bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflection and Propagation of Magneto-Thermoelastic Plane Waves at Free Surfaces of a Rotating Micropolar Fibre-Reinforced Medium under G-L Theory
Authors: Anya Augustine Igwebuike , Khan Aftab
Published: August 2020

This article is concerned with the investigation of reflection of waves at the free surface of a rotating micropolar fibre-reinforced thermoelastic medium, in the presence of a magnetic field using Green and Lindsay theory. It is observed that when a P-wave is incident on the free surface of rotating micropolar fibre-reinforced thermoelastic medium in the presence of a magnetic field, four waves are reflected; quasi-longitudinal displacement (qLD), quasi-transverse displacement (qTD), quasi-transverse micro-rotational (qTM) and quasi-thermal waves. The normal modes method, also called the harmonic solution approach, is used simultaneously with Snell's laws and Maxwell's equation, governing electromagnetic fields, in the determination of a solution for the micropolar fibre-reinforced modelled problem. Amplitude ratios or reflection coefficients, which correspond to reflected waves in vertical and horizontal components, are presented analytically. Moreover, the reflection coefficients are presented using numerically simulated results in graphical form for a particular chosen material. We observe that the micropolar fibre-reinforced, rotation, and magneto-thermoelastic field parameters, have varied degree of effects on the propagation and reflection of waves in the medium. The study should be helpful in understanding the behaviour of propagation and reflection of rotating micropolar fibre-reinforced magneto-thermoelastic machination fields and on future works about behaviour of seismic waves.
Performance Investigation of Two AE Source Location Techniques on a Planar Multilayer Structure
Authors: Hassan Md. Mehedi , Khan Md. Tawhidul Islam , Hasemura Yuji , Islam Md. Mainul
Published: August 2020

The comparisons of an AE source location performance of two widely used methods, time of arrival (TOA) and difference of arrival time (DOAT) have been analyzed in a complex planar multilayered surface. The complex surface has been prepared by covering a steel plate (SM400A) with a multilayered rubber material (Natural Rubber). The purpose of using this structure has been defined to get the comparable AE source location performance in a complicated signal propagation pathway. Both source location techniques have been conducted in a simulated AE wave propagating plane (300 mm * 200 mm in size) under Hsu-Nielsen method. Investigations reveal that the TOA technique gives several erroneous results along with good results. However, the DOAT method has produced all excellent results, even when using a complex surface. It was found since the TOA method is sensitive to constant velocity continuity, the present complex pathway leads to the velocity discontinuity, and thus, several incorrect results have been found. On the other hand, the DOAT method is dependent on the arrival time difference only, and therefore, it shows a higher performance in the source location, even in the presence of a complex structure.
Application of Paper Folding Technique to Three-Dimensional Space Sound Absorber with Permeable Membrane: Case Studies of Trial Productions
Authors: Sakagami Kimihiro , Okuzono Takeshi , Suzuki Hirotaka , Koyanagi Nao , Toyoda Masahiro
Published: August 2020

The authors propose a space sound absorber made of a permeable membrane (PM), including woven or non-woven fabrics in three-dimensional shapes, e.g., cylinder, rectangle, etc. The proposed absorbers are examined by experimental measurements and boundary element analyses, and it is found that they can be effectively used especially for middle and high frequencies. In order to develop these absorbers for wider applications, it would be desirable to give them additional values and functions, particularly to elaborate on their design. Supposing that they could also be used for lighting equipment, such as lampshades as one of the applications, pilot studies on pseudo-cylindrical, and pseudo-spherical PM space absorbers with uneven surfaces produced by paper-folding (origami technique) are carried out. The pseudo-cylindrical concave curves (PCCC) shell shape has been proven as a suitable form for a lampshade, and the pseudo-spherical concave curves (PSCC) shell shape is an application of PCCC. In this paper, PCCC and PSCC shell shapes are applied to three-dimensional PM space absorbers, and trials are conducted using PMs selected by flow resistance measurements and preliminary simulations. The sound absorptivity of the specimens is measured in a reverberation chamber, and their absorptivity is 0.6 (PCCC case) and 0.4 (PSCC case) at mid-high frequencies.
Effets de la somatotropine bovine sur les performances des vaches laitières dans les conditions françaises d’élevage
Authors: CHILLIARD Y. , VERITE R. , PFLIMLIN A.
Published: August 2020

Vingt essais ont été réalisés en France sur 360 vaches recevant de la somatotropine (BST) retard tous les 14 ou 28 jours, à des doses correspondant à 24 ou 35 mg/j. Les données obtenues suggèrent, en première approximation, que l’effet de la BST retard sur la production laitière varie assez nettement selon la dose totale injectée chaque mois, et assez faiblement selon la fréquence d’injection (1 ou 2 fois par mois). Selon les conditions d’utilisation (dose et fréquence), les effets moyens ont été compris entre + 2,2 et + 3,7 kg de lait par jour avec des rations hivernales, et entre + 1,2 et + 2,3 kg de lait par jour au pâturage. Les réponses inférieures au pâturage pourraient être dues à la qualité de l’herbe, au stade de gestation ou à la durée du traitement. La composition du lait n’est pas modifiée au pâturage chez des vaches en milieu de lactation. Il existe une tendance à la diminution du taux protéique (- 0,5 g/l environ) avec les rations hivernales distribuées lorsque le traitement à la BST est de 3 à 4 mois après le pic de lactation. Ces chiffres provisoires devront être réévalués sur la base d’un plus grand nombre d’essais et après dépouillement statistique approfondi. Outre ces valeurs moyennes, la production et la composition du lait fluctuent entre deux injections successives, de façon croissante lorsque s’accroît l’intervalle entre injections. Les vaches traitées montrent aussi une diminution de leur note d’état corporel (- 0,3 point environ) lorsqu’elles reçoivent une ration hivernale au pic de lactation (ce qui peut entraîner un retard de fécondation non négligeable), ou lorsqu’elles sont au pâturage avec des quantités limitées de concentré. La variabilité de la réponse est très grande entre essais et entre vaches. Les données actuellement publiées ne permettent pas d’évaluer d’éventuels effets à long terme sur la santé et la carrière des animaux.
Engraissement des vaches de réforme de race Limousine
Authors: MALTERRE C. , ROBELIN J. , AGABRIEL J. , BORDES P.
Published: August 2020

L’évolution de la reprise de poids et la composition corporelle de vaches de réforme limousines ont été étudiées en fonction de la durée d’engraissement, des apports alimentaires et de l’âge des animaux. Lorsqu’elles sont alimentées avec des régimes d’ingestibilité et de concentration énergétique élevées (ensilage de maïs et concentré), les vaches de réforme peuvent, malgré leur faible capacité d’ingestion (1,85 à 1,90 kg MS / 100 kg poids vif), être engraissées en 2 mois, 2 mois et demi, et réaliser un gain de poids journalier de l’ordre de 1200 g. Leur gain de carcasse est important, de l’ordre de 50 kg, et la quantité de muscle dans ce gain est voisine de 20 kg. Au-delà de cette durée d’engraissement, la reprise de poids devient beaucoup plus lente et le gain de carcasse est essentiellement constitué de dépôts adipeux. L’efficacité alimentaire diminue tout au long de la période d’engraissement, mais cette diminution devient plus rapide au-delà des 2 premiers mois. L’efficacité chute également de façon importante lorsque les apports alimentaires sont limités. Il ne paraît donc pas intéressant de restreindre l’alimentation des animaux au cours de leur période de finition. En effet, les restrictions alimentaires conduisent à des vitesses de reprise de poids très faibles, et il est alors nécessaire de prolonger de façon trop importante la période d’engraissement. Dans les conditions de notre étude, réalisée sur des vaches très âgées, un accroissement du niveau d’apports azotés n’a eu aucun effet sur la reprise de poids et la composition des carcasses. L’analyse des performances en fonction de l’âge des animaux au moment de leur réforme montre que la capacité de reprise de poids des vaches, et donc leur gain de carcasse, sont d’autant plus élevés qu’elles sont jeunes. Toutefois, les vaches de race Limousine sont capables de produire jusqu’à l’âge de 13 ans des carcasses de poids et de composition très satisfaisants. Seules les vaches très âgées, de 14 ans et plus, sont difficiles à engraisser.
The Right to Food in Canada’s North: Food Security and Sustainability in Yukon Territory
Authors: Hou Sophia , Sneyd Lauren
Published: August 2020

This paper analyses the factors affecting food security in Yukon Territory. It was written for the Yukon Field School on Food Security offered at the University of Guelph in 2019. It utilizes Olivier De Schutter’s Right to Food Framework to examine elements of food availability, accessibility, and adequacy. Different perspectives from various stakeholder participants in the field school were gathered during guest lectures and on site visits and were cross-referenced with peer-reviewed sources to formulate conclusions on the right to food in Canada’s North. These perspectives suggest that the northern food supply is threatened by the effect of climate change on country food availability, the feasibility of local agriculture, and the provision of imported food. Additionally, the social barriers to country food and local food access in the context of high poverty rates also contribute to food insecurity. The implications of insufficient food availability and accessibility culminate in food inadequacy with notable consequences for physical, mental, and cultural health. Overall, a move towards a locally-sourced diet will likely play a key role in achieving sustainable food security in the north.
Devising the set of abnormalities for a given defeasible rule
Authors: Batens Diderik
Published: August 2020

Devising adaptive logics usually starts with a set of abnormalities and a deductive logic. Where the adaptive logic is ampliative, the deductive logic is the lower limit logic, the rules of which are unconditionally valid. Where the adaptive logic is corrective, the deductive logic is the upper limit logic, the rules of which are valid in case the premises do not require any abnormalities to be true. In some cases, the idea for devising an adaptive logic does not relate to a set of abnormalities, but to one or more defeasible rules, and perhaps also to one of the deductive logics. Defeasible rules are not universally valid, but are valid in ‘normal situations’ or for unproblematic parts of premise set. Where the idea is such, the set of abnormalities has to be delineated in view of the rules. The way in which this task may be tackled is by no means obvious and is the main topic studied in the present paper. The outcome is an extremely simple and transparent recipe. It is shown that, except for very special cases, the recipe leads to an adequate result.
First Insights on Value-Based Healthcare of Elders Using ICHOM Older Person Standard Set Reporting
Authors: Lee Wei-Ju , Peng Li-Ning , Lin Chi-Hung , Lin Shinn-Zong , Loh Ching-Hui , Kao Sheng-Lun , Hung Tzu-Shing , Chang Chia-Yun , Huang Chun-Feng , Tang Ting-Ching , Chen Liang-Kung
Published: August 2020

Background: Clinical guidelines for specific conditions fragment care provision for elders. The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) has developed a global standard set of outcome measures for comprehensive assessment of older persons. The goal of this study was to report value-based health metrics in Taiwan using this ICHOM toolset.Methods: The cross-sectional study of baseline data excerpted from a prospective longitudinal cohort, which recruited people ≥65 years old with ≥3 chronic medical conditions between July and December 2018. All participants received measurements of physical performance, anthropometric characteristics, health-related behaviors, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The ICHOM toolset comprises three tiers: 1 includes frailty and having chosen a preferred place of death; 2 includes polypharmacy, falls, and participation in decision-making; and 3 includes loneliness, activities of daily living, pain, depression, and walking speed. These items were converted into a 0–10 point value-based healthcare score, with high value-based health status defined as ≥8/10 points. Results: Frequencies of individual ICHOM indicators were: frail 11.7%, chose preferred place of death 14.4%, polypharmacy 31.5%, fell 17.1%, participated in decision-making 81.6%, loneliness 26.8%, limited activities of daily living 22.4, pain 10.4%, depressed mood 13.0%, and slowness 38.5%. People with high disease burden (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21–0.76, p=0.005) or cognitive impairment (OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.27–0.87, p=0.014) were less likely to have high value-based healthcare status. Conclusions: The ICHOM Standard Set Older Person health outcome measures provide an opportunity to shift from a disease-centric medical paradigm to whole person-focused goals. This study identified advanced age, chronic disease burden and cognitive impairment as important barriers to achieving high value-based healthcare status.
Public trust and Global Biobank Networks
Authors: Dive Lisa , Critchley Christine , Otlowski Margaret , Mason Paul , Wiersma Miriam , Light Edwina , Stewart Cameron , Kerridge Ian , Lipworth Wendy
Published: August 2020

BackgroundBiobanks provide an important foundation for genomic and personalised medicine. In order to enhance their scientific power and scope, they are increasingly becoming part of national or international networks. Public trust is essential in fostering public engagement, encouraging donation to, and facilitating public funding for biobanks. Globalisation and networking of biobanking may challenge this trust. MethodsWe report the results of an Australian study examining public attitudes to the networking and globalisation of biobanks. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods in conjunction with bioethical analysis in order to determine factors that may contribute to, and threaten, trust.ResultsOur results indicate a generally high level of trust in biobanks and in medical research more broadly. Key factors that can reduce perceived trustworthiness of biobanks are commercialisation and involvement in global networking. ConclusionsWe conclude that robust ethical oversight and governance standards can both promote trust in global biobanking and ensure that this trust is warranted.
The Need for a Telemedicine Strategy for Botswana? A Scoping Review and Situational Assessment.
Authors: Ncube Benson , Mars Maurice , Scott Richard E
Published: August 2020

Background: Health, healthcare, and healthcare system problems within the developing world are well recognised. eHealth, the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for health, is frequently suggested as one means by which to ameliorate such problems. However, to identify and implement the most appropriate ehealth solutions requires development of a thoughtful and broadly evidence-informed strategy. Most published strategies focus on health informatics solutions, neglecting the potential for other aspects of ehealth (telehealth, telemedicine, elearning, and ecommerce). This study examined the setting in Botswana to determine the need for a telemedicine-specific strategy.Methods: A situational assessment of ehealth activities in Botswana was performed through a scoping review of the scientific and grey literature using specified search terms to July 2018; an interview with the project manager of the major mhealth stakeholder; and benchtop review of policies and other relevant Government documents including the country’s current draft eHealth Strategy. Results: Thirty-nine papers were reviewed. Various ehealth technologies have been applied within Botswana. These include Skype for educational activities, instant messaging (WhatsApp for telepathology; SMS for transmission of laboratory test results, patient appointment reminders, and invoicing and bill payment), and robotics for dermatopathology. In addition health informatics technologies have been used for surveillance, monitoring, and access to information by healthcare workers. The number of distinct health information systems has been reduced from 37 to 12, and 9 discrete EMRs remain active within the public health institutions. Many infrastructural issues were identified. A critical assessment of the current draft ehealth strategy document for Botswana showed limitations. Many telemedicine services have been introduced over the years (addressing cervical cancer screening, teledermatology, teleradiology, oral medicine and eye screening), but only one project was confirmed to be active and being scaled up with the intervention of the Government.Conclusions: Botswana’s draft ‘ehealth’ strategy will not, in and of itself, nurture innovative growth in the application of telemedicine initiatives, which currently are fragmented and stalled. This lack of focus is preventing telemedicine’s recognised potential from being leveraged. A specific Telemedicine Strategy, aligned with and supportive of the pre-existing ehealth strategy, would provide the necessary focus, stimulus, and guidance.
Interconnectivity between molecular subtypes and tumor stage in colorectal cancer
Authors: Braak R.R.J. Coebergh van den , Hoorn Sanne ten , Sieuwerts A.M. , Tuynman J.B. , Smid M. , Wilting S. , Martens J.W.M. , Punt C.J.A. , Foekens J.A. , Medema J.P. , IJzermans J.N.M. , Vermeulen Louis
Published: August 2020

Background: There are profound individual differences in clinical outcomes between colorectal cancers (CRCs) presenting with identical stage of disease. Molecular stratification, in conjunction with the traditional TNM staging, is a promising way to predict patient outcomes. We investigated the interconnectivity between tumor stage and tumor biology reflected by the Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMSs) in CRC, and explored the possible value of these insights in patients with stage II colon cancer.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis using clinical records and gene expression profiling in a meta-cohort of 1040 CRC patients. The interconnectivity of tumor biology and disease stage was assessed by investigating the association between CMSs and TNM classification. In order to validate the clinical applicability of our findings we employed a meta-cohort of 197 stage II colon cancers.Results: CMS4 was significantly more prevalent in advanced stages of disease (stage I 9.8% versus stage IV 38.5%, p<0.001). The observed differential gene expression between cancer stages is at least partly explained by the biological differences as reflected by CMS subtypes. Gene signatures for stage III-IV and CMS4 were highly correlated (r=0.77, p<0.001). CMS4 cancers showed an increased progression rate to more advanced stages (CMS4 compared to CMS2: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08-1.46). Patients with a CMS4 cancer had worse survival in the high-risk stage II tumors compared to the total stage II cohort (5-year DFS 41.7% versus 100.0%, p=0.008).Conclusions: Considerable interconnectivity between tumor biology and tumor stage in CRC exists. This implies that the TNM stage, in addition to the stage of progression, might also reflect distinct biological disease entities. These insights can potentially be utilized to optimize identification of high-risk stage II colon cancers.
Changes in the characteristics of dental emergencies under the influence of SARS-CoV-2 ： A retrospective study
Authors: Wu Kan , Li Chunjie , Yang Zheng , Yang Shangchun , Yang Wenbin , Hua Chengge
Published: August 2020

Background To master the distribution and changing characteristics of dental diseases is of great significance for the dental emergency center in order to strengthen the treatment abilities of medical staff and the effective use of emergency resources in the face of public health emergencies of highly infectious respiratory diseases. Methods The medical records of 4158 cases of dental emergency patients from 2019 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed,with patients being divided into the pre-SARS-COV-2 group and the during SARS-COV-2 group according to the date of their admittance to the dental emergency center.The dental emergency patients demographicsn data,day and time,diagnoses,treatment approaches were compared before and during the SARS-COV-2. Results During the SARS-COV-2,the number of dental emergency visits increased by 29.7% compared with those before the SARS-COV-2.The peak of the number of patients at weekends and at night is not obvious compared with the pre-SARS-COV-2 group.Duing the SARS-COV-2 Male(n=286,58.1%) were more likely than female(n=206,41.9%) to visit the dental emergency center for trauma P<0.05,female(n=242,60.8%) were more likely than male(n=156,39.2%) to visit the dental emergency center for Acute gingivitis and Acute pericoronitis P<0.05.A major diagnoses change is Acute Pulpitis (K04.0) and Acute apical periodontitis (K04.4) increased by 9.2%,Acute gingivitis (K05.0) and Acute pericoronitis(K05.2) increased by 3.5%,Open wound of lip and oral cavity (S01.5)fell 17.9%,others (non-emergency diseases) increased by 6.8%,compare with the pre-SARS-COV-2.Among the treatment methods,during the pre-SARS-COV-2,304（17.7%）received a prescription for Antibiotics and Analgesics,1485(86.5%) received a prescription for local treatment.During the SARS-COV-2,958（39.2%）received a prescription for Antibiotics and Analgesics,1636(67.0%) received a prescription for local treatment. Conclusion SARS-COV-2 led to changes in the characteristics of dental emergency patients.Trauma,Acute Pulpitis,Acute periodontitis Acute periodontitis are the leading reason why patients go to the dental emergency.The dental emergency center should optimize the treatment procedures,optimize the staffing and reasonably allocate materials according to the changes,to improve the on-site treatment capacity and provide adequate dental emergency care. .
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Incentives to Improve HIV Prevention Outcomes for Young Females in Eswatini: Sitakhela Likusasa Impact Evaluation Protocol and Baseline Results
Authors: Gorgens Marelize , Longosz Andrew , Ketende Sosthenes , Nkambule Muziwethu , Dlamini Tengetile , Mabuza Mbuso , Sikwibele Kelvin , Tsododo Vimbai , Dlamini Mthokozisi , Dennis-Langa Futhie , Heard Wendy , Low Andrea , Harimurti Pandu , Wilson David , Mabuza Khanya , de Walque Damien
Published: August 2020

Background: Eswatini continues to have the highest prevalence of HIV in the world, and one of the highest HIV incidences among adult populations (aged 15-49). This analysis reports on both key elements of study design/protocol and baseline results from an impact evaluation of an intervention incentivizing (i) initiation, enrolment, attendance or completion of some form of education, and (ii) lower risk sexual behaviour. Methods: The impact evaluation employs a two by two factorial design in which participants are enrolled in either the incentive for education arm (‘education treatment arm’ providing a conditional cash incentive) or the control arm (‘education control arm’). In each of these arms, 50% of participants were randomized to also be eligible for selection – three times a year – to participate in a conditional raffle conditional on testing negative for curable STIs (syphilis and Trichomonas vaginalis). Results: Baseline recruitment and screening occurred in 2016 when a total of 6,055 individuals were screened of which 4,863 participated in the baseline survey, and 4,819 individuals were randomized into one of the study arms. The baseline prevalence of HIV, Trichomonas vaginalis, and syphilis among adolescent girls and young women 8.20% (397/4,840), 3.31% (150/4,533) and 0.17% (8/4,830) respectively. Conclusions: An educational cash incentive and raffle incentive impact evaluation that addresses adolescent girls and young women who are in-education and out-of-education has the potential to reduce HIV risk in adolescent girls and young women in Eswatini.
Prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in southeast China: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Hua-Le , Zheng Liang-Hui , Cheng Li-Chun , Liu Zhao-Dong , Yu Lu , Han Qin , Miao Geng-Yun , Yan jianying
Published: August 2020

Background We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for effective prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and guide future clinical application. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from hospitalized pregnant women who underwent trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), at the Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, between October 2015 and October 2017. Briefly, we included singleton pregnant women, at a gestational age above 37 weeks who underwent a primary cesarean section, in the study. We then extracted their sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics, and randomly divided the samples into training and validation sets. We employed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to select variables and construct VBAC success rate in the training set. Thereafter, we validated the nomogram using the concordance index (C-index), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves. Finally, we adopted the Grobman’s model to perform comparisons with published VBAC prediction models. Results Among the 708 pregnant women included according to inclusion criteria, 586 (82.77%) patients were successfully for VBAC. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that maternal height (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.19), maternal BMI at delivery (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.00), fundal height (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.88), cervix Bishop score (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 2.49 to 4.45), maternal age at delivery (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.98), gestational age (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.62) and history of vaginal delivery (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.42 to 6.48) were independently associated with successful VBAC. The constructed predictive model showed better discrimination than that from the Grobman’s model in the validation series (c-index 0.906 VS 0.694, respectively). On the other hand, decision curve analysis revealed that the new model had better clinical net benefits than the Grobman’s model. Conclusions VBAC will aid in reducing the rate of cesarean sections in China. In clinical practice, the TOLAC prediction model will help improve VBAC’s success rate, owing to its contribution to reducing secondary cesarean section.
Characterization of poplar growth-regulating factors and analysis of their function in leaf size control
Authors: Wang Jinnan , Zhou Houjun , Zhao Yanqiu , Sun Pengbo , Tang Fang , Song Xueqin , Lu Mengzhu
Published: August 2020

Background: Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are plant-specific transcription factors that control organ size. Nineteen GRF genes were identified in the Populus trichocarpa genome and one was reported to control leaf size by regulating cell expansion. In this study, we further characterize the roles of the other poplar GRFs in leaf size control in a similar manner. Results: The 19 poplar GRF genes were clustered into six groups according to their phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis GRFs. Bioinformatic analysis, degradome, and transient transcription assays showed that 18 poplar GRFs were regulated by miR396, with GRF12b the only exception. The functions of PagGRF6b (Pag, Populus alba × P. glandulosa), PagGRF7a, PagGRF12a, and PagGRF12b, representing three different groups, were investigated. The results show that PagGRF6b may have no function on leaf size control, while PagGRF7a functions as a negative regulator of leaf size by regulating cell expansion. By contrast, PagGRF12a and PagGRF12b may function as positive regulators of leaf size control by regulating both cell proliferation and expansion, primarily cell proliferation. Conclusions: The diversity of poplar GRFs in leaf size control may facilitate the specific, coordinated regulation of poplar leaf development through fine adjustment of cell proliferation and expansion.
Clinical Educator Self-Efficacy, Self-Evaluation and Its Relationship With Student Evaluations of Clinical Teaching
Authors: Vaughan Brett
Published: August 2020

Background In a whole-of-system approach to evaluation of teaching across any degree, multiple sources of information can help develop an educators’ understanding of their teaching quality. In the health professions, student evaluations of clinical teaching are commonplace however, self-evaluation of teaching is less common, and exploration of clinical educators’ self-efficacy even less so. The aim of the study was to evaluate how a clinical educator’s self-evaluation of teaching intersects with their self-efficacy, to ascertain if that matches student evaluation of their teaching. This information may assist in facilitating targeted professional development to improve teaching quality. Methods Clinical educators in the osteopathy program at Victoria University (VU) were invited to complete: a) self-evaluation version of the Osteopathy Clinical Teaching Questionnaire (OCTQ); and b) the Self-Efficacy in Clinical Teaching (SECT) questionnaire. Students in the VU program completed the OCTQ for each of the clinical educators they worked with during semester 2, 2017. Results Completed OCTQ and SECT were received from 37 clinical educators. These were matched with 308 student evaluations (mean of 6 student ratings per educator). Three possible educator cohorts were identified: a) high clinical eductor self-OCTQ with low student evaluation; b) low clinical educator self-evaluation and high student evaluations; and, c) no difference between self- and student evaulations. Clinical educators in the first cohort demonstrated significantly higher SECT subscale scores (effect size >0.42) than their colleagues. Age, gender, teaching qualification, and years practicing or years as a clinical educator were not associated with clinical educator OCTQ scores or the SECT subscales. Conclusions Targeted professional development directed towards fostering self-efficacy may provide an avenue for engaging those clinical educators whose self-efficacy is low and/or those who did not receive high student evaluations. Given there is no gold standard measure of clinical teaching quality, educators should engage with multiple sources of feedback to benchmark their current performance level, and identify opportunities to improve. Student and self-evaluations using the OCTQ and evaluation of self-efficacy using the SECT, are useful tools for inclusion in a whole-of-system approach to evaluation of the clinical learning environment.
Overexpression of Slit2 decreases neuronal excitotoxicity, accelerates glymphatic clearance, and improves cognition in a multiple microinfarcts model
Authors: He Xiaofei , Li Ge , Li Lili , Li Mingyue , Liang Fengyin , Chen Xi , Hu Xiquan
Published: August 2020

Background : Cerebral microinfarcts (MIs) lead to progressive cognitive impairment in elderly, but the mechanism has kept unknown. Dysfunction of GABAergic transmission induces excitotoxicity, which contributes to stroke pathology, but the mechanism has kept unknown. The secreted leucine-rich repeat (LRR) family protein slit homologue 2 (Slit 2) upregulates GABAergic activity and protects against global cerebral ischemia, but the neuroprotective efficacy of Slit 2 against MI has not been examined. Methods : Middle-aged Wild type and Slit 2-Tg mice were divided into sham and MIs groups. MIs in parietal cortex of was induced by laser-evoked arteriole occlusion. Spatial memory was examined by Morris water maze, neuronal activity and glymphatic clearance in peri-infarct areas were monitored by two-photon imaging. GABAergic transimission and neuroinflammation were detected by immunofluorescent staining or western blotting. Results : MIs increased the intracellular Ca 2+ amplitude and frequency, decreased the neuron survival and neuronal connectivity of parietal cortex, decreased the GABAergic transmission, induced the neuroinflammation, impaired the glymphatic clearance and cognition in middle-aged mice. Slit 2 overexpression attenuated dysfunctional neuronal Ca 2+ signaling, protected against the neuronal death in the peri-infarct area as well as loss of parietal cortex connectivity, increased the GABAergic transmission and attenuated the neuroinflammation, improved glymphatic clearance and eventually improved spatial learning and memory. Conclusion: Our results strongly supported overexpression of Slit 2 protected against the dysfunction in MIs, which is a potential therapeutic target for cognition impaiment in the elderly.
Relationship between bloodinterstitial glucose variability in ambulatory glucose profile and standardized continuous glucose monitoring metrics; A pilot study
Authors: Tokutsu Akemi , Okada Yosuke , Torimoto Keiichi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: August 2020

Background

Treatment indexes using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have become standardized internationally, and the use of ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) is currently recommended. However, the relationship between AGP indexes and standardized CGM metrics has not been investigated. Using flash glucose monitoring (FGM), this retrospective study served to evaluate the association of the inter-quartile range (IQR) of AGP with standardized CGM metrics.

Methods

The study subjects were 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 23 non-diabetic patients (control group). We evaluated average IQR (AIQR) and standardized CGM metrics. The primary endpoint was the relationship between AIQR and Time in range (TIR) in a 24-hour period.

Results

In the T2DM group, the AIQR was notably high and correlated negatively with TIR, and positively with Time above range, average interstitial glucose level, standard deviation of interstitial glucose , coefficient of variation of interstitial glucose , and mean of daily difference in blood glucose (MODD) . For the T2DM group, the AIQR was notably lower in patients who achieved TIR>70%, compared to those who did not. The AIQR cutoff value, as determined by ROC analysis, was 28.3 mg/dL for those who achieved TIR>70%. No association was detected between the presence of hypoglycemia and AIQR.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to provide the AIQR cutoff value for achieving the TIR target value. The range of interstitial glucose variability in AGP was associated with indexes of intra- and interday variations and hyperglycemia. Our results provide new perspectives in the yet-to-be established methods for evaluation of AGP in practical clinical settings.
Long-term observation and sequencing analysis of SKPs-derived corneal endothelial cell-like cells for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Shen Lin , Sun Peng , Du Liqun , Zhu Jing , Ju Chengqun , Guo Hui , Pang Kunpeng , Wu Xinyi
Published: August 2020

Background Corneal endothelial dysfunction is a principal cause of visual deficiency. Corneal transplantation is the most effective treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, a severe shortage of available donor corneas or human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) remains a global challenge. Previously, we acquired corneal endothelial cell-like cells (CEC-like cells) derived from human skin-derived precursors (SKPs). CEC-like cells were injected into rabbit and monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models and exerted excellent therapeutic effect. Method We prolonged the clinical observation in the monkey experiment for 2 years. PCR and DNA sequencing were carried out to confirm the existence of CEC-like cells. Histological examinations were carried out to show the corneal morphology. Further transcriptome sequencing was also carried out on HCEC, CEC-like cells before transplantation and after transplantation. Results The monkeys cornea remained transparent and normal thickness. The total endothelial cell density decreased gradually, but tended to be stable and remained in a normal range during 2-year observation. The CEC-like cells persist during observation and could adapt to the microenvironment after transplantation. The gene expression pattern of CEC-like cells was similar to HCEC and changed slightly after transplantation. Conclusions CEC-like cells could adapt to the microenvironment and had a good therapeutic effect after being transplanted into the monkey endothelial dysfunction model during long-term observation. This study provided a promising prospect of cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction and may be clinically applied in regenerative medicine in the future.
Factors associated with conducting planning for secondary oral health care services in Brazil
Authors: de Lucena Edson Hilan Gomes , Silva Rênnis Oliveira da , de Lucena Carolina Dantas Rocha Xavier , Mepatia Amalia Issufo , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , de Goes Paulo Savio Angeiras , de Sousa Maria Fátima
Published: August 2020

Background: Planning in health services specifically aims to improve the health status of a given population, guaranteeing access with equity and justice, as well as streamlining the response of the health system to the needs perceived by the community. This research aims to identify the factors associated with planning Specialized Dental Clinics (SDCs).Methods: Secondary data were used from the external evaluation of the database of the first National Program for Access and Quality Improvement of SDCs (NPAQI–SDCs) and the informed Outpatient Information System of the Unified Health System (OIS/UHS), which contains data on the specialized dental procedures performed at SDCs. It consisted of a quantitative study in which Pearson chi-square statistical tests (p ˂ 0.05) and a multivariate logistic regression were applied with odds ratio (OR) estimate. Results: The results indicated that the realization of planning in SDCs was associated with lower coverage of the Oral Health Team of the Familiy Health Strategy in a municipality (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0-1.9, p = 0.049), additional training for managers (p = 0.038), the practice of self-assessment (OR = 8.2; 95% CI: 5.8-11.6; p = 0.000) and meeting service production targets (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-3.2; p = 0.011). Conclusion: The results indicate that the work processes of the SDCs, especially with regard to service management, are essential to the proper functioning of the service and the practice of planning is linked to the technical capacity and commitment of service managers.
Lightweight soft neuroprosthetic hand
Authors: Gu Guoying , Zhang Ningbin , Xu Haipeng , Lin Shaoting , Yu Yang , Chai Guohong , Ge Lisen , Yang Houle , Shao Qiwen , Sheng Xinjun , Zhu Xiangyang , Zhao Xuanhe
Published: August 2020

Mainly composed of electrical motors and sophisticated mechanical components, existing neuroprosthetic hands1,2 are typically heavy (>400 g) and expensive (>USD 10,000), and they lack the compliance and tactile feedback of human hands. These limitations hamper neuroprosthetic hands’ innovation and broad utility for amputees3-5. Here we report the design, fabrication and applications of a lightweight (292 g) and potentially low-cost (component cost below USD 500) soft neuroprosthetic hand with simultaneous myoelectric control and tactile feedback. The soft neuroprosthetic hand consists of five soft fingers and a palm to give six active degrees of freedom under pneumatic actuation, four electromyography sensors that measure the surface electromyogram signals to control the hand to deliver four common grasp types, and five hydrogel-elastomer capacitive sensors on the fingertips that measure the touch pressure and elicit electrical stimulation on the skin of the residual limb. The soft finger is made of a fiber-reinforced elastomeric structure embedded with rigid segments to mimic the soft-joint/rigid-bone anatomy of the human finger. We use a set of standardized tests6 to compare the speed and dexterity of the soft neuroprosthetic hand and a conventional rigid neuroprosthetic hand7 on two transradial amputees. The soft neuroprosthetic hand gives overall superior performances to the rigid hand. We further demonstrate that one transradial amputee wearing the soft neuroprosthetic hand can regain the versatile hand functions with primitive touch sensation and real-time closed-loop control in daily activities such as handling tools, eating, shaking hands, petting animals, and recognizing touch pressure. This work not only represents a new paradigm for designing soft neuroprosthetic devices but also opens an avenue to widespread applications of lightweight, low-cost, and compliant hand replacements for amputees.
Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Genes Involved in the Somatic Embryogenesis of Eucalyptus
Authors: Xiao Yufei , Li Junji , Zhang Ye , Zhang Xiaoning , Liu Hailong , Qin Zihai , Chen Bowen
Published: August 2020

Background: Eucalyptus, a highly diverse genus of the Myrtaceae family, is the most widely planted hardwood due to its increasing importance for fiber and energy in the word. Somatic embryogenesis is one method to provide large-scale commercial use for the vegetative propagation of Eucalyptus and dedifferentiation is a key step for plant cells to become meristematic. However, little is known about the molecular changes during the SE of Eucalyptus on transcriptional level.Results: We compared the transcriptome profiles of the differentiated and dedifferentiated tissues of two Eucalyptus cultivars – E. camaldulensis (high embryogenetic potential) and E. grandis x urophylla (low embryogenetic potential). In total, we identified 18,777 to 20,240 genes in all samples. Compared to the differentiated tissues, we identified 9,229 and 8,989 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the dedifferentiated tissues of E. camaldulensis and E. grandis x urophylla, respectively. Comparison of DEGs showed that they shared 2,687 up-regulated and 2,581 down-regulated genes. Next, we found 2,003 up-regulated and 1,958 down-regulated genes specifically identified in E. camaldulensis, including 6 somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase, 17 ethylene, 12 auxin, 83 ribosomal protein, 28 zinc finger protein, 10 heat shock protein, 9 histone and 98 transcription factor genes. Genes from other families like ABA, arabinogalactan protein and late embryogenesis abundant protein were also found to be specifically dysregulated in E. camaldulensis. Further, we identified 48,447 variants (SNPs and small indels) specific to E. camaldulensis, including 13,434 exonic variants from 4,723 genes (e.g., annexin, GN, ARF and AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor). qRT-PCR was used to confirm the gene expression patterns in both E. camaldulensis and E. grandis x urophylla. Conclusions: This is the first time to study the somatic embryogenesis of Eucalyptus using transcriptome sequencing. Our results will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of somatic embryogenesis and dedifferentiation in Eucalyptus. Our results provide a valuable resource for future studies in the field of Eucalyptus and will benefit the Eucalyptus breeding program.
Deletion of Socs3 in LysM+ Cells and Cx3cr1 Resulted in Age-dependent Development of Retinal Microgliopathy
Authors: Du Xuan , Penalva Rosana , Little Karis , Kissenpfennig Adrien , Chen Mei , Xu Heping
Published: August 2020

BackgroundWe generated a mouse model of primary microglial dysfunction by deleting two negative immune regulatory genes, Cx3cr1 and Socs3 (in LysM+ cells). This study aimed to understand how primary microglial dysfunction impacts retinal neurons during aging.MethodsThe LysMCre-Socs3fl/flCx3cr1gfp/gfp double knockout (DKO), LysMCre-Socs3fl/fl, Cx3cr1gfp/gfp and Socs3fl/fl mice were maintained up to 12 months. Eyes were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry of IBA-1, cone arrestin, secretagogin, PKCα and GABA. Brain microglia from DKO and WT mice were stimulated with LPS + IFNγ or IL4. The expression of TNFα, IL1β, IL6, iNOS, IL12p40, IL23p19, CCL2, CCL5, CXCL2, IL10, CD206 and Arg1 were examined by real-time RT-PCR and protein production was measured by Luminex assay. Retinal explants from C57BL/6J mice were co-cultured with microglia from DKO or WT mice for 24 h, after which the number of cone arrestin+ cells in retinal flatmount were quantified.ResultsIn 3–5 month old mice, the number of microglia in retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL) were comparable in all strains. The DKO mice had a significantly higher number of microglia in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) but significantly lower numbers of cone arrestin+, secretagogin+ and GABA+ cells compared to Socs3fl/fl and single KO mice. During aging, 57% of the DKO mice died before 12 months old. The 10–12 months old DKO mice had significantly highers number of microglia in GCL/IPL and OPL than age-matched Socs3fl/fl and single KO mice. The aged DKO mice developed retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) dysmorphology accompanied by subretinal microglial accumulation. The number of photoreceptors, bipolar cells (Secretagogin+ or PKCα+) and GABA+ amacrine cells was significantly lower in aged DKO mice compared to age-matched Socs3fl/fl and single KO mice. Microglia from DKO mice showed significantly higher levels of phagocytic activity and produced higher levels of TNFα, IL6, CCL2, CCL5, CXCL2 and CXCL10 compared to microglia from Socs3fl/fl mice. Co-culture of retinal explants with DKO microglia (pre-treated with LPS + IFNγ or IL4) significantly reduced cone photoreceptor survival.ConclusionsThe LysMCre-Socs3fl/flCx3cr1gfp/gfp DKO mice displayed primary microglial dysfunction and developed age-related retinal microgliopathy characterized by aggragated microglial activation and multiple retinal neuronal and RPE degeneration.Trial registration: Not applicable. The article does not contain any results from human participants.
LY3214996 relieves acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Ma Yongfang , Xu Ruyue , Liu Xueke , Zhang Yinci , Song Li , Qiu XinYing , Cai Shuyu , Zhou Shuping , Xie Yinghai , Li Amin , Cao Weiya , Tang Xiaolong
Published: August 2020

Background: Due to the reactivation of ERK signaling in sorafenib-resisitant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, in this study, the anti-cancer effect of LY3214996 (selective ERK1/2 inhibitor) combined with sorafenib on HCC cells was evaluated. Methods: Phosphorylation of the key kinases in the Ras/Raf/MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways were detected using Western blot. Cells proliferation, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated in Huh7 and Huh7 R cells. Results: LY3214996 significantly reduced phosphorylation levels of the tested kinases of Ras/Raf/MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways including p-c-Raf, p-P90RSK, p-S6K and p-eIF4EBP1 activated by sorafenib, despite increased p-ERK1/2 levels. It was found that LY3214996 enhanced the anti-proliferation, anti-migration, blocking cell cycle progression and pro-apoptotic effects of sorafenib on Huh7 R cells. Conclusions: The reactivation of ERK1/2 might be highly related to molecular mechanism of acquired drug resistance. LY3214996 combined with sorafenib enhanced anti-tumor effects in HCC. Consequently, combined treatment of LY3214996 and sorafenib provides a second-line therapy for acquired resistant in advanced HCC.