bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomised Controlled Trial Study of the Effects of a Digital Divorce Platform on Mental and Physical Health
Authors: Sander Søren , Hald Gert Martin , Cipric Ana , Øverup Camilla S. , Strizzi Jenna Marie , Gad Kjeld Simone , Lange Theis
Published: August 2020

Background

Two decades of divorce research has consistently documented adverse mental and physical health effects of divorce. Responding to calls for evidence‐based online divorce interventions, this study tests effects of the “Cooperation after Divorce” (CAD) digital intervention platform on divorcees’ mental and physical health.

Methods

Randomised control trial 12‐month longitudinal study using a sample of 1,856 newly divorced Danes. Mental and physical health were measured using the SF‐36 at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline. Intervention effects were investigated using linear mixed effect models and Cohen's (d) for effect sizes.

Results

The study found significant treatment effects of the CAD intervention on mental and physical health. These effects were evident across all eight health domains constituting the mental and physical health components. The study also found that the intervention group had significantly better mental health than the control group at subsequent 6‐ and 12‐month assessments from baseline while for physical health, the intervention group had significantly better physical health at the 6‐month assessment from baseline only.

Conclusion

The results indicate that digital solutions allowing for individually tailored user experiences may hold great potential in reducing well‐known adverse health effects of divorce.

Practitioner's points

The study finds highly significant treatment effects of the “CAD” digital divorce intervention on mental and physical health indicating that online interventions may be successfully integrated into help offered to divorcees post‐divorce.
RAB39B is redistributed in dementia with Lewy bodies and is sequestered within aβ plaques and Lewy bodies
Authors: Koss David J. , Bondarevaite Odeta , Adams Sara , Leite Marta , Giorgini Flaviano , Attems Johannes , Outeiro Tiago F.
Published: August 2020

Loss of function mutations within the vesicular trafficking protein Ras analogy in brain 39B (RAB39B) are associated with rare X‐linked Parkinson’s disease (PD). Physiologically, RAB39B is localized to Golgi vesicles and recycling endosomes and is required for glutamatergic receptor maturation but also for alpha‐Synuclein (aSyn) homeostasis and the inhibition of its aggregation. Despite evidence linking RAB39B to neurodegeneration, the involvement of the protein in idiopathic neurodegenerative diseases remains undetermined. Here, analysis of the spatial distribution and expression of RAB39B was conducted in post‐mortem human brain tissue from cases of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB, n = 10), Alzheimer’s disease (AD, n = 12) and controls (n = 12). Assessment of cortical RAB39B immunoreactivity using tissue microarrays revealed an overall reduction in the area of RAB39B positive gray matter in DLB cases when compared to controls and AD cases. Strikingly, RAB39B co‐localized with beta‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques in all cases examined and was additionally present in a subpopulation of Lewy bodies (LBs) in DLB. Biochemical measures of total RAB39B levels within the temporal cortex were unchanged between DLB, AD and controls. However, upon subcellular fractionation, a reduction of RAB39B in the cytoplasmic pool was found in DLB cases, alongside an increase of phosphorylated aSyn and Aβ in whole tissue lysates. The reduction of cytoplasmic RAB39B is consistent with an impaired reserve capacity for RAB39B‐associated functions, which in turn may facilitate LB aggregation and synaptic impairment. Collectively, our data support the involvement of RAB39B in the pathogenesis of DLB and the co‐aggregation of RAB39B with Aβ in plaques suggests that age‐associated cerebral Aβ pathology may be contributory to the loss of RAB39B. Thus RAB39B, its associated functional pathways and its entrapment in aggregates may be considered as future targets for therapeutic interventions to impede the overall pathological burden and cellular dysfunction in Lewy body diseases.
The influence of endodontic access cavity design on the efficacy of canal instrumentation, microbial reduction, root canal filling and fracture resistance in mandibular molars
Authors: Barbosa A. F. A. , Silva E. J. N. L. , Coelho B. P. , Ferreira C. M. A. , Lima C. O. , Sassone L. M.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To assess the impact of conservative endodontic access cavities (CEC) and truss access cavities (TAC) during root canal treatment performed on mandibular molars in terms of: ability to shape and fill root canals, microbial reduction in canals, and cleaning of the pulp chamber. In addition, the fracture resistance of the teeth after coronal restoration was assessed. Traditional endodontic cavities (TEC) were used as a reference technique for comparison.

Methodology

Thirty extracted intact mandibular molars were scanned in a microcomputed tomography device (micro‐CT), matched based on similar anatomical features and assigned to TEC, CEC or TAC groups (n = 10). The specimens were accessed accordingly, and root canals were contaminated with bacterial suspensions of Enterococcus faecalis (21 days). Subsequently, the first microbial sample was collected from root canals (S1). The canals were initially prepared with Reciproc Blue R25 instrument followed by a second instrumentation using Reciproc Blue R40. Eight mL of 0.5% NaOCl were used as an irrigant for each instrument. A final irrigation protocol was performed with 2 mL of 0.5% NaOCl, 2 mL of 17% EDTA and another 2 mL of 0.5% NaOCl. Microbial samples were collected from root canals after R25 (S2), R40 (S3) and final irrigation (S4). The teeth were rescanned after S4. Then, root canals were filled, rescanned, restored and the teeth subjected to fracture resistance tests. The statistical analysis was performed with type I negative binomial and beta 0‐1 inflation regression models for microbiological analysis. Instrumentation, filling and resistance to fracture results were subjected to anova and Tukey tests (P < 0.05).

Results

S4 revealed no significant variations in microbial reduction amongst the groups (P > 0.05). TEC had a significantly lower percentage of unprepared surface area than CEC (P < 0.05). No differences were found regarding the percentage of dentine removed, transportation, centring ability and filling voids amongst the groups (P > 0.05). The TEC group had a significantly lower volume of remaining root filling material within the pulp chamber than CEC and TAC groups (P < 0.05). There was no difference regarding fracture resistance amongst the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Conservative access cavities did not offer any advantage in comparison with the traditional endodontic cavities in any of the parameters considered. Furthermore, conservative methods were associated with larger percentages of unprepared canal surface area and larger volumes of remaining root filling material within the pulp chamber.
Effects of food gums and pre‐drying on fat content of fabricated fried chips
Authors: Lumanlan Jane C. , Fernando Warnakulasuriya M.A.D.B. , Karnpanit Weeraya , Jayasena Vijay
Published: August 2020

Deep‐frying contributes to the unique taste and texture of fried products. However, they are low in nutritional value. Food industries actively trying to find ways to reduce the fat content while maintaining organoleptic properties of fried foods. In this work, effects of pre‐drying and adding food gums on the moisture and fat contents of chips were evaluated. The chips were pre‐dried for 60 and 90 min, and gellan gum, guar gum, methylcellulose and xanthan gum were added at the concentration of 0.25, 0.75, 1 and 2 % w/w. The xanthan gum was the most effective gum for fat reduction. The addition of 0.25 % w/w xanthan gum and at 90 min pre‐drying reduced the fat content from 20 % (control) to 15 % w/w. The results also indicated that the reduction of moisture content after frying was not affected by the type of gums but the method of pre‐drying.
Urodynamic efficacy of fesoterodine for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and/or low compliance bladder
Authors: Kaga Kanya , Yamanishi Tomonori , Kaga Mayuko , Fuse Miki , Kamasako Tomohiko , Ishizuka Mitsuru
Published: August 2020

Objective

To examine the urodynamic effects of fesoterodine on neurogenic detrusor overactivity and/or low compliance bladder.

Methods

A total of 77 patients (52 men, 25 women; aged 61.6 ± 20.3 years) were given fesoterodine 4–8 mg/day and prospectively followed for 12 weeks. The primary end‐point variable was change in the maximum cystometric capacity on urodynamic study. The secondary end‐point was to assess the number of patients whose neurogenic detrusor overactivity disappeared, and the changes in the urodynamic parameters, lower urinary tract symptoms questionnaires and the 3‐day frequency volume chart parameters after the treatment.

Results

A total of 13 patients (16.9%) withdrew because of adverse events (dry mouth or blurred vision), and four patients dropped out for unknown reasons. Finally, 60 patients completed the study. Bladder capacity at first desire to void, maximum cystometric capacity and bladder compliance increased by 29.2 mL, 79.9 mL and 22.2 mL/cm H2O, respectively, showed statistical significance (P = 0.026, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). Neurogenic detrusor overactivity disappeared in 12 of 51 patients (23.5%), and a significant increase was observed in bladder capacity at first involuntary contraction (P < 0.001), and a significant decrease was observed in maximum detrusor contraction (P < 0.001). In patients with low compliance bladder (with detrusor underactivity without neurogenic detrusor overactivity; n = 9), maximum cystometric capacity and bladder compliance increased significantly (P = 0.003 and P = 0.006, respectively). Overactive bladder symptom score, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form, most items of King’s Health Questionnaire, and the number of urgency episodes and leaks in a day decreased significantly after treatment.

Conclusions

Fesoterodine seems to be a valid treatment option for neurogenic detrusor overactivity and/or low compliance bladder in neurogenic bladder patients.
Scheduling with day shifts and breaks
Authors: Xu Dehua , Xu Limin , Yu Xianyu
Published: August 2020

Traditional scheduling assumes that production can continue around the clock unless machines are not available. This is not without question for labor‐intensive industries where operations are performed manually. Motivated by operation management problems arising in the assembly stage of aeroengines and in the paint‐spraying stage of wooden furniture, we consider a scheduling problem with day shifts and breaks. We transform the problem into a new bin‐packing problem and present some theoretical analyses. To meet the needs of practical applications, we propose a binary integer programming (BIP) formulation and a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) that is based on five heuristic algorithms and two postoptimization procedures. Computational results indicate that the BIP formulation is suitable for some data sets while the HGA is the most promising in that it saves about 37% of day shifts compared to the best of the five heuristic algorithms in the context of scheduling.
Inflammatory and lipid regulation by cholinergic activity in epicardial stromal cells from patients who underwent open‐heart surgery
Authors: Couselo‐Seijas Marinela , Lopez‐Canoa José N. , Fernandez Ángel L. , González‐Melchor Laila , Seoane Luisa M. , Duran‐Muñoz Darío , Rozados‐Luis Adriana , González‐Juanatey José Ramón , Rodríguez‐Mañero Moisés , Eiras Sonia
Published: August 2020

The modulation of acetylcholine (ACh) release by botulinum toxin injection into epicardial fat diminishes atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. These results suggest an interaction between autonomic imbalance and epicardial fat as risk factors of AF. Our aim was to study the inflammatory, lipidic and fibroblastic profile of epicardial stroma from patients who underwent open‐heart surgery, their regulation by cholinergic activity and its association with AF. We performed in vitro and ex vivo assays from paired subcutaneous and epicardial stromal cells or explants from 33 patients. Acute ACh effects in inflammation and lipid‐related genes were analysed by qPCR, in intracellular calcium mobilization were performed by Fluo‐4 AM staining and in neutrophil migration by trans‐well assays. Chronic ACh effects on lipid accumulation were visualized by AdipoRed. Plasma protein regulation by parasympathetic denervation was studied in vagotomized rats. Our results showed a higher pro‐inflammatory profile in epicardial regarding subcutaneous stromal cells. Acute ACh treatment up‐regulated monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels. Chronic ACh treatment improved lipid accumulation within epicardial stromal cells (60.50% [22.82‐85.13] vs 13.85% [6.17‐23.16], P < .001). Additionally, patients with AF had higher levels of fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (1.54 ± 0.01 vs 1.47 ± 0.01, P = .005). Its plasma levels were pronouncedly declined in vagotomized rats (2.02 ± 0.21 ng/mL vs 0.65 ± 0.23 ng/mL, P < .001). Our findings support the characterization of acute or chronic cholinergic activity on epicardial stroma and its association with AF.
Confounded by obesity and modulated by urinary uric acid excretion, sleep‐disordered breathing indirectly relates to hyperuricaemia in males: A structural equation model
Authors: Lai Ching‐Hsiang , Huang Ren‐Jing , Wong James Kok‐Suh , Chang Shen‐Wen , Chung Ai‐Hui , Chi Yung‐Chun , Yu Yi‐Chen , Lee Shin‐Da , Ting Hua
Published: August 2020

Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) causes hypoxic stress and can trigger uric acid (UA) overproduction. We comprehensively investigated whether SDB, interacting with components of metabolic syndrome, hepatic and renal dysfunctions, low physical fitness, sedentary lifestyle, disrupted sleep, and chronic systemic inflammation (CSI), is directly associated with hyperuricaemia. In 528 community‐based males (mean [SD] age 46.2 [7.4] years), we cross‐sectionally analysed measures of anthropometry; self‐reported lifestyle habits; overnight sleep polysomnography data; cardiopulmonary exercise tests; and biomarkers of cardiometabolic, hepatic, and renal functions; and CSI, using structural equation modelling. Objective disrupted sleep, C‐reactive protein, low physical fitness, and sedentary lifestyle were not related to UA levels in univariate analysis and were excluded. The latent variables (with corresponding manifest variables) obesity (body mass index, waist–hip ratio), hypertension (post‐sleep systolic, diastolic blood pressure), dyslipidaemia (total cholesterol, triglyceride/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol), hepatic dysfunction (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase), and renal dysfunction (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine) were positively; and hyperglycaemia (fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin) was negatively associated with hyperuricaemia (serum UA), except for SDB (Apnea–Hypopnea Index, percentage of oxygen saturation <90% period against total sleep time, oxygen desaturation index) in the one‐stage influence model. In the two‐stage model, SDB, closely interacting with obesity, was positively indirectly associated with hyperuricaemia through directly linked renal dysfunction and obesity‐linked hypertension, inverse hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and hepatic dysfunction. In conclusion, structural equation modelling reveals that SDB closely interacts with obesity and is positively but indirectly related to hyperuricaemia in males. This suggests that urinary UA excretion modulates and obesity confounds the SDB–hyperuricaemia relationship.
Photocatalytic Efficiency Tuning by the Surface Roughness of TiO2 Coatings on Glass Prepared by the Doctor Blade Method
Authors: Tulli Fiorella , Morales Jesús M.N. , Salas Esteban E. , Morán Vieyra Faustino E. , Borsarelli Claudio D.
Published: August 2020

A set of opaque films were prepared with Degussa P25® or Hombikat UV100® TiO2 powders by the doctor blade method on glass slides with different compositions of polyethylene glycol of 20 kDa (PEG20), and they were characterized by spectroscopy, microscopy and photochemical kinetics measurements. After annealing treatment at 450 °C, about 5–7% C atom was incorporated into the films, as a consequence of the degradation of the organic complexing agents, inducing a small reduction of the energy band gap of TiO2 (i.e. 3.02 ≤ Eg (eV) ≤ 3.08). All films were about 15 ± 2 μm thick but their micro‐morphological characteristics depended on the content of PEG20, showing different patterns of cracks and aggregates that produce intense light scattering and retransmission phenomena with the result of a three‐dimensional excitation of the TiO2 particles in the thick film. Back‐face excitation with UVA light (365 ± 42 nm) of the opaque films in contact with an aqueous solution produced both surface‐bound and free hydroxyl radicals (HO•), as detected using a coumarin solution as a radical dosimeter. The photogeneration efficiency of HO• decreased with the surface roughness of the films, which varied between 135 and 439 nm depending on the film's composition.
Longitudinal hypertrophic and transcriptional responses to high‐load eccentric‐concentric vs concentric training in males
Authors: Mallinson Joanne E. , Taylor Tariq , Constantin‐Teodosiu Dumitru , Billeter‐Clark Rudolf , Constantin Despina , Franchi Martino V. , Narici Marco V. , Auer Dorothee , Greenhaff Paul L.
Published: August 2020

High‐load eccentric training reputedly produces greater muscle hypertrophy than concentric training, possibly due to greater loading and/or inflammation. We quantified the temporal impact of combined maximal concentric‐eccentric training vs maximal concentric training on muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), volume, and targeted mRNA expression (93 transcripts). Eight recreationally active males (24 ± 5 years, BMI 23.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2) performed 3 x 30 maximal eccentric isokinetic knee extensions and 2 x 30 maximal concentric knee extensions in dominant limb (ECC + CON) and 5 x 30 maximal concentric contractions (CON) in the non‐dominant limb for 12 weeks (all 90°/s, 3x/wk). Quadriceps muscle CSA and volume were measured at baseline, 28 days (d), and 84 d in both limbs (3T MRI). Resting vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained from both limbs at baseline, 24 hours (h), 7, 28, and 84 d for mRNA abundance measurements (RT‐PCR microfluidic cards). Work output was greater throughout training in ECC + CON vs CON (20.8 ± 9.7%, P < .001). Muscle CSA increased from baseline in both limbs at 28 d (CON 4.3 ± 2.6%, ECC + CON 4.0 ± 1.9%, both P < .001) and 84d (CON 3.9 ± 2.3%, ECC + CON 4.0 ± 3.1%, both P < .001), and muscle volume and isometric strength at 84 d (CON 44.8 ± 40.0%, P < .001; ECC + CON 36.9 ± 40.0%, P < .01), but no between‐limb differences existed in any parameter. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified several cellular functions associated with regulation of muscle mass and metabolism as altered by both modalities at 24 h and 7 d, but particularly with ECC + CON. However, mRNA responses waned thereafter, regardless of modality. Initial muscle mRNA responses to training did not reflect chronic training‐induced hypertrophy. Moreover, ECC + CON did not produce greater hypertrophy than CON, despite greater loading throughout and a differential mRNA response during the initial training week.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQB1*05:235N allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Elsermans Vincent , Nivet Carl , Chérel Mathilde , Renac Virginie
Published: August 2020

DQB1*05:235N differs from DQB1*05:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 123 in exon 2, resulting in a premature stop codon.
The evolution of white matter microstructural changes after mild traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal DTI and NODDI study
Authors: Palacios E. M. , Owen J. P. , Yuh E. L. , Wang M. B. , Vassar M. J. , Ferguson A. R. , Diaz-Arrastia R. , Giacino J. T. , Okonkwo D. O. , Robertson C. S. , Stein M. B. , Temkin N. , Jain S. , McCrea M. , MacDonald C. L. , Levin H. S. , Manley G. T. , Mukherjee P. ,   TRACK-TBI Investigators
Published: August 2020

We report white matter changes after mild traumatic brain injury and their relationship with self-reported and cognitive symptoms.
Fifteen-minute consultation: An approach to the child receiving
glucocorticoids
Authors: Kanthagnany Sai-Kalyani , Lane Laura C , Wood Claire , Sachdev Pooja , Drake Amanda Jane , Cheetham Timothy
Published: August 2020

Glucocorticoids (GC) are used in paediatric practice for a broad range
of conditions and all paediatricians will prescribe GC, in some form, during
their career. A wide variety of GC formulations, doses and administration
routes are used for periods of time ranging from days to years. Exposure to
exogenous GC can result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
suppression—otherwise known as adrenal suppression (AS). Patients with AS
may be well most of the time but if GC therapy is reduced or stopped or if
additional endogenous GC cannot be generated
during illness, then an absolute or relative lack of GC can result in severe
illness or death. Here, we highlight the relevance of AS to all
paediatricians by providing an overview of the background and discussing the
presentation and approaches to the management of this clinical
entity.
Analysis of Ionomer Distribution and Pt/C Agglomerate Size in Catalyst Layers by Two-Stage Ion-Beam Processing
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , Okada Shinya , Tsushima Shohji
Published: August 2020

Ionomer distribution in catalyst layers (CLs) of polymer electrolyte fuel cells has garnered much attention because it affects proton and gas transfer. In this study, a novel visualization method of the overall through-plane ionomer and platinum-supported carbon (Pt/C) distributions in the CLs using two-stage ion-beam processing is proposed. The first stage is the formation of a flat and smooth cross-section using a broad ion beam. The second stage is the selective removal of the materials in the CL by a focused-ion beam. Scanning ion microscopic images were obtained after the first and second stages. The ionomer and Pt/C distributions were then obtained by image processing. CLs were prepared with the ionomer-to-carbon (I/C) ratio varied from 0.5 to 3.0. The effect of the dispersion process on the structure of the CL was also studied. With increasing I/C ratio, a thin ionomer layer was formed at the interface with the polymer electrolyte membrane. This behavior is attributed to deposition of ionomer during solvent evaporation. Ionomer thickness, agglomerate size of Pt/C, and pore size were evaluated. The agglomerate size of Pt/C was found to be affected by both I/C ratio and the dispersion process.
Application of Artificial Ground Freezing Technology in Modern Urban Underground Engineering
Authors: Qi Yi , Zhang Jinxun , Yang Hao , Song Yongwei
Published: August 2020

Based on typical water‐rich sandy gravel strata in Beijing, in order to explore the application of the artificial ground freezing method (AGF) in urban large‐scale underground engineering, the formation and development of freezing body were analyzed when multirow freezing pipes were working together, and the group effect exhibited during the freezing process was also revealed in this paper. On this basis, the basin‐shaped freezing method (BFM) is put forward as an application of AGF used in underground engineering. BFM structure consists of two parts: the frozen curtain (basin wall) around the excavation scope and the horizontal frozen body (basin bottom) at the bottom of the station. Physical model test and numerical simulation were conducted to study temperature field expansion of BFM under two different conditions. The results show the following: (1) The group effect refers to the cooling effect of different freezing pipes influencing each other during freezing process. Under the condition of still water, the group effect expands the freezing area, and it shows the gradual development of freezing from back water surface to front water surface under seepage condition. (2) BFM can effectively play the role of water proofing, and although different parts of basin structure show different frozen order under different conditions, both basin wall and basin bottom can form an effective thickness during the freezing process.
Effect of Diamond Surface Pretreatment and Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical and Oxidation Behaviour of NiAl/Fe-Based Alloys
Authors: Bai Yaping , Li Jianping , Luo Jiajia , Guo Yongchun
Published: August 2020

The effect of diamond surface pretreatment and content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of NiAl/Fe–x diamond (x=0,5,10,15,and 20 wt.%) alloys was investigated after mechanical alloying with subsequent hot-pressing sintering. The results showed that after the surface pretreatment, a complete transition layer containing W existed on the outer surface of the diamond grains, which improved the interfacial bonding strength of the diamond grains and NiAl/Fe matrix to an excellent level. As the diamond content increased, the compressive strength of the NiAl/Fe-based alloys declined, but the alloy with 10 wt.% diamond had a higher value than that of the other NiAl/Fe-based alloys. Short cracks and transgranular fracture were observed in the fracture surface of all materials. For the material with 20 wt.% diamond, intergranular fracture was obvious, and many diamond particles appeared along the fracture direction, which caused the compressive strength to be the lowest of the samples considered in this study. After the addition of diamond, the oxidation resistance of NiAl/Fe-based alloys decreased due to a loose oxidation layer and diamond graphitization. The thermal conductivity of the alloy first increased and then decreased with increasing diamond content. A NiAl/Fe-based alloy with 15 wt.% diamond demonstrated the maximum thermal conductivity of 53.2 W/(m·k) at 600°C among the samples in this study.
Discriminating the Nature of Thyroid Nodules Using the Hybrid Method
Authors: Sun Hongjun , Yu Feihong , Xu Haiyan
Published: August 2020

Prompt and correct diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules has always been a core issue in the clinical practice of thyroid nodules. Ultrasound imaging is one of the most common visualizing tools used by radiologists to identify the nature of thyroid nodules. However, visual assessment of nodules is difficult and often affected by inter- and intraobserver variabilities. This paper proposes a novel hybrid approach based on machine learning and information fusion to discriminate the nature of thyroid nodules. Statistical features are extracted from the B-mode ultrasound image while deep features are extracted from the shear-wave elastography image. Classifiers including logistic regression, Naive Bayes, and support vector machine are adopted to train classification models with statistical features and deep features, respectively, for comparison. A voting system with certain criteria is used to combine two classification results to obtain a better performance. Experimental and comparison results demonstrate that the proposed method classifies the thyroid nodules correctly and efficiently.
Determination of Cassiarin A Level of Cassia siamea Leaf Obtained from Various Regions in Indonesia Using the TLC-Densitometry Method
Authors: Ekasari Wiwied , Widiyastuti Yuli , Subositi Dyah , Hamsidi Rini , Widyawaruyanti Aty , Basuki Sukmawati , Setyawan Dwi
Published: August 2020

Cassia siamea leaf has been proven in vitro and in vivo to have a strong antimalarial activity with Cassiarin A as its active compound. To obtain a source of C. siamea medicinal plant with high level of active antimalarial compound (Cassiarin A), a valid method for determining Cassiarin A level is needed. For this reason, this research conducts the validation of the Cassiarin A content with determination method using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) densitometry which includes the determination of selectivity (Rs), linearity (r), accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Cassiarin A was chromatographed on silica gel 60 F254 TLC plate using chloroform : ethanol (85 : 15 v/v) as a mobile phase. Cassiarin A was quantified by densitometric analysis at 368 nm. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r = 0.9995. The method was validated for precision, recovery, repeatability. The minimum detectable amount was found to be 0.0027 μg/spot, whereas the limit of quantitation was found to be 0.008 μg/spot. The results of this validation are then used to determine the Cassiarin A level of C. siamea leaf from various regions in Indonesia. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the TLC-densitometry method can be used to determine level of the Cassiarin A compound with the advantages of being fast, easy, accurate, and inexpensive. In addition, it showed that C. siamea leaves from Pacitan have the highest level of Cassiarin A compared to other areas studied.
Root Canal Anatomy of Myanmar Permanent Mandibular Incisors in Mandalay Region
Authors: Aung Nyan M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Incomplete understanding of the root canal system leads to endodontic failure. Missed canal was the fourth most common endodontic failure, which needed retreatment. There were a few studies on internal morphology of posterior teeth of Myanmar population. However, there was no report on root canal anatomy of anterior teeth. So, the aim of the in vitro study was to investigate root canal anatomy of Myanmar permanent mandibular incisors in Mandalay Region by the staining and clearing method. Materials and Methods. A total of 96 teeth from the tertiary hospitals and one academic department in Mandalay Region were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, they were cleaned, drilled, stained with Indian ink, and decalcified with 5% nitric acid for 3 days. After that, they were dehydrated with ascending concentration of ethanol (80% overnight, 90% for 1 hour, and full strength for three hours). Finally, they were clarified with 98% methyl salicylate and investigated by calibrated observer in case of Vertucci’s classification, allocation of apical foramen, and the detailed anatomy. Result. Almost 70% of the teeth had type Ι followed by 21.8% type ΙΙΙ, 4% 1-2-1-2-1 and type ΙΙ, and 1-3-2 and 2-3-1 comprised 1% each. Nearly 70% of apical foramen at central allocation of the root and 14% of detailed anatomy were seen in the sample teeth. Conclusion. Most of the sampled Myanmar teeth comprised one canal and one foramen followed by type ΙΙΙ. However, unusual anatomies, such as 1-2-1-2-1, 1-3-2, and 2-3-1, were also seen. Contrastively, proportions of central location of apical foramen and of detailed anatomy were differed from the former reports. This study summarized that 3 in 10 mandibular incisors comprised the evidence of second or third canal configuration. Three types of intercanal calcifications, fusiform, islet, and bead, were additionally explored.
Educação mediada por tecnologia em disfagia orofaríngea: proposta de ensino na graduação
Authors: Catalani Brenda , Luccas Gabriele Ramos de , Berretin-Felix Giédre
Published: August 2020

O termo disfagia refere-se a um sintoma diante de alguma dificuldade no processo de deglutição, causada por disfunção esofágica ou orofaríngea, podendo ocasionar insuficiência nutricional e de hidratação. Sendo assim, é importante a atuação fonoaudiológica; porém, para a realização eficiente do tratamento de indivíduos disfágicos, é necessária formação específica. Com o aumento do uso de tecnologias nas áreas de telecomunicações, tornou-se possível o ensino transmitido por meio de tecnologias de informação e comunicação: a Educação a Distância. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a efetividade do uso do ensino a distância, associado ao presencial, no processo de aprendizagem de disfagia dos estudantes de graduação em Fonoaudiologia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru – USP. Assim, participaram desta pesquisa estudantes que tiveram contato com a disciplina apenas de forma presencial, e outros que, além do ensino presencial, tiveram acesso à Plataforma Moodle. Todos os estudantes responderam um questionário com perguntas sobre o conteúdo abordado, e foi aplicado um protocolo de avaliação de habilidades e competências. Além disso, opinaram sobre o material educacional on-line. Na análise dos resultados nos questionários houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre notas pré e pós-disciplina apenas para os estudantes do grupo de ensino híbrido. Quanto ao protocolo de habilidades e competências, as notas atribuídas em cada aspecto foram semelhantes para estudantes de ambos os grupos. No que se refere àpercepção dos estudantes quanto ao material on-line, todos referiram que esse ajudou em sua formação. Com isso, conclui-se que o ensino foi efetivo para essa população.
Intermodel Spread in the Pattern Effect and Its Contribution to Climate Sensitivity in CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models
Authors: Dong Yue , Armour Kyle C. , Zelinka Mark D. , Proistosescu Cristian , Battisti David S. , Zhou Chen , Andrews Timothy
Published: August 2020

Radiative feedbacks depend on the spatial patterns of sea surface temperature (SST) and thus can change over time as SST patterns evolve—the so-called pattern effect. This study investigates intermodel differences in the magnitude of the pattern effect and how these differences contribute to the spread in effective equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) within CMIP5 and CMIP6 models. Effective ECS in CMIP5 estimated from 150-yr-long abrupt4×CO2 simulations is on average 10% higher than that estimated from the early portion (first 50 years) of those simulations, which serves as an analog for historical warming; this difference is reduced to 7% on average in CMIP6. The (negative) net radiative feedback weakens over the course of the abrupt4×CO2 simulations in the vast majority of CMIP5 and CMIP6 models, but this weakening is less dramatic on average in CMIP6. For both ensembles, the total variance in the effective ECS is found to be dominated by the spread in radiative response on fast time scales, rather than the spread in feedback changes. Using Green’s functions derived from two AGCMs shows that the spread in feedbacks on fast time scales may be primarily due to differences in atmospheric model physics, whereas the spread in feedback evolution is primarily governed by differences in SST patterns. Intermodel spread in feedback evolution is well explained by differences in the relative warming in the west Pacific warm-pool regions for the CMIP5 models, but this relation fails to explain differences across the CMIP6 models, suggesting that a stronger sensitivity of extratropical clouds to surface warming may also contribute to feedback changes in CMIP6.
Technology versus tradition: a non-inferiority trial comparing video to face-to-face consultations with a physiotherapist for people with knee osteoarthritis. Protocol for the PEAK randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hinman Rana S. , Kimp Alexander J. , Campbell Penny K. , Russell Trevor , Foster Nadine E. , Kasza Jessica , Harris Anthony , Bennell Kim L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a global problem that causes significant pain and physical dysfunction, substantially impacting on quality of life and imposing enormous cost to the healthcare system. Exercise is pivotal to OA management, yet uptake by people with knee OA is inadequate. Limited access to appropriately skilled health professionals, such as physiotherapists, for prescription of an exercise program and support with exercise is a major barrier to optimal care. Internet-enabled video consultations permit widespread reach. However, services offering video consultations with physiotherapists for musculoskeletal conditions are scant in Australia where there is typically no Government or private health insurer funding for such services. The paucity of robust evidence demonstrating video consultations with physiotherapists are clinically effective, safe and cost-effective for knee OA is hampering implementation of, and willingness of healthcare policymakers to pay for, these services.

Methods

This is an assessor- and participant-blinded, two-arm, pragmatic, comparative effectiveness non-inferiority randomised controlled trial (RCT) conducted in Australia. We are recruiting 394 people from the community with chronic knee pain consistent with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA. Participants are randomly allocated to receive physiotherapy care via i) video-conferencing or; ii) face-to-face consultations. Participants are provided five consultations (30–45 min each) with a physiotherapist over 3 months for prescription of a home-based strengthening exercise program (to be conducted independently at home) and physical activity plan, as well as OA education. Participants in both groups are provided with educational booklets and simple exercise equipment via post. The co-primary outcomes are change in self-reported i) knee pain on walking; and ii) physical function, with a primary end-point of 3 months and a secondary end-point of 9 months. Secondary outcomes include changes in other clinical outcomes (health-related quality of life; therapeutic relationship; global ratings of change; satisfaction with care; self-efficacy; physical activity levels), time and financial costs of attending consultations, healthcare usage and convenience. Non-inferiority will be assessed using the per-protocol dataset.

Discussion

Findings will determine if video consultations with physiotherapists are non-inferior to traditional face-to-face consultations for management of people with knee OA.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619001240134. http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377672&isReview=true
Sense of support within the family: a cross-sectional study of family members in palliative home care
Authors: Milberg Anna , Liljeroos Maria , Wåhlberg Rakel , Krevers Barbro
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite evidence that family members’ support to each other can be of importance to its members, there are limited studies of factors related to family members’ sense of such support during palliative care.

Aim

Based on the family systems approach, we evaluated which factors were associated with family members’ sense of support within their closest family in a palliative home care context and developed a model that predicts such sense of support.

Design

A cross-sectional design was used. We interviewed 209 adult family members (69% of eligible) of adult patients with expected short survival receiving palliative home care.

Methods

Generalised linear models were used to evaluate individual factors related to family members’ sense of support within their closest family during palliative care. The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was applied in the model-building analyses.

Results

Nineteen variables were identified that were significantly associated with the family members’ sense of support within the closest family. Model building selected six variables for predicting this sense of support (decreasing Wald values): family member perceiving support from other more distant family members; feeling secure with the provided palliative home care; possibility of respite if family member needed a break; family member living alone; being a child of the patient (inverse relationship); perceiving that the patient was supported by other family members.

Conclusions

Our findings support clinical application of the Family Systems Theory in the context of palliative care. The factors identified may be of value in assisting practitioners in detecting and treating family members sensing a low level of support within the closest family.
Perceived educational impact of the medical student long case: a qualitative study
Authors: Tey Corinne , Chiavaroli Neville , Ryan Anna
Published: August 2020

Background

The long case is a traditional method of clinical assessment which has fallen out of favour in certain contexts, primarily due to psychometric concerns. This study explored the long case’s educational impact, an aspect which has been neglected in previous research.

Methods

Three focus groups of medical students (20 in total) and semi-structured interviews of six examiners were conducted. Cook and Lineberry’s framework for exploring educational impact was used as a sensitising tool during thematic analysis of the data.

Results

Participants described the long case and its scoring as having influence on student learning. Engaging in the activity of a long case had an essential role in fostering students’ clinical skills and served as a powerful driving force for them to spend time with patients. The long case was seen as authentic, and the only assessment to promote a holistic approach to patients. Students had concerns about inter-case variability, but there was general consensus that the long case was valuable, with allocation of marks being an important motivator for students.

Conclusions

This study offers a unique focus on the traditional long case’s educational consequences; the extent of its positive impact would support its place within a program of assessment.
Utility of a new imaging system for displaying complex anatomy during AF ablation with cryoenergy
Authors: Schillaci Vincenzo , Stabile Giuseppe , Shopova Gergana , Arestia Alberto , Solimene Francesco
Published: August 2020

Background

A new catheter-based 3D dielectric imaging modality to guide electrophysiology ablation procedures that does not require contact or X-ray to image and offers new benefits for cryoablation procedures.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old male with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was admitted to our hospital for atrial fibrillation ablation that was performed using cryoballoon fourth generation combined with a novel wide-band dielectric imaging system [KODEX-EPD (EPD Solutions, a Philips company)].

Conclusions

This system allowed to visualize left common pulmonary vein before balloon positioning and then confirmed by pulmonary vein angiography.
College Student Conceptions about Changes to Earth and Life over Time
Authors: Jaimes Patricia , Libarkin Julie C. , Conrad Dominik
Published: August 2020

This study focuses on college student conceptions of scientific concepts at the intersection of the biosciences and geosciences across two different populations (U.S. and Germany). Findings highlight the need for scientific education instruction in both countries that is interdisciplinary in content.
Refractoriness of aggressive behaviour to pharmacological treatment: cortical thickness analysis in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gouveia Flavia Venetucci , Germann Jürgen , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Morais Rosa M. C. B. , Santos Ana Paula M. , Fonoff Erich T. , Hamani Clement , Brentani Helena , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Martinez Raquel C. R.
Published: August 2020

Aggressive behaviour is a highly prevalent and devastating condition in autism spectrum disorder resulting in impoverished quality of life. Gold-standard therapies are ineffective in about 30% of patients leading to greater suffering. We investigated cortical thickness in individuals with autism spectrum disorder with pharmacological-treatment-refractory aggressive behaviour compared with those with non-refractory aggressive behaviour and observed a brain-wide pattern of local increased thickness in key areas related to emotional control and overall decreased cortical thickness in those with refractory aggressive behaviour, suggesting refractoriness could be related to specific morphological patterns. Elucidating the neurobiology of refractory aggressive behaviour is crucial to provide insights and potential avenues for new interventions.
Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trials and Collaborative Research in Africa: Current Landscape and Future Perspectives
Authors: van Heerden Jaques , Zaghloul Mohamed , Neven Anouk , de Rojas Teresa , Geel Jennifer , Patte Catherine , Balagadde-Kambugu Joyce , Hesseling Peter , Tchintseme Francine , Bouffet Eric , Hessissen Laila ,   on behalf of SIOP Africa
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE

Adequate clinical services have yet to be established in the majority of African countries, where childhood cancer survival rates vary from 8.1% to 30.3%. The aim of this review is to describe the landscape of pediatric oncology trials in Africa, identify challenges, and offer future opportunities for research collaborations.

METHODS

The study includes data from the International Pediatric Oncology Society (SIOP) global mapping survey, meta-research identifying trials in Africa in ClinicalTrials.gov, and a literature overview of publications on the subject of pediatric oncology clinical research supported by expert opinions on the current situation and challenges.

RESULTS

The SIOP global mapping survey received responses from 47 of 54 African countries, of which 23 have active clinical research programs. A preliminary search of ClinicalTrials.gov showed that only 105 (12.1%) of 868 African oncology studies included children and adolescents. Of these, 53 (50.5%) were interventional trials according to the registry’s classification. The small number of African trials for children and adolescents included palliative care and leukemia trials. In African oncology journals and international pediatric oncology journals, < 1% of the pediatric oncology publications come from Africa. Services and research were strengthened by international collaboration. National studies focused on clinical needs, local challenges, or interventional priorities. Both the literature review and the expert opinions highlight the need to expand clinical research in Africa, despite ongoing regional instability and lack of resources.

CONCLUSION

While a low number of pediatric clinical treatment trials are open to African children and adolescents, clinical research of high quality is being done in Africa. Several initiatives are stimulating the development of the research capacity across the continent, which should increase the publication output.
Prevalência de barreiras para a prática de atividade física no tempo livre em pacientes com hipertensão arterial
Authors: Fontanella Felipe Oliveira , Silva Danilo Fernandes da , Mazur Caryna Eurich , Federizzi Matheus , Bennemann Gabriela Datsch
Published: August 2020

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as barreiras e o estágio de mudança de comportamento para a prática de atividade física no tempo livre em uma amostra de pacientes com hipertensão arterial. Estudo transversal realizado com 55 pacientes (69,1% de mulheres, idade entre 31-89 anos) que frequentavam o Modelo de Atenção as Condições Crônicas de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Guarapuava, Paraná. As barreiras para prática de atividades físicas foram determinadas por instrumento padronizado e validado. Dezenove barreiras foram classificadas em “barreira percebida” (sempre e quase sempre) e “barreira não-percebida” (às vezes, raramente e nunca). As barreiras foram categorizadas nas dimensões ambientais, sociais, fisiológicas/físicas e psicológicas/comportamentais. Os estágios de prontidão foram usados para classificar os pacientes em “ativos” (estágios ação e manutenção) e “não ativos” (estágios pré-contemplação, contemplação e preparação). A frequência (%) de barreiras percebidas foi associada à prontidão para prática de atividades físicas por meio do teste Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. As três barreiras mais prevalentes foram: “falta de energia ou cansaço” (54,5%), “falta de clima adequado” (47,3%) e “limitações físicas” (42,6%). Foram identificadas 10 barreiras mais frequentes em pacientes não ativos comparados aos ativos, sendo quatro fisiológicas/físicas, três psicológicas/comportamentais, duas ambientais e uma social. Pacientes obesos apresentaram maior quantidade de barreiras fisiológicas/físicas que os não-obesos. Considerando os fatores limitantes na incorporação de uma vida mais ativa em pacientes hipertensos, o presente estudo pode auxiliar a estabelecer estratégias específicas no contexto da atenção básica.