bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criminalization of “galamsey” and livelihoods in Ghana: Limits and consequences
Authors: Dery Tuokuu Francis Xavier , Idemudia Uwafiokun , Bawelle Eugene B. G , Baguri Sumani John Bosco
Published: February 2020

The fact that the artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM) sector in Ghana is driven largely by poverty means that the sector is a major source of livelihood for people in mining communities across the country. However, given the various social and environmental problems associated with the ASM sector, there is now an emerging consensus that the formalization of the sector would not only allow for these associated problems to be addressed but also ensures that the sector contributes to sustainable development and safeguard the livelihood of local communities. While a large body of extant literature has examined the challenges and opportunities facing the process of formalization, the question of the criminalization of the sector and its consequences for local livelihood has received only limited attention. Drawing from primary data collected during fieldwork in Ghana, this study examined the livelihood implications of the ban on galamsey in the Tarkwa‐Nsuaem Municipality in South‐Western Ghana from the perspectives of local communities and other key stakeholders. The study reveals that the ban on galamsey has imposed significant socio‐economic hardships on the people and appears to be entrenching poverty rather than sustainable development. The study considers the theoretical and practical implications of the findings for sustainable livelihood enhancement in developing countries.
Competitive forces affecting capacity decisions of South Dakota feedlot operations
Authors: Fausti Scott W. , Diersen Matthew A.
Published: February 2020

A strategic management framework for the analysis of small and medium size firm behavior within a fragmented industry structure is developed. This literature predicts falling profits in the long run will drive out less efficient firms as the industry consolidates. This literature also predicts successful firms will engage in value‐added production and/or adopt a cost reduction strategy to gain a competitive advantage through the development of niche markets. This framework is applied to the feedlot industry in South Dakota. A survey was conducted to collect feedlot operator responses on future capacity decisions. Empirical analysis identified linkages between future capacity decisions and competitive forces hypothesized in the agricultural management literature, which are responsible for driving consolidation in the U.S. feedlot industry. The survey also collected information on value‐added production and management practices. These data were used to test the “niche market” hypotheses discussed in the strategic management literature. The analysis provides evidence that firms that engage in value‐added practices have a lower probability of indicating they will decrease the capacity of their feedlot.
Heart rate acceleration and deceleration capacities associated with circadian blood pressure variation
Authors: Yan Liyuan , Jin Jianling , Zhao Xin , Huang Xingmei , Zhu Wei , Jiang Shili , Gao Meiwen , Yuan Jiamin
Published: February 2020

Background

Heart rate acceleration and deceleration capacities are novel parameters that can quantify sympathetic and vagal modulation. However, how acceleration and deceleration capacities associated with circadian blood pressure (BP) variation remains unknown.

Methods

A total of 141 patients with essential hypertension were included in our study. Based on the nocturnal decline rate of systolic BP (SBP), patients were divided into two groups, as dippers and nondippers. Baseline demographic characteristics, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) parameters, Holter recordings, and echocardiographic parameters were collected.

Results

The absolute values of acceleration capacity (AC) (−7.75 [−8.45 ~ −6.3] ms vs. −6.6 [−8.25 ~ −5.2] ms, p = .047) and deceleration capacity (DC) (7.35 [6.1 ~ 8.1] ms vs. 6.3 [5.1 ~ 7.6] ms, p = .042) were significantly higher in dippers than in nondippers. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, left atrial diameter (LAd) was found to be an independent risk factor for nondipper status in acceleration capacity model (odds ratio 1.174, 95% confidence interval 1.019–1.354, p = .027) and deceleration model (odds ratio 1.146, 95% confidence interval 1.003–1.309, p = .045). Sleep SBP was positively correlated to acceleration capacity (r = .256, p = .002) and negatively correlated to deceleration capacity (r = −.194, p = .021).

Conclusions

The absolute values of acceleration capacity and deceleration capacity were higher in patients with dipper hypertension than in patients with nondipper hypertension. However, acceleration and deceleration capacities were not independent risk factors for blunted BP variation. Sleep SBP seemed to be better correlated to the impairment of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function than other ABPM parameters.
A Japanese lung cancer registry study on demographics and treatment modalities in medically treated patients
Authors: Sekine Ikuo , Shintani Yasushi , Shukuya Takehito , Takayama Koichi , Inoue Akira , Okamoto Isamu , Kiura Katsuyuki , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Dosaka‐Akita Hirotoshi , Takiguchi Yuichi , Miyaoka Etsuo , Okumura Meinoshin , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: February 2020

This study provides the benchmark statistics on medically treated patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in Japan. Demographic background, treatment, and prognosis were obtained from patients with lung cancer pathologically diagnosed in 2012, who received nonsurgical treatment. Descriptive statistics and their associations with survival were analyzed. In total, 12 320 patients were registered from 314 institutions in Japan. The median age was 70 years, and 73% of the patients were male. The number (%) of stages I, II, III, and IV diseases were 468 (3.8%), 421 (3.4%), 3260 (26.5%), and 8171 (66.3%), respectively. NSCLC and SCLC accounted for 9872 (80.1%) and 2353 (19.1%) patients, respectively. Thoracic radiotherapy‐based therapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care alone were administered to 2572 (20.9%), 7790 (63.2%), and 1952 (15.8%) patients, respectively. Clinical TNM stage was one of the strongest prognostic factors with the 3‐year survival rates of 62.9%, 47.3%, 40.0%, 27.8%, 37.5%, 26.5%, and 18.2% for stages IA, IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, and IV, respectively. Among 6158 patients with NSCLC treated with chemotherapy, the 3‐year survival rate was 33.4% in patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) at some point in their clinical course, whereas it was 17.4% in patients who did not. The 3‐year survival rate of SCLC was only 15.9%. In conclusion, approximately two‐thirds of the patients were diagnosed as stage IV at the initial diagnosis. Use of EGFR‐TKIs significantly improved the survival of patients with NSCLC.
Modified online Newton step based on elementwise multiplication
Authors: Singh Charanjeet , Sharma Anuj
Published: February 2020

The second‐order method using a Newton step is a suitable technique in online learning to guarantee a regret bound. The large data are a challenge in the Newton method to store second‐order matrices such as the hessian. In this article, we have proposed a modified online Newton step that stores first‐ and second‐order matrices of dimension m (classes) by d (features). We have used elementwise arithmetic operations to maintain the size of matrices. The modified second‐order matrix size results in faster computations. Also, the mistake rate is on par with respect to popular methods in the literature. The experimental outcome indicates that proposed method could be helpful to handle large multiclass datasets on common desktop machines using second‐order method as the Newton step.
Quantified control in healthcare work: Suggestions for future research
Authors: Levay Charlotta , Jönsson Johan , Huzzard Tony
Published: February 2020

This paper outlines promising avenues for empirical research on quantified control in healthcare work. A review of key insights from accounting, organization studies, and the emergent sociology of quantification indicates that numbers are productive as well as deceptive and seductive, that they enable control but can be evaded, and that they typically have unintended effects. It remains to be further explored how multiple forms of measurement and quantified control play out in everyday healthcare work. Other questions worth probing concern the limits and capabilities of numbers as a shared language, the differential and disciplinary effects of numbers on social groups, the use of numbers for impression management, and how people manage to resist or mobilize numbers for different purposes. Calling for additional qualitative, close‐up studies, the paper proposes a research focus on everyday practices and the interactions of diverse control measures. It sets out several fruitful methodological pathways, both the well‐established approaches of ethnography and Actor‐Network Theory and the more novel approaches of investigating numbers as communicative acts or as dramaturgical performances.
The Long View of the LIFE Trial and a Life's Work
Authors: LaCroix Andrea Z. , LaMonte Michael J. , Applegate William B.
Published: February 2020

This editorial comments on the article by Pahor et al. in this issue.
Home Visits Improve Attitudes and Self‐Efficacy: A Longitudinal Curriculum for Residents
Authors: Goroncy Anna , Makaroff Katherine , Trybula Marcus , Regan Saundra , Pallerla Harini , Goodnow Keesha , Schlaudecker Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES

To develop a competency‐based, adaptable home visit curricula and clinical framework for family medicine (FM) residents, and to examine resident attitudes, self‐efficacy, and skills following implementation.

DESIGN

Quantitative analysis of resident survey responses and qualitative thematic analysis of written resident reflections.

SETTING

Urban FM residency program.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 43 residents and 20 homebound patients in a home‐based primary care program.

INTERVENTION

A home‐based primary care practice and accompanying curriculum for FM residents was developed and implemented to improve learners’ confidence and skills to perform home visits.

MEASUREMENTS

A 10‐question survey with a 4‐point Likert scale and open‐ended responses. Written resident reflections following home visits.

RESULTS

Over 3 years, 43 unique respondents completed a total of 79 surveys evaluating attitudes, skills, and barriers to home care. Some residents may have completed the survey more than once at different stages in their training. Overall, 86% are interested in home visits in future practice, and 78% of survey responses indicated an increased likelihood to perform home visits with more training. Learners with two or more home visits reported significantly improved confidence. Themes across all resident reflections included social determinants of health, patient‐physician relationship, patient‐home assessment, patient autonomy/independence, and physician wellness/attitudes. Residents described how home visits encourage more holistic care to improve outcomes for patients who are homebound.

CONCLUSION

Our home visit curriculum provided new learning, an enhanced desire to practice home‐based primary care, improved learner confidence, and could help residents meet the need of a growing population of adults who are homebound. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:852–858, 2020
Evolutionary anatomy of the plantar aponeurosis in primates, including humans
Authors: Sichting Freddy , Holowka Nicholas B. , Ebrecht Florian , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: February 2020

The plantar aponeurosis in the human foot has been extensively studied and thoroughly described, in part, because of the incidence of plantar fasciitis in humans. It is commonly assumed that the human plantar aponeurosis is a unique adaptation to bipedalism that evolved in concert with the longitudinal arch. However, the comparative anatomy of the plantar aponeurosis is poorly known in most mammals, even among non‐human primates, hindering efforts to understand its function. Here, we review previous anatomical descriptions of 40 primate species and use phylogenetic comparative methods to reconstruct the evolution of the plantar aponeurosis and its relationship to the plantaris muscle in primates. Ancestral state reconstructions suggest that the overall organization of the human plantar aponeurosis is shared with chimpanzees and that a similar anatomical configuration evolved independently in different primate clades as an adaptation to terrestrial locomotion. The presence of a plantar aponeurosis with clearly developed lateral and central bands in the African apes suggests that this structure is not prohibitive to suspensory locomotion and that these species possess versatile feet adapted for both terrestrial and arboreal locomotion. This plantar aponeurosis configuration would have been advantageous in enhancing foot stiffness for bipedal locomotion in the earliest hominins, prior to the evolution of a longitudinal arch. Hominins may have subsequently evolved thicker and stiffer plantar aponeuroses alongside the arch to enable a windlass mechanism and elastic energy storage for bipedal walking and running, although this idea requires further testing.
Potential distributions of phlebotomine sandfly vectors of human visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in Morocco
Authors: Daoudi M. , Boussaa S. , Hafidi M. , Boumezzough A.
Published: February 2020

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is a common vector‐borne systemic disease caused by Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In Morocco the situation is complex: many sandfly species have been collected in areas in which the disease is endemic, but only Phlebotomus ariasi, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus longicuspis (Diptera: Psychodidae) have been confirmed to have vectorial roles. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the potential distribution of L. infantum and its vectors in Morocco, using ecological niche modelling. Vector records were obtained from field collections of the Laboratory team and from previously published entomological observations. Epidemiological data for L. infantum modelling were obtained from Moroccan Ministry of Health reports. The jackknife test indicated that the bioclimatic variables with the greatest influence on model development for all species were annual precipitation and precipitation in the driest quarter of the year. MaxEnt model representations for sandfly species that act as vectors of L. infantum showed the widespread geographic distribution of these species in Morocco, specifically in northern and central Morocco, where foci of visceral leishmaniasis are found. The ecological niche modelling points out areas in which the probability of occurrence of these species is higher. This information should be considered as a starting point for further research to fully elucidate the ecology and epidemiology of these species, as well as of the pathogens they transmit.
Effect of cumulative fluid balance on acute kidney injury and patient outcomes after orthotopic liver transplantation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Simei , Ma Jiguang , An Rui , Liu Lin , Li Jianpeng , Fang Zeping , Wang Qiang , Ma Qingyong , Shen Xin
Published: February 2020

Aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and it affects long‐term patient survival. The aims of this study were to identify the effects of cumulative fluid balance (FB) on early post‐OLT AKI and adverse outcomes and to construct a model to predict AKI.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 146 adult patients who underwent OLT. AKI severity was classified according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between cumulative FB and post‐OLT AKI. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate the survival rate.

Results

Within the perioperative period of 72 hours, 50% (66/132) of patients developed AKI, with 36 (54%), 16 (24%) and 14 (21%) patients having AKI stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The cumulative FB was the risk factors for post‐OLT AKI (odds ratio [OR], 1.011; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.156~6.001; P = .021). Preoperative albumin was a protective factor for post‐OLT AKI (OR, 0.309; 95% CI, 0.140~0.731; P = .007). The AKI group requires renal replacement therapy (RRT) more (15.2% vs 0%, P = .001) and associated with postoperative complications (56% vs 28.8%, P = .003). The complication‐free survival was lower in the AKI group ([11.90 vs 18.74] months, χ2 = 9.60, P = .002).

Conclusion

Cumulative FB within 72 hours is associated with post‐OLT AKI and requires RRT. Cumulative FB impacts the long‐term complication‐free survival of the recipients.
Title analysis of (systematic) scoping review studies: Chaos or consistency?
Authors: Chrastina Jan
Published: February 2020

The scoping review is one of the alternatives of producing a literature review. However, this approach still lacks a clearly accepted definition, and the scoping terminology is also somewhat fuzzy. Although the methodology of scoping review processing is relatively uniform, terminological chaos appears in the titles of studies with scoping review methodology. This paper presents an analysis of selected published studies with a focus on the content of their titles. A total of 13 thematic dimensions were identified covering the content of titles that show a degree of inconsistency and frequent terminological and methodological “chaos.” This study includes a broad scope of themes and areas for which scoping reviews were produced. We would like to recommend to authors (especially scoping review beginners) to – if not necessary or desirable – avoid introducing new concepts and specifications of titles of produced and published scoping review studies. In the case of literature reviews and knowledge synthesis it is necessary to search according to specific keywords and search phrases – more fragmented scoping review terminology makes literature search more difficult or even impossible.
Comparison of racial distribution of photodermatoses in USA academic dermatology clinics: A multicenter retrospective analysis of 1080 patients over a 10‐year period
Authors: Hamel Remi , Mohammad Tasneem F. , Chahine Adam , Joselow Andrew , Vick Garrett , Radosta Stella , Boh Erin , Alora‐Palli Maria , Mistur Rachel L. , Baron Elma D. , Cooper Kevin D. , Lim Henry W.
Published: February 2020

Background

Previous studies at single academic institutions have identified variations in the prevalence of photodermatoses among racial groups. The purpose of the study was to compare the distribution of photodermatoses between Whites and Blacks at four academic medical centers in the USA.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed at four institutions’ general dermatology clinics using diagnoses consistent with the International Classification of Disease (ICD), Ninth and Tenth Revisions, codes related to photodermatoses between August 2006 and August 2016. A total of 9736 charts were manually reviewed and classified. Analyses were performed analyzing the frequency of photodermatoses between Whites and Blacks in the pooled data.

Results

There were 1,080 patients with photodermatoses identified. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of photodermatoses between Whites and Blacks were identified for polymorphous light eruption (more common in Blacks), photoallergic contact dermatitis, phototoxic drug eruption, phytophotodermatitis, porphyria, and solar urticaria (more common in Whites). The most commonly diagnosed photodermatoses were polymorphous light eruption (total 672), and photodermatitis not otherwise specified (total 189).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated significantly higher proportions of polymorphous light eruption in Blacks, and higher proportions of photoallergic contact dermatitis, phototoxic drug eruptions, phytophotodermatitis, porphyrias, and solar urticaria in Whites.
Technologies for targeting the peripheral pulmonary nodule including robotics
Authors: Fielding David , Oki Masahide
Published: February 2020

Bronchoscopic sampling of PPL was significantly advanced by the development of the endobronchial ultrasound guide sheath method in the 1990s. Since then, a range of technical and procedural techniques have further advanced diagnostic yields. These include the use of thinner bronchoscopes with better working channel diameters, understanding the importance of peripheral transbronchial needle aspiration, and virtual bronchoscopic assistance. These have enabled better sampling of smaller and more technically challenging lesions including ground‐glass nodules. Most recently, robotic bronchoscopy has been developed which, among other refinements, allows fine control of visual bronchoscopic navigation by replacing movements directed by the hand with electronic consoles and trackballs, and innovatively integrate virtual with real bronchoscopic pathways. The requirement for PPL diagnosis and treatment is expected to increase with more chest CT performed as part of CT screening programmes.
Histologically low‐grade, yet biologically high‐grade, canine cutaneous mast cell tumours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of individual participant data
Authors: Bae Sohee , Milovancev Milan , Bartels Courtney , Irvin Veronica L. , Tuohy Joanne L. , Townsend Katy L. , Leeper Haley
Published: February 2020

Low‐grade canine cutaneous mast cell tumour (cMCT) with metastasis at the time of treatment is uncommonly reported, with few studies focusing on this specific clinical entity. The specific objective of this study was to systematically review the veterinary literature and perform a meta‐analysis summarizing the clinical presentation, treatments reported and clinical outcomes from dogs with histologically low‐grade cMCT and metastasis present at initial treatment. A total of 980 studies were screened with eight publications providing data on 121 dogs ultimately included. The most common treatments were surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy in 83/121 (69%) dogs; combined surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in 17/121 (14%) dogs; chemotherapy alone in 12/121 (10%) dogs and surgery alone in 7/121 (6%) dogs. Dogs with distant metastasis (n = 22) experienced significantly shorter survival compared with those with regional lymph node (RLN) metastasis (n = 99; median 194 vs 637 days; P < .01). Two variables were significantly associated with increased risk of death: presence of distant (vs RLN) metastasis (hazard ratio = 2.60; P < .01) and not receiving surgery as a component of treatment (hazard ratio = 3.79; P < .01). Risk of bias was judged to be low in terms of selection and performance bias but high in terms of detection and exclusion bias. In conclusion, dogs with cMCT and RLN metastasis can be expected to live significantly longer than those with distant metastasis, and surgery appears to have a role in extending survival of metastatic low‐grade cMCT.
Amalan Diagnosis Dalam Perubatan Melayu Berdasarkan Kitab Tib (Diagnosis Practice In Malay Medicine Based on The Kitab Tib)
Authors: Mat Salleh Fairuzah , Saari Zilal , Abdul Rahman Nur Najwa Hanani , Mustafa Norhissam
Published: February 2020

This article will highlight the practices practiced in Malay medicine to diagnose an illness experienced by a patient based on the information contained in the kitab tib. This study will focus on six kitab tib that have been transliterated to roman writing. Then, these kitab tib will be analyzed to determine the diagnostic practices presented therein and structured their information based on certain categories and justifications. The main purpose is to analyze the contents of the kitab tib based on these three criteria (i) the diagnosis practices used in each kitab tib, (ii) the elements that influence the diagnosis based on each kitab tib, (iii) the main diagnostic method set forth in each kitab tib. As a result of this study, the practice of diagnosis in Malay medicine based on these kitab tib emphasizes on identifying imbalances between the four main elements of the body namely wind, fire, water and soil. These four elements will affect the state of the fluid in the body and consequently affect the results of the diagnosis. With this, it will determine the appropriate treatment to be given to a patient but it is necessary to provide latest complete analytical information to produce more accurate treatment results.
Penerapan Konsep IKHLAS Dalam Menyantuni Anak Istimewa (Autisme) (Implementation of IKHLAS Concept In Treating Special Needs)
Authors: Bujang Nor Afizah , Jima’ain @ Ajmain Muhammad Talhah , Saari Zilal
Published: February 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 revealed one in 160 children having an autism in this world and its prevalence is increasing globally. These statistics clearly show many parents out there struggling with the great challenge of raising and educating these special children. They also face greater stress than parents with normal children and children with other disabilities such as down syndrome. The objective of this study was to examine alternative mechanisms to help parents cope with the reality of the presence of autism children. The study involved methodology in the study of literature review, which is a comprehensive review of various writings and studies on autism analyzed to find alternatives that needs to be applied in the care of this special child. The findings of the analysis found IKHLAS concepts which are knowledge, love, hope, training, the heart and support (IKHLAS) should be instilled in every parent with special needs so that the children have the space as well opportunity and should not be neglected by society. This writing is hoped to be a little input for parents and other parties that related which  having children with austim to implement IKHLAS concepts in the efforts of educating and caring for them.
Effective Approaches Of The Education Of Children In Forming A Sustainable Family According To Islamic References
Authors: A Rahman Siti Nur Hadis , Mohamad Ahmad Marzuki , Hehsan Aminudin , Ajmain @ Jima’ain Muhammad Talhah
Published: February 2020

Humans and education are two important issues in planning the growth, development and advancement of a country. The basic education for an individual starts with the teaching at home, school and the environment. Children’s education is important in Islam. The importance of emphasising the development of children is a practice pioneered by Islamic scholars since ancient times based on the teaching of Islam that used Qur’an and Sunnah as their references. Parents today face with challenges in educating their children. They are required to ensure that their children are raised and given the education that covers the development of intellect, physical, spiritual, morals and social. Education can nurture the current and future generations to grow and be responsible to God, themselves, other people and the country. The aim of the present research was to examine about the effective approaches of children’s education in shaping a sustainable family according to Islamic references. The research method is based on reading of articles, journals, newspapers, books and others as primary data. The learning process involves mental, physical, emotional and social aspects. This article in general discusses about teaching in the aspects of education, which is classified into four types namely Formal Teaching, Informal Teaching, Non-Formal Teaching and Rasulullah pbuh Teaching Method. Generally, the aspects of children’s education are divided into aspects of faith, morals, physical, mental, spiritual social, emotional and sexology. Therefore, there are three main things that need to be emphasised in shaping children and their souls in forming a sustainable family which include strengthening of spiritual and worship activities, knowledge and noble values.
Empowering Wakaf (Islamic endowment) for Economic Development: An Insightful Value of Nazir Waqf in Indonesia
Authors: Ibrahim Duski , Zainuri Ahmad , Huda Miftachul
Published: February 2020

Productive waqf, which are one of the instruments of economic development for the people in Indonesia, have not yet materialized. Even though the legislation regarding waqf (Islamic endowment) has been ratified and enforced by the Indonesian Government, especially Law No. 1 of 2004 concerning Endowments. The main cause is assumed to lie in the end of waqf that has not been effective. Therefore, this study is focused on talking about Nazir (appointed administrator) under the position in managing productive waqf. The qualitative data used is sourced from books and statutory regulations on waqf in Indonesia, then analyzed by the opinions ulama especially those related to Nazir waqf, whether individuals, organizations or legal entities. Based on the studies conducted, the development of waqf is still a lot of obstacles or obstacles, such as the community’s understanding of waqf is still weak, public trust in Nazir is still not lacking, and Nazir itself is still a lot of professionals. Therefore, the solution is to develop Nazir waqf, both moral, managerial, business knowledge, and raising Nazir that is not yet a full timer, not just part time work. When such obstacles have been overcome, God willing, productive endowments will develop in Indonesia, and finally the productive endowments can truly be an element of empowerment and economic development of the people.
Respiratory and locomotor muscle blood flow during exercise in health and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Vogiatzis Ioannis , Louvaris Zafeiris , Wagner Peter D.
Published: February 2020

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The work presented here focuses mostly on testing the theory of blood flow redistribution from the locomotor to the respiratory muscles during heavy exercise in healthy participants and in patients with COPD.

What advances does it highlight?

Studies presented and the direct experimental approach to measure muscle blood flow by indocyanine green dye detected by near infrared spectroscopy, show that exercise interferes with respiratory muscle blood flow especially in COPD, but even in healthy.

We have developed an indicator‐dilution method to measure muscle blood flow at rest and during exercise using the light absorbing tracer indocyanine green dye (ICG) injected as an intravenous bolus, with surface optodes placed over muscles of interest to record the ICG signal by near‐infrared spectroscopy. Here we review findings for both quadriceps and intercostal muscle blood flow (measured simultaneously) in trained cyclists and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During resting hyperpnoea in both athletes and patients, intercostal muscle blood flow increased with ventilation, correlating closely and linearly with the work of breathing, with no change in quadriceps flow. During graded exercise in athletes, intercostal flow at first increased, but then began to fall approaching peak effort. Unexpectedly, in COPD, intercostal muscle blood flow during exercise fell progressively from resting values, contrasting sharply with the response to resting hyperpnoea. During exercise at peak intensity, we found no quadriceps blood flow reduction in favour of the respiratory muscles in either athletes or patients. In COPD at peak exercise, when patients breathed 21% oxygen in helium or 100% oxygen, there was no redistribution of blood flow observed between legs and respiratory muscles in either direction. Evidence of decrease in leg blood flow and increase in respiratory muscle flow was found only when imposing expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during exercise in healthy individuals. However, because EFL caused substantial physiological derangement, lowering arterial oxygen saturation and raising end‐tidal and heart rate, these results cannot be projected onto normal exercise.
Fungal allergen‐induced IL‐33 secretion involves cholesterol‐dependent, VDAC‐1‐mediated ATP release from the airway epithelium
Authors: Srisomboon Yotesawee , Squillace Diane L. , Maniak Peter J. , Kita Hirohito , O'Grady Scott M.
Published: February 2020

Key points

Alternaria aeroallergens induce the release of ATP from human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells by activating a conductive pathway involving voltage‐dependent anion channel‐1 (VDAC‐1) and by exocytosis of ATP localized within membrane vesicles.

Inhibition of VDAC‐1 blocked Alternaria‐evoked Ca2+ uptake across the plasma membrane of HBE cells and interleukin (IL)‐33 release into the extracellular media.

Reducing cholesterol content with a cholesterol scavenger (β‐methylcyclodextrin) or statin compound (simvastatin) blocked ATP and IL‐33 release by lowering the expression of VDAC‐1 in the plasma membrane.

Pretreatment with simvastatin for 24 h also inhibited the increase in tight junction macromolecule permeability that occurs following Alternaria exposure.

These results establish a novel role for VDAC‐1 as a mechanism underlying ATP release induced by fungal allergens and suggests a possible therapeutic use for cholesterol lowering compounds in reducing Alternaria‐stimulated allergic inflammation.

Human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells exposed to allergens derived from the common saprophytic fungus, Alternaria alternata release ATP, which in turn stimulates P2X7 receptor‐mediated Ca2+ uptake across the plasma membrane. The subsequent increase in intracellular calcium concentration induces proteolytic processing and secretion of interleukin (IL)‐33, a critical cytokine involved in the initiation of allergic airway inflammation. A major objective of the present study was to identify the mechanism responsible for conductive ATP release. The results show that pretreatment of HBE cells with inhibitors of the voltage‐dependent anion channel‐1 (VDAC‐1) or treatment with a VDAC‐1 selective blocking antibody or silencing mRNA expression of the channel by RNA interference, inhibit Alternaria‐evoked ATP release. Moreover, inhibition of VDAC‐1 channel activity or reducing protein expression blocked the secretion of IL‐33. Similarly, reducing the cholesterol content of HBE cells with simvastatin or the cholesterol scavenger β‐methylcyclodextrin also blocked ATP release and IL‐33 secretion by decreasing the level of VDAC‐1 expression in the plasma membrane. In addition, simvastatin inhibited the increase in tight junction macromolecule permeability that was previously observed after Alternaria exposure. These results demonstrate a novel function for VDAC‐1 as the conductive mechanism responsible for Alternaria‐induced ATP release, an essential early step in the processing, mobilization and secretion of IL‐33 by the airway epithelium. Furthermore, the simvastatin‐evoked reduction of VDAC‐1 expression in the plasma membrane, suggests the possibility that cholesterol lowering compounds may be beneficial in alleviating allergic airway inflammation induced by fungal allergens.
Associations of Physical Activity Policies With Sports Participation in EU Countries: Higher Overall Levels, Smaller Social Inequalities, and More Positive Trends Since 2009
Authors: Mutz Michael , van Munster Marlena
Published: February 2020

Background: European Union member countries agreed on 23 health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policy measures in 2013; however, the implementation of these measures varies considerably between countries. Hitherto, no evaluations have yet addressed the efficacy of these policies. Methods: Using a quantitative cross-country comparative approach and based on aggregate Eurobarometer data, this paper presents country-level associations between HEPA measures and the level of sports participation, the gender and educational inequalities of sports participation, and the change in sports participation from 2009 to 2017. Findings: The number of implemented HEPA policy measures is associated with higher levels and smaller social inequalities of sports participation in European Union countries. Moreover, HEPA measures correlate with more positive time trends in sports participation from 2009 to 2017. Conclusion: In addition to the many influencing factors at the individual and social levels, these findings lend support to the notion that sports participation can also be promoted at the national level by implementing specific HEPA policies.
Blood-stage malaria parasites manipulate host innate immune responses through the induction of sFGL2
Authors: Fu Yong , Ding Yan , Wang Qinghui , Zhu Feng , Tan Yulong , Lu Xiao , Guo Bo , Zhang Qingfeng , Cao Yaming , Liu Taiping , Cui Liwang , Xu Wenyue
Published: February 2020

Malaria parasite uses sFGL2 secreted mainly by T
regs
to subvert the host innate immune response for its survival.
Autonomous cars in science fiction
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: February 2020

We view autonomous cars just like the ones in science fiction, and that could be a problem.
Systematic Review of Whole-Genome Sequencing Data To Predict Phenotypic Drug Resistance and Susceptibility in Swedish Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates, 2016 to 2018
Authors: Enkirch Theresa , Werngren Jim , Groenheit Ramona , Alm Erik , Advani Reza , Lind Karlberg Maria , Mansjö Mikael
Published: February 2020

In this retrospective study, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data generated on an Ion Torrent platform was used to predict phenotypic drug resistance profiles for first- and second-line drugs among Swedish clinical
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates from 2016 to 2018. The accuracy was ∼99% for all first-line drugs and 100% for four second-line drugs. Our analysis supports the introduction of WGS into routine diagnostics, which might, at least in Sweden, replace phenotypic drug susceptibility testing in the future.
A New Gorilla Adenoviral Vector with Natural Lung Tropism Avoids Liver Toxicity and Is Amenable to Capsid Engineering and Vector Retargeting
Authors: Lu Zhi Hong , Dmitriev Igor P. , Brough Douglas E. , Kashentseva Elena A. , Li Jie , Curiel David T.
Published: February 2020

In the aggregate, our mouse studies suggest that GAd is a promising gene therapy vector that utilizes lung ECs as a source of therapeutic payload production and a highly desirable toxicity profile. Further genetic engineering of the GAd capsid holds the promise of
in vivo
vector tropism modification and targeting.
Recurrent Kawasaki disease and cardiac complications: nationwide surveys in Japan
Authors: Sudo Daisuke , Makino Nobuko , Nakamura Yosikazu
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Based on data obtained before high-dose (2 g/kg) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy prevailed in Japan, children with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) were highly susceptible to disease recurrence and more likely to develop cardiac sequelae. We aimed to examine the epidemiological features of cardiac complications among patients with recurrent KD following the widespread use of high-dose IVIG therapy.

Design

Two cohorts of patients with recurrent KD retrieved from Japanese nationwide surveys (previous cohort: 1989–1994; recent cohort: 2003–2012) were compared.

Results

Of 1842 patients with recurrent KD in the recent cohort, 3.5% and 5.2% developed cardiac sequelae at the initial and second episodes, respectively, which were markedly decreased compared with those (>10%, respectively) in the previous cohort. Multivariate analyses showed that the risk factors for cardiac sequelae at the second episode were similar between the cohorts. Patients with recurrent KD in both cohorts were more likely to have coronary aneurysms at the second episode than at the initial episode. However, when patients with coronary aneurysms at the initial episode were excluded from analyses, the difference in the proportions of coronary aneurysms between KD episodes disappeared in the recent cohort. Residual rates of previously formed coronary aneurysms were similar between the cohorts (approximately 50%).

Conclusion

This study suggests that KD recurrence is no longer a risk factor for developing cardiac complications, unless cardiac sequelae appear at the initial episode. However, residual rates of previously formed coronary aneurysms remain high. Therefore, the importance of carefully managing coronary aneurysms associated with KD remains unchanged.
Unexpected combination: DiGeorge syndrome and myeloperoxidase deficiency
Authors: Abraitytė Simona , Kotsi Elisabeth , Devlin Lisa Anne , Edgar John David Moore
Published: February 2020

We report a case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and a known diagnosis of partial DiGeorge (22q11.2 deletion) syndrome. The nature and severity of his infections were more than normally expected in partial DiGeorge syndrome with normal T-cell counts and T-cell proliferative response to phytohaemagglutinin. This prompted further investigation of the immune system. An abnormal neutrophil respiratory oxidative burst, but normal protein expression of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system, led to the identification of myeloperoxidase deficiency. DiGeorge syndrome has a heterogeneous clinical phenotype and may not be an isolated diagnosis. It raises awareness of the possibility of two rare diseases occurring in a single patient and emphasises that even when a rare diagnosis is confirmed, if the clinical features remain atypical or unresponsive, then further investigation for additional cofactors is warranted.
Characterizing the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities in Kootenay Lake: a time series analysis of 24 years of nutrient addition
Authors: Schindler Eva U. , Shafii Bahman , Anders Paul J. , Price William J. , Holderman Charlie , Ashley Ken I. , Bassett Marley
Published: February 2020

Large-scale seasonal addition of limiting nutrients has been used for restoration in Kootenay Lake, British Columbia, since 1992 to mitigate cultural oligotrophication resulting from upstream hydropower development, river channelization, mysid shrimp introduction, and extensive tributary floodplain loss. Historical (1949) in-lake nutrient levels were targeted to stimulate bottom-up carbon transfer from native plankton communities to planktivorous and piscivorous fish populations that support popular fisheries. Analysis of 24 years of monitoring data assessed the effects of nutrient addition on the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities. Assessment involved comparisons of plankton community metric data from North Arm (1992–2003) and North + South arms (2004–2015) nutrient addition periods. A before–after, control–impact (BACI) analysis adjusted for these effects involved a series of phytoplankton and zooplankton metrics across the two lake arms. Time series analyses revealed significant serial correlation structure, significant increases in phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance and biomass, and increased stability within the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities. Results confirmed that adaptively managed nutrient restoration can effectively restore biological productivity and community structure in a large culturally oligotrophic lake.
A Connes correspondence approach to the dilation theory
Authors: Sawada Yusuke
Published: February 2020

Product systems have been originally introduced to classify E0-semigroups on type I factors by Arveson. The idea of product systems is influenced the constructions of dilations of CP0-semigroups. In this paper, we will develop the dilation theory and the classification theory of E0-semigroups on a general von Neumann algebra in the view point of Connes correspondences. For this, we will provide a concept of product system whose components are Connes correspondences. There exists a one-to-one correspondence between a CP0-semigroup and a unit of a product system of Connes correspondences. The correspondence enables us to construct dilations and classify E0-semigroups by product systems of Connes correspondences up to cocycle equivalence.
Identifying vital genes of breast cancer through synergy network by part mutual information
Authors: Yang Xiaobo , Guo Binghui , Mi Zhilong , Yin Ziqiao , Li Jiahui , Zheng Zhiming
Published: February 2020

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor of which pathogenic genes are widely studied. Since gene pairs are considered as biomarkers to identify cancer patients, in this paper, we use information theory to study the collaboration features of gene pairs. The measure of synergy based on mutual information (MI) is introduced to determine whether genes collaborate with each other in breast cancer. Part mutual information (PMI) is introduced to further select collaborative genes and construct a synergy network, which overcomes the shortage of MI. Furthermore, a dual network of synergy network is constructed and structural indices are calculated to identify vital genes. By decision tree and support vector machine, synergy is considered as a suitable index and dual network with PMI improves the accuracy of cancer identification. This method can be extended to identify other biological phenomenon and find collaborative genes as biomarkers.
Approximate Compressor-Based Multiplier Design Methodology for Error-Resilient Digital Signal Processing
Authors: Yang Zhixi , Li Xianbin , Yang Jun
Published: February 2020

As many digital signal processing (DSP) applications such as digital filtering are inherently error-tolerant, approximate computing has attracted significant attention. A multiplier is the fundamental component for DSP applications and takes up the most part of the resource utilization, namely power and area. A multiplier consists of partial product arrays (PPAs) and compressors are often used to reduce partial products (PPs) to generate the final product. Approximate computing has been studied as an innovative paradigm for reducing resource utilization for the DSP systems. In this paper, a 4:2 approximate compressor-based multiplier is studied. Approximate 4:2 compressors are designed with a practical design criterion, and an approximate multiplier that uses both truncation and the proposed compressors for PP reduction is subsequently designed. Different levels of truncation and approximate compression combination are studied for accuracy and electrical performance. A practical selection algorithm is then leveraged to identify the optimal combinations for multiplier designs with better performance in terms of both accuracy and electrical performance measurements. Two real case studies are performed, i.e., image processing and a finite impulse response (FIR) filter. The design proposed in this paper has achieved up to 16.96% and 20.81% savings on power and area with an average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) larger than 25[Formula: see text]dB for image processing; similarly, with a decrease of 0.3[Formula: see text]dB in the output SNR, 12.22% and 30.05% savings on power and area have been achieved for an FIR filter compared to conventional multiplier designs.
A Case Representation and Similarity Measurement Model with Experience-Grounded Semantics
Authors: Slam Nady , Slamu Wushour , Wang Pei
Published: February 2020

Case-based reasoning heavily depends on the structure and content of the cases, and semantics is essential to effectively represent cases. In the field of structured case representation, most of the works regarding case representation and measurement of semantic similarity between cases are based on model-theoretic semantics and their extensions. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of experienced-grounded semantics in case representation and semantic similarity measurement. The main contents in this study are as follows: (i) a case representation model based on experience-grounded semantic is proposed, (ii) a novel semantic similarity measurement method with multi-strategy reasoning is introduced, and (iii) a case-based reasoning software for urban firefighting field based on the proposed model is designed and implemented. Theoretically, compared with traditional structured case representation methods, the proposed model not only represents case in a fully formalized way, but also provides a novel metric for computing the strength of the semantic relationship between cases. The proposed model has been applied in an intelligent decision-support software for urban firefighting.