bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of community and primary-care-based hepatitis C testing and treatment services that employ direct acting antiviral drug treatments
Authors: Radley Andrew , Robinson Emma , Aspinall Esther J. , Angus Kathryn , Tan Lex , Dillon John F.
Published: October 2019

Background

Direct Acting Antiviral (DAAs) drugs have a much lower burden of treatment and monitoring requirements than regimens containing interferon and ribavirin, and a much higher efficacy in treating hepatitis C (HCV). These characteristics mean that initiating treatment and obtaining a virological cure (Sustained Viral response, SVR) on completion of treatment, in non-specialist environments should be feasible. We investigated the English-language literature evaluating community and primary care-based pathways using DAAs to treat HCV infection.

Methods

Databases (Cinahl; Embase; Medline; PsycINFO; PubMed) were searched for studies of treatment with DAAs in non-specialist settings to achieve SVR. Relevant studies were identified including those containing a comparison between a community and specialist services where available. A narrative synthesis and linked meta-analysis were performed on suitable studies with a strength of evidence assessment (GRADE).

Results

Seventeen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria: five from Australia; two from Canada; two from UK and eight from USA. Seven studies demonstrated use of DAAs in primary care environments; four studies evaluated integrated systems linking specialists with primary care providers; three studies evaluated services in locations providing care to people who inject drugs; two studies evaluated delivery in pharmacies; and one evaluated delivery through telemedicine. Sixteen studies recorded treatment uptake. Patient numbers varied from around 60 participants with pathway studies to several thousand in two large database studies. Most studies recruited less than 500 patients. Five studies reported reduced SVR rates from an intention-to-treat analysis perspective because of loss to follow-up before the final confirmatory SVR test. GRADE assessments were made for uptake of HCV treatment (medium); completion of HCV treatment (low) and achievement of SVR at 12 weeks (medium).

Conclusion

Services sited in community settings are feasible and can deliver increased uptake of treatment. Such clinics are able to demonstrate similar SVR rates to published studies and real-world clinics in secondary care. Stronger study designs are needed to confirm the precision of effect size seen in current studies. Prospero: CRD42017069873.
Investigation on Brucella infection in farm animals in Saham, Sultanate of Oman with reference to human brucellosis outbreak
Authors: ElTahir Yasmin , Al-Farsi Anfal , Al-Marzooqi Waleed , Al-Toobi Alghalya , M. Gaafar Osman , Jay Maryne , Corde Yannick , Bose Shekar , Al-Hamrashdi Abeer , Al-Kharousi Kaadhia , Rajamony Sunil , Asi Muhammed Nadeem , Al-Saqri Nasseb , AlBusaidi Rudaina , I Elshafie Elshafie , H. Johnson Eugene
Published: October 2019

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate Brucella infection in farm animals in Saham, Oman, with reference to a survey carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (MAF) for Brucellosis during the period of May to July 2016 in Saham, following an outbreak of human brucellosis. We wanted to apply different serological, bacteriological and molecular tests in a time frame (phase 1, 2 & 3) with reference to the pivotal time of a human brucellosis outbreak to ascertain the status of the disease in Saham area where the MAF survey was conducted. Blood samples were collected from farm animals and sera were screened in parallel for Brucella antibodies using different serological tests.

Results

Using the RBT test, phase 1 sera showed seropositivity in sheep at 2.6%, (95% CI: 0.5–13.5%), in camel (5.9%, 1.1–27.0%), but not in sera from goats and cattle (0%). Using I-ELISA, seropositivity in goat was 3.1% (0.6–15.8%), with no positive sheep and cattle. Using c-ELISA for camel we found a seropositivity of 5.9% (1.1–27.0%). Furthermore, CFT seropositivity in goats was 21.9% (CI: 11.3–38.9), cattle and sheep sera were negative and camel was 5.9% (1.1–27.0%).

In phase 2, the seropositivity in goats was 1.9% (1.4–2.6%), sheep 4.5% (3.5–5.8%), cattle 1.1%, (0.5–2.3%) and camels 18.2% (5.1–47.7%),

Phase 3 sera were collected 6 months after the human brucellosis outbreak. With RBT, the seropositivity in goats was 3% (1.0–8.5%), sheep 2% (0.6–7.1%) cattle 1% (0.2–5.5%). With I-ELISA, goats & camels were negative, sheep were 3% (1.0–8.5%) and cattle 1% (0.2–5.5%).

Moreover, B. melitensis was isolated from a bronchial lymph node of the RBT and I-ELISA seropositive cow and confirmed by Multiplex PCR and biochemical tests.

Conclusion

Using a retrospective study analysis of animal sera and following up after a human brucellosis outbreak, the present study showed a slight decrease in seropositivity of infected animals after the MAF implemented test and slaughter policy. The most interesting finding in this study was the isolation, identification and molecular characterization of Brucella melitensis in a cow (spillover), which is not a preferential host for Brucella melitensis.
Human iPSC banking: barriers and opportunities
Authors: Huang Ching-Ying , Liu Chun-Lin , Ting Chien-Yu , Chiu Yueh-Ting , Cheng Yu-Che , Nicholson Martin W. , Hsieh Patrick C. H.
Published: October 2019

The introduction of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has opened up the potential for personalized cell therapies and ushered in new opportunities for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, iPSC-based drug discovery and toxicity assessment. Over the past 10 years, several initiatives have been established that aim to collect and generate a large amount of human iPSCs for scientific research purposes. In this review, we compare the construction and operation strategy of some iPSC banks as well as their ongoing development. We also introduce the technical challenges and offer future perspectives pertaining to the establishment and management of iPSC banks.
Reported Māori consumer experiences of health systems and programs in qualitative research: a systematic review with meta-synthesis
Authors: Palmer Suetonia C. , Gray Harriet , Huria Tania , Lacey Cameron , Beckert Lutz , Pitama Suzanne G.
Published: October 2019

Background

Persistent inequities in health experiences and outcomes are observed for Māori compared to non-Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. We conceptualised factors associated with Māori consumer experiences of health programs and services and characterise how the recommendations arising from qualitative research inform strategies to address inequities.

Methods

In this systematic review, electronic literature searching was conducted in February 2018. Qualitative studies reporting Māori consumer experiences of health services and programs in Aotearoa New Zealand were eligible. Māori consumer experiences of health services were mapped to the WHO Commission of Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) conceptual framework on health inequities as related to: (i) the socioeconomic and political context; (ii) socioeconomic positioning; or (iii) intermediary factors that increase exposure to health-compromising conditions. Recommendations to improve consumer experiences were mapped to the CSDH framework for tackling social determinants of health inequities as policy directions on: (i) unequal consequences of illness (individual interaction); (ii) risks of exposure to health-damaging factors (community); (iii) exposures to health-damaging factors (public policies); and (iv) mitigating effects of socioeconomic and political stratification (environment).

Results

Fifty-four studies were included. Māori consumer experiences mapped to social determinants of health inequities were most frequently related to direct interactions with health services and programs, particularly patient-clinician interactions (communication, relationships) and cultural competencies of clinicians and the system. Key recommendations by researchers mapped to potential strategies to address inequity were identified at all levels of the political, social and health system from individual interactions, community change, and broader public and system-level strategies. Recommendations were predominantly focused on actions to reduce risks of exposure to health-damaging factors including health literacy interventions, increased resources in cultural competencies and Māori capacity in health service development and workforce.

Conclusions

Māori consumer experiences of health services and programs are an important informer of variables that impact health inequity. Strategies to tackle health inequities informed by Māori consumer experiences can be drawn from existing empirical research. Future qualitative exploration of how socioeconomic, political and public policies influence Māori consumer experiences of health services and programs could inform a broader range of structural policies to address health inequities.
Factors predicting recurrence after curative resection for rectal cancer: a 16-year study
Authors: Farhat Waad , Azzaza Mohamed , Mizouni Abdelkader , Ammar Houssem , ben Ltaifa Mahdi , Lagha Sami , Kahloul Mohamed , Gupta Rahul , Mabrouk Mohamed Ben , Ali Ali Ben
Published: October 2019

Background

The recurrence after curative surgery of the rectal adenocarcinoma is a serious complication, considered as a failure of the therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to identify the different prognostic factors affecting the recurrence of adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients operated for adenocarcinoma of the rectum between January 2000 and December 2015 was conducted. The study of the recurrence rate and prognostic factors was performed through the Kaplan Meier survival curve and the Cox regression analysis.

Results

During the study period, 188 patients underwent curative surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma, among which 53 had a recurrence. The recurrence rate was 44.6% at 5 years. The multivariate analysis identified four parameters independently associated with the risk of recurrence after curative surgery: a distal margin ≤ 2 cm (HR = 6.8, 95% CI 2.7–16.6, 6), extracapsular invasion of lymph node metastasis (HR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.3–14), tumor stenosis (HR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.2–15.2), and parietal invasion (pT3/T4 disease) (HR = 3, 95% CI 1.1–9.4).

Conclusion

The determination of the prognostic factors affecting the recurrence of rectal adenocarcinoma after curative surgery allows us to define the high-risk patients for recurrence.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03899870. Registered on 2 February 2019, retrospectively registered.
The National Village Health Guide Scheme in India: lessons four decades later for community health worker programs today and tomorrow
Authors: Strodel Rachel J. , Perry Henry B.
Published: October 2019

Background

Based in part on the success of India’s early community health worker (CHW) programs, the Government of India launched in 1977 a national CHW scheme—the Village Health Guides (VHGs)—to provide preventive, promotive, and basic curative care to rural populations. Although this program had promising origins in smaller demonstration projects, it failed to deliver the hoped-for impact at scale and was abandoned. Based on extensive evidence and experience, the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly have strongly endorsed the value of national CHW programs and their integration into national health systems. Surprisingly, given the scale and importance of the VHG program and its pioneering nature as a national CHW program, little has been published describing this experience. This article is the second in a series that focuses on critical issues that face the effectiveness of large-scale CHW programs.

Case presentation

Several systemic factors emerge as main contributors to the failure of the VHG Scheme, namely, a lack of support from the formal health sector, an overly hasty implementation of the scheme, and poor communication between the government and health centers about the role of the VHGs. The remuneration structure and the VHG selection process were at the root of the program’s shortcomings at the implementation level.

Conclusion

National CHW schemes are an increasingly important tool for achieving universal health coverage and ending maternal and child deaths by 2030. Although the VHG Scheme was initiated over 40 years ago, the lessons described in this case highlight important considerations to help both current and future large-scale CHW programs avoid the same pitfalls.
NDP-MSH binding melanocortin-1 receptor ameliorates neuroinflammation and BBB disruption through CREB/Nr4a1/NF-κB pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Wu Xuan , Fu Siming , Liu Yun , Luo Hansheng , Li Feng , Wang Yiying , Gao Meng , Cheng Yuan , Xie Zongyi
Published: October 2019

Background

Neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption are two vital mechanisms of secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Recently, melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r) activation by Nle4-D-Phe7-α-MSH (NDP-MSH) was shown to play a neuroprotective role in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. This study aimed to investigate whether NDP-MSH could alleviate neuroinflammation and BBB disruption after experimental ICH, as well as the potential mechanisms of its neuroprotective roles.

Methods

Two hundred and eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to autologous blood-injection ICH model. NDP-MSH, an agonist of Mc1r, was administered intraperitoneally injected at 1 h after ICH insult. To further explore the related protective mechanisms, Mc1r small interfering RNA (Mc1r siRNA) and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (Nr4a1) siRNA were administered via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection before ICH induction. Neurological test, BBB permeability, brain water content, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analysis were implemented.

Results

The Expression of Mc1r was significantly increased after ICH. Mc1r was mainly expressed in microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells following ICH. Treatment with NDP-MSH remarkably improved neurological function and reduced BBB disruption, brain water content, and the number of microglia in the peri-hematoma tissue after ICH. Meanwhile, the administration of NDP-MSH significantly reduced the expression of p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-9 and increased the expression of p-CREB, Nr4a1, ZO-1, occludin, and Lama5. Inversely, the knockdown of Mc1r or Nr4a1 abolished the neuroprotective effects of NDP-MSH.

Conclusions

Taken together, NDP-MSH binding Mc1r attenuated neuroinflammation and BBB disruption and improved neurological deficits, at least in part through CREB/Nr4a1/NF-κB pathway after ICH.
Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8-like 2 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Liu Yi , Jin Jia , Ji Jian , Gao Xi-Mei , Fan Yu-Chen
Published: October 2019

Background

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) is a novel target and molecule in the negative regulation of immune homeostasis. The present study aimed to investigate the dynamic expression of TIPE2 mRNA during the progression of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods

A total of 193 patients with chronic HBV infection were retrospectively recruited into this cross-sectional study, including 97 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 55 with liver cirrhosis and 41 with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TIPE2 mRNA was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The expression of TIPE2 levels in patients with HCC was significantly decreased compared with expression in patients with liver cirrhosis, CHB and healthy controls (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the TIPE2 mRNA levels in patients with CHB and liver cirrhosis were significantly increased compared with levels in healthy controls (P < 0.01). In liver cirrhosis, the TIPE2 mRNA level in the decompensated state was significantly higher than that in the compensated state (P < 0.05). In HCC patients, TIPE2 mRNA was significantly associated with venous invasion, tumor size and tumor node metastasis stage. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff of 0.78 for the level of TIPE2 mRNA has a sensitivity of 97.56% and a specificity of 88.16% for discriminating HCC from patients with CHB and liver cirrhosis.

Conclusions

TIPE2 mRNA was associated with various stages of chronic HBV infection, ranging from CHB to liver cirrhosis and HCC. Furthermore, TIPE2 mRNA with an optional cutoff value of 0.78 might serve as a promising biomarker to discriminate HBV-associated HCC from CHB and LC patients.
Application of delayed luminescence measurements for the identification of herbal materials: a step toward rapid quality control
Authors: Sun Mengmeng , Wang Shengpeng , Jing Yong , Li Li , He Min , Jia Yusheng , van Wijk Eduard , Wang Yitao , Wang Zhihong , Wang Mei
Published: October 2019

Background

Herbal materials are widely used as medicinal products, dietary supplements, food, and spices. With increased consumption, the safety, quality, and efficacy of herbal materials are becoming more relevant. The authenticity of herbal materials plays an important role in herbal quality control, and there is an urgent need to develop a simple, direct, objective, rapid, and inexpensive measurement tool for the identification of herbal materials for the purpose of quality control.

Methods

Delayed luminescence (DL) was used to measure authentic and counterfeit herbal materials. A hyperbolic function was used to extract four properties from the DL curves of the herbal materials. Statistical tools, including Student’s t test and Principal Component Analysis, were used to differentiate authentic and counterfeit herbal materials based on the DL properties.

Results

Our results showed that authentic and counterfeit herbal materials could be identified based on the DL properties as follows: (a) authentic versus counterfeit materials; (b) authentic versus adulterated materials; (c) authentic versus sulfur-fumigated materials; as well as (d) authentic versus dyed materials.

Conclusion

The simple, direct, rapid, and inexpensive measurements offered by DL potentially offer a novel technique for the identification of Chinese herbal materials. However, the establishment of a valid database will be the next step toward the possible application of this technique, which would contribute significantly to the development of a novel digital tool for the quality control of herbal materials.
Identification of Cryptosporidium viatorum XVa subtype family in two wild rat species in China
Authors: Chen Yi-Wei , Zheng Wen-Bin , Zhang Nian-Zhang , Gui Bin-Ze , Lv Qiu-Yan , Yan Jia-Qi , Zhao Quan , Liu Guo-Hua
Published: October 2019

Background

Cryptosporidium viatorum is a minor Cryptosporidium pathogen in humans. Currently, there is limited information regarding the prevalence and genotypes of C. viatorum in animals in China.

Methods

In this study, 228 faecal samples were collected from two wild rat species (Leopoldamys edwardsi and Berylmys bowersi) in Chongqing Municipality and Guangdong Province, China. These specimens were analyzed for C. viatorum and then subtyped it using PCR and sequence analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and 60-kilodalton glycoprotein (gp60) genes, respectively.

Results

A total of 25 (11.0%) faecal samples were tested positive for C. viatorum by SSU rRNA assay. Of these samples, 4 (3.6%) came from L. edwardsi and 21 (18.0%) from B. bowersi. Of the 25 C. viatorum-positive samples, 17 were successfully amplified at the gp60 gene locus, which represented four subtypes belonging to two subtype families, including XVa (XVaA6, XVaA3g, XVaA3h) and XVc (XVcA2G1). Phylogenetic analysis based on the gp60 amino acid sequences indicated that all of the C. viatorum isolates grouped together, supporting the conclusion that C. viatorum from the wild rats represent two subtype families.

Conclusions

These results indicate an occurrence of C. viatorum XVa subtype family from rats which is genetically identical to those found in humans. Our findings suggest that wild rats may be a potential source of human cryptosporidiosis.
The analysis of DMD gene deletions by multiplex PCR in Indonesian DMD/BMD patients: the era of personalized medicine
Authors: Iskandar Kristy , Dwianingsih Ery Kus , Pratiwi Linda , Kalim Alvin Santoso , Mardhiah Hasna , Putranti Alifiani H. , Nurputra Dian K. , Triono Agung , Herini Elisabeth S. , Malueka Rusdy G. , Gunadi  , Lai Poh San , Sunartini
Published: October 2019

Objective

Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) is the most common genetic neuromuscular disease in children, resulting from a defect in the DMD gene located on Xp21.2. The new emerging treatment using exon skipping strategy is tailored to specific mutations, thus molecular diagnostics are particularly important. This study aimed to detect the DMD gene deletion in Indonesian DMD/BMD patients and analyze the potential amenability by exon skipping therapy.

Results

Thirty-four male patients were enrolled in this study, 23 of them (67.6%) underwent muscle biopsy and showed the absence or partially expressed dystrophin protein in immunohistochemistry staining. All patients had very high serum CK levels (10.529 ± 9.97 IU/L). Multiplex PCR revealed the DMD gene deletions in 15 (44.1%) cases. Seventy-eight percent of deletions were clustered in the hot-spot region of exon 43 to 52. Furthermore, seven (20.5%) patients were potentially amenable to exon skipping treatment. Therefore, multiplex PCR is one feasible method to detect DMD gene deletion in Indonesian DMD/BMD patients that can further determine the potential amenability of exon skipping therapy. In addition, this study is the first report of DMD gene deletion analysis in Indonesia.
A fourth-order linearized difference scheme for the coupled space fractional Ginzburg–Landau equation
Authors: Xu Yuan , Zeng Jiali , Hu Shuanggui
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the coupled space fractional Ginzburg–Landau equations are investigated numerically. A linearized semi-implicit difference scheme is proposed. The scheme is unconditionally stable, fourth-order accurate in space, and second-order accurate in time. The optimal pointwise error estimates, unique solvability, and unconditional stability are obtained. Moreover, Richardson extrapolation is exploited to improve the temporal accuracy to fourth order. Finally, numerical results are presented to confirm the theoretical results.
Correction to: Perioperative antibiotic prescribing in surgery departments of two private sector hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Machowska Anna , Sparrentoft Jonatan , Dhakaita Shyam Kumar , StålsbyLundborg Cecilia , Sharma Megha
Published: October 2019

Following publication of the original article (Machowska et al. 2019), the authors provided new footnotes for Table 1 and Table 2. The complete tables and updated footnotes are supplied below.
Application effect of apatinib in patients with failure of standard treatment for advanced malignant tumours
Authors: Liu Guohui , Wang Chunbo , He Yunlong , E Mingyan
Published: October 2019

Background

In recent years, targeted therapy has received widespread attention. Among these therapies, anti-angiogenic targeted drugs have become one of the hotspots of research. Apatinib is a novel oral small molecule anti-angiogenic agent that has been clinically tested in a variety of solid tumours. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of apatinib in patients with advanced malignant tumours and failure of standard therapy.

Methods

We collected 41 patients with advanced malignant tumours in our department; all tumours were pathologically confirmed as malignant. All patients received apatinib after failure of standard therapy: 500 mg/dose, one dose/d, orally 30 min after a meal, until progressive disease or intolerable adverse reactions occurred. When there was a second- or third-degree adverse reaction associated with apatinib during treatment, apatinib treatment could be suspended or reduced to 250 mg/dose. Clinical efficacy and progression-free survival were assessed according to RECIST1.1, and adverse reactions were observed.

Results

Efficacy assessment was available for 31 patients with a median progression-free survival time of 2.66 months; the objective response rate and disease control rates were 16.1 and 64.5%, respectively. The disease control rates of the patients with lower Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores (1–2 points) and with fewer metastatic sites (< 3 sites) were higher than those of the patients with higher scores (3 points) and with more metastatic sites (≥3 sites), respectively (all P < 0.05). The most common adverse reactions were hypertension, neutropenia and hand-foot syndrome.

Conclusion

For patients with advanced malignant tumours with failure of standard therapy, administration of apatinib can still result in good efficacy. The efficacy of apatinib is better in patients with a higher performance status and lower degree of tumour progression.
Correction to: West Highland White Terriers under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2016: demography, mortality and disorders
Authors: O’Neill Dan G. , Ballantyne Zoie F. , Hendricks Anke , Church David B. , Brodbelt Dave C. , Pegram Camilla
Published: October 2019

In the original publication of this article [1], due to an error in a single count relating to the denominator used for this study, some of the derived values were wrong, so that abstract, plain English summary, results and Fig. 1 all need to be revised.
Comparative transcriptional analysis provides insights of possible molecular mechanisms of wing polyphenism induced by postnatal crowding in Aphis gossypii
Authors: JI Jichao , ZHANG Shuai , LUO Junyu , WANG Li , ZHU Xiangzhen , ZHANG Kaixin , ZHANG Lijuan , CUI Jinjie
Published: October 2019

Background

Aphis gossypii is a worldwide sap-sucking pest with a variety of hosts and a vector of more than 50 plant viruses. The strategy of wing polyphenism, mostly resulting from population density increasing, contributes to the evolutionary success of this pest. However, the related molecular basis remains unclear. Here, we identified the effects of postnatal crowding on wing morph determination in cotton aphid, and examined the transcriptomic differences between wingless and wing morphs.

Results

Effect of postnatal crowding on wing determination in A. gossypii was evaluated firstly. Under the density of 5 nymphs·cm− 2, no wing aphids appeared. Proportion of wing morphs rised with the increase of density in a certain extent, and peaked to 56.1% at the density of 20 nymphs·cm− 2, and reduced afterwards. Then, transcriptomes of wingless and wing morphs were assembled and annotated separately to identify potentially exclusively or differentially expressed transcripts between these two morphs, in which 3 126 and 3 392 unigenes annotated in Nr (Non-redundant protein sequence) database were found in wingless or wing morphs exclusively. Moreover, 3 187 up- and 1 880 down-regulated genes were identified in wing versus wingless aphid. Pathways analysis suggested the involvement of differentially expressed genes in multiple cellular signaling pathways involved in wing morphs determination, including lipid catabolic and metabolism, insulin, ecdysone and juvenile hormone biosynthesis. The expression levels of related genes were validated by the reverse transcription quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) soon afterwards.

Conclusions

The present study identified the effects of postnatal crowding on wing morphs induction and demonstrated that the critical population density for wing morphs formation in A. gossypii was 20 nymphs·cm− 2. Comparative transcriptome analysis provides transcripts potentially expressed exclusively in wingless or wing morph, respectively. Differentially expressed genes between wingless and wing morphs were identified and several signaling pathways potentially involved in cotton aphid wing differentiation were obtained.
In silico design of hydrazone antioxidants and analysis of their free radical-scavenging mechanism by thermodynamic studies
Authors: Alisi Ikechukwu Ogadimma , Uzairu Adamu , Abechi Stephen Eyije
Published: October 2019

Background

Antioxidants are very crucial in maintaining the normal function of body cells, as they scavenge excess free radical in the body. A set of hydrazone antioxidants was designed by in silico screening. The density functional theory (DFT) method was employed to explore the reaction energetics of their free radical-scavenging mechanism. With the aid of the developed quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model for hydrazone antioxidants, the structure and antioxidant activity of these compounds were predicted. Three potential reaction mechanisms were investigated, namely, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single-electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT) and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET). Bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), adiabatic ionization potential (AIP), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), proton affinity (PA), electron transfer enthalpy (ETE) and Gibbs free energy that characterize the various steps in these mechanisms were calculated in the gas phase.

Results

A total of 25 hydrazone antioxidants were designed, in which the molecule MHD 017 gave the best antioxidant activity. Among the tested molecules, MHD 017 at the 10-OH site gave the best results for the various thermodynamic parameters calculated. The reaction Gibbs free energy results also indicate that this is the most favoured site for free radical scavenge.

Conclusion

The obtained results show that HAT and SPLET mechanisms are the thermodynamically plausible reaction pathways of free radical scavenge by hydrazone antioxidants. The reactivity of these compounds towards the hydroperoxyl radical (HOO·) was greater than that towards the methyl peroxyl radical (CH3OO·) based on the exergonicity of the calculated reaction Gibbs free energy.

Graphical abstract
2-Dimensional Nanomaterials with Imaging and Diagnostic Functions for Nanomedicine; A Review
Authors: Eom Sairan , Choi Goeun , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Choy Jin-Ho
Published: October 2019

In the last several decades, 2-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have been studied in various bio-fields such as drug delivery systems, diagnostic and imaging materials, etc. In particular, many investigations have been intensively conducted to explore 2D nanomaterials for drug delivery devices such as layered double salts (LDSs), layered rear-earth hydroxides (LRHs), and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) due to their low toxicity, high solubility in body fluid, high tumor targeting efficiency, large drug loading capacity, etc. However, only a few reports have been made to date on diagnostic and imaging effects on those 2D nanomaterials. In this review, therefore, an attempt is made to underline how important such 2D nanoparticles would be applicable for optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), etc., and to discuss on their potential molecular imaging modalities for image-guided and precision therapy as well.
Relational Contracts with Private Information on the Future Value of the Relationship: The Upside of Implicit Downsizing Costs
Authors: Fahn Matthias , Klein Nicolas
Published: October 2019

We analyze a relational-contracting problem, in which the principal has private information about the future value of the relationship. In order to reduce bonus payments, the principal is tempted to claim that the value of the future relationship is lower than it actually is. To induce truth-telling, the optimal relational contract may introduce distortions after a bad report. For some levels of the discount factor, output is reduced by more than would be sequentially optimal. This distortion is attenuated over time even if prospects remain bad. Our model thus provides an alternative explanation for indirect short-run costs of downsizing. (JEL D23, D82, D86)
Patient and family co-developed participant information to improve recruitment rates, retention, and patient understanding in the Rehabilitation Strategies Following Oesophago-gastric and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Cancer (ReStOre II) trial: Protocol for a study within a trial (SWAT)
Authors: O'Neill Linda , Knapp Peter , Doyle Suzanne L. , Guinan Emer , Parker Adwoa , Segurado Ricardo , Connolly Deirdre , O'Sullivan Jacintha , Reynolds John V. , Hussey Juliette
Published: October 2019

Background: Whilst the potential benefits of exercise rehabilitation in cancer survivorship are plentiful, recruitment to survivorship rehabilitation trials remains suboptimal. There is growing evidence that Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) initiatives can increase the rate of recruitment to research. This study within a trial (SWAT) will examine if participant information co-developed by patients and their families can lead to greater recruitment rates, retention and understanding of the Rehabilitation Strategies in Oesophago-gastric and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Cancer (ReStOre II) trial when compared to standard participant information.

Methods: This SWAT will be carried out over two phases. Phase I will utilise qualitative methods to develop (Phase Ia) and refine (Phase Ib) the new participant information. Phase Ia will recruit up to 20 survivors of upper gastrointestinal or hepatopancreaticobiliary cancer, or their family members, to take part in a focus group or interview to develop the new participant information. Focus groups/interviews will be recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. In Phase Ib, participants will return for a second focus group/interview to refine the participant information. Once finalised, the participant information will be submitted to ethics for approval. In Phase II, potential participants for the ReStOre II trial will be randomly assigned to receive either the standard or patient and family co-developed participant information. The two forms of participant information will be compared by recruitment and retention rates, and participant understanding of the trial (Decision-Making Questionnaire).

Discussion: We anticipate that engaging with patients and their families to develop participant information will help to increase patient understanding of the ReStOre II trial and therefore recruitment and retention rates. The results of this SWAT will indicate the usefulness of this strategy for optimising recruitment to exercise rehabilitation trials in cancer survivorship.

Registration: SWAT: Northern Ireland Hub for Trials Methodology Research SWAT Repository Store (SWAT-100). ReStOre II: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03958019).
O Refúgio em Debate: perspectivas sobre a inserção do tema nas Relações Internacionais | The Refuge in Debate: perspectives on the insertion of the subject in the International Relations
Authors: Coutinho Rachel Silva da Rocha , De Jesus Raquel Araújo
Published: October 2019

Em todo o mundo, pessoas foram e são forçadas a migrar pelos mais diversos motivos. No entanto, a questão do refúgio adquiriu importância no cenário político internacional apenas com o fim da II Guerra Mundial. No âmbito das Relações Internacionais (RI), os debates que vêm sendo conduzidos sobre a temática, embora apresentem abordagens distintas, possuem como pano de fundo uma mesma pergunta: qual é o lugar do indivíduo na arquitetura do sistema internacional? Argumenta-se que a resposta a esse questionamento implica não apenas nas “soluções” políticas conferidas ao “problema” do refúgio, mas também ao tipo de engajamento teórico empregado em sua discussão. Neste sentido, o texto aborda a inserção do refúgio nas RI por meio de quatro chaves interpretativas: segurança/proteção, emergência, fronteira e mobilidade. Longe de um esgotamento do tema, o objetivo é apresentar um panorama dos debates sobre refúgio nas RI, possibilitando ao leitor perspectivas variadas acerca do tema.Palavras-chave: Refúgio; Relações Internacionais; Debate.ABSTRACTThroughout the world, people have been and are forced to migrate for a variety of reasons. However, the issue of refuge became important in the political arena only in the end of World War II. In the realm of International Relations (IR), The debates that have been conducted on the subject, although presenting different approaches, have the same question in the background: what is the place of the individual in the architecture of the international system? It is argued that the answer to this question implies not only the political “solutions” given to the “problem” of the refuge, but also the type of theoretical engagement employed in its discussion. In this sense, the text addresses the insertion of refuge in IR through four interpretative keys: security / protection, emergency, border and mobility. Far from an exhaustion of the theme, the objective is to present an overview of the debates about refuge in IR, providing the reader varied perspectives on the theme.Keywords: Refuge; International Relations; Debate. Recebido em 10 jan.2019 | Aceito em 17 set.2019
The sum of the first two largest signless Laplacian eigenvalues of trees and unicyclic graphs
Authors: Du Zhibin
Published: October 2019

Let $G$ be a graph on $n$ vertices with $e(G)$ edges. The sum of eigenvalues of graphs has been receiving a lot of attention these years. Let $S_2 (G)$ be the sum of the first two largest signless Laplacian eigenvalues of $G$, and define $f(G) = e (G) +3 - S_2 (G)$. Oliveira et al. (2015) conjectured that $f(G) \geqslant f(U_{n})$ with equality if and only if $G \cong U_n$, where $U_n$ is the $n$-vertex unicyclic graph obtained by attaching $n-3$ pendent vertices to a vertex of a triangle. In this paper, it is proved that $S_2(G) < e(G) + 3 -\frac{2}{n}$ when $G$ is a tree, or a unicyclic graph whose unique cycle is not a triangle. As a consequence, it is deduced that the conjecture proposed by Oliveira et al. is true for trees and unicyclic graphs whose unique cycle is not a triangle.
Conference Reviews
Authors: Hix Laura
Published: October 2019

Community and humility at the NYU Forum on Theatre and Health
Entre iberos y romanos. Revisión historiográfica de las torres rurales en el sur peninsular a partir de los casos del Monte Horquera (Córdoba)
Authors: Roldán Díaz Andrés , Adroher Auroux Andrés María
Published: October 2019

A partir de las publicaciones existentes hasta este momento se realiza una revisión historiográfica sobre las diversas propuestas acerca de estructuras de planta cuadrada que, aisladamente o en contextos más complejos, aparecen salpicadas en los entornos rurales del paisaje ibérico y romano, para lo cual se toma el caso de un territorio muy conocido y varias veces publicado pero que ha sido insuficientemente estudiado desde perspectivas críticas con los modelos tradicionales, por lo que se plantean nuevos formatos interpretativos integrándolos en conceptos de paisaje de la conquista de un territorio indígena, sirviendo de elementos de lo que se ha dado en denominar trasvase cultural. De esta manera, la zona del Monte Horquera, que concentra un alto número de estructuras conocidas, sirve de interesante laboratorio para analizar su funcionalidad, por lo que hemos procedido a visitar algunos sitios y comprobar los datos publicados en cada caso, con el objetivo de elaborar una propuesta sobre su funcionalidad y su cronología, para ir más allá de reflexiones demasiados simplistas (torres defensivas) o excesivamente complejas (puntos de redistribución política), situando cada caso en justa medida con los datos con que contamos.
El eje viario Astigi-Malaca: una visión diacrónica a través de la epigrafía viaria
Authors: España-Chamorro Sergio
Published: October 2019

El estudio de las vías romanas siempre se ha basado en fuentes itinerarias para evidenciar la importancia de ciertos ejes de comunicación, además de combinar su interpretación histórica con evidencias epigráficas viarias. Sin embargo, la vía romana que conectaba directamente Astigi con Malaca no se mencionó de manera directa en dichas fuentes, lo que ha hecho que pase de manera discreta para la historiografía arqueológica. Este artículo reivindica el papel de dicho eje viario a través de las evidencias miliarias, la dinámica de amojonamiento viario en la Baetica y ciertos yacimientos relacionados con ella, lo que da una visión diacrónica de la vía que permite evaluar su importancia principal en los siglos III y IV.
O recinto fortificado do Monte Aloia. Un xigante altomedieval esquecido
Authors: Fernández Pereiro Mario
Published: October 2019

No presente artigo, presentamos os resultados do estudo arqueolóxico realizado arredor dun dos maiores asentamentos fortificados localizados na Galiza. Malia ser un xacemento coñecido na historiografía, apenas foi obxecto dunha investigación arqueolóxica en profundidade. A maiores da caracterización morfolóxica e a análise arquitectónica, tamén se realizou unha recompilación de datos históricos. Ao longo deste texto, pretendemos aportar información inédita sobre este xacemento e, paralelamente, comezar a comprender a súa ocupación na época posromana, a través da comparación con algunhas das hipóteses historiográficas existentes para este momento histórico.
Credibilidad docente: una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Froment Facundo , Bohórquez M. Rocío , García-González Alfonso Javier
Published: October 2019

En los últimos años la credibilidad docente ha sido considerada como una de las variables más significativas en la comunicación profesor-alumno, constituyendo un elemento fundamental en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Las investigaciones realizadas sobre la credibilidad docente se han centrado fundamentalmente en analizar las variables que afectan a ésta y su impacto en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Así, el objetivo del presente estudio consistió en establecer el estado de la cuestión acerca de la credibilidad docente a través de una revisión de la literatura existente, estableciendo las variables que la afectan y determinando su impacto en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, PyscINFO y ERIC, seleccionándose para la revisión un total de 64 artículos científicos, publicados entre 1980 y 2018, que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión establecidos. En relación con las variables que afectan a la credibilidad de los docentes, se identificaron 8 categorías mientras que, con respecto al impacto de la credibilidad docente en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, se identificaron 5 categorías, incluyéndose en cada una de ellas las principales aportaciones de los estudios incluidos en el análisis. . A partir de los resultados obtenidos, se destaca la influencia de los comportamientos de los profesores tanto en las evaluaciones de los estudiantes sobre los mismos como en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, por lo que se señala la necesidad de que los profesores tengan conductas positivas para ser percibidos por los estudiantes como personas creíbles y, por lo tanto, para que afecte positivamente al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje.
Phase Transition Is Infrequent Among North American Adults With e-Antigen-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B and Low-Level Viremia
Authors: Zhou Kali , Wahed Abdus S. , Cooper Stewart , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Fontana Robert J. , Ghany Marc G. , Khalili Mandana , Lok Anna S. , Perrillo Robert , Lee William M. , Lau Daryl T.Y. , Sterling Richard , Janssen Harry L.A. , Terrault Norah A.
Published: October 2019

INTRODUCTION:

Patients with hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and low-level viremia are a heterogeneous group. Identifying those at risk of developing active CHB requiring antiviral therapy is important. In this study, we prospectively characterize incidence rates and predictors of transitioning from inactive to active CHB in a North American adult cohort.

METHODS:

Participants in the multicenter National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Hepatitis B Research Network cohort who were HBeAg negative with baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA ≤ 10,000 IU/mL were included in the study. Cox regression models were used to estimate the proportion of individuals in 3 baseline HBV DNA categories (≤100, 101 to ≤2,000, and 2,001 to ≤10,000 IU/mL) who developed phase transition defined by HBV DNA > 10,000 IU/mL and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 2× upper limit of normal or initiated treatment during follow-up.

RESULTS:

Of 970 participants meeting inclusion criteria, 15% experienced phase transition or initiated treatment over a median follow-up of 4 years: 9% of those with baseline HBV DNA ≤ 100 IU/mL, 14% with HBV DNA 101 to ≤2,000 IU/mL, and 24% with HBV DNA 2,001 to ≤10,000 IU/mL (P< 0.001). The overall rate of phase transition or treatment initiation was 7.6 per 100 person-years: 4.6 in those with HBV DNA ≤ 100 IU/mL, 6.8 in those with HBV DNA 101 to ≤2,000 IU/mL, and 12.2 in those with HBV DNA 2,001 to ≤10,000 IU/mL (P< 0.001). Factors independently associated with higher rate of phase transition or treatment initiation included HBV genotype B or C, higher baseline ALT and HBV DNA levels, lower platelet count, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen > 1,000 IU/mL, and hyperlipidemia. Only higher ALT, higher HBV DNA, and lower platelets were associated with phase transition when patients starting treatment were censored.

DISCUSSION:

Most adults in this North American cohort with HBeAg-negative CHB and low-level viremia remained inactive and off treatment over 4 years. Transition from inactive to active CHB is infrequent and predominantly associated with viral rather than host factors.
Overestimated Sensitivity of Fecal Immunochemical Tests in Screening Cohorts With Registry-Based Follow-up
Authors: Brenner Hermann , Gies Anton , Selby Kevin
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Several recent studies have reported very high estimates of sensitivity and specificity of fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) at seemingly high levels of precision using registry-based follow-up of participants in very large FIT-based screening programs. We aimed to assess the validity of estimates of diagnostic performance parameters derived by this indirect approach.

METHODS:

We modeled expected values of sensitivity and specificity of colorectal cancer detection in studies using the indirect approach and their deviation from true values under a broad range of plausible assumptions, and we compared these expected values with recently reported estimates of FIT sensitivity and specificity from such studies.

RESULTS:

Using a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 93.6% (from studies using a direct approach, i.e., colonoscopy follow-up of all participants), the indirect approach would be expected to yield sensitivities between 84.5% and 91.1% and specificities between 93.4% and 93.6% under a range of realistic assumptions regarding colonoscopic follow-up rates of positive FITs and clinical manifestation rates of preclinical colorectal cancer.

DISCUSSION:

Very high sensitivities of FITs recently reported with seemingly very high levels of precision by several large-scale registry-based studies, which are in line with expected results based on our model calculations, are likely to be strongly overestimated and need to be interpreted with due caution.