bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer-Testis Gene Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Identification of Prognostic Markers and Potential Targets for Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yan-Peng , Bao Zhi-Wei , Wu Jing-Bang , Chen Yun-Hao , Chen Jun-Ru , Xie Hai-Yang , Zhou Lin , Wu Jian , Zheng Shu-Sen
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cancer-testis genes can serve as prognostic biomarkers and valuable targets for immunotherapy in multiple tumors because of their restricted expression in testis and cancer. However, their expression pattern in hepatocellular carcinoma is still not well understood. The purpose is to comprehensively characterize the cancer-testis gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma as well as identify prognostic markers and potential targets for immunotherapy.

Methods:

Cancer-testis database and publicly available data sets reporting new cancer-testis genes were integrated, and then restricted them in a testis and hepatocellular carcinoma expression pattern. Pathway enrichment analysis and survival analysis were conducted to evaluate the biological function and prognostic effect of cancer-testis genes. Clustering analysis and coexpression analysis were performed to illustrate cancer-testis gene expression patterns in hepatocellular carcinoma. The association of gene expression of each cancer-testis gene to the corresponding methylation status was detected. Finally, we explored the associations between cancer-testis genes and CD8+ T-cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma by TISIDB, and then validated it in an independent hepatocellular carcinoma cohort with 72 patients.

Results:

A total of 59 testis-specific genes were identified highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that cancer-testis genes in hepatocellular carcinoma significantly involves in the process of cell cycle regulation. Most of the cancer-testis genes were coexpressed, and cluster analysis suggested that cancer-testis gene expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma is independent of sex, hepatitis status, and histology type. We also found that demethylation might be a regulatory mechanism of cancer-testis gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Survival analysis indicated that cancer-testis genes could predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, BUB1B was identified contributing to the resistance of CD8+ T-cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma and was an independent prognostic factor both for overall survival and disease-free survival.

Conclusions:

Our analysis enables better understanding of cancer-testis genes in hepatocellular carcinoma and provides potential targets for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Experimental and clinical studies are needed for further validations.
A Novel Fabrication of Dose-Dependent Injectable Curcumin Biocomposite Hydrogel System Anesthetic Delivery Method for Care and Management of Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Jiang Xuehong , Wang Shuaishuai , Chen Hui
Published: July 2020

Chronic musculoskeletal pain has biological, psychological, and social components. In this article, we have demonstrated the easily injectable nanocomposite carrier for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Briefly, the curcumin (Cur) loaded with lipid nanocapsules (LNCs; Cur@LNCs) using the phase invasion method. The synthesized Cur@LNCs were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, transmittance electron microscopy, and the size of the fabricated nanoparticles confirmed by dynamic light scattering analysis. The synthesized Cur@LNC injectable hydrogel shows excellent results in vivo in the rat model. We have examined the efficiency of the chronic constriction injury in the rat model and induced the pain using thermal paw withdrawal latency. The injectable hydrogels Cur@LNCs display a remarkable reduction in pain 7 days post administrations compared to the untreated group animals. This work could establish the preclinical candidate of the neuropathic pain response in the future.
Beyond Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation: 10 Steps to Better Control
Authors: Hynes Marijane
Published: July 2020

The prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation includes risk factor modification beyond ablation, with lifestyle modifications including treatment of obesity through diet and moderate exercise being at the top of the list. Losing 10% of body weight if obese, a plant-based diet, exercise, maintaining systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg, treatment of sleep disorders and obstructive sleep apnea, stress management, and treatment of depression and anxiety should all be included in treatment. Maximizing evidence-based treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes is also paramount.
Effect of different levels of ethanol addition on performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a gasoline engine
Authors: Köten Hasan , Karagöz Yasin , Balcı Özgün
Published: July 2020

In this study, a four-stroke, naturally aspirated, single-cylinder, spark ignition engine was operated with neat gasoline fuel. In-cylinder pressure, performance, and emission values were obtained at full load and 2400-r/min constant engine speed. Using these values, a single-dimensional theoretical model was calibrated. A Kistler spark plug–type pressure sensor was used to obtain in-cylinder pressure. After validation of this single-dimensional theoretical model obtained by the help of a commercial engine analysis software (AVL-Boost), different levels of ethanol addition (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) into gasoline were analyzed and compared with neat gasoline fueled conditions. According to obtained results, NO x emissions increased with incremental amount of ethanol. The CO and total hydrocarbons emissions decreased; however, they can be controlled using after-treatment systems such as three-way catalyst.
The power to control: State forces’ action and student contentious politics in the Argentine educational field
Authors: Gonzalez Vaillant Gabriela , Page Poma Fernanda
Published: July 2020

Student movements in Latin America have historically been at the forefront of democratization and progressive social action. This article seeks to understand state-led protest control against students and their movements in Argentina in the last decades (1997–2007). By drawing on a database of contentious politics events in Argentina using newspaper data, analysis of secondary sources, and in-depth interviews of actors, it closely examines when, why, where, and how the state contains student protests and how the power relations between them and the state unfolds over time. A main finding underlying this study is that the nature of state repression of students is related to (a) the tactics being used, (b) the demands being made, (c) the actors that are protesting alongside them, and (d) the political party in power. The article shows how the associational ties between students, teacher movements, political parties, and other movements change during moments of economic crisis and political shifts in government, and how this, in turn, results in changes in state control. Against common sense understandings, we find that changes toward more politically ‘progressive’ governments do not necessarily imply less amount of repression even though the nature of state control changes.
Effects of speech rate on anticipatory eye movements in the visual world paradigm: Evidence from aging, native, and non-native language processing
Authors: Fernandez Leigh B , Engelhardt Paul E , Patarroyo Angela G , Allen Shanley EM
Published: July 2020

Research has shown that suprasegmental cues in conjunction with visual context can lead to anticipatory (or predictive) eye movements. However, the impact of speech rate on anticipatory eye movements has received little empirical attention. The purpose of the current study was twofold. From a methodological perspective, we tested the impact of speech rate on anticipatory eye movements by systemically varying speech rate (3.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 6.0 syllables per second) in the processing of filler-gap dependencies. From a theoretical perspective, we examined two groups thought to show fewer anticipatory eye movements, and thus likely to be more impacted by speech rate. Experiment 1 compared anticipatory eye movements across the lifespan with younger (18–24 years old) and older adults (40–75 years old). Experiment 2 compared L1 speakers of English and L2 speakers of English with an L1 of German. Results showed that all groups made anticipatory eye movements. However, L2 speakers only made anticipatory eye movements at 3.5 syllables per second, older adults at 3.5 and 4.5 syllables per second, and younger adults at speech rates up to 5.5 syllables per second. At the fastest speech rate, all groups showed a marked decrease in anticipatory eye movements. This work highlights (1) the importance of speech rate on anticipatory eye movements, and (2) group-level performance differences in filler-gap prediction.
Sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT)-2 inhibitors alleviate the renal stress responsible for sympathetic activation
Authors: Sano Motoaki
Published: July 2020

This review focuses on the pathogenic role of sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT)-2 in the development of renal dysfunction and heart failure in patients with diabetes, by emphasizing the concept of reno-cardiac syndrome (kidney injury worsens cardiac condition) and by substantiating the deleterious effect of sympathetic overdrive in this context. Furthermore, the review proposes a mechanistic hypothesis to explain the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, specifically that SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce sympathetic activation at the renal level. To illustrate this point, several examples from both animal experiments and clinical observations are introduced. The bidirectional interaction of the heart and kidney were deeply implicated as an exacerbator of heart failure and renal failure without diabetes. Renal cortical ischemia and abnormal glucose metabolism of tubular epithelial cells are likely to exist as common pathologies in nondiabetic heart failure patients. It is no wonder why SGLT-2 inhibitors are specifically being studied even in the absence of diabetes, both for heart failure and also for renal failure.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C-associated cryoglobulinemia vasculitis at the era of direct-acting antivirals
Authors: Comarmond Cloé , Cacoub Patrice , Saadoun David
Published: July 2020

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for both hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations. Before the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), cryoglobulinemia was related to HCV infection in 70–90% of cases. Observed in 30% to 40% of patients with hepatitis C, mixed cryoglobulinemia is mainly asymptomatic. Conversely, symptomatic cryoglobulinemia vasculitis (CV) can occur in 5–10% of patients with HCV-associated cryoglobulinemia. CV is a small-vessel systemic vasculitis, and organ damage results from circulation and precipitation of cryoglobulins and complement activation. A wide range of clinical symptoms can be observed during CV, and manifestations are potentially life-threatening. The most frequent manifestations occurring in CV are cutaneous, with recurrent purpura, articular with joint pains, neurologic with peripheric neuropathy, and renal with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. DAA have drastically changed chronic HCV therapy. DAA induce sustained virological response (SVR) rates greater than 95%, and also improve extrahepatic manifestations such as CV. We review recent studies investigating the clinical and immune effects of DAA therapy on HCV-CV.
Incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection in peripartum women: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saha Srishti , Pardi Ryan , Theiler Regan N. , Pardi Darrell S. , Khanna Sahil
Published: July 2020

Background:

The incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is increasing in the general population. Data on the epidemiology of CDI in peripartum women – a highly vulnerable patient population – is scarce. The objective of this study was to report the incidence of CDI in peripartum women.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in peripartum women from 1997 to 2017. Peripartum CDI was defined as definite CDI (watery diarrhea for >24 h with positive stool assay) during pregnancy, or within 6 weeks postpartum. Incidence was reported per 100,000 pregnancies and time trends in incidence were analyzed using Poisson regression. Analyses were done separately for time trends before and after 2007, when CDI testing strategy changed to polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

From 1997 to 2017, 80 patients with peripartum CDI (47 during pregnancy, 33 postpartum) out of 125,683 pregnancies (0.064%) were identified. Incidence of CDI increased 3.4 fold (95% confidence interval 1.5–7.4, p = 0.005) over the 21 year period. Time trends were evident after ( p = 0.054), but not before 2007 ( p = 0.97).

Conclusion:

Incidence of CDI in peripartum women increased over the 21 year study period. The rise in incidence is concerning, and calls for heightened surveillance for CDI in this highly vulnerable population.
Barriers associated with mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare workers: an integrative review
Authors: Short Erica , Zimmerman Peta-Anne , van de Mortel Thea
Published: July 2020

Background:

Uptake of influenza vaccination reduces staff absenteeism as well as mortality of patients and healthcare workers (HCWs); however, adherence of HCWs to annual influenza vaccination is poor and some healthcare facilities are now considering mandatory influenza vaccination policies.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived and reported barriers to the implementation of a mandatory influenza vaccination policy for HCWs.

Methods:

An integrative review of the literature was conducted. Databases including CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline and PubMed were searched using key terms. The quality of papers was assessed utilising the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research papers for a Variety of Fields which consisted of 10 questions with a possible total score of 20. PRISMA guidelines were used to report the search outcomes.

Results:

A total of 68 papers were identified from the database search. Seven papers were relevant, following screening. The quality scores of these were in the range of 15–20. A number of barriers are reported to prevent the effective implementation of mandatory influenza vaccination policies including ethical and legal considerations, logistics, healthcare burden, leadership and management, and human factors such as HCWs’ perspectives.

Conclusions:

By comprehensively identifying these, barriers can be addressed to allow effective implementation of such policies in healthcare facilities to ensure improved outcomes. The results of the review indicated the need for further research to ensure that barriers are addressed cohesively.
New disappearance of complicated atheromatous plaques on rechallenge with PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade in non-small cell lung cancer patient: follow up of an unexpected event
Authors: Lamberti Giuseppe , Gelsomino Francesco , Brocchi Stefano , Poerio Antonio , Melotti Barbara , Sperandi Francesca , Gargiulo Mauro , Borghi Claudio , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Ardizzoni Andrea
Published: July 2020

Atherosclerosis is considered an irreversible process, with crucial contribution of inflammation and immune cells. Impact of cancer immunotherapy on a partly immune-driven disease, such as atherosclerosis, is poorly understood, but preclinical models suggest its worsening on programmed death/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors. In a previously reported cohort of 11 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with nivolumab and pre-existing complicated atheromatous plaques, 3 patients had a dramatic radiologic reduction of aortic plaques while on nivolumab; of these 3, 2 died receiving no further treatment. The remaining patient was an 83-year-old woman with history of arterial hypertension and hypothyroidism who was diagnosed with locally advanced squamous NSCLC. At relapse, complicated aortic atheromatous plaques were demonstrated on scans. The patient was then treated with nivolumab obtaining stable disease at radiological assessment, which also demonstrated almost complete vanishing of aortic plaques. After relapse and interval treatment with chemotherapy, she experienced new development of aortic atheromatous plaques. At further relapse she received atezolizumab, which yielded disease response and new reduction in aortic plaques, until nearly complete resolution. The observation of a repeated improvement of atheromatous plaques on treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors favors the protective role of T cells on atheromatous plaques that is impaired by PD-L1 expression by plaque-associated macrophages. Validation by independent and prospective observation is needed.
Current management of RET rearranged non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Stinchcombe Thomas E
Published: July 2020

The identification of oncogenic drivers, and the subsequent development of targeted therapies established biomarker-based care for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Biomarker testing is standard of care in NSCLC patients with adenocarcinoma because multiple targeted therapies are available. Rearranged during transfection ( RET) rearrangements were identified as oncogenic drivers in NSCLC, and are more common among younger patients, adenocarcinoma histology, and patients with a history of never smoking. The prevalence is estimated to be 1–2% among patients with adenocarcinoma histology. The most common rearrangement is between intron 11 of the RET gene and intron 15 of the KIF5B gene, and the next most frequent rearrangement is with the CCDC6 gene. RET rearrangements lead to constitutive activation of the RET tyrosine kinase and increased cell proliferation, migration, and survival. Phase II studies investigated the activity of multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with NSCLC with a confirmed RET rearrangement. These agents have limited potency against RET, and activity against the epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways. These agents revealed modest activity, and were poorly tolerated due to the off-target toxicities. These struggles contributed to the development of more potent and specific RET tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Preliminary results from early phase trials of selpercatinib (LOXO-292) and pralsetinib (BLU-667) revealed promising efficacy and improved tolerability. The availability of these agents will make routine testing for RET rearrangements a priority.
De-securitizing the “Silk Road”: Uzbekistan’s cooperation agenda with Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea in the post-Karimov era
Authors: Dadabaev Timur
Published: July 2020

This article argues that Uzbekistan’s cooperation agenda with Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea demonstrates clear signs of breaking with the Karimov-era security-driven agenda for cooperation in favor of de-securitization. This article uses a comparative analysis of the engagement of Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea with Uzbekistan through an analysis of the shifting political discourses in Uzbekistan and these states, statistics regarding their interaction, and an analysis of the economic road maps of their engagement from 2015 onward. This timeframe is attributed particular importance in this article, as it symbolizes the new opening of Uzbekistan toward these four states after the death of its dictatorial President Islam Karimov. In terms of the narrative, this article will first explore the problem of the securitization of the Central Asian region and the cooperation agenda. The article then discusses the motivations of Uzbekistan and its cooperation counterparts in pursuing closer ties. This discussion will then be followed by an analysis of how the new leadership in Uzbekistan re-evaluated its past behavior to address its post- and neocolonial challenges and the cooperation agendas with Russia, China, South Korea, and Japan.
Collaborative Care in Primary Care: The Influence of Practice Interior Architecture on Informal Face-to-Face Communication—An Observational Study
Authors: Morgan Sonya , Pullon Susan , McKinlay Eileen , Garrett Susan , Kennedy Jonathan , Watson Bruce
Published: July 2020

Background:

Quality patient care in primary care settings, especially for patients with complex long-term health needs, is improved by interprofessional collaborative practice. Effective collaboration is achieved in large part by frequent informal face-to-face “on-the-fly” communication between team members. Research undertaken in hospitals shows that interior architecture influences informal communication and collaboration between staff. However, little is known about how the interior architecture of primary care practices might facilitate or hinder informal communication and collaboration among primary care staff.

Objectives:

This research explores the influence of primary care practice interior architecture on face-to-face on-the-fly communication for collaborative care.

Methods:

An observational study was undertaken to compare face-to-face informal interactions between staff in three primary care practices of differing interior architecture. Data collected from practices included: direct observations floor plans, photographs, interviews, and surveys.

Results:

Most primary care staff engaged in frequent, brief face-to-face interactions, which appeared to be key to the delivery of effective collaboration. Features of primary care practice designs that were associated with increased frequency of staff interaction included shared spaces, staff proximity/visibility, and the presence of convenient circulatory and transitional spaces where staff were able to easily engage in timely on-the-fly communication with colleagues.

Conclusions:

The interior architecture of primary care practices has an important impact on staff collaboration. Although more research is needed to investigate further details in more practices, close attention should nevertheless be paid to maximizing opportunities for brief face-to-face communication in well-designed shared spaces in primary care practices.
Impact of Post-Surgical Therapies on Endoscopic and External Dacryocystorhinostomy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vinciguerra Alessandro , Nonis Alessandro , Resti Antonio Giordano , Bussi Mario , Trimarchi Matteo
Published: July 2020

Background

Epiphora is a common ophthalmologic sign that is most commonly caused by distal acquired lacrimal obstruction. Recent data have demonstrated that external dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR) and endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (END-DCR) can be considered the treatments of choice. However, different post-surgical medical therapies are available and are currently used to improve surgical outcomes, although no direct comparison has been performed.

Objective

To analyse the influence of post-surgical medical treatments on END-DCR and EXT-DCR outcomes.

Methods

A structured search was conducted using the U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed), EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases with a final search performed in May 2020. The research identified papers published later than 2000 with at least 50 single clinician procedures performed in EXT-DCR and END-DCR. Articles that studied acute infections, revision cases, mixed cohort studies of acquired and congenital obstruction, and tumour were excluded. The influence of systemic antibiotic/steroids, local application of mitomycin C, nasal/ocular antibiotic, nasal/ocular steroids and nasal decongestants was analysed.

Results

In total, 11,445 papers were selected, 2,741 of which were reviewed after screening, and 18 included after full text review (0.6% of the initial articles reviewed) which involved 3,590 procedures. Considering the low number of publications on EXT-DCR, statistical analysis of post-surgical therapy was not feasible. In END-DCR, the analyses were performed only for nasal steroids (p = 0.58), oral antibiotics (p = 0.45) and nasal decongestant (p = 0.27), which demonstrated no meaningful influence. Given the variable association between adjunctive medical therapies, pharmacologic molecular heterogeneity and modality/concentration of application, these results should be considered critically. Additionally, no differences were seen for application of silicone stenting, whereas, no statistical analysis was performed for mitomycin C.

Conclusions

Given the high success rate of EXT-DCR and END-DCR and the heterogeneity of literature data, the effective influence of post-surgical medical therapy is difficult to identify. Future large prospective randomized studies could help in detecting the optimal adjunctive therapy for these surgeries.
Affirming Basic Psychological Needs Promotes Mental Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Cantarero Katarzyna , van Tilburg Wijnand A. P. , Smoktunowicz Ewelina
Published: July 2020

We tested if challenges to basic psychological needs (BPN) for autonomy, competence, and relatedness during the COVID-19 pandemic undermine people’s mental well-being. Furthermore, we tested if an intervention, affirmation of these psychological needs, enhances mental well-being. Results of Study 1 ( N = 153) showed that higher levels of satisfaction of BPN were related to higher well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak. In Study 2 ( N = 215), we employed an online intervention enhancing these BPN. We found increased mental well-being through bolstered relatedness in particular. The intervention also decreased perceived stress. Both studies showed that mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic is positively related to the ability to work as usual and the number of people contacted via phone or internet but not in person.
Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with impaired glomerular filtration rate in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Dall’Agnol Angélica , Brondani Letícia de Almeida , Cancelier Vítor da Agostim , Camargo Eduardo Guimarães , Silveiro Sandra Pinho
Published: July 2020

Background:

25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency has been implicated as a possible risk factor for the onset and progression of diabetes kidney disease (DKD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between levels of 25(OH)D and DKD in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

Methods:

Cross-sectional design, outpatient type 2 DM. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by 51Cr-EDTA and estimated by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), urinary albumin excretion (UAE) by immunoturbidimetry, and 25(OH)D by chemiluminescence. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and generalized linear model (Poisson robust regression estimator) were used to assess the interaction between 25(OH)D levels and renal function.

Results:

A total of 114 type 2 DM patients aged 60 ± 10 years, 49 males (43%), DM duration 22 ± 10 years, with GFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were evaluated. Patients with GFRs 60–90 ( n = 50) had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than individuals with GFRs > 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 ( n = 64), respectively 40 ± 20 versus 48 ± 20 nmol/l, p = 0.027. This difference was more pronounced for older individuals (39 ± 20 versus 54 ± 23 nmol/l, respectively), and Poisson robust regression disclosed that lower 25(OH)D [Poisson regression (PR) = 0.989, confidence interval (CI): 0.978–0.999, p = 0.034], and advanced age (PR = 1.050, CI: 1.007–1.096, p = 0.023) were significantly associated with the lower GFR category, adjusted for seasons. ROC curve analysis showed that the cutoff point of 25(OH)D of 41 nmol/l was associated with lower GFR [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.694, p = 0.009]. CKD-EPI estimated GFR (eGFR) was not associated with 25(OH)D in any analysis. There was no difference in 25(OH)D levels between patients with elevated UAE as compared with normoalbuminuric ones (44 ± 21 versus 46 ± 19 nmol/l, p = 0.587).

Conclusion:

Lower levels of 25(OH)D are associated with decreased GFR in patients with type 2 DM, especially in older patients, with no evidence of interaction with UAE levels.
Plant-derived oleanolic acid ameliorates markers of subclinical inflammation and innate immunity activation in diet-induced pre-diabetic rats
Authors: Gamede Mlindeli , Mabuza Lindokuhle , Ngubane Phikelelani , Khathi Andile
Published: July 2020

Aims:

Sub-clinical inflammation during pre-diabetes is one of the predisposing factors that facilitates the progression of pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes. The administration of oleanolic acid (OA) with or without dietary intervention ameliorates the metabolic and cardiovascular complications in diet-induced pre-diabetes animal models of pre-diabetes. This study aimed to investigate whether OA can also suppress immune activation and ameliorate pro-inflammatory markers.

Methods:

Pre-diabetes was induced by feeding Sprague Dawley rats a high-fat high carbohydrate diet for 20 weeks. The pre-diabetic rats were then treated with OA (80 mg/kg) or metformin (500 mg/kg) in the presence or absence of dietary interventions for a period of 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were euthanised and whole blood was used for platelet and immune cell count while plasma was used for fibrinogen, cluster differentiation 40 ligand and pro-inflammatory cytokine evaluation.

Results:

The results of this study revealed that OA, with or without dietary intervention, improved lipid metabolism by restoring high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) as well as reducing platelets and immune cell counts. Furthermore, OA also decreased plasma proinflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-α and -1β. Markers of immune activation such as C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and CD40L were also decreased upon administration of OA with or without dietary intervention.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that OA may provide an alternative to prevent the progression of pre-diabetes to overt diabetes. This was evident by the reduction of differential white blood cell count and proinflammatory cytokines that exercebate insulin resistance. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and to improve efficacy.
Implementing cognitive automation for employee management in Ganitec University of Science and Technology
Authors: Parthasarathy Sudhaman , Kar Arpan Kumar
Published: July 2020

In May 2016, it was more than 4 months, since the Ganitec University of Science and Technology went through an exercise for implementing an information system to manage the attendance, leave particulars and payroll of their employee. The management decided to replace their existing manual system with a new information system which was labeled “Cognitive Employee Management System.” In May 2016, spearheaded by a couple of faculty members, the Cognitive Employee Management System was finally implemented by a team of three students headed by the coordinator of the Information Systems Department of the Ganitec University of Science and Technology. Although the director envisaged lots of benefits, the changes were not really working out as he had foreseen. Why were people apprehensive about using the Cognitive Employee Management System when the benefits were apparent? How should the project rollout be planned in the Ganitec University of Science and Technology?
DDCI‐01, a novel long acting phospdiesterase‐5 inhibitor, attenuated monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary hypertension in rats
Authors: Li Ailing , Zhu Zhongkai , He Yangke , Dong Qian , Tang Dianyong , Chen Zhongzhu , Huang Wei
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive, malignant heart disease, characterized by pulmonary arteriole remodeling and increased pulmonary vascular resistance, which eventually leads to right heart failure. This study sought to evaluate the effects of a novel long‐acting phospdiesterase‐5 inhibitor, namely DDCI‐01, as an early intervention for monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary hypertensive rats. To establish this model, 50 mg/kg of monocrotaline was intraperitoneally injected into rats. At Day 7 after monocrotaline injection, two doses of DDCI‐01 (3 or 9 mg/kg/day) or tadalafil (at 3 or 9 mg/kg/day) were intragastrically administered. The rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital for hemodynamic and echocardiographic measurements, at Day 21 after monocrotaline injection. Compared to the monocrotaline group, DDCI‐01 at 3 and 9 mg/kg/day (P) reduced the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular transverse diameter, pulmonary arterial medial wall thickness (WT%), and right ventricle hypertrophy. However, no significant difference in the indices mentioned as above was found between DDCI‐01 (3 mg/kg/day) and tadalafil (3 mg/kg/day). In addition, DDCI‐01 at 9 mg/kg/day resulted in lower mPAP and WT%, as well as higher cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in the lung and plasma compared with the same dose of tadalafil (9 mg/kg/day) (all P < 0.05). These findings suggested that DDCI‐01 improved monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary hypertension in rats, and a dose of DDCI‐01 of 9 mg/kg/day might be more effective than the same dose of tadalafil in monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary hypertension in rats.
Possible effect of direct oral anti-coagulant for preventing long stenting lesion from in-stent restenosis in femoropopliteal segment: Case report with angioscopy findings
Authors: Tsuchiya Taketsugu , Akita Satori , Oda Minako , Takamura Takaaki , Kitagawa Katsuhide , Kajinami Koji , Kitayama Michihiko
Published: July 2020

A 64-year-old female underwent a successful first percutaneous intervention using MISAGO stents for a de novo femoropopliteal lesion. Subsequently, three more effective procedures were done using balloon catheters for in-stent restenosis. In May 2016, a fourth procedure using Zilver PTX stent for in-stent restenosis was carried out. For this final procedure, we added direct oral anti-coagulant as she had additional problem of popliteal vein thrombosis and her femoropopliteal segment remained clear. A Zilver PTX stent, a drug-eluting stent for a peripheral artery, was expected to bring superior outcomes compared to conventional bare nitinol stents (i.e. MISAGO stent). But subsequent studies reported that Zilver PTX stent was not more effective than conventional bare nitinol stents. In our above mentioned case, her angioscopy findings suggest that her successful outcome appears to be related to the added direct oral anti-coagulant.
The microbiome in pancreatic diseases: Recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Ammer‐Herrmenau Christoph , Pfisterer Nina , Weingarten Mark FJ , Neesse Albrecht
Published: July 2020

The human microbiota exerts multiple physiological functions such as the regulation of metabolic and inflammatory processes. High‐throughput sequencing techniques such as next‐generation sequencing have become widely available in preclinical and clinical settings and have exponentially increased our knowledge about the microbiome and its interaction with host cells and organisms. There is now emerging evidence that microorganisms also contribute to inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the pancreas. This review summarizes current clinical and translational microbiome studies in acute and chronic pancreatitis as well as pancreatic cancer and provides evidence that the microbiome has a high potential for biomarker discovery. Furthermore, the intestinal and pancreas‐specific microbiome may also become an integrative part of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of pancreatic diseases in the near future.
Making data science systems work
Authors: Passi Samir , Sengers Phoebe
Published: July 2020

How are data science systems made to work? It may seem that whether a system works is a function of its technical design, but it is also accomplished through ongoing forms of discretionary work by many actors. Based on six months of ethnographic fieldwork with a corporate data science team, we describe how actors involved in a corporate project negotiated what work the system should do, how it should work, and how to assess whether it works. These negotiations laid the foundation for how, why, and to what extent the system ultimately worked. We describe three main findings. First, how already-existing technologies are essential reference points to determine how and whether systems work. Second, how the situated resolution of development challenges continually reshapes the understanding of how and whether systems work. Third, how business goals, and especially their negotiated balance with data science imperatives, affect a system’s working. We conclude with takeaways for critical data studies, orienting researchers to focus on the organizational and cultural aspects of data science, the third-party platforms underlying data science systems, and ways to engage with practitioners’ imagination of how systems can and should work.
Teaching theological anthropology through English literature set texts in Catholic secondary schools and colleges
Authors: Torevell David
Published: July 2020

Catholic schools and colleges are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain and sharpen their distinctiveness in a climate of secularism, indifference to religion and the shortage of practising Catholics. This article argues that one method of bolstering Catholic schools’ mission integrity is to highlight one important feature of its identity – theological anthropology – and shows how curriculum delivery outside Religious Education syllabuses might contribute to its teaching. I take examples from two popular set texts in A-level English Literature to highlight how they might be used creatively to stimulate discussion of a defining feature of personhood within the Christian tradition, imago Dei.
De-schooling Well-being: Toward a Learning-Oriented Definition
Authors: Rincón-Gallardo Santiago
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

(1) Critique conventional schooling as detrimental to student well-being and learning. (2) Articulate an alternative that is more conducive to learning and well-being in classrooms, schools, and educational systems.

Design/Approach/Methods:

I review the historical functions of compulsory schooling, the main critiques to conventional schooling developed over the past century, emerging knowledge on the neuroscience of learning and well-being, and cases of large-scale pedagogical transformation from the Global South.

Findings:

I argue that conventional schooling is detrimental to well-being, that deep learning is a precursor of well-being, and that compulsory schooling is not designed to cultivate it. Well-being has to be de-schooled so that students thrive in schools: The grammar of schooling has to be replaced with the language of learning. This requires deep and widespread cultural change, and some movements of pedagogical renewal from the Global South offer important lessons on how to accomplish this.

Originality/Value:

Expanding the scope of existing debates about student well-being by questioning the assumption that compulsory schooling is inherently good and pointing out that unless the default culture of schooling is replaced with cultures of robust learning, student well-being efforts will simply reproduce the very problems they seek to solve.
Education for the Whole Person in a Modern East Asian Context: “Caring-About the World” as a Form of Self-Love
Authors: Kwak Duck-Joo
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

The essay attempts to explore a possibility to conceive the idea of education for the whole person as a way of recovering the old spirit of liberal education or Bildung, yet in a new language.

Design/Approach/Methods:

The essay largely consists of two parts. The first part touches upon and diagnoses the current problems with educational culture in modern Korea where youths suffer their divided soul, by employing Rousseau’s notions of two different kinds of self-love, amour-de-soi and amour-propre. The second part addresses how the pursuit of the whole person as being wholehearted can be a healthy form of self-love mediated by love of the world or other persons.

Findings:

The idea of education for the whole person may turn out to be an unfeasible ideal, in the modern condition. Yet, being a whole person as wholehearted can be taken as a regulative ideal that guides our practice in teaching and learning, stimulating us to make an effort to be so despite our knowledge that it is out of reach.

Originality/Value:

The essay shows how the idea of education for the whole person can be newly interpreted in modern East Asian context, which can resonate with current problems with education culture in the West as well as around the globe for the age of measurement.
Exercise Counseling by Primary Care Physicians in Jordan—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Beni Yonis Othman , Saadeh Rami , Chamseddin Zaher , Alananzeh Hussam
Published: July 2020

Despite the value of physical activity and exercise to patients, little is known about the perception and practices of Jordanian primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding counseling patients about exercise. This study was aimed at assessing counseling about exercise by PCPs in Jordan. A cross-sectional study targeting a random sample of physicians from family medicine, internal medicine and general practice in academic, public, and private sectors. Chi-square test of independence was used to assess the association of perceptions and practices of physicians regarding exercise counseling with their specialty. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of demographic information with selected items of perception and practice. A total of 218 physicians participated in the study. They were mainly males (67%), family medicine physicians (42.2%), and had a mean age of 33.7 (±9.87) years. Most physicians believed that less than half of patients will start exercising (91.3%) or will continue exercising if they were repeatedly counseled at follow-up visits (85.4%). Family medicine physicians counseled more patients, more frequently, and their desire to counsel more patients was significantly higher than other physicians ( P = .002).

The Perceptions and practices of Jordanian PCPs toward exercise counseling for their patients were found positive; however the desire to counsel more patients was low. Lack of patients’ motivation to practice exercise, time constraint and limited resources were the most frequently reported barriers to counseling. Further investigation on how to overcome such barriers is recommended.
Addressing the COVID-19 Nutrition Crisis in Vulnerable Communities: Applying a Primary Care Perspective
Authors: Ong Madeline Mae , Ong Ronnah Marie , Reyes Gladys Kaye , Sumpaico-Tanchanco Lourdes Bernadette
Published: July 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent public health interventions have disrupted food systems all over the world. In the Philippines, where stringent lockdown rules have been implemented, households living in poverty have had to rely largely on food aid in the form of food packs distributed by local governments and private donors. An evaluation of the commonly distributed food items reveals a diet that addresses acute hunger but does not contain sufficient nutrients to promote and maintain health. Such a diet puts low-income households at a greater risk of acute and chronic disease. The negative health impact of commonly distributed food packs on food aid-dependent households shine a light on how the COVID-19 pandemic and public health policies exacerbate health inequities. A primary care perspective is essential in creating food security policies that can effectively address acute hunger and malnutrition without contributing to the long-term deleterious effects of inadequate nutrition on the health of indigent communities.
Risk Factors of Recurrent Falls Among Older Adults Admitted to the Trauma Surgery Department
Authors: Curran-Groome William , Klein Gary , Miller Stanton B. , Hui Azor , Wilson Jordan S. , Kuoiloi Chol , Masarapu Venkata , Alabd Andre , Mascaro Toni , Logan Gideon , Lubeck Jonathan
Published: July 2020

Falls affect more than 29 million American adults ages ≥65 years annually. Many older adults experience recurrent falls requiring medical attention. These recurrent falls may be prevented through screening and intervention. In 2014 to 2015, records for 199 older adult patients admitted from a major urban teaching hospital’s emergency department were queried. Open-ended variables from clinicians’ notes were coded to supplement existing closed-ended variables. Of the 199 patients, 52 (26.1%) experienced one or more recurrent falls within 365 days after their initial fall. Half (50.0%) of all recurrent falls occurred within the first 90 days following discharge. A large proportion of recurrent falls among older adults appear to occur within a few months and are statistically related to identifiable risk factors. Prevention and intervention strategies, delivered either during treatment for an initial fall or upon discharge from an inpatient admission, may reduce the incidence of recurrent falls among this population.
Drivers of Cash-on-Delivery Method of Payment in E-Commerce Shopping: Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: Anjum Safia , Chai Junwu
Published: July 2020

The e-commerce market of Pakistan has phenomenally fostered in recent years as a result of cyberspace expansion and launching of various national and international vendors. While country’s e-commerce scenario has significantly reshaped, customers are still reluctant to adopt e-payment methods and cash on delivery (COD) prevails as the method of payments for online shopping. This study was conducted to empirically investigate major factors which influence Pakistani customers to opt for COD while shopping online. A framework was proposed based on seven constructs and the data were collected using 5-point Likert-type scale. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v. 22 and Amos v. 23 were used for statistical analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). Cronbach’s alpha values above .85 were found suggesting good internal consistency. The goodness-of-fit index and adjusted goodness-of-fit index values were observed to be 0.933 and 0.866, respectively. In SEM analysis, perceived security against online scams and perceived control over the buying process were observed to be the key role players instigating Pakistani customers to use COD. Interestingly, perceived trust and perceived satisfaction did not show significant impact. Moreover, the moderator of ease of use positively mediated the influence of perceived security on the use of COD. This study presents imperative implications for online businesses as well as government agencies. The investigation provides an insight into purchase behaviors of Pakistani e-customers and has paramount importance for e-commerce retailers and marketing startups in evolving e-commerce scenario of the country.
Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy due to endometriosis
Authors: Kim Tesia G , Sudhof Leanna S , Liu Fong W , Shainker Scott A
Published: July 2020

Background:

Hemoperitoneum in pregnancy requires urgent evaluation. While spontaneous intraperitoneal bleeding is rare, ectopic endometrial tissue is a frequent cause of this event.

Case:

A 38-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis presented at 26 weeks gestation with 1 week of vague abdominal pain. Vital signs were within normal limits, and physical exam was notable for left-sided abdominal tenderness. Imaging demonstrated simple free fluid in her pelvis, concern for a uterine fundal defect and an adjacent hematoma. Exploratory laparotomy revealed hemoperitoneum secondary to highly vascularized stage 4 endometriosis. After classical cesarean delivery, a supracervical hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was performed due to ongoing global pelvic hemorrhage.

Conclusion:

Consider endometriosis as a cause of spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy. Obstetricians should be prepared for significant maternal morbidity when encountering such pathology.