bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mittag-Leffler–Hyers–Ulam stability of differential equation using Fourier transform
Authors: Mohanapriya Arusamy , Park Choonkil , Ganesh Anumanthappa , Govindan Vediyappan
Published: July 2020

This research paper aims to present the results on the Mittag-Leffler–Hyers–Ulam and Mittag-Leffler–Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability of linear differential equations of first, second, and nth order by the Fourier transform method. Moreover, the stability constant of such equations is obtained. Some examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Collaborative concept mapping with reciprocal kit-build: a practical use in linear algebra course
Authors: Sadita Lia , Hirashima Tsukasa , Hayashi Yusuke , Wunnasri Warunya , Pailai Jaruwat , Junus Kasiyah , Santoso Harry Budi
Published: July 2020

The design of interactions among peers plays a key role in collaborative learning. Various strategies have been applied to assist learners in collaborating and creating a continuous effort to construct and maintain shared knowledge, such as utilizing a concept map as a representational tool during discourse. Some previous studies have revealed its positive effect on both the learning achievements and the attitudes of the students. A strategy for improving the quality of explanation of the students during collaborative concept mapping is to enable them to externalize their thinking in their private spaces beforehand. However, students may face difficulties when they need to integrate their individual propositions with the group concept map. This study employs the reciprocal kit-build (RKB) approach to help students externalize their ideas, understand and clarify their partners’ perspectives, integrating with their comprehension, hoping they can construct a high-quality collaborative product. The study is conducted in a linear algebra class in an Indonesian university. The effect of the RKB as learning activities on the group outcomes is evaluated. How students change their propositions, from the individual to the collaborative phase, following the visualization of the difference map provided by the RKB system is also presented. Perceptions of the students during these activities are examined to measure the effectiveness of the approach from the viewpoints of the participants. The findings convey that the RKB is promising for learning in a collaborative context despite some limitations in the practical classroom experimental settings.
DICOM segmentation and STL creation for 3D printing: a process and software package comparison for osseous anatomy
Authors: Kamio Takashi , Suzuki Madoka , Asaumi Rieko , Kawai Taisuke
Published: July 2020

Background

Extracting and three-dimensional (3D) printing an organ in a region of interest in DICOM images typically calls for segmentation as a first step in support of 3D printing. The DICOM images are not exported to STL data immediately, but segmentation masks are exported to STL models. After primary and secondary processing, including noise removal and hole correction, the STL data can be 3D printed. The quality of the 3D model is directly related to the quality of the STL data. This study focuses and reports on the DICOM to STL segmentation performance for nine software packages.

Methods

Multidetector row CT scanning was performed on a dry human mandible with two 10-mm-diameter bearing balls as a phantom. The DICOM image file was then segmented and exported to an STL file using nine different commercial/open-source software packages. Once the STL models were created, the data (file) properties and the size and volume of each file were measured, and differences across the software packages were noted. Additionally, to evaluate differences between the shapes of the STL models by software package, each pair of STL models was superimposed, with the observed differences between their shapes characterized as the shape error.

Results: The data (file) size of the STL file and the number of triangles that constitute each STL model were different across all software packages, but no statistically significant differences were found across software packages. The created ball STL model expanded in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions, with the length in the Z-axis direction (body axis direction) being slightly longer than that in the other directions. The mean shape error between software packages of the mandibular STL model was 0.11 mm, but there was no statistically significant difference between them.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that there are some differences between the software packages that perform the segmentation and STL creation of the DICOM image data. In particular, the features of each software package appeared in the fine and thin areas of the osseous structures. When using these software packages, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of each.
Somatic cough syndrome: a report of two cases and review of literature
Authors: Bashtawi Mahmoud , Abuabada Amal , Aldabbour Belal
Published: July 2020

Background

Somatic cough syndrome is a somatization disorder that usually presents in children and which is often diagnosed late after an extensive search for organic causes. The condition was redefined by the DSM-5 criteria and grouped with the other conditions under the umbrella of somatoform disorders. Nonetheless, clinical presentation is heterogeneous, and etiology is still not clearly defined. Several management approaches have been proposed, but treatment remains essentially nonpharmacological.

Case presentation

We report two cases of somatic cough syndrome that were diagnosed after 4 years and 3 months respectively, and document the successful treatment of both cases using behavioral therapy.

Discussion

Behavioral therapy is the most reportedly successful nonpharmacological treatment in somatic cough syndrome, and it was successful with both our cases. The condition poses a significant burden over the function and quality of life in patients and their caregivers. The heterogeneous nature of this syndrome necessitates a high index of suspicion on part of both the physician and the psychiatrist in order to secure a timely diagnosis and mitigate the impact of this condition.
A flexible ICT architecture to support ancillary services in future electricity distribution networks: an accounting use case for DSOs
Authors: Jindal Anish , Kronawitter Jakob , Kühn Ramona , Bor Martin , de Meer Hermann , Gouglidis Antonios , Hutchison David , Marnerides Angelos K. , Scott Andrew , Mauthe Andreas
Published: July 2020

With the increased penetration of distributed renewable energy sources (DRES) in the grid, new pathways are required to keep the electricity distribution system stable. The provision of ancillary services (AS) by the DRES can contribute in this regard. However, it is necessary to communicate the need for AS from the third party providers such as distribution system operator (DSO) to the DRES in an efficient and scalable manner. To this end, a flexible information and communication technology (ICT) architecture is presented in this paper, and the requirements for the architecture are elaborated. We argue that this architecture is capable of supporting the present and future needs of electricity distribution networks. To illustrate its utility and effectiveness, an accounting use case for DSOs has been presented; it describes a remuneration scheme for the AS provision. A dashboard has been developed to enable communication via this architecture and to allow control of the grid. In addition, a distributed ledger technology for the realization of accounting has been analysed with respect to its scalability and performance capabilities.
Flexible thermoplastic starch films functionalized with copper particles for packaging of food products
Authors: López Olivia V. , Villanueva María E. , Copello Guillermo J. , Villar Marcelo A.
Published: July 2020

Biodegradable films based on thermoplastic corn starch (TPS) and copper particles with antimicrobial capacity were developed. Copper nanoparticles (Cu) and silica coated copper microparticles (Si-Cu) in the range of 0.25 to 5% were used. Composite films were obtained by melt-mixing and subsequent thermo-compression. Particles distribution within TPS matrix and the presence of some pores and cracks, induced by Si-Cu particles, was evaluated by SEM. The presence of both fillers gave composite films a brown pigmentation and decreased their transparency; these effects were more pronounced at higher particles concentrations. Regarding mechanical properties, copper particles at 1 and 5% acted as reinforcing agents increasing the maximum tensile strength but their presence lead to a decrease in elongation at break, affecting films ductility. Composites inhibited the growth of Gram+ and Gram- bacteria, demonstrating their antimicrobial capacity. Copper effectively migrated to a simulant of aqueous foods and naked particles concentration in the simulant medium resulted higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration for bacteria. The characteristics and properties of developed composite films make them an interesting material for food primary packaging, mainly for meat fresh products.
Fumigant toxicity and phytochemical analysis of Petiveria alliacea (Linneaus) leaf and root bark oil on adult Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Akintan Michael Olarewaju , Akinneye Joseph Onaolapo
Published: July 2020

Background

Culex mosquitoes are a major vector of public health importance and have been implicated for the transmission of some parasitic diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and West Nile virus. It has also been reported to cause several problems which include developing resistance to synthetic insecticides, thus, necessitating the search for an insecticide of botanical origin which is bio-degradable, non-toxic, and readily available for man’s use. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals present in Petiveria alliacea and the fumigant efficacy of its oil extract against the adult stage of Culex quinquefasciatus.

Results

The result obtained shows that the oil extract of Petiveria alliacea at all concentrations had a significant effect on the adult mosquito for fumigant toxicity with percentage mortality range of 75.00–100% within a 2-h exposure period (P < 0.05) for the leaf extract and 81.67–100% mortality for the root bark extract. The synergistic effect of the leaf and root bark oil was also investigated. The lethal concentration (LC50) of the leaf, root, and synergistic effect of leaf and root oil extract required to kill 50% of the adult Culex quinquefasciatus was 0.45 ml, 0.53 ml, and 0.47 ml, respectively. However, 2.20 ml, 1.194 ml, and 1.15 ml of the leaf, root, and leaf and root oil extract were required to kill 90% (LC90) after a 2-h exposure period. A total of 29 organic compounds were isolated from leaf and root bark oil of the plant. The study has revealed that the leaves and root bark of Petiveria alliacea are rich in phytochemicals

Conclusion

These findings suggested Petiveria alliacea oil extract could be a good source of insecticide which may be used for the production of biopesticides. The present findings have important implications in the practical control of adult mosquito by using botanical insecticides. These plant extracts are easy to prepare, inexpensive, and safe for mosquito control which possesses enough insecticidal potential and can be used directly around human dwellings. The result suggests possible utilization of the cheap and readily available botanicals for possible control of mosquitoes as part of an integrated vector management programme.
A preliminary study: MUC5B promoter polymorphism and its association with IPF
Authors: Yusuf Hoda Ali Abu , Galal Mohamed , Kaddah Safy , el Sharkawy Marwa , Mousa Mohamed Shaaban , Moussa Heba
Published: July 2020

Background

The (T) allele of MUC5B gene is strongly correlated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and interstitial lung diseases (ILD) related to autoimmune conditions in Caucasians, but no data is available regarding this polymorphism in the Egyptian patients.

Results

This study is an observational cross-sectional study; the percentage of the (T) allele of MUC5B gene promoter in normal Egyptian persons in this study was 20%. This polymorphism is strongly related with risk for development of UIP/IPF in Egyptian patients compared to the other 2 groups (P value < 0.001). The MUC5B polymorphism has no role for developing interstitial lung disease in autoimmune diseases.

Conclusions

This study showed the potential role of MUC5B promoter polymorphism in IPF patients. Further multicentric studies are essential to be conducted deploying larger cohorts and different ethnic populations for further evaluation of these polymorphisms correlation.
Sterilization Rate of the Axilla After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: The Scope for Conservative Surgery
Authors: Noronha Jarin , Joshi Shalaka , Hawaldar Rohini , Nair Nita , Vanmali Vaibhav , Parmar Vani , Shet Tanuja , Badwe Rajendra
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

The role of axillary conservation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is debatable. We routinely carry out complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). This study was conducted to understand the pathologic axillary complete response (pAxCR) after NACT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated a prospective database of patients with breast cancer who underwent surgery after NACT in the year 2017 at our institution. NACT was administered to downstage locally advanced breast cancer or facilitate breast-conservation surgery.

RESULTS

Of 793 patients who underwent surgery after NACT, 97(12.2%) had cN0 disease, 407 (51.3%) had cN1, 262 (32%) had cN2, and 27 (3.4%) had cN3 at presentation. Eighty-eight patients (11.1%) had cT1-2 primary tumor stage, and 623 patients (78.6%) had cT3-4 primary tumor stage; primary tumor stage details were unavailable for 82 patients (10.3%). The median age was 46 years (range, 21-74 years). On histopathology, the overall pAxCR rate was 52.8%. In the cN1 and cN2 settings, 58.7% and 36.6% of patients achieved ypN0 status, respectively. The overall pathologic complete response rate was 22.64% (161 of 711 patients). On univariable analysis, cN stage, histologic grade, hormone receptor status, NACT duration, and lymphovascular invasion were significantly associated with pAxCR ( P <.001). On logistic regression, prechemotherapy cN status (odds ratio [OR], 3.08; 95% CI, 2.18 to 4.37; P <.001), estrogen and progesterone receptor status (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.4; P <.001), and administration of both chemotherapy regimens preoperatively (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.97; P <.05) predicted pAxCR.

CONCLUSION

At least half of patients with cN1 and a third of patients with cN2 breast cancer who develop pAxCR may be suitable candidates for axillary conservation. A careful postchemotherapy assessment followed by a conservative axillary procedure may be an alternative to ALND, but this needs to be studied prospectively.
Overview of Delivery of Cancer Care in Nepal: Current Status and Future Priorities
Authors: Gyawali Bishal , Sharma Shubham , Shilpakar Ramila , Dulal Soniya , Pariyar Jitendra , Booth Christopher M. , Sharma Poudyal Bishesh
Published: July 2020

Nepal is a small, low-income country between India and China with a unique health care delivery system. Cancer is becoming an important public health problem in the country, but a systematic plan to cancer control is lacking. In this article, we aim to provide a systematic assessment of the burden of disease and available resources and suggest prioritization approaches for the future to assist with any such future cancer control plans for the country.
Length of Stay and Hospital Costs for Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Godara Amandeep , Siddiqui Nauman S. , Munigala Satish , Dhawan Rishi , Kansagra Ankit J. , Rapoport Aaron P. , Yared Jean A. , Dahiya Saurabh
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE:

Patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) usually require a prolonged hospital stay that varies greatly across patients. Limited information exists on the factors associated with hospital length of stay (LOS) after allo-HSCT and the impact on transplant-related costs. The objective of this study was to determine predictors for longer LOS for allo-HSCT and to assess their impact on the cost of transplant stay.

METHODS:

Using the National Inpatient Sample database, adult patients hospitalized for allo-HSCT were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, primary and secondary procedure codes.

RESULTS:

Between 2002 and 2015, 68,296 hospitalizations for allo-HSCT were identified. Peripheral blood was the most common stem-cell source (80%) followed by bone marrow (15%) and cord blood (5%). Median LOS was 25.8 days (interquartile range [IQR], 21-34.0 days), and the overall inpatient mortality rate was 8%. Stem-cell source was a significant predictor for longer LOS, being significantly longer for cord blood (median, 36.9 days; IQR, 26.7-49.9 days) compared with bone marrow (median, 27.2 days; IQR, 21.5-35.2 days) and peripheral blood (median 25.4 days; IQR, 20.8-32.7 days). Other predictors for longer LOS were patient characteristics such as age and race, transplant/post-transplant characteristics, and complications such as total body irradiation use, acute graft-versus-host disease, and infections. Longer LOS was also found to be associated with higher hospital costs.

CONCLUSION:

In patients who undergo allo-HSCT, LOS can be predicted using patient- and transplant-related characteristics as well as post-transplant complications. LOS is also a driver for increased cost, and further efforts are needed to mitigate transplant complications and resource utilization.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block With Liposomal Bupivacaine for Pain After Cesarean Delivery in a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Nedeljkovic Srdjan S. , Kett Attila , Vallejo Manuel C. , Horn Jean-Louis , Carvalho Brendan , Bao Xiaodong , Cole Naida M. , Renfro Leslie , Gadsden Jeffrey C. , Song Jia , Yang Julia , Habib Ashraf S.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND:

In women undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia with intrathecal morphine, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with bupivacaine hydrochloride (HCl) may not improve postsurgical analgesia. This lack of benefit could be related to the short duration of action of bupivacaine HCl. A retrospective study reported that TAP block with long-acting liposomal bupivacaine (LB) reduced opioid consumption and improved analgesia following cesarean delivery. Therefore, we performed a prospective multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial examining efficacy and safety of TAP block with LB plus bupivacaine HCl versus bupivacaine HCl alone.

METHODS:

Women (n = 186) with term pregnancies undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomized (1:1) to TAP block with LB 266 mg plus bupivacaine HCl 50 mg or bupivacaine HCl 50 mg alone. Efficacy was evaluated in a protocol-compliant analysis (PCA) set that was defined a priori. The primary end point was total postsurgical opioid consumption (oral morphine equivalent dosing [MED]) through 72 hours. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale. Adverse events (AEs) after treatment were recorded through day 14.

RESULTS:

Total opioid consumption through 72 hours was reduced with LB plus bupivacaine HCl versus bupivacaine HCl alone (least squares mean [LSM] [standard error (SE)] MED, 15.5 mg [6.67 mg] vs 32.0 mg [6.25 mg]). This corresponded to an LSM treatment difference of −16.5 mg (95% confidence interval [CI], −30.8 to −2.2 mg; P = .012). The area under the curve of imputed pain intensity scores through 72 hours supported noninferiority of LB plus bupivacaine HCl versus bupivacaine HCl alone (LSM [SE], 147.9 [21.13] vs 178.5 [19.78]; LSM treatment difference, −30.6; 95% CI, −75.9 to 14.7), with a prespecified noninferiority margin of 36 (P = .002). In an analysis of all treated patients, including those not meeting criteria for inclusion in the PCA, there was no difference in postsurgical opioid consumption between groups. In the LB plus bupivacaine HCl group, 63.6% of patients experienced an AE after treatment versus 56.2% in the bupivacaine HCl–alone group. Serious AEs after treatment were rare (≈3% in both groups).

CONCLUSIONS:

TAP block using LB plus bupivacaine HCl as part of a multimodal analgesia protocol incorporating intrathecal morphine resulted in reduced opioid consumption after cesarean delivery in the PCA set. Results suggest that with correct TAP block placement and adherence to a multimodal postsurgical analgesic regimen, there is an opioid-reducing benefit of adding LB to bupivacaine TAP blocks after cesarean delivery (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03176459).
First-Year Results of the American Board of Anesthesiology’s Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Initial Certification
Authors: Warner David O. , Lien Cynthia A. , Wang Ting , Zhou Yan , Isaak Robert S. , Peterson-Layne Cathleen , Harman Ann E. , Macario Alex , Gaiser Robert R. , Suresh Santhanam , Culley Deborah J. , Rathmell James P. , Keegan Mark T. , Cole Daniel J. , Fahy Brenda G. , Dainer Rupa J. , Sun Huaping
Published: July 2020

In 2018, the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) became the first US medical specialty certifying board to incorporate an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) into its initial certification examination system. Previously, the ABA’s staged examination system consisted of 2 written examinations (the BASIC and ADVANCED examinations) and the Standardized Oral Examination (SOE). The OSCE and the existing SOE are now 2 separate components of the APPLIED Examination. This report presents the results of the first-year OSCE administration. A total of 1410 candidates took both the OSCE and the SOE in 2018. Candidate performance approximated a normal distribution for both the OSCE and the SOE, and was not associated with the timing of the examination, including day of the week, morning versus afternoon session, and order of the OSCE and the SOE. Practice-based Learning and Improvement was the most difficult station, while Application of Ultrasonography was the least difficult. The correlation coefficient between SOE and OSCE scores was 0.35 ([95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.30–0.39]; P < .001). Scores for the written ADVANCED Examination were modestly correlated with scores for the SOE (r = 0.29 [95% CI, 0.25–0.34]; P < .001) and the OSCE (r = 0.15 [95% CI, 0.10–0.20]; P < .001). Most of the candidates who failed the SOE passed the OSCE, and most of the candidates who failed the OSCE passed the SOE. Of the 1410 candidates, 77 (5.5%) failed the OSCE, 155 (11.0%) failed the SOE, and 25 (1.8%) failed both. Thus, 207 (14.7%) failed at least 1 component of the APPLIED Examination. Adding an OSCE to a board certification examination system is feasible. Preliminary evidence indicates that the OSCE measures aspects of candidate abilities distinct from those measured by other examinations used for initial board certification.
Of Taming Carnal Desire
Authors: Debele Serawit B.
Published: July 2020

Focusing on Ethiopia, an empire off-center, this article argues against dominant narratives that link the regulation of sexual practices to colonial (Western) imperial relations. Within this context, the paper investigates struggles over the past by contrasting two versions of history, discussing how different groups mobilize the past in contemporary Ethiopia. It begins by exploring the imperial, Christian roots of the country’s penal codes, interrogating how the state mobilizes such histories to criminalize same-sex desires and practices. The article then focuses its attention on those deemed “outlaws” by such legislation, exploring their search for histories silenced by empire, and their assertion as longstanding, integral parts of the country’s past.
The atypical Rho GTPase RhoU interacts with intersectin-2 to regulate endosomal recycling pathways
Authors: Gubar Olga , Croisé Pauline , Kropyvko Sergii , Gryaznova Tetyana , Tóth Petra , Blangy Anne , Vitale Nicolas , Rynditch Alla , Gasman Stéphane , Ory Stéphane
Published: July 2020

Rho GTPases play a key role in various membrane trafficking processes. RhoU is an atypical small Rho GTPase related to Rac/Cdc42, which possesses unique N- and C-terminal domains that regulate its function and its subcellular localization. RhoU localizes at the plasma membrane, on endosomes and in cell adhesion structures where it governs cell signaling, differentiation and migration. However, despite its endomembrane localization, RhoU function in vesicular trafficking has been unexplored. Here, we identified intersectins (ITSNs) as new binding partners for RhoU and showed that the second PxxP motif at the N terminus of RhoU mediated interactions with the SH3 domains of ITSNs. To evaluate the function of RhoU and ITSNs in vesicular trafficking, we used fluorescent transferrin as a cargo for uptake experiments. We showed that silencing of either RhoU or ITSN2, but not ITSN1, increased transferrin accumulation in early endosomes, resulting from a defect in fast vesicle recycling. Concomitantly, RhoU and ITSN2 colocalized to a subset of Rab4-positive vesicles, suggesting that a RhoU–ITSN2 interaction may occur on fast recycling endosomes to regulate the fate of vesicular cargos.
Added mass in rat plantaris muscle causes a reduction in mechanical work
Authors: Ross S. A. , Rimkus B. , Konow N. , Biewener A. A. , Wakeling J. M.
Published: July 2020

Most of what we know about whole muscle behaviour comes from experiments on single fibres or small muscles that are scaled up in size without considering the effects of the additional muscle mass. Previous modelling studies have shown that tissue inertia acts to slow the rate of force development and maximum velocity of muscle during shortening contractions and decreases the work and power per cycle during cyclic contractions; however, these results have not yet been confirmed by experiments on living tissue. Therefore, in this study we conducted in situ work-loop experiments on rat plantaris muscle to determine the effects of increasing the mass of muscle on mechanical work during cyclic contractions. We additionally simulated these experimental contractions using a mass-enhanced Hill-type model to validate our previous modelling work. We found that greater added mass resulted in lower mechanical work per cycle relative to the unloaded trials in which no mass was added to the muscle (p=0.041 for both 85% and 123% increases in muscle mass). We additionally found that greater strain resulted in lower work per cycle relative to unloaded trials at the same strain to control for length change and velocity effects on the work output, possibly due to greater accelerations of the muscle mass at higher strains. These results confirm that tissue mass reduces muscle mechanical work at larger muscle sizes, and that this effect is likely amplified for lower activations.
A mutation in monoamine oxidase (MAO) affects the evolution of stress behavior in the blind cavefishAstyanax mexicanus
Authors: Pierre Constance , Pradère Naomie , Froc Cynthia , Ornelas-García Patricia , Callebert Jacques , Rétaux Sylvie
Published: July 2020

The neurotransmitter serotonin controls a variety of physiological and behavioral processes. In humans, mutations affecting the monoamine oxidase or MAO, the serotonin-degrading enzyme, are highly deleterious. Yet, blind cavefish of the species A. mexicanus carry a partial loss-of-function mutation in MAO (P106L) and thrive in their subterranean environment. Here, we established 4 fish lines, corresponding to the blind cave-dwelling and the sighted river-dwelling morphs of this species, with or without the mutation, in order to decipher the exact contribution of mao P106L in the evolution of cavefish neuro-behavioral traits. Unexpectedly, although mao P106L appeared as an excellent candidate for the genetic determinism of the loss of aggressive and schooling behaviors in cavefish, we demonstrated that it was not the case. Similarly, the anatomical variations in monoaminergic systems observed between cavefish and surface fish brains were independent from mao P106L, and rather due to other, morph-dependent developmental processes. On the other hand, we found that mao P106L strongly affected anxiety-like behaviors. Cortisol measurements showed lower basal levels and an increased amplitude of stress response after a change of environment in fish carrying the mutation. Finally, we studied the distribution of the P106L mao allele in wild populations of cave and river A. mexicanus, and discovered that the mutant allele was present - and sometimes fixed - in all populations inhabiting caves of the Sierra de El Abra. The possibility that this partial loss-of-function mao allele evolves under a selective or a neutral regime in the particular cave environment is discussed.
Pulmonary thromboembolism in hospitalised COVID-19 patients at moderate to high risk by Wells score: a report from Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Monfardini Lorenzo , Morassi Mauro , Botti Paolo , Stellini Roberto , Bettari Luca , Pezzotti Stefania , Alì Marco , Monaco Cristian Giuseppe , Magni Veronica , Cozzi Andrea , Schiaffino Simone , Bnà Claudio
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

To present a single-centre experience on CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for the assessment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients with moderate-to-high risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).

Methods:

We analysed consecutive COVID-19 patients (RT-PCR confirmed) undergoing CTPA in March 2020 for PTE clinical suspicion. Clinical data were retrieved. Two experienced radiologists reviewed CTPAs to assess pulmonary parenchyma and vascular findings.

Results:

Among 34 patients who underwent CTPA, 26 had PTE (76%, 20 males, median age 61 years, interquartile range 54–70), 20/26 (77%) with comorbidities (mainly hypertension, 44%), and 8 (31%) subsequently dying. Eight PTE patients were under thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin, four PTE patients had lower-limbs deep vein thrombosis at ultrasound examination (performed in 33/34 patients). Bilateral PTE characterised 19/26 cases, with main branches involved in 10/26 cases. Twelve patients had a parenchymal involvement >75%, the predominant pneumonia pattern being consolidation in 10/26 patients, ground glass opacities in 9/26, crazy paving in 5/26, and both ground glass opacities and consolidation in 2/26.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 patients are prone to PTE.

Advances in knowledge:

PTE, potentially attributable to an underlying thrombophilic status, may be more frequent than expected in COVID-19 patients. Extension of prophylaxis and adaptation of diagnostic criteria should be considered.
The vascular nature of COVID-19
Authors: Oudkerk Matthijs , Kuijpers Dirkjan , Oudkerk Sytse F , van Beek Edwin JR
Published: July 2020

A potential link between mortality, D-dimer values and a prothrombotic syndrome has been reported in COVID-19 patients. The National Institute for Public Health of the Netherlands published a report for guidance on diagnosis, prevention and treatment of thromboembolic complications in COVID-19 with a new vascular disease concept. The analysis of all available current medical, laboratory and imaging data on COVID-19 confirms that symptoms and diagnostic tests can not be explained by impaired pulmonary ventilation. Further imaging and pathological investigations confirm that the COVID-19 syndrome is explained by perfusion disturbances first in the lung, but consecutively in all organs of the body. Damage of the microvasculature by SARS 1 and SARS 2 (COVID-19) viruses causes microthrombotic changes in the pulmonary capillaries and organs leading to macrothrombosis and emboli. Therefore anticoagulant profylaxis, close lab and CT imaging monitoring and early anticoagulant therapy are indicated.
Global trends and current status in colistin resistance research: a bibliometric analysis (1973-2019)
Authors: Yacouba Abdourahamane , Olowo-okere Ahmed
Published: July 2020

Background: Colistin resistance is a major breach in our last line of defense and without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill. To the best of our knowledge, the use of the bibliometric analytical technique for examining colistin resistance-related research does not exist in the literature.

Methods: Here, we analyze and present bibliometric indicators of the global literature in colistin resistance research. The Scopus database was searched for articles on colistin resistance. The articles retrieved were analyzed using the bibliometrix R-package.

Results: A total of 1105 publications were retrieved. There was a noticeable increase in the number of publications on colistin resistance research in the past decade. Six journals made up the core zone in colistin research and produced 35.83% of the published articles. The analysis across time-intervals revealed several keywords that had increased or decreased in usage when comparing the interval between 1973-2009 and 2010-2019. Authors’ keywords “Acinetobacter baumanii”, and “Pseudomonas aeruginosa” were the most frequent encountered during the period of 1973-2009, while “mcr-1”, “Enterobacteriaceae”, “Escherichia coli”, and “Klebsiella pneumoniae” emerged in the past decade.

Conclusions: There has been a significant growth in publications on colistin resistance in the past decade, suggesting an urgent need for action by different stakeholders to contain this threat of colistin resistance. Keyword analysis revealed temporal changes in the types of keywords used across time-intervals. These findings summarize a general vision on colistin resistance research and will serve as baseline data for future comparative purposes.
Does health and social care provision for the community dwelling older population help to reduce unplanned secondary care, support timely discharge and improve patient well-being? A mixed method meta-review of systematic reviews
Authors: Dawson Shoba , Kunonga Patience , Beyer Fiona , Spiers Gemma , Booker Matthew , McDonald Ruth , Cameron Ailsa , Craig Dawn , Hanratty Barbara , Salisbury Chris , Huntley Alyson
Published: July 2020

Background: This study aimed to identify and examine systematic review evidence of health and social care interventions for the community-dwelling older population regarding unplanned hospital admissions, timely hospital discharge and patient well-being.

Methods: A meta-review was conducted using Joanna Briggs and PRISMA guidance. A search strategy was developed: eight bibliographic medical and social science databases were searched, and references of included studies checked. Searches were restricted to OECD countries and to systematic reviews published between January 2013–March 2018. Data extraction and quality appraisal was undertaken by one reviewer with a random sample screened independently by two others.

Results: Searches retrieved 21,233 records; using data mining techniques, we identified 8,720 reviews. Following title and abstract and full-paper screening, 71 systematic reviews were included: 62 quantitative, seven qualitative and two mixed methods reviews. There were 52 reviews concerned with healthcare interventions and 19 reviews concerned with social care interventions. This meta-review summarises the evidence and evidence gaps of nine broad types of health and social care interventions. It scrutinises the presence of research in combined health and social care provision, finding it lacking in both definition and detail given. This meta-review debates the overlap of some of the person-centred support provided by community health and social care provision. Research recommendations have been generated by this process for both primary and secondary research. Finally, it proposes that research recommendations can be delivered on an ongoing basis if meta-reviews are conducted as living systematic reviews.

Conclusions: This meta-review provides evidence of the effect of health and social care interventions for the community-dwelling older population and identification of evidence gaps. It highlights the lack of evidence for combined health and social care interventions and for the impact of social care interventions on health care outcomes.

Registration: PROSPERO ID CRD42018087534; registered on 15 March 2018.
Recent developments in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Stoker Thomas B , Barker Roger A
Published: July 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease typified by a movement disorder consisting of bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. Treatment options for PD are limited, with most of the current approaches based on restoration of dopaminergic tone in the striatum. However, these do not alter disease course and do not treat the non-dopamine-dependent features of PD such as freezing of gait, cognitive impairment, and other non-motor features of the disorder, which often have the greatest impact on quality of life. As understanding of PD pathogenesis grows, novel therapeutic avenues are emerging. These include treatments that aim to control the symptoms of PD without the problematic side effects seen with currently available treatments and those that are aimed towards slowing pathology, reducing neuronal loss, and attenuating disease course. In this latter regard, there has been much interest in drug repurposing (the use of established drugs for a new indication), with many drugs being reported to affect PD-relevant intracellular processes. This approach offers an expedited route to the clinic, given that pharmacokinetic and safety data are potentially already available. In terms of better symptomatic therapies that are also regenerative, gene therapies and cell-based treatments are beginning to enter clinical trials, and developments in other neurosurgical strategies such as more nuanced deep brain stimulation approaches mean that the landscape of PD treatment is likely to evolve considerably over the coming years. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel therapeutic approaches that are close to, or are already in, clinical trials.
Recent advances in mechanisms of food allergy and anaphylaxis
Authors: Tomar Sunil , Hogan Simon P
Published: July 2020

Food allergens are innocuous proteins that promote tolerogenic adaptive immune responses in healthy individuals yet in other individuals induce an allergic adaptive immune response characterized by the presence of antigen-specific immunoglobulin E and type-2 immune cells. The cellular and molecular processes that determine a tolerogenic versus non-tolerogenic immune response to dietary antigens are not fully elucidated. Recently, there have been advances in the identification of roles for microbial communities and anatomical sites of dietary antigen exposure and presentation that have provided new insights into the key regulatory steps in the tolerogenic versus non-tolerogenic decision-making processes. Herein, we will review and discuss recent findings in cellular and molecular processes underlying food sensitization and tolerance, immunological processes underlying severity of food-induced anaphylaxis, and insights obtained from immunotherapy trials.
O TPACK DE FUTUROS PROFESSORES DE MATEMÁTICA NUMA EXPERIÊNCIA DE FORMAÇÃO
Authors: Gutiérrez-Fallas Luis Fabián , Henriques Ana
Published: July 2020

El TPACK conceptualiza el conocimiento profesional del profesor para una efectiva integración de la tecnología en la educación y su desenvolvimiento necesita de ser garantizado en la formación inicial de profesores. En este estudio analizamos el TPACK que futuras profesoras de Matemática del 3.o ciclo de la enseñanza básica y secundaria evidencian a lo largo de una Experiência de Formación que visa su desarrollo en las componentes cognitivas que lo caracterizan: concepciones, currículo, aprendizaje y enseñanza. Siguiendo una metodología de Design-Based Research, los resultados del 1.o ciclo de experimentación revelan que el TPACK de las futuras profesoras es un conocimiento complejo, dinámico y flexible, consolidado por la articulación de múltiplos dominios del conocimiento profesional del profesor.
Piecewise Constant Decision Rules via Branch-and-Bound Based Scenario Detection for Integer Adjustable Robust Optimization
Authors: Romeijnders Ward , Postek Krzysztof
Published: July 2020

Multistage problems with uncertain parameters and integer decisions variables are among the most difficult applications of robust optimization (RO). The challenge in these problems is to find optimal here-and-now decisions, taking into account that the wait-and-see decisions have to adapt to the revealed values of the uncertain parameters. An existing approach to solve these problems is to construct piecewise constant decision rules by adaptively partitioning the uncertainty set. The partitions of this set are iteratively updated by separating so-called criticial scenarios, and methods for identifying these critical scenarios are available. However, these methods are most suitable for problems with continuous decision variables and many uncertain constraints, providing no mathematically rigorous methodology for partitioning in case of integer decisions. In particular, they are not able to identify sets of critical scenarios for integer problems with uncertainty in the objective function only. In this paper, we address this shortcoming by introducing a general critical scenario detection method. The new method leverages the information embedded in the dual vectors of the LP relaxations at the nodes of the branch-and-bound tree used to solve the corresponding static problem. Numerical experiments on a route planning problem show that our general-purpose method outperforms a problem-specific approach from the literature.
Search Duration
Authors: Ursu Raluca M. , Wang Qingliang , Chintagunta Pradeep K.
Published: July 2020

This paper develops and estimates a model of sequential search that accounts for the full set of decisions consumers make while searching (which products to search, search longevity, sequence of purchases, and whether to purchase).
A Robust Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model for Mitigating Rail Transit Disruptions Under Uncertainty
Authors: Xu Lei , Ng Tsan Sheng Adam
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we propose a two-stage robust optimization framework to evaluate widely controllable commuter flow strategies that can help mitigate uncertain disruption impacts on rail transit commuter flows. In the operation-as-usual stage, preemptive control strategies including timetable adjustment, commuter path choice diversion, and commuter trip starting time diversion are planned within budget and other requirement constraints. In the disruption stage, optimal contingency routing is derived to minimize disruption impacts. To this end, a linear programming model that simulates the commuter movement logic under train service and platform disruption events is developed, which is then integrated in a mixed-integer max-min optimization model to evaluate the worst-case impacts on commuter flows arising from a set of uncertain disruption scenarios. We show that the two-stage robust optimization framework can be solved by a cutting plane algorithm efficiently using high performance and parallel computing platforms. Finally, we demonstrate the application of the model in mitigating disruption impacts through computational studies based on an actual rail transit network.
Management and Outcomes of Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty in Girls
Authors: Gaudino Rossella , Calcaterra Valeria , Farello Giovanni , Gasparri Manuela , Monti Claudio Maria , Bozzola Elena , Villani Alberto , Bozzola Mauro
Published: July 2020

The sequelae of early development are not merely transient but are predictive of difficulties and challenges that persist into adulthood. In fact, the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of early puberty is essential in order to avoid permanent auxological and emotional consequences. GnRH analogues are the treatment of choice for central precocious puberty (CPP), whose main objective is to recover the height potential that is compromised by the premature fusion of growth cartilages. Several active principles and formulations are available. Depot formulations are generally preferred because of better patient compliance; GnRH-a is generally safe and well tolerated. Drug choice depends on the physician’s experience, patient needs, and government regulations of drug prescription.
The aim of this review is to examine the treatment of Idiopathic Central CPP taking in account clinical practice and international literature.
Shear Bond Strength of Metal Brackets Recycling with Aluminum Oxide
Authors: Borja de Melo Téssia Richelly Nóbrega , Youssef Michel Nicolau
Published: July 2020

Objective: to evaluate the shear bond strength of metal brackets subjected to recycling with aluminum oxide.
Methods: 20 premolars were used, divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the brackets used (G1: Morelli® Light and G2: Morelli® Max). The teeth were autoclaved, included in ¾-inch PVC tubes, perpendicular to the ground. The brackets were fixed on the dental crowns with the TransbondTM XT kit (3M Unitek). The specimens were subjected to thermal cycling. The shear test was performed on the Instron® 5582 testing machine, at a speed of 0.5mm / min. The brackets were recycling with aluminum oxide 24 hours after the test. A new shear was performed, similar to the first. The buccal faces of the teeth were qualified through the IRA in both tests. The data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA and Tukey tests (p <0.05).
Results: in the first shear, the bond strength values of Morelli® Max brackets (35,00MPa) were statistically higher than those of Morelli®Light (23,86MPa). In the second, the resistances were statistically similar (Morelli®Max: 37,19 MPa and Morelli®Light: 45,18 MPa). The Morelli® Light bracket was influenced by the recycling of aluminum oxide, with a significant increase in resistance from the first to the second test. There was no significance for the values of the IRA scores in both trials.
Conclusion: recycling with aluminum oxide influenced the shear bond strength of the Morelli®Light bracket, causing an increase in adhesion strength; the Morelli® Max bracket was superior to Morelli® Light before recycling; after recycling, the brackets had similar behaviors.
Improved Viscoelastic Damping Properties of Carbon Black Reinforced EPDM Composites by Blending with ENR
Authors: Kejian Wang , Zhicheng Jia , Zhongfeng Zhang , Gaolin Pei , Honggang Jiang , Zhengtao Su
Published: July 2020

EPDM/ENR blends were prepared from saturated nonpolar ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and unsaturated epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). The dynamic mechanical properties of EPDM/ENR compounds and their vulcanizates were studied by rubber processing analyzer and dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer. The results show that the addition of ENR is helpful to improve EPDM processability. With the increase of ENR content, the tensile strength of EPDM/ENR decreases first and then increases while the elongation at break increases. The lowest tensile strength is still greater than 12.5MPa, which shows the industrial usage. The temperature range for the loss factor being greater than 0.1 becomes wider from -40.1 ˚C ~ 7.7 ˚C for pure EPDM to -40.1 ˚C ~ 80 ˚C for 80 : 20 EPDM/ENR.