bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reasoning about Cognitive Trust in Stochastic Multiagent Systems
Authors: Huang Xiaowei , Kwiatkowska Marta , Olejnik Maciej
Published: July 2019

We consider the setting of stochastic multiagent systems modelled as stochastic multiplayer games and formulate an automated verification framework for quantifying and reasoning about agents’ trust. To capture human trust, we work with a cognitive notion of trust defined as a subjective evaluation that agentAmakes about agentB’s ability to complete a task, which in turn may lead to a decision byAto rely onB. We propose a probabilistic rational temporal logic PRTL*, which extends the probabilistic computation tree logic PCTL* with reasoning about mental attitudes (beliefs, goals, and intentions) and includes novel operators that can express concepts of social trust such as competence, disposition, and dependence. The logic can express, for example, that “agentAwill eventually trust agentBwith probability at leastpthat B will behave in a way that ensures the successful completion of a given task.” We study the complexity of the automated verification problem and, while the general problem is undecidable, we identify restrictions on the logic and the system that result in decidable, or even tractable, subproblems.
A Tractable Class of Binary VCSPs via M-Convex Intersection
Authors: Hirai Hiroshi , Iwamasa Yuni , Murota Kazuo , Živný Stanislav
Published: July 2019

A binary VCSP is a general framework for the minimization problem of a function represented as the sum of unary and binary cost functions. An important line of VCSP research is to investigate what functions can be solved in polynomial time. Cooper and Živný classified the tractability of binary VCSP instances according to the concept of “triangle,” and showed that the only interesting tractable case is the one induced by the joint winner property (JWP). Recently, Iwamasa, Murota, and Živný made a link between VCSP and discrete convex analysis, showing that a function satisfying the JWP can be transformed into a function represented as the sum of two quadratic M-convex functions, which can be minimized in polynomial time via an M-convex intersection algorithm if the value oracle of each M-convex function is given.

In this article, we give an algorithmic answer to a natural question: What binary finite-valued CSP instances can be represented as the sum of two quadratic M-convex functions and can be solved in polynomial time via an M-convex intersection algorithm? We solve this problem by devising a polynomial-time algorithm for obtaining a concrete form of the representation in the representable case. Our result presents a larger tractable class of binary finite-valued CSPs, which properly contains the JWP class.
Deciding the Confusability of Words under Tandem Repeats in Linear Time
Authors: Chee Yeow Meng , Chrisnata Johan , Kiah Han Mao , Nguyen Tuan Thanh
Published: July 2019

Tandem duplication in DNA is the process of inserting a copy of a segment of DNA adjacent to the original position. Motivated by applications that store data in living organisms, Jain et al. (2016) proposed the study of codes that correct tandem duplications to improve the reliability of data storage. We investigate algorithms associated with the study of these codes.

Two words are said to be ⩽-confusable if there exists a sequence of tandem duplications for each word, where each duplication is of length at most
k
, such that the resulting two words after duplications are equal. For
k
=3, we demonstrate that the problem of deciding whether two words is ⩽3-confusable is linear-time solvable through a characterisation that can be checked efficiently. Combining with previous results, the decision problem is linear-time solvable for
k
⩽ 3. We conjecture that this problem is undecidable for
k
> 3.

Using insights gained from the algorithm, we study the size of tandem-duplication codes. We improve the previous known upper bound and then construct codes with larger sizes as compared to the previous constructions. We determine the sizes of optimal tandem-duplication codes for lengths up to 20, develop recursive methods to construct tandem-duplication codes for all word lengths, and compute explicit lower bounds for the size of optimal tandem-duplication codes for lengths from 21 to 30.
Three-Month Retention of Basic Life Support with an Automated External Defibrillator Using a Two-Stage versus Four-Stage Teaching Technique
Authors: Bomholt Katrine Bjørnshave , Krogh Lise Qvirin , Bomholt Svend Rosendahl , Nebsbjerg Mette Amalie , Thim Troels , Løfgren Bo
Published: July 2019

Introduction. Resuscitation training increases bystander’s ability to perform basic life support (BLS) with an automated external defibrillator (AED) immediately after training. However, several studies indicate that resuscitation skills decay rapidly. Methods. This study evaluates retention of BLS/AED skills three months after an initial study comparing acquisition of BLS/AED skills among laypersons immediately after training with a two-stage versus four-stage teaching technique. Results. There was no difference in retention of BLS/AED skills (pass rate 10.8% versus 10.9%, respectively, p=1) three months after training. Total average number of skills adequately performed (of 17) was 13.3 versus 13.7 among laypersons trained with a two-stage and a four-stage technique, respectively. No difference was found in quality of chest compressions and rescue breaths between the two groups. Conclusion. Three months after training, this study found no difference in retention of BLS/AED skills among laypersons taught using a two-stage compared to a four-stage teaching technique.
Lymphomatoid Papulosis Type A: A Case Report of the “Wait-and-See Strategy” in a 27-Year-Old Male Patient with Extensive Disease
Authors: Kavvalou Eirini , Stefanidou Maria , Krueger-Krasagakis Sabine Elke , Evangelou George , Koumaki Dimitra , Marinos Leonidas , Tzardi Maria , Krasagakis Konstantinos
Published: July 2019

This is the case of a 27-year-old male patient with a newly diagnosed extensive lymphomatoid papulosis type A involving cosmetically sensitive areas (e.g. face), who refused to be treated with a low dose of methotrexate, as recommended by the published literature. The natural course of the disease was proved to be strikingly satisfying though, with a complete regression of all skin lesions at the 4-week follow-up, including an ulcerated nodule 3 x 3 cm in dimension, which was expected to heal at least in months. We report this case to reconsider weighting the risks and the short-term benefits of methotrexate treatment, even in the case of an extensive disease.
Traditional Acupuncture Meets Modern Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Perspectives
Authors: Zhang He , Han Gang , Litscher Gerhard
Published: July 2019

Acupuncture is an ancient method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Usually acupuncture needles are inserted into the body to achieve therapeutic effects. However, there are still some challenges to achieve consensuses. What is the essence or anatomy of acupuncture meridians? How does acupuncture work? How to improve acupuncture clinical therapeutic effect? These questions may be addressed by highlighting recent developments in innovative nanotechnology. The aim of this review is to elucidate the possible applications and future potential of nanotechnology in acupuncture. Nanoparticles are promising for imaging and it may gain a better understanding of the essence of meridian. Nanotechnology enables nanochips/nanosensors providing new solutions in detection reactive molecules in vivo and in real time. The connections and changing of these molecules with needle stimulation will allow insight into the mechanisms of acupuncture. Acupuncture combined with nano-TCM could provide a great potential in some type of characteristic acupuncture therapies improvement. By virtue of nanotechnology, the acupuncture needles could be innovated as multifunction toolbox. Acupuncture needles could be considered as a method for controlled drug delivery. The nanoparticulated photothermal, magnetothermal, photodynamic agents could also be filled on the surface of needle.
The Pathogenicity and Transcriptome Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Response to Water Extract of Galla chinensis
Authors: Wu Shizhou , Liu Yunjie , Zhang Hui , Lei Lei
Published: July 2019

Aim. Antibiotic abuse contributes to the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is increasingly important to screen new antimicrobial agents for the management of MRSA infections. G. chinensis, a nontoxic Chinese herbal medicine, is considered a potential antibacterial agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the bactericidal effects of the aqueous extracts of G. chinensis on MRSA. The potential mechanisms of G. chinensis aqueous extract inhibition of the pathogenicity of MRSA in vivo are also discussed. Methods. G. chinensis aqueous extract was prepared and its antimicrobial activities were examined by determining its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Biofilm biomass was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to evaluate differentially expressed functional pathways in MRSA treated with G. chinensis aqueous extract. We validated the role of G. chinensis aqueous extract in the invasive ability and pathogenicity of MRSA in vivo using a rat infectious model. Results. The results indicated that MRSA was sensitive to the G. chinensis aqueous extracts at concentration of 31.25μg/mL. G. chinensis extract led to a reduction in dextran-dependent aggregation and biofilm formation in MRSA. Based on the transcriptome analysis, G. chinensis aqueous extracts significantly downregulated the gene expression related to biofilm formation and carbohydrate metabolism. G. chinensis aqueous extract inhibited the invasive ability and the pathogenicity of MRSA in vivo. Conclusion. The antimicrobial properties of G. chinensis aqueous extract are likely related to its modulation of MRSA biofilm formation and carbohydrate metabolism. G. chinensis aqueous extract is a promising supplementary therapy to lessen or eliminate the use of antibiotics and is a potential tool for the management of MRSA infections.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Annatto Seeds, Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity, and Identification of Main Compounds by LC/ESI-MS Analysis
Authors: Quintero Quiroz Julian , Naranjo Duran Ana Maria , Silva Garcia Mariluz , Ciro Gomez Gelmy Luz , Rojas Camargo John Jairo
Published: July 2019

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity (i.e., against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and the antioxidant activity (i.e., ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH) of annatto seeds extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction. A response surface design with three levels such as pH (2-11), solvent concentration (50-96 %), seed-to-solvent ratio (1:2–1:10), and treatment time (0-30 min) was employed to determine the optimal experimental conditions. Thus, a pH of 7.0, seed-to-solvent ratio of 1:7, and treatment time of 20 min were selected as optimal rendering an extract having a 0.62% of bixin, 3.81 mg gallic acid/mg equivalent of polyphenol compounds (ABTS 1035.7, FRAP 424.7, and DPPH 1161.5 μM trolox/L), and a minimal inhibitory concentration against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus of 32 and 16 mg/L, respectively. Further, the main bioactive compounds identified by LC/ESI-MS were bixin and catechin, chlorogenic acid, chrysin, butein, hypolaetin, licochalcone A, and xanthohumol.
Conditional Analysis for Mixed Covariates, with Application to Feed Intake of Lactating Sows
Authors: Park S. Y. , Li C. , Mendoza Benavides S. M. , van Heugten E. , Staicu A. M.
Published: July 2019

We propose a novel modeling framework to study the effect of covariates of various types on the conditional distribution of the response. The methodology accommodates flexible model structure, allows for joint estimation of the quantiles at all levels, and provides a computationally efficient estimation algorithm. Extensive numerical investigation confirms good performance of the proposed method. The methodology is motivated by and applied to a lactating sow study, where the primary interest is to understand how the dynamic change of minute-by-minute temperature in the farrowing rooms within a day (functional covariate) is associated with low quantiles of feed intake of lactating sows, while accounting for other sow-specific information (vector covariate).
Water Transport in Unsaturated Cracked Concrete under Pressure
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhu , Zhang Siming , Wei Gang , Wei Xinjiang , Jin Liqiao , Xu Kuixin
Published: July 2019

In order to analyze the process of hydraulic water infiltrating cracked concrete of underwater tunnels, the equation of water transport in unsaturated cracked concrete under pressure was proposed according to the double‐porosity medium model. Penetration tests on prefabricated cracked concrete blocks were conducted, and then the influence of hydraulic pressure, initial saturation, and crack width on water transport was studied. The results show that the larger the water pressure, the lower the initial saturation, and the wider the crack width, then the greater the penetration depth, which can be reasonably explained according to water motion theoretical models in this study. Moreover, the TOUGH2 software was used to simulate the change and distribution of saturation, driving potential, and water velocity of unsaturated cracked concrete, which further proved the experimental results and theoretical analysis. It reflects that both pressure potential and matric potential are the driving force of water transport in underwater cracked concrete, and the driving force will be converted with the change of concrete saturation. In addition, crack width is positively correlated with concrete permeability.
Prevalence of Syphilis among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hussen Siraj , Tadesse Birkneh Tilahun
Published: July 2019

Objective. Syphilis is one of the most imperative STIs, caused by the spirocheteTreponema pallidum. During pregnancy it is associated with disastrous health outcomes in the newborn. In sub-Saharan Africa, study findings on the prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women are highly dispersed and inconsistent. The aim of the current review is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa among pregnant women.Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis.Data Sources. Databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and HINARI and reference lists of previous prevalence studies were systematically searched for relevant literature from January 1999 to November 2018. Results were presented in forest plot, tables, and figures. Random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. For the purpose of this review, a case of syphilis was defined as positive treponemal or nontreponemal tests among pregnant women.Data Extraction. Our search gave a total of 262 citations from all searched databases. Of these, 44 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria and comprising 175,546 subjects were finally included.Results. The pooled prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa was 2.9% (95%CI: 2.4%-3.4%). East and Southern African regions had a higher syphilis prevalence among pregnant women (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.3%-4.2% and 3.6%, 95%CI: 2.0%-5.1%, respectively) than the sub-Saharan African pooled prevalence. The prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in most parts of the region seemed to have decreased over the past 20 years except for the East African region. However, prevalence did not significantly differ by region and time period.Conclusion. This review showed a high prevalence of syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa among pregnant women. The evidence suggests strengthening the screening program during pregnancy as part of the care package during antenatal care visits. Programs focusing on primary prevention of syphilis in women should also be strengthened.
Effects of Different Methionine Sources on Methionine Metabolism in the IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Zuo Fangrui , Gu Qiongyao , Li Shengqing , Wei Hongkui , Peng Jian
Published: July 2019

As one of the essential amino acids, methionine (Met) plays an important role in biological events such as methylation and antioxidant properties besides its function in protein synthesis. Different Met sources have been used in animal production, but their effects on Met metabolic pathways are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different Met sources (L-Met, DL-Met, DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (DL-HMTBA), and DL-methionyl-DL-methionine (DL-MM)) on the metabolism of Met in small intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) and the contents of extracellular Met sources. The results showed that concentrations of intracellular Met, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and the ratio of SAM to SAH in the DL-HMTBA group were significantly lower than that in other Met source groups, while the content of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) was significantly higher. Moreover, the mRNA levels ofMAT2A,AHcy,CBS,MTHFR,andMTRin the DL-HMTBA group were significantly higher than those in other Met source groups. Further study showed that the total content of extracellular Met sources was highest in the DL-HMTBA group, followed by DL-MM group, followed by L-Met and DL-Met groups. These results demonstrated that DL-HMTBA mainly affects the transmethylation and remethylation of Met and it can promote the trans-sulfur metabolism of Met when compared with other Met sources. In addition, most DL-HMTBA and a small amount of DL-MM can escape the intestinal first-pass metabolism and then provide more extracellular Met sources than L-Met and DL-Met. Therefore, this study can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of Met sources in livestock.
Automatic Detection of Concrete Spalling Using Piecewise Linear Stochastic Gradient Descent Logistic Regression and Image Texture Analysis
Authors: Hoang Nhat-Duc , Nguyen Quoc-Lam , Tran Xuan-Linh
Published: July 2019

Recognition of spalling on surface of concrete wall is crucial in building condition survey. Early detection of this form of defect can help to develop cost‐effective rehabilitation methods for maintenance agencies. This study develops a method for automatic detection of spalled areas. The proposed approach includes image texture computation for image feature extraction and a piecewise linear stochastic gradient descent logistic regression (PL‐SGDLR) used for pattern recognition. Image texture obtained from statistical properties of color channels, gray‐level cooccurrence matrix, and gray‐level run lengths is used as features to characterize surface condition of concrete wall. Based on these extracted features, PL‐SGDLR is employed to categorize image samples into two classes of “nonspall” (negative class) and “spall” (positive class). Notably, PL‐SGDLR is an extension of the standard logistic regression within which a linear decision surface is replaced by a piecewise linear one. This improvement can enhance the capability of logistic regression in dealing with spall detection as a complex pattern classification problem. Experiments with 1240 collected image samples show that PL‐SGDLR can help to deliver a good detection accuracy (classification accuracy rate = 90.24%). To ease the model implementation, the PL‐SGDLR program has been developed and compiled in MATLAB and Visual C# .NET. Thus, the proposed PL‐SGDLR can be an effective tool for maintenance agencies during periodic survey of buildings.
A Cross-Sectional Study to Explore Intimate Partner Violence and Barriers to Empowerment of Women in Armenia
Authors: Kabir Russell , Khan Hafiz T. A.
Published: July 2019

Background. Intimate partner violence is a major problem worldwide and it is one of the most social issues in Armenia. Empowerment is one of the important factors that helps women to break the cycle of violence by their husband/partner. The aim of this research is to explore the impact of intimate partner violence on empowerment of Armenian women of reproductive age group. Methods. This cross-sectional study used data Armenia Demography and Health Survey Data 2015-16. A total 6116 women were selected from 8749 households at both urban and rural places of Armenia for interview using multistage cluster sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. Results. The respondents aged between 35 and 49 years are more likely to face violence compared to other age group (p≤0.001). The respondents who have no decision-making power, about 89% of them, are experiencing intimate partner violence, whereas only 11% are facing intimate partner violence among those who have decision-making power (p≤0.001). The logistic regression analysis reveals that age of the respondents, number of children in the households, wealth index, and empowerment status are significantly associated with intimate partner violence. Conclusion. Intimate partner violence has significant impact on the empowerment of women in Armenia. This study revealed that women with no empowerment are more likely to experience intimate partner violence compared to those women who are empowered in Armenian society.
Hosoya and Harary Polynomials ofTOX(n),RTOX(n),TSL(n)andRTSL(n)
Authors: Chen Lian , Mehboob Abid , Ahmad Haseeb , Nazeer Waqas , Hussain Muhammad , Farahani M. Reza
Published: July 2019

In the fields of chemical graph theory, topological index is a type of a molecular descriptor that is calculated based on the graph of a chemical compound. In 1947, Wiener introduced “path number” which is now known as Wiener index and is the oldest topological index related to molecular branching. Hosoya polynomial plays a vital role in determining Wiener index. In this report, we computed the Hosoya and the Harary polynomials forTOX(n),RTOX(n),TSL(n), andRTSL(n)networks. Moreover, we computed serval distance based topological indices, for example, Wiener index, Harary index, and multiplicative version of wiener index.
Sometimes It Drains, Sometimes It Sustains: The Dual Role of the Relationship with Students for University Professors
Authors: Martini Mara , Guidetti Gloria , Viotti Sara , Loera Barbara , Converso Daniela
Published: July 2019

University organizational contexts have been changing significantly in recent years, and academic staff are expected to manage larger workloads at an increased pace. This can threaten their well-being and exacerbate work-related stress—possibly creating negative impacts on their mental and physical states. Surprisingly, academic occupational psychological health is still rarely studied. By referring to the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) conceptual model, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between university teachers’ well-being and job demands and resources, with a particular focus on the role of the relationship with students. Specifically, 550 associate and full professors were studied to determine the impact of job characteristics, quality of relationships in the work environment, and negative and positive relations with students regarding emotional exhaustion and work engagement. Hierarchical multiple regression models allowed us to highlight the fact that emotional exhaustion was positively and significantly associated with workload, conflicts with colleagues, and requests from students, and it was negatively associated with work meaning. Work engagement was positively and significantly associated with work meaning and social support from students. Our study points out that the flexible and renowned JD-R model can successfully be used to analyze the occupational psychological health of academics. Further, our study underscores the fact that, among job demands and resources, the often-neglected relations with external users (the students) can play an important role in university teachers’ perceptions of exhaustion and engagement.
Accumulation of Tumor-Infiltrating CD49a+ NK Cells Correlates with Poor Prognosis for Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Haoyu , Liu Lianxin , Huang Qiang , Liu Huan , Huang Mei , Wang Jiabei , Wen Hao , Lin Renyong , Qu Kun , Li Kun , Wei Haiming , Xiao Weihua , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang , Sun Cheng
Published: July 2019

The discovery of CD49a+ liver-resident natural killer (NK) cells in mice alters our view of NK cells and provides another opportunity to study NK cells. Although evidence has suggested roles for NK cells in liver diseases, whether and how CD49a+ NK cells contribute to liver diseases remain unclear. In this study, we observed that accumulation of CD49a+ tissue-resident NK cells in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was higher than in peritumoral tissues. We studied the exhausted and regulatory phenotypes of CD49a+ tissue-resident NK cells by analysis of protein and mRNA. The proportion of CD49a+ NK cells was positively correlated to the proportion of NK cells expressing inhibitory receptors. In addition, CD49a+ NK cells expressed more of checkpoint molecules PD-1, CD96, and TIGIT. Transcriptomic analysis implicated CD49a+ tissue-resident NK cells in the negative regulation of immune responses. Comparison of murine and human CD49a+ NK cells revealed their distinct characteristics and functions. Finally, accumulation of tissue-resident CD49a+ NK cells in liver tumor was correlated to deteriorating disease condition and poor prognosis. Our findings show that CD49a+ NK cells accumulate in liver tumor and suggest a role for CD49a+ NK cells in the negative regulation of immune responses and the development of HCC.
Validation of the Sinhala Version of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised for the Detection of Dementia in Sri Lanka: Comparison with the Mini-Mental Status Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Suriyakumara Vindika , Srikanth Srinivasan  , Wijeyekoon Ruwani  , Gunasekara Harsha  , Muthukuda Chanaka  , Rajapaksha Dinalee  , Weerasekara Rasangi  , Gonawala Lakmal , Wijekoon Nalaka , de Silva K. Ranil D.
Published: July 2019

Background: Sri Lanka is a rapidly aging country, where dementia prevalence will increase significantly in the future. Thus, inexpensive and sensitive cognitive screening tools are crucial. Objectives: To assess the reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy of the Sinhalese version of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R s). Method: The ACE-R was translated into Sinhala with cultural and linguistic adaptations and administered, together with the Sinhala version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), to 99 patients with dementia and 93 gender-matched controls. Results: The ACE-R s cutoff score for dementia was 80 (sensitivity 91.9%, specificity 76.3%). The areas under the curve for the ACE-R s, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and MoCA were 0.90, 0.86, and 0.86, respectively. The ­ACE-R s had good interrater reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.94), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.99), and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.8442). Conclusions: The ACE-R s is sensitive, specific and reliable to detect dementia in persons aged ≥50 years in a Sinhala-speaking population and its diagnostic accuracy is superior to previously validated tools (MMSE and MoCA).
Muscle Strength Is Independently Related to Brain Atrophy in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Moon Yeonsil , Moon Won-Jin , Kim Jin Ok , Kwon Kyoung Ja , Han Seol-Heui
Published: July 2019

Background/Aims: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Interestingly, muscle mass (MM) and muscle strength (MS) are related to AD. In addition to the muscle profile, brain atrophy is also a prominent feature of AD. There is substantial evidence showing an association between muscle profile and dementia, but the role of the muscle profile and cerebral cortical atrophy within this association is less well understood. The objective of this study was to determine if there is any association between muscle profile and brain regional volume in AD. A secondary objective was to determine whether this relationship continues as the clinical stage of AD progresses. Methods: We recruited 28 patients with probable AD without weakness. We assessed the patients’ basic demographic characteristics, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and brain magnetic resonance images. MM was measured using body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. MS was assessed in Nm/kg with an isokinetic knee extensor using an isokinetic device at an angular velocity of 60°/s. An automatic analysis program was used for brain regional volumetric measurements. Dementia was divided into two stages: mild and moderate. Results: MS was related to left hippocampal volume ratio. After adjusting for age and cognitive status, the relationship remained. MS did not demonstrate any relationship to any brain regional volume ratio in the mild stage; however, in the moderate stage, it was positively related to both the right and the left hippocampal volume ratio. Conclusions: Our findings imply a shared underlying pathology relating MS and brain volume and suggest cognitive functional declines through the muscle-brain axis. Further longitudinal studies are needed to find possible and related causes of reduced MS and cortical atrophy in patients with dementia.
The Human Microbiota in Multiple Myeloma and Proteasome Inhibitors
Authors: Alkharabsheh Omar , Sidiqi M. Hasib , Aljama Mohammed A. , Gertz Morie A. , Frankel Arthur E.
Published: July 2019

The gut microbiota plays a significant role in health and disease, including cancer development and treatment. The importance of the gut microbiota in the efficacy and toxicity of novel therapies and immunotherapy is increasingly recognized. Plasma cells in multiple myeloma have the potential to survive in the gastrointestinal tract for long periods of time. The nature of the gut microbiota impacts the degree of antigen stimulation of these cells and may play a role in mutation development and clonal evolution. Furthermore, myeloma therapies such as proteasome inhibitors and alkylating agents, commonly used to treat patients, are frequently associated with gastrointestinal adverse events. Herein we review the gut microbiota and its role in hematopoiesis, pathogenesis of myeloma, and efficacy/toxicity of anti-myeloma therapies.
Pralatrexate for Prolonged Treatment of Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified, with Prophylactic Leucovorin
Authors: Kitazume Koichi , Akagawa Yuri , Wada Sachie , Suzuki Takayuki , Fujita Akira
Published: July 2019

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a rare and heterogenous group of hematological malignancies involving T or NK cells. PTCLs are generally associated with an aggressive course and poor prognosis. Pralatrexate (PDX) is the first FDA-approved agent for the treatment of refractory/recurrent PTCL. It has single-agent activity against PTCLs; however, oral mucositis represents dose-limiting toxicity in clinical practice. We report on the case of a patient administered with modified THP-COP therapy (pirarubicin [tetrahydropyranyl adriamycin], cyclophosphamide, and prednisone), who had bone or bone marrow as the primary lesion, which was treated successfully with PDX for an extended period of 1 year, with prophylactic use of leucovorin for oral mucositis. The maintenance dose of PDX was 30 mg/m2 IV, over 3 consecutive weeks dosing with a 1-week rest period due to bone marrow suppression. The patient also received leucovorin 5 mg PO 3 times daily from days 2 to 6 after each PDX administration. Disease activity was well controlled, stable, and no oral mucositis was observed over the course of treatment.
Efficacy of Full-Spectrum Endoscopy to Visualize the Major Duodenal Papilla in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Ichijima Ryoji , Abe Seiichiro , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Minagawa Takeyoshi , Tagawa Teppei , Nakajima Takeshi , Yamada Masayoshi , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Sekiguchi Masau , Sakamoto Taku , Oda Ichiro , Matsuda Takahisa , Saito Yutaka , Gotoda Takuji
Published: July 2019

Background and Aims: Duodenal cancer is one of the extracolonic malignancies with known mortality in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. Visualization of the major duodenal papilla (MDP) with a standard esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is currently insufficient because of the limited field of view. Full-spectrum endoscopy (FUSE), utilizing double imagers located on the front and side of the endoscopic tip, provides a wider field of view up to 245 degrees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of FUSE in visualizing MDP in patients with FAP. Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective study including 49 FAP patients undergoing surveillance at our institution. EGD was performed by qualified endoscopists using FUSE, and visibility of the MDP was evaluated. All examinations were video-recorded, and the clips for individual patient were edited to forward view images alone (conventional group) and 2-view images of the duodenum (forward and side-view [FUSE group]). Three other qualified external endoscopists independently reviewed the videos and compared the visibility of MDP between the conventional and the FUSE groups. Primary endpoint was the rate of Type 1 visibility (whole area of the papilla) in off-site video reviews. We also assessed MDP visibility on-site as secondary endpoint. Results: The rate of type 1 MDP visibility was significantly higher in the FUSE group than conventional group in both on-site (32.6/100%, p < 0.001) and off-site reviews (8.2, 16.3, 14.3/100, 98, and 100%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: FUSE is recommended in screening and surveillance EGD to better visualize MDP in FAP patients.
Hemodialysis Quality Metrics in the First Year Following a Failed Kidney Transplant
Authors: Huml Anne M. , Sehgal Ashwini R.
Published: July 2019

Background: Failure of a previously transplanted kidney is a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and represents 5% of incident dialysis patients in the United States. Patients with native kidney failure ESRD (Nat-ESRD) who receive predialysis care from a nephrologist have better outcomes in the first 12 months on dialysis than those who don’t. Because many patients with a failed kidney transplant ESRD (Tx-ESRD) receive care from nephrologists, they would also be expected to have good dialysis outcomes. We sought to compare the quality metrics of Tx-ESRD patients and Nat-ESRD patients during the first 12 months of hemodialysis. Methods: We used data from the United States Renal Data System to identify hemodialysis patients who began treatment between May 2012 and December 2013 and who received nephrology care prior to starting hemodialysis. Quality metrics by quarter for the first 12 months of treatment were dichotomized according to practice guidelines to determine the percentage of patients in each quarter who met quality of care goals. Results: Compared to Nat-ESRD (n = 96,063) patients, Tx-ESRD (n = 5,528) patients had 10–19% lower rates of at goal hemoglobin levels, 6–12% lower rates of at goal serum phosphorus, and 3–11% lower rates of at goal albumin levels. Compared to Nat-ESRD patients, ­Tx-ESRD patients had a 6% higher rate of fistula use in the first quarter but a 3–7% lower rate in subsequent quarters. Conclusions: Tx-ESRD patients have worse quality metrics related to anemia, phosphorus, albumin, and vascular access compared to Nat-ESRD patients. Nephrology care for patients with Tx-ESRD should be improved to address these quality metrics gaps.
Silent Acute Renal Impairment after Low-dose Paraquat Ingestion
Authors: Ito Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

Paraquat poisoning causes fatal multi-organ failure soon after ingestion. Here we report a case of paraquat poisoning presenting acute kidney injury without any preceding signs and symptoms other than nausea and vomiting. A 77-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of paraquat ingestion and received fluid resuscitation until the negative conversion of urine paraquat on day 4. Serum creatinine abnormality emerged on the same day, which improved gradually without any specific intervention. Paraquat poisoning can cause silent acute renal impairment. Abundant fluid resuscitation after renal impairment is not essential provided that sufficient fluid is administered beforehand. Repeated screening for renal impairment and sufficient fluid resuscitation are important in the early phase of low-dose paraquat poisoning.
The Achievement of Long-Term CRPC Control in a Patient with Enzalutamide-Induced Nausea and Fatigue after Overcoming the Adverse Events with a Temporary Drug Holiday
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji
Published: July 2019

While the overall survival of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has been prolonged by enzalutamide, a considerable number of patients suffer from enzalutamide-induced nausea and fatigue. An 86-year-old male patient who started enzalutamide (160 mg) for CRPC treatment, experienced nausea and vomiting approximately 2 weeks after the start of treatment. Enzalutamide treatment was stopped for two weeks, then restarted enzalutamide at a half-dose (80 mg); the dose was then increased to 120 mg. He remained free from any adverse events and showed good CRPC control for 53 months. We herein report the case of a patient with enzalutamide-induced nausea and vomiting, whose symptoms were overcome and in whom long-term CRPC control was achieved following a temporary drug holiday.
Prophylactic Surgery and Extended Oncologic Radicality in Gastric and Colorectal Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Authors: Vogelsang Holger Eduard
Published: July 2019

Prophylactic surgery for high-penetrance hereditary gastric and colorectal cancer can be a primary prophylaxis of cancer and a secondary oncologic prevention. As early cancer is often detected in the resected organ, there has been no prophylaxis of cancer but cancer treatment. Extended oncological radicality with removal of the complete organ is a tertiary prevention as metachronous cancer is avoided. The indication for prophylactic surgery or extended oncological radicality is presented regarding hereditary and familial gastric and colorectal cancer. Hereditary diffuse type gastric cancer (E-cadherin mutation) and familial adenomatous polyposis coli (APC or MYH mutation) are well-accepted indications for prophylactic surgery with a variety of considerations regarding phenotype, genotype, associated diseases, age, timing, extent, and technique of surgery. Not so much prophylactic surgery as extended oncologic radicality can be considered in familial gastric and colorectal cancer as well as Lynch or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC). Clinical, molecular, and technical progress leads to less invasive and risk-adapted surgical and nonsurgical interventions, expanding the variety of individualized treatment options.
Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Patients With Cancer and Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Deng Yuqing , Tong Yifan , Deng Yuanyuan , Zou Le , Li Shunhui , Chen Hui
Published: July 2019

Background

Several studies have investigated the effect of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (
NOAC
s) in atrial fibrillation (
AF
) patients with cancer, but the results remain controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of
NOAC
s versus warfarin in this population.

Methods and Results

We systematically searched the PubMed and Embase databases until February 16, 2019 for studies comparing the effect of
NOAC
s with warfarin in
AF
patients with cancer. Risk ratios (
RR
s) with 95%
CI
s were extracted and pooled by a random‐effects model. Five studies involving 8908
NOAC
s and 12 440 warfarin users were included. There were no significant associations between cancer status and risks of stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, or death in
AF
patients. Compared with warfarin,
NOAC
s were associated with decreased risks of stroke or systemic embolism (
RR
, 0.52; 95%
CI
, 0.28–0.99), venous thromboembolism (
RR
, 0.37, 95%
CI
, 0.22–0.63), and intracranial or gastrointestinal bleeding (
RR
, 0.65; 95%
CI
, 0.42–0.98) and with borderline significant reductions in ischemic stroke (
RR
, 0.63; 95%
CI
, 0.40–1.00) and major bleeding (
RR
, 0.73; 95%
CI
, 0.53–1.00). In addition, risks of efficacy and safety outcomes of
NOAC
s versus warfarin were similar between
AF
patients with and without cancer.

Conclusions

In patients with
AF
and cancer, compared with warfarin,
NOAC
s had lower or similar rates of thromboembolic and bleeding events and posed a reduced risk of venous thromboembolism.
Impact of Missionary Training on Intercultural Readiness
Authors: Lee Paul Sungro
Published: July 2019

Going as a missionary or sending a missionary without proper training is quite reckless, and one of the most critical components of missionary preparation is intercultural readiness. This research was conducted to study the means to enhance one’s intercultural readiness and to measure its four sub-domain components that are likely to enable such a meaningful preparation at pre-departure stage. A group of 45 missions trainees at the Evangelical Alliance for Preacher Training/Commission’s School of Mission in Seoul, Korea were split into two groups, and quasi-experimental research was made on these groups through pre-test and post-test design. The research carefully examined whether EAPTC’s Missionary Candidate Training program could be another option for training the missionary candidates for effective cross-cultural performance with greater longevity on their field experience.
Mamas on Mission: Retracing the Church through the Spiritual Life Writing of Single Female Evangelical Missionaries
Authors: Chevalier Laura
Published: July 2019

This article plumbs the spiritual life writing of two twentieth-century single female evangelical missionaries, Lillian Trasher and Dr. Helen Roseveare, for evidence of the church. It rests on concepts of feminine spirituality and the history of women and mission. The historical analysis traces the women’s lives from their early formation through their mission work and looks at six themes of the church on mission that emerged from their writing. It argues that they served as mamas of the church in their contexts by nurturing life through their acts of compassionate care. Their small but deliberate acts of sacrifice and service continue to pose missiological invitations and challenges to the church. Therefore, the article also builds an initial “mama theology” of the church on mission by examining where images in Isaiah and impulses in mission today intersect with the themes in the women’s writing.
Islamic Musical Forms and Local Identity in Post-Reform Indonesia
Authors: Lahpan Neneng Yanti Khozanatu
Published: July 2019

Through an analysis of local Sundanese music in distinct settings in village and urban contexts, this article observes and analyses different constructions of meaning around Sundanese Islamic music, as well as the role played by cultural activists and village audiences in those constructions. Based on fieldwork in Tasikmalaya, West Java, I explore the novel meanings given to village genres in urban contexts, and contrast that with the affective responses of village audiences. I find that musical meanings offer different processes of identity formation within particular social boundaries. Emergent Indonesian political developments shape these processes.
Travelling with the Idea of Taking Sides
Authors: Lücking Mirjam
Published: July 2019

Israel and Indonesia share no diplomatic relations, and considering Indonesia’s cordial bonds with the Palestinian Authority, Indonesian society is deemed to be critical of Israel. However, the ways in which Indonesians relate to ‘Others’ in Israel and Palestine are not monolithic. Indonesian perspectives on the Middle East are far more nuanced, as might be assumed from the largest Muslim society in the world, and the idea of ‘taking sides’ is challenged by encounters on the ground and by inter- and intra-religious rivalries. Contemporary pilgrimage tourism from Indonesia to Israel and the Palestinian Territories shows how Christian and Muslim Indonesians engage in conflictive identity politics through contrasting images of Israeli and Palestinian Others. Indonesian pilgrims’ viewpoints on these Others and on the Israel–Palestine conflict mirror the politicization and marketization of religious affiliation. This reveals peculiarities of the local engagement with global politics and the impact of travelling, which can inspire both the manifestation of enemy images and the blurring of identity markers.
Three Eras of Indonesian Arts Diplomacy
Authors: Cohen Matthew Isaac
Published: July 2019

Sukarno took a personal interest in using the arts for presenting Indonesia in a positive light. He oversaw cultural missions abroad and produced ‘cultural events’ that showed off his grace and charisma on the dance floor to overseas guests. While Soeharto showed little interest in the arts, new modes of arts diplomacy flourished during the New Order—scholarships for foreigners to study arts, artists in residence at Indonesian embassies, large-scale festivals aiming to facilitate artistic exchange and encourage foreign investments, to name but a few. In Indonesia today, arts diplomacy is represented by its own sub-directorate in the Ministry of Education and Culture. Indonesia is promoting itself through collaborations between Indonesian governmental agencies and professional, international producing bodies, galleries, and festivals. Cultural Houses are being built in key cities abroad, along with a nationwide platform for international festivals, Indonesiana. ‘Indonesianists’, including foreign academics and students of the arts, are being recruited to promote Indonesia abroad.
Taxonomic notes on some photosynthetic species of Neottia (Orchidaceae) from North Temperate Asia
Authors: EFIMOV PETR G.
Published: July 2019

Taxonomy of two species of genus Neottia, N. puberula and N. pinetorum, is discussed. A widely used name Listera savatieri is lectotypified, and by lectotypification, it falls into the synonymy of Neottia pinetorum. A poorly known species from Central Asia, N. tianschanica, is shown to be synonymous to N. pinetorum.
Lectotype designation for Scilla undulata Desf. (Asparagaceae) from among the mixed original material
Authors: CRESPO MANUEL B. , MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO , ALONSO-VARGAS Mª ÁNGELES
Published: July 2019

Scilla undulata Desfontaines (1792: 161) was described for plants occurring in Barbary, namely on the northern coastal areas of Tunisia and Algeria. The name has been applied to hysteranthous plants with undulate, glabrous leaves; inflorescence long racemose, usually loose; flowers pedicellate, stellate, with small, shortly spurred, deciduous bracts; perigone lobes linear to subspatulate, shortly fused at base, pinkish with a darker central band; capsules subquadrate to obovate-elliptic in outline, trigonous, appressed to the axis; seeds numerous, blackish, shinning, flattened, broadly winged (Maire 1958, Rico 2013). It is widespread mostly in the low land of the southern Mediterranean basin, from western Morocco to the Middle East, extending to southeastern Iberian Peninsula, Corsica and Sardinia (McNeill 1980, Tison & Foucault 2014, Bartolucci et al. 2018).
Hexactinellida (Porifera) from the ANDEEP III Expedition to the Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Authors: JANUSSEN DORTE , REISWIG HENRY M.
Published: July 2019

New Hexactinellida from the deep Weddell Sea collected in 2005 during the ANT XXII/3 expedition (ANDEEP III ) are described. This hexactinellid fauna includes 12 species from 8 genera, 2 of which are new to science: Lophocalyx profundum n. sp. and L. topsenti n. sp. It further contains the first record of Caulophacus (Caulodiscus) valdiviae in the Weddell Sea, and the second findings of the species Acoelocalyx brucei and Caulophacus (Oxydiscus) weddelli since their original descriptions. The Southern Ocean deep-sea, including the deep Weddell Sea, still offers a challenging potential for the discovery of new taxa.