bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GeoCGNN: A Geometric-Information-Enhanced Crystal Graph Network for Property Predictions
Authors: Jiucheng Cheng , Dong Lifeng , Zhang Chunkai
Published: December 2020

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have been explored to search for novel crystal materials. But in previous works, geometric structure was not taken into consideration or incompletely. Here, we develop a geometric-information-enhanced crystal graph neural network (GeoCGNN) to predict properties of novel crystal materials. By considering the distance vector between each node and its neighbors, our model can learn full topologic and spatial geometric structure information. Furthermore, we incorporate an effective method based on the mixed basis functions to encode the geometric information into our model, which outperforms other CGNN methods in a variety of databases. As for predicting the formation energy, our model is 30.3%, 14.6% and 13% better than CGCNN, MEGNet and iCGCNN models, respectively. For band gap, our model outperforms respectively 27.6% and 15.2% than CGCNN and MEGNet. Also, we interpret the implied material properties of the learned graph vector in a visible way.
The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and food intolerance in western China
Authors: Liu Ying , Li Dongyu , Xiao Ning , Liu Yuping , Shuai Ping
Published: December 2020

IntroductionHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been found to be associated with extragastrointestinal diseases while the studies on its association with food intolerance are rare. In our study, we tried to explore the relationship between H. pylori infection and food intolerance.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the physical examination data of 21,822 subjects from February 2014 to December 2018 in this study. H. pylori infection was determined by 13C urea breath test. The food specific IgG in serum were detected to assess the food tolerance status of egg, milk and wheat.ResultsThe total infection rate of H. pylori was 39.3% and the total food intolerance rates of egg, milk and wheat were 25.2%, 9.0% and 4.7%, respectively. The infection rate of H. pylori was higher in males than that in females, while the intolerance rates were lower in males than that in females. The infection rates of H. pylori increased with age except for people over sixty, while the intolerance rates decreased. In H. pylori positive group, the intolerance rates were lower than that in the H. pylori negative group. At the same level of food intolerance, the intolerance rates in H. pylori positive group were lower than that in H. pylori negative group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that H. pylori infection was negatively correlated with intolerance of egg, milk and wheat (OR value of egg 0.844–0.873, milk 0.741–0.751, wheat 0.762–0.801).ConclusionsH. pylori infection was negatively correlated with intolerance of egg, milk and wheat in Sichuan, western China.
Ability of artificial intelligence to detect T1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from endoscopic videos: supportive effects of real-time assistance
Authors: Shiroma Sho , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Kato Yusuke , Horie Yoshimasa , Namikawa Ken , Tokai Yoshitaka , Yoshimizu Shoichi , Horiuchi Yusuke , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Tsuchida Tomohiro , Akazawa Naoki , Akiyama Junichi , Tada Tomohiro , Fujisaki Junko
Published: December 2020

Diagnosis using artificial intelligence (AI) with deep learning could be useful in endoscopic examinations. We investigated the ability of AI to detect superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) from esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) videos. We retrospectively collected 8428 EGD images of esophageal cancer to develop a convolutional neural network through deep learning. We evaluated the detection accuracy of the AI diagnosing system compared with that of 18 endoscopists. We used 144 EGD videos for the two validation sets. First, we used 64 EGD observation videos of ESCC using both white light imaging (WLI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). We then evaluated the system using 80 EGD videos from 40 patients (20 with superficial ESCC and 20 with non-ESCC). In the first set, the AI system correctly diagnosed 100% ESCCs. In the second set, it correctly detected 85% (17/20) ESCCs. Of these, 75% (15/20) and 55% (11/22) were detected by WLI and NBI, and the positive predictive value was 36.7%. The endoscopists correctly detected 45% (25-70%) ESCCs. With AI real-time assistance, the sensitivities of the endoscopists were significantly improved without AI assistance (p<0.05). AI can detect superficial ESCC from EGD videos with high sensitivity and improve endoscopists’ detection of ESCC with real-time support.
Association of the Extent of Myocardial Ischemia with Outcomes in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kato Takao , Momose Mitsuru , Uemura Yukari , Naya Masanao , Matsumoto Naoya , Hida Satoshi , Yamauchi Takao , Nakajima Takamoto , Suzuki Eriko , Inoko Moriaki , Tamaki Nagara
Published: December 2020

Background: There is an ongoing controversy regarding the necessity of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for patients with ischemic heart diseases after the publication of the results of the ISCHEMIA trial. We aimed to evaluate the association of the extent of myocardial ischemia with outcomes in patients with suspected coronary artery disease in Japan.Methods: From the data of 2780 patients with stable angina, who were enrolled prospectively between January 2006 and March 2008 in Japan and had undergone physician-referred non-invasive imaging tests, 1205 patients managed with SPECT were stratified by 10% myocardial ischemia. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and late revascularization, were followed-up for 1 year. Results: Patients with ≥10% myocardial ischemia (n=173) were older than patients with <10% myocardial ischemia (n=1032) and had a significantly higher 1-year cumulative incidence of MACEs (9.1% vs. 1.2%, P<0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, the risk of ≥10% myocardial ischemia relative to <10% myocardial ischemia for MACEs remained significant (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.40 [1.09-5.26], P=0.029).Conclusion: The presence of ≥10% myocardial ischemia was significantly associated with the 1-year risk for MACEs in Japanese patients with suspected coronary artery disease.
Genetic Inconsistency Assessment and Selection Criteria of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.Verdc.) Landraces for High Yield Revealed by Qualitative and Quantitative traits
Authors: Khan Md Mahmudul Hasan , Rafii Mohd Y. , Ramlee Shairul Izan , Jusoh Mashitah , Al-Mamun Md
Published: December 2020

As a crop for the new millennium Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) considered as leading legumes in the tropical regions due to its versatile advantages. The main intent of this study was to find out the high yielding potential genotypes and considering these genotypes to develop pure lines for commercial cultivation in Malaysia. Considering the 14 qualitative and 27 quantitative traits of fifteen landraces the variation and genetic parameters namely, variability, heritability, genetic advance, characters association, and cluster matrix were determined. ANOVA revealed significant variation for all the agronomic traits (except plant height). Among the accessions, highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were found for almost all the traits excluding fifty percent flowering date, seed length, seed width. The 16 traits out of the 27 quantitative traits had a coefficient of variation (CV) ≥ 20%. A positive and intermediate to perfect highly significant association (r = 0.23 to 1.00; P < 0.00) was found between yield and its related traits. The trait dry seed weight per plant (g) had the highest GCV = 59.91% and PCV = 59.57% whereas the trait fresh pod weight (99.55%), dry seed weight (98.86%), and yield (98.10%) were highly heritable. The genetic advance recorded the highest for dry seed weight (122.01%) and lowest (3.97%) for plant height. To validate the genetic disparity, an unweighted pair-group produce with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), principal component analysis (PCA), and Hˊ-index was performed considering 27 quantitative traits. The constructed dendrogram showed five distinct groups of accessions. Genotypes G2, G3, and G9 from Group IV consider as promising lines which gave 70.05% higher mean yield compared to grand mean yield (1180 kg ha-1) with desirable traits. Group II had a maximum number of accessions while group III and group V had one of each. However, findings declared that the availability of genetic variance will be beneficial for this crop improvement and plant breeders to prefer desirable traits in V. subterranea L. Verdc. for further breeding purposes.
Curbing Adolescent Illicit Drug Use in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria: A Public Perceptive
Authors: Ogu Udochukwu , Ezumah Nkoli , Odii Aloysius , Pamela Nkolika
Published: December 2020

Background: To reduce the rate of illicit drug use, the public has an important role to play, therefore how they perceive illicit drug use among youths must be ascertained. This study seeks to ascertain the public perception of strategies for curbing adolescent drug use.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of members of the public aged 18 years and above, residing in Owerri metropolis at the time of the study. A total of 10 communities were selected randomly in all: four communities from the 16 communities that make up Owerri West, five communities from the 18 communities that make up Owerri North and one community from the five communities that make up Owerri Municipal. A total of 16 respondents were purposively selected for in-depth interviews.Results: The quantitative findings show that 70.7% of respondents believe that the use of illicit drugs by adolescents can be controlled. The findings also show that one of the public’s perception to control adolescent drug use is to establish stringent anti-illicit drugs consumption laws/policies (20.4%) amongst others. The qualitative findings report that in order to curb the use of drugs by adolescents, the following activities and bodies need to be implored: health promotion, raising more awareness and sensitization campaigns, creation of remand homes for juveniles, the involvement of parents, school authorities and religious organizations and rehabilitation programmes. However, raising awareness, according to the study was reported as a reliable way of eliminating drug use among adolescents.Conclusion: To curb illicit drug use, proper funding of drug enforcement agencies, sensitization campaigns, strict laws on drug prescription, provision and use and health education etc. are very necessary for reducing adolescents’ illicit drug consumption.
Removal of Direct Yellow 50 From Aqueous Solutions Using Chitosan-ISO-Vanillin Derivatives Chelating Polymers
Authors: Alabbad Eman
Published: December 2020

Background Water contamination has increasingly become a significant problem affecting the welfare of living organisms perceived to be aquatic beneficiaries. The nature and origin of the contaminant always determines the purification techniques. The most common contaminants in wastewater include organic compounds such as dyes that must be eliminated to enhance water purity and safety.Result The results indicate that the removal of DY50 by the modified chitosan was affected by the solution pH, sorbent dosage, initial DY50 concentration, contact time, and temperature. The experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms, and Langmuir isotherm showed the best fit. The kinetic data were fitted to the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order rate equations. The removal rate was 97.9% by chemisorption components after the three hours at about 0.05 g of sorbent dose and 100 ppm of the Direct Yellow 50 dye initial concentration. The adsorption behavior of the modified chitosan for the removal of DY50 was well-described using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Intraparticle diffusion analysis was also conducted. The thermodynamic properties such as free energy (∆G), enthalpy (∆H), and entropy (∆S), in addition to the intra-particle diffusion rate were similarly defined.Conclusion The pH, initial DY50 concentration, sorbent dosage, adsorption temperature, and contact time had a significant effect on the adsorption of DY50 by chitosan-iso-vanillin.
A Prospective Feasibility Study of a 1-mm bolus for Postmastectomy Radiotherapy
Authors: Kawamoto Terufumi , Shikama Naoto , Kurokawa Chie , Hara Naoya , Oshima Masaki , Sasai Keisuke
Published: December 2020

Background: The optimal chest wall bolus regimen for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) remains unknown. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the use of a 1-mm-thick daily tissue-equivalent bolus in patients who received PMRT using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and skin toxicity assessment.Methods: Patients with a 1-mm-thick daily bolus during PMRT were prospectively enrolled at The Juntendo University Hospital. The surface dose was measured in vivo under the 1-mm-thick bolus on the chest wall. We assessed the acute skin toxicity weekly during PMRT, and 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the completion of PMRT.Results: A total of 19 patients aged 32−79 years old received PMRT from July 2019 to January 2020. All patients completed the protocol treatment without interruptions, and the median follow-up was 32 weeks. In vivo dosimetry analysis revealed surface doses between 77% and 113% of the prescribed dose, with a mean of 92% of the prescribed radiation dose, and a standard deviation of 7% being delivered. Grade 2 dermatitis was found in 10 patients (53%), and Grade 3 dermatitis was found in one patient (5%). All cases of Grade 2 and 3 dermatitis were improved 4 weeks after PMRT. There were no cases of Grade 4 dermatitis and no chest wall recurrences during the treatment or follow-up period.Conclusions: The results confirmed the feasibility of using the 1-mm-thick daily bolus for PMRT, with appropriate dose buildup and acceptable skin toxicity without treatment interruptions.Trial registration: The University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000035773. Registered 1 July 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000040622
Mental Health of Preschool and Primary School Children: Dynamics and Improvement
Authors: Spichak Valentina , Sirotinkina Valentina , Sokolenova Irina , Akulinina Iuliia
Published: December 2020

Background: Improving the mental health of children is one of the main tasks for modern society. The aim of the work is to study the dynamics of mental health in preschool and primary school children under a psychological and pedagogical experiment. Methods: The study was conducted at 12 kindergartens (250 children) and 3 primary schools (200 children) in 2018 – 2019, in Moscow (Russian Federation). Children of each age group were divided into 2 groups according to the time spent on the Internet. The control group spent up to 15 minutes a day. The experimental group had an uncontrolled pastime. In total, there were 4 groups. The performance indicators (average score) and the dynamics of aggression were studied. The parents were provided with a survey. Children and parents had lectures with psychologists and teachers during the second academic year. The child aggression can be associated with an extra time spent on the Internet and the conniving attitude of parents. Results: The conducted research confirmed the importance of complex actions in reducing the aggressiveness and improving the mental health of children. The joint work of psychologists, parents and children themselves gave positive results. The control groups children significantly faster reduced aggressiveness by 1.4 - 1.6 times, on average, comparing to the experimental groups (1.2 times, p ≤ 0.05). The aggressiveness of children is associated with a lack of parents’ attention, that leads to uncontrolled surfing on the Internet and playing video games. Children from the experimental group demonstrated aggressive behavior 1.5 - 1.7 times more often than children from the control group (p ≤ 0.01). The survey of parents showed the same pattern. Thus, connivance of aggression and an aggressive reaction to communication with teachers were more significant (0.5 - 0.7 times, p ≤ 0.05) in the experimental group compared with the control. Conclusions: The improvement of the behavior of children was successful already after a 1 year of the experiment. The academic performance improved, while aggressiveness decreased in all groups.
Predictors of Adherence to Prescribed Exercise Programs for Older Adults With Medical or Surgical Indications for Exercise: a Systematic Review
Authors: Shaw Julia F , Pilon Sophie , Vierula Matthieu , McIsaac Daniel
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prescribed exercise to treat medical conditions and to prepare for surgery is a promising intervention to prevent adverse health outcomes for older adults; however, adherence to exercise programs may be low. Our objective was to identify and grade the quality of predictors of adherence to prescribed exercise in older adults. METHODS: Prospective experimental studies were identified using a peer-reviewed search strategy applied to MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and CINAHL from inception until October 6, 2020. Following independent and duplicate review of titles, abstracts and full texts, we included prospective studies with an average population age >65 years, where exercise was formally prescribed for a medical or surgical condition. We excluded studies where exercise was prescribed for a chronic musculoskeletal condition. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic studies tool or Cochrane risk of bias tool, as appropriate. Predictors of adherence were identified, pooled, and graded for quality using an adaptation of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework for predictor studies.RESULTS: We included 19 observational studies and 4 randomized controlled trials (n=5785) Indications for exercise included cardiac (n=6), pulmonary rehabilitation (n=7), or other (n=10; surgical, medical, and neurologic). Of the 10 studies that reported adherence as the percent of prescribed sessions completed, average adherence was 80% (range 60%-98%; standard deviation (SD) 11%). Of the 10 studies that reported adherence as a categorical threshold demarking adherent vs not adherent, average adherence was 57.5% (range 21%-83%; SD 21%). Moderate-quality evidence suggested that positive predictors of adherence were self-efficacy and good self-rated mental health; negative predictors were depression (high quality) and distance from the exercise facility. Moderate-quality evidence suggested that comorbidity and age were not predictive of adherence.CONCLUSIONS: These findings can inform design of future exercise programs as well as identification of individuals who may require extra support to benefit from prescribed exercise.SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018108242
Urinary Sodium-To-Potassium Ratio Is A Dual Indicator Of Hypertension And Current Disease Activity In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study In The KURAMA Cohort Database
Authors: Minamino Hiroto , Katsushima Masao , Hashimoto Motomu , Fujita Yoshihito , Yoshida Tamami , Ikeda Kaori , Isomura Nozomi , Oguri Yasuo , Yamamoto Wataru , Watanabe Ryu , Murakami Kosaku , Murata Koichi , Nishitani Kohei , Tanaka Masao , Ito Hiromu , Ohmura Koichiro , Matsuda Shuichi , Inagaki Nobuya , Morinobu Akio
Published: December 2020

Background: Excessive salt intake is thought to exacerbate both development of hypertension and autoimmune diseases in animal models, but the clinical impact of excessive salt in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is still unknown. We performed a cross-sectional study to clarify the associations between salt load index (urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio (Na/K ratio)), current disease activity and hypertension in an RA population.Methods: Three hundred thirty-six participants from our cohort database (KURAMA) were enrolled. We used the spot urine Na/K ratio as a simplified index of salt loading, and used the 28-Joint RA Disease Activity Score (DAS28-ESR) as an indicator of current RA disease activity. Using these indicators, we evaluated statistical associations between urinary Na/K ratio, DAS28-ESR and prevalence of hypertension.Results: Urinary Na/K ratio was positively associated with measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure and also with prevalence of hypertension even after covariate adjustment (OR 1.30, p < 0.001). In addition, increased urinary Na/K ratio was significantly and positively correlated with DAS28-ESR in multiple regression analysis (estimate 0.12, p < 0.001), as was also the case in gender-separated and prednisolone-separated sub-analyses.Conclusion: Urinary Na/K ratio was independently associated with current disease activity as well as with prevalence of hypertension in RA patients. Thus, dietary modifications such as salt restriction and potassium supplementation may well attenuate both disease activity and hypertension in RA patients.
Long-term Prognosis Analysis of PARACHUTE Device Implantation in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure: A Single-Center Experience of Chinese patients
Authors: Li Jianghua , Liu Huadong , Liu Qiyun , Liu Cheng , Xiong Wei , Ma Wei , Zhang Baowei , Dong Shaohong , Li Tangzhiming
Published: December 2020

Background: Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The PARACHUTE device is designed to partition for left ventricular (LV) apical aneurysm post extensive anterior myocardial infarction. However, the long-term prognosis of the PARACHUTE device post-implantation is unclear.Methods：From November 2015 to April 2017, six subjects with New York Heart Association Class II, III and IV ischemic HF, LV ejection fraction between 15% and 40%, and LV anterior apical aneurysm were enrolled in our center. The cumulative event rates for myocardial infarction, hospitalization, and mortality were documented respectively. Further assessment of LV ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic diameter, and estimated pulmonary artery pressure were determined by echocardiography core laboratory. For quantitative data comparison, paired t‑test was employed.Results: Device implantation was successful in all six enrolled subjects, and acute device association adverse events were not observed. At 4.6 ± 1.7 years follow-up, MACEs were found in 50% patients, and the survival rate was 86.7%. We found that the LV ejection fraction was significantly elevated after deployment (46.00 ± 6.00% vs. 35.83 ± 1.47%, P=0.009). Besides, the LVEDD elevated after MI (51.17 ± 3.71 vs. 62.83 ± 3.25, P<0.001) was revealed, but the device sustained preserved LVEDD after implantation.Conclusion: The PARACHUTE device is an alternative therapy for patients with severe LV maladaptive remodeling. The procedure of PARACHUTE implantation is safe and has a potential benefit in long-term mortality reduction. However, the device seems to increase the HF ratio.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02240940, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/ show/NCT02240940
Etiology and biodistribution of enterobacteria and parasites, and their associated environmental risk factors among children under 5 years old with diarrhea in East-Central Gabon
Authors: MABIKA Rolande MABIKA , OYEGUE-LIABAGUI Sandrine Lydie , Mounioko Franck , DIBAKOU Serge Ely , DELIS Arnaud MONGO , MOUSSAVOU Marie Gabrielle , LEKANA-DOUKI Jean-Bernard , SOUZA Alain , YALA Jean Fabrice
Published: December 2020

Background

Better knowledge of endogenous germs and their associated demographic and environmental risk factors in a locality are essential to treat childhood diarrheal diseases. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize bacterial and parasitic pathogens responsible for childhood diarrhea, and to identify environmental risk factors associated with diarrhea in children under 5 years old living in Koula-Moutou, East-Central Gabon.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed from May 2016 to February 2018. One-hundred and thirty-two (132) children under 5 years old were enrolled. The detection of pathogens in stool samples was performed using microscopic examination and MIF concentration for parasites, and conventional culture on selective media for enterobacteria.
Results

The prevalence of diarrheal pathogens was 46.1%, including bacterial enteropathogens (25.5%) and parasites (20.6%). A total of 228 pathogenic organisms were isolated, including 199 bacterial strains (87.3%) and 29 parasites (12.7%). The specific richness of the isolated enterobacteria was 24 species with a high prevalence of E. coli (39.8%), including 26.7% for the diarrheal cases and 13.1% for the controls. Twelve (12) parasite species were also isolated and the most common types of parasites were rhizopods (44.8%), which accounted for 37.9% of the diarrheal cases and 6.9% of the controls. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of watercourses (OR = 3.37) and domestic animals (OR = 1.65) were significant risk factors for diarrhea.
Conclusion

The findings show a high prevalence of bacterial enteropathogens but a low rate of parasites and bacteria-parasite co-infection in the study area. Risk factors associated with diarrhea among children under 5 years old were the presence of watercourses and domestic animals. These findings highlight the need to strengthen the routine examination of diarrheic stool samples for the diagnosis of pathogenic organisms. Further analyses are required to better understand the etiologies and risk factors associated with the transmission of bacteria and parasites in rural, semi-urban and urban regions of Gabon.
Leaching Fraction-based Microirrigation Schedule Reduced Water Use but Not N and P Loss during Production of a Container-grown Shrub
Authors: Million Jeff B. , Yeager Thomas H.
Published: December 2020

Irrigation that decreases the leaching fraction (LF; leachate/water applied) has been shown to reduce fertilizer N and P leaching during the production of sprinkler-irrigated, container-grown plants; however, little research involving outdoor production of microirrigated plants in large containers has been conducted. Two microirrigation schedules based on routine leaching fraction testing were compared to determine their effects on water use and leaching losses of N and P during the production of Dwarf Burford holly in 36-cm-diameter (trade #7) containers. Applied irrigation water and leachate were collected continuously and sampled weekly during the 12-month experiment. An irrigation schedule adjusted once every 1 to 3 weeks to a target LF of 20% resulted in the application of 36% less water (383 vs. 597 L/plant) and 43% less leachate (255 vs. 445 L/plant) than a schedule adjusted to a target LF of 40%; plant growth was unaffected (P > 0.05). Irrigation schedules had no effect (P > 0.05) on cumulative N and P leaching losses, which were attributed in large part to rain. Average leaching losses of N and P were 15.2 and 2.2 g per container (210 and 30 kg·ha−1·year−1), respectively. Both N and P leaching losses represented 35% of the 43.5 g N and 6.3 g P applied per container in two controlled-release fertilizer applications. The results support the best management practice of scheduling irrigation based on routine LF testing to reduce irrigation water use but not reduce N and P leaching.
Restoration of Intestinal Mucosa in Euphorbia kansui-treated Severe Acute Pancreatitis Rats based on HMGB1/MFG-E8 Expression
Authors: Qiu Chengjiang , Liu Kairui , Li Xuguang , Chen Weirun , Zhang Sheng , Huang Youxing
Published: December 2020

Background:

The pathogenesis of Severe Acute Pancreatitis (SAP) is mediated substantially
by dysfunctions in the intestinal barrier. Euphorbia kansui (EK) is a medicinal plant used
widely in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation; however, its efficacy and mechanism
of action in SAP treatment are not yet well understood.

Objective:

To investigate the role of EK in intestinal barrier tissue repair and in the pathogenesis
and development of SAP.

Methods:

The rat SAP model was established by a retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate into
the pancreatic bile duct. The SAP model group and the SAP + EK treatment groups were divided
into 6 subgroups according to timing: 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, or 72h after inducing SAP. The progression
of the SAP rats and of the rats receiving the EK treatment was evaluated using the ascites volume,
serum amylase and plasma endotoxin levels, and histological grading of intestinal mucosal damage.
In addition, serum inflammatory factor contents were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
Assay (ELISA) tests and apoptotic cells in damaged ileum tissue were detected using
TUNEL staining. Apoptosis markers and other signaling proteins in intestinal mucosal cells were
detected by immunohistochemical assays and then validated by combining these data with quantitative
polymerase chain reactions and western blotting.

Results:

Compared with the results of the SAP model rats, the results of the rats that received EK
treatment demonstrated that EK could effectively reduce the ascites volume and serum amylase and
plasma endotoxin levels. EK treatment also greatly reduced the abnormal intestinal morphological
alterations in the rat SAP model and significantly downregulated the serum contents of Interleukin
(IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. EK treatment inhibited the elevation of capapse-3, inhibited
the decrease of the Bcl-2 protein, and decreased the number of apoptotic cells in rat ileum tissue.
Finally, EK treatment abrogated the increase of HMGB1 and the suppression of MFG-E8 protein
expression in the SAP + EK rat ileum tissue.

Conclusion:

EK suppresses SAP pathogenesis by restoring the intestinal barrier function and modulating
the HMGB1/MFG-E8 signaling axis.
Quality of Chicken Sausage Coated by Transglutaminase-Crosslinked Bovine Split Hide Gelatin and Soy Protein Isolate Edible Film During Chilled Storage
Authors: Wulandari Dwi , Erwanto Yuny , Pranoto Yudi , Rusman Rusman , Sugiyanto Sugiyanto
Published: December 2020

This research aims to determine the physical properties and the bacterial counts of chicken sausages that were given an edible coating made from a combination of bovine split hide gelatin and soy protein isolate with the addition of the enzyme transglutaminase during chilled storage. The parameters observed included, pH, moisture, protein content, weight loss, tenderness, and the bacterial counts. Data were analyzed with a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial pattern 4 x 4 with three replications. The first factor was the level of edible coating 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% w/vol. The s factor was the storage time at 10°C which was 0, 5, 10, and 15 d. The results showed the pH and moisture during storage decreased, while the protein content, weight loss, tenderness, and the bacterial count sausages increased. Increasing the level of edible coating to hold sausage weight loss, while the pH and bacterial count of chicken sausage decrease. Increase the level of edible coating adds to the water content, protein content, and sausage tenderness. The use of a combined edible coating of bovine split hide gelatin and soy protein isolate with the addition of the enzyme transglutaminase to 15% could maintain the quality of chicken sausage based on national standard during 15 dof chilled storage BSN-3820-2015.
From the United Kingdom to Australia—Adapting a Web-Based Self-management Education Program to Support the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Tutorial (Preprint)
Authors: Olson Jenny , Hadjiconstantinou Michelle , Luff Carly , Watts Karen , Watson Natasha , Miller Venus , Schofield Deborah , Khunti Kamlesh , Davies Melanie J , Calginari Sara
Published: December 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Diabetes self-management education and support can improve outcomes in people with diabetes. Providing health interventions via digital modes of delivery can extend the reach of programs delivered through traditional means. The web-based version of the Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (MyDESMOND) is a digital diabetes education and support program for people with type 2 diabetes. The program was originally developed in the United Kingdom and is evidence-based, grounded in behavioral theory, and designed through a rigorous process of intervention mapping. As such, MyDESMOND was considered an ideal candidate for adaptation to the Australian setting. Program content and the digital platform were modified to suit the local context to increase the likelihood that the revised version of MyDESMOND will deliver similar outcomes to the original program. The aim of this paper is to describe the systematic processes undertaken to adapt the digital MyDESMOND diabetes education and support program for people with type 2 diabetes to the Australian setting. The adaptation involved a multidisciplinary group with a diverse range of skills and expertise—a governance structure was established, a skilled project team was appointed, and stakeholder engagement was strategically planned. The adaptation of the program content included modifications to the clinical recommendations, the inclusion of local resources, practical changes, and revisions to optimize readability. A 2-stage independent review of the modified content was enacted. Digital adaptations were informed by relevant standards, local legislative requirements, and considerations of data sovereignty. The digital platform was extensively tested before deployment to the production setting. MyDESMOND is the first evidence-based digital diabetes education and support program for Australians with type 2 diabetes. This paper provides a road map for the adaptation of digital health interventions to new contexts.
Remote Heart Rhythm Monitoring by Photoplethysmography-Based Smartphone Technology After Cardiac Surgery: Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lamberigts Marie , Van Hoof Lucas , Proesmans Tine , Vandervoort Pieter , Grieten Lars , Haemers Peter , Rega Filip
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery, yet the precise incidence and significance of arrhythmias after discharge home need to be better defined. Photoplethysmography (PPG)-based smartphone apps are promising tools to enable early detection and follow-up of arrhythmias.

OBJECTIVE

By using a PPG-based smartphone app, we aimed to gain more insight into the prevalence of AF and other rhythm-related complications upon discharge home after cardiac surgery and evaluate the implementation of this app into routine clinical care.

METHODS

In this prospective, single-center trial, patients recovering from cardiac surgery were asked to register their heart rhythm 3 times daily using a Food and Drug Administration–approved PPG-based app, for either 30 or 60 days after discharge home. Patients with permanent AF or a permanent pacemaker were excluded.

RESULTS

We included 24 patients (mean age 60.2 years, SD 12 years; 15/23, 65% male) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery. During hospitalization, 39% (9/23) experienced postoperative AF. After discharge, the PPG app reported AF or atrial flutter in 5 patients. While the app notified flutter in 1 patient, this was a false positive, as electrocardiogram revealed a 2nd-degree, 2:1 atrioventricular block necessitating a permanent pacemaker. AF was confirmed in 4 patients (4/23, 17%) and interestingly, was associated with an underlying postoperative complication in 2 participants (pneumonia n=1, pericardial tamponade n=1). A significant increase in the proportion of measurements indicating sinus rhythm was observed when comparing the first to the second month of follow-up (P<.001). In the second month of follow-up, compliance was significantly lower with 2.2 (SD 0.7) measurements per day versus 3.0 (SD 0.8) measurements per day in the first month (P=.002). The majority of participants (17/23, 74%), as well as the surveyed primary care physicians, experienced positive value by using the app as they felt more involved in the postoperative rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of smartphone-based PPG technology enables detection of AF and other rhythm-related complications after cardiac surgery. An association between AF detection and an underlying complication was found in 2 patients. Therefore, smartphone-based PPG technology may supplement rehabilitation after cardiac surgery by acting as a sentinel for underlying complications, rhythm-related or otherwise.
Antecedents And Determinants Of Taxpayer’s Perceptions Of Tax Evasion Behavior
Authors: Shafika Nurul , Fakhroni Zaki
Published: December 2020

This research was conducted to prove that behavior can occur because of the intention to do so. The population in this study are individual taxpayers who carry out business activities and independent jobs registered at KPP Pratama Samarinda. Sampling is by judgment sampling method, calculate using the Slovin measurement determined by 100 respondents. The data collection method using a survey method using questionnaires. The results of this study indicate that the intention to behave as antecedents positively affects the three determinants of taxpayer's perceptions of tax evasion, namely tax authorities services, tax justice, and tax compliance costs. The authors find that attitude toward behavior, and perceived behavioral control are predictors of intention to commit tax evasion. Factor cited as couraging tax evasion in this study is tax compliance cost. While for the tax authority's services and tax justice do not affect the taxpayer’s perceptions of tax evasion. This research find out the pattern of taxpayers when they commit tax evasion, starting from the perception of the taxpayer's intention. This study recommends that necessary measures should be taken by tax authorities to improve revenue collection and reduce tax evasion.
International Financial Reporting Standard Adoption: How Does It Happened?
Authors: Roekhudin Roekhudin
Published: December 2020

This study aims to investigate the determinants of the state’s voluntary adoption of international financial reporting standards (IFRS). The sample consisted of 120 countries that have adopted IFRS voluntarily based on the data released by IAS plus in 2019. The rate of IFRS adoption is measured using an interval scale based Deloyd’s criteria. The independent variables included economic growth, level of openness, education level, legal system, political factor and cultural factor with the corruption control as the moderating variable. The multinominal logistic regression test shows that all independent variables can determine the level of the state’s voluntary adoption of IFRS and the level of corruption control can moderate the relationship. The results of this study provide additional contributions to the literature evidence related to studies of IFRS voluntary adoption. In addition, this study is also able to accommodate a variety of complex factors with various economic, social, cultural and legal perspectives at the level of Jurisdictions.
Does The Implementation Of SA 600 Cause Shifting Of Audit Clients And Reducing Audit Quality? Evidence From Indonesia
Authors: Fitriany Fitriany , Darmawan Andi , Wibowo Arie , Ali Syahril , Praptoyo Sugeng
Published: December 2020

This research was conducted to investigate the impact of implementation of SA 600 on shifting of audit clients and reducing of audit quality in Indonesia. SA 600 was issued in 2013 in order to mitigate the problem of audit failure in group entities where the group auditor is responsible for the entire audit process, particularly the audit quality in component entities or subsidiaries. In its implementation, SA 600 has received several complaints related to audit quality and shifting of audit clients. The research method is using primary data from questionnaires that was distributed to auditors and focus group discussions with auditors and users. The respondents of this research are 367 auditors of which 63% were audit partners. This research found that SA 600 can improve audit quality when its implementation is carried out according to audit standards. However, the implementation of SA 600 has an impact on the shifting of component or subsidiary company clients which move to the group or parent company auditors.
AVALIAÇÃO DO DESGASTE POR MICROABRASÃO DO AÇO AISI M-35 REVESTIDO POR DLC – DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON.
Authors: Drumond Ramon Martins , Silva Ernane Rodrigues da , Martins Paulo Sérgio , Cheikh Elhadji
Published: December 2020

A utilização de revestimentos finos é uma alternativa muito utilizada para se alterar características superficiais. No caso de ferramentas de corte, o objetivo é de se proporcionar melhorias ao processo de usinagem como, por exemplo, melhor acabamento superficial dos produtos e aumento da vida útil das ferramentas. O DLC – Diamond-like Carbon é um material amplamente utilizado como revestimento. Ele corresponde a uma forma metaestável do carbono amorfo, na qual são encontradas ligações sp3 e sp2, próprias do diamante e do grafite, respectivamente. Por ser constituído por esse misto de ligações, o DLC é capaz de combinar características presentes em ambos os materiais, como boa resistência ao desgaste e baixo coeficiente de atrito. O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma comparação entre o desempenho de amostras de aço rápido AISI M-35 revestidas por DLC e amostras não revestidas, no que se refere à resistência ao desgaste por microabrasão. Primeiramente, foi realizada a caracterização dos materiais. O filme DLC foi analisado por meio das técnicas de espectroscopia Raman e espectroscopia de fotoelétrons excitados por raios-X. Sua análise permitiu caracterizá-lo como um carbono amorfo não tetraédrico de espessura média de cerca de 1,5 μm. O aço AISI M-35, por sua vez, teve sua composição química determinada por espectrometria de emissão ótica. Por fim, foi analisado o desempenho das amostras revestidas e não revestidas no teste de resistência à microabrasão, o caloteste. As calotas obtidas tiveram o diâmetro, em média, 71% menor nas amostras que receberam o revestimento. O coeficiente de desgaste específico foi, em média, 142 vezes maior no aço não revestido por DLC. Esses resultados permitiram concluir que a utilização do DLC como revestimento em ferramentas de corte fabricadas em aço AISI M-35, pode se constituir como uma alternativa viável quando se busca melhorar o desempenho de ferramentas de corte.
Editorial: Outside the rules and mechanisms of corporate governance
Authors: Venuti Francesco
Published: December 2020

The issue today is no longer to further investigate the “rules and mechanisms” of corporate governance, that have already been largely examined. It is more on reading through the lenses of corporate governance the new important issues that are challenging our world. The ten papers included in this issue discuss many different and interesting topics related to corporate governance and sustainability. We can see some common elements that certainly represent three emerging and relevant trends that characterize our contemporary world.The first one is obviously fundamental for our journal and is represented by the evolution of sustainability trends. The second common element that can be recognised in some papers of this issue is related to a global perspective approach and globalization. A third element that connects various papers of this issue and which constitutes an absolutely crucial and strategic trend for our world is represented by digital innovation and ICT.
Orange Polar Bear - a cross-cultural performance piece for teenagers in Seoul and Birmingham
Authors: Peter Wynne-Willson
Published: December 2020

Orange Polar Bear (2014-19) is an innovative bilingual theatre project created by Hanyong Theatre, the National Theatre Company of Korea and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. The main research aims were to develop a methodology for devising and presenting bilingual work in a way that maintains equality between collaborative partners, and, by focusing on the experience of teenagers in Seoul and Birmingham, to consider what young people can teach adults about bridging cross-cultural and language divisions.
The research resulted in a novel methodology for devising bilingual theatre leading to a cross-cultural performance for young people in two languages, presented in the same form in South Korea and the UK. It was unique among Anglo-Korean collaborations for its focus on the experience of teenagers, and conscious balance of languages, cultures and practices. Additionally, the research demonstrates the value of adopting a child-led approach to creating cross-cultural theatre and has created new insights into long-term approaches to developing fair and equal cross-cultural partnerships.
Global structure and one-sign solutions for second-order Sturm-Liouville difference equation with sign-changing weight
Authors: ye fumei
Published: December 2020

This paper is devoted to study the discrete Sturm-Liouville problem $$
\left\{\begin{array}{ll}
-\Delta(p(k)\Delta
u(k-1))+q(k)u(k)=\lambda
m(k)u(k)+f_1(k,u(k),\lambda)+f_2(k,u(k),\lambda),\
\
k\in[1,T]_Z,\\[2ex]
a_0u(0)+b_0\Delta u(0)=0,\
a_1u(T)+b_1\Delta u(T)=0,
\end{array}\right. $$ where
$\lambda\in\mathbb{R}$
is a parameter, $f_1, f_2\in
C([1,T]_Z\times\mathbb{R}^2,
\mathbb{R})$, $f_1$ is not differentiable at the
origin and infinity. Under some suitable assumptions on nonlinear terms,
we prove the existence of unbounded continua of positive and negative
solutions of this problem which bifurcate from intervals of the line of
trivial solutions or from infinity, respectively.
The effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on maxillary incisor retraction rate
Authors: Karakasli Kuter , Erdur Emire Aybuke
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the efficiency of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injection on maxillary incisor retraction rate.

Materials and Methods

The study included 40 patients (23 women and 17 men; mean age; 20.7 ± 1.45) with Class II Division 1 malocclusion. The treatment plan for all patients was extraction of the maxillary first premolars and canine distalization, followed by retraction of the maxillary incisors. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The study group received injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) two times with an interval of 2 weeks; the control group did not receive i-PRF. In both groups, the measurements were bilaterally assessed as the distances between the lateral and canine teeth on the plaster models at five time points. The rate of incisor movement was evaluated by Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and Tukey honestly significant difference tests. Statistical significance was set as P < .05.

Results

The average movements of incisors were significantly higher in the study group than the control group at all time points (P < .05). According to the within-group comparison, none of the measurements showed any significant differences between the right and left sides in both groups at all time points (P > .05). While the movement of incisors was significantly higher in the study group in the week following the PRF injection compared to the other weeks (P < .05), there were no significant differences in the control group at all-time points (P > .05).

Conclusions

Applying i-PRF significantly increased the rate of maxillary incisor retraction at all time intervals. Platelet-rich fibrin injection can be an effective method for shortening treatment duration.