bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-rated health inequalities in the intersection of gender, social class and regional development in Spain: exploring contributions of material and psychosocial factors
Authors: Pedrós Barnils Núria , Eurenius Eva , Gustafsson Per E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Inequalities in health across social class, gender and regional context in Spain are well-known; however, there is a lack of research examining how these dimensions of inequality interact. This study explores self-rated health (SRH) inequalities across intersectional positions of gender, social class and region, and the contribution of material and psychosocial factors to these inequalities.

Methods

Participants were drawn from the cross-sectional 2015 National Living Conditions Survey of Spanish residents aged 19–88 years (N = 27,215; 77% response rate). Eight intersectional positions were formed by combining dichotomous variables of gender, social class and regional development. Poisson regression was used to estimate intersectional inequalities in SRH as prevalence ratios, and the contributions of material and psychosocial factors.

Results

Results showed both cumulative and heterogeneous inequalities within and across intersectional positions. Inequalities in the intersection of social class and regional development were best explained by the joint contributions of material and psychosocial factors, while gender inequalities within non-manual social class were better explained by material factors alone.

Conclusions

The results illustrate the complexity of interacting inequalities in health and their underpinnings in Spain. Local and national policies taking this complexity into account are needed to broadly improve equity in health in Spain.
Psychometric properties of a short version of Lee Fatigue Scale used as a generic PROM in persons with stroke or osteoarthritis: assessment using a Rasch analysis approach
Authors: Bragstad Line Kildal , Lerdal Anners , Gay Caryl L. , Kirkevold Marit , Lee Kathryn A. , Lindberg Maren Falch , Skogestad Ingrid Johansen , Hjelle Ellen Gabrielsen , Sveen Unni , Kottorp Anders
Published: June 2020

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom associated with a wide range of diseases and needs to be more thoroughly studied. To minimise patient burden and to enhance response rates in research studies, patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) need to be as short as possible, without sacrificing reliability and validity. It is also important to have a generic measure that can be used for comparisons across different patient populations. Thus, the aim of this secondary analysis was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian 5-item version of the Lee Fatigue Scale (LFS) in two distinct patient populations.

Methods

The sample was obtained from two different Norwegian studies and included patients 4–6 weeks after stroke (n = 322) and patients with osteoarthritis on a waiting list for total knee arthroplasty (n = 203). Fatigue severity was rated by five items from the Norwegian version of the LFS, rating each item on a numeric rating scale from 1 to 10. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 5-item scale across the two patient samples.

Results

Three of the five LFS items (“tired”, “fatigued” and “worn out”) showed acceptable internal scale validity as they met the set criterion for goodness-of-fit after removal of two items with unacceptable goodness-of-fit to the Rasch model. The 3-item LFS explained 81.6% of the variance, demonstrated acceptable unidimensionality, could separate the fatigue responses into three distinct severity groups and had no differential functioning with regard to disease group. The 3-item version of the LFS had a higher separation index and better internal consistency reliability than the 5-item version.

Conclusions

A 3-item version of the LFS demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in two distinct samples of patients, suggesting it may be useful as a brief generic measure of fatigue severity.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02338869; registered 10/04/2014 (stroke study).
Identification of drug targets and potential molecular mechanisms for Wantong Jingu Tablet extract in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: bioinformatics analysis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Qi Fangyuan , Li Fan
Published: June 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) play important roles in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Wantong Jingu Tablet (WJT), a mixture of traditional Chinese medicine, is a potentially effective therapy for RA, but its underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we explore the effects of WJT on human RA-FLSs and the underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

The major components of WJT were determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS). Cell proliferative ability was evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation assay, and EdU incorporation assay. Cell apoptotic capacity was examined by caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity test. Protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were investigated by western blotting. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to screen and identify targeted genes, followed by identification by qRT-PCR and western blotting.

Results

In this study, we have identified 346 compounds in WJT. Our results showed that WJT inhibited the RA-FLSs proliferation, and promoted apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. More importantly, 184 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) has been screened after WJT treatment based on DEGSeq2 and 278 DEGs was identified by DEGSeq2 combined with WGCNA. Then, 10 hub genes were identified based on two different analyses, while the expression levels of only SMC3, THOC1, BUB1, and STAG2 were decreased after WJT treatment, which was identical to the sequencing profiles.

Conclusions

WJT exerted its anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects possibly through suppressing the expression of SMC3, THOC1, BUB1, and STAG2 in RA-FLSs. Thus, therapeutics targeting these genes may be a promising strategy for rescuing RA.
Diurnal adult resting sites and breeding habitats of phlebotomine sand flies in cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic areas of Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijerathna Tharaka , Gunathilaka Nayana
Published: June 2020

Background

Sand flies are responsible for the transmission of several disease pathogens including Leishmania. Sand flies breed in habitats with high levels of humidity and organic matter. They are nocturnal in nature and peak activity ranges from dusk to dawn. The scientific evidence on breeding ecology and diurnal resting sites of sand fly fauna are important aspects of planning and implementing vector control activities. However, such fundamental information is grossly inadequate in Sri Lanka to support the control efforts in the country. Therefore, the present study addresses some of the important aspects of sand fly breeding ecology and diurnal resting sites.

Methods

Potential resting sites were thoroughly observed, and sand flies were collected using a battery-operated aspirator and sticky papers when appropriate from three selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas (Polpithigama, Maho and Galgamuwa) in Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka. Soil samples were collected from each potential breeding site. Half of each soil sample was incubated for 45 days. The other half was screened for immature stages. Adult sand flies collected from field and emerged adults at the insectary under confined incubation were identified using morphological characteristics.

Results

Pepper bushes and termite mounds were the most notable resting sites while, betel bushes, cattle huts, piles of coconut shells, latrines, manna bushes and tree holes were also positive for sand fly adults. Only two species, Phlebotomus argentipes and Sergentomyia punjabensis, were reported. Soil samples were collected from a total of 432 sites and 7 of them were positive for immature stages. Predominant breeding habitats identified during the present study were mud flats and moist soils of rice paddies, the soil below decaying hay, drying irrigational tank bottom moist soil, and the floors of cattle huts.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the potential adult resting sites and breeding habitats are abundant in the Polpithigama, Maho and Galgamuwa MOH areas. Therefore, vector control activities targeting both adult and immature stages of sand flies are recommended.
The regulation and pharmacological modulation of immune complex induced type III IFN production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Hjorton Karin , Hagberg Niklas , Pucholt Pascal , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Rönnblom Lars
Published: June 2020

Objective

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an ongoing interferon (IFN) production due to an activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which can be triggered to type I IFN synthesis by RNA containing immune complexes (RNA-IC). Considering emerging data suggesting a role of type III IFN in the SLE disease process, we asked if RNA-IC can induce type III IFN production in pDC and how this production can be regulated.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or immune cell subsets were isolated from healthy blood donors or SLE patients and stimulated with IC containing U1 snRNP and SLE-IgG (RNA-IC). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and an interleukin receptor 1-associated kinase 4 inhibitor (IRAK4i) were added to cell cultures. Cytokine mRNA levels were determined with a microarray and protein levels with immunoassays. Single-cell RNA sequencing of pDCs using ddSEQ technology was performed.

Results

Type III IFN mRNA and protein was induced in RNA-IC-stimulated pDC-NK and pDC-B cell co-cultures. A subset of activated pDCs (3%) expressed both type III and type I IFN mRNA. IFN-λ2, IFN-α2b, interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) enhanced IFN-λ1/3 production 2–5-fold. HCQ and an IRAK4i blocked the RNA-IC-triggered IFN-λ1/3 production (p < 0.01). IFN-α2b and GM-CSF increased the proportion of SLE patients producing IFN-λ1/3 in response to RNA-IC from 11 to 33%.

Conclusions

Type III IFN production is triggered by RNA-IC in pDCs in a TLR-MyD88-dependent manner, enhanced by NK and B cells as well as several pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results support a contributing role for both type I and type III IFNs in SLE, which needs to be considered when targeting the IFN system in this disease.
Involvement of the pulmonary arteries in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a prospective study from a single centre in China
Authors: Kong Xiufang , Ma Lili , Lv Peng , Cui Xiaomeng , Chen Rongyi , Ji Zongfei , Chen Huiyong , Lin Jiang , Jiang Lindi
Published: June 2020

Background

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis that can involve pulmonary arteries (PAs). We studied multiple clinical characteristics related to pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) in TA patients.

Methods

We enrolled 216 patients with TA from a large prospective cohort. PAI was assessed in each patient based on data from magnetic resonance angiography/computed tomography angiography. Pulmonary hypertension, cardiac function, and pulmonary parenchymal lesions were evaluated further in patients with PAI based on echocardiography, the New York Heart Association Functional Classification, and pulmonary computed tomography, respectively. These abnormalities related to PAI were followed up to evaluate treatment effects.

Results

PAI was detected in 56/216 (25.93%) patients, which involved the pulmonary trunk, main PAs, and small vessels in the lungs. Among patients with PAI, 28 (50%) patients were accompanied by pulmonary hypertension, which was graded as ‘severe’ in 9 (16.07%), ‘moderate’ in 10 (17.86%), and mild in 9 (16.07%). Twenty-six (46.43%) patients showed advanced NYHA function (III, 20, 35.71%; IV, 6, 10.71%). Furthermore, 21 (37.50%) patients presented with abnormal pulmonary parenchymal lesions in the area corresponding to PAI (e.g. the mosaic sign, infarction, bronchiectasis). During follow-up, two patients died due to heart failure and pulmonary thrombosis. In the remaining patients, the abnormalities mentioned above improved partially after routine treatment.

Conclusions

PAI is common in TA patients. PAI can cause pulmonary hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, and pulmonary parenchymal lesions, which worsen patients’ prognosis.
Research on DV-Hop improved algorithm based on dual communication radius
Authors: Li Tuochen , Wang Changzhu , Na Qi
Published: June 2020

In order to solve the problem that the traditional DV-Hop location algorithm has a large error in locating unknown nodes, this paper proposes an improved DV-Hop algorithm based on dual communication radius. By adding a communication radius, the algorithm updates the minimum hop number obtained by the unknown node closer to the beacon node to a smaller hop value and keeps the minimum hop number information of unknown nodes farther away. This method reflects the gap between the actual distances in terms of hop number, which solves the problem of the large difference between the actual distances of the same hops to a certain extent. Therefore, it is more advantageous to estimate the more accurate average jump distance and can calculate the more precise distance between them and obtain the more precise coordinates of unknown nodes. MATLAB simulation results show that the improved algorithm based on dual communication radius DV-Hop can effectively reduce the location error and improve the location accuracy and stability compared with the traditional DV-Hop location algorithm.
Periodic solution for prescribed mean curvature Rayleigh equation with a singularity
Authors: Xin Yun , Hu Guixin
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider the existence of a periodic solution for a prescribed mean curvature Rayleigh equation with singularity (weak and strong singularities of attractive type or weak and strong singularities of repulsive type). Our proof is based on an extension of Mawhin’s continuation theorem.
‘I took care of my kids’: mothering while incarcerated
Authors: Kennedy Stephanie C. , Mennicke Annelise M. , Allen Chelsea
Published: June 2020

Background

Little is known about how incarcerated mothers make meaning of their parenting role and relationship with their children prior to incarceration and during custody. The aims of this project were to explore the experiences of mothering prior to incarceration and during custody using the Gendered Pathways Perspective and to examine how mothering intersects with incarcerated women’s health and health outcomes to facilitate prevention and intervention strategies. This secondary data analysis used qualitative methods and grounded theory to identify themes related to mothering from 41 incarcerated mothers. Analyses were conducted by two independent coders, each of whom interviewed women as part of the primary study.

Results

Identified themes highlight how mothers sacrificed their own health and wellness in order to parent their children, sometimes foregoing substance use disorder treatment because they had no childcare options. Additionally, incarcerated mothers described the psychological distress of family separation and asked for additional parenting programs to increase mother-child connection. Finally, mothers suggested that capitalizing on the mothering role might be a potent mechanism for change, especially as related to substance use disorder treatment.

Conclusions

Research on incarcerated parents often focuses on their children, which obscures incarcerated mothers’ needs related to health and wellness. The prison environment offers few opportunities to foster mother-child connection; most mothers never receive even one visit from their children. Incarcerated mothers contextually framed crime as protecting and providing for children and identified community-based and in-prison service gaps. Recommendations include infusing mothering and caretaking responsibilities into the sentencing process and exploring the intersection of race, gender, class, and mothering status on criminalized behavior. Additionally, there is an urgent need to expand the availability of community-based and in-prison programs that allow women to address health concerns while mothering their children.
Overexpression of bHLH domain of HIF-1 failed to inhibit the HIF-1 transcriptional activity in hypoxia
Authors: Sadeghi Fatemeh , Kardar Gholam Ali , Bolouri Mohammad Reza , Nasri Farzad , Sadri Maryam , Falak Reza
Published: June 2020

Background

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is considered as the most activated transcriptional factor in response to low oxygen level or hypoxia. HIF-1 binds the hypoxia response element (HRE) sequence in the promoter of different genes, mainly through the bHLH domain and activates the transcription of genes, especially those involved in angiogenesis and EMT. Considering the critical role of bHLH in binding HIF-1 to the HRE sequence, we hypothesized that bHLH could be a promising candidate to be targeted in hypoxia condition.

Methods

We inserted an inhibitory bHLH (ibHLH) domain in a pIRES2-EGFP vector and transfected HEK293T cells with either the control vector or the designed construct. The ibHLH domain consisted of bHLH domains of both HIF-1a and Arnt, capable of competing with HIF-1 in binding to HRE sequences. The transfected cells were then treated with 200 µM of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) for 48 h to induce hypoxia. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to evaluate the effect of ibHLH on the genes and proteins involved in angiogenesis and EMT.

Results

Hypoxia was successfully induced in the HEK293T cell line as the gene expression of VEGF, vimentin, and β-catenin were significantly increased after treatment of untransfected HEK293T cells with 200 µM CoCl2. The gene expression of VEGF, vimentin, and β-catenin and protein level of β-catenin were significantly decreased in the cells transfected with either control or ibHLH vectors in hypoxia. However, ibHLH failed to be effective on these genes and the protein level of β-catenin, when compared to the control vector. We also observed that overexpression of ibHLH had more inhibitory effect on gene and protein expression of N-cadherin compared to the control vector. However, it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

bHLH has been reported to be an important domain involved in the DNA binding activity of HIF. However, we found that targeting this domain is not sufficient to inhibit the endogenous HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Further studies about the function of critical domains of HIF-1 are necessary for developing a specific HIF-1 inhibitor.
Correction to: Hematinic effects of Spondias mombin and its protective role against the spleenotoxic effect of phenylhydrazine
Authors: Innih Silvanus Olu , Omage Sylvia Oghogho , Omage Kingsley
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Correction to: Developing a framework to inform scale-up success for population health interventions: a critical interpretive synthesis of the literature
Authors: Nguyen Duyen Thi Kim , McLaren Lindsay , Oelke Nelly D. , McIntyre Lynn
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Salinity tolerance improvement of in vitro propagated Paulownia tomentosa using proline
Authors: Youssef Nora Muhammad , Hashish Khaled Ismail , Taha Lobna Salah
Published: June 2020

Background

Paulownia tomentosa has been used as an ornamental plant and is still vastly used for this objective and can be utilized for the production of energy, wooden building materials, and paper pulp. The aim was to improve the in vitro propagation ability under salinity stress.

Methodology

This experiment was conducted on Paulownia tomentosa at Tissue Culture Technique Lab., Central Laboratories, Department of Ornamental Plants and Woody Trees, National Research Centre (NRC), Egypt, to examine the micropropagation behavior using different plant growth regulators (BA, Kin, and IBA) and improve the in vitro propagation ability of plant under the effect of salinity levels (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 ppm) using two concentrations of proline (0.2 and 0.4 g/l).

Results

For in vitro propagation behavior, the best results for both shooting and rooting behaviors were obtained when MS culture medium was supplemented with BA at 0.2 mg/l, and Kin and IBA at 0.1 mg/l. For the improvement of the in vitro propagation ability under salinity stress, the survival was 100% when the shootlets of Paulownia grown on MS culture medium supplemented with 0.5 g NaCl plus 0.2 or 0.4 g/l proline and 1 g NaCl plus 0.2 g/l proline which were similar to control treatment.

Conclusion

Micropropagation ability of Paulownia tomentosa under salinity stress was optimized when the explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BA at 0.2 mg/l, and Kin and IBA at 0.1 mg/l using proline at 0.2 g/l. This study will help the producers to cultivate Paulownia trees in saline soils up to 1000 ppm such as some new lands which are not suitable for growing other crops.
Does contralateral knee range of motion predict postoperative knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Burnham Robert R. , Bialek Samantha E. , Wozniak Amy , Brown Nicholas M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine if contralateral knee range of motion is associated with postoperative range of motion in the operative knee after total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Contralateral (nonoperative) knee range of motion was compared to postoperative knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty using linear regression models in 59 patients who had undergone primary total knee arthroplasty with a minimum of 4 months postoperative follow-up data (range 4–13 months).

Results

A strong linear relationship was observed between contralateral knee ranges of motion of 115° or greater and postoperative knee ranges of motion after total knee arthroplasty (slope 0.93, 95% CI 0.58–1.29, P < 0.0001), with a mean difference of −7.44° (95% CI −10.3 to −4.63, P < 0.0001). However, there was no association between contralateral knee range of motion and postoperative knee range of motion when contralateral knee range of motion was less than 115°.

Conclusion

Contralateral knee range of motion of 115° or greater correlates linearly with postoperative range of motion after total knee arthroplasty, and thus may be predictive in such cases.
Three-dimensional data-domain full traveltime inversion using a practical workflow of early arrival selection
Authors: Liu Lu , Duan Xudong , Luo Yi
Published: June 2020

A new method of data-domain full traveltime inversion (FTI) is proposed to estimate the near-surface velocity model using early arrivals in seismic shot gathers. Data-domain FTI is capable of generating a background velocity model from which the predicted early arrivals can kinematically match the observed ones. Such a match is measured and quantified in terms of the crosscorrelation function between the computed and observed traces. Our method aims to find an optimal estimated velocity model that minimizes the crosscorrelation computed from the selected early arrivals. The early arrivals are isolated via a sequence of operations, including the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] scan, autopicking, multidomain quality control, and guide interpolation. Because windows, rather than exact arrival times, are constructed, the difficulties encountered while picking precise arrivals are reduced. In addition, the gradient of data-domain FTI is derived based on an amplitude-constrained optimization problem, which makes the gradient essentially different from that derived with the Born approximation in which no constraint is used. The constraint requires the inversion to honor traveltime information only, and it thus ignores any amplitude changes caused by velocity variations. This method is validated using 3D synthetic as well as field data sets. The results show that data-domain FTI, combined with the early arrival selection workflow, is able to generate reasonable background velocities that kinematically match the predicted early arrivals with the observed ones, and the associated depth-domain images are clearly improved.
Integrating petroelastic modeling, stochastic seismic inversion, and Bayesian probability classification to reduce uncertainty of hydrocarbon prediction: Example from Malay Basin
Authors: Babasafari Amir Abbas , Ghosh Deva P. , Salim Ahmed M. A. , Kordi Masoumeh
Published: June 2020

Exploring hydrocarbon in structural-stratigraphical traps is challenging due to the high lateral variation of lithofluid facies. In addition, reservoir characterization is getting more obscure if the reservoir layers are thin and below the seismic vertical resolution. Our objectives are to reduce the uncertainty of reserve estimation and to predict hydrocarbon distribution more accurately in such reservoir layers by proposing a new workflow that works better than the conventional one. The approach was performed by integrating petroelastic modeling, stochastic elastic seismic inversion, and Bayesian probability classification in the upper reservoir layer of Group E in the Northern Malay Basin. A robust petroelastic model was initially built to obtain more obvious separation of different lithofluid classes in elastic properties crossplot, that is acoustic impedance versus [Formula: see text] ratio. To achieve reliable distribution of elastic properties per identified lithofluid class, a Monte Carlo simulation was then run and the posterior probability of all classes was computed using Bayesian classification, followed by confusion matrix assessment. Stochastic elastic seismic inversion was carried out on conditioned seismic data to predict elastic properties away from the wells. Using all elastic properties realizations, ranking was calculated and uncertainty was quantified at the blind well location. The most probable scenario is the realization that has a much closer probability to the measured criterion value at the blind well. The computed posterior probability of hydrocarbon-bearing sand was applied on the selected stochastic realization (acoustic impedance and [Formula: see text] volumes) according to the ranking result. Finally, the hydrocarbon distribution probability map was generated and validated with lithofluid facies information of four distributed wells. Such a comparison authenticated the hydrocarbon prediction particularly at the blind well location.
On the impact of alternative seismic time imaging methods on subsurface fault mapping in the northernmost Molasse Basin, Switzerland
Authors: Eichkitz Christoph G. , Schneider Sarah , Hölker Andreas B. , Birkhäuser Philip , Madritsch Herfried
Published: June 2020

The identification and characterization of tectonic faults in the subsurface represent key aspects of geologic exploration activities across the world. We have evaluated the impact of alternative seismic time imaging methods on initial subsurface fault mapping in three dimensions in the form of a case study situated in the most external foreland of the European Central Alps (the northernmost Molasse Basin). Four different seismic amplitude volumes of one and the same 3D seismic data set, differing in imaging technologies and parameterizations applied, were considered for the interpretation of a fault zone dissecting a Mesozoic sedimentary sequence that is characterized by a pronounced mechanical stratigraphy and has witnessed a multiphase tectonic evolution. For this purpose, we interpreted each seismic amplitude volume separately. In addition, we computed a series of seismic attributes individually for each volume. Comparison of the different data interpretations revealed consistent results concerning the mapping of the seismic marker horizons and main fault segments. Deviations concern the apparent degree of vertical and lateral fault zone segmentation and the occurrence of small-scale fault strands that may be regarded as important fault kinematic indicators. The compilation of all fault interpretations in map form allows the critical assessment of the robustness of the initial seismic fault mapping, highlighting well-constrained from poorly defined fault zone elements. We conclude that the consideration of multiple seismic processing products for subsurface fault mapping is advisable to evaluate general imaging uncertainties and potentially guide the development of fault zone model variants to tackle previously discussed aspects of conceptual interpretation uncertainties.
Effects of Proximal and Distal Enteral Glucose Infusion on Cardiovascular Response in Health and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Jones Karen L , Horowitz Michael , Rayner Christopher K , Wu Tongzhi
Published: June 2020

Context

Exposure of the small intestine to nutrients frequently leads to marked reductions in blood pressure (BP) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It remains unclear whether the region of the gut exposed to nutrients influences postprandial cardiovascular responses.

Objective

To evaluate the cardiovascular responses to proximal and distal small intestinal glucose infusion in health and T2DM.

Design

Double-blind, randomized, crossover design.

Setting

Single center in Australia.

Patients

10 healthy subjects and 10 T2DM patients.

Interventions

Volunteers were studied on 2 occasions, when a transnasal catheter was positioned with infusion ports opening 13 cm and 190 cm beyond the pylorus. A 30-g bolus of glucose was infused into either site and 0.9% saline into the alternate site over 60 minutes.

Main Outcome Measures

BP, heart rate (HR), and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow were measured over 180 minutes.

Results

Systolic BP was unchanged in response to both infusions in health, but decreased in T2DM, with a greater reduction after proximal versus distal infusion (all P ≤ .01). The increment in HR did not differ between treatments in health, but was greater after distal versus proximal infusion in T2DM (P = .02). The increases in SMA blood flow were initially greater, but less sustained, with proximal versus distal infusion in health (P < .001), a pattern less evident in T2DM.

Conclusions

In T2DM, postprandial hypotension may be mitigated by diversion of nutrients from the proximal to the distal small intestine.
Huddling under the Imperial Umbrella: A Korean Approach to Ming China in the Early 1500s
Authors: Kye Seung B.
Published: June 2020

By examining the frequency and purpose of voluntary missions of congratulations to Beijing in the early 1500s, this article explores the changing Chosŏn attitude towards Ming China and interprets the close and mutually beneficial relationship between King Chungjong (r. 1506–45) and the Jiajing Emperor (r. 1521–66). Installed as a nominal king by coup leaders under the situation in which the Korean elites’ view of “serving Ming China” was in transition from conditional and practical to unconditional and ideological, and threatened by both the merit subjects’ arbitrariness and Confucian moralists’ fundamentalism, Chungjong was very eager to link himself more intimately with the Ming emperor, the higher authority, from which he received investiture. To the Jiajing Emperor, who frequently provoked his officials with a variety of ritual controversies, the congratulatory missions from Chosŏn, the Eastern Land of Propriety, were welcome guests. The emperor and the king became intimate with each other in this way for the sake of their own political purposes, and their relationship inevitably influenced the relations between the two countries.
The Paradox of Postcolonial Korean Nationalism: State-Sponsored Cultural Policy in South Korea, 1965–Present
Authors: Park Sang Mi
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the process by which the South Korean government revived Japanese forms of cultural policy to mobilize the populace in support of state goals, thus reproducing colonial cultural experiences in postcolonial times. Facing threats to their authority from the North Korean communist alternative, the inequalities of rapid economic development, and the questionable legitimacy of their unelected military governments, successive South Korean regimes expanded cultural policies to create a shared sense of national identity. While placing particular emphasis on Park Chung Hee’s adaptation of Japanese cultural projects to uphold the legitimacy of his regime after the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1965, I also underscore how later regimes managed many colonial cultural experiences to create their own national cultural policies. My discussion of continuities and discontinuities in cultural practice between these two East Asian nations contributes to a better understanding of the transnational exchange of the ideals and structures used to facilitate state goals.
Biopotential Measurement of Plant Leaves with Ultra-Light and Flexible Conductive Polymer Nanosheets
Authors: Taniguchi Hiroaki , Akiyama Kazuhiro , Fujie Toshinori
Published: June 2020

This study demonstrates the feasibility of free-standing conductive polymer nanosheets (referred to hereafter as “conductive nanosheets”) as bioelectrodes for plant leaves. The conductive nanosheet exhibited ultra-conformability and physical adhesion to unevenly structured surfaces, such as the veins of a plant leaf, without the use of chemical glue, owing to the ultra-thin and light structure (300 nm thick, 150 µg). The conductive nanosheet coupled with a Bluetooth system enabled wireless biopotential measurement of plant leaves (Angelica keiskei Koidzumi) up to approximately 1500 h, while conventional bioelectrodes such as pre-gel electrodes caused discoloration during the measurement, owing to the acrylic glue utilized for adhesion. We also discovered that the biopotential pattern was altered under periodic light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation. Such minimally invasive measurements using the conductive nanosheets can pave the way for a revolutionary method to analyze the bioactivity of plants in the application of agriculture and food science.
Building a successful international research community through data sharing: The case of the Wheat Information System (WheatIS)
Authors: Sen Taner Z. , Caccamo Mario , Edwards David , Quesneville Hadi
Published: June 2020

The International Wheat Information System (WheatIS) Expert Working Group (EWG) was initiated in 2012 under the Wheat Initiative with a broad range of contributing organizations. The mission of the WheatIS EWG was to create an informational infrastructure, establish data standards, and build a single portal that allows search, retrieval, and display of globally distributed wheat data sets that are indexed in standard data formats at servers around the world. The web portal at WheatIS.org was released publicly in 2015, and by 2020, it expanded to 8 geographically-distributed nodes and around 20 organizations under its umbrella.  

In this paper, we present our experience, the challenges we faced, and the answer we brought for establishing an international research community to build an informational infrastructure. Our hope is that our experience with building wheatis.org will guide current and future research communities to facilitate institutional and international challenges to create global tools and resources to help their respective scientific communities.
Musical-poetic performance
Authors: Litvinova Margarita , Kozhaeva Irina
Published: June 2020

In the educational-methodical manual deals with basic dramaturgical and staging the principles of working with documentary and artistic material, techniques use of fact and document in a journalistic view, clearly demonstrates techniques for creating imaginative solutions and scenarios of artistic and journalistic representations.
Addressed to students of universities of arts and culture, studying under the direction of training 51.03.05 "direction of the dramatized representations and holidays", studying discipline "Directing poetry theater" and "writing"; and also workers of culture, Directors and practitioners working to create theatrical programs and mass celebrations.
Ensuring Economic Security of Economic Entities
Authors: Skachko G. , Nikandrova L. , Surkova E.
Published: June 2020

This article discusses the issues of ensuring and assessing the economic security of an organization in a market economy. In this regard, the authors developed a methodology for assessing economic security. The author’s defi nition of economic security is given. A generalizing indicator-coeffi cient of economic security and a formula for its determination are proposed.
Choosing Wisely in the COVID-19 Era: Preventing Harm to Healthcare Workers
Authors: Cho Hyung J , Feldman Leonard S , Keller Sara , Hoffman Ari , Pahwa Amit K , Krouss Mona
Published: June 2020

With more than 3 million people diagnosed and more than 200,000 deaths worldwide at the time this article was written, coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) poses an unprecedented challenge to the public and to our healthcare system.1 The United States has surpassed every other country in the total number of COVID-19 cases. Hospitals in hotspots are operating beyond capacity, while others prepare for a predicted surge of patients suffering from COVID-19. Now more than ever, clinicians need to prioritize limited time and resources wisely in this rapidly changing environment. Our most precious limited resource, healthcare workers (HCWs), bravely care for patients while trying to avoid acquiring the infection. With each test and treatment, clinicians must carefully consider harms and benefits, including exposing themselves and other HCWs to SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing this disease.
Developing a Patient‐ and Family‐Centered Research Agenda for Hospital Medicine: The Improving Hospital Outcomes through Patient Engagement (i‐HOPE) Study
Authors: Harrison James D , Archuleta Michelle , Avitia Esther , Banta Jim , Benn Joy , Burden Marisha , Chopra Vineet , Coker Rebecca , Eid Shaker , Fang Margaret C , Fletcher Kathlyn , Hagan Julie , Jaranilla Jawali , Mullick Monalisa , Nyenpan Christopher , Silva Lali , Wurst Melissa , Ziegler Georgiann , Leykum Luci
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Patient, caregiver, and other stakeholder priorities have not been robustly incorporated into directing hospital‐based research and improvement efforts.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically engage stakeholders to identify important questions of adult hospitalized patients and to create a prioritized research agenda for improving the care of adult hospitalized patients.

DESIGN

A collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement and research question prioritization.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

Researchers and patients from eight academic and community medical centers partnered with 39 patient, caregiver, professional, research, and medical organizations.

METHODS

We applied established standards for formulating research questions and stakeholder engagement. This included: a multi‐pronged, inclusive patient and stakeholder engagement strategy; surveys of patients and stakeholder organizations to identify important questions; content analysis of submitted questions; and a 2‐day in‐person meeting with stakeholder organization representatives and patient partners to prioritize and rank submitted questions.

RESULTS

A total of 499 respondents including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and researchers from 39 organizations submitted 782 research questions. These questions were categorized into 70 distinct topics—52 that were health system related and 18 disease specific. From these categories, we identified 36 common questions; the final 11 questions were identified, prioritized and ranked during an in‐person priority‐setting meeting. Questions considered highest priority related to ensuring shared treatment and goals of care decision making and improving hospital discharge handoff to other care facilities and providers.

CONCLUSION

We identified 11 prioritized research questions that should galvanize funders, researchers, and patient advocates to address and improve the care of hospitalized adult patients.
Stochastic Gradient Descent in Continuous Time: A Central Limit Theorem
Authors: Sirignano Justin , Spiliopoulos Konstantinos
Published: June 2020

Stochastic gradient descent in continuous time (SGDCT) provides a computationally efficient method for the statistical learning of continuous-time models, which are widely used in science, engineering, and finance. The SGDCT algorithm follows a (noisy) descent direction along a continuous stream of data. The parameter updates occur in continuous time and satisfy a stochastic differential equation. This paper analyzes the asymptotic convergence rate of the SGDCT algorithm by proving a central limit theorem for strongly convex objective functions and, under slightly stronger conditions, for nonconvex objective functions as well. An [Formula: see text] convergence rate is also proven for the algorithm in the strongly convex case. The mathematical analysis lies at the intersection of stochastic analysis and statistical learning.
Device-related pressure ulcers in community settings
Authors: Schofield Alison
Published: June 2020

Understanding the differential diagnosis between device-related pressure ulcers (DRPUs) and pressure ulcers ensures that appropriate prevention, management and intervention plans are identified. National reporting systems now include DRPUs alongside other categories of pressure ulcers listed by international pressure ulcer advisory panels. Medical devices are not the only cause of DRPUs, and, in the community setting, other objects can also cause pressure ulcers, such as spectacles and hearing aids. Skin assessment around the site of devices is essential to ensure the skin is intact, the micro-climate is considered and the skin is properly cleansed. Risk assessment for devices should be undertaken, and prevention according to the device itself may include fixation and the use of prophylactic dressings. Advice and support must be given to patients and carers to facilitate self-care and identify signs of skin damage and infection.
Effect of different compression bandaging techniques on the healing rate of venous leg ulcers: a literature review
Authors: Fulcher Emily , Gopee Neil
Published: June 2020

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are a common health problem in older adults, for which the widely used method of treatment includes compression therapy. There are various compression bandages and hosiery systems available for use, but it remains unclear as to which types of compression systems are most effective in enabling healing of VLUs. This study aimed to determine which type of the two most commonly used compression bandaging (four-layer and two-layer) is more effective in providing complete ulcer healing of VLUs. Key search terms were identified using the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) model, with distinct inclusion and exclusion criteria, in a strategic search of electronic databases (e.g. CINAHL and MEDLINE) along with wider sources, including Google Scholar. More studies favoured the four-layer compression system than two-layer for providing better healing rates in the treatment of VLUs, but two-layer bandaging tends to provide a better quality of life and may be more cost-effective, although comorbidities and other factors also need to be considered. In choosing the type of compression bandage for the management of leg ulcers, the healing rate achieved by the chosen bandage needs to be carefully monitored, while also taking into consideration other factors such as the quality of life for the patient.
Paramedics' perceptions and experiences of NHS 111 in the south west of England
Authors: Phillips Joel S
Published: June 2020

Background:

NHS 111 is a non-emergency telephone triage service in England, where people with non-urgent health problems or questions can gain access to information and services. However, studies have demonstrated key problems with the burden it places on emergency and ambulance services.

Aim:

To add to the evidence base, this study explores the perceptions and experiences of paramedics who attend patients referred to the ambulance service by NHS 111.

Methods:

A qualitative research design was adopted and seven frontline paramedics who work in the south west of England were interviewed. Data were collected using semi-structured interview questions and thematically analysed.

Findings:

Key overarching themes identified included: non-clinical call handlers making clinical decisions; caution and liability; an unwarranted, increased demand on the ambulance service; inaccurate call prioritisation; and interprofessional conflict.

Conclusion:

Improvements need to be made to the NHS 111 service to ensure the triage software it uses is triaging and prioritising patients accurately and to minimise inappropriate referrals to the ambulance service, promoting the right care for patients the first time.
Targeted temperature management: beneficial or not?
Authors: Ricketts Kelley , Jones Bridie
Published: June 2020

Targeted temperature management (TTM), formerly known as therapeutic hypothermia, has been shown to improve survival and neurological recovery in patients following cardiac arrest. Following successes with its in-hospital implementation, many guidelines now advocate its use in the prehospital domain for all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs). It has been suggested that patients presenting with shockable rhythms who receive early initiation of TTM have better survival rates. TTM can be initiated in the prehospital setting with minimal equipment. This article discusses and explores the potential benefits and pitfalls of targeted temperature management when initiated in the prehospital environment. Particular focus is given to potential treatment strategies that can be used by paramedics to adequately manage OHCA. It is proposed that prehospital TTM is advantageous to all patients in cardiac arrest and can be efficacious in a variety of prehospital environments, with its implementation requiring only minimal equipment.
Speaking up — even when not heard
Authors: Elsey Abbygail
Published: June 2020

Decisions made at the end of a patient's life can be some of the most difficult. This month, Abbygail Elsey, shares her most challenging experience yet as a newly qualified paramedic
Anxiety during COVID-19
Authors: Sycamore Rhys
Published: June 2020

As student paramedics adjust to online learning and its many challenges, guest student columnist, Rhys Sycamore, reflects on the resulting anxiety and how it can be managed
Photonic generation of a parabolic-shaped microwave signal and dual-linear-chirp microwave waveform
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Raghuwanshi Sanjeev Kumar
Published: June 2020

Based on an external modulation technique through a dual-polarized dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator, a photonic technique is proposed for the generation of a microwave signal with a parabolic shape. An optically modulated waveform from the modulator is passed through an optical bandpass filter, which results in parabolic signals of 1 GHz and 9 GHz frequencies at the photo detector. A peak power spectral component of

−

30

d
B
m

power is obtained at 1 GHz and 9 GHz frequencies of the parabolic signal. Based on the present methodology, a parabolic signal of the desired frequency band can be obtained. The obtained signal is processed to generate a dual-linear-chirp signal by passing through the phase modulator. Here, a dual-linear-chirp microwave waveform with a chirp rate of

1.53
Π
×

10

19

H
z

/

s

is achieved at 6 GHz center frequency. The results are obtained through MATLAB simulation and verified by experimental results. A fair agreement is found between the result obtained through MATLAB simulation and the result obtained by experimental verification.