bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a clinical decision tool to reduce diagnostic testing for primary aldosteronism in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension
Authors: van Kleef Monique E. A. M. , Visseren Frank L. J. , Westerink Jan , Bots Michiel L. , Blankestijn Peter J. , van der Graaf Yolanda , Spiering Wilko
Published: April 2020

Background

Satisfactory tools to preclude low-risk patients from intensive diagnostic testing for primary aldosteronism (PA) are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to develop a decision tool to determine which patients with difficult-to-control hypertension have a low probability of PA, thereby limiting the exposure to invasive testing while at the same time increasing the efficiency of testing in the remaining patients.

Methods

Data from consecutive patients with difficult-to-control hypertension, analysed through a standardized diagnostic protocol between January 2010 and October 2017 (n = 824), were included in this cross-sectional study. PA was diagnosed by a combined approach: 1) elevated aldosterone-to-renin ratio (> 5.0 pmol/fmol/s), confirmed with 2) non-suppressible aldosterone after standardized saline infusion (≥280 pmol/L). Multivariable logistic regression analyses including seven pre-specified clinical variables (age, systolic blood pressure, serum potassium, potassium supplementation, serum sodium, eGFR and HbA1c) was performed. After correction for optimism, test reliability, discriminative performance and test characteristics were determined.

Results

PA was diagnosed in 40 (4.9%) of 824 patients. Predicted probabilities of PA agreed well with observed frequencies and the c-statistic was 0.77 (95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.70–0.83). Predicted probability cut-off values of 1.0–2.5% prevented unnecessary testing in 8–32% of the patients with difficult-to-control hypertension, carrying sensitivities of 0.98 (95%CI 0.96–0.99) and 0.92 (0.83–0.97), and negative predictive values of 0.99 (0.98–1.00) and 0.99 (0.97–0.99).

Conclusions

With a decision tool, based on seven easy-to-measure clinical variables, patients with a low probability of PA can be reliably selected and a considerable proportion of patients with difficult-to-control hypertension can be spared intensive diagnostic testing.
Inhibitory effect of novel Eugenol Tosylate Congeners on pathogenicity of Candida albicans
Authors: Lone Shabir Ahmad , Ahmad Aijaz
Published: April 2020

Background

The global prevalence of fungal diseases is increasing rapidly, which affects more than a billion people every year with significant mortality rate. On the other hand, the development of new drugs to treat these fungal infections is slow, while the current antifungal therapy is insufficient and associated with adverse side effects and emerging multidrug resistance. Therefore, development of novel antifungal drugs with least or no toxicity and multi-target mechanisms of action is an immediate priority. Natural products have long been known to possess antimicrobial activities and are source of new drugs. Currently, modifying natural products to synthesize derivatives/analogues are of great scientific focus for discovering novel drugs with improved potency and safety. Modifications in eugenol to synthesize eugenol derivatives with enhanced antifungal activity have already been reported.

Methods

In this study, three most active novel eugenol tosylate congeners (ETC-5, ETC-6 and ETC-7) were selected from our previous study to investigate their effect on major virulence factors of Candida albicans which include adherence, morphogenesis, hydrolytic enzymes secretion, biofilm formation and on expression of genes related to these virulence factors. Adherence and biofilm formation were studied by alamarBlue dye and XTT reduction assays respectively, hydrolytic enzyme secretion was evaluated by plate assays. Further, morphological transition was monitored microscopically and RT-qPCR was used to assess the gene expression levels.

Results

ETCs significantly inhibited adherence in C. albicans with an inhibition range of 16–66%, and completely inhibited the morphogenesis at MIC values. Inhibition of proteinase and phospholipase activity was in the range of 2–48% and 8–34% respectively. Test compounds also significantly inhibit biofilm formation in C. albicans in the range of 7–77%. Furthermore, RT-qPCR results indicated a significant down regulation in expression levels of genes (ALS1, ALS2, ALS3, ALS9, CPH1, HWP1, SAP1, SAP2, SAP3 and PLB1) in C. albicans cells after treated with ETCs.

Conclusion

The results indicated that these novel ETCs target major virulence factors of C. albicans and avert this commensal microbe to turn into pathogenic. However, further in-depth studies may facilitate the mechanisms involved by ETCs in targeting these virulence factors.
Mapping the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ) to EQ-5D-5L in patients with heart failure
Authors: Kularatna Sanjeewa , Senanayake Sameera , Chen Gang , Parsonage William
Published: April 2020

Background

Mapping algorithms can be used to convert scores from a non-preference based instrument to health state utilities. The objective of this study was to develop mapping algorithms which will enable the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) scores to be converted into EQ-5D-5L utility scores that can be used in heart failure related cost utility studies.

Method

Patients diagnosed with heart failure were recruited from Australia. Mapping algorithms were developed using both direct and indirect response mapping approach. Three model specifications were considered to predict the EQ-5D-5 L utility score using MLHFQ total score (Model 1), MLHFQ domain scores (Model 2), or MLHFQ item scores (Model 3). Six regression techniques, each of which has the capability to cope with either skewness, heteroscedasticity, ceiling effects and/or the potential presence of outliers in the data set were used to identify the optimal mapping functions for each of the three models. Goodness-of-fit of the models were assessed using six indicators. In the absence of an external validation dataset, predictive performance of was assessed using three-fold cross validation method. In the indirect response mapping, EQ. 5D 5 L responses were predicted separately using the MLHFQ item scores using ordered logit model.

Results

A total of 141 patients participated in the study. The lowest mean absolute error (MAE) was recorded from the multivariable fractional polynomials (MFP) model in all three-model specifications. Regarding the indirect response mapping, results showed that the performance was comparable with the direct mapping approach based on root mean squared error (RMSE) but was worse based on MAE.

Conclusion

The MLHFQ can be mapped onto EQ-5D-5 L utilities with good predictive accuracy using both direct and indirect response mapping techniques. The reported mapping algorithms would facilitate calculation of health utility for economic evaluations related to heart failure.
Translating insights from neuropsychiatric genetics and genomics for precision psychiatry
Authors: Rees Elliott , Owen Michael J.
Published: April 2020

The primary aim of precision medicine is to tailor healthcare more closely to the needs of individual patients. This requires progress in two areas: the development of more precise treatments and the ability to identify patients or groups of patients in the clinic for whom such treatments are likely to be the most effective. There is widespread optimism that advances in genomics will facilitate both of these endeavors. It can be argued that of all medical specialties psychiatry has most to gain in these respects, given its current reliance on syndromic diagnoses, the minimal foundation of existing mechanistic knowledge, and the substantial heritability of psychiatric phenotypes. Here, we review recent advances in psychiatric genomics and assess the likely impact of these findings on attempts to develop precision psychiatry. Emerging findings indicate a high degree of polygenicity and that genetic risk maps poorly onto the diagnostic categories used in the clinic. The highly polygenic and pleiotropic nature of psychiatric genetics will impact attempts to use genomic data for prediction and risk stratification, and also poses substantial challenges for conventional approaches to gaining biological insights from genetic findings. While there are many challenges to overcome, genomics is building an empirical platform upon which psychiatry can now progress towards better understanding of disease mechanisms, better treatments, and better ways of targeting treatments to the patients most likely to benefit, thus paving the way for precision psychiatry.
EM-mosaic detects mosaic point mutations that contribute to congenital heart disease
Authors: Hsieh Alexander , Morton Sarah U. , Willcox Jon A. L. , Gorham Joshua M. , Tai Angela C. , Qi Hongjian , DePalma Steven , McKean David , Griffin Emily , Manheimer Kathryn B. , Bernstein Daniel , Kim Richard W. , Newburger Jane W. , Porter George A. , Srivastava Deepak , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Brueckner Martina , Lifton Richard P. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Gelb Bruce D. , Chung Wendy K. , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman J. G. , Shen Yufeng
Published: April 2020

Background

The contribution of somatic mosaicism, or genetic mutations arising after oocyte fertilization, to congenital heart disease (CHD) is not well understood. Further, the relationship between mosaicism in blood and cardiovascular tissue has not been determined.

Methods

We developed a new computational method, EM-mosaic (Expectation-Maximization-based detection of mosaicism), to analyze mosaicism in exome sequences derived primarily from blood DNA of 2530 CHD proband-parent trios. To optimize this method, we measured mosaic detection power as a function of sequencing depth. In parallel, we analyzed our cohort using MosaicHunter, a Bayesian genotyping algorithm-based mosaic detection tool, and compared the two methods. The accuracy of these mosaic variant detection algorithms was assessed using an independent resequencing method. We then applied both methods to detect mosaicism in cardiac tissue-derived exome sequences of 66 participants for which matched blood and heart tissue was available.

Results

EM-mosaic detected 326 mosaic mutations in blood and/or cardiac tissue DNA. Of the 309 detected in blood DNA, 85/97 (88%) tested were independently confirmed, while 7/17 (41%) candidates of 17 detected in cardiac tissue were confirmed. MosaicHunter detected an additional 64 mosaics, of which 23/46 (50%) among 58 candidates from blood and 4/6 (67%) of 6 candidates from cardiac tissue confirmed. Twenty-five mosaic variants altered CHD-risk genes, affecting 1% of our cohort. Of these 25, 22/22 candidates tested were confirmed. Variants predicted as damaging had higher variant allele fraction than benign variants, suggesting a role in CHD. The estimated true frequency of mosaic variants above 10% mosaicism was 0.14/person in blood and 0.21/person in cardiac tissue. Analysis of 66 individuals with matched cardiac tissue available revealed both tissue-specific and shared mosaicism, with shared mosaics generally having higher allele fraction.

Conclusions

We estimate that ~ 1% of CHD probands have a mosaic variant detectable in blood that could contribute to cardiac malformations, particularly those damaging variants with relatively higher allele fraction. Although blood is a readily available DNA source, cardiac tissues analyzed contributed ~ 5% of somatic mosaic variants identified, indicating the value of tissue mosaicism analyses.
“Pick up anything that moves”: a qualitative analysis of a police crackdown against people who use drugs in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Morales Mario , Rafful Claudia , Baker Pieter , Arredondo Jaime , Kang Sunyou , Mittal Maria L. , Rocha-Jiménez Teresita , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Beletsky Leo
Published: April 2020

Background

Homeless people who use drugs (PWUD) are often displaced, detained, and/or forced into drug treatment during police crackdowns. Such operations follow a zero-tolerance approach to law enforcement and have a deleterious impact on the health of PWUD. In Mexico, municipal police officers (MPOs) conducted the largest crackdown documented at the Tijuana River Canal (Tijuana Mejora) to dismantle an open drug market. We analyzed active-duty MPOs’ attitudes on the rationale, implementation, and outcomes of the crackdown. We also included the involvement of non-governmental allies in the disguised imprisonment as drug treatment referral and potential legal consequences of having illegally detained PWUD.

Methods

Between February–June 2016, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with MPOs in Tijuana. Interviews were transcribed, translated and coded using a consensus-based approach. Emergent themes, trends and frameworks were analyzed through a hermeneutic grounded theory protocol.

Results

Participants recognized the limitations of Tijuana Mejora in effectively controlling crime and addressing drug treatment solutions. MPOs perceived that the intent of the operation was to displace and detain homeless PWUD, not to assist or rehabilitate them. The police operation was largely justified as a public safety measure to reduce the risk of injury due to flooding, decrease drug consumption among PWUD and protect local tourism from PWUD. Some participants perceived the crackdown as a successful public health and safety measure while others highlighted occupational risks to MPOs and potential human rights violations of PWUD.

Conclusions

Tijuana Mejora illustrated why public and private actors align in enforcing zero-tolerance drug policy. Perceptions of care are often based on captivity of the diseased, not in health and well-being of PWUD. Officer perceptions shed light on the many limitations of this punitive policing tool in this context. A shift towards evidence-based municipal strategies to address drug use, wherein police are perceived as partners in harm reduction rather than antagonists, is warranted.
Physical property evolution of granite during experimental chemical stimulation
Authors: Farquharson Jamie I. , Kushnir Alexandra R. L. , Wild Bastien , Baud Patrick
Published: April 2020

The Soultz-sous-Forêts geothermal reservoir (France)—in particular, the GPK-4 well—has been proposed as a target for chemical stimulation under the DESTRESS Horizon-2020 framework. With a combination of batch reaction tests and acid flow-through experiments using hydrochloric acid (HCl) at different molarities and temperatures, we investigate the potential for acid-induced permeability enhancement of a granite analogous to the Soultz-sous-Forêts reservoir rock, by means of acid stimulation. In the batch reaction experiments, we find that the propensity for increase or decrease in porosity and permeability depends on the physico-chemical properties of the starting material: unaltered granite underwent a significant increase in both porosity and permeability relative to its initial state, altered granite exhibited a moderate increase in both porosity and permeability (modulated slightly by HCl molarity), whereas initially more porous and permeable thermally and naturally fractured granite exhibited an increase in porosity accompanied by a relative decrease in permeability. The extent to which permeability increased or decreased appears to be tied to the initial fluid-flow characteristics of the material. Using a new, custom-built acid permeameter, flow-through tests were performed on unaltered granite, while the acid was sampled at regular time intervals. Element release into solution recorded throughout the experiments, indicated dissolution of granite minerals. Despite this operative micromechanism, however, the absolute change in sample permeability is limited, both at room temperature and at $$100\, ^{\circ } \hbox {C}$$

100

∘

C

. Ultimately, these data suggest that the potential for geothermal reservoir enhancement using HCl is low at Soultz-sous-Forêts. Nevertheless, the possibility remains that a more targeted thermal or chemical stimulation approach—or hybrid thereof—could prove effective in the future.
Knockdown of long non-coding RNA HOTAIR reverses cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells through inhibiting miR-138-5p-regulated EZH2 and SIRT1
Authors: Zhang Yun , Ai Hao , Fan Xue , Chen Suxian , Wang Yadi , Liu Lili
Published: April 2020

Background

Cisplatin resistance (DDP-resistance) remains one of the major causes of poor prognosis in females with ovarian cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to participate in the regulation of cellular processes, including chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to explore the role of HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells.

Methods

DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3/DDP and A2780/DDP) were established. Real-time PCR, western blot, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and flow cytometry were then used to evaluate the effect of HOTAIR/miR-138-5p axis on chemoresistance of DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells to DDP.

Results

We found that HOTAIR was upregulated in DDP-resistant cells, while miR-138-5p was downregulated. Knockdown of HOTAIR increased the expression of miR-138-5p in DDP-resistant cells and miR-138-5p is directly bound to HOTAIR. Upregulation of miR-138-5p induced by HOTAIR siRNA or by its mimics enhanced the chemosensitivity of DDP-resistant cells and decreased the expression of EZH2 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit) and SIRT1 (sirtuin 1). Furthermore, the HOTAIR silencing-induced chemosensitivity of DDP-resistant cells was weakened by miR-138-5p inhibitor.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that HOTAIR acts as a sponge of miR-138-5p to prevent its binding to EZH2 and SIRT1, thereby promoting DDP-resistance of ovarian cancer cells. Our work will shed light on the development of therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer treatment.
A feasibility, acceptability and fidelity study of a multifaceted behaviour change intervention targeting free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community dwelling adult stroke survivors
Authors: Moore Sarah A. , Avery Leah , Price Christopher I. M. , Flynn Darren
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite the benefits of physical activity for walking ability, balance, and mood, less than 30% of stroke survivors engage in recommended levels of physical activity with high levels of sedentary behaviour observed. This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of a theory- and evidence-based multifaceted behaviour change intervention targeting free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour after stroke.

Methods

This study will be set in community stroke services in the North East of England and will assess the feasibility of a behaviour change intervention targeting free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour of stroke survivors and consultation behaviour of the healthcare professionals to support stroke survivors to make these lifestyle changes. Up to 35 stroke survivors currently receiving stroke rehabilitation within the study catchment area with capacity and no contraindications to increasing physical activity/reducing sedentary behaviour will be recruited. Stroke survivors will receive a supported self-management physical activity/sedentary behaviour programme incorporating provision of information, goal setting, action planning, barrier identification, coping planning, self-monitoring and feedback on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The programme will be supported by up to 12 healthcare professionals (HCPs) recruited from the community stroke services taking part in the study. The HCPs will deliver at least two face-to-face sessions (baseline, review and subsequent reviews if necessary) and provide a range of personalised tools to support each individual stroke survivor (e.g. workbook, self-monitoring tools, information on local resources). The consultation behaviour of the HCPs will be targeted via a training programme incorporating face-to-face training, a training manual and individual feedback on intervention programme delivery from the study research team. The feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of the study protocol will be assessed.

Discussion

The most effective methods of supporting stroke survivors to alter physical activity and sedentary behaviour have yet to be established. This study will establish the feasibility of delivering a complex theory- and evidence-based intervention targeting the behaviour of both stroke survivors and HCPs and assess whether it is acceptable to the target populations. Findings will inform the iterative development of the intervention before a larger scale evaluation.

Trial registration

Trial register: Trial identifier: ISRCTN35516780, date of registration: 24/10/2018
The limitations to our understanding of peer review
Authors: Tennant Jonathan P. , Ross-Hellauer Tony
Published: April 2020

Peer review is embedded in the core of our knowledge generation systems, perceived as a method for establishing quality or scholarly legitimacy for research, while also often distributing academic prestige and standing on individuals. Despite its critical importance, it curiously remains poorly understood in a number of dimensions. In order to address this, we have analysed peer review to assess where the major gaps in our theoretical and empirical understanding of it lie. We identify core themes including editorial responsibility, the subjectivity and bias of reviewers, the function and quality of peer review, and the social and epistemic implications of peer review. The high-priority gaps are focused around increased accountability and justification in decision-making processes for editors and developing a deeper, empirical understanding of the social impact of peer review. Addressing this at the bare minimum will require the design of a consensus for a minimal set of standards for what constitutes peer review, and the development of a shared data infrastructure to support this. Such a field requires sustained funding and commitment from publishers and research funders, who both have a commitment to uphold the integrity of the published scholarly record. We use this to present a guide for the future of peer review, and the development of a new research discipline based on the study of peer review.
Successful treatment of pleuroperitoneal communication with pleurodesis using autologous blood in a patient with severe heart failure undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a case report and brief literature review
Authors: Tatematsu Satoru , Hosoya Koji , Ryuzaki Munekazu
Published: April 2020

Background

Pleuroperitoneal communication is a potential complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Of the various treatment strategies for pleuroperitoneal communication, successful treatment with pleurodesis using autologous blood has rarely been reported.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old man with end-stage kidney disease secondary to diabetic nephropathy and severe heart failure was placed on PD. He developed right-sided hydrothorax after the commencement of PD. Technetium-99m macro-aggregated human serum albumin peritoneal scintigraphy revealed pleuroperitoneal communication. PD was temporarily discontinued and substituted with hemodialysis. Subsequently, the levels of pleural fluid decreased. However, the resumption of PD exacerbated the hydrothorax. After thoracentesis, 50 mL of autologous blood was instilled into the right pleural cavity. There were no complications related to the procedure. PD was reinitiated 5 days after pleurodesis. Repeated chest X-rays did not depict any evidence of recurrent hydrothorax over the subsequent 10 months.

Conclusions

Pleurodesis using autologous blood was effective for pleuroperitoneal communication and was evidently safe in our patient. It should be considered in patients with severe heart failure since it is minimally invasive.
Application of Adomian decomposition method to free vibration analysis of thin isotropic rectangular plates submerged in fluid
Authors: Sobamowo Gbeminiyi M. , Salawu Saheed A. , Yinusa Ahmed A.
Published: April 2020

Investigating dynamic free vibration response of isotropic thin rectangular plate resting on two-parameter elastic foundation is of interest in the field of geotechnics, structure, highway, railway and mechanical engineering. This study employs analytical approach to the investigation of free vibration analysis of isotropic rectangular plate submerged in fluid and resting on combined elastic foundations under different support conditions. The nonlinear partial differential equation of the system is transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equation using the Galerkin method of separation. The resulting ordinary differential equation is solved using Adomian decomposition method (ADM). The reliability of the solutions obtained is validated with numerical and existing results as reported in the literature. Also, the bending moment and stress are analysed. The analytical solutions are used for the investigation of dynamic behaviour of plates in fluid, effect of aspect ratio, effect of elastic foundation parameters on natural frequency and effect of bending moment and stress on the mode of the vibrating plate. From the results, it is observed that the increase in elastic foundation parameter increases the natural frequency. Increasing the aspect ratio increases the natural frequency. Increasing the combined elastic foundation parameters increases the natural frequency. Natural frequency of plates reduces when submerged in fluid with the mode shapes not significantly affected. The node and antinodes of the mode shapes are affected by moment and stress. It is expected that the present study will add to the existing knowledge in the field of vibration of plates.
Tobacco Smoking a Potential Risk Factor in Transmission of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Ahmed Naseer , Maqsood Afsheen , Abduljabbar Tariq , Vohra Fahim
Published: April 2020

Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic and is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) group of viruses. To date, April 25, 2020, more than 2.4 million humans are infected and more than a hundred thousand deaths have been reported from more than 200 countries from COVID-19. There is no evidence-based treatment for the infection and prevention of transmission using social distancing, isolation and hygiene measures is widely recommended. Tobacco smoking is rampant in communities around the globe and the addiction to tobacco results in deaths of more than 8 million individuals each year. As COVID-19 transmits through salivary droplets and causes severe lung pneumonia, tobacco smokers are also at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection due to poor lung function, cross-infection and susceptible hygiene habits. Smoking tobacco (cigarette, e-cigarettes or waterpipe) produces exhaled smoke, coughing or sneezing, aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 in the surroundings and contaminating surfaces. Therefore, smoking tobacco is a possible mode of transmission for the virus for both active and passive smokers. Smoking should be considered a risk factor for the disease transmission until further availability of evidence and measures to limit its direct and indirect effects should be implemented within the community.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2739

How to cite this:Ahmed N, Maqsood A, Abduljabbar T, Vohra F. Tobacco Smoking a Potential Risk Factor in Transmission of COVID-19 Infection. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S104-S107. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2739

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Covid-19: Invisible, Elusive and the Advancing Enemy
Authors: Shafi Khalid Mahmood , Meo Anusha Sultan , Khalid Rohaan
Published: April 2020

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2758

How to cite this:Shafi KM, Meo AS, Khalid R. Covid-19: Invisible, Elusive and the Advancing Enemy. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S138-S139. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2758

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Combinations of propolis and Ca(OH)2 in dental pulp capping treatment for the stimulation of reparative dentin formation in a rat model
Authors: Rahayu Retno Pudji , Pribadi Nirawati , Widjiastuti Ira , Nugrahani Nur Ariska
Published: April 2020

Background:Caries in the dental pulp result in inflammation and damage to the pulp tissue. During inflammation of the pulp, various inflammatory mediators and growth factors are released, including IL-8, IL-10, TLR-2, VEGF and TGF-β through the NF-kB pathway. In the present study, therapy for pulpal caries was performed through pulp capping by giving a combination of propolis and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). This treatment was expected to stimulate the formation of reparative dentin as an anti-inflammatory material to prevent pulp tissue damage.

Methods:28 Wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated with Ca(OH)2 with or without the addition of propolis for either 7 or 14 days. Immunohistochemical examination was used to determine the expression of IL-8, IL-10, TLR-2, VEGF, TGF-β in the four treatment groups.

Results:The group treated with a combination of propolis and Ca(OH)2 for 7 days showed that the expression of IL-10, IL-8, TLR-2, VEGF, TGF-β increased significantly compared to the treatment group treated with only Ca(OH)2. The expression of IL-10, TLR-2, TGF-β, VEGF increased in the treatment group treated with propolis and Ca(OH)2 for 14 days, while the expression of IL-8 in the decreased significantly.

Conclusions:Administration of a combination of propolis and Ca(OH)2 has efficacy in the pulp capping treatment process because it has anti-bacterial and immunomodulatory properties. The results show that it is able to stimulate the process of pulp tissue repair through increased expression of IL-10, TGF-β, VEGF, TLR -2 and decreased expression of IL-8.
Cooking with biomass fuel and cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study among rural villagers in Phitsanulok, Thailand
Authors: Juntarawijit Chudchawal , Juntarawijit Yuwayong
Published: April 2020

Background: Burning biomass fuel is a major source of indoor air pollution; about 40% of Thai people still use biomass for cooking. There is increasing evidence of the association between biomass smoke exposure and serious health effects including cardiovascular disease. The object of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between biomass use for household cooking and cardiovascular outcome, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and stroke among rural villagers in Phitsanulok, Thailand. 

Methods: Data from 1078 households were collected using a face-to-face interview questionnaire.

Results: After being adjusted for gender, age, cigarette smoke, secondhand smoke, and exposure to other sources of air pollution, it was found that the family members of cooks using biomass fuel were at risk of coronary heart disease (CHD; OR=4.35; 95%CI 0.10–18.97), high blood pressure (HBP; OR=1.61; 95%CI 1.10–2.35), high cholesterol (HC; OR=2.74; 95%CI 1.66–4.53), and diabetes (OR= 1.88; 95%CI 1.03–3.46). Compared to LPG use, using wood was associated with stroke (OR=7.64; 95%CI 1.18–49.61), and using charcoal was associated with HC (OR=1.52; 95%CI 1.04–2.24). Compared to never user, household cooks who sometimes use charcoal had an increased risk of HBP (OR=2.04; 95%CI 1.32–3.15), HC (OR=2.61; 95%CI 1.63–4.18), and diabetes (OR=2.09; 95%CI 1.17–3.73); and cooks who often use charcoal had an elevated risk of stroke (OR=3.17; 95%CI 1.04–9.71), and HC (OR=1.52; 95%CI 1.02–2.27) to their family members.

Conclusions: The study results were consistent with those found in studies from other parts of the world, and supports that exposure to biomass smoke increase cardiovascular diseases. The issue should receive more attention, and promotion of clean fuel use is a prominent action.
Specific Risk of Radiogenic Cancer for Professionals
Authors: Demin V. , Biryukov A. , Sedankin M. , Solov'ev V.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Analysis of the dependence of the probability of death due to radiogenic cancer on the dose level, on the nature of exposure to ionizing radiation (IR), on age when exposed to IR and on the age of its effect, etc., to support decisions on medical and social measures to protect workers in hazardous industries.

Material and methods: Calculation formulas for risk assessment are given using the multiplicative and additive risk models for one-time and extended exposure to IR. Medical and demographic data for the urban population of the Chelyabinsk region for 1989 were taken as necessary baseline data for risk assessment. The risk was calculated using the combined BEIR VII and EPA models.

Results: The risk is calculated in terms of annual or lifetime risk of death from spontaneous and radiogenic solid cancer for two scenarios of occupational exposure to IR (single and extended), for a set dose of 0.5; 1; 2 Sv and different ages of survival of a person who started work in production at the age of 20.

Conclusions: 1. For small and moderate doses (D ≤ 1 Sv), prolonged exposure in the age range of 20–30 years leads to less risk than with short-term exposure at the age of 20 years with the same dose. This effect is absent for irradiation after 30 years. 2. The risk of death from spontaneous solid cancer is somewhat less for exposed people than for non-exposed people. Reason: radiogenic cancer begins to compete with spontaneous one. 3. With relatively small integral doses (< 1 Sv), the radiogenic risk linearly depends on the dose. At moderate and high doses (≥ 1 Sv), for continuous extended exposure the dose dependence becomes nonlinear. 4. The probability of causation of death from radiogenic solid cancer for older people and for doses of D ≥ 1 Sv becomes significant, especially for women (30 % and more in relation to spontaneous solid cancer). 5. The lifetime risk of radiogenic cancer from the dose received at working age decreases significantly with age when it reaches 60 years of age.
Townscapes, Gentlemen and Bizarre Characters: The Importance of Natsume Sōseki's Studies in London
Authors: Sonnenberg-Musiał Katarzyna
Published: April 2020

The article focuses on Natsume Sōseki’s letters, diaries and sketches related to his stay in London from 1900 till the end of 1902. It presents passages from his correspondence with his wife and friends in which he describes his surroundings, his mindset and the people he meets while abroad. It also explores the autobiographical sketches: The Carlyle Museum (1905) and Spring Miscellany (1909), analysing the images and narrative techniques which anticipate Sōseki’s later development as a writer.
Colonización campesina, identidad y acuerdos comunitarios: la Línea Amarilla como experiencia de protección del bosque
Authors: Quijano Mejía Claudia , Alfonso León Daniel
Published: April 2020

El centro de discusión de este artículo es el proceso de construcción y movilización de la identidad campesina en el valle del río Cimitarra a través de la creación de iniciativas comunitarias de protección del medio ambiente, en específico, la denominada Línea Amarilla, una vasta franja de bosque primario al sur de la serranía de San Lucas, protegida por los campesinos mediante el establecimiento de acuerdos comunitarios de prohibición de actividades productivas o extractivas dentro de la zona. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo con enfoque de memoria histórica, que recurre a la voz de los protagonistas: campesinos colonos, impulsores de la iniciativa. El artículo discute cómo a través de las experiencias compartidas durante el proceso de colonización de la región y el establecimiento de acuerdos comunitarios se construye y recrea un “nosotros” que permite la interlocución con entidades y autoridades a nivel local y nacional.
Consumer Return Policies in Omnichannel Operations
Authors: Nageswaran Leela , Cho Soo-Haeng , Scheller-Wolf Alan
Published: April 2020

We study the pricing and return policy decisions of an omnichannel retailer serving customers who differ in how they realize their uncertain valuation for a product—by inspecting in store before purchase or by purchasing online and possibly returning misfit products. Customers may return misfit products either to stores for a full refund or online as per the firm’s return policy. We model prices to be identical across channels, allow crosschannel returns, and endogenize customers’ purchase and return decisions, capturing typical features of an omnichannel setting. Our analysis helps explain why some omnichannel firms choose full refunds, whereas others charge a fee for online returns. We find that omnichannel firms with good salvage partners for online returns (e.g., Nordstrom) as well as those with more store-based customers (e.g., Macy’s) should offer full refunds. Similarly, firms are incentivized to offer full refunds for products that customers are more likely to inspect in store (e.g., Express for footwear). In contrast, firms with a significant store network and better in-store salvage opportunities (e.g., J.C. Penney) might be better off charging a fee for online returns in order to nudge customers to return in store. Finally, an omnichannel firm should be cautious both in making the return process more convenient and in improving accessibility to its stores, because these seemingly beneficial policies, if combined with a partial-refund policy, could undermine the firm’s overall profit.

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.
Building Trust in Home Services—Stochastic Team-Orienteering with Consistency Constraints
Authors: Song Yongjia , Ulmer Marlin W. , Thomas Barrett W. , Wallace Stein W.
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we consider service applications where drivers serve subscription customers at their homes on a regular basis and at known times. To build trust with customers, the company requires that subscription customers are consistently served by the same driver. In addition to subscription customers, on-demand customers request delivery on a daily basis. For the company, the challenge is to consistently serve the subscription customers while simultaneously maximizing the daily profit from the on-demand customers. We model the problem as a two-stage stochastic decision problem. The first stage determines the assignment of drivers to subscription customers. The second stage is a team-orienteering problem with time windows and mandatory visits by fixed drivers. We present an anticipatory consistent customer assignment policy (ACCA) based on the multiple scenario approach framework. Our computational study shows that ACCA significantly outperforms consistency concepts from the literature, while increasing costs less than 5%.
Bringing Zull’s Four Brain-derived Pillars of Learning into the English Classroom
Authors: Correa Rodriguez Jorge Carlos
Published: April 2020

Teaching modifies the brain of the learners. In that respect, providing teachers with information about ways in which the brain learns could allow them to enhance their practices. Similarly, language teachers should also embrace what experts and theories from Educational Neuroscience and Mind, Brain and Education Science (MBE) Science can offer to pedagogy. This paper explored Zull’s biological learning model in order to provide a practical way to support language teaching. The model depicts 4 pillars derived from his understanding of the learning brain. Zull’s model was developed by his observations of the organic structure of the brain. It originated from the functioning of specific areas located in the neocortex of the brain; the sensory area, the back-integrative area, the front-integrative area and the motor area. Zull (2002) posited that each area is in charge of general functions such as; gathering, reflecting, creating and testing respectively. This connection could benefit the teaching process by providing a path to follow at the moment of instruction. In that sense, this paper observed how his model could be connected with one language teaching methodology. Presentation, practice and production (PPP). It was also observed that the synergetic nature of the connections within the human brain allows the pillars to move throughout the stages of PPP. It means that despite each stage was bound to specific pillars, the rest of them could be also used in each particular stage of PPP if needed. Moreover, some suggestions for the general language classroom were also included. This paper, therefore, aimed to connect one theory derived from the understanding of the brain with pedagogy in order to enhance the way teaching and learning in language classrooms is conducted.
Effect of Annona Muricata L. on Metabolic Parameters in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alwan Iqdam Abdulmaged , Lim Vuanghao , Samad Nozlena Abd , Widyawati Tri , Yusoff Nor Adlin
Published: April 2020

In recent decades, numerous scientific investigations have been conducted to study the antidiabetic effects of Annona muricata L. However, no comprehensive evidence-based systematic review regarding this topic is available. Hence, this study was conducted to systematically evaluate the studies of the efficacy of A. muricata in diabetes management. Six online databases used to search for the related articles. The search terms used were A. muricata/ soursop in combination with diabetes, glucose, and insulin. Seventeen studies were identified that fit the inclusion criteria (1 clinical, 10 in vivo, 4 in vitro, 1 in vivo/ in vitro and 1 in silico). A clinical study showed the positive adjuvant effect of A. muricata to glibenclamide in type 2 diabetes patients. In vivo studies reported beneficial effects of A. muricata in murine models to include decreasing fasting blood glucose level, attenuating diabetes-associated weight loss, increasing serum insulin, improving the lipid profile, normalizing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and exerting pancreas-protective and hepatoprotective effects. In vitro studies of A. muricata demonstrated its potential for reducing post-prandial glucose level by inhibiting pancreatic α-amylase, lipase, and α-glucosidase and lowering oxidative stress by inhibiting glycation and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the in-silico study suggested a positive effect of A. muricata in enhancing insulin sensitivity. A. muricata showed a promising effect on the metabolic parameters in diabetes mellitus. Considering that A. muricata is widely consumed worldwide, further exploration of its therapeutic potential is worthwhile.
Effect of Pre-treatment in Producing Pumpkin Powder Using Air Fryer and Its Application in 'Bingka' Baking
Authors: Murzaini Nik Masturah Nik , Taip Farah Saleena , Aziz Norashikin Ab , Rahman Nur Aalia Abd
Published: April 2020

Pumpkin powder is one of the main pumpkin products with longer shelf life and it can act as a substitute for pumpkin flesh in different types of formulated foods. This work focused on producing pumpkin powder from different pumpkin parts and evaluating the effects of powder substitution on the physical properties of cake (bingka). Different parts of pumpkin (peeled, unpeeled, and skin) were pre-treated by soaking in limewater solution and then dried in an air fryer at the temperature of 80 °C, 120 min and air flow of 5.11 m/s. The fresh pumpkin (peeled and unpeeled-pumpkin) and pumpkin powder (peeled and unpeeled-pumpkin) were both used in the production of ‘bingka’ and the baking parameters were optimised. The selected temperatures for baking ‘bingka’ were in the range of 130–150 °C and the baking time was between 25 and 35 min. Baking temperature and time had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on moisture content and hardness, but are insignificant towards chewiness. The ‘bingka’ baked using peeled pumpkin at optimum baking temperature (130 °C) and time (25 min) had higher moisture content (45.92%) as compared to those baked using unpeeled pumpkin 43.47%, peeled pumpkin powder (44.23%) and unpeeled pumpkin powder (43.47%). It can be concluded that pumpkin powders can be used as a substitute for raw material by considering the moisture content, hardness and chewiness of the products.
Quality Analysis of Soy Bread and Its Effects on Glycemic Index
Authors: Haque Mohammad Mozibul , Hossain Md. Altaf , Zim A. F. M Irfan Uddin , Aziz Md. Abdul , Hoque Md. Ahasanul
Published: April 2020

Low glycemic index foods have been associated with several health benefits. Similarly, soy-based food products have an increasing demand in the market due to its high nutritional value. The study was conducted to produce high-quality protein-enriched bread with low glycemic index (GI) value. The fortification of bread was done with soy flour in our study. The proximate analysis, sensory evaluation and the GI value of the bread sample were determined.The crude protein, crude fiber, fat and ash content of the bread progressively increased with the addition of soy flour where 20% soy bread having the highest values as 14.5%, 0.7%, 5% and 2.1%, respectively and control bread having lowest values as 9.2%, 0.2%, 1.8%, and 1.7%, respectively. The sensory evaluation of bread showed no significant differences in crust, shape, internal texture, appearance and general acceptance where the aroma and the taste of bread samples were significantly different from the control bread. Taste of bread had a low score of 5.81 at 20% soy substitution bread and highly differed with control bread (p<0.01). The GI values were significantly lowered by 15% (p<0.05) and 20% (p<0.01) soy sample bread. The average GI value of Control, 10%, 15% and 20% soy substitution bread were 60.4, 49.98, 44.37 and 39.19 respectively. Glycemic Index decreased from 18% to 35% with the incorporation of soy flour (10% to 20%) in the bread sample. The soy flour treated breads were found nutritionally superior compared to soy untreated food.
Fried Shallot Quality: Perception and Differentiation
Authors: Yofananda Olivia , Wijaya C. Hanny , Lioe Hanifah Nuryani , Sobir Sobir
Published: April 2020

Sensory attributes and consumers’ perception of commercial fried shallots related to their quality were investigated. Consumers’ perception data were collected by online survey, followed by the randomly selected respondents. The survey results were then confirmed using the descriptive sensory method and hedonic test on five commercial fried shallots. Consumers’ perception of the high quality fried shallot was concluded as follows: the flour uncoated fried shallots, golden brown color, and whole slices-shaped fried shallots which were chosen by 80.4; 84.0; and 64.2% respondents, respectively. The desirable of sensory attributes were indicated by crispness, savory taste and fragrant sulfury aroma were confirmed by 91.3; 78.1 and 73.9% of respondents, respectively. Meanwhile, the undesirable attributes of fried shallots included rancid aroma and bitter taste were 95 and 75% of respondents. The sensory characteristics of commercial products confirmed the survey results related to product perception. Differentiation of the five products based on descriptive and hedonic tests was also reported in this study. Description of fried shallot characteristics by consumers and the confirmation of commercial fried shallots with highest desirable characteristics can be used by the food producers to increase product quality.