bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The expansion and existence of the indigenous rights of sea in indigenous villages (review of the customary right of coastal and marine areas of Halong state)
Authors: Tjoanda Merry
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To know the control of Halong State against coastal and marine areas in the area that has been divided into Latta village and Lateri urban villages.

Design/methodology/approach

This type of writing of research is in the field of law, so the research method used is juridical normative, by using the approach of legislation and conceptual approach, intending to answer the temporary problem issues encountered.

Findings

Article 18B paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution of the State of the Republic of Indonesia is the constitutional basis of the state's recognition of the unity of indigenous and tribal peoples based on their traditional rights. One of the rights of customary law community is the control over its territory, which is called indigenous rights for both land and coastal and sea. In its development, there are some areas of indigenous village released for villages' formation or villages in coastal and marine areas. However, the expansion of indigenous villages did not affect the loss of customary village tenure to the Indigenous rights of coastal and marine areas in the area of a village or urban village which was expanded from a custom village.

Originality/value

Related to this Halong State in Ambon City is one of the indigenous villages which occupies the area within the bay of Ambon Island which has the right of customary law community area in the land area, and has a sea fishing territory. In its development, part of Halong State has been divided into a village and urban village, namely Lata Village and Lateri Urban Village. Latta village and Lateri village are also located in the coastal area of Ambon Bay. The problem that arises from the division is whether the coastal areas and the sea in Latta and Lateri villages remain part of the Halong state territory or not.
How long is 3 km for a butterfly? Ecological constraints and functional traits explain high mitochondrial genetic diversity between Sicily and the Italian Peninsula
Authors: Scalercio Stefano , Cini Alessandro , Menchetti Mattia , Vodă Raluca , Bonelli Simona , Bordoni Adele , Casacci Luca Pietro , Dincă Vlad , Balletto Emilio , Vila Roger , Dapporto Leonardo
Published: March 2020

Populations inhabiting Mediterranean islands often show contrasting genetic lineages, even on islands that were connected to the mainland during glacial maxima. This pattern is generated by forces acting in historical and contemporary times. Understanding these phenomena requires comparative studies integrating genetic structure, functional traits and dispersal constraints.

Using as a model the butterfly species living across the Messina strait (3 km wide) separating Sicily from the Italian Peninsula, we aimed to unravel the mechanisms limiting the dispersal of matrilines and generating genetic differentiation across a narrow sea strait.

We analysed the mitochondrial COI gene of 84 butterfly species out of 90 documented in Sicily and compared them with populations from the neighbouring southern Italian Peninsula (1,398 sequences) and from the entire Palaearctic region (8,093 sequences). For each species, we regressed 13 functional traits and 2 ecological constraints to dispersal (winds experienced at the strait and climatic suitability) against genetic differentiation between Sicily and Italian Peninsula to understand the factors limiting dispersal.

More than a third of the species showed different haplogroups across the strait and most of them also represented endemic haplogroups for this island. One fifth of Sicilian populations (and 32.3% of endemic lineages) had their closest relatives in distant areas, instead of the neighbouring Italian Peninsula, which suggests high relictuality. Haplotype diversity was significantly explained by the length of the flight period, an intrinsic phenology trait, while genetic differentiation was explained by both intrinsic traits (wingspan and degree of generalism) and contemporary local constraints (winds experienced at the strait and climatic suitability).

A relatively narrow sea strait can produce considerable differentiation among butterfly matrilines and this phenomenon showed a largely deterministic fingerprint. Because of unfavourable winds, populations of the less dispersive Sicilian butterflies tended to differentiate into endemic variants or to maintain relict populations. Understanding these phenomena required the integration of DNA sequences, species traits and physical constraints for a large taxon at continental scale. Future studies may reveal if the patterns here shown for mitochondrial DNA are also reflected in the nuclear genome or, alternatively, are the product of limited female dispersal.
How Weakly Institutionalized Parties Monitor Brokers in Developing Democracies: Evidence from Postconflict Liberia
Authors: Bowles Jeremy , Larreguy Horacio , Liu Shelley
Published: March 2020

Political parties in sub‐Saharan Africa's developing democracies are often considered to lack sufficiently sophisticated machines to monitor and incentivize their political brokers. We challenge this view by arguing that the decentralized pyramidal structure of their machines allows them to engage in broker monitoring and incentivizing to mobilize voters, which ultimately improves their electoral performance. This capacity is concentrated (a) among incumbent parties with greater access to resources and (b) where the scope for turnout buying is higher due to the higher costs of voting. Using postwar Liberia to test our argument, we combine rich administrative data with exogenous variation in parties' ability to monitor their brokers. We show that brokers mobilize voters en masse to signal effort, that increased monitoring ability improves the incumbent party's electoral performance, and that this is particularly so in precincts in which voters must travel farther to vote and thus turnout buying opportunities are greater.
Reoperation with laparoscopic mesh repair for recurrent lumbar hernia due to iliac crest bone harvest
Authors: Moriyama Hideki , Shimada Mari , Yoshida Shuhei , Takemura Hirofumi
Published: March 2020

Previous reports have described laparoscopic mesh repair for lumbar hernia due to iliac crest bone harvest, but there have been no reports of reoperation with laparoscopic mesh repair for recurrent cases after laparoscopic mesh repair. Here, we describe the case of a 72‐year‐old Japanese woman with lumbar hernia recurrence 6 years after laparoscopic mesh repair for lumbar hernia due to iliac crest bone harvest. We performed a successful reoperation with laparoscopic mesh repair. Laparoscopic surgery should be considered to elucidate the mechanism of recurrence, previous mesh position, and the area that must be covered to prevent recurrence again.
Sarcoidosis with small syringotropic granulomas presenting clinically as a pigmented purpuric dermatosis: Inconspicuous clinical and histopathological clues to systemic illness
Authors: Simmons Brian J. , Liu Xiaoying , Guill Marshall A. , LeBlanc Robert E.
Published: March 2020

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease with a myriad of clinical manifestations and a predilection to involve the lungs, eyes, lymph nodes, and skin. A 38‐year‐old man presented to dermatology with a history of progressive dyspnea, pulmonary consolidations on chest X‐ray, and hilar adenopathy on computed tomography scan. Skin exam revealed asymptomatic, yellow to brown macules on the right lower extremity. Biopsy of a lesion showed diminutive syringotropic granulomas and perivascular hemosiderin; stains for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi were negative. Subsequent fine needle aspiration of a hilar mass revealed non‐necrotizing epithelioid granulomas further supporting a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The patient was placed on systemic steroids and had improvement of his pulmonary symptoms and stabilization of his hilar lymphadenopathy without resolution of his pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPD) like lesions. Only three prior cases of syringotropic sarcoidosis have been reported; however, the biopsies had revealed conspicuously large granulomas in contrast with the small granulomas in our case, and none of the prior patients had clinical examination findings that mimicked PPD. Recognition of rare dermatologic and histopathological appearances of sarcoidosis is paramount as cutaneous sarcoidosis may be the harbinger of a systemic illness, which requires a timely diagnosis.
Walking the Walk: Putting Design at the Heart of Business
Authors: Gardien Paul , Gilsing Ferdy
Published: March 2020

A perennial question: How can a firm's design function best communicate its value?
Immediate unprepared polyethylene glycol‐flush colonoscopy in elderly patients with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Gül Utku Özlem , Karatay Eylem
Published: March 2020

Aims

Colon preparation is vital yet more difficult in elderly patients with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). The aim of this study is to show the efficacy, safety and outcomes of unprepared polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐flush retrograde colon cleansing in the diagnosis and treatment of elderly home care patients with LGIB.

Methods

A single‐center study was performed between January 2014 and June 2018. Elderly home healthcare patients presenting with hematochezia were enrolled, and an unprepared retrograde bowel cleansing colonoscopy was performed within the first 8 h after admission to the emergency department. PEG solution (2 L) was added to the water jet tank, and jet pump injection was started from the left side of the colon to the right segment of the colon and ended up at the cecum.

Results

In total, 33 elderly patients presenting with hematochezia were evaluated. Mean inward and outward procedure times were 17.06 ± 4.92 (8–33 min) and 28.66 ± 6.88 (10–30 min), respectively. Most of the bleeding was localized in the right colon at 22 patients (66.3%). Endoscopic treatment was performed in 87.9% of patients. The average length of stay in hospital was 44.70 ± 42.81 (range 18.00–240.00 h).

Conclusions

Immediate unprepared PEG‐flush colonoscopy in elderly home care patients with acute LGIB is a safe and effective method, which detects bleeding sources and provides endoscopic therapy. With this procedure, the time of hospital stay is reduced. This approach may be used for the initial intervention in patients admitted to emergency departments or intensive care unit with severe acute LGIB. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
What do consumers with chronic conditions expect from their interactions with general practitioners? A qualitative study of Australian consumer and provider perspectives
Authors: Song Hyun Jung , Dennis Sarah , Levesque Jean‐Frédéric , Harris Mark Fort
Published: March 2020

Background

More than half of Australian adults manage one or more chronic conditions through ongoing interactions with general practitioners (GPs). Their experience of general practice interactions has important implications for their health outcomes and is thus important to explore in‐depth. Consumer expectations have emerged as a key consideration in this regard. How well they met in care settings can inform consumers' satisfaction and response to the care received. However, consumer expectations in Australian general practice are not well researched.

Objective

To identify key consumer expectations in clinical interactions in Australian general practice based on consumer and GP perspectives.

Design

Qualitative, phenomenological approach using thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews.

Setting and participants

Thirty‐one participants: 18 patients with one or more chronic (persisting > 6 months) conditions, 10 GPs and 3 GP registrars in Sydney, Australia.

Results

Consumer expectations were strongly related to the context of their ongoing therapeutic relationship with a regular GP. Themes relating to some of the most commonly reported consumer expectations were as follows: (a) the importance of longevity and continuity; (b) having good rapport; (c) GP's respect for consumer opinions and expertise; (d) having effective communication; and (e) addressing mental health.

Conclusion

Australian GPs and consumers prioritize a positive, long‐term clinical relationship in which they respect one another and can communicate their expectations freely. This has implications for consumer satisfaction and in turn ensuring relational continuity, which is particularly relevant to the ongoing care and management of consumers with chronic conditions.
Comparison of Privacy Consciousness Between Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Tabata Naoya , Sato Hirotsune , Ninomiya Katsumi
Published: March 2020

The degree of being conscious about privacy for the self and others is known as privacy consciousness. This study aimed to compare privacy consciousness between younger and older adults. Japanese younger (n = 166) and older (n = 145) adults were requested to rate all items in the Privacy Consciousness Scale, which assessed their degree of consciousness about privacy for the self and others and behaviors for maintaining privacy based on this consciousness. Results indicated that older adults scored lower on Consciousness Regarding Privacy of Others and higher on Behaviors Regarding Privacy of Others than younger adults. However, no significant difference was found in Consciousness and Behaviors Regarding Privacy of the Self between younger and older adults.
What Use is a Critical Moment?
Authors: Laws David
Published: March 2020

This article takes a pragmatic approach to understanding critical moments and explores their use in three forms of practice: research, conflict diagnosis, and a form of intervention called a reconstruction clinic. Reviewing what makes critical moments useful in these practices provides insights into their character, and into how they function in the work of adept practitioners, and into the way stakeholders experience, make sense of, and act in a conflict. This review opens insights into the relationship between stories, memory, and action and into the layered and relational quality of experience that the use of critical moments helps to evoke. It also highlights a plasticity that distinguishes critical moments and helps to foster interaction and development in research, in conflict diagnosis, and in efforts to intervene in the contested history of a conflict.
Rational Moral Ignorance
Authors: Barnett Zach
Published: March 2020

What should a person do when, through no fault of her own, she ends up believing a false moral theory? Some suggest that she should act against what the false theory recommends; others argue that she should follow her rationally held moral beliefs. While the former view better accords with intuitions about cases, the latter one seems to enjoy a critical advantage: It seems better able to render moral requirements ‘followable’ or ‘action‐guiding.’ But this tempting thought proves difficult to justify. Indeed, whether it can be justified turns out to depend importantly on the rational status of epistemic akrasia. Furthermore, it can be argued, from premises all parties to the moral ignorance debate should accept, that rational epistemic akrasia is possible. If the argument proves successful, it follows that a person should sometimes act against her rationally held moral convictions.
Properties of secondary particles for the reactive ion beam sputtering of Ti and TiO2 using oxygen ions
Authors: Amelal Thomas , Pietzonka Lukas , Rohkamm Erik , Bundesmann Carsten
Published: March 2020

The ion beam sputtering of a metallic Ti and a ceramic TiO2 target by bombardment with oxygen ions was investigated systematically. Emphasis was put on the properties of the secondary particles emitted from the target, namely, the angular distribution of the sputtered Ti and the energy distribution of the secondary ions. Ion energies of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 keV and incidence angles of 0°, 30°, and 60° were used. The angular distribution of the flux of sputtered Ti particles was determined by measuring the thickness of TiO2 films that were deposited under emission angles in the range between −40° and +80°. An empirical formula was used to describe the angular distribution as a superposition of an isotropic and an anisotropic cosinelike function. Increasing the ion energy or decreasing the ion incidence angle leads to a more isotropic emission of the sputtered Ti particles. The mass and energy distribution of the secondary ions were measured using an energy-selective mass spectrometer. The most prevalent ion species are O+, O2+, Ti+, and TiO+. Ion energy and sputtering geometry, i.e., the combination of an ion incidence angle and an emission angle, were found to have a strong influence on the energy distribution of the secondary ions.
RAS, wanted dead or alive: Advances in targeting RAS mutant cancers
Authors: Stalnecker Clint A. , Der Channing J.
Published: March 2020

New signaling insights level the playing field against the notoriously “undruggable” protein RAS.
A Disjointed Pathway for Malonate Degradation by Rhodopseudomonas palustris
Authors: Wang Zhaobao , Wen Qifeng , Harwood Caroline S. , Liang Bo , Yang Jianming
Published: March 2020

There is interest in understanding how bacteria metabolize malonate because this three-carbon dicarboxylic acid can serve as a building block in bioengineering applications to generate useful compounds that have an odd number of carbons. We found that the phototrophic bacteriumRhodopseudomonas palustrisgrows extremely slowly on malonate. We identified two enzymes and two TRAP transporters involved in the uptake and metabolism of malonate, but some of these elements are apparently not very efficient.R. palustriscells growing with malonate have the potential to be excellent biocatalysts, because cells would be able to divert cellular resources to the production of value-added compounds instead of using them to support rapid growth. In addition, our results suggest thatR. palustrisis a candidate for directed evolution studies to improve growth on malonate and to observe the kinds of genetic adaptations that occur to make a metabolic pathway operate more efficiently.
Mycoplasma genitalium Detection in Urogenital Specimens from Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Men and Women by Use of the cobas TV/MG Test
Authors: Van Der Pol Barbara , Waites Ken B. , Xiao Li , Taylor Stephanie N. , Rao Arundhati , Nye Melinda , Chavoustie Steven , Ermel Aaron , Kaplan Clair , Eisenberg David , Chan Philip A. , Mena Leandro , Pacheco Sixto , Krishnamurthy Smitha , Mohan Ruchika , Bertuzis Rasa , McGowin Chris L. , Arcenas Rodney , Marlowe Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2020

Mycoplasma genitalium
(MG) infections are a growing concern within the field of sexually transmitted infections. However, diagnostic assays for
M. genitalium
have been limited in the United States. As most infections are asymptomatic, individuals can unknowingly pass the infection on, and the prevalence is likely to be underestimated. Diagnosis of
M. genitalium
infection is recommended using a nucleic acid test. This multicenter study assessed the performance of the cobas
Trichomonas vaginalis
(TV)/MG assay (cobas) for the detection of
M. genitalium
, using 22,150 urogenital specimens from both symptomatic and asymptomatic men and women collected at geographically diverse sites across the United States.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Tegument Protein BGLF2 Suppresses Type I Interferon Signaling To Promote EBV Reactivation
Authors: Liu XueQiao , Sadaoka Tomohiko , Krogmann Tammy , Cohen Jeffrey I.
Published: March 2020

Type I interferons are important for controlling virus infection. We have found that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BGLF2 tegument protein binds to a protein in the type I interferon signaling pathway Tyk2 and inhibits the expression of genes induced by type I interferons. Treatment of EBV-infected cells with type I interferon inhibits reactivation of the virus, while expression of EBV BGLF2 reduces the ability of type I interferon to inhibit virus reactivation. Thus, a tegument protein delivered to cells during virus infection inhibits the host’s antiviral response and promotes virus reactivation of latently infected cells. Therefore, EBV BGLF2 might protect virus-infected cells from the type I interferon response in cells undergoing lytic virus replication.
Flagellum-Mediated Mechanosensing and RflP Control Motility State of Pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Laganenka Leanid , López María Esteban , Colin Remy , Sourjik Victor
Published: March 2020

Flagella and motility are widespread virulence factors among pathogenic bacteria. Motility enhances the initial host colonization, but the flagellum is a major antigen targeted by the host immune system. Here, we demonstrate that pathogenic
E. coli
strains employ a mechanosensory function of the flagellar motor to activate flagellar expression under high loads, while repressing it in liquid culture. We hypothesize that this mechanism allows pathogenic
E. coli
to regulate its motility dependent on the stage of infection, activating flagellar expression upon initial contact with the host epithelium, when motility is beneficial, but reducing it within the host to delay the immune response.
Adenoma detection by Endocuff-assisted versus standard colonoscopy in routine practice: a cluster-randomised crossover trial
Authors: Karsenti David , Tharsis Gaelle , Perrot Bastien , Cattan Philippe , Tordjman Gilles , Venezia Franck , Zrihen Elie , Gillot Dominique , Gillet Agnes , Hagege Charles , Samama Joelle , Etienney Isabelle , Lab Jean-Philippe , Guigui Bernard , Zago Jacqueline , Benkessou Bouchra , Burtin Pascal , Cavicchi Maryan
Published: March 2020

Objective

Endocuff Vision (ECV) is the second generation of a device designed to improve polyp detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate its impact on adenoma detection rate (ADR) in routine colonoscopy.

Design

This cluster-randomised crossover trial compared Endocuff-assisted (ECV+) with standard (ECV-) colonoscopy. Two teams of 11 endoscopists each with prior ECV experience, balanced in terms of basal ADR, gender and case volume were compared. In randomised fashion, the teams started with ECV+ or ECV- and switched group after inclusion of half of the cases. The main outcome criterion was ADR difference between ECV+ and ECV-. Subgroup analysis was done for physicians with low and high ADR (< or ≥ 25%).

Results

During two periods of 20 and 21 weeks, respectively, the 22 endoscopists included 2058 patients (1032 ECV- vs 1026 ECV+, both groups being comparable). Overall ADR for both groups taken together was higher with ECV (39.2%) than without (29.4%; p<0.001) irrespective of the sequence of use (ECV+ or ECV- first), but mostly in adenomas <1 cm. In the physician subgroup analysis, only high detectors showed a significant ADR increase (from 31% to 41%, p<0.001), while the increase in the low detectors was not significant (from 24% to 30%, p=0.11). ECV had a positive impact in all colonic locations, except for the rectum. No ECV- related complication was reported.

Conclusion

We observed a significant ADR difference of approximately 10% by the use of ECV. By subgroup analysis, this increase was significant only in physicians classified as high detectors.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03344055).
Decade of fatal injuries in workers in New Zealand: insights from a comprehensive national observational study
Authors: Lilley Rebbecca , Maclennan Brett , McNoe Bronwen M , Davie Gabrielle , Horsburgh Simon , Driscoll Tim
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Current priorities and strategies to prevent work-related fatal injury (WRFI) in New Zealand (NZ) are based on incomplete data capture. This paper provides an overview of key results from a comprehensive 10-year NZ study of worker fatalities using coronial records.

Methods

A data set of workers, aged 15–84 years at the time of death who died in the period 2005–2014, was created using coronial records. Data collection involved: (1) identifying possible cases from mortality records using selected external cause of injury codes; (2) linking these to coronial records; (3) retrieving and reviewing records for work-relatedness; and (4) coding work-related cases. Frequencies, percentages and rates were calculated. Analyses were stratified into workplace and work-traffic settings.

Results

Over the decade, 955 workers were fatally injured, giving a rate of 4.8 (95% CI 5.6 to 6.3) per 100 000 worker-years. High rates of worker fatalities were observed for workers aged 70–84 years, indigenous Māori and for males. Workers employed in mining had the highest rate in workplace settings while transport, postal and warehousing employees had the highest rate in work-traffic settings. Vehicle-related mechanisms dominated the mechanism and vehicles and environmental agents dominated the breakdown agencies contributing to worker fatalities.

Discussion

This study shows the rates of worker fatalities vary widely by age, sex, ethnicity, occupation and industry and are a very serious problem for particular groups. Future efforts to address NZ’s high rates of WRFI should use these findings to aid understanding where preventive actions should be prioritised.
Lack of July effect in the utilization of neuraxial and peripheral nerve block in US teaching hospitals: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Kim Sang Jo , Wilson Lauren , Liu Jiabin , Kim David H , Fiasconaro Megan , Poeran Jashvant , Freeman Carrie , Beathe Jonathan , Memtsoudis Stavros
Published: March 2020

Background

Given the steep learning curve for neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks, utilization of general anesthesia may increase as new house staff begin their residency programs. We sought to determine whether “July effect” affects the utilization of neuraxial anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and opioid prescribing for lower extremity total joint arthroplasties (TJA) in July compared with June in teaching and non-teaching hospitals.

Methods

Neuraxial anesthesia, peripheral nerve block use, and opioid prescribing trends were assessed using the Premier database (2006–2016). Analyses were conducted separately for teaching and non-teaching hospitals. Differences in proportions were evaluated via χ2test, while differences in opioid prescribing were analyzed via Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Results

A total of 1 723 256 TJA procedures were identified. The overall proportion of neuraxial anesthesia use in teaching hospitals was 14.4% in both June and July (p=0.940). No significant changes in neuraxial use were seen in non-teaching hospitals (24.5% vs 24.9%; p=0.052). Peripheral nerve block utilization rates did not differ in both teaching (15.4% vs 15.3%; p=0.714) and non-teaching hospitals (10.7% vs 10.5%; p=0.323). Overall median opioid prescribing at teaching hospitals changed modestly from 262.5 oral morphine equivalents (OME) in June to 260 in July (p=0.026) while median opioid prescribing remained at a constant value of 255 OME at non-teaching hospitals (p=0.893).

Conclusion

Utilization of neuraxial and regional anesthesia techniques was not affected during the initial transition period of new house staff in US teaching institutions. It is feasible that enough resources are available in the system to accommodate periods of turnover and maintain levels of regional anesthetic care including additional attending anesthesiologist oversight.
CEMIP regulates the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis through the WNT–beta-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Xue Qiang , Wang Xiaoli , Deng Xiaohui , Huang Yue , Tian Wei
Published: March 2020

In this study we investigated the regulatory role of cell-migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein (CEMIP) in the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The mRNA and protein levels of CEMIP were upregulated in the plasma samples from patients with atherosclerosis, and in VSMCs stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), compared with plasma from healthy subjects and untreated VSMCs. Silencing CEMIP suppressed PDGF-BB-induced cell migration and proliferation in VSMCs, as determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, 5-ethynyl-2′-deocyuridine (EDU) assays, flow cytometry, wound healing assays, and Transwell assays. Overexpression of CEMIP promoted the proliferation and migration of VSMCs via activation of the Wnt–β-catenin signaling pathway and the upregulation of its target genes, including matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-7, cyclin D1, and c-myc, whereas CEMIP deficiency showed the opposite effects. The knockdown of CEMIP in ApoE−/− mice by intravenous injection of lentiviral vector expressing si-CEMIP protected against high-fat-diet-induced atherosclerosis, as shown by the reduced aortic lesion areas, aortic sinus lesion areas, and the concentration of blood lipids compared with mice normally expressing CEMIP. These results demonstrated that CEMIP regulates the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in atherosclerosis by activating the WNT–β-catenin signaling pathway, which suggests the therapeutic potential of CEMIP for the management of atherosclerosis.
Etherification of phenols by amines via transient diazonium intermediates
Authors: Reynard Guillaume , Mayrand Hugo , Lebel Hélène
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the synthesis of alkyl aryl ethers from electron poor phenols and amines, using 1,3-propanedinitrite, is described. Due to the mild conditions, functionalized primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl groups were successfully introduced, denoting a highly tolerant process that allows for unprotected alcohols and acetals. The reaction is thought to proceed through the formation of a diazonium intermediate that undergoes subsequent SN2 or SN1 reactions.
Spectral action approach to higher derivative gravity
Authors: Mistry Ravi , Pinzul Aleksandr , Rachwał Lesław
Published: March 2020

We study the spectral action approach to higher derivative gravity. The work focuses on the classical aspects. We derive the complete and simplified form of the purely gravitational action up to the 6-derivative terms. We also derive the equivalent forms of the action, which might prove useful in different applications, namely Riemann– and Weyl–dominated representations. The spectral action provides a rather rigid structure of the higher derivative part of the theory. We discuss the possible consequences of this rigidness. As one of the applications, we check whether the conformal backgrounds are preferred in some way on the classical level, with the conclusion that at this level, there is no obvious reason for such a preference, the space $$S^1 \times S^3$$S1×S3 studied in earlier works being a special case. Some other possible properties of the higher derivative gravity given by the spectral action are briefly discussed.
Multiscalar field models: Interaction potentials, wave functions and cosmological solutions
Authors: Jamal Sameerah
Published: March 2020

We consider a multiscalar tensor cosmology model described by Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) spacetime with zero spatial curvature. Three specific scalar interaction potentials that characterize the model are analyzed under a set of coordinate transformations. By implication, we solve for the wave function of the universe, reduce the dimension of the underlying Hamiltonian system and consequently, establish analytical solutions of the multiscalar model’s field equations.
A translation repressor, 4E-BP1, regulates the triglyceride level in rat liver during protein deprivation
Authors: Toyoshima Yuka , Yoshizawa Fumiaki , Tokita Reiko , Taguchi Yusuke , Takahashi Shin-Ichiro , Kato Hisanori , Minami Shiro
Published: March 2020

Protein deprivation has been shown to induce fatty liver in humans and animals, but the molecular mechanisms underlying such induction are largely unknown. Our previous studies have shown that a low-protein diet increases eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) protein and triglyceride (TG) levels in rat liver. 4E-BP1 is known to repress translation by binding to eIF4E. There is also evidence indicating that 4E-BP1 regulates lipid metabolism. Here, we examined the role of 4E-BP1 on TG accumulation in the livers of rats under protein deprivation. The low-protein diet rapidly increased the hepatic 4E-BP1 mRNA level within 1 day, followed by the induction of hepatic TG accumulation. The knockdown of hepatic 4E-BP1 attenuated the TG accumulation in rat liver induced by the low-protein diet. 4E-BP1 knockdown also increased the protein level of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), a regulator of fatty acid oxidation, in the liver of rats fed a low-protein diet. These results indicate that a low-protein diet increases the amount of 4E-BP1, leading to TG accumulation in rat liver. We thus conclude that 4E-BP1 plays an important role in inducing hepatic steatosis under protein deprivation.
Comparison of Phytochemical Profile, Mineral Content, andIn VitroAntioxidant Activities ofCorchorus capsularisandCorchorus olitoriusLeaf Extracts from Different Populations
Authors: Biswas Ashok , Dey Susmita , Li Defang , Liu Yi , Zhang Jiangjiang , Huang Siqi , Pan Gen , Deng Yong
Published: March 2020

In addition to fiber,Corchorus(jute) leaf is also rich in secondary metabolites and is used in folk medicine in jute-producing communities. It has been reported that jute halts progression of and helps manage different chronic diseases like tumors, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Various phytochemical, mineral, and antioxidant potency properties of 30 genotypes belonging toCorchorus capsularisandCorchorus olitoriuswere evaluated in the current study. The results demonstrate that the range of total flavonoids and polyphenols was 3.04 to 13.66 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g and 5.12 to 7.78 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. Total tannin and saponin content in both species was 13.08 to 26.95 mg tannic acid (TAE)/g and 34.45 to 114.59 mg tea saponin (TSE)/g DW, respectively, when analyzed for the first time. Moreover, this study sincerely establishes that jute leaf is a great source of mineral elements (magnesium, zinc, and selenium) and could also be a good energy source. The antioxidant properties of samples were examined with three unique strategies, including DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS values of leaf extract ranging from 206.42 to 351.77 μg/ml (IC50), 16.69 to 94.69 mmol Fe (II)/g DW, and 50.27 to 149.90 mmol trolox equivalent (TE)/g DW, respectively. A principle component analysis (PCA) explained 58.52% of the variance, while a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed to construct five distinct groups based on their secondary compound metabolites content and antioxidant activities. Therefore, this study facilitates selection of the high genotypes that might be used as new materials for developing industrial and medicinal uses in addition to sorting genotypes for future genetic engineering purposes in order to enhance a particular bioactive compound and its natural antioxidants that are beneficial for human health.
Ulcerative Colitis in Hematological Malignancies: Paraneoplastic Manifestation or Coincidental Bystander?
Authors: Christodoulidis Gregorios , Perivoliotis Konstantinos , Manolakis Anastasios , Diamantis Alexandros , Koffas Apostolos , Magouliotis Dimitrios , Pappi Vasiliki , Zacharoulis Dimitrios
Published: March 2020

Evidence of coexistence of diverse hematological malignancies—lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes—and either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can be found in the literature. However, a more “systemic” effort to reach further and examine the potential of either one as paraneoplastic manifestation has not been performed. Based on these, three cases of ulcerative colitis manifesting before, simultaneously, and after the onset of different hematological malignancies are presented and critically evaluated.
Development of Vaginal Pseudoaneurysm 3 Years after Cesarean Section Possibly Induced by Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapies
Authors: Kinjo Yui , Kinjo Tadatsugu , Mekaru Keiko , Nitta Hayase , Masamoto Hitoshi , Aoki Yoichi
Published: March 2020

Pseudoaneurysms generally develop when an arterial puncture site is inadequately sealed. We encountered a case of vaginal pseudoaneurysm that developed 3 years after cesarean section in a 35-year-old gravida 7 para 4 woman who was prescribed with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs after surgeries for ventricular septal defect and aortic valve replacement. Pelvic computed tomography scan revealed a large mass, which showed a dappled contrast filling on the arterial phase, located in the posterior vaginal wall. The vaginal pseudoaneurysm was completely occluded by embolization of the left vaginal artery. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies can be potential causes of spontaneous pseudoaneurysm rupture. Extrauterine pseudoaneurysm has a long period of time between cesarean section and pseudoaneurysm discovery. Considering that pseudoaneurysm shows different clinical features for each patient, we should always consider pseudoaneurysm when we assess a patient with postpartum hemorrhage.
Risk Factors for Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Induced by Flexible Ureteroscope Combined with Holmium Laser Lithotripsy
Authors: Mi Qiwu , Meng Xiangjun , Meng Linghui , Chen Derong , Fang Shaowei
Published: March 2020

Objective. To investigate the risk factors of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) induced by flexible ureteroscope combined with Holmium laser lithotripsy. Patients and Methods. The clinical data from 216 consecutive patients who had undergone flexible ureteroscope combined with Holmium laser lithotripsy between August 2015 and May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. To identify the risk factors of systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by flexible ureteroscope combined with Holmium laser lithotripsy, the cases were divided into two groups according to whether they developed postoperative SIRS: SIRS group (21 cases) and non‐SIRS group (195 cases). Age, gender, body mass index, stone size, surgery time, stone location, hydronephrosis, urine culture, hospital stay, stone‐free rate, ureteral access sheath, and diabetes mellitus were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to calculate the potential factors. In order to determine the independence of the various factors, factors that potentially contributed to SIRS were compared between the SIRS group and the non‐SIRS group. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Results. All patients were successfully treated with flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. The incidence of SIRS after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy was 9.7%. The univariate analysis demonstrated the potential risk factors of systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy were stone size (p = 0.002), surgery time (p = 0.01), urine culture (p ≤ 0.001), and ureteral access sheath (p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that stone size (p = 0.002, OR = 1.618; 95% CI, 0.452‐0.844), surgery time (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 1.025; 95% CI, 1.016‐1.034), urine culture (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 25.795; 95% CI, 22.131‐30.065), and ureteral access sheath (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 6.101; 95% CI, 5.109‐7.284) were independent risk factors for SIRS induced by flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Conclusions. Stone size, surgery time, urine culture, and ureteral access sheath are independent risk factors for SIRS induced by flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Patients with these high‐risk factors should be carefully evaluated to reduce systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Performance of Contrast-Fractional Flow Reserve versus Quantitative Flow Ratio for Functional Assessment of Coronary Stenoses
Authors: Zhang Ruitao , Zhang Jianwei , Guo Lijun
Published: March 2020

Background. Use of the fractional flow reserve (FFR) technique is recommended to evaluate coronary stenosis severity and guide revascularization. However, its high cost, time to administer, and the side effects of adenosine reduce its clinical utility. Two novel adenosine-free indices, contrast-FFR (cFFR) and quantitative flow ratio (QFR), can simplify the functional evaluation of coronary stenosis. This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of cFFR and QFR using FFR as a reference index. Methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies in which cFFR or QFR was compared to FFR. A bivariate model was applied to pool diagnostic parameters. Cochran’s Q test and the I2 index were used to assess heterogeneity and identify the potential source of heterogeneity by metaregression and sensitivity analysis. Results. Overall, 2220 and 3000 coronary lesions from 20 studies were evaluated by cFFR and QFR, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.91) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.94) for cFFR and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82, 0.91) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.93) for QFR, respectively. No statistical significance of sensitivity and specificity for cFFR and QFR were observed in the bivariate analysis (P=0.8406 and 0.4397, resp.). The area under summary receiver-operating curve of cFFR and QFR was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.97) for cFFR and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.97). Conclusion. Both cFFR and QFR have good diagnostic performance in detecting functional severity of coronary arteries and showed similar diagnostic parameters.
Profiling of Naturally Occurring Antibodies to the Thomsen‐Friedenreich Antigen in Health and Cancer: The Diversity and Clinical Potential
Authors: Kurtenkov Oleg
Published: March 2020

The Thomsen‐Friedenreich (TF) antigen is expressed in a majority of human tumors due to aberrant glycosylation in cancer cells. There is strong evidence that humoral immune response to TF represents an effective mechanism for the elimination of cancer cells that express TF‐positive glycoconjugates. The presence of naturally occurring antibodies to tumor‐associated TF and cancer‐specific changes in their levels, isotype distribution and interrelation, avidity, and glycosylation profile make these Abs a convenient and ubiquitous marker for cancer diagnostics and prognostics. In this review, we attempt to summarize the latest data on the potential of TF‐specific Abs for cancer diagnostics and prognostics.
Traditional Gender Roles and Effects of Dementia Caregiving within a South Asian Ethnic Group in England
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Zakir , Stores Rebecca , Hakak Yohai , Dewey Ann
Published: March 2020

Background: Despite the integral role that women play in the care of older adults in South Asian families, limited empirical data are available on the impact of migration from South Asia to England. The purpose of this research was to examine caring for a family member with dementia from a gender role perspective. Methods: Data were gathered in two phases: (1) focus groups and (2) semi-structured interviews. Focus groups were held with the general public, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with family carers. Data were audio-recorded and analysed using thematic analysis. The NVivo qualitative software was utilised to simplify the thematic analysis. Results: While traditionally family care for frail older adults has been mainly provided by women in South Asian families, the samples in this study revealed how women’s attitudes towards caregiving are changing in British societies. Conclusion: There is a dearth of research about socioeconomic transformations in South Asian women’s migration to Western countries that could contribute to deterring them from providing family care. More research is warranted to understand the ways in which migration shapes gender relations in South Asian families and its impact on care for the frail elderly.
Physiologic Significance of Epigenetic Regulation of Thyroid Hormone Target Gene Expression
Authors: Anselmo João , Chaves Carolina M.
Published: March 2020

Background: In previous publications, we have reported our findings demonstrating that exposure to high maternal levels of thyroid hormones (TH) has life-long effects on the wild-type (WT, without THRB mutation) progeny of mothers with resistance to thyroid hormone beta (RTHβ). The mechanism of this epigenetic effect remains unclear. Objectives: We reviewed the mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation of TH target genes and understand how they may explain the reduced sensitivity to TH in the WT progeny of RTHβ mothers. Methods: The availability of a large, formerly genotyped Azorean population with many individuals harboring the THRB mutation, R243Q, provided us a model to study the influence of fetal exposure to high maternal TH levels. Results: The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) response in WT adults was less suppressible following the administration of L-triiodothyronine (L-T3). This finding suggests reduced sensitivity to TH that is induced by an epigenetic mechanism resulting from exposure to high maternal levels of TH during pregnancy. The persistence of this effect across 3 generations of WT subjects favors transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Based on preliminary studies in mice, we identified the naturally imprinted gene encoding deiodinase type 3, i.e., DIO3, as a possible mediator of this epigenetic effect through increased inactivation of TH. Conclusion: Increased D3 expression and consequently increased T3 degradation appear to be responsible for the reduced sensitivity of the anterior pituitary to administered L-T3. The imprinted DIO3 gene may be a candidate gene that mediates the epigenetic effect induced by exposure to high maternal levels of TH. However, we cannot exclude the role of other TH-responsive genes.
A Painful Finger: An Unusual Presentation of Von Hippel-Lindau-Associated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ho Pui San Sarah , Yip Li Yin , Nguyen Mike , Wijesinghe Weeragoda , Sahu Arvind
Published: March 2020

Bone is reported to be one of the most common sites of metastasis. Acrometastasis is an extremely rare situation and accounts for approximately 0.1% of all metastatic lesions to the skeleton. Here, we present a case of acrometastasis in a 55-year-old woman who presented with a 3-month history of atraumatic right ring fingertip pain and swelling and was subsequently diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. This report highlights the importance of clinical suspicion of malignancy at unusual sites in the setting of non-resolving symptoms.
Design of Micro Robot for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Ganesh A Deiva
Published: March 2020

Micro robots for medical applications need to be compatible with human body, remotely controllable, smooth in movement, less painful to the patients and capable of performing the designated functions. In this paper, state of the art in the design, fabrication and control of micro robots are presented. First the benefits of micro robots in medical applications are listed out. Second, the predominantly used micro robot designs are discussed. Third, the various fabrication process used in micro robot construction are presented. Fourth, the different approaches used for its operation and control in micro robot technology are narrated. Next based on the review we have designed a swimming micro robot driven by external magnetic fields for minimally invasive surgery. The advantage of EMA is that it can generate a wireless driving force. Then, the locomotive mechanism of the micro robot using EMA is presented. Using the EMA system setup various experiments have been conducted. Finally, the performance of the swimming micro robot is evaluated.

 