bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Growth: How Inflation and the Exchange Rate Work Through the Stock Market as a Mediating Variable
Authors: Devia SS Vietha
Published: November 2019

This study aims to investigate the impact of inflation and the exchange rate on economic growth through the stock market as a mediating variable. The analysis tool used a path model with monthly data. The research period lasted for 14 years from 2004 to 2017. The data was obtained from the Central Statistics Bureau, Bank Indonesia and Jakarta Stock Exchange. Case studies were conducted in Indonesia and the researcher took the Consumer Goods Index as a variable in the stock market. The results show that inflation and the exchange rates do not significantly affect economic growth through the stock market. Alternatively, the stock market is not an excellent mediating variable between inflation and the exchange rate on economic growth. The size of the stock market and the awareness of domestic investors when accessing the stock market is thought to be the factors that influence how the inflation and exchange rates work.
Incidental English Vocabulary Acquisition Through Reading: A Review in the Last Two Decades
Authors: Zou Fangfang , Yan Xiaoqin
Published: November 2019

This article reviews the empirical research on incidental vocabulary acquisition in English reading in the latest twenty years from three aspects: its comparison with intentional vocabulary acquisition, its affecting factors and previous studies of its problems. Teaching implications have also been provided.
An Evaluation of the Impact of Media Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Rural Communities of Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Wogu Joseph Oluchukwu , Amonyeze Chinenye , Babatola Folorunsho Raphael Oluwasina , Aloh Henry E.
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the impact of media campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the rural areas of Enugu State. One hundred and sixty three women attending the antenatal clinics in six rural communities and twenty-four heads of Women groups were selected as sample for this cross-sectional survey. Structured questionnaire and interview were used to collect data while analysis of the data was done with SPSS version 20.0. The results reveal among others that the media campaign against FGM in Enugu state is ineffective. It further reveals that cultural values (51%), poor network reception (23%), epileptic power supply (18%), inaccessible media, and the nature of the content of the campaign are responsible for the ineffectiveness. Given the findings, the researchers recommends the modernization of the media and the contents of its FGM campaign for rural reach/accessibility, the development of pro-Igbo cultural programmes against FGM practice, and the use of visual methods to establish/prove the relationship between FGM, infections/diseases and maternal deaths. Further empirical research on FGM – maternal health care in Enugu State is recommended.
Conhecimento e adesão da equipe de enfermagem aos equipamentos de proteção individual
Authors: Rodrigues Letícia Pinto , Rezende Marina Pereira , Silva Andréa Mara Bernardes da , Ferreira Lúcia Aparecida , Goulart Bethania Ferreira
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: investigar el conocimiento y la adherencia del personal de enfermería de estrategias de salud familiar al uso de equipos de protección personal. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal de enfoque cuantitativo. Participaron 48 profesionales. Se aplicó un cuestionario semiestructurado con preguntas cerradas de opción múltiple. Resultados: se constató el conocimiento de los profesionales sobre el riesgo laboral. Hubo error al definir los riesgos biológicos; el 75% de los encuestados no supieron asociar los agentes con los tipos de riesgos. La mayoría informó haber usado equipo de protección personal en todos los procedimientos; 13 profesionales informaron haber sufrido algún accidente laboral y cuatro comunicaron que no estaban usando equipo de protección en ese momento. Conclusión: conocimiento parcial sobre el tema y adherencia al uso del equipo, sin embargo, los más utilizados fueron delantal y guantes. Por lo tanto, la educación continua es necesaria para alentar a los profesionales a usar el equipo en la práctica profesional.
Registros de enfermagem e os desafios de sua execução na prática assistencial
Authors: Barreto Joice de Jesus Santos , Coelho Marta Pereira , Lacerda Larissa Carolina Xavier , Fiorin Bruno Henrique , Mocelin Helaine Jacinta Salvador , Freitas Paula de Souza Silva
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: comprender la percepción de los enfermeros sobre la relevancia de los registros de enfermería en la atención al cliente. Método: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio de naturaleza cualitativa, llevdo a cabo en un hospital del norte del estado de Espírito Santo. Siete enfermeros participaron en este estudio. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido. Resultados: se organizaron en categorías analíticas empíricas, a saber: definición y relevancia de los registros de enfermería, dificultades encontradas en la realización de los registros de enfermería y mejora de la calidad de los registros de enfermería en el trabajo diario. Se observó que la enfermería se preocupa por ejecutar tareas, perjudicando los registros sistemáticos de las mismas. Conclusión: teniendo en cuenta que los registros de enfermería contribuyen a mejorar la calidad de la atención, existe la necesidad del seguimiento más riguroso de los registros realizados en los servicios de salud. Destacamos la necesidad de la educación continua en lo referente a los aspectos técnicos, éticos y legales de los registros de enfermería.
Medsafe
Authors: Girão Ana Lívia Araújo , Sampaio Renata Lopes , Aires Samia Freitas , Oliveira Isabelly Costa Lima de , Oliveira Sherida Karanini Paz de , Carvalho Rhanna Emanuela Fontenele Lima de
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: construir y validar un objeto virtual de aprendizaje configurado como juego digital de simulación sobre el proceso de administración de medicamentos. Método: estudio metodológico que presenta el proceso de construcción y validación de un juego educativo. Después de la construcción del prototipo, se aplicaron cuestionarios para validar el contenido de la calidad y la usabilidad. Siete docentes participaron en la investigación como jueces y cinco estudiantes de enfermería como representantes del público objeto. Los datos se analizaron en función del índice de validez de contenido y el nivel de acuerdo entre los elementos de las escalas creadas. Resultados: después de las etapas de creación del juego titulado MedSafe, los profesores fueron invitados como jueces para la validación de contenido, obteniendo un índice de 0,78. La evaluación de calidad realizada por el público objeto reveló un promedio satisfactorio. En la evaluación de usabilidad, en la que participaron profesores y estudiantes, se alcanzó un bajo nivel de acuerdo, lo que refuerza la necesidad de mejoras en el sistema de juego. Conclusiones: el prototipo del juego MedSafe mostró potencial para ser utilizado en la enseñanza del proceso de administración de drogas y, a partir de los resultados de esta etapa de creación de prototipos, se realizarán las modificaciones y se otorgarán subsidios para perfeccionar el juego que se aplicará en futuras investigaciones.
Développement d’un sih pour l’amélioration des connaissances techniques sur le réservoir et le fonctionnement hydrodynamique de la nappe de Rmel (Maroc)
Authors: El Hamidi Mohamed Jalal , Larabi Abdelkader , Faouzi Mohamed , Essafi Rachid
Published: November 2019

La majorité des centres urbains et ruraux du bassin du Bas-Loukkos (nord du Maroc) sont généralement situés sur la côte et les plaines côtières. L'augmentation de la demande en eau due à la démographie et au développement agricole est accompagnée par une pression sur les eaux souterraines. Cette situation a entraîné une baisse significative du niveau piézométrique et peut éventuellement causer un déficit du bilan hydrique de la nappe en provoquant une dégradation de la qualité de l'eau douce par invasion des eaux marines. La zone d'étude de Rmel-Oulad Ogbane, couvrant une superficie de 305 km2, est située dans le bassin du Bas-Loukkos au sud de la ville de Larache. Afin de fournir une meilleure caractérisation de l’aquifère, il a été décidé d'organiser toutes les données dans des formats standard stockés dans une base de données numérique SIH (Système d'information hydrogéologique). Cette base de données SIH développée englobe un menu très varié relatif aux réservoirs et aux fonctionnements hydrodynamiques des ressources en eau. Les données issues de plusieurs sources et sur différents supports ont été traitées et organisées dans une base de données commune avec des coordonnées spatiales référencées. Une application Visual Basic a été aussi développée pour une meilleure utilisation et gestion de cette base de données sous SIH. Ainsi, plusieurs cartes thématiques relatives aux réservoirs et aux ressources en eau ont été produites pour être exploitées par le décideur. Ces produits de la base de données SIH ont permis l’actualisation du bilan hydrique de la nappe, la construction d’un bon modèle conceptuel des aquifères conduisant au développement d’un modèle mathématique en régimes permanent et transitoire, ainsi qu’un modèle de transport simulant l'intrusion de l'eau de mer dans ces aquifères.
Situation Analytics and Model-based User Interface Development: A Synergetic Approach for Building Runtime-Adaptive Business Applications
Authors: Märtin Christian , Kampfer Felix , Herdin Christian , Yameni Lionnelle
Published: November 2019

Situation analytics can be used to recognize the changing behavior, emotional state, cognitive load and environmental context of a user during complex task processing. This article discusses the SitAdapt 2.0 architecture that combines a situation analytics platform with pattern- and model-based user interface construction tools in order to build runtime-adaptive interactive business applications with enhanced user experience and task-accomplishment characteristics. The article focuses on the software components and tools for observing and tracking the user, data types for modeling situations, recognizing situations, and modeling structural changes and actions for generating the dynamic adaptations. The situation recognition capabilities and adaptive functionality of the system are demonstrated for web-applications for long-distance travel booking and a beauty products web-portal.
Mortalidade neonatal em Luanda, Angola: o que pode ser feito para sua redução?
Authors: Rodrigues Ema Cunha , Alves Beatriz da Costa Aguiar , Veiga Glaucia Luciano da , Adami Fernando , Carlesso Juliana Spat , Figueiredo Francisco Winter dos Santos , Azzalis Ligia Ajaime , Junqueira Virginia Berlanga Campos , Fonseca Alexandre Luiz Affonso , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso
Published: November 2019

Introduction: One of the main health indicators is infant mortality rate, which is a metric of living conditions and population development. The goal of reducing neonatal mortality requires an adequate knowledge of the real factors at each level of health care so that maternal and human resources are efficiently channeled to the constraint. Countries that have paid special attention to improving health services for the entire pregnancy-puerperal cycle have attained the reduction of infant mortality, especially early neonatal mortality. Objective: The present study aims to describe the profile and analyze the risk factors associated with neonatal mortality in the Angolan context at a tertiary level public maternity hospital, located in Luanda. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, using secondary data, of provincial base in hospital and ministerial registry instruments from January to December 2012. Results: The results show that the neonatal deaths are not mere occurrences, since they indicate failures of the political powers, professionals of the health system and of the families. Conclusions: This study suggests that the major risk factor for birth mortality in Luanda is the type of delivery (c-section) and that this data is not related to the age of the mother or to premature birth. We also found that there was higher mortality between May and July, during the period of lower rainfall index in the region. However, further studies are needed that may provide a logical framework and arguments for realistic policies to mitigate neonatal mortality.
Prenatal quality and clinical conditions of newborns exposed to syphilis
Authors: Pastro Déboranh de Oliveira Togneri , Farias Bruna Pereira , Garcia Otávio Augusto Gurgel , Gambichler Bianca da Silva , Meneguetti Dionatas Ulises de Oliveira , Silva Rita do Socorro Uchôa da
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum, and results in considerable morbidity and mortality. Congenital syphilis can lead to miscarriage, prematurity, bone deformities, hearing loss and other important clinical changes. Objective: To analyze prenatal quality and clinical conditions of newborns exposed to syphilis in a public maternity hospital in Rio Branco-Acre. Method: This is a cross-sectional study that included 92 mothers diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy, attended from July to December 2017. Two pregnant women had fetal death, and the final sample consisted of 90 newborns exposed to syphilis. An interview with the postpartum woman was used, analysis of the pregnant woman's card and search for information from the pregnant woman's records and newborns. It was considered confirmed case of syphilis in pregnant woman: a) All pregnant women who presented non-treponemal reagent test with any titration and reagent treponemal test performed during prenatal care; b) Pregnant woman with reagent treponemal test and nonreactive or unreacted nontreponemal test, without previous treatment record. To characterize congenital syphilis we considered: a) newborn whose mother was not diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy and who presented a nontreponemal test reactive with any titration at the time of delivery; b) child whose mother was not diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy and had a non-treponemal test reagent at the time of delivery; c) newborns whose mother presented a reactive treponemal test and a nonreactive non-treponemal test at the moment of delivery, without previous treatment record. Results: Most newborns were born in normal delivery (65.5%), 17.8% had acute fetal distress and 11.2% required resuscitation maneuvers. Prematurity occurred in 10% of births and 12.2% of them were small for gestational age. Complete prenatal care was performed by 29.5% of the mothers, following the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of seven visits to the Health Unit and or Health Professional. From the 90 pregnant women, 79 had a reactive treponemal test when admitted to the maternity ward. 29.3% of them performed the treatment properly. In the analysis about the treatment of the sexual partner, it was reported that 58% did not adhere to syphilis treatment. Conclusion: The prenatal quality of pregnant women with syphilis was lower than that recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, although there are few cases of syphilis as the primary outcome in newborns with childbirth with mothers diagnosed with syphilis. Prenatal, newborn, syphilis in pregnancy, congenital syphilis.
Acesso aos procedimentos cirúrgicos em uma unidade de saúde da família: uma iniciativa para melhorar o cuidado e o acesso a unidades básicas de saúde
Authors: Sesquim Dimítra Lengruber , Ramos José Lucas Souza , Pinasco Gustavo Carreiro , Lopes Marianna Tamara Nunes , Dalla Marcello Dala Bernadina , Vetis Marcelo Santana , Bezerra Italla Maria Pinheiro
Published: November 2019

It was describe the implantation of small surgical procedures performed by physicians living in a Brazilian Family Health Unit. This is an experience report carried out in the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, describing the introduction of small surgical procedures by the Family and Community Medicine medical residency program in a Basic Health Unit (UBS) of the municipality. The selected US did not have a room for minor surgery procedures or the necessary materials. It was evidenced that the population demanded surgical complaints without resolution of the same ones, being these patients referenced to other specialties.
DNA damage checkpoint activation impairs chromatin homeostasis and promotes mitotic catastrophe during aging
Authors: Crane Matthew M , Russell Adam E , Schafer Brent J , Blue Ben W , Whalen Riley , Almazan Jared , Hong Mung Gi , Nguyen Bao , Goings Joslyn E , Chen Kenneth L , Kelly Ryan , Kaeberlein Matt
Published: November 2019

Genome instability is a hallmark of aging and contributes to age-related disorders such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The accumulation of DNA damage during aging has been linked to altered cell cycle dynamics and the failure of cell cycle checkpoints. Here, we use single cell imaging to study the consequences of increased genomic instability during aging in budding yeast and identify striking age-associated genome missegregation events. This breakdown in mitotic fidelity results from the age-related activation of the DNA damage checkpoint and the resulting degradation of histone proteins. Disrupting the ability of cells to degrade histones in response to DNA damage increases replicative lifespan and reduces genomic missegregations. We present several lines of evidence supporting a model of antagonistic pleiotropy in the DNA damage response where histone degradation, and limited histone transcription are beneficial to respond rapidly to damage but reduce lifespan and genomic stability in the long term.
Transcriptome sequencing of Verticillium dahliae from a cotton farm reveals positive correlation between virulence and tolerance of sugar-induced hyperosmosis
Authors: Li Jin , Pei Juan , Liu Yuanyuan , Xia Wenwen , Cheng Fengfeng , Tian Wenhui , Lin Zhongping , Zhu Jianbo , Wang Aiying
Published: November 2019

Verticillium dahliae causes disease symptoms in its host plants; however, due to its rapid variability, V. dahliae is difficult to control. To analyze the reason for this pathogenic differentiation, 22 V. dahliae strains with different virulence were isolated from a cotton farm. The genetic diversity of cotton varieties make cotton cultivars have different Verticillium wilt resistance, so the Xinluzao 7 (susceptible to V. dahliae), Zhongmian 35 (tolerant), and Xinluzao 33 (resistant) were used to investigate the pathogenicity of the strains in a green house. Vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) assays, Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) PCR, and pathogenicity analysis showed that SHZ-4, SHZ-5, and SHZ-9 had close kinship and significantly different pathogenicity. Transcriptome sequencing of the three strains identified 19 of 146 unigenes in SHZ-4_vs_ SHZ-5, SHZ-5_vs_ SHZ-9, and SHZ-4_vs_ SHZ-9. In these unigenes, three proteinase and four polysaccharide degrading hydrolases were found to be associated with the pathogenicity. However, due to a number of differentially expressed genes in the transport, these unigenes not only played a role in nutrition absorption but might also contribute to the resistance of sugar-induced hyperosmosis. Moreover, the tolerance ability was positively related to the pathogenicity of V. dahliae. This resistance to sugar-induced hyperosmosis might help V. dahliae to access the nutrition of the host. The pathogenicity of V. dahliae correlated with the resistance of sugar-induced-hyperosmosis, which provides clues for the cultivation of V. dahliae resistant varieties.
Evaluation of the Production Processes of Different Brands of Sachet Water Sold in the Open Market in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Daramola G. O. , Kumoluyi T. A. , Edogun H. A. , Fadeyi A. , Awosanya A. , Adewumi F. O. , Akerele E. F. , Ogunfowokan O. , Ojerinde A. O. , Shittu A. A.
Published: November 2019

Life on earth is practically impossible without water, in fact, the presence of water on our planet is one of the critical factors that make life possible on earth. Apart from commercial, agricultural, industrial, domestic and sundry uses of water, humans, like other living organisms, require water for their physiological needs. However, as vital as water is to humans, if the water consumed by them is  not potable or is unwholesome, it can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses. This thus makes it important to periodically assess and monitor the potability and  wholesomeness of any form of drinking water, particularly the ones presented to the public. In this study, twenty-two different brands of commercial sachet-water sold in the open market in Ado-Ekiti, southwest, Nigeria were consecutively sampled and analysed. The factories where the brands were manufactured were also visited and served structured self-administered questionnaires that were filled by their respective production managers. Data from the questionnaires were analysed and juxtaposed with the outcome of laboratory investigations with a view to identifying the factors responsible for the  un wholesomeness of any of the brands. Out of the twenty-two sachet-water brands sampled, none (0%) had physically visible colour; none (0%) had physically perceivable odour; none (0%) had detectable taste. All (100%) were physically  clear; 1 (5%) was bagged in a 60-cl cellophane sachet, while 21 (95%) were bagged in 50-cl cellophane sachets; all (100%) claimed to have NAFDAC (the regulatory agency responsible for the control and regulation of food, drugs and allied products in Nigeria) registration number- going by what was written on their finished products. Nearly all- 21 (95%)- all the sampled brands had a pH value of 5, while  1 (5%) had pH value of 6, resulting in a mean pH of 5. More than half of the brands sampled from the open market- 11 (50%)- yielded a positive culture result, 3 (14%) of which were coliforms.  According to WHO standards there shouldn’t be a single coliform bacterium in drinking water, which makes it quite unsettling that three of the brands contained coliforms which of course could be enteric coliform- an indication of the fact that these brands had come in contact with human faeces. The public heath implication of this is discussed and appropriate recommendations made.
A Novel Double‐Crosslinking‐Double‐Network Design for Injectable Hydrogels with Enhanced Tissue Adhesion and Antibacterial Capability for Wound Treatment
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Xuehui , Yang Kun , Fu Yu Vincent , Xu Tianshun , Li Shengliang , Zhang Dawei , Wang Lu‐Ning , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: November 2019

Most photocrosslinkable hydrogels have inadequacy in either mechanical performance or biodegradability. This issue is addressed by adopting a novel hydrogel design by introducing two different chitosan chains (catechol‐modified methacryloyl chitosan, CMC; methacryloyl chitosan, MC) via the simultaneous crosslinking of carbon–carbon double bonds and catechol‐Fe3+ chelation. This leads to an interpenetrating network of two chitosan chains with high crosslinking‐network density, which enhances mechanical performance including high compressive modulus and high ductility. The chitosan polymers not only endow the hydrogels with good biodegradability and biocompatibility, they also offer intrinsic antibacterial capability. The quinone groups formed by Fe3+ oxidation and protonated amino groups of chitosan polymer further enhance antibacterial property of the hydrogels. Serving as one of the two types of crosslinking mechanisms, the catechol‐Fe3+ chelation can covalently link with amino, thiol, and imidazole groups, which substantially enhance the hydrogel's adhesion to biological tissues. The hydrogel's adhesion to porcine skin shows a lap shear strength of 18.1 kPa, which is 6‐time that of the clinically established Fibrin Glue's adhesion. The hydrogel also has a good hemostatic performance due to the superior tissue adhesion as demonstrated with a hemorrhaging liver model. Furthermore, the hydrogel can remarkably promote healing of bacteria‐infected wound.
An Electrical Switch‐Driven Flexible Electromagnetic Absorber
Authors: Lv Hualiang , Yang Zhihong , Xu Hongbin , Wang Liuying , Wu Renbing
Published: November 2019

The development of a thin, tunable, and high‐performance flexible electromagnetic (EM) absorbing device that aims to solve signal interference or EM pollution is highly desirable but remains a great challenge. Herein, demonstrated is a flexible electrical‐driven device constructed by an insulated organic‐polymer substrate, carrier transmission layer, and core–shell structured absorber, enabling a narrow and tunable effective absorption region (fE < 2.0 GHz) by controlling the external voltage toward this challenge. As a key design element, the selected absorber consists of an Sn/SnS/SnO2 core and C shell, which exhibits an exceptional dielectric‐response ability at a small voltage, which is attributed to desirable carrier mobility and excitable carriers. Multiple fE‐tuning regions (maximum up to 7.0), covering 90% of C‐band can be achieved for Sn/SnS/SnO2@C‐based flexible device by selecting a low voltage (2–12 V). The strategy developed here may open a new avenue toward the design of flexible intelligent EM device for practical applications.
Synergistic Improvements in Efficiency and Stability of 2D Perovskite Solar Cells with Metal Ion Doping
Authors: Xu Qiaofei , Meng Ke , Liu Zhou , Wang Xiao , Hu Youdi , Qiao Zhi , Li Shunde , Cheng Lei , Chen Gang
Published: November 2019

2D perovskites hold a great prospective to create highly efficient and stable solar cell devices. In order to explore their full potential, every component of 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has to be carefully designed and engineered. Herein, the metal ion doping strategy is taken to optimize both the hole transport layers (HTLs) and the light absorbing layers of the BA2MA3Pb4I13 (BA = butylamine; MA = methylammonium) based 2D PSC devices. The hole extraction and transport abilities are significantly enhanced by Cu ion doping in the nickel oxide layers, while the optoelectronic properties of the BA2MA3Pb4I13 layers are effectively improved with Cs ion doping. The synergistic incorporations of Cu and Cs ions have boosted the device power conversion efficiency to 13.92%, the highest for 2D PSCs based on inorganic HTLs. In addition, the inorganic nature of the Cu doped nickel oxide film and the high quality of the Cs doped 2D perovskite film also endow the PSC device with extraordinary humidity and thermal stabilities.
High Performance Van der Waals Graphene–WS2–Si Heterostructure Photodetector
Authors: Xiao Rubin , Lan Changyong , Li Yongjun , Zeng Cheng , He Tianying , Wang Shuai , Li Chun , Yin Yi , Liu Yong
Published: November 2019

2D materials have become a major focus in material science due to their exotic properties originated from quantum confinement effects. Van der Waals heterostructures composed of 2D materials and conventional semiconductors always show enhanced optoelectronic performance and have attracted much attention in recent years. Here, high performance photodetectors based on graphene–WS2–Si van der Waals heterostructure is reported. The photodetector shows wide spectrum response from visible to near infrared with a maximum photoresponsivity of 54.5 A W−1 at 800 nm. Furthermore, the photodetector has a fast response speed with rise time of 45 µs and decay time of 210 µs. Photocurrent mapping shows that not only the graphene–WS2–Si area, but also the graphene–WS2–SiO2–Si area contributes to the photocurrent. With the increase of lateral size of the junction area, the photoresponsivity is reduced due to increased recombination. The response speed decreases with the increase of lateral size of the junction area, which is due to increased junction capacitance. The results indicate that this kind of van der Waals heterostructure has excellent photodetection performance and is suitable for application in high performance broadband photodetectors. Also, the simple fabrication method has a great potential for large scale device integration.
Revealing Phonon Polaritons in Hexagonal Boron Nitride by Multipulse Peak Force Infrared Microscopy
Authors: Wang Le , Wagner Martin , Wang Haomin , Pau‐Sanchez Siuling , Li Jiahan , Edgar James H. , Xu Xiaoji G.
Published: November 2019

Probing of polaritons in 2D materials is facilitated by spectroscopic imaging with nanometer spatial resolution. The combination of atomic force microscopy and infrared laser sources provides access for in situ mappings of phonon polaritons. Here, it is demonstrated that the photothermal‐based peak force infrared microscopy is capable of revealing phonon polaritons with high spatial resolution in isotopically pure hexagonal boron nitride microstructures without damaging the sample. To further improve the sensitivity, peak force infrared microscopy is enhanced with a scheme of multiple laser pulse excitation. The resulting method of multipulse peak force infrared microscopy can detect phonon polaritons with high sensitivity, which is particularly useful for probing polaritons in 2D materials with high damping characteristics.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Long‐Term Maintenance Dosing for Antiretroviral‐Naive Adults with HIV‐1 Infection
Authors: Shen Yinzhong , Liu Tingyi , Chen Jun , Li Xin , Liu Li , Shen Jiayin , Wang Jiangrong , Zhang Renfang , Sun Meiyan , Wang Zhenyan , Song Wei , Qi Tangkai , Tang Yang , Meng Xianmin , Zhang Lijun , Ho Dean , Ho Chih‐Ming , Ding Xianting , Lu Hong‐Zhou
Published: November 2019

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) serves as a mainstay in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. An HIV patient is traditionally administered the same ART regimen for life, even if his/her viral load has been reduced by several orders of magnitude from the initial viral load. Dose reduction in ART has been clinically explored in a trial‐and‐error manner to reduce side effects and improve ART sustainability. Using artificial intelligence (AI), we have discovered that drugs and doses inputs can be related to viral load reduction through a Parabolic Response Surface (PRS). The AI‐PRS platform can rationally guide a clinically‐actionable approach to identify optimized population‐wide and personalized dosing. In this prospective pilot clinical trial, a combination regimen of tenofovir (TDF), efavirenz (EFV) and lamivudine (3TC) is administered to ten patients. Using AI‐PRS, a 33% reduction in the long‐term TDF maintenance dose (200 mg) is identified compared to standard regimens (300 mg). This regimen keeps the HIV viral load below 40 copies/mL with no relapse during a 144‐week observation period. This study demonstrates that AI‐PRS can potentially serve as a scalable approach to optimize and sustain the long‐term management of HIV as well as a broad spectrum of other indications.
Healthcare recommendations for Joubert syndrome
Authors: Bachmann‐Gagescu Ruxandra , Dempsey Jennifer C. , Bulgheroni Sara , Chen Maida L. , D'Arrigo Stefano , Glass Ian A. , Heller Theo , Héon Elise , Hildebrandt Friedhelm , Joshi Nirmal , Knutzen Dana , Kroes Hester Y. , Mack Stephen H. , Nuovo Sara , Parisi Melissa A. , Snow Joseph , Summers Angela C. , Symons Jordan M. , Zein Wadih M. , Boltshauser Eugen , Sayer John A. , Gunay‐Aygun Meral , Valente Enza Maria , Doherty Dan
Published: November 2019

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a recessive neurodevelopmental disorder defined by a characteristic cerebellar and brainstem malformation recognizable on axial brain magnetic resonance imaging as the “Molar Tooth Sign”. Although defined by the neurological features, JS is associated with clinical features affecting many other organ systems, particularly progressive involvement of the retina, kidney, and liver. JS is a rare condition; therefore, many affected individuals may not have easy access to subspecialty providers familiar with JS (e.g., geneticists, neurologists, developmental pediatricians, ophthalmologists, nephrologists, hepatologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and educators). Expert recommendations can enable practitioners of all types to provide quality care to individuals with JS and know when to refer for subspecialty care. This need will only increase as precision treatments targeting specific genetic causes of JS emerge. The goal of these recommendations is to provide a resource for general practitioners, subspecialists, and families to maximize the health of individuals with JS throughout the lifespan.
Using teeth as tools: Investigating the mother–infant dyad and developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis using vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Brickley Megan B. , Kahlon Bonnie , D'Ortenzio Lori
Published: November 2019

Objectives

With a growing interest in the mother–infant dyad and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis among biological and medical anthropologists, this study set out to provide all the information required to evaluate if mineralization defects in dentine might be caused by vitamin D deficiency in the critical first 1000 days of life.

Materials and Methods

Information was compiled on dentine formation in utero to approximately 18 years, and a method for determining the location of the neonatal line in dentine was devised, allowing the assessment of the prenatal and early life period. Re‐evaluation of previously analyzed teeth (n = 61) was undertaken with detailed examination of n = 5/22 first permanent molars forming in the prenatal and critical early life periods.

Results

First permanent molars and all deciduous teeth give information on intrauterine development and on the first 1000 days postnatally providing a direct window on maternal and fetal health. Three archaeological individuals had interglobular dentine that formed prenatally suggesting that their mothers experienced vitamin D deficiency at the time dentine was forming and all other individuals had a deficiency during the first 1000 days of life. Conditions that could cause systemic mineralization defects were determined, and in each, case they were found to be consistent with vitamin D deficiency.

Discussion

The neonatal line serves as a clear baseline for determining prenatal and postnatal events, particularly those related to vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate metabolism, and can be used to investigate the maternal–infant dyad for both past and present communities.
A case of marked bilateral asymmetry in the sacral alae of the Neandertal specimen Regourdou 1 (Périgord, France)
Authors: Rmoutilová Rebeka , Gómez‐Olivencia Asier , Brůžek Jaroslav , Holliday Trenton , Ledevin Ronan , Couture‐Veschambre Christine , Madelaine Stéphane , Džupa Valér , Velemínská Jana , Maureille Bruno
Published: November 2019

Objectives

A marked asymmetry was previously reported in the sacral alae and S1‐L5 facets orientation of the Neandertal individual Regourdou 1. Here, we provide a detailed description and quantification of the morphology and degree of asymmetry of this sacrum.

Material and methods

Regourdou 1 was compared to a modern human sample composed of 24 females and 17 males, and to other Neandertal individuals. Both traditional and geometric morphometric analyses were used in order to quantify the degree of sacral asymmetry of Regourdou 1.

Results

The asymmetry of both sacral alae and facets orientation substantially exceeds directional and absolute asymmetry of the healthy modern sample. Regourdou 1 shows a considerably shorter right ala, which is absolutely and relatively outside of the modern and Neandertal variations.

Conclusion

Regourdou 1 shows marked sacral asymmetry that probably originated in early ontogenetic development. An asymmetric sacrum reflects asymmetric load dissipation and could relate to other morphological abnormalities observed in the skeleton, especially the mild scoliosis of the spine and the asymmetry of the femoral diaphyses. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the relationship between those morphologies as well as a potential impact on the life of the individual.
Physical modification of polymeric support layer for thin film composite forward osmosis membranes by metal–organic framework‐based porous matrix membrane strategy
Authors: Arjmandi Mehrzad , Pourafshari Chenar Mahdi , Peyravi Majid , Jahanshahi Mohsen
Published: November 2019

Physical modification of support layers (SLs) for thin‐film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membranes is the main goal of this study. Accordingly, the strategy of metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based porous matrix membrane (PMM) was used for the fabrication of controllable SLs. Fourteen different TFC FO membranes were successfully fabricated by interfacial polymerization (IP) technique over the fourteen different SLs made of polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and twelve MOF‐based PMM. The controllable MOF particles, fabricated SLs, and TFC membranes were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle (CA), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and developed SHN1 method. The results showed that the PMM strategy can lead to an increase in the degree of crosslinking of polyamide (PA) as a result of physical modification of the original SLs. Also, the PMM strategy reduced the structural parameters and hence the internal concentration polarization (ICP) was controlled. However, according to the characteristic curve, physical modification of the structure of PES and PEI by MOF‐based PMM strategy caused a small and dramatic effect (respectively) on the performance of the TFC FO membranes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48672.
Encapsulin carrier proteins for enhanced expression of antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Lee Tek‐Hyung , Carpenter Timothy S. , D'haeseleer Patrik , Savage David F. , Yung Mimi C.
Published: November 2019

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as attractive alternatives to conventional antibiotics, but their production in microbes remains challenging due to their inherent bactericidal nature. To address these limitations, we have developed a novel AMP fusion protein system based on an encapsulin nanocompartment protein and have demonstrated its utility in enhancing expression of HBCM2, an AMP with activity against Gram‐negative bacteria. Here, HBCM2 was fused to the N‐terminus of several Encapsulin monomer (Enc) variants engineered with multiple TEV protease recognition site insertions to facilitate proteolytic release of the fused HBCM2. Fusion of HBCM2 to the Enc variants, but not other common carrier proteins, enabled robust overexpression inEscherichia coliC43(DE3) cells. Interestingly, variants with a TEV site insertion following residue K71 in Enc exhibited the highest overexpression and HBCM2 release efficiencies compared to other variants but were deficient in cage formation. HBCM2 was purified from the highest expressing variant following TEV protease digestion and was found to be highly active in inhibitingE. coligrowth (MIC = 5 μg/ml). Our study demonstrates the potential use of the Enc system to enhance expression of AMPs for biomanufacturing and therapeutic applications.
Contributing factors to health‐related quality of life in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Biernacki Tamás , Sandi Dániel , Kincses Zsigmond Tamás , Füvesi Judit , Rózsa Csilla , Mátyás Klotild , Vécsei László , Bencsik Krisztina
Published: November 2019

Background

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) compared to the healthy population, psychological symptoms accompanying multiple sclerosis (MS) have a serious impact on the HRQoL of PwMS. Data regarding the subject, however, remain conflicting.

Objectives

To evaluate the patients' sociodemographic attributes, education, fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment level of impact on the HRQoL for the whole cohort as well as comparing the sexes.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and twenty‐two relapse‐remitting MS patients filled out the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), MS Quality of Life‐54 (MSQoL‐54) questionnaires, cognitive impairment were identified using Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) test. The patients' data were acquired from our clinic's MS registry or from patients' files.

Results

Depression and fatigue were found to have the most ubiquitous and robust effect on the overall and any given subdivision of the HRQoL composite. Other factors had a slight effect on some of the subscales when the whole cohort was evaluated. When the genders were compared, differences were found on 10 domains.

Conclusion

Psychopathological symptoms have a more powerful influence on the HRQoL of MS patients than physical impairment, also these symptoms influence men's and women's HRQoL with different power. This invokes the need for complex and personalized care in the treatment of PwMS. Ours is the first study to show a difference between the sexes in this regard.
The prevalence and prognostic value of KRAS co‐mutation subtypes in Chinese advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Cai Dongjing , Hu Chengping , Li Li , Deng Shichao , Yang Jing , Han‐Zhang Han , Li Min
Published: November 2019

Objective

KRAS mutation plays a critical role in the initiation and development of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). KRAS‐mutant patients exhibit diverse response to chemotherapy. KRAS co‐mutation subtypes and their prognosis value in advanced Chinese NSCLC patients remain largely elusive.

Methods

A total of 1126 Chinese advanced NSCLC patients from Xiangya hospital were screened by capture‐based ultra‐deep sequencing for KRAS mutation between January 2015 and December 2016. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan‐Meier analysis.

Results

Among the patients screened, 84 cases were detected with KRAS mutation (7.5%). All of them were non‐squamous NSCLC and received pemetrexed plus platinum as the first‐line treatment. The most frequent KRAS co‐mutation genes were TP53 (29%), TP53/LKB1 (19%), and LKB1 (14%). Our data revealed that patients with KRAS co‐mutation had poorer prognosis in comparison with those harboring single KRAS mutation. Furthermore, patients with KPL (KRAS mutated with TP53 and LKB1) subtype, which was a novel subtype, had the shortest progression‐free survival (PFS) in all types of KRAS co‐mutation patients (P < .0001). The PFS and overall survival (OS) of patients with KRASG12D mutation were inferior than those with KRASG12C mutation or KRASG12V mutation. Patients in KRASG>T type had significantly longer survival than those in KRASG>C type or KRASG>A type.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that concurrent genomic alterations can further stratify KRAS‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients into various subgroups with distinctive therapeutic responses and differential survival outcomes. The KPL is a novel and less responsive subtype among KRAS‐mutated NSCLC, and further investigation of effective treatment for this subtype is warranted.
Vaccinia virus expressing IL‐37 promotes antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Zhang Jingwen , Zhang Yingying , Xing Jiyuan , Yu Zujiang
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vaccinia virus expressing IL‐37 (VV‐IL‐37) on cell proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its possible underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we constructed a cancer‐targeted vaccinia virus carrying the IL‐37 gene knocked in the region of the viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene. Human HCC cell lines were assayed in vitro for cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Serum level, relative mRNA level and protein level of IL‐37 in HCC cell lines SMMC7721 and Bel7402 were tested by ELISA assay, qRT‐PCR and western blot, respectively. The levels of IL‐2, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in HCC tumor tissues were also analyzed by ELISA. STAT3 and p‐STAT3 expression in tumor tissues were determined by western blot. Our results showed that VV‐IL‐37 efficiently infected and inhibited HCC cells proliferation, migration and invasion via decreasing STAT3 phosphorylation. In vivo, VV‐IL‐37 expressed IL‐37 at a high level in the transplanted tumor, reduced STAT3 activity, and eventually inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, we demonstrate that VV‐IL‐37 promotes antitumor immune responses in HCC.
Epigenetic abnormalities of classical Hodgkin lymphoma and its effect on immune escape
Authors: Liu Yizhen , Huang Renhong , Liu Lianfang , Meng Yanchun , Liu Xiaojian
Published: November 2019

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a particular kind of malignant tumour that originates from the B cells. The malignant phenotype of cHL is, at least in part, maintained by epigenetic aberrations, which primarily consist of abnormal histone methylation and acetylation. Progress has been made in clinical trials concerning the histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACis) in cHL. Also, some demethylation regimens could serve the purpose of preventing and treating tumours. Programmed death‐ligand receptor 1 (PD‐L1, CD274) inhibitors or apoptosis receptor 1 (PD‐1, CD279) inhibitors are used in treating patients with relapsed cHL in recent years. Academic researches indicated that PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors, including nivolumab and pembrolizumab, demonstrate remarkable activity in relapsed cHL. In addition, in recent years, a close association between epigenetic aberrations and immune escape has been explored in cHL. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, HDACis, and immune checkpoint blockade exhibit synergistic effects. Thus, this review aims to provide an overview on the epigenetic abnormalities of cHL and its effect on immune escape, in order to explore the optimal combination approach to treat the disease.

Significance of the study

Cancer Statistics 2018 reported that more than 8000 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed. In recent years, PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors for cHL have been utilized, and the therapeutic strategies of HDACis combined with PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors have been raised. It is critical for improving the efficacy and decreasing the toxicity in treating the patients with cHL.
Preparation of Curcumin Nanodispersions Using Subcritical Water – Screening of Different Emulsifiers
Authors: Sayyar Zahra , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda
Published: November 2019

Nanodispersions can help to increase solubility and stability of bioactive components and food additives. Curcumin nanodispersions were prepared by a novel subcritical water method using eleven emulsifiers, namely, polyethylene glycol, Tween 20, Tween 80, casein, sodium caseinate, lecithin, guar gam, Arabic gum, inulin, β‐cyclodextrin, and maltodextrin. Influences of the emulsifiers on the rheological, physicochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of the nanodispersion were evaluated. Results revealed that the nanodispersion prepared with Tween 20 showed the smallest particle size and lowest polydispersity index values as well as the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Nanodispersions prepared with lecithin exhibited the highest zeta potential and lowest conductivity values.