bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of imaging features of pelvic echinococcosis based on multimodal images
Authors: Chen Yu-Wei , aikebaier A. I. E. R. K. E. N. , Zhao Yuan
Published: October 2020

Background

Hydatid disease (HD) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus, It is mainly prevalent in pastoral areas. Bone echinococcosis is rare, accounting for 0.5 to 4.0% of all echinococcosis. It is likely to miss the diagnosis and misdiagnose due to non-specific early symptoms and the clinical manifestations and imaging features. The clinical data of 15 patients with pelvic cystic echinococcosis were analyzed retrospectively, and the X-ray, CT, and MRI imaging features of the disease were discussed, which are reported below.

Methods

All 15 patients underwent CT scan evaluation. A total of 8 patients underwent coronal, sagittal, and three-dimensional reconstruction with 3-mm-slice thickness, and 4 patients underwent X-ray plain film examination. Five cases underwent MRI scan. Eight cases underwent MRI or CT enhanced scan.

Results

X-ray plain film is characterized by continuous cystic bone destruction, irregular low-density shadow when invading soft tissue, and sometimes calcification which can be seen on the wall or inside the cyst. The involved sacroiliac joint or hip joint may narrow or disappear. The involvement of pelvic cystic echinococcosis is relatively wide, and 80% of patients with pelvic cysts in this group had multiple lesions in the same period. Cystic expansive bone destruction was the most common. Pelvic CT revealed a lobulated hypodense lesion of varying size with internal septae, causing cortical thinning and destruction. Most of them had no periosteal reaction. The iliopsoas muscle is most easily invaded. Single cystic echinococcosis of pelvis showed intermediate or low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images in the involved bone and surrounding soft tissue on MRI, and the cyst wall showed linear low signal in T1WI, T2WI, and STIR sequences. The polycystic type is characterized by multiple cysts of varying signal intensity (daughter cysts) within a larger cyst is the typical MRI finding, forming “small vesicles” high signal daughter cysts. Osteosclerosis or calcification showed low signal in T1WI and T2WI.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the lesions of pelvic cystic echinococcosis are mostly cystic expansive and osteolytic bone destruction, which is easy to invade the surrounding soft tissue, often accompanied with calcification; among them, multiple cystic lesions are characteristic.
Acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Deng Haiping , Shu Yu , Lv Peiran , Zhao Ling , Cheng Ke , Zhang Tingting , Song Yi , Yang Hua , Tang Hong , Pei Jian , Shen Xueyong
Published: October 2020

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that has a considerable impact on quality of life, but there are few effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this trial is to determine the efficacy and safety of manual acupuncture (MA) versus sham acupuncture (SA) for DPN.

Methods/design

This is a study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 118 patients with DPN will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the MA group or SA group. All patients will receive 24 sessions over 12 weeks. Participants will complete the trial by visiting the research center at month 6 for a follow-up assessment. The primary outcome is peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (peroneal MNCV) at week 12 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes include peroneal motor nerve action potential amplitude (peroneal MNAP) and latent period (peroneal MNLP), sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (sural SNCV), action potential amplitude (sural SNAP) and latent period (sural SNLP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) at week 12 compared with baseline, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) score and Diabetes Specific Quality of Life scale (DSQL) at week 12 and month 6 compared with baseline. Safety will be assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness will be assessed by patients.

Discussion

This trial may provide high-quality evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of MA treatment for DPN compared with SA treatment. Results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR1800020444. First registered on 29 December 2018, retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?Proj=31063.
Autologous stem cell transplantation following simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation in severe amyloid light chain amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma: a case report
Authors: Al-Zoairy R. , Viveiros A. , Zoller H. , Schneeberger S. , Oberhuber G. , Gunsilius E. , Tilg H. , Wolf D. , Rudzki J. D.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The involvement of vital organs in multiple myeloma (MM) with systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis can lead to acute organ failure. In this case, the fear of recurrence or progression of multiple myeloma often excludes those patients from undergoing organ transplantation. Nevertheless, clinically fit patients might benefit from a different therapeutic approach. This case presentation might highlight this particular unmet need and strengthen a different treatment approach.

Case presentation

To our knowledge, we present the first case of successful simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in a 60-year-old Caucasian male patient suffering from MM (Durie-Salmon stage IIB; ISS-stage: III, RISS stage: III) with primary AL amyloidosis. Chemotherapy treatment led to end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis. Liver failure also occurred after at least three cycles of CyBorD (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone) of induction therapy with a good hematologic response. Over three years after the initial diagnosis, the patient is reportedly showing an excellent quality of life and a complete remission.

Discussion and Conclusion

We conclude that kidney and liver transplantation followed by autologous stem cell transplantation can be a treatment option for a selected group of patients with MM if AL amyloidosis is leading. In the end, the remission assessment by IMWG response criteria displayed a complete remission of MM together with complete reconstitution of organ functions (liver & renal function) as long as upfront clinical evaluation excludes significant cardiac involvement and other severe co-morbidities.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Research on personal credit evaluation of internet finance based on blockchain and decision tree algorithm
Authors: Zhao Yuhao
Published: October 2020

With the development of Internet finance, existing financial platforms have gradually formed a large-scale, dynamic operating environment. How to ensure information security and realize personal credit evaluation is an urgent problem to be solved in the development of Internet financial platforms. The rise of blockchain technology has provided new solutions for the management of Internet financial platforms and information security. In view of the shortcomings of the current Internet financial credit evaluation, this article discusses the key standards of personal credit evaluation. With the help of blockchain, decision tree, and other technologies, this paper designs the credit evaluation process and establishes personal credit evaluation technology. Experiments and analyses show that this technology can effectively improve the transparency of personal credit information in Internet finance. This technology is used to study credit risk assessment factors and provide new solutions for the intelligent transformation and upgrading of Internet finance.
CCR7 as a novel therapeutic target in t-cell PROLYMPHOCYTIC leukemia
Authors: Cuesta-Mateos Carlos , Fuentes Patricia , Schrader Alexandra , Juárez-Sánchez Raquel , Loscertales Javier , Mateu-Albero Tamara , Vega-Piris Lorena , Espartero-Santos Marina , Marcos-Jimenez Ana , Sánchez-López Blanca Andrea , Pérez-García Yaiza , Jungherz Dennis , Oberbeck Sebastian , Wahnschaffe Linus , Kreutzman Anna , Andersson Emma I. , Mustjoki Satu , Faber Edgar , Urzainqui Ana , Fresno Manuel , Stamatakis Kostantino , Alfranca Arantzazu , Terrón Fernando , Herling Marco , Toribio María Luisa , Muñoz-Calleja Cecilia
Published: October 2020

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a poor prognostic disease with very limited options of efficient therapies. Most patients are refractory to chemotherapies and despite high response rates after alemtuzumab, virtually all patients relapse. Therefore, there is an unmet medical need for novel therapies in T-PLL. As the chemokine receptor CCR7 is a molecule expressed in a wide range of malignancies and relevant in many tumor processes, the present study addressed the biologic role of this receptor in T-PLL. Furthermore, we elucidated the mechanisms of action mediated by an anti-CCR7 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and evaluated whether its anti-tumor activity would warrant development towards clinical applications in T-PLL. Our results demonstrate that CCR7 is a prognostic biomarker for overall survival in T-PLL patients and a functional receptor involved in the migration, invasion, and survival of leukemic cells. Targeting CCR7 with a mAb inhibited ligand-mediated signaling pathways and induced tumor cell killing in primary samples. In addition, directing antibodies against CCR7 was highly effective in T-cell leukemia xenograft models. Together, these findings make CCR7 an attractive molecule for novel mAb-based therapeutic applications in T-PLL, a disease where recent drug screen efforts and studies addressing new compounds have focused on chemotherapy or small molecules.
Global optimization of a numerical two-layer model using observed data: a case study of the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami
Authors: Pakoksung K. , Suppasri A. , Muhari A. , Syamsidik  , Imamura F.
Published: October 2020

Following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, a considerable landslide occurred on the southwestern part of the volcano and, upon entering the sea, generated a large tsunami within the Sunda Strait, Indonesia, on December 22, 2018. This tsunami traveled ~ 5 km across the strait basin and inundated the shorelines of Sumatra and Java with a vertical runup reaching 13 m. Following the event, observed field data, GPS measurements of the inundation, and multibeam echo soundings of the bathymetry within the strait were collected and publicly provided. Using this dataset, numerical modeling of the tsunami was conducted using the two-layer (soil and water) TUNAMI-N2 model based on a combination of landslide sources and bathymetry data. The two-layer model was implemented to nest the grid system using the finest grid size of 20 m. To constrain the unknown landslide parameters, the differential evolution (DE) global optimization algorithm was applied, which resulted in a parameter set that minimized the deviation from the measured bathymetry after the event. The DE global optimization procedure was effective at determining the landslide parameters for the model with the minimum deviation from the measured seafloor. The lowest deviation from the measured bathymetry was obtained for the best-fitting parameters: a maximum landslide thickness of 301.2 m and a landslide time of 10.8 min. The landslide volume of 0.182 km3 estimated by the best-fitting parameters shows that the tsunami flow depth could have reached 3–10 m along the shore with a K value of 0.89, although the simulated flow depths were underestimated in comparison with the observation data. According to the waveforms, the general wave pattern was well reproduced at tide gauges during the event. A large number of objective function evaluations were necessary to locate the minimum with the DE procedure to fix the grid cell size to 20 m; this limited the accuracy of the obtained parameter values for the two-layer model. Moreover, considering the generalizations in the modeling of landslide movements, the impact landslide time and thickness must be carefully calculated to obtain a suitable accuracy.
Biological and microbiological interactions of Ti-35Nb-7Zr alloy and its basic elements on bone marrow stromal cells: good prospects for bone tissue engineering
Authors: de Camargo Reis Mello Daphne , Rodrigues Lais Morandini , D’Antola Mello Fabia Zampieri , Gonçalves Thais Fernanda , Ferreira Bento , Schneider Sandra Giacomin , de Oliveira Luciane Dias , de Vasconcellos Luana Marotta Reis
Published: October 2020

Background

An effective biomaterial for bone replacement should have properties to avoid bacterial contamination and promote bone formation while inducing rapid cell differentiation simultaneously. Bone marrow stem cells are currently being investigated because of their known potential for differentiation in osteoblast lineage. This makes these cells a good option for stem cell-based therapy. We have aimed to analyze, in vitro, the potential of pure titanium (Ti), Ti-35Nb-7Zr alloy (A), niobium (Nb), and zirconia (Zr) to avoid the microorganisms S. aureus (S.a) and P. aeruginosa (P.a). Furthermore, our objective was to evaluate if the basic elements of Ti-35Nb-7Zr alloy have any influence on bone marrow stromal cells, the source of stem cells, and observe if these metals have properties to induce cell differentiation into osteoblasts.

Methods

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) were obtained from mice femurs and cultured in osteogenic media without dexamethasone as an external source of cell differentiation. The samples were divided into Ti-35Nb-7Zr alloy (A), pure titanium (Ti), Nb (niobium), and Zr (zirconia) and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). After predetermined periods, cell interaction, cytotoxicity, proliferation, and cell differentiation tests were performed. For monotypic biofilm formation, standardized suspensions (106 cells/ml) with the microorganisms S. aureus (S.a) and P. aeruginosa (P.a) were cultured for 24 h on the samples and submitted to an MTT test.

Results

All samples presented cell proliferation, growth, and spreading. All groups presented cell viability above 70%, but the alloy (A) showed better results, with statistical differences from Nb and Zr samples. Zr expressed higher ALP activity and was statistically different from the other groups (p < 0.05). In contrast, no statistical difference was observed between the samples as regards mineralization nodules. Lower biofilm formation of S.a and P.a. was observed on the Nb samples, with statistical differences from the other samples.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the basic elements present in the alloy have osteoinductive characteristics, and Zr has a good influence on bone marrow stromal cell differentiation. We also believe that Nb has the best potential for reducing the formation of microbial biofilms.
Competition and microfinance institutions’ performance: evidence from India
Authors: Wondirad Hailu Abebe
Published: October 2020

This paper empirically examines whether competition (measured by using the new measure of competition, the Boone Indicator) moderates the relationship between Microfinance Institutions’ (MFIs) social and financial performances using data from 183 Indian MFIs over the period 2005–2014.

The findings indicate that MFIs’ social and financial performances have a positive significant relationship. Moreover, the form of the relationship is both lead-lag and cotemporal. The Indian microfinance market was very competitive over the period 2005–2014. The empirical findings show that competition positively moderates the relationship between MFIs’ social and financial performances. More precisely, the empirical analysis provides evidence that the association between MFIs’ depth of outreach and operational self-sufficiency is conditional upon competition. These results suggest that in a competitive market, the more MFI deepen their depth of outreach, the higher contribution it has to their operational self-sufficiency.
Interpolated multichannel singular spectrum analysis: A reconstruction method that honors true trace coordinates
Authors: Carozzi Fernanda , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: October 2020

The multichannel singular spectrum analysis (MSSA) reconstruction algorithm denoises and reconstructs seismic traces on a regular grid. We have developed a modified version of MSSA that can cope with denoising and reconstruction of traces with irregular coordinates. The proposed method, interpolated multichannel singular spectrum analysis (I-MSSA), connects off-the-grid observations to the desired gridded data via a linear interpolation operator. The algorithm consists of two steps. In the first step, we use the steepest-descent method to estimate the gridded data that honors off-the-grid observations. The second step guarantees convergence to a solution by applying the MSSA filter to the gridded data. The final solution is the reconstructed volume that honors off-the-grid observations. We use the algorithm to process synthetic and field data. We also provide an application in which 3D prestack data corresponding to an orthogonal survey are fully reconstructed using cross-spread gathers. We use I-MSSA to restore each subset individually. The output is a complete seismic volume described in a regular common-midpoint grid.
Prestack seismic data reconstruction and denoising by orientation-dependent tensor decomposition
Authors: Cavalcante Quézia , Porsani Milton J.
Published: October 2020

Multidimensional seismic data reconstruction and denoising can be achieved by assuming noiseless and complete data as low-rank matrices or tensors in the frequency-space domain. We have adopted a simple and effective approach to interpolate prestack seismic data that explores the low-rank property of multidimensional signals. The orientation-dependent tensor decomposition represents an alternative to multilinear algebraic schemes. Our method does not need to perform any explicit matricization, only requiring calculation of the so-called covariance matrix for one of the spatial dimensions. The elements of such a matrix are the inner products between the lower dimensional tensors in a convenient direction. The eigenvalue decomposition of the covariance matrix provides the eigenvectors for the reduced-rank approximation of the data tensor. This approximation is used for recovery and denoising, iteratively replacing the missing values. Synthetic and field data examples illustrate the method’s effectiveness for denoising and interpolating 4D and 5D seismic data with randomly missing traces.
Fracture Risk and Management of Discontinuation of Denosumab Therapy: A Systematic Review and Position Statement by ECTS
Authors: Tsourdi Elena , Zillikens M Carola , Meier Christian , Body Jean-Jacques , Gonzalez Rodriguez Elena , Anastasilakis Athanasios D , Abrahamsen Bo , McCloskey Eugene , Hofbauer Lorenz C , Guañabens Nuria , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Ralston Stuart H , Eastell Richard , Pepe Jessica , Palermo Andrea , Langdahl Bente
Published: October 2020

Context

Denosumab discontinuation is characterized by an increase in bone turnover overriding pretreatment status, a rapid bone loss in the majority and multiple vertebral fractures (VFx) in some patients.

Methods

A working group of the European Calcified Tissue Society performed an updated systematic review of existing literature on changes of bone turnover, bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture risk after denosumab discontinuation and provided advice on management based on expert opinion.

Results

Important risk factors for multiple VFx following denosumab cessation are prevalent VFx, longer duration off therapy, greater gain in hip BMD during therapy, and greater loss of hip BMD after therapy according to a retrospective analysis of the FREEDOM Extension Study. Case series indicate that prior bisphosphonate therapy mitigates the biochemical rebound phenomenon after denosumab discontinuation, but it is uncertain whether this attenuation prevents BMD loss and fractures. Current evidence indicates partial efficacy of subsequent antiresorptive treatment with results seemingly dependent on duration of denosumab treatment.

Conclusions

A careful assessment of indications to start denosumab treatment is advised, especially for younger patients. A case for long-term treatment with denosumab can be made for patients at high fracture risk already on denosumab treatment given the favorable efficacy and safety profile. In case of denosumab discontinuation, alternative antiresorptive treatment should be initiated 6 months after the final denosumab injection. Assessment of bone turnover markers may help define the optimal regimen, pending results of ongoing randomized controlled trials. Patients who have sustained VFx should be offered prompt treatment to reduce high bone turnover.
11βHSD1 Inhibition with AZD4017 Improves Lipid Profiles and Lean Muscle Mass in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Hardy Rowan S , Botfield Hannah , Markey Keira , Mitchell James L , Alimajstorovic Zerin , Westgate Connar S J , Sagmeister Michael , Fairclough Rebecca J , Ottridge Ryan S , Yiangou Andreas , Storbeck Karl-Heinz H , Taylor Angela E , Gilligan Lorna C , Arlt Wiebke , Stewart Paul M , Tomlinson Jeremy W , Mollan Susan P , Lavery Gareth G , Sinclair Alexandra J
Published: October 2020

Background

The enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) determines prereceptor metabolism and activation of glucocorticoids within peripheral tissues. Its dysregulation has been implicated in a wide array of metabolic diseases, leading to the development of selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors. We examined the impact of the reversible competitive 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, AZD4017, on the metabolic profile in an overweight female cohort with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Methods

We conducted a UK multicenter phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 12-week treatment with AZD4017. Serum markers of glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, renal and hepatic function, inflammation and androgen profiles were determined and examined in relation to changes in fat and lean mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Patients receiving AZD4017 showed significant improvements in lipid profiles (decreased cholesterol, increased high-density lipoprotein [HDL] and cholesterol/HDL ratio), markers of hepatic function (decreased alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase), and increased lean muscle mass (1.8%, P < .001). No changes in body mass index, fat mass, and markers of glucose metabolism or inflammation were observed. Patients receiving AZD4017 demonstrated increased levels of circulating androgens, positively correlated with changes in total lean muscle mass.

Conclusions

These beneficial metabolic changes represent a reduction in risk factors associated with raised intracranial pressure and represent further beneficial therapeutic outcomes of 11β-HSD1 inhibition by AZD4017 in this overweight IIH cohort. In particular, beneficial changes in lean muscle mass associated with AZD4017 may reflect new applications for this nature of inhibitor in the management of conditions such as sarcopenia.
The Living Feather: Tonalli in Nahua Featherwork Production
Authors: Caplan Allison
Published: October 2020

Previous studies suggest that late postclassic and early colonial Nahua viewers understood specific artistic creations to contain tonalli, a solar-derived animating force. This article advances understanding of the animacy of Nahua featherworks by examining attention to tonalli in the various stages of featherwork production. Analysis of a classificatory distinction used in the sixteenth-century Florentine Codex between tlazohihhuitl (beloved feathers) and macehualihhuitl (commoner feathers) suggests that this distinction registers specific types of feathers’ differential ability to contain tonalli. Ultimately, this classification posited tlazohihhuitl as living beings and macehualihhuitl as inanimate materials. The relationship between these two classes of feathers is integral to Nahuatl descriptions of the treatment of specific feather types in the production stages of bird hunting, dyeing and selling feathers, and mosaic construction. Understanding these production practices through Nahuatl descriptions suggests that care for tonalli represented a central commercial and artistic concern in featherwork production.
The Disguise of the Hummingbird: On the Natural History of Huitzilopochtli in the Florentine Codex
Authors: Montero Sobrevilla Iris
Published: October 2020

This essay explores the avian nature of Huitzilopochtli (“Hummingbird on the Left”), the tutelary god of the Mexica, by centering the deity’s association with the hummingbird. Arguing that there is a “natural history of Huitzilopochtli” deployed in book 11 of the Florentine Codex, devoted to “earthly things,” this analysis re-entangles hummingbird ethology with Huitzilopochtli’s cult, a bond that was severed in the early days of colonization. A close reading of the Nahuatl, Spanish, and visual texts in this book reveals that seasonal cycles and hummingbird behavior—energy budgeting, flower nectar diet, swift flight, and long-haul migration—can be interpreted as inspiring the three main feasts of Huitzilopochtli in the Mexica ritual year. Furthermore, reading the natural history entries in book 11 as related to the avian god illuminates how central hummingbirds were as markers of the dry and rainy seasons and their effects in Nahua social and ritual life.
Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe: “Maps,” Natural Law, and the Enemy
Authors: Alryyes Ala
Published: October 2020

Although it may appear that geography is distinguished by an objective, neutral subject, a genealogy of geographical knowledge reveals that seventeenth- and eighteenth-century European polemics over the demarcations and legal representations of space were imbued with polemos itself, war and conflict. In this article, I examine the polemical nature of Robinson Crusoe’s spatial experience and constructions, maritime and insular. Most readers know Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe for the shipwreck and the island. This sells short the novel’s formal spatial design, which contrasts its hero’s early mobility with his subsequent settlement(s), while concurrently encoding ideas about law, enmity, and sovereignty into geographic constructions. In Defoe’s space, theory and practice of empire are intermeshed. As I shall argue, Defoe’s representations of his hero’s achievements—both Crusoe’s astute seafaring and his later claims to sovereignty and possession of “his” island—build on extraliterary systems of knowledge in which war offers blueprints for grasping colonial encounters and global space. Defoe exploits two related imperial geographical discourses, natural law (and its derivative the Law of Nations, forerunner of today’s International Law and Law of War), and cartography, drawing on them for both verisimilar and fantastical representations in his novel.
Modeling neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Caldwell Kim A. , Willicott Corey W. , Caldwell Guy A.
Published: October 2020

The global burden of neurodegenerative diseases underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to define new drug targets and disease-modifying factors. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has served as the experimental subject for multiple transformative discoveries that have redefined our understanding of biology for ∼60 years. More recently, the considerable attributes of C. elegans have been applied to neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Transgenic nematodes with genes encoding normal and disease variants of proteins at the single- or multi-copy level under neuronal-specific promoters limits expression to select neuronal subtypes. The anatomical transparency of C. elegans affords the use of co-expressed fluorescent proteins to follow the progression of neurodegeneration as the animals age. Significantly, a completely defined connectome facilitates detailed understanding of the impact of neurodegeneration on organismal health and offers a unique capacity to accurately link cell death with behavioral dysfunction or phenotypic variation in vivo. Moreover, chemical treatments, as well as forward and reverse genetic screening, hasten the identification of modifiers that alter neurodegeneration. When combined, these chemical-genetic analyses establish critical threshold states to enhance or reduce cellular stress for dissecting associated pathways. Furthermore, C. elegans can rapidly reveal whether lifespan or healthspan factor into neurodegenerative processes. Here, we outline the methodologies employed to investigate neurodegeneration in C. elegans and highlight numerous studies that exemplify its utility as a pre-clinical intermediary to expedite and inform mammalian translational research.
Emerging applications in mass spectrometry imaging; enablers and roadblocks
Authors: Russo Cristina , Heaton Cameron , Flint Lucy , Voloaca Oana , Haywood-Small Sarah , Clench Malcolm , Francese Simona , Cole Laura
Published: October 2020

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful and versatile technique able to investigate the spatial distribution of multiple non-labelled endogenous and exogenous analytes simultaneously, within a wide range of samples. Over the last two decades, MSI has found widespread application for an extensive range of disciplines including pre-clinical drug discovery, clinical applications and human identification for forensic purposes. Technical advances in both instrumentation and software capabilities have led to a continual increase in the interest in MSI; however, there are still some limitations. In this review, we discuss the emerging applications in MSI that significantly impact three key areas of mass spectrometry (MS) research—clinical, pre-clinical and forensics—and roadblocks to the expansion of use of MSI in these areas.
Eessõna
Authors: Erss Maria , Saks Katrin , Ümarik Meril
Published: October 2020

Eesti Haridusteaduste Ajakirja vabanumbri esimesed artiklid keskenduvad õpetajahariduse ja täiskasvanuhariduse temaatikale. Seejärel saab lugeda uuringuid alusharidusest, õppevara valikust ja väärtuskasvatusest. Ühine joon, mis läbib pea kõiki avaldatud artikleid, on keskendumine eelmise erinumbriga sarnaselt õpetajatele-õppejõududele, nende tegevusele ning professionaalsele arengule. Samuti on esindatud üks viimaste aastate enim kirgi küttev teema – kaasav haridus. Vabanumber lõppeb tavapäraselt raamatututvustusega – Tiiu Kuurme tutvustab oma ülevaates "Kasvatus üleilmsete kriiside ajastul" Soome kasvatusfilosoofi Veli-Mati Värri 2018. aastal Soome parima teadusraamatu preemia saanud raamatut "Kasvatus ekokriisiin aikakaudella".
Suunatud refleksiooni protseduuri rakendamise peamised kasutegurid ja kitsaskohad õpetajakoolituse üliõpilaste ja õpetajate hinnangul
Authors: Allas Raili , Leijen Äli , Toom Auli
Published: October 2020

Tänapäeva maailm eeldab, et kõik professionaalid pööravad järjepidevalt tähelepanu oma teadmiste ja oskuste arendamisele. Hariduse valdkonnas rõhutatakse, et õpetaja pidev professionaalne areng on ühtlasi ka jätkusuutliku ja nüüdisaegse haridussüsteemi alus. Samas ei ole piisavalt uurimusi, et seletada, millised meetodid on õpetajate toetamiseks kõige sobivamad. Siinses artiklis uuritakse, kuidas tajuvad õpetajad professionaalse arengu eri etappidel suunatud refleksiooni protseduuri kasutegureid ja kitsaskohti. Uurimuses osales 21 õpetajakoolituse üliõpilast ja 80 õpetajat. Uurimuses keskenduti osalejate hinnangutele, mille kohta koguti andmeid grupiarutelude ja -intervjuudega ning mida analüüsiti temaatilist analüüsi kasutades. Kokkuvõttena tuuakse välja, kuidas rakendada suunatud refleksiooni protseduuri õpetajate toetamiseks professionaalse arengu eri etappidel.

 Summary
Erialane hübriididentiteet praktikute-õppejõudude arusaamades
Authors: Reva Elina , Remmik Marvi
Published: October 2020

Kõrgkoolide erialaõppes on kvaliteetse hariduse pakkumisel oluline, et õppetöösse oleksid kaasatud ka erialal töötavad spetsialistid. Mitmes rollis töötamine nõuab praktikutelt-õppejõududelt mitmekesiseid teadmisi ja oskusi, mistõttu kasutatakse kahe eriala – õpitud eriala ning õpetaja – teadmisi ja oskusi. Uuringu eesmärk on analüüsida praktikute-õppejõudude erialast hübriididentiteeti ja sellega seonduvaid tegureid. Uuringus intervjueeriti 18 praktikut-õppejõudu. Andmeid analüüsiti kvalitatiivse sisuanalüüsi meetodil. Tulemused osutasid, et praktikute-õppejõudude arusaamades väljenduv erialane hübriididentiteet on kaldu nn õpitud eriala identiteedi poole, samas õppejõu identiteet on pigem tagaplaanil. Tugev erialasesse kogukonda kuuluvuse tunne ja vähene õppejõudude kogukonda kuuluvus on praktikute-õppejõudude hübriididentiteedi kujunemisel määrava tähtsusega.

 Summary
Õpetajate küberkiusamine ja võimalikud sekkumised koolis: õpilastepoolset küberkiusamist kogenud õpetajate vaade
Authors: Jürisaar Kätlyn , Siibak Andra
Published: October 2020

Artikli eesmärk on analüüsida õpilastepoolset küberkiusamist kogenud Eesti üldhariduskooli õpetajate (N = 14) arvamusi ja kogemusi ning uurida, milliseid koolipoolseid sekkumisvõimalusi õpetajad selliste küberkiusamise juhtumite lahendamiseks näevad. Poolstruktureeritud individuaalintervjuu meetodil otsiti vastuseid järgmistele uurimisküsimustele: 1) milliste õpilastepoolsete küberkiusamise liikidega on õpetajad kokku puutunud; 2) kuidas võiks kool õpetajate küberkiusamisjuhtumitesse sekkuda. Intervjueeritud õpetajad olid peamiselt kokku puutunud viie küberkiusamise liigiga: 1) töödeldud fotod; 2) kirjad ja sõnumid; 3) laim ja valeinfo jagamine; 4) jälitamine ja ahistamine veebis; 5) kellegi teise nime all esinemine. Küberkiusamist kogenud õpetaja turvatunde loomise ja juhtumi efektiivse lahendamise eesmärgil peeti oluliseks õpetajate küberkiusamist taunivate meetmete sätestamist kooli regulatsioonides, toetavate  juhendmaterjalide loomist, koolipere harimist küberkiusamise vallas ning psühholoogilise ja tehnilise nõustamise tagamist. 

 Summary
Indian Vernacular History-writing and Its Ideological Engagement
Authors: Borek Piotr
Published: October 2020

Indian Vernacular History-writing and Its Ideological Engagement: A Contemporary Account on Shivaji’s Visit to Agra (1666) in Brajbhāṣā Verse

The visit of Shivaji Bhosle at Aurangzeb’s court in 1666 is a famous subject of modern historical and popular accounts. A contemporary relation of this event is to be found in vernacular poetry, which according to the Western understanding of traditional history should not be considered factually reliable. Academic research of at least the last two decades has seen many attempts to oppose this view and to theorize Indian vernacular literatures as legitimate ways of recording the past. This article offers an analysis of a few 17th-century Braj stanzas by Bhushan against the background of modern professional historical accounts, all of them devoted to the 1666 event, in order to demonstrate intersection points between two separately molded ways of intentional history-writing and to support the credibility of recording the past by the early modern poet.
The Transforming Science
Authors: Kędzia Ilona
Published: October 2020

The Transforming Science: Some Remarks on the Medico-Alchemical Teachings in Selected Works of Siddha Yākōpu, with Special Reference to the Kuru Nūl Aimpattaintu The paper explores the concept of variously conceived transformations associated with figurative transcendence of manifold limitations, referred to in medico-alchemical Tamil Siddha literature. The research has been based on the study of selected texts of Yākōpu alias Irāmatēvar, one of prominent Tamil Siddha authors dated to 17th–18th centuries. Special reference has been made to the Kuru Nūl Aimpattaintu (“Fifty-five [Verses] of the Book on the Excellence”), considered by its author as a book containing some essential teachings of his science. The transformations referred to in the text concern both the domains of the human body, and the non-biological matter, being the object of alchemical operations of the Siddha adept. Such transforming science taught by Yākōpu is based on the action of certain substances credited with extraordinary potency.
Adherence to healthy lifestyles in the Programa Academia da Saúde
Authors: Mendonça Raquel de Deus , Lopes Mariana Souza , Carvalho Maria Cecília Ramos de , Freitas Patrícia Pinheiro de , Lopes Aline Cristine Souza
Published: October 2020

This study aims to measure healthy lifestyles according to the time of participation in the Programa Academia da Saúde (PAS). We used baseline data from a randomized controlled community trial with a representative sample of PAS users from Belo Horizonte, Brazil (n = 3,414). The data on healthy lifestyles collected were: daily fruit and vegetables intake (≥5 servings); physical activity engagement (≥180min/week); body mass index (18.5kg/m² ≥ BMI ≤ 24.9kg/m²), smoking and drinking habits. The time of participation in the PAS was calculated by the difference between the date of registration in the program and the date of the data collection. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between healthy lifestyles and time of participation in the PAS. Almost half of the participants (43.3%) had three healthy lifestyle factors. The prevalence of having all five factors varied according to the time of participation in the service; the lowest rates were in the first quartile (4.9%) and the highest rates in the fourth quartile (8.1%). Those who have attended the service for the longest time (fourth quartile) were more likely to have a healthy BMI (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.14-1.80; p = 0.002) and to avoid smoking (OR = 1.62; 95%CI: 1.06-4.49; p = 0.01), compared to those who have attended the program for less time (first quartile). The prevalence of healthy lifestyles in PAS users was low. However, a longer permanence in the program seems to favor positive changes on BMI and on smoking habits.
Game of Thrones: Fully Distributed Learning for Multiplayer Bandits
Authors: Bistritz Ilai , Leshem Amir
Published: October 2020

We consider an N-player multiarmed bandit game in which each player chooses one out of M arms for T turns. Each player has different expected rewards for the arms, and the instantaneous rewards are independent and identically distributed or Markovian. When two or more players choose the same arm, they all receive zero reward. Performance is measured using the expected sum of regrets compared with optimal assignment of arms to players that maximizes the sum of expected rewards. We assume that each player only knows that player’s own actions and the reward that player received each turn. Players cannot observe the actions of other players, and no communication between players is possible. We present a distributed algorithm and prove that it achieves an expected sum of regrets of near-[Formula: see text]. This is the first algorithm to achieve a near order optimal regret in this fully distributed scenario. All other works have assumed that either all players have the same vector of expected rewards or that communication between players is possible.
Transform Methods for Heavy-Traffic Analysis
Authors: Hurtado-Lange Daniela , Maguluri Siva Theja
Published: October 2020

The drift method was recently developed to study queuing systems in steady state. It was used successfully to obtain bounds on the moments of the scaled queue lengths that are asymptotically tight in heavy traffic and in a wide variety of systems, including generalized switches, input-queued switches, bandwidth-sharing networks, and so on. In this paper, we develop the use of transform techniques for heavy-traffic analysis, with a special focus on the use of moment-generating functions. This approach simplifies the proofs of the drift method and provides a new perspective on the drift method. We present a general framework and then use the moment-generating function method to obtain the stationary distribution of scaled queue lengths in heavy traffic in queuing systems that satisfy the complete resource pooling condition. In particular, we study load balancing systems and generalized switches under general settings.
The Long and Winding Road to Developing a Patient Safety Culture
Authors: Tingle John
Published: October 2020

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses several recent reports on patient safety culture development in the NHS
Research Roundup: October 2020
Authors: Odd Dawn , Seal Joanne , James Natasha
Published: October 2020

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to give an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Impact Study: Early Education use and Child Outcomes up to Age 5
Authors: Hancock David
Published: October 2020

There is evidence to suggest that early childhood education and care has a significant impact on children's development. A recent report on the subject has revealed some interesting conclusions about the link between settings and outcomes
The Role of a Doula During the Perinatal Period
Authors: Noakes Amy
Published: October 2020

Doulas provide valuable care and information for families throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. What is the evidence to support their role?
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: an update
Authors: Auersperg Vinzenz , Trieb Klemens
Published: October 2020

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a safe therapy and there are only a few side effects known (such as pain during ESWT and minor haematomata), but no severe complications are to be expected if it is performed as recommended. Contraindications are severe coagulopathy for high-energy ESWT, and ESWT with focus on the foetus or embryo and focus on severe infection. The effect mechanism of ESWT is still a component of diverse studies, but as far as we can summarize today, it is a similar process to a cascade triggered by mechano-transduction: mechanical energy causes changes in the cellular skeleton, which provokes a reaction of the cell core (for example release of mRNA) to influence diverse cell structures such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, intracellular vesicles, etc., so the enzymatic response leads to the improvement of the healing process. The usage of ESWT should be taught, to improve the outcome. Courses should be organized by national societies, since the legal framework conditions are different from one country to another. In this update the musculoskeletal indications are addressed (mainly bone and tendons): pseudoarthrosis, delayed fracture healing, bone marrow oedema and osteonecrosis in its early stages, insertional tendinopathies such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon fasciitis, calcifying tendonitis of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, and wound healing problems.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:584-592. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190067
Advanced techniques in amputation surgery and prosthetic technology in the lower extremity
Authors: Hobusch Gerhard M. , Döring Kevin , Brånemark Rickard , Windhager Reinhard
Published: October 2020

Bone-anchored implants give patients with unmanageable stump problems hope for drastic improvements in function and quality of life and are therefore increasingly considered a viable solution for lower-limb amputees and their orthopaedic surgeons, despite high infection rates. Regarding diversity and increasing numbers of implants worldwide, efforts are to be supported to arrange an international bone-anchored implant register to transparently overview pros and cons. Due to few, but high-quality, articles about the beneficial effects of targeted muscle innervation (TMR) and regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI), these surgical techniques ought to be directly transferred into clinical protocols, observations and routines. Bionics of the lower extremity is an emerging cutting-edge technology. The main goal lies in the reduction of recognition and classification errors in changes of ambulant modes. Agonist–antagonist myoneuronal interfaces may be a most promising start in controlling of actively powered ankle joints. As advanced amputation surgical techniques are becoming part of clinical routine, the development of financing strategies besides medical strategies ought to be boosted, leading to cutting-edge technology at an affordable price. Microprocessor-controlled components are broadly available, and amputees do see benefits. Devices from different manufacturers differ in gait kinematics with huge inter-individual varieties between amputees that cannot be explained by age. Active microprocessor-controlled knees/ankles (A-MPK/As) might succeed in uneven ground-walking. Patients ought to be supported to receive appropriate prosthetic components to reach their everyday goals in a desirable way. Increased funding of research in the field of prosthetic technology could enhance more high-quality research in order to generate a high level of evidence and to identify individuals who can profit most from microprocessor-controlled prosthetic components.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:724-741. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190070
Aseptic (avascular) bone necrosis in the foot and ankle
Authors: Martin Oliva Xavier , Viladot Voegeli Antonio
Published: October 2020

Aseptic necrosis may be defined as a group of diseases that have bone necrosis as a common denominator. They usually appear in the epiphyses and in the carpal and tarsal bones. They generally appear during a growth period and principally at those skeletal points subjected to particular stress. In Müller–Weiss disease in the advanced stages, talonavicular-cuneiform arthrodesis, with or without back foot correction, is the best surgical option. In Freiberg–Kohler disease, treatment can be conservative and we can maintain the head of the metatarsal by performing a joint debridement of the metatarsophalangeal joint with removal of loose bodies. The lateral upper and lower faces of the distal extremity of the metatarsal are resected, preserving the joint cartilage that in its centre portion is always healthy. The osteophyte border that may be present in the phalanx is resected. Most frequently, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus is a sequel to talar fractures, with the possibility that the AVN increases with the severity of the trauma and the damage associated with the already precarious blood supply of the talus. The surgical treatment used for sesamoid AVN is partial excision of the affected bone.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:684-690. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200007
Convolutional neural network for resolution enhancement and noise reduction in acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Sharma Arunima , Pramanik Manojit
Published: October 2020

In acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy (AR-PAM), a high numerical aperture focused ultrasound transducer (UST) is used for deep tissue high resolution photoacoustic imaging. There is a significant degradation of lateral resolution in the out-of-focus region. Improvement in out-of-focus resolution without degrading the image quality remains a challenge. In this work, we propose a deep learning-based method to improve the resolution of AR-PAM images, especially at the out of focus plane. A modified fully dense U-Net based architecture was trained on simulated AR-PAM images. Applying the trained model on experimental images showed that the variation in resolution is ∼10% across the entire imaging depth (∼4 mm) in the deep learning-based method, compared to ∼180% variation in the original PAM images. Performance of the trained network on in vivo rat vasculature imaging further validated that noise-free, high resolution images can be obtained using this method.