bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpersonal Resilience Inventory: Assessing positive and negative interactions during hardships and COVID‐19
Authors: Rivers Alannah S. , Sanford Keith
Published: December 2020

When people face difficult life situations, close interpersonal interactions that are positive (supportive, warm, and intimate) and negative (critical, withdrawing, and unhelpful) can be assessed with the Interpersonal Resilience Inventory and should be distinct from social support indices (structural support and perceived support schema), associated with stress and well‐being, and salient across different stress contexts. Online participants completed the Interpersonal Resilience Inventory when facing family or financial stressors (n = 327) and the COVID‐19 pandemic (n = 180). Confirmatory factor analysis, discrimination, correlations, and models regressing stress and well‐being on positive and negative interactions indicated that scales are distinct and explain unique variance in stress and well‐being beyond general social support. Results highlight the unique function of perceived interactions. This study expands previous medical and couple‐specific work on perceptions of positive and negative interactions by assessing them across important relationships, in two unique stress contexts (family and financial hardships, and COVID‐19), and after controlling for other types of social support (support schemas and structural support). This work is important for building parsimonious theories of perceived interactions that may be generalizable across relationships and stress contexts and may illuminate social support pathways to well‐being.
ADSORPTION OF MALACHITE GREEN DYE USING SPENT COFFEE GROUND BIOCHAR: OPTIMISATION USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: Mohamad Mardawani , Wannahari Rizki , Mohammad Rosmawani , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Lun Kwan Wei , Wei Lim Jun
Published: December 2020

Used coffee grounds usually end up as landfill. However, the unique structural properties of its porous surface make coffee grounds can be transformed into biochar and performed as an alternative low cost adsorbent. Malachite green (MG) is a readily water soluble dye which is used extensively in textile and aquaculture industries. The mordant complex structures of MG generate destructive effects to animals and environment. In this study, adsorption of malachite green using spent coffee ground biochar as adsorbent was investigated. The experiments were designed in two methods: classical and optimisation by response surface methodology. Three parameters were studied, which are adsorbent dosage, contact time and pH while the responses in this study are malachite green removal (%) and adsorption capacity (mg/g). Optimisation studies were performed using response surface methodology. Quadratic model was chosen for both response and studied using central composite design. The correlation coefficient, R2 for the quadratic model of malachite green removal (%) and adsorption capacity (mg/g) were 0.95 and 0.99, respectively. The optimum malachite green removal (%) predicted was found at 99.27%, by using 0.12 g of adsorbent dosage, 43.05 minutes of contact time and pH of 9.45 at desirability of 1.0. The optimum adsorption capacity (mg/g) predicted was found at 118.01 mg/g, by using 0.02 g of adsorbent dosage, 60 minutes of contact time and pH of 10.24 at desirability of 0.98. So, it was concluded that the spent coffee ground biochar can be used as an effective adsorbent for malachite green removal from aqueous solution.
A REVIEW ON AUGMENTED REALITY TRACKING METHODS FOR MAINTENANCE OF ROBOTS
Authors: Koh Ye Sheng , Woon Goh Kai , Dares Marvin , Fai Yeong Che , Su Lee Ming Eileen , Sunar Mohd. Shahrizal , Shin Tey Yik
Published: December 2020

Augmented reality (AR) in maintenance is a broad subject with many nuances when it comes to their implementation. The applications of these systems range from maintenance of large-scale assets such as buildings to smaller scale assets such as robots. Applications of AR in maintenance typically serves as a visual guide to assist users in diagnosis or steps needed to be performed for maintenance. In this paper, the tracking methods utilized in AR-based maintenance for robots are qualitatively evaluated. The reviewed works in this paper are between the years of 2015 to 2020 to ensure that the AR tracking methods are relatively state of the art. It is found that applications of AR-based maintenance for robots are uncommon in the scope defined in this research especially in the industrial environment as most reviewed works are conducted in a laboratory setting. In addition to that, it is found that marker-based tracking methods are commonly utilized in these applications.
Exact analytical solutions of the fractional biological population model, fractional EW and modified EW equations
Authors: Odabaşı Meryem
Published: December 2020

In this paper, exact analytical solutions of the biological population model, the EW and the modified EW equations with a conformable derivative operator have been examined by means of the trial solution algorithm and the complete discrimination system. Dark, bright and singular traveling wave solutions of the equations have been obtained by algorithm. Also, revealed singular periodic solutions have been listed. All solutions were verified by substituting them into their corresponding equation via Mathematica package program.
Outdoor Walking Test With a Global Positioning System Device as an Additional Tool for Functional Assessment of Older Women
Authors: Kulik Anita , Rosłoniec Ewelina , Madejski Przemysław , Spannbauer Anna , Zguczyński Leszek , Mika Piotr , Pilecka Dorota
Published: December 2020

The primary aim was to assess the test–retest reliability of an outdoor walking test with a global positioning system device in older women in a community setting. In addition, correlations between the suggested test and various tests recommended to evaluate muscle strength, walking speed, and self-perceived health status in older adults were studied. The study included 40 women aged 68 (SD = 5) years. The primary outcomes were total walked distance and mean walking speed. The secondary outcomes were lower-body strength, heart rate, speed in a 4-m walk test, and self-perceived health status. The intraclass correlation coefficients calculated for the total walked distance, mean walking speed, and mean heart rate were .94, .92, and .37, respectively. Thus, the suggested outdoor walking test with the application of a global positioning system device may be considered a reliable test tool, which can be recommended for the evaluation of walking ability among older women in a community setting.
Perceived Neighborhood Environment Associated With Older Adults’ Walking and Positive Affect: Results From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Lee Sunwoo
Published: December 2020

The current study examined how a perceived neighborhood environment was associated with older adults’ walking activity and the experience of positive affect. Study sample comprised 10,700 older adults, aged 65+, sampled from the Health and Retirement Study 2014–2015 in the United States. Results indicated that neighborhood social cohesion was significantly predicting older adults’ walking and positive affect. It was also revealed that walking engagement significantly contributed to the measure of positive affect. However, perceived neighborhood physical disorder did not account for additional variance in walking and positive affect. Final structural model involved three latent factors—neighborhood social cohesion, walking, and positive affect—and the goodness-of-fit indices of the model indicated an acceptable fit to the sample data. Public health and physical activity intervention in the context of neighborhood environment should facilitate social integration and informal social support that the neighborhood creates.
Aspergillus fumigatus Cross-Resistance between Clinical and Demethylase Inhibitor Azole Drugs
Authors: Garcia-Rubio Rocio , Gonzalez-Jimenez Irene , Lucio Jose , Mellado Emilia
Published: December 2020

Due to the worldwide emergence of
A. fumigatus
azole resistance, this opportunistic pathogen poses a serious health threat, and therefore, it has been included in the watch list in the CDC publication
Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019
(CDC, 2019). Azoles play a critical role in the control and management of fungal diseases, not only in the clinical setting but also in agriculture.
Prevalence of bipolar disorder in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Joseph Boney , Nandakumar Aiswarya L , Ahmed Ahmed T , Gopal Neethu , Murad M Hassan , Frye Mark A , Tobin W Oliver , Singh Balwinder
Published: December 2020

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and is often associated with psychiatric comorbidities. Some studies suggest increased prevalence of bipolar disorder (BD) in MS.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the prevalence of BD in adults with MS.

Methods

We registered this review with PROSPERO and searched electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Central, Embase, PsycINFO and Scopus) for eligible studies from earliest inception to October 2020. Prevalence data of BD in adult patients with MS were extracted. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model.

Findings

Of the 802 articles that were screened, 23 studies enrolling a total of 68 796 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rate of BD in patients with MS was 2.95% (95% CI 2.12% to 4.09%) with higher prevalence in the Americas versus Europe. The lifetime prevalence of BD was 8.4% in patients with MS. Subgroup analysis showed a higher prevalence of BD in MS in females (7.03%) than in males (5.64%), which did not reach statistical significance (p=0.53).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests a high lifetime prevalence of BD in patients with MS. Patients with MS should be routinely screened for BD. Further assessment of bipolar comorbidity in MS through prospective studies may help in developing effective management strategies and may improve treatment outcomes in patients with MS.
Mechanochemistry for sustainable and efficient dehydrogenation/hydrogenation
Authors: Fiss Blaine G. , Richard Austin J. , Friščić Tomislav , Moores Audrey
Published: December 2020

Hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions are one of the pillars of the chemical industry, with applications from bulk chemicals to pharmaceuticals manufacturing. The ability to selectively add hydrogen across double and (or) triple bonds is key in the chemist’s toolbox and the enabling component in the development of sustainable processes. Traditional solution-based approaches to these reactions are tainted by significant consumption of energy and production of solvent waste. This review highlights the development and applications of recently emerged solvent-free approaches to conduct the hydrogenation of organic molecules using mechanochemistry, i.e., chemical transformations induced or sustained by mechanical force. In particular, we will show mechanochemical techniques such as ball-milling enabled catalytic or stoichiometric metal-mediated hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions that are simple, fast, and conducted under significantly milder conditions compared with traditional solution routes. Importantly, we highlight the current challenges and opportunities in this field, while also identifying exciting cases in which mechanochemical hydrogenation strategies lead to new, unique targets and reactivity.
Analysis of a black chrome coated copper absorber plate in a flat plate solar collector
Authors: Ramesh C. , Sekar M.
Published: December 2020

With the depletion of conventional energy sources, the need for unconventional energy is focused on solar energy as it is avail plentiful. Converting solar energy into thermal energy is an effective way of utilizing solar energy rather than the conversion of electrical energy. This paper compared the behavior of a solar collector at 30° and 45° angles with a black chrome coated absorber plate without and with glass reflectors. In view of the performance enhancement of the collector, the reflector was adjusted to maximize the incident ray for every hour. It was found that the collector fixed at a 30° inclination to the ground heats the water better, and again the performance can be increased by the reflector.
Insights for AI from the human mind
Authors: Marcus Gary , Davis Ernest
Published: December 2020

How the cognitive sciences can inform the quest to build systems with the flexibility of the human mind.
Coalition of the willing takes aim at COVID-19
Authors: Edwards Chris
Published: December 2020

Data science can only do so much in the face of a pandemic.
Mesoscopic Characteristics on Cracks of Three‐Point Bending RC Beam with Corroded Reinforcement
Authors: Wu Nan , Jin Hao , Tian Qingrong , Li Zheng
Published: December 2020

The RC beam usually works under the combined action of external loads and corrosion expansion pressures, and the RC beams without corrosion of reinforcements have good mechanical performance. In this study, the mesoscopic models of the three‐point bending RC beams with different aggregates, different aggregate contents, and different corrosion expansion pressures were built. The plastic strain and the deflection are analyzed. The results show that the cracks of the RC beam with polygon aggregates are more dispersed than circle aggregates. As the aggregate content increases, the maximum plastic strain and maximum deflection of the RC beam decrease. The aggregate contents increased from 25% to 35%, the maximum plastic strain decreased from 3.4 × 10−3 to 2.1 × 10−3, and the maximum deflection of the lower boundary of the beam decreased from 0.005 m to 0.004 m. Furthermore, the corrosion expansion pressure makes the plastic strain increase in the concrete cover.
Assessing the Anti‐inflammatory Mechanism of Reduning Injection by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Xie Fuda , Xie Mingxiang , Yang Yibing , Zhang Miaomiao , Xu Xiaojie , Liu Na , Xiao Wei , Gu Jiangyong
Published: December 2020

Reduning Injection (RDNI) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula indicated for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of RDNI is unclear. The information of RDNI ingredients was collected from previous studies. Targets of them were obtained by data mining and molecular docking. The information of targets and related pathways was collected in UniProt and KEGG. Networks were constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape to identify key compounds, targets, and pathways. Data mining and molecular docking identified 11 compounds, 84 targets, and 201 pathways that are related to the anti‐inflammatory activity of RDNI. Network analysis identified two key compounds (caffeic acid and ferulic acid), five key targets (Bcl‐2, eNOS, PTGS2, PPARA, and MMPs), and four key pathways (estrogen signaling pathway, PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway, cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway) which would play critical roles in the treatment of inflammatory diseases by RDNI. The cross‐talks among pathways provided a deeper understanding of anti‐inflammatory effect of RDNI. RDNI is capable of regulating multiple biological processes and treating inflammation at a systems level. Network pharmacology is a practical approach to explore the therapeutic mechanism of TCM for complex disease.
On Solving System of Linear Differential-Algebraic Equations Using Reduction Algorithm
Authors: Thota Srinivasarao
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we present a new reduction algorithm for solving system of linear differential-algebraic equations with power series coefficients. In the proposed algorithm, we transform the given system of differential-algebraic equations into another simple equivalent system using the elementary algebraic techniques. This algorithm would help to implement the manual calculations in commercial packages such as Mathematica, Maple, MATLAB, Singular, and Scilab. Maple implementation of the proposed algorithm is discussed, and sample computations are presented to illustrate the proposed algorithm.
Effect of Massage on the TLR4 Signalling Pathway in Rats with Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Wang Qian , Lin Jing , Yang Peng , Liang Yingye , Lu Dongming , Wang Kailong , Gan Wei , Fu Jianping , Gan Zhenbao , Ma Mingchen , Wu Pingting , He Fengshi , Pang Jun , Tang Hongliang
Published: December 2020

This study set out to investigate the effect of massage on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathway in the dorsal root ganglia of rats that had undergone spinal nerve ligation (SNL), with the hypothesis that massage could be used as an analgesic. Forty female SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, sham-operated group, model group, sham massage group, and massage group. There were 8 rats in each group. SNL rat models were established in the model group, sham massage group, and massage group. Rats in the sham-operated group underwent surgery to expose the vertebral nerves, but no further procedures were performed. The control group consisted of intact animals. The rats in the massage group underwent massage using a massage simulation machine once a day for 14 d in succession; the hind limbs of the rats in the sham massage group were gently touched with a cloth bag once a day for 14 continuous days. The rats in the control group, the sham-operated group, and the model group did not receive any intervention and were observed for 14 d. Paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) and paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) of rats in each group were detected 1 d before modelling and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 d after modelling. Fourteen days after modelling, the expression levels of TLR4, IRAK1, TRAF6, TNF-α, and IL-6 were detected in all rats. The PWTL and PWMT of SNL rats were decreased, while these parameters were elevated after massage. SNL rats showed higher levels of TLR4, IRAK1, TRAF6, IL-6, and TNF-α, and massage effectively lowered the expression levels of these molecules. Inhibiting activation of the TLR4 signalling pathway, which can reduce the release of inflammatory factors, may be one mechanism by which massage treats neuropathic pain.
Properties of Certain Subclasses of Meromorphically
p
-Valent Functions Associated with Certain Integral Operator
Authors: El-Emam Fatma
Published: December 2020

The object of the this paper is to derive some interesting properties of certain subclasses of meromorphically

p

-valent functions which are defined by using an integral operator.
Short‐Term Gradation Loading Creep Properties and Failure Characteristics of High‐Strength Fly Ash Concrete for Underground Engineering
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Lianying , Pu Hai , Mao Xianbiao , Qiu Peitao , Zhao Zhong , Ma Chao
Published: December 2020

In order to study the short‐term creep deformation of high‐strength concrete with varying fly ash replacement ratios, concrete samples with 0, 20, 35, and 50 wt% fly ash were tested using an electrohydraulic servocontrolled creep testing system and characterized using scanning electron microscopy after fracturing. Three different creep deformation behaviors were observed over time under different stress levels, namely, decelerating, isokinetic, and accelerating creep, where the creep rate increased with increasing stress. Failure of the samples occurred once isokinetic creep was achieved. The peak stress of the concrete samples exhibited a parabolic trend with increasing fly ash content, where the peak stress in the 0, 20, 35, and 50 wt% samples during short‐term gradation loading creep testing was 13.08%, 7.94%, 15.14%, and 14.50% lower, respectively, than the peak stress measured in conventional uniaxial compression testing. The accumulated creep of the samples was reported and can be used as a reference for future studies on the long‐term creep characteristics of concrete. The macro‐ and microscopic failure modes of the fly ash concrete during short‐term gradation loading creep under uniaxial compression were brittle cleavage fracturing.
An Empirical Investigation of Transfer Effects for Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Jwo Jung-Sing , Lin Ching-Sheng , Lee Cheng-Hsiung , Lo Ya-Ching
Published: December 2020

Previous studies have shown that training a reinforcement model for the sorting problem takes very long time, even for small sets of data. To study whether transfer learning could improve the training process of reinforcement learning, we employ Q-learning as the base of the reinforcement learning algorithm, apply the sorting problem as a case study, and assess the performance from two aspects, the time expense and the brain capacity. We compare the total number of training steps between nontransfer and transfer methods to study the efficiencies and evaluate their differences in brain capacity (i.e., the percentage of the updated Q-values in the Q-table). According to our experimental results, the difference in the total number of training steps will become smaller when the size of the numbers to be sorted increases. Our results also show that the brain capacities of transfer and nontransfer reinforcement learning will be similar when they both reach a similar training level.
Effect of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction Combined with Western Medicine on Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhong Da-yuan , Li Hao-yue , Li Lan , Ma Ruo-meng , Jiang Cheng-ting , Li Ding-xiang , Deng Yi-hui
Published: December 2020

Objective. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to systematically evaluate the curative effect of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (TQHXD) combined with Western medicine treatment (WMT) on Ischemic Stroke (IS). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TQHXD in the treatment of IS by computer retrieval of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and Weipu Database. The retrieval time was taken from the establishment of the database to July 30, 2020. Two researchers, respectively, conducted a strict evaluation of the quality of the literature and extracted the data which were then entered in the RevMan5.3 software for meta‐analysis. Results. 40 articles were listed, which involved 3260 patients. Meta‐analysis results show that TQHXD combined with WMT can significantly reduce patients’ NIHSS score, serum hypersensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), plasma viscosity, serum fibrinogen, serum total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides and improve patients’ ADL‐Barthel scoring and treatment efficiency. However, there is no evidence that TQHXD combined with the WMT  group can significantly decrease the incidence of adverse events. Conclusion. The therapeutic effect of TQHXD combined with the WMT  group was significantly better than that of the WMT  alone group. For the treatment of patients with IS, TQHXD combined with WMT is worthy of application and promotion.
A Multiclass Detection System for Android Malicious Apps Based on Color Image Features
Authors: Zhang Hua , Qin Jiawei , Zhang Boan , Yan Hanbing , Guo Jing , Gao Fei , Wang Senmiao , Hu Yangye
Published: December 2020

The visual recognition of Android malicious applications (Apps) is mainly focused on the binary classification using grayscale images, while the multiclassification of malicious App families is rarely studied. If we can visualize the Android malicious Apps as color images, we will get more features than using grayscale images. In this paper, a method of color visualization for Android Apps is proposed and implemented. Based on this, combined with deep learning models, a multiclassifier for the Android malicious App families is implemented, which can classify 10 common malicious App families. In order to better understand the behavioral characteristics of malicious Apps, we conduct a comprehensive manual analysis for a large number of malicious Apps and summarize 1695 malicious behavior characteristics as customized features. Compared with the App classifier based on the grayscale visualization method, it is verified that the classifier using the color visualization method can achieve better classification results. We use four types of Android App features: classes.dex file, sets of class names, APIs, and customized features as input for App visualization. According to the experimental results, we find out that using the customized features as the color visualization input features can achieve the highest detection accuracy rate, which is 96% in the ten malicious families.
Acute Cholecystitis-like Presentation in an Adult Patient with Gallbladder Agenesis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Elzubeir Nahla , Nguyen Kevin , Nazim Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Gallbladder agenesis (GA) is a rare congenital malformation, and majority are asymptomatic; however, symptomatic patients present with a clinical picture similar to biliary colic. Work up usually shows contracted gallbladder (GB) on ultrasound (US), and HIDA scan shows nonvisualization. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) can be helpful in the diagnosis; however, the diagnosis without the latter can only be established intraoperatively. Management should be conservative treatment with antispasmodic drugs. Case Report. A 35-year-old female presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and worsening right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain. Vitals and laboratory values were unremarkable except for mild leukocytosis, and RUQ US reported “contracted GB, cholelithiasis, 4.2 mm wall thickness, and no ductal dilation.” Surgical consultation was prompted by the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. The patient was transferred to the operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy; however, no GB was found, which was confirmed by intraoperative indocyanine green cholangiography. The procedure was aborted. Postoperatively, CT scan showed absent GB. A HIDA scan showed nonvisualization of the GB after 4 hours. Gastroenterology consultation was suggested to assess for peptic ulcer disease, stricture, or other etiology for her presenting symptoms, and the upper endoscopy showed gastritis. Upper GI with small bowel follow-through study showed mild delayed gastric emptying and contrast in the colon in 45 minutes. Conclusion. When US imaging findings are equivocal for nonvisualization of GB in a patient with no known history of prior cholecystectomy, additional imaging is required considering the diagnosis of gallbladder agenesis. MRCP is the test of choice. Management is usually conservative with smooth muscle relaxants without the need for surgical operation.
Soil‐Rock Slope Stability Analysis under Top Loading considering the Nonuniformity of Rocks
Authors: Xian-Wen Huang , Yao Zhi-Shu , Bing-Hui Wang , Ai-Zhao Zhou , Jiang Peng-Ming
Published: December 2020

Soil‐rock slopes are widely distributed in central or western China. With the development of transportation, many subgrades are being built on mountainsides and therefore, slope stability has to be estimated under high loadings. To obtain better estimation results, a new rock contour establishing algorithm was developed, capable of considering interlock effect between rocks. Then, computed tomography (CT) and unconfined triaxial tests with ring top loadings were conducted. Based on rock distribution characteristics (obtained by CT photos) and the appearance of shear failure surfaces in slopes under ring top loadings, four rock skeleton status and five shear failure surface developing models were introduced. Based on the developed rock contour establishing algorithm, ten groups (twelve models per group) were established and calculated by finite element method (FEM). After this, normalized ultimate loading increasing multiple N, which was the ultimate loading ratio of rock‐containing slope to uniform soil slope, was introduced to evaluate the influence of rock distributions on slope stability. The value of N was increased with the increase of rock content due to rock skeleton status. The values of N in slopes with angular rocks were about three times higher than those with round rocks which was due to complex geometric shape and distribution characteristics of angular rocks. Then, considering different slope angles (50°–60°), rock contents (0%–60%), and rock shapes (round and angular), the ultimate loading increasing multiple N of soil‐rock slopes under high loadings was calculated and suggested for engineering designs. Finally, based on the failure surfaces of numerical modes, three typical failure modes were developed, which could be reference for designers to deal with slopes.
Successful Treatment of Advanced Thymic Carcinoma with Carboplatin plus nab-Paclitaxel and Maintenance Monotherapy with nab-Paclitaxel: Two Case Reports
Authors: Araya Tomoyuki , Kita Toshiyuki , Matsuoka Hiroki , Sakai Tamami , Kimura Hideharu , Kasahara Kazuo
Published: December 2020

A standard chemotherapy regimen for advanced thymic carcinoma has not yet been established. We treated 2 cases of thymic carcinoma with carboplatin plus nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel, and nab-paclitaxel maintenance therapy. The first case was a 68-year-old female, admitted for dyspnea and left shoulder pain. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a huge mass in the anterior mediastinum, pleural and pericardial effusions, and multiple lung metastases. Specimens obtained from the anterior mediastinal mass by CT-guided needle biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the thymus, which was in stage IVB. The patient was administered carboplatin plus nab-paclitaxel as first-line treatment. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, a partial response was observed with marked shrinkage of the tumor. Following 6 cycles of chemotherapy, nab-paclitaxel maintenance therapy was initiated. Disease progression was seen 9.1 months after initiation of treatment. The patient experienced no serious adverse events. The second case was a 70-year-old male who had productive cough, dyspnea, and right-sided chest pain. Chest CT revealed a huge mass in the anterior mediastinum, pericardial effusion, and multiple lymphadenopathies. Specimens obtained from station 11s by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration revealed undifferentiated thymic carcinoma, which was in stage IVB. Six cycles of carboplatin plus nab-paclitaxel were administered, followed by 5 cycles of nab-paclitaxel for maintenance. A partial response was seen, which was sustained for more than 13 months. The patient experienced no serious adverse events. These cases show that chemotherapy with carboplatin plus nab-paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel as maintenance therapy can be a useful regimen for advanced thymic carcinoma.
Survey of BK Virus in Renal Transplant Recipients in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shatizadeh Malekshahi Somayeh , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Dorostkar Fariba , Salimi Vahid , Farahmand Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Introduction: BK virus (BKV) infection in renal transplant (RT) recipients can cause hemorrhagic cystitis, transient renal dysfunction, and BKV nephropathy (BKVN). The prevalence and significance of BKV in RT recipients remain to be clarified in the Iranian population. The purpose of this review is to summarize the overall prevalence of BKV infection in RT recipients from previously published studies in Iran. Methods: We systematically reviewed articles through a comprehensive search of the main electronic and Persian national databases up to November 2019. Results: The overall pooled prevalence of BKV infection among the Iranian population was 23% (95% CI; 15–33%). Comparing these studies revealed that the prevalence of BKV in plasma samples ranges from 3 to 40%, in renal biopsies 1–13%, and in urine samples 10–49%. Due to substantial heterogeneity among reported studies (I2 = 93%, p < 0.01), random-effect meta-analysis was performed. BKV infection rate was slightly higher in women than men (16%, p = 0.04 vs. 14%, p < 0.01, respectively). The majority of the studies employed real-time PCR (24%, I2 = 93, p < 0.01) and analyzed plasma samples alone or in combination with other types of specimens. BKV prevalence from 5 cities among the Iranian population showed a higher prevalence rate in Guilan. Conclusion: Our analysis provides a preliminary estimate of the epidemiology of BKV infection in RT recipients in Iran. These results arouse a need for more epidemiological studies of BKV infection in different unanalyzed regions in Iran. Early detection of BKV in RT recipients helps timely nephropathy diagnosis and prevents graft loss.
Prevalência e fatores associados ao tabagismo em pessoas vivendo com HIV em tratamento
Authors: Teixeira Luciane de Souza Leal , Ceccato Maria das Graças Braga , Carvalho Wânia da Silva , Costa Juliana de Oliveira , Bonolo Palmira de Fátima , Mendes Jullye Campos , Silveira Micheline Rosa
Published: December 2020

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência do tabagismo e avaliar os fatores a ele associados em pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHIV). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal de uma coorte prospectiva concorrente com 462 indivíduos em início de terapia antirretroviral atendidos em três serviços de assistência especializada ao HIV/aids em Belo Horizonte entre 2015 e 2017. Os status de tabagismo utilizados foram: fumante atual (FA), ex-fumante (EF) e não fumante (NF). Realizou-se regressão logística multinomial, sendo NF a categoria de referência. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos participantes eram homens (81,4%), jovens (de até 34 anos; 57,2%) e não brancos (75,7%). Do total de indivíduos, 27,7% eram FA, 22,9% EF, e 49,4% NF. A maioria dos tabagistas eram fumantes leves (65,1%), consumiam até 10 cigarros por dia e fumavam havia mais de 10 anos (63,3%), tendo começado em média aos 17,2 anos de idade (DP = 5,1). Na análise multivariada, maiores chances de ser FA se associaram a: ser do sexo feminino, ter até 9 anos de escolaridade, usar ou já ter usado álcool e drogas ilícitas (maconha, cocaína e crack) e apresentar sinais e/ou sintomas de ansiedade ou depressão. Maiores chances de ser EF se associaram a ter até 9 anos de escolaridade e usar ou já ter usado álcool e drogas e ilícitas (maconha e crack). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram que o tabagismo é altamente prevalente entre PVHIV, indicando a necessidade de os serviços de assistência especializada em HIV priorizarem intervenções a fim de cessá-lo, com abordagem sobre o uso de álcool e drogas ilícitas, especialmente voltadas para pessoas jovens, com baixa escolaridade e com sinais e/ou sintomas de ansiedade ou depressão.
Tendências na mortalidade por câncer de próstata no estado de São Paulo, 2000 a 2015
Authors: Luizaga Carolina Terra de Moraes , Ribeiro Karina Braga , Fonseca Luiz Augusto Marcondes , Eluf Neto José
Published: December 2020

OBJETIVO: Estimar a magnitude e identificar padrões de mudança na mortalidade por câncer de próstata no estado de São Paulo e nas 17 redes regionais de atenção à saúde, segundo grupos etários a partir dos 50 anos, no período de 2000 a 2015. MÉTODOS: As taxas de mortalidade ajustadas por idade (por 100 mil homens) foram calculadas pelo método direto usando a população mundial de Segi como padrão. A análise de regressão Joinpoint foi utilizada para calcular as variações percentuais anuais médias (AAPC), com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%), por rede regional e grupo etário (50–59, 60–69, 70–79 e 80 anos ou mais). RESULTADOS: Para o estado de São Paulo, as taxas ajustadas de mortalidade foram de 15,2, 13,3 e 11,9/100 mil homens, respectivamente, nos períodos de 2000 a 2005, 2006 a 2010 e 2011 a 2015, com tendência de decréscimo significativo (AAPC = -2,10%; IC95% -2,42 – -1,79) a cada ano. Das 17 redes, 11 apresentaram reduções médias anuais significativas, que variaram entre -1,72% e -3,05%. A partir dos 50 anos, verificou-se redução mais acentuada nos grupos de 50 a 59 (AAPC = -2,33%; IC95% -3,04 – -1,62) e 60 a 69 anos (AAPC = -2,84%; IC95% -3,25 – -2,43). CONCLUSÕES: Embora as reduções na mortalidade ainda sejam discretas, indicam progresso nas ações de controle do câncer de próstata. Ações de rastreamento e mudanças nas condutas terapêuticas nas últimas décadas podem estar modificando a incidência e a sobrevida, resultando em mudanças no perfil de mortalidade. Estudos mais detalhados serão úteis na compreensão dos fatores que levam às variações inter-regionais encontradas.
DESCRITORES: Neoplasias da Próstata, mortalidade. Mortalidade, tendências. Distribuição por Idade. Distribuição Temporal.
Lysolipids in Vascular Development, Biology, and Disease
Authors: Engelbrecht Eric , MacRae Calum A. , Hla Timothy
Published: December 2020

Membrane phospholipid metabolism forms lysophospholipids, which possess unique biochemical and biophysical properties that influence membrane structure and dynamics. However, lysophospholipids also function as ligands for G-protein–coupled receptors that influence embryonic development, postnatal physiology, and disease. The 2 most well-studied species—lysophosphatidic acid and S1P (sphingosine 1-phosphate)—are particularly relevant to vascular development, physiology, and cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes the role of lysophosphatidic acid and S1P in vascular developmental processes, endothelial cell biology, and their roles in cardiovascular disease processes. In addition, we also point out the apparent connections between lysophospholipid biology and the Wnt (int/wingless family) pathway, an evolutionarily conserved fundamental developmental signaling system. The discovery that components of the lysophospholipid signaling system are key genetic determinants of cardiovascular disease has warranted current and future research in this field. As pharmacological approaches to modulate lysophospholipid signaling have entered the clinical sphere, new findings in this field promise to influence novel therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular diseases.
Low High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and High White Blood Cell Counts
Authors: Harsløf Mads , Pedersen Kasper M. , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Afzal Shoaib
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Animal studies suggest that HDL (high-density lipoprotein) regulates proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Using a Mendelian randomization approach, we tested the hypothesis that low HDL cholesterol is associated with high white blood cell counts.

Approach and Results:

We included 107 952 individuals aged 20 to 100 years from the Copenhagen General Population Study with information on HDL cholesterol, white blood cell counts, and 9 genetic variants associated with HDL cholesterol. In multivariable-adjusted observational analyses, HDL cholesterol was inversely associated with white blood cell counts. On a continuous scale, a 1-mmol/L (39 mg/dL) lower HDL cholesterol was associated with 5.1% (95% CI, 4.7%–5.4%) higher leukocytes, 4.5% (95% CI, 4.0%–4.9%) higher neutrophils, 5.7% (95% CI, 5.3%–6.1%) higher lymphocytes, 5.7% (95% CI, 5.3%–6.2%) higher monocytes, 14.8% (95% CI, 13.9%–15.8%) higher eosinophils, and 3.9% (95% CI, 3.1%–4.7%) higher basophils. In age- and sex-adjusted genetic analyses using the inverse-variance weighted analysis, a 1-mmol/L (39 mg/dL) genetically determined lower HDL cholesterol was associated with 2.2% (95% CI, 0.3%–4.1%) higher leukocytes, 4.3% (95% CI, 1.6%–7.1%) higher lymphocytes, 4.3% (95% CI, 2.6%–6.1%) higher monocytes, and 4.8% (95% CI, 1.2%–8.5%) higher eosinophils. Overall, the genetic associations were robust across sensitivity analyses and replicated using summary statistics from the UK Biobank with up to 350 470 individuals.

Conclusions:

Genetic and hence lifelong low HDL cholesterol was associated with high peripheral blood leukocytes, including high lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. The concordance between observational and genetic estimates and independent replication suggest a potential causal relationship.
SIRT3 (Sirtuin-3) Prevents Ang II (Angiotensin II)–Induced Macrophage Metabolic Switch Improving Perivascular Adipose Tissue Function
Authors: Wei Tong , Gao Jing , Huang Chenglin , Song Bei , Sun Mengwei , Shen Weili
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Infiltrated macrophages actively promote perivascular adipose tissue remodeling and represent a dominant population in the perivascular adipose tissue microenvironment of hypertensive mice. However, the role of macrophages in initiating metabolic inflammation remains uncertain. SIRT3 (sirtuin-3), a NAD-dependent deacetylase, is sensitive to metabolic status and mediates adaptation responses. In this study, we investigated the role of SIRT3-mediated metabolic shift in regulating NLRP3 (Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome activation.

Approach and Results:

Here, we report that Ang II (angiotensin II) accelerates perivascular adipose tissue inflammation and fibrosis, accompanied by NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL (interleukin)-1β secretion in myeloid SIRT3 knockout (SIRT3
−/
−
) mice. This effect is associated with adipose tissue mitochondrial dysfunction. In vitro studies indicate that the deletion of SIRT3 in bone marrow–derived macrophages induces IL-1β production by shifting the metabolic phenotype from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Mechanistically, SIRT3 deacetylates and activates PDHA1 (pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha) at lysine 83, and the loss of SIRT3 leads to PDH activity decrease and lactate accumulation. Knocking down LDHA (lactate dehydrogenase A) or using carnosine, a buffer against lactic acid, attenuates IL-1β secretion. Furthermore, the blockade of IL-1β from macrophages into brown adipocytes restores thermogenic markers and mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Moreover, NLRP3 knockout (NLRP3
−/−
) mice exhibited reduced IL-1β production while rescuing the mitochondrial function of brown adipocytes and alleviating perivascular adipose tissue fibrosis.

Conclusions:

SIRT3 represents a potential therapeutic target to attenuate NLRP3-related inflammation. Pharmacological targeting of glycolytic metabolism may represent an effective therapeutic approach.
Effects of HIV Infection on Arterial Endothelial Function
Authors: Stein James H. , Kime Noah , Korcarz Claudia E. , Ribaudo Heather , Currier Judith S. , Delaney Joseph C.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To determine the effects of HIV serostatus and disease severity on endothelial function in a large pooled cohort study of people living with HIV infection and HIV− controls.

Approach and Results:

We used participant-level data from 9 studies: 7 included people living with HIV (2 treatment-naïve) and 4 had HIV− controls. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured using a standardized ultrasound imaging protocol with central reading. After data harmonization, multiple linear regression was used to examine the effects of HIV− serostatus, HIV disease severity measures, and cardiovascular disease risk factors on FMD. Of 2533 participants, 986 were people living with HIV (mean 44.4 [SD 11.8] years old) and 1547 were HIV− controls (42.9 [12.2] years old). The strongest and most consistent associates of FMD were brachial artery diameter, age, sex, and body mass index. The effect of HIV+ serostatus on FMD was strongly influenced by kidney function. In the highest tertile of creatinine (1.0 mg/dL), the effect of HIV+ serostatus was strong (β=−1.59% [95% CI, −2.58% to −0.60%],
P
=0.002), even after covariate adjustment (β=−1.36% [95% CI, −2.46% to −0.47%],
P
=0.003). In the lowest tertile (0.8 mg/dL), the effect of HIV+ serostatus was strong (β=−1.90% [95% CI, −2.58% to −1.21%],
P
<0.001), but disappeared after covariate adjustment. HIV RNA viremia, CD4+ T-cell count, and use of antiretroviral therapy were not meaningfully associated with FMD.

Conclusions:

The significant effect of HIV+ serostatus on FMD suggests that people living with HIV are at increased cardiovascular disease risk, especially if they have kidney disease.
SIMILARITY OF ATTITUDES AND INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION: A NEW LOOK AT A CLASSICAL PROBLEM
Authors: Rikel Alexander M. , Filatova Ksenia V.
Published: December 2020

Relevance. Research into the factors determining attraction between people is the most generally accepted paradigm in modern social psychology. The principal innovation of this study is its differentiation of the factor of the similarity of attitudes (both positive and negative), which was not introduced in previous works, either theoretical or empirical. At the same time, it seems apparent that “similarity of attitudes” is too global a characterization and requires further discrimination. Distinguishing between positive and negative attitudes makes obvious empirical sense: To what extent is similarity in some negative attitudes more important than in positive ones? Objective. To determine the impact of coinciding negative and positive attitudes on attraction to strangers in women. Methods. The study involved two stages. The sample at the first stage comprised 162 women, at the second there were 47; the average age of the participants was 19 years. The main methodological technique was a modified version of D. Byrne’s “fake stranger”. Statistical processing of the data included one-way analysis of variance and subsequent assessment of the significance of the differences in the dynamics of the attraction obtained by introducing additional information in the form of positive and negative attitudes corresponding to respondents’ own attitudes. Results. The introduction of additional information about attitudes that coincide with those of the respondent had a significant impact on attraction. The differences between the coincidence of the so-called positive and negative attitudes were analyzed. The authors propose a number of interpretations of the results in line with concepts relevant to modern socio-psychological science, relating to various theoretical orientations (psychoanalysis, cognitivism, interactionism, etc.). Conclusion. In the case of coinciding negative attitudes, the increase of the resulting attraction to the object is more significant than in the case of coinciding positive attitudes.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN RELATION TO IMPAIRED VISUAL FUNCTION AND THE RESULTS OF SURGERY
Authors: Arestova Olga N. , Osipiyan Grigoriy A. , Vzorin Gleb D. , Malinovskaya Irina V. , Maslova Margarita V.
Published: December 2020

Relevance. Studies of Quality of Life (QOL) are among the most topical concerns for both psychological and medical research. Although there are many studies abroad, very few have been done in Russia, and with regard to QOL in relation to vision problems they are practically non-existent. Objectives: 1. To develop a Russian-language questionnaire for QOL in relation to vision disorders and the results of their treatment. 2. To measure the relationship among a priori subjective estimations of visual function, expectations of treatment results, and estimations of treatment effects. Method. A pilot investigation was conducted using a questionnaire that we devised for QOL in relation to vision impairment. It included three informational blocks: The first was devoted to a priori estimations of visual problems; the second integrated the patient’s expectations concerning different effects of treatment, and the last estimated the treatment results. Nineteen patients with keratoconus took part in the research. Results. The diagnostic value of the method we developed was empirically confirmed. Ways to fine-tune it to the level of a standardized questionnaire were identified. The comparisons among a priori subjective estimations of visual function, expectations of treatment results, and estimations of treatment effects make it possible to describe the dynamics of QOL. It was shown that subjective estimations of vision are nor related to the objective quality of vision and are probably determined by personality characteristics. Respondents’ treatment results expectations were found to be quite generalized. There are some differences between expectations and estimations of treatment effects: The respondents usually a priori overvalued the instrumental results of the treatment and underestimated the personality-oriented ones. Conclusions. 1. The questionnaire could be used for QOL investigations. This method could be widely used after appropriate standardization procedures are introduced. 2. Subjective estimations of visual function are not related to the objective quality of vision and are probably determined by personality characteristics.