabe perpetuated the colonial city, in that the postcolonial city was a replication of the socio-spatial segregation which existed during the colonial era, yet this time round it was based on class and not race.