bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of dietary behaviors, biochemical, and lifestyle factors with metabolic phenotypes of obesity in children and adolescents
Authors: Qorbani Mostafa , Khashayar Pouria , Rastad Hadith , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Shahrestanaki Ehsan , Seif Ehsan , Daniali Seyede Shahrbanoo , Goudarzi Masoomeh , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaeil , Khodaparast Zeinab , Heshmat Ramin , Kelishadi Roya
Published: December 2020

Background and aims

To examine the association of dietary behaviors, lifestyle, and biochemical factors with metabolic phenotypes of obesity among obese Iranian children and adolescents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted within the framework of the fifth phase of CASPIAN study. Of 3840 students aged 7–18 years of 30 Iranian provinces, 408 subjects were diagnosed as obese; they were divided into metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) groups. Biochemical factors, anthropometric measures, dietary, and lifestyle habits were compared between groups.

Results

Of the 408 obese subjects, 68 (16.7%) were the MUO; the remaining 340 (84.3%) fall in the MHO group. The MUO group had significantly higher systolic and diastolic BPs, FBS, TG, ALT, anthropometric measures, and lower HDL levels than MHO groups (all p-value < 0.05). The frequency of high birth weight (> 4000 gr) was significantly higher in the MUO group than the MHO group (p-value: 0.04). A higher percentage of individuals with breastfeeding duration ≥ 6 month was found in the MUO group (95.5% (95% CI 86.1–98.6%)) compared to MHO group (85.7% (95% CI 80.4–89.7%)) (p-value = 0.04). Among dietary and lifestyle-related behaviors, only the frequency of salty snack consumption and eating food according to the parents’ request was significantly higher in the MUO group than the MHO group (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dietary habits and lifestyle factors may determine the obesity phenotypes in children and adolescents.
Supportive care: men’s expectations who undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment
Authors: Bayrami Roghieh , Janghorban Roksana , Effati-Daryani Fatemeh , Hajshafiha Masoumeh
Published: December 2020

Objective

Infertile couples perceive some needs and expectations during treatment. Most studies have focused on infertile women’s needs. The study was done to explore the expectations of men who undergoing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Participants were men whose wives undergo IVF treatment in the IVF clinic of Shahid Motahhri hospital in Urmia. Purposive sampling was performed and data collection was done through in-depth semi-structured interviews until data saturation.

Results

“Supportive care” was emerged as the main theme consisted of two categories. The first category was “to be treated with attention in healthcare setting” which included three subcategories: Receiving couple based care, establishing counseling centers, and continuous care. The second category was “to be welcomed in the society” which included two subcategories: Financial support from community and close family, and changing community views about IVF treatment. Expectations of men undergoing IVF focuses on supportive care. They seek to receive the kind of care from health care setting and society. A deep understanding of the needs could help practitioners to consider men’s expectations, and assist policy makers and researchers to design and implement interventions and programs in infertility clinics which enhance the partnership of infertile men and fulfill their expectations.
Are single-lumen 5Fr and triple-lumen 6Fr PICCs suitable for hemodynamic assessment by trans-pulmonary thermodilution? A pilot study
Authors: D’Arrigo Sonia , Sandroni Claudio , Cacciola Sofia , Dell’Anna Antonio Maria , Pittiruti Mauro , Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Colosimo Cesare , Antonelli Massimo
Published: December 2020

Background

Single-lumen 4Fr or double-lumen 5Fr power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are not accurate for trans-pulmonary thermodilution (TPTD), since they overestimate cardiac index and other TPTD-derived parameters when compared with centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) because of the smaller size of their lumen. We hypothesize that PICCs with larger lumen size may be reliable for the cardiac index assessment using the TPTD.

Methods

This is a single-centre, prospective method–comparison study that included adult patients admitted in ICU who required a calibrated Pulse Contour hemodynamic monitoring system (VolumeView/EV1000™) for circulatory shock and had both PICC and CICC in place. We compared TPTD measurements via single-lumen 5Fr or triple-lumen 6Fr polyurethane power injectable PICCs with triple-lumen 7Fr CICC (reference standard). To rule out biases related to manual injection, measurements were repeated using an automated rapid injection system. We performed Bland–Altman analysis accounting for multiple observations per patient.

Results

A total of 320 measurements were performed in 15 patients. During the manual phase, the cardiac index measured with either single-lumen 5Fr or triple-lumen 6Fr PICCs were comparable with cardiac index measured with triple-lumen 7Fr CICC (3.2 ± 1.04 vs. 3.2 ± 1.06 L/min/m2, bias 2.2% and 3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 3.0 ± 0.7 L/min/m2, bias 8.5%, respectively). During the automated phase, triple-lumen 6Fr PICC slightly overestimated the cardiac index when compared to triple-lumen 7Fr CICC (CI 3.4 ± 0.7 vs. 3.0 ± 0.7 L/min/m2, bias 12.5%; p = 0.012). For both single-lumen 5Fr and triple-lumen 6Fr PICCs, percentage error vs. triple-lumen 7Fr CICC was below 20% (14.7% and 19% during the manual phase and 14.4% and 13.8% during the automated phase, respectively). Similar results were observed for TPTD-derived parameters.

Conclusions

During hemodynamic monitoring with TPTD, both single-lumen 5Fr PICCs and triple-lumen 6Fr PICCs can be used for cold fluid bolus injection as an alternative to CICC (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04241926).
The haplotypes of various TNF related genes associated with scleritis in Chinese Han
Authors: Gao Yingnan , Du Liping , Li Fuzhen , Ding Jiadong , Li Geng , Cao Qingfeng , Li Na , Su Guannan , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng
Published: December 2020

Background

Several studies have stated that TNF-α participates in the pathogenesis of scleritis, but also in several systemic autoimmune diseases and vasculitis, of which some are associated with scleritis. Earlier GWAS and SNP studies have confirmed that multiple SNPs of TNF related genes are associated with many immune-mediated disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of TNF related gene polymorphisms with scleritis in Chinese Han. A case-control study was carried out in 556 non-infectious scleritis cases and 742 normal controls. A total of 28 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by the iPLEXGold genotyping assay.

Results

No significant correlations were seen between the individual SNPs in the TNF related genes and scleritis. Haplotype analysis showed a significantly decreased frequency of a TNFAIP3 TGT haplotype (order of SNPs: rs9494885, rs3799491, rs2230926) (Pc = 0.021, OR = 0.717, 95% CI = 0.563–0.913) and a significantly increased frequency of a TNFSF4 GT haplotype (order of SNPs: rs3850641, rs704840) (Pc = 0.004, OR = 1.691, 95% CI = 1.205–2.372) and TNFSF15 CCC haplotype (order of SNPs: rs6478106, rs3810936, rs7865494) (Pc = 0.012, OR = 1.662, 95% CI = 1.168–2.363) in patients with scleritis as compared with healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

This study reveals that a TGT haplotype in TNFAIP3 may be a protective factor for the development of scleritis and that a GT haplotype in TNFSF4 and a CCC haplotype in TNFSF15 may be risk factors for scleritis in Chinese Han.
Retinal ganglion cell degeneration correlates with hippocampal spine loss in experimental Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bevan Ryan J. , Hughes Tim R. , Williams Pete A. , Good Mark A. , Morgan B. Paul , Morgan James E.
Published: December 2020

Neuronal dendritic and synaptic pruning are early features of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to brain pathology, amyloid plaque deposition, microglial activation, and cell loss occur in the retinas of human patients and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Retinal ganglion cells, the output neurons of the retina, are vulnerable to damage in neurodegenerative diseases and are a potential opportunity for non-invasive clinical diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer’s progression. However, the extent of retinal involvement in Alzheimer’s models and how well this reflects brain pathology is unclear. Here we have quantified changes in retinal ganglion cells dendritic structure and hippocampal dendritic spines in three well-studied Alzheimer’s mouse models, Tg2576, 3xTg-AD and APPNL-G-F. Dendritic complexity of DiOlistically labelled retinal ganglion cells from retinal explants was reduced in all three models in an age-, gender-, and receptive field-dependent manner. DiOlistically labelled hippocampal slices showed spine loss in CA1 apical dendrites in all three Alzheimer’s models, mirroring the early stages of neurodegeneration as seen in the retina. Morphological classification showed that loss of thin spines predominated in all. The demonstration that retinal ganglion cells dendritic field reduction occurs in parallel with hippocampal dendritic spine loss in all three Alzheimer’s models provide compelling support for the use of retinal neurodegeneration. As retinal dendritic changes are within the optical range of current clinical imaging systems (for example optical coherence tomography), our study makes a case for imaging the retina as a non-invasive way to diagnose disease and monitor progression in Alzheimer’s disease.
Influence of APOE genotype in primary age-related tauopathy
Authors: Robinson Andrew C. , Davidson Yvonne S. , Roncaroli Federico , Minshull James , Tinkler Phillip , Horan Michael A. , Payton Antony , Pendleton Neil , Mann David M. A.
Published: December 2020

The term “Primary age-related tauopathy” (PART) was coined in 2014 to describe the common neuropathological observation of neurofibrillary tangles without associated beta-amyloid (Aβ) pathology. It is possible for PART pathology to be present in both cognitively normal and cognitively impaired individuals. Genetically, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 has been shown to occur less commonly in PART than in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we investigate the relationships between PART, AD and those pathologically normal for age, with an emphasis on APOE and cognition, using 152 selected participants from The University of Manchester Longitudinal Study of Cognition in Normal Healthy Old Age and the Manchester arm of the Brains for Dementia Research cohort. APOE genotype differed between PART and AD with APOE ε2 more common in the former and APOE ε4 more common in the latter. Individuals with definite PART were less likely to be cognitively impaired than those with AD and those with pathology considered pathologically normal for age. We postulate that the lack of Aβ in definite PART cases may be due either to an increased frequency of APOE ε2 or decreased frequency of APOE ε4 as their resulting protein isoforms have differing binding properties in relation to Aβ. Similarly, an increased frequency of APOE ε2 or decreased frequency of APOE ε4 may lead to decreased levels of cognitive impairment, which raises questions regarding the impact of Aβ pathology on overall cognition in elderly subjects. We suggest that it may be possible to use the increased frequency of APOE ε2 in definite PART to assist neuropathological diagnosis.
Socioeconomic status and beyond: a multilevel analysis of TIMSS mathematics achievement given student and school context in Turkey
Authors: Ersan Ozge , Rodriguez Michael C.
Published: December 2020

Socioeconomic status (SES) is considered a major predictor of student and school achievement. In most cases, SES is not malleable or available for manipulation to improve students’ learning and achievement. Therefore, we explored other student and school-related factors that may be malleable to reduce achievement differences between students and schools in Turkey. We used the TIMSS 2015 fourth-grade mathematics data and analyzed it using hierarchical linear modeling. We found that SES at both student and school levels is a dominant factor related to mathematics achievement and a much stronger predictor at the school level. Early literacy and numeracy activities, preschool education, intrinsic motivation, and engagement in instruction were found to be significantly and positively associated with higher achievement within schools. Similarly, among the school-level variables, we found significant and positive associations between schools’ mathematics scores and instruction quality and school readiness, in the presence of SES. We recommend that preschool education and early literacy and numeracy activities at home should be promoted. Additionally, although the findings of this study indicate possible SES-based school segregation; parents, teachers, and school leaders, as well as students, should work toward a more positive school climate to reduce achievement disparities due to SES.
Occupancy of avian foraging guilds in soybean fields and borders in Entre Ríos, Argentina: responses to vegetation structure and prey resources
Authors: Goijman Andrea P. , Conroy Michael J. , Varni Vanina D. , Thompson Jeffrey J. , Zaccagnini María Elena
Published: December 2020

Background

Reconciling agriculture and biodiversity conservation is a challenge given the growing demand for agricultural products. In recent decades, Argentina has witnessed agricultural expansion and intensification affecting biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. Within agroecosystems, the level of habitat quality is critical for birds, and may depend on vegetation structure, availability of invertebrate prey, and the use of pesticides. Although the relationship between vegetation structure and avian occurrence has been widely studied, to our knowledge, there are no studies that also incorporate prey availability throughout the cycle of soybean crops in Argentina. We estimated and predicted the effects of land cover and temporal variation on the occurrence of avian foraging guilds in Entre Ríos, Argentina, in order to guide management related to potential ecosystem services provided by birds. We also estimated temporal effects of vegetation structure and insecticides on the main arthropod orders consumed by birds to evaluate prey availability.

Methods

We conducted bird and arthropod surveys for 2 years along transects located in 20 randomly selected soybean fields (N = 60) and their adjacent borders (N = 78) throughout the crop growing season, in four seasons. We estimated avian occupancy, accounting for imperfect detection, and arthropod counts fitting generalized linear mixed models.

Results

The number of native trees in field borders positively influenced the occurrence of most bird species, mainly insectivores. Granivore foliage gleaners, also were positively affected by grass height. Salliers and aerial foragers were weakly affected by distance to forest and native trees. In general, the availability of invertebrates to birds was highest during the third season. Arthropod counts in borders were greater during the last three crop stages than during the pre-sowing period.

Conclusions

We found that with 10 to 15 native tree species in borders, coupled with a complex vegetation structure with shrubs and grasses, we could conserve a wide spectrum of insectivorous birds, and may contribute to the invertebrate pest control service. Vegetated field borders function as a refuge for arthropods, especially agriculturally beneficial taxa such as Hymenopterans. Finally, several groups of birds use the interior of the fields and could help control pests.
Impact of the dosimetry approach on the resulting 90Y radioembolization planned absorbed doses based on 99mTc-MAA SPECT-CT: is there agreement between dosimetry methods?
Authors: Morán Verónica , Prieto Elena , Sancho Lidia , Rodríguez-Fraile Macarena , Soria Leticia , Zubiria Arantxa , Martí-Climent Josep M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Prior radioembolization, a simulation using 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin as 90Y-microspheres surrogate is performed. Gamma scintigraphy images (planar, SPECT, or SPECT-CT) are acquired to evaluate intrahepatic 90Y-microspheres distribution and detect possible extrahepatic and lung shunting. These images may be used for pre-treatment dosimetry evaluation to calculate the 90Y activity that would get an optimal tumor response while sparing healthy tissues.

Several dosimetry methods are available, but there is still no consensus on the best methodology to calculate absorbed doses. The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the impact of using different dosimetry approaches on the resulting 90Y-radioembolization pre-treatment absorbed dose evaluation based on 99mTc-MAA images.

Methods

Absorbed doses within volumes of interest resulting from partition model (PM) and 3D voxel dosimetry methods (3D-VDM) (dose-point kernel convolution and local deposition method) were evaluated. Additionally, a new “Multi-tumor Partition Model” (MTPM) was developed. The differences among dosimetry approaches were evaluated in terms of mean absorbed dose and dose volume histograms within the volumes of interest.

Results

Differences in mean absorbed dose among dosimetry methods are higher in tumor volumes than in non-tumoral ones. The differences between MTPM and both 3D-VDM were substantially lower than those observed between PM and any 3D-VDM. A poor correlation and concordance were found between PM and the other studied dosimetry approaches.

DVH obtained from either 3D-VDM are pretty similar in both healthy liver and individual tumors. Although no relevant global differences, in terms of absorbed dose in Gy, between both 3D-VDM were found, important voxel-by-voxel differences have been observed.

Conclusions

Significant differences among the studied dosimetry approaches for 90Y-radioembolization treatments exist. Differences do not yield a substantial impact in treatment planning for healthy tissue but they do for tumoral liver.

An individual segmentation and evaluation of the tumors is essential. In patients with multiple tumors, the application of PM is not optimal and the 3D-VDM or the new MTPM are suggested instead. If a 3D-VDM method is not available, MTPM is the best option. Furthermore, both 3D-VDM approaches may be indistinctly used.
Cell adhesion molecules’ altered profile in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. The paradigm of beta4-integrin, desmoglein-2, ICAM-1 and CD44s
Authors: Andreadis Dimitrios , Poulopoulos Athanasios , Epivatianos Apostolos , Nomikos Alexandros , Parlitsis Dimitrios , Christidis Konstantinos , Barbatis Calypso , Kavvadas Dimitrios , Toskas Alexandros , Papamitsou Theodora , Antoniades Dimitrios
Published: December 2020

Background

Alterations in intercellular and cell-extracellular matrix connections contribute to tumour development. This study investigates the expression of specific cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in salivary gland tumors (SGTs).

Methods

Formalin–fixed, paraffin– embedded tissue specimens of different types of 34 benign and 31 malignant SGTs and normal salivary glands were studied using Envision/HRP immunohistochemical technique for Desmoglein-2 (Dsg-2), beta4-integrin, CD44s and ICAM-1. Intensity of staining was evaluated in a semi-quantitative manner. Results were analyzed using Kendall’s τ and Spearman’s ρ as correlation criteria.

Results

Dsg-2 in intercellular space, beta4-integrin in cell-basal membrane, and CD44s in both types of contacts were strongly expressed in normal acinar and ductal cells, whereas ICAM-1 was expressed only at the endothelium and sparse stromal cells and monocytes. Strong correlation was found between Dsg-2 expression in adenomas and controls and between adenocarcinomas and controls. In adenomas, a distinct cytoplasmic presence of Dsg-2 was observed in addition to the usual membranous expression, with decreased expression in comparison with normal tissue. In malignant SGTs, Dsg-2 expression was absent. In most SGTs, beta4-integrin was expressed also with a distinct pattern, involving the cytoplasm and the unpolarised membrane, while CD44 was found only on the membrane. Strong correlation between beta4-integrin expression in adenomas and controls was noted, while CD44 expression was found to be correlated significantly between adenocarcinomas and controls (p < 0.001). Regarding ICAM-1, its expression was found increased in adenomas, with non-specific distribution in malignant SGTs and strong correlation between the histological subtypes and controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The different expression profile of CAMs in SGTs could possibly suggest a role on their pathogenesis, representing a model of how neoplastic cells can take advantage of normal tissue architecture and cell-extracellular matrix interactions.
Long-term survival of two patients with pancreatic cancer after resection of liver and lung oligometastases: a case report
Authors: Hagiwara Kei , Harimoto Norifumi , Araki Kenichiro , Watanabe Akira , Kubo Norio , Nakazawa Seshiru , Yajima Toshiki , Uchida Nobuyuki , Shirabe Ken
Published: December 2020

Background

The efficacy of resection of pancreatic cancer metastases has not been established. We here report two patients with long-term survival after resection of lung and liver metastases.

Case presentation

The first patient underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. One year later, she underwent partial hepatectomy for a single liver metastasis. She subsequently underwent pulmonary resections 7, 7.5, 9, and 10 years later for pulmonary metastases from pancreatic cancer. Thus, this patient underwent five surgeries for metastases, one for a liver metastasis and four for lung metastases. All of the tumors were pathologically diagnosed as metastatic pancreatic cancer. She is currently alive without new recurrence 10 years after the initial diagnosis. The second patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer. Four years later, she underwent a thoracoscopic partial resection for lung metastasis. The tumor was similar to the pancreatic cancer on pathological examination. She is currently alive without new recurrences 6 years after the initial diagnosis.

Conclusion

Long-term survival can be achieved in some patients with pancreatic cancer by resection of metachronous liver or lung metastases.
A pharmacological audit and advancement on the recent trend of research on Ficus benghalensis L. including its in vitro hepatoprotective activity
Authors: Karmakar Shibam , Paul Somnath , Biswas Nripendra Madhab , Khanam Jasmina , Kar Sudip Kumar , Mukherjee Hemanta , Poddar Sourav
Published: December 2020

Background

Trend analysis, graphical representation, and summarization of pharmacological research trends were carried out to act as guidance for the future. The main objectives of the research are to find out the complete research trend on the national tree of India so far and to validate its traditional uses along with the pharmacological hepatoprotective activity of Ficus benghalensis L. by developing three in vitro experimental models.

Methods

The fruit of the said plant (F. benghalensis) was extracted with different solvent (petrochemical ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water) system and the yield value was determined. Phytochemical screening was also done with a different solvent. In an in-vitro study, the liver of freshly slaughtered goat (Capra Capra) was used for various investigational tests, and the hepatotoxicity was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) at a dose of 2 ml/kg, Acetaminophen at a dose of 7 g/kg, and with Erythromycin at a dose of 1.4 g/kg. The ethanol extract of fruits of F. benghalensis at the doses of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg were used to observe its hepatoprotective effect against drug/chemical-induced in vitro hepatotoxicity as the model developed here with against a standard molecule, Silymarin.

Results

Amongst all solvents, ethanol was considered to be a universal solvent and resulted in a yield of 2.96%, which is maximum. Phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of fruit also showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and glycosides. The protein concentration of liver homogenate based on comparison with standard protein concentration was found to be 1.6 mg/mL as measured at λmax of 750 nm. About the protein concentration, catalase (enzymatic) activity was also measured using the standard curve of H2O2, to calculate the specific activity of different models to compare the study results.

Conclusion

The significant effect of the reduction of hepatotoxicity was found at a dose of 500 mg/kg of fruit extract against Silymarin. Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of fruit in terms of catalase activity with different models flourishing the new research scope to fulfill the shortage of availability of a new, efficient, safe hepatoprotective agent in upcoming days.

Graphical abstract
Phytochemical screening and antioxidant, analgesic, and anthelmintic effect of ethanolic extract of Merremia umbellate stems
Authors: Nahar Mst Nazmun , Acharzo Amit Kumar , Rahaman Md Sohanur , Zabeen Iffat Ara , Haque Shariful , Islam Md Amirul
Published: December 2020

Background

Merremia umbellata subsp. orientalis (Hallier f.), commonly known as Sapussunda in Bengali, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of different diseases such as helminthiasis, rheumatism, fever, wounds, burns, sores, management of pain due to cut etc. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic and anthelmintic activities of ethanolic extract of stems of Merremia umbellate (ESMU).

Methods

Phytochemical investigation was carried by using standard chemical test as described in literatures. In vitro free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract was quantitatively estimated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals scavenging assay. Total phenolic and tannin content were spectrophotometrically determined by Folin Ciocalteu reagent whereas the flavonoid was determined by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. Acetic acid induced writhing method and hot plate method, using Swiss albino mice, were used to investigate the analgesic effect of ESMU whereas in-vitro anthelmintic activity was evaluated against Haemonchus contortus (Nematode) of cattle.

Results

Phytochemical screening revealed that the ESMU contain reducing sugar, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, gums, steroid, xanthoproteins, glycosides and acidic compound. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the extract showed scavenging potential with IC50 value of 161.81 μg/mL. Total phenolics, tannin and flavonoid content of crude extract were found to be 87.4 mg GAE/gm, 68.2 mg GAE /gm and 64.27 mg QE/gm respectively. Significant (P < 0.001) analgesic effect was observed in acetic acid induced writhing method at both doses 250 and 500 mg/kg. Similar effect was found in hot plate method that measures antinociceptive effect in response to heat stimuli. The ESMU also exhibited significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic activity in a concentration dependent manner. The paralysis time and time for death were recorded as 9.30, 8.62 and 7.65 min and 19.58, 18.82, and 16.43 min respectively at a concentration of 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.

Conclusion

Based on the results obtained in this study clearly strengthen the traditional uses of M. umbellate stems as antioxidant, antinociceptive and anthelmintic. Therefore, this result suggested that the stems of Merremia umbellata might be a potential source of useful bioactive compounds.
Macular and choroidal thicknesses in a healthy Hispanic population evaluated by high-definition spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)
Authors: Cortés Diana A. , Roca Daniela , Navarro Pedro Iván , Rodríguez Francisco J.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To report normal values of macular and choroidal thickness obtained from a healthy Hispanic population using Optovue (Optovue Inc, Freemont CA, USA) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Design

Observational, cross-sectional, correlation study.

Methods

A total of 290 eyes (145 healthy subjects) were included; 69% of subjects were female. The median age was 39 ± 29 years (IQR), with a range between 18 and 89 years. The study sample was stratified into three age groups: Group 1, 18–40 years (50.3%), Group 2, 41–60 years (30.7%), and Group 3, older than 61 years (19%). Central macular, perifoveal (inner quadrants), and parafoveal (outer quadrants) thicknesses were estimated. In addition, central and peripheral choroidal thicknesses were estimated. Data analysis was performed to calculate the standardized mean difference according to the variance (Student’s t-test) and its differences with Epidat 4.1.

Results

Median macular central thickness was 250 ±30 µm (IQR) with Optovue. Median central choroidal thickness was 263 ± 48 µm (IQR). Median central choroidal thickness was greater than mean peripheral thickness. Macular evaluation showed a statistically significant difference in central, perifoveal, and parafoveal thicknesses, with lower values being recorded for the study sample compared with the manufacturer’s data.

Conclusions

SD-OCT has become a useful tool to obtain high-resolution images of the macula and choroid. This method allows precise assessment of the retinal and choroidal layers to diagnose and follow up posterior segment diseases. We are reporting normal cut-off values of macular and choroidal thicknesses in healthy Hispanic subjects evaluated with Optovue SD-OCT as new diagnostic normal parameters for research and clinical activities.
Effect of lactate as a peritoneal dialysis fluid buffer on rat peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: Higuchi Chieko , Kuriyama Junko , Sakura Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

Background

Neutral, low-glucose degradation product (GDP) peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) is less damaging to the peritoneum than conventional PDF but is still insufficient for biocompatibility. One remaining issue is the problem of buffering.

Methods

Using cultured rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs), the present study examined the difference between the effects of neutral low-GDP lactate PDF and neutral low-GDP bicarbonate/lactate PDF on cells. The effects of lactate stimulation on these cells were also examined.

Results

Lactate PDF enhanced mRNA expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and type 1 and type 3 collagens and lowered expression of e-cadherin mRNA in PMCs compared to bicarbonate/lactate PDF. Lactate stimulation increased mRNA expressions of αSMA, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and suppressed e-cadherin mRNA expression. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β2 and collagen type 1 and 3 mRNA expressions were also enhanced by lactate stimulation.

Conclusions

These results suggest that lactate as a PDF buffer may act on PMCs to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and production of TGF-β, bFGF, and collagen.
Correction to: Application of smart mosquito monitoring traps for the mosquito forecast systems by Seoul Metropolitan city
Authors: Na Sumi , Yi Hoonbok
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Characteristics and origins of ridges and troughs on the top of the Middle Miocene strata in the Beijiao Sag of the Qiongdongnan Basin, northern South China Sea
Authors: Li Yufeng , Pu Renhai , Zhang Gongcheng , Qu Hongjun
Published: December 2020

Sedimentary structures generated by (deepwater) bottom currents are of interest to geologists. Based on the root mean square, coherence attribute, and 3D representations, ridges and troughs are imaged for the first time using 3D high-resolution seismic data and confirmed by a well, YL19-1-1, in the Beijiao Sag of the Qiongdongnan Basin. Combined with 2D seismic profiles, we define the flow direction of bottom currents resulting in ridges and troughs. The results indicate that ridges and troughs occur on the top of the Middle Miocene strata and dominantly present wave-shaped structures. Their magnitudes decrease toward the upper and lower slopes. They extend for tens of kilometers, dominantly parallel to one another, with an evenly spaced distribution, some of which locally merge and bifurcate. They are aligned obliquely to the regional slope. The internal ridges are characterized by internal mounded reflections and/or parallel underlying-strata reflections. The presence of polygonal faults and weak to moderate amplitudes within the ridges and troughs suggests that they consist of fine-grained mudstones, as confirmed by the well YL19-1-1. High amplitudes filled within troughs are probably composed of coarse-grained turbidite materials, where polygonal faults are inhibited. Truncations and onlaps occur along the thalweg of a trough and are also clearly observed on the flanks of ridges and the walls of troughs. We infer that the troughs are a product of the erosion of bottom currents and the ridges are remnant underlying (sediment waves) strata as a result of the redeposition of eroded sediments. In addition, troughs are filled by turbidite materials with high amplitudes in the southwestern area of the 3D seismic survey, where ridges and troughs are a combined result of the early erosion by bottom currents and the later reworking by turbidity flows. We have developed conceptual schematic models to indicate the evolutionary history of the ridges and troughs. It provides new insights into the further understanding of the erosional and depositional impacts of bottom currents.
Ketamine treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression: longitudinal qualitative interview study of patient experiences
Authors: Lascelles Karen , Marzano Lisa , Brand Fiona , Trueman Hayley , McShane Rupert , Hawton Keith
Published: December 2020

Background

Ketamine has recently received considerable attention regarding its antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects. Trials have generally focused on short-term effects of single intravenous infusions. Research on patient experiences is lacking.

Aims

To investigate the experiences over time of individuals receiving ketamine treatment in a routine clinic, including impacts on mood and suicidality.

Method

Twelve fee-paying patients with treatment-resistant depression (6 females, 6 males, age 21–70 years; 11 reporting suicidality and 6 reporting self-harm) who were assessed as eligible for ketamine treatment participated in up to three semi-structured interviews: before treatment started, a few weeks into treatment and ≥2 months later. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Most participants hoped that ketamine would provide respite from their depression. Nearly all experienced improvement in mood following initial treatments, ranging from negligible to dramatic, and eight reported a reduction in suicidality. Improvements were transitory for most participants, although two experienced sustained consistent benefit and two had sustained but limited improvement. Some participants described hopelessness when treatment stopped working, paralleled by increased suicidal ideation for three participants. The transient nature and cost of treatment were problematic. Eleven participants experienced side-effects, which were significant for two participants. Suggestions for improving treatment included closer monitoring and adjunctive psychological therapy.

Conclusions

Ketamine treatment was generally experienced as effective in improving mood and reducing suicidal ideation in the short term, but the lack of longer-term benefit was challenging for participants, as was treatment cost. Informed consent procedures should refer to the possibilities of relapse and associated increased hopelessness and suicidality.
Face mask exemptions, psychiatric patients, and COVID-19
Authors: Ayuso-Mateos José Luis , Soriano Joan B. , Ancochea Julio
Published: December 2020

It has been compulsory to wear face masks in all public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, since May 21, 2020 throughout Spain [1], a measure intended to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including “… People for whom the use of a mask is inadvisable for duly justified health reasons, or who, due to their disability or dependency, present behavioural alterations that make its use unviable.”
MATHEMATICAL AND STATISTICAL EVALUATION OF TEST RESULTS BASED ON IRT
Authors: Evdokimova Svetlana , Kaschenko Margarita
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes the test in the section «Information technologies: concept, classification, tools» of the discipline «Information technologies in forestry». For this purpose, the modern theory of IRT testing is used. By constructing characteristic curves for the difficulty of tasks and students' readiness, tasks that need to be finalized are identified. Information functions of test tasks are constructed. The analyzed test meets the necessary IRT criteria, but contains mostly light tasks. So it needs to be complicated.
COORDINATION OF DESIGN WORK IN THE FIELD OF SOC AND COMPLEX FUNCTIONAL BLOCKS
Authors: Zolnikov Konstantin , Antsiferova V. , Evdokimova Svetlana , Grechanyy Sergey
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the organization of the creation of domestic technology for designing systems on a chip and complex functional blocks. Significant disadvantages that reduce its effectiveness are highlighted. Special attention is paid to the idea of creating design centers in system firms and the principles of organizing design work in them. The measures for promotion and implementation of modern technologies at the enterprises of the SoC.
DEVELOPMENT OF STANDALONE SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS BASED ON GEOMETRIC KERNELS FOR CREATING DIGITAL ASSEMBLY MODELS OF MACHINE TOOLS
Authors: Yurov Aleksey , Antsiferova V.
Published: December 2020

The article discusses approaches and solutions aimed at increasing the productivity of engineering departments, where CAD software solutions are actively used. In the manufacture of machine parts, it becomes necessary to design technological equipment. Elements of machine tools can be prepared and placed in electronic catalogs (libraries), which in an automated mode will create a set of parametric models of the required technological equipment of machine tools. In this case, the accuracy and quality of modeling will be achieved by excluding the human factor from the design process. The development of such software solutions is implemented by means and components of the open geometric kernel Open Cascade, which has great potential both in the field of modeling and scientific computing.
Monte Carlo Enhancement via Simulation Decomposition: A “Must-Have” Inclusion for Many Disciplines
Authors: Kozlova Mariia , Yeomans Julian Scott
Published: December 2020

Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is widely used in many different disciplines in order to analyze problems that involve uncertainty. Simulation decomposition has recently provided a simple, but powerful, advancement to the standard Monte Carlo approach. Its value for better informing decision making has been previously shown in the investment-analysis field. In this paper, we demonstrate that simulation decomposition can enhance problem analysis in a wide array of domains by applying it to three very different disciplines: geology, business, and environmental science. Further extensions to such disciplines as engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences are discussed. We propose that by incorporating simulation decomposition into pedagogical practices, we expect students to significantly advance their problem-understanding and problem-solving skills.
The lateral edge and sourcil acetabular indices for surgical decision-making in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Kothari Alpesh , Noor Saqib , Maddock Connor L. , Vanderstappen Jan H. H. , Bradley Catharine S. , Kelley Simon P.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The acetabular index (AI) is a radiographic measure that guides surgical decision-making in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Two AI measurement methods are described; to the lateral edge of the acetabulum (AI-L) and to the lateral edge of the sourcil (AI-S). The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between AI-L and AI-S on the diagnosis and degree of acetabular dysplasia in DDH.

Methods

A total of 35 patients treated for DDH with Pavlik harness were identified. The AI-L and AI-S were measured on radiographs (70 hips) at two and five years of age. AI-L and AI-S were then transformed relative to published normative data (tAI-L and tAI-S). Bland-Altman plots, linear regression and heat mapping were used to evaluate the agreement between tAI-L and tAI-S.

Results

There was poor agreement between tAI-S and tAI-L on the Bland-Altman plots with wide limits of agreement and no proportional bias. The two AI measurements were in agreement as to the presence and severity of dysplasia in only 63% of hips at two years of age and 81% at five years of age, leaving the remaining hips classified as various combinations of normal, mildly and severely dysplastic.

Conclusion

AI-L and AI-S have poor agreement on the presence or degree of acetabular dysplasia in DDH and cannot be used interchangeably. Clinicians are cautioned to prudently evaluate both measures of AI in surgical decision-making.

Level of evidence

I
POLISH ADAPTATION OF THE COPENHAGEN PSYCHOSOCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE II (COPSOQ II) IN POLISH PRISON SERVICE STAFF - A TOOL FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK ASSESSMENT AT THE WORKPLACE
Authors:   Zoom in on Posts – Association for Occupational Health Prevention, Orlak Katarzyna , Gołuch Dominik ,   Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Stolarski Mikołaj ,   Zoom in on Posts – Association for Occupational Health Prevention
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) is identified to be appropriate to assess psychosocial hazards at work and is recommended in WHO publications. However, the tool was never fully adopted in Poland. The purpose of this paper is to present the psychometric characteristics of COPSOQ II in Polish. Material and Methods: A validation study of the long (128-item) COPSOQ II was conducted on a stratified sample of the Polish Prison Service staff (N=380). Reliability was tested with Cronbach's α. Validity was verified through factor analysis as well as analysis of correlations with four other relevant measures for psychosocial hazards assessment. All of them were previously widely applied in Poland by many researchers and approved for studying psychosocial environment at work, health and well-being in Polish employees. Results: The Polish version of COPSOQ II is composed of 42 scales. The greater number of scales compared to the original version results from reliability analysis. As the original Variation scale was the only with unsatisfactory Cronbach's α so it was divided into two separate measures: Work Repetitiveness and Work Variety. Seven factors were identified and labelled as: Demands at Work, Organizational Relations, Physical Violence, Psychological Violence, Health and Well-being, Work Commitment and Development Perspectives, Relations within a Team. All associations were in the expected direction. Conclusions: The long COPSOQ II PL may be considered as a proper tool to study psychosocial hazards at work in Poland. However, further tests on work environments other than Prison Service are recommended.
Post-intervention epidemiology of STH in Bangladesh: Data to sustain the gains
Authors: Dhakal Sanjaya , Karim Mohammad Jahirul , Al Kawsar Abdullah , Irish Jasmine , Rahman Mujibur , Tupps Cara , Kabir Ashraful , Imtiaz Rubina
Published: December 2020

In 2008, Bangladesh initiated Preventive Chemotherapy (PCT) for school-age children (SAC) through bi-annual school-based mass drug administration (MDA) to control Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections. In 2016, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Program on Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination and STH (ELFSTH) initiated district-level community impact assessments with Children Without Worms (CWW) using standardized, population-based sampling to measure the post-intervention STH burden across all ages (≥ 1 yr) for the three STH species. The Integrated Community-based Survey for Program Monitoring (ICSPM) was developed by CWW and was used to survey 12 districts in Bangladesh from 2017–2020. We excluded the first two district data as piloting caused some sampling errors and combined the individual demographic and parasite-specific characteristics from the subsequent 10 districts, linking them with the laboratory data for collective analysis. Our analysis identified district-specific epidemiologic findings, important for program decisions. Of the 17,874 enrolled individuals, our results are based on 10,824 (61.0%) stool samples. Overall, the prevalence of any STH species was substantially reduced to 14% from 79.8% in 2005. The impact was similar across all ages. STH prevalence was 14% in 10 districts collectively, but remained high in four districts, despite their high reported PCT coverage in previous years. Among all, Bhola district was unique because it was the only district with high T.trichuris prevalence. Bangladesh successfully lowered STH prevalence across all ages despite targeting SAC only. Data from the survey indicate a significant number of adults and pre-school age children (PSAC) were self-deworming with purchased pills. This may account for the flat impact curve across all ages. Overall prevalence varied across surveyed districts, with persistent high transmission in the northeastern districts and a district in the central flood zone, indicating possible service and ecological factors. Discrepancies in the impact between districts highlight the need for district-level data to evaluate program implementation after consistent high PCT coverage.
Alignment of virus-host protein-protein interaction networks by integer linear programming: SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Llabrés Mercè , Valiente Gabriel
Published: December 2020

Motivation

Beside socio-economic issues, coronavirus pandemic COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has caused a deep impact in the scientific community, that has considerably increased its effort to discover the infection strategies of the new virus. Among the extensive and crucial research that has been carried out in the last months, the analysis of the virus-host relationship plays an important role in drug discovery. Virus-host protein-protein interactions are the active agents in virus replication, and the analysis of virus-host protein-protein interaction networks is fundamental to the study of the virus-host relationship.

Results

We have adapted and implemented a recent integer linear programming model for protein-protein interaction network alignment to virus-host networks, and obtained a consensus alignment of the SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 virus-host protein-protein interaction networks. Despite the lack of shared human proteins in these virus-host networks, and the low number of preserved virus-host interactions, the consensus alignment revealed aligned human proteins that share a function related to viral infection, as well as human proteins of high functional similarity that interact with SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 proteins, whose alignment would preserve these virus-host interactions.