bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychophysiological anxiety response of a rescue helicopter crew in a crane rescue manoeuvre
Authors: Vicente-Rodriguez Marta , Clemente-Suárez V J
Published: March 2020

Background

This research aimed to analyse the psychophysiological modifications of a rescuer helicopter crew in a crane rescue manoeuvre.

Methods

We analysed in eight participants (32.5±6.6 years) divided in four categories (pilot, mechanic, rescuer and control) with variables of anxiety, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), stress subjective perception (SSP), heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (BOS), skin temperature, blood lactate, cortical arousal, autonomic modulation, legs and hands strength, legs flexibility, spirometry, urine, and short-term memory before and after a helicopter crane rescue manoeuvre.

Results

The manoeuvre produced a significant (p≤0.05) increment in the RPE, SSP, anxiety, blood lactate and sympathetic modulation, and a decrease in BOS and pulmonary capacity.

Conclusion

A helicopter rescue crane manoeuvre produced an increase in the sympathetic nervous system modulation, increasing the psychophysiological response of the crew independently of their experience or role. This information allowed us to improve actual specific operative training in this population.
Attitudes of patients and surgeons towards sham surgery trials: a protocol for a scoping review of attributes to inform a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Wall Laura , Hinwood Madeleine , Lang Danielle , Smith Angela , Bunzli Samantha , Clarke Philip , Choong Peter F M , Dowsey Michelle M , Paolucci Francesco
Published: March 2020

Introduction

In order to properly evaluate the efficacy of orthopaedic procedures, rigorous, randomised controlled sham surgery trial designs are necessary. However, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for surgery involving a placebo are ethically debated and difficult to conduct with many failing to reach their desired sample size and power. A review of the literature on barriers and enablers to recruitment, and patient and surgeon attitudes and preferences towards sham surgery trials, will help to determine the characteristics necessary for successful recruitment.

Methods and analysis

This review will scope the diverse literature surrounding sham surgery trials with the aim of informing a discrete choice experiment to empirically test patient and surgeon preferences for different sham surgery trial designs. The scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the methodological framework described in Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols extension for Scoping Reviews. The review will be informed by a systematic search of Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL and EconLit databases (from database inception to 21 June 2019), a Google Scholar search, and hand searching of reference lists of relevant studies or reviews. Studies or opinion pieces that involve patient, surgeon or trial characteristics, which influence the decision to participate in a trial, will be included. Study selection will be carried out independently by two authors with discrepancies resolved by consensus among three authors. Data will be charted using a standardised form, and results tabulated and narratively summarised with reference to the research questions of the review.

Ethics and dissemination

The findings from this review will inform the design of a discrete choice experiment around willingness to participate in surgical trials, the outcomes of which can inform decision and cost-effectiveness models of sham surgery RCTs. The qualitative information from this review will also inform patient-centred outcomes research. The review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

CRD42019133296.
Association of intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors with physician burnout and job satisfaction: a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Taiwan
Authors: Tung Yu-Chi , Chou Ying-Yi , Chang Yu-Hsuan , Chung Kuo-Piao
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically and simultaneously examine the association of intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors with physician burnout and job dissatisfaction.

Design

A nationally representative survey was fielded from September to November 2017.

Setting

Hospitals and clinics throughout Taiwan.

Participants

A total of 6674 physicians.

Main exposure measure

The main exposure measures were intrinsic motivators (sense of calling, personally rewarding hours per day and meaningful, long-term relationships with patients) and extrinsic motivators (income, work hours, autonomy, and pay-for-performance (P4P) and bundled payment initiatives).

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measures were physician burnout and job dissatisfaction.

Results

A total of 1152 physicians returned the surveys. More sense of calling and personally rewarding hours per day were associated with less physician burnout (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.26 and OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.47, respectively) and job dissatisfaction (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.57 and OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.83, respectively). Longer work hours were associated with more physician burnout (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.63) and job dissatisfaction (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.79). Not receiving P4P bonuses from their organisations was associated with more physician burnout (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.38). Not sharing the losses from caring for patients included in the bundled payment system was associated with less physician burnout (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.97).

Conclusions

Fostering a healthcare work environment that supports intrinsic motivation and improves work hours may reduce physician burnout and job dissatisfaction. Rewarding physicians fairly and equitably may prevent them from feeling burned out. Value-based care delivery and payment model innovations, such as bundled payments, may encourage healthcare professionals to coordinate care through the standardisation of care to decrease burnout.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema in patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Graue-Hernandez Enrique O , Rivera-De-La-Parra David , Hernandez-Jimenez Sergio , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A , Kershenobich-Stalnikowitz David , Jimenez-Corona Aida
Published: March 2020

Objective

To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular oedema (DME) and their associated risk factors in patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Methods and analysis

We carried out a cross-sectional study from April 2014 to August 2017. We included patients aged ≥18 years. Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose of >7.8 mmol/L or 2-hour postload plasma glucose of >11.1 mmol/L. Non-mydriatic fundus examination with a digital-fundus camera was performed. Three images centred in the macula, optic disc and temporal to the macula were obtained and graded according to the Scottish Scale Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Results

1232 patients (mean age 51.5 years) with a diabetes duration of 0–5 years were examined. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of DR and DME was 17.4% (95% CI 15.3% to 19.6%) and 6.6% (95% CI 5.4% to 8.2%), respectively. DR was associated with diabetes duration (OR per year=1.20, p<0.001), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from 7.0 to 8.9 (OR=2.19, p<0.001), HbA1c≥9 (OR=2.98, p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR=1.16 per 5 mm Hg, p<0.001). DME was associated with diabetes duration (OR per year=1.26, p<0.01), HbA1c from 7.0 to 8.9 (OR=2.26, p<0.05), HbA1c≥9 (OR=2.38, p<0.01), SBP (OR per mm Hg=1.15, p<0.001) and albuminuria (OR=2.45, p<0.01).

Conclusion

Our study contributes to the evidence of progressive increase in DR and DME risk in early stages of diabetes, supporting the urgent need for early screening.
Armed and prohibited: characteristics of unlawful owners of legally purchased firearms
Authors: Pear Veronica A , McCort Christopher D , Li Yueju , Beckett Laurel , Tancredi Daniel , Studdert David M , Kass Philip H , Pierce Glenn L , Braga Anthony A , Wright Mona A , Laqueur Hannah S , Kravitz-Wirtz Nicole , Wintemute Garen J
Published: March 2020

Background

A substantial proportion of individuals who lawfully purchase firearms later become unlawful owners ('prohibited firearm owners'), usually following events associated with an increased risk for future violence. This high-risk population has not previously been described. We aimed to characterise all individuals in California's Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS), a statewide programme for recovering firearms from individuals who legally purchased them and later became prohibited from ownership.

Methods

We used univariate and bivariate statistics to describe and compare prohibited firearm owners in APPS with a random sample of non-prohibited firearm owners in relation to age, sex, race/ethnicity and type of firearms owned as of 1 February 2015. We also characterised the geographical distribution of prohibited firearm owners and described their prohibitions.

Results

Of the 18 976 prohibited firearm owners, most were men (93%), half were white (53%) and the mean age was 47 years. Prohibited firearm owners were more likely to be male and to be black or Hispanic people than non-prohibited owners. Both prohibited and non-prohibited firearm owners had an average of 2.6 firearms, mostly handguns. Nearly half (48%) of prohibited firearm owners had a felony conviction. Extrapolating from our findings, we estimated that there are approximately 100 000 persons in the USA who unlawfully maintained ownership of their firearms following a felony conviction.

Conclusions

Retention of firearms among persons who become lawfully prohibited from possessing them is common in California. Given the nationwide dearth of a programme to recover such weapons, this is likely true in other states as well.
Biallelic variants in MAATS1 encoding CFAP91, a calmodulin-associated and spoke-associated complex protein, cause severe astheno-teratozoospermia and male infertility
Authors: Martinez Guillaume , Beurois Julie , Dacheux Denis , Cazin Caroline , Bidart Marie , Kherraf Zine-Eddine , Robinson Derrick R , Satre Véronique , Le Gac Gerald , Ka Chandran , Gourlaouen Isabelle , Fichou Yann , Petre Graciane , Dulioust Emmanuel , Zouari Raoudha , Thierry-Mieg Nicolas , Touré Aminata , Arnoult Christophe , Bonhivers Mélanie , Ray Pierre , Coutton Charles
Published: March 2020

Background

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) consistently lead to male infertility due to a reduced or absent sperm motility defined as asthenozoospermia. Despite numerous genes recently described to be recurrently associated with MMAF, more than half of the cases analysed remain unresolved, suggesting that many yet uncharacterised gene defects account for this phenotype

Methods

Exome sequencing was performed on 167 infertile men with an MMAF phenotype. Immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in sperm cells from affected individuals were performed to characterise the ultrastructural sperm defects. Gene inactivation using RNA interference (RNAi) was subsequently performed in Trypanosoma.

Results

We identified six unrelated affected patients carrying a homozygous deleterious variants in MAATS1, a gene encoding CFAP91, a calmodulin-associated and spoke-associated complex (CSC) protein. TEM and immunostaining experiments in sperm cells showed severe central pair complex (CPC) and radial spokes defects. Moreover, we confirmed that the WDR66 protein is a physical and functional partner of CFAP91 into the CSC. Study of Trypanosoma MAATS1’s orthologue (TbCFAP91) highlighted high sequence and structural analogies with the human protein and confirmed the axonemal localisation of the protein. Knockdown of TbCFAP91 using RNAi impaired flagellar movement led to CPC defects in Trypanosoma as observed in humans.

Conclusions

We showed that CFAP91 is essential for normal sperm flagellum structure and function in human and Trypanosoma and that biallelic variants in this gene lead to severe flagellum malformations resulting in astheno-teratozoospermia and primary male infertility.
The illicit cigarette market in six South African townships
Authors: van der Zee Kirsten , Vellios Nicole , van Walbeek Corné , Ross Hana
Published: March 2020

Background

We estimate the size of the illicit cigarette market in low socioeconomic areas in South Africa before and after a tax increase. In 2018, the real excise tax increased by 3% and the value-added tax (VAT) rate increased from 14% to 15%. Thus, the real tax on cigarettes increased by 4%.

Methods

A total of 2427 smokers were interviewed over two rounds of data collection (1234 before the tax increase and 1193 after). Data were collected in six townships across four of South Africa’s nine provinces. Smokers were asked about their most recent cigarette purchase. Cigarettes purchased for R1 (US$0.08) or less per stick are presumed illicit, based on a threshold price, which includes production costs and taxes.

Results

In 2017 and 2018 respectively, 34.6% and 36.4% of smokers in the sample purchased illicit cigarettes. The increase in the proportion of illicit purchases was not statistically significant. Smokers with relatively low socioeconomic status, those who have low levels of education and those who are older or unemployed are most likely to purchase illicit cigarettes.

Conclusions

The illicit cigarette trade in South African townships is widespread. The government should implement an independent track and trace system to curb tax evasion. This would reduce the availability of illicit cigarettes, improve public health and increase excise tax collection.
Revision of ‘golden hour’ for hemodynamically unstable trauma patients: an analysis of nationwide hospital-based registry in Japan
Authors: Okada Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Hisashi , Saito Nobuyuki , Yagi Takanori , Lee Mihye
Published: March 2020

Background

The ‘golden hour’ is a well-known concept, suggesting that shortening time from injury to definitive care is critically important for better outcome of trauma patients. However, there was no established evidence to support it. We aimed to validate the association between time to definitive care and mortality in hemodynamically unstable patients for the current trauma care settings.

Methods

The data were collected from the Japan Trauma Data Bank between 2006 and 2015. The inclusion criteria were patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mm Hg and heart rate (HR) >110 beats/min or SBP <70 mm Hg who underwent definitive care within 4 hours from the onset of injury and survived for more than 4 hours. The outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. We evaluated the relationship between time to definitive care and mortality using the generalized additive model (GAM). Subgroup analysis was also conducted using GAM after dividing the patients into the severe (SBP <70 mm Hg) and moderate (SBP ≥70 mm Hg and <90 mm Hg, and HR >110 beats/min) shock group.

Results

1169 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 386 (33.0%) died. Median time from injury to definitive care was 137 min. Only 61 patients (5.2%) received definitive care within 60 min. The GAM models demonstrated that mortality remained stable for the early phase, followed by a decrease over time. The severe shock group presented with a paradoxical decline of mortality with time, whereas the moderate shock group had a time-dependent increase in mortality.

Discussion

We did not observe the association of shorter time to definitive care with a decrease in mortality. However, this was likely an offset result of severe and moderate shock groups. The result indicated that early definitive care could have a positive impact on survival outcome of patients with moderate shock.

Level of evidence

Level Ⅳ, prognostic study,
Isolation ofBacillus subtilisstrain SEM-2 from silkworm excrement and characterisation of its antagonistic effect againstFusariumspp.
Authors: Li Qingrong , Liao Sentai , Wei Junhong , Xing Dongxu , Xiao Yang , Yang Qiong
Published: March 2020

Fusarium wilt is a devastating soil-borne disease mainly caused by highly host-specific formae speciales of Fusarium spp. Antagonistic microorganisms play a very important role in Fusarium wilt control. Isolation of potential biocontrol strains has become increasingly important. Bacterial strain SEM-2 was isolated from the high-temperature stage of silkworm excrement composting. SEM-2 exhibited a considerable antagonistic effect against Fusarium graminearum mycelial growth and spore germination. The results of pot experiments suggested that SEM-2 has a better inhibitory effect on the early stage of disease occurrence. The green fluorescent protein labelled SEM-2 coated on the surface of tomato seeds colonised the roots of tomato plants in 15 days. Genome sequencing identified SEM-2 as a new strain of Bacillus subtilis, and genome annotation and analysis determined gene clusters related to the biosynthesis of antimicrobials, such as bacillaene, fengycin, bacillibactin, subtilosin A, surfactin, and bacilysin. Interestingly, liquid chromatography – quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed that metabolites in pathways associated with the synthesis of secondary metabolites and antibiotics were highly differentially expressed. These findings may help to explain the mode of action of B. subtilis SEM-2 against Fusarium spp.
Development and characterization of Triticum turgidum – Aegilops comosa and T. turgidum – Ae. markgrafii amphidiploids
Authors: Zuo Yuanyuan , Xiang Qin , Dai Shoufen , Song Zhongping , Bao Tingyu , Hao Ming , Zhang Lianquan , Liu Gang , Li Jian , Liu Dengcai , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Yan Zehong
Published: March 2020

Aegilops comosa and Ae. markgrafii are diploid progenitors of polyploidy species of Aegilops sharing M and C genomes, respectively. Transferring valuable genes/traits from Aegilops into wheat is an alternative strategy for wheat genetic improvement. The amphidiploids between diploid species of Aegilops and tetraploid wheat can act as bridges to overcome obstacles from direct hybridization and can be developed by the union of unreduced gametes. In this study, we developed seven Triticum turgidum – Ae. comosa and two T. turgidum – Ae. markgrafii amphidiploids. The unreduced gametes mechanisms, including first-division restitution (FDR) and single-division meiosis (SDM), were observed in triploid F1 hybrids of T. turgidum – Ae. comosa (STM) and T. turgidum – Ae. markgrafii (STC). Only FDR was observed in STC hybrids, whereas FDR or both FDR and SDM were detected in the STM hybrids. All seven pairs of M chromosomes of Ae. comosa and C chromosomes of Ae. markgrafii were distinguished by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probes pSc119.2 and pTa71 combinations with pTa-535 and (CTT)12/(ACT)7, respectively. Meanwhile, the chromosomes of tetraploid wheat and diploid Aegilops parents were distinguished by the same FISH probes. The amphidiploids possessed specific valuable traits such as multiple tillers, large seed size related traits, and stripe rust resistance that could be utilized in the genetic improvement of wheat.
CP-violating Higgs-gauge boson couplings in $$H\nu \bar{\nu }$$ production at three energy stages of CLIC
Authors: Karadeniz O. , Senol A. , Oyulmaz K. Y. , Denizli H.
Published: March 2020

A phenomenological study of CP-violating dimension-six operators via the $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \nu \bar{\nu } H$$e+e-→νν¯H process is performed in a model-independent Standard Model effective field theory framework at all energy stages of CLIC using the updated baseline integrated luminosities. All signal and relevant background events are generated in MadGraph and passed through PYTHIA for parton showering and hadronization at parton level. Detector effects are considered via tuned CLIC detector cards in Delphes. Since we reconstruct the Higgs boson from a pair of b-jets, limits on CP-violating dimension-six couplings are obtained at three b-tagging working points: tight, medium and loose defined in the CLIC Delphes card for all three energy stages of CLIC. Our best 95 % C.L. limits at the loose working point (90 % b-tagging efficiency) on $${\tilde{c}}_{HW}$$c~HW and $${\tilde{c}}_{HB}$$c~HB are $$[-7.0\times 10^{-3};7.0\times 10^{-3}]$$[-7.0×10-3;7.0×10-3] and $$[-3.0\times 10^{-2};3.0\times 10^{-2}]$$[-3.0×10-2;3.0×10-2], respectively at the 3 TeV energy stage of CLIC with an integrated luminosity of 5.0 ab$$^{-1}$$-1. Considering a 0.3 % systematic uncertainty from possible experimental sources worsens the limits on these couplings by a factor of two.
CP violation for four generations of quarks
Authors: Cavazos Olivas Ubaldo , Juárez Wysozka Sara Rebeca , Kielanowski Piotr
Published: March 2020

We discuss the generalization of the Jarlskog condition of CP conservation for the case of the Standard Model with four quark generations. We express this condition in terms of the 3 Jarlskog invariants of the CKM matrix. Next, we present the test for the existence of the fourth quark generation in terms of the Jarlskog invariants involving only known particles.
Static bending strength assessment of sandwich panels with glass/polypropylene faces and aluminum foam cores
Authors: Jen Yi-Ming , Tang Zih-He
Published: March 2020

The four-point bending tests were performed first on the sandwich beam with glass/polypropylene faces and aluminum foam cores. The face thickness, core height, and angle-ply directions were considered as the variables to prepare the specimens. The effects of these variables on the bending strengths and the failure modes of the studied sandwich beams were experimentally analyzed using an MTS 810 material testing system and a four-point bending jig. Experimental results show that four failure modes, i.e. face-sheet failure, local indentation, and two types of core shear failure, were observed for the specimens with various experimental variables. The theoretical strengths for the four failure modes were proposed based on the mechanical strengths of the faces and cores. Among the four theoretical strengths, the lowest one is selected as the predicted strength and the corresponding mode is the predicted failure mode. The comparison results between the predicted and experimental strengths and failure modes were provided in the study. Assessment results show that the prediction errors are found to be below 30% for most specimens.
Current density effects on plasma emission during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) on AZ91D-magnesium alloy
Authors: Girase Krunal , Wang Zhenzhen , Kamimoto Takahiro , Deguchi Yoshihiro , Jeon Mingyu , Cui Minchao , Chou Chen-Chia , Huang Eddy
Published: March 2020

The effect of bipolar pulse mode current ratio (anodic to cathodic) on plasma emission behavior was investigated in Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) on AZ91D Mg-Alloy. Two cases of current ratio as 1.20 and 0.88 were applied to the sample. Plasma emission behavior was studied using plasma images and plasma emission measured by photodetector and Intensified Charged-Couple Device (ICCD) camera. The current ratio of greater than 1 shows the continuous increase and then stabilization in emission intensity with a gradual increase in voltage throughout the PEO process. In contrast, the current ratio of less than 1, a sudden drop in plasma emission intensity with voltage was found after 786 s. Therefore, PEO process can be divided into two regimes, arc regime and soft regime, before and after voltage drop, respectively. Results of measured spectra show that a soft regime does not have atomic or ionic excitation during PEO process. It is demonstrated that the growth of porous layer during PEO can be controlled, which is benefit for the protective oxide coating of sample.
Geometrical scale dependency of thin film solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Lee Yeageun , Zeng Jianhuang , Zheng Chunhua , Yu Wonjong , Cha Suk Won , Baek Jong Dae , Chang Ikwhang
Published: March 2020

To study the geometrical scale dependency of thin film solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), we fabricated three thin films SOFCs which have the same cross-sectional structure but different electrode areas of 1 mm2, 4 mm2 and 9 mm2. Since the activation and ohmic losses of SOFCs depend on their active region, we examined the variations of the power density of the cells with a Pt/YSZ/Pt structure and simulated the power density variations using the COMSOL software package.
Homotopy analysis method applied to second-order frequency mixing in nonlinear optical dielectric media
Authors: Dawson Nathan J. , Kounta Moussa
Published: March 2020

The classical problem of three-wave mixing in a nonlinear optical medium is investigated using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). We show that the power series basis builds a generic polynomial expression that can be used to study three-wave mixing for arbitrary input parameters. The phase-mismatched and perfectly phase matched cases are investigated. Parameters that result in generalized sum- and difference-frequency generation are studied using HAM with a power series basis and compared to an explicit finite-difference approximation. The convergence region is extended by increasing the auxiliary parameter.
Approximation of solutions of mean-field stochastic differential equations
Authors: Elbarrimi Oussama , Ouknine Youssef
Published: March 2020

Our aim in this paper is to establish some strong stability properties of solutions of mean-field stochastic differential equations. These latter are stochastic differential equations where the coefficients depend not only on the state of the unknown process but also on its probability distribution. The results are obtained assuming that the pathwise uniqueness property holds and using Skorokhod’s selection theorem.
Extended backward stochastic Volterra integral equations, Quasilinear parabolic equations, and Feynman–Kac formula
Authors: Wang Hanxiao
Published: March 2020

This paper is concerned with the relationship between backward stochastic Volterra integral equations (BSVIEs, for short) and a kind of non-local quasilinear (and possibly degenerate) parabolic equations. As a natural extension of BSVIEs, the extended BSVIEs (EBSVIEs, for short) are introduced and investigated. Under some mild conditions, the well-posedness of EBSVIEs is established and some regularity results of the adapted solution to EBSVIEs are obtained via Malliavin calculus. Then it is shown that a given function expressed in terms of the adapted solution to EBSVIEs uniquely solves a certain system of non-local parabolic equations, which generalizes the famous nonlinear Feynman–Kac formula in Pardoux–Peng [Backward stochastic differential equations and quasilinear parabolic partial differential equations, in Stochastic Partial Differential Equations and Their Applications (Springer, 1992), pp. 200–217].
A Life of Data
Authors: Meyer Jochen , Kay Judy , Epstein Daniel A. , Eslambolchilar Parisa , Tang Lie Ming
Published: March 2020

As self-tracking has evolved from a niche movement to a mass-market phenomenon, it has become possible for people to track a broad range of activities and vital parameters over years, even decades. The associated opportunities, as well as the challenges, have had very little research attention so far. With the phenomenon of long-term tracking becoming widespread and important, we have identified its key characteristics by drawing on work from UbiComp, HCI, and health informatics. We identify important differences between long- and short-term tracking, and discuss consequences for the tracking process. Going beyond previous models for short-term tracking, we now present a model for long-term tracking, integrating its distinctive characteristics in purposeful and incidental tracking. Finally, we present major topics for future research.
Screening for Cancer Using a Learning Internet Advertising System
Authors: Yom-Tov Elad
Published: March 2020

Studies have shown that search engine queries are indicative of future diagnosis of several types of cancer. These studies were based on self-identification of illness and were limited in that diagnostic information could not be shared with screened individuals. Here I report on two studies that overcome these limitations.

Advertisements were displayed on the Bing and Google ads systems to people who sought to self-diagnose one of three types of cancer. People who clicked on these ads were provided with clinically verified questionnaires and the outcomes of these questionnaires.

A classifier trained to predict suspected cancer, inferred from questionnaire responses, from past Bing queries reached an area under the curve of 0.64. People who received information that their symptoms were consistent with suspected cancer increased searches for healthcare utilization.

In a second study, questionnaire responses provided to the conversion optimization mechanism of the Google advertisement system enabled it to learn to identify people who were likely to have suspected cancer. Following a training period of approximately 10 days, 11% of people selected for showing of targeted campaign ads were found to have suspected cancer.

These results demonstrate the utility of using modern advertising systems to identify people who are likely suffering from serious medical conditions.
Communicate Using the Numbers 1, 2, 3, and More
Authors: Limoncelli Thomas A.
Published: March 2020

People often use lists of various sizes when communicating. I might have 2 reasons for supporting the new company strategy. I might tell you my 3 favorite programming languages. I might make a presentation that describes 4 new features. There is 1 vegetable that I like more than any other. The length of the list affects how the audience interprets what is being said. Not aligning with what the human brain expects is like swimming upstream. Given the choice, why would anyone do that?
The Incidence of Complications of Dental Trauma and Associated Factors: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kallel Ines , Douki Nabiha , Amaidi Syrine , Ben Amor Faten
Published: March 2020

Objective. The aim of this work was to study the incidence of complications of dental traumatisms and look for associations between factors related to trauma and the occurrence of complications. Materials and Methods. It is a longitudinal retrospective study on a sample of 125 traumatized teeth. The sample is taken from patients consulting the dentistry service at the hospital Sahloul Sousse between 2014 and 2017. Criteria for including a patient were presence of a permanent incisor affected by a subluxation, intrusion, lateral luxation, extrusion, or avulsion injuries associated or not with concomitant dentoalveolar injuries. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The information about etiology of trauma, delay of consultation, orientation of the patient, kind of injury, and emergency treatment and complications were obtained from the patients’ records. Results. The incidence of complications was 8%: external root resorption was present in 70% of cases, surface resorption was observed in 10% of cases, and replacement resorption in 10%, ankylosis in 10%. About pulpal complications, pulp necrosis was found after 4 weeks of follow-up, as well as the internal root resorption after one year. The most common cause of the trauma was the fall (40%). The majority of patients came for emergency consultation within “1 to 3 days,” and the coronary fracture without pulp exposure was the first diagnosis (20.60%). Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between the cause of the trauma and the complication (P=0.577) and between the delay of consultation and complication (P=0.143). However, an association between consultation time and patient orientation was found (P=0.009). Conclusion. Treatment of dental injuries is usually delayed and not given as much attention as general medical treatment that can explain the occurrence of pulpal and periodontal complications. Immediate consultation and treatment could improve long-term prognosis of the injured tooth.
HYAL1 Is Downregulated in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Inhibits HFL‐1 Fibroblast Proliferation When Upregulated
Authors: Leng Dong , Huang Xiaoxi , Yi Jiawen , Zhao Hongying , Zhang Yuhui
Published: March 2020

Background. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common interstitial lung disease, arises from transforming growth factor beta 1‐ (TGFβ1‐) induced aberrant fibroproliferation in response to epithelial injury. The TGFβ1 antagonists—hyaluronidases (HYALs)—have been used to clinically treat pulmonary fibrosis. This study focused on characterizing the effect of HYAL1, the main enzyme in hyaluronan degradation, on human lung fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis, and elucidating its potential underlying mechanism of action. Methods. We first performed microarray data mining of previously published gene expression datasets to identify key gene signatures in IPF lung tissues. HYAL1 expression levels in IPF and normal lung tissues were then characterized using immunohistochemistry followed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis on isolated fibroblasts from fresh lung tissues of IPF and healthy donors. A human fetal lung fibroblast HFL‐1 cell line, which was used in place of primary lung fibroblasts, was used to assess the proliferative or apoptotic effects associated with lentiviral‐induced HYAL1 overexpression using CCK‐8 cell proliferation assay and Annexin V‐APC staining. The identification of potentially associated molecular pathways was performed using microarray analysis followed by qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis. Results. Lung tissue microarray data mining and immunohistochemistry revealed significantly downregulation of HYAL1 in IPF lung tissue. However, HYAL1 expression level in IPF fibroblasts was significantly upregulated at the mRNA level, but not altered at the protein level. HYAL1 overexpression in HFL‐1 fibroblasts reduced fibroproliferation modestly but did not promote apoptosis. In addition, HYAL1 overexpression led to concomitant transcription factor downregulation, bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) signaling activation, but had no effect on TGFβ receptor 2 (TGFβR2) signaling. Conclusions. We showed that HYAL1 overexpression could prevent HFL‐1 fibroproliferation. Furthermore, our findings suggest that transcriptional regulators and BMP receptor signaling may be involved in HYAL1 modulation in IPF therapy.
[Retracted] Component‐Resolved Diagnostic Study of Egg Allergy in Northern Chinese Children
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Shen Yongming , Li Junpu , Li Huiqiang , Si Ping
Published: March 2020

Background. Egg component‐specific IgE can be useful to evaluate and diagnose egg allergy, but their prevalence and clinical significance remain unclear in the local population. Previous studies have led to contradictory results regarding the value of specific IgG and specific IgG4 in sensitization. Objective. We aimed to determine the level of specific IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibodies to the major egg allergens in egg‐allergic children. Methods. Children from 6 months to 10 years of age were recruited. Egg allergy was confirmed by either a strong clinical history or an increased egg white‐sIgE level. Other allergies were diagnosed by reactivity to other allergens but without egg‐related symptoms and history. The serum sIgE, sIgG, and sIgG4 levels to major egg allergenic components (Gal d 1, Gal d 2, Gal d 3, Gal d 4, and Gal d 5), sIgE level to egg white, and tIgE level were determined by light‐initiated chemiluminescent assay (LICA), ELISA, or ImmunoCAP. Results. Egg‐allergic children had significantly higher levels of sIgE, sIgG, and sIgG4 to egg components than nonallergic children. Gal d 2 was the predominant allergen, and Gal d 2 sIgE level correlated with the egg white‐sIgE level. Ratios of sIgE/sIgG4 to egg components were highest before 1 year of age and dropped gradually in the first decade of life. Conclusion. Patterns of sIgE to egg components could distinguish different forms of egg allergy. Ratios of sIgE/sIgG4 could be useful in predicting tolerance in egg‐sensitive subjects, but this needs further evaluation and investigation using more accurate models.
A Prospective Clinical Study of a Prosexual Nutrient: Nano Leo for Evaluation of Libido, Erection, and Orgasm in Indian Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Shankhwar S. N. , Mahdi A. A. , Sharma A. V. , Pv Kishan
Published: March 2020

Aim. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Nano Leo, a prosexual nutrient formulation, on libido, erection, and orgasm in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods. This was a prospective, single‐center, phase IV efficacy study. Patients received two capsules for 7 days and thereafter one capsule through 90 days. Main outcome measures: primary endpoint was change in erectile function assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Secondary endpoints included improvement in testosterone levels, FSH, LH, and prolactin levels; seminal parameters; and overall quality of life (QoL). Results. Our study included 99 men (mean age 32.2 ± 4.71 years). Mean erectile function domain score increased from 18.9 ± 5.67 at baseline to 23.7 ± 4.01 on day 90 (P < 0.001). Similar improvements were observed in orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction domains of IIEF score which was seen as early as day 30. Improved IIEF corroborated with improvement in all QoL domains. From baseline to day 90, treatment with Nano Leo increased testosterone levels (5.04 ± 2.22 vs. 5.57 ± 1.53 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Seminal parameters like sperm concentration (44.07 ± 48.28 vs. 56.21 ± 50.45 million/mL) and total sperm count per ejaculate (130.40 ± 156.05 vs. 142.5 ± 161.23 million/mL) significantly increased on day 90 compared to baseline. No changes were observed in hepatic and renal function parameters, and no adverse events were reported which promise the safety of the product, Nano Leo. Conclusion. Nano Leo showed improved libido, erection, and orgasm as evaluated by IIEF and QoL and was well tolerated. Therefore, Nano Leo could be an effective and safe pronutrient supplement in managing ED.
Increased Vulnerability to Pregnancy and Sexual Violence in Adolescents with Precocious Menstruation
Authors: Cezimbra Giani Silvana Schwengber , Campos Junior Dioclécio , Araujo Júnior Edward , Guazzelli Cristina Aparecida Falbo , Atallah Álvaro Nagib
Published: March 2020

This cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the association between age at menarche in the adolescent population and the age at sexual initiation, age at first pregnancy, and experience of sexual violence in the adolescent population visiting a primary health unit in Brazil. We recruited 201 female adolescents who visited the gynecology outpatient clinic of a Basic Health Unit in the Federal District of Brazil. These adolescents answered a questionnaire with regard to sexual and reproductive health during doctor’s appointments. To calculate the association, we recorded data for age at menarche, age at first sexual intercourse, age at first pregnancy, and experience of sexual violence. Pearson and Mann–Whitney correlation coefficient statistical tests were performed to evaluate the association between these variables. Mean age at menarche was lower among adolescents who became pregnant (p=0.0004) and those who experienced sexual violence (p=0.0008). Further, there was a strong association between age at menarche and age at first sexual intercourse (p<0.0001). This study also demonstrated that the earlier the age at menarche, the earlier was the age at sexual initiation and age at first unintended pregnancy and the greater was the risk of experiencing sexual violence. Early menarche may be considered a vulnerability factor during adolescence.
A Fuzzy Soft Model for Haze Pollution Management in Northern Thailand
Authors: Phetpradap Parkpoom
Published: March 2020

In this article, we propose fuzzy soft models for decision making in the haze pollution management. The main aims of this research are (i) to provide a haze warning system based on real-time atmospheric data and (ii) to identify the most hazardous location of the study area. PM10 is used as the severity index of the problem. The efficiency of the model is justified by the prediction accuracy ratio based on the real data from 1st January 2016 to 31st May 2016. The fuzzy soft theory is modified in order to make models more suitable for the problems. The results show that our fuzzy models improve the prediction accuracy ratio compared to the prediction based on PM10 density only. This work illustrates a fuzzy analysis that has the capability to simulate the unknown relations between a set of atmospheric and environmental parameters. The study area covers eight provinces in the northern region of Thailand, where the problem severely occurs every year during the dry season. Seven principle parameters are considered in the model, which are PM10 density, air pressure, relative humidity, wind speed, rainfall, temperature, and topography.
Chidamide Inhibits Glioma Cells by Increasing Oxidative Stress via the miRNA-338-5p Regulation of Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Zhou Haixia , Han Liang , Wang Han , Wei Jun , Guo Zhigang , Li Zhaohui
Published: March 2020

Objective. Chidamide has a broad spectrum of antitumor activity but its function on glioma remains unknown. The increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) may control glioma risk by promoting its apoptosis and necrosis. Hedgehog pathway is crucial to glioma cell proliferation and controls ROS production. We aimed to explore the effects of chidamide on the levels of miR-338-5p (glioma cell inhibitor), which may regulate Hedgehog signaling, resulting in the changes of RNS. Materials and Methods. Migration and invasion activities of glioma cells were measured by using the Transwell chamber assay. The expression levels of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Indian Hedgehog (Ihh), Desert Hedgehog (Dhh), miR-338-5p, and related molecules were detected by using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and or Western Blot in U87 and HS683 glioma cells. The effects of chidamide on these molecules were measured by using the miR-338-5p inhibitor or mimics in U87 and HS683 glioma cell lines. ROS and RNS were measured by DCF DA and DAF-FM DA fluorescence. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured by using a corresponding kit. Apoptosis and necrosis rates were measured by using flow cytometry. Results. Chidamide inhibited the growth rate, migration, and invasion of human malignant glioma cells and increased the level of miR-338-5p. miR-338-5p inhibitor or mimics increased or inhibited the growth rate of U87 and HS683 glioma cells. Chidamide inhibited the levels of Shh, Ihh, migration protein E-cadherin, and invading protein MMP-2. The increase in the level of Shh and Ihh led to the reduction in the ROS and RNS levels. miR-338-5p inhibitor or mimics also showed a promoting or inhibitory function for the levels of Shh and Ihh. Furthermore, miR-338-5p mimics and inhibitor inhibited or promoted the migration and invasion of the glioma cells (P<0.05). Evaluated levels of miR-338-5p increased oxidative stress level and apoptosis and necrosis rate by regulating the levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress (P<0.05). Conclusion. Chidamide inhibits glioma cells by increasing oxidative stress via the miRNA-338-5p regulation of Hedgehog signaling. Chidamide may be a potential drug in the prevention of glioma development.
Subcutaneously Anchored Sutureless Device for Securement of Chest Tubes in Neonates with Pleural Effusion: Three Case Reports
Authors: Rodriguez Perez Carmen , Romitti Maria Grazia , Pezzotti Elena , D’Andrea Vito , Pezza Lucilla , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: March 2020

We report the clinical cases of three neonates, all of them premature, requiring the placement of a chest tube for drainage of a massive pleural effusion. In all three patients, the chest tube was secured using a new subcutaneously anchored sutureless system. This new securement device was easy to insert and to remove, and highly effective in preventing dislodgment. Also, it was not associated to any undesired effect: no sign of pain and/or discomfort and no skin inflammation. The securement device proved to be comfortable and harmless even in fragile patients as neonates, including the frailest ones, the premature. To our best knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of such a device for this purpose.
Optimal Investment Strategy under the CEV Model with Stochastic Interest Rate
Authors: He Yong , Chen Peimin
Published: March 2020

Interest rate is an important macrofactor that affects asset prices in the financial market. As the interest rate in the real market has the property of fluctuation, it might lead to a great bias in asset allocation if we only view the interest rate as a constant in portfolio management. In this paper, we mainly study an optimal investment strategy problem by employing a constant elasticity of variance (CEV) process and stochastic interest rate. The assets of investment for individuals are supposed to be composed of one risk-free asset and one risky asset. The interest rate for risk-free asset is assumed to follow the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) process, and the price of risky asset follows the CEV process. The objective is to maximize the expected utility of terminal wealth. By applying the dual method, Legendre transformation, and asymptotic expansion approach, we successfully obtain an asymptotic solution for the optimal investment strategy under constant absolute risk aversion (CARA) utility function. In the end, some numerical examples are provided to support our theoretical results and to illustrate the effect of stochastic interest rates and some other model parameters on the optimal investment strategy.
Clinical and Pathogenic Characteristics of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Treated at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital
Authors: Pham Hien T. , Nguyen Phuc T. T. , Tran Sinh T. , Phung Thuy T. B.
Published: March 2020

Lower respiratory tract infections are commonly caused by viruses and cause significant morbidity and mortality among children. Early identification of the pathological agent causing these infections is essential to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and improve patient management. Multiplex PCR techniques were recently developed to detect multiple viral pathogens using a single PCR reaction. In this study, we identify viral pathogens in children with respiratory infections. We collected 194 nasopharyngeal aspirates from infants (2–24 months old) with lower respiratory tract infections treated at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital between November 2014 and June 2015 and assessed the presence of 16 virus types and subtypes by multiplex PCR using the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) assay. Overall, 73.7% of the samples were positive for at least one virus, and 24.2% corresponded to infections with multiple viruses. The most common viruses were respiratory syncytial virus and enterovirus/rhinovirus. These viruses were more frequent among younger patients (2–5 months old) and caused symptoms similar to those of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The most common clinical manifestation caused by respiratory tract infection was bronchiolitis. Elevated neutrophils levels were associated with adenovirus infection. Our results showed that the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) can effectively detect multiple viruses causing respiratory infections in children and that the nasopharyngeal aspirates are a good sample choice to detect respiratory viruses in children. Applying this approach in the clinical setting would improve patient management and allow early diagnosis, thus avoiding the unnecessary use of antibiotics.