bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in an overweight and obese population: a long-term retrospective cohort study from a Gulf state
Authors: Regmi Dybesh , Al-Shamsi Saif , Govender Romona D. , Al Kaabi Juma
Published: July 2020

Objectives

A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing a marked increase in obesity. Nonetheless, no data are available regarding the incidence of type 2 DM in the high-risk adult UAE population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and risk of developing type 2 DM among individuals with above-normal BMI in the UAE.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient clinics at a tertiary care centre in Al Ain, UAE.

Participants

Three hundred and sixty-two overweight or obese adult UAE nationals who visited outpatient clinics between April 2008 and December 2008.

Primary outcome measure

Patients with type 2 DM were identified based on diagnosis established by a physician or through glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥6.5% during the follow-up period (until April 2018).

Results

The overall incidence rate of type 2 DM during the median follow-up time of 8.7 years was 16.3 (95% CI 12.1 to 21.4) cases per 1000 person-years. Incidence rates in men and women were 17.7 (95% CI 11.6 to 25.9) and 15.0 (95% CI 9.8 to 22.2) cases per 1000 person-years, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis determined older age and obesity in women and pre-diabetes in men to be independent risk factors for developing type 2 DM.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of type 2 DM in overweight and obese UAE nationals is high. In addition to screening, current strategies should strongly emphasise lifestyle modifications to decrease HbA1c and BMI levels in this high-risk population.
Knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals to frailty screening in primary care: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Okpechi Ijeoma , Randhawa Gurch , Hewson David
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Frailty is an increasingly common condition in which physiological decline as a result of accumulated deficits renders older people more vulnerable to adverse outcomes. An increasing range of frailty screening programmes have been introduced in primary care to identify frail older people in order to deliver appropriate interventions. However, limited information on the knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals (HCPs) with respect to frailty screening is known. The aim of this systematic review is to provide evidence on the knowledge and attitude of HCP in terms of frailty screening, and potentially identify barriers and facilitators to frailty screening to improve implementation of frailty screening in primary care.

Methods/design

A systematic review of qualitative research will be conducted. Databases searched will be MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO and Web of Science from January 2001 to August 2019. Methods will be reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Population, interest, context and study design methodology was used to develop inclusion and exclusion criteria with HCPs as population, frailty screening as interest and knowledge or attitude of HCPs to frailty screening as context. Studies with a qualitative methodology or a mixed-method design where the qualitative component is analysed separately will also be included. Quality appraisal will be carried out using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool for qualitative studies. Data will be extracted from each selected study with thematic framework analysis used to synthesise findings.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not require ethical approval as primary data will not be collected. The findings will be disseminated at conferences and in a relevant academic journal. This review will assist HCPs and relevant stakeholders to tackle the challenges of frailty screening in primary care.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019159007.
Opioids for breathlessness: a narrative review
Authors: Johnson Miriam J , Currow David C.
Published: July 2020

Chronic breathlessness is a disabling and distressing condition for which there is a growing evidence base for a range of interventions. Non-pharmacological interventions are the mainstay of management and should be optimised prior to use of opioid medication. Opioids are being implemented variably in practice for chronic breathlessness. This narrative review summarises the evidence defining current opioids for breathlessness best practice and identifies remaining research gaps. There is level 1a evidence to support the use of opioids for breathlessness. The best evidence is for 10–30 mg daily de novo low-dose oral sustained-release morphine in opioid-naïve patients. This should be considered the current standard of care following independent, regulatory scrutiny by one of the world’s therapeutics regulatory bodies. Optimal benefits are seen in steady state; however, there are few published data about longer term benefits or harms. Morphine-related adverse events are common but mostly mild and self-limiting on withdrawal of drug. Early and meticulous management of constipation, nausea and vomiting is needed particularly in the first week of administration. Serious adverse events are no more common than placebo in clinical studies. Observational studies in severe chronic lung disease do not show excess mortality or hospital admission in those taking opioids. We have no long-term data on immune or endocrine function. There are promising data regarding prophylaxis for exertion-related breathlessness, but given the risks associated with transmucosal fentanyl, caution is needed with regard to clinical use pending longer term, robust safety data.
Reorganisation of faecal microbiota transplant services during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ianiro Gianluca , Mullish Benjamin H , Kelly Colleen R , Kassam Zain , Kuijper Ed J , Ng Siew C , Iqbal Tariq H , Allegretti Jessica R , Bibbò Stefano , Sokol Harry , Zhang Faming , Fischer Monika , Costello Samuel Paul , Keller Josbert J , Masucci Luca , van Prehn Joffrey , Quaranta Gianluca , Quraishi Mohammed Nabil , Segal Jonathan , Kao Dina , Satokari Reetta , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Tilg Herbert , Gasbarrini Antonio , Cammarota Giovanni
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an exponential increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated deaths, and represents a significant challenge to healthcare professionals and facilities. Individual countries have taken several prevention and containment actions to control the spread of infection, including measures to guarantee safety of both healthcare professionals and patients who are at increased risk of infection from COVID-19. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has a well-established role in the treatment ofClostridioides difficileinfection. In the time of the pandemic, FMT centres and stool banks are required to adopt a workflow that continues to ensure reliable patient access to FMT while maintaining safety and quality of procedures. In this position paper, based on the best available evidence, worldwide FMT experts provide guidance on issues relating to the impact of COVID-19 on FMT, including patient selection, donor recruitment and selection, stool manufacturing, FMT procedures, patient follow-up and research activities.
What does solidarity do for bioethics?
Authors: Kolers Avery
Published: July 2020

Bioethical work on solidarity has yielded an array of divergent conceptions. But what do these accounts add to normative bioethics? What is solidarity’s distinctive social normative role? Prainsack and Buyx suggest that solidarity be understood as the ‘putty’ of justice. I argue here that the putty metaphor is deeply insightful and—when spelled out in detail—successfully explicates solidarity’s social normative function. Unfortunately, Prainsack and Buyx’s own account cannot play this role. I propose instead that the putty metaphor supports a conception of solidarity as equity. This proposal enables us to answer whether and when we should act in solidarity, and with whom, while also capturing the putty metaphor and hence answering a basic question: what is solidarity for?
Screening of thermosensitive autolytic mutant brewer’s yeast and transcriptomic analysis of heat stress response
Authors: Zhang Mingfang , Wang Jinjing , Niu Chengtuo , Zheng Feiyun , Liu Chunfeng , Li Qi
Published: July 2020

Brewer’s yeast has been widely used in the food industry, and the autolysates thereof are increasingly being studied for their valuable nutritional compositions. Yeast autolysis is most affected by medium composition and temperature. In this study, a thermosensitive autolytic brewer’s yeast P-510 was obtained with atmospheric and room temperature plasma mutagenesis plus 5-bromo-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate screening. The mutant rapidly autolyzed at 37 °C and the autolysates contained more active components and showed higher antioxidant activities compared with that of the parental strain, which indicated that the mutant’s autolysates can potentially be used as functional food and nutritional ingredients. Transcriptomic analysis of the mutant and parental strains at 28 and 37 °C suggested that thermosensitive autolysis of P-510 was probably caused by mitochondrial disfunction, glycogen metabolic flux of glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway disorder, as well as hexose transport inhibition. The results revealed the important role of mitochondrial metabolism and glycogen utilization regulation in heat stress response of yeast.
Impact on Longevity of Genetic Cardiovascular Risk and Lifestyle including Red Meat Consumption
Authors: Pereira da Silva Alda , Costa Maria do Céu , Aguiar Laura , Matos Andreia , Gil Ângela , Gorjão-Clara J. , Polónia Jorge , Bicho Manuel
Published: July 2020

Background. Cardiovascular risk (CVR) underlies aging process and longevity. Previous work points to genetic and environmental factors associated with this risk.Objectives. The aim of this research is to look for any CVR gene-gene and gene-multifactorial/lifestyle interactions that may impact health and disease and underlie exceptional longevity.Methods. A case-control study involving 521 both gender individuals, 253 centenarians (100.26±1.98years), and 268 controls (67.51±3.25years), low (LCR,n=107) and high (HCR,n=161) CVR. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity (BMI, kg·m-2), and impaired kidney function were defined according to standard criteria. CVR was calculated using Q risk®. DNA was genotyping (ACE-rs4646994,AGT-rs4762,AGR1-rs5182,GRK4-rs2960306,GRK4-rs1024323,NOS3-rs1799983, andSLC12A3-rs13306673) through iPlex-MassARRAY®, read by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and analyzed by EARTDECODE®.Results. Antilongevity factors consisted (OR 95% CI,p<0.05) BMI 1.558 (1.445-1.680), hypertension 2.358 (1.565-3.553), smoking habits 4.528 (2.579-7.949), diabetes 5.553 (2.889-10.675), hypercholesterolemia 1.016 (1.010-1.022), and regular consumption of red meat 22.363 (13.987-35.755). Genetic aspects particularly for HCR individualsACEII (OR: 3.96 (1.83-8.56),p<0.0001) andNOS3TT (OR: 3.11 (1.70-5.70),p<0.0001) genotypes were also risk associate. Obesity, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and frequent consumption of red meat have an additive action to hypertension in the longevity process. There was a synergistic interaction between the endothelialNOS3genotypes and the severity of arterial hypertension. An epistatic interaction between functional genetic variants ofGRK4and angiotensinogen was also observed.Conclusions.Cardiovascular risk-related genetic and multifactorial or predominantly lifestyle aspects and its interactions might influence the aging process and contribute to exceptional longevity in Portuguese centenarians. Besides lifestyle, the activity of nitrite oxide synthase may be one of the main physiologic regulators of cardiovascular protection in the path of longevity.
Toxic Effects of 3,3′-Iminodipropionitrile on Vestibular System in Adult C57BL/6J MiceIn Vivo
Authors: Zeng Shan , Ni Wenli , Jiang Hui , You Dan , Wang Jinghan , Lu Xiaoling , Liu Liman , Yu Huiqian , Wu Jingfang , Chen Fangyi , Li Huawei , Wang Yunfeng , Chen Yan , Li Wenyan
Published: July 2020

The utricle is one of the five sensory organs in the mammalian vestibular system, and while the utricle has a limited ability to repair itself, this is not sufficient for the recovery of vestibular function after hair cell (HC) loss induced by ototoxic drugs. In order to further explore the possible self-recovery mechanism of the adult mouse vestibular system, we established a reliable utricle epithelium injury model for studying the regeneration of HCs and examined the toxic effects of 3,3′-iminodiproprionitrile (IDPN) on the utriclein vivoin C57BL/6J mice, which is one of the most commonly used strains in inner ear research. This work focused on the epithelial cell loss, vestibular dysfunction, and spontaneous cell regeneration after IDPN administration. HC loss and supporting cell (SC) loss after IDPN treatment was dose-dependent and resulted in dysfunction of the vestibular system, as indicated by the swim test and the rotating vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) test. EdU-positive SCs were observed only in severely injured utricles wherein above 47% SCs were dead. No EdU-positive HCs were observed in either control or injured utricles. RT-qPCR showed transient upregulation ofHes5andHey1and fluctuating upregulation ofAxin2andβ-cateninafter IDPN administration. We conclude that a single intraperitoneal injection of IDPN is a practical way to establish an injured utricle model in adult C57BL/6J micein vivo. We observed activation of Notch and Wnt signaling during the limited spontaneous HC regeneration after vestibular sensory epithelium damage, and such signaling might act as the promoting factors for tissue self-repair in the inner ear.
Clinical Associations of Thyroid Hormone Levels with the Risk of Atherosclerosis in Euthyroid Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Central China
Authors: Wang Limin , Chen Tingting , Yu Jiawei , Yuan Huijuan , Deng Xinru , Zhao Zhigang
Published: July 2020

Background. Thyroid function is associated with the etiology and pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and potentially contributes to the development of the complications of T2D. The association of thyroid hormones with atherosclerosis in euthyroid T2D patients is not clear. Purpose. To investigate the association of thyroid hormone levels with the risk of developing atherosclerosis in euthyroid T2D patients in Central China. Methods. This cross-sectional study recruited 910 euthyroid T2D patients from Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, China. Association among hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), thyroid hormones, and the prevalence of atherosclerosis was assessed by multivariable Cox models after adjusting for covariates including age, BMI, duration of T2D, smoking status, SBP, TC, family history of T2D, and medications on hyperlipidemia. Results. Among all 910 subjects, 373 were diagnosed with atherosclerosis. There were 523 females and 387 males included in this study. The mean age was 51.9 years. The average BMI was 25.3 kg/m2. Low-normal serum-free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels (3.50–4.17 pmol/L) were associated with a high prevalence of atherosclerosis. Comparing with low-normal FT3, the prevalence ratio in patients with mid- (4.17–4.83 pmol/L) and high-normal FT3 level (4.83–6.50 pmol/L) is 0.74 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.97, p=0.029) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.87, p=0.005) after adjusting for covariates. High level of free thyroxine (FT4) also had decreased risk for atherosclerosis. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and FT3 to FT4 ratio did not show significant association with the development of atherosclerosis. Conclusion. T2D patients with low but clinically normal FT3 level are more likely to develop macrovascular complications comparing with those with mid- and high-normal FT3 level.
Urinary System Manifestation of IgG4-Related Disease: Clinical, Laboratory, Radiological, and Pathological Spectra of a Chinese Single-Centre Study
Authors: Teng Fei , Lu Hui , Zheng Ke , Chen Gang , Wen Yubing , Liu Zheng , Peng Linyi , Huo Li , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhang Wen , Li Xuemei
Published: July 2020

Background. IgG4-related disease is a new disease entity, but little attention was drawn to urinary system involvement besides nephritis or nephropathy. Here, we described clinical, radiological, and pathological manifestations of IgG4-related urinary disease (IgG4-RUD) and assess its treatment responses. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study enrolling 65 IgG4-RUD patients from an IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) cohort of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Clinical, laboratory, radiological, pathological data were collected, and treatment response to immunosuppressants were analysed. Results. IgG4-related interstitial nephritis (TIN, 32.3%), glomerular nephritis (GN, 7.7%), renal pelvis and ureter involvement (21.5%), abnormal radiology with quiescent clinical presentation (13.8%), and renal parenchymal lesion plus retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF, 18.5%) were major lesion types of IgG4-RUD. All patients had elevated serum IgG4, 76.9% had hyperglobulinemia, and 92.3% had elevated serum IgE at diagnosis. IgG4-TIN patients presented with renal dysfunction, and 94.3% had low serum complement C3 and IgG4-GN presented with nephrotic syndrome, while renal pelvis and ureter involvement had normal renal function and urinalysis. IgG4-RPF with renal parenchymal involvement presented with acute renal dysfunction and required emergency medical intervention. Renal cortex low-density areas, parenchyma or pelvis nodular mass, bilateral enlargement of the kidney, and renal pelvis and ureter mass/wall thickening were specific image patterns of IgG4-RUD. Infiltration of plasma lymphocytes and storiform fibrosis were histopathological features of IgG4-RUD. Patients showed satisfactory responses to immunosuppressive treatment, but complete recovery of renal function was difficult to achieve in IgG4-TIN. Four patients (6.2%) experienced clinical relapses during the maintenance period. Conclusion. IgG4-RUD had diverse lesion types and distinctive manifestations. Radiological examinations were helpful for diagnosis and treatment evaluation. Patients showed good initial response to immunosuppressive treatment but relapses could occur at the maintenance period.
Complete Genome Sequence and Biodegradation Characteristics of Benzoic Acid‐Degrading Bacterium Pseudomonas sp. SCB32
Authors: Xiang Wei , Wei Xiaolan , Tang Hui , Li Liangbo , Huang Rongshao
Published: July 2020

Allelochemicals are metabolites produced by living organisms that have a detrimental effect on other species when released into the environment. These chemicals play critical roles in the problems associated with crop replanting. Benzoic acid is a representative allelochemical found in root exudates and rhizosphere soil of crops and inhibits crop growth. The bioremediation of allelochemicals by microorganisms is an efficient decontamination process. In this research, a bacterial strain capable of degrading benzoic acid as the sole carbon source was isolated. The genome of the strain was sequenced, and biodegradation characteristics and metabolic mechanisms were examined. Strain SCB32 was identified as Pseudomonas sp. based on 16S rRNA gene analysis coupled with physiological and biochemical analyses. The degradation rate of 800 mg L-1 benzoic acid by strain SCB32 was greater than 97.0% in 24 h. The complete genome of strain SCB32 was 6.3 Mbp with a GC content of 64.6% and 5960 coding genes. Potential benzoic acid degradation genes were found by comparison to the KEGG database. Some key intermediate metabolites of benzoic acid, such as catechol, were detected by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The biodegradation pathway of benzoic acid, the ortho pathway, is proposed for strain SCB32 based on combined data from genome annotation and mass spectrometry. Moreover, the benzoic acid degradation products from strain SCB32 were essentially nontoxic to lettuce seedlings, while seeds in the benzoic acid‐treated group showed significant inhibition of germination. This indicates a possible application of strain SCB32 in the bioremediation of benzoic acid contamination in agricultural environments.
High-Flow Nasal Cannula versus Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Patients with Heart Failure after Extubation: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Chang Che-Jung , Chiang Ling-Ling , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Feng Po-Hao , Su Chien-Ling , Hsu Han-Shui
Published: July 2020

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) has been widely applied in patients with high-risk extubation failure, including heart failure. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been demonstrated to benefit patients with heart failure by reducing cardiac preload. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of HFNC to NPPV for preventing extubation failure in patients with heart failure. This 3-year retrospective and single-center cohort study included patients with heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction <50% who received prophylactic HFNC or NPPV after scheduled extubation from January 2015 to January 2018 from a medical center with four adult intensive care units. Demographics, comorbidities, diagnosis, and weaning status were collected. The primary outcome was treatment failure within 72 hours after extubation, which was defined as escalation to NPPV or reintubation in the HFNC group and was defined as requiring reintubation in the NPPV group. Secondary outcomes were reintubation within 72 hours, reintubation, duration of stay, and mortality during the intensive care unit and hospital stay. Of the 104 patients analyzed, characteristics of 58 patients in the HFNC group and 46 patients in the NPPV group were compared. The treatment failure within 72 hours in the two groups was not significantly different (25.9% vs 13%, p=0.106). Hypoxemic respiratory failure related treatment failure was significantly higher in the HFNC group. Prophylactic HFNC as first-line therapy had a comparable rate of reintubation within 72 hours to the prophylactic NPPV alone (17.2% vs 13%, p=0.556). Other secondary outcomes were similar between the two groups. Among patients with heart failure, HFNC was not inferior to NPPV for preventing extubation failure and reintubation. However, in case of an impending respiratory failure, selective patients may benefit from rescue NPPV.
Effect of Cellgevity® Supplement on Selected Rat Liver Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Activity and Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Carbamazepine
Authors: Amponsah Seth Kwabena , N’guessan Benoit Banga , Akandawen Martin , Aning Abigail , Agboli Sedem Yawa , Danso Eunice Ampem , Opuni Kwabena Frimpong-Manso , Asiedu-Gyekye Isaac Julius , Appiah-Opong Regina
Published: July 2020

Background. There is considerable evidence that many patients concurrently administer dietary supplements with conventional drugs, creating a risk for potential drug‐supplement interaction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Cellgevity® supplement on selected rat liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Also, based on our previous finding, we sought to determine the effect of Cellgevity® on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine, a CYP3A4 substrate. Methods. Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly put into 5 groups and administered either distilled water (negative control), Cellgevity® (3 separate doses), or phenobarbital (positive control), per os. Modulation of liver CYP enzyme activity was evaluated after 30 days of treatment, using probe substrates, spectroscopic, and high‐performance liquid chromatographic methods. In the pharmacokinetic study, 12 SD rats were put into 2 groups and administered carbamazepine plus normal saline (group 1) or carbamazepine plus Cellgevity® (group 2), per os, both over a period of 14 days. Blood samples from rats in the same group were collected after treatment. Serum samples were prepared and pooled together at each specific sampling time point. Levels of carbamazepine were determined using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Results. Activities of rat liver CYP1A1/2, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 were significantly increased by Cellgevity® after 30‐day treatment. Pharmacokinetic parameters for rats administered carbamazepine with Cellgevity® vis‐a‐vis carbamazepine with normal saline were as follows: Cmax; 20 μmol/L vs 11 μmol/L, AUC0⟶24; 347 μmol h/L vs 170 μmol h/L, Ke; 0.28 h−1 vs 0.41 h−1, and t1/2; 2.3 h vs 1.7 h, respectively. Conclusions. Cellgevity® increased the activity of rat CYP1A1/2, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 enzymes and was found to alter the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in rats.
Analysis and Research on the Centimeter Band Receiver Amplitude Calibration Method
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Maozheng , Ma Jun , Duan Xuefeng , Wang Yang , Cao Liang , Yan Hao , Xiang Binbin
Published: July 2020

The receiver is a signal receiving device in a radio telescope system. As an important parameter to characterize the receiver performance, noise temperature is very practical to calibrate accurately. The traditional receiver noise temperature calibration method is the cold and ambient load method. Through the establishment of K-band ambient receiver, and its amplitude calibration test platform of the cold and ambient load method, chopper wheel method, and ambient and hot load method, comparison and analysis of the above three methods were carried out. The test and calculation results show that the test accuracy of the cold and ambient load method is about 1.3%, that of the chopper wheel method (nonlow elevation) is about 3%, and that of the ambient and hot load method is about 9%. The test accuracy of the ambient and hot load method is slightly lower than that of the above two methods. The analysis is mainly due to the uncertainty of the hot load temperature and the small temperature difference between the two loads, which leads to the deterioration of the overall accuracy. But the advantage is that the method can perform real-time calibration in the process of observation, and it is easier to implement than the traditional cold and ambient load method. The results of noise temperature measurement are compared with those of theoretical calculation, the error is basically within 10%, and it can satisfy the demand of the noise temperature test. In the future, we expect that on the basis of increasing the hot load temperature, further experiments were carried out on the thermostatic treatment of hot load and the accuracy of temperature acquisition, and finally we hope that this method can better meet the testing requirements of receiver noise temperature and radio source amplitude calibration.
Light Deep Model for Pulmonary Nodule Detection from CT Scan Images for Mobile Devices
Authors: Masud Mehedi , Muhammad Ghulam , Hossain M. Shamim , Alhumyani Hesham , Alshamrani Sultan S. , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Ibrahim Saleh
Published: July 2020

The emergence of cognitive computing and big data analytics revolutionize the healthcare domain, more specifically in detecting cancer. Lung cancer is one of the major reasons for death worldwide. The pulmonary nodules in the lung can be cancerous after development. Early detection of the pulmonary nodules can lead to early treatment and a significant reduction of death. In this paper, we proposed an end-to-end convolutional neural network- (CNN-) based automatic pulmonary nodule detection and classification system. The proposed CNN architecture has only four convolutional layers and is, therefore, light in nature. Each convolutional layer consists of two consecutive convolutional blocks, a connector convolutional block, nonlinear activation functions after each block, and a pooling block. The experiments are carried out using the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) database. From the LIDC database, 1279 sample images are selected of which 569 are noncancerous, 278 are benign, and the rest are malignant. The proposed system achieved 97.9% accuracy. Compared to other famous CNN architecture, the proposed architecture has much lesser flops and parameters and is thereby suitable for real-time medical image analysis.
The Impact of 12‐Week Jaques‐Dalcroze Eurhythmics Programme on the Dynamic Agility in Single‐Dual‐Task Conditions in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Adamczyk Jan , Celka Roman , Stemplewski Rafał , Ceynowa Kinga , Kamińska Paulina , Maciaszek Janusz
Published: July 2020

Background. Progressive degenerative changes in the body of elderly people lead to a decrease in physical and mental fitness. Seniors have a problem with performing tasks that involve both physical and mental health at the same time. The risk of falls increases, the consequences of which in old age may be particularly dangerous. It was decided to investigate the impact of performing exercises involving both physical and mental spheres on the dynamic agility in older women. Methods. 73 women (69.9 ± 3.2) were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n = 34) and control (CG, n = 39). Individuals with IG participated in the Jaques‐Dalcroze Eurhythmics exercise programme for 12 weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes each. Dynamic agility was determined by the Timed Up and Go test, which was conducted both in single‐task (TUG_ST) and dual‐task (TUG_DT) conditions, where the participant was simultaneously counting down from 60 every 3. The percentage difference between the results of both tests (dual‐task cost, DTC) was also determined. Both groups had two measurement sessions: one week before the start of the exercise programme and one week after the end of exercise programme. Results. After 12 weeks of exercise, IG participants obtained significantly better results in TUG_DT (p < 0.001) and DTC (p = 0.003) tests. During this time, CG participants had significantly worse results in TUG_DT (p < 0.001) and DTC (p < 0.001) tests. In the TUG_ST test, neither IG nor CG achieved a significant change in the result. In each test, a significant interaction between the group assignment and the measurement session was observed: TUG_ST: F = 11.523, , p = 0.001; TUG_DT: F = 60.227, , p < 0.001; DTC: F = 32.382, , p < 0.001. Conclusion. JDE exercises with a frequency of twice a week, for about 12 weeks, have a significant impact on the improvement of the dynamic agility control in women over 65 years of age.
Comparative Analysis of Drones and Riders in On-Demand Meal Delivery Based on Prospect Theory
Authors: Jiang Hong , Ren Xinhui
Published: July 2020

At present, the demand for on-demand meal delivery is increasing, and the main delivery pattern is rider delivery. However, rider delivery has certain problems in terms of timeliness and security. Due to its advantages of being fast, convenient, and safe, drone delivery can, to a certain extent, solve the problems of rider delivery. However, can drone delivery completely replace rider delivery? The paper mainly uses the prospect theory to discuss the conditions under which drone delivery is superior to rider delivery based on four factors: delivery distance, degree of rider delay, pickup time, and consumer attitudes towards drone delivery. Based on the research, it was found that when the delivery distance is more than 7 kilometres, the pickup time is within 2 minutes, or when consumers accept drone delivery, drone delivery is better than rider delivery. When the rider’s delay caused the delivery time to increase by more than 20%, the advantages of drone delivery began to stand out. Moreover, research has proven that drone delivery will help expand the scope of instant delivery, and the rational layout of drone airports and strengthening of consumer awareness and friendliness towards drone delivery will also help promote the development of drone delivery.
Altered Long Noncoding RNA Expression Profile in Multiple Myeloma Patients with Bisphosphonate‐Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Allegra Alessandro , Mania Manuela , D’Ascola Angela , Oteri Giacomo , Siniscalchi Enrico Nastro , Avenoso Angela , Innao Vanessa , Scuruchi Michele , Allegra Andrea Gaetano , Musolino Caterina , Campo Salvatore
Published: July 2020

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are inhibitors of osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption used for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients with osteolytic lesions. Bisphosphonate‐induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) is an infrequent drug‐caused adverse event of these agents. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a set of more than 200 base pairs, noncoding RNA molecules, which are critical posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Our study was aimed at evaluating 17 lncRNAs, whose targets were previously validated as key elements in MM, bone metabolism, and angiogenesis in MM subjects without BONJ (MM group), in MM subjects with BONJ (BONJ group), and a group of healthy controls (CTRL group). Our results demonstrated a different lncRNA profile in BONJ patients compared to MM patients and controls. Two lncRNAs (DANCR and MALAT1) were both downregulated compared to controls and MM, twelve (HOTAIR, MEG3, TP73‐AS1, HOTTIP, HIF1A‐AS2, MANTIS, CTD‐2201E18, CTD1‐2003C8, R‐471B22, RP1‐43E13, RP11‐553L6.5, and RP1‐286D6) were overexpressed in MM with BONJ, and one (H19) was upregulated compared with only MM. Two lncRNAs (JHDMD1 and MTMR9LP) had higher expression, but these differences were not statistically significant. The examined lncRNAs target several genes and metabolic pathways. An altered lncRNA signature could contribute to the onset of BONJ or have a protective action. Targeting these lncRNAs could offer a possibility for the prevention or therapy of BONJ.
Obesity, but Not Metabolic Diseases, Is Associated with Risk of Psoriasis: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Dai Ying-Xiu , Shen Yi-Jung , Chou Yiing-Jenq , Chang Yun-Ting , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Li Chung-Pin , Wu Chen-Yi
Published: July 2020

Background: Obesity and metabolic diseases including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are reportedly associated with an increased risk of psoriasis. However, few prospective studies have investigated the association of obesity and metabolic diseases with the risk of psoriasis. Objective: To examine whether obesity or metabolic diseases increase the risk of psoriasis. Methods: Participants were collected from 4 rounds (2001, 2005, 2009, and 2013) of the Taiwan National Health Interview Survey. Incident cases of psoriasis were identified from the National Health Insurance database. Participants were followed from the time of the National Health Interview Survey interview until December 31, 2017, or until a diagnosis of psoriasis was made or the participant died. The Cox regression model was used for the analyses. Results: Of 60,136 participants, 406 developed psoriasis during 649,506 person-years of follow-up. Compared to participants with a BMI of 18.5–22.9, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of psoriasis were 1.34 (95% CI 1.05–1.71) for a BMI of 25.0–29.9 and 2.70 (95% CI 1.95–3.72) for a BMI ≥30. Neither individual nor multiple metabolic diseases were associated with incident psoriasis. Participants with a BMI ≥30 were at significantly higher risk of both psoriasis without arthritis (aHR 2.60; 95% CI 1.85–3.67) and psoriatic arthritis (aHR 3.96; 95% CI 1.45–10.82). Conclusion: Obesity, but not metabolic diseases, significantly increased the risk of psoriasis.
A Rare Case of Unilateral Progressive Cataract in a Young Patient Receiving Topiramate
Authors: Kate Tanuja , Choudhary Rajiv , Singhai Jyoti , Pathak Navita
Published: July 2020

This case report presents an instance of unilateral cataract formation and its rapid progression following topiramate-induced bilateral acute angle closure. An 18-year-old female diagnosed with acute angle closure in both eyes had started treatment on the previous day at another healthcare facility. The patient presented with complaints of pain, sudden diminution of vision, excessive watering, and photophobia (both eyes) and reported the use of topiramate for headache for 10 days. There was no past history of decreased vision, trauma, uveitis, or use of steroids. Topiramate-induced bilateral secondary angle closure attack was the presumptive diagnosis. Topiramate use was stopped, and antiglaucoma drugs, topical cycloplegic, and topical steroids were started. On 1-day follow-up, clearer cornea and peripheral anterior capsular lenticular opacity of the right eye were observed. Gonioscopy showed closed angles. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed forward movement of the iris-lens diaphragm and closed angles. B-scan showed ciliochoroidal effusion in the right eye and normal left eye. At 2-month follow-up, formed anterior chamber and posterior subcapsular cataract in the right eye were seen. There were no lenticular changes in the left eye. Definite progression of cataract from day-1 to 2-month follow-up was seen in the right eye. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the rapid progression of cataract following topiramate-induced secondary angle closure in a young patient warranting surgical intervention.
Corneal Opacification and Spontaneous Recovery following Injection of Healon5 into the Corneal Stroma during Intervention for Postoperative Hypotony
Authors: Massengill Michael , Blake Charles Richard
Published: July 2020

We report the self-limited nature of corneal opacification after accidental injection of Healon5 into the corneal stroma. A 52-year-old male with a new diagnosis of severe stage, primary open-angle glaucoma underwent successful trabeculectomy OS, which was complicated by ocular hypotony and shallow anterior chamber (AC) on postoperative day 1. Healon5, a hyaluronic acid-containing viscoelastic device, was accidentally introduced into the corneal stroma during attempted injection into the AC. The cornea hydrodissected and opacified, leading to precipitous loss of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The corneal opacification spontaneously resolved over a 7-month period without specific intervention. During this period, the patient also underwent cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens placement and YAG capsulotomy, after which his BCVA returned to approximately baseline. Though intrastromal injection of sodium hyaluronate-containing material has been reported elsewhere, this complication with Healon5 use specifically has yet to be described in the literature and may occur in any procedure involving Healon5 in the AC. This case report is important, since the precipitous loss of BCVA can be alarming to the ophthalmologist and the patient. The affected patient may be counseled that the opacification should improve with time.
O erudito em tempos de crise política: notas a partir de 'O Destino do erudito' de Fichte
Authors: Souza Ronaldo Tadeu de
Published: July 2020

O texto apresenta algumas reflexões sobre qual o papel do erudito nas sociedades humanas. De maneira mais específica procura-se verificar o que os eruditos podem fazer em momentos de crise política como a que a sociedade brasileira atravessa por exemplo. A obra chave para este texto é O destino do erudito de Fichte, articulada com algumas considerações históricas sobre a universidade e qual o estatuto do erudito na sua evolução.
Schopenhauer: crítica da razão e fundamentação do pessimismo
Authors: Moraes Dax
Published: July 2020

O pessimismo pode ser encontrado sob diversas formas na obra de Schopenhauer, embora não haja para o pessimismo em geral uma definição precisa. Ele se mostra antes de tudo como uma espécie de valoração da existência tal como o otimismo, seu contrário. Procuro mostrar que o “pessimismo schopenhaueriano” não deve ser tomado como um pressuposto ou postulado acerca do ser originário, tampouco como mero resultado da experiência de vida. Pelo contrário, trata-se da consequência final da crítica da razão que leva à total refutação de toda e qualquer forma de dogmatismo defensor de uma razão para a existência do mundo. Essa consequência abrange todas as questões filosóficas, mas, segundo suas premissas epistemológicas, mantém-se como uma avaliação crítica dirigida ao mundo enquanto pensado sob o princípio de razão. Pode-se, então, dizer que esse “pessimismo” não consiste em uma doutrina filosófica sobre um mal metafísico substancial e impessoal.
Introdução a uma leitura de Espinosa
Authors: Santiago Homero
Published: July 2020

Ao longo de décadas, a filósofa brasileira Marilena Chaui produziu uma das mais vigorosas e importantes interpretações da filosofia espinosana. Nossa intenção é propor uma introdução a essa leitura. Queremos mostrar como, ao mesmo tempo em que seus passos iniciais vinham na esteira da redescoberta francesa de Espinosa nos anos 60, essa interpretação, segundo relato da própria autora, foi elaborada nos anos 70 “sob o signo da crítica da ditadura”, de tal forma que, ali, a história da filosofia fosse praticada como “crítica do instituído”, ou ainda mais precisamente, como esforço compreensivo e crítico do autoritarismo brasileiro. Quais as circunstâncias dessa operação? É o que pretendemos investigar.
Sobre interpretação e o destino da ontologia em Nietzsche
Authors: Gaspar Francisco Prata
Published: July 2020

O artigo pretende discutir o sentido da ciência filosófica chamada “ontologia”, a doutrina do ente nele mesmo, a partir da crítica histórico-filosófica de Nietzsche à noção de verdade: na medida em que a “vontade de verdade” coloca a si mesma em questão e se pergunta pelo valor da verdade, não é só a “morte de Deus” e da moralidade cristã que finalmente têm lugar, a ideia mesma de uma doutrina do Ser cai por terra, entrando em seu lugar o conceito de “interpretação”. Segundo essa leitura, a filosofia de Nietzsche é a um só tempo destino histórico e conceituação crítica desse destino. O artigo indica que se há uma tese ontológica na filosofia de Nietzsche — o mundo em si seria vontade de poder —, o sentido de “ontologia” aqui não é e não pode ser mais o sentido utilizado pela tradição metafísica.
Incidence and Factors Associated With Major Amputation in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Long Chandler A. , Mulder Hillary , Fowkes F. Gerry R. , Baumgartner Iris , Berger Jeffrey S. , Katona Brian G. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Norgren Lars , Blomster Juuso I. , Rockhold Frank W. , Hiatt William R. , Patel Manesh R. , Jones W. Schuyler , Nehler Mark R.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with increased risk of mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, and major amputation. Data on major amputation from a large randomized trial that included a substantial cohort of patients without critical limb ischemia (CLI) have not been described. The objective was to describe the incidence and types of amputations in the EUCLID trial (Examining Use of Ticagrelor in Peripheral Artery Disease) population, subcategorize amputations in the CLI versus no CLI cohorts, and describe the events surrounding major amputation.

Methods and Results:

Postrandomization major amputation was analyzed in the EUCLID trial. Patients were stratified by baseline CLI status. The occurrence of major amputation was ascertained and defined as the highest level. Perioperative events surrounding major amputation were obtained including acute limb ischemia, revascularization, and all-cause mortality. All variables were assessed for significance in univariable and multivariable models. The rate of major amputation during the course of the trial was 1.6% overall, 8.4% in the CLI at baseline group, and 1.2% in the no CLI at baseline group. The annualized rate of major amputation was 0.6% in PAD overall, 3.9% in the CLI at baseline group, and 0.5% in the no CLI at baseline group. Several factors were associated with increased risk of major amputation, including history of amputation, the presence of diabetes mellitus, baseline Rutherford category 4 to 6, and an ankle-brachial index <0.8. Factors associated with a lower risk for major amputation included prior statin use. The 30-day mortality rate after major amputation was 6.5% overall, 5.6% in the CLI at baseline group, and 6.8% in the no CLI at baseline group. The annual mortality rate following major amputation was 22.8% in the CLI at baseline group and 16.0% in the no CLI at baseline group.

Conclusions:

The risk factors for major amputation in EUCLID patients are similar to previous large registries’ reports except for diabetes mellitus in patients with CLI. The mortality following major amputation is lower in the EUCLID trial compared with registry data.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01732822.
Comment peut-on être dix-huitiémiste en Russie ?
Authors: Karp Sergueï
Published: July 2020

L’auteur fait ici partager plus de 30 ans d’expérience de l’étude du XVIIIe siècle dans les murs d’un institut académique russe. L’évolution de ses propres intérêts et des tendances historiographiques générales, la transformation du milieu académique, les changements dans l’organisation et le financement de la recherche russe sont placés dans le contexte plus large des métamorphoses dramatiques survenues dans son pays depuis la fin de l’ère soviétique jusqu’à nos jours.
Les Lumières âprement disputées en Allemagne de l’Est (RDA). Le cas édifiant de D’Alembert
Authors: Comtesse Dagmar
Published: July 2020

La réception des Lumières en République démocratique allemande (RDA) était particulière. D’une part, la tradition marxiste a découvert la pensée matérialiste dans l’histoire des idées allemande et a reproché à juste titre à la « bourgeoisie idéaliste » de l’avoir marginalisée. D’autre part, l’usage dogmatique de l’ouvrage de Lénine concernant l’épistémologie de Ernst Mach, Matérialisme et empiriocriticisme, empêcha d’apprécier convenablement des penseurs importants comme Jean Le Rond D’Alembert. De plus, la structure répressive de la vie académique en RDA a paralysé la renaissance de la pensée matérialiste. Au lieu de se consacrer aux conditions concrètes de la production du savoir, la pensée matérialiste était entravée par l’obligation de recourir à l’interprétation économique.
Language of Law and Invasive Legal Species – Endemic Systems, Colonisation, and Viability of Mixed Law
Authors: Husa Jaakko
Published: July 2020

The article asks what is the significance of language for the viability of an endemic mixed legal system. The analysis applies the ecological conceptualisation of endemism and explains how invasive species colonise an endemic mixed system. It is argued that the process of displacing takes place in a manner similar to the process of colonisation of the lifeworld as explained in Habermas’ theory of communicative action. It is also argued that a socio-linguistic infrastructure is needed to ensure the use of minority legal language under the influence of the surrounding bigger legal culture. The argument is tested with four illustrative cases allowing theory building. The cases addressed are Hong Kong, Scotland, Quebec, and Louisiana. The article concludes that language itself is not the cause of legal cultural colonisation. Language, if common to both a smaller and a bigger legal culture, is the medium through which invasive legal species are carried.
Habeas Corpus, Its Versatility on Both Sides of the ‘Pond,’ and When Right against Remedy Becomes Quixotic
Authors: Curr Thomas
Published: July 2020

This article examines the writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum and notes the greater use to which the writ has been put in the United States as compared to England and Wales, as well as an interesting conceptual problem identified in the US case of Hamdi v Rumsfeld. The light shed by this discussion will assist examination of the reasons why habeas corpus ad subjiciendum has become more versatile in the United States than in England. It will be concluded that this difference reflects structural differences across the two jurisdictions, and that the writ in England and Wales – where it will be satisfactorily answered by a showing that someone is in custody pursuant to the order of a court with jurisdiction to confine him – does not need to be expanded beyond its current form, despite the greater American development of the habeas corpus concept.