bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toll-like receptors in mediating pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Frasca L , Lande R
Published: February 2020

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionarily conserved receptors essential for the host defence against pathogens. Both immune and non-immune cells can express TLRs, although at different levels. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease in which autoimmunity, dysregulated profibrotic mediator release and activation of fibroblasts lead to dysregulated collagen deposition and fibrosis. There is now increasing knowledge that the innate immune system and, in particular, TLRs take a part in SSc pathogenesis. The list of endogenous ligands that can stimulate TLRs in SSc is growing: these ligands represent specific danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), involved either in the initiation or the perpetuation of inflammation, and in the release of factors that sustain the fibrotic process or directly stimulate the cells that produce collagen and the endothelial cells. This review reports evidences concerning TLR signalling involvement in SSc. We report the new DAMPs, as well as the TLR-linked pathways involved in disease, with emphasis on type I interferon signature in SSc, the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and platelets. The dissection of the contribution of all these pathways to disease, and their correlation with the disease status, as well as their values as prognostic tools, can help to plan timely intervention and design new drugs for more appropriate therapeutic strategies.
Building home on a fault line: Aging out of child welfare with a serious mental health diagnosis
Authors: Klodnick Vanessa V. , Samuels Gina M.
Published: February 2020

Youth aging out of foster care are at high risk for homelessness. This research explains how and why homelessness occurs among youth with serious mental health struggles after aging out of residential and transitional living programmes. Using a longitudinal constructivist grounded theory design, we analyse 20 in‐depth interviews exploring youth's transition experiences and perceptions of transition success within 4 months of emancipation and at 6 and 12 months postemancipation. Monthly 15‐min check‐ins prevented attrition. A three‐phase transition process was observed driven by participant desires and actions to cultivate psychological home through establishing physical home alone away from social networks. Pre‐emancipation, the promise of home was privacy and opportunity for self‐redefinition. Shortly after emancipation, home became a physical and social space to be, a valuable resource to share and a demonstration of personal transition success. However, later in the year postemancipation, maintaining physical home proves nearly impossible given the risk context. Findings speak to how and why youth aging out appear overly self‐reliant upon emancipation. Cultivating a psychological sense of home has practice implications for child welfare providers who aim to prepare youth to live independently postemancipation.
Cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of linagliptin treatment in older people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease and/or kidney disease: A prespecified subgroup analysis of the randomized, placebo‐controlled CARMELINA® trial
Authors: Cooper Mark E. , Rosenstock Julio , Kadowaki Takashi , Seino Yutaka , Wanner Christoph , Schnaidt Sven , Clark Douglas , Johansen Odd Erik ,   CARMELINA investigators
Published: February 2020

Aims

In CARMELINA®, linagliptin demonstrated cardiovascular and renal safety in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with high renal and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We investigated safety and efficacy of this dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor in older participants.

Materials and methods

Subjects aged ≥18 years with T2D and established CVD with urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) >30 mg/g, and/or prevalent kidney disease, were randomized to linagliptin or placebo added to usual care. The primary endpoint (time to first occurrence of 3P‐MACE: cardiovascular death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction or non‐fatal stroke) and other outcomes were evaluated across age groups <65 (n = 2968), 65 to <75 (n = 2800) and ≥75 years (n = 1211).

Results

Mean age was 65.9 years (17.4% and 5.9% aged ≥75 and 80, respectively) and median follow‐up was 2.2 years. The hazard ratio (HR) for 3P‐MACE with linagliptin versus placebo was 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89, 1.17] with no significant interaction between age and treatment effect (P = 0.0937). HRs for participants aged <65, 65 to <75 and ≥75 years were 1.11 (95% CI 0.89, 1.40), 1.09 (0.89, 1.33) and 0.76 (0.57, 1.02), respectively. Linagliptin did not increase the risk of adverse kidney outcomes or hospitalization for heart failure across age groups. The incidence of adverse events, including hypoglycaemia, increased with age but was similar with linagliptin and placebo despite glycated haemoglobin A1c reduction with linagliptin.

Conclusions

Linagliptin did not increase risk for cardiovascular events or hypoglycaemia and kidney function remained stable in older people with T2D and established CVD with albuminuria and/or kidney disease.
The evolving redox chemistry and bioavailability of vanadium in deep time
Authors: Moore Eli K. , Hao Jihua , Spielman Stephanie J. , Yee Nathan
Published: February 2020

The incorporation of metal cofactors into protein active sites and/or active regions expanded the network of microbial metabolism during the Archean eon. The bioavailability of crucial metal cofactors is largely influenced by earth surface redox state, which impacted the timing of metabolic evolution. Vanadium (V) is a unique element in geo–bio‐coevolution due to its complex redox chemistry and specific biological functions. Thus, the extent of microbial V utilization potentially represents an important link between the geo‐ and biospheres in deep time. In this study, we used geochemical modeling and network analysis to investigate the availability and chemical speciation of V in the environment, and the emergence and changing chemistry of V‐containing minerals throughout earth history. The redox state of V shifted from a more reduced V(III) state in Archean aqueous geochemistry and mineralogy to more oxidized V(IV) and V(V) states in the Proterozoic and Phanerozoic. The weathering of vanadium sulfides, vanadium alkali metal minerals, and vanadium alkaline earth metal minerals were potential sources of V to the environment and microbial utilization. Community detection analysis of the expanding V mineral network indicates tectonic and redox influence on the distribution of V mineral‐forming elements. In reducing environments, energetic drivers existed for V to potentially be involved in early nitrogen fixation, while in oxidizing environments vanadate () could have acted as a metabolic electron acceptor and phosphate mimicking enzyme inhibitor. The coevolving chemical speciation and biological functions of V due to earth's changing surface redox conditions demonstrate the crucial links between the geosphere and biosphere in the evolution of metabolic electron transfer pathways and biogeochemical cycles from the Archean to Phanerozoic.
Shifts in coralline algae, macroalgae, and coral juveniles in the Great Barrier Reef associated with present‐day ocean acidification
Authors: Smith Joy N. , Mongin Mathieu , Thompson Angus , Jonker Michelle J. , De'ath Glenn , Fabricius Katharina E.
Published: February 2020

Seawater acidification from increasing CO2 is often enhanced in coastal waters due to elevated nutrients and sedimentation. Our understanding of the effects of ocean and coastal acidification on present‐day ecosystems is limited. Here we use data from three independent large‐scale reef monitoring programs to assess coral reef responses associated with changes in mean aragonite saturation state (Ωar) in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBR). Spatial declines in mean Ωar are associated with monotonic declines in crustose coralline algae (up to 3.1‐fold) and coral juvenile densities (1.3‐fold), while non‐calcifying macroalgae greatly increase (up to 3.2‐fold), additionally to their natural changes across and along the GBR. These three key groups of organisms are important proxies for coral reef health. Our data suggest a tipping point at Ωar 3.5–3.6 for these coral reef health indicators. Suspended sediments acted as an additive stressor. The latter suggests that effective water quality management to reduce suspended sediments might locally and temporarily reduce the pressure from ocean acidification on these organisms.
Typology of scaffolding in teacher discourse: Large data‐based evidence from second language classrooms
Authors: Tajeddin Zia , Kamali Jaber
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to develop a new typology of scaffolding grounded on a large classroom corpus of teacher talk. To this end, 45 hours of 15 language teachers' classroom instruction were recorded and transcribed. From the obtained data, a new typology is proposed with four major categories, namely meta‐scaffolding, linguistic scaffolding, affective scaffolding, and under‐scaffolding. These categories comprise a wide range of subcategories, including, inter alia, meta‐linguistic scaffolding, gestural scaffolding, resource providing, audiovisual organizers, reformulation, elicitation, echoing, and emotional scaffolding. Moreover, the data show that the classroom interactional pattern of Initiation/Response/Feedback (IRF) could be reframed as Initiation/Response/Feedback/Uptake (IRFU). These findings can assist teacher educators and teachers to utilize this new typology as a tool for evaluating and implementing scaffolding in language classrooms.
Prospective evaluation of visual function in patients with ocular diseases after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Kakutani Shigenori , Asamoto Masaaki , Araki Fumiyuki , Chen Yi‐Ning , Shinokawa Miki , Okagami Yasuko , Ohata Takuya , Taguchi Satoru , Yamada Yuta , Takeshima Yuta , Kume Haruki , Yamada Yoshitsugu , Aihara Makoto , Ito Nobuko , Fukuhara Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To investigate intraocular pressure and visual function in patients with ocular diseases undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Methods

We carried out a prospective clinical study of patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer at The University of Tokyo Hospital from December 2015 to March 2017. An ophthalmologist measured intraocular pressure, and carried out visual field testing at 0–2 months before and 7 days after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. During the surgery, an anesthesiologist measured intraocular pressure at specified time points.

Results

A total of 110 patients were enrolled and 98 eligible patients were analyzed; 37 were diagnosed with ocular diseases before robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (17 with glaucoma, 20 with other ocular diseases). Intraocular pressure significantly increased during robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Transient postoperative visual field defect was detected in 24 eyes of 17 patients, including six patients with ocular diseases at 7 days after surgery. At 3 months after surgery, one of 34 glaucomatous eyes and one of 40 eyes with non‐glaucomatous ocular diseases continued to show visual field defect, although visual field defect in the remaining patients recovered to preoperative conditions within 3 months.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy can be safely carried out in patients with ocular diseases, even those with glaucoma, after precautionary consultation with an ophthalmologist.
Impact of pulmonary vein isolation on mechanisms sustaining persistent atrial fibrillation: Predicting the acute response
Authors: Dhillon Gurpreet S. , Schilling Richard J. , Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Graham Adam , Abbass Hakam , Waddingham Peter , Sawhney Vinit , Creta Antonio , Sporton Simon , Finlay Malcolm , Providencia Rui , Chow Anthony , Earley Mark J. , Lowe Martin , Lambiase Pier D. , Hunter Ross J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Noninvasive mapping identifies potential drivers (PDs) in atrial fibrillation (AF). We analyzed the impact of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) on PDs and whether baseline PD pattern predicted termination of AF.

Methods

Patients with persistent AF less than 2 years underwent electrocardiographic imaging mapping before and after cryoballoon PVI. We recorded the number of PD occurrences, characteristics (rotational wavefronts ≥ 1.5 revolutions or focal activations), and distribution using an 18‐segment atrial model.

Results

Of 100 patients recruited, PVI terminated AF in 15 patients; 21.3% ± 9.1% (8.7 ± 4.8) of PDs occurred at the pulmonary veins (PVs) and posterior wall. PVI had no impact on PD occurrences outside the PVs and posterior wall (33.2 ± 12.9 vs 31.6 ± 12.5; P = .164), distribution over the remaining 13 segments (9 [8‐11] vs 9 [8‐10]; P = .634), the proportion of PDs that was rotational (82.9% ± 9.7% vs 83.6% ± 10.1%; P = .496), or temporal stability (2.4 ± 0.4 vs 2.4 ± 0.5 rotations; P = .541). Fewer focal PDs (area under the curve, 0.683; 95% CI, 0.528‐0.839; P = .024) but not rotational PDs (P = .626) predicted AF termination with PVI.

Conclusions

PVI did not have a global impact on PDs outside the PVs and posterior wall. Although fewer focal PDs predicted termination of AF with PVI, the burden of rotational PDs did not. It is accepted though not all PDs are necessarily real or important. Outcome data are needed to confirm whether noninvasive mapping can predict patients likely to respond to PVI.
Sodium restriction improves nocturia in patients at a cardiology clinic
Authors: Monaghan Thomas F. , Michelson Kyle P. , Wu Zhan D. , Gong Fred , Agudelo Christina W. , George Christopher D. , Alwis Upeksha S. , Epstein Matthew R. , Mekki Pakinam , Flores Viktor X. , Bliwise Donald L. , Everaert Karel , Vande Walle Johan , Weiss Jeffrey P. , Lazar Jason M.
Published: February 2020

This study aims to determine whether dietary sodium restriction counseling decreases nocturnal voiding frequency in cardiology patients with concomitant nocturia. Patients who had established care at a cardiology clinic from 2015 to 2018 reporting ≥1 average nocturnal void(s) underwent a comprehensive sodium intake interview by their cardiologist, who provided them with individualized strategies for dietary sodium reduction and assessed adherence at follow‐up. Average nocturnal voiding frequency and dietary adherence were documented in the medical record. A nocturia database was compiled for retrospective analysis. A total of 74 patients were included. Patients considered to be adherent with dietary sodium restriction at follow‐up (n = 56) demonstrated a decrease in median nocturia frequency (2.5 [2.3‐3.0] vs 1.0 [1.0‐2.0] voids, P < .001). Among nonadherent patients (n = 18), median nocturia frequency did not significantly change from baseline to follow‐up (2.0 [1.5‐3.8] vs 2.0 [1.5‐4.8] voids, P = .423). Median changes were significantly different between the adherent and nonadherent groups (P < .001). Examination of second follow‐up available from 37 patients showed a continued effect. In conclusion, adherence with dietary sodium counseling appears to improve nocturia. Accordingly, dietary modification may represent an important adjunct therapy to lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions for decreasing nocturia frequency. Reduction in nocturnal voiding frequency may also reflect an additional benefit of dietary sodium restriction in accordance with best practice standards for cardiovascular disease.
Effectiveness of Active Learning that Combines Physical Activity and Math in Schoolchildren: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vetter Melanie , Orr Rhonda , O'Dwyer Nicholas , O'Connor Helen
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Despite increased interest in combining learning and physical activity (PA), the academic and PA benefits of active learning are uncertain.

METHODS

A systematic search of 5 databases for studies combining learning math with PA in primary/elementary schools was conducted. Academic benefit was evaluated by pre‐post intervention math scores compared to a control group. Effect sizes (ES) were extracted/calculated when possible. Due to study heterogeneity, meta‐analysis was not conducted.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials and 5 quasi‐experimental studies evaluating 4082 participants (53% girls; mean age 7.5‐11.1 years) were eligible. Math scores were significantly better in the intervention group in 6 of 11 studies on at least 1 test (ES: 0.42‐4.7; p ≤ .03). Other math tests either were not all statistically significant (2 studies) or the benefit varied across grades (1 study). No studies reported a decline in math scores. Of studies measuring PA with accelerometers, 4 of 5 reported significantly greater PA in the intervention group during the intervention (p < .05) or across the school day (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Undertaking PA while learning was largely equivocal for math scores but showed promising results for increasing daily PA, without detrimental effects on math performance. The need for more rigorous studies with comprehensive assessment of academic performance and PA is highlighted.
ITTREAT (Integrated Community Test ‐ Stage ‐ TREAT) Hepatitis C service for people who use drugs: Real‐world outcomes
Authors: O'Sullivan Margaret , Jones Anna‐Marie , Gage Heather , Jordan Jake , MacPepple Ekelechi , Williams Hugh , Verma Sumita
Published: February 2020

Background/aims

Direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) provide an unprecedented opportunity for a “find‐and‐treat strategy.” We aimed to report real‐world clinical, patient reported and health economic outcomes of community‐based hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening/treatment in people who use drugs (PWUDs).

Methods

Project ITTREAT (2013‐2021), established at a drug and alcohol treatment centre, offered a comprehensive service. Generic (SF‐12v2 and EQ‐5D‐5L) and liver‐specific (SFLDQoL) health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed before and after HCV treatment. Costs/case detected and cured were calculated. Primary outcome measure was sustained virological response (SVR) (intention to treat).

Results

Till March 2018, 573 individuals recruited, 462 (81%) males, mean age 40.5 ± 10.0 years. Of the 125 treated, 115 (92%) had past/current history of injecting drug use, 88 (70%) were receiving opioid agonist treatment and 50 (40%) were homeless. Twenty‐six per cent received interferon‐based and 74% DAA‐only regimens. SVR (ITT) was 87% (90% with DAAs). Service uptake/HCV treatment completion rates were >95%, HCV reinfection being 2.63/100 person years (95% CI 0.67‐10.33). HRQoL improved significantly at end of treatment (EOT) in those with SVR: SFLDQoL (symptoms, memory, distress, loneliness, hopelessness, sleep and stigma) (P</ = .011); SF‐12 v2 physical and mental health domains (P < .001); and EQ‐5D‐5L composite profile score (P = .009) and visual analogue scale, P < .001. Cost (British pounds 2018) per case detected was £171; mean cost per cure (excluding medication) was £702 ± 188.

Conclusions

Excellent real‐world SVRs in PWUDs with significant improvement in HRQoL can be achieved at modest costs. Project ITTREAT endorses community‐based integrated services to help achieve HCV elimination.
Genetic diversity, structure, and demography of Pandanus boninensis (Pandanaceae) with sea drifted seeds, endemic to the Ogasawara Islands of Japan: Comparison between young and old islands
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Sugai Kyoko , Tamaki Ichiro , Takayama Koji , Kato Hidetoshi , Yoshimaru Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Pandanus boninensis, endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, is distributed on both the older Bonin and younger Volcano Islands. In this study, we conducted population genetic analyses of P. boninensis on these islands to examine the population diversity and structure across old and young islands, to assess potential differences in population demography with island age, and to collect any evidence of migration between old and young islands. We found that the genetic diversity of expressed sequence tag (EST)–based microsatellite (SSR) markers, the nucleotide diversity of nuclear DNA sequences, and the haplotype diversity of chloroplast DNA on young islands were lower than those on old islands. Clustering analyses of EST‐SSR indicated that populations on old islands were strongly diverged from those on young islands. Approximate Bayesian computation analysis of EST‐SSR suggested that population expansion occurred on old islands while population reduction occurred on young islands. We also found evidence of migration among old islands (mostly from south to north), while it appears that there have been very few migration events between old and young islands. These differences could be due to the fact that young islands tend to be geographically isolated and support smaller populations that began a shorter time ago from limited founders. The P. boninensis populations on the Volcano Islands are interesting from an evolutionary perspective as they constitute a classic example of the early stages of progressive colonization on oceanic islands with small effective population sizes and low genetic diversity.
Academic motherhood and fieldwork: Juggling time, emotions, and competing demands
Authors: Jenkins Katy
Published: February 2020

The idea and practice of going “into the field” to conduct research and gather data is a deeply rooted aspect of Geography as a discipline. For global North Development Geographers, among others, this usually entails travelling to, and spending periods of time in, often far‐flung parts of the global South. Forging a successful academic career as a Development Geographer in the UK is therefore to some extent predicated on mobility. This paper aims to critically engage with the gendered aspects of this expected mobility, focusing on the challenges and time constraints that are apparent when conducting overseas fieldwork as a mother, unaccompanied by her children. The paper emphasises the emotion work that is entailed in balancing the competing demands of overseas fieldwork and mothering, and begins to think through the implications of these challenges in terms of the types of knowledge we produce, as well as in relation to gender equality within the academy.
Studies on Separation Efficiency and Energy Conservation Through Novel Finned Cyclone Separator
Authors: Dasar Mahesh , Patil Ranjit S.
Published: February 2020

In the present study, cylindrical portion of conventional (nonfinned) cyclone separator was reshaped by fixing triangular, semicircular, and rectangular cross section helical fins in order to make it as water wall having fin size 7 mm with fin pitch of 40 mm to improve its separation efficiency and to utilize the cyclone separator as heat exchanger. Fluid dynamic characteristics like axial velocity, tangential velocity, pressure drops were studied by varying the fin geometry (triangular/semicircular/rectangular). For the particles' size less than 3 μm, proposed cyclone separator with triangular helical fin was giving comparatively improved collection efficiency than other selected cyclone separators. Improvement in the collection efficiency of triangular fin-based cyclone separators was perceived from 5% to 10% over the conventional cyclone separator. Hence, helical fins with triangular in cross section were selected further for heat transfer and scale-up studies. It was observed that for the small barrel wall height (h = 400 mm) water temperature was enhanced by 4 °C, and with scale-up (making h = 800 mm) it was increased considerably around 15 °C. Thus based on improved separation efficiency to capture very-fine particulate matter (PM 2.5, which otherwise causes serious health issues) and considerable temperature gain of water noted at lab level scale-up study, triangular helical fins may be to fixed on the inner surface of barrel wall of conventional (nonfinned) cyclone separators in order to use them as heat exchanger for energy conservation in industrial applications.
Pneumatic Resistance Control of an Upper Limb Active Rehabilitation System
Authors: Li Yibin , Xu Han , Xu Dong , Zhang Xu , Fu Jianming , Li Xiaolong , Zhang Mingming , Xie Sheng Q.
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a pneumatic upper limb rehabilitation robot (PULRR) which is designed for bilateral upper limb active rehabilitation of the patients after stroke. The PULRR provides an active resistance rehabilitation method based on the pneumatic control system. The air kinetics of the pneumatic cylinder model and the dynamics of the pneumatic system with load are established. An antisaturation proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller is presented for the constant resistance force control through directly adjusting the position of the throttle valve spool according to the patient's active moving speed and the feedback of the air pressure in both chambers. In addition, simulation and experimental results indicate that the controller is effective in constant resistance force control. The resistance mode proposed in this paper shows great potential in active resistance rehabilitation for the patients who suffer from the dyskinesia and insufficient muscle strength of the upper limb with enhanced safety and compliance.
Frequency-domain equalization with interference rejection combining for single carrier multiple-input multiple-output underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Yin Jingwei , Ge Wei , Han Xiao , Guo Longxiang
Published: February 2020

This paper describes a three-step frequency-domain equalization scheme for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) underwater acoustic communication. First, an iterative least-squares channel estimation method is developed to enhance the accuracy of channel estimation in MIMO communication. The interference rejection combining method is then adopted to suppress co-channel interference based on the estimated MIMO channels. This technique exploits the correlation between the interference received through different channels. Finally, a decision feedback equalizer embedded with a digital phase-lock loop is cascaded before the final determination of equalized symbols to compensate the phase rotation. Experimental results show that the bit error rates of the proposed scheme can be several orders of magnitude lower than those of conventional frequency-domain equalization schemes.
Brachialis Strain in a Collegiate Wrestler: A Case Report
Authors: Geiselman James , Gillespie Rachel , Miller Andrew
Published: February 2020

A 22-year-old male varsity collegiate wrestler presented for general chiropractic care for an unrelated condition and noted right elbow pain that had progressively increased over the past few weeks. The athlete was diagnosed with a right brachialis strain and advised to follow up with his athletic trainer for co-management of his injury. The patient responded positively to prescribed treatments and rehabilitation to decrease pain and restore functionality (<14 days) while only missing one competitive match. The location of the brachialis muscle and scarcity of literature makes diagnosis and treatment complex. The physical examination and conservative treatment presented in this report demonstrate the need for comprehensive and exploratory examination and co-management of wrestling athletes with a brachialis strain.
A Systematic Review of Musculoskeletal Fitness Among Indigenous Populations in North America and Circumpolar Inuit Populations
Authors: Murchison Claire C. , Ironside Avery , Hedayat Lila M.A. , Foulds Heather J.A.
Published: February 2020

Background: North American indigenous populations experience higher rates of obesity and chronic disease compared with nonindigenous populations. Improvements in musculoskeletal fitness can mitigate negative health outcomes, but is not well understood among indigenous populations. This review examines musculoskeletal fitness measures among North American indigenous populations.Methods: A total of 1632 citations were evaluated and 18 studies were included.Results: Comparisons of musculoskeletal fitness measures between North American indigenous men and boys and women and girls were generally not reported. The greatest left and right combined maximal grip strength and maximal leg strength among Inuit boys and men and girls and women were observed among 20–29 years age group. Maximal combined right and left grip strength declined from 1970 to 1990, by an average of 15% among adults and 10% among youth. Maximal leg extension among Inuit has declined even further, averaging 38% among adults and 27% among youth from 1970 to 1990. Inuit men demonstrate greater grip strength and lower leg strength than Russian indigenous men, whereas Inuit women demonstrate greater leg strength.Conclusions: Further research is needed to better understand physical fitness among indigenous peoples and the potential for improving health and reducing chronic disease risk for indigenous peoples through physical fitness.
Nanocrystals as phenotypic expression of genotypes—An example in coralline red algae
Authors: Auer Gerald , Piller Werner E.
Published: February 2020

Calcified nanoscale structures in their cell wall express the evolutionary relationships within calcifying red algae.
L-type Ca
2+
channel–mediated Ca
2+
influx adjusts neuronal mitochondrial function to physiological and pathophysiological conditions
Authors: Hotka Matej , Cagalinec Michal , Hilber Karlheinz , Hool Livia , Boehm Stefan , Kubista Helmut
Published: February 2020

L-type Ca
2+
channel activity confers neuroprotection by inducing the ATP synthase to operate in reverse mode.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Strain 13-13613, Isolated from a Case of Canine Pyoderma
Authors: Eichhorn Inga , Lübke-Becker Antina , Lapschies Antje-Maria , Jacob Megan , Bäumer Wolfgang , Fulde Marcus
Published: February 2020

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
strain 13-13613, isolated from a case of canine pyoderma. The draft genome contains 2,533,486 bp in 570 contigs.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium avium subsp.
avium
Chester (DSM 44156)
Authors: Goethe Ralph , Laarmann Kristin , Spröer Cathrin , Bunk Boyke
Published: February 2020

Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of the
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
avium
strain DSM 44156, also deposited as ATCC 25291 and TMC 724. The reference strain was originally described as a serotype 2 strain isolated from a hen by F. D. Chester in 1901.
Severe congenital heart defects: incidence, causes and time trends of preoperative mortality in Norway
Authors: Wik Gunnar , Jortveit Jarle , Sitras Vasileios , Døhlen Gaute , Rønnestad Arild E , Holmstrøm Henrik
Published: February 2020

Background and aims

Severe congenital heart defects (CHDs) still represent one of the main causes of infant death. The risk factors associated with cardiac surgery and postoperative mortality are well known. We aimed to describe the rates, causes and time trends of mortality before surgery—including termination of pregnancies and palliative care—in fetuses and children below 2 years of age with severe CHDs.

Methods and results

Data concerning all 789 345 pregnancies in Norway from 2004 to 2016 were retrieved from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, the Oslo University Hospital’s Clinical Registry for Congenital Heart Defects, the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry, the National Registry, Statistics Norway, autopsy reports and medical records. When including termination of pregnancy and stillbirths, the number of fetuses and children with severe CHDs that did not reach the age of 2 years was 31%. Mortality among the 2359 live-born infants with severe CHDs was 10%, of whom 58% died before surgery. Of the preoperative deaths, 81% died in a palliative care setting, and comorbidity and univentricular CHDs were common among these infants. Together, palliative care and termination of pregnancy accounted for 86% of deaths in cases of severe CHDs, and this proportion increased during the study period (annual percent changes 1.3, 95% CI 0.4 to 2.1, p<0.001), mainly due to an increased termination rate.

Conclusions

Termination of pregnancy accounted for the majority of the deaths in fetuses and children with severe CHDs. Among live-born children, most preoperative deaths occurred in a palliative care setting and were strongly related to comorbidities and/or univentricular hearts.
The impacts of corporatisation of healthcare on medical practice and professionals in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Marathe Shweta , Hunter Benjamin M , Chakravarthi Indira , Shukla Abhay , Murray Susan F
Published: February 2020

A heterogeneous private sector dominates healthcare provision in many middle-income countries. In India, the contemporary period has seen this sector undergo corporatisation processes characterised by emergence of large private hospitals and the takeover of medium-sized and charitable hospitals by corporate entities. Little is known about the operations of these private providers and the effects on healthcare professions as employment shifts from practitioner-owned small and medium hospitals to larger corporate settings. This article uses data from a mixed-methods study in two large cities in Maharashtra, India, to consider the implications of these contemporary changes for the medical profession. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 43 respondents who have detailed knowledge of healthcare in Maharashtra and from a witness seminar on the topic of transformation in Maharashtra’s healthcare system. Transcripts from the interviews and witness seminar were analysed thematically through a combination of deductive and inductive approaches. Our findings point to a restructuring of medical practice in Maharashtra as training shifts towards private education and employment to those corporate hospitals. The latter is fuelled by substantial personal indebtedness, dwindling appeal of government employment, reduced opportunities to work in smaller private facilities and the perceived benefits of work in larger providers. We describe a ‘reprofessionalisation’ of medicine encompassing changes in employment relations, performance targets and constraints placed on professional autonomy within the private healthcare sector that is accompanied by trends in cost inflation, medical malpractice, and distrust in doctor-patient relationships. The accompanying ‘restratification’ within this part of the profession affords prestige and influence to ‘star doctors’ while eroding the status and opportunity for young and early career doctors. The research raises important questions about the role that government and medical professionals’ bodies can, and should, play in contemporary transformation of private healthcare and the implications of these trends for health systems more broadly.
Comparison of glistenings formation and their effect on forward light scatter between the Acrysof SN60WF and Eternity Natural Uni NW-60 intraocular lenses
Authors: Philippaki Eva , O'Brart David P , Hull Chistopher C.
Published: February 2020

Aims

To compare the characteristics of glistenings and forward light scatter between the Alcon Acrysof SN60WF and Santen Eternity Natural Uni NW-60 intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Methods

Five Acrysof SN60WF and five Eternity Natural Uni NW-60 IOLs were studied. All IOLs were single piece blue blockers with the same dioptric power (20D) and optic diameter (6.0 mm). Glistenings were induced by a thermal accelerated ageing process. Glistenings were objectively quantified using bespoke image processing software. The angular distribution of forward light scatter was measured using an optical bench system and the straylight parameter calculated from the light scatter function.

Results

The median increase in the number of glistenings was 15 and 525 for the Eternity and Acrysof IOLs, respectively, which was statistically significantly different (p=0.012). Median glistenings diameter was 23.8 μm (Acrysof) and 32.8 μm (Eternity). Four (80%) of the Acrysof lenses had straylight values higher than a 20-year-old CIE standard glare observer and in two cases the straylight exceeded that of the 70-year-old CIE standard glare observer. None of the Eternity lenses had straylight values that exceeded the value for the 20-year-old CIE standard glare observer.

Conclusions

The Eternity Natural Uni NW-60 IOLs resisted the induction of glistenings more than the Acrysof SN60WF IOLs. Although the Acrysof IOLs developed smaller glistenings than the Eternity IOLs, there were sufficient numbers to produce a higher straylight parameter.
Endoscopic grading of gastric intestinal metaplasia on risk assessment for early gastric neoplasia: can we replace histology assessment also in the West?
Authors: Marcos Pedro , Brito-Gonçalves Gisela , Libânio Diogo , Pita Inês , Castro Rui , Sá Inês , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To assess the value of endoscopic grading of gastric intestinal metaplasia (EGGIM), operative link on gastritis assessment (OLGA) and operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia (OLGIM) on risk stratification for early gastric neoplasia (EGN) and to investigate other factors possibly associated with its development.

Design

Single centre, case–control study including 187 patients with EGN treated endoscopically and 187 age-matched and sex-matched control subjects. Individuals were classified according to EGGIM, OLGA and OLGIM systems. EGN risk according to gastritis stages and other clinical parameters was further evaluated.

Results

More patients with EGN had EGGIM of ≥5 than control subjects (68.6% vs 13.3%, p<0.001). OLGA and OLGIM stages III/IV were more prevalent in patients with EGN than in control subjects (68% vs 11%, p<0.001, and 61% vs 3%, p<0.001, respectively). The three systems were the only parameters significantly related to the risk of EGN in multivariate analysis: for EGGIM 1–4 (adjusted OR (AOR) 12.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 118.6) and EGGIM 5–10 (AOR 21.2, 95% CI 5.0 to 90.2); for OLGA I/II (AOR 5.0, 95% CI 0.56 to 44.5) and OLGA III/IV (AOR 11.1, 95% CI 3.7 to 33.1); for OLGIM I/II (AOR 11.5, 95% CI 4.1 to 32.3) and OLGIM III/IV (AOR 16.0, 95% CI 7.6 to 33.4).

Conclusion

This study confirms the role of histological assessment as an independent risk factor for gastric cancer (GC), but it is the first study to show that an endoscopic classification of gastric intestinal metaplasia is highly associated with that outcome. After further prospective validation, this classification may be appropriate for GC risk stratification and may simplify every day practice by reducing the need for biopsies.
Effect of garlic intake on inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Koushki Mehdi , Amiri-Dashatan Nasrin , Pourfarjam Yasin , Doustimotlagh Amir Hossein
Published: February 2020

Background

Garlic is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Data have shown that garlic has anti-inflammatory activity; however, the findings are inconclusive and inconsistent. We aimed to evaluate the impact of garlic intake on inflammatory mediators through systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data.

Methods

Electronic databases were completely investigated using databases of ISI Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library and EMBASE until October 2019. A random effects model and the generic reverse variance procedure were used for quantitative data production. Sensitivity analyses and prespecified subgroup were done to evaluate potential heterogeneity. Random effect meta-regression was conducted to investigate the effects of possible confounders on the assessed effect size.

Results

Ten trials with one observational study, including 530 participants, met the eligibility criteria. The findings showed reduction in the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (−0.31 pg/mL, 95% CI −1.07 to 0.46) and C reactive protein (CRP) levels (−0.20 mg/L, 95% CI −1.4 to 1.05) following supplementation with garlic, although it had no marked impact on the interleukin 6 (IL-6) level (0.37 pg/mL, 95% CI −0.58 to 1.33). In the subgroup analysis, we found that garlic supplementation significantly decreased TNF-α, highly sensitive CRP and IL-6 levels in subgroups of >8, >6 and ≥4 weeks of intervention duration, respectively, and dose of garlic consumption between 2 and 2.4 g/day.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that current evidence may support garlic as an adjunct to pharmacological management of metabolic diseases.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018108816.
Performance of heat transfer in MHD mixed convection flow using nanofluids in the presence of viscous dissipation: Local non-similarity solution
Authors: Hamid Aamir , Khan Masood , Hussain Alamdar
Published: February 2020

In this study, an investigation has been carried out to examine the effects of thermal radiation, heat generation/absorption, viscous dissipation and suction parameter on MHD flow of water-base nanofluid (Ag, Cu, Al2O3, CuO and TiO2). This study also focused on the mixed convective flow of water-base nanofluid due to a vertical permeable plate in the presence of convective boundary condition. Further, heat transfer has been inspected for water-base fluid influenced by heat generation/absorption and viscous dissipation. Moreover, the governing equations are reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations via Sparrow–Quack–Boerner local non-similarity method. These nonlinear ODEs are simulated numerically by means of Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method (RKF-45). The impact of pertinent parameters on the dimensionless velocity, nanofluid temperature, skin friction and local Nusselt number are discussed and displayed. The results match with a special case of formerly available work. The present exploration exhibits that nanoparticle volume fraction increases the velocity and temperature of Cu-water nanofluid. It is also shown that magnetic parameter reduces the heat transfer rate.
A Robust Visual Tracker Based on DCF Algorithm
Authors: Jin Menglei , Liu Weibin , Xing Weiwei
Published: February 2020

Since Correlation Filter appeared in the field of video object tracking, it is very popular due to its excellent performance. The Correlation Filter-based tracking algorithms are very competitive in terms of accuracy and speed as well as robustness. However, there are still some fields for improvement in the Correlation Filter-based tracking algorithms. First, during the training of the classifier, the background information that can be utilized is very limited. Moreover, the introduction of the cosine window further reduces the background information. These reasons reduce the discriminating power of the classifier. This paper introduces more global background information on the basis of the DCF tracker to improve the discriminating ability of the classifier. Then, in some complex scenes, tracking loss is easy to occur. At this point, the tracker will be treated the background information as the object. To solve this problem, this paper introduces a novel re-detection component. Finally, the current Correlation Filter-based tracking algorithms use the linear interpolation model update method, which cannot adapt to the object changes in time. This paper proposes an adaptive model update strategy to improve the robustness of the tracker. The experimental results on multiple datasets can show that the tracking algorithm proposed in this paper is an excellent algorithm.
A CONVEX SURFACE WITH FRACTAL CURVATURE
Authors: DIMA IANCU , POPP RACHEL , STRICHARTZ ROBERT S. , WIESE SAMUEL C.
Published: February 2020

We construct a surface that is obtained from the octahedron by pushing out four of the faces so that the curvature is supported in a copy of the Sierpinski gasket (SG) in each of them, and is essentially the self similar measure on SG. We then compute the bottom of the spectrum of the associated Laplacian using the finite element method on polyhedral approximations of our surface, and speculate on the behavior of the entire spectrum.
A SHORT NOTE ON THE BOUNDEDNESS ANALYSIS AND CONTROL OF THE SPATIAL FRACTAL SET FROM A KIND OF CHAIN COUPLING LOGISTIC TYPE MAP
Authors: WANG DA , ZHAO YANG , ZHANG YI , LIU XIYU
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a preliminary study about a kind of chain coupling system, which we hope could have some enlightened effect for the research on the spatial fractal set of more strongly coupled systems. By analyzing the trajectories of system variables and applying the magnifying or reducing method, the upper bounds of the original and controlled Julia sets from the proposed system are given. Numerical examples are also included to verify the conclusions.
THE GROWTH RATE OF THE DIGITS IN THE LÜROTH EXPANSIONS
Authors: LÜ MEIYING
Published: February 2020

For any [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be its Lüroth expansion with digits [Formula: see text]. This paper is concerned with the growth rate of the digits in the Lüroth expansions. Let [Formula: see text] be a function satisfying [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we consider the set [Formula: see text] and we quantify the size of [Formula: see text] in the sense of Hausdorff dimension. As applications, we get the Hausdorff dimensions of the sets of points for which [Formula: see text] grows with polynomial and exponential rate.
Multi-bump solutions for quasilinear elliptic equations with variable exponents and critical growth in ℝN
Authors: Ji Chao , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of multi-bump solutions for the following class of [Formula: see text]-Laplacian equations: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are two real parameters, the nonlinearity [Formula: see text] is a continuous function with subcritical growth, [Formula: see text], the exponent [Formula: see text] can be equal to the critical exponent [Formula: see text] at some points of [Formula: see text] including at infinity and the potentials [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are continuous functions verifying some conditions. We show that if the zero set of [Formula: see text] has several isolated connected components [Formula: see text] such that the interior of [Formula: see text] is not empty and [Formula: see text] is smooth, then for [Formula: see text] large enough there exists, for any non-empty subset [Formula: see text], a bump solution trapped in a neighborhood of [Formula: see text]. The proofs are based on variational and topological methods.
Option Pricing for Path-Dependent Options with Assets Exposed to Multiple Defaults Risk
Authors: He Taoshun
Published: February 2020

In the present paper, we derive analytical formulas for barrier and lookback options with underlying assets exposed to multiple defaults risks which include exogenous counterparty default risk and endogenous default risk. The endogenous default risk leads the asset price drop to zero and the exogenous counterparty default risk induces a drop in the asset price, but the asset can still be traded after this default time. An original technique is developed to valuate the barrier and lookback options by first conditioning on the predefault and the afterdefault time and then obtaining the unconditional analytic formulas for their price. We also compare the pricing results of our model with the default-free option model and exogenous counterparty default risk option model.