bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University students’ representations of Europe and self-identification as Europeans: a synthesis of qualitative evidence for future policy formulation
Authors: Cores-Bilbao Esther , Méndez-García María del Carmen , Fonseca-Mora M. Carmen
Published: January 2020

The current European context is characterised by the emergence of socio-political tensions that threaten to derail the cohesion objectives traditionally promoted by the authorities of the European Union. With EU citizenship in the shadow of Brexit, the fear of dismemberment of the current Europe of the 28 looms over a renewed debate on concepts like European identity, European citizenship or EU legitimacy and the involvement of its constituents in European affairs, as well as the role of education for promoting democratic awareness among young Europeans. This work aims to collect, appraise and synthesise qualitative evidence obtained in primary research exploring the perceptions of European university students about their civic and cultural identity. This systematic analysis sets out to identify predictors of positive self-identification with the EU and its institutions, focusing on the impact that different educational interventions have had on the attitudes and perceptions expressed by university students, and the importance of foreign language learning in the results obtained. The authors report their assessment of quality of the findings in a Cochrane-style qualitative evidence synthesis (QES), based on the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) method. The 12 informed findings described in this study support decision-making in future education policy formulation.
Characterization of the human helicotrema: Implications for cochlear duct length and frequency mapping
Authors: Helpard Luke , Li Hao , Rask-Andersen Helge , Ladak Hanif M. , Agrawal Sumit K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Despite significant anatomical variation amongst patients, cochlear implant frequency-mapping has traditionally followed a patient-independent approach. Basilar membrane (BM) length is required for patient-specific frequency-mapping, however cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements generally extend to the apical tip of the entire cochlea or have no clearly defined end-point. By characterizing the length between the end of the BM and the apical tip of the entire cochlea (helicotrema length), current CDL models can be corrected to obtain the appropriate BM length. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging has made this analysis possible due to the soft-tissue contrast through the entire cochlear apex.

Methods

Helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length measurements were performed on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging data of 14 cadaveric human cochleae. On a sub-set of six samples, the CDL to the apical tip of the entire cochlea (CDLTIP) and the BM length (CDLBM) were determined. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM.

Results

The mean helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length values were 1.6 ± 0.9 mm and 67.8 ± 37.9 degrees, respectively. Regression analysis revealed the following relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM: CDLBM = 0.88(CDLTIP) + 3.71 ( R2 = 0.995).

Conclusion

This is the first known study to characterize the length of the helicotrema in the context of CDL measurements. It was determined that the distance between the end of the BM and the tip of the entire cochlea is clinically consequential. A relationship was determined that can predict the BM length of an individual patient based on their respective CDL measured to the apical tip of the cochlea.
Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder
Authors: Mehren Aylin , Reichert Markus , Coghill David , Müller Helge H. O. , Braun Niclas , Philipsen Alexandra
Published: January 2020

A growing body of literature indicates a potential role for physical exercise in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Suggested effects include the reduction of ADHD core symptoms as well as improvements in executive functions. In the current review, we provide a short overview on the neurophysiological mechanisms assumed to underlie the beneficial effects of exercise. Further, we review the current evidence from experimental studies regarding both acute exercise and long-term interventions in ADHD. While the positive effects observed after acute aerobic exercise are promising, very few well-designed long-term intervention studies have been conducted yet. Moreover, although exercise effects have not yet been studied in borderline personality disorder (BPD), in the end of this paper we derive hypotheses why exercise could also be beneficial for this patient population.
Flow analysis of a set of ornamental chimney caps designed by Antoni Gaudí
Authors: Samper Albert , Iglesias Jordi , Herrera Blas , Pallares Jordi
Published: January 2020

We analyzed theoretically and experimentally the performance of the 19 different ornamental caps of the individual chimneys located on the terrace of Palau Güell (Barcelona, Spain) designed by Antoni Gaudí. This set of chimney caps has wide range of external geometries and different number and shapes of openings. Models of the chimney caps were obtained using photogrammetry and 3D printing. Wind tunnel measurements of the pressure inside the stack pipe connected to the cap were performed for different external and stack flow velocities. Two distinct orientations of the external flow with respect to the chimneys were considered. We derived a simple theoretical model, based on the potential flow theory, to relate the non-dimensional pressure reduction in the stack (chimney draft) with the ratio between the external and stack flow velocities. It has been found that the behavior of the chimneys caps predicted by this model is in agreement with the measurements. It has been found that the performance of the chimneys depends mainly on the number of supports of the conical cover of the cap and it is essentially independent on the shape of the cap and on the number and geometry of the openings located on the cap. These conclusions obtained for this particular set of chimneys can be useful for the design of caps for ornamental or general use.
Hybrid material of structural DNA with inorganic compound: synthesis, applications, and perspective
Authors: Shin Seung Won , Yuk Ji Soo , Chun Sang Hun , Lim Yong Taik , Um Soong Ho
Published: January 2020

Owing to its precise manipulation in nanoscale, DNA as a genetic code becomes a promising and generic material in lots of nanotechnological outstanding exploitations. The nanoscale assembly of nucleic acids in aqueous solution has showed very remarkable capability that is not achievable from any other material resources. In the meantime, their striking role played by effective intracellular interactions have been identified, making these more attractive for a variety of biological applications. Lately, a number of interesting attempts have been made to augment their marvelous diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, as being integrated with inorganic compounds involving gold, iron oxide, quantum dot, upconversion, etc. It was profoundly studied how structural DNA-inorganic hybrid materials have complemented with each other in a synergistic way for better-graded biological performances. Such hybrid materials consisting of both structural DNAs and inorganics are gradually receiving much attention as a practical and future-oriented material substitute. However, any special review articles highlighting the significant and innovative materials have yet to be published. At the first time, we here demonstrate novel hybrid complexes made of structural DNAs and inorganics for some practical applications.
Phantom-based image quality assessment of clinical 18F-FDG protocols in digital PET/CT and comparison to conventional PMT-based PET/CT
Authors: Gnesin Silvano , Kieffer Christine , Zeimpekis Konstantinos , Papazyan Jean-Pierre , Guignard Renaud , Prior John O. , Verdun Francis R. , Lima Thiago V. M.
Published: January 2020

Background

We assessed and compared image quality obtained with clinical18F-FDG whole-body oncologic PET protocols used in three different, state-of-the-art digital PET/CT and two conventional PMT-based PET/CT devices.

Our goal was to evaluate an  improved trade-off between administered activity (patient dose exposure/signal-to-noise ratio) and acquisition time (patient comfort) while preserving diagnostic information achievable with the recently introduced digital detector technology compared to previous analogue PET technology.

Methods

We performed list-mode (LM) PET acquisitions using a NEMA/IEC NU2 phantom, with activity concentrations of 5 kBq/mL and 25 kBq/mL for the background (9.5 L) and sphere inserts, respectively. For each device, reconstructions were obtained varying the image statistics (10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 300 s from LM data) and the number of iterations (range 1 to 10) in addition to the employed local clinical protocol setup. We measured for each reconstructed dataset: the quantitative cross-calibration, the image noise on the uniform background assessed by the coefficient of variation (COV), and the recovery coefficients (RCs) evaluated in the hot spheres. Additionally, we compared the characteristic time-activity-product (TAP) that is the product of scan time per bed position × mass-activity administered (in min·MBq/kg) across datasets.

Results

Good system cross-calibration was obtained for all tested datasets with < 6% deviation from the expected value was observed. For all clinical protocol settings, image noise was compatible with clinical interpretation (COV < 15%). Digital PET showed an improved background signal-to-noise ratio as compared to conventional PMT-based PET. RCs were comparable between digital and PMT-based PET datasets. Compared to PMT-based PET, digital systems provided comparable image quality with lower TAP (from ~ 40% less and up to 70% less).

Conclusions

This study compared the achievable clinical image quality in three state-of-the-art digital PET/CT devices (from different vendors) as well as in two conventional PMT-based PET. Reported results show that a comparable image quality is achievable with a TAP reduction of ~ 40% in digital PET. This could lead to a significant reduction of the administered mass-activity and/or scan time with direct benefits in terms of dose exposure and patient comfort.
SNHG1 promotes MPP+-induced cytotoxicity by regulating PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cells via sponging miR-153-3p
Authors: Zhao Jun , Geng Lijiao , Chen Yong , Wu Chunfang
Published: January 2020

Background

Long non-coding RNA small molecule RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) was previously identified to be relevant with Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. This work aims to further elucidate the regulatory networks of SNHG1 involved in PD.

Methods

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced mice and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-treated SH-SY5Y cells were respectively constructed as the in vivo and in vitro PD models. Expression levels of SNHG1 and miR-153-3p were detected by qRT-PCR. Protein expression levels of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) were measured by western blotting assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT and flow cytometry assays. The interactions among SNHG1, miR-153-3p and PTEN were identified by luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and/or RNA pull-down analysis.

Results

Increased SNHG1 expression was found in midbrain of MPTP-induced PD mice and MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of SNHG1 lowered viability and enhanced apoptosis in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, SNHG1 acted as a molecular sponge to inhibit the expression of miR-153-3p. Furthermore, miR-153-3p-mediated suppression of MPP+-induced cytotoxicity was abated following SNHG1 up-regulation. Additionally, PTEN was identified as a direct target of miR-153-3p, and SNHG1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-153-3p to improve the expression of PTEN. Besides, enforced expression of PTEN displayed the similar functions as SNHG1 overexpression in regulating the viability and apoptosis of MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, SNHG1 was found to activate PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cells by targeting miR-153-3p.

Conclusion

SNHG1 aggravates MPP+-induced cellular toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells by regulating PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling via sponging miR-153-3p, indicating the potential of SNHG1 as a promising therapeutic target for PD.
A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis Resulting in a Typology of Elementary Classroom Movement Integration Interventions
Authors: Vazou Spyridoula , Webster Collin A. , Stewart Gregory , Candal Priscila , Egan Cate A. , Pennell Adam , Russ Laura B.
Published: January 2020

Background/Objective

Movement integration (MI) involves infusing physical activity into normal classroom time. A wide range of MI interventions have succeeded in increasing children’s participation in physical activity. However, no previous research has attempted to unpack the various MI intervention approaches. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review, qualitatively analyze, and develop a typology of MI interventions conducted in primary/elementary school settings.

Subjects/Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify published MI interventions. Irrelevant records were removed first by title, then by abstract, and finally by full texts of articles, resulting in 72 studies being retained for qualitative analysis. A deductive approach, using previous MI research as an a priori analytic framework, alongside inductive techniques were used to analyze the data.

Results

Four types of MI interventions were identified and labeled based on their design: student-driven, teacher-driven, researcher-teacher collaboration, and researcher-driven. Each type was further refined based on the MI strategies (movement breaks, active lessons, other: opening activity, transitions, reward, awareness), the level of intrapersonal and institutional support (training, resources), and the delivery (dose, intensity, type, fidelity). Nearly half of the interventions were researcher-driven, which may undermine the sustainability of MI as a routine practice by teachers in schools. An imbalance is evident on the MI strategies, with transitions, opening and awareness activities, and rewards being limitedly studied. Delivery should be further examined with a strong focus on reporting fidelity.

Conclusions

There are distinct approaches that are most often employed to promote the use of MI and these approaches may often lack a minimum standard for reporting MI intervention details. This typology may be useful to effectively translate the evidence into practice in real-life settings to better understand and study MI interventions.
Protective effect of aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaf against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats
Authors: Ogbe Raphael John , Agbese Samuel Peter , Abu Adakole Hyacinth
Published: January 2020

Background

Hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia are common global health challenges but medicinal plant extracts may have potential to prevent them. Thus, this study evaluated the protective effect of aqueous extract ofLophira lanceolataleaf (LLE) against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia in albino Wistar rats.

Methods

Thirty rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group I rats received distilled water and served as control, group II rats were given 5 mg/kg cisplatin (CIS) intraperitoneally, groups III and IV rats were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg LLE respectively for 26 days by oral gavages while groups V and VI rats were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg LLE respectively, followed by CIS on the 21st day as in group II. About 24 h after treatment, blood was collected from the rats; then serum was separated and used for estimations of biochemical parameters. The kidney and liver of rats were removed, rinsed in normal saline, stored in 10% formalin and used for histological analyses.

Results

The biomarkers of hepatic (Aminotransferases, Alkaline phosphatase and Bilirubin) and renal (urea and creatinine) injuries, and dyslipidemia (Total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol) significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the rats exclusively exposed to cisplatin when compared with normal control. However, treatment of cisplatin-exposed rats with 200 and 400 mg/kg LLE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of these biomarkers of hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia when compared with cisplatin control. Photomicrographs showed pathological signs in the liver and kidney of rats exclusively exposed to cisplatin, but there was moderate protection of these tissues in the rats treated with LLE and cisplatin.

Conclusion

The current findings have shown thatLophira lanceolataleaf extract may provide moderate protection against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia in albino Wistar rats.
Massive obstetric hemorrhage during cesarean section in a patient after conception by frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a case report
Authors: Ito Mai , Oshita Kensuke , Tanaka Kazuyuki , Hara Masato , Hiraki Teruyuki
Published: January 2020

Background

Placenta accreta is a major cause of massive obstetric hemorrhage during cesarean section. In recent years, pregnancy by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer has been reported as a risk factor for placenta accreta.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old G1P0 woman with systemic lupus erythematosus became pregnant by frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Emergency cesarean section was performed under general anesthesia due to the diagnosis of non-reassuring fetal status. The placenta invaded the myometrium and completely covered the entire anterior uterine wall. Following birth, 3000 mL of blood loss required rapid fluid infusion and blood transfusion. Total hysterectomy was performed because the placenta could not be separated from the uterine wall. Histological examination revealed placenta accreta/increta.

Conclusions

When performing cesarean section on patients who have undergone frozen-thawed embryo transfer, preoperative examinations to assess for placenta accreta should be performed, and the anesthetic management should include sufficient planning for massive obstetric hemorrhage.
Effects of acetaldehyde-induced DNA lesions on DNA metabolism
Authors: Tsuruta Haruka , Sonohara Yuina , Tohashi Kosuke , Aoki Shioi Narumi , Iwai Shigenori , Kuraoka Isao
Published: January 2020

Background

Acetaldehyde, produced upon exposure to alcohol, cigarette smoke, polluted air and sugar, is a highly reactive compound that is carcinogenic to humans and causes a variety of DNA lesions in living human cells. Previously, we reported that acetaldehyde reacts with adjacent deoxyguanosine residues on oligonucleotides, but not with single deoxyguanosine residues or other deoxyadenosine, deoxycytosine, or thymidine residues, and revealed that it forms reversible intrastrand crosslinks with the dGpdG sequence (GG dimer).

Results

Here, we show that restriction enzymes that recognize a GG sequence digested acetaldehyde-treated plasmid DNA with low but significant efficiencies, whereas restriction enzymes that recognize other sequences were able to digest such DNA. This suggested that acetaldehyde produced GG dimers in plasmid DNA. Additionally, acetaldehyde-treated oligonucleotides were efficient in preventing digestion by the exonuclease function of T4 DNA polymerase compared to non-treated oligonucleotides, suggesting structural distortions of DNA caused by acetaldehyde-treatment. Neither in vitro DNA synthesis reactions of phi29 DNA polymerase nor in vitro RNA synthesis reactions of T7 RNA polymerase were observed when acetaldehyde-treated plasmid DNA was used, compared to when non-treated plasmid DNA was used, suggesting that acetaldehyde-induced DNA lesions inhibited replication and transcription in DNA metabolism.

Conclusions

Acetaldehyde-induced DNA lesions could affect the relative resistance to endo- and exo-nucleolytic activity and also inhibit in vitro replication and in vitro transcription. Thus, investigating the effects of acetaldehyde-induced DNA lesions may enable a better understanding of the toxicity and carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde.
Peer-support to increase uptake of screening for diabetic retinopathy: process evaluation of the DURE cluster randomized trial
Authors: Mwangi Nyawira , Bascaran Covadonga , Ramke Jacqueline , Kipturgo Mathew , Kim Min , Ng’ang’a Mark , Gichuhi Stephen , Mutie Dorothy , Moorman Consuela , Muthami Lawrence , Foster Allen
Published: January 2020

Background

There is limited evidence on how implementation of peer support interventions influences effectiveness, particularly for individuals with diabetes. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of a peer-led health education package versus usual care to increase uptake of screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

Our process evaluation used a mixed-method design to investigate the recruitment and retention, reach, dose, fidelity, acceptability, and context of implementation, and was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We reviewed trial documents, conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants (n = 10) and conducted four focus group discussions with participants in both arms of the trial. Three analysts undertook CFIR theory-driven content analysis of the qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed to provide descriptive statistics relevant to the objectives of the process evaluation.

Results

The trial had positive implementation outcomes, 100% retention of clusters and 96% retention for participants, 83% adherence to delivery of content of group talks (fidelity), and 78% attendance (reach) to at least 50% (3/6) of the group talks (dose). The data revealed that intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, individual characteristics, and process (all the constructs of CFIR) influenced the implementation. There were more facilitators than barriers to the implementation. Facilitators included the relative advantage of the intervention compared with current practice (intervention characteristics); awareness of the growing prioritization of diabetes in the national health policy framework (outer setting); tension for change due to the realization of the vulnerability to vision loss from DR (inner setting); a strong collective sense of accountability of peer supporters to implement the intervention (individual characteristics); and regular feedback on the progress with implementation (process). Potential barriers included the need to queue at the eye clinic (intervention characteristic), travel inconveniences (inner setting), and socio-political disruption (outer setting).

Conclusions

The intervention was implemented with high retention, reach, fidelity, and dose. The CFIR provided a valuable framework for evaluating contextual factors that influenced implementation and helped to understand what adaptations may be needed during scale up.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR201707002430195 registered 15 July 2017
The center of pressure progression characterizes the dynamic function of high-arched feet during walking
Authors: Li Bo , Xiang Qipeng , Zhang Xianyi
Published: January 2020

Background

The medial longitudinal arch height has an effect on kinetic parameters during gait and might be related to the risk of injury. For the assessment of foot structures, the center of pressure (COP) trajectory is a more reliable and practical parameter than plantar pressure. This study aimed to clarify the COP trajectory and velocity characteristics in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior direction of individuals with a high-arched foot during barefoot walking.

Methods

Sixty-two healthy young adults were asked to walk over a Footscan pressure plate to record the COP parameters during the stance phase of walking.

Results

Compared to normal arched feet, the COP during forefoot contact and foot flat phases of high-arched feet shifted anteriorly (19.9 mm and 15.1 mm, respectively), and the mean velocity of COP in anterior-posterior direction decreased by 0.26 m/s and increased by 0.044 m/s during these two phases respectively.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that the displacement and velocity of COP in anterior-posterior direction was different between high-arched and normal-arched subjects during barefoot walking, which can be used for the assessment of gait characteristics for high-arched individuals. The results of this study may provide insights into modifying clinical intervention for individuals with high-arched feet to enhance rehabilitation and prevent injuries and have implications for assessing the design of footwear and foot orthotics.

Graphical abstract
Prevalence and correlates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients
Authors: Ibrahim Lamis , Abouhendy Wail , Raafat Nelly , Fouad Amira Ahmed
Published: January 2020

Background

High rates of history of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms have been found in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) adults. Both, when comorbid, cause the clinical course to be unfavorable, more susceptibility to substance use, and a bad response to treatment. We planned to assess the impact of childhood ADHD symptoms on OCD adults and the effect of this on clinical characteristics and comorbidities of the disorder.

Results

Our cross-sectional investigation uncovered that 44% of the OCD patients had childhood ADHD symptoms. Patients with childhood ADHD manifestations with at present grown-up ADHD had more elevated amounts of depression, anxiety, and impulsiveness. OCD patients with child ADHD symptoms but not continued symptoms till adulthood versus those without child ADHD symptoms had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and impulsiveness and more severe OCD symptoms.

Conclusion

ADHD in adults with OCD is associated with some features impairing the clinical picture including higher levels of anxiety, depression, and impulsiveness reflecting more chronic illness. A childhood history of ADHD symptoms, even if not continued till adulthood, caused more impulsiveness, more severe OCD symptoms, and more anxiety and depression comorbidity.
Borderline personality disorder: part 1 – assessment and diagnosis
Authors: Garland Jacqueline , Miller Stephen
Published: January 2020

General adult psychiatrists are largely responsible for the care of patients with personality disorders in community and in-patient settings, and this can be associated with diagnostic and management challenges. In the first of two articles focusing specifically on borderline personality disorder (BPD), we summarise the core clinical features of the disorder and discuss appropriate diagnostic practice.
Treatment Outcomes of Patients With Colorectal Cancer Enrolled in a Comprehensive Benefits Program of the National Insurance System in the Philippines: Data From the Pilot Site
Authors: Ting Frederic Ivan L. , Sacdalan Danielle Benedict L. , Tampo Mayou Martin T. , Apellido Rosielyn T. , Monroy Hermogenes J. , Sacdalan Marie Dione P. , Sacdalan Dennis L. ,   written on behalf of the University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital Colorectal Polyp and Cancer Study Group
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE

Cancer treatment causes significant financial burden, especially in developing countries such as the Philippines. This led the Philippine Department of Health to create the Z-Package colorectal cancer benefit program, an insurance system specifically designed to treat Filipinos with colorectal cancers with early to locally advanced-stage disease. The main goal of this program is to optimize treatment outcomes for this curable disease without causing financial toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three-year data on patients enrolled in the Z-Package colorectal cancer benefit program from 2016 to 2018 were reviewed by the University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital Colorectal Polyp and Cancer Study Group.

RESULTS

A total of 251 patients were enrolled in the Z-package colorectal cancer benefit program from 2016 to 2018. Mean age was 57 years old and a majority of patients (66%) were male. A majority of patients had rectal cancer (78%) and were diagnosed with stage III disease (82%). A majority (75%) were compliant to their treatment plans and clinic follow-up. Specifically, compliance to the prescribed surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation treatment were 90%, 77%, and 96%, respectively. Recurrence, morbidity, and mortality rates of enrolled patients in the Z-Package program from 2016 to 2018 were 17%, 22%, and 19%, respectively. Morbidities were mostly chemotherapy related (8%). Finally, patients in this program had a 2- and 3-year survival probability of 74% and 70%, respectively, which are comparable with data from more developed nations.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study include real-world data that show that when the highest standards of patient care are provided through a multidisciplinary team, patients’ overall survival is also maximized.
Erythrocytosis and Performance of HbA1c in Detecting Diabetes on an Oxygen-Deficient Plateau: A Population-based Study
Authors: Ren Qian , Lv Xuemei , Yang Lihui , Yue Jun , Luo Yingying , Zhou Lingli , Meng Shuyou , Yang Senlin , Puchi Basang , Zhou Xianghai , Ji Linong
Published: January 2020

Context

The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test is a standard test for diabetes screening and diagnosis.

Objective

To evaluate A1c performance for diabetes screening in high-altitude polycythemia compared to a population with a high proportion of people living in an oxygen-deficient environment.

Design

A population-based epidemiological survey was conducted.

Setting

The cities Lhasa and Shigatse were selected. Volunteers were recruited through educational advertisements about diabetes.

Participants

A total of 1401 Tibetan adults without known diabetes.

Interventions

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), HbA1c, and complete blood cell count were performed. Hemoglobin A1c was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography, and serum glucose level, using the hexokinase method.

Main Outcome Measures

World Health Organization criteria were used to define diabetes and prediabetes. Hemoglobin A1c test performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

The participants’ mean age was 44.3 ± 15.0 years; 33.3% of the participants were men and 38.6% lived in urban areas. The prediabetes and diabetes prevalence rates were 7.5% and 3.6%, respectively. The optimal HbA1c cutoff for detecting diabetes was 46 mmol/mol (6.4%), with a sensitivity and specificity of 60.8% and 93.6%, respectively. The cutoff for detecting diabetes was 6.7% (50 mmol/mol) in subjects with high-altitude polycythemia (HAPC). The relationship between red blood cell (RBC) counts and HbA1c was significant (P < 0.001), while there was no correlation between hemoglobin (Hb) and HbA1c (P = 0.085). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age and fasting serum glucose or 2-hour OGTT (OGTT2h) serum glucose, RBC count and not Hb level was an independent risk factor for HbA1c (β = 0.140, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The optimal HbA1c cutoff for detecting diabetes was 46 mmol/mol (6.4%) in Tibet. Red blood cell count was an independent risk factor for elevated HbA1c, and HAPC may affect the predictive ability of HbA1c.
Prophylactic Mastectomy: Postoperative Skin Flap Thickness Evaluated by MRT, Ultrasound and Clinical Examination
Authors: Wiberg Rebecca , Andersson Magnus N. , Svensson Johan , Rosén Anna , Koch Freja , Björkgren Annika , Sund Malin
Published: January 2020

Background

Women with an increased hereditary risk of breast cancer can undergo prophylactic mastectomy (PM), which provides a significant, but not total, risk reduction. There is an ongoing discussion about how much skin and subcutaneous tissue should be resected to perform an adequate PM while leaving viable skin flaps.

Methods

Forty-five women who had undergone PM were examined with magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), ultrasound (US) and clinical examination (CE) by a plastic surgeon and a general surgeon to estimate skin flap thickness.

Results

The estimated mean skin flap thickness after PM was 13.3 (± 9.6), 7.0 (± 3.3), 6.9 (± 2.8) and 7.4 (± 2.8) mm following MRT, US, and CE performed by a plastic surgeon and a general surgeon, respectively. The mean difference in estimated skin flap thickness was significant between MRT and the other measuring methods, while there was no significant difference between US and CE, nor between CE performed by the surgeons. The mean skin flap thickness was significantly affected by the age at PM. Following PM, necrosis was detected in 7/23 (30.4%) of the breasts in skin flaps ≤ 5 mm and in 5/46 (10.9%) of the breasts in skin flaps > 5 mm (OR 6.29; CI 1.20–32.94; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The odds of getting postoperative necrosis was > 6 times higher in skin flaps ≤ 5 mm. Thus, if the degree of remaining glandular tissue is acceptably low, it is desirable to create skin flaps thicker than 5 mm to prevent wound healing problems after the PM procedure.
SYNCRIP, a new player in pri-let-7a processing
Authors: Chen Ying , Chan Jingru , Chen Wei , Li Jianwei , Sun Meng , Kannan Gayathiri Sathyamoorthy , Mok Yu-Keung , Yuan Yuren Adam , Jobichen Chacko
Published: January 2020

microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small and endogenous molecules that control gene expression, are broadly involved in biological processes. Although a number of cofactors that assist or antagonize let-7 miRNA biogenesis are well-established, more auxiliary factors remain to be investigated. Here, we identified SYNCRIP (Synaptotagmin Binding Cytoplasmic RNA Interacting Protein) as a new player for let-7a miRNA. SYNCRIP interacts with pri-let-7a both in vivo and in vitro. Knockdown of SYNCRIP impairs, while overexpression of SYNCRIP promotes, the expression of let-7a miRNA. A broad miRNA profiling analysis revealed that silencing of SYNCRIP regulates the expression of a set of mature miRNAs positively or negatively. In addition, SYNCRIP is associated with microprocessor complex and promotes the processing of pri-let-7a. Strikingly, the terminal loop of pri-let-7a was shown to be the main contributor for its interaction with SYNCRIP. Functional studies demonstrated that the SYNCRIP RRM2–3 domain can promote the processing of pri-let-7a. Structure-based alignment of RRM2–3 with other RNA binding proteins identified the residues likely to participate in protein–RNA interactions. Taken together, these findings suggest the promising role that SYNCRIP plays in miRNA regulation, thus providing insights into the function of SYNCRIP in eukaryotic development.
Rankings of Online Travel Agents, Channel Pricing, and Consumer Protection
Authors: Hunold Matthias , Kesler Reinhold , Laitenberger Ulrich
Published: January 2020

We investigate whether online travel agents (OTAs) assign hotels worse positions in their search results if these set lower hotel prices elsewhere.
Finding a Stable Allocation in Polymatroid Intersection
Authors: Iwata Satoru , Yokoi Yu
Published: January 2020

The stable matching (or stable marriage) model of Gale and Shapley [Gale D, Shapley LS (1962) College admissions and the stability of marriage. Amer. Math. Monthly 69(1):9–15.] has been generalized in various directions, such as matroid kernels by Fleiner [Fleiner T (2001) A matroid generalization of the stable matching polytope. Aardal K, Gerards AMH, eds. Proc. 8th Internat. Conf. Integer Programming Combin. Optim., Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 2081 (Springer-Verlag, Berlin), 105–114.] and stable allocations in bipartite networks by Baïou and Balinski [Baïou M, Balinski M (2002) Erratum: The stable allocation (or ordinal transportation) problem. Math. Oper. Res. 27(4):662–680.]. Unifying these generalizations, we introduce the concept of stable allocations in polymatroid intersection. Our framework includes both integer and real variable versions. The integer variable version corresponds to a special case of the discrete concave function model of Eguchi et al. [Eguchi A, Fujishige S, Tamura A (2003) A generalized Gale-Shapley algorithm for a discrete-concave stable-marriage model. Ibaraki T, Katoh N, Ono H, eds. Proc. 14th Internat. Sympos. Algorithms Comput., Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 2906 (Springer-Verlag, Berlin), 495–504.], who established the existence of a stable allocation by showing that a simple extension of the deferred acceptance algorithm of Gale and Shapley finds a stable allocation in pseudopolynomial time. It has been open to develop a polynomial time algorithm even for our special case. In this paper, we present the first strongly polynomial algorithm for finding a stable allocation in polymatroid intersection. To achieve this, we utilize the augmenting path technique for polymatroid intersection. In each iteration, the algorithm searches for an augmenting path by simulating a chain of proposes and rejects in the deferred acceptance algorithm. The running time of our algorithm is O(n3γ), where n and γ denote the cardinality of the ground set and the time for computing the saturation and exchange capacities, respectively. Moreover, we show that the output of our algorithm is optimal for one side, where this optimality is a generalization of the man optimality in the stable marriage model.
Optimal Pricing Under Diffusion-Choice Models
Authors: Li Hongmin
Published: January 2020

We develop a solution approach to the centralized pricing problem of a firm managing multiple substitutable products. Demand of these products undergoes a diffusion process, and customers choose among the products, with the choice probability of each product given by the logit model. We examine the firm’s optimal pricing problem when product demand can be described by such “diffusion-choice” models. In particular, we focus on two models with proven merits and study a generalized version of the two models. To our knowledge, our work is the first to study the multiproduct pricing problem under the integrated diffusion-choice models, which are of both theoretical appeal and practical advantage. We establish uniqueness of the optimal solution and propose an efficient solution approach in addition to characterizing the optimal prices and their time trend. We show that the price trend can be attributed to diffusion dynamics as well as intertemporal changes in product costs and customer price sensitivity, all of which are integrated into a unified framework in this paper. Our model applies to both simultaneous and sequential product introductions and adapts to stochastic demand.
A formação de professores em Artes Visuais e o Ensino Médio: aprender e ensinar em tempos de transição
Authors: Ferreira Luiz Carlos Pinheiro , Caixeta Ana Paula Aparecida
Published: January 2020

O texto apresenta um olhar sobre a Disciplina de Estágio Supervisionado, ministrada a estudantes do Curso de Licenciatura em Artes Visuais, como forma de compreender como as experiências vivenciadas neste contexto formativo são parte importante na construção de conhecimento. Este olhar atenta-se à formação dos discentes e o contexto da educação básica relacionando-se com o estudo e a pesquisa docente. Apontamos questões que envolvem a percepção e a reflexão crítica no que concerne às mudanças curriculares relacionadas com a contemporaneidade, assim como o ensinar e aprender em tempos de transição.
ENSINO MÉDIO, EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL E PROGRAMA BRASIL PROFISSIONALIZADO: ANÁLISES E TENSÕES PÓS LEI 9394/1996
Authors: Leite Maria Cleide da Silva Ribeiro , Andrade Francisca Rejane Bezerra
Published: January 2020

Este artigo objetivou investigar o impacto do Projeto Professor Diretor de Turma nas Escolas Profissionais para a Profissionalidade Docente do Ceará. O contexto cearense até o ano de 2007 ofertava somente o Ensino Médio na modalidade regular e em 2008, com a adesão ao Programa Brasil Profissionalizado, implantou o Ensino Médio integrado a Educação Profissional. Voltou-se ao ponto em tudo começou, decorridos dez anos das Escolas Profissionais, para investigar possíveis avanços, desafios e perspectivas futuras. Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, apoiada no Materialismo Dialético, por meio de um estudo de caso, com entrevista, observação, questionário e análise documental. Utilizou-se a Análise do Discurso Crítico. Os resultados revelaram a Educação Profissional como um divisor de água no Ensino Médio do Ceará. Concluiu-se que a flexibilização curricular particularizou especificidades às escolas profissionais, modificou a profissionalidade docente e a rotina estudantil.
EVIDENCIAÇÃO AMBIENTAL DAS EMPRESAS DO SEGMENTO DE PAPEL E CELULOSE
Authors: Forechi Lais Leoni , Reina Diane Rossi Maximiano , Reina Donizete , Narciso Laís Franca
Published: January 2020

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o nível de evidenciação ambiental e o grau de legibilidade dos relatórios financeiros em empresas do segmento de papel e celulose. O estudo foi realizado por meio da estrutura conceitual proposta por Murcia et al. (2008) com teste de correlação linear de Pearson e com cálculo do grau de complexidade extraído por meio do programa “Gunning’s Fog Index”. As empresas exibem média de disclosure verde mais frequente na forma declarativa. A correlação entre as variáveis, o tamanho da empresa, o endividamento, empresa de auditoria foi negativa. Por fim, identificou-se que aproximadamente 87% das empresas apresentaram baixo grau de legibilidade. A empresa Suzano, apresentou no ano de 2015 um relatório ambiental com grau de complexidade de leitura 46% acima do que é considerado informação complexa (15 graus) e apresentou no ano de 2016 demonstrações financeiras 47% acima do que é considerado como informação complexa.
CRISE FINANCEIRA E OS SISTEMAS BANCÁRIOS DE BRASIL E ALEMANHA – O PAPEL DOS BANCOS PÚBLICOS
Authors: Silva Fernanda Faria , Chaves Iara Moreira
Published: January 2020

Este trabalho buscou analisar a importância dos bancos públicos na implantação de políticas anticíclicas de contenção da crise do subprime (2007-2008) no Brasil e na Alemanha, países diferentes em termos de desenvolvimento econômico e financeiro, mas ambos ‘bank baseds’. Para cumprir este objetivo, foram apresentados os desdobramentos da crise no sistema financeiro dos Estados Unidos e como a Alemanha e o Brasil foram atingidos. Foram estudadas as políticas aplicadas pelos governos no sentido de conter os avanços da crise e, através dos indicadores de alavancagem financeira e preferência pela liquidez, como as instituições financeiras se comportaram dado o tipo de controle acionário. Foi verificado que as instituições públicas desempenharam importante papel de estabilização no período de instabilidade econômica no que tange ao fornecimento de crédito contribuindo para manutenção da liquidez em ambos os países.Palavras-chave: crise financeira, bancos públicos, sistema financeiro, políticas anticíclicas, alavancagem, preferência pela liquidez.
AÇÕES DE INTERDISCIPLINARIDADE NA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR: UMA AVALIAÇÃO COM BASE NA ANÁLISE DE REDES SOCIAIS
Authors: Farina Milton Carlos , Penof David Garcia
Published: January 2020

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso em uma Instituição de Educação Superior, que contou com aprovação do comitê de ética em pesquisa, cujo objetivo foi analisar os relacionamentos existentes entre os cursos da IES, identificando as formas de comunicação e promoção de ações interdisciplinares, bem como as dimensões de sucesso para interdisciplinaridade, com base no ponto de vista dos coordenadores dos cursos. Um questionário foi elaborado para a coleta dos dados. Entrevistas foram realizadas pelo próprio pesquisador, e para análise e interpretação dos dados foi usada a Análise de Redes Sociais com uso do software UciNet V6. Como resultados, detectou-se que cursos da IES não ligados à engenharia mostraram-se mais propensos a conhecer e promover ações interdisciplinares; que de forma geral os entrevistados julgaram que uma comunicação eficaz é importante para o sucesso de um grupo interdisciplinar e que as características individuais dos componentes do grupo apresenta menor expressão
Effect of tilt on circular zone plate performance
Authors: Ali Sajid , Jacobsen Chris
Published: January 2020

Fresnel zone plates are frequently used as focusing and imaging optics
in x-ray microscopy, as they provide the ease of use of normal
incidence optics. We consider here the effects of tilt misalignment on
their optical performance, both in the thin optics limit and in the
case of zone plates that are sufficiently thick so that volume
diffraction effects come into play. Using multislice propagation, we
show that simple analytical models describe the tilt sensitivity of
thin zone plates and the thickness at which volume diffraction must be
considered, and examine numerically the performance of example zone
plates for soft x-ray focusing at 0.5 keV and hard x-ray focusing at
10 keV.
Planar optical waveguide-based dimethylamine sensor with cresol red/TiO2 composite thin film
Authors: Kari Nuerguli , Wang Lili , Nizamidin Patima , Abliz Shawket , Yimit Abliz
Published: January 2020

A planar optical glass-slide-based dimethylamine (DMA) sensor was fabricated with composite thin film of cresol red and titanium dioxide as the sensing layer and tin-diffused planar glass slide as the substrate. The UV-visible spectrum before and after analyte exposure was investigated to detect the color transformation of sensing layer and to select a laser light source wavelength (532 nm). DMA detection response along with time were performed on an optical waveguide system at room temperature. Experimental results show that this sensing film had not only fast response (6 s) but also rapid recovery (21 s) (

0.004

m
g

/

m

3

). Besides, detection is available for DMA solution as low as

0.0008

m
g

/

m

3

concentration with signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) 5.29. The sensing film is stable for one month at ambient temperature, and the response reaction is reversible.
High-resolution and gapless dual comb spectroscopy with current-tuned quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Gianella Michele , Nataraj Akshay , Tuzson Béla , Jouy Pierre , Kapsalidis Filippos , Beck Mattias , Mangold Markus , Hugi Andreas , Faist Jérôme , Emmenegger Lukas
Published: January 2020

We present gapless, high-resolution absorption and dispersion spectra obtained with quantum cascade laser frequency combs covering 55 cm−1. Using phase-sensitive dual comb design, the comb lines are gradually swept over 10 GHz, corresponding to the free spectral range of the laser devices, by applying a current modulation. We show that with interleaving the spectral point spacing is reduced by more than four orders of magnitude over the full spectral span of the frequency comb. The potential of this technique for high-precision gas sensing is illustrated by measuring the low pressure (107 hPa) absorption and dispersion spectra of methane spanning the range of 1170 cm−1 - 1225 cm−1 with a resolution of 0.001 cm−1.