bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CCN3 is dynamically regulated by treatment and disease state in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Naughton Michelle , Moffat Jill , Eleftheriadis George , de la Vega Gallardo Nira , Young Andrew , Falconer John , Hawkins Kristen , Pearson Ben , Perbal Bernard , Hogan Andrew , Moynagh Paul , Loveless Sam , Robertson Neil P. , Gran Bruno , Kee Rachael , Hughes Stella , McDonnell Gavin , Howell Owain , Fitzgerald Denise C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that damages myelin in the central nervous system (CNS). We investigated the profile of CCN3, a known regulator of immune function and a potential mediator of myelin regeneration, in multiple sclerosis in the context of disease state and disease-modifying treatment.

Methods

CCN3 expression was analysed in plasma, immune cells, CSF and brain tissue of MS patient groups and control subjects by ELISA, western blot, qPCR, histology and in situ hybridization.

Results

Plasma CCN3 levels were comparable between collective MS cohorts and controls but were significantly higher in progressive versus relapsing-remitting MS and between patients on interferon-β versus natalizumab. Higher body mass index was associated with higher CCN3 levels in controls as reported previously, but this correlation was absent in MS patients. A significant positive correlation was found between CCN3 levels in matched plasma and CSF of MS patients which was absent in a comparator group of idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients. PBMCs and CD4+ T cells significantly upregulated CCN3 mRNA in MS patients versus controls. In the CNS, CCN3 was detected in neurons, astrocytes and blood vessels. Although overall levels of area immunoreactivity were comparable between non-affected, demyelinated and remyelinated tissue, the profile of expression varied dramatically.

Conclusions

This investigation provides the first comprehensive profile of CCN3 expression in MS and provides rationale to determine if CCN3 contributes to neuroimmunological functions in the CNS.
Caring for patients in mental health services during COVID-19 outbreak in China
Authors: Hou Ruihua , Yang Limin , Tang Zhen , Chen Teng
Published: November 2020

This article reflects on some radical changes made in mental health services in China which include the implementation of the initial triage system and the special isolation ward, the early screening and testing for both patients and staff, the smaller teams working on rotating shifts on-site, and the adequate provision of PPE. These measures would be of great value as a reference to the effective delivery of mental health services in other countries through this pandemic.
Reporting and utilization of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) measures in orthopedic research and practice: a systematic review
Authors: Horn Maggie E. , Reinke Emily K. , Couce Logan J. , Reeve Bryce B. , Ledbetter Leila , George Steven Z.
Published: November 2020

Background

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information SystemⓇ (PROMISⓇ) is a dynamic system of psychometrically sound patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. There has been a recent increase in the use of PROMIS measures, yet little has been written about the reporting of these measures in the field of orthopedics. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to determine the uptake of PROMIS measures across orthopedics and to identify the type of PROMIS measures and domains that are most commonly used in orthopedic research and practice.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using keywords and database-specific subject headings to capture orthopedic studies reporting PROMIS measures through November 2018. Our inclusion criteria were use of PROMIS measures as an outcome or used to describe a population of patients in an orthopedic setting in patients ≥ 18 years of age. We excluded non-quantitative studies, reviews, and case reports.

Results

Our final search yielded 88 studies published from 2013 through 2018, with 57% (50 studies) published in 2018 alone. By body region, 28% (25 studies) reported PROMIS measures in the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, hand), 36% (32 studies) reported PROMIS measures in the lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle, foot), 19% (17 studies) reported PROMIS measures in the spine, 10% (9 studies) reported PROMIS measures in trauma patients, and 6% (5 studies) reported PROMIS measures in general orthopedic patients. The majority of studies reported between one and three PROMIS domains (82%, 73 studies). The PROMIS Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) approach was most commonly used (81%, 72 studies). The most frequently reported PROMIS domains were physical function (81%, 71 studies) and pain interference (61%, 54 studies).

Conclusion

Our review found an increase in the reporting of PROMIS measures over the recent years. Utilization of PROMIS measures in orthopedic populations is clinically appropriate and can facilitate communication of outcomes across different provider types and with reduced respondent burden.

Registration

The protocol for this systematic review was designed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and is registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42018088260).
Older age and multi-joint external fixator are two risk factors of complications in ulnar lengthening in children with hereditary multiple exostosis
Authors: Zheng Chao , Han Huanli , Cao Yujiang
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Hereditary multiple exostosis (HME) often involves forearm deformities. The aim of this study was to present the clinical results of 37 children who underwent ulnar lengthening with two different types of unilateral external fixators and to investigate the risk factors of complications.

Methods

We evaluated 37 children with forearm deformities caused by HME treated in our hospital from January 2008 to July 2019. The surgical procedures included resection of exostosis, osteotomy of the ulna, and gradual lengthening of the ulna with a unilateral external fixator. According to the type of fixator they received, the children were divided into two groups: group A received monorail fixators and group B received multi-joint fixators. Radiographic and functional parameters were assessed. Complications were recorded.

Results

All patients were followed-up for an average of 4.6 years (3.0 to 6.5). In both group A and group B, the ulna shortening (US), radial articular angle (RAA), carpal slip (CS), elbow flexion, forearm pronation, supination, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) values improved significantly from preoperatively to postoperatively (p < 0.05). However, the ulnar deviation was observed in 4 cases in group B and no cases in group A. According to logistic regression, the difference was only related to age (p < 0.05) and the type of external fixator (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ulnar lengthening with unilateral external fixation is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of HME. Regarding complications, deviation of the ulna axis was more likely to occur in older children with multi-joint external fixators.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus local corticosteroid injection for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Wenhao , Dong Chunke , Wei Hongyu , Xiong Zhencheng , Zhang Liubo , Zhou Jun , Wang Yanlei , Song Jipeng , Tan Mingsheng
Published: November 2020

Background

Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and local corticosteroid injection (LCI) for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and some studies showed that the effect of ESWT was superior to LCI. We performed this meta-analysis to compare the clinical effects across the two therapies.

Methods

Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ESWT and LCI for the treatment of CTS were searched in electronic database. The Cochrane risk bias tool was used for quality assessment. After data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Mean differences (MDs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on INPLASY (202080025) and is available in full on the inplasy.com (10.37766/inplasy2020.8.0025)

Results

A total of 5 RCT studies with 204 patients were included from the electronic database. The meta-analysis results showed that two therapies were not significantly different in terms of visual analog scale (VAS) score (P = 0.65), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BQ) score (P = 0.14), sensory distal latency (P = 0.66), and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of the sensory nerve (P = 0.06). There were significant differences between the results of motor distal latency (P < 0.0001), compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (P < 0.00001), and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

In terms of pain relief and function improvement, the effects of ESWT and LCI are not significantly different. In terms of electrophysiological parameters, LCI has a stronger effect on shortening motor distal latency; ESWT is superior to LCI in improving action potential amplitude. ESWT is a noninvasive treatment with fewer complications and greater patient safety. In light of the heterogeneity and limitations, these conclusions require further research for definitive conclusions to be drawn.
Transcription factor EB agonists from natural products for treating human diseases with impaired autophagy-lysosome pathway
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Zhang Zaijun
Published: November 2020

Autophagy is a highly conserved degradation process for long-lived intracellular proteins and organelles mediated by lysosomes. Deficits in the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) have been linked to a variety of human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, lysosomal storage disorders, and cancers. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) has been identified as a major regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that TFEB activation can promote the clearance of toxic protein aggregates and regulate cellular metabolism. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-derived natural products as important sources for drug discovery have been widely used for the treatment of various diseases associated with ALP dysfunction. Herein, we review (1) the regulation of TFEB and ALP; (2) TFEB and ALP dysregulation in human diseases; (3) TFEB activators from natural products and their potential uses.
The power of randomization by sex in multilocus genetic evolution
Authors: Vasylenko Liudmyla , Feldman Marcus W. , Livnat Adi
Published: November 2020

Background

Many hypotheses have been proposed for how sexual reproduction may facilitate an increase in the population mean fitness, such as the Fisher-Muller theory, Muller’s ratchet and others. According to the recently proposed mixability theory, however, sexual recombination shifts the focus of natural selection away from favoring particular genetic combinations of high fitness towards favoring alleles that perform well across different genetic combinations. Mixability theory shows that, in finite populations, because sex essentially randomizes genetic combinations, if one allele performs better than another across the existing combinations of alleles, that allele will likely also perform better overall across a vast space of untested potential genotypes. However, this superiority has been established only for a single-locus diploid model.

Results

We show that, in both haploids and diploids, the power of randomization by sex extends to the multilocus case, and becomes substantially stronger with increasing numbers of loci. In addition, we make an explicit comparison between the sexual and asexual cases, showing that sexual recombination is the cause of the randomization effect.

Conclusions

That the randomization effect applies to the multilocus case and becomes stronger with increasing numbers of loci suggests that it holds under realistic conditions. One may expect, therefore, that in nature the ability of an allele to perform well in interaction with existing genetic combinations is indicative of how well it will perform in a far larger space of potential combinations that have not yet materialized and been tested. Randomization plays a similar role in a statistical test, where it allows one to draw an inference from the outcome of the test in a small sample about its expected outcome in a larger space of possibilities—i.e., to generalize. Our results are relevant to recent theories examining evolution as a learning process.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by David Ardell and Brian Golding.
Corticosteroids versus clobazam in epileptic encephalopathy with ESES: a European multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial (RESCUE ESES*)
Authors:   on behalf of the RESCUE ESES study group, van den Munckhof Bart , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Perucca Emilio , van Teeseling Heleen C. , Leijten Frans S. S. , Braun Kees P. J. , Jansen Floor E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Epileptic encephalopathy with electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) is an epilepsy syndrome occurring almost exclusively in children, usually at an age between 4 and 12 years. It is characterised by abundant sleep-induced epileptic activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG) and by acquired cognitive and behavioural deficits. The goal of treatment is to prevent further decline or even improve cognitive functioning. Based on mostly small and retrospective studies, corticosteroids and clobazam are regarded by many clinicians as the most effective pharmacological treatments. This European multicentre randomised controlled trial is designed to compare the effects of corticosteroids and clobazam on cognitive functioning after 6 months. Secondary outcomes include cognitive functioning after 18 months, EEG abnormalities in sleep, safety and tolerability, and seizure frequency. We also aimed at investigating whether treatment response in epileptic encephalopathy with ESES can be predicted by measurement of inflammatory mediators and autoantibodies in serum.

Methods

The pragmatic study will be performed in centres with expertise in the treatment of rare paediatric epilepsy syndromes across Europe. A total of 130 patients, 2 to 12 years of age, with epileptic encephalopathy with ESES will be enrolled and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either corticosteroids (monthly intravenous methylprednisolone pulses or daily oral prednisolone) or oral clobazam for 6 months according to an open-label parallel-group design. Follow-up visits with clinical assessment, EEGs, and neuropsychological testing are scheduled for up to 18 months. Blood samples for cytokine and autoantibody testing are obtained before treatment and 8 months after treatment initiation.

Discussion

The treatment of epileptic encephalopathy with ESES aims at improving cognitive outcome. This randomised controlled study will compare the most frequently used treatments, i.e. corticosteroids and clobazam. If the study proves superiority of one treatment over the other or identifies biomarkers of treatment response, results will guide clinicians in the early treatment of this severe epilepsy syndrome.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN42686094. Registered on 24 May 2013.
Individualized hemodynamic optimization guided by indirect measurement of the respiratory exchange ratio in major surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (the OPHIQUE study)
Authors: Bar Stéphane , Boivin Pierre , El Amine Younes , Descamps Richard , Moussa Mouhamed , Abou Arab Osama , Fischer Marc-Olivier , Dupont Hervé , Lorne Emmanuel , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire
Published: November 2020

Background

Observational studies have suggested that a high respiratory exchange ratio (RER) is associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications. The study’s primary objective is to demonstrate that the incidence of postoperative complications is lower in an interventional group (patients monitored using a hemodynamic algorithm that incorporates the RER) than in a control group (treated according to standard practice).

Methods

We shall perform a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, superiority trial of consecutive patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery (i.e., abdominal, vascular, and orthopedic surgery). The control group will be treated according to the current guidelines on standard hemodynamic care. The interventional group will be treated according to an algorithm based on the RER. The primary outcome will be the occurrence of at least one complication in the 7 days following surgery. The secondary outcomes will be the length of hospital stay, the total number of complications per patient, the 30-day mortality, the total intraoperative volume of fluids administered, and the Sequential [sepsis-related] Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and laboratory data measured on postoperative days 1, 2, and 7. A total of 350 patients will be included.

Discussion

In the operating theater, the RER is potentially a continuously available, easy-to-read, indirect marker of tissue hypoperfusion and postoperative complications. If the RER does predict the occurrence of tissue hypoperfusion, it will help the physician to provide personalized hemodynamic management and limit the side effects associated with excessive hemodynamic optimization (volume overload, vasoconstriction, etc.).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03852147. Registered on February 25, 2019
Radiation therapy alone versus radiation therapy plus radiofrequency ablation/vertebral augmentation for spine metastasis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kotecha Rupesh , Schiro Brian J. , Sporrer Justin , Rubens Muni , Appel Haley R. , Calienes Kathleen S. , Boulanger Belinda , Pujol Marietsy V. , Suarez Deborah T. , Pena Ashley , Kudryashev Alex , Mehta Minesh P.
Published: November 2020

Background

Spine metastasis is a common occurrence in cancer patients and results in pain, neurologic deficits, decline in performance status, disability, inferior quality of life (QOL), and reduction in ability to receive cancer-directed therapies. Conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is associated with modest rates of pain relief, high rates of disease recurrence, low response rates for those with radioresistant histologies, and limited improvement in neurologic deficits. The addition of radiofrequency ablation/percutaneous vertebral augmentation (RFA/PVA) to index sites together with EBRT may improve pain response rates and corresponding quality of life.

Methods/design

This is a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial in patients with spine metastasis from T5-L5, stratified according to tumor type (radioresistant vs. radiosensitive) in which patients in each stratum will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either RFA/PVA and EBRT or EBRT alone. All patients will be treated with EBRT to a dose of 20–30 Gy in 5–10 fractions. The target parameters will be measured and recorded at the baseline clinic visit, and daily at home with collection of weekly measurements at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after treatment, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months following treatment with imaging and QOL assessments.

Discussion

The primary objective of this randomized trial is to determine whether RFA/PVA in addition to EBRT improves pain control compared to palliative EBRT alone for patients with spine metastasis, defined as complete or partial pain relief (measured using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale [NRPS]) at 3 months. Secondary objectives include determining whether combined modality treatment improves the rapidity of pain response, duration of pain response, patient reported pain impact, health utility, and overall QOL.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04375891. Registered on 5 May 2020.
Design, synthesis, and biological activity of novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives
Authors: Zhu Lingzhi , Zeng Huanan , Liu Dan , Fu Yun , Wu Qiong , Song Baoan , Gan Xiuhai
Published: November 2020

Background

Plant diseases seriously threaten food security, it is urgent to discover efficient and low-risk chemical pesticides. 1,2,4-Oxadiazole derivatives exhibit broad spectrum of agricultural biological activities. For discovering novel molecules with excellent agricultural activities, novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their agricultural activities.

Result

Bioassays results showed that the title compounds exhibited moderate nematocidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita and anti-fungal activity to Rhizoctonia solani. It’s worth noting that compounds 5m, 5r, 5u, 5v, 5x and 5y showed strong antibacterial effects on Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), with EC50 values of 36.25, 24.14, 28.82, 19.44, 25.37 and 28.52 μg/mL, respectively, superior to bismerthiazol (BMT, EC50 = 77.46 μg/mL) and thiodiazole copper (TDC, EC50 = 99.31 μg/mL). Compounds 5p, 5u and 5v exhibited excellent antibacterial ability against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), with EC50 values of 31.40, 19.04 and 21.78 μg/mL, respectively, better than that of BMT (EC50 = 68.50 μg/mL) and TDC (EC50 = 91.05 μg/mL). In addition, compound 5v exerted moderate antibacterial effects on rice bacterial leaf blight.

Conclusions

Twenty-six novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives were obtained and their biological activities were evaluated. Compound 5u and 5v exhibited excellent antibacterial activity Xoo and Xoc. These results indicated that 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives containing a trifluoromethyl pyridine moiety could be as potential alternative templates for discovering novel antibacterial agents.
The life-cycle of Toxoplasma gondii reviewed using animations
Authors: Attias Márcia , Teixeira Dirceu E. , Benchimol Marlene , Vommaro Rossiane C. , Crepaldi Paulo Henrique , De Souza Wanderley
Published: November 2020

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an infection with high prevalence worldwide. Most of the infected individuals are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, but T. gondii can cause severe neurologic damage and even death of the fetus when acquired during pregnancy. It is also a serious condition in immunodeficient patients. The life-cycle of T. gondii is complex, with more than one infective form and several transmission pathways. In two animated videos, we describe the main aspects of this cycle, raising questions about poorly or unknown issues of T. gondii biology. Original plates, based on electron microscope observations, are also available for teachers, students and researchers. The main goal of this review is to provide a source of learning on the fundamental aspects of T. gondii biology to students and teachers contributing for better knowledge and control on this important parasite, and unique cell model. In addition, drawings and videos point to still unclear aspects of T. gondii lytic cycle that may stimulate further studies.

Graphical Abstract
Identification and biochemical characterisation of Acanthamoeba castellanii cysteine protease 3
Authors: Wang Zhixin , Wu Duo , Tachibana Hiroshi , Feng Meng , Cheng Xun-jia
Published: November 2020

Background

Acanthamoebaspp. are free-living amoeba that are ubiquitously distributed in the environment. This study examines pathogenicAcanthamoebacysteine proteases (AcCPs) belonging to the cathepsin L-family and explores the mechanism ofAcCP3 interaction with host cells.

Methods

SixAcCP genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyse the relative mRNA expression ofAcCPs during the encystation process and between pre- and post-reactivated trophozoites. To further verify the role ofAcCP3 in these processes,AcCP3recombinant proteins were expressed inEscherichia coli, and the hydrolytic activity ofAcCP3was determined. The influence of theAcCP3 on the hydrolytic activity of trophozoites and the toxicity of trophozoites to human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) was examined by inhibitingAcCP3 expression using siRNA. Furthermore, the levels of p-Raf and p-Erk were examined in HCECs following coculture withAcCP3 gene knockdown trophozoites by Western blotting.

Results

During encystation, five out of sixAcCPs exhibited decreased expression, and onlyAcCP6was substantially up-regulated at the mRNA level, indicating that mostAcCPs were not directly correlated to encystation. Furthermore, sixAcCPs exhibited increased expression level following trophozoite reactivation with HEp-2 cells, particularlyAcCP3, indicating that theseAcCPs might be virulent factors. After refolding of recombinantAcCP3 protein, the 27 kDa mature protein from the 34 kDa pro-protein hydrolysed host haemoglobin, collagen and albumin and showed high activity in an acidic environment. AfterAcCP3 knockdown, the hydrolytic activity of trophozoite crude protein against gelatin was decreased, suggesting that these trophozoites had decreased toxicity. Compared with untreated trophozoites or negative control siRNA-treated trophozoites,AcCP3-knockdown trophozoites were less able to penetrate and damage monolayers of HCECs. Western blot analysis showed that the activation levels of the Ras/Raf/Erk/p53 signalling pathways in HCECs decreased after inhibiting the expression of trophozoiteAcCP3.

Conclusions

AcCP6 was correlated to encystation. Furthermore,AcCP3 was a virulent factor in trophozoites and participated in the activation of the Ras/Raf/Erk/p53 signalling pathways of host cells.

Graphical Abstract
Early DAS response after DMARD-start increases probability of achieving sustained DMARD-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Verstappen M. , Niemantsverdriet E. , Matthijssen X. M. E. , le Cessie S. , van der Helm-van Mil A. H. M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Sustained DMARD-free remission (SDFR) is increasingly achievable. The pathogenesis underlying SDFR development is unknown and patient characteristics at diagnosis poorly explain whether SDFR will be achieved. To increase the understanding, we studied the course of disease activity scores (DAS) over time in relation to SDFR development. Subsequently, we explored whether DAS course could be helpful identifying RA patients likely to achieve SDFR.

Methods

772 consecutive RA patients, promptly treated with csDMARDs (mostly methotrexate and treat-to-target treatment adjustments), were studied for SDFR development (absence of synovitis, persisting minimally 12 months after DMARD stop). The course of disease activity scores (DAS) was compared between RA patients with and without SDFR development within 7 years, using linear mixed models, stratified for ACPA. The relation between 4-month DAS and the probability of SDFR development was studied with logistic regression. Cumulative incidence of SDFR within DAS categories (< 1.6, 1.6–2.4, 2.4–3.6, ≥ 3.6) at 4 months was visualized using Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results

In ACPA-negative RA patients, those achieving SDFR showed a remarkably stronger DAS decline within the first 4 months, compared to RA patients without SDFR; − 1.73 units (95%CI, 1.28–2.18) versus − 1.07 units (95%CI, 0.90–1.23) (p < 0.001). In APCA-positive RA patients, such an effect was not observed, yet SDFR prevalence in this group was low. In ACPA-negative RA, DAS decline in the first 4 months and absolute DAS levels at 4 months (DAS4 months) were equally predictive for SDFR development. Incidence of SDFR in ACPA-negative RA patients was high (70.2%) when DAS4 months was < 1.6, whilst SDFR was rare (7.1%) when DAS4 months was ≥ 3.6.

Conclusions

In ACPA-negative RA, an early response to treatment, i.e., a strong DAS decline within the first 4 months, is associated with a higher probability of SDFR development. DAS values at 4 months could be useful for later decisions to stop DMARDs.
Online social image ranking in diversified preferences
Authors: Zhao Xuezhuan , Pei Lishen , Li Tao , Zhang Zheng
Published: November 2020

Due to the prevalence of social media service, effective and efficient online image retrieval is in urgent need to satisfy diversified requirements of Web users. Previous studies are mainly focusing on bridging the semantic gap by well-established content modeling with semantic information and social tagging information, but they are not flexible in aggregating the diversified expectations of the online users. In this paper, we present OSIR, a solution framework to facilitate the diversified preference styles in online social media image searching by textual query inputs. First, we propose an efficient Online Multiple Kernel Ranking (OMKR) model which is constructed on multiple query dimensions and complimentary feature channels, and trained by minimizing the triplet loss on hard negative samples. By optimizing the ranking performance with multi-dimensional queries, the semantic consistency between the image ranking and textual query input is directly maximized without relying on the intermediate semantic annotation procedure. Second, we construct random walk-based preference modeling by domain-specific similarity calculation on heterogeneous social attributes. By re-ranking the rank output of OMKR based on each preference ranking model, we obtain a set of ranking lists encoding different potential aspects of user preference. Last, we propose an effective and efficient position-sensitive rank aggregation approach to aggregate multiple ranking results based on the user preference specification. Extensive experiment on two social media datasets demonstrates the advantages of our approach in both retrieval performance and user experience.
Collaborative behavior, performance and engagement with visual analytics tasks using mobile devices
Authors: Chen Lei , Liang Hai-Ning , Lu Feiyu , Papangelis Konstantinos , Man Ka Lok , Yue Yong
Published: November 2020

Interactive visualizations are external tools that can support users’ exploratory activities. Collaboration can bring benefits to the exploration of visual representations or visualizations. This research investigates the use of co-located collaborative visualizations in mobile devices, how users working with two different modes of interaction and view (Shared or Non-Shared) and how being placed at various position arrangements (Corner-to-Corner, Face-to-Face, and Side-by-Side) affect their knowledge acquisition, engagement level, and learning efficiency. A user study is conducted with 60 participants divided into 6 groups (2 modes

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3 positions) using a tool that we developed to support the exploration of 3D visual structures in a collaborative manner. Our results show that the shared control and view version in the Side-by-Side position is the most favorable and can improve task efficiency. In this paper, we present the results and a set of recommendations that are derived from them.
Numerical analysis of reinforced embankment slopes made up of pozzolanic waste materials
Authors: Patil Vidya N. , Chore Hemant S. , Sawant Vishwas A.
Published: November 2020

The paper presents the numerical study of the bearing capacity behavior of the model footing placed on the top of reinforced embankment slopes made up of Pozzolanic waste materials such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). The present investigation is aimed at studying the efficacy of the different types of reinforcement (geogrid and rubbergrid) in improving the load bearing capacity of the embankment slopes made up of waste materials. The effect of various parameters such as slope angle, location of the footing with slope crest, embedment depth of the reinforcement is studied on the strength behavior of the embankment. The analysis is carried out on unreinforced fly ash and GGBFS embankments for three slope angles and three locations of the footing with respect to slope crest, i.e., edge distance. The fly ash slopes reinforced with geogrid and rubber grid reinforcement is also analyzed for all the three slope angles and edge distances as that in unreinforced fly ash embankment slope and further, for various embedment depths of the layer of reinforcement. The GGBFS embankment reinforced with geogrid layer is analyzed with respect to critical slope angle and edge distance and optimum embedment depth of the reinforcement deduced from the unreinforced fly ash and GGBFS embankment and reinforced fly ash embankment. The analysis demonstrated that the load carrying capacity of the embankment slope decreases with increase in slope angle and edge distance in respect of unreinforced and reinforced fly ash slope and the optimum embedment depth ratio seems to be 1.2. Further, the rubbergrid reinforcement is found to perform better than the geogrid. The performance of geogrid reinforced GGBFS embankment is also noteworthy. The study underscores the effective utilization of Pozzolanic waste materials as the embankment slope and the rubbergrid derived out of discarded tyres.
Effects and mechanism of platelet-rich plasma on military drill injury: a review
Authors: Xu Peng-Cheng , Xuan Min , Cheng Biao
Published: November 2020

Military drill injury is a significant part of military medical research. The increase of training intensity and changes in training methods lead to differences in injury types. The ideal therapeutic modality should allow rapid healing at a reasonable cost and minimize impact on patients’ life. Platelet -rich plasma (PRP), a platelet concentrate, is rich in a variety of growth factors and widely used clinically as a minimally invasive treatment. It plays an important role in injury repair and rehabilitation. In this article, we review the therapeutic role of PRP in military drill injury and its possible underlying mechanisms, with a focus on plantar fasciitis, stress fractures and other common injuries, in order to provide basic support for military reserve.
Carica papaya Linn. fruit extract inhibited the activities of aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase: possible mechanism for amelioration of diabetic complications
Authors: Kazeem Mutiu Idowu , Adeyemi Ayotomiwa Adeyinka , Adenowo Abiola Fatimah , Akinsanya Mushafau Adewale
Published: November 2020

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is associated with debilitating complications including eye disease, kidney disorder, and diabetic foot disease. One of the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications is the polyol pathway. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of four tropical fruits, namely apple (Malus domesticaBorkh.), banana (Musa paradisiacaLinn.), pawpaw (Carica papayaLinn.), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai), on the activities of polyol pathway enzymes (aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase).

Results

All the fruits, with the exception of banana, displayed stronger inhibition of sorbitol dehydrogenase than aldose reductase which culminated in low IC50for the inhibition of sorbitol dehydrogenase. Of the fruit extracts tested, pawpaw inhibited both aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase most effectively with IC50of 150.78 μg/mL and 46.30 μg/mL, respectively. Lineweaver-Burk plot also revealed that the pawpaw extract inhibited aldose reductase competitively while sorbitol dehydrogenase was inhibited in a mixed non-competitive manner.

Conclusion

Aqueous extract of pawpaw fruit effectively inhibited polyol pathway enzymes, and this may be attributed to rich nutritional and phytochemical composition of the fruit. Consequently, the consumption of pawpaw fruit may contribute to the amelioration of diabetic complications.
USP8 and TP53 Drivers are Associated with CNV in a Corticotroph Adenoma Cohort Enriched for Aggressive Tumors
Authors: Uzilov Andrew V , Taik Patricia , Cheesman Khadeen C , Javanmard Pedram , Ying Kai , Roehnelt Alessia , Wang Huan , Fink Marc Y , Lau Chun Yee , Moe Aye S , Villar Joaquin , Bederson Joshua B , Stewart Andrew F , Donovan Michael J , Mahajan Milind , Sebra Robert , Post Kalmon D , Chen Rong , Geer Eliza B
Published: November 2020

Context

Pituitary corticotroph adenomas are rare tumors that can be associated with excess adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and adrenal cortisol production, resulting in the clinically debilitating endocrine condition Cushing disease. A subset of corticotroph tumors behave aggressively, and genomic drivers behind the development of these tumors are largely unknown.

Objective

To investigate genomic drivers of corticotroph tumors at risk for aggressive behavior.

Design

Whole-exome sequencing of patient-matched corticotroph tumor and normal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from a patient cohort enriched for tumors at risk for aggressive behavior.

Setting

Tertiary care center

Patients

Twenty-seven corticotroph tumors from 22 patients were analyzed. Twelve tumors were macroadenomas, of which 6 were silent ACTH tumors, 2 were Crooke’s cell tumors, and 1 was a corticotroph carcinoma.

Intervention

Whole-exome sequencing.

Main outcome measure

Somatic mutation genomic biomarkers.

Results

We found recurrent somatic mutations in USP8 and TP53 genes, both with higher allelic fractions than other somatic mutations. These mutations were mutually exclusive, with TP53 mutations occurring only in USP8 wildtype (WT) tumors, indicating they may be independent driver genes. USP8-WT tumors were characterized by extensive somatic copy number variation compared with USP8-mutated tumors. Independent of molecular driver status, we found an association between invasiveness, macroadenomas, and aneuploidy.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that corticotroph tumors may be categorized into a USP8-mutated, genome-stable subtype versus a USP8-WT, genome-disrupted subtype, the latter of which has a TP53-mutated subtype with high level of chromosome instability. These findings could help identify high risk corticotroph tumors, namely those with widespread CNV, that may need closer monitoring and more aggressive treatment.
Associations between Bone Material Strength Index, Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound, and Bone Mineral Density in Men
Authors: Rufus-Membere Pamela , Holloway-Kew Kara L , Diez-Perez Adolfo , Kotowicz Mark A , Pasco Julie A
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Impact micro-indentation (IMI) measures bone material strength index (BMSi) in vivo. This study investigated how IMI is associated with calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and bone densitometry parameters in men.

Methods

BMSi was measured on the tibial plateau using the OsteoProbe in 377 men (age 33-96 years) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness index (SI) were assessed at the calcaneus using an ultrasonometer. Areal BMD was measured at several skeletal sites using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Linear associations between parameters were tested using Pearson’s correlation. Multivariable regression techniques were used to determine associations between BMSi and other measures of bone, independent of confounders.

Results

BMSi was negatively correlated with age (r = –0.171, P = .001), weight (r = –0.100, P = .052), and body mass index (r = –0.187, P = .001), and positively with height (r = +0.109, P = .034). There was some evidence to support a positive association between BMSi and BUA (β = 0.052, P = .037), SOS (β = 0.013, P = .144), and SI (β = 0.036, P = .051). After age adjustment, this association was attenuated. No correlations were observed between BMSi and BMD at any skeletal site (r values ranged from –0.006 to +0.079, all P ≥ .13).

Conclusion

There was a small positive association between BMSi and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters, which were not independent of age. No associations were detected between BMSi and BMD. This suggests that BMSi and QUS are capturing common age-dependent properties of bone. Further research on the utility of IMI alone and complementary to conventional bone testing methods for predicting fracture risk is warranted.
Confirmed Hypoglycemia Without Whipple Triad: A Rare Case of Hyper-Warburgism
Authors: Goyal Itivrita , Ogbuah Christopher , Chaudhuri Ajay , Quinn Timothy , Sharma Rajeev
Published: November 2020

Spontaneous hypoglycemia in nondiabetic patients poses a diagnostic challenge. Hypoglycemia in malignancy has several etiologies; an extremely rare mechanism is the Warburg effect causing excess lactate production and avid glucose consumption. We describe the clinical course of a 52-year-old man admitted for chest wall mass and severe but asymptomatic hypoglycemia. Laboratory workup was obtained for insulin vs noninsulin-mediated hypoglycemia, and biopsy of the chest wall mass and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) scan were performed. D10 infusion and intravenous/oral steroids started for severe hypoglycemia. Chemotherapy was initiated after biopsy, and blood glucose (BG) and lactate levels followed with clinical response in tumor size and changes in PET/CT. Investigations were significant for venous BG in the 40s (Ademolus Classification of Hypoglycemia grade 2 hypoglycemia), plasma insulin of less than 2 µU/mL (2-20 µU/mL), C-peptide of 0.2 ng/mL (0.8-6.0 ng/mL), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) of 113 ng/mL (333-967 ng/mL), serum lactate of 16 mmol/L (0.5-2 mmol/L), and albumin of 2.3 g/dL (3.4-5.4 g/dL). Biopsy showed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and PET revealed highly FDG-avid disease in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, but no FDG uptake was seen in the brain. Hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis improved remarkably after chemotherapy. PET/CT at 4 weeks showed complete metabolic response with reappearance of physiological FDG uptake in the brain. Noninsulin-mediated hypoglycemia was likely due to the combination of profound malnutrition and rapid glucose use by cancer cells. The patient presented with exaggerated Warburg effect (hyper-Warburgism), evident by extreme glucose consumption, severe lactic acidosis, and large tumor burden on PET/CT. Absence of cognitive symptoms was probably due to use of lactate by the brain. Chemotherapy corrected these abnormalities rapidly, and must be instituted in a timely manner.
Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis around the Elbow
Authors: Kim Gyeong Min , Kim Tae Seon , Seo Kyu Bum , Baek Shin Woo
Published: November 2020

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate surgical outcomes in calcific tendinitis around the elbow due to persistent pain despite conservative treatment.Methods: The study retrospectively reviewed seven consecutive patients who visited Jeju National University Hospital due to pain around the elbow and underwent operative treatment due to persisting calcific lesion evidenced by radiographs and ultrasonography. The patients’ mean age was 40 years, and the average follow-up was 5 years and 10 months. Surgical procedures were performed under brachial plexus block anesthesia to remove calcific deposits at the common extensor tendon with incision around the lesion along with repair of partially ruptured tendons during the removal using nonabsorbable sutures. The patients were immobilized with a long-arm splint in a neutral position for 2 weeks after operation, followed by rehabilitation involving continuous passive motion and physical therapy for elbow joint range of motion and muscle strengthening, respectively. Intraoperative biopsy revealed inflammatory cells and microcalcification indicative of calcific tendinitis in all patients. Surgical outcome was evaluated based on patient’s subjective satisfaction under five-point grading scale, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.Results: The patient’s subjective satisfaction scale revealed “very satisfactory” in three cases and “satisfactory” in four cases. The median MEPI and DASH score were preoperatively 45 and 88.8, which improved to 85 and 36.2 at final follow-up, respectively.Conclusion: In patients with persistent pain despite aggressive conservative treatment in calcific tendinitis, direct surgical removal of calcific deposit is an effective way to resolve symptom and prevent recurrence.
Case of Treatment of Snakebite on Finger with Topical Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Choi Hwan Jun , Lee Da Woon , Ryu Hyeong Rae , Kim Jun Hyuk , Lee Jun Ho
Published: November 2020

Snakebites, though uncommon, are a potentially serious cause of disability or death. Local symptoms may include pain, edema, or ecchymosis that may progress to skin necrosis or compartment syndrome. This study explores the case of a 4-year-old male patient bitten by a snake on the distal volar aspect of his left ring finger. On physical examination, there were moderate swelling, hemobullae formation, and the skin necrosis was progressing on middle phalanx of ring finger. Fasciotomy and topical oxygen therapy was performed. The topical oxygen therapy (TOT) was started once a day for 90 minutes with 4 L/minute of oxygen flow. TOT is a method of delivering humidiﬁed oxygen directly to the wound bed to support the healing of chronic and hypoxic wounds. There is no report on TOT for snakebite injury. In this report, we would like to report on the clinical experience of early surgery and adjuvant TOT with literary consideration.
Kualitas Lingkungan untuk Menunjang Budi Daya Biota Laut di Perairan Lombok Barat
Authors:   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences
Published: November 2020

Sebagaimana diketahui, kondisi perairan di Indonesia bagian tengah dan timur dinilai lebih baik daripada kondisi perairan di Indonesia bagian barat. Tak mengherankan apabila kawasan ini kemudian dikenal sebagai kawasan potensial pengembangan budi daya biota taut seperti abalon, ikan kerapu, udang lobster, dan kerang mutiara yang merupakan salah satu komoditas unggulan Indonesia. Terkait hal ini, lokasi di salah satu wilayah perairan Indonesia bagian tengah, yaitu Lombok Barat, yang dikembangkan menjadi kawasan budi daya biota laut tentu memiliki faktor penunjang lingkungan yang terkategori baik. lronisnya, dewasa ini dapat dengan mudah kita jumpai aktivitas manusia yang mampu mengancam faktor-faktor krusial tersebut sehingga pertanyaan yang kemudian muncul di benak kita adalah seberapa jauh aktivitas manusia, seperti pelabuhan dan pertambangan, dalam memengaruhi kondisi perairan di Lombok Barat; dan apakah penilaian tentang kualitas perairan yang baik tersebut tetap layak disematkan di kawasan perairan Indonesia bagian tengah, yang dalam hal ini 'diwakili' oleh perairan Lombok Barat, sebagai penunjang pengembangan usaha budi daya biota laut?
Fauna Akuatik Sungai Sangatta & Sungai Bengalon
Authors:   Mulawarman University, Maidie Asfie
Published: November 2020

Buku ini menjelaskan tentang biota akutaik yang hidup di kedua sungai, yaitu: Sungai Sangatta dan Sungai Bengalon di Kabupaten Kutai Timur di Provinsi Kalimantan Timur, yang merupakan hasil studi selama kurun waktu 2007 hingga 2013. Isi buku memang dibatasi pada biota yang berukuran besar, dalam hal ini ikan, udang, kepiting, maupun jenis reftilia, walaupun data yang diperoleh meliputi juga plankton dan benthos.
As recomendações de organismos internacionais na política educacional paulista
Authors: Novaes Luiz Carlos , Silva Thiago Moreira Melo e
Published: November 2020

Este artigo analisa as repercussões das recomendações de organismos internacionais, com prioridade para o Banco Mundial (BM), Organização das Nações Unidas para a Educação a Ciência e a Cultura (Unesco) e a Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OCDE) na condução da política educacional paulista em curso. A hipótese é a de que ao longo de mais de duas décadas, e sob a égide de um mesmo partido político, o Partido da Social Democracia Brasileira (PSDB), a política educacional paulista tem se alinhado às orientações e recomendações internacionais no que diz respeito às políticas educacionais, especificamente aquelas relacionadas aos docentes da educação básica, produzindo discursos que operam no sentido de desqualificar o professor, a sua formação e o trabalho que este profissional realiza. A partir da análise de documentos produzidos por organismos internacionais e, também, pela Secretaria da Educação do Estado de São Paulo (SEE/SP), concluímos que tal processo de desqualificação do estatuto socioprofissional dos docentes vem sendo engendrado ao longo de mais de duas décadas, fragilizando a imagem pública da profissão e fortalecendo estratégias de controle e regulação do trabalho docente, bem como de mecanismos de responsabilização, por parte do Estado, com vistas à implantação de políticas gerenciais e performáticas.