bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resemblance in accelerometer-assessed physical activity in families with children: the Lolland-Falster Health Study
Authors: Petersen Therese Lockenwitz , Brønd Jan Christian , Kristensen Peter Lund , Aadland Eivind , Grøntved Anders , Jepsen Randi
Published: December 2020

Background

Evidence of intra-family resemblance in physical activity (PA) is lacking. The association between parent and child PA appears weak, the influence of age and gender on this association is uncertain, and no studies have investigated the degree of resemblance in family members’ PA behaviours such as walking, sitting/lying, and biking. Thus, the aims of the study were to examine the degree of resemblance in PA within families, specifically between parents and children, and to explore the size of resemblance across age of children, gender of parents and children, and intensity and type of PA.

Method

The study is a cross-sectional analysis of a subsample (902 parents and 935 children nested within 605 families) of the Danish population study Lolland-Falster Health Study. PA was measured using a dual-accelerometer system (Axivity AX3) with subsequent processing of time spent in light PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and vigorous PA and classification of PA behaviour types. Families with at least one son/daughter aged 0–22 years and one parent providing minimum 4 days of valid accelerometer data were included in the analysis. A linear mixed model regression analysis was used to determine the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of clustering among family members for PA intensities and PA behaviours, adjusted for sex, age, parental education, and the interaction between sex and age.

Results

In the analysis of within-family variation in PA, the ICCs across PA intensities and PA behaviours ranged from 0.06 to 0.34. We found stronger clustering in family members’ PA for LPA and behaviours requiring low energy expenditure (LPA: ICC 0.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17; 0.28), sitting/lying: ICC 0.34 (95% CI 0.28; 0.40)), and walking: ICC 0.24 (95% CI 0.19; 0.30) than for higher intensities (e.g. MVPA: ICC 0.07 (95% CI 0.03; 0.14)). The ICC for biking was 0.23 (95% CI 0.18; 0.29). Analyses on parent-child dyads gave similar results. No interaction effects for gender and age (except for biking) were found.

Conclusion

Parents and children’s time spent in PA behaviours requiring low energy expenditure had moderate resemblance within families, whereas engagement in PA with higher intensities showed small or close-to-zero resemblance.
The critical role of endothelial function in fine particulate matter-induced atherosclerosis
Authors: Liang Shuang , Zhang Jingyi , Ning Ruihong , Du Zhou , Liu Jiangyan , Batibawa Joe Werelagi , Duan Junchao , Sun Zhiwei
Published: December 2020

Ambient and indoor air pollution contributes annually to approximately seven million premature deaths. Air pollution is a complex mixture of gaseous and particulate materials. In particular, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) plays a major mortality risk factor particularly on cardiovascular diseases through mechanisms of atherosclerosis, thrombosis and inflammation. A review on the PM2.5-induced atherosclerosis is needed to better understand the involved mechanisms. In this review, we summarized epidemiology and animal studies of PM2.5-induced atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial injury is a critical early predictor of atherosclerosis. The evidence of mechanisms of PM2.5-induced atherosclerosis supports effects on vascular function. Thus, we summarized the main mechanisms of PM2.5-triggered vascular endothelial injury, which mainly involved three aspects, including vascular endothelial permeability, vasomotor function and vascular reparative capacity. Then we reviewed the relationship between PM2.5-induced endothelial injury and atherosclerosis. PM2.5-induced endothelial injury associated with inflammation, pro-coagulation and lipid deposition. Although the evidence of PM2.5-induced atherosclerosis is undergoing continual refinement, the mechanisms of PM2.5-triggered atherosclerosis are still limited, especially indoor PM2.5. Subsequent efforts of researchers are needed to improve the understanding of PM2.5 and atherosclerosis. Preventing or avoiding PM2.5-induced endothelial damage may greatly reduce the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.
Does patellofemoral osteoarthritis affect functional outcomes and survivorship after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? A meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Feifan , Yan Yan , Wang Weiguo , Zhang Qidong , Guo Wanshou
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The argument that patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) is a contraindication to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains to be resolved. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to determine whether PFOA affects functional outcomes and survivorship after medial UKA.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of science to identify studies published in English (the last search was updated on June 1, 2020). The primary outcome measure was the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), whereas the secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) and the revision rate. Patients with patellofemoral joint narrowing or cartilage lesions as assessed intraoperatively or by radiography were assigned to the PFOA group.

Results

A total of 8 studies involving 3504 patients and 3975 knees were included in this meta-analysis. No patients had a severe lateral patellar groove. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the OKS, revision rate and ROM between PFOA patients and patients without PFOA.

Conclusions

No significant difference in functional outcomes and survivorship was found between patients with and without PFOA. Patients with PFOA assessed by radiographs or intraoperatively but without a lateral patellar groove should be considered candidates for medial UKA.
Toe gaps and their assessment in footwear for people with diabetes: a narrative review
Authors: Jones Petra , Bus Sicco A. , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh , Webb David
Published: December 2020

Background

Adequate footwear fit is critical in preventing diabetes‐related foot ulcers. One important element is the toe gap, the difference between foot length and internal footwear length available to the foot. We summarised the literature on toe gaps in studies assessing footwear worn by people with diabetes, the methods used to measure both foot length and internal footwear length and identify ambiguities which may impact on toe gap assessment in clinical practice, and suggest pragmatic solutions.

Methods

The Google Scholar database was searched to April 2020 for peer‐reviewed studies using keywords related to incorrectly fitting or ill‐fitting and diabetes, foot and ulcer which returned 979 results. Included studies within this narrative review encompassed toe gap measurement to assess footwear worn by people with diabetes.

Results

A total of eight studies were included after full paper review. Toe gap ranges as used in assessments of footwear worn by people with diabetes vary, with a minimum of 1.0–1.6 cm and a maximum of 1.5–2.0 cm, as do methods of measuring internal footwear length. Only three published studies suggested possible measuring devices.

Conclusions

Toe gap ranged as used when assessing footwear fit in people with diabetes vary and a gold standard device for internal footwear length measurement has yet to emerge. International guidelines provide welcome standardisation, but further research is needed to evaluate both the effect of toe gap ranges upon pressure, plantar stress response and ulceration and available measuring devices to facilitate development of toe gap measurement protocols that may further enhance consistency in practical assessments.
Telomere lengths in women treated for breast cancer show associations with chemotherapy, pain symptoms, and cognitive domain measures: a longitudinal study
Authors: Alhareeri Areej A. , Archer Kellie J. , Fu Han , Lyon Debra E. , Elswick R. K. , Kelly Debra L. , Starkweather Angela R. , Elmore Lynne W. , Bokhari Yahya A. , Jackson-Cook Colleen K.
Published: December 2020

Background

Survival rates for breast cancer (BC) have improved, but quality of life post-diagnosis/treatment can be adversely affected, with survivors reporting a constellation of psychoneurological symptoms (PNS) including stress, anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

To assess a potential relationship between telomere length (TL) and the development/persistence of PNS, we longitudinally studied 70 women (ages 23–71) with early stage BC (I-IIIA) at 5 time-points: prior to treatment (baseline), the mid-point of their chemotherapy cycle, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years following the initiation of chemotherapy.

Measures quantified included assessments of each of the PNS noted above and TL [using both a multiplex qPCR assay and a chromosome-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay].

Results

Variables associated with qPCR mean TLs were age (p = 0.004) and race (T/S ratios higher in Blacks than Whites;p = 0.019). Significant differences (mostly decreases) in chromosome-specific TLs were identified for 32 of the 46 chromosomal arms at the mid-chemo time-point (p = 0.004 to 0.049). Unexpectedly, the sequential administration of doxorubicin [Adriamycin], cyclophosphamide [Cytoxan], and docetaxel [Taxotere] (TAC regimen) was consistently associated with higher TLs, when compared to TLs in women receiving a docetaxel [Taxotere], Carboplatin [Paraplatin], and trastuzumab [Herceptin] [TCH] chemotherapy regimen [association was shown with both the qPCR and FISH assays (p = 0.036)]. Of the PNS, pain was significantly negatively associated with TL (higher pain; shorter telomeres) for a subset of chromosomal arms (5q, 8p, 13p, 20p, 22p, Xp, Xq) (p = 0.014–0.047). Chromosomal TLs were also associated with 7 of the 8 cognitive domains evaluated, with the strongest relationship being noted for chromosome 17 and the visual memory domain (shorter telomeres; lower scores).

Conclusions

We showed that race and age were significantly associated with telomere length in women treated for early stage BC and that acquired telomere alterations differed based on the woman’s treatment regimen. Our study also demonstrated that pain and cognitive domain measures were significantly related to telomere values in this study cohort. Expanding upon the knowledge gained from this longitudinal study could provide insight about the biological cascade of events that contribute to PNS related to BC and/or its treatment.
Re-assembly of nineteenth-century smallpox vaccine genomes reveals the contemporaneous use of horsepox and horsepox-related viruses in the USA
Authors: Brinkmann Annika , Souza Aline R. V. , Esparza José , Nitsche Andreas , Damaso Clarissa R.
Published: December 2020

According to a recent article published in Genome Biology, Duggan and coworkers sequenced and partially assembled five genomes of smallpox vaccines from the nineteenth century. No information regarding the ends of genomes was presented, and they are important to understand the evolutionary relationship of the different smallpox vaccine genomes during the centuries. We re-assembled the genomes, which include the largest genomes in the vaccinia lineage and one true horsepox strain. Moreover, the assemblies reveal a diverse genetic structure in the genome ends. Our data emphasize the concurrent use of horsepox and horsepox-related viruses as the smallpox vaccine in the nineteenth century.
Protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of the Nurse-Family Partnership’s home visiting program in South Carolina on maternal and child health outcomes
Authors: McConnell Margaret A. , Zhou R. Annetta , Martin Michelle W. , Gourevitch Rebecca A. , Steenland Maria , Bates Mary Ann , Zera Chloe , Hacker Michele , Chien Alyna , Baicker Katherine
Published: December 2020

Background

Policy-makers are increasingly seeking rigorous evidence on the impact of programs that go beyond typical health care settings to improve outcomes for low-income families during the critical period around the transition to parenthood and through early childhood.

Methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of the Nurse-Family Partnership’s expansion in South Carolina. The scientific trial was made possible by a “Pay for Success” program embedded within a 1915(b) Waiver from Medicaid secured by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This protocol describes study procedures and defines primary and secondary health-related outcomes that can be observed during the intervention period (including pregnancy through the child’s first 2 years of life). Primary study outcomes include (1) a composite indicator for adverse birth outcomes including being born small for gestational age, low birth weight (less than 2500 g), preterm birth (less than 37 weeks’ gestation), or perinatal mortality (fetal death at or after 20 weeks of gestation or mortality in the first 7 days of life), (2) a composite outcome indicating health care utilization or mortality associated with major injury or concern for abuse or neglect occurring during the child’s first 24 months of life, and (3) an indicator for an inter-birth interval of < 21 months. Secondary outcomes are defined similarly in three domains: (1) improving pregnancy and birth outcomes, (2) improving child health and development, and (3) altering the maternal life course through changes in family planning.

Discussion

Evidence from this trial on the impact of home visiting services delivered at scale as part of a Medicaid benefit can provide policy-makers and stakeholders with crucial information about the effectiveness of home visiting programs in improving health and well-being for low-income mothers and children and about novel financing mechanisms for cross-silo interventions.

Trial registration

The trial was registered prospectively on the American Economic Association Trial Registry (the primary registry for academic economists doing policy trials) on 16 February 2016 (AEARCTR-0001039). ClinicalTrials.govNCT03360539. Registered on 28 November 2017.
Interleukin-25-mediated resistance against intestinal trematodes does not depend on the generation of Th2 responses
Authors: Álvarez-Izquierdo María , Pérez-Crespo Miguel , Esteban J. Guillermo , Muñoz-Antoli Carla , Toledo Rafael
Published: December 2020

Background

The cytokine interleukin-25 (IL-25) is recognized as the most relevant initiator of protective T helper 2 (Th2) responses in intestinal helminth infections. This cytokine induces resistance against several species of intestinal helminths, including the trematode Echinostoma caproni. E. caproni has been extensively used as an experimental model to study the factors determining resistance to intestinal infections. In the study reported here, we assessed the role of IL-25 in the generation of resistance in mice infected with E. caproni.

Methods

The factors that determine the production of IL-25 in mice experimentally infected with E. caproni were determined, as were the consequences of IL-25 production in terms of polarization of the immune response and resistance to infection.

Results

Our results show that the role of IL-25 in the polarization of the immune response differs between the primary and secondary immune responses. IL-25 is required for the development of a Th2 phenotype in primary E. caproni infections, but it can also promote the differentiation to Th2 memory cell subsets that enhance type-2 immunity in memory responses. However, the development of Th2 responses does not induce resistance to infection. The Th2 phenotype does not elicit resistance, and IL-25 is responsible for the resistance regardless of its type-2 cytokine activity and activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT6). Alternative activation of macrophages induced by IL-25 can be implicated in the resistance to infection.

Conclusions

In contrast to primary infection, secondary infection elicits a type-2 immune response even in the absence of IL-25 expression. Despite the development of a type-2 response, mice are susceptible to secondary infection associated with the lack of IL-25. Resistance to infection is due to the production of IL-25, which acts autonomously from Th2 response in terms of parasite clearance.

Graphical Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing of equine mesenchymal stromal cells from primary donor-matched tissue sources reveals functional heterogeneity in immune modulation and cell motility
Authors: Harman Rebecca M. , Patel Roosheel S. , Fan Jennifer C. , Park Jee E. , Rosenberg Brad R. , Van de Walle Gerlinde R.
Published: December 2020

Background

The efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy is thought to depend on the intrinsic heterogeneity of MSC cultures isolated from different tissue sources as well as individual MSCs isolated from the same tissue source, neither of which is well understood. To study this, we used MSC cultures isolated from horses. The horse is recognized as a physiologically relevant large animal model appropriate for translational MSC studies. Moreover, due to its large size the horse allows for the simultaneous collection of adequate samples from multiple tissues of the same animal, and thus, for the unique collection of donor matched MSC cultures from different sources. The latter is much more challenging in mice and humans due to body size and ethical constraints, respectively.

Methods

In the present study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on primary equine MSCs that were collected from three donor-matched tissue sources; adipose tissue (AT), bone marrow (BM), and peripheral blood (PB). Based on transcriptional differences detected with scRNA-seq, we performed functional experiments to examine motility and immune regulatory function in distinct MSC populations.

Results

We observed both inter- and intra-source heterogeneity across the three sources of equine MSCs. Functional experiments demonstrated that transcriptional differences correspond with phenotypic variance in cellular motility and immune regulatory function. Specifically, we found that (i) differential expression of junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) between MSC cultures from the three donor-matched tissue sources translated into altered cell motility of BM-derived MSCs when RNA interference was used to knock down this gene, and (ii) differences in C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6) expression in clonal MSC lines derived from the same tissue source correlated with the chemoattractive capacity of PB-derived MSCs.

Conclusions

Ultimately, these findings will enhance our understanding of MSC heterogeneity and will lead to improvements in the therapeutic potential of MSCs, accelerating the transition from bench to bedside.
Penicillin and cephalosporin cross-reactivity: role of side chain and synthetic cefadroxil epitopes
Authors: Bogas Gador , Mayorga Cristobalina , Martín-Serrano Ángela , Fernández-Santamaría Rubén , Jiménez-Sánchez Isabel M. , Ariza Adriana , Barrionuevo Esther , Posadas Teresa , Salas María , Fernández Tahía Diana , Torres María José , Montañez María Isabel
Published: December 2020

Background

Analysis of cross-reactivity is necessary for prescribing safe cephalosporins for penicillin allergic patients. Amoxicillin (AX) is the betalactam most often involved in immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs), and cefadroxil (CX) the most likely cephalosporin to cross-react with AX, since they share the same R1 side chain, unlike cefuroxime (CO), with a structurally different R1. We aimed to analyse cross-reactivity with CX and CO in patients with confirmed IHRs to AX, including sIgE recognition to AX, CX, CO, and novel synthetic determinants of CX.

Methods

Fifty-four patients with confirmed IHRs to AX based on skin test (ST) and/or drug provocation test (DPT) were included. Serum sIgE to AX and benzylpenicillin was determined by Radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Two potential determinants of CX, involving intact or modified R1 structure, with open betalactam ring, were synthesised and sIgE evaluated by RAST inhibition assay.

Results

Tolerance to CX (Group A) was observed in 64.8% cases and cross-reactivity in 35.2% cases (Group B). Cross-reactivity with CO was only found in 1.8% cases from Group B. ST to CX showed a negative predictive value of 94.6%. RAST inhibition assays showed higher recognition to CX as well as to both synthetic determinants (66% of positive cases) in Group B.

Conclusions

Cross-reactivity with CX in AX allergic patients is 35%, being ST not enough for prediction. R1, although critical for recognition, is not the unique factor. The synthetic determinants of CX, 1-(HOPhG-Ser-Bu) and 2-(pyrazinone) are promising tools for determining in vitro cross-reactivity to CX in AX allergic patients.
An extension of beta function, its statistical distribution, and associated fractional operator
Authors: Chandola Ankita , Mishra Pandey Rupakshi , Agarwal Ritu , Dutt Purohit Sunil
Published: December 2020

Recently, various forms of extended beta function have been proposed and presented by many researchers. The principal goal of this paper is to present another expansion of beta function using Appell series and Lauricella function and examine various properties like integral representation and summation formula. Statistical distribution for the above extension of beta function has been defined, and the mean, variance, moment generating function and cumulative distribution function have been obtained. Using the newly defined extension of beta function, we build up the extension of hypergeometric and confluent hypergeometric functions and discuss their integral representations and differentiation formulas. Further, we define a new extension of Riemann–Liouville fractional operator using Appell series and Lauricella function and derive its various properties using the new extension of beta function.
Global dynamics of a novel deterministic and stochastic SIR epidemic model with vertical transmission and media coverage
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Wang Chunxia , Wang Kai
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study a novel deterministic and stochastic SIR epidemic model with vertical transmission and media coverage. For the deterministic model, we give the basic reproduction number$R_{0}$R0which determines the extinction or prevalence of the disease. In addition, for the stochastic model, we prove existence and uniqueness of the positive solution, and extinction and persistence in mean. Furthermore, we give numerical simulations to verify our results.
Applications of gut microbiota in patients with hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation
Authors: Yu Jifeng , Sun Hao , Cao Weijie , Han Lijie , Song Yongping , Wan Dingming , Jiang Zhongxing
Published: December 2020

Studies of the gut microbiota (GM) have demonstrated the close link between human wellness and intestinal commensal bacteria, which mediate development of the host immune system. The dysbiosis, a disruption of the microbiome natural balance, can cause serious health problems. Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) may cause significant changes in GM due to their underlying malignancies and exposure to extensive chemotherapy and systemic antibiotics, which may lead to different disorders. There are complex and multi-directional interactions among intestinal inflammation, GM and immune reactivity after HSCT. There is considerable effect of the human intestinal microbiome on clinical course following HSCT. Some bacteria in the intestinal ecosystem may be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for preventing relapse and improving survival rate after HSCT. Microbiota can be used as predictor of mortality in allo-HSCT. Two different strategies with targeted modulation of GM, preemptive and therapeutic, have been used for preventing or treating GM dysbiosis in patients with HSCT. Preemptive strategies include enteral nutrition (EN), prebiotic, probiotic, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and antibiotic strategies, while therapeutic strategies include FMT, probiotic and lactoferrine usages. In this review, we summarize the advance of therapies targeting GM in patients with HSCT.
Protein synthesis inhibitors stimulate MondoA transcriptional activity by driving an accumulation of glucose 6-phosphate
Authors: Wilde Blake R. , Kaadige Mohan R. , Guillen Katrin P. , Butterfield Andrew , Welm Bryan E. , Ayer Donald E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Protein synthesis is regulated by the availability of amino acids, the engagement of growth factor signaling pathways, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels sufficient to support translation. Crosstalk between these inputs is extensive, yet other regulatory mechanisms remain to be characterized. For example, the translation initiation inhibitor rocaglamide A (RocA) induces thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). TXNIP is a negative regulator of glucose uptake; thus, its induction by RocA links translation to the availability of glucose. MondoA is the principal regulator of glucose-induced transcription, and its activity is triggered by the glycolytic intermediate, glucose 6-phosphate (G6P). MondoA responds to G6P generated by cytoplasmic glucose and mitochondrial ATP (mtATP), suggesting a critical role in the cellular response to these energy sources. TXNIP expression is entirely dependent on MondoA; therefore, we investigated how protein synthesis inhibitors impact its transcriptional activity.

Methods

We investigated how translation regulates MondoA activity using cell line models and loss-of-function approaches. We examined how protein synthesis inhibitors effect gene expression and metabolism using RNA-sequencing and metabolomics, respectively. The biological impact of RocA was evaluated using cell lines and patient-derived xenograft organoid (PDxO) models.

Results

We discovered that multiple protein synthesis inhibitors, including RocA, increase TXNIP expression in a manner that depends on MondoA, a functional electron transport chain and mtATP synthesis. Furthermore, RocA and cycloheximide increase mtATP and G6P levels, respectively, and TXNIP induction depends on interactions between the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and hexokinase (HK), which generates G6P. RocA treatment impacts the regulation of ~ 1200 genes, and ~ 250 of those genes are MondoA-dependent. RocA treatment is cytotoxic to triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines and shows preferential cytotoxicity against estrogen receptor negative (ER−) PDxO breast cancer models. Finally, RocA-driven cytotoxicity is partially dependent on MondoA or TXNIP.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that protein synthesis inhibitors rewire metabolism, resulting in an increase in mtATP and G6P, the latter driving MondoA-dependent transcriptional activity. Further, MondoA is a critical component of the cellular transcriptional response to RocA. Our functional assays suggest that RocA or similar translation inhibitors may show efficacy against ER− breast tumors and that the levels of MondoA and TXNIP should be considered when exploring these potential treatment options.
Cooperative co-evolution for feature selection in Big Data with random feature grouping
Authors: Rashid A. N. M. Bazlur , Ahmed Mohiuddin , Sikos Leslie F. , Haskell-Dowland Paul
Published: December 2020

A massive amount of data is generated with the evolution of modern technologies. This high-throughput data generation results in Big Data, which consist of many features (attributes). However, irrelevant features may degrade the classification performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms. Feature selection (FS) is a technique used to select a subset of relevant features that represent the dataset. Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are widely used search strategies in this domain. A variant of EAs, called cooperative co-evolution (CC), which uses a divide-and-conquer approach, is a good choice for optimization problems. The existing solutions have poor performance because of some limitations, such as not considering feature interactions, dealing with only an even number of features, and decomposing the dataset statically. In this paper, a novel random feature grouping (RFG) has been introduced with its three variants to dynamically decompose Big Data datasets and to ensure the probability of grouping interacting features into the same subcomponent. RFG can be used in CC-based FS processes, hence calledCooperative Co-Evolutionary-Based Feature Selection with Random Feature Grouping (CCFSRFG). Experiment analysis was performed using six widely used ML classifiers on seven different datasets from the UCI ML repository and Princeton University Genomics repository with and without FS. The experimental results indicate that in most cases [i.e., with naïve Bayes (NB), support vector machine (SVM),k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN), J48, and random forest (RF)] the proposed CCFSRFG-1 outperforms an existing solution (a CC-based FS, called CCEAFS) and CCFSRFG-2, and also when using all features in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Analysis of patients’ request to switch from a generic drug to the original drug in external prescriptions
Authors: Hamada Yuhei , Uchida Masashi , Arai Sayaka , Yamazaki Kaori , Takeda Mariko , Arai Kenichi , Nakamura Takako , Suzuki Takaaki , Ishii Itsuko
Published: December 2020

Background

Generic drugs are heavily promoted in Japan. The aim of this retrospective single-center study was to clarify whether the frequency and reason that patients request a switch from a generic drug to the original drug differ according to therapeutic category and dosage form.

Methods

This study was performed at Chiba University Hospital. Prescription inquiries about 121 generic drugs from community pharmacies over a 3-year period (from July 2014 to June 2017) were analyzed.

Results

Approximately 30% of the requests were related to the efficacy, safety, and comfort of the generic drug. The most cited motive was “patient’s desire with no reason given” at 44.5%. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, therapeutic categories and dosage forms were associated with the requests. The median request frequency differed according to therapeutic category and dosage form. The frequency was highest for “agents affecting the central nervous system” and “tablets and capsules”, respectively. Among the therapeutic categories, “agents affecting the central nervous system” had the highest median number of requests related to “decreased effectiveness”; “cardiovascular agents” had the highest median number of requests related to “physician’s instruction”; and “agents for the epidermis” had the highest median number of requests related to “uncomfortable to use”. Among dosage forms, the odds ratio for patients’ original drug request for “liniment and patch” was about 1.5 times that for “tablets and capsules”. “Liniment and patch” had the highest median frequency of requests related to “decreased effectiveness”, “uncomfortable to use”, and “patient’s desire with no reason given”.

Conclusions

The request frequency and reason differed according to therapeutic category and dosage form. Pharmacists should advise each patient properly about the choice and switching of drug brands, taking into account the therapeutic category and dosage form, especially liniments and patches.
An exploratory analysis on the toxicity & safety profile of Polyherbal combination of curcumin, quercetin and rutin
Authors: Tiwari Reshu , Siddiqui Mohammed Haris , Mahmood Tarique , Farooqui Alvina , Bagga Paramdeep , Ahsan Farogh , Shamim Arshiya
Published: December 2020

Background

Curcumin, quercetin and rutin are flavonoids having strong antioxidant potential, individually used in treatment of numerous ailments. The safety assessment of each of them is already established but no toxicological assessment has been done that would guarantee the safe use of these three flavonoids when used as a polyherbal combination (PHC). The aim of this study to evaluate the possible toxicological effect of polyherbal combination of these three flavonoids in female Swiss albino mice.

Methods

In acute toxicity study, the oral dose of poly herbal combination was administered to four groups stepwise in single dose and general behaviour, adverse effects and mortality were determined up to 14 days and compared to normal group. In sub-acute study, the tested poly herbal combination was administered orally for 28 days to the four experimental groups and their body weight was measured each alternate day from the first day of dosing. On 29th day the final body weight was recorded and euthanized by using thiopentone sodium, blood was collected and later haematological, lipid profile, biochemical parameter was evaluated and compared to normal group.

Result

In acute toxicity study, no abnormal general behaviour, adverse effects were reported. No significant changes were reported in body weight, haematological, lipid profile, biochemical parameter in sub-acute toxicity study. No mortality was reported in both the study. Histopathological examination revealed no alterations in clinical signs or organ weight at any dose.

Conclusion

The result concludes that the oral administration of Polyherbal combination did not produce any significant toxic effect in swiss albino mice. Hence, the Polyherbal combination can be utilized safely for therapeutic use.
Efficacy of an Arabic articulatory errors remediation software program in patients with velopharyngeal valve dysfunction: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Elmaghraby Reham Mohamed , Elhakeem Engy Samy , Radwan Alaa Mamdouh abdelhamed , Elsalakawy Rami Nabil Abdelkader
Published: December 2020

Background

Velopharyngeal dysfunction causes abnormal speech due to altered nasal resonance during the production of oral speech sounds. The development of computer-based speech therapy has been growing to make use of computer technology in providing an organized effective source for speech therapy and feedback. The development of a remediation software program that is specific for patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction in the Arabic language and testing its efficacy on patients’ speech was the aim of this study.

Results

The study showed significant improvement in speech parameters after intervention with p value less than 0.05 for nasometer values and parameters of auditory perceptual assessment. The study proved a significant relation between nasometer values and auditory perceptual assessment.

Conclusion

The designed software program proved to be a good therapeutic tool in improving speech in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction. The application of the program on a larger number of patients and in comparison with traditional methods of speech therapy and biofeedback is recommended.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.govNCT04392817
Treating Advanced Head and Neck Cancer When Cisplatin Is Not an Option
Authors: Jhawar Sachin R. , Bonomi Marcelo , Harari Paul M.
Published: December 2020

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.
Cognitive and Motor Outcome in Patients with Early-Detected Central Congenital Hypothyroidism Compared with Siblings
Authors: Naafs Jolanda C , Marchal Jan Pieter , Fliers Eric , Verkerk Paul H , Luijten Michiel A J , Boelen Anita , van Trotsenburg A S Paul , Zwaveling-Soonawala Nitash
Published: December 2020

Context

Early treatment of primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) prevents irreversible brain damage. Contrary to primary CH, outcome studies on central CH are scarce. Most patients with central CH have multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD); these patients are also at risk for neonatal hypoglycemia.

Objective

To assess cognitive and motor outcome in patients with early-treated central CH detected by the Dutch neonatal screening.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, primary outcome full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) was measured in patients with MPHD and patients with isolated central CH born between January 1, 1995, and January 1, 2015, with siblings as controls. Secondary outcomes were intelligence test subscales and motor function. Linear mixed models were used to compare both patient groups and siblings, followed by post hoc tests in case of significant differences.

Results

Eighty-seven patients (52 MPHD; 35 isolated central CH) and 52 siblings were included. Estimated marginal means for FSIQ were 90.7 (95% CI 86.4-95.0) in patients with MPHD and 98.2 (95% CI 93.0-103.5) in patients with isolated central CH. While patients with MPHD scored lower FSIQs than siblings (mean difference –7.9 points, 95% CI –13.4 to –2.5; P = .002), patients with isolated central CH did not. Processing speed was lower in both patient groups than in siblings (mean differences –10.5 and –10.3 points). Motor difficulties occurred significantly more often in patients (33%) versus siblings (5%; P = .004).

Conclusion

In early-treated central CH, FSIQ is comparable with siblings in patients with isolated central CH, while patients with MPHD have a significantly lower FSIQ. This may be explained by disease-specific consequences of MPHD, such as neonatal hypoglycemia and more severe hypothyroidism.
Structural plasticity of the avian pectoralis: a case for geometry and the forgotten organelle
Authors: Jimenez Ana Gabriela
Published: December 2020

The avian pectoralis muscle demonstrates incredible plasticity. This muscle is the sole thermogenic organ of small passerine birds, and many temperate small passerines increase pectoralis mass in winter, potentially to increase heat production. Similarly, this organ can double in size prior to migration in migratory birds. In this Commentary, following the August Krogh principle, I argue that the avian pectoralis is the perfect tissue to reveal general features of muscle physiology. For example, in both mammals and birds, skeletal muscle fiber diameter is generally accepted to be within 10–100 µm. This size constraint is assumed to include reaction-diffusion limitations, coupled with metabolic cost savings associated with fiber geometry. However, avian muscle fiber structure has been largely ignored in this field, and the extensive remodeling of the avian pectoralis provides a system with which to investigate this. In addition, fiber diameter has been linked to whole-animal metabolic rates, although this has only been addressed in a handful of bird studies, some of which demonstrate previously unreported levels of plasticity and flexibility. Similarly, myonuclei, which are responsible for protein turnover within the fiber, have been forgotten in the avian literature. The few studies that have addressed myonuclear domain (MND) changes in avian muscle have found rates of change not previously seen in mammals. Both fiber diameter and MND have strong implications for aging rates; most aging mammals demonstrate muscular atrophy (a decrease in fiber diameter) and changes in MND. As I discuss here, these features are likely to differ in birds.
Cepaea nemoralis (L.) On Öland, Sweden: recent invasion and unexpected variation
Authors: Cameron Robert A. D. , von Proschwitz Ted
Published: December 2020

Cepaea nemoralis is a recently introduced species on Öland. Discounting an early and debateable record, the species has been recorded only in the 21st century, despite intensive earlier faunistic surveys. A recent survey has yielded records from the whole length of the island (137 km), but the majority of known populations are in its southern half, most particularly around the settlements of Mörbylånga, Gräsgård and Färjestaden. Populations are usually in anthropogenic habitats. Most appear small and isolated by less disturbed areas. Nearly all samples are polymorphic for both colour and banding morphs, and the variation among populations is low when compared with similar sets from other places where recent colonisation has occurred. There is no latitudinal variation in morph frequencies, nor is any spatial autocorrelation apparent. While a relatively uniform and rigorous selection regime could account for the patterns seen, a single initial introduction followed by transport of propagules large enough to minimise founder effects is also possible.
Human- and climate-induced changes of mollusc assemblages of millpond deposits in the valley of Jarosławianka Stream (Poland)
Authors: Pietruczuk Joanna , Wojciechowski Adam
Published: December 2020

Deposits from a millpond in the Jarosławianka Stream valley (Sławno Plain, NW. Poland) were subject to malacological analysis in order to reconstruct the history of environmental transformations of the pond from its establishment in 1351 to the end of its functioning in 1960. Thirty five mollusc taxa occurred in the pond during its functioning: 21 taxa of water snails, 11 bivalves, and 3 terrestrial snails. Six phases of development of the pond were distinguished, based on the mollusc assemblages: phase I (1351–1450 CE) – very favourable habitat conditions, high species richness and diversity; phase II (1450–1490 CE) – deterioration of habitat conditions – decrease in the number of species and individuals; phase III (1490–1590 CE) – improving conditions and reappearance of species which had occurred in the pond in phase I; phase IV (1590–1750 CE) – the least favourable conditions and poor malacofauna in terms of species number and abundance; phase V (1750–1790 CE) – renewed development of the malacofauna; phase VI (after 1790 CE) – end of functioning of the pond. The phases of pond development were associated with hydrological transformations, resulting from climatic factors and human economic activity.
Emperors, admirals and giants, zebras, tigers and woolly bears: casting a broader net in exploring heparin effects on Lepidoptera wing patterns
Authors: Sourakov Andrei
Published: December 2020

Background:Studies of heparin effects on Lepidoptera wing patterns have been restricted to a small number of species. I report observations from experiments on a broader range of taxa, including first results from swallowtails, tiger moths and microlepidoptera.

Methods:Heparin injections were made in prepupae and pupae ofJunonia coenia(common buckeyes),Agraulis vanillae(gulf fritillaries),Heliconius charithonia(zebra longwings),Asterocampa clyton(tawny emperors), Danaus plexippus(monarchs),Vanessa atalanta(red admirals);Heraclides cresphontes(giant swallowtails),Pterourus troilus(spicebush swallowtails),Protographium marcellus(zebra swallowtails),Battus polydamas(polydamas swallowtails);Hypercompe scribonia(giant leopard moths),Estigmene acrea(acrea moths),Hyphantria cunea(fall webworm moths), Utetheisa ornatrix(ornate bella moths);Glyphodes sibillalis(mulberry leaftier).

Results:Heparin sometimes altered the entire pattern in a dramatic way, sometimes caused changes locally.In buckeyes, the previous heparin study conducted on pupae was compared to injections made at a prepupal stage. In gulf fritillaries, zebra longwings and tawny emperors, the dramatic changes occurred throughout their wings, while in monarchs, changes were restricted to wing margins. Changes achieved in red admirals, show that heparin action is unrelated to the original color. In swallowtails, transformations were restricted to border system, indicating higher levels of stability and compartmentalization of wing patterns. In mulberry leaftier, changes were restricted to the marginal bands. In tiger moths, elongation of black markings led to merging of spots; in the ornate bella moth, it was accompanied by an expansion of the surrounding white bands, and results were compared to the effects of colder temperatures.

Conclusions:Using pharmaceutical intervention demonstrates that there are many similarities and some very significant differences in the ways wing patterns are formed in different Lepidoptera lineages. By creating a range of variation one can demonstrate how one pattern can easily evolve into another, aiding in understanding of speciation and adaptation processes.
Timing of harvesting reverses the effect of twice cutting with ratoon rice
Authors: Oda Masato , Huynh Van Thao , Nguyen Huu Chiem
Published: December 2020

A new ratoon rice cropping method known as the SALIBU system, which uses the lower nodes of the stubble, is gradually spreading throughout the tropical regions. In the technology package, ‘cutting twice’ has a large effect on the number of ratoons (tillers), and interestingly, the effect changed from positive to negative with changes in the management conditions used to cultivate rice. A previous study investigated conditions including fertilizing, water management, and growth stage at harvesting; however, which of these conditions has the greatest effect on the effect of ‘cutting twice’ remains unclear. We performed a pot experiment to clarify which of the level of fertilizer or the delay of harvesting time affects the number of ratoons. The results showed that with a short delay in harvesting there were almost no ratoons, a long delay in harvesting resulted in many ratoons. By contrast, the single cutting results in ratoons. This indicates the negative effect of cutting twice occur due to earlier harvesting. However, adding fertilizer results in more ratoons, and the response to delayed harvesting showed a similar tendency; in short, no reverse effect occurred due to the level of fertilizer. Harvesting earlier (at the physiological maturation stage; 25% green husk) than normal is emphasized in the SALIBU technology package. However, our results show the ‘cutting twice’ has a negative effect on the number of ratoons when harvesting early.
Actualization of General Scientific Concepts in the Process of Studying Pedagogical Disciplines by Future Teachers
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Butenko Ludmila
Published: December 2020

The article presents an extensive description of general scientific concepts as a methodological basis for studying pedagogical disciplines by future teachers. The essence, functions of general scientific concepts, the meta-subject character of general scientific concepts in the context of the conceptual and terminological field of pedagogical theory and practice have been characterized. Typical mistakes of future teachers’ work with the conceptual and terminological nomenclature, in particular in the use of general scientific concepts, have been defined. The essence and operational characteristics of actualization as a process of transfer of the potential state of the subject to the state of activity, the features of the actualization as a psychological and pedagogical phenomenon in the educational process have been revealed. The necessity of implementing the principles of systematization, continuity, contextuality in the work with general scientific concepts when studying pedagogical disciplines in class has been proved. The author has specified the forms and methods of actualization of general scientific concepts in the process of studying pedagogical disciplines (a conceptual warm-up; compilation of thesaurus; text analysis; compilation of clusters, «concept trees»; creative tasks; visual series etc.).