bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Chinese medicine Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi protects PC12 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis by regulating ROS-ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK signaling
Authors: Zhang Li-Min , Zhen Rong-Rong , Gu Chao , Zhang Tian-Li , Li Yue , Jin Miao , Hu Bing , An Hong-Mei
Published: February 2020

Background

Oxidative stress mediates the nerve injury during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Protecting against oxidative stress damage is an important strategy to prevent and treat AD. Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi (DHYZ) is a Chinese medicine used for the treatment of AD, but its mechanism remains unknown. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of DHYZ on H2O2 induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells.

Methods

PC12 cells were treated with H2O2 and DHYZ. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cytotoxicity of H2O2 was measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Apoptosis were identified by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Caspase 3 activity was detected by commercial kit. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by JC-1 staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was 2′, 7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Protein expression and phosphorylation was identified by western blot.

Results

The results showed that DHYZ antagonized H2O2-mediated cytotoxicity and proliferation inhibition. DHYZ reduced ROS production, stabilize mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibit Caspase-3 activity and apoptosis induced by H2O2. In addition, DHYZ inhibited the phosphorylation of ASK1, JNK1/2/3 and p38 MAPK which were up-regulated by H2O2.

Conclusions

The present study suggested that DHYZ protected PC12 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress damage and was related to inhibition of ROS production and ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK signaling. The present study provides experimental evidence for the application of DHYZ for the management of oxidative stress damage and AD.
Understanding the Athena SWAN award scheme for gender equality as a complex social intervention in a complex system: analysis of Silver award action plans in a comparative European perspective
Authors: Kalpazidou Schmidt Evanthia , Ovseiko Pavel V. , Henderson Lorna R. , Kiparoglou Vasiliki
Published: February 2020

Background

Given the complex mix of structural, cultural and institutional factors that produce barriers for women in science, an equally complex intervention is required to understand and address them. The Athena SWAN Award Scheme for Gender Equality has become a widespread means to address barriers for women’s advancement and leadership in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, the United States of America and Canada, while the European Commission is exploring the introduction of a similar award scheme across Europe.

Methods

This study analyses the design and implementation of 16 departmental Athena SWAN Silver Action Plans in Medical Sciences at one of the world’s leading universities in Oxford, United Kingdom. Data pertaining to the design and implementation of gender equality interventions were extracted from the action plans, analysed thematically, coded using categories from the 2015 Athena SWAN Charter Awards Handbook and synthesised against a typology of gender equality interventions in the European Research Area. The results were further analysed against the complexity research literature framework, where research organisations are perceived as dynamic systems that adapt, interact and co-evolve with other systems.

Results

Athena SWAN is a complex contextually embedded system of action planning within the context of universities. It depends on a multitude of contextual variables that relate in complex, non-linear ways and dynamically adapt to constantly moving targets and new emergent conditions. Athena SWAN Silver Action Plans conform to the key considerations of complexity – (1) multiple actions and areas of intervention with a focus on the complex system being embedded in local dynamics, (2) the non-linearity of interventions and the constantly emerging conditions, and (3) impact in terms of contribution to change, improved conditions to foster change and the increased probability that change can occur.

Conclusions

To enact effective sustainable structural and cultural change for gender equality, it is necessary to acknowledge and operationalise complexity as a frame of reference. Athena SWAN is the single most comprehensive and systemic gender equality scheme in Europe. It can be further strengthened by promoting the integration of sex and gender analysis in research and education. Gender equality policies in the wider European Research Area can benefit from exploring Athena SWAN’s contextually embedded systemic approach to dynamic action planning and inclusive focus on all genders and categories of staff and students.
Activation of the PDGFRα-Nrf2 pathway mediates impaired adipocyte differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells lacking Nck1
Authors: Haider Nida , Larose Louise
Published: February 2020

Background

The limited options to treat obesity and its complications result from an incomplete understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating white adipose tissue development, including adipocyte hypertrophy (increase in size) and hyperplasia (increase in number through adipogenesis). We recently demonstrated that lack of the adaptor protein Nck1 in mice is associated with reduced adiposity and impaired adipocyte differentiation. In agreement, Nck1 depletion in 3 T3-L1 cells also attenuates adipocyte differentiation by enhancing PDGFRα activation and signaling. This is accompanied by higher expression of PDGF-A, a specific PDGFRα ligand, that may contribute to enhanced activation of PDGFRα signaling in the absence of Nck1 in white adipose tissue. However, whether Nck1 deficiency also impairs adipogenic differentiation in bone marrow still remains to be determined.

Methods

To address this point, Nck1-deficient derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) and C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells were differentiated into adipocytes in vitro. Genes and proteins expression in these cellular models were determined using qPCR and western blotting respectively. Pharmacological approaches were used to assess a role for Nrf2 in mediating Nck1 deficiency effect on mesenchymal stem cells adipocyte differentiation.

Results

Nck1 deficiency in both BM-MSCs and C3H10T1/2 results in impaired adipocyte differentiation, accompanied by increased activation of the transcription factor Nrf2, as shown by increased mRNA levels of Nrf2 target genes, including PDGF-A. Using pharmacological activator and inhibitor of Nrf2, we further provide evidence that Nrf2 is an important player in PDGFRα signaling that mediates expression of PDGF-A and impaired adipogenesis in Nck1-deficient BM-MSCs and C3H10T1/2 cells.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that Nck1 deficiency in mesenchymal stem cells impairs adipogenesis through activation of the PDGFRα-Nrf2 anti-adipogenic signaling pathway.
Secretory clusterin promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by facilitating cancer stem cell properties via AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin axis
Authors: Zheng Wenjie , Yao Min , Wu Mengna , Yang Junling , Yao Dengfu , Wang Li
Published: February 2020

Background

To explore the modulatory effects and mechanism of secretory clusterin (sCLU) on cancer stem cell (CSC) properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The effects of sCLU repression or overexpression on chemoresistance, migration, invasion, and tumor growth were detected by MTT, wound healing, transwell assays, and xenograft assay, respectively. The tumor sphere assay was performed to evaluate the self-renewal ability of HCC cells. In addition, the molecular regulation between sCLU and AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin axis in HCC cells were discovered by western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence. The expression status of sCLU and β-catenin in HCC tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Knockdown or overexpressing sCLU remarkably inhibited or promoted the chemoresistance against sorafenib/doxorubicin, metastasis, and tumor growth of HCC cells, respectively. HepG2 and HCCLM3-derived spheroids showed higher expression of sCLU than that in attached cells. Additionally, repressing sCLU impaired the self-renewal capacity of HCC cells and CSC-related chemoresistance while overexpression of sCLU enhanced these CSC properties. Knockdown or overexpression of sCLU inhibited or increased the expressions of β-catenin, cyclinD1, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and the phosphorylation of AKT or GSK3β signaling, respectively. However, LiCl or LY294002 abrogated the effects mediated by sCLU silencing or overexpression on chemoresistance, metastasis, and CSC phenotype. Furthermore, co-expression of sCLU and β-catenin in HCC tissues indicated poor prognosis of HCC patients.

Conclusions

Taken together, the oncogenic sCLU might promote CSC phenotype via activating AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin axis, suggesting that sCLU was a potential molecular-target for HCC therapy.
A scoping review of full-spectrum knowledge translation theories, models, and frameworks
Authors: Esmail Rosmin , Hanson Heather M , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna , Brown Sage , Strifler Lisa , Straus Sharon E , Niven Daniel J. , Clement Fiona M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Application of knowledge translation (KT) theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) is one method for successfully incorporating evidence into clinical care. However, there are multiple KT TMFs and little guidance on which to select. This study sought to identify and describe available full-spectrum KT TMFs to subsequently guide users.

Methods

A scoping review was completed. Articles were identified through searches within electronic databases, previous reviews, grey literature, and consultation with KT experts. Search terms included combinations of KT terms and theory-related terms. Included citations had to describe full-spectrum KT TMFs that had been applied or tested. Titles/abstracts and full-text articles were screened independently by two investigators. Each KT TMF was described by its characteristics including name, context, key components, how it was used, primary target audience, levels of use, and study outcomes. Each KT TMF was also categorized into theoretical approaches as process models, determinant frameworks, classic theories, implementation theories, and evaluation frameworks. Within each category, KT TMFs were compared and contrasted to identify similarities and unique characteristics.

Results

Electronic searches yielded 7160 citations. Additional citations were identified from previous reviews (n = 41) and bibliographies of included full-text articles (n = 6). Thirty-six citations describing 36 full-spectrum were identified. In 24 KT TMFs, the primary target audience was multi-level including patients/public, professionals, organizational, and financial/regulatory. The majority of the KT TMFs were used within public health, followed by research (organizational, translation, health), or in multiple contexts. Twenty-six could be used at the individual, organization, or policy levels, five at the individual/organization levels, three at the individual level only, and two at the organizational/policy level. Categorization of the KT TMFs resulted in 18 process models, eight classic theories, three determinant frameworks, three evaluation frameworks, and four that fit more than one category. There were no KT TMFs that fit the implementation theory category. Within each category, similarities and unique characteristics emerged through comparison.

Conclusions

A systematic compilation of existing full-spectrum KT TMFs, categorization into different approaches, and comparison has been provided in a user-friendly way. This list provides options for users to select from when designing KT projects and interventions.

Trial registration

A protocol outlining the methodology of this scoping review was developed and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018088564).
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase deficiency: one disease - many faces
Authors: Grünert Sarah C. , Sass Jörn Oliver
Published: February 2020

Background

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase deficiency (HMGCLD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of ketogenesis and leucine degradation due to mutations in HMGCL.

Method

We performed a systematic literature search to identify all published cases. Two hundred eleven patients of whom relevant clinical data were available were included in this analysis. Clinical course, biochemical findings and mutation data are highlighted and discussed. An overview on all published HMGCL variants is provided.

Results

More than 95% of patients presented with acute metabolic decompensation. Most patients manifested within the first year of life, 42.4% already neonatally. Very few individuals remained asymptomatic. The neurologic long-term outcome was favorable with 62.6% of patients showing normal development.

Conclusion

This comprehensive data analysis provides a systematic overview on all published cases with HMGCLD including a list of all known HMGCL mutations.
Toll-like receptor 4 deficiency ameliorates β2-microglobulin induced age-related cognition decline due to neuroinflammation in mice
Authors: Zhong Qi , Zou Yufeng , Liu Hongchao , Chen Ting , Zheng Feng , Huang Yifei , Chen Chang , Zhang Zongze
Published: February 2020

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a crucial receptor in neuroinflammation and apoptotic neuronal death, and increasing evidences indicated that β2-microglobulin (B2M) is thought to be a major contributor to age-related cognitive decline. In present study, we designed to investigate the effects of TLR4 on B2M-induced age-related cognitive decline. Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6, TLR4 knockout (TLR4 -KO) mice and hippocampal neurons from the two type mice were respectively divided into two groups: (1) Veh group; (2) B2M-treated group. The behavioral responses of mice were measured using Morris Water Maze. Hippocampal neurogenesis and neuronal damage, inflammatory response, apoptosis, synaptic proteins and neurotrophic factors, and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway proteins were examined using molecular biological or histopathological methods. The results showed that WT mice received B2M in the DG exhibited age-related cognitive declines, increased TLR4 mRNA expression and high levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and apoptotic neuronal death in the hippocampus, which were partially attenuated in TLR4-KO mice. Moreover, in absence of TLR4, B2M treatment improved hippocampus neurogenesis and increased synaptic related proteins. Our cell experiments further demonstrated that deletion of TLR4 could significantly increase synaptic related protein, decrease neuroinflammatory fators, inhibited apoptotic neuronal death, and regulated MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway after B2M treatment. In summary, our results support the TLR4 contributes to B2M-induced age-related cognitive decline due to neuroinflammation and apoptosis through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway via a modulation of hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic function. This may provide an important neuroprotective mechanism for improving age-related cognitive decline.
Characteristics and treatment results of recurrence in adult-type granulosa cell tumor of ovary
Authors: Zhao Dan , Zhang Yanan , Ou Zhengjie , Zhang Rong , Zheng Shan , Li Bin
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the clinicopathological characteristics of recurrent adult-type granulosa cell tumor of the ovary (AGCOT) and evaluated the treatment results to define the prognostic parameters for survival after recurrence.

Results

A retrospective review of 40 patients with recurrent AGCOT, who were treated in the Cancer Hospital at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2000 to 2015 was conducted. The impact of clinical and pathological characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS), and post-recurrence therapeutic approaches on prognosis were analyzed. Among the 40 recurrent patients, there were 10 cases where the relapse was uncontrolled, 24 cases had second relapses, and 6 cases without further relapses at the time of our follow-up. The median PFS was 61 months (range, 7-408 months), and the median time interval between the first and the second relapses (R-PFS) was 25 months (range, 0–94 months). The median time interval between the first relapse and death (R-OS) was 90 months (range, 2–216 months). PFS ≥ 61 months (P = 0.004) and post-recurrence therapeutic approach (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for repeated recurrences. The age at recurrence (P = 0.031) and post-recurrence therapeutic approach (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for death after recurrence.

Conclusion

Among patients with recurrent AGCOT, those with long PFS had good prognoses. Maximal cytoreductive effort should be made after recurrence. Complete resection and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may improve the prognosis of patients with recurrent AGCOT.
Survey of PDA management in very low birth weight infants across Italy
Authors:   On the behalf of the Italian Study Group of Neonatal Cardiology of the Italian Society of Neonatology, Ficial Benjamim , Corsini Iuri , Fiocchi Stefano , Schena Federico , Capolupo Irma , Cerbo Rosa Maria , Condò Manuela , Doni Daniela , La Placa Simona , Porzio Salvatore , Rossi Katia , Salvadori Sabrina , Savoia Marilena
Published: February 2020

Background

The optimal management of PDA in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is still controversial. Aim of our study was to investigate the management of PDA in the Italian neonatal intensive care units (NICU).

Methods

We conducted an on-line survey study from June to September 2017. A 50-items questionnaire was developed by the Italian Neonatal Cardiology Study Group and was sent to Italian NICUs.

Results

The overall response rate was 72%. Diagnosis of PDA was done by neonatologists, cardiologists or both (62, 12 and 28% respectively). PDA significance was assessed by a comprehensive approach in all centers, although we found a heterogeneous combination of parameters and cut-offs used. None used prophylactic treatment. 19% of centers treated PDA in the first 24 h, 60% after the first 24 h, following screening echocardiography or clinical symptoms, 18% after the first 72 h and 2% after the first week. In the first course of treatment ibuprofen, indomethacin and paracetamol were used in 87, 6 and 7% of centers respectively. Median of surgical ligation was 3% (1–6%).

Conclusions

Significant variations exist in the management of PDA in Italy. Conservative strategy and targeted treatment to infants older than 24 h with echocardiographic signs of hemodynamic significance seemed to be the most adopted approach.
Use of cannabinoid-based medicine among older residential care recipients diagnosed with dementia: study protocol for a double-blind randomised crossover trial
Authors: Timler Amanda , Bulsara Caroline , Bulsara Max , Vickery Alistair , Smith Jill , Codde Jim
Published: February 2020

Background

Dementia is a neurological condition that affects the cognitive and functional ability of the brain and is the leading cause of disability among those aged 65 years and above. More effective ways to manage dementia symptoms are needed because current treatment options (antidepressants and antipsychotics) can be ineffective and are associated with substantial side effects, including increased rate of mortality. Cannabinoid-based medicine (CBM) has shown an ability to inhibit some symptoms associated with dementia, and the adverse effects are often minimal; yet, little research has explored the use of CBM among this population.

Aim

To monitor the safety of a purified dose of CBM oil (3:2 delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol) on behaviour symptoms, quality of life and discomfort caused by pain.

Methods/design

We will carry out an 18-week, randomised, double-blind crossover trial that consists of a 2-week eligibility period, two 6-week treatment cycles, and two 2-week washout periods (between both cycles and after the second treatment cycle). We aim to recruit 50 participants with dementia who are living in residential aged-care facilities. The participants will be randomised into two groups and will receive a dose of either CBM oil or placebo for the first treatment cycle and the opposite medication for the second. Data will be collected using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire, and the Abbey Pain Scale on seven occasions. These will be completed by the participants, aged-care staff, and nominated next of kin or family members. The participants’ heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored weekly, and their body composition and weight will be monitored fortnightly by a research nurse, to assess individual dose response and frailty. In addition, pre- and post-surveys will be administered to aged-care staff and family members to understand their perceptions of CBM and to inform proposed focus groups consisting of the aged-care staff and next of kin.

Discussion

The study design has been informed by medical professionals and key stakeholders, including those working in the residential aged-care industry to ensure patient safety, collection of non-invasive measures, and methodological rigor and study feasibility.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619000474156. Registered on 21 March 2019
Identifying treatment effects of an informal caregiver education intervention to increase days in the community and decrease caregiver distress: a machine-learning secondary analysis of subgroup effects in the HI-FIVES randomized clinical trial
Authors: Shepherd-Banigan Megan , Smith Valerie A. , Lindquist Jennifer H. , Cary Michael Paul , Miller Katherine E. M. , Chapman Jennifer G. , Van Houtven Courtney H.
Published: February 2020

Background

Informal caregivers report substantial burden and depressive symptoms which predict higher rates of patient institutionalization. While caregiver education interventions may reduce caregiver distress and decrease the use of long-term institutional care, evidence is mixed. Inconsistent findings across studies may be the result of reporting average treatment effects which do not account for how effects differ by participant characteristics. We apply a machine-learning approach to randomized clinical trial (RCT) data of the Helping Invested Family Members Improve Veteran’s Experiences Study (HI-FIVES) intervention to explore how intervention effects vary by caregiver and patient characteristics.

Methods

We used model-based recursive partitioning models. Caregivers of community-residing older adult US veterans with functional or cognitive impairment at a single VA Medical Center site were randomized to receive HI-FIVES (n = 118) vs. usual care (n = 123). The outcomes included cumulative days not in the community and caregiver depressive symptoms assessed at 12 months post intervention. Potential moderating characteristics were: veteran age, caregiver age, caregiver ethnicity and race, relationship satisfaction, caregiver burden, perceived financial strain, caregiver depressive symptoms, and patient risk score.

Results

The effect of HI-FIVES on days not at home was moderated by caregiver burden (p < 0.001); treatment effects were higher for caregivers with a Zarit Burden Scale score ≤ 28. Caregivers with lower baseline Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) scores (≤ 8) had slightly lower CESD-10 scores at follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Family caregiver education interventions may be less beneficial for highly burdened and distressed caregivers; these caregivers may require a more tailored approach that involves assessing caregiver needs and developing personalized approaches.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID:NCT01777490. Registered on 28 January 2013.
Uptake and fecal excretion of Coxiella burnetii by Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor marginatus ticks
Authors: Körner Sophia , Makert Gustavo R. , Mertens-Scholz Katja , Henning Klaus , Pfeffer Martin , Starke Alexander , Nijhof Ard M. , Ulbert Sebastian
Published: February 2020

Background

The bacterium Coxiella burnetii is the etiological agent of Q fever and is mainly transmitted via inhalation of infectious aerosols. DNA of C. burnetii is frequently detected in ticks, but the role of ticks as vectors in the epidemiology of this agent is still controversial. In this study, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor marginatus adults as well as I. ricinus nymphs were fed on blood spiked with C. burnetii in order to study the fate of the bacterium within putative tick vectors.

Methods

Blood-feeding experiments were performed in vitro in silicone-membrane based feeding units. The uptake, fecal excretion and transstadial transmission of C. burnetii was examined by quantitative real-time PCR as well as cultivation of feces and crushed tick filtrates in L-929 mouse fibroblast cells and cell-free culture medium.

Results

Ticks successfully fed in the feeding system with engorgement rates ranging from 29% (D. marginatus) to 64% (I. ricinus adults). Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in the feces of both tick species during and after feeding on blood containing 105 or 106 genomic equivalents per ml blood (GE/ml), but not when fed on blood containing only 104 GE/ml. Isolation and cultivation demonstrated the infectivity of C. burnetii in shed feces. In 25% of the I. ricinus nymphs feeding on inoculated blood, a transstadial transmission to the adult stage was detected. Females that molted from nymphs fed on inoculated blood excreted C. burnetii of up to 106 genomic equivalents per mg of feces.

Conclusions

These findings show that transstadial transmission of C. burnetii occurs in I. ricinus and confirm that I. ricinus is a potential vector for Q fever. Transmission from both tick species might occur by inhalation of feces containing high amounts of viable C. burnetii rather than via tick bites.
Hypoglycemia symptoms and awareness of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus: cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of three questionnaires and evaluation of its risk factors
Authors: Stefenon Paula , Silveira André Luís Marques da , Giaretta Luana Seminotti , Leitão Cristiane Bauermann , Bauer Andrea Carla
Published: February 2020

Background

To adapt and validate the Clarke and Gold questionnaires and the Edinburgh Hypoglycemia Symptom Scale (EHSS) to Brazilian Portuguese and to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

The process of translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the questionnaires followed the recommendations of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR)-Task Force for Translation and Cultural Adaptation. Patients with T1DM for a minimum of 12 months, aged 18 years or older, and with Brazilian nationality were selected to participate.

Results

A total of 123 patients were enrolled. The Clarke and Gold questionnaires as well as the EHSS exhibited adequate internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent validity. The prevalence of IAH was 38.3% with the Clarke questionnaire and 25.2% with the Gold questionnaire. The prevalence increased with longer duration of diabetes, lower HbA1c, and lower eGFR.

Conclusions

The validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the proposed questionnaires to Brazilian Portuguese were adequate. In this sample of T1DM, the prevalence of IAH was high and associated with a longer duration of T1DM, lower HbA1C and lower eGFR.
Control strategy for networked control systems with time delay and packet dropout using linear matrix inequalities
Authors: Wang Zhaohong , Fukushima Seiji
Published: February 2020

A control strategy using linear matrix inequalities towards time delay and stochastic packet dropout of networked control system is proposed in this paper. First, a reconfigured target plant of networked control system is built based on a linear time-invariant target. Before discretization of target plant, a Pade approximation is employed towards the time delay segment of reconfigured target plant, while zero-order holder compensator and an estimator are employed for packet dropout of control input and measured output, respectively. Then the control target is reformed as a programming problem of an uncertain time-variant multi-parametric state space. In order to deal with such problem, herein the time-variant state space is rewritten as a linear parametric-varying prediction model by enumerating all possible occasions. Afterwards, a novel robust model predictive controller is proposed as a constrained minimax optimization of the predictive cost function. Finally, we present two simulations based on an aircraft model and a second-order numeric model, by which step responses and explicit solutions are derived, performed and analysed. Simulation results demonstrate both the stability and robustness of the proposed control strategy.
Epidemiology and clinical management of elbow joint disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK
Authors: O’Neill Dan G. , Brodbelt Dave C. , Hodge Rebecca , Church David B. , Meeson Richard L.
Published: February 2020

Background

Conditions affecting the elbow joint are a common cause of lameness in dogs. Primary-care veterinary clinical data are now recognised as a valuable research resource. Using data from the VetCompass Programme, this study aimed to report the frequency and risk factors for elbow joint disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK and describe clinical management.

Results

From 455,069 dogs under veterinary care, the one-year period prevalence for elbow joint disease diagnosis was 0.56% (95% CI: 0.53–0.60). Of 616 incident cases, the most common specific variants of elbow joint disease were osteoarthritis (n = 468, 75.97%), elbow dysplasia (190, 30.84%) and traumatic (41, 6.66%). The most common signs described by the owners were lameness (n = 466, 75.65%), difficulty exercising (123, 19.97%) and pain (86, 13.96%). The most common findings recorded on veterinary examination were pain (n = 283, 45.94%), lameness (278, 45.13%) and reduced range of movement (243, 39.45%). Common medications used included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 544, 88.31%), tramadol (121, 19.64%) and disease modifying agents (118, 19.16%). Of 109 deaths involving euthanasia with information available from the 616 incident cases, elbow joint disease contributed to the decision to euthanase in 45 (41.28%) dogs.

Five breeds showed increased odds of elbow joint disease compared with crossbred dogs: Rottweiler (OR: 6.16, 95% CI 3.89–9.75), Labrador Retriever (OR: 5.94, 95% CI 4.65–7.60), German Shepherd Dog (OR: 4.13, 95% CI 2.88–5.93), Golden Retriever (OR: 3.11, 95% CI 1.93–5.00) and English Springer Spaniel (OR: 2.00, 95% CI 1.26–3.18). Additional risk factors included having an adult bodyweight that was equal or higher than their breed/sex mean, advancing age, being male, being neutered, being insured and larger bodyweight.

Conclusions

Elbow joint disease is a relatively common diagnosis in dogs and has a high welfare impact as evidenced by the high proportion of cases recorded with pain, lameness and analgesic therapy. There are strong breed predispositions, in particular for large breed dogs. These findings present a clear case for improved breeding programmes to reduce the burden of elbow joint disease.
Retraction Note: Desflurane anesthesia worsens emergence agitation in adult patients undergoing thyroid surgery compared to sevoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi , Kurazumi Takuya , Ueda Tomomi , Nagata Hiromasa , Yamada Takashige , Kosugi Shizuko , Hashiguchi Saori , Ito Koichi , Morisaki Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article [1]. The ethics committee approval was granted for an observational study and the need for patient consent was waived. However, the study design described is a randomized controlled trial and therefore patient consent should have been obtained. All authors agree with this retraction.
Patient organ and effective dose estimation in CT: comparison of four software applications
Authors: De Mattia Cristina , Campanaro Federica , Rottoli Federica , Colombo Paola Enrica , Pola Andrea , Vanzulli Angelo , Torresin Alberto
Published: February 2020

Background

Radiation dose in computed tomography (CT) has become a topic of high interest due to the increasing numbers of CT examinations performed worldwide. Hence, dose tracking and organ dose calculation software are increasingly used. We evaluated the organ dose variability associated with the use of different software applications or calculation methods.

Methods

We tested four commercial software applications on CT protocols actually in use in our hospital: CT-Expo, NCICT, NCICTX, and Virtual Dose. We compared dose coefficients, estimated organ doses and effective doses obtained by the four software applications by varying exposure parameters. Our results were also compared with estimates reported by the software authors.

Results

All four software applications showed dependence on tube voltage and volume CT dose index, while only CT-Expo was also dependent on other exposure parameters, in particular scanner model and pitch caused a variability till 50%. We found a disagreement between our results and those reported by the software authors (up to 600%), mainly due to a different extent of examined body regions. The relative range of the comparison of the four software applications was within 35% for most organs inside the scan region, but increased over the 100% for organs partially irradiated and outside the scan region. For effective doses, this variability was less evident (ranging from 9 to 36%).

Conclusions

The two main sources of organ dose variability were the software application used and the scan region set. Dose estimate must be related to the process used for its calculation.
Development of the BioCalculus Assessment (BCA)
Authors: Taylor Robin T. , Bishop Pamela R. , Lenhart Suzanne , Gross Louis J. , Sturner Kelly
Published: February 2020

We describe the development and initial validity assessment of the 20-item BioCalculus Assessment (BCA), with the objective of comparing undergraduate life science students’ understanding of calculus concepts in different courses with alternative emphases (with and without focus on biological applications). The development process of the BCA included obtaining input from a large network of scientists and educators as well as students in calculus and biocalculus courses to accumulate evidential support of the instrument’s content validity and response processes of test takers. We used the Rasch model to examine the internal structure of scores from students who have experienced calculus instruction in the two methods. The analysis involved three populations (Calculus 1, Calculus 2, and Biocalculus) for which the Calc 1 and Calc 2 students were not exposed to calculus concepts in a life science setting, while the Biocalculus students were presented concepts explicitly with a life science emphasis. Overall, our findings indicate that the BCA has reasonable validity properties, providing a diagnostic tool to assess the relative learning success and calculus comprehension of undergraduate biology majors from alternative methods of instruction that do or do not emphasize life science examples.
Pharmacists' perceptions of their role in asthma management and barriers to the provision of asthma services
Authors: Kritikos Vicky S , Reddel Helen K , Bosnic-Anticevich Sinthia Z
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Few studies have explored pharmacists' perceptions of their potential role in asthma management. This study aimed to investigate community pharmacists' perceptions of their role in the provision of asthma care, to compare the perceptions of metropolitan and regional pharmacists with regards to their role, to identify barriers to the provision of asthma management services and to explore their level of inter-professional contact.

Methods

A 29-item questionnaire was mailed to a convenience sample of community pharmacists. Items included pharmacists' perceptions of their role in asthma management, barriers to pharmacy asthma services and inter-professional contact. The setting was community pharmacies in metropolitan and rural New South Wales, Australia.

Key findings

Seventy-five pharmacists (63% male, 69% in metropolitan pharmacies) returned completed questionnaires (response rate 89%). Pharmacists perceived their role in asthma management along three major dimensions: ‘patient self-management’, ‘medication use’ and ‘asthma control’. Regional pharmacists described a broader role than metropolitan pharmacists. Most participants perceived time and patient-related factors to be the main barriers to optimal asthma care with pharmacist's lack of confidence and skills in various aspects of asthma care less important barriers. Almost 70% indicated that they would like more inter-professional contact regarding the care of patients with asthma.

Conclusions

Community pharmacists perceived a three-dimensional role in asthma care with regional pharmacists more likely to embrace a broader role in asthma management compared to metropolitan pharmacists. Pharmacists identified time and patient-related factors as the major barriers to the provision of asthma services. Future research should explore barriers and facilitators to expansion of the pharmacist's role in asthma management in a holistic way.
Influence of an “Electroencephalogram-Based” Monitor Choice on the Delay Between the Predicted Propofol Effect-Site Concentration and the Measured Drug Effect
Authors: Sahinovic Marko M. , van den Berg Johannes P. , Colin Pieter J. , Gambus Pedro L. , Jensen Erik W. , Agustí Mercé , Ferreiro Teresa , Struys Michel M. R. F.
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND:

Clinicians can optimize propofol titration by using 2 sources of pharmacodynamic (PD) information: the predicted effect-site concentration for propofol (Ceprop) and the electroencephalographically (EEG) measured drug effect. Relation between these sources should be time independent, that is, perfectly synchronized. In reality, various issues corrupt time independency, leading to asynchrony or, in other words, hysteresis. This asynchrony can lead to conflicting information, making effective drug dosing challenging. In this study, we tried to quantify and minimize the hysteresis between the Ceprop (calculated using the Schnider model for propofol) and EEG measured drug effect, using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM). Further, we measured the influence of EEG-based monitor choice, namely Bispectral index (BIS) versus qCON index (qCON) monitor, on propofol PD hysteresis.

METHODS:

We analyzed the PD data from 165 patients undergoing propofol–remifentanil anesthesia for outpatient surgery. Drugs were administered using target-controlled infusion (TCI) pumps. Pumps were programmed with Schnider model for propofol and Minto model for remifentanil. We constructed 2 PD models (direct models) relating the Schnider Ceprop to the measured BIS and qCON monitor values. We quantified the models’ misspecification due to hysteresis, on an individual level, using the root mean squared errors (RMSEs). Subsequently, we optimized the PD models’ predictions by adding a lag term to both models (lag-time PD models) and quantified the optimization using the RMSE.

RESULTS:

There is a counterclockwise hysteresis between Ceprop and BIS/qCON values. Not accounting for this hysteresis results in a direct PD model with an effect-site concentration which produces 50% of the maximal drug effect (Ce50) of 6.24 and 8.62 µg/mL and RMSE (median and interquartile range [IQR]) of 9.38 (7.92–11.23) and 8.41(7.04–10.2) for BIS and qCON, respectively. Adding a modeled lag factor of 49 seconds to the BIS model and 53 seconds to the qCON model improved both models’ prediction, resulting in similar Ce50 (3.66 and 3.62 µg/mL for BIS and qCON) and lower RMSE (median (IQR) of 7.87 (6.49–9.90) and 6.56 (5.28–8.57) for BIS and qCON.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is a significant “Ceprop versus EEG measured drug effect” hysteresis. Not accounting for it leads to conflicting PD information and false high Ce50 for propofol in both monitors. Adding a lag term improved the PD model performance, improved the “pump-monitor” synchrony, and made the estimates of Ce50 for propofol more realistic and less monitor dependent.
A 5 years follow-up for ischemic cardiac outcomes in patients with carotid artery calcification on panoramic radiographs confirmed by doppler ultrasonography in Turkish population
Authors: Akkemik Ozlem , Kazaz Hakkı , Tamsel Sadik , Dündar Nesrin , Sahinalp Sahin , Ellidokuz Hulya
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of digital panoramic radiograph (DPR) for detection of carotid artery calcification (CAC) confirmed by Doppler Ultrasonography (DUSG) and to clarify the relationship between between CAC identified by DPR and cardiovascular events through a 5 year follow-up period.

Methods:

Of 3600 consecutive patients examined, 158 patients presented with CAC as detected by DPR. The final study group was composed of 96 patients who had CAC confirmed by DUSG or CT angiogram. The control group was composed of 62 patients who has normal DUSG. The end point of the study was the occurrence of any cardiovascular event.

Results:

72 (75%) of the 96 patients with CAC confirmed by DUSG (16 patients had significant stenosis) had bilateral and 24 (25%) had unilateral CAS as detected by DUSG. There was a low agreement between the examination results with a κ value of 0.488 (p < 0.005) for calcification. Study data revealed that smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus (DM) and diastolic hypertension were significantly more common in patients with CAC than the control group (p < 0.05). During the follow-up period, 13 subjects had myocardial infarction and 1 subject died; in the control group, 1 patient died after MI and 1 patient died of a non-cardiac event.

Conclusion:

Patients with CAC detectable by DPR concomitant with COPD, DM, smoking or diastolic hypertension are more likely to suffer from vascular events. Therefore, patients with detectable carotid plaque in DPR require referral to a cardiovascular surgery clinic for further investigations.
Semantic Representation and Internet of Things in Cultural Heritage Preventive Conservation
Authors: Michalakis Konstantinos , Moraitou Efthymia , Aliprantis John , Caridakis George
Published: February 2020

Preservation of Cultural Heritage (CH) collections in the best possible condition for the longest time possible is a crucial part of CH Institutions activity, since it ensures artefacts’ effective function in perpetuity. In this context, preservation processes that do not include any physical interaction with an object or collection can be regarded as preventive conservation. Preventive conservation measures and activities include among others the monitoring and management of environmental factors, in order to reduce potential risks of collections condition. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) can help towards this goal by automating the collection of data through sensors deployed in the cultural space and providing available services based on the IoT ecosystem. IoT technologies can facilitate the preventive conservation of tangible CH by exploiting streaming data produced by networks of sensors that keep track of changes in environmental parameters of a particular museum, in order to monitor the condition of its collections. Moreover, Semantic Web (SW) technologies could increase the efficiency of sensed data management by introducing reasoning mechanisms that will result in useful inferences regarding the combination of long-term or short-term records of sensed data and material decay. This work summarizes current state-of-the-art frameworks and monitoring systems that collect data from sensors in CH environments and the use of semantic web technologies for the efficient management of conservation and sensor data. Based on this study, it proposes an IoT infrastructure with semantic tools, which aims to enhance preventive conservation science.
Recent highlights on neutrino-nucleus interactions
Authors: Kolbe E. , Kosmas T. S.
Published: February 2020

The recent developments on neutrino-nucleus interactions at low and intermediate energies are reviewed and discussed in conjunction with the recent data of atmospheric, solar, and accelerator neutrino experiments. The theoretical nuclear physics approaches used to interpret and predict phenomena for which neutrinos play a crucial role are also investigated. We emphasize on the implications of neutrino reactions and properties into the astrophysical phenomena and atmospheric neutrino problems.
Physico-chemical education projects in extracurricular activities of students. Teacher's book
Authors: Davydov Viktor
Published: February 2020

Methodological guidance on the content and methodology of the project activity of schoolchildren. The reader is the author's methodological concept work on a study project, in which the Central place is given to the formation of the original intent, defining the challenge and creative level. Most of the book consists of descriptions of research and creative projects carried out in the course of many years of extracurricular work of the author with students.
Addressed to teachers and students of chemical specialties of pedagogical higher education institutions and universities and employees of system of additional education of children, teachers of chemistry in secondary schools, gymnasiums, lyceums and colleges.
World economy and international economic relations
Authors: Pospelov Valentin , Mironova Valentina , Orlova Natal'ya , Sidorenko Tat'yana , Soluyanov Aleksey , Starodubceva Elena , Strelkova Irina
Published: February 2020

Workshop on the global economy and international economic relations prepared by the staff of the Department of world economy and international business, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation in accordance with Federal state educational standard of higher education in the direction "Economics" profile "World economy and international business". The workshop provides tasks on the main problems of the modern world economy and international economic relations. The proposed tasks are based on the principles of competence-based approach.
For undergraduate students, teachers of economic universities, anyone interested in the problems of modern world economy and international economic relations.
Transaction sector of the region and its impact on the economy of constituent entities of the Russian Federation: structural-functional approach
Authors: Freyman Ekaterina , Tret'yakova Elena
Published: February 2020

In the monograph the authors substantiate the expediency of application of the structural-functional approach to the assessment of the transaction sector in the economy of the region describes its structure and functions as a subsystem of the regional economy, the model developed a methodology for assessing the impact of transaction sector for the regional economy in the context of its fields and functions, the possibility of their application to conduct inter-regional comparisons. A comparative analysis of the functioning of the transaction sector of the Perm region and regions considered as its competitors. Developed the organizational-economic mechanism of management of transaction sector of the economy of the region.
The monograph is addressed to a wide circle of readers: students and teachers of universities, scientists and practical workers. The proposed technique and the mechanism of management of transaction sector of the region can be used by authorities of constituent entities of the Russian Federation in the development and adjustment strategies and programs for socio-economic development of the region, educational institutions of higher and further education in the educational process, scientific-research organizations in the development of theoretical and methodological approaches to the management of the transaction sector of the economy of a particular region.