bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poor adherence and persistence to sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors in real‐world settings: Evidence from a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ofori‐Asenso Richard , Sahle Berhe W. , Chin Ken Lee , Mazidi Mohsen , Ademi Zanfina , De Bruin Marie Louise , Liew Danny
Published: May 2020

Aims

Despite increasing prescription of sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, there is limited insight of the patterns of use among patients with diabetes prescribed these drugs. This study aimed to summarize available real‐world data on the adherence and persistence to SGLT2 inhibitors.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review for observational studies reporting the adherence and persistence to SGLT2 inhibitors was performed in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception to October 2019. Data were analysed via random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 22 studies (31 cohorts) comprising 123 854 individuals prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors from eight countries were included. The pooled mean proportions of days covered [PDC] at six months and one year were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72‐0.82) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.66‐0.77), respectively. The pooled proportions adherent (PDC ≥0.80) at six months and one year were 59.5% (95% CI 52.9‐65.9) and 49.0% (95% CI 42.3‐55.8), respectively. The pooled proportions of people persistent at six months, one year, and two years were 80.1% (95% CI 75.8‐84.0), 61.8% (95% CI 57.8‐65.7), and 45.9% (95% CI 35.5‐56.5), respectively. When persistence was defined as the absence of ≥90‐days gap, the equivalent pooled proportions persistent were 81.5% (95% CI 73.1‐88.6), 58.9% (95% CI 53.1‐64.6), and 34.7% (95% CI 33.6‐35.8). Adherence and persistence appeared to vary across different SGLT2 inhibitors.

Conclusions

Real‐world adherence and persistence to SGLT2 inhibitors is poor. Hence, targets for improving treatment adherence and persistence need to be identified and appropriate interventions implemented.
On the morphology of radial sand ridges
Authors: Zhang Weina , Zhang Xiaohe , Huang Huiming , Wang Yigang , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: May 2020

We use a hydrodynamic model applied to an idealized fan‐shaped basin to explore the morphology and dynamics of radial sand ridges in a convergent coastal system. A positive morphological feedback between channel incision and flow redistribution is responsible for the formation of the channel‐ridge pattern. The selection mechanism of bottom wavelength is associated with flow concentration in the deeper part of the channels. Our results are compared to sediment and hydraulic dynamics in the radial sand ridges (RSRs) in China. In a convergent, sloping basin the tangentially averaged tidal velocity peaks at 47 km from the apex. This distance is similar to the arc distance, 62 km, where the RSRs are most incised. An offshore shift in tidal phase results in stronger flows near the north coastline, explaining the presence of asymmetric channel patterns. A numerical stability analysis indicates that small radial oscillations with a wavelength of 10° to 15° maximize the velocity in the troughs. This oscillation wavelength also emerges in the RSRs, which display a peak in spectral energy at a radial wavelength between 25° to 37.5°. High‐resolution numerical simulations in the RSRs confirm that flow concentration occurs in the deeper part of the channels, keeping them flushed. We therefore conclude that the RSRs display morphometric characteristics similar to other tidal incisions, like tidal inlets and intertidal channels. This result further supports the dominant role of tidal prism and related peak velocities in incising coastal landscapes. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A distributed collaborative trust service recommender system for secure cloud computing
Authors: Benjula Anbu Malar M. B. , Prabhu J.
Published: May 2020

A model for providing solutions to the security issue of the cloud computing environment is addressed in this article by proposing a distributed collaborative trust service recommender (DTSR) system. DTSRs are kept in a distributed manner spread over the clouds, and they are used to extract raw trust from different sources. This trust information is based on the feedback by cloud service user's observation about the adherence of a cloud service provider (CSP) to a service level agreement for the cloud‐based service provided. Using this trust data, the overall trust of CSPs is computed by using collaborative computation. The trust values are propagated among the distributed DTSRs in the network so that the trust values are available to everyone in the cloud environment. Experiments were conducted, which clearly shows that our proposed system is useful in providing a secure multicloud environment.
Microglia influence host defense, disease, and repair following murine coronavirus infection of the central nervous system
Authors: Mangale Vrushali , Syage Amber R. , Ekiz H. Atakan , Skinner Dominic D. , Cheng Yuting , Stone Colleen L. , Brown R. Marshall , O'Connell Ryan M. , Green Kim N. , Lane Thomas E.
Published: May 2020

The present study examines functional contributions of microglia in host defense, demyelination, and remyelination following infection of susceptible mice with a neurotropic coronavirus. Treatment with PLX5622, an inhibitor of colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) that efficiently depletes microglia, prior to infection of the central nervous system (CNS) with the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) resulted in increased mortality compared with control mice that correlated with impaired control of viral replication. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNASeq) of CD45+ cells isolated from the CNS revealed that PLX5622 treatment resulted in muted CD4+ T cell activation profile that was associated with decreased expression of transcripts encoding MHC class II and CD86 in macrophages but not dendritic cells. Evaluation of spinal cord demyelination revealed a marked increase in white matter damage in PLX5622‐treated mice that corresponded with elevated expression of transcripts encoding disease‐associated proteins Osteopontin (Spp1), Apolipoprotein E (Apoe), and Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2) that were enriched within macrophages. In addition, PLX5622 treatment dampened expression of Cystatin F (Cst7), Insulin growth factor 1 (Igf1), and lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) within macrophage populations which have been implicated in promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue and this was associated with impaired remyelination. Collectively, these findings argue that microglia tailor the CNS microenvironment to enhance control of coronavirus replication as well as dampen the severity of demyelination and influence repair.
Network connectivity predicts language processing in healthy adults
Authors: Tomasi Dardo , Volkow Nora D.
Published: May 2020

Brain imaging has been used to predict language skills during development and neuropathology but its accuracy in predicting language performance in healthy adults has been poorly investigated. To address this shortcoming, we studied the ability to predict reading accuracy and single‐word comprehension scores from rest‐ and task‐based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) datasets of 424 healthy adults. Using connectome‐based predictive modeling, we identified functional brain networks with >400 edges that predicted language scores and were reproducible in independent data sets. To simplify these complex models we identified the overlapping edges derived from the three task‐fMRI sessions (language, working memory, and motor tasks), and found 12 edges for reading recognition and 11 edges for vocabulary comprehension that accounted for 20% of the variance of these scores, both in the training sample and in the independent sample. The overlapping edges predominantly emanated from language areas within the frontoparietal and default‐mode networks, with a strong precuneus prominence. These findings identify a small subset of edges that accounted for a significant fraction of the variance in language performance that might serve as neuromarkers for neuromodulation interventions to improve language performance or for presurgical planning to minimize language impairments.
Syntheses of Molybdenum and Tungsten Imido Alkylidene Complexes that Contain a Bidentate Oxo/Thiolato Ligand
Authors: Tafazolian Hosein , VenkatRamani Sudarsan , Tsay Charlene , Schrock Richard R. , Müller Peter
Published: May 2020

3,3′,5,5′‐Tetra‐tert‐butyl‐2′‐sulfanyl[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐ol (H2[tBu4OS]) was prepared in 24 % yield overall from the analogous biphenol using standard techniques. Addition of H2[tBu4OS] to Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(2,5‐dimethylpyrrolide)2 led to formation of Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)[tBu4OS], which was trapped with PMe3 to give Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)[tBu4OS](PMe3) (1(PMe3)). An X‐ray crystallographic study of 1(PMe3) revealed that two structurally distinct square pyramidal molecules are present in which the alkylidene ligand occupies the apical position in each. Both 1(PMe3)A and 1(PMe3)B are disordered. Mo(NAd)(CHCMe2Ph)(tBu4OS)(PMe3) (2(PMe3); Ad=1‐adamantyl) and W(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(tBu4OS)(PMe3) (3(PMe3)) were prepared using analogous approaches. 1(PMe3) reacts with ethylene (1 atm) in benzene within 45 minutes to give an ethylene complex Mo(NAr)(tBu4OS)(C2H4) (4) that is isolable and relatively stable toward loss of ethylene below 60 °C. An X‐ray study shows that the bond distances and angles for the ethylene ligand in 4 are like those found for bisalkoxide ethylene complexes of the same general type. Complex 1(PMe3) in the presence of one equivalent of B(C6F5)3 catalyzes the homocoupling of 1‐decene, allyltrimethylsilane, and allylboronic acid pinacol ester at ambient temperature. 1(PMe3), 2(PMe3), and 3(PMe3) all catalyze the ROMP of rac‐endo,exo‐5,6‐dicarbomethoxynorbornene (rac‐DCMNBE) in the presence of B(C6F5)3, but the polyDCMNBE that is formed has a random structure.
A review on deep learning for future smart cities
Authors: Bhattacharya Sweta , Somayaji Siva Rama Krishnan , Gadekallu Thippa Reddy , Alazab Mamoun , Maddikunta Praveen Kumar Reddy
Published: May 2020

The advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) made the concept of Smart Cities into reality. In a smart city several Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are deployed across several locations to collect the data about traffic, drainage, mobility of citizens etc. and the insights gained from these data are used to manage resources, assets etc. effectively. Deep Learning has been used extensively on the data generated by IoT sensors in a smart city by several researchers. In this article an attempt is made to survey several state‐of‐the art on usage of Deep Learning on Smart City data. Several future research directions are suggested at the end of the article.
Single spectrum image denoising via aggregation for intelligent monitoring system
Authors: Wang Jihong , Chen Yongfeng
Published: May 2020

Intelligent monitoring system plays an important role in construction of smart city, but suffers from noise in the captured images. Thus, it is important to remove noise for images before fedding into the intelligent monitoring system. On one hand, most of the non‐local means methods and its variants often oversmooth image details. On the other hand, the transform‐based methods (eg, NSCT) are efficient in preserving the image details (eg, edges), but often result in edge ringing. Hence, how to combine these two types of denoising methods better deserves to be studied. In this paper, we explore the optimal aggregation of the patch‐based method NLM and transform‐based method NSCT. Our method can be divided into three stages. The first stage is in the spatial domain using the NLM method to obtain one smoothing denoised estimator; the second stage is in the NSCT domain using the simple hard thresholding to obtain one edge‐preserving denoised estimator; the final stage explores various aggregations of these obtained denoised estimators to get the final denoised image. Experiments show that PBCT achieves competitive performance compared to the state‐of‐the‐art patch‐based denoising algorithms.
An orchestrated 5G‐enabled deep vCDN system
Authors: Aires João , Duarte Paulo , Parreira Bruno , Figueiredo Sérgio
Published: May 2020

Future 5G services rely on effective end‐to‐end management and orchestration for consistently obtaining 5G network's performance benefits. vCDN systems, which are core to the efficient delivery of multimedia contents, must thus be redesigned accounting for NFV and Service‐based 5G Core for fully enabling optimal infrastructure resource optimization and the Quality of Service for increasingly demanding immersive services. This article proposes a novel orchestration framework for deep and 5G‐enabled vCDN services, and builds on two main capabilities: a) the dynamic provisioning of vCDN Edge nodes, enabling content placement at the network Edge based on nearby user's presence, and b) Preemptive video content placement, for users rapidly moving between different edge regions. The solution was modeled and validated using ONAP.
Microarray analysis reveals that lncRNA PWRN1‐209 promotes human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation on microtopography titanium surface in vitro
Authors: Wang Mingyue , Ge Xiyuan , Zheng Yan , Wang Chenxi , Zhang Yu , Lin Ye
Published: May 2020

Sandblasted, large‐grit, and acid‐etched (SLA) titanium (Ti) with microtopography is currently one of the most widely used implant materials to accelerate osseointegration. Numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been involved in bone remodeling, with their role in osseointegration, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, microarrays of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs during early cell differentiation stages (0–7 days) on SLA Ti and polished Ti surfaces. The function of lncRNAs in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs was identified by RNA silencing and overexpression assays. RT‐PCR and Western blot were used to detect RNA and protein expression. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) protein activity was tested by ALP staining. Altogether, 4112 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified from day 0 to day 7 on SLA Ti with a novel lncRNA, Prader‐willi region non‐coding RNA 1‐209 (PWRN1‐209) upregulated. We then proved that PWRN1‐209 promoted osteogenic differentiation in hBMSCs by genetic tools. The upregulation of PWRN1‐209 was further confirmed to be related to the surface topography of Ti by comparing SLA Ti and polished Ti. Interestingly, this trend seems to have a certain correlation with the mRNA expression level of integrins (α2, αV, β1, β2) and the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Taken together, the lncRNA PWRN1‐209 was upregulated by the SLA microtopography Ti surface, which may regulate osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs through integrin‐FAK‐ALP signaling. Our results provide new insights into the relationship between surface topography and osseointergration.
Neuroprotective activities of bacopa, lycopene, astaxanthin, and vitamin B12 combination on oxidative stress‐dependent neuronal death
Authors: Castelli Vanessa , Melani Francesco , Ferri Claudio , d'Angelo Michele , Catanesi Mariano , Grassi Davide , Benedetti Elisabetta , Giordano Antonio , Cimini Annamaria , Desideri Giovambattista
Published: May 2020

Oxidative stress is considered the common effector of the cascade of degenerative events in many neurological conditions. Thus, in this paper we tested different nutraceuticals in H2O2 in vitro model to understand if could represent an adjuvant treatment for neurological diseases. In this study, nutraceuticals bacopa, lycopene, astaxanthin, and vitamin B12 were used alone or in combination in human neuronal differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells upon hydrogen peroxide‐induced injury and neuroprotective, neuronal death pathways were analyzed. The nutraceuticals analyzed were able to protect H2O2 cytotoxic effects, through increasing cell viability and proteins involved in neuroprotection pathways and restoring proteins involved in cell death pathways. On this basis, it is possible to propose the use of these compounds as dietary supplement for the prevention or as adjuvant to the only symptomatic treatments so far available for neurodegenerative diseases.
Mid‐trimester fetal facial dysmorphology associated with 2p25.3 microdeletion
Authors: Sherer David M. , Hsieh Vicky , Granderson Freeda , Aroh Blessing , Dalloul Mudar
Published: May 2020

We describe unusual mid‐trimester sonography of subtle fetal facial dysmorphic features including; flattened nasofrontal angle with an almost vertically positioned nasal bone, acute nasolabial angle, and convexity of the maxillary areas in a fetus with otherwise normal anatomy. Microarray identified a 64.5 KB interstitial deletion of 2q25.3, which includes one exon of MYT1L. Mutations and deletions in MTY1L have been associated with autosomal dominant intellectual disability, autistic features, and obesity. Association of these features and 2p25.3 microdeletion has not been reported previously. This case emphasizes the importance of detailed microarray analysis following the sonographic recognition of subtle fetal dysmorphic features.
Trends and variability of precipitation extremes in the Peruvian Altiplano (1971–2013)
Authors: Huerta Adrian , Lavado‐Casimiro Waldo
Published: May 2020

Precipitation extremes have been investigated throughout the last decades in different regions of the Andes. However, little attention has been paid to the Altiplano region (Central Andes), especially to the Peruvian Altiplano (PA) that represents a complex area and is highly vulnerable to extreme events, such as floods and droughts, driven by the strong variability of precipitation. This study focuses on the analysis of 11 extreme precipitation indices (EPIs) in the period 1971–2013. In this context, commonly used statistical trend and break analyses were applied and a false discovery procedure was used in order to reduce the number of artificial significant tests. Additionally, the relative dominance of precipitation frequency and intensity in interannual precipitation datasets was determined. Finally, the correlation between EPIs and six oceanic‐atmospheric indices were analysed. The results indicate that there is no significant global trend towards wet or dry conditions in the PA, although a signal of a more slightly decrease of precipitation is presented in the Southern PA. Additionally, interannual variability of total precipitation is mainly dominated by precipitation frequency. The Central Tropical Pacific sea surface temperature plays a major role for the maximum and average length of wet periods as well as for total precipitation. This finding is particularly relevant for the southwestern PA. Our results have important implications for risk management and adaptation planning related to extreme hydrological events in the PA.
Corrosion initiation of Hastelloy C‐2000 in an HCl‐polluted atmosphere
Authors: Lequien Florence , Moine Gervaise , Tosi Jérôme
Published: May 2020

In this study, welded and non‐welded Hastelloy C‐2000 samples are tested at room temperature in HCl environments, with two experiments: one in hydrochloric acid solutions and one in HCl vapor/condensate phases. In the hydrochloric acid solutions, there is no corrosion after more than 900 hr of exposure. In the humid air polluted by HCl, corrosion occurs in the form of an intergranular attack at the metal grain boundaries. In the weld bead zone, areas rich in molybdenum and depleted of nickel seem to be less susceptible to corrosion than the zones depleted of molybdenum and rich in nickel. This study highlights that Hastelloy C‐2000, exposed to HCl vapor/condensate phases, is more penalizing than when immersed in an HCl solution, which is due to the presence of oxygen.
Algebraicity of analytic maps to a hyperbolic variety
Authors: Javanpeykar Ariyan , Kucharczyk Robert
Published: May 2020

Let X be a complex algebraic variety. We say that X is Borel hyperbolic if, for every finite type reduced scheme S over the complex numbers, every holomorphic map from S to X is algebraic. We use a transcendental specialization technique to prove that X is Borel hyperbolic if and only if, for every smooth affine complex algebraic curve C, every holomorphic map from C to X is algebraic. We use the latter result to prove that Borel hyperbolicity shares many common features with other notions of hyperbolicity such as Kobayashi hyperbolicity.
Exact controllability for some degenerate wave equations
Authors: Bai Jinyan , Chai Shugen
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we study one‐dimensional linear degenerate wave equations with a distributed controller. We establish observability inequalities for degenerate wave equation by multiplier method. We also deduce the exact controllability for degenerate wave equation by Hilbert uniqueness method when the control acts on the nondegenerate boundary. Moreover, an explicit expression for the controllability time is given.
Construction of a new class of Bézier‐like curves
Authors: Yilmaz Ceylan Ayse
Published: May 2020

The goal of this paper is to define a new Bézier‐like curve, which has many applications in computer graphics and related areas. By applying an integral approach, we construct a new Bézier‐like basis in the space
. Using Bézier‐like basis, we define Bézier‐like curves. We then compare the Bezie‐like basis and curves with the classical Bézier basis and curves, respectively.
Cranberries after pelvic floor surgery for urinary tract infection prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mooren Ellen S. , Liefers Willem J. , de Leeuw Jan W.
Published: May 2020

Aims

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common complication after pelvic floor surgery. Antibiotics as prophylaxis may reduce the prevalence of UTI's by 50%, but bacterial resistance may be a large disadvantage, necessitating the search for other possible prophylactic options. Recent research found a 50% reduction in the rate of UTI's with the use of cranberry capsules after elective gynecologic surgery, suggesting that cranberry capsules may serve as a good prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to assess whether perioperative cranberry prophylaxis reduces the risk of clinical overt UTI after elective pelvic floor surgery with indwelling catheter.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Women were given cranberry capsules twice daily or identical placebo for 6 weeks, starting the day before surgery. The main endpoint of the trial was the incidence of UTI within 6 weeks after surgery, defined as clinical diagnosis and treatment of UTI by the medical doctor. Analyses were performed with the intention to treat.

Results

Two hundred ten participants were included, 105 in each arm. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of UTI between the cranberry arm (n = 13, 12.4%) and the placebo arm (n = 21, 20.0%; P = .13), but the prevalence in both arms was lower than anticipated.

Conclusions

This trial shows no beneficial effect of adequately dosed cranberry prophylaxis in women undergoing pelvic floor surgery, although such effect cannot be ruled out in settings with a higher prevalence of UTI's.
Re‐evaluation of birth trends and pregnancy complications among female urologists: Have we made any progress?
Authors: Scott Victoria C. S. , Lerner Lori B. , Eilber Karyn S. , Anger Jennifer T. , Ackerman A. Lenore
Published: May 2020

Aims

Females are becoming surgeons at ever‐increasing rates and doing so while many have or wish to have children. This study follows up on a 2007 effort to study the problems and conditions such women faced. We ask here if these challenges are different after a decade that included changes in working rules.

Methods

A survey was sent to all female American Board of Urology diplomates. Birth trends, pregnancy complications, infertility service requirements, and satisfaction were evaluated in respondents (n = 183) and compared to the previous survey of female urologists who completed residency before August 2007 as well as Center for Disease Control data.

Results

Seventy‐six physicians completed the survey who were residents before 2007, while 107 replied who experienced residency after. The first group's average age was 50.2 and the second's 38.3. Overall, these women gave birth 6 to 7 years later than the US mean. Complications did not decrease, infertility occurred at similar levels, and both were higher than US norms. Length of maternity leave correlated with respondents' level of overall satisfaction. The most positive responses came from those with more than 8 weeks off (P = .002).

Conclusions

Women practicing in urology gave birth later, had greater fertility issues, used assisted reproductive technology (ART) more and reported a higher level of at least one complication during pregnancy than American women overall. Changes in hours and awareness of this issue have not made giving birth a healthier event for these physicians. Further investigation into factors other than work hours is needed.
Efficient grid deformation using deterministic sampling‐based data reduction
Authors: Cho Haeseong , Kim Haedong , Shin SangJoon
Published: May 2020

Spring analogies and the point‐by‐point interpolating approaches have been widely used for the grid deformation, and both require solution of a linear system of equations. Depending on the problem, the resulting system of equations may be defined by a large‐dimensional matrix. Thus, sampling for a subset of the grids is essential in order to achieve an efficient grid deformation. This article presents an efficient grid deformation algorithm developed via deterministic data sampling. From the position data of the deformed grids, proper orthogonal decomposition and discrete empirical interpolation method are employed to define the subset of the grids. Herein, symmetric rank‐one update is considered to choose the additional grids (oversampling). And it facilitates the deterministic data sampling approach and realizes the improved stability within the data reduction procedure. Such deterministic data sampling approach is applied to the moving submesh approach and radial basis function (RBF) interpolations. Specifically, for an RBF interpolation, boundaries of a deformable body are directly introduced within the data reduction procedure to improve the computational efficiency. Two‐ and three‐dimensional examples are used to evaluate the relevant computational efficiency of the proposed methods. It is found that computational time consumed by the present method is two orders of magnitude smaller than that of the existing method while maintaining the quality of the deformed grids.
Study of thermomechanical coupling in carbon fibers woven‐ply reinforced thermoplastic laminates: Tensile behavior under radiant heat flux
Authors: Carpier Yann , Vieille Benoit , Coppalle Alexis , Barbe Fabrice
Published: May 2020

The present work focuses on the thermomechanical behavior of carbon fibers woven‐ply polyphenylene sulfide (PPS thermoplastic)‐based composite materials subjected to the combined action of a tensile mechanical loading and one‐side heat flux (40‐60 kW/m2) representative of fire exposure. An experimental bench was specifically designed to provide an insight in the coupling between a medium heat flux thermal aggression and a tensile mechanical loading (either in monotonic or creep mode) within quasi‐isotropic C/PPS laminates. When subjected to a monotonic tensile loading, a 50% increase in the heat flux lead to a 50% increase of the temperature at the exposed surface resulting in a 10% decrease in the maximum load borne by the laminates. When subjected to a creep loading at 60 kW/m2 (worst case scenario with the cone calorimeter), by dividing by 2.6 the applied creep stress (from 31% to 12% of the ultimate strength ), it results in a time‐to‐failure multiplied by 2.5. The temperature distribution on the exposed and back surfaces are measured to evaluate the influence of PPS matrix melting, pyrolysis, and fibers oxidation on the stress redistribution within the laminates plies.
Psychometric evaluation of the Brazilian version of the pediatric asthma control and communication instrument
Authors: Santino Thayla Amorim , de França Mendes Alves Raquel Emanuele , Monteiro Karolinne Souza , Okelo Sande O. , Patino Cecília M. , Alchieri João Carlos , Mendonça Karla Morganna P. P.
Published: May 2020

Background

There is a lack of questionnaires capable of evaluating the clinical control of Brazilian children and adolescents with asthma over a wide age range. The Pediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument (PACCI) has been validated, but only with English‐ and Spanish‐speaking children in the United States.

Objectives

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the PACCI questionnaire.

Methods

A cross‐sectional psychometric study conducted with children and adolescents aged 01 to 19 years with a clinical diagnosis of asthma, and their respective parents/guardians. The following assessments were conducted: socioeconomic status; clinical control using the Childhood Asthma Control Test (c‐ACT), Asthma Control Test (ACT); caregiver quality of life using the Pediatric Asthma Caregivers Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ); and pulmonary function test (spirometry). Validity was evaluated as follows: exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis; Cronbach's alpha analysis (α); floor and ceiling effects; receiver operator characteristic curve analysis.

Results

A total of 128 participants were included, most of them male (54.7%). The Brazilian version of PACCI had adequate internal consistency (α = .76) and moderate floor and ceiling effects. The internal structure presented acceptable adjustment indices, considering the extraction of four factors. The factors presented adequate α values. Asthma control factor 1 correlated with c‐ACT/ACT and PACQLQ. Control domain scores greater than four points (sum of score) and above 1 point (problem index) were indicative of uncontrolled asthma.

Conclusion

The Brazilian version of PACCI was able to provide valid and reliable measures in evaluating the clinical control of asthma in Brazilian children and adolescents.
Docetaxel suppresses immunotherapy efficacy of natural killer cells toward castration‐resistant prostate cancer cells via altering androgen receptor‐lectin‐like transcript 1 signals
Authors: Tang Min , Gao Shenglin , Zhang Lei , Liu Bianjiang , Li Jie , Wang Zengjun , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2020

Background

Docetaxel is an effective first‐line chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients. However, most times chemotherapy with docetaxel eventually fails due to the development of docetaxel resistance. Natural killer (NK) cells are the first line of defense against cancer and infections. NK cell function is determined by a delicate balance between signals received via activating and inhibitory receptors. The aim of this study is to explore whether the potential docetaxel‐resistant mechanism is associated with impaired NK cell cytotoxicity toward CRPC cells.

Methods

By performing MTT assay, we explored the role of docetaxel in regulating NK cells' cytotoxicity. Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to measure messenger RNA and protein levels separately. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were performed to analyze the mechanism.

Results

We found that docetaxel could suppress the immunotherapy efficacy of NK cells toward CRPC cells via the androgen receptor (AR)‐lectin‐like transcript 1 (LLT1) signals in vitro. Analysis of the mechanism revealed that docetaxel functioned through increasing AR to upregulate LLT1 expression in CRPC cells. AR transcriptionally activated LLT1 expression by binding to its promoter region. Furthermore, targeting AR with ASC‐J9 or blocking LL1 by anti‐human LLT1 monoclonal antibody could reverse the suppressive effect of docetaxel on the immunotherapy efficacy of NK cells toward CRPC cells.

Conclusions

We concluded that chemotherapy agent docetaxel could increase AR that transcriptionally regulated the expression of NK inhibitory ligand LLT1 on CRPC cells. An increase of LL1 may further suppress the immunological efficacy of NK cells to kill CRPC cells. Additionally, targeting AR or blocking LL1 could enhance the immunotherapy efficacy of NK cells toward CRPC cells which might be considered as a new therapeutic option for the prevention or treatment of docetaxel resistance.
RGS2 is prognostic for development of castration resistance and cancer‐specific survival in castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Linder Anna , Larsson Karin , Welén Karin , Damber Jan‐Erik
Published: May 2020

Background

Regulator of G‐protein signaling 2 (RGS2) is a multifaceted protein with a prognostic value in hormone‐naïve prostate cancer (PC). It has previously been associated with the development of castration resistance. However, RGS2 expression in clinical specimens of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and its clinical relevance has not been explored. In the present study, RGS2 was assessed in CRPC and in relation to the development of castration resistance.

Methods

In the present study, RGS2 expression was evaluated with immunohistochemistry in patient materials of hormone‐naïve and castration‐resistant primary tumors, also in matched specimens before and after 3 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier curves were used to evaluate the clinical significance of RGS2 expression. RGS2 expression in association to castration‐resistant growth was assessed experimentally in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of CRPC. In vitro, hormone depletion of LNCaP and enzalutamide treatment of LNCaP, 22Rv1, and VCaP was performed to evaluate the association between RGS2 and the androgen receptor (AR). Stable RGS2 knockdown was used to evaluate the impact of RGS2 in association to PC cell growth under hormone‐reduced conditions. Gene and protein expression were evaluated with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively.

Results

RGS2 expression is increased in CRPC and enriched under ADT. Furthermore, a high RGS2 level is prognostic for poor cancer‐specific survival for CRPC patients and significantly reduced failure‐free survival (FFS) after an initiated ADT. Additionally, the prognostic value of RGS2 outperforms prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) in terms of FFS. The present study furthermore suggests that RGS2 expression is reflective of AR activity. Moreover, low RGS2‐expressing cells display hampered growth under hormone‐reduced conditions, in line with the poor prognosis associated with high RGS2 expression.

Conclusions

High levels of RGS2 are associated with aggressive forms of castration‐resistant PC. The results demonstrate that a high level of RGS2 is associated with poor prognosis in association with castration‐resistant PC growth. RGS2 alone, or in association with PSA, has the potential to identify patients that require additional treatment at an early stage during ADT.
Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors attenuate virus‐induced activation of eosinophils from asthmatics without affecting virus binding
Authors: Sabogal Piñeros Yanaika Shari , Dekker Tamara , Smids Barbara , Majoor Christof J. , Ravanetti Lara , Villetti Gino , Civelli Maurizio , Facchinetti Fabrizio , Lutter René
Published: May 2020

Acute respiratory virus infections, such as influenza and RSV, are predominant causes of asthma exacerbations. Eosinophils act as a double‐edged sword in exacerbations in that they are activated by viral infections but also can capture and inactivate respiratory viruses. Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) is abundantly expressed by eosinophils and has been implicated in their activation. This exploratory study aims to determine whether these opposing roles of eosinophils activation of eosinophils upon interaction with virus can be modulated by selective PDE4 inhibitors and whether eosinophils from healthy, moderate and severe asthmatic subjects respond differently. Eosinophils were purified by negative selection from blood and subsequently exposed to RSV or influenza. Prior to exposure to virus, eosinophils were treated with vehicle or selective PDE4 inhibitors CHF6001 and GSK256066. After 18 hours of exposure, influenza, but not RSV, increased CD69 and CD63 expression by eosinophils from each group, which were inhibited by PDE4 inhibitors. ECP release, although not stimulated by virus, was also attenuated by PDE4 inhibitors. Eosinophils showed an increased Nox2 activity upon virus exposure, which was less pronounced in eosinophils derived from mild and severe asthmatics and was counteracted by PDE4 inhibitors. PDE4 inhibitors had no effect on binding of virus by eosinophils from each group. Our data indicate that PDE4 inhibitors can attenuate eosinophil activation, without affecting virus binding. By attenuating virus‐induced responses, PDE4 inhibitors may mitigate virus‐induced asthma exacerbations.
Isothermal titration calorimetry as a useful tool to examine adsorption mechanisms of phosphate on gibbsite at various solution conditions
Authors: Hong Zhi‐neng , Yan Jing , Jiang Jun , Li Jiu‐yu , Xu Ren‐kou
Published: May 2020

Despite extensive prior work with batch and spectroscopic methods, little information is available about adsorption thermodynamics of phosphate (P) on Al (oxyhydr)oxides. Here we directly quantified for the first time the adsorption heat of P on gibbsite at varying pH (3.0–9.0) and ionic strength (IS, 1–100 mM) with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The obtained thermograms showed a strong effect of pH but a negligible influence of IS on the adsorption thermodynamics. Coupled with results from other methods including batch experiment, in‐situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance, the ITC data revealed contrasting mechanisms for P adsorption at pH 9.0 and 3.0. At pH 9.0, P adsorption was probably initiated by a reaction of P with Al(OH)4− (originated from the solubilization of gibbsite) with high equilibrium constant (k) and small exothermic enthalpy change (ΔH), followed by a ligand exchange between P and the > Al–O− (Al hydroxyl groups on gibbsite surface) with low k and relatively large exothermic ΔH. In contrast, P adsorption at pH 3.0 likely underwent a fast ligand exchange between P and the > Al‐OH2+ on gibbsite surface with high k and exothermic ΔH and then a slow surface precipitation of P with Al3+ due to gibbsite solubilization with low k and endothermic ΔH. This study provides complementary information to the prior knowledge on P adsorption on (hydr)oxides and demonstrates how to use ITC in combination with other methods for mechanistic examination of ions adsorption on the surfaces of soils and sediments.
A robust and unified framework for estimating heritability in twin studies using generalized estimating equations
Authors: Arbet Jaron , McGue Matt , Basu Saonli
Published: May 2020

The ‘heritability’ of a phenotype measures the proportion of trait variance due to genetic factors in a population. In the past 50 years, studies with monozygotic and dizygotic twins have estimated heritability for 17,804 traits;1 thus twin studies are popular for estimating heritability. Researchers are often interested in estimating heritability for non‐normally distributed outcomes such as binary, counts, skewed or heavy‐tailed continuous traits. In these settings, the traditional normal ACE model (NACE) and Falconer's method can produce poor coverage of the true heritability. Therefore, we propose a robust generalized estimating equations (GEE2) framework for estimating the heritability of non‐normally distributed outcomes. The traditional NACE and Falconer's method are derived within this unified GEE2 framework, which additionally provides robust standard errors. Although the traditional Falconer's method cannot adjust for covariates, the corresponding ‘GEE2‐Falconer’ can incorporate mean and variance‐level covariate effects (e.g. let heritability vary by sex or age). Given a non‐normally distributed outcome, the GEE2 models are shown to attain better coverage of the true heritability compared to traditional methods. Finally, a scenario is demonstrated where NACE produces biased estimates of heritability while Falconer remains unbiased. Therefore, we recommend GEE2‐Falconer for estimating the heritability of non‐normally distributed outcomes in twin studies.
Exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus rhamnosus KL37 Inhibits T Cell-dependent Immune Response in Mice
Authors: Nowak Bernadeta , Śróttek Małgorzata , Ciszek-Lenda Marta , Skałkowska Anna , Gamian Andrzej , Górska Sabina , Marcinkiewicz Janusz
Published: May 2020

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs), major components of the bacterial biofilm, display strong strain-specific immunomodulatory properties. Previously, we have shown that crude EPS derived fromLactobacillus rhamnosusKL37 depresses the production of arthritogenic anti-collagen IgG and ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice, when lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used as adjuvant. In this study, we used highly purified EPS fromL. rhamnosusKL37 (EPS-37) to verify its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to suppress T cell-dependent humoral response. We have employed the model of active CIA, in which mice immunized with type II collagen (CII) along with LPS were treated with pure EPS-37. Intravenous administration of purified EPS-37 markedly ameliorated arthritis and reduced CII-specific antibody production. EPS-37 injected subcutaneously reduced the clinical symptoms of CIA but without the reduction of arthritogenic antibodies. In addition, the effect of EPS-37 on T-cell functions was tested ex vivo and in vitro.EPS-37 inhibited the in vitro proliferation of T cells activated both in vivo (CII immunization) and in vitro (antigen/mitogen), and markedly reduced the production of interferon (IFN)-γ. These results together with other reports suggest that anti-inflammatory potential of EPS-37 depends on its ability to inhibit either one or the other or both possible inflammatory signaling pathways. Namely, Th1 → IFN-γ → M1 inflammatory macrophages → arthritis and/or Th1 → IFN-γ → B cells → arthritogenic antibodies → arthritis. We suggest thatL. rhamnosusKL37 EPS might be utilized to control T cell-dependent immune responses in various inflammatory diseases. However, the most effective route of EPS-37 administration needs to be tailored for a given disorder.
Chancen und Risiken der Digitalisierung in den beruflichen Tätigkeitsfeldern Pflegen, Betreuen und Heilen
Authors: Tisch Anita , Meyer Sophie-Charlotte
Published: May 2020

Die Digitalisierung hält zunehmend Einzug in die Arbeitswelt. Obwohl nicht damit zu rechnen ist, dass menschliche Arbeit zeitnah durch Computer und Maschinen ersetzt wird, ist dennoch anzunehmen, dass sich menschliche Arbeit verändert. Diese Veränderungen werden weniger auf Branchen- und Berufsebene erwartet und vielmehr auf der Ebene der Tätigkeiten.

Der vorliegende Beitrag diskutiert zunächst allgemein, welche Anforderungen im Zuge der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung an Bedeutung gewinnen. Hierbei wird davon ausgegangen, dass der technologische Wandel ähnliche Anforderungen nach sich zieht wie organisationale Restrukturierungsprozesse. Anschließend wird für das Tätigkeitsfeld „Pflegen, Betreuen, Heilen“ dargestellt, mit welchen Anforderungen Beschäftigte mit einem hohen Anteil dieser Tätigkeiten konfrontiert sind. Als Datengrundlage dient die Erwerbstätigenbefragung, die gemeinsam vom Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB) und der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) durchgeführt wird und einen Vergleich der Jahre 2006, 2012 und 2018 ermöglicht.

Die Tätigkeiten des Pflegens, Betreuens und Heilens sind durch eine hohe Arbeitsintensität und durch körperlich belastende Tätigkeiten geprägt. Obwohl allgemein von einem Rückgang körperlicher Belastungen ausgegangen wird, ist dies in dem untersuchten Tätigkeitsbereich bislang nicht zu beobachten. Bezüglich der Ressource des Handlungsspielraums zeigen sich keine eindeutigen Ergebnisse. Insgesamt lässt sich festhalten, dass sich die betrachteten Arbeitsanforderungen des Tätigkeitsfeldes des Pflegens, Betreuens und Heilens über die Zeit als vergleichsweise stabil erweisen. Die Gestaltung guter Arbeitsbedingungen in Pflege‑, Betreuungs- und Heilberufen sollte sowohl bestehende Herausforderungen als auch neue und durch die zunehmende Digitalisierung an Bedeutung gewinnende Faktoren berücksichtigen.
Quality of life outcomes for people with serious mental illness living in supported accommodation: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Harrison Michele , Singh Roy Anusua , Hultqvist Jenny , Pan Ay-Woan , McCartney Deborah , McGuire Nicola , Irvine Fitzpatrick Linda , Forsyth Kirsty
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of quality of life (QoL) outcomes for people with serious mental illness living in three types of supported accommodation.

Methods

Studies were identified that described QoL outcomes for people with serious mental illness living in supported accommodation in six electronic databases. We applied a random-effects model to derive the meta-analytic results.

Results

13 studies from 7 countries were included, with 3276 participants receiving high support (457), supported housing (1576) and floating outreach (1243). QoL outcomes related to wellbeing, living conditions and social functioning were compared between different supported accommodation types. Living condition outcomes were better for people living in supported housing ($$g$$
g
= − 0.31; CI = [− 0.47; − 0.16]) and floating outreach ($$g$$
g
= − 0.95; CI = [− 1.30; − 0.61]) compared to high-support accommodation, with a medium effect size for living condition outcomes between supported housing and floating outreach ($$g$$
g
= − 0.40; CI = [− 0.82; 0.03]), indicating that living conditions are better for people living in floating outreach. Social functioning outcomes were significant for people living in supported housing compared to high support ($$g$$
g
= − 0.37; CI = [− 0.65; − 0.09]), with wellbeing outcomes not significant between the three types of supported accommodation.

Conclusion

There is evidence that satisfaction with living conditions differs across supported accommodation types. The results suggest there is a need to focus on improving social functioning and wellbeing outcomes for people with serious mental illness across supported accommodation types.
Variational regularization of damage models based on the emulated RVE
Authors: Schwarz Stephan , Junker Philipp , Hackl Klaus
Published: May 2020

Material models exhibiting softening effects due to damage or localization share the problem of leading to ill-posed boundary value problems that lead to physically meaningless, mesh-dependent finite element results. It is thus necessary to apply regularization techniques that couple local behavior, described, e.g., by internal variables, at a spatial level. The common way to do this is to take into account higher gradients of the field variables, thus introducing an internal length scale. In this paper, we suggest a different approach to regularization that does not make use of any nonlocal enhancement like the inclusion of higher gradients or integration over local sub-domains nor of any classical viscous effects. Instead we perform an appropriate relaxation of the (condensed) free energy in a time-incremental setting which leads to a modified energy that is coercive and satisfies quasiconvexity in an approximate way. Thus, in every time increment a regular boundary value problem is solved. The proposed approach holds the same advantage as other methods, but with less numerical effort. We start with the theoretical derivation, discuss a rate-independent version of the proposed model and present details of the numerical treatment. Finally, we give finite element results that demonstrate the efficiency of this new approach.