bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinesitherapy for idiopathic facial palsy
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhu Chan , Liu Jing
Published: December 2020

Background:

Idiopathic facial nerve palsy (Bells palsy) is the most common acute mono-neuropathy which lack of effective treatments. Kinesitherapy as an alternative therapeutic approach was widely used in clinical. But the effects on Bells palsy outcome are still debated.

Methods:

The aim of this study is to systematically review the therapeutic efficacy of kinesitherapy for Bells palsy. Database including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical database (VIP) and WangFang database will be searched to collect randomized controlled trails (RCTs) on kinesitherapy for Bells palsy from inception to Nov 2020. The therapeutic effects based on recovery rate, House-Brackmann (H-B) facial classification system, Sunny brook face grading system and adverse events after the treatment will be marked as the primary outcomes. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used to calculate the data synthesis as well as to perform meta-analysis if the results are appropriate.

Results:

The literature will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence of kinesitherapy for Bells palsy from various comprehensive assessment, including the recovery rate, H-B facial classification, Sunny brook face scores, adverse events rate, Facial disability index (FDI), residual symptoms 6 months after onset, incomplete recovery rate after 1 year.

Conclusion:

The systematic review will provide up-to-date evidence to assess kinesitherapy for Bells palsy.

PROSPERO registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020215109.
Impaired ICOS signaling between Tfh and B cells distinguishes hospitalized from ambulatory CoViD-19 patients
Authors: Hanson Amanda , Cohen Heather , Wang Hao , Shekhar Nandini , Shah Chinmayee , Dhaneshwar Abha , Harvey Bethany W. , Murray Richard , Harvey Christopher J.
Published: December 2020

Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infections are characterized by systemic immune responses that appear to be dysregulated with more severe CoViD-19 disease. Lymphopenia and delayed antibody responses are commonly identified in CoViD-19 subjects, and recent reports have demonstrated abrogation of germinal centers in severe CoViD-19. This work assessed a potential mechanistic basis for impaired humoral responses, focusing on the T follicular helper (Tfh) and B cell interface that is critical for germinal center reactions. Here we demonstrated that Tfh activity is impaired in hospitalized relative to ambulatory CoViD-19 subjects, potentially due to decreased expression of the costimulatory molecule ICOS-L on B cells. Functional impairment manifested as a diminished ability to stimulated Tfh derived IFNγ and IL-21, the latter of which is critical for B cell proliferation and differentiation. Activation of Tfh cells by agonism of the ICOS receptor ex vivo by an agonistic antibody stimulated the generation of IFNγ/IL-21 double positive cells from hospitalized CoViD-19 subjects. This report establishes an immunological defect that differentiates ambulatory from hospitalized CoViD and suggests that agents that could restore impaired mechanisms at the Tfh–B cell interface may be of therapeutic value.
Perceptions of successful domestic and international research grant applications among experienced and novice researchers
Authors: Suebtrakul Sumeth , Adams Pornpimon , Vutikes Pitchapa , Titapiwatanakun Boosaree , Adams Paul , Kaewkungwal Jaranit
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of the study was to identify the key elements that characterize successful grant proposals and the relative importance of issues that constitute difficulties and concerns in preparing the proposals. The study aimed, in particular, to explore grantsmanship perceptions based on the experiences of researchers in Thailand who had, or had not yet, successfully been awarded domestic and/or international research funding.

Design/methodology/approach

Anonymous online questionnaires were distributed to researchers in biomedical and public health fields in Thai academic institutes. The online survey asked the anonymous participants to complete a questionnaire comprising both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

Findings

About 19% of 300 respondents had received both domestic and international research grants, and 60% of domestic research grants. The top 5 issues in grant applications were: (1) choosing a topic that matched the grant opportunity, (2) feasibility of research design and methods, (3) suitable research design and methodology, (4) model and theoretical justification, and (5) ethical considerations. Significant differences in perceptions among researchers were found for the feasibility of research design and methods and proposing a reasonable and justifiable budget.

Originality/value

The information derived from this analysis reflected the perceptions of the researchers and may or may not correlate with those of grant agency reviewers. The results of this study may be insightful and instructive for other researchers and form the basis for training and mentoring researchers in informed and effective grantsmanship, particularly novice researchers with limited or no experience in grant proposal writing. This study particularly reflected grantsmanship perceptions among researchers in Thailand. It may also serve to exemplify lessons learned for researchers in other low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) exposed to similar settings and situations applying for research grants.
The impact of ethical leadership on employee creative deviance: the mediating role of job autonomy
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Baranchenko Yevhen , An Fansuo , Lin Zhibin , Ma Jie
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of ethical leadership on employee creative deviance, with job autonomy as a mediator and creative self-efficacy as a moderator between job autonomy and creative deviance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed based on construct measures from the literature. A total of 316 responses were received from employees of information and communication technology companies located in China's Pearl River Delta.

Findings

Both ethical leadership and job autonomy have a positive impact on employee creative deviance; job autonomy plays a mediating role between ethical leadership and creative deviance; creative self-efficacy does not have a significant moderating effect on the job autonomy-creative deviance relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies could explore the potential moderating role of both job autonomy and creative-self efficacy in the link between ethical leadership and creative deviance.

Practical implications

This study recommends that organizations should adopt and promote an ethical leadership approach to manage creative deviance at work. Organizations could explore alternative methods of task completion to support the job autonomy for the employees to mitigate the dilemmas associated with creative deviance.

Originality/value

This is one of few studies that examine the impact of ethical leadership on employee's creative deviance, despite the fact that the influence of ethical leadership on the followers has been extensively examined.
Perceptions of identity management in police-civilian interactions: considering the role of gender and race
Authors: Den Houter Kate M. , Chatterjee Deepshikha
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess if in viewing tense, potentially stigmatizing, police-civilian interactions, people bring their own gendered and racial biases, as they form perceptions of officers' use of identity management (IM) strategies, as they relate to officers' competence, warmth and appropriateness of actions.

Design/methodology/approach

In two experimental studies, the authors investigate how the IM strategies used by female and racial minority officers impact officers' ratings of competence, warmth and appropriateness of actions. Utilizing a 2x2x4 design, the authors manipulate officer gender (race), civilian gender (race) and IM strategy used by the officer in a news article describing a police-civilian interaction.

Findings

Not all IM strategies established positive perceptions of officers. Gender and race effects were observed in how officers were seen when they were involved in a tense interaction with a civilian. Female officers were perceived as more appropriate in their actions than male officers. However, Black, female officers were rated as both less warm and appropriate in their actions than White, female officers.

Originality/value

Although policing is seen as a tainted profession, officers' use of IM strategies is understudied. By taking a novel lens of stigmatization and IM strategies as they relate to policing, the authors contribute to how officers may manage their identities as they cope with the stigmatized views of their occupation. Findings have implications for the diversification of law enforcement personnel, as well as building trust and legitimacy between officers and the communities they serve.
Assessment of the skin efficacy and acceptability of a cosmetic product in the treatment of the forearm hypertrichosis in female patients
Authors: Berardesca Enzo , Cameli Norma , Piacentini Marco , Veraldi Stefano , Celleno Leonardo
Published: December 2020

Background

Treatment of unwanted body hair is a challenging area in cosmetic dermatology. Topical soy isoflavones and derivatives or eflornithine have been utilized in dermatocosmetology for their estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of a formulation containing capryloyl glycine 4% in decreasing hair growth on the forearms after topical application for 120 days vs placebo.

Methods

A total of 69 female patients entered the study (age 37 ± 6). Hair growth was quantified using TrichoScan software on both forearms at 20‐fold magnification (analyzed area 0.651 cm2). Hair density (number of hairs/cm2), density vellus hair, density terminal hair, and median length of hairs were evaluated. The data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures to evaluate changes during the treatment (T0, T60, and T120) and Student's t test (placebo vs active).

Results

There was a significant decrease on hair density, median, and terminal hair at the end of the treatment in the active‐treated site (P < .001) as measured by TrichoScan software. Direct comparison between active and placebo‐treated sites showed no significant differences at T0, but highly significant differences at T120 (P < .001).

Conclusions

The study shows that a cosmetic formulation based on capryloyl glycine 4% is highly effective in reducing several parameters related to hair growth and hair thickness vs placebo, thus showing efficacy in the treatment of hypertrichosis.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Cesium-Accumulating Bacterium Rhodococcus qingshengii CS98, Isolated from Soil in Japan
Authors: Satoh Katsuya , Ozawa Shogo , Hayashi Hidenori , Tomioka Noriko , Narumi Issay , Oono Yutaka
Published: December 2020

Rhodococcus qingshengii
CS98 is a bacterium isolated from soil in Japan that shows strong cesium-accumulating ability. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
R. qingshengii
(6.7 Mb), which may provide useful genetic information supporting its bioremediation features.
Classification of psychotherapy interventions for people with schizophrenia: development of the Nottingham Classification of Psychotherapies
Authors: Roberts Matthew T , Shokraneh Farhad , Sun Yanli , Groom Maddie , Adams Clive E
Published: December 2020

Background

Currently, there is no accepted system for the classification of psychotherapies for application within systematic reviews. The creation of anuncomplicated, understandable and practical classification system is neccessary for conducting reliable systematic reviews.

Objective

To devise a system for classification of psychotherapy interventions—for use, initially, in systematic reviews.

Methods

Cochrane Schizophrenia’s Register used as the source of randomised controlled trial. After being piloted and refined at least twice, finally we applied it to all relevant trials within the register. Basic statistical data already held within the register were extracted and used to calculate the distribution of schizophrenia research by form of psychotherapy.

Findings

The final classification system consisted of six definable broad ‘boughs’ two of which were further subdivided into ‘branches’. The taxonomy accommodated all psychotherapy interventions described in the register. Of the initial 1645 intervention categories within the register, after careful recoding, 539 (33%) were psychotherapies (234 coded as ‘Thought/Action’ (cognitive & behavioural)—1495 studies; 135 ‘Cognitive Functioning’—652 studies; 113 ‘Social’—684 studies; 55 ‘Humanistic’—272 studies; 23 ‘Psychoanalytic/dynamic’—40 studies; and 63 ‘Other’—387 studies). For people with schizophrenia, across categories, the average size of psychotherapy trial is small (107) but there are notable and important exceptions.

Conclusion

We reported a practical method for categorising psychotherapy interventions in evaluative studies with applications beyond schizophrenia. A move towards consensus on the classification and reporting of psychotherapies is needed.

Clinical implications

This classification can aid clinicians, clinical practice guideline developers, and evidence synthesis experts to recognise and compare the interventions from same or different classes.
Inherent Importance of Early Visual Features in Attraction of Human Attention
Authors: Eghdam Reza , Ebrahimpour Reza , Zabbah Iman , Zabbah Sajjad
Published: December 2020

Local contrasts attract human attention to different areas of an image. Studies have shown that orientation, color, and intensity are some basic visual features which their contrasts attract our attention. Since these features are in different modalities, their contribution in the attraction of human attention is not easily comparable. In this study, we investigated the importance of these three features in the attraction of human attention in synthetic and natural images. Choosing 100% percent detectable contrast in each modality, we studied the competition between different features. Psychophysics results showed that, although single features can be detected easily in all trials, when features were presented simultaneously in a stimulus, orientation always attracts subject’s attention. In addition, computational results showed that orientation feature map is more informative about the pattern of human saccades in natural images. Finally, using optimization algorithms we quantified the impact of each feature map in construction of the final saliency map.
Research on Effect Evaluation of Online Advertisement Based on Resampling Method
Authors: Wang Heyong , Lin Canxin
Published: December 2020

With the rapid development of the Internet, the online advertising market has become larger and larger. Online advertisers often execute their advertising strategies based on the effect of online advertisements, so it is necessary to evaluate the advertising effect because it determines whether advertisers can display effective advertisements continually and remove ineffective advertisements timely. In practical scenarios, the quantity of ineffective online advertisements is always larger than that of effective online advertisements. The imbalanced distribution of them will bring serious bias to the evaluation models. We propose an improved undersampling method based on clustering (termed UBOC) to overcome the data imbalance. It can balance the advertising data into a more suitable data distribution. In addition, we adopt a new evaluation index for the effect evaluation of online advertisements based on C5.0 decision tree. Experimental results indicate the excellent performance of UBOC and the practical application of evaluation index for online advertisements. They can provide an effective evaluation of online advertisements and achieve the early removal of ineffective advertisements for advertisers, which will greatly increase the revenue brought by advertisements.
Nonunion of a Stress Fracture at the Base of the Second Metatarsal in a Soccer Player Treated by Osteosynthesis with the Bridging Plate Fixation Technique
Authors: Morio Futoshi , Morimoto Shota , Onishi Shintaro , Tachibana Toshiya , Iseki Tomoya
Published: December 2020

Background. A stress fracture of the second metatarsal base in soccer players is extremely rare. In this case study, we report a nonunion of a stress fracture at the base of the second metatarsal in a female soccer player who had persistent pain despite continued conservative treatment, who then was treated with the bridging plate fixation technique. Case Report. A 19-year-old female college soccer player complained of pain on the dorsum of her right midfoot during a game without history of trauma and was conservatively treated for 6 months. Radiographic examination showed an oblique fracture with small bone fragment at the proximal base of the second metatarsal and computed tomography demonstrated sclerotic change around the fracture site. We diagnosed her with nonunion of a stress fracture at the base of the second metatarsal and performed operative treatments using autogenous cancellous iliac bone grafting and plate fixation bridging a second metatarsal and medial cuneiform with a locking plate. At 4 months after the initial surgery, she was able to return to playing soccer at preinjury level without complications or pain. Conclusion. We report a rare case of nonunion of a stress fracture at the base of the second metatarsal in a female soccer player without underlying diseases. Surgical treatment was applied, because the conservative treatment was ineffective for 6 months and led to nonunion. The plate fixation technique bridging the second metatarsal and medial cuneiform was a useful option to attain the bone fusion for small fracture fragment for a treatment of nonunion of a stress fracture at the base of the second metatarsal.
A Novel Method for Blunting the Leading Edge of Waverider with Specified Curvature
Authors: Fu Xiang , Liu Jun , Ding Feng , Wang Shengye , Dou Tianheng
Published: December 2020

An ideal waverider has an infinite sharp leading edge, which causes difficulty for manufacture and aerothermal protection. Therefore, the leading edge of the waverider must be blunted. For this purpose, a parametric method for blunting the leading edge of the waverider is proposed here, which can fulfill the goals of setting a leading-edge blunt radius, achieving geometric continuity, and realizing the parametric design. First is the blunting procedure of the proposed method incorporating the construction of two-dimensional blunt curves and the integration of these curves on a three-dimensional waverider configuration. Second, waveriders blunted with different geometric continuities are built with corresponding computing grids generated. Numerical methods are then introduced and validated by the benchmark cases. Finally, results from these blunted configurations are presented and compared in terms of their geometric and flow characteristics. It shows that the proposed method has a better performance in the head region of the waverider and is thereby more suitable for the practical design.
LXH254, a Potent and Selective ARAF-Sparing Inhibitor of BRAF and CRAF for the Treatment of MAPK-Driven Tumors
Authors: Monaco Kelli-Ann , Delach Scott , Yuan Jing , Mishina Yuji , Fordjour Paul , Labrot Emma , McKay Daniel , Guo Ribo , Higgins Stacy , Wang Hui Qin , Liang Jinsheng , Bui Karen , Green John , Aspesi Peter , Ambrose Jessi , Mapa Felipa , Griner Lesley , Jaskelioff Mariela , Fuller John , Crawford Kenneth , Pardee Gwynn , Widger Stephania , Hammerman Peter S. , Engelman Jeffrey A. , Stuart Darrin D. , Cooke Vesselina G. , Caponigro Giordano
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Targeting RAF for antitumor therapy in RAS-mutant tumors holds promise. Herein, we describe in detail novel properties of the type II RAF inhibitor, LXH254.

Experimental Design:

LXH254 was profiled in biochemical, in vitro, and in vivo assays, including examining the activities of the drug in a large panel of cancer-derived cell lines and a comprehensive set of in vivo models. In addition, activity of LXH254 was assessed in cells where different sets of RAF paralogs were ablated, or that expressed kinase-impaired and dimer-deficient variants of ARAF.

Results:

We describe an unexpected paralog selectivity of LXH254, which is able to potently inhibit BRAF and CRAF, but has less activity against ARAF. LXH254 was active in models harboring BRAF alterations, including atypical BRAF alterations coexpressed with mutant K/NRAS, and NRAS mutants, but had only modest activity in KRAS mutants. In RAS-mutant lines, loss of ARAF, but not BRAF or CRAF, sensitized cells to LXH254. ARAF-mediated resistance to LXH254 required both kinase function and dimerization. Higher concentrations of LXH254 were required to inhibit signaling in RAS-mutant cells expressing only ARAF relative to BRAF or CRAF. Moreover, specifically in cells expressing only ARAF, LXH254 caused paradoxical activation of MAPK signaling in a manner similar to dabrafenib. Finally, in vivo, LXH254 drove complete regressions of isogenic variants of RAS-mutant cells lacking ARAF expression, while parental lines were only modestly sensitive.

Conclusions:

LXH254 is a novel RAF inhibitor, which is able to inhibit dimerized BRAF and CRAF, as well as monomeric BRAF, while largely sparing ARAF.
A Blood-based Assay for Assessment of Tumor Mutational Burden in First-line Metastatic NSCLC Treatment: Results from the MYSTIC Study
Authors: Si Han , Kuziora Michael , Quinn Katie J. , Helman Elena , Ye Jiabu , Liu Feng , Scheuring Urban , Peters Solange , Rizvi Naiyer A. , Brohawn Philip Z. , Ranade Koustubh , Higgs Brandon W. , Banks Kimberly C. , Chand Vikram K. , Raja Rajiv
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) has been shown to be predictive of survival benefit in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Measuring TMB in the blood (bTMB) using circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers practical advantages compared with TMB measurement in tissue (tTMB); however, there is a need for validated assays and identification of optimal cutoffs. We describe the analytic validation of a new bTMB algorithm and its clinical utility using data from the phase III MYSTIC trial.

Patients and Methods:

The dataset used for the clinical validation was from MYSTIC, which evaluated first-line durvalumab (anti–PD-L1 antibody) ± tremelimumab (anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 antibody) or chemotherapy for metastatic NSCLC. bTMB and tTMB were evaluated using the GuardantOMNI and FoundationOne CDx assays, respectively. A Cox proportional hazards model and minimal P value cross-validation approach were used to identify the optimal bTMB cutoff.

Results:

In MYSTIC, somatic mutations could be detected in ctDNA extracted from plasma samples in a majority of patients, allowing subsequent calculation of bTMB. The success rate for obtaining valid TMB scores was higher for bTMB (809/1,001; 81%) than for tTMB (460/735; 63%). Minimal P value cross-validation analysis confirmed the selection of bTMB ≥20 mutations per megabase (mut/Mb) as the optimal cutoff for clinical benefit with durvalumab + tremelimumab.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates the feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility of the GuardantOMNI ctDNA platform for quantifying bTMB from plasma samples. Using the new bTMB algorithm and an optimal bTMB cutoff of ≥20 mut/Mb, high bTMB was predictive of clinical benefit with durvalumab + tremelimumab versus chemotherapy.
Reconsidering Access to Justice within the Broad Range of Accountability of International Organizations
Authors: Samata Norihito
Published: December 2020

This article reconsiders the generally accepted view around UN peacekeeping, and focuses on ways to enable access to judicial remedies for victims as a solution to fill the prevailing “accountability gap.” This article shows that the concept is not necessarily synonymous with access to justice. Providing access to justice for the victims can be an essential factor in holding UN peacekeeping legally accountable. However, judicial review is not everything in terms of accountability. This article also analyzes the possibilities and limitations of quasi-judicial mechanisms, namely the Independent Accountability Mechanisms of International Financial Institutions and the Human Rights Advisory Panel of the UN Interim Mission in Kosovo, from the perspective of legal accountability. It shows that these mechanisms have contributed to holding the organizations concerned legally accountable.
‘Remedium repraesaliarum’: The Medieval and Early Modern Practice and Theory of Reprisal within the Just War Doctrine
Authors: Van den Brande Philippine Christina
Published: December 2020

Centuries before being included in Hugo Grotius’s De iure belli ac pacis and De iure praedae, the subject of reprisal was already being discussed in medieval literature. The aim of this paper is to examine the medieval and early modern practice and theory of reprisal as it developed before and during Grotius’s lifetime. Its first part investigates a number of important foundational elements, such as the issues of definition and terminology, and the common characteristics of a reprisal case. In the second half, the author explores why reprisals were deemed to be a ‘perversus mos’ or ‘bad custom’ and how continued reliance on this practice was nonetheless justified by inserting it into the medieval just war doctrine. The paper does not provide a systematic study of Grotius’s own engagement with medieval reprisal sources. Rather, it should be read in conjunction with another publication in this same volume, ‘Grotius on Reprisal’ by Randall Lesaffer.
How different types of financial service providers support small- and medium- enterprises under the impact of COVID-19 pandemic: from the perspective of expectancy theory
Authors: Song Hua , Yang Yudong , Tao Zheng
Published: December 2020

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted several aspects of the society and the economy. A problem that needs prompt attention in this situation is the increasing difficulties faced by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in raising capital, which has aroused great concern from multiple stakeholders such as public administrations and regulators. As the major supply of capital, financial service providers (FSPs) play a critical role in financing SMEs. However, how FSPs deal with SME financing during shocks has not yet been fully researched. Accordingly, in this study, a theoretical framework based on expectancy theory is proposed to explore the expected strategic adjustments of FSPs in financing SMEs. Specifically, this study investigates 272 FSPs in China on their expectancy and attitude on financing to SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study has divided FSPs into three categories: commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, and credit-enhanced FSPs. Differences among these categories are compared and analyzed.
Prognostic value of bedside lung ultrasound score in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ji Li , Cao Chunyan , Gao Ying , Zhang Wen , Xie Yuji , Duan Yilian , Kong Shuangshuang , You Manjie , Ma Rong , Jiang Lili , Liu Jie , Sun Zhenxing , Zhang Ziming , Wang Jing , Yang Yali , Lv Qing , Zhang Li , Li Yuman , Zhang Jinxiang , Xie Mingxing
Published: December 2020

Background

Bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a useful and non-invasive tool to detect lung involvement and monitor changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical significance of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19.

Method

The LUS protocol consisted of 12 scanning zones and was performed in 280 consecutive patients with COVID-19. The LUS score based on B-lines, lung consolidation and pleural line abnormalities was evaluated.

Results

The median time from admission to LUS examinations was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3–10). Patients in the highest LUS score group were more likely to have a lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM%); higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, hypersensitive troponin I and creatine kinase muscle-brain; more invasive mechanical ventilation therapy; higher incidence of ARDS; and higher mortality than patients in the lowest LUS score group. After a median follow-up of 14 days [IQR, 10–20 days], 37 patients developed ARDS, and 13 died. Patients with adverse outcomes presented a higher rate of bilateral involvement; more involved zones and B-lines, pleural line abnormalities and consolidation; and a higher LUS score than event-free survivors. The Cox models adding the LUS score as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.02 ~ 1.08; P < 0.001; Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 272; C-index = 0.903) or as a categorical variable (HR 10.76, 95% CI 2.75 ~ 42.05; P = 0.001; AIC = 272; C-index = 0.902) were found to predict poor outcomes more accurately than the basic model (AIC = 286; C-index = 0.866). An LUS score cut-off > 12 predicted adverse outcomes with a specificity and sensitivity of 90.5% and 91.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

The LUS score devised by our group performs well at predicting adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and is important for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients.
Effect of physical training periodization on physical activity level in adults with obesity
Authors: Barcelos Guilherme Tadeu de , Del Duca Giovani Firpo , Medeiros Paulo Ricardo de Oliveira , Crochemore-Silva Inácio , Gerage Aline Mendes
Published: December 2020

O estudo teve por objetivo comparar o efeito do treinamento físico, com e sem periodização, nos níveis de atividade física diária e no tempo em comportamento sedentário de adultos com obesidade. Em um estudo randomizado controlado, 69 adultos de ambos os sexos com obesidade (IMC ≥ 30 kg/m²) foram randomizados em três grupos: grupo periodizado (GP), grupo não periodizado (GNP) e grupo controle (GC). Os grupos periodizado e não periodizado foram submetidos a 16 semanas de treinamento físico combinado (aeróbio e resistido) e supervisionado, três vezes na semana, em sessões de 60 minutos. Os níveis de atividade física e comportamento sedentário foram mensurados por meio de acelerometria (Actigraph - GT3x). O tempo despendido em comportamento sedentário após a intervenção aumentou 6,5% no GP e 1,2% no GC e reduziu 0,5% no GNP. As mudanças nos níveis de atividade física leve foram de -4,6% no GP, +0,5% no GNP e -2,3% no GC, ao passo que os níveis de atividade física moderada a vigorosa apresentaram reduções de 3,0% no GP e aumentos de 0,5% no GNP e 12,2% no GC. Vale destacar, porém, que não foram identificados efeitos isolados do tempo e do grupo e nem interação tempo e grupo para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas (p > 0,05). Um programa de treinamento físico combinado e supervisionado, com ou sem progressão de carga, não foi capaz de promover mudanças no comportamento sedentário e nos níveis de atividade física de adultos com obesidade, sendo necessárias ações específicas voltadas a estes comportamentos.
CHOmics: A web-based tool for multi-omics data analysis and interactive visualization in CHO cell lines
Authors: Lin Dongdong , Yalamanchili Hima B. , Zhang Xinmin , Lewis Nathan E. , Alves Christina S. , Groot Joost , Arnsdorf Johnny , Bjørn Sara P. , Wulff Tune , Voldborg Bjørn G. , Zhou Yizhou , Zhang Baohong
Published: December 2020

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines are widely used in industry for biological drug production. During cell culture development, considerable effort is invested to understand the factors that greatly impact cell growth, specific productivity and product qualities of the biotherapeutics. While high-throughput omics approaches have been increasingly utilized to reveal cellular mechanisms associated with cell line phenotypes and guide process optimization, comprehensive omics data analysis and management have been a challenge. Here we developed CHOmics, a web-based tool for integrative analysis of CHO cell line omics data that provides an interactive visualization of omics analysis outputs and efficient data management. CHOmics has a built-in comprehensive pipeline for RNA sequencing data processing and multi-layer statistical modules to explore relevant genes or pathways. Moreover, advanced functionalities were provided to enable users to customize their analysis and visualize the output systematically and interactively. The tool was also designed with the flexibility to accommodate other types of omics data and thereby enabling multi-omics comparison and visualization at both gene and pathway levels. Collectively, CHOmics is an integrative platform for data analysis, visualization and management with expectations to promote the broader use of omics in CHO cell research.
Dark accelerates dissolved inorganic phosphorus release of high-density cyanobacteria
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Zhang Huifen , Chen Menggaoshan , Yang Liuyan , Yang Yichen
Published: December 2020

Bloom-forming cyanobacteria dramatically influence nutrient cycling in eutrophic freshwater lakes. The phosphorus (P) assimilation and release of bloom-forming cyanobacteria significantly may also affect the phosphorus source and amounts in water. To understand the phosphorus release process of bloom-forming cyanobacteria below the accumulated surface and sedimentary bloom-forming cyanobacteria, the degradation of bloom-forming cyanobacteria dominated by Microcystis spp. at different cell density in the dark was investigated over a 25-day microcosm experiment. The dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and dissolved total phosphorus (DTP) contents increased with the increment of cyanobacterial density, and the dark status markedly increased the proportion of DIP in water during the decline period of bloom-forming cyanobacteria. Meanwhile, the process of cyanobacterial apoptosis accompanied by the changes of malondialdehyde (MDA) and phosphatase (AKP) contents, and the increases of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities of cyanobacteria in the dark, especially in low-density groups (5.23×108 cells L-1), which further affect the physicochemical water parameters. Moreover, the DIP release from high-density cyanobacteria (7.86×107 cells L-1~5.23×108 cells L-1) resulted from the relative abundance of organophosphorus degrading bacteria in the dark. Therefore, the fast decay of cyanobacteria in the dark could accelerate DIP release, the high DIP release amount from accumulated bloom-cyanobacteria provide adequate P quickly for the sustained growth of cyanobacteria.
Retrospective evaluation of echocardiographic variables for prediction of heart failure hospitalization in heart failure with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction: A single center experience
Authors: Hammond Michael M. , Shen Changyu , Li Stephanie , Kazi Dhruv S. , Sabe Marwa A. , Garan A. Reshad , Markson Lawrence J. , Manning Warren J. , Klein Allan L. , Nagueh Sherif F. , Strom Jordan B.
Published: December 2020

Background

Limited data exist on the differential ability of variables on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) to predict heart failure (HF) readmission across the spectrum of left ventricular (LV) systolic function.

Methods

We linked 15 years of TTE report data (1/6/2003-5/3/2018) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to complete Medicare claims. In those with recent HF, we evaluated the relationship between variables on baseline TTE and HF readmission, stratified by LVEF.

Results

After excluding TTEs with uninterpretable diastology, 5,900 individuals (mean age: 76.9 years; 49.1% female) were included, of which 2545 individuals (41.6%) were admitted for HF. Diastolic variables augmented prediction compared to demographics, comorbidities, and echocardiographic structural variables (p < 0.001), though discrimination was modest (c-statistic = 0.63). LV dimensions and eccentric hypertrophy predicted HF in HF with reduced (HFrEF) but not preserved (HFpEF) systolic function, whereas LV wall thickness, NT-proBNP, pulmonary vein D- and Ar-wave velocities, and atrial dimensions predicted HF in HFpEF but not HFrEF (all interaction p < 0.10). Prediction of HF readmission was not different in HFpEF and HFrEF (p = 0.93).

Conclusions

In this single-center echocardiographic study linked to Medicare claims, left ventricular dimensions and eccentric hypertrophy predicted HF readmission in HFrEF but not HFpEF and left ventricular wall thickness predicted HF readmission in HFpEF but not HFrEF. Regardless of LVEF, diastolic variables augmented prediction of HF readmission compared to echocardiographic structural variables, demographics, and comorbidities alone. The additional role of medication adherence, readmission history, and functional status in differential prediction of HF readmission by LVEF category should be considered for future study.
Mutations altering acetylated residues in the CTD of HIV-1 integrase cause defects in proviral transcription at early times after integration of viral DNA
Authors: Winans Shelby , Goff Stephen P.
Published: December 2020

The central function of the retroviral integrase protein (IN) is to catalyze the integration of viral DNA into the host genome to form the provirus. The IN protein has also been reported to play a role in a number of other processes throughout the retroviral life cycle such as reverse transcription, nuclear import and particle morphogenesis. Studies have shown that HIV-1 IN is subject to multiple post-translational modifications (PTMs) including acetylation, phosphorylation and SUMOylation. However, the importance of these modifications during infection has been contentious. In this study we attempt to clarify the role of acetylation of HIV-1 IN during the retroviral life cycle. We show that conservative mutation of the known acetylated lysine residues has only a modest effect on reverse transcription and proviral integration efficiency in vivo. However, we observe a large defect in successful expression of proviral genes at early times after infection by an acetylation-deficient IN mutant that cannot be explained by delayed integration dynamics. We demonstrate that the difference between the expression of proviruses integrated by an acetylation mutant and WT IN is likely not due to altered integration site distribution but rather directly due to a lower rate of transcription. Further, the effect of the IN mutation on proviral gene expression is independent of the Tat protein or the LTR promoter. At early times after integration when the transcription defect is observed, the LTRs of proviruses integrated by the mutant IN have altered histone modifications as well as reduced IN protein occupancy. Over time as the transcription defect in the mutant virus diminishes, histone modifications on the WT and mutant proviral LTRs reach comparable levels. These results highlight an unexpected role for the IN protein in regulating proviral transcription at early times post-integration.
Eficácia das plantas medicinais Cynara scolymus L. e Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn em relação ao dano hepático: um estudo de revisão
Authors: Milagres Eliana Alfenas Nogueira , Meguerian Berdj A. , Santos Carvalho Vania , Lobato Valéria , Arruda Liziene de Souza , Fiut Maria Angélica
Published: December 2020

As plantas medicinais têm sido utilizadas como fonte alternativa no tratamento de doenças hepáticas, cabendo destacar a Alcachofra (Cynara scolymus L.) e o Cardo mariano (Silybum marianum), que atualmente vêm apresentando evidências de efeitos hepatoprotetores. O presente artigo tem como objetivo buscar evidências científicas acerca da efetividade hepatoprotetora destas plantas. Trata-se de revisão de literatura com seleção criteriosa da produção científica das plantas medicinais mencionadas acima, os quais foram selecionados 19 artigos que preencheram os critérios estabelecidos. Para tal foram consultadas as seguintes bases de dados: Scientific Eletronic Library online (SciELO), Pubmed, Science Direct e OVID. Os resultados apontaram para escassez de estudos clínicos em relação ao efeito hepatoprotetor da Cynara scolymus frente ao dano hepático. Por outro lado, os estudos pré-clínicos e clínicos da Silybum marianum mostraram avanços em relação ao efeito anti-inflamatório. Embora a maior parte (63%) dos estudos serem experimentais, os resultados parecem promissores em relação ao efeito hepatoprotetor. Portanto, consideramos que as plantas em questão podem ser uma boa alternativa para o tratamento hepático, no entanto, existe a necessidade de mais investimento em estudos clínicos randomizado em humanos, com amostra estatisticamente significativa para melhor elucidar a utilização das mesmas frente aos danos hepáticos.
The Implications of Audio/Video Conference Systems on the Administration of Justice at the Malaysian Courts
Authors: Mohamad Ani Munirah , Hamin Zaiton , Nor Mohd Zakhiri Md , Kamaruddin Saslina , Radzi Mohd Shahril Nizam Md
Published: December 2020

The audio/video conference systems (AVS) enable parties from distinct locations to „meet‟ synchronously in achieving certain objectives. Medical practitioners, accounting firms, businessmen, to name a few, have long resorted to AVS in their everyday routines. Recently, the courts in many parts of the world, including the Malaysian courts, have started to engage in AVS in solving any disputes. Despite this development, local literature is still scarce on this subject matter, and the adoption of AVS is rather recent in the Malaysian context. Hence, this paper seeks to highlight the implications of such technologies, particularly in enhancing the administration of justice at the Malaysian Courts. The study adopts a qualitative method, engaging in two multiple-embedded case studies involving a High Court in West Malaysia and a High Court in East Malaysia using the instrument of semi-structured interviews. The data generated from the case studies were analysed using the computer-aided qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti version 8.4. The study found that there is a huge potential for the Malaysian courts to adopt AVS in solving any disputes, as it would significantly save time, money and resources. Most importantly, AVS is proven to improve people‟s access to justice, particularly those in the rural areas. On the other hand, the engagement of the AVS system also posed some challenges such as enhancement of cost and training requirements for the court personnel as well as for the solicitors. Additionally, there seems to be an inadequate regulatory framework to govern the use of AVS at the Malaysian courts. The significance of this study is that it would assist the courts and the Malaysian Bar in appreciating the implications of the AVS on the administration of justice at the Malaysian Courts. Hence, proper guidelines should be in place for users of AVS for proper usage at the courts. Also, this paper would contribute to the body of local literature on ICT adoption at the courts, in particular on the AVS usage.
Streaming für Forschende
Authors: Stoppe Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Der Beitrag erörtert die Entwicklung des Video-Streaming-Marktes und die Bedeutung für Öffentliche und wissenschaftliche Bibliotheken. Dabei geht er auch auf die Spezialisierung bestimmter Anbieter ein. Zusammenfassend ist festzuhalten, dass Streaming von AV-Medien vor allem für Öffentliche Bibliotheken ein wertvolles Zusatzangebot für Nutzende darstellt, für wissenschaftliche Bibliotheken hinsichtlich der Dauerhaftigkeit, Zitierfähigkeit und Nachnutzbarkeit von Ressourcen noch wesentliche Fragen ungelöst bleiben.
Die ARTE-Mediathek – Perspektiven der Zusammenarbeit im Bereich Film
Authors: Goslar Nina
Published: December 2020

ARTE leistet mit seiner Mediathek, auf der allmonatlich eine Auswahl hochwertiger Filme verschiedener Dekaden angeboten wird, einen wichtigen Beitrag für die filmische Bildung. Der Artikel von Nina Goslar aus der ZDF/ARTE-Filmredaktion skizziert das Kino-Angebot der ARTE-Mediathek und stellt ein Modell der Vermittlung von Filmgeschichte vor, das in Zusammenarbeit mit europäischen Filmarchiven geplant ist – auch als Modell einer möglichen Kooperation mit Öffentlichen Bibliotheken.
Sicherung des audiovisuellen Erbes in Sachsen
Authors: Eckardt André
Published: December 2020

2019 startete Sachsen mit einem Landesprogramm, das öffentliche und private Sammlungen dabei unterstützt, ihre Film-, Video- und Tondokumente zu digitalisieren, zu archivieren und digital zugänglich zu machen: „Sicherung des audiovisuellen Erbes in Sachsen“ (SAVE). Der folgende Praxisbericht stellt die Programmarbeit und einzelne Ergebnisse vor und spricht über spezifische Herausforderungen und bisherige Erfahrungen.
Study on the burial practice of tomb M13 of the Yangshao culture at Baligang site in Dengzhou City
Authors: Zhang Chi , He Jianing , Wu Xiaohong , Cui Yinqiu , Wang Hua , Zhang Jiangkai , Fan Li , Yan Wenming
Published: December 2020

The multidisciplinary research on the Yangshao period (4200–2900 BCE) tomb M13, a joint secondary burial at the Baligang site of the Yangshao culture in Dengzhou City, Henan Province showed that there were in total 126 individuals buried in this grave. Their death crossed at least 200 years; among them, at least five individuals were from three maternal lineages, and the descent system of this group was patrilineal. There were also 138 pig mandibles buried in M13, which had been dated and shows that they were collected across over 400 years. Based on the statistics the death population at Baligang site, it is estimated that the human bones found from M13 went through a secondary burial process during which they were probably regarded as “ceremonial objects.” The joint secondary burials as M13 is seen as a result of some reburying ceremonies held at the Baligang site.
The “bowl-shaped” bloomeries of Pingnan County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the origins of “bowl-shaped” bloomery in China
Authors: Li Yingfu
Published: December 2020

Based on the discussion on the shape, nature, iron-smelting products and technical characteristics of the “bowl-shaped” bloomeries of the iron-smelting remains of the Han dynasty at Liuchen Town in Pingnan County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, this paper puts forward the issue of the origin of the “bowl-shaped” bloomeries in China, and referring to the “bowl-shaped” bloomeries found in West Asia, South Asia, Europe, and Africa and their smelting technical traditions. This paper pointed out that the “bowl-shaped” bloomeries in China had the same origin with that of the other regions of the world, which was the result of the far and wide diffusion of the “bowl-shaped” bloomeries of West Asia, and its introduction route might be from West Asia via South Asia and Southeast Asia along the Indian Ocean.
Geodesic domes for planetary exploration
Authors: Ossola Enrico , Brusa Eugenio , Sesana Raffaella
Published: December 2020

Venus and the Ocean Worlds are emerging areas of interest for space exploration, as they can potentially host, or have hosted, conditions compatible with life. Landers and probes for in-situ exploration, however, must deal with very high external pressure, due to the environmental conditions, often resulting in thick and heavy structures. Robust, reinforced shell structures can provide a lightweight solution for the primary structure. In this frame, the isogrid layout is already a standard in aerospace, especially for flat panels or cylindrical shells. In this paper, isogrid-stiffened hemispherical shells, or “geodesic domes”, are described, focusing on the case of a concept of a Venus lander. Early design methods for both plain and geodesic domes subjected to external pressure are presented, providing design equations. Additive Manufacturing is identified as the key technology for fabricating metallic geodesic domes, due to the complexity of the internal features. Moreover, it allows to fabricate ports and integrated thermostructural systems in the same process, potentially resulting in improved performance or cost and schedule savings.