bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of intranasal oxytocin on fear consolidation in healthy humans
Authors: Hoge Elizabeth , Bui Eric , Rosencrans Peter , Orr Scott , Ross Rachel , Ojserkis Rebecca , Simon Naomi
Published: December 2019

Background

Although recent data in healthy humans suggestthat treatment with intranasal oxytocin (OT) may facilitate extinction recall,to date, little is known about the effects of OT on memory consolidationprocesses.

Aim

To examine the effect of intranasal administration of OT compared with placebo on memory consolidation blockade of a de novo fear memory in a classical 2-day fear conditioning procedure.

Results

There were no significant differences between the OT and the placebo groups on the first two extinction trials (mean (SD)=0.01 (0.39) vs 0.15 (0.31), t=−1.092, p=0.28). Similarly, during early extinction, analysis of variance for repeated measures failed to show significant main effects of extinction trials: trials (F(4, 112)=1.58, p=0.18), drug (F(1, 112)=0.13, p=0.72) or drug × trials interaction (F(4, 112)=0.76, p=0.56).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that OT administered in a double-blind fashion immediately after fear conditioning does not significantly reduce consolidation of fear learning as measured by a differential skin conductance response tested at the beginning of extinction.
Extending the neurocircuitry of behavioural inhibition: a role for the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in risk for anxiety disorders
Authors: Clauss Jacqueline
Published: December 2019

Behavioural inhibition is a biologically based risk factor for anxiety disorders. Children with behavioural inhibition are shy, cautious and avoidant of new situations. Much research on behavioural inhibition has focused on the amygdala as an underlying neural substrate and has identified differences in amygdala function and volume; however, amygdala findings have yet to lead to meaningful interventions for prevention or treatment of anxiety disorders. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a prime candidate to be a neural substrate of behavioural inhibition, given current evidence of BNST function and development in human research and animal models. Children with behavioural inhibition have an increased startle response to safety cues and an increased cortisol response to social evaluative situations, both of which are mediated by the BNST. In rodents, activation of the BNST underlies contextual fear responses and responses to uncertain and sustained threat. Non-human primates with anxious temperament (the macaque equivalent of behavioural inhibition) have increased BNST activity to ambiguous social situations, and activity of the BNST in anxious temperament is significantly heritable. Importantly, the BNST is sexually dimorphic and continues to develop into adulthood, paralleling the development of anxiety disorders in humans. Together, these findings suggest that further investigation of the BNST in behavioural inhibition is necessary and may lead to new avenues for the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (ASQ): development and validation
Authors: Baker Amanda , Simon Naomi , Keshaviah Aparna , Farabaugh Amy , Deckersbach Thilo , Worthington John J , Hoge Elizabeth , Fava Maurizio , Pollack Mark P
Published: December 2019

Background

The Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (ASQ) is a brief self-report questionnaire which measures frequency and intensity of symptoms and was developed to improve assessment of anxiety symptoms in a clinical setting. We examined the reliability and validity of the ASQ in patients with anxiety disorders and/or depression, non-clinical control subjects and college students.

Methods

240 outpatients with generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder or major depressive disorder were administered the ASQ and additional questionnaires measuring depression and anxiety, as were 111 non-clinical control subjects and 487 college students. Factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficients and logistic regression were used to assess reliability and validity. Test–retest reliability of the ASQ was measured using a subset who were re-administered the ASQ after 4 weeks.

Results

Factor analysis revealed measurement of a single dimension by the ASQ. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were strong. The ASQ total score also significantly distinguished patients with an anxiety disorder from the clinical controls above and beyond the clinician-rated Hamilton Anxiety Scale.

Conclusions

The ASQ is a valid, reliable and effective self-rated measure of anxiety and may be a useful tool for screening and assessing anxiety symptoms in psychiatric as well as college settings.
Atypical hypoadrenocorticism in a dog with chronically elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity
Authors: Murray Olivia , Lawrence Yuri A
Published: December 2019

A 10‐year‐old male, castrated, Beagle dog was presented for subclinical, chronic elevated serum alanine aminotransferase activity on serial serum biochemistry profiles. Additionally, mild hypocholesterolaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperammonaemia were identified. Microhepatica was noted on abdominal ultrasound and cytologic examination of a liver aspirate indicated hepatocellular atypia. A laparoscopic liver biopsy was performed and the patient was discharged the same day. The following day, the patient presented to the emergency service for an acute onset of severe vomiting. The patient was treated symptomatically and an adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test and aldosterone assay were diagnostic for atypical hypoadrenocorticism. Although hypoadrenocorticism is known for its vague clinical signs, it is an uncommon disease. This case was further complicated by an unusual signalment.
The investigation of histopathology and locations of excised eyelid masses in dogs
Authors: Wang Shang‐Lin , Dawson Charlotte , Wei Li‐Ning , Lin Chung‐Tien
Published: December 2019

Background

Eyelid masses are the most common ocular diseases in dogs. However, there are no studies specifically investigating the location of eyelid masses.

Methods

118 dogs with 119 eyelid masses were included. Medical records and pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed at National Taiwan University veterinary hospital and Vision Eyecare Centre for Animals between 2012 and 2017.

Results

Mean age of dogs was 9.4±2.5 years. Female spayed dogs had significantly higher prevalence of eyelid mass than female intact dogs (p<0.01). Prevalence of upper eyelid mass was significantly higher than lower eyelid mass (p<0.01). The upper lateral eyelid was the significantly more common location compared with the upper medial eyelid. Mean mass volume was 258.2±661.0 mm3. The most common eyelid mass type was meibomian epithelioma (34.5%), followed by meibomian adenoma (29.4%) and meibomian hyperplasia (18.5%). Non‐tumours comprised 25.2%, benign tumours comprised 67.2% and malignant tumours comprised 7.6% of all eyelid masses. Malignant tumours were significantly larger than benign lesions (p<0.01). All dogs underwent surgical excision without any complications.

Conclusion

The majority of eyelid masses were benign. Surgical intervention can prevent further ocular irritation and provide good prognosis.
An Early Cretaceous (Berriasian) fossil-bearing locality from the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, yielding the oldest dinosaur skeletal remains from western Canada
Authors: Nagesan Ramon S. , Campbell James A. , Pardo Jason D. , Lennie Kendra I. , Vavrek Matthew J. , Anderson Jason S.
Published: December 2019

Western North America preserves iconic dinosaur faunas from the Upper Jurassic and Upper Cretaceous, but this record is interrupted by an approximately 20 Myr gap with essentially no terrestrial vertebrate fossil localities. This poorly sampled interval is nonetheless important because it is thought to include a possible mass extinction, the origin of orogenic controls on dinosaur spatial distribution, and the origin of important Upper Cretaceous dinosaur taxa. Therefore, dinosaur-bearing rocks from this interval are of particular interest to vertebrate palaeontologists. In this study, we report on one such locality from Highwood Pass, Alberta. This locality has yielded a multitaxic assemblage, with the most diagnostic material identified so far including ankylosaurian osteoderms and a turtle plastron element. The fossil horizon lies within the upper part of the Pocaterra Creek Member of the Cadomin Formation (Blairmore Group). The fossils are assigned as Berriasian (earliest Cretaceous) in age, based on previous palynomorph analyses of the Pocaterra Creek Member and underlying and overlying strata. The fossils lie within numerous cross-bedded sandstone beds separated by pebble lenses. These sediments are indicative of a relatively high-energy depositional environment, and the distribution of these fossils over multiple beds indicates that they accumulated over multiple events, possibly flash floods. The fossils exhibit a range of surface weathering, having intact to heavily weathered cortices. The presence of definitive dinosaur material from near the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary of Alberta establishes the oldest record of dinosaur body fossils in western Canada and provides a unique opportunity to study the Early Cretaceous dinosaur faunas of western North America.
Second-order QCD corrections to event shape distributions in deep inelastic scattering
Authors: Gehrmann T. , Huss A. , Mo J. , Niehues J.
Published: December 2019

We compute the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) QCD corrections to event shape distributions and their mean values in deep inelastic lepton–nucleon scattering. The magnitude and shape of the corrections varies considerably between different variables. The corrections reduce the renormalization and factorization scale uncertainty of the predictions. Using a dispersive model to describe non-perturbative power corrections, we compare the NNLO QCD predictions with data from the H1 and ZEUS experiments. The newly derived corrections improve the theory description of the distributions and of their mean values.
Efficient modeling of shallow water equations using method of lines and artificial viscosity
Authors: Mousa Mohamed M. , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: December 2019

In this work, two numerical schemes were developed to overcome the problem of shock waves that appear in the solutions of one/two-layer shallow water models. The proposed numerical schemes were based on the method of lines and artificial viscosity concept. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed schemes are validated on many applications such as dam-break problem and the problem of interface propagation of two-layer shallow water model. The von Neumann stability of proposed schemes is studied and hence, the sufficient condition for stability is deduced. The results were presented graphically. The verification of the obtained results is achieved by comparing them with exact solutions or another numerical solutions founded in literature. The results are satisfactory and in much have a close agreement with existing results.
Uniformly Structured Methyltrimethoxysilane-Based Silica Aerogels with Enhanced Mechanical Property by Surfactant-Free Fabrication
Authors: Bi Yutie , Zhu Jiayi , Xie Zikai , Ren Hongbo
Published: December 2019

The uniformity, elasticity and hydrophobicity of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS)-based silica aerogels, which were prepared by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent, were investigated. The as-prepared silica aerogels were characterized by means of scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, contact angle/interface system and electronic universal testing machine. The hydrophobicity of the MTMS-based silica aerogels could be adjusted by tuning the MTMS/DMSO molar ratios. The water contact angle of the MTMS-based silica aerogels could be as high as 160.2∘, suggesting its superhydrophobic property. It was found that all the MTMS-based silica aerogels had the typical three-dimensional porous structure. The failure strain of MTMS-based silica aerogels could be as high as 66.14%.
Barriers to Information Technology Adoption Within Small and Medium Enterprises: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Chouki Marieme , Talea Mohamed , Okar Chafik , Chroqui Razane
Published: December 2019

While information technology (IT) has grown rapidly in enterprises, scholars have emphasized the importance of IT factors and aspects, while limited attention has been paid to the barriers and challenges facing the adoption of IT. In light of this, we stress the importance of barriers inhibiting IT adoption within Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). For this purpose, this paper aims to create a systematic literature review in order to provide a better understanding of barriers to IT adoption within SME. On the basis of 132 selected studies, we identify 18 barriers categorized according to internal and external parameters. Finally, we underline a synthesis and avenues for future research, and provide scientific and managerial implications and guidance for the adoption of IT in SME.
Synthesis and characterization of a reconstituted myoglobin-chlorin e6 adduct for theranostic applications
Authors: Di Giosia Matteo , Genovese Damiano , Cantelli Andrea , Cingolani Matteo , Rampazzo Enrico , Strever Giulia , Tavoni Marta , Zaccheroni Nelsi , Calvaresi Matteo , Prodi Luca
Published: December 2019

Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and its derivatives are among the most important photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Due to their intense fluorescence, chlorins may also be used for diagnostics. However, low solubility in water and high tendency to aggregation restrict their medical use. Here we demonstrate that apo-myoglobin, by reinserting Ce6 in its heme binding pocket, can be used to monomolecularly disperse it. The reconstructed myoglobin-Ce6 adduct presents noticeable changes in the photophysical properties of the chromophore. A red-shift, in particular in the transparency window, can be observed in the absorption and in the emission spectra of the adduct compared to the spectra of the free chlorin in PBS. The adduct presents a higher quantum yield and an increased excited-state lifetime with respect to the free Ce6. The binding of Ce6 to apo-myoglobin determines a decrease of the 1O2 generation but a three-fold increase of peroxides production, determining globally an increase in the performance of Ce6 as a photosensitizer and imaging agent.
Definition of the Hercynian Unconformity in eastern Saudi Arabia using chemostratigraphy in conjunction with biostratigraphy, sedimentology and lithostratigraphy
Authors: Craigie Neil W.
Published: December 2019

The following chemostratigraphy study was conducted on Paleozoic sediments encountered in 14 wells in eastern Saudi Arabia. A total of 1500 samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with data acquired for 48 elements, ranging from Na to U in the periodic table. The aim was to utilize chemostratigraphy, in conjunction with existing biostratigraphic, lithostratigraphic and sedimentological data, to define the Hercynian Unconformity in each well and to recognize stratigraphic boundaries occurring above and below it. This was necessary as the unconformity eroded to different stratigraphic levels in each well, with Devonian, Silurian and Ordovician sediments found immediately below it in adjacent locations. In the absence of chemostratigraphic, biostratigraphic and sedimentological data, it is often very difficult to define this boundary and others using lithostratigraphy alone as many stratigraphic intervals yield similar gamma-ray (GR) log trends. For example, a low ‘blocky’ GR response is typical of both the Carboniferous Ghazal Member and the Ordovician Sarah Formation. Similarly, both the Silurian Sharawra Member and the Silurian–Devonian Tawil Formation produce a ‘ratty’ GR trend. Each stratigraphic member and formation was found to have distinctive chemostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, sedimentological and/or wireline log signatures.
Evaluation of Chitosan Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of VEGF for Odontogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Wu Si , Zhou Yachuan , Yu Yi , Zhou Xin , Du Wei , Wan Mian , Fan Yi , Zhou Xuedong , Xu Xin , Zheng Liwei
Published: December 2019

The pulpotomy with pulp capping is aimed at retaining vital pulp with reparative dentin formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in dentin regeneration; however, its constant administrations in the human body is still problematic. Chitosan was widely studied as an effective carrier to deliver bioactive molecules in regenerative medicine. In this study, we conducted a chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS/β-GP) hydrogel as a VEGF-sustained release system and explored its effects on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). CS/β-GP hydrogel was manufactured using a sol-gel method. SEM assay showed the spongy and porous microstructure of the lyophilized hydrogels. DPSCs cultured in the CS/β-GP hydrogel kept adhesion and vitality. CCK-8 assay tested the promoted proliferation activity of DPSCs on the hydrogel. Besides, the added VEGF protein could continually release from VEGF/CS/β-GP hydrogel. The VEGF/CS/β-GP hydrogel could promote the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs better than VEGF treatment without hydrogel. Our results suggested that CS/β-GP hydrogel could continually release VEGF and contribute to odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs, thus may become a potential carrier of bioactive molecules in pulp capping therapy.
Beta-3-adrenergic Receptor rs4994 Polymorphism Is a Potential Biomarker for the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Overweight/Obese Individuals
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Oniki Kentaro , Kumagae Naoki , Morita Kazunori , Otake Koji , Ogata Yasuhiro , Saruwatari Junji
Published: December 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases. Obesity is the most common and well-established risk factor for NAFLD, but there are large interindividual differences in the relationship between weight status and the development of NAFLD. Beta-3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) plays a key role in the development of visceral obesity and insulin resistance; however, the effect of ADRB3 polymorphisms on the risk of NAFLD remains unclear. We investigated whether or not a common rs4994 polymorphism (T190C) in the ADRB3 gene is associated with the risk of NAFLD through an increase in the body mass index (BMI) among the general population. We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in a total of 591 Japanese health screening program participants. Among the overweight or obese subjects, but not normal-weight subjects, individuals with the C/C genotype had a higher risk of developing NAFLD in comparison to those with other genotypes in the cross-sectional analysis (odds ratio: 4.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–17.93). Meanwhile, the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the association between an increase in the BMI and the presence of NAFLD in subjects with the C/C genotype (area under the curve: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.78–1.00) was more pronounced in comparison to subjects with other genotypes. These above-described findings were verified by the analyses using a replicated data set consisting of 5,000 random samples from original data sets. Furthermore, among the 291 subjects for whom longitudinal medical information could be collected and who did not have NAFLD at baseline, the Cox proportional hazard model also confirmed that overweight or obese status and the C/C genotype were concertedly related to the increased risk of NAFLD development. These results suggest that genotyping the ADRB3 rs4994 polymorphism may provide useful information supporting the development of personalized BMI-based preventive measures against NAFLD.
Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 Attenuates Macrophage Aging Induced by D-Galactose and Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Zhang Da-yong , Pan Zheng-yang , Yu Xiong-kai , Chen Yi-fan , Gao Chen-hao , Yang Yu-tian , Jiang Xue-fan , Li Na , Pan Jian-ping
Published: December 2019

Immunosenescence comprises a set of dynamic changes occurring in innate and adaptive immune systems, and macrophage aging plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunosenescence. However, function and polarization changes in aging macrophages have not been fully evaluated, and no effective method for delaying macrophage senescence is currently available. The results of this study reveal that D-galactose (D-gal) can promote J774A.1 macrophage senescence and induce macrophage M1 polarization differentiation. Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 can significantly inhibit J774A.1 macrophage senescence induced by D-gal. IL-6 and IL-12 levels in the BB-12 groups remarkably decreased compared with that in the D-gal group, and the M2 marker, IL-10, and Arg-1 mRNA levels increased in the BB-12 group. BB-12 inhibited the expression of p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and promoted p-STAT6 expression. In summary, the present study indicates that BB-12 can attenuate the J774A.1 macrophage senescence and induce M2 macrophage polarization, thereby indicating the potential of BB-12 to slow down immunosenescence and inflamm-aging.
F2P-ABS: A Fast and Secure Attribute-Based Signature for Mobile Platforms
Authors: Lin Guofeng , Xia Yunhao , Ying Chun , Sun Zhixin
Published: December 2019

Attribute-based signature (ABS) is a promising cryptographic primitive. It allows the signer to generate a signature with attributes satisfying the predicate without leaking more information, so as to provide message authenticity in an anonymous manner. However, drawbacks concerning security and efficiency hinder its applications for authentication in mobile platforms. Here, we present F2P-ABS, an escrow-free and pairing-free attribute-based signature supporting perfect signer privacy for mobile anonymous authentication. To enhance its adaptiveness to mobile platforms, a novel key extraction is proposed so that the key escrow problem is mitigated over the single authority setting. It also helps to remarkably reduce the size of the signing key. Different from existing schemes, F2P-ABS is free from pairing operations. It performs no pairing operation for verification. Without the loss of security, we prove that F2P-ABS achieves signer privacy in perfect sense. It is also proven to guarantee existential unforgeability under corrupted and adaptive chosen predicate and message attack, which is securer than existing schemes.
Simvastatin Mitigates Apoptosis and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Upregulation in Stretch-Induced Endothelial Cells
Authors: Dong Gang , Huang Xiaoquan , Jiang Siyu , Ni Liyuan , Chen Shiyao
Published: December 2019

Portal hypertension is a common clinical symptom of digestive disorders. With an increase in portal pressure, the portal vein will continue to dilate. We aimed to determine whether continuous stretch induced by portal hypertension may impair the function of endothelial cells (ECs) in the portal vein and aggravate the progress of portal hypertension and explore its mechanism. ECs were cultured on an elastic silicone membrane and subjected to continuous uniaxial stretch. Apoptosis and expression of TGF-β in ECs under stretch were measured. We found that sustained stretch induced the apoptosis of ECs in a stretch length-dependent manner. Compared with the control, continuous stretch increased the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2) expression and damaged the mitochondria, resulting in an evident increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; pretreatment with gp91ds-tat or MitoTEMPO decreased the ROS level in the intracellular levels. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) treatment before stretch not only reduced ROS levels but also mitigated the apoptosis of ECs; simvastatin had similar effects through targeting NOX2 and mitochondria. During the stretch, the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was obviously increased; pretreatment with P38MAPK or JNK inhibitors decreased the phosphorylation of NF-κB and TGF-β expression. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) treatment before stretch also reduced TGF-β expression. After pretreatment with NAC, the phosphorylation of P38MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB and TGF-β expressions in ECs under stretch was suppressed; similar results were observed in simvastatin-treated ECs. This study demonstrated that simvastatin could mitigate EC apoptosis and TGF-β upregulation induced by continuous stretch by reducing the level of ROS.
Applying System Dynamics to Simulate the Passenger Flow in Subway Stations
Authors: Gao Jianghua , Jia Limin , Guo Jianyuan
Published: December 2019

A macroscopic passenger flow simulation model based on system dynamics is proposed in this paper. It considers the key factors influencing the dynamics of passenger flow from a holistic perspective of the stations and then models the dynamic change in the number of passengers. Firstly, the transmission of passenger flow for a general many-to-many relation between nodes are presented. When the sum of sending capacities heading for a downstream node is less than the receiving capacity of this node, the aggregation of stranded passengers will form the queuing part of the node. The results coming from a passenger flow simulation of a subway station in Beijing show that the proposed model performs well by comparing it with the real data. It can be applied to describe the dynamic change in the number of passengers and the level of service for the facilities.
Factors Influencing Buprenorphine Prescribing among Physicians in New York State
Authors: Marino Leslie A. , Campbell Aimee N. , Nunes Edward V. , Sederer Lloyd I. , Dixon Lisa B.
Published: December 2019

Background. Increasing access to buprenorphine is an important strategy for curtailing the opioid epidemic. Research is needed to understand what facilitates prescribing among waivered physicians and how to increase the willingness and capacity to prescribe. This study describes prescribing patterns in a sample of buprenorphine-waivered physicians in New York (NY) in 2016 and examines factors influencing prescribing capacity among waivered providers. Methods. Surveys were mailed to a random sample of 300 physicians with DEA waivers to prescribe buprenorphine in NY which assessed demographics, practice characteristics, buprenorphine prescribing patterns, and barriers/facilitators to prescribing buprenorphine. Analyses include simple logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals, and p values, respectively, to examine differences in individual predictors among physicians that were actively prescribing buprenorphine and those that were not. Results. 91 physicians responded to the survey, and 65% indicated they were currently prescribing buprenorphine. The mean patient census among physicians waivered to prescribe to 30 patients was 9.6 (SD = 9.7, median = 5), and to 100 patients, it was 60.5 (SD = 38.9, median = 72.5). Common facilitators included access to psychosocial referrals and better reimbursement, while inadequate resources, lack of time, and prior authorizations were the most common barriers. Conclusions. In addition to increasing the number of waivered physicians, policy-makers should provide enhanced training and implementation support for waivered physicians to start prescribing and facilitate continued and expanded prescribing among those already doing so.
Influence of Existing Defects on Mechanical Properties of NC Lining
Authors: Zhang Sen , Ren Zhihua , Ding Zude , Wen Jincheng , Yan Zhixin
Published: December 2019

The mechanical properties of the lining are directly affected by defects such as voids behind the lining and insufficient thickness of the lining. In order to quantitatively evaluate this effect, the mechanical behavior of the lining under the influence of the void behind the lining, the insufficient thickness of the lining, and the combination of the two kinds of defects are adopted by the 1/5 scale model test. Based on the experimental research, numerical calculation models based on the CDP model for defect lining are established, with the effects of load direction, stratum stiffness, defect location, defect type, and degree on the mechanical behavior of the lining analyzed by the numerical simulation. The experimental and numerical results show that the void weakens the stiffness of the lining. As the void range increases, the lining becomes more deformable and its bearing capacity decreases with the “S” curve. Thinning significantly reduces the deformation properties of the lining and the bearing capacity and stiffness of the thinned section. The lining bearing capacity decreases linearly with the increase of the thinning ratio, when the load is applied at the thinning. With the influence of combined defects on the load-displacement curve of the lining fluctuating drastically, the mechanical properties of the lining are significantly reduced. The bearing capacity of lining decreases with the increase of composite defects in a “S” shape. The effect of void and lining thinning on the lining bearing capacity increases with the increase of the stiffness of the formation. The loss rate equation of the concrete lining bearing capacity under the influence of existing defects is established by using the L-M nonlinear regression analysis, a provision of scientific guidance for the safety evaluation of the defect lining.
Antioxidant Effect of the Castanea sativa Mill. Leaf Extract on Oxidative Stress Induced upon Human Spermatozoa
Authors: Biagi Marco , Noto Daria , Corsini Maddalena , Baini Giulia , Cerretani Daniela , Cappellucci Giorgio , Moretti Elena
Published: December 2019

This study was aimed at evaluating in vitro the effects of a 75% v/v ethanolic extract of leaves of Castanea sativa Mill. (var. Bastarda Rossa, Mount Amiata, Tuscany, Italy) on ejaculated human sperm. Total polyphenols and total flavonoids contained in the extract were determined by a colorimetric assay and HPLC-DAD. The DPPH test and electrochemistry were utilized to study the antioxidant activity of the extract. Swim-up-selected sperm from 8 healthy men were treated with the C. sativa leaf extract at different dilutions (1 : 100, 1 : 200, and 1 : 500), and sperm motility was assessed following the WHO guidelines. Swim-up-selected spermatozoa were incubated with 100 μM H2O2 to induce lipid peroxidation (LPO) and with H2O2 and the leaf extract (1 : 100, 1 : 200, and 1 : 500) to test the antioxidant activity of the extract. The levels of LPO were determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. The treated samples were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural evaluation. The chemical analysis showed that one-third ca. of the polyphenols in the C. sativa extract were made up of flavonoids, with hyperoside present in high concentration. A good antioxidant activity was demonstrated by both the DPPH test and electrochemical analysis. The C. sativa leaf extract did not decrease sperm motility at all tested dilutions. Treatment with H2O2 alone caused a significant increment in MDA levels (P=0.006993), while the treatment with H2O2 plus C. sativa extract diluted to 1 : 100 and 1 : 200 significantly reduced MDA levels (P=0.01476 and P=0.01571, respectively), with respect to H2O2 alone. TEM analysis confirmed the protective effect of the extract on damage induced by LPO, in particular that occurring at the plasma membrane level. The C. sativa leaf extract could be used in human and farm animal protocols for gamete handling, such as techniques of assisted reproduction and cryopreservation of semen, all conditions in which oxidative stress is exacerbated.
A Standard Framework for Population-Based Neuroepidemiological Studies in Tropical Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Boumediene Farid , Luna Jaime , Auditeau Emilie , Jost Jeremy , Guerchet Maëlenn , Preux Pierre-Marie
Published: December 2019

Methodologies of population-based studies on neurological diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have not been standardized. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the numerous challenges occurring in this context and propose a standard framework for population-based studies in LMICs. We relied on our expertise on few diseases, epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders. The proposed framework is the result of extensive field experience in tropical LMICs. It ensures that important steps are not forgotten when setting up a study plan. It must remain flexible and be adapted to each situation, to the disease studied, in particular its prevalence, but also to the geography of the study area and the availability of survey technologies.
A Progressive Huge Accessory Spleen in the Greater Omentum
Authors: Matsuzawa Hirokazu , Munakata Shinya , Momose Hirotaka , Tsuchiya Yuki , Ishiyama Shun , Kamiyama Hirohiko , Takahashi Makoto , Sakamoto Kazuhiro
Published: December 2019

Huge accessory spleen (AS) is a rare condition difficult to diagnose. We recently treated a Japanese woman with a progressive huge AS. She had a history of aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis 1 month prior. At that time, a 4-cm AS had been detected by the preoperative computed tomography (CT). This mass was a progressive tumor which grew to 7 cm over the course of 3 months. Thus, we performed surgery with a preoperative diagnosis of huge AS by CT and positron emission tomography. A laparoscopic resection was performed considering the risk of torsion, spontaneous rupture, or hemorrhage. The final pathological diagnosis was AS. This is the first reported case in the English literature of progressive AS with no symptoms at the initial presentation that was treated with laparoscopic resection.
Lean Body Mass and Endocrine Status But Not Age Are Determinants of Resting Energy Expenditure in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ulmann Guillaume , Jouinot Anne , Tlemsani Camille , Curis Emmanuel , Kousignian Isabelle , Neveux Nathalie , Durand Jean-Philippe , Goldwasser François , Cynober Luc  , De Bandt Jean-Pascal
Published: December 2019

Background: Cancer and aging are both frequently associated with malnutrition, a factor of poor prognosis. In adult cancer patients, this may be related in part to impaired energy metabolism, with higher than predicted resting energy expenditure (REE) in about 50% of patients. We hypothesized that frequently impaired energy metabolism in elderly patients could potentiate cancer-associated hypermetabolism, further promoting risk of malnutrition. Objective: To study the hypermetabolic response to cancer in a predominantly aged population and the potential underlying determinants. Methods: This was a cross-sectional exploratory study in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. Body composition was determined from a single CT scan imaging at L3 level. Endocrine, inflammatory, nutritional and metabolic status were evaluated. Results: Twenty-seven patients, of median age 68 years (range 32–81) completed the study. In this population, mean measured REE was 7.5% higher than calculated REE. Sex and weight accounted for about 51% of REE variations, whereas age accounted only for 4%. However, these parameters did not explain the REE-to-lean body mass (LBM) ratio variations, suggesting that they influenced REE only through their effect on LBM. Among the other parameters evaluated, only the thyroid-stimulating hormone and interleukin-6 plasma levels appeared to have an influence on REE. The study of the consequences of this increase in REE-to-LBM ratio showed a growing inability of patients to meet their energy needs but showed no effect on nutritional markers such as transthyretin. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that in our population, age was not an important factor of REE. The elevated energy metabolism was associated with patients’ failure to increase their energy intakes sufficiently, which can contribute to the development of cachexia. Clinical Trial: This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov under NCT0314.
Effect of Intradialytic Exercise on Physical Performance and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Pilot and Feasibility Study
Authors: Cheng Yan-Jiao , Zhao Xin-Ju , Zeng Wen , Xu Ming-Cheng , Ma Ying-Chun , Wang Mei
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Although intradialytic exercise is considered a form of “nonpharmacological medicine” for patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), this practice has not been widely implemented in most dialysis centers because of clinical limitations. We, therefore, aimed to design an intradialytic exercise training program to improve the implementation of this practice and determine its impact on physical performance and cardiovascular risk factors in patients receiving MHD. Methods: A total of 132 MHD patients at 4 outpatient dialysis units were enrolled and assigned randomly into exercise (n = 67) and control groups (n = 65). During a 2-year period, patients in the exercise group participated in 20-min exercise training sessions within dialysis sessions on 3 days per week. All patients underwent assessments of physical function (6-min walk test) and cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure [BP], total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], albumin [Alb], hemoglobin [Hb], and erythropoietin [EPO] dose) at the baseline and annually thereafter. Results: Of the participants, 50.8% had completed the study after 2 years. No statistically significant intragroup or intergroup differences were observed in the measures of 6MD, BP, TC, hsCRP, Alb, Hb, and EPO dose. Conclusion: The results suggest that although this low-intensity, nonprogressive intradialytic exercise program may be practical, it was not sufficient to improve physiological function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients receiving MHD.
Effects of Metabolic Syndrome on Cognitive Impairment with White Matter Lesions
Authors: Chen Le , Hong Wenjuan , Yang Hai , Dong Shuyang , Peng Zeyan , Zhou Huadong
Published: December 2019

Objective: To explore the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with white matter lesions (WML). Methods: From ­January 2016 to June 2017, a cross-sectional study was conducted on the clinical data of 358 WML patients over 65 years old in the Department of Neurology of the Daping Hospital. Mini-mental state examination scales were used to evaluate the cognitive function of the patients, and the cognitive impairment was diagnosed and grouped according to the scoring and diagnostic criteria. All WML patients were divided into the cognitive impairment group and normal cognition group. Clinical data of age, sex, education level, body mass index, abdominal circumference, smoking and alcohol consumption, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between MetS and cognitive impairment in WML patients. Results: Compared with the normal cognition group, the proportion of MetS in the cognitive impairment group was significantly higher (χ2 = 11.211, p < 0.01), the proportion of MetS components such as elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated TG, decreased HDL-C and abdominal obesity in the cognitive impairment group was also higher (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). After adjustment for age, sex, low education level, current smoking, daily drinking, severity of WML, MetS, and its components, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MetS was an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment in WML patients (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.31–5.19). In addition, The greater the number of MetS components, the higher the risk of cognitive impairment in WML patients (ptrend < 0.01). Conclusion: MetS is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment in patients with WML.
How to Prepare Educational Lecture: EAGEN 50 Years of Experience
Authors: Regula Jaroslaw
Published: December 2019

Background: European Association of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, and Nutrition for 50 years provided a good, professional teaching of gastroenterology across Europe by world-known experts. Teaching tips and tricks to achieve maximum effects are summarized in this review article. Summary: The good speaker should be motivated to teach the audience at the time of lecture a topic in way that information provided is remembered. The educational aim should realistic, well selected, and precisely defined. Putting an order and clarity into information provided are crucial. Speaker should feel comfortable during lecture and enjoy it. Ways to achieve that are described in this review paper. Key Messages: Medical teaching by lectures should be simple, clear, well-structured, and enjoyable.
"Corinne ou l'Italie" traduite au Brésil
Authors: Piucco Narceli
Published: December 2019

Cet article est lié à notre recherche de doctorat sur la retraduction de Corinne ou l’Italie (1807)[1] de Germaine de Staël. Dans une première partie, comme introduction à notre étude, nous essayerons de fournir un cadre de la réception des œuvres de Staël au Brésil, les traductions et les études autour de l’auteur. Ensuite, nous décrirons l’œuvre originale Corinne ou l’Italie et la traduction en portugais du Brésil Corina ou a Itália (1945, Edições Cultura). Comme troisième étape, nous proposons un projet de retraduction qui a pour but d’accueillir l’étranger et de réaliser une traduction qui met en évidence la lettre de l’œuvre (Berman, 1995), ainsi que le travail du traducteur. En étudiant les œuvres théoriques sur la traduction et la littérature de Staël, nous vérifions les traits sémantiques, culturels, stylistiques parmi d’autres, à partir de l’original et ils sont commentés avec les différents exemples de la retraduction de l’œuvre.
[1] Nous utilison l’édition de 1985, Gallimard, presentée et annotée par Simone Balayé, à partir du texte de la troisième édition de 1807, corrigé par Mme de Staël.
Em busca de si, do mundo e da poesia: a obra moderna de Blaise Cendras
Authors: Araujo Natalia Aparecida Bisio de
Published: December 2019

Blaise Cendrars foi um dos homens mais cosmopolitas de seu tempo, pois viajou pelo mundo desde a infância e possuiu uma identidade nacional fragmentada. Em sua vida itinerante, o escritor presenciou fatos que transformaram o início do século XX, como as revoluções tecnológicas, que ofereceram à sociedade variadas máquinas que facilitariam a vida da população. Nesse contexto, a poesia de Cendrars constituiu-se tanto por uma busca do autor por si mesmo, por seu ser permeado pela pluralidade cultural de sua formação, quanto pela predileção da modernidade vivida pelo seu tempo. A figura de Blaise Cendrars, sua poesia moderna e a representação do espírito vanguardista se misturam com os relatos do escritor de suas experiências pelo mundo. Por meio de um embasamento teórico a partir de teorias e críticas da poesia em geral, assim como estudos sobre a poesia de vanguarda no início do século XX, este trabalho apresentará como a obra do escritor almeja a expressão do mundo moderno, das novas concepções poéticas e das suas próprias experiências.
A integralidade do direito à saúde na visão do Supremo Tribunal Federal
Authors: Cunha Alexandre Luna da
Published: December 2019

A Constituição de 1988 inovou o ordenamento jurídico brasileiro ao estabelecer o direito à saúde como direito de todos e dever do Estado, dotado de uma universalidade tanto objetiva quanto subjetiva. Mas será que é possível a realização imediata dessa universalidade? Ao mesmo tempo em que a Constituição prevê a dupla vertente da universalidade, ela a restringe, por meio de outros dois objetivos da seguridade social: seletividade e distributividade. Além disso, o próprio regime jurídico dos direitos sociais estabelece que sua concretização deverá ser efetuada de forma progressiva e com a aplicação do máximo de recursos disponíveis. Dessa forma, fundamental é a análise da jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal para uma interpretação que permita compreender o conceito de integralidade do direito à saúde.
Judicialização e jurisprudência: utilização da STA 175/CE em acórdãos em saúde no Estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Lopes Luciana de Melo Nunes , Coelho Tiago Lopes , Diniz Semíramis Domingues , Andrade Eli Iola Gurgel de
Published: December 2019

Após audiência pública em 2009, o Supremo Tribunal Federal consolidou conclusões no julgamento da Suspensão de Tutela Antecipada 175/CE, estabelecendo parâmetros que orientariam o Judiciário e racionalizariam o fenômeno da judicialização da saúde no Brasil. Desconhece-se, contudo, em que medida tal jurisprudência tem influenciado as decisões judiciais. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo investigar o uso da suspensão como referência a embasar as decisões finais colegiadas em saúde do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de Minas Gerais. Trata-se de estudo de caso baseado em dados secundários obtidos nos acórdãos com citação da Suspensão de Tutela Antecipada 175/CE na ementa. Identificou-se 106 acórdãos. A suspensão foi citada em todos os anos desde 2009 [..]. A distribuição das citações entre relatores e órgãos julgadores foi heterogênea, e o principal contexto de uso da jurisprudência foi para declarar a necessidade de priorização dos tratamentos ofertados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde e comprovação da excepcionalidade dos casos inadequados a eles. Estimou-se que os 106 acórdãos representaram 0,1% do universo de acórdãos sobre o direito à saúde proferidos no período. Concluiu-se que a Suspensão não foi referência fortemente utilizada nos acórdãos do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de Minas Gerais. Embora a literatura indique uma tendência à racionalidade na jurisprudência brasileira em relação ao deferimento de demandas judiciais em saúde, o frágil uso da jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal pela corte mineira não confirma, na prática, tal tendência, pondo em questão a efetividade de tal recurso na intervenção sobre o fenômeno da judicialização da saúde.
Jurisprudência & Ementário
Authors: - Editores Revista de Direito Sanitário
Published: December 2019

Seleção de decisões sobre o direito à saúde da Argentina, Colômbia, México e do Uruguai.
A judicialização do direito à saúde em uma perspectiva comparada: Brasil e Colômbia
Authors: Nakamura Fernanda de Castro , Caobianco Nathália Melazi
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo estudar, em perspectiva comparada, a judicialização da saúde no Brasil e na Colômbia. A análise comparativa justifica-se pela proximidade histórica, política e social existente entre os dois países, principalmente no que se refere à colonização e aos marcos de subdesenvolvimento, bem como pela existência de dados específicos consolidados nesses países. Dessa forma, por meio de uma revisão da literatura sobre o tema e da análise de dados nas bases governamentais de ambos os países, pontuaram-se as principais diferenças no tratamento dado à saúde e os efeitos que o controle judicial das políticas públicas tem sobre a organização política e administrativa dessas sociedades. Como conclusão, verificou-se que tanto Brasil como Colômbia padecem de uma gestão de saúde que permita incluir esse direito fundamental no projeto de desenvolvimento socioeconômico das agendas governamentais.
20 anos da Revista de Direito Sanitário: momento de renovação
Authors: Dallari Sueli Gandolfi , Aith Fernando
Published: December 2019

Ao longo dos anos, a Revista de Direito Sanitário registrou em suas páginas os diversos fenômenos relacionados com a efetivação do direito à saúde no Brasil e no mundo, constituindo-se uma publicação científica de alto impacto no debate sobre temas estratégicos para o desenvolvimento do sistema de saúde brasileiro e para a plena efetivação do direito à saúde no Brasil.