bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gonadotrophins modulate cell death-related genes expression in human endometrium
Authors: Sacchi Sandro , Sena Paola , Addabbo Chiara , Cuttone Erika , La Marca Antonio
Published: May 2020

Background

Gonadotrophins exert their functions by binding follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) or luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) present on endometrium. Within ovaries, FSH induces autophagy and apoptosis of granulosa cells leading to atresia of non-growing follicles, whereas hCG and LH have anti-apoptotic functions. Endometrial cells express functioning gonadotrophin receptors. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of gonadotrophins on physiology and endometrial cells survival.

Materials and methods

Collected endometria were incubated for 48 or 72 h with 100 ng/mL of recombinant human FSH (rhFSH), recombinant human LH (rhLH) or highly purified hCG (HPhCG) alone or combined. Controls omitted gonadotrophins. The effect of gonadotrophins on cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP11A1), hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1A), and cell-death-related genes expression was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Immunohistochemistry for microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (MAP1LC3B) and apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF-1) was performed.

Results

Gonadotrophins are able to modulate the endometrial cells survival. FSH induced autophagy and apoptosis by increasing the relative expression of MAP1LC3B and FAS receptor. In FSH-treated samples, expression of apoptosis marker APAF-1 was detected and co-localized on autophagic cells. hCG and LH does not modulate the expression of cell-death-related genes while the up-regulation of pro-proliferative epiregulin gene was observed. When combined with FSH, hCG and LH prevent autophagy and apoptosis FSH-induced.

Conclusions

Different gonadotrophins specifically affect endometrial cells viability differently: FSH promotes autophagy and apoptosis while LH and hCG alone or combined with rhFSH does not.
The piRNA pathway in planarian flatworms: new model, new insights
Authors: Kim Iana V. , Riedelbauch Sebastian , Kuhn Claus-D.
Published: May 2020

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that associate with members of the PIWI clade of the Argonaute superfamily of proteins. piRNAs are predominantly found in animal gonads. There they silence transposable elements (TEs), regulate gene expression and participate in DNA methylation, thus orchestrating proper germline development. Furthermore, PIWI proteins are also indispensable for the maintenance and differentiation capabilities of pluripotent stem cells in free-living invertebrate species with regenerative potential. Thus, PIWI proteins and piRNAs seem to constitute an essential molecular feature of somatic pluripotent stem cells and the germline. In keeping with this hypothesis, both PIWI proteins and piRNAs are enriched in neoblasts, the adult stem cells of planarian flatworms, and their presence is a prerequisite for the proper regeneration and perpetual tissue homeostasis of these animals. The piRNA pathway is required to maintain the unique biology of planarians because, in analogy to the animal germline, planarian piRNAs silence TEs and ensure stable genome inheritance. Moreover, planarian piRNAs also contribute to the degradation of numerous protein-coding transcripts, a function that may be critical for neoblast differentiation. This review gives an overview of the planarian piRNA pathway and of its crucial function in neoblast biology.
New horizons in mitochondrial contact site research
Authors: Zung Naama , Schuldiner Maya
Published: May 2020

Contact sites, areas where two organelles are held in close proximity through the action of molecular tethers, enable non-vesicular communication between compartments. Mitochondria have been center stage in the contact site field since the discovery of the first contact between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) over 60 years ago. However, only now, in the last decade, has there been a burst of discoveries regarding contact site biology in general and mitochondrial contacts specifically. The number and types of characterized contacts increased dramatically, new molecular mechanisms enabling contact formation were discovered, additional unexpected functions for contacts were shown, and their roles in cellular and organismal physiology were emphasized. Here, we focus on mitochondria as we highlight the most recent developments, future goals and unresolved questions in the field.
Effects of extracellular Hsp70, lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid on human monocyte-derived macrophages and differentiated THP-1 cells
Authors: Hulina-Tomašković Andrea , Somborac-Bačura Anita , Grdić Rajković Marija , Hlapčić Iva , Bosnar Martina , Rumora Lada
Published: May 2020

Extracellular Hsp70 (eHsp70) is elevated in blood of patients with inflammatory diseases (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), prone to bacterial infections. It stimulates pro-inflammatory effects in cells via TLR2 and TLR4. The main hypothesis was that eHsp70 induces inflammation and alters inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). We assessed pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations, TLR2, TLR4 and Hsp70 mRNA expressions, NF-κB and MAPKs activation, and viability after treatment of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and THP-1 cells with recombinant human (rh) Hsp70, LPS and LTA. rhHsp70, LPS, LTA and their combinations induced IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α from MDMs. LPS, LTA, and combinations with rhHsp70 increased TLR2 and decreased TLR4 in both cells. rhHsp70 increased TLR2 and TLR4 in THP-1 cells, and TLR2 in MDMs. rhHsp70, LPS and their combinations up-regulated Hsp70 in MDMs, while down-regulated it in THP-1. LPS and its combinations with rhHsp70 lowered cell viability in THP-1 cells and activated caspases-8 and -9. Involvement of NF-κB and MAPKs in inflammatory and survival mechanisms stimulated by rhHsp70 was demonstrated. eHsp70 alone and in combination with bacterial components could provoke inflammation and affect viability of MDMs and THP-1 cells leading to disturbed inflammatory responses in diseases accompanied with bacterial colonisations or infections.
China’s approach to the environmental civilization
Authors: Sťahel Richard
Published: May 2020

This study examines the origins and main aspects of the Chinese concept of ecological civilization. Originally a philosophical concept, it was later developed into a political and constitutional principle and became the basis of several public policies of the Chinese government. The author also draws attention to several contradictions and weaknesses in the concept, which has been seen as a Chinese version of sustainable development and ultimately as a Chinese concept of global civilization.
Trends and risk factors of adolescent opioid abuse/misuse: understanding the opioid epidemic among adolescents
Authors: Spencer Margaret R. , Weathers Sierra
Published: May 2020

Over the past decade, opioid abuse/misuse has grown from a local problem into a national crisis, causing the U.S. Health and Human Services (HSS) to declare a public health emergency. The number of those dying from opioid abuse has increased, especially among adolescents. Since 2014, death rates due to opioid overdose have been highest in persons aged 15–19 years. This systematic review examines past and present research concerning opioid abuse/misuse and seeks to bring more attention to the growing opioid epidemic affecting adolescents aged 12–25 years nationwide. Keywords such as “adolescent”, “opioid”, “overdose”, “opioid misuse”, and phrases including “opioid use and race”, “income status and opioids”, were used to find common demographic trends which can be attributed to this population. The process of gathering and disseminating information currently available on this subject helps highlight a somewhat taboo subject involving vulnerable members of our community. It is imperative that healthcare providers, in particular, those who treat adolescents, have access to current research and resources that support efforts to combat this persistent issue. In addition, this information will prove useful to those who have the ability to change policies and how this current crisis is being managed. Results from the research indicate that opioid abuse/misuse in adolescents is rising and race, gender and income play a role in the abuse/misuse of opioids. Likewise, the research proves that more opportunities for education and access to adequate treatment are paramount to ending the prevalence of opioid abuse/misuse.
Study of epidemiological determinants of undernutrition among adolescent girls in urban slums of Berhampur, Odisha: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mohanty Sambedana , Panda Manasee
Published: May 2020

Background

Adolescent girls are vulnerable to many problems, undernutrition being the most common. This results in growth restriction resulting in stunting, wasting, underweight and last but not the least iron-deficiency anaemia. Nutritional needs are high during puberty which later leads to complications during pregnancy and its outcomes.

Materials and methods

A field based cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of the girls and to determine the various factors responsible for undernutrition. After clearance from the Institution Ethical Committee (IEC) and permission from Child Development Programme Officer (CDPO), the study was conducted in the anganwadi centres (AWC) of urban slums in the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine from the 1st October 2014 to the 31st October 2016. All the adolescent girls enlisted in the seven anganwadi centres were included as study subjects with their consent. A pre-designed, pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on following sections. (a) socio-demographic profile and (b) nutritional status. Dietary intake was taken using the 24-h recall method. Anthropometry was measured and haemoglobin (Hb) was estimated. SPSS version 21 was used for descriptive and analytic statistics.

Results

Among the 160 girls 98(61.3%), 69(43.1%), 53(33.1%) were underweight, stunted and wasted, respectively. Anaemia was present among 144(90%) of the girls.

Conclusion

Strict monitoring of weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS) as well as nutrition education are essential measures to solve the problem of undernutrition among adolescent girls.
An iterative algorithm for joint covariate and random effect selection in mixed effects models
Authors: Delattre Maud , Poursat Marie-Anne
Published: May 2020

We consider joint selection of fixed and random effects in general mixed-effects models. The interpretation of estimated mixed-effects models is challenging since changing the structure of one set of effects can lead to different choices of important covariates in the model. We propose a stepwise selection algorithm to perform simultaneous selection of the fixed and random effects. It is based on Bayesian Information criteria whose penalties are adapted to mixed-effects models. The proposed procedure performs model selection in both linear and nonlinear models. It should be used in the low-dimension setting where the number of ovariates and the number of random effects are moderate with respect to the total number of observations. The performance of the algorithm is assessed via a simulation study, which includes also a comparative study with alternatives when available in the literature. The use of the method is illustrated in the clinical study of an antibiotic agent kinetics.
Evaluating hydrodynamics in a bioreactor with liquid phase dispersion in the gas phase
Authors: Arabmarkadeh Arash , Nosrati Mohsen , Hejazi Mohammad Amin , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Bioreactors are used in many biochemical industries to produce commercial life products such as medicines, enzymes, perfumes, paints and antibiotics. In the presented study, a specially shaped bioreactor has been designed, built and operated to increase the mass transfer coefficient. The constructed bioreactor, according to type of microorganisms, can provide high amounts of oxygen or carbon dioxide. Moreover, the manuscript was aimed at investigating the hydrodynamic properties of the bioreactor. The bioreactor was constructed from three parts including shower in upper part, middle section for mass transfer and bottom section as a reservoir. Liquid flow rate, shower holes diameter, aeration velocity and the middle part height of the bioreactor have been studied as factors influencing the hydrodynamics. The results showed that the highest mass transfer coefficient was 30.1 1/h which was achieved when the liquid flow rate, the shower holes diameter, aeration velocity and middle part height of the bioreactor were 280 mL/min, 2 mm, 0.03 vvm and 60 cm, respectively.
Rheological properties of soy protein isolate – carboxymethyl flaxseed gum mixed dispersions under large amplitude oscillatory shear
Authors: Ma Yu-xi , Niu Jin-lei , Li Dong , Wang Li-jun
Published: May 2020

Carboxymethyl flaxseed gum (CMFG) is developed in our laboratory by modifying flaxseed gun through carboxymethylation. The aim of this study is to reveal the rheological properties of soy protein isolate – carboxymethyl flaxseed gum (SPI-CMFG) mixed dispersion in realistic processing conditions by conducting large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) test, with consideration of concentration and degree of substitution (DS) of CMFG. Results showed that increasing CMFG concentration significantly increased storage moduli (Gʹ), loss moduli (Gʺ), and the apparent viscosity of all SPI-CMFG mixed dispersions. LAOS test illustrated that the dispersions experienced a transition from LAOS type IV to type III after increasing the concentration of CMFG, while the behavior converted from LAOS type I to type III by increasing DS. Fourier transform rheology (FTR) exhibited that increasing the concentration or DS of CMFG both induced a conversion from “soft sphere” to “hard sphere” behavior. The strain-stiffening ratio S and the shear-thickening ratio T demonstrated, that all SPI-CMFG dispersions experienced a similar conversion from strain stiffening to strain softening, and from shear thinning to shear thickening behaviors by increasing the concentration of CMFG. Nevertheless, the mixed dispersions presented shear thickening behaviors when DS was no more than 0.520 in the whole range of strain, while a conversion from shear thinning to shear thickening behavior occurred, when DS reached at 0.755 and 0.973.
The effect of Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) addition on the content of selected mineral elements, carotenes, and antioxidant potential in alginate gel beads
Authors: Duliński Robert , Byczyński Łukasz , Karbowski Adrian
Published: May 2020

Alginate, a heteropolysaccharide extracted from brown algae Laminaria digitata, has non-toxic status and good physical and chemical properties, was used in this study for encapsulation of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis. Results indicated that adding A. platensis to alginate beads increased the level of mineral elements: magnesium by 55–60 mg/kg, iron by 38–40 mg/kg, and iodine by 88–107 μg/kg, as compared to respective control samples without microalgae addition. Adding A. platensis within alginate beads resulted in an increased antioxidative potential and consequent higher inhibition of the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) by 15–25% compared to the respective control alginate beads. Finally, the content of beta-carotene in alginate beads fortified with A. platensis biomass amounts on average to 51 μg/g. Due to their health-promoting potential, alginate beads enriched with A. platensis biomass can, therefore, be used as a functional ingredient in the nutraceutical sector.
Selenium-chelating corn oligopeptide as a potential antioxidant supplement: investigation of the protein conformational changes and identification of the antioxidant fragment composition
Authors: Qin Xiu-Yuan , Zhang Jiang-Tao , Li Guo-Ming , Cai Mu-Yi , Lu Jun , Gu Rui-Zeng , Liu Wen-Ying
Published: May 2020

A selenium-chelating corn oligopeptide (Se-COP) with high protein and low molecular weight was prepared as a selenium supplement. We utilized infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS)-binding fluorescence spectra, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to analyze and describe Se-COP and its reactions. It was concluded that the chelation reaction was a spontaneous process driven by enthalpy and entropy, with ΔH=3.79 × 104 ± 4075 cal/mol, ΔS = 146 cal/mol, ΔG = –23356.30 ± 126.94 cal/mol, binding constant Ka = 1.18 × 104 ± 855 M–1, and binding site number n = 0.13 ± 0.0126, and described as coordination bonds forming and hydrophobic interaction, as well as protein conformational changes including secondary and tertiary hydrophobic structure. Se-COP had strong antioxidant capacity, and mass spectrometry (MS) was used to identify the antioxidant peptide fragment, which was characterized as LLPPY and quantified at 428.95 ng/mg. This study indicated that Se-COP prepared by chelation may be a Se supplement with antioxidant capacity that can be applied in functional foods or ingredients.
Retention of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the concentration of broccoli extract by progressive freeze concentration
Authors: Azhar Aisyah N. H. , Panirselvam Mohanadharshini , Amran Nurul A. , Ruslan Muhammad S. H. , Samsuri Shafirah
Published: May 2020

A conventional evaporation is known to involve high temperature process which could destroy the heat-sensitive compound in a plant extract. In this study, a green and low-cost alternative concentration technique namely progressive freeze concentration (PFC) has been introduced to concentrate broccoli extract. A stirred cylindrical crystallizer was used to freeze the added solvent (water) in the extraction process. The changes in effective partition constant (K), antioxidant activity (AA) and total phenolic content (TPC) of the extract, were analysed at a different reading of coolant temperature, freezing time and stirring rate. From the findings, it was found that an amount of 0.003180 mg GAE/g of total phenolic content and 86.10% of antioxidant activity were retained through the PFC process at a coolant temperature of −6 °C, freezing time of 45 min and stirring rate of 100. Besides, the lowest K value achieved was 0.08 which outstandingly portrays an efficient PFC process.
Effects of temperature and fluid velocity on beer pasteurization in open and closed loop heating systems: numerical modeling and simulation
Authors: Guo Wei , P Sanjeevi , Gharibzahedi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Guo Ya , Wang Yingkuan
Published: May 2020

A two-dimensional symmetric heat transfer model and a fluid rotation model were established to study beer pasteurization process through the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Two heating modes, including closed-loop heating (CLH) and open-loop heating (OLH), were considered. There was a significant natural convection phenomenon in both heating systems. However, the natural convection became weaker with a gradual increase in the heating temperature of the beer. The maximum fluid velocity (FV) in CLH and OLH modes was 69.34 and 43.74 mm/s, respectively. After heating at 333.13 K for 20 min, the minimum and maximum pasteurization unit (PU) values in CLH were 55 and 59, respectively, while the corresponding values for OLH were 30 and 55, respectively. The pasteurization effect under the CLH mode was better than the OLH one. The heat transfer was also affected by fluid flow (laminar and turbulence) patterns. The PU value was nonlinearly related to the FV. The optimal FV can be obtained at ∼50 mm/s.
Exploring the cyber governance discourse: A perspective from China
Authors: Wang Chunhui , Cheng Le , Pei Jiamin
Published: May 2020

This study aims to examine China's approach to the cyber governance, especially the discourse of Internet information, through a detailed investigation of the Provision on Ecological Governance of Internet Information Content. The findings in this study indicate that China's approach to the governance of Internet information possesses the following essential features: the clarification of the dialectical relationship between Internet freedom and order, the unification of carrying forward positive energy and restraining negative information, the people-oriented and bottom-up participatory approach to the ecological governance of Internet information, as well as the strictly prohibitive conducts of three key administrative counterparts. The underlying reasons for choosing such an ecological path to regulate the Internet information can be attributed to China's national configuration, including its political system, cultural tradition, status quo of the Internet development, and the pervasive cybersecurity challenges facing its society. It is thus argued that the governance of Internet information, characteristic of spatiality, can merely be construed within specific socio-political and cultural contexts. Albeit the spatiality of the governance of the Internet information, China's approach can serve as a model for other nations to develop their own governance discourses pertaining to the Internet information. This study aims not only to unpack the Chinese discourse of the ecological governance of Internet information but also to provide useful insights into the discourse and practices of global cyber governance.
Legal complexity and state obligations to the right to food: Towards an analytical shift of progressive realisation
Authors: Hadiprayitno Irene
Published: May 2020

The article aims to analyse what it means to study state obligations to progressive realization of the right to food from the perspective of legal complexity. This perspective studies law not in isolation, rather in the existence of multiple legal systems at socio-political space of states. The article highlights that employing legal complexity, particularly with its understanding on interlegality and space, may enable one to gain alternative insights in the ways that states measure their commitment to carry their obligations to respect, protect and fulfill the right to food.
An oriental face in international law scholarship: Contemporary value of Bin Cheng’s General Principles of Law as Applied by International Courts and Tribunals
Authors: Feng Shuo , Shen Wei
Published: May 2020

This article reviews the major contribution made by Professor Bin Cheng, a leading scholar in international law and air space law in our time. The uniqueness of Professor Bin Cheng was his deep engagement with the international law scholarship as a Chinese scholar in his generation and his tremendous academic contribution in the field. This article revisits his major book –General Principles of Law as Applied by International Courts and Tribunals, and connects his book with the time of crisis and anti-globalization faced by us right now. This book is highly relevant to international law scholarship, not only because of its relevance to the application of international law but also because of its methodology.
Existence of positive solutions of a new class of nonlocal p⁢(x)p(x)-Kirchhoff parabolic systems via sub-super-solutions concept
Authors: Zediri Sounia , Guefaifia Rafik , Boulaaras Salah
Published: May 2020

Motivated by the idea which has been introduced by Boulaaras and Guefaifia
[S. Boulaaras and R. Guefaifia,
Existence of positive weak solutions for a class of Kirchhoff elliptic systems with multiple parameters,
Math. Methods Appl. Sci. 41 2018, 13, 5203–5210] and by Afrouzi and Shakeri [G. A. Afrouzi, S. Shakeri and N. T. Chung,
Existence of positive solutions for variable exponent elliptic systems with multiple parameters,
Afr. Mat. 26 2015, 1–2, 159–168] combined with some properties of Kirchhoff-type
operators, we prove the existence of positive solutions for a new class of
nonlocal

p
⁢

(
x
)

{p(x)}

-Kirchhoff parabolic systems by using the sub- and super-solutions concept.
Efficacy of fenugreek seed extract on men's psychological and physical health: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Hausenblas Heather A. , Conway Kara L. , Coyle Kevin R.M. , Barton Emily , Smith Lacie D. , Esposito Michael , Harvey Charles , Oakes Dennis , Hooper David R.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Limited research has examined the effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) supplementation to improve healthy younger men's aging male symptoms. The study objective was to examine whether a fenugreek seed extract would improve healthy men's aging male symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), grip strength, and anxiety.

Methods

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was employed, using a parallel design, with assessments at baseline, Day 30, and Day 60. Healthy male volunteers (n = 57, mean age = 26.1 years) were randomized to: fenugreek 400 mg/d (n = 19), fenugreek 500 mg/d (n = 19), or placebo group (n = 19).

Results

The fenugreek groups reported significant improvements in aging male symptoms, anxiety levels, grip strength, and indicators of HRQoL compared to the placebo group, p's < 0.05. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Fenugreek supplementation is an effective nutritional intervention for improving aging male symptoms, anxiety levels, grip strength, and aspects of HRQoL in healthy recreationally active men. Future researchers are encouraged to examine the health and ergogenic effects of fenugreek supplementation in hypogonadal and older populations.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03528538.
The effect of practicing yoga during pregnancy on labor stages length, anxiety and pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohyadin Ellahe , Ghorashi Zohreh , Molamomanaei Zahra
Published: May 2020

Background

Anxiety and fear of labor pain has led to elevated cesarean section rate in some countries. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of yoga in pregnancy on anxiety, labor pain and length of labor stages.

Methods

This clinical trial study was performed on 84 nulliparous women who were at least 18 years old and were randomly divided into two groups of yoga and control groups. Pregnancy Yoga Program consisting of 6 60-min training sessions was started every 2 weeks from week 26 of pregnancy and continued until 37 weeks of gestation. Anxiety severity at maternal admission to labor was measured by the Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and labor pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at dilatation (4–5 cm) and 2 h after the first measurement. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square and t-test.

Results

Intervention group reported less pain at dilatation (4–5 cm) (p=0.001) and 2 h after the first measurement (p=0.001) than the control group. Stat anxiety was also lower in intervention group than the control group (p=0.003) at the entrance to labor room. Subjects in the control group required more induction compared to intervention group (p=0.003). Women in intervention group experienced shorter duration of the first phase of the labor than the control group (p=0.002). Also, the total duration of two stages of labor was shorter in intervention group than the control group (p=0.003).

Conclusions

Practicing yoga during pregnancy may reduce women’s anxiety during labor; shorten labor stages, and lower labor pain.
Improvement in impaired ocular accommodation by parietal acupoint therapy to relieve neck stiffness: a case report
Authors: Aoyama Naoki , Aso Hiroshi , Fujii Osamu , Mizoguchi Toru
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Neck stiffness could lead to impaired ocular accommodation. We report two cases that visual function was improved by relieving neck stiffness.

Case presentation

(Case 1) A 34-year-old female complained of neck stiffness and visual problems after computer work. She was treated by parietal acupoint therapy (PAPT), which is a new scalp micro-acupuncture system. The evaluation of accommodative micro-fluctuations (the Fk-map) showed that increased bilateral ciliary muscle tension in the middle to near distance was relieved bilaterally, accompanied by relief of neck stiffness after treatment. (Case 2) A 43-year-old female complained of a visual problem with pressure pain on the bilateral posterior cervical muscles. Performing with PAPT improved impaired ciliary muscle tension noticeably with relief of neck stiffness after treatment.

Conclusions

This is the first report on the improvement of impaired ocular accommodation with treating neck stiffness by using PAPT.
Waking up from Dreamland: Opioid Addiction Precipitance and Support for Redistributive Drug Treatment
Authors: Chavanne David , Goodyear Kimberly
Published: May 2020

Motivated by the historical components of the ongoing U.S. opioid epidemic, this study examines how public support for redistributive drug treatment changes with awareness that someone’s opioid addiction started with a legally acquired prescription. Using different versions of a vignette, we vary in a randomized design whether someone’s addiction to painkillers started with a legally acquired prescription or with the decision to take pills from a friend. After reading the vignette, participants expressed their level of support for a policy that uses income redistribution to fund a program that provides the person in the vignette with drug treatment. We find that participants are less likely to support redistributive drug treatment when a prescription precipitates the addiction. The results imply that emphasizing the medical establishment’s role in the opioid epidemic may actually make people less likely to favor using redistributive drug treatment to provide support.
The Origins of the Furnace Motif: From Magico-Religious Ritual to Early Modern Tale of Makeability
Authors: Wauters Wendy
Published: May 2020

The article delves into the fiery furnace motif and its evocations of the healing and makeability of men. Building on previous research conducted in religious history, art history and anthropology, a diachronic analysis of the textual and visual traditions of this motif is made. At its base lies the idea that the natural phenomenon of fire has a transformative power. This belief is present in several magico-religious rituals and in the visual imprint within Christian iconographical tradition. Both manifestations exist in conjunction and their evolution is intertwined. Herein lie the roots of the early modern secular motif of the furnace as a place of metaphorical transformation. Society may not have been aware of these previous attitudes, but the urban context does provide a fertile breeding ground for motifs such as The Rejuvenation Furnace and the so-called Baker of Eeklo. From the point of view of Christian ethics, it is interesting that the concentration of the furnace motif can serve as a seismograph of fluctuations in morality.
Making and Meaning-Making: The Antwerp Altarpiece in Ringsaker (c. 1530) across the Reformation
Authors: Bø Ragnhild M.
Published: May 2020

Antwerp altarpieces produced between c. 1500–1540 could be remarkably similar and have often been regarded as epitomising the shift from bespoke commissions to standardized objects made to be sold on an open market. The only (preserved) Antwerp altarpiece imported to Norway was commissioned by the priest Ansten Jonsson Skonk and put on display in the parish church of Ringsaker shortly before the Reformation was introduced in Denmark-Norway in 1537. Unique in Norway, the altarpiece is of uncommon character even within the larger body of preserved Antwerp pieces. When analysing the many idiosyncrasies of the Ringsaker altarpiece, it comes across as a deliberately versatile product: on the one hand it carefully reflects altarpieces and devotional practices known to Skonk; on the other, it also reflects contemporary religious disputes of northern Europe more broadly, substantiating the claim that (some) Antwerp workshops intentionally created “multi-confessional” artworks – seemingly to suit the patron(s) in question once installed.
Ex Meritis Praevisis: Predestination, Grace, and Free Will in intra-Jesuit Controversies (1587-1613)
Authors: Rai Eleonora
Published: May 2020

This article retraces the intra-Jesuit theological debates on the theology of salvation, including the relationship between the elements of predestination, God’s foreknowledge, Grace, and free will, in the delicate passage between the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries, and within the debates on Augustine’s theological legacy. Specifically, it explores the Flemish Jesuit Leonard Lessius’ theology and the discussions raised by it within the Society of Jesus, in order to show how soteriology has been central in the process of self-definition of the Jesuit identity in the Early Modern Age. This is particularly clear from the internal debates developed between Lessius, on the one hand, and General Claudio Acquaviva and curial theologian Roberto Bellarmino, on the other hand. Not only does the article investigate little known aspects of intra-Catholic theological debate in the post Tridentine period, but it also shows how deep pastoral and moral concerns strongly contributed to the rise of Lessius’ open-minded theology of salvation, which seemed to deprive God’s sovereign authority in favour of humankind’s free will, and human agency in the process of salvation.
Community Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Disaster Assistance: Ready, Willing or Able?
Authors: Wayne Nelson H. , Yang Bo Kyum , Ellen Netting F. , Monahan Erin
Published: May 2020

The high elder care death toll of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, pushed the federally mandated Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) into the unsought and unforeseen realm of disaster preparedness. This new role was an extension of the LTCOP’s historic resident’s rights investigative case advocacy. To assess if, how, and to what extent local ombudsmen adapted to this new function, 102 local LTCOP leaders completed a telephone survey based on the CMS Emergency Planning Checklist. This assessed their own and their programs’: (a) readiness to help facilities reduce disaster threats to residents, (b) familiarity with relevant disaster laws, rules, and resources; (c) readiness to help residents through the disaster cycle; and (d) levels of disaster training and/or their plans to provide such training to their staff and LTC stakeholders. Forty-two respondents (41.13%) had experienced a public disaster but over half or those responding (n = 56, 54.90%) felt fairly to somewhat prepared to help in a public crisis. After being ready to work away from their office during a crisis (

x
¯

$\overline{x}$

 = 4.14, SD = 1.00) respondents felt most prepared “to assist during nursing home emergency closure and evacuation” (

x
¯

$\overline{x}$

 = 3.86, SD = 1.09). t-tests revealed that respondents with a disaster experience were significantly more prepared in all assessed dimensions than as those without disaster experience. The study highlights the training needs of ombudsmen in high risk areas to better prepare them for disaster mitigation in nursing homes.
A Cornish revival? The nascent iconization of a post-obsolescent language
Authors: Dunmore Stuart
Published: May 2020

This article considers the case of Cornish, a Celtic language that was in decline in the south-west of Great Britain from the early medieval era until the end of the eighteenth century, when its last recorded native speakers died out. At the point when a language under pressure eventually succumbs to forces of language shift, its role in representations of a distinct sociocultural identity might be expected to die with the medium itself. Yet a sense of cohesion at the group level has been observed to endure long after a shift to another language has occurred, with the obsolescent variety retaining a role in the maintenance of group boundaries. In situations of language shift, the meanings of such social constructions can change considerably, and the obsolescent variety may retain ideological associations with the group as an iconized symbol of identity. The analysis presented in this paper is based on an examination of the historical record as well as a synthesis of recent sociological research on Cornish. Attention will be drawn specifically to the manner in which the language has functioned as an icon of identity since the nadir of its decline as a spoken vernacular, through the ‘Cornish Revival’ of the twentieth century to the present day.
Performance Analysis of Shift ZCC Codes and Multi Diagonal Codes in 100 Gbps MDM-FSO System
Authors: Kaur Rupinder , Singh Kuldeepak
Published: May 2020

With the rapid growth in the internet applications, pressure is observed on the optical communication systems. Free space optical communication (FSO) is very important alternative to the optical fiber because of elimination of licenses, trenching, and no cost of ways and saves the time of installation. Wavelength division is capacity enhancement multiplexing but due to large number of laser requirements, it becomes expensive. Mode division multiplexing (MDM) is suitable multiplexing technique because it needs only single laser and can support high data rates. Optical code division multiplexing and MDM is demonstrated in this work at 100 Gbps over FSO supporting 10 users. Multiple access interference is prominent issue in OCDMA codes and in order to suppress MAI, zero cross correlation codes are used and use of Laguerre Gaussian modes has been done. Different fog conditions are analyzed and two different OCDMA cods are incorporated as well as compared in the proposed system such as shift zero cross correlation codes and multi diagonal codes in terms of Q factor and BER.
Conventional/Phase Shift Dual Drive Mach–Zehnder Modulation Measured Type Based Radio over Fiber Systems
Authors: Amiri IS , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Rahman Ziaur , Paul Bikash Kumar , Ahmed Kawsar
Published: May 2020

This work clarified the conventional/phase shift dual Mach–Zehnder modulation measured technique for upgrading radio over fiber (ROF) systems. Four levels of pulse amplitude modulation and non-return to zero code scheme are employed in different previous studies for upgrading ROF systems. The possible transmission distance is extended to 150 km and a bit rate of 40 Gb/s for achieved acceptable max. Q factor of 13.7498 and minimum bit error rates of 1.82×10–43. The total optical received power is measured at fiber cable length for maximum distance. Also, in the same way, the signal power levels are measured after fiber optic cable and avalanche photo detector optical receiver. The proposed model has presented the enhancement percentage ratio of 13.654% over the previous models in signal quality enhancement.
Effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 in adolescent girls
Authors: Khorasanchi Zahra , Bahrami Afsane , Tavallaee Shima , Mazloum Khorasani Zahra , Afkhamizadeh Mozhgan , Khodashenas Ezzat , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: May 2020

Background

Although vitamin D deficiency is associated with several inflammatory conditions, there have been few studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on markers of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on heat shock protein 27 antibody (anti-Hsp27) titers in adolescent girls.

Methods

Five hundred and fifty adolescent girls received vitamin D3 at a dose of 50,000 IU/week for 9 weeks. Demographic, clinical and biochemical markers including serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile and anti-Hsp27 titers as well as hematological parameters including white blood cell (WBC) count and red blood cell (RBC) distribution width (RDW) were determined in all the subjects at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results

Serum vitamin D significantly increased from 6.4 (4.2–9.6) ng/mL to 35.6 (25.8–47.5) ng/mL (p < 0.001) following the intervention. Furthermore, serum anti-Hsp27 titers were significantly lower after the 9-week vitamin D administration period (0.22 [0.12–0.33] optical density [OD] vs. 0.19 [0.11–0.31] OD; p = 0.002). A significant correlation was found between serum anti-Hsp27 and RDW (r = 0.13, p = 0.037). The reduction in RDW values after intervention was particularly evident in subjects with the greatest increase in serum vitamin D levels.

Conclusions

High-dose vitamin D supplementation was found to reduce antibody titers to Hsp27. Further randomized placebo-controlled trials are warranted to determine the long-term effect of vitamin D administration on the inflammatory process especially that associated with chronic disease.
Isolated premature menarche in two siblings with Neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Blackburn James , Didi Mohammed , Avula Shivaram , Senniappan Senthil
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, caused by mutation in NF1. The condition is typified by the development of benign and malignant tumours in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Isolated menarche is a sub-classification of incomplete isosexual precocious puberty typified by menarche in girls with no other features of pubertal development. The effects of NF1 on pubertal timing are poorly understood, we report two siblings with NF1 and apparent abnormal pubertal development.

Case Presentation

Two siblings were referred to the tertiary paediatric endocrinology clinic at 6 and 7 years of age with recurrent, cyclical vaginal bleeding. There was a strong family history of NF1, the mother of the siblings and two brothers were also diagnosed at a young age. On examination both patients were prepubertal at presentation. Both siblings underwent a gonadotrophin releasing hormone test, which revealed a follicle-stimulating hormone dominant (prepubertal) response. The features were suggestive of isolated premature menarche as no other cause was identified. The elder sibling established menarche and developed signs of consonant pubertal development at 12 years of age. The younger sibling remains under regular follow-up.

Conclusions

NF1 has previously been associated with alterations in pubertal timing. We report, for the first time, two siblings with NF1 who presented with isolated menarche.
Mucopolysaccharidosis III in Mainland China: natural history, clinical and molecular characteristics of 34 patients
Authors: Kong Weijing , Meng Yan , Zou Liping , Yang Guang , Wang Jing , Shi Xiuyu
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Sanfilippo syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis III, MPS III) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease, which is caused by lysosomal enzyme deficiency. This study was operated to investigate clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with MPS III, which will improve the diagnosis and treatment of MPS III.

Method

Thirty four patients with MPS III were assessed using clinical evaluation, questionnaire, and scoring system.

Results

Among the 34 patients, 14 had MPS IIIA, 19 had MPS III B, and one had MPS III C. Speech delay (100%) and intellectual disability (100%) were the most prevalent clinical manifestations in this cohort, followed by hyperactivity (94.12%), hirsutism (91.18%), enlarged head circumference (73.52%), repeated diarrhea (67.64%), sparse teeth (67.64%), and Mongolian spots (64.71%). There were two clinical manifestations that were significantly different between IIIA and IIIB: Hepatosplenomegaly and serrated teeth. The most common initial symptoms at diagnosis were speech delay (52.94%), hyperactivity (35.29%), and mental retardation (29.41%). Genetic analysis of 25 patients was conducted, which identified 12 novel mutations.

Conclusion

When language retardation, mental retardation, and rough facial features occurred, MPS III should be considered. At same time, more examination should be operated, such as examination of changes in cranial magnetic resonance imaging of cerebral cortex atrophy. Hepatosplenomegaly and serrated teeth could be used clinically to preliminarily distinguish IIIA from IIIB.
Genetic characteristics and follow-up of patients with fatty acid β-oxidation disorders through expanded newborn screening in a Northern Chinese population
Authors: Wang Shuting , Leng Junhong , Diao Chengming , Wang Yuan , Zheng Rongxiu
Published: May 2020

Background

Fatty acid β-oxidation disorders (FAODs) include more than 15 distinct disorders and have a wide variety of symptoms, usually not evident between episodes of acute decompensation. After the introduction of newborn screening (NBS) using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), early identification of FAODs has become feasible. We analyzed the MS/MS results in Tianjin, China during a six-year period to evaluate the incidence, disease spectrum, and genetic characteristics of FAODs.

Methods

We analyzed the MS/MS results for screening FAODs from May 2013 to December 2018 in Tianjin, China. Infants with positive screening results were confirmed through next-generation sequencing and validated by Sanger sequencing.

Results

A total of 220,443 infants were screened and 25 FAODs patients were identified (1:8,817). Primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) with an incidence rate up to 1:20,040 was the most common disorder among all FAODs. Recurrent mutations of relatively common diseases, like PCD and short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD), were identified. During the follow-up, two patients suffered from sudden death due to carnitine palmitoyl transferase-Ⅱ deficiency (CPT Ⅱ) and very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD).

Conclusion

Our data indicated that FAODs are relatively common in Tianjin and may even cause infant death in certain cases. The elucidated disease spectrum and genetic backgrounds elucidated in this study may contribute to the treatment and prenatal genetic counseling of FAODs.
Children with onset-ketoacidosis are admitted to the nearest hospital available, regardless of center size
Authors: Nagl Katrin , Rosenbauer Joachim , Neu Andreas , Kapellen Thomas M. , Karges Beate , Rojacher Tanja , Hermann Julia , Rami-Merhar Birgit , Holl Reinhard W.
Published: May 2020

Background

To investigate longitudinal trends of admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) and subsequent duration of hospitalization in association with structural health care properties, such as size of treatment facility, population density and linear distance between home and treatment centers.

Methods

Data from 24,321 German and Austrian pediatric patients with newly-diagnosed T1D between 2008 and 2017 within the DPV registry were analyzed.

Results

Onset-DKA rates fluctuated at around 19% and slightly increased over the observation period (p<0.001). Compared to children without onset-DKA, children with onset-DKA were more frequently treated at centers located closer to their homes, independent of center size or urbanity. Annual median duration of hospitalization decreased from 13.1 (12.6;13.6) to 12.7 (12.3;13.2) days (p<0.001). It was highest in patients younger than 5 years, with migration background, and in severe DKA.

Conclusion

Patients with onset-DKA are admitted to the nearest hospital, independent of center size. Facilities close to patients’ homes therefore play an important role in the acute management of T1D onset. In Germany and Austria, diabetes education at diagnosis is mainly performed in inpatient settings. This is reflected by a long duration of hospitalization, which has decreased only slightly over the past decade.