bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscale thermophoresis as a powerful tool for screening glycosyltransferases involved in cell wall biosynthesis
Authors: Shao Wanchen , Sharma Rita , Clausen Mads H. , Scheller Henrik V.
Published: July 2020

Background

Identification and characterization of key enzymes associated with cell wall biosynthesis and modification is fundamental to gain insights into cell wall dynamics. However, it is a challenge that activity assays of glycosyltransferases are very low throughput and acceptor substrates are generally not available.

Results

We optimized and validated microscale thermophoresis (MST) to achieve high throughput screening for glycosyltransferase substrates. MST is a powerful method for the quantitative analysis of protein–ligand interactions with low sample consumption. The technique is based on the motion of molecules along local temperature gradients, measured by fluorescence changes. We expressed glycosyltransferases as YFP-fusion proteins in tobacco and optimized the MST method to allow the determination of substrate binding affinity without purification of the target protein from the cell lysate. The application of this MST method to the β-1,4-galactosyltransferase AtGALS1 validated the capability to screen both nucleotide-sugar donor substrates and acceptor substrates. We also expanded the application to members of glycosyltransferase family GT61 in sorghum for substrate screening and function prediction.

Conclusions

This method is rapid and sensitive to allow determination of both donor and acceptor substrates of glycosyltransferases. MST enables high throughput screening of glycosyltransferases for likely substrates, which will narrow down their in vivo function and help to select candidates for further studies. Additionally, this method gives insight into biochemical mechanism of glycosyltransferase function.
Contribution of central sensitization to stress-induced spreading hyperalgesia in rats with orofacial inflammation
Authors: Li Jia-Heng , Yang Jia-Le , Wei Si-Qi , Li Zhuo-Lin , Collins Anna A. , Zou Min , Wei Feng , Cao Dong-Yuan
Published: July 2020

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is commonly comorbid with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The incidence of these pain conditions is prevalent in women and prone to mental stress. Chronic pain symptoms in patients with FMS and myofascial TMD (mTMD) are severe and debilitating. In the present study, we developed a new animal model to mimic the comorbidity of TMD and FMS. In ovariectomized female rats, repeated forced swim (FS) stress induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the hindpaws of the 17β-estradiol (E2) treated rats with orofacial inflammation. Subcutaneous injection of E2, injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into masseter muscles or FS alone did not induce somatic hyperalgesia. We also found that the somatic hyperalgesia was accompanied by upregulation of GluN1 receptor and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)3A receptor expression in the dorsal horn of spinal cord at L4-L5 segments. Intrathecal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) or 5-HT3 receptor antagonist Y-25130 blocked stress-induced wide-spreading hyperalgesia. These results suggest that NMDAR-dependent central sensitization in the spinal dorsal horn and 5-HT-dependent descending facilitation contribute to the development of wide-spreading hyperalgesia in this comorbid pain model.
Cortico-amygdala interaction determines the insular cortical neurons involved in taste memory retrieval
Authors: Abe Konami , Kuroda Marin , Narumi Yosuke , Kobayashi Yuki , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Furuichi Teiichi , Sano Yoshitake
Published: July 2020

The insular cortex (IC) is the primary gustatory cortex, and it is a critical structure for encoding and retrieving the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) memory. In the CTA, consumption of an appetitive tastant is associated with aversive experience such as visceral malaise, which results in avoidance of consuming a learned tastant. Previously, we showed that levels of the cyclic-AMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB) determine the insular cortical neurons that proceed to encode a conditioned taste memory. In the amygdala and hippocampus, it is shown that CREB and neuronal activity regulate memory allocation and the neuronal mechanism that determines the specific neurons in a neural network that will store a given memory. However, cellular mechanism of memory allocation in the insular cortex is not fully understood. In the current study, we manipulated the neuronal activity in a subset of insular cortical and/or basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons in mice, at the time of learning; for this purpose, we used an hM3Dq designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug system (DREADD). Subsequently, we examined whether the neuronal population whose activity is increased during learning, is reactivated by memory retrieval, using the expression of immediate early gene c-fos. When an hM3Dq receptor was activated only in a subset of IC neurons, c-fos expression following memory retrieval was not significantly observed in hM3Dq-positive neurons. Interestingly, the probability of c-fos expression in hM3Dq-positive IC neurons after retrieval was significantly increased when the IC and BLA were co-activated during conditioning. Our findings suggest that functional interactions between the IC and BLA regulates CTA memory allocation in the insular cortex, which shed light on understanding the mechanism of memory allocation regulated by interaction between relevant brain areas.
Characterisation of the transcriptome and proteome of SARS-CoV-2 reveals a cell passage induced in-frame deletion of the furin-like cleavage site from the spike glycoprotein
Authors: Davidson Andrew D. , Williamson Maia Kavanagh , Lewis Sebastian , Shoemark Deborah , Carroll Miles W. , Heesom Kate J. , Zambon Maria , Ellis Joanna , Lewis Philip A. , Hiscox Julian A. , Matthews David A.
Published: July 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2 is a recently emerged respiratory pathogen that has significantly impacted global human health. We wanted to rapidly characterise the transcriptomic, proteomic and phosphoproteomic landscape of this novel coronavirus to provide a fundamental description of the virus’s genomic and proteomic potential.

Methods

We used direct RNA sequencing to determine the transcriptome of SARS-CoV-2 grown in Vero E6 cells which is widely used to propagate the novel coronavirus. The viral transcriptome was analysed using a recently developed ORF-centric pipeline. Allied to this, we used tandem mass spectrometry to investigate the proteome and phosphoproteome of the same virally infected cells.

Results

Our integrated analysis revealed that the viral transcripts (i.e. subgenomic mRNAs) generally fitted the expected transcription model for coronaviruses. Importantly, a 24 nt in-frame deletion was detected in over half of the subgenomic mRNAs encoding the spike (S) glycoprotein and was predicted to remove a proposed furin cleavage site from the S glycoprotein. Tandem mass spectrometry identified over 500 viral peptides and 44 phosphopeptides in virus-infected cells, covering almost all proteins predicted to be encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including peptides unique to the deleted variant of the S glycoprotein.

Conclusions

Detection of an apparently viable deletion in the furin cleavage site of the S glycoprotein, a leading vaccine target, shows that this and other regions of SARS-CoV-2 proteins may readily mutate. The furin site directs cleavage of the S glycoprotein into functional subunits during virus entry or exit and likely contributes strongly to the pathogenesis and zoonosis of this virus. Our data emphasises that the viral genome sequence should be carefully monitored during the growth of viral stocks for research, animal challenge models and, potentially, in clinical samples. Such variations may result in different levels of virulence, morbidity and mortality.
Capparis spinosa improves the high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats: the possible role of FGF21
Authors: Akbari Rasoul , Yaghooti Hamid , Jalali Mohammad Taha , Khorsandi Laya Sadat , Mohammadtaghvaei Narges
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study focused on the beneficial effects of Capparis spinosa (CS) treatment on the steatohepatitis induced by the administration of a high-fat emulsion in rats. Changes of hepatic expression and secretion of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) were also evaluated as a probable mechanism of the CS effects on fatty liver. Male Wistar rats were allocated in different groups to receive a normal diet (NC group), a high-fat diet (HF group), or the high-fat emulsion plus CS extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg (HF+CS group). Body and liver weight, liver index, serum biochemical factors, histopathological examination, and serum level and hepatic gene expression of FGF21 were determined.

Results

CS administration markedly reduced liver weight and index, serum levels of glucose, lipids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and improved histological features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which were induced by HF feeding in this model. CS supplementation also restored the decreased hepatic and serum FGF21 levels in the fatty liver rats. We propose that the FGF21 up-regulation may partly account for the favorable effects of CS in this steatohepatitis model.
Recovery and maintenance of NESTIN expression in umbilical cord-MSC using a novel culture medium
Authors: Liu Yuncheng , Xiao Feidi , Hu Xiang , Tang Zan , Fu Zeqin , Liang Xiao , Zeng Guifang , Zeng Weijie , Liao Yan , Ren Yuan , Liu Zhiyu , Peng Hao , Mei Qiuhong , Liu Muyun
Published: July 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a popular candidate in cellular therapy for many diseases. MSCs are well known by their feature of self-renewal and their differentiation potential. NESTIN is a cytoskeletal protein expressed in MSC that functions directly in cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we demonstrated that adding UltraGRO, a medium supplement, could maintain and partially recover the expression of NESTIN in human umbilical cord derived MSCs (UC-MSCs). Furthermore, the UC-MSCs cultured with UltraGRO showed a better immunomodulation ability in a colitis mouse model compared with those cultured in other types of media. This indicates that the use of novel culture medium benefits the maintenance of NESTIN expression and NESTIN may be one of the vital factors that regulates the performance of MSCs.
Correntropy-based DOA estimation algorithm under impulsive noise environments
Authors: Chen Jin , Guan Sheng
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of signals in the presence of impulsive noise environment is studied. Complex isotropic symmetric alpha-stable (SαS) random variables are modeled as impulsive noise, then a novel second-order statistic method that correntropy-based covariance matrix (CBCM) is defined, based on the combination of the CBCM of the array sensor outputs with the signal subspace technique (e.g., multiple signal classification (MUSIC)), which can be achieved source localization under impulsive noise environments. The Monte-Carlo simulation results illustrate the improved performance of CBCM-MUSIC for DOA estimation under a wide range of impulsive noise conditions.
Medical cannabis for the reduction of opioid dosage in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain: a systematic review
Authors: Okusanya Babasola O. , Asaolu Ibitola O. , Ehiri John E. , Kimaru Linda Jepkoech , Okechukwu Abidemi , Rosales Cecilia
Published: July 2020

Background

Medical cannabis (MC) is currently being used as an adjunct to opiates given its analgesic effects and potential to reduce opiate addiction. This review assessed if MC used in combination with opioids to treat non-cancer chronic pain would reduce opioid dosage.

Methods

Four databases—Ovid (Medline), Psyc-INFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and grey literature—were searched to identify original research that assessed the effects of MC on non-cancer chronic pain in humans. Study eligibility included randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and case reports. All databases were searched for articles published from inception to October 31, 2019. Cochrane’s ROBINS-I tool and the AXIS tool were used for risk of bias assessment. PRISMA guidelines were followed in reporting the systematic review.

Results

Nine studies involving 7222 participants were included. There was a 64–75% reduction in opioid dosage when used in combination with MC. Use of MC for opioid substitution was reported by 32–59.3% of patients with non-cancer chronic pain. One study reported a slight decrease in mean hospital admissions in the past calendar year (P = .53) and decreased mean emergency department visits in the past calendar year (P = .39) for patients who received MC as an adjunct to opioids in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain compared to those who did not receive MC. All included studies had high risk of bias, which was mainly due to their methods.

Conclusions

While this review indicated the likelihood of reducing opioid dosage when used in combination with MC, we cannot make a causal inference. Although medical cannabis’ recognized analgesic properties make it a viable option to achieve opioid dosage reduction, the evidence from this review cannot be relied upon to promote MC as an adjunct to opioids in treating non-cancer chronic pain. More so, the optimal MC dosage to achieve opioid dosage reduction remains unknown. Therefore, more research is needed to elucidate whether MC used in combination with opioids in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain is associated with health consequences that are yet unknown.

Systematic review registration

This systematic review was not registered.
Two sequential fractional hybrid differential inclusions
Authors: Mohammadi Hakimeh , Rezapour Shahram , Etemad Sina , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: July 2020

The main objective of this paper is to concern with a new category of the sequential hybrid inclusion boundary value problem with three-point integro-derivative boundary conditions. In this direction, we employ various novel analytical techniques based on α-ψ-contractive mappings, endpoints, and the fixed points of the product operators to obtain the main results. Finally, we provide two examples to illustrate our main results.
Factors associated with malnutrition in children < 5 years in western Kenya: a hospital-based unmatched case control study
Authors: Gudu Edwin , Obonyo Mark , Omballa Victor , Oyugi Elvis , Kiilu Cecilia , Githuku Jane , Gura Zeinab , Ransom James
Published: July 2020

Background

Globally, under-nutrition accounts for > 3 million deaths annually among children < 5 years, with Kenya having ~ 35,000 deaths. This study aimed to identify factors associated with malnutrition in children aged < 5 years in western Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a hospital-based unmatched case-control study between May and June 2017. Cases were defined as children aged 6–59 months with either z-score for weight-for-height ≤ −2SD or ≥ +2SD; weight-for-age ≤ −2SD or ≥ +2SD; or height-for-age ≤ −2SD. Controls were children aged 6–59 months with age-appropriate anthropometric measurements. Cases were consecutively recruited while systematic random sampling was used to select controls. Data from interviews and clinical records were collected and entered into Epi-Info, which was used to run unconditional logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 94 cases and 281 controls were recruited. Of the cases, 84% (79/94) were under-nourished. Mother not having attended ante-natal clinic (OR = 7.9; 95% CI: 1.5–41.2), deworming (OR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.4–1.2), and pre-lacteal feeding (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–3.0) were associated with under-nutrition. Delayed developmental milestones (AOR = 13.9; 95% CI: 2.8–68.6); low birth weight (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.4–7.6), and paternal lack of formal education (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.3–18.9) were independently associated with under-nutrition.

Conclusion

Proper pre-natal care, child feeding practices and deworming programs should be enhanced to reduce pediatric malnutrition.
Ameliorative effect of Psidium guajava (l.) leaf aqueous extract on aluminium nitrate-induced liver damage in female Wistar rats
Authors: Afolabi Aanuoluwapo Adeyimika , Ashamu Ebenezer Adeola , Oluranti Olufemi Idowu
Published: July 2020

Background

Aluminium nitrate and other aluminium-containing compounds have been demonstrated to cause several health challenges. Psidium guajava L) is a well known cultivated tree with hepatoprotective nature and radical scavenging ability.

Methods

Twenty-five (25) female Wistar rats with average weight of 195 g were grouped into five groups (n = 5), with their weights measured and recorded weekly throughout the period of 21 days of the research. Control (group A), 32.5 mg/kg AL only (group B), 30 mg/kg AL + 250 mg/kg PGLE (group C), 20 mg/kg AL + 500 mg/kg PGLE (group D) and 10 mg/kg AL + 750 mg/kg PGLE (group E). Histological examination of the liver was done using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.

Results

Various degenerative changes were observed in the liver architecture following aluminum nitrate administration when compared with the control group. Significant regenerative changes similar to control were observed following administration of high dose of Psidium guajava.

Conclusion

The results obtained in this study revealed that aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaves possess good hepato-protective properties.
3D printed spermathecae as experimental models to understand sperm dynamics in leaf beetles
Authors: Matsumura Yoko , Gürke Sinje , Tramsen Halvor T. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: July 2020

Background

Postcopulatory mate choice occurs ubiquitously in the animal kingdom. However, it is usually a major challenge to visualise the process taking place in a body. This fact makes it difficult to understand the mechanisms of the process. By focusing on the shape of female sperm storage organs (spermathecae), we aimed to elucidate their functional morphology using six representative beetle species and to simulate sperm dynamics in artificial spermathecae with different structural features.

Results

Morphology and material gradients were studied using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and confocal laser scanning microscopy. This study shows a diversity of external and internal structures of the spermathecae among species. Despite the diversity, all species possess a common pumping region, which is composed of a sclerotised chamber, muscles and a resilin-enriched region. By focusing on the speciesAgelastica alni, whose spermatheca is relatively simple in shape with an internal protuberance, we simulated sperm dynamics by establishing a fabrication method to create enlarged, transparent, flexible and low-cost 3D models of biological structures based on μCT data. This experiment shows that the internal protuberance in the species functions as an efficient mixing device of stored sperm.

Conclusions

The observed spermathecal musculature implies that the sclerotised chamber of the spermatheca with muscles works as a pumping organ. Our fluid dynamics tests based on 3D printed spermathecae show that a tiny structural difference causes entirely different fluid dynamics in the spermatheca models. This result suggests that structural variations of the spermatheca strongly affect sperm dynamics. However, fluid dynamics tests still require essential measurements including sperm viscosity and the velocity of pumping cycles of the spermatheca.
Harmonising data systems for cash transfer programming in emergencies in Somalia
Authors: Owino Boniface
Published: July 2020

Quality data and information are fundamental for effective implementation of cash transfer programmes in emergency contexts. Establishing a robust information system can facilitate the equitable and responsive distribution of humanitarian cash-based assistance, while enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of its delivery. This study presents findings on how various humanitarian agencies are collecting and using registration and identification data in cash transfer programmes in Somalia and identifies opportunities, risks and barriers to establishing an effective integrated data system. The study is based on a systematic review of published and grey literature, as well as on key informant interviews with representatives of humanitarian agencies, donors and government officials in Somalia. The study finds that the collection of registration and identification data is largely based on individual agencies’ policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures, resulting in multiple non-interoperable data systems. Progress is being made to harmonise/integrate data systems, including using harmonised registration forms, a common database and data sharing agreements in various consortia; bilateral agreements to share registration platforms; and initiatives by donors and the government to enhance interoperability. Despite this progress, the harmonisation of data systems is still constrained by a number of technical, political, financial and organisational factors, as well as legal, fiduciary, reputational and data protection risks. The study concludes that harmonising data systems presents both long-term opportunities and short-term risks for developing a robust integrated data system for providing cash-based assistance in humanitarian contexts and supporting implementation of social protection programmes.
SAFEE: A Debriefing Tool to Identify Latent Conditions in Simulation-based Hospital Design Testing
Authors: Colman Nora , Dalpiaz Ashley , Walter Sarah , Chambers Misty S. , Hebbar Kiran B.
Published: July 2020

In the process of hospital planning and design, the ability to mitigate risk is imperative and practical as design decisions made early can lead to unintended downstream effects that may lead to patient harm. Simulation has been applied as a strategy to identify system gaps and safety threats with the goal to mitigate risk and improve patient outcomes. Early in the pre-construction phase of design development for a new free-standing children’s hospital, Simulation-based Hospital Design Testing (SbHDT) was conducted in a full-scale mock-up. This allowed healthcare teams and architects to actively witness care providing an avenue to study the interaction of humans with their environment, enabling effectively identification of latent conditions that may lay dormant in proposed design features. In order to successfully identify latent conditions in the physical environment and understand the impact of those latent conditions, a specific debriefing framework focused on the built environment was developed and implemented. This article provides a rationale for an approach to debriefing that specifically focuses on the built environment and describes SAFEE, a debriefing guide for simulationists looking to conduct SbHDT.
Biological indicators for pollution detection in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Zaghloul Alaa , Saber Mohamed , Gadow Samir , Awad Fikry
Published: July 2020

Environmental pollution from varied sources is now deemed as one of the most serious problems everywhere. Several pollutants, however, could be perceived by certain biological indicators, each one is used to identify assured single or a category of pollutants. The current review presents the use of biotas, i.e., plants, microorganisms, and animals, to perceive ecosystems pollutants. The most significant biological indicators are presented. The plant indicators described belong to higher plants; the microbial indicators were represented by bacteria, fungi, algae, planktons, lichens, helminthes eggs and enzymes and the animal ones were earthworms, macro-invertebrates, frogs & toads, insects and animal toxins.
Continuous video electroencephalogram for herpes simplex encephalitis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Wanhui , Chen Shenggen , Lin Hanbin , Liu Changyun , Huang Huapin
Published: July 2020

Background

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is an important tool for the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE). However, the diagnosis of non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in HSE is challenging without the help of continuous video EEG (CVEEG), and whether EEG is a predictor of outcome remains controversial.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old woman presented with a 5 day history of fever, coma and seizures. Results of EEG, magnetic resonance imaging and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were suggestive of herpes simplex encephalitis-1 (HSE-1). Preliminary EEG showed periodic discharges at the prefrontal and temporal lobes, which were particularly synchronized with intermittent lip smacking movements, and the discharges were terminated by diazepam. After 2-week treatment with acyclovir, high-dose hormone pulse therapy and high-dose immunoglobulin therapy, the CSF was improved, but the patient’s consciousness became worsen, consistent with the diffuse slow waves in the delta range and low voltage of EEG activity. In the following 1 month, the patient had non-responsiveness to pain and sound as shown by CVEEG with diffuse slow waves. Sometimes paroxysmal very slow waves (0.5–1 Hz) were synchronized with intermittent paroxysmal eye movements, pupil abnormality, and sweating in the frontal area. After 2 months of treatment, the EEG abnormalities improved to have alpha rhythm.

Conclusion

The CVEEG not only helps identify NCSE but can also be used to monitor HSE progression.
Multi-factorial barriers and facilitators to high adherence to lung-protective ventilation using a computerized protocol: a mixed methods study
Authors: Knighton Andrew J. , Kean Jacob , Wolfe Doug , Allen Lauren , Jacobs Jason , Carpenter Lori , Winberg Carrie , Berry Jay G. , Peltan Ithan D. , Grissom Colin K. , Srivastava Raj
Published: July 2020

Background

Lung-protective ventilation (LPV) improves outcomes for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through the administration of low tidal volumes (≤ 6.5 ml/kg predicted body weight [PBW]) with co-titration of positive end-expiratory pressure and fraction of inspired oxygen. Many patients with ARDS, however, are not managed with LPV. The purpose of this study was to understand the implementation barriers and facilitators to the use of LPV and a computerized LPV clinical decision support (CDS) tool in intensive care units (ICUs) in preparation for a pilot hybrid implementation-effectiveness clinical trial.

Methods

We performed an explanatory sequential mixed methods study from June 2018 to March 2019 to evaluate the variation in LPV adherence across 17 ICUs in an integrated healthcare system with > 4000 mechanically ventilated patients annually. We analyzed 47 key informant interviews of ICU physicians, respiratory therapists (RTs), and nurses in 3 of the ICUs using a qualitative content analysis paradigm to investigate site variation as defined by adherence level (low, medium, high) and to identify barriers and facilitators to LPV and LPV CDS tool use.

Results

Forty-two percent of patients had an initial set tidal volume of ≤ 6.5 ml/kg PBW during the measurement period (site range 21–80%). LPV CDS tool use was 28% (site range 6–91%). This study’s main findings revealed multi-factorial facilitators and barriers to use that varied by ICU site adherence level. The primary facilitator was that LPV and the LPV CDS tool could be used on all mechanically ventilated patients. Barriers included a persistent gap between clinician attitudes regarding the use of LPV and actual use, the perceived loss of autonomy associated with using a computerized protocol, the nature of physician-RT interaction in ventilation management, and the lack of clear organization measures of success.

Conclusions

Variation in adherence to LPV persists in ICUs within a healthcare delivery system that was an early adopter of LPV. Potentially promising strategies to increase adherence to LPV and the LPV CDS tool for ARDS patients include initiating low tidal ventilation on all mechanically ventilated patients, establishing and measuring adherence measures, and focused education addressing the physician-RT interaction. These strategies represent a blueprint for a future hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial.
Chemical profiling of a polyherbal formulation by tandem mass spectroscopic analysis with multiple ionization techniques
Authors: C. T. Sulaiman , P. R. Ramesh , K. Mahesh , K. M. Madhu , E. M. Anandan , M. Praveen , Balachandran Indira
Published: July 2020

Background

Gugguluthiktham Kashayam(GTK) is the decoction form ofPanchatikta Guggulu Ghrita, a classical Ayurvedic formulation used for treating various diseases like skin disorders, ulcers, sinus, asthma, cardiac diseases, arthritis, and cancer.

Results

Tandem mass spectroscopic analysis of GTK was carried out by different ionization techniques such as electro spray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in both positive and negative modes using Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (Q-TOF) mass spectroscopy. Data processing of molecular ions obtained by ESI and APCI mass fragmentation led to the identification of several phytoconstituents belonging to various classes of compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and coumarins.

Conclusion

The study concluded that GTK contains variety of phytochemicals with numerous biological properties that might be responsible for its various therapeutic effects.
Converted-wave model building and imaging based on common-focus-point methodology
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Al-Ali Mustafa Naser , Luo Yi
Published: July 2020

Seismic images can be viewed as photographs for underground rocks. These images can be generated from different reflections of elastic waves with different rock properties. Although the dominant seismic data processing is still based on the acoustic wave assumption, elastic wave processing and imaging have become increasingly popular in recent years. A major challenge in elastic wave processing is shear-wave (S-wave) velocity model building. For this reason, we have developed a sequence of procedures for estimating seismic S-wave velocities and the subsequent generation of seismic images using converted waves. We have two main essential new supporting techniques. The first technique is the decoupling of the S-wave information by generating common-focus-point gathers via application of the compressional-wave (P-wave) velocity on the converted seismic data. The second technique is to assume one common VP/ VS ratio to approximate two types of ratios, namely, the ratio of the average earth layer velocity and the ratio of the stacking velocity. The benefit is that we reduce two unknown ratios into one, so it can be easily scanned and picked in practice. The PS-wave images produced by this technology could be aligned with the PP-wave images such that both can be produced in the same coordinate system. The registration between the PP and PS images provides cross-validation of the migrated structures and a better estimation of underground rock and fluid properties. The S-wave velocity, computed from the picked optimal ratio, can be used not only for generating the PS-wave images, but also to ensure well registration between the converted-wave and P-wave images.
Geophysical inversion for 3D contact surface geometry
Authors: Galley Christopher G. , Lelièvre Peter G. , Farquharson Colin G.
Published: July 2020

Geologists’ interpretations about the earth typically involve distinct rock units with contacts between them. Three-dimensional geologic models typically comprise surfaces of tessellated polygons that represent the contacts. In contrast, geophysical inversions typically are performed on voxel meshes comprising space-filling elements. Standard minimum-structure voxel inversions recover smooth models, inconsistent with typical geologic interpretations. Various voxel inversion methods have been developed that attempt to produce models more consistent with such interpretations. However, many of those methods involve increased numerical challenges and ultimately the underlying parameterization of the earth is still inconsistent with geologists’ interpretations. Surface geometry inversion (SGI) is a fundamentally different approach that effectively takes some initial surface-based model and alters the position of the contact surfaces to better fit the geophysical data. Many authors have developed SGI methods. In contrast to those, we are the first to develop a method with the following characteristics: we work directly with 3D explicit surfaces from an input geologic model of arbitrary complexity; we incorporate intersection detection methods to avoid unacceptable topological scenarios; we use global optimization strategies and stochastic sampling to solve the inverse problem and aid model assessment; and we use surface subdivision to reduce the number of model parameters, which also provides regularization without adding the complication of trade-off parameters in the objective function. We test our methods on simpler synthetic examples taken from early influential literature, and we demonstrate their typical use on a more complicated example based on a seafloor massive sulfide deposit. Our work provides a geophysical inversion approach that can work directly with 3D surface-based geologic models. With this approach, geophysical and geologic models can share the same parameterization; there is only a single model, with no need to translate information between two inconsistent parameterizations.
Process evaluation of a district mental healthcare plan in Nepal: a mixed-methods case study
Authors: Luitel Nagendra P. , Breuer Erica , Adhikari Anup , Kohrt Brandon A. , Lund Crick , Komproe Ivan H. , Jordans Mark J. D.
Published: July 2020

Background

The PRogramme for Improving Mental Health carE (PRIME) evaluated the process and outcomes of the implementation of a mental healthcare plan (MHCP) in Chitwan, Nepal.

Aims

To describe the process of implementation, the barriers and facilitating factors, and to evaluate the process indicators of the MHCP.

Method

A case study design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods based on a programme theory of change (ToC) was used and included: (a) district-, community- and health-facility profiles; (b) monthly implementation logs; (c) pre- and post-training evaluation; (d) out-patient clinical data and (e) qualitative interviews with patients and caregivers.

Results

The MHCP was able to achieve most of the indicators outlined by the ToC. Of the total 32 indicators, 21 (66%) were fully achieved, 10 (31%) partially achieved and 1 (3%) were not achieved at all. The proportion of primary care patients that received mental health services increased by 1200% over the 3-year implementation period. Major barriers included frequent transfer of trained health workers, lack of confidential space for consultation, no mental health supervision in the existing system, and stigma. Involvement of Ministry of Health, procurement of new psychotropic medicines through PRIME, motivation of health workers and the development of a new supervision system were key facilitating factors.

Conclusions

Effective implementation of mental health services in primary care settings require interventions to increase demand for services and to ensure there is clinical supervision for health workers, private rooms for consultations, a separate cadre of psychosocial workers and a regular supply of psychotropic medicines.
Genomic Profiles of De Novo High- and Low-Volume Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Results From a 2-Stage Feasibility and Prevalence Study in the STAMPEDE Trial
Authors: Gilson Clare , Ingleby Fiona , Gilbert Duncan C. , Parry Marina A. , Atako Nafisah B. , Ali Adnan , Hoyle Alex , Clarke Noel W. , Gannon Melissa , Wanstall Chris , Brawley Christopher , Mason Malcolm D. , Malik Zafar , Simmons Andrew , Loehr Andrea , Parry-Jones Alison , Eeles Rosalind , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , James Nicholas D. , Amos Claire , Parmar Mahesh K. B. , Langley Ruth E. , Sydes Matthew R. , Attard Gerhardt , Chowdhury Simon ,   for the STAMPEDE Investigators
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

The STAMPEDE trial recruits men with newly diagnosed, high-risk, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. To ascertain the feasibility of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) and the prevalence of baseline genomic aberrations, we sequenced tumor and germline DNA from patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) starting long-term androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

In a 2-stage approach, archival, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate tumor core biopsy samples were retrospectively subjected to 2 tNGS assays. Prospective enrollment enabled validation using tNGS in tumor and germline DNA.

RESULTS

In stage 1, tNGS data were obtained from 185 tumors from 287 patients (65%); 98% had de novo mPCa. We observed PI3K pathway aberrations in 43%, due to PTEN copy-number loss (34%) and/or activating mutations in PIK3 genes or AKT (18%) and TP53 mutation or loss in 33%. No androgen receptor ( AR) aberrations were detected; RB1 loss was observed in < 1%. In stage 2, 93 (92%) of 101 FFPE tumors (biopsy obtained within 8 months) were successfully sequenced prospectively. The prevalence of DNA damage repair (DDR) deficiency was 14% (somatic) and 5% (germline). BRCA2 mutations and mismatch repair gene mutations were exclusive to high-volume disease. Aberrant DDR (22% v 15%), Wnt pathway (16% v 4%), and chromatin remodeling (16% v 8%) were all more common in high-volume compared with low-volume disease, but the small numbers limited statistical comparisons.

CONCLUSION

Prospective genomic characterization is feasible using residual diagnostic tumor samples and reveals that the genomic landscapes of de novo high-volume mPCa and advanced metastatic prostate cancer have notable similarities (PI3K pathway, DDR, Wnt, chromatin remodeling) and differences ( AR, RB1). These results will inform the design and conduct of biomarker-directed trials in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
Long-Run Growth of Financial Data Technology
Authors: Farboodi Maryam , Veldkamp Laura
Published: July 2020

“Big data” financial technology raises concerns about market inefficiency. A common concern is that the technology might induce traders to extract others’ information, rather than to produce information themselves. We allow agents to choose how much they learn about future asset values or about others’ demands, and we explore how improvements in data processing shape these information choices, trading strategies and market outcomes. Our main insight is that unbiased technological change can explain a market-wide shift in data collection and trading strategies. However, in the long run, as data processing technology becomes increasingly advanced, both types of data continue to be processed. Two competing forces keep the data economy in balance: data resolve investment risk, but future data create risk. The efficiency results that follow from these competing forces upend two pieces of common wisdom: our results offer a new take on what makes prices informative and whether trades typically deemed liquidity-providing actually make markets more resilient. (JEL C55, D83, G12, G14, O33)
Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India
Authors: Harari Mariaflavia
Published: July 2020

The spatial layout of cities is an important feature of urban form, highlighted by urban planners but overlooked by economists. This paper investigates the causal economic implications of city shape in India. I measure cities’ geometric properties over time using satellite imagery and historical maps. I develop an instrument for urban shape based on geographic obstacles encountered by expanding cities. Compact city shape is associated with faster population growth and households display positive willingness to pay for more compact layouts. Transit accessibility is an important channel. Land use regulations can contribute to deteriorating city shape. (JEL O18, R14, R23, R52, R58)
Role of family support and self-care practices in blood pressure control in individuals with hypertension: results from a cross-sectional study in Kollam District, Kerala
Authors: Chacko Susanna , Jeemon Panniyammakal
Published: July 2020

Background: Despite the availability of effective drugs, blood pressure (BP) control rate is sub-optimal in individuals with hypertension in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The role of self-care in the management of BP is less studied in LMIC settings.

Methods: We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study in individuals with hypertension in Kollam district, Kerala. A multistage cluster sampling method was used for the selection of study participants. We measured self-care by using an adapted Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects (H-SCALE) scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with BP control.

Results: In total, 690 individuals with hypertension (women=60%) and a mean age of 57±8 years participated in the study. More than half (54%) of the participants were adherent to anti-hypertensive medications. However, the adherence rate was much lower for the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet (12.8%), recommended level of physical activity (24%) and weight management (11.4%). Overall BP control was achieved in two of five individuals (38.4%, 95% CI: 34.7-42.0%). Among self-care activities, adherence to medications (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5), DASH diet (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.4), and non-smoking status (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.7-6.4) were associated with control of BP. Additionally, good family support to self-care (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.1) was associated with better control of BP.

Conclusion:In individuals with hypertension, the BP control rate is achieved in two of five individuals. Adoption of self-care activities are sub-optimal. Both family support and adherence to self-care activities are associated with BP control.  Family based interventions to improve adherence to self-care activities could have a significant public health impact in achieving better population-level BP control rates in Kerala, India.
ВЕНЧУРНОЕ ИНВЕСТИРОВАНИЕ В РОССИИ И ЗА РУБЕЖОМ
Authors: Kuzmenkova Vera Dzhabrailovna
Published: July 2020

Трудно переоценить роль венчурных инвестиций при реализации новых проектов, связанных с повышенным риском, направленных на использование результатов научно-технического прогресса, фактически не применяемых новшеств для активизации инновационной деятельности и повышения конкурентоспособности отечественной промышленности.В статье рассмотрены особенности и преимущества венчурного инвестирования как метода привлечения инвестиций и формы развития инновационного потенциала. Автор анализирует отраслевой аспект совершенствования венчурных инвестиций в России, их влияние на национальную экономику.Цель: изучение особенностей венчурного инвестирования в условиях цикличности развития мировой экономики.Метод или методология проведения работы: общенаучные, монографический, экономико-математические, статистические, метод экспертных оценок.Результаты: в статье сформулированы основные особенности, проблемы формирования и использования венчурных инвестиций в России.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты целесообразно применять при разработке национальных программ развития экономики, включающие вопросы развития венчурного инвестирования.
АНАЛИЗ СОВРЕМЕННОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ ЦИФРОВЫХ ПЛАТФОРМ
Authors: Narolina Tatiana Stanislavovna , Smotrova Tatiana Ivanovna , Nekrasova Tatiana Aleksandrovna
Published: July 2020

В современном мире условия ведения бизнеса стремительно меняются. Эти изменения затрагивают все существующие бизнес-модели и процесс отношений между ключевыми участниками рынка. Существующие технологические возможности межличностных и деловых коммуникаций, возрастающие требования к уровню сервиса и быстроте оказания требуемых услуг диктуют необходимость кардинальных изменений подходов к построению бизнеса. Поэтому все больше компаний приходят к пониманию необходимости внедрения цифровых технологий и трансформации имеющихся бизнес-моделей.Использование цифровых платформ является одним из направлений цифровизации экономики. Это направление позволяет создать эффективные коммуникации между экономическими агентами, устранить временные, территориальные и языковые барьеры, повысить эффективность бизнес-процессов и конкурентоспособность национальных рынков.Цель – выявление особенностей состояния российских и зарубежных цифровых платформ, а также тенденций их дальнейшего развития.Метод или методология проведения работы: в статье были использованы методы научного анализа, применяемые в экономических исследованиях, использован системный подход, обеспечивающий комплексное исследование проблемы, сравнительный анализ и обобщение.Результаты: систематизированы подходы к определению «цифровая платформа», структурирована и систематизирована информация по вопросу разнообразия существующие цифровых платформ и изучены существующие подходы к их классификации. Выявлены тенденции развития цифровых платформ в мировой и российской экономике.Область применения результатов: информация будет полезна соответствующими государственными органами или руководителями предприятий при разработке программ развития цифровых платформ или цифровизации предприятия.
ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ОРГАНОВ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ ВЛАСТИ И УПРАВЛЕНИЯ В РОССИИ
Authors: Gersonskaya Irina Valeryevna
Published: July 2020

В статье проанализированы основные показатели деятельности органов государственной власти и управления в России. Выявлены существенные проблемы, присущие российской системы государственного управления.Цель работы – оценка эффективности деятельности органов государственной власти и управления в России на основе статистических данных.Метод или методология проведения работы: общенаучные методы, приемы научной абстракции, наблюдения и системного исследования.Результаты. Оценка деятельности органов государственной власти и управления свидетельствует о довольно значительной численности чиновничьего аппарата и высоких расходах на государственное управление. В России на не высоком уровне находится развитие системы электронного правительства, что мешает в полной мере осуществлять онлайн-взаимодействие властных структур с предпринимательским сектором и домохозяйствами. Анализ индикаторов уровня жизни населения показал довольно низкие реальные доходы и существенное социальное расслоение российского общества, что отрицательно характеризуют функционирование системы государственного управления.Область применения результатов. Результаты проведенного исследования могут быть использованы органами государственной власти и управления в России для разработки критериев, направленных на повышение эффективности их деятельности и роста уровня жизни населения страны, а так же научными сотрудниками, изучающими проблематику в данной области.
ОГРАНИЧЕНИЯ МОДЕЛЕЙ ОБЩЕГО РАВНОВЕСИЯ ПРИ ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИИ ДИНАМИКИ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ СИСТЕМ
Authors: Golubev Fedor Sergeevich
Published: July 2020

В статье рассматриваются ограничения возникающие при прогнозировании динамики социально-экономических систем на основе моделей общего равновесия. Автор рассматривает различные вариации данных моделей, возможности и критические моменты, выявленные за время их использования. В статье предлагается обратить внимание на поведенческий подход при разработке прогнозов применительно к социально-экономической среде для приближения прогнозных результатов к реальной экономике и учете влияния более глубоких процессов микроуровня на показатели макроуровня.Цель – выявить ограничения различного рода моделей на основе таблиц «затраты-выпуск» при прогнозировании динамики социально-экономических систем.Метод и методология проведения работы: работа основывается на методах сравнительного анализа методологий прогнозирования на основе различных вариаций моделей общего равновесия.Результаты: полученные результаты представляют собой теоретическую основу для использования такого вида анализа применительно к другим методам прогнозирования.Область применения результатов: полученные в статье результаты применимы к использованию прогнозов к выявлению изменений социально-экономических систем.