bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for measuring glycerol-blanked triglyceride concentrations by using gas chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry
Authors: Koyama Isao , Imano Hironori , Nakamura Masakazu , Kitamura Akihiko , Kiyama Masahiko , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: April 2020

Background

Serum triglyceride concentrations are measured as total glycerides content in many Western countries. In Japan, glycerol-blanked triglycerides (TG-GB) are measured to identify postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia and to minimize the influence of glycerol formulation on serum triglyceride values. However, TG-GB measurements have not been standardized. Therefore, we developed an efficient quantification system for total glycerides and free glycerol that allows the calculation of TG-GB concentrations.

Methods

We measured total glycerides and free glycerol in human serum by using gas chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry and compared its performance to the reference method of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Results

Our practical method of total glycerides and free glycerol quantification achieved excellent precision for both within-run and among-run coefficients of variation (<1.5% and <2.7%, respectively), with an average recovery of 99.8% for free glycerol. However, we noted an average %bias of –0.26% for total glycerides and –3.15% for free glycerol between our TG-GB method and the CDC reference method.

Conclusions

This practical method of total glycerides and free glycerol quantification enables traceability assessment of TG-GB measurements. Differences between the output values of TG-GB and the CDC reference method might result from the differences in free glycerol values.
Polo-like kinase 1 as a promising diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yousef Eman H. , El-Mesery Mohamed E , Habeeb Maha R , Eissa Laila A
Published: April 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma depends mainly on its early diagnosis. To date, the performance of traditional biomarkers is unsatisfactory. Polo-like kinase 1 is a serine/threonine kinase that plays essential roles in cell cycle progression and deoxyribonucleic acid damage. Moreover, polo-like kinase 1 knockdown decreases the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma cells; therefore, polo-like kinase 1 is an attractive target for anticancer treatments. Nobiletin, a natural polymethoxy flavonoid, exhibits a potential antiproliferative effect against a wide variety of cancers. This study targets to identify a reliable diagnostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma and provide a potential therapeutic target for its treatment. Polo-like kinase 1 levels were analyzed in 44 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 33 non-hepatocellular carcinoma liver cirrhosis patients and 15 healthy controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to establish a predictive model for polo-like kinase 1 relative to α-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis. Furthermore, in the in vitro study, gene expressions were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in two human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines after treatment with doxorubicin and polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor volasertib (Vola) either alone or in combination with nobiletin. Cell viability was also determined using the crystal violet assay.: Serum polo-like kinase 1 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were significantly higher than liver cirrhosis and control groups (p < 0.0001). Polo-like kinase 1 showed a reasonable sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis. Moreover, nobiletin improved inhibition of cell growth induced by Vola and doxorubicin. Regarding reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results, nobiletin suppressed expressions of polo-like kinase 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen and elevated expressions of P53, poly (ADPribose) polymerase 1, and caspase-3. Nobiletin/doxorubicin and nobiletin/Vola showed a significant increase in caspase-3 activity indicating cell apoptosis. Polo-like kinase 1 may be a potential biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and follow-up during treatment with chemotherapies. In addition, nobiletin synergistically potentiates the doxorubicin and Vola-mediated anticancer effect that may be attributed partly to suppression of polo-like kinase 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and enhancement of chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.
Pyridoxamine alleviates mechanical allodynia by suppressing the spinal receptor for advanced glycation end product-nuclear factor-κB/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway in diabetic rats
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xu Li , Chen Weiyun , Yu Xuerong , Shen Le , Huang Yuguang
Published: April 2020

Diabetic neuropathic pain is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and requires a substantial amount of societal resources. Pyridoxamine is an inhibitor of advanced glycation and lipoxidation end products. Several animal and clinical studies have confirmed that pyridoxamine can inhibit a range of pathological changes in diabetes-induced organ injury and alleviate certain kinds of neuropathic pain. However, no studies have attempted to explore the effects of pyridoxamine on diabetic neuropathic pain. We conducted animal experiments to examine whether pyridoxamine could alleviate diabetic neuropathic pain and to explore the mechanism underlying these effects. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the normal + sterile water group, diabetic + sterile water group, diabetic + pyridoxamine100 group, diabetic +pyridoxamine200 group, diabetic + pyridoxamine400 group, or normal + pyridoxamine group. The rats in the diabetic +pyridoxamine100, diabetic + pyridoxamine200, diabetic + pyridoxamine400, and normal + pyridoxamine groups received pyridoxamine at dosages of 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, 400 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively, via intragastric administration. The rats in the other groups received water daily. Pyridoxamine alleviated diabetic neuropathic pain at least partially by suppressing the activity of the spinal receptor for advanced glycation end products-nuclear factor-κB/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway; additionally, pyridoxamine decreased advanced glycation end product-modified low-density lipoprotein, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and interleukin-1β levels in the serum. The immunofluorescence staining results revealed that most phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB was localized to neuronal cells and not to microglia or astrocytes; this pattern may be associated with the upregulated expression of pain-related proteins. The abovementioned results indicate that pyridoxamine is a promising choice for the clinical treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain. Further investigations need to be carried out to confirm the benefits of pyridoxamine.
Association between the rate of fluoroquinolones-resistant gram-negative bacteria and antibiotic consumption from China based on 145 tertiary hospitals data in 2014
Authors: Yang Ping , Chen Yunbo , Jiang Saiping , Shen Ping , Lu Xiaoyang , Xiao Yonghong
Published: April 2020

Background

The purpose of the study is to discuss the correlation between the resistance rate of gram negative bacteria to fluoroquinolones (FQ) and antibiotic consumption intensity of 145 China tertiary hospitals in 2014.

Methods

This retrospective study adopted national monitoring data from 2014. Each participating hospital required to report annual consumption of each antibiotic, and the resistance rate of gram negative bacteria to FQ. Then the correlation between antibiotic usage and fluoroquinolones –resistant (FQR) rate was consequently investigated.

Results

One hundred forty-five hospitals were included in the study, and the median antibiotic consumption intensity was 46.30 (23.93–115.39) defined daily dosages (DDDs) per 100 patient-days. Cephalosporins ranks first in the antibiotics consumption, followed by fluoroquinolones, penicillins, and carbapenems. Fluoroquinolones resistance rate varied from hospital to hospital. The correlation analysis showed significant relationship between the percentage of FQR Escherichia coli and the consumption of FQs (r = 0.308, p<0.01) and levofloxacin (r = 0.252, p<0.01). For FQR Klebsiella pneumoniae, not only FQs (r = 0.291, p<0.01) and levofloxacin (r = 0.260, p<0.01) use but also carbapenems (r = 0.242, p<0.01) and overall antibiotics (r = 0.247, p<0.01) use showed significant correlation. The resistant proportion of FQR Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed to be correlated with the consumption of all antibiotics (r = 0.260, p<0.01), FQs (r = 0.319, p<0.01) and levofloxacin (r = 0.377, p<0.01). The percentage of levofloxacin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii was significantly correlated with the consumption of all antibiotics (r = 0.282, p<0.01), third-generation cephalosporins excluding combinations with beta-lactamase inhibitors (r = 0.246, p<0.01), FQs (r = 0.254, p<0.01) and levofloxacin (r = 0.336, p<0.01). However, the correlation of the ciprofloxacin-resistant A. baumannii and the antibiotics consumption was not found.

Conclusions

A strong correlation was demonstrated between the antibiotic consumption and the rates of FQR gram-negative bacteria. As unreasonable antibiotics usage remains crucial in the proceeding of resistant bacteria selection, our study could greatly promote the avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic usage.
High contribution and impact of resistant gram negative pathogens causing surgical site infections at a multi-hospital healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, 2007–2016
Authors: El-Saed Aiman , Balkhy Hanan H. , Alshamrani Majid M. , Aljohani Sameera , Alsaedi Asim , Al Nasser Wafa , El Gammal Ayman , Almohrij Saad A. , Alyousef Ziyad , Almunif Sara , Alzahrani Mohammad
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite being largely preventable, surgical site infections (SSIs) are still one of the most frequent healthcare-associated infections. The presence of resistant pathogens can further augment their clinical and economic impacts. The objective was to estimate the distribution and resistance in SSI pathogens in Saudi Arabia and to compare them to the US National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) hospitals.

Methods

Targeted SSI surveillance was prospectively conducted on several surgical procedures done between 2007 and 2016 in four hospitals of Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Definitions and methodology of SSI and bacterial resistance were based on NHSN.

Results

A total 492 pathogens causing 403 SSI events were included. The most frequent pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (22.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.1%), Klebsiella spp. (12.2%), and Escherichia coli (12.2%), with marked variability between surgeries. Approximately 30.3% of Staphylococcus aureus was methicillin-resistant (MRSA), 13.0% of Enterococcus spp. was vancomycin-resistant (VRE), and 5.5% of Enterobacteriaceae were carbapenem resistant (CRE). The highest multidrug-resistant (MDR) GNPs were Acinetobacter spp. (58.3%), Klebsiella spp. (20.4%) and Escherichia coli (16.3%). MRSA was significantly less frequent while cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella spp., MDR Klebsiella spp., and MDR Escherichia coli were significantly more frequent in our hospitals compared with NHSN hospitals.

Conclusion

GNPs in a tertiary care setting in Saudi Arabia are responsible for more than 60% of SSI with more resistant patterns than Western countries. This information may be critical to secure resources and ensure support for caregivers and healthcare leaders in implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and evidence-based SSI preventive practices.
A case of successful maintained pregnancy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery for stage IB3 cervical cancer diagnosed at 13 weeks
Authors: Guo Ying , Zhang Dandan , Li Yuhong , Wang Yudong
Published: April 2020

Background

Cervical cancer during pregnancy is rare. The management for stage IB3 during pregnancy remains unclear and challenging. We report a successful preserved pregnancy in a stage IB3 patient who was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) plus radical surgery.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old pregnant woman was diagnosed with a 5-cm-diameter stage IB3 squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix at 13 gestational weeks. The patient received 5 courses of systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel every 3 weeks, followed by caesarean section and radical hysterectomy. Both the mother and infant are in good general condition.

Conclusion

This case suggests that NACT plus radical surgery could be one method to maintain pregnancy in stage IB3 cervical cancer diagnosed as early as 13 gestational weeks.
Intranasal perillyl alcohol therapy improves survival of patients with recurrent glioblastoma harboring mutant variant for MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphism
Authors: Faria Giselle M. , Soares Igor D. P. , D’Alincourt Salazar Marcela , Amorim Marcia R. , Pessoa Bruno L. , da Fonseca Clovis O. , Quirico-Santos Thereza
Published: April 2020

Background

Polymorphisms inMTHFRgene influence risk and overall survival of patients with brain tumor. Global genomic DNA (gDNA) methylation profile from tumor tissues is replicated in peripheral leukocytes. This study aimed to draw a correlation betweenrs1801133 MTHFRvariants, gDNA methylation and overall survival of patients with recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) under perillyl alcohol (POH) treatment.

Methods

gDNA from whole blood was extracted using a commercially available kit (Axygen) and quantified by spectrophotometry. Global gDNA methylation was determined by ELISA andrs1801133polymorphism by PCR-RFLP. Statistical analysis of gDNA methylation profile andrs1801133variants included Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman point-biserial correlation tests (SPSS and Graphpad Prism packages; significant results for effect size higher than 0.4). Prognostic value of gDNA methylation andrs1801133variants considered survival profiles at 25 weeks of POH treatment, having the date of protocol adhesion as starting count and death as the final event.

Results

Most rGBM patients showed global gDNA hypomethylation (median = 31.7%) and a significant, moderate and negative correlation between TT genotype and gDNA hypomethylation (median = 13.35%; rho = − 0.520;p = 0.003) compared to CC variant (median = 32.10%), which was not observed for CT variant (median = 33.34%; rho = − 0.289;p = 0.06). gDNA hypermethylated phenotype (median = 131.90%) exhibited significant, moderate and negative correlations between TT genotype (median = 112.02%) and gDNA hypermethylation levels when compared to CC (median = 132.45%; rho = − 0,450;p = 0.04) or CT (median = 137.80%; rho = − 0.518;p = 0.023) variants. TT variant ofrs1801133significantly decreased gDNA methylation levels for both patient groups, when compared to CC (d values: hypomethylated = 1.189; hypermethylated = 0.979) or CT (d values: hypomethylated = 0.597; hypermethylated = 1.167) variants. Positive prognostic for rGBM patients may be assigned to gDNA hypermethylation for survivors above 25 weeks of treatment (median = 88 weeks); and TT variant ofrs1801133regardless POH treatment length.

Conclusion

rGBM patients under POH-based therapy harboring hypermethylated phenotype and TT variant forrs1801133had longer survival. Intranasal POH therapy mitigates detrimental effects of gDNA hypomethylation and improved survival of patients with rGBM harboring TT mutant variant forMTHFR rs1801133polymorphism.

Trial registration

CONEP -9681- 25,000.009267 / 2004. Registered 12th July, 2004.
Phenotypic variability in a child with Felty’s syndrome: a case report
Authors: Li Guo-min , Liu Hai-mei , Guan Wan-zhen , Li Yi-fan , Xu Hong , Sun Li
Published: April 2020

Background

Felty’s syndrome (FS) is characterized by the triad of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), splenomegaly and neutropenia. The arthritis is typically severe and virtually always associated with high-titer rheumatoid factor. The presence of persistent neutropenia is generally required to make the diagnosis. Most patients diagnosed with FS are aged 50–70 years and have had RA for more than 10 years. It is rarely seen in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), with only five cases having been reported throughout the world.

Case presentation

The present study describes the case of a 14-year-old female with a seven-year history of polyarticular JIA, presenting with splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, cholestasis and thrombocytopenia. However, she occasionally developed neutropenia. Titers of rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP were persistently high, and the antinuclear antibody titer was 1:320, while the antibody results for anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm were negative. Serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE were all persistently elevated, and the ratio of CD19+ lymphocytes in the subgroups of lymphocytes was persistently high. The level of complements was normal. No STAT3 and STAT5B mutations were found by next-generation sequencing. The patient did not respond to methotrexate, prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), sulfasalazine and etanercept but was responsive to rituximab.

Conclusions

JIA, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly are the most common and important features in six children with FS, while persistent neutropenia is not seen in all these patients. No complement deficiency has been found in children with FS so far. Manifestations of FS without neutropenia may be extremely rare. There are differences between adults and children in the clinical and laboratory features of FS.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome subphenotypes and therapy responsive traits among preclinical models: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors:   for the ESICM Translational Biology Group of the Acute Respiratory Failure section, Carla Adrien , Pereira Bruno , Boukail Hanifa , Audard Jules , Pinol-Domenech Nathalie , De Carvalho Manuela , Blondonnet Raiko , Zhai Ruoyang , Morand Dominique , Lambert Céline , Sapin Vincent , Ware Lorraine B. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Bastarache Julie A. , Laffey John G. , Juffermans Nicole P. , Bos Lieuwe D. , Artigas Antonio , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Matthay Michael A. , McAuley Daniel F. , Constantin Jean-Michel , Jabaudon Matthieu
Published: April 2020

Background

Subphenotypes were recently reported within clinical acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with distinct outcomes and therapeutic responses. Experimental models have long been used to mimic features of ARDS pathophysiology, but the presence of distinct subphenotypes among preclinical ARDS remains unknown. This review will investigate whether: 1) subphenotypes can be identified among preclinical ARDS models; 2) such subphenotypes can identify some responsive traits.

Methods

We will include comparative preclinical (in vivo and ex vivo) ARDS studies published between 2009 and 2019 in which pre-specified therapies were assessed (interleukin (IL)-10, IL-2, stem cells, beta-agonists, corticosteroids, fibroblast growth factors, modulators of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products pathway, anticoagulants, and halogenated agents) and outcomes compared to a control condition. The primary outcome will be a composite of the four key features of preclinical ARDS as per the American Thoracic Society consensus conference (histologic evidence of lung injury, altered alveolar-capillary barrier, lung inflammatory response, and physiological dysfunction). Secondary outcomes will include the single components of the primary composite outcome, net alveolar fluid clearance, and death. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases will be searched electronically and data from eligible studies will be extracted, pooled, and analyzed using random-effects models. Individual study reporting will be assessed according to the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guidelines. Meta-regressions will be performed to identify subphenotypes prior to comparing outcomes across subphenotypes and treatment effects.

Discussion

This study will inform on the presence and underlying pathophysiological features of subphenotypes among preclinical models of ARDS and should help to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to perform preclinical trials of subphenotype-targeted therapies, prior to potential clinical translation.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO (ID: CRD42019157236).
Methylation-driven model for analysis of dinucleotide evolution in genomes
Authors: Sun Jian-Hong , Ai Shi-Meng , Liu Shu-Qun
Published: April 2020

Background

CpGs, the major methylation sites in vertebrate genomes, exhibit a high mutation rate from the methylated form of CpG to TpG/CpA and, therefore, influence the evolution of genome composition. However, the quantitative effects of CpG to TpG/CpA mutations on the evolution of genome composition in terms of the dinucleotide frequencies/proportions remain poorly understood.

Results

Based on the neutral theory of molecular evolution, we propose a methylation-driven model (MDM) that allows predicting the changes in frequencies/proportions of the 16 dinucleotides and in the GC content of a genome given the known number of CpG to TpG/CpA mutations. The application of MDM to the 10 published vertebrate genomes shows that, for most of the 16 dinucleotides and the GC content, a good consistency is achieved between the predicted and observed trends of changes in the frequencies and content relative to the assumed initial values, and that the model performs better on the mammalian genomes than it does on the lower-vertebrate genomes. The model’s performance depends on the genome composition characteristics, the assumed initial state of the genome, and the estimated parameters, one or more of which are responsible for the different application effects on the mammalian and lower-vertebrate genomes and for the large deviations of the predicted frequencies of a few dinucleotides from their observed frequencies.

Conclusions

Despite certain limitations of the current model, the successful application to the higher-vertebrate (mammalian) genomes witnesses its potential for facilitating studies aimed at understanding the role of methylation in driving the evolution of genome dinucleotide composition.
ROC-1, P21 and CAIX as markers of tumor aggressiveness in bladder carcinoma in Egyptian patients
Authors: Al-Sharaky Dalia Rifaat , Kandil Mona Abd El-Halim , Aiad Hayam Abdel Samie , El-hosary Enas Megahed , Alagizy Hagar Abdelmagied , Elshenawy Mahmoud Abdel-Sattar , El-Rebey Hala Said
Published: April 2020

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies in Egypt, representing about 8.7% of cancers in both sexes with more predominance in males, making identification of valuable predictive and prognostic markers, mandatory. Cullin-RING ligases (CRL) play an important role in the ubiquitination of cell cycle-related proteins or other proteins (e.g., DNA replication protein, signal transduction protein). Regulator of Cullins-1 (ROC-1) is a key subunit of CRL. P21 belongs to the family of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) which regulates cell cycle by inactivating Cyclin- Dependent Kinases key regulators of the cell cycle. CAIX a highly active member of the family of carbonic anhydrases has gained much interest as a hypoxic marker. Hypoxia is a consequence of the rapid growth of many tumors, including bladder cancer, and is an important regulator of gene expression and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore the purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of ROC-1, CAIX and P21 and its relationship with the clinico-pathological features of bladder cancer in Egyptian patients.

Methods

Using the standard immunohistochemical technique, ROC-1, CAIX and P21 expression in 80 primary bladder carcinomas and 15 normal bladder specimens as control group were assessed. The bladder carcinoma cases included 50 cases with muscle invasive bladder cancer and 30 cases with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Results

Over expression of ROC-1, CAIX and P21 in BC were significantly associated with muscularis propria invasion and high grade BC. ROC-1, CAIX and P21, showed significant inverse relationship in primary BC cases. CAIX expression was significantly higher in BC compared with controls. Regarding the survival analysis, expression of ROC-1, CAIX and P21 didn’t affect the survival of BC patients.

Conclusions

High expression of ROC-1, CAIX and P21 could be promising potential biomarkers for identifying patients with poor prognostic factors in bladder cancer serving as potential targets for cancer therapy.
Development of a system for efficient callus production, somatic embryogenesis and gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Authors: Chib Sudha , Thangaraj Arulprakash , Kaul Sanjana , Dhar Manoj Kumar , Kaul Tanushri
Published: April 2020

Background

Crocus sativusis a recalcitrant plant for genetic transformation and genetic improvement, largely due to difficulties inAgrobacteriummediated transformation and vegetative reproduction. Effective genome editing requires proficient callus production and an efficient method to deliver Cas9 and sgRNAs into the plant. Here, we demonstrateAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of saffron. Further, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9 based system in this plant, for efficient gene knockout or edits in future.

Results

Efficient callus production and regeneration confers important benefits in developing competent transformation system in plants. More than 70% multiplication rate of callus initiation was achieved from corm slices of saffron subjected to a two-step sterilization procedure and grown on complete MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.5 mg/L), BAP (1 mg/L), IAA (1 mg/L), photoperiod of 16/8 h and 45% relative humidity at 20 ± 2 °C. In vitro cormlet generation was accomplished in 8 weeks by using mature somatic embryos on MS medium supplemented with TDZ (0.5 mg/L) + IAA (1 mg/L) + Activated charcoal (0.1 g/L) at 15 ± 2 °C. The attempt of usingAgrobacterium-mediated transformation resulted in successful integration of the binary vector into the somatic embryos of saffron with a transformation efficiency of 4%. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed the integration of Cas9 into saffron.

Conclusion

The protocol for callus production, somatic embryogenesis and regeneration was standardised. Successful demonstration of integrated Cas9 in this study constitutes first step in developing strategies for genetic manipulation of saffron, which has so far been considered recalcitrant. Furthering the development of this technology holds significant potential for advancing genetic research in saffron by integrating multigene targeting and/or use of recyclable cassettes.
Understanding the public’s role in reducing low-value care: a scoping review
Authors: Sypes Emma E. , de Grood Chloe , Clement Fiona M. , Parsons Leigh Jeanna , Whalen-Browne Liam , Stelfox Henry T. , Niven Daniel J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Low-value care initiatives are rapidly growing; however, it is not clear how members of the public should be involved. The objective of this scoping review was to systematically examine the literature describing public involvement in initatives to reduce low-value care.

Methods

Evidence sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases from inception to November 26, 2019, grey literature (CADTH Tool), reference lists of included articles, and expert consultation. Citations were screened in duplicate and included if they referred to the public’s perception and/or involvement in reducing low-value care. Public included patients or citizens without any advanced healthcare knowledge. Low-value care included medical tests or treatments that lack efficacy, have risks that exceed benefit, or are not cost-effective. Extracted data pertained to study characteristics, low-value practice, clinical setting, and level of public involvement (i.e., patient-clinician interaction, research, or policy-making).

Results

The 218 included citations were predominantly original research (n = 138, 63%), published since 2010 (n = 192, 88%), originating from North America (n = 146, 67%). Most citations focused on patient engagement within the patient-clinician interaction (n = 156, 72%), using tools that included shared decision-making (n = 66, 42%) and patient-targeted educational materials (n = 72, 46%), and reported both reductions in low-value care and improved patient perceptions regarding low-value care. Fewer citations examined public involvement in low-value care policy-making (n = 33, 15%). Among citations that examined perspectives regarding public involvement in initiatives to reduce low-value care (n = 10, 5%), there was consistent support for the utility of tools applied within the patient-clinician interaction and less consistent support for involvement in policy-making.

Conclusions

Efforts examining public involvement in low-value care concentrate within the patient-clinician interaction, wherein patient-oriented educational materials and shared decision-making tools have been commonly studied and are associated with reductions in low-value care. This contrasts with inclusion of the public in low-value care policy decisions wherein tools to promote engagement are less well-developed and involvement not consistently viewed as valuable.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/6fsxm)
Inventory models with reverse logistics for assets acquisition in a liquefied petroleum gas company
Authors: Lopes Cristina , Correia Aldina , Costa e Silva Eliana , Monteiro Magda , Borges Lopes Rui
Published: April 2020

This paper addresses a case study regarding inventory models for acquiring liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. This is an industrial challenge that was proposed at an European Study Group with Industry, by a Portuguese energy company, for which the LPG cylinder is the main asset of its LPG business. Due to the importance of this asset, an acquisition plan must be defined in order to determine the amount of LPG cylinders to acquire, and when to acquire them, in order to optimize the investment. As cylinders are returned and refilled, the reverse logistic flows of these assets must be considered. As the classical inventory models are not suitable for this case study, three new inventory models, which account for the return of LPG cylinders, are proposed in this work. The first proposed model considers deterministic constant demand and continuous returns of LPG cylinders, with discrete replenishment from the supplier. The second model is similar, but for the case when the returned cylinders cover for the demand. A third model is also proposed considering that both the demand and the returns are stochastic in nature and the replenishment from the supplier is discrete. The three models address different scenarios that the company is either currently facing or is expecting to occur in the near future.
The effect of different dietary ratios of lysine and arginine in diets with high or low methionine levels on oxidative and epigenetic DNA damage, the gene expression of tight junction proteins and selected metabolic parameters in Clostridium perfringens-challenged turkeys
Authors: Ognik Katarzyna , Konieczka Paweł , Mikulski Dariusz , Jankowski Jan
Published: April 2020

Two experiments were performed to investigate the effect of different ratios of arginine (Arg) to lysine (Lys) in diets with low (30% Lys; Experiment 1) and high (45% Lys; Experiment 2) methionine (Met) levels on selected metabolic parameters, oxidative and epigenetic DNA damage, and the mechanisms underlying intestinal barrier integrity in turkeys challenged with Clostridium perfringens. In each experiment, 108 one-day-old Hybrid Converter female turkeys were placed in 6 pens (18 birds per pen) and reared for 42 days. At 34, 36 and 37 days of age, half of the birds were subjected to C. perfringens challenge. A 3 × 2 factorial design with three levels of Arg relative to Lys (90, 100 and 110%; Arg90, Arg100 and Arg110, respectively) and C. perfringens infection (−, +) was employed. Challenging birds with C. perfringens increased lipid oxidation and the oxidation and methylation of DNA of intestinal mucosa, and down-regulated the activities of DNA-repairing enzymes. Neither the dietary treatment nor the challenge affected the markers of liver function or metabolism. Arg110 diets with the high Met level induced DNA oxidation and methylation whereas these processes were downregulated in birds fed Arg90 diets. The results indicate that Arg90 diets with high Met levels have a beneficial influence on the indicators of intestinal barrier integrity in turkeys with necrotic enteritis (NE). Despite the analyzed amino acid ratios interacted with the systems responsible for the maintenance of gut integrity in the host organism, this dietary intervention probably enabled birds to cope with NE.
Deep neural rejection against adversarial examples
Authors: Sotgiu Angelo , Demontis Ambra , Melis Marco , Biggio Battista , Fumera Giorgio , Feng Xiaoyi , Roli Fabio
Published: April 2020

Despite the impressive performances reported by deep neural networks in different application domains, they remain largely vulnerable to adversarial examples, i.e., input samples that are carefully perturbed to cause misclassification at test time. In this work, we propose a deep neural rejection mechanism to detect adversarial examples, based on the idea of rejecting samples that exhibit anomalous feature representations at different network layers. With respect to competing approaches, our method does not require generating adversarial examples at training time, and it is less computationally demanding. To properly evaluate our method, we define an adaptive white-box attack that is aware of the defense mechanism and aims to bypass it. Under this worst-case setting, we empirically show that our approach outperforms previously proposed methods that detect adversarial examples by only analyzing the feature representation provided by the output network layer.
Effectiveness of autogenic training on psychological well-being and quality of life in adults living with chronic physical health problems: a protocol for a systematic review of RCT
Authors: Ramirez-Garcia Maria Pilar , Leclerc-Loiselle Jérôme , Genest Christine , Lussier Renaud , Dehghan Golsa
Published: April 2020

Background

Autogenic training is a relaxation technique that uses systematic exercises to induce a general disconnection of the organism. It is used in conjunction with conventional medical care as part of disease management to relieve symptoms associated with chronic health problems and to improve well-being. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of autogenic training on psychological well-being, quality of life, and adverse effects in people living with chronic physical health problems.

Methods

The methodology used follows the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Studies, published up to December 31, 2019, will be identified through searches in the following databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS, PsychINFO, CINAHL, EBM Reviews, Google Scholar, Dissertations & Theses Global, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, OpenGrey, E-Theses Online Service, Grey Literature Report, eScholarship@McGill, Papyrus, and CorpusUL. All studies of randomized controlled trials that assess autogenic training as an intervention to improve psychological well-being and quality of life in adults aged 18 and older living with one or more chronic physical health problem will be considered eligible. The study selection, the data collection, and the evaluation of the risk of bias will be conducted independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. RoB 2 tool will be used to assess the risk of bias. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion. A tabular and narrative synthesis of data is planned, and a meta-analysis will be done according to the quality of data. The primary outcomes will be general psychological distress, depression, and anxiety, and the secondary outcomes will be quality of life and adverse effects. The present protocol of systematic review is reporting following MECIR standards for the reporting of protocols and the PRISMA-P recommendations.

Discussion

Autogenic training appears to be a promising therapy to improve psychological well-being and quality of life in people living with chronic physical health problems, but no recent reports have synthesized the available evidence in this population. The results of this review will examine and synthesize the evidence on the benefits and harms of autogenic training on psychological well-being and quality of life in people living with chronic physical health problems, thus supporting the development of best practices for complementary approaches.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018105347.
Fractional calculus operators with Appell function kernels applied to Srivastava polynomials and extended Mittag-Leffler function
Authors: Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Suthar D. L. , Agarwal R. , Purohit S. D.
Published: April 2020

This article aims to establish certain image formulas associated with the fractional calculus operators with Appell function in the kernel and Caputo-type fractional differential operators involving Srivastava polynomials and extended Mittag-Leffler function. The main outcomes are presented in terms of the extended Wright function. In addition, along with the noted outcomes, the implications are also highlighted.
Cultural logic of German foreign direct investment (FDI) in service sector
Authors: Nayak Bhabani Shankar , Scheib Dominik
Published: April 2020

Major studies on FDI looks at location, technology, policy, availability of natural resources, skilled labor, state support, climate, political and economic advantages for investment decisions. There are few studies that look at cultural factors affecting FDI decisions in service. This paper provides qualitative analysis of the impact of national culture on the flow of foreign direct investment in the service sector within the context of Germany. In particular, the paper discusses the cultural logic of German foreign direct investment in the service sector. It argues that inward FDI in the service sector was actually substantially more affected by cultural distance compared to outward FDI. The study finds that it is important to distinguish between inward and outward FDI to assess the cultural logic of German FDI in the service sector.
Insecticidal activity of some botanical extracts against legume flower thrips and legume pod borer on cowpea Vigna unguiculata L. Walp
Authors: Ugwu Juliana Amaka
Published: April 2020

Background

Insect pests infestation is one the major constraints to cowpea production in many Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. Control of these pests by farmers has been vastly by use of chemical pesticide which possesses lots of threats to human health and environments. This study is aimed at evaluating insecticidal efficacy of petroleum ether seed extracts of four plants (Azadirachta indica, A. Juss,Piper guineenseSchum and Thonn,Annona muricataL., andJatropha curcasL.) against legume flower thrips,Megalurothrips sjostedtiTryb., and legume pod borer,Maruca vitrataFab. on cowpea as alternative eco-friendly options for the control of the cowpea field pests.

Methods

The extracts were applied at the rate of 10 ml/l of water at 1 week intervals for 6 weeks starting from 7 weeks after sowing (WAS) and replicate three times. The extracts were compared with lambdacyhalothrin at 5 ml/l of water as a standard check and untreated control.

Results

The results showed that all the treatments significantly (p< 0.05) reduced the population of legume bud thrips and legume pod borer compared to control.A. muricatafollowed byPiper guineensesignificantly (p< 0.01) reduced the population of legume flower thrips and legume pod borer as well as pod damage compared to other extracts. The percentage reduction ofM. sjostedtiandM. vitratapopulation by the extracts ranged from 52.07–69.28% and 57.78–78.52% respectively compared to control. Cowpea yield was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in plots treated withA. muricataandPiper guinensecompared to other extracts. The efficacies ofA. muricataandP. guineesewere significantly (p< 0.05) higher than lambdacyhalothrin for the control of legume flower thrips and legume pod borer of cowpea.

Conclusion

Petroleum ether seed extracts ofA. muricataandP. guineensewere very potent against legume flower thrips and pod borer, and thus they can be effectively used by smallholder farmers for the management of cowpea post flowering pests. These plant products are readily available, environment friendly, and are suitable for low-income agriculture practiced in developing countries.
Obstetric Anesthesia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bauer Melissa E. , Bernstein Kyra , Dinges Emily , Delgado Carlos , El-Sharawi Nadir , Sultan Pervez , Mhyre Jill M. , Landau Ruth
Published: April 2020

With increasing numbers of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases due to efficient human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the United States, preparation for the unpredictable setting of labor and delivery is paramount. The priorities are 2-fold in the management of obstetric patients with COVID-19 infection or persons under investigation (PUI): (1) caring for the range of asymptomatic to critically ill pregnant and postpartum women; (2) protecting health care workers and beyond from exposure during the delivery hospitalization (health care providers, personnel, family members). The goal of this review is to provide evidence-based recommendations or, when evidence is limited, expert opinion for anesthesiologists caring for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on preparedness and best clinical obstetric anesthesia practice.
Features of the Formation of Future Software Engineers Competencies in Ensuring the Information Security of the Enterprise
Authors: Sizov A.
Published: April 2020

The article presents the results of a study aimed at identifying the features of the formation of future software engineers of competence in activities to ensure the information security of the enterprise. The author reveals the content of professional competencies necessary for specialists to effectively carry out relevant activities, develops a procedure for assessing the level of their formation among university students and conducts a comparative analysis of the obtained empirical data in two groups of students studying in basic educational programs of higher education in different areas of training. Based on the results of the analysis, the author comes to the conclusion that it is necessary to develop special pedagogical conditions for the formation of future software engineers competence to ensure the information security of the enterprise.
Economy and real estate management
Authors: SAVEL'EVA Ekaterina
Published: April 2020

The textbook examines the legal and financial aspects of the economy and real estate management, market analysis, real estate, investing (including project financing) and mortgage lending; the essence of development; principles and approaches to effective management of modern real estate, and also questions of technical exploitation and safety of buildings; current issues of taxation of real estate; methods of valuation of real estate.
Meets the requirements of Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
Designed for undergraduate students enrolled in fields of study 38.03.01 "Economics" (profile "Economics and management of real estate and investments", "Economy and property management") and 38.03.02 "Management" (specialization "Management of real estate"), as well as for students of other specialties, post-graduate students, teachers, beginners appraisers, analysts, specialists in consulting and a wide range of readers interested in the status and development prospects of the real estate market.
A Dynamic Network Model of Interbank Lending—Systemic Risk and Liquidity Provisioning
Authors: Capponi Agostino , Sun Xu , Yao David D.
Published: April 2020

We develop a dynamic model of interbank borrowing and lending activities in which banks are organized into clusters, and adjust their monetary reserve levels to meet prescribed capital requirements. Each bank has its own initial monetary reserve level and faces idiosyncratic risks characterized by an independent Brownian motion, whereas system wide, the banks form a hierarchical structure of clusters. We model the interbank transactional dynamics through a set of interacting measure-valued processes. Each individual process describes the intracluster borrowing/lending activities, and the interactions among the processes capture the intercluster financial transactions. We establish the weak limit of the interacting measure-valued processes as the number of banks in the system grows large. We then use the weak limit to develop asymptotic approximations of two proposed macromeasures (the liquidity stress index and the concentration index), both capturing the dynamics of systemic risk. We use numerical examples to illustrate the applications of the asymptotics and conduct-related sensitivity analysis with respect to various indicators of financial activity.
Reflections of Research: a rush of blood to the head
Authors: Drozd Michael
Published: April 2020

The annual image competition, Reflections of Research, provides a glimpse into the cutting-edge heart and circulatory research funded by the British Heart Foundation
Propagation of time-resolved fluorescence in a diffuse medium: complex analytical derivation
Authors: Kumar Anand T. N.
Published: April 2020

The spatiotemporal evolution of fluorescence in an optically diffusive medium following ultrashort laser pulse excitation is evaluated using complex analytical methods. When expressed as a Fourier integral, the integrand of the time-resolved diffuse fluorescence with embedded fluorophores is shown to exhibit branch points and simple pole singularities in the lower-half complex-frequency plane. Applying Cauchy’s integral theorem to solve the Fourier integral, we calculate the time-resolved signal for fluorescence lifetimes that are both shorter and longer compared to the intrinsic absorption timescale of the medium. These expressions are derived for sources and detectors that are in the form of localized points and wide-field harmonic spatial patterns. The accuracy of the expressions derived from complex analysis is validated against the numerically computed, full time-resolved fluorescence signal. The complex analysis shows that the branch points and simple poles contribute to two physically distinct terms in the net fluorescence signal. While the branch points result in a diffusive term that exhibits spatial broadening (corresponding to a narrowing with time in the spatial Fourier domain), the simple poles lead to fluorescence decay terms with spatial/spatial-frequency distributions that are independent of time. This distinct spatiotemporal behavior between the diffuse and fluorescence signals forms the basis for direct measurement of lifetimes shorter than the intrinsic optical diffusion timescales in a turbid medium.