bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative quantitative survey of patient experience in Barrett’s oesophagus and other gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Britton James , Taxiarchi Paraskevi , Martin Glen , Willert Robert , Horne Maria , Hamdy Shaheen , McLaughlin John , Ang Yeng
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess health-related quality of life in patients with non-dysplastic Barrett’s oesophagus (NDBO) and endoscopically treated dysplastic Barrett’s oesophagus (DBO).

Design

This quantitative, self-administered questionnaire study was conducted across three National Health Service hospitals. Data were collected from three other cohorts; gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), colonic polyp surveillance and healthy individuals. Fisher’s exact and Spearman’s rank correlation tests were used for analysis. Propensity score matching adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities.

Results

687 participants were eligible for analysis (NDBO n=306, DBO n=49, GORD n=132, colonic polyps n=152 and healthy n=48). 53% of NDBO participants reported similarly high cancer worry, comparable to DBO (50%, p=0.933) and colonic polyp participants (51%, p=0.355). Less cancer worry was reported in GORD participants (43.4%, p=0.01 vs NDBO). NDBO participants reported anxiety in 15.8% and depression in 8.6% of cases, which was similar to the other disease cohorts. Moderate or severe heartburn or acid regurgitation was found in 11% and 10%, respectively, in the NDBO cohort, comparable to DBO participants (heartburn 2% p=0.172, acid regurgitation 4% p=0.31) but lower (better) than GORD participants (heartburn 31% p=<0.001, acid regurgitation 25% p=0.001). NDBO participants with moderate or severe GORD symptoms were associated with higher rates of anxiety (p=<0.001), depression (p=<0.001) and cancer worry (p=<0.001). NDBO patients appropriately perceiving their cancer risk as low had lower rates of cancer worry (p=<0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the problems Barrett’s oesophagus patients may face. Future care pathways must be more patient focussed to address misconceptions of cancer risk, oesophageal cancer related worry and GORD symptom control.
Environmental impact of inhalers for respiratory diseases: decreasing the carbon footprint while preserving patient-tailored treatment
Authors: Panigone Sara , Sandri Federica , Ferri Rossella , Volpato Andrea , Nudo Elena , Nicolini Gabriele
Published: April 2020

Patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (COPD) rely on three main device classes for inhalation therapy: metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft-mist inhalers (SMIs). The carbon footprint (CF) of these inhalers differs with MDIs having a higher impact than DPIs and SMIs due to the propellant in MDIs. However, the certified CF of specific MDI products may differ significantly. MDIs still represent an essential option for many patients. Consequently, novel approaches shall be considered to balance environmental goals with patient health and well-being while maintaining a diverse range of choices for patients and physicians.
State or market? How to effectively decrease alcohol-related crash fatalities and injuries
Authors: Nazif-Muñoz Jose I , Batomen Brice , Oulhote Youssef , Spengler Jack , Nandi Arijit
Published: April 2020

Background

It is estimated that more than 270 000 people die yearly in alcohol-related crashes globally. To tackle this burden, government interventions, such as laws which restrict blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and increase penalties for drunk drivers, have been implemented. The introduction of private-sector measures, such as ridesharing, is regarded as alternatives to reduce drunk driving and related sequelae. However, it is unclear whether state and private efforts complement each other to reduce this public health challenge.

Methods

We conducted interrupted time-series analyses using weekly alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries per 1 000 000 population in three urban conglomerates (Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción) in Chile for the period 2010–2017. We selected cities in which two state interventions—the ‘zero tolerance law’ (ZTL), which decreased BAC, and the ‘Emilia law’ (EL), which increased penalties for drunk drivers—were implemented to decrease alcohol-related crashes, and where Uber ridesharing was launched.

Results

In Santiago, the ZTL was associated with a 29.1% decrease (95% CI 1.2 to 70.2), the EL with a 41.0% decrease (95% CI 5.5 to 93.2) and Uber with a non-significant 28.0% decrease (95% CI −6.4 to 78.5) in the level of weekly alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries per 1 000 000 population series. In Concepción, the EL was associated with a 28.9% reduction (95% CI 4.3 to 62.7) in the level of the same outcome. In Valparaíso, the ZTL had a −0.01 decrease (95% CI −0.02 to −0.00) in the trend of weekly alcohol-related crashes per 1 000 000 population series.

Conclusion

In Chile, concomitant decreases of alcohol-related crashes were observed after two state interventions were implemented but not with the introduction of Uber. Relationships between public policy interventions, ridesharing and motor vehicle alcohol-related crashes differ between cities and over time, which might reflect differences in specific local characteristics.
Master protocols in immuno-oncology: do novel drugs deserve novel designs?
Authors: Mazzarella Luca , Morganti Stefania , Marra Antonio , Trapani Dario , Tini Giulia , Pelicci Piergiuseppe , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

The rapid rise to fame of immuno-oncology (IO) drugs has generated unprecedented interest in the industry, patients and doctors, and has had a major impact in the treatment of most cancers. An interesting aspect in the clinical development of many IO agents is the increasing reliance on nonconventional trial design, including the so-called ‘master protocols’ that incorporate various adaptive features and often heavily rely on biomarkers to select patient populations most likely to benefit. These novel designs promise to maximize the clinical benefit that can be reaped from clinical research, but are not without costs. Their acceptance as solid evidence basis for use outside of the research context requires profound cultural changes by multiple stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, decision-makers, statisticians, researchers, doctors and, most importantly, patients. Here we review characteristics of recent and ongoing trials testing IO drugs with unconventional design, and we highlight trends and critical aspects.
Staged closure of a congenital porto‐internal thoracic shunt in a cat
Authors: Li Hui , Dupré Gilles , Liu Ran , Yuan Zhankui , Li Jing
Published: April 2020

A congenital extrahepatic porto‐internal thoracic shunt was attenuated with cellophane banding in a cat with multiple embryogenetic anomalies. Changes in the postoperative shunt diameter were monitored using ultrasound and CT angiography. The patient improved clinically after cellophane banding, showing resolution of hepatic encephalopathy, weight gain and normalisation of serum ammonia and bile acid levels. The shunt vessel stopped narrowing at four postoperative weeks, and a complete closure was surgically achieved after 9 months. The patient stopped vomiting immediately after the second surgery. Additional histopathological results suggested lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, which was treated medically. The reason why complete closure with the cellophane banding was not attained remains unclear. However, it can be hypothesised that the material did not function as normal cellophanes or that placement of the cellophane within the falciform ligament did not result in the usual inflammatory reaction or closure of the vessel.
Co-occurrence patterns among prokaryotes across an age gradient in pit mud of Chinese strong-flavor liquor
Authors: Zheng Yan , Hu Xiaolong , Jia Zhongjun , Bodelier Paul L.E. , Guo Zhiying , Zhang Yong , Li Fangli , He Peixin
Published: April 2020

It is widely believed that the quality and characteristics of Chinese strong-flavor liquor (CSFL) are closely related to the age of the pit mud; CSFL produced from older pit mud tastes better. This study aimed to investigate the alteration and interaction of prokaryotic communities across an age gradient in pit mud. Prokaryotic microbes in different-aged pit mud (1, 6, and 10 years old) were analyzed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that the prokaryotic community was significantly altered with pit mud age. There was a significant increase in the genera Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium, and Aminobacterium with increased age of pit mud, while the genus Lactobacillus showed a significant decreasing trend. Network analysis demonstrated that both synergetic co-occurrence and niche competition were dominated by 68 prokaryotic genera. These genera formed 10 hubs of co-occurrence patterns, mainly under the phyla Firmicutes, Euryarchaeota, and Bacteroidetes, playing important roles on ecosystem stability of the pit mud. Environmental variables (pH, NH4+, available P, available K, and Ca2+) correlated significantly with prokaryotic community assembly. The interaction of prokaryotic communities in the pit mud ecosystem and the relationship among prokaryotic communities and environmental factors contribute to the higher quality of the pit mud in older fermentation pits.
Effect on the structural, optical and electrical properties of Mn-doped ZnO nanobelts synthesized via the hydrothermal method
Authors: Bouchoucha I. , Salem M. Ben , Othmani A. , Zouaoui M.
Published: April 2020

The structural, optical and electrical properties of Mn-doped ZnO samples with different percentages of Mn synthesized using the hydrothermal method were studied. The structural properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns analyzed via the Rietveld structure refinement method showed a typical wurtzite structure and no other impurity phases. The lattice parameters calculated for the Mn-doped ZnO from the XRD pattern were found to be slightly larger than those of the ZnO, which indicates the substitution of Mn into the ZnO lattice. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the synthesis of ZnO nanobelts. The incorporation of Mn ions into the ZnO lattice was also confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-spectroscopy. Results show that the increase in Mn concentration increases the gap energy. The study of the electrical properties shows two conduction phenomena. The variation of impedance, dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent is also discussed.
Sentiment Analysis of Teachers Using Social Information in Educational Platform Environments
Authors: Spatiotis Nikolaos , Perikos Isidoros , Mporas Iosif , Paraskevas Michael
Published: April 2020

Learners’ opinions constitute an important source of information that can be useful to teachers and educational instructors in order to improve learning procedures and training activities. By analyzing learners’ actions and extracting data related to their learning behavior, educators can specify proper learning approaches to stimulate learners’ interest and contribute to constructive monitoring of learning progress during the course or to improve future courses. Learners-generated content and their feedback and comments can provide indicative information about the educational procedures that they attended and the training activities that they participated in. Educational systems must possess mechanisms to analyze learners’ comments and automatically specify their opinions and attitude towards the courses and the learning activities that are offered to them. This paper describes a Greek language sentiment analysis system that analyzes texts written in Greek language and generates feature vectors which together with classification algorithms give us the opportunity to classify Greek texts based on the personal opinion and the degree of satisfaction expressed. The sentiment analysis module has been integrated into the hybrid educational systems of the Greek school network that offers life-long learning courses. The module offers a wide range of possibilities to lecturers, policymakers and educational institutes that participate in the training procedure and offers life-long learning courses, to understand how their learners perceive learning activities and specify what aspects of the learning activities they liked and disliked. The experimental study show quite interesting results regarding the performance of the sentiment analysis methodology and the specification of users’ opinions and satisfaction. The feature analysis demonstrates interesting findings regarding the characteristics that provide indicative information for opinion analysis and embeddings combined with deep learning approaches yield satisfactory results.
PEDOT-Type Conducting Polymers/Black TiO2 Composites for Electrochemical Determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+
Authors: Yu Zongna , Jamal Ruxangul , Zhang Ruanye , Zhang Wenli , Yan Yinqiang , Liu Yingcheng , Ge Yi , Abdiryim Tursun
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the PEDOT-type conducting polymers/black TiO2 composites were prepared by in situ polymerization method by varying the weight ratio of black TiO2 to monomer (3,4-ethylenedixoythiophene(EDOT) or 3,4-propylenedixoythiophene (ProDOT)). And, these composites (PEDOT/B-TiO2 and PProDOT/B-TiO2) were applied for the electrochemical determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The relationship between the structure and electrochemical performances was studied systematically. The structural analysis revealed that the PEDOT-type conducting polymers could act with B-TiO2 by non-covalent bonding. The combination of polymers with B-TiO2 effectively enhanced adsorption and charge transfer ability of composites to heavy metal ions, which was favorable for enhancing the eletrcocatalytic ability of composites. The results showed that under optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) of the PEDOT/B-TiO2 composite electrode from 50 wt% B-TiO2 are 0.00073 μM and 0.0816 μM, respectively, and the linear range of simultaneous detection of Pb2+ and Cd2+ is from 0.04 to 1.24 μM. In the case of PProDOT/B-TiO2, the LOD of composite electrode from 50 wt% B-TiO2 for Pb2+ are 0.00087 μM (0.04–0.4 μM) and 0.00186 μM (0.4–1.8 μM), respectively, and the LOD for Cd2+ are 0.01523 (linear range of 0.04–0.4 μM) and 0.03214 (linear range of 0.4–1.8 μM), respectively.
Synergistic Action Mechanism and Effect of Ammonium Dodecyl Sulfate and 1,2,4-triazole in Alkaline Slurry on Step Height Reduction for Cu CMP
Authors: Yang Chenghui , Niu Xinhuan , Zhou Jiakai , Wang Jianchao , Huo Zhaoqing , Lu Yanan
Published: April 2020

For the copper (Cu) chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of integrated circuit Cu wiring, the removal rate (RR) in the concave is lower because of the protecting of inhibitor in the slurry, and the step height is reduced by the high RR different between convex and concave, thus realizing planarization. With the decrease of technology node and the shortcomings of traditional inhibitors, new environmental inhibitors have become the focus of research. The synergistic inhibiting effect of ammonium dodecyl sulfate (ADS) and 1,2,4-triazole (TAZ) in the H2O2 based weakly alkaline slurry during the Cu film CMP process was studied. Electrochemistry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements were used to analyze the reaction mechanism between Cu and mixed inhibitors. It was found that ADS was absorbed on the Cu surface via electrostatic interactions, by which a thin porous film with small openings was formed. Then chemisorbed TAZ molecules effectively filled up the small openings, and a compact passivating film was formed to protect the Cu surface. Based on the background slurry, incorporation of 0.1 wt% ADS + 0.003 wt% TAZ (bulk) and 0.1 wt% ADS + 0.005 wt% TAZ (soft landing) at pH = 8.5 in this slurry, lower step height was achieved dropping from the initial 3800 Å to 654 Å, and the slurry can be stable for at least three days. Such results indicate that mixed inhibitors may become a trend of industrial application, and such research has certain guiding significance for industrial production.
The essential role of intraflagellar transport protein IFT81 in male mice spermiogenesis and fertility
Authors: Qu Wei , Yuan Shuo , Quan Chao , Huang Qian , Zhou Qi , Yap Yitian , Shi Lin , Zhang David , Guest Tamia , Li Wei , Yee Siu-Pok , Zhang Ling , Cazin Caroline , Hess Rex A. , Ray Pierre F. , Kherraf Zine-Eddine , Zhang Zhibing
Published: April 2020

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that is indispensable for the formation and maintenance of cilia and flagella; however, the implications and functions of IFT81 remain unknown. In this study, we disrupted IFT81 expression in male germ cells starting from the spermatocyte stage. As a result, homozygous mutant males were completely infertile and displayed abnormal sperm parameters. In addition to oligozoospermia, spermatozoa presented dysmorphic and nonfunctional flagella. Histological examination of testes from homozygous mutant mice revealed abnormal spermiogenesis associated with sloughing of germ cells and the presence of numerous multinucleated giant germ cells (symblasts) in the lumen of seminiferous tubules and epididymis. Moreover, only few elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were seen in analyzed cross sections. Transmission electron microscopy showed a complete disorganization of the axoneme and para-axonemal structures such as the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, and outer dense fibers. In addition, numerous vesicles that contain unassembled microtubules were observed within developing spermatids. Acrosome structure analysis showed normal appearance, thus excluding a crucial role of IFT81 in acrosome biogenesis. These observations showed that IFT81 is an important member of the IFT process during spermatogenesis and that its absence is associated with abnormal flagellum formation leading to male infertility. The expression levels of several IFT components in testes, including IFT20, IFT25, IFT27, IFT57, IFT74, and IFT88, but not IFT140, were significantly reduced in homozygous mutant mice. Overall, our study demonstrates that IFT81 plays an essential role during spermatogenesis by modulating the assembly and elongation of the sperm flagella.
Phrenic motor neuron loss in an animal model of early onset hypertonia
Authors: Brandenburg Joline E. , Fogarty Matthew J. , Brown Alyssa D. , Sieck Gary C.
Published: April 2020

Phrenic motor neuron (PhMN) development in early onset hypertonia is poorly understood. Yet, respiratory disorders are a common cause of morbidity and mortality. In spa mice, an animal model of early onset hypertonia, we found ~30% fewer PhMNs, compared with controls. This PhMN loss disproportionately affected larger PhMNs. Thus, the number and heterogeneity of the PhMN pool are decreased in spa mice, likely contributing to the hypertonia, impaired neuromotor control, and respiratory disorders.
Principles of tactile search over the body
Authors: Halfen Elizabeth J. , Magnotti John F. , Rahman Md. Shoaibur , Yau Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2020

Little is known about how we selectively experience multisite touch patterns over the body. Using a tactile analog of the classic visual target search paradigm, we show that tactile search behavior for flutter cues is generally consistent with a serial search process. Modeling results reveal the preferential contributions of index finger stimulation and two-site stimulus interactions involving ipsilateral patterns and within-limb patterns. Our results offer initial evidence for spatial and temporal principles underlying tactile search behavior over the body.
Cytotoxic Property of Grias neuberthii Extract on Human Colon Cancer Cells: A Crucial Role of Autophagy
Authors: Guamán-Ortiz Luis M. , Romero-Benavides Juan C. , Suarez Alirica I. , Torres-Aguilar Stephania , Castillo-Veintimilla Paola , Samaniego-Romero Jimmy , Ortiz-Diaz Kevin , Bailon-Moscoso Natalia
Published: April 2020

Traditional herbal medicine has become an important alternative in the treatment of various cancer types, including colon cancer, which represents one of the main health problems around the world. Therefore, the search for new therapies to counteract this disease is very active. Grias neuberthii is an endemic plant located in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, which has been used in traditional medicine for its pharmacological properties, including its ability to inhibit tumor cell growth, although scientific studies are limited. We have analyzed the effect of this plant on two colon carcinoma cell lines, that is, RKO (normal p53) and SW613‐B3 (mutated p53) cells. Among several extracts obtained from various parts of G. neuberthii plant, we identified the extract with the greatest cytotoxic potential, derived from the stem bark. The cytotoxic effect was similar on both cell lines, thus indicating that it is independent of the status of p53. However, significant differences were observed after the analysis of colony formation, with RKO cells being more sensitive than SW613‐B3. No evidence for apoptotic markers was recorded; nevertheless, both cell lines showed signs of autophagy after the treatment, including increased Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II and decreased p62. Finally, three chemical compounds, possibly responsible for the effect observed in both cell lines, were identified: lupeol (1), 3′‐O‐methyl ellagic acid 4‐O‐β‐D‐rhamnopyranoside (2), and 19‐α‐hydroxy‐asiatic acid monoglucoside (3).
In Vitro Comparison of Fluoride, Magnesium, and Calcium Phosphate Materials on Prevention of White Spot Lesions around Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Lale Selda , Solak Hikmet , Hınçal Evren , Vahdettin Levent
Published: April 2020

One common negative side effect of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances is the development of white spot lesions (WSLs) around brackets. This study is aimed at comparing the efficacy of various oral hygiene practices in preventing enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets under similar in vitro conditions. The study included 90 extracted bovine incisors, which were randomized into six groups: fluoride toothpaste (FT), nonfluoride toothpaste (NFT), fluoride varnish plus fluoride toothpaste (FV+FT), CPP‐ACP varnish plus fluoride toothpaste (CPP‐ACP+FT), medical minerals gel plus nonfluoride toothpaste (MMG+NFT), and no intervention (control). All groups were subjected to demineralization and remineralization cycles. Visual appraisals were used to evaluate the changes in the enamel surface appearance at the beginning and end of the experiment. The changes in the demineralization degree were evaluated by measuring the Ca+2 concentration in the demineralization solution at different time points. The majority of teeth in the CPP‐ACP+FT group exhibited no shift in appearance, whereas in the other groups, a slight change in enamel translucency was observed. At all the time points, the Ca+2 concentration in the demineralization solution in the CPP‐ACP+FT group was the least among all other groups. At day 5, MMG+NFT’s preventive efficacy was significantly higher than FV+FT’s, but at days 10, 15, and 19, their efficacy was similar. However, at all the time points, MMG+NFT’s efficacy was significantly higher than that of control, whereas FV+FT’s efficacy was decreased at days 10, 15, and 19 and was close to the efficacy of control. To fight WSLs, early diagnosis was of great importance and examination of the tooth surface after air‐drying for 5 s was recommended.
A Quasi-Steady State Model of a Singularly Perturbed Wind Turbine with an Induction Generator and Nonlinear Frictions: A Bond Graph Approach
Authors: Padilla-Garcia Aaron , Gonzalez-Avalos Gilberto , Barrera-Gallegos Noe , Ayala-Jaimes Gerardo
Published: April 2020

The modelling in bond graph of a class of nonlinear systems with singular perturbations is presented. The class of nonlinear systems modelled by bond graphs is defined by the product of state variables and nonlinear dissipation elements. In order to obtain the mathematical model of the singularly perturbed nonlinear systems, a lemma based on the junction structure of the bond graph with a preferred integral causality assignment is proposed. The quasi-steady state model of the system is obtained by assigning a derivative causality to the storage elements for the fast dynamics and an integral causality to the storage elements for the slow dynamics. The proposed methodology to a wind turbine connected to an induction generator is applied. Simulation results of the exact and reduced models of this case study are shown.
Physical Effects of Maternal Deaths on Midwives’ Health: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Dartey Anita Fafa , Phuma-Ngaiyaye Ellemes
Published: April 2020

Grief does not only affect human emotions but also impacts their physical health. Understanding physical grief of people can bring to bear the grip of its daunting nature, a situation where routines become challenging. A qualitative explorative descriptive research method was used. A purposive sample of 18 ward supervisors and 39 ward midwives was used to ascertain the physical effects of maternal deaths on these caregivers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data were collected through semistructured and focus group discussions. Data analysis was done parallel with data collection till saturation was reached. Ethics was obtained from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, and Ghana Health Service. The findings indicated that generally, as a result of grieving over the deaths of their patients, midwives experienced physical health sufferings. Therefore, reported depression is expressed as insomnia, appetite loss, exhaustion, and social isolation. There is the need to reduce the physical effects of patients’ death on caregivers in Ghana and therefore, the study recommends that all hospitals in Ghana utilize employee assistance programmes, a workplace intervention programme designed for such purposes.
Effects of Rubber Hand Illusion and Excitatory Theta Burst Stimulation on Tactile Sensation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Frey Vanessa N. , Butz Kevin , Zimmermann Georg , Kunz Alexander , Höller Yvonne , Golaszewski Stefan , Trinka Eugen , Nardone Raffaele
Published: April 2020

Synchronous visuotactile stimulation on the own hidden hand and a visible fake limb can alter bodily self-perception and influence spontaneous neuroplasticity. The rubber hand illusion (RHI) paradigm experimentally produces an illusion of rubber hand ownership and arm shift by simultaneously stroking a rubber hand in view and a participant’s visually occluded hand. The aim of this cross-over, placebo-controlled, single-blind study was to assess whether RHI, in combination with high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) given as intermittent (excitatory) theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied over the hand area of the primary sensory region (S1) can enhance tactile sensation in a group of 21 healthy subjects and one patient with cervical spinal cord injury. Four sessions covered all combinations of real and sham stimulations of the RHI and the TBS: real TBS and real RHI, real TBS and sham RHI, sham TBS and real RHI, and both conditions sham. The condition sham TBS and real RHI shows the greatest effect on the proprioceptive drift (median 2.3 cm, IQR 2) and on the score of RHI questionnaires (median 3, IQR 2) in the control group as well as in the real-real condition (median 2, IQR 2). The sham TBS and real RHI condition also shows the best results in the electrical perception test of the patient (median 1.9 mA). Conversely, the upregulation of the cortical excitability of S1 via TBS seems to impair the effect of the RHI. This might be due to a strengthening of the top-down connection between the central nervous system and the periphery, diminishing the RHI. This finding helps in understanding the mechanisms of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in healthy subjects and patients with spinal cord injury. The RHI paradigm could represent an interesting therapeutic approach in improving tactile sensation and rTMS techniques could modulate these effects. Yet, further studies are needed, to examine the direction of the interaction effect of TMS and RH.
Swimmer’s Head Detection Based on a Contrario and Scaled Composite JTC Approaches
Authors: Benarab D. , Napoléon T. , Alfalou A. , Verney A. , Hellard P.
Published: April 2020

In order to accompany the swimming coaches in evaluating high-level swimmers, we developed a prototype for instantaneous speed estimation. To achieve this, we proposed and validated, in a previous work, a swimmer tracking system based on data fusion. However, the initialization phase is done manually, and our aim, in this paper, is to automate this process. First, we propose a region of interest localization module that allows the detection of the first appearance of the swimmer in the lane as well as the restriction of the region of interest around him. This module is based on the method a contrario which consists of modeling the random noise corresponding to the water and detecting the structured movement relative to the swimmer motion. To do that, we calibrate the pool using DLT (Direct Linear Transform) technique, extract the concerned lane, apply the frame difference approach to detect the moving objects, and then decompose the lane into blocs and classify them into swimmer motion or noise. Second, in order to detect the swimmer’s head, we propose the Scaled Composite JTC which is based on the NL-JTC correlation technique. The input plane of this latter includes a target and a reference image. The first is the region of interest detected by the method a contrario. The second consists of a Scaled Composite Reference. The tests conducted on real video sequences of French swimming championships (Limoges 2015) showed very good results in terms of region of interest localization and swimmer’s head detection which allows a reliable initialization for the tracking system.
Stability and Global Sensitivity Analysis for an Agree-Disagree Model: Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient and Latin Hypercube Sampling Methods
Authors: Bidah Sara , Zakary Omar , Rachik Mostafa
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present a new mathematical model that describes agree-disagree opinions during polls. We first present the model and its different compartments. Then, we use the next-generation matrix method to compute thresholds of equilibrium stability. We perform the stability analysis of equilibria to determine under which conditions these equilibrium points are stable or unstable. We show that the existence and stability of these equilibria are controlled by the calculated thresholds. Finally, we also perform several computational and statistical experiments to validate the theoretical results obtained in this work. To study the influence of various parameters on these thresholds and to identify the most influential parameters, a global sensitivity analysis is carried out based on the partial rank correlation coefficient method and the Latin hypercube sampling.
A Highly Sensitive and Selective Isobutyraldehyde Sensor Based on Nanosized Sm2O3 Particles
Authors: Jiang Li , Wu Yun , Wang Yan , Zhou Qin , Zheng Yuguo , Chen Yafei , Zhang Qianchun
Published: April 2020

A highly sensitive and selective sensor for isobutyraldehyde (IBD) is demonstrated based on intensive cataluminescence (CTL) emission from the surface of nanosized Sm2O3 particles. The characteristics and optimum conditions for the CTL sensor, including the working temperature, wavelength, and flow rate, were investigated in detail. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the CTL intensity varied linearly with the concentration of IBD, in the two-order-of-magnitude range of 0.015–3.9 μg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.99991 and a limit of detection (LOD), at a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 3) of 4.6 ng/mL. The sensor was quite specific: butyraldehyde, methanol, ethanol, acetone, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, ethylbenzene, and cumene could not produce significant CTL intensities; specifically, butyraldehyde, ethanol, acetone, and acetaldehyde produced low CTL intensities, with values that were 3.8%, 2.8%, 0.60%, and 0.57% that of IBD. As a test of sensor stability, we found that the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 30 measurements of the CTL at an IBD concentration of 1.6 μg/mL within a period of 72 h was 2.2%, indicating good stability and long service life of the sensor. The sensor was tested against spiked samples containing IBD, and recoveries between 89.7% and 97.4% were obtained with an RSD of 6.1%–8.6%. The performance of the sensor indicated its utility for practical sample analysis.
Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Hurdle in the Path of Remedy
Authors: Oxford Alexandra E. , Stewart Erica S. , Rohn Troy T.
Published: April 2020

Human clinical trials seek to ameliorate the disease states and symptomatic progression of illnesses that, as of yet, are largely untreatable according to clinical standards. Ideally, clinical trials test “disease-modifying drugs,” i.e., therapeutic agents that specifically modify pathological features or molecular bases of the disease and would presumably have a large impact on disease progression. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, this approach appears to have stalled progress in the successful development of clinically useful therapies. For the last 25 years, clinical trials involving AD have centered on beta-amyloid (Aβ) and the Aβhypothesis of AD progression and pathology. According to this hypothesis, the progression of AD begins following an accumulation of Aβpeptide, leading to eventual synapse loss and neuronal cell death: the true overriding pathological feature of AD. Clinical trials arising from the Aβhypothesis target causal steps in the pathway in order to reduce the formation of Aβor enhance clearance, and though agents have been successful in this aim, they remain unsuccessful in rescuing cognitive function or slowing cognitive decline. As such, further use of resources in the development of treatment options for AD that target Aβ, its precursors, or its products should be reevaluated. The purpose of this review was to give an overview of how human clinical trials are conducted in the USA and to assess the results of recent failed trials involving AD, the majority of which were based on the Aβhypothesis. Based on these current findings, it is suggested that lowering Aβis an unproven strategy, and it may be time to refocus on other targets for the treatment of this disease including pathological forms of tau.
Partial and Total Solvent-Free Limonene’s Hydrogenation: Metals, Supports, Pressure, and Water Effects
Authors: Ndongou Moutombi Fanta J. , Fabiano-Tixier Anne-Sylvie , Clarisse Olivier , Chemat Farid , Touaibia Mohamed
Published: April 2020

Bio-based solvents menthene and menthane were obtained through limonene’s partial and total hydrogenation under various catalytic conditions. Heterogeneous catalysts based on different active metals and supports (carbon, alumina, and silica) were systematically tested for solvent-free total and partial hydrogenation of limonene under high and low hydrogen pressure. Influences of these catalysts on the formation of menthene, menthane, and cymene, a dehydrogenated product, were determined. The impact of water addition on the conversion and selectivity of the catalysts was also investigated. Amongst all tested catalysts, Rh/Alumina which was never tested for total and partial hydrogenation of limonene was the most effective as 1-menthene was quantitatively produced at low pressure (0.275 MPa) while menthane was mostly obtained at a higher pressure (2.75 MPa). Water addition on Rh/Alumina favoured menthene production even at high pressure. To propose menthane, menthene, and menthane/menthene mixture as an alternative to fossil-based solvents such as n-hexane for the extraction of natural products, β-carotene, vanillin, and rosmarinic acid solubilizations have been investigated. If a modeling approach using COSMO-RS software predicted a comparable solubilization of these 3 compounds for the 3 solvents, experimental assays revealed that menthene solubilizes β-carotene, vanillin, and rosmarinic acid three to five times better than n-hexane.
Risk Factors Associated with Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Obese Individuals
Authors: Oliveira Camila , Silveira Erika Aparecida , Rosa Lorena , Santos Annelisa , Rodrigues Ana Paula , Mendonça Carolina , Silva Lucas , Gentil Paulo , Rebelo Ana Cristina
Published: April 2020

Obesity leads to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, especially in increased sympathetic modulation and decreased vagal tone, and some anthropometric, metabolic, and lifestyle variables may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Objective. To analyze the association between cardiovascular autonomic modulation and biochemical and anthropometric markers, food intake, and physical activity level in severely obese individuals. Methodology. The present study is a cutout of a randomized clinical trial “Effect of nutritional intervention and olive oil in severe obesity” (DieTBra Trial), where the baseline data were analyzed. Anthropometric data, biochemical exams, heart rate variability (HRV), accelerometry, and 24 h recall (R24H) of obese patients (body mass index BMI ≥35 kg/m2) were collected. Results. 64 obese patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 39.10 ± 7.74 years (27 to 58 years). By HRV analysis, in the frequency domain, the obese had a higher predominance of sympathetic autonomic modulation (low frequency (LF) 56.44 ± 20.31 nu) and lower parasympathetic modulation (high frequency (HF) 42.52 ± 19.18 nu). A negative association was observed between the variables Homeostasis Evaluation Model (HOMA-IR) and HF (p=0.049). In the physical activity analysis, there was a negative association between moderate to vigorous physical activity and the sympathetic component (p=0.043), and for sedentary time (ST), there was a negative association with HF (p=0.049) and LF/HF (p=0.036) and a positive association with LF (p=0.014). For multiple linear regression, waist circumference (WC) and HOMA-IR values were negatively associated with HF (β = −0.685, p=0.010; β = −14.989, p=0.010; respectively). HOMA-IR (β = 0.141, p=0.003) and the percentage of lipids ingested (β = −0.030, p=0.043) were negatively associated with LF/HF. Conclusion. Among the cardiovascular risk variables studied, insulin resistance and central adiposity showed the greatest influence on cardiac autonomic modulation of obese, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Protective Effect of Iridoid Glycosides of the Leaves of Syringa oblata Lindl. on Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibition of the TLR2/4/MyD88/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yifang , Han Dandan , Yu Shen , An Chiying , Liu Xin , Zhong Haijing , Xu Yuan , Jiang Lianzhou , Wang Zhongjiang
Published: April 2020

Iridoid glycoside (IG) is the major active fraction extracted from the leaves of Syringa oblata Lindl. In view of its antimicrobial and antidiarrheal potential, it could be beneficial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). In the present study, IG (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) was administered orally for 14 days to dextran sulfate sodium‐ (DSS‐) induced colitis rats. The anti‐inflammatory effects of IG on DSS‐induced UC were evaluated by comparing observations in DSS‐induced colitis and drug‐treated groups using disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic score, histological analysis, and apoptosis assay. To elucidate the antioxidant mechanisms of IG on NOX‐dependent ROS production, the activities of 8‐OHdG, NOX1, and NOX2 in DSS‐induced colitis were determined. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐12p40, and IL‐13 were detected. The inflammation‐associated protein and mRNA expressions of TLR‐2, TLR‐4, MyD88, and NF‐κBp65 were assessed by immunohistochemistry and real‐time quantitative PCR, respectively. The results suggested that IG treatment significantly reduced DAI, macroscopic score, and histological damage compared to untreated animals (p < 0.01), whereas administration of IG remarkably attenuated the upregulation of 8‐OHdG, NOX1, and NOX2 and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐12p40, and IL‐13 in DSS‐treated rats in a concentration‐dependent manner. In addition, IG treatment could dose dependently suppress the protein and mRNA levels of TLR‐2, TLR‐4, MyD88, and NF‐κBp65. The dose of IG that produced the most significant protective effect was 80 mg/kg. The above results demonstrate that IG exerts its inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokines in DSS‐induced colitis through modulation of the TLR2/4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Surface Laser Quenching as an Alternative Method for Conventional Quenching and Tempering Treatment of 1538 MV Steel
Authors: Carrera-Espinoza R. , Rojo Valerio A. , del Prado Villasana J. , Yescas Hernández J. A. , Moreno-Garibaldi P. , Cruz-Gómez M. A. , Figueroa López U.
Published: April 2020

This paper aims at encouraging the use of laser treatment as an environmentally friendly technique to improve the mechanical properties of metallic materials over conventional quenching and tempering techniques through the study of the tribological behavior of AISI 1538 MV steel subjected to surface laser quenching treatment. Sliding wear tests were carried out by the pin‐on‐disk method. In order to identify the wear mechanisms, the worn surfaces on the disks were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and the wear scars on the ball were observed by optical microscopy. Results reveal that laser treatment reduces the average friction coefficient by 25% and the wear rate by 60% compared with those achieved by the conventional methods, while the depths of the wear track and hardness of the cross section and surface are maintained.
Early versus Delayed Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation for Acute Primary Angle-Closure
Authors: Lin Yun-Hsuan , Wu Cheng-Hsiu , Huang Shih-Ming , Hsieh Chen , Chen Henry Shen-Lih , Ku Wan-Chen , Sun Ming-Hui , Su Wei-Wen
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To compare the effects of early phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (phaco/IOL), delayed phaco/IOL after initial laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), and conventional LPI alone in patients with acute primary angle-closure (PAC).Methods. Patients with acute PAC were included in the study, and those with secondary glaucoma, prior ocular trauma, or other ocular diseases and those who had undergone ocular surgeries previously were excluded. Patients were categorized into three groups: Group A, which underwent primary phaco/IOL after acute PAC; Group B, which underwent LPI initially after acute PAC, followed by phaco/IOL within 6 months; and Group C, which underwent LPI alone. The IOP control success at 12 months as well as changes in ocular characteristics and the number of antiglaucoma medications used after the treatment among the groups were evaluated.Results. Eighty-one eyes were included in the study: 24 eyes in Group A, 23 eyes in Group B, and 34 eyes in Group C. The linear mixed model analysis demonstrated considerable IOP control in Groups A and B. Visual acuity, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and angle width improved significantly in Groups A and B, but not in Group C. The number of antiglaucoma medications used was significantly higher in Group C than in Groups A and B.Conclusions. Patients who underwent phaco/IOL had better IOP control, improved vision, deeper ACD, and wider angle and required less antiglaucoma medications than those who underwent LPI alone. Performing phaco/IOL weeks to months after the initial LPI did not appear to adversely affect outcomes compared with those of early phaco/IOL.
Extrusion of Femtosecond Laser-Implanted Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Keratoconic Eyes: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Mounir Amr , Farouk Mahmoud Mohamed , Abdellah Marwa Mahmoud , Mohamed Mostafa Engy
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the prevalence, possible risk factors, and clinical results of femtosecond laser implanted intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) extrusion in keratoconic eyes. Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective observational study evaluating 333 eyes of 269 patients who were subjected to femtosecond laser-implanted Keraring ICRS in the Sohag Refractive Center, Sohag, Egypt, from January 2014 to January 2019. The study included eyes with channels created by a femtosecond laser (60 kHz IntraLase femtosecond system; Advanced Medical Optics, Santa Ana, California, USA) with implantation of Keraring intrastromal corneal ring segments (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil). Patient data and causes of Keraring extrusions were identified as being those rings that migrated or showed melting of the cornea with no other reason which required segment removal. Results. Seven eyes were found to fit the criteria of ring extrusion (2.1%) out of the 333 eyes which had Keraring implantation. All extruded rings were from patients with keratoconus grade 3, with eccentric cones, and with femtosecond creation of the tunnel. Four eyes belonging to 3 patients (57.1%) had a history of vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, yet they did not show signs of activity at the time of implantation. They reported excessive rubbing just before they presented with conjunctival hyperemia and foreign body sensation. Five eyes (71.4%) showed chronic sun exposure. The mean minimal corneal thickness was 401.85 μm (range 384–420 μm), while the mean maximum keratometry was 61 D (range 55.18–68.96 D). Most of the extruded rings had large arcs. Six eyes had crosslinking (CXL) at the same session of the Keraring implantation. The simultaneous CXL treatment is considered as a possible significant risk factor for ring extrusion. Conclusion. ICRS is an effective reversible option for patients with keratoconus who are intolerant to hard contact lenses, yet the choice of cases and ring segments is mandatory for satisfactory results. Moreover, meticulous history taking and examination reduces the incidence of complications including extrusion.
A Systematic Analysis of Interactions between Environmental Risk Factors and Genetic Variation in Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yang Tian , Li Xue , Farrington Susan M. , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Campbell Harry , Timofeeva Maria , Theodoratou Evropi
Published: April 2020

Background:

The underlying etiology of colorectal cancer includes both genetic variation and environmental exposures. The main aim of this study was to search for interaction effects between well-established environmental risk factors and published common genetic variants exerting main effects on colorectal cancer risk.

Methods:

We used a two-phase approach: (i) discovery phase (2,652 incident colorectal cancer cases and 10,608 controls from UK Biobank) and (ii) validation phase (1,656 cases and 2,497 controls from the Study of Colorectal Cancer in Scotland). Interactions with nominal P < 0.05 in phase I were taken forward for validation in phase II. Furthermore, we constructed a weighted genetic risk score (GRS) of colorectal cancer risk for each individual and studied interactions between the GRS and the environmental risk factors.

Results:

Seventy of the 1,500 tested interactions were nominally significant in phase I. After testing these 70 interactions in phase II, an interaction between rs11903757 (2q32.3) and body mass index (BMI) was nominally significant (P = 0.02) with the same direction of effect. The rs11903757*BMI interaction was also significant (ratio of ORs = 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.44; Pinteraction = 6.03 × 10−4; Pheterogeneity = 0.63) in a meta-analysis combining results from both phases. No interactions were significant in phase II after accounting for multiple testing. No interactions involving the GRS were found with statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Limited evidence of gene–environment interactions in colorectal cancer risk was observed. There are potential modifications of the rs11903757 effect by BMI on colorectal cancer risk.

Impact:

Our findings might contribute to identifying subpopulations with different susceptibility to the effect of BMI on colorectal cancer risk.