bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to the DASH Diet and Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Toorang Fatemeh , Sasanfar Bahareh , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: August 2020

Background: The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern has been recommended as a healthy dietary plan by several international guidelines. However, data on the association between the DASH diet and breast cancer (BC) is limited. This study investigated the association between the DASH dietary pattern and risk of BC.Methods: This is a hospital-based case-control study conducted between 2014 and 2016 in the Cancer Institute of Iran. Patients with histopathologically confirmed BC were recruited. Controls were healthy subjects who were frequency matched to cases by residential place and age (±10years). A validated 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was applied to assess the dietary intake of participants. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The DASH dietary pattern scores were calculated using the method introduced by Fung. Unconditional logistic regression, in which potential confounders were taken into account, was applied to determine the association between adherence to the DASH dietary pattern and odds of BC. Results: The study participants comprised 477 patients with BC and 507 healthy controls. In the total population, patients with BC were slightly older (45.9 vs. 43.9 y, P=0.02), had slightly higher BMI (21.9 vs. 20.2, P=0.01) and were less physically active (20 vs. 27 MET h/wk. P<0.01) than controls. In Model A, which was adjusted for age and energy intake, adherence to the DASH dietary pattern substantially reduced BC risk in the total population (OR for comparing extreme tertiles: 0.62; 95% CI 0.44-0.78; Ptrend =0.004). Even after controlling for more cofounders, greatest adherence to DASH diet was associated with a 34% reduction in risk of BC (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.46, 0.94; Ptrend=0.03). In premenopausal women, adherence to the DASH dietary pattern was insignificantly associated with a 32% reduction in BC risk. This risk reduction was 38% in postmenopausal women, which was also not found to be significant Conclusion: Adherence to the DASH dietary pattern could be associated with an approximately 30% reduction in risk of BC. However, further studies, in particular studies with prospective design, are required to confirm this claim.
Understanding equity of institutional delivery in public health centre in India: An assessment using Benefit Incidence Analysis
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay K. , Mishra Radhe Shyam , Mishra Suyash , Sen Soumendu
Published: August 2020

Background: The National Health Mission (NHM), the largest ever publicly funded health programme worldwide used over half of the national health budget in India and primarily targeted to improve maternal and child health in the country. Though increased public health investment in India has improved the health care utilization and health outcomes across geographies and socio-economic groups, little is known on equity aspect of such large scale investment. In this context, this paper examines the utilisation pattern of delivery care and equity aspect of public investment in India.Methods: Data from the recent round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS 4) conducted during 2015-16 used in the analyses. A total of 148,645 last birth delivered in an institution in a reference period of five years has been used in the analyses. The out-of-pocket (OOP) payment on delivery care is the dependent variable. Benefits Incidence Analysis (BIA), descriptive statistics, concentration index (CI), and concentration curve (CC) used in the analysis.Results: Utilization of natal care from public health centres in India is pro-poor and have a strong economic gradient. However, about 28% mothers in richest wealth quintile did not pay for delivery in public health centres compared to 16% among the poorest wealth quintile. The median OOP payments for institutional delivery from public health centre was ₹1200 for mothers belonging to the poorest wealth quintile compared to ₹2000 for mothers belonging to richest wealth quintile. Benefit incidence analyses suggests that about 17.4 % of subsidies were used among poorest, 19.3% among richest quintile and 21.9% in the middle quintile. The concentration index of institutional delivery from public health centres was -0.161 [95% Confidence Interval: -0.158, -0.165] compared to 0.296 [95% Confidence Interval: 0.289, 0.303] from private health centres.Conclusion: Utilisation of natal care services from public health centres in India is pro-poor. However, benefit-incidence analyses suggest that the use of subsidy is relatively higher among wealthier and better off mothers in India.
Impact of Palliative Care in Evaluating and Relieving Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Cancer. The DEMETRA Study
Authors: Corli Oscar , Pellegrini Giacomo , Bosetti Cristina , Riva Luca , Crippa Matteo , Scaccabarozzi Gianlorenzo
Published: August 2020

Background: Cancer patients experience a number of symptoms throughout the course of the disease. We aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the symptom burden in patients with advanced cancer at admission to specialist palliative care (PC) services and seven days later, to estimate the immediate impact of PC intervention.Patient and methods: The analysis was based on an observational, prospective, multicenter study (named DEMETRA) conducted in Italy to outline the profile of patients, families and PC services in different care settings (hospital, hospice and home care). The prevalence and intensity of symptoms were assessed using three tools, including the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS).Results: Five PC centers recruited 865 cancer patients. Thirty-three different symptoms were observed at baseline, the most frequent being asthenia (85%) and lack of appetite (71%). Two-thirds of patients experienced six to twelve simultaneous symptoms. The intensity of the most frequent symptoms according to ESAS varied from 5.5 for asthenia to 3.9 for nausea. The presence and intensity of physical symptoms increased with increasing levels of anxiety and depression. After seven days, prevalence decreased significantly only for nausea and breathlessness, while intensity diminished significantly for almost all symptoms. At admission we noted a correlation between patients' symptoms and the care setting. After one week, the symptom intensity was uniformly reduced in all settings.Conclusions: The study confirmed the considerable symptom burden of patients with advanced cancer. PC intervention significantly lessened the severity of symptoms, despite the patients’ advanced disease and short survival.
Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and oxidative stress in human peripheral blood cells: can physical activity reactivate the proteasome system through epigenetic mechanisms?
Authors: Piccarducci Rebecca , Daniele Simona , Polini Beatrice , Carpi Sara , Chico Lucia , Fusi Jonathan , Baldacci Filippo , Siciliano Gabriele , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Nieri Paola , Martini Claudia , Franzoni Ferdinando
Published: August 2020

Background Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterised by proteasome activity impairment and oxidative stress, resulting in β-amyloid (Aβ) production/degradation imbalance. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is implicated in Aβ clearance, and ApoE ε4 isoform predisposes to AD development. Regular physical activity is known to reduce AD progression. However, the impact of ApoE polymorphism and physical exercise on Aβ production and proteasome system activity has never been investigated in human peripheral blood cells.Methods Healthy subjects were enrolled and classified based on the ApoE polymorphism (by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique) and physical activity level (Borg Scale), dividing them in ApoE ε4/non-ε4 carriers and active/non-active subjects. The plasma antioxidant capability (AOC), the erythrocyte Aβ production/accumulation, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated proteasome functionality were evaluated in all groups by chromatographic and immunoenzymatic assay, respectively. Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms were investigated considering the expression of the histone deacetylase 6, employing a competitive ELISA, and the modulation of two keys miRNAs (miR-153-3p and miR-195-5p), through miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Mini Kit.Results ApoE ε4 subjects showed a reduction in plasma AOC and an increase of the Nrf2 blocker, miR-153-3p, contributing to an enhancement of the erythrocyte concentration of Aβ. Physical exercise increased plasma AOC and reduced the amount of Aβ and its precursor, involving a reduced miR-153-3p expression and a miR-195-5p enhancement.Conclusions Our data highlight the impact of ApoE genotype on the amyloidogenic pathway and the proteasome system, and suggest the positive impact of physical exercise, also through epigenetic mechanisms.
Novel Fusion Peptide-Mediated siRNA Delivery Using Self-Assembled Nanocomplex
Authors: Ryu Yeong Chae , Kim Kyungah , Kim Byoung Choul , Wang Hui-Min David , Hwang Byeong Hee
Published: August 2020

Background: Gene therapy using siRNA can be a new potent strategy to treat many incurable diseases at the genetic level, including cancer and viral infections. Treatments using siRNA essentially requires an efficient and safe method of delivering siRNA into cells while maintaining its stability. Thus, we designed novel synergistic fusion peptides, i.e., SPACE and oligoarginine.Results: Among the novel fusion peptides and siRNAs, nanocomplexes have outstanding cellular uptake and gene silencing effect in vitro and high stability and retention effect of siRNAs in vivo. Oligo arginine could attract siRNAs electrostatically to form stable and self-assembled nanocomplexes, and the SPACE peptide could interact with the cellular membrane via hydrogen bonding. Therefore, nanocomplexes using fusion peptides showed improved and evident cellular uptake and gene silencing of Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) via the lipid raft-mediated endocytosis pathway, especially to the HDFn cells of the skin, and all of the fusion peptides were biocompatible. Also, intratumorally injected nanocomplexes had increased stability and retention of siRNAs at the site of the tumor. Conclusions: The new nanocomplex strategy could become a safe and efficient platform for the delivery of siRNAs into cells and tissues to treat various target diseases through gene therapy.
Survival After Wedge Resection Versus Lobectomy for Stage Ia Second Primary NSCLC with Previous Lung Cancer-Directed Surgery
Authors: Song Congkuan , Wu Zhiquan , Yu Donghu , Guo Zixin , Wang Qingwen , Wang Yujin , Huang Jingyu , Li Sheng , Hu Weidong
Published: August 2020

Background: The surgical procedure for early-stage second primary non-small cell lung cancer (SP-NSCLC) remains controversial, especially for patients with previous lung cancer-directed surgery. This study aims to compare the survival after wedge resection and lobectomy for these patients. Methods: Stage IA SP-NSCLC patients with clear information were searched from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Cox proportional hazard model, competing risk model and Kaplan-Meier survival curve were used to describe the survival difference between wedge resection and lobectomy. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was also performed to reduce the potential impact of confounding factors between the two groups. Results: Of the 320 eligible stage IA SP-NSCLC patients included in this study, 238 (74.4%) patients underwent wedge resection and 82 (25.6%) patients received lobectomy. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 61.3% with wedge resection and was 66.1% with lobectomy. Both before and after PSM, wedge resection showed similar survival rate and lung cancer specific mortality as lobectomy in the entire cohort. Additionally, in all subgroup analyses, wedge resection demonstrated equivalent survival to lobectomy. However, in the female, sub-lobectomy for FPLC and interval ≤ 24 months subgroups, wedge resection had a higher lung cancer specific mortality than lobectomy (fine-gray test, all p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, wedge resection was comparable to lobectomy in OS with all relevant parameters. In a few cases, lung cancer specific mortality in wedge resection group was higher than that in lobectomy group.
Estimated effects of the implementation of the Mexican Warning Labels regulation on the use of health and nutrition claims on packaged foods
Authors: Cruz-Casarrubias Carlos , Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Barquera Simón
Published: August 2020

Background The use of health and nutrition claims on front-of-pack labels has a potential effect on consumers' food choices; therefore, many countries established regulations to avoid misperceptions. This study describes the use of nutrition and health claims on the front-of-pack of food products in retail stores in Mexico and analyze the potential effects of the new front-of-pack labelling regulation on the use of these claims. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in which nutrition and health claims, nutrition information panels, and the list of ingredients of all foods and beverages available in the main retail stores in Mexico City were collected. The products were grouped by level of processing according to the NOVA food system classification. Claims were classified into different types using the internationally harmonized INFORMAS taxonomy. The potential effect of the implementation of the warning label regulations on the use of nutrition and health claims was estimated by food group and by thresholds of energy and critical nutrients according to the new regulation. Results Of 17,264 products, 33.8% displayed nutrition claims and 3.4% health claims. In total 80.8% of all products on the Mexican market were classified as "less healthy"; 48.2% of products had excess calories, 44.6% had excess sodium, and 40.7% excess free sugars according to the new regulation. The new regulation would prevent 39.4% of products with claims from displaying health and nutrition claims (p<0.001); the largest reduction is observed for ultra-processed foods (51.1%, p<0.001). The regulation thresholds that contribute the most of the reduction in the use of claims were calories (OR 0.62, p<0.001) and non-sugar sweeteners (OR 0.54, p<0.001). Conclusions The new Mexican front-of-pack labelling regulation will prevent most of less healthy processed and ultra-processed foods from displaying HNC and will potentially increase the effectiveness of the warning labels for consumers.
Analysing spatial interdependence among 2011 Thailand flood affected Small and Medium Enterprises for reduction of Disaster Recovery Time Period
Authors: Pathak Shubham , Olmo Jorge Chica
Published: August 2020

Natural disasters have been a major hurdle in the economic growth of middle income countries. Thailand has also been suffering from recurring flood disasters and was most severely affected during the 2011 floods. This paper aims at identifying the various factors which have impact on speed of disaster recovery among the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) severely affected by the floods in Pathumthani province in central Thailand and how this speed is related with the speed and decision of neighbours SMEs. The methodology adopts a spatial econometric model, to analysis and understand the impact of each of chosen factors. The findings include the impact of disaster resilience, mitigation and planning at the SME level as well as the government level. Absence of accurate perception of actual risk, flood insurance and disaster management planning prior to 2011 floods had contributed to the severity of the impacts during 2011 floods.
Broad Spectrum Polyphenol Supplementation from Tart Cherry Extract on Markers of Recovery from Intense Resistance Exercise
Authors: Hooper David R. , Orange Terrance , Gruber Meagan T. , Darakjian Ashley A. , Conway Kara L. , Hausenblas Heather S.
Published: August 2020

Background: Tart cherry supplementation has been shown to enhance recovery from strenuous exercise due to its antioxidant properties. The majority of these studies used tart cherry juice, with a significant calorie content. The primary purpose of this study was to assess whether powdered tart cherry extract with minimal calorie content reduces oxidative stress and enhances recovery following intense resistance exercise. Methods: Thirteen men (mean age: 26.2±5.3 years; height: 184.3±8.2 cm; weight: 92.9±15.6 kg) performed a demanding resistance exercise protocol consisting of 6 sets of 10 repetitions of barbell back squat with 80% 1RM. The protocol was performed once following 7 days of 500 mg of tart cherry extract and once following placebo. Serum protein carbonyl (PC) content, creatine kinase activity (CK) and creatine kinase myocardial band content (CK-MB) were used to assess oxidative stress, skeletal and cardiac muscle damage respectively. Muscle soreness was assessed by visual analog scale. Physical performance was measured by countermovement jump power and handgrip dynamometer strength. Results: There was a significant increase in PC in the placebo (PL) condition when compared to the Tart Cherry (TC) condition at IP (PL: 0.4±0.3 vs. TC: -0.4±0.2 nmol∙mg-1; p<0.001), 1 hr (PL: 0.3±0.3 vs. TC: -0.7±0.3 nmol∙mg-1; p<0.001) and 24 hr (PL: 0.1±0.4 vs. TC: -0.3±0.5 nmol∙mg-1; p=0.010). There was a significant increase in CK activity in PL when compared to the TC at IP (PL: 491.1±280 vs. TC: 296.3±178 U∙L-1; p=0.008) and 3 hr (PL: -87±123 vs. TC: 43.1±105.3 U∙L-1; p=0.006). There was a significant (p=0.003) increase in CKMB concentration in PL when compared to the TC (PL: 21.6±12.4 vs. TC: -0.3±11.8 ng∙ml-1; p=0.006) at 1 hr post. There was a significant increase in handgrip strength in TC when compared to PL (PL: -2±5.1 vs. TC: 1.7±3 kg; p=0.017) at 24 hours post.Conclusions: This study demonstrated that tart cherry extract reduced oxidative stress and markers of muscle and cardiac damage following intense resistance exercise. This occurred along with a prevention of the decrease in strength seen following the intense exercise protocol. These benefits were seen with minimal energy intake.
Individual-based dengue virus surveillance in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected concurrently with suspected patients in Tarlac City, Philippines
Authors: Balingit Jean Claude , Carvajal Thaddeus M. , Saito-Obata Mariko , Gamboa Maribet , Nicolasora Amalea Dulcene , Sy Ava Kristy , Oshitani Hitoshi , Watanabe Kozo
Published: August 2020

Background

Dengue virus (DENV) infection continues to be a major public health concern throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, its primary vector, dwell. In the context of DENV transmission, effective control is reliant not only on knowledge of mosquito abundance, but also on mosquito infection. In the 2015 dengue season, we conducted a one-month entomological surveillance of adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes around households of suspected dengue patients in Tarlac City, Philippines to assess the DENV infection rate in the local mosquito population, and to identify the DENV genotypes and serotypes concurrently co-circulating in mosquitoes and patients.

Methods

We performed a one-step multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for the simultaneous detection and serotyping of DENV in patients and in individual female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Consequently, we performed sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to further characterize the detected DENVs in mosquitoes and patients at the genotype level.

Results

We collected a total of 583 adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, of which we tested 359 female mosquitoes individually for the presence of the DENV. Ten mosquitoes (2.8%) from amongst 359 female mosquitoes were confirmed to be positive for the presence of the DENV. We detected DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-4 in the field-collected mosquitoes, which were consistent with the serotypes concurrently infecting patients. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the detected DENVs based on the partial envelope ( E ) gene revealed three genotypes concurrently present in the sampled mosquitoes and patients during the study period, namely: DENV-1 genotype IV, DENV-2 Cosmopolitan genotype and DENV-4 genotype II. Notably, we observed a random geographic distribution of DENVs in the study area suggesting the occurrence of active DENV transmission within and outside the vicinities of Tarlac City.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrate the utility of an individual-based DENV surveillance in field-collected mosquitoes and the importance of incorporating mosquito virus data in phylogenetic studies. Analyzing virus sequences from vector and host could potentially improve our understanding of the dynamics of DENV transmission.
Spectroscopic analysis of allophane and imogolite samples with variable Fe abundance for characterizing the poorly crystalline components on Mars
Authors: Jeute Thomas , Baker Leslie L. , Bishop Janice L. , Abidin Zaenal , Rampe Elizabeth B.
Published: August 2020

Nanophase materials including silicates, aluminosilicates, and iron oxides are widespread on Mars. These minerals are important because they likely represent a solid-phase record of ancient climatic conditions on the martian surface. Identification and characterization of nanophase compounds is technically challenging due to the small size and poorly ordered nature of these materials, particularly because their chemical compositions can vary widely.

This study presents spectra of several synthetic allophane and imogolite samples with a range of chemical compositions that are typical of the natural variability of allophanic materials. These samples were formed under controlled conditions and have been thoroughly characterized in terms of chemical composition and short-range structure.

Analyses confirmed that the synthetic materials were allophane and imogolite and were structurally similar to previously studied natural and synthetic examples of these phases. NMR and XAFS data indicated that high-Al proto-imogolite allophanes were similar in structure to imogolite but were less well ordered, and supported the proposed nanoball structures based on rolled octahedral Al sheets. Increasing Si content in allophane produced increasing tetrahedral Al substitution as well as polymerized Si chain structures at Al-Si mole ratios of 1:1, and sheets and possible framework structures at Al-Si mole ratios of 1:2. Fe in allophanes and imogolites substituted exclusively for octahedral Al.

Reflectance spectra of the synthetic allophanes and imogolites were comparable to previously analyzed samples. Variations in Fe content of allophane and imogolite resulted in some observable changes in visible/near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectra, but these changes were not detectable in emission spectra. Emission spectra of the samples suggest that variations in Al-Si ratio of allophanes should be detectable using remotely sensed data. Because allophanes with different Al-Si ratios typically form in very different environments, this could be significant for interpretation of formation conditions on Mars, with high-Al compositions suggesting possible tephra weathering and high-Si compositions indicating possible formation from thermal waters.
Gamma-enhancement of reflected light images: A rapid, effective tool for assessment of compositional heterogeneity in pyrite
Authors: Zhu QiaoQiao , Cook Nigel J. , Xie GuiQing , Ciobanu Cristiana L. , Jian Wei , Wade Benjamin P. , Xu Jing
Published: August 2020

Trace/minor element variation in pyrite is a feature that has proved invaluable for reconstructing a wide range of geological processes. Routine reflectance observations commonly fail to constrain this variation due to the typically subtle and barely perceptible change in reflectance brought about by deviation from ideal stoichiometry. Such differences may be difficult or impossible to observe in conventional polished sections using standard optical microscopes, at least without oil immersion. Chemical etching and staining, although widely used, are destructive, hazardous, or both, and the etching process is not completely reproducible. Here we use the g correction method to enhance optical digital signal differences obtained in reflected light to constrain compositional heterogeneity in pyrite from a representative hydrothermal ore deposit in eastern China. The g-enhanced images show significant reflectance variation caused by compositional heterogeneity, confirmed by quantitative electron microprobe analysis and qualitative imaging. Higher reflectance domains in g-enhanced images correspond to increases in the effective number of free electrons, whereas darker domains are attributed to the decrease of these free electrons by trace/minor element substitution in pyrite (e.g., As). Gamma correction provides a rapid, effective, non-destructive method to constrain compositional heterogeneity of pyrite through enhancement of reflectance variation. Used alone, this method is unable to determine the chemical composition due to simultaneous substitutions, causing a disparate increase or decrease of reflectance, in most ore minerals. Nevertheless, γ correction may be sufficient to predict the substitution of trace/minor elements under the optical microscope prior to scanning electron microscope imaging and quantitative investigation of mineral composition and may help constrain links between textures and compositions of pyrite in evolving ore systems, which could also be applied to other ore minerals with negligible bireflectance.
Uso e qualidade de água subterrânea utilizada por agricultores familiares no Território Sertão Produtivo, Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Lima Brisa Ribeiro de , Oliveira Elcivan Pereira , Donato Júnior Enok Pereira , Bebé Felizarda Viana
Published: August 2020

No Território Sertão Produtivo a irregularidade da precipitação faz da irrigação imprescindível para fornecer água para as lavouras. Na ausência de águas superficiais, o uso de água subterrânea é a única opção para todas as atividades agropecuária, principalmente para irrigação. Por isto, conhecer a qualidade da água utilizada é fundamental para a preservação do solo e garantia da produtividade das culturas. Diante do contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade e caracterizar o uso da água subterrânea pelos agricultores familiares do Município de Candiba, Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram amostrados 83 poços em 20 comunidades rurais. Em laboratório foram determinadas a condutividade elétrica (CE), potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), a concentração de sódio (Na), cálcio (Ca), magnésio (Mg), carbonatos (CO3), bicarbonatos (HCO3) e cloretos (Cl) e calculou-se a relação de adsorção de sódio (RAS). Após a obtenção de dados, os poços foram classificados pelo risco de salinização, sodificação e quanto ao nível de restrição de uso da água para irrigação. A população rural do Município de Candiba é extremamente dependente do uso de água subterrânea para atividades agropecuárias. Nenhum poço apresentou alta produtividade/vazão, apenas 12% das águas amostradas enquadram-se na classe C2S1, a melhor classificação encontrada, e 35% dos poços apresentam nível alto de salinidade e médio de sodificação (C3S2). A maioria dos poços possui atividade mista, com alguma restrição de uso da água para irrigação e com perigo de salinidade e sodificação acentuado.
Percepção e valoração ambiental em áreas verdes no Município de Palotina, Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Silva Heloisa Caroline Mariano da , Ferreira Fabiana Pereira , Mendes Leticia Oliveira , Iared Valéria Ghisloti
Published: August 2020

Muitos autores e documentos nacionais e internacionais pontuam que a expansão desordenada das cidades e a falta de políticas públicas capazes de ordenar este crescimento com a manutenção das áreas verdes estão relacionadas aos problemas urbanos enfrentados na atualidade, os quais causam sérios prejuízos à saúde física e mental da população. Diversos estudos ressaltam a compreensão da percepção ambiental dos moradores como possibilidade para entendimento das relações existentes entre sociedade e ambiente, já que a população tem papel fundamental em relação à tomada de decisões que envolvem a gestão de áreas verdes, pois a participação desta fornece transparência à política urbana. A investigação objetivou analisar a percepção da população usuária de três áreas verdes urbanas do município quanto aos usos e funções do espaço. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de uma entrevista estruturada, a qual era composta por perguntas que identificavam o perfil dos participantes e por cartas que apresentaram 12 atributos socioambientais, 1 - cultural, 2 - lugar histórico, 3 - alimentos e suprimentos, 4 - vínculo afetivo, 5 - melhora física e mental, 6 - paisagens, cheiros e sons, 7 - aprendizado sobre o meio ambiente, 8 - futuro, 9 - lazer e atividades, 10 - extração e caça, 11 - diversidade, 12 - lugar religioso e espiritual, as quais foram apresentadas aos usuários do espaço para que ordenassem uma sequência que variasse do "atributo mais importante" para "atributo menos importante" de acordo com o seu sentimento e opinião pessoal. Posteriormente, os dados foram sistematizados e analisados segundo o perfil dos usuários. Apesar da especificidade de cada espaço, os resultados indicam que os residentes (na maioria mulheres) usufruem rotineiramente das áreas verdes urbanas nas mais diversas atividades (atividades físicas, culturais, recreativas e educativas).
Humanitarian, hospitable and generous
Authors: Sandrin Paula , Toscano Victor
Published: August 2020

This article aims to analyze Turkish Public Diplomacy (PD) since the Justice and Development Party (AKP, in Turkish) came to power in 2002. In particular, it aims to make sense of the plurality of public diplomacy discourses and practices which attempt to enact a particular identity for Turkey and to tell a particular ‘story’ to foreign and domestic audiences. Based on a post-structuralist theoretical framework, we present the many institutions responsible for Public Diplomacy in Turkey and analyze the ‘stories’ told by them, arguing that PD is one of the many practices engaged by the AKP government in its attempt to enact a particularidentity and in its pursuit of legitimacy and influence. The particular identity the AKP has been trying — and keeps failing — to enact is that of a ‘benign’, benevolent, humanitarian, hospitable and generous emerging power, a model of a Muslim democracy with a growing economy, heir of a (positive) Ottoman legacy. The article also attempts to understand how AKP public diplomacy has been trying to modulate such a ‘story’ in a context marked by Turkish military interventions abroad and growing authoritarianism at home.
Alginate as Promising Natural Polymer for Pharmaceutical, Food, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kothale Dhalendra , Verma Utsav , Dewangan Nagesh , Jana Partha , Jain Ankit , Jain Dharmendra
Published: August 2020

Alginates are biopolymers usually obtained from brown seaweed, brown algae (Ochrophyta,
Phaeophyceae), and bacteria (Azatobacter vineland and Pseudomonas species) belonging to the family
of polycationic copolymers. They are biocompatible, biodegradable, non-antigenic, and non-toxic biopolymer
with molecular mass ranges from 32,000-40,000 g/mol in commercial grades. These can be
used as edible films or coatings in food industries and also some natural or chemical additives could
be incorporated into them to modify their functional, mechanical, nutritional as well as organoleptic
properties. Due to their high viscosity and extraordinary shear-thinning effect, they can be used as
dietary fibers, thickening, gelling and stabilizing agents. Commercial alginates have vast applications
in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology, environmental contaminants treatments, food
processing, and pharmaceuticals. Alginates can be used in wound dressings, bone regeneration,
neovascularization, protein delivery, cell delivery, theranostic agents, oral drug delivery, controlled
release systems, raft formulations, immobilization of biological agents and treatment of environmental
contaminants. Various carrier systems can be formulated by the use of alginates like hydrogel,
tablets, microcapsules, films, matrices, microspheres, liposomes, nanoparticles, beads, cochleate,
floating and supersaturated drug delivery systems. This review presents a broad range of promising
applications of alginates, and it can be a great interest to scientists and industries engaged in exploring
its hidden potential.
Self-Assemble Amphiphilic PEO-PPO-PEO Tri-Block Co-Polymeric Methotrexate Nanomicelles to Combat MCF7 Cancer Cells
Authors: Mishra Manoj Kumar , Gupta Jitendra , Gupta Reena
Published: August 2020

Background:

Methotrexate (MTX) is a water-insoluble, anti-tumor agent, causes adverse effects like bone marrow suppression, chronic interstitial obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatotoxicity, leukopenia, interstitial pneumonitis and
nephrotoxicity with slow drug release rate.

Objective:

The present study was aimed for successfully incorporating of MTX into novel-targeted Pluronic (PEO-PPOPEO tri-block co-polymer) F127 polymeric micelles intended for intravenous administration with improved drug loading
and sustained release behavior necessary to achieve better efficacy of MTX.

Methods:

MTX-loaded Pluronic F127 micelles were characterized for critical micelle concentration,
particle size and zeta potential, 1H NMR, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency characterization, cell
uptake, in vitro release study along with partition coefficient and solubilization thermodynamics.

Results:

The micellar formulation resulted in nano size 27.32±1.43nm of PF127/SDS, as compared to
Pluronic F127 micelles or PF127/Phosphatidyl choline which were 30.52±1.18nm and 154.35±5.5nm in
size, respectively. The uptake of PF127/SDS micellar formulation incorporating Rhodamine 123 in
MCF7 cancer cells was found to be higher (84.25%) than PF127/PC, PF127 and MTX i.e. 66.26%,
73.59% and 53% respectively. The in vitro MTX release from PF127, PF127/SDS and PF127/PC polymeric
micelles formulations was observed to be 69%, 69.5% and 66% at 12 h whereas 80.89%,
77.67% and 78.54% after 24 h, respectively and revealed a sustained release. MTX-loaded PF127/SDS
micelles showed high partition coefficient and negative free energy of solubilization compared to PF127
and PF127/PC which signify self-assembly behavior and thermodynamic stability towards higher dissociation.

Conclusion:

It was finally concluded that MTX-loaded PF127/SDS micelles act as a potential anticancer
delivery system in comparison to PF127/PC and PF127 to combat tumor cells by enhancing their cellular
uptake targeting with sustained release pattern and reducing the thermodynamic instability. Thus,
PF127/SDS micellar formulation can provide a useful alternative dosage form for intravenous administration
of MTX.
Invasive and Non-Invasive Electrical Neuromodulation in Trigeminal Nerve Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Garcia-Isidoro Sara , Castellanos-Sanchez Victor Omar , Iglesias-Lopez Elvira , Perpiña-Martinez Sara
Published: August 2020

Background:

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic disease characterized by intense facial
pain that is caused by trigeminal nerve affectation. It usually affects adults from 50 years of age,
and is more frequent in women. Additionally, it presents serious psychological effects that often
lead to depression, which is why it is considered highly disabling. The therapeutic approach is
based on the modification of nerve activity through electrical, surgical or chemical stimulation in
specific regions of the nervous system.

Objective:

To perform a meta-analysis of the scientific literature related to invasive and non-invasive
electrical neuromodulation of trigeminal neuralgia, in order to assess their effects over pain
and adverse effects.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in 4 databases, followed by a manual search of articles
on invasive or non-invasive electrical neuromodulation to control the pain of trigeminal neuralgia,
including the last 15 years.

Results:

Regarding non-invasive methods, clinical trials did not present enough results in order to
perform a meta-analysis. Regarding invasive methods, clinical trials meta-analysis showed no statistical
differences between different treatment methods. In all cases, improvements in patients'
pain were reported, although results regarding adverse effects were variable.

Conclusion:

In the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, the continuous radiofrequency provides better
short and medium-term results, but pulsed radiofrequency shows less adverse effects after treatment,
and has better results in the long-term.
Mass Balance Study of the Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide, WLBU2, Following a Single Intravenous Dose of 14C-WLBU2 in Mice
Authors: Beumer Jan H. , Guo Jianxia , Ray Evan C. , Scemama Jonas , Parise Robert A. , Deslouches Berthony , Steckbeck Jonathan D. , Montelaro Ronald C. , Eiseman Julie L.
Published: August 2020

Background:

To address multidrug resistance, we developed engineered Cationic Antimicrobial
Peptides (eCAPs). Lead eCAP WLBU2 displays potent activity against drug-resistant
bacteria and effectively treats lethal bacterial infections in mice, reducing bacterial loads to undetectable
levels in diverse organs.

Objective:

To support development of WLBU2, we conducted a mass balance study.

Methods:

CD1 mice were administered 10, 15, 20 and 30 mg/kg of QDx5 WLBU2 or a single dose
of [14C]-WLBU2 at 15 mg/kg IV. Tolerability, tissue distribution and excretion were evaluated
with liquid scintillation and HPLC-radiochromatography.

Results:

The maximum tolerated dose of WLBU2 is 20 mg/kg IV. We could account for greater
than >96% of the radioactivity distributed within mouse tissues at 5 and 15 min. By 24h, only
~40-50% of radioactivity remained in the mice. The greatest % of the dose was present in liver, accounting
for ~35% of radioactivity at 5 and 15 min, and ~ 8% of radioactivity remained at 24h.
High radioactivity was also present in kidneys, plasma, red blood cells and lungs, while less than
0.2% of radioactivity was present in brain, fat, or skeletal muscle. Urinary and fecal excretion accounted
for 12.5 and 2.2% of radioactivity at 24h.

Conclusion:

WLBU2 distributes widely to mouse tissues and is rapidly cleared with a terminal radioactivity
half-life of 22 h, a clearance of 27.4 mL/h/kg, and a distribution volume of 0.94 L/kg.
At 2-100 μg-eq/g, the concentrations of 14C-WLBU2 appear high enough in the tissues to account
for the inhibition of microbial growth.
Dyslipidemia Management in 2020: An Update on Diagnosis and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Karantas Ioannis D. , Okur Mehmet E. , Okur Neslihan Ü. , Siafaka Panoraia I.
Published: August 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the modern world and dyslipidemia
is one of the major risk factors. The current therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases involve
the management of risk factors, especially dyslipidemia and hypertension. Recently, the updated
guidelines of dyslipidemia management were presented, and the newest data were included in terms of
diagnosis, imaging, and treatment. In this targeted literature review, the researchers presented the most
recent evidence on dyslipidemia management by including the current therapeutic goals for it. In addition,
the novel diagnostic tools based on theranostics are shown. Finally, the future perspectives on
treatment based on novel drug delivery systems and their potential to be used in clinical trials were also
analyzed. It should be noted that dyslipidemia management can be achieved by the strict lifestyle
change, i.e., by adopting a healthy life, and choosing the most suitable medication. This review can
help medical professionals as well as specialists of other sciences to update their knowledge on dyslipidemia
management, which can lead to better therapeutic outcomes and newer drug developments.
Repatriation Adjustment Problems and the Successful Reintegration of Expatriates and Their Families
Authors: Andreason Aaron W. , Kinneer Kevin D.
Published: August 2020

Many firms have not made special efforts for their repatriates despite growing evidence indicating high levels of dissatisfaction and high attrition rates because of problems encountered in repatriation adjustment. This paper discusses the nature of these problems and the reasons why such efforts are typically not made. It further describes a theoretical framework, combining adjustment and individual control theories, which can be used to analyze and integrate recent research. Based on this theoretical framework and recent research findings, recommendations are made for future research and for managing reintegration into the home culture and organization.
Evaluating the Effects of Team Composition and Performance Environment on Team Performance
Authors: Spotts Harlan E. , Chelte Anthony F.
Published: August 2020

Performance, interpersonal relations, equity, and output are examined for both online and face to face team structures. As organizations make wider use of online teams to transcend geographical boundaries and maintain tight cost controls, the question remains whether these innovations are as or more effective than traditional face-to-face group structures. Hypothesized relationships are tested that include the evaluation of the team performance in online groups contrasted to face to face groups; group performance is hypothesized to be higher where membership in the group is self-selected as opposed to assigned group membership; group performance is hypothesized to be highest where its membership is self-selected and face to face. Interaction effects are tested within these hypothesized relationships. Suggestions are made that face to face groups, while a more costly alternative, may have higher levels of performance than online groups over the longer-term. Areas for future research are identified.
Emerging Technologies With Potential Care and Support Applications for Older People: Review of Gray Literature
Authors: Abdi Sarah , de Witte Luc , Hawley Mark
Published: August 2020

Background

The number of older people with unmet care and support needs is increasing substantially due to the challenges facing the formal and informal care systems. Emerging technological developments have the potential to address some of the care and support challenges of older people. However, limited work has been done to identify emerging technological developments with the potential to meet the care and support needs of the aging population.

Objective

This review aimed to gain an overview of emerging technologies with potential care and support applications for older people, particularly for those living at home.

Methods

A scoping gray literature review was carried out by using the databases of 13 key organizations, hand searching reference lists of included documents, using funding data, and consulting technology experts. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze and summarize the findings of the literature review.

Results

A total of 39 documents were included in the final analysis. From the analysis, 8 emerging technologies were identified that could potentially be used to meet older people’s needs in various care and support domains. These emerging technologies were (1) assistive autonomous robots; (2) self-driving vehicles; (3) artificial intelligence–enabled health smart apps and wearables; (4) new drug release mechanisms; (5) portable diagnostics; (6) voice-activated devices; (7) virtual, augmented, and mixed reality; and (8) intelligent homes. These emerging technologies were at different levels of development, with some being trialed for care applications, whereas others being in the early phases of development. However, only a few documents mentioned including older people during the process of designing and developing these technologies.

Conclusions

This review has identified key emerging technologies with the potential to contribute to the support and care needs of older people. However, to increase the adoption of these technologies by older people, there is a need to involve them and other stakeholders, such as formal and informal carers, in the process of designing and developing these technologies.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation With and Without Internet-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Resistant Depression: Protocol for Patient-Centered Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Abou El-Magd Rabab M , Obuobi-Donkor Gloria , Adu Medard K , Lachowski Christopher , Duddumpudi Surekha , Lawal Mobolaji A , Sapara Adegboyega O , Achor Michael , Kouzehgaran Maryam , Hegde Roshan , Chew Corina , Mach Mike , Daubert Shelley , Urichuk Liana , Snaterse Mark , Surood Shireen , Li Daniel , Greenshaw Andrew , Agyapong Vincent Israel Opoku
Published: August 2020

Background

Major depression is a severe, disabling, and potentially lethal clinical disorder. Only about half of patients respond to an initial course of antidepressant pharmacotherapy. At least 15% of all patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) remain refractory to any treatment intervention. By the time that a patient has experienced 3 definitive treatment failures, the likelihood of achieving remission with the fourth treatment option offered is below 10%. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is considered a treatment option for patients with MDD who are refractory to antidepressant treatment. It is not currently known if the addition of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) enhances patients’ responses to rTMS treatments.

Objective

This study will evaluate the initial comparative clinical effectiveness of rTMS with and without iCBT as an innovative patient-centered intervention for the treatment of participants diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Methods

This study is a prospective, two-arm randomized controlled trial. In total, 100 participants diagnosed with resistant depression at a psychiatric care clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, will be randomized to one of two conditions: (1) enrolment in rTMS sessions alone and (2) enrolment in the rTMS sessions plus iCBT. Participants in each group will complete evaluation measures (eg, recovery, general symptomatology, and functional outcomes) at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The primary outcome measure will be the mean change to scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Patient service utilization data and clinician-rated measures will also be used to gauge patient progress. Patient data will be analyzed with descriptive statistics, repeated measures, and correlational analyses.

Results

We expect the results of the study to be available in 24 months. We hypothesize that participants enrolled in the study who receive rTMS plus iCBT will achieve superior outcomes in comparison to participants who receive rTMS alone.

Conclusions

The concomitant application of psychotherapy with rTMS has not been investigated previously. We hope that this project will provide us with a concrete base of data to evaluate the practical application and efficacy of using a novel combination of these two treatment modalities (rTMS plus iCBT).

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0423965; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04239651

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/18843