bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations of nearby relativistic jets with EAVN and EATING VLBI
Authors: Hada Kazuhiro ,   EAVN/EATING VLBI Collaboration
Published: April 2020

The international collaboration of VLBI in East Asia (EA) is rapidly growing. Besides the recent successful operation of the KVN and VERA Array (KaVA), the effort of joint VLBI operation in EA is being expanded into China. This forms the East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN), which offers detailed imaging and monitoring of the innermost regions of relativistic jets at cm wavelengths and thus complementary to the Event Horizon Telescope operated at mm wavelengths. In this contribution we present some of the ongoing KaVA/EAVN studies for the inner jets of the two important nearby radio galaxies 3C84 and M87. The observations have revealed detailed kinematics for the parsec-to-subparsec-scale structures of these jets. Future regular observations with the East-Asia-To-Italy-Nearly-Global (EATING) VLBI, a joint effort between EAVN and the Italian VLBI Network, will enable us to resolve and regularly monitor the innermost regions of nearby AGN jets at tens of micro-arcsecond scales.
Black hole demographics from TDE modeling
Authors: Mageshwaran T. , Mangalam A.
Published: April 2020

The occurence rate of tidal disruption events (TDEs) by survey missions depend on the black hole mass function of the galaxies, properties of the stellar cusp and mass of the central black hole. Using a power law density profile with Kroupa mass function, we solve the steady state Fokker-Planck to calculate the theoretical capture rate of stars by the black hole. Using a steady accretion model, the Schechter black hole mass function (BHMF) and the cosmological parameters, we calculate the detection rate of TDEs for various surveys which is then fit with the observed TDE rates to extract the Schechter parameters. The rate tension between observation (∼10−5yr−1) and theory (∼10−4yr−1 for individual galaxies is explained by the statistical average over the BHMF.
Survival of Population III stars
Authors: Dutta Jayanta , Sur Sharanya , Stacy Athena , Bagla Jasjeet Singh
Published: April 2020

In our earlier studyDutta (2016a), it has been shown that a number of primordial protostars (the ‘first stars’ in the Universe, also known as Population III or Pop III stars) are being ejected from the cluster of their origin with the velocity exceeding their escape velocity. Hence there is possibility that some of these protostars can enter main sequence and survive till present epoch, even in Milky Way. We ask the question if the protostars can avoid core collapse, and stop accreting before being ejected from the cluster, with the final mass of stars as 0.8 Mȯ.
A Photoionization Method for Estimating Black Hole Masses in Quasars
Authors: Alenka Negrete C. , Dultzin Deborah , Marziani Paola , Sulentic Jack W. , Martínez-Aldama M. L.
Published: April 2020

We present a method that uses photoionization codes (CLOUDY) to estimate the supermassive black hole masses (MBH) for quasars at low and high redshift. This method is based on the determination of the physical conditions of the broad line region (BLR) using observational diagnostic diagrams from line ratios in the UV. We also considered that the density and metallicity of the BLR in quasars at high z could be different from those at the nearby Universe. The computed black hole masses obtained using this method are in agreement with those derived from the method of reverberation mapping.
Bayesian Inference of Quasi‐Linear Radial Diffusion Parameters using Van Allen Probes
Authors: Sarma Rakesh , Chandorkar Mandar , Zhelavskaya Irina , Shprits Yuri , Drozdov Alexander , Camporeale Enrico
Published: April 2020

The Van Allen radiation belts in the magnetosphere have been extensively studied using models based on radial diffusion theory, which is derived from a quasi‐linear approach with prescribed inner and outer boundary conditions. The 1D diffusion model requires the knowledge of a diffusion coefficient and an electron loss timescale, which is typically parameterized in terms of various quantities such as the spatial (L) coordinate or a geomagnetic index (e.g., Kp). These terms are typically empirically derived, not directly measurable, and hence are not known precisely, due to the inherent nonlinearity of the process and the variable boundary conditions. In this work, we demonstrate a probabilistic approach by inferring the values of the diffusion and loss term parameters, along with their uncertainty, in a Bayesian framework, where identification is obtained using the Van Allen Probe measurements. Our results show that the probabilistic approach statistically improves the performance of the model, compared to the empirical parameterization employed in the literature.
Machine learning classification of ADHD and HC by multimodal serotonergic data
Authors: Kautzky A. , Vanicek T. , Philippe C. , Kranz G. S. , Wadsak W. , Mitterhauser M. , Hartmann A. , Hahn A. , Hacker M. , Rujescu D. , Kasper S. , Lanzenberger R.
Published: April 2020

Serotonin neurotransmission may impact the etiology and pathology of attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), partly mediated through single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We propose a multivariate, genetic and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging classification model for ADHD and healthy controls (HC). Sixteen patients with ADHD and 22 HC were scanned by PET to measure serotonin transporter (SERT‘) binding potential with [11C]DASB. All subjects were genotyped for thirty SNPs within the HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A and TPH2 genes. Cortical and subcortical regions of interest (ROI) were defined and random forest (RF) machine learning was used for feature selection and classification in a five-fold cross-validation model with ten repeats. Variable selection highlighted the ROI posterior cingulate gyrus, cuneus, precuneus, pre-, para- and postcentral gyri as well as the SNPs HTR2A rs1328684 and rs6311 and HTR1B rs130058 as most discriminative between ADHD and HC status. The mean accuracy for the validation sets across repeats was 0.82 (±0.09) with balanced sensitivity and specificity of 0.75 and 0.86, respectively. With a prediction accuracy above 0.8, the findings underlying the proposed model advocate the relevance of the SERT as well as the HTR1B and HTR2A genes in ADHD and hint towards disease-specific effects. Regarding the high rates of comorbidities and difficult differential diagnosis especially for ADHD, a reliable computer-aided diagnostic tool for disorders anchored in the serotonergic system will support clinical decisions.
Relationship between the drainage pattern of the dural venous sinuses and hearing recovery in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Park Jung Woo , Kim Dong Hyun , Kang Tae Kyu , Sunwoo Woongsang
Published: April 2020

Although cochlear venous insufficiency has been considered to cause sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), there is insufficient clinical evidence to support this hypothesis. We sought to determine whether there is a correlation between draining patterns of the dural venous sinuses and the side of the affected ear in SSHL, as well as hearing recovery. The medical records of 109 patients diagnosed with unilateral SSHL were retrospectively reviewed. Magnetic resonance images and pure tone audiometry were performed in all patients. We measured the dominance of the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) and transverse-sigmoid sinus (TS/SS) ipsilateral to the affected ear. Most patients were characterized by asymmetric venous drainage (IPS, 53.2%; TS/SS, 81.7%). The dominant side of the IPS or TS/SS was independent of the side of the affected ear for all patients in this study. However, in 35 patients with early recovery within 2 weeks, the dominant side of TS/SS was significantly associated with the side of the affected ear (p = 0.011). Moreover, the dominance of both the IPS and TS/SS influenced hearing outcomes at 3 months. Dominant TS/SS ipsilateral to the affected ear, particularly in the presence of ipsilateral hypoplastic IPS, is associated with a favorable hearing prognosis of SSHL.
Unraveling the effects of linker substitution on structural, electronic and optical properties of amorphous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-62 (a-ZIF-62) glasses: a DFT study
Authors: Xiong Mo , Zhao Xiujian , Yin Guanchao , Ching Wai-Yim , Li Neng
Published: April 2020

The relaxed atomic models of amorphous ZIF-62 and ZIF-62 crystal.
The role of catalyst–support interactions in oxygen evolution anodes based on Co(OH)2 nanoparticles and carbon microfibers
Authors: Mallón Laura , Romero Nuria , Jiménez Alicia , Martín Morales Elena , Alemán José , Mas-Ballesté Rubén , Bofill Roger , Philippot Karine , García-Antón Jordi , Sala Xavier
Published: April 2020

A set of OER electrodes based on Co(OH)2 nanoparticles and carbon microfibers of tailored composition is reported, which allows extracting valuable insights on the influence of the metal-support interface in their electrocatalytic performance.
Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production and Cr(vi) reduction of a ZnIn2S4/MoS2 heterojunction synthesized by the biomolecule-assisted microwave heating method
Authors: Pudkon Watcharapong , Bahruji Hasliza , Miedziak Peter J. , Davies Thomas E. , Morgan David J. , Pattisson Samuel , Kaowphong Sulawan , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: April 2020

Photocatalytic applications of flower-like ZnIn2S4/MoS2 composite, synthesized by biomolecule-assisted microwave heating method, in H2 evolution and Cr(vi) reduction reactions.
A study on the protective effects of taxifolin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and THP-1 cells damaged by hexavalent chromium: a probable mechanism for preventing cardiovascular disease induced by heavy metals
Authors: Cao Xiangyu , Bi Ruochen , Hao Jianli , Wang Shuai , Huo Yapeng , Demoz Rahewa Mahir , Banda Ruth , Tian Siqi , Xin Chong , Fu Mingyang , Pi Jingwen , Liu Jianli
Published: April 2020

Taxifolin suppressed the toxicity and THP-1 cell adhesion to HUVECs induced by Cr(vi) via regulating the p38 MAPK and JNK pathways.
New molecular species at redshift z = 0.89
Authors: Tercero B. , Cernicharo J. , Cuadrado S. , de Vicente P. , Guélin M.
Published: April 2020

We present the first detections of CH3SH, C3H+, C3N, HCOOH, CH2CHCN, and H2CN in an extragalactic source. Namely the spiral arm of a galaxy located at z = 0.89 on the line of sight to the radio-loud quasar PKS 1830−211. OCS, SO2, and NH2CN were also detected, raising the total number of molecular species identified in that early time galaxy to 54, not counting isotopologues. The detections were made in absorption against the SW quasar image, at 2 kpc from the galaxy centre, over the course of a Q band spectral line survey made with the Yebes 40 m telescope (rest-frame frequencies: 58.7 − 93.5 GHz). We derived the rotational temperatures and column densities of those species, which are found to be subthermally excited. The molecular abundances, and in particular the large abundances of C3H+ and of several previously reported cations, are characteristic of diffuse or translucent clouds with enhanced UV radiation or strong shocks.
Stress-based topology optimization of compliant mechanisms using nonlinear mechanics
Authors: Capasso Gabriele , Morlier Joseph , Charlotte Miguel , Coniglio Simone
Published: April 2020

The present work demonstrates how a light structure can be easily designed through Topology Optimization even including complex analysis and sizing criteria such as hyperelastic Neo-Hookean materials for nonlinear analysis and aggregated stress constraints. The SIMP approach was adopted and two different strategies were analysed using an in house versatile MATLAB code. MMA was used as reference optimizer (in structural optimization) whereas a unified aggregation and relaxation method was adopted to deal with stress constraints. Feasibility was analyzed from the viewpoint of allowable stress verification. Two test cases are then studied: a morphing airfoil (for aeronautical applications) and a geometric inverter (for mechanics and bio-medical applications). For both, a hyperelastic Neo-Hookean material was chosen. Finally a complementary study on the effects of constraints and the input force intensity is also presented.
Sigmakonduit Volvulus: eine extrem seltene Komplikation eines Sigmakonduit
Authors: Trenti Emanuela , Palermo Salvatore , Pycha Armin , Comploj Evi
Published: April 2020

Wir berichten über einen 84-jährigen Patienten mit der seltenen Diagnose eines Volvulus eines Sigmakonduits nach radikaler Zystoprostatektomie bei Harnblasenkarzinom. Unseres Wissens handelt es sich um den ersten in der Literatur beschriebenen Fall.
A Rare Case of Primary Malignant Melanoma Presenting with Lower Extremity Weakness
Authors: Alimohammadi Ehsan , Sharifi Guive
Published: April 2020

The authors report a pathologically confirmed case of primary malignant melanoma located in the intradural lumbosacral area, which is extremely rare due to its atypical location and manifestation. However rare, primary malignant melanoma could present as an intradural tumor and cause neurological deficit.
Associations of serum sclerostin and Dickkopf-related protein-1 proteins with future cardiovascular events and mortality in haemodialysis patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Stavrinou Eirini , Sarafidis Pantelis A , Loutradis Charalampos , Memmos Evangelos , Faitatzidou Danai , Giamalis Panagiotis , Koumaras Charalampos , Karagiannis Asterios , Papagianni Aikaterini
Published: April 2020

Background

Sclerostin and Dickkopf-related protein-1 (Dkk-1) proteins are inhibitors of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin bone pathway. Sclerostin but not Dkk-1 is associated with increased arterial stiffness. This study examined the prognostic significance of sclerostin and Dkk-1 levels for cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

Serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 80 HD patients that were followed-up for a median of 45 months. Factors that could interfere with the association of sclerostin and Dkk-1 with outcomes [including carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium–phosphate product and others] were assessed at baseline. The primary endpoint was a combination of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, coronary revascularization, hospitalization for decompensated heart failure and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Secondary endpoints included cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Results

Cumulative freedom from the primary endpoint was significantly lower for higher tertiles of sclerostin (77.8, 69.2 and 40.7%; Tertiles 1–3, respectively; log-rank P = 0.004). The risk for the primary outcome gradually increased for higher sclerostin tertiles [Tertile 3: hazard ratio (HR) = 3.847, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.502–9.851]. No significant association was evident between sclerostin and all-cause mortality, whereas higher sclerostin levels presented a trend towards higher risk for cardiovascular mortality. Dkk-1 levels exhibited no association with the risk of the primary or secondary endpoints. In stepwise Cox regression modelled analysis, sclerostin levels were associated with the primary outcome, independently of PTH, calcium–phosphate product, serum albumin, C-reactive protein and PWV levels (HR = 2.921, 95% CI 1.401–6.090; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

High sclerostin levels are associated with lower cumulative freedom and higher risk for a composite endpoint of cardiovascular events and mortality. Dkk-1 exhibited no association with the future risk of adverse outcomes.
What’s New With the Old Coronaviruses?
Authors: Ogimi Chikara , Kim Yae Jean , Martin Emily T , Huh Hee Jae , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Englund Janet A
Published: April 2020

Coronaviruses contribute to the burden of respiratory diseases in children, frequently manifesting in upper respiratory symptoms considered to be part of the “common cold.” Recent epidemics of novel coronaviruses recognized in the 21st century have highlighted issues of zoonotic origins of transmissible respiratory viruses and potential transmission, disease, and mortality related to these viruses. In this review, we discuss what is known about the virology, epidemiology, and disease associated with pediatric infection with the common community-acquired human coronaviruses, including species 229E, OC43, NL63, and HKU1, and the coronaviruses responsible for past world-wide epidemics due to severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
Defining disrupted nighttime sleep and assessing its diagnostic utility for pediatric narcolepsy type 1
Authors: Maski Kiran , Pizza Fabio , Liu Shanshan , Steinhart Erin , Little Elaina , Colclasure Alicia , Diniz Behn Cecilia , Vandi Stefano , Antelmi Elena , Weller Edie , Scammell Thomas E , Plazzi Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

Study Objectives

Disrupted nighttime sleep (DNS) is a core narcolepsy symptom of unconsolidated sleep resulting from hypocretin neuron loss. In this study, we define a DNS objective measure and evaluate its diagnostic utility for pediatric narcolepsy type 1 (NT1).

Methods

This was a retrospective, multisite, cross-sectional study of polysomnograms (PSGs) in 316 patients, ages 6–18 years (n = 150 NT1, n = 22 narcolepsy type 2, n = 27 idiopathic hypersomnia, and n = 117 subjectively sleepy subjects). We assessed sleep continuity PSG measures for (1) their associations with subjective and objective daytime sleepiness, daytime sleep onset REM periods (SOREMPs), self-reported disrupted nocturnal sleep and CSF hypocretin levels and (2) their predictive value for NT1 diagnosis. We then combined the best performing DNS measure with nocturnal SOREMP (nSOREMP) to assess the added value to the logistic regression model and the predictive accuracy for NT1 compared with nSOREMP alone.

Results

The Wake/N1 Index (the number of transitions from any sleep stage to wake or NREM stage 1 normalized by total sleep time) was associated with objective daytime sleepiness, daytime SOREMPs, self-reported disrupted sleep, and CSF hypocretin levels (p’s < 0.003) and held highest area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC) for NT1 diagnosis. When combined with nSOREMP, the DNS index had greater accuracy for diagnosing NT1 (AUC = 0.91 [0.02]) than nSOREMP alone (AUC = 0.84 [0.02], likelihood ratio [LR] test p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The Wake/N1 Index is an objective DNS measure that can quantify DNS severity in pediatric NT1. The Wake/N1 Index in combination with or without nSOREMP is a useful sleep biomarker that improves recognition of pediatric NT1 using only the nocturnal PSG.
Sit Less for Successful Aging Pilot Study: Feasibility of an Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Time in Older Adults in Independent Living Communities
Authors: Hergenroeder Andrea L. , Barone Gibbs Bethany , Kotlarczyk Mary P. , Perera Subashan , Quinn Tyler , Shuman Valerie , Kowalsky Robert J. , Brach Jennifer S.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Older adults are the most sedentary of all age groups, which is concerning given the association of sedentary time with adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to pilot test a 12-week sedentary behavior intervention in older adults in independent living communities.

Methods:

Individuals older than 60 years, who could walk >100 feet, were recruited. The intervention targeted a reduction in sedentary behavior using an activity prompter and weekly behavioral group sessions. Sedentary time, steps/day, physical function, mobility, and blood pressure were measured. Twelve-week changes in outcomes were compared using paired t tests.

Results:

Twenty-one older adults (82.2 ± 7.1 years) completed the study. Sedentary minutes accumulated in 30-minute bouts decreased (−27.7 ± 12.9 min/d, P = .0471). There were no changes in total number of sedentary minutes or steps/day. Physical function and mobility improved (all P < .05). The intervention strategy was feasible and acceptable among older adults in independent living communities.

Conclusions:

An intervention targeting a reduction in sedentary behavior is feasible and acceptable in older adults and shows promise for reducing minutes spent in bouts of prolonged sitting and for improving physical function and mobility.
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Entrustable Professional Activities
Authors: Robson Jacob , Lusman Sarah S. , Lee Christine K. , Merves Jaime , Middleton Jeremy , Perez Maria E. , Desai Nirav K. , Sayej Wael , Sivagnanam Mamata , Solomon Aliza B. , Colombo Jennifer Marie , Rosen John M. , Van Buren Kristin Whitfield , Brown Jeffrey B. , Turmelle Yumirle P. , Cerezo Carolina S. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Huang Jeannie S. , Quiros‐Tejeira Ruben E. , Benkov Keith , Leichtner Alan , Narkewicz Michael R. , Weinstein Toba , Sauer Cary G.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are critical activities performed by medical professionals, which can be observed and assessed. Adding on to common EPAs for all pediatric subspecialty trainees, specialty‐specific EPAs for pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutritional fellowship were developed by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) EPA Task Force.

Methods:

Having developed specialty‐specific EPAs, building EPA assessments is the next logical step, as EPAs are included under a larger umbrella of competency‐based assessment. Thus, the NASPGHAN EPA Task Force and Training Committee collaborated on an assessment tool and associated curricular resources to aid in tracking trainees’ progression to entrustment within individual EPAs and readiness for independent practice.

Results:

This manuscript reports the development of an EPA assessment tool, including guiding principles and the theory behind the assessment tool, with a focus on simple, meaningful assessments that can provide crucial performance feedback to trainees. In addition, curricular resources were developed, based on the assessment tool, to support training. Ultimately, it is the hope of the NASPGHAN EPA Task Force and Training Committee that this tool can aid training programs in providing formative feedback for trainees, and can be used by training programs and clinical competency committees for summative evaluation.
Who are China’s strategic economic partners in South America?
Authors: Borquez Andres , Bravo Carlos
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the characteristics of China’s strategic partners in Latin America, emphasizing the foreign policy orientations of these nations towards China.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part is a theoretical analysis of the foreign economic policy orientations of the Chinese strategic partners in South America. In the second part, attention is paid to the empirical regularities of economic cooperation between China and its South American strategic partners.

Findings

China seeks to diversify the profile of its strategic partnerships, as long as they increase Chinas complexity in the orientation of cooperation, using a multidimensional approach, based on three strategic cooperation networks (partners based on ideological affinities, geo-economic partners and trade partners).

Originality/value

This article increases the understanding of how new strategic partnerships take a more active position in the new great geo-economic game in which China is involved. China increases its facilitation role in Latin American Pacific rim countries, as well as its influence in countries historically close to the USA.
The experience of first‐time Hong Kong Chinese fatherhood: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Ngai Fei‐Wan , Lam Winsome
Published: April 2020

The father's involvement in childrearing can positively influence health outcomes not only for the man himself but also for his partner and their children. However, the experience of first‐time fatherhood is limited in Chinese communities. The aim of this study is to explore men's experience of first‐time fatherhood and coping in Hong Kong. An exploratory qualitative design was used. A purposive sample of 44 first‐time Chinese fathers who had participated in a couple‐based cognitive‐behavioral intervention for postnatal depression were recruited for telephone interviews at 1–3 months postpartum. Data were collected by a semistructured interview guide and analyzed using thematic analysis. The process involved in men's transition to first‐time fatherhood reveals four major themes: changes in daily life, new paternal roles and responsibilities, availability of resources to enhance adaptation, and coping strategies. The findings have implications for health care professionals and policy‐makers in the provision of comprehensive perinatal care and family‐friendly policies to aid men's transition to first‐time fatherhood in Chinese communities.
HOUSE (CENTRIC) SOCIETIES ON THE PREHISTORIC GREEK MAINLAND
Authors: Wiersma Corien W.
Published: April 2020

The concept of ‘House Societies’ was introduced by Lévi‐Strauss. It not only considers the social aspects of houses and households, but also the economic and political ones. By so doing, one gains a much more complete understanding of how a community is structured and organized, and how changes can slowly unfold within seemingly static communities. In this article it is argued that Early Helladic III and early Middle Helladic communities on the Greek mainland can be considered proto‐house societies, while House Societies proper do emerge at some places during the later Middle Helladic and Late Helladic I periods. The arguments are based on an analysis of domestic architecture, mortuary practices and the domestic economy. These indicate that the concept of property became more important during the Middle Helladic period. The house was perpetuated through rebuilding and mortuary practices, thereby referencing the concept of kinship, in order to transmit property. Such habits define House Societies.
Understanding physical activity and sedentary behaviour among preschool-aged children in Singapore: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Chen Bozhi , Waters Clarice N , Compier Thomas , Uijtdewilligen Leonie , Petrunoff Nicholas A , Lim Yee Wei , van Dam Rob , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study investigated physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) among preschool-aged children in Singapore and potential correlates at multiple levels of the socioecological model from in-school and out-of-school settings.

Design

A cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods approach.

Participants

Parent–child dyads from six preschools in Singapore.

Methods

PA and SB of children (n=72) were quantified using wrist-worn accelerometers for seven consecutive days. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) among 12 teachers explored diverse influences on children’s activities, and System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth (SOPLAY) assessed PA environment and children’s activity levels at preschools. Seventy-three parents completed questionnaires on home and neighbourhood factors influencing children’s PA and SB. Descriptive analyses of quantitative data and thematic analysis of FGDs were performed.

Results

Based on accelerometry, children (4.4±1.1 years) spent a median of 7.8 (IQR 6.4–9.0) hours/day in SB, and 0.5 (0.3–0.8) hours/day in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MVPA was similar throughout the week, and SB was slightly higher on non-school days. In preschools, SOPLAY showed more children engaging in MVPA outdoors (34.0%) than indoors (7.7%), and absence of portable active play equipment. FGDs revealed issues that could restrict active time at preschool, including academic requirements of the central curriculum and its local implementation. The teachers had varying knowledge about PA guidelines and perceived that the children were sufficiently active. In out-of-school settings, parents reported that their children rarely used outdoor facilities for active play and spent little time in active travel. Few children (23.5%) participated in extracurricular sports, but most (94.5%) reported watching screens for 1.5 (0.5–3.0) hours/day.

Conclusion

MVPA was low and SB was high in preschool-aged children in an urban Asian setting. We identified diverse in-school and out-of-school correlates of PA and SB that should be taken into account in health promotion strategies.
Understanding behavioural changes through community-based participatory research to promote oral health in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Southern Sweden
Authors: Ramji Rathi , Carlson Elisabeth , Brogårdh-Roth Susanne , Olofsson Anna Nilvéus , Kottorp Anders , Rämgård Margareta
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Inequalities in oral health have been on the rise globally. In Sweden, these differences exist not between regions, but among subgroups living in vulnerable situations. This study aims at understanding behavioural change after taking part in participatory oral health promotional activity among families living in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Southern Sweden.

Setting

The current study involved citizens from a socially disadvantaged neighbourhood in Malmö, together with actors from the academic, public and private sectors. These neighbourhoods were characterised by high rates of unemployment, crime, low education levels and, most importantly, poor health.

Participants

Families with children aged 7–14 years from the neighbourhood were invited to participate in the health promotional activities by a community representative, known as a health promoter, using snowball sampling. Between 8 and 12 families participated in the multistage focus groups over 6 months. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the analysis, providing an understanding of the determinants for behavioural change, including meaningful social interactions, family dynamics and health trajectories. The mothers in the study valued the social aspects of their participation; however, they believed that gaining knowledge in combination with social interaction made their presence also meaningful. Further, the participants recognised the role of family dynamics primarily the interactions within the family, family structure and traditional practices as influencing oral health-related behaviour among children. Participants reported having experienced a change in general health owing to changed behaviour. They started to understand the association between general health and oral health that further motivated them to follow healthier behavioural routines.

Conclusions

The results from this study show that oral health promotion through reflection and dialogue with the communities, together with other stakeholders, may have the potential to influence behavioural change and empower participants to be future ambassadors for change.
Organisational and individual characteristics associated with glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes: cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Wang Haipeng , Yao Jingjing , Yin Xiao , Guo Xiaolei , Yin Jia , Qu Haiyan , Sun Qiang
Published: April 2020

Objective

There is a high prevalence of poor glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in China. This study aimed to explore both organisational and individual characteristics associated with glycaemic control among patients with T2DM.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Shandong Province, China.

Participants

The participants were 2166 patients with T2DM and 337 healthcare providers from 36 urban communities and 36 rural villages in Shandong Province.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Multistage stratified sampling procedures were used to measure demand-side individual demographic, clinical and self-management characteristics, and supply-side organisational characteristics, and the status of glycaemic control. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to assess key determinants of glycaemic control.

Results

Only 42.8% of the patients with T2DM achieved good glycaemic control. Age, income, hypertension and self-efficacy were significantly positive predictors of optimal glycaemic control, while duration of diabetes, antidiabetic drugs and monitoring of blood glucose were significantly negative predictors of that. Private VCs (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.82, p<0.01) and lack of healthcare providers (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.89, p<0.01; OR=0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.98, p<0.05) were significantly negative predictors of optimal glycaemic control, while diabetes knowledge level of healthcare providers (OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.83, p<0.05; OR=1.45, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.10, p<0.05) and kinds of antidiabetic drugs (OR=1.37, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.93, p<0.1; OR=1.46, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.00, p<0.05) were significantly positive predictors of that.

Conclusions

Glycaemic control was suboptimal among patients with T2DM in China. The determinants of failing to achieve good glycaemic control included both organisational and individual characteristics. Potential interventions that target patients, providers and the healthcare organisations should be taken to improve the glycaemic control and health outcome among patients with T2DM.
Meta-programming for cross-domain tensor optimizations
Authors: Susungi Adilla , Rink Norman A. , Cohen Albert , Castrillon Jeronimo , Tadonki Claude
Published: April 2020

Many modern application domains crucially rely on tensor operations. The optimization of programs that operate on tensors poses difficulties that are not adequately addressed by existing languages and tools. Frameworks such as TensorFlow offer good abstractions for tensor operations, but target a specific domain, i.e. machine learning, and their optimization strategies cannot easily be adjusted to other domains. General-purpose optimization tools such as Pluto and existing meta-languages offer more flexibility in applying optimizations but lack abstractions for tensors. This work closes the gap between domain-specific tensor languages and general-purpose optimization tools by proposing the Tensor optimizations Meta-Language (TeML). TeML offers high-level abstractions for both tensor operations and loop transformations, and enables flexible composition of transformations into effective optimization paths. This compositionality is built into TeML's design, as our formal language specification will reveal. We also show that TeML can express tensor computations as comfortably as TensorFlow and that it can reproduce Pluto's optimization paths. Thus, optimized programs generated by TeML execute at least as fast as the corresponding Pluto programs. In addition, TeML enables optimization paths that often allow outperforming Pluto.
ПРОБЛЕМА ЕМЕРДЖЕНТНИХ ІНФЕКЦІЙ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Andreychyn M. A.
Published: April 2020

Розглянуто проблему емерджентних і реемерджентних інфекцій в Україні. Наведено біологічні, зоогеографічні, соціально-економічні та штучно сплановані фактори, які можуть сприяти появі та розповсюдженню збудників цих хвороб. Складено список найбільш актуальних емерджентних збудників, відкритих наприкінці 70-х років ХХ і на початку XXI століття. За ступенем небезпеки патогени поділено на три категорії, згідно з рекомендацією експертів Національного інституту алергії та інфекційних захворювань (США). До теперішніх емерджентних і реемерджентних інфекцій віднесено відповідно коронавірусну хворобу в Китаї та епідемію кору в Україні. Відзначено необхідність здійснення низки організаційних заходів, спрямованих на протидію розповсюдженню емерджентних інфекцій в Україні.
ПАМ’ЯТІ ПРОФЕСОРКИ ОЛЕКСАНДРИ СЕМЕНІВНИ СОКОЛ (1919–2001 рр.)
Authors: Holubovska O. A. , Hudzenko O. A.
Published: April 2020

Стисло висвітлено основні біографічні віхи й творчий доробок видатного вченого-інфекціоніста, доктора медичних наук, професора Олександри Семенівни Сокол, від дня народження якої виповнилося 100 років.
РОЛЬ ПЕРВИННОЇ ЛАНКИ В НАДАННІ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ПОСЛУГИ ПАЛІАТИВНОЇ ТА ХОСПІСНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ ПАЦІЄНТАМ ТЕРНОПІЛЬЩИНИ
Authors: Riabokon S. S. , Riabokon M. O. , Romanjuk N. Ye. , Romanjuk L. M. , Migenko L. M. , Migenko B. O.
Published: April 2020

Мета: провести медико-соціальний аналіз і визначити організаційні аспекти сучасного стану та пріо­ритетні напрямки розвитку системи паліативної та хоспісної допомоги (ПХД) на Тернопільщині за умов реформування системи охорони здоров’я України.

Матеріали і методи. Для досягнення поставленої мети у роботі використано загальнонаукові методи аналізу, синтезу та узагальнення.

Результати. Несприятлива медико-демографічна ситуація в Україні вимагає обґрунтування, створення і розвитку доступної, якісної та ефективної системи ПХД, що потребує залучення до надання паліативної та хоспісної допомоги медичних працівників закладів охорони здоров’я (ЗОЗ) первинної медичної допомоги і спеціалізованих ЗОЗ, координації роботи закладів та установ, підпорядкованих різним міністерствам та відомствам, різних форм власності.

На сьогодні в Тернопільській області продовжуються реформи медичної галузі з метою наближення доступ­ності та покращення якості обслуговування населення, розширення спектра надання медичних послуг пацієнтам, які потребують паліативної та хоспісної допомоги шляхом залучення лікарів загальної практики – сімейної медицини до надання амбулаторної паліативної допомоги пацієнтам, у тому числі вдома.

Висновки. Медико-соціальний аналіз демографічних показників, захворюваності і смертності свідчить про швидке скорочення чисельності та постаріння населення, високий рівень смертності від злоякісних новоутворень і тяжких ускладнень хронічних неінфекційних захворювань, що визначають високу потребу населення у ПХД. На основі оцінки розвитку паліативної та хоспісної допомоги та відповідності її світовим стандартам розуміємо, що система потребує подальшого розвитку.
МІЖНАРОДНА КЛАСИФІКАЦІЯ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ, ОБМЕЖЕНЬ ЖИТТЄДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ТА ЗДОРОВ’Я В УПРАВЛІННІ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЄЮ
Authors: Bakalyuk T. G. , Golyachenko A. O. , Stelmakh H. O. , Golyachenko O. A.
Published: April 2020

Мета: проаналізувати та дати оцінку застосуванню Міжнародної класифікації функціонування, обмежень життєдіяльності та здоровʼя (МКФ) у реабілітаційному процесі.

Матеріали і методи. Дослідження ґрунтується на аналізі спеціальної літератури і документів.

Результати. Міжнародна класифікація функціонування, обмежень життєдіяльності та здоровʼя покликана допо­могти визначити мету та завдання фізичної терапії, оцінити ефективність реабілітації, тому застосування даної класифікації допоможе не тільки описати порушення та обмеження, які виникають у людини внаслідок будь-якого захворювання, травми чи патологічного стану, але і скласти програму реабілітації з оцінюванням її ефективності під час застосування реабілітаційних заходів.

Висновки. Використання МКФ у клінічній практиці при проведенні реабілітації допомагає сформулювати реабілітаційний діагноз та покликане допомогти визначити мету та завдання фізичної терапії, оцінити ефективність реабілітації. Для широкого застосування МКФ у клінічній практиці та покращення управління реабілітацією необхідно розробити інформаційні системи і впровадити їх використання в реабілітаційному процесі.
Sociability Associations: A Literature Review
Authors: Stebbins Robert A.
Published: April 2020

Fellowship and friendly social relations during free time, referred to here as leisure-based sociability, is a prominent reward of participation in many groups based on volunteer membership, consisting for this review mainly of amateurs, hobbyists, altruistically oriented volunteers, and the associations of these three. This benefit is analyzed according to two subtypes: sociable nonprofit associations and social clubs. The goal of this issue of the Voluntaristics Review is to examine the leisure component of these two subtypes as framed in the serious leisure perspective (SLP) as set out in Stebbins (2007 [2015], in press; see also www.seriousleisure.net), put nonprofit sociability in organizational context, and then review the empirical literature bearing on it. Studies and theoretic treatises approaching nonprofit groups from another angle (e.g., organizational structure, management issues, funding sources, governmental regulation, type of employment) are not reviewed. Specifically, this review centers on the relevant books, articles, and chapters listed in the SLP website, which itself centers on amateurs, hobbyists, and career volunteers (the serious pursuits), casual leisure, and project-based interests and includes its extensions in the theory and research on the leisure-related aspects of aging and retirement, arts and science administration, library and information science, positive psychology, therapeutic recreation and disability studies, and tourism and event analysis. Compared with the various specialties in leisure studies, the SLP casts by far the broadest theoretical and empirical net in that interdisciplinary field. The research reviewed shows that such talk—generically known as socializing—reflects one or more of fourteen themes. In general, members find sociability in these clubs and associations in and around the core activities they pursue there and on which the two subtypes have formed. The studies reviewed here, taken together, provide considerable validation of the proposition that leisure-based sociability is a prominent reward of participation evident in a multitude of volunteer groups. Leisure-based sociability is itself micro-analytic in scope, but viewed through the lens of the SLP, it can be further understood using meso- and macro levels of analysis.
Usefulness of panoramic 344°-viewing in Crohn’s disease capsule endoscopy: a proof of concept pilot study with the novel PillCam™ Crohn’s system
Authors: Tontini Gian Eugenio , Rizzello Fernando , Cavallaro Flaminia , Bonitta Gianluca , Gelli Dania , Pastorelli Luca , Salice Marco , Vecchi Maurizio , Gionchetti Paolo , Calabrese Carlo
Published: April 2020

Background

A new capsule endoscopy (CE) system featuring two advanced optics for 344°-viewing and a prolonged operative time has been recently developed for Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. Hence, we evaluated, for the first time, the performance of this novel CE and the add-on value of the 344°-viewing in a multi-center real-life setting.

Methods

Consecutive patients with suspected or established CD received the PillCam™ Crohn’s System as supplementary diagnostic work-up focused on the small-bowel between June 2017 and June 2018. Technical and clinical data, including the panenteric CE diagnostic yield, the Lewis score and the impact of small-bowel findings on clinical management during a 6-months follow-up (new diagnosis, staging or treatment upgrade) were collected, thereby evaluating the added value of the 344° panoramic-view (lesions detected by camera A and B) over the standard 172°-view (lesions detected by one camera only).

Results

Among 41 patients (aged 43 ± 20 years), 73% underwent CE for suspected CD and 27% for established CD. The rate of complete enteroscopy was 90%. No technical failure or retention occurred. Compared to the standard 172° view, the panoramic 344°-view revealed a greater number of patients with a relevant lesion (56.1% vs. 39.0%; P = 0.023), resulting in higher Lewis score (222,8 vs. 185.7; P = 0.031), and improved clinical management (48.8% vs. 31.7%, P = 0.023).

Conclusions

The panoramic 344°-view increases small-bowel CE accuracy, thereby improving the clinical management of CD patients with mild small-bowel active disease. This system should be regarded as a new standard for both small-bowel diagnosis and monitoring in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Gallbladder tuberculosis in a dialysis patient: a case-report
Authors: Wolde Tewodross Getu , Jiang Kuirong , Miao Yi , Wei Jishu
Published: April 2020

Background

The diagnosis of gallbladder tuberculosis remains elusive even to the most experienced clinicians. Our aim is to describe our experience of this rare disease, and to raise awareness of the increasing likelihood of tuberculosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of gallbladder tuberculosis in a chronic kidney disease patient on hemodialysis. This combination is rarely reported in literature. No signs of abdominal tuberculosis were observed besides a clinical profile consistent with CKD in our patient. The clinical signs of uremia masks those of abdominal tuberculosis and render the pre-operative diagnosis of tuberculosis more difficult.

Conclusions

The clinical signs of uremia conceal those of abdominal tuberculosis. The diagnosis of tuberculosis in CKD patients hinges mainly on a high index of suspicion, perioperative findings and histological examination.
Deterioration of cognitive function after transient cerebral ischemia with amyloid-β infusion—possible amelioration of cognitive function by AT2 receptor activation
Authors: Min Li-Juan , Iwanami Jun , Shudou Masachika , Bai Hui-Yu , Shan Bao-Shuai , Higaki Akinori , Mogi Masaki , Horiuchi Masatsugu
Published: April 2020

Background

To promote understanding of the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment or dementia, we explored the potential interaction between transient cerebral ischemia and amyloid-β (Aβ) infusion in mediating cognitive decline and examined the possible ameliorative effect of angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor activation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) on this cognitive deficit.

Methods

Adult male wild-type mice (WT) and mice with VSMC-specific AT2 receptor overexpression (smAT2) were subjected to intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Aβ1-40. Transient cerebral ischemia was induced by 15 min of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) 24 h after Aβ injection.

Results

Aβ injection in WT induced a cognitive decline, whereas BCCAO did not cause a significant cognitive deficit. In contrast, WT with BCCAO following Aβ injection exhibited more marked cognitive decline compared to Aβ injection alone, in concert with increases in superoxide anion production, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, and expression of p22phox, p40phox, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and interleukin (IL)-1β in the hippocampus, and upregulation of RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end product), an Aβ transporter. BCCAO following Aβ injection further enhanced neuronal pyknosis in the hippocampus, compared with BCCAO or Aβ injection alone. In contrast, smAT2 did not show a cognitive decline, increase in oxidative stress, inflammation, and RAGE level or neuronal pyknosis, which were induced by BCCAO with/without Aβ injection in WT.

Conclusions

Transient cerebral ischemia might worsen Aβ infusion-mediated cognitive decline and vice versa, with possible involvement of amplified oxidative stress and inflammation and impairment of the RAGE-mediated Aβ clearance system, contributing to exaggerated neuronal degeneration. AT2 receptor activation in VSMC could play an inhibitory role in this cognitive deficit.