bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trace-element remobilisation from W–Sn–U–Pb zoned hematite: Nanoscale insights into a mineral geochronometer behaviour during interaction with fluids
Authors: Verdugo-Ihl Max R. , Ciobanu Cristiana L. , Cook Nigel J. , Ehrig Kathy , Slattery Ashley , Courtney-Davies Liam
Published: June 2020

Preferential removal of W relative to other trace elements from zoned, W–Sn–U–Pb-bearing hematite coupled with disturbance of U–Pb isotope systematics is attributed to pseudomorphic replacement via coupled dissolution reprecipitation reaction (CDRR). This hematite has been studied down to the nanoscale to understand the mechanisms leading to compositional and U/Pb isotope heterogeneity at the grain scale. High-Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HAADF STEM) imaging of foils extracted in situ from three locations across the W-rich to W-depleted domains show lattice-scale defects and crystal structure modifications adjacent to twin planes. Secondary sets of twins and associated splays are common, but wider (up to ~100 nm) inclusion trails occur only at the boundary between the W-rich and W-depleted domains. STEM energy-dispersive X-ray mapping reveals W- and Pb-enrichment along 2–3 nm-wide features defining the twin planes; W-bearing nanoparticles occur along the splays. Tungsten and Pb are both present, albeit at low concentrations, within Na–K–Cl-bearing inclusions along the trails. HAADF STEM imaging of hematite reveals modifications relative to ideal crystal structure. A two-fold hematite superstructure (a = b = c = 10.85 Å; α = β = γ = 55.28°) involving oxygen vacancies was constructed and assessed by STEM simulations with a good match to data. This model can account for significant W release during interaction with fluids percolating through twin planes and secondary structures as CDRR progresses from the zoned domain, otherwise apparently undisturbed at the micrometre scale. Lead remobilisation is confirmed here at the nanoscale and is responsible for a disturbance of U/Pb ratios in hematite affected by CDRR. Twin planes can provide pathways for fluid percolation and metal entrapment during post-crystallisation overprinting. The presence of complex twinning can therefore predict potential disturbances of isotope systems in hematite that will affect its performance as a robust geochronometer.
European headache federation consensus on the definition of resistant and refractory migraine
Authors: Sacco Simona , Braschinsky Mark , Ducros Anne , Lampl Christian , Little Patrick , van den Brink Antoinette Maassen , Pozo-Rosich Patricia , Reuter Uwe , de la Torre Elena Ruiz , Sanchez Del Rio Margarita , Sinclair Alexandra J. , Katsarava Zaza , Martelletti Paolo
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Despite advances in the management of headache disorders, some patients with migraine do not experience adequate pain relief with acute and preventive treatments. It is the aim of the present document to provide a definition of those migraines which are difficult-to-treat, to create awareness of existence of this group of patients, to help Healthcare Authorities in understanding the implications, and to create a basis to develop a better pathophysiological understanding and to support further therapeutic advances.

Main body

Definitions were established with a consensus process using the Delphi method.

Patients with migraine with or without aura or with chronic migraine can be defined as havingresistant migraineandrefractory migraineaccording to previous preventative failures.Resistant migraineis defined by having failed at least 3 classes of migraine preventatives and suffer from at least 8 debilitating headache days per month for at least 3 consecutive months without improvement; definition can be based on review of medical charts.Refractory migraineis defined by having failed all of the available preventatives and suffer from at least 8 debilitating headache days per month for at least 6 consecutive months. Drug failure may include lack of efficacy or lack of tolerability. Debilitating headache is defined as headache causing serious impairment to conduct activities of daily living despite the use of pain-relief drugs with established efficacy at the recommended dose and taken early during the attack; failure of at least two different triptans is required.

Conclusions

We hope, that the updated EHF definition will be able to solve the conflicts that have limited the use of definitions which have been put forward in the past. Only with a widely accepted definition, progresses in difficult-to-treat migraine can be achieved. This new definition has also the aim to increase the understanding of the impact of the migraine as a disease with all of its social, legal and healthcare implications. It is the hope of the EHF Expert Consensus Group that the proposed criteria will stimulate further clinical, scientific and social attention to patients who suffer from migraine which is difficult-to-treat.
Safety of pharmacologic interventions for neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Watt Jennifer A. , Goodarzi Zahra , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Nincic Vera , Khan Paul A. , Ghassemi Marco , Thompson Yuan , Lai Yonda , Treister Victoria , Tricco Andrea C. , Straus Sharon E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Prescribing trends suggest that pharmacologic alternatives to antipsychotics are gaining in popularity, but randomized trial (RCT) data of their comparative safety is scarce. Our objective was to describe the comparative safety of pharmacologic interventions for treating neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from inception to May 28, 2019, for studies of pharmacologic interventions used to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Dementia care partners selected fracture risk as our primary outcome. Pairs of reviewers, working independently, conducted all study screening, data abstraction, and risk of bias appraisal. We conducted Bayesian random-effects network meta-analyses (NMAs) using data from RCTs to derive odds ratios (ORs). In secondary analyses, we conducted frequentist random-effects NMAs using data from RCTs and Bayesian three-level hierarchical random-effects NMAs incorporating data from RCTs and non-randomized studies.

Results

Our systematic review included 209 randomized and non-randomized studies (889,378 persons with dementia). In NMAs of data from randomized trials, there were no increased odds of fracture associated with any intervention in primary analyses; however, data were sparse. We found increased odds of cerebrovascular events associated with antipsychotics (odds ratio [OR] 2.12, 95% credible interval [CrI] 1.29 to 3.62; number needed to harm [NNH] = 99) and increased odds of falls associated with dextromethorphan-quinidine (OR 4.16, 95% CrI 1.47 to 14.22; NNH = 55) compared to placebo in persons with dementia. In a subgroup of persons with Alzheimer disease, antipsychotics were associated with increased odds of fracture compared to anticonvulsants (OR 54.1, 95% CrI 1.15 to 38,300; NNH = 18). In older persons (mean age ≥ 80 years) with dementia, anticonvulsants were associated with increased odds of death compared to placebo (OR 8.36, 95% CrI 1.17 to 203.4; NNH = 35) and antipsychotics were associated with increased odds of death compared to antidepressants (OR 5.28, 95% CrI 1.06 to 3.51; NNH = 47).

Conclusion

Although antipsychotics were associated with greater harm than antidepressants and anticonvulsants in subgroups of persons with dementia, medications used in lieu of antipsychotics for treating neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia, such as anticonvulsants and dextromethorphan-quinidine, were also associated with harm. Decision-making concerning treatments prescribed in lieu of antipsychotics should include potential harms.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42017050130.
Cataract and glaucoma combined surgery: XEN® gel stent versus nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy, a pilot study
Authors: Theillac Vincent , Blumen-Ohana Esther , Akesbi Jad , Hamard Pascale , Sellam Alexandre , Brasnu Emmanuelle , Baudouin Christophe , Labbe Antoine , Nordmann Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2020

Background

To compare the efficacy of phacoemulsification (PKE) combined with nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) with mitomycin C (MMC) versus XEN® gel stent with MMC.

Methods

In this nonrandomized, retrospective, comparative, single-center pilot study, 105 consecutive eyes of 75 patients with uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and cataract who underwent PKE combined with either XEN implantation (n = 47) or NPDS (n = 58) between May 2013 and November 2018 were included. The primary outcome was complete success at 9 months, which was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤18, 15 or 12 mmHg without treatment; qualified success was IOP ≤18, 15 or 12 mmHg with antiglaucoma medications. Secondary outcome measures included the number of antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity (VA), and postoperative adverse events.

Results

Using the 18 mmHg threshold, complete or qualified success was achieved in 69.6 and 89.1% in the PKE + XEN group, and 63.8 and 89.7% in the PKE + NPDS group (p = .54 and p = .93), respectively, at 9 months. The mean IOP decreased from 20.8 ± 6.8 mmHg to 16.2 ± 2.8 mmHg in the PKE + XEN group (p < .001, 18.9% mean drop), and from 21.5 ± 8.9 mmHg to 14.9 ± 3.9 mmHg in the PKE + NPDS group (p < .001, 25.6% mean drop). Best-corrected VA significantly improved (p < .001) in both groups. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications was significantly reduced from 2.66 ± 1.1 to 0.49 ± 1.0 in the PKE + XEN group (p < .001) and from 2.93 ± 0.9 to 0.69 ± 1.2 in the PKE + NPDS group (p < .001).

Conclusions

The XEN stent combined with PKE seemed to be as effective and safe as PKE + NPDS at 9 months in this pilot study.
Association between combinations of nutritional status and quality of life and food purchasing motives among the elderly in South Korea
Authors: Kim Doyeon , Lim Hyunjung
Published: June 2020

Background

In the elderly, nutritional status and quality of life (QOL) could potentially affect food purchasing behaviors. We examined the association between combinations of nutritional status and QOL and food purchasing motives among the elderly.

Methods

A total of 143 community-dwelling elderly were recruited in Seoul, South Korea. Nutritional status and QOL were assessed and participants were divided into four groups according to those combinations. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the odds of food purchasing motives according to combinations of nutritional status and QOL.

Results

As a result of comparing the scores (mean ± SD) of the overall important factors for food purchasing, health related factors such as Nutrition quality and Preventive of treatment effect were the highest score (4.4 ± 0.8), followed by Price (4.1 ± 0.9), Ease of purchase (3.8 ± 0.9), Ease of chewing (3.7 ± 0.9), and Taste (3.6 ± 0.9). Participants with a low nutritional status and low QOL had more eating-related problems (77.8%) including chewing difficulty (48.9%) and constipation (17.8%) than those with a high nutritional status and high QOL (P < 0.05). Participants who were in high nutritional status and low QOL were more likely to be motivated by Ease of chewing (OR: 6.72; 95% CI: 1.44–31.37; P < 0.05), while those who were in low nutritional status and high QOL were less motivated by Taste (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.08–0.94; P < 0.05) compared to those who were in high nutritional status and high QOL.

Conclusions

There were differences in food purchasing motives such as Ease of chewing or Taste according to combinations of nutritional status and QOL. These data are important in demonstrating differing motives for food choice across nutritional status and QOL, and also provide indications of which care service and food development may be needed in promoting health for the elderly in South Korea.
3,3′-Diindolylmethane modulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition through repressing RhoA/ROCK1-mediated COX2/PGE2 pathway
Authors: Zhu Peiyao , Yu Huayun , Zhou Kun , Bai Yu , Qi Ruiqun , Zhang Shuguang
Published: June 2020

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive tumors in the world. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has been reported to promote tumor metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital process of conferring cancer cells capabilities of migration and invasion. However, the mechanism by which modulation of AHR can inhibit tumor metastasis remains unknown. Thus, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanism regarding reversing EMT process of ESCC through modulation of AHR.

Methods

We used AHR selective modulator 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) to treat ESCC cell lines TE1 and KYSE150 so as to examine alterations of migration and invasion by wound healing and Transwell assay. Western blotting (WB) and qPCR were performed to detect relative genes and proteins changes regarding EMT process. Cell transfection was utilized for confirming pathways involved in DIM-induced reversal of EMT and in vivo assay was conducted for verification of the underlying mechanism. Co-IP assay was conducted for detecting protein-protein interactions.

Results

AHR was overexpressed in ESCC and modulation of AHR by DIM could inhibit migration and invasion as well as downregulate mesenchymal cell markers β-Catenin, Vimentin and Slug and upregulate epithelial cell marker Claudin-1. Meanwhile, synergically overexpression of AHR, RhoA and ROCK1 correlated with poor clinical outcomes. DIM could inhibit COX2/PGE2pathway by targeting AHR, and COX2 selective inhibitor Celecoxib could suppress EMT and metastasis. Results of PGE2treatment were opposite to that of Celecoxib. Meanwhile, blockade of RhoA/ROCK1 pathway also exerted prohibitive effects on EMT and metastasis. WB results showed COX2/PGE2pathway could be regulated by RhoA/ROCK1 pathway and DIM could inhibit RhoA/ROCK1 pathway through modulation of AHR. In vivo assay verified the results in vitro. Co-IP results showed DIM could modulate AHR to reverse EMT directly through inhibition of interaction between AHR and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) so as to block RhoA/ROCK1-mediated COX2/PGE2pathway which was connected by NF-κB.

Conclusions

In brief, modulation of AHR by DIM can reverse EMT process and inhibit metastasis of ESCC through repressing RhoA/ROCK1-mediated COX2/PGE2pathway.
Identification of the blood perfusion rate for laser-induced thermotherapy in the liver
Authors: Andres Matthias , Blauth Sebastian , Leithäuser Christian , Siedow Norbert
Published: June 2020

Using PDE-constrained optimization we introduce a parameter identification approach which can identify the blood perfusion rate from MR thermometry data obtained during the treatment with laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT). The blood perfusion rate, i.e., the cooling effect induced by blood vessels, can be identified during the first stage of the treatment. This information can then be used by a simulation to monitor and predict the ongoing treatment. The approach is tested with synthetic measurements with and without artificial noise as input data.
Velocity-independent and low-complexity method for 1D DOA estimation using an arbitrary cross-linear array
Authors: Ning Gengxin , Jing Guangyu , Li Xiaopeng , Zhao Xuejin
Published: June 2020

This paper focuses on a low-complexity one-dimensional (1D) direction-of-arrival (DOA) algorithm with an arbitrary cross-linear array. This algorithm is highly accurate without the performance error usually caused by the uncertainty factor of the wave velocity in the underwater environment. The geometric relationship between two crossed linear arrays is employed to derive the expression of DOA estimation with the finding that this algorithm is capable of excluding the wave velocity variable in the DOA estimation expression. A method without parameter pairing is also proposed to reduce the complexity of this algorithm. Additionally, the influence of wave velocity is analyzed in terms of RMSEc and the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) for 1D DOA with the arbitrary cross-linear array is established. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve better performance than the traditional algorithm under the condition of an inaccurate estimate of wave velocity. Compared with the velocity-independent DOA algorithm, it exhibits the feature of low complexity.
A semi-supervised convolutional neural network based on subspace representation for image classification
Authors: Gatto Bernardo B. , Souza Lincon S. , dos Santos Eulanda M. , Fukui Kazuhiro , S. Júnior Waldir S. , dos Santos Kenny V.
Published: June 2020

This work presents a shallow network based on subspaces with applications in image classification. Recently, shallow networks based on PCA filter banks have been employed to solve many computer vision-related problems including texture classification, face recognition, and scene understanding. These approaches are robust, with a straightforward implementation that enables fast prototyping of practical applications. However, these architectures employ either unsupervised or supervised learning. As a result, they may not achieve highly discriminative features in more complicated computer vision problems containing variations in camera motion, object’s appearance, pose, scale, and texture, due to drawbacks related to each learning paradigm. To cope with this disadvantage, we propose a semi-supervised shallow network equipped with both unsupervised and supervised filter banks, presenting representative and discriminative abilities. Besides, the introduced architecture is flexible, performing favorably on different applications whose amount of supervised data is an issue, making it an attractive choice in practice. The proposed network is evaluated on five datasets. The results show improvement in terms of prediction rate, comparing to current shallow networks.
The impact of vitamin D food fortification and health outcomes in children: a systematic review and meta-regression
Authors: Al Khalifah Reem , Alsheikh Rawan , Alnasser Yossef , Alsheikh Rana , Alhelali Nora , Naji Ammar , Al Backer Nouf
Published: June 2020

Objective

Vitamin D (vitD) deficiency is a global childhood health problem. Food fortification is a promising strategy to curb vitD deficiency. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of utilizing vitD fortification in staple foods to improve 25hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and to reduce the prevalence of vitD deficiency among healthy children.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of vitD fortified food products compared to no fortification among healthy children aged 1–18 years old. We searched Medline, Embase, Global Health, and Cochrane (CENTRAL) databases from database inception until May 2019. Independently, six reviewers in pairs screened titles and abstracts, assessed the full text for eligibility, and performed data extraction and quality assessment. The primary outcome is the impact of fortification on 25(OH)D concentration. The secondary outcomes included the impact of fortification on the prevalence of vitD deficiency, school performance, cognitive function, school absences, infection rate, hospital admission length, and compliance with fortified food product consumption.

Results

We identified 2229 articles. After assessing eligibility, 20 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The eligible RCTs assessed the fortification of milk, cereal, juice, bread, yogurt, and cheese compared with no fortification. All RCTs, except for three, had a low risk of bias. Food fortification improved 25(OH)D concentration by a mean difference (MD) of 15.51 nmol/L (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.28, 24.74;I2= 99%), which resulted in a mean increase of 3 nmol/l for every 100 IU of vitD, when adjusted for baseline 25(OH)D concentration and country latitude. Additionally, the prevalence of vitD deficiency decreased by a risk ratio of 0.53 (95% CI 0.41, 0.69;I2= 95%), and cognitive function improved by a MD of 1.22 intelligence quotient (IQ) points (95% CI 0.65, 1.79;I2= 0%). The overall evidence quality was high.

Conclusion

VitD food fortification is an effective way to improve 25(OH)D concentration, prevent vitD deficiency, and improve IQ levels.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD42017057631
On a unified integral operator for φ-convex functions
Authors: Chel Kwun Young , Zahra Moquddsa , Farid Ghulam , Zainab Saira , Min Kang Shin
Published: June 2020

Integral operators have a very vital role in diverse fields of science and engineering. In this paper, we use φ-convex functions for unified integral operators to obtain their upper bounds and upper and lower bounds for symmetric φ-convex functions in the form of a Hadamard inequality. Also, for φ-convex functions, we obtain bounds of different known fractional and conformable fractional integrals. The results of this paper are applicable to convex functions.
Lifespan of companion dogs seen in three independent primary care veterinary clinics in the United States
Authors: Urfer Silvan R. , Kaeberlein Matt , Promislow Daniel E. L. , Creevy Kate E.
Published: June 2020

Background

The privately owned companion dog is an emerging model in comparative medicine, notably because it shares the human environment including its risk factors, is affected by many analogous age-related diseases, receives comparable medical care, and has excellent veterinary medical data available.

Past studies of dog lifespan have used academic, corporate or insurance data. While independent primary care data exist for the UK, none have as of yet been published for the US. This study analyzed data from three independent primary care US veterinary hospitals and identified factors that influence lifespan and mortality in a cohort ofn = 20,970 privately owned dogs using Kaplan-Meier survival estimators and Cox Proportional Hazards modelling, including body size as a covariate.

Results

As previously reported, body size was negatively correlated with lifespan. Gonadectomy was associated with a longer lifespan, with the effect being stronger in females than in males. This lifespan advantage was conserved in gonadectomized female dogs that lived to at least ages 5 and 8 years. We did not find significant differences in lifespan between purebred and mixed breed dogs; however, breeds with larger effective population sizes and/or lower inbreeding coefficients had median survival times 3–6 months longer than breeds with smaller effective population sizes or higher inbreeding coefficients, indicating that these measures of genetic diversity may be affecting breed lifespans. We also found that dog breeds belonging to the “Mountain” ancestral group had median survival times that were 3.5–4.6 years shorter than other purebred dog groups, which remained significant even when correcting for body size.

Conclusions

Our findings show that it is possible to obtain and analyze data from independent veterinary clinics in the US, an approach that could be useful for studies of comparative epidemiology under theOne HealthandOne Welfareparadigms. We also show that the lifespan effects of gonadectomy are not identical between the sexes and should be investigated separately by sex in future analyses. More research is needed to further clarify the influence of age at gonadectomy, as well as the factors leading to the observed differences in lifespan in the “Mountain” ancestral group and in dog breeds of varying inbreeding coefficients and effective population sizes.
Multiclass EEG signal classification utilizing Rényi min-entropy-based feature selection from wavelet packet transformation
Authors: Rahman Md. Asadur , Khanam Farzana , Ahmad Mohiuddin , Uddin Mohammad Shorif
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a novel feature selection method utilizing Rényi min-entropy-based algorithm for achieving a highly efficient brain–computer interface (BCI). Usually, wavelet packet transformation (WPT) is extensively used for feature extraction from electro-encephalogram (EEG) signals. For the case of multiple-class problem, classification accuracy solely depends on the effective feature selection from the WPT features. In conventional approaches, Shannon entropy and mutual information methods are often used to select the features. In this work, we have shown that our proposed Rényi min-entropy-based approach outperforms the conventional methods for multiple EEG signal classification. The dataset of BCI competition-IV (contains 4-class motor imagery EEG signal) is used for this experiment. The data are preprocessed and separated as the classes and used for the feature extraction using WPT. Then, for feature selection Shannon entropy, mutual information, and Rényi min-entropy methods are applied. With the selected features, four-class motor imagery EEG signals are classified using several machine learning algorithms. The results suggest that the proposed method is better than the conventional approaches for multiple-class BCI.
Impact of bone defect morphology on the outcome of reconstructive treatment of peri-implantitis
Authors: Aghazadeh Ahmad , Persson Rutger G. , Renvert Stefan
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To assess if (I) the alveolar bone defect configuration at dental implants diagnosed with peri-implantitis is related to clinical parameters at the time of surgical intervention and if (II) the outcome of surgical intervention of peri-implantitis is dependent on defect configuration at the time of treatment.

Materials and methods

In a prospective study, 45 individuals and 74 dental implants with ≥ 2 bone wall defects were treated with either an autogenous bone transplant or an exogenous bone augmentation material. Defect fill was assessed at 1 year.

Results

At baseline, no significant study group differences were identified. Most study implants (70.7%,n= 53) had been placed in the maxilla. Few implants were placed in molar regions. The mesial and distal crestal width at surgery was greater at 4-wall defects than at 2-wall defects (p= 0.001). Probing depths were also greater at 4-wall defects than at 2-wall defects (p= 0.01). Defect fill was correlated to initial defect depth (p< 0.001). Defect fill at 4-wall defects was significant (p< 0.05).

Conclusions

(I) The buccal-lingual width of the alveolar bone crest was explanatory to defect configuration, (II) 4-wall defects demonstrated more defect fill, and (III) deeper defects resulted in more defect fill.
Factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in adults with children in the home after a statewide health communications program
Authors: James Shirley A. , White Ashley H. , Paulson Sjonna Whitsitt , Beebe Laura A.
Published: June 2020

Background

In 2016, Oklahoma launched “Shape Your Future – Rethink Your Drink” (SYF/RYD), an obesity prevention health communication program targeting parents and caregivers of children. The aims of this study are to compare sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption before and after the program and to report factors associated with SSB consumption, knowledge, and attitudes.

Methods

This repeated cross-sectional study involved 2656 Oklahoma adults with ≥ one child under 18 years in the home. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated and the relationship between SSB consumption and covariates of interest were examined using logistic regression techniques appropriate for survey data.

Results

Following the SYF/RYD program, SSB consumption decreased 18.6% (p = 0.0232) and heavy SSB consumption, ≥ three SSB per day, decreased 42.9% (p = 0.0083). Factors associated with SSB consumption, 1 year after the launch of SYF/RYD included high school education or less (AOR = 1.33 with 95% CI = 1.02, 1.73), fair or poor health status (AOR = 2.02 with 95% CI = 1.47, 2.78), drinking less than eight cups of water daily (AOR = 1.77 with 95% CI = 1.39, 2.25), inability to afford healthy foods (AOR = 1.33 with 95% CI = 1.06, 1.67), and self-identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native (AOR = 1.59 with 95% CI = 1.10, 2.29).

Conclusions

Health communication campaigns, such as SYF/RYD, are an evidence-based strategy for health behavior change and likely contributed to the declines observed in SSB consumption. Important differences in SSB consumption by population subgroups persist and have implications for future message development.
The “PPI Hawker”: an innovative method for patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research
Authors: Luna Puerta L. , Smith H. E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in health research entails doing research ‘with’ the public. Successful PPI requires a diversity of patients’ perspectives and experiences. In Singapore, including the public’s voice in research is still in its infancy and different ways of involving the public have to be explored.

Our aims were to describe a PPI initiative that enables members of the public to share their ideas and opinions about health research, and to assess the feasibility, accessibility and utility of the initiative.

Methods

Building on the concept of the PPI Café used in the west we designed a “PPI Hawker” for Singapore. Here Hawker Centres rather than cafes are used frequently for eating and socialising, providing a one-stop destination for a wide section of society. The PPI facilitators approached people sitting at tables and joined them to discuss questions of relevance to a local research study. Observations and reflexive field notes were used to evaluate the “PPI Hawker’s” feasibility, acceptability and utility in the Singaporean community.

Results

In three “PPI Hawkers” we approached 96 people and 72 (75%) engaged in discussions about the design of a population-based research study. The majority (75%) of participants willingly discussed all of the questions posed to them by the researchers, indicating the feasibility of PPI. The PPI participants came from the three major ethnic groups in Singapore and appeared to be broad in age, suggesting “PPI Hawkers” are easily accessible. Both participants and researchers recognised the utility of the “PPI Hawker”, reflecting on people’s willingness to talk about the research issues, engaging in informative conversations and posing relevant questions.

Conclusion

The “PPI Hawkers” succeeded in engaging the public in conversations about a local population-based study. The public brought to the researchers’ attention a variety of previously unheard perspectives about the research. Each event fostered connectivity between professionals and the public, generating among researchers a more positive perception of the power of public involvement.

“PPI Hawkers” provide an opportunity for co-informed conduct of research studies with diverse members of the public. They create a focus within a community setting for researchers to engage with the public. The resources needed (costs and preparatory time) are relatively few. Not only do “PPI Hawkers” have potential in Singapore, but also for the rest of Asia.
Refining sleep measurement using the Motionwatch8©: how many days of monitoring do we need to get reliable estimates of sleep quality for older adults with mild cognitive impairment?
Authors: Falck Ryan S. , Barha Cindy K. , Chan Patrick C. Y. , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: June 2020

Background

Poor sleep is common among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—a transition stage between healthy cognition and dementia. Objective, reliable, and low-burden field methods to measure older adult sleep are also currently needed. The MotionWatch8© (MW8) wrist-worn actigraph provides estimates of sleep with 14 days of observation; however, there may be underlying differences in the reliability of sleep estimates based on MCI status. We therefore investigated the number of MW8 monitoring days required to estimate sleep in older adults with MCI and without.

Methods

Older adults (55+ years; N = 151) wore the MW8 for ≥14 days. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to categorize participants with probable MCI (scores of < 26/30) and participants without MCI (≥ 26/30). We calculated intra-class reliability coefficients for one, seven, and 14 days of wear-time, and performed Spearman-Brown predictions to determine the number of monitoring days needed for an ICC = 0.80.

Results

Older adults with MCI were older (p < 0.01), more likely to be male (p = 0.03), and had shorter sleep duration (p < 0.01). Spearman-Brown analyses indicated that the number of monitoring days needed for an ICC = 0.80 in older adults with probable MCI was 7 days for sleep duration, 4 days for fragmentation, and 4 days for efficiency; adults without MCI required 4 days for duration, 6 days for fragmentation, and 3 days for efficiency.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that while the reliability of MW8 estimates of sleep differs based on cognitive status, 7 days of MW8 monitoring provides reliable estimates of sleep for adults with MCI and those without.
Evaluation of two viral isolates as a potential biocontrol agent against the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Elmenofy Wael , Salem Reda , Osman Engy , Yasser Norhan , Abdelmawgod Alaa , Saleh Maryam , Zaki Aya , Hanafy Engy , Tamim Sally , Amin Salma , El-Bakry Aml , El-Sayed Aya , El-Gaied Lamiaa
Published: June 2020

Two different Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV) isolates were obtained from natural infected S. littoralis larvae in Egypt. The phylogenetic analysis of the partial nucleotide sequence of the polyhedrin gene (polh) showed that both isolates, Spli-6 and Spli-7, were closed and had a common ancestor with S. littoralis NPV isolate 1263 polyhedrin gene, partial coding sequence with accession number AGE90003.1 that belongs to group II NPVs. This indicates that the natural host of Spli-6 and Spli-7 must be S. littoralis. The virulence of these isolates was tested against S. littoralis larvae in a laboratory. The LC50 against 1st instar larvae was significantly different, 3 × 104 OBs/ml and 9.5 × 104 OBs/ml for Spli-6 and Spli-7, respectively. However, the LC50 for the mixed infection of both isolates was 3.9 × 104 OBs/ml. On the other hand, the ST50 was 96 h for both isolates, while it was 120 h for the mixed infection, which was higher than that observed of each single isolate. Upon digestion of viral DNA with ScaI endonuclease, the restriction profile showed one more fragment of about ~ 25 kbp and 3 fragments of about ~ 19, ~ 5.8, and ~ 5.3 kbp in Spli-7 isolate compared to Spli-6 as well as the reference strain SpliNPV-AN1956. The differences in the fragment size and number suggest the existence of genotypic variants between both isolates. Spli-6 and Spli-7 proved to possess promising insecticidal properties for the development of virus-based biopesticide for the control of S. littoralis.
BRCA Mutations, Homologous DNA Repair Deficiency, Tumor Mutational Burden, and Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Liu Ying L. , Selenica Pier , Zhou Qin , Iasonos Alexia , Callahan Margaret , Feit Noah Z. , Boland Julia , Vazquez-Garcia Ignacio , Mandelker Diana , Zehir Ahmet , Burger Robert A. , Powell Daniel J. , Friedman Claire , Cadoo Karen , Grisham Rachel , Konner Jason A. , O’Cearbhaill Roisin E. , Aghajanian Carol , Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Weigelt Britta , Zamarin Dmitriy
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE

Homologous DNA repair–deficient (HRD) ovarian cancers (OCs), including those with BRCA1/2 mutations, have higher levels of genetic instability, potentially resulting in higher immunogenicity, and have been suggested to respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) than homologous DNA repair–proficient OCs. However, clinical evidence is lacking. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between BRCA1/2 mutations, HRD, and other genomic parameters and response to ICIs and survival in OC.

METHODS

This is a single-institution retrospective analysis of women with recurrent OC treated with ICIs. BRCA1/2 mutation status and clinicopathologic variables were abstracted from the medical records. Targeted and whole-exome sequencing data available for a subset of patients were used to assess tumor mutational burden (TMB), HRD, and fraction of genome altered (FGA). ICI response was defined as lack of disease progression for ≥ 24 weeks. Associations of BRCA1/2 status and genomic alterations with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Of the 143 women treated with ICIs, 134 had known BRCA1/2 mutation status. Deleterious germline or somatic BRCA1/2 mutations were present in 31 women (24%). There was no association between presence of BRCA1/2 mutations and response ( P = .796) or survival. Genomic analysis in 73 women found no association between TMB ( P = .344) or HRD ( P = .222) and response, PFS, or OS. There were also no significant differences in somatic genetic alterations between responders and nonresponders. High FGA was associated with an improvement in PFS ( P = .014) and OS ( P = .01).

CONCLUSION

TMB, BRCA1/2 mutations, and HRD are not associated with response or survival, cautioning against their use as selection criteria for ICI in recurrent OC. FGA should be investigated further as a biomarker of response to immunotherapy in OC.
The association among 14-3-3η protein, inflammation, bone remodeling and osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sun Yi , Hong Liang , Gao Changbai
Published: June 2020

Objective: To evaluate the correlation among 14-3-3η protein, inflammation, bone remodeling and osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the RA patients treated in our hospital were analyzed between January 2015 and November 2019. Bone mineral density was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and at the beginning of the study, serum samples were collected and the level of 14-3-3η, TNF-α, and IL-6 was tested using the quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and I-CTX and PINP were measured using automatic electrochemical luminescence immune-analyzer for all the participants.

Results: In the current study, 285 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were enrolled and assigned into normal, osteopenia, and osteoporotic group respectively. The level of 14-3-3η and IL-6 presented with the highest value in the osteoporosis group, but the lowest value in the normal group, and there were significant differences in the level of 14-3-3η and IL-6 among the groups (p<0.05), and there was positive correlation between 14-3-3η and IL-6 (p<0.05). There were significant differences in PINP and I-CTX among the three groups (p<0.05), and a significantly positive correlation between I-CTX and 14-3-3η (p<0.05) and a significantly negative correlation between PINP and 14-3-3η (p<0.05) were found.

Conclusion: There was a significant correlation among 14-3-3η protein, inflammation, bone remodeling and osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the influence of 14-3-3η on osteoporosis may be contributed to its adjusting inflammation and bone remodeling.

doi: https://doi.org/-10.12669/pjms.36.5.2403

How to cite this:Sun Y, Hong L, Gao C. The association among 14-3-3η protein, inflammation, bone remodeling and osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(5):872-876. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.2403

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Experimental Program of Monitoring Manifestations of Responsible Paternity in Modern Parents
Authors: Serebryakova T. , Dvoryanceva S. , Shibalkina S. , Anisimova E.
Published: June 2020

The article reflects the content and results of the study of responsible parenthood (in particular, responsible fatherhood) among modern parents. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study was made up of basic ideas in the field of studying the family as the most important social institution (works of M. Mead, D. Olson, K. Vitaker, A.Ya. Varga, Yu. Khamyalyaynen; V.N. Druzhinina, I. S. Kona, P. S. Lesgaft, A. S. Makarenko, S. Yu. Meshcheryakova, A. B. Orlov, K. D. Ushinsky, A. V. Chernikova and others); parenthood, as the most important social function implemented in the framework of family education (works by G.V. Burmenskaya, E.I. Isenina, I.S. Kona, E.V. Poptsova, E.O. Smirnova, A.S. Spivakovskaya, EG Eidemiller, etc.); motherhood and fatherhood as objective manifestations of parenthood (research by A.I. Antonov, A.Ya. Varga, V.N. Druzhinin, R.Zh. Mukhamedrahimova, L.F. Obukhova, R.V. Ovcharova, A.S. Spivakovskaya, V.V. Stolin, O.A. Shagraeva, L.B.Schneider and others). A generalized analysis of the work of scientists allows us to assume that responsible fatherhood, by which we tend to understand the balance of different styles, types, techniques and technologies of raising a child in integration with a high degree of trust in relations with him, the ability and desire to provide all the conditions necessary for his full , comprehensive and harmonious development, will be formed more efficiently and productively subject to the targeted implementation of the program of psychological and pedagogical support of this process a. The need to develop such a program to support the process of creating responsible paternity was confirmed by the results of our diagnostic study, the course and results of which are presented in this publication.
Prevention of the Emergence and Development of College Teachers Emotional Burnout
Authors: Uzunova G.
Published: June 2020

The article is devoted to the problem of preventing the occurrence and development of college teachers with and without basic pedagogical education, burnout syndrome. The article presents the results of an empirical study, the purpose of which was to identify the degree of expression of burnout syndrome among teachers of secondary vocational education, the disclosure of the relationship between the level of its formation and the needs of teachers in self-education and self-development. The study involved 214 college teachers, whose teaching experience ranged from 3 to 38 years. The author substantiates the relevance of the undertaken research, describes its results, on the basis of which it determines the main directions of prevention of the occurrence and development of burnout syndrome among college teachers in the process of organizing the management of their professional and personal development.
Conjuncture of Modern Ethical Self-Awareness of the Hospitality Industry Employees (on the Example of the Staff of Russian and Turkish Hotels)
Authors: Borisova A.
Published: June 2020

The article is devoted to the ethical identity of the hoteliers in Russia and Turkey. Diagnosis of professional identity was carried out by questioning staff of different 4-5 star hotels. Participants were randomly selected from various departments of these hotels. Particular attention in the survey is paid to the mental and behavioral components of the professional ethics of hotel employees. The results of the survey were analyzed, revealed general patterns.
OM Forum—COVID-19 Scratch Models to Support Local Decisions
Authors: Kaplan Edward H.
Published: June 2020

This article is based on modeling studies conducted in response to requests from Yale University, the Yale New Haven Hospital, and the State of Connecticut during the early weeks of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Much of this work relied on scratch modeling, that is, models created from scratch in real time. Applications included recommending event crowd-size restrictions, hospital surge planning, timing decisions (when to stop and possibly restart university activities), and scenario analyses to assess the impacts of alternative interventions, among other problems. This paper documents the problems faced, models developed, and advice offered during real-time response to the COVID-19 crisis at the local level. Results include a simple formula for the maximum size of an event that ensures no infected persons are present with 99% probability; the determination that existing intensive care unit (ICU) capacity was insufficient for COVID-19 arrivals, which led to creating a large dedicated COVID-19–negative pressure ICU; and a new epidemic model that showed the infeasibility of the university hosting normal spring and summer events, that lockdown-like stay-at-home and social distancing restrictions without additional public health action would only delay transmission and enable a rebound after restrictions are lifted, and that aggressive community screening to rapidly detect and isolate infected persons could end the outbreak.
Experimental demonstration of multi-parameter sensing based on polarized interference of polarization-maintaining few-mode fibers
Authors: Zhao Jian , Xu Jinsheng , Wang Chongxi , Liu Yaping , Yang Zhiqun
Published: June 2020

Polarization-maintaining few-mode fibers (PM-FMFs) have found applications in sensors with attractive features that traditional single-mode fibers do not possess. We propose a measurement method for multi-parameter sensing based on PM-FMFs. This method is mainly based on the polarized interference effect of PM-FMF. We experimentally demonstrate the principle of the simultaneous sensing of temperature, strain and transverse force. The sensor has been verified by three groups of multi-parameter measurement experiments showing that the changes of multi-parameter derived from the wavelength shift of the polarized interference spectrum are consistent with the multi-parameter changes set in the experiments. The proposed PM-FMF based sensor has a temperature sensitivity of 0.3 nm/°C, a strain sensitivity of 0.01 nm/µε and a transverse force sensitivity of 0.0065 nm/(N/m).
[Recenção a] FLEISCHER, Kilian Josef, Dionysios von Alexandria: De Natura (peri physeos), Übersetzung, Kommentar und Würdigung. Mit einer Einleitung zur Geschichte des Epikureismus in Alexandria, Turnhout, Brepols, 2016, 513 pp. ISBN: 978-2-503-56638-2.
Authors: Guggenberger Rainer
Published: June 2020

Recensão
Deep Learning in Biometrics: A Survey
Authors: Botana López Alberto
Published: June 2020

Deep learning has been established in the last few years as the gold standard for data processing, achieving peak performance in image, text and audio understanding. At the same time, digital security is of utmost importance in this day and age, where everyone could get into our personal devices like cellphones or laptops, where we store our most valuable information. One of the possible ways to prevent this is via advanced and personalized security: biometrics. In this survey, it is considered how the scientific advances in the field of deep learning are applied to biometrics in order to enhance the protection of our data.