bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The three fetal shunts: A story of wrong eponyms
Authors: Zampieri Fabio , Thiene Gaetano , Basso Cristina , Zanatta Alberto
Published: November 2020

The fetal circulatory system bypasses the lungs and liver with three shunts. The foramen ovale allows the transfer of the blood from the right to the left atrium, and the ductus arteriosus permits the transfer of the blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta. The ductus venosus is the continuation of the umbilical vein, allowing a large part of the oxygenated blood from the placenta to join the supradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava, bypassing the fetal liver and directly connecting the right atrium. These structures are named after the physicians who are thought to have discovered them. The foramen ovale and the ductus arteriosus are called the “foramen Botalli” and the “ductus Botalli,” after Leonardo Botallo (1530–c. 1587). The ductus venosus is styled “ductus Arantii” after Giulio Cesare Arantius (1530–1589). However, these eponyms have been incorrectly applied as these structures were, in fact, discovered by others earlier. Indeed, the foramen ovale and the ductus arteriosus were described by Galen of Pergamon centuries earlier (c. 129–210 AD). He understood that these structures were peculiar to the fetal heart and that they undergo closure after birth. The ductus venosus was first described by Andreas Vesalius (1514–1564) 3 years before Arantius. Therefore, the current anatomical nomenclature of the fetal cardiac shunts is historically inappropriate.
Adaptive innovations to provide services to children with developmental disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Eapen Valsamma , Hiscock Harriet , Williams Katrina
Published: November 2020

Children with developmental disabilities are experiencing significant challenges to service access due to suspension of in‐person assessments during the current COVID‐19 pandemic. Telehealth is rapidly becoming the new service delivery model, which presents a unique opportunity for innovation in care that could be beneficial in the post‐pandemic period. For example, using a combination of in‐home video and telehealth options could form the first step in developmental assessment, allowing children to receive the necessary supports without delay. Recent telehealth funding is welcome but additional Medicare items for joint consultations including general practitioners (GPs), and paediatric, mental health and allied health professionals is critical.
Theories as modern myths: Giving up the pursuit of good theory to focus on good theorizing
Authors: Cresswell James
Published: November 2020

Mills discusses the notion of myth and links it to a discussion of theory. While he does not consider myth and theory to be synonymous, I attempt to close the gap between these two notions even further. This argument is accomplished by discussing theorists that have theorized about theory and aligning their claims with Mills’ claims about myth. I propose that Mills cannot rely on coherence to substantiate good myth/theory and, instead, suggest the consideration of what constitutes good quality theorizing. Good theorizing involves deep understanding of different theories/myths and comparing them to generate innovation.
Assessment of rheological methods to study crystallization of palm oil fractions
Authors: Tangsanthatkun Janjira , Wiking Lars , Sonwai Sopark , Gregersen Sandra Beyer
Published: November 2020

This study provides an evaluation of the use of rheology to characterize soft, semi‐hard, and hard fats in relation to determine the crystallization onset, crystallization behavior, as well as microstructure development using either a plate–plate or a starch pasting cell (SPC). The results from this study demonstrate that when applying rheology to study fat crystallization, the results must be interpreted with care. The application of a plate–plate geometry allowed for sensitive evaluation of the initial nucleation phase, which was not possible with an SPC. Both geometries could provide information on crystallization behavior in terms of one‐step or two‐step crystallization. However, in the late stage of the crystallization process, when the fat crystals form a strong network, the SPC could not describe differences in the rheology of the fat‐crystal network, which was a possibility by the use of a plate–plate geometry. Thus, oscillatory rheology with a suitable geometry can be used to evaluate the entire crystallization process.
Shared decision‐making for women facing an unplanned pregnancy: A qualitative study
Authors: Ueno Yoko , Kako Mayumi , Ohira Mitsuko , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to explore the competencies of health care practitioners who promote shared decision‐making (SDM)–based care for women facing an unplanned pregnancy in Japan. We conducted semistructured interviews with 12 care providers who are pioneers in care for women facing an unplanned pregnancy and adopted a modified grounded theory approach for data analysis. A three‐step model for shared decision making in practice (team talk, option talk, and decision talk) was used as a reference. The answers given by the care providers were analyzed to identify the competencies involved in shared decision making. We identified three stages: (i) building trust and promoting women's expression; (ii) discussing women's real needs; and (iii) exploring the intentions and goals expressed by women and finding the best choices while promoting women's autonomy in decision‐making. The coordination between the support of partners, families, and professionals, and the care provided to strengthen women's identities facilitated shared decision making. Women facing an unplanned pregnancy can benefit from interventions designed to improve shared decision making. A key component of shared decision making‐based care relates to practitioners' raised awareness toward their roles and responsibilities: developing good communication skills and fostering collaboration between all stakeholders.
Transcending human frailties with technological enhancements and replacements: Transhumanist perspective in nursing and healthcare
Authors: Locsin Rozzano C. , Pepito Joseph Andrew , Juntasopeepun Phanida , Constantino Rose E.
Published: November 2020

As human beings age, they become weak, fragile, and feeble. It is a slowly progressing yet complex syndrome in which old age or some disabilities are not prerequisites; neither does loss of human parts lead to frailty among the physically fit older persons. This paper aims to describe the influences of transhumanist perspectives on human‐technology enhancements and replacements in the transcendence of human frailties, including those of older persons, in which technology is projected to deliver solutions toward transcending these frailties. Through technologies including genetic screening and other technological manipulations, intelligent machines and augmented humans improve, maintain, and remedy human‐linked susceptibilities. Furthermore, other technologies replace parts fabricated through inorganic‐mechanical processes such as 3D‐printing. Advancing technologies are reaching the summit of technological sophistication contributing to the transhumanist views of being human in a technological world. Technologies enhance the transcendence of human frailties as essential expressions of the symbiosis between human beings and technology in a transcendental world.
Management of recurrent pneumo‐orbit secondary to post traumatic sino‐orbital fistula using a navigation‐guided customised 3D printed titanium implant: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Anabtawi Mohammed , Tompkins Hannah , Salvi Sachin M. , Lee Nicholas J.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Chronic persistent pneumo‐orbital fistula is a rare complication of orbital trauma with only four previously reported cases in English literature, all of which were present after surgical repair of the orbital fracture and all of them were treated by removal of the orbital implant and cauterisation of the herniated tissues.

Case presentation

We present an interesting case of recurrent left pneumo‐orbit secondary to untreated traumatic large inferomedial sino‐orbital fistula which was successfully repaired using a customised titanium Patient Specific Implant (PSI) inserted with assistance from a navigation system. The thin implant ensured there was no alteration of globe position or diplopia. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first reported case in the English literature to describe closure of active, persistent chronic pneumo‐orbital fistula using this novel technique.This article will explore this approach and discuss its limitations based on our experience and a review of the existing literature regarding different causes,presentations, complications,treatment and approaches for the management of pneumo‐orbitum.

Conclusion

The use of a solid PSI is an effective and safe treatment for the closure of persistent sino‐orbital fistula and should be considered as a viable treatment option in this group of patients.
Genetic analyses of lodging resistance and yield provide insights into post‐Green‐Revolution breeding in rice
Authors: Guo Zilong , Liu Xiao , Zhang Bo , Yuan Xinjie , Xing Yongzhong , Liu Hongyan , Luo Lijun , Chen Guoxing , Xiong Lizhong
Published: November 2020

Lodging reduces grain yield in cereal crops. Understanding the genetic basis of lodging resistance (LR) benefits LR breeding. In the study, 524 accessions from a rice germplasm collection and 193 recombinant inbred lines were phenotyped for 17 LR‐related traits. Height and culm strength (the magnitude of applied force necessary to break the culm) were two major factors affecting LR. We conducted genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and identified 127 LR‐associated loci. Significant phenotypic correlations between culm‐strength traits and yield‐related traits were observed. To reveal the genetic relationship between them, we conducted GWAS of culm‐strength traits with adding yield‐related trait as a covariate and detected 63 loci linking culm strength and yield. As a proof, a near‐isogenic line for an association locus on chromosome 7 showed enhanced LR and yield. Strikingly, 58 additional loci were identified in the covariate‐added GWAS. Several LR‐associated loci had undergone divergent selection. Linkage analysis supported the GWAS results. We propose that introgression of alleles beneficial for both culm strength and panicle weight without negative effects on panicle number or pyramiding high‐yielding alleles and lodging‐resistant alleles without effects on yield can be employed for the post‐Green‐Revolution breeding.
Combined A20 and tripartite motif‐containing 44 as poor prognostic factors for breast cancer patients of the Japanese population
Authors: Sato Junichiro , Azuma Kotaro , Kinowaki Keiichi , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Ogura Takuya , Takazawa Yutaka , Kawabata Hidetaka , Kitagawa Masanobu , Inoue Satoshi
Published: November 2020

We previously reported that a strong immunoreactivity of tripartite motif‐containing 44 (TRIM44) predicts the poor prognosis of patients with invasive breast cancer, and proposed that TRIM44 activates nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling as a causative mechanism. In the present study, we examined the clinicopathological roles of A20, which is known to be an NF‐κB responsive gene, with TRIM44, in an updated cohort. Tissue samples of invasive breast cancer were obtained from 140 Japanese female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment. Immunoreactivities of A20 and TRIM44 were analyzed using specific antibodies for each protein. A positive A20 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with a shorter disease‐free survival (P = 0.043) and was positively correlated with TRIM44 immunoreactivity (P = 0.039). Combined use of the immunoreactivities for two proteins revealed that double‐positive status for both A20 and TRIM44 immunoreactivities was associated with a shorter disease‐free survival (P = 0.012) and was an independent factor for poor prognosis. These results indicate that a combined A20 and TRIM44 immunoreactivity predicted the prognosis of patients with invasive breast cancer. Moreover, the positive correlation between A20 and TRIM44 immunoreactivities suggested that the activation of NF‐κB signaling by TRIM44 could occur in clinical breast cancer tissues.
Artichoke yellow ringspot virus as the causal agent of a new viral disease of lettuce: Epidemiology and molecular variability
Authors: Karapetsi Lefkothea , Chatzivassiliou Elisavet K. , Katis Nikolaos I. , Maliogka Varvara I.
Published: November 2020

In 2015 and 2016, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants showing yellow ringspots and line patterns were observed in Argolida (Peloponnese, Greece). Symptoms resembled those caused by nepoviruses, especially artichoke yellow ringspot virus (AYRSV), an endemic virus in artichoke (Cynara scolymus) and onion (Allium cepa var. cepa) crops in this area. The aim of this work was to identify and characterize the viral agent associated with the observed disease. We carried out mechanical inoculations onto Nicotiana benthamiana and lettuce plants and also virus‐specific reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR. Results confirmed the presence of AYRSV in all lettuce plants with symptoms tested, and the natural and experimental host range of the virus was studied. The species Heliotropium europaeum, Solanum nigrum, Origanum vulgare, Lactuca seriola, and Sinapis arvensis, are recorded as hosts of AYRSV for the first time. Also, AYRSV was detected by RT‐PCR in seeds and in the produced seedlings of lettuce, N. benthamiana, N. glutinosa, N. tabacum, and S. nigrum. Sequencing of a partial fragment of the gene encoding the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase was performed for 29 isolates of AYRSV originating from different hosts (lettuce, artichoke, onion, and arable weeds). Phylogenetic analysis of AYRSV isolates classified them in diverse clusters that exhibited no host grouping. All groups included isolates from cultivated and wild plant species. In this study, AYRSV was associated with a new lettuce disease for the first time, thus increasing the known natural host range of the virus.
Towards a best practice methodology for the detection of Phytophthora species in soils
Authors: Burgess Treena I. , López‐Villamor Adrián , Paap Trudy , Williams Briony , Belhaj Rajah , Crone Michael , Dunstan William , Howard Kay , Hardy Giles E. St. J.
Published: November 2020

The genus Phytophthora contains species that are major pathogens worldwide, affecting a multitude of plant species across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and natural ecosystems. Here, we concentrate on those species that are dispersed through soil and water, attacking the roots of the plants, causing them to rot and die. The intention of this study was to compare the soil baiting protocol developed by the Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management (CPSM) with two other baiting methods used in Australia. The aim was to demonstrate the effectiveness of each protocol for soil baiting Phytophthora species in different substrates. Three experiments were conducted: the first to test the sensitivity of each method to detect Phytophthora cinnamomi, the second to test the effect of substrate type (sand or loam), and the third to test the detection of species (P. cinnamomi, P. multivora, or P. pseudocryptogea). The specificity of different plant species baits was compared within and between the methods. Substrate type influenced isolation in all methods; however, the CPSM method was superior regardless of substrate, albeit slower than one of the other methods for one substrate. Comparing bait species between the three methods, Quercus ilex was the most attractive bait for P. cinnamomi, particularly in the CPSM method. The choice of protocol affected the isolation associated with each bait type. Overall, the multiple bait system used by CPSM was shown to provide the most sensitive and reliable detection of Phytophthora species from soil samples.
Phytomelatonin: An overview of the importance and mediating functions of melatonin against environmental stresses
Authors: Altaf Muhammad Ahsan , Shahid Rabia , Ren Ming‐Xun , Mora‐Poblete Freddy , Arnao Marino B. , Naz Safina , Anwar Muhammad , Altaf Muhammad Mohsin , Shahid Sidra , Shakoor Awais , Sohail Hamza , Ahmar Sunny , Kamran Muhammad , Chen Jen‐Tsung
Published: November 2020

Recently, melatonin has gained significant importance in plant research. The presence of melatonin in the plant kingdom has been known since 1995. It is a molecule that is conserved in a wide array of evolutionary distant organisms. Its functions and characteristics have been found to be similar in both plants and animals. The review focuses on the role of melatonin pertaining to physiological functions in higher plants. Melatonin regulates physiological functions regarding auxin activity, root, shoot, and explant growth, activates germination of seeds, promotes rhizogenesis (growth of adventitious and lateral roots), and holds up impelled leaf senescence. Melatonin is a natural bio‐stimulant that creates resistance in field crops against various abiotic stress, including heat, chemical pollutants, cold, drought, salinity, and harmful ultra‐violet radiation. The full potential of melatonin in regulating physiological functions in higher plants still needs to be explored by further research.
Tuberculosis in the intensive care unit: alternative treatment regimens and association with mortality
Authors: Anton Camila , Lemos Carolina Xavier , Machado Felipe Dominguez , Bernardi Rafaela Manzoni , Freitas Alana Ambos , Silva Denise Rossato
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Adequate anti‐tuberculosis (TB) treatment is an important factor that can affect the patient's outcome. Higher mortality is found in patients who do not receive optimal treatment that includes isoniazid and rifampicin. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of use of alternative TB treatment regimens (without rifampicin and isoniazid) and mortality among patients requiring intensive care.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study, from January 2010 to December 2018. Patients aged > 18 years with a TB diagnosis, admitted to the ICU of a general, tertiary care, university‐affiliated hospital (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – HCPA) were included. Data on TB treatment used and outcomes of treatment were collected.

Results

462 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis; 284 used the usual treatment regimen (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol – all orally), and 178 used alternative treatment regimens (IV levofloxacin plus oral ethambutol plus IM streptomycin or IV amikacin, without rifampicin and isoniazid). The mortality was higher among users of alternative treatment regimens (63.5%) than among usual treatment regimen users (51.4%) (P = 0.011). In a multivariate analysis, age, albumin and death were independently associated with alternative treatment regimens use.

Conclusions

TB programmes in which IV rifampicin is not widely available should consider including it, especially for critically ill TB patients, for whom there may be improved survival.
Seroprevalence of Chagas disease in rural communities at Campinas do Piauí city, Brazil
Authors: de Aquino Santana Maricélia , da Silva Ferreira Ana Laura , dos Santos Luan Victor Brandão , Furtado Campos José Henrique , de Sena Layara Larice Jesuino , Mendonça Vagner José
Published: November 2020

Objectives

This manuscript aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Chagas’s disease in the population of rural communities at Campinas do Piauí city, State of Piauí, Brazil.

Methods

The techniques of the indirect immunofluorescence reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect reagent samples for Chagas disease and estimate its prevalence in the rural population. Blood samples were collected on filter paper through digital and venipuncture. Blood samples with reactive or indeterminate results were re‐evaluated and subjected to the test by ELISA.

Results

In total, 763 blood samples were analysed from 161 residences of 18 rural communities, collected in residents aged between 2 and 92 years. In the indirect immunofluorescence reaction technique, 44 (5.8%) of the results were positive, being 40 (5.2%) confirmed by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Among the communities surveyed, we observed reactive cases in 15 of them, these cases being distributed, according to the age group, as follows: 1 case from 0 to 10 years; 13 cases from 11 to 60 years old; and 30 cases over 61 years.

Conclusion

The results indicate that Chagas’s disease remains with active transmission in the Campinas do Piaui city according to the occurrence of a case in a resident under 10 years of age. The region is endemic for Chagas’s disease, as observed by the high prevalence of positive cases.
Orbital symmetries of charge density wave order in YBa
2
Cu
3
O

6+
x
Authors: McMahon Christopher , Achkar A. J. , da Silva Neto E. H. , Djianto I. , Menard J. , He F. , Sutarto R. , Comin R. , Liang Ruixing , Bonn D. A. , Hardy W. N. , Damascelli A. , Hawthorn D. G.
Published: November 2020

Resonant x-ray scattering in YBCO reveals
s
-symmetry charge order along the
b
axis but charge/orbital order along the
a
axis.
A neural mechanism for affective well-being: Subgenual cingulate cortex mediates real-life effects of nonexercise activity on energy
Authors: Reichert Markus , Braun Urs , Gan Gabriela , Reinhard Iris , Giurgiu Marco , Ma Ren , Zang Zhenxiang , Hennig Oliver , Koch Elena D. , Wieland Lena , Schweiger Janina , Inta Dragos , Hoell Andreas , Akdeniz Ceren , Zipf Alexander , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. , Tost Heike , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas
Published: November 2020

A neural mechanism underlying the real-life effects of nonexercise activity on well-being promises novel intervention targets.
A psychological intervention strengthens students’ peer social networks and promotes persistence in STEM
Authors: Turetsky Kate M. , Purdie-Greenaway Valerie , Cook Jonathan E. , Curley James P. , Cohen Geoffrey L.
Published: November 2020

A psychological intervention increased students’ persistence in biology by building their friendships in a gateway course.
F-actin disassembly factor MICAL1 binding to Myosin Va mediates cargo unloading during cytokinesis
Authors: Niu Fengfeng , Sun Kang , Wei Wenjie , Yu Cong , Wei Zhiyi
Published: November 2020

Cellular, biochemical, and structural investigation of the MyoVa/MICAL1 complex reveals an intracellular cargo-unloading mechanism.
Magnetizing lead-free halide double perovskites
Authors: Ning Weihua , Bao Jinke , Puttisong Yuttapoom , Moro Fabrizo , Kobera Libor , Shimono Seiya , Wang Linqin , Ji Fuxiang , Cuartero Maria , Kawaguchi Shogo , Abbrent Sabina , Ishibashi Hiroki , De Marco Roland , Bouianova Irina A. , Crespo Gaston A. , Kubota Yoshiki , Brus Jiri , Chung Duck Young , Sun Licheng , Chen Weimin M. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Gao Feng
Published: November 2020

Alloying magnetic ions into halide double perovskites brings new opportunities for spintronics.
The endothelial protein C receptor plays an essential role in the maintenance of pregnancy
Authors: Castillo Michelle M. , Yang Qiuhui , Sigala Abril Solis , McKinney Dosia T. , Zhan Min , Chen Kristen L. , Jarzembowski Jason A. , Sood Rashmi
Published: November 2020

Mice reveal a link between maternal or fetal thrombophilia, uteroplacental thrombosis, hemorrhage, and placental abruption.
Biodiversity enhances the multitrophic control of arthropod herbivory
Authors: Barnes A. D. , Scherber C. , Brose U. , Borer E. T. , Ebeling A. , Gauzens B. , Giling D. P. , Hines J. , Isbell F. , Ristok C. , Tilman D. , Weisser W. W. , Eisenhauer N.
Published: November 2020

Increasing plant diversity controls herbivory by limiting energetic gains and enhancing predation of arthropod herbivores.
Dependence of regional ocean heat uptake on anthropogenic warming scenarios
Authors: Ma Xiaofan , Liu Wei , Allen Robert J. , Huang Gang , Li Xichen
Published: November 2020

Cutting anthropogenic emissions makes the North Atlantic the focus of global ocean heat uptake.
The 3.2-Å resolution structure of human mTORC2
Authors: Scaiola Alain , Mangia Francesca , Imseng Stefan , Boehringer Daniel , Berneiser Karolin , Shimobayashi Mitsugu , Stuttfeld Edward , Hall Michael N. , Ban Nenad , Maier Timm
Published: November 2020

The structure of mTORC2 reveals the basis of its rapamycin insensitivity and explains how mTORC2 stability controls activity.
Increasing riverine heat influx triggers Arctic sea ice decline and oceanic and atmospheric warming
Authors: Park Hotaek , Watanabe Eiji , Kim Youngwook , Polyakov Igor , Oshima Kazuhiro , Zhang Xiangdong , Kimball John S. , Yang Daqing
Published: November 2020

Positive river heat–sea ice feedback doubles the river heat effect on declining Arctic sea ice.
Bioinspired cilia arrays with programmable nonreciprocal motion and metachronal coordination
Authors: Dong Xiaoguang , Lum Guo Zhan , Hu Wenqi , Zhang Rongjing , Ren Ziyu , Onck Patrick R. , Sitti Metin
Published: November 2020

Programmable artificial cilia arrays enable metachronal coordination for enhanced fluid pumping at the low Reynolds number regime.
Heterogeneous integration of rigid, soft, and liquid materials for self-healable, recyclable, and reconfigurable wearable electronics
Authors: Shi Chuanqian , Zou Zhanan , Lei Zepeng , Zhu Pengcheng , Zhang Wei , Xiao Jianliang
Published: November 2020

Advances in materials, chemistry, and mechanics enable self-healing, recycling, and reconfiguring of wearable electronics.
The mammalian circadian pacemaker regulates wakefulness via CRF neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus
Authors: Ono Daisuke , Mukai Yasutaka , Hung Chi Jung , Chowdhury Srikanta , Sugiyama Takashi , Yamanaka Akihiro
Published: November 2020

A hypothalamic neuronal circuit mediates circadian-regulated wakefulness in mice.
Understanding the electric and nonelectric field components of the cation effect on the electrochemical CO reduction reaction
Authors: Malkani A. S. , Li J. , Oliveira N. J. , He M. , Chang X. , Xu B. , Lu Q.
Published: November 2020

Cations’ electrochemically relevant size and interactions with interfacial species affect electrode-catalyzed reactions.
Structure and inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease reveal strategy for developing dual inhibitors against M
pro
and cathepsin L
Authors: Sacco Michael Dominic , Ma Chunlong , Lagarias Panagiotis , Gao Ang , Townsend Julia Alma , Meng Xiangzhi , Dube Peter , Zhang Xiujun , Hu Yanmei , Kitamura Naoya , Hurst Brett , Tarbet Bart , Marty Michael Thomas , Kolocouris Antonios , Xiang Yan , Chen Yu , Wang Jun
Published: November 2020

X-ray crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 M
pro
with dual inhibitors provide a new direction for the designing of COVID-19 antivirals.
Exercise training for intermittent claudication: a narrative review and summary of guidelines for practitioners
Authors: Harwood Amy E , Pymer Sean , Ingle Lee , Doherty Patrick , Chetter Ian C , Parmenter Belinda , Askew Christopher D , Tew Gary A
Published: November 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerotic narrowing of the arteries supplying the lower limbs often resulting in intermittent claudication, evident as pain or cramping while walking. Supervised exercise training elicits clinically meaningful benefits in walking ability and quality of life. Walking is the modality of exercise with the strongest evidence and is recommended in several national and international guidelines. Alternate forms of exercise such as upper- or lower-body cycling may be used, if required by certain patients, although there is less evidence for these types of programmes. The evidence for progressive resistance training is growing and patients can also engage in strength-based training alongside a walking programme. For those unable to attend a supervised class (strongest evidence), home-based or ‘self-facilitated’ exercise programmes are known to improve walking distance when compared to simple advice. All exercise programmes, independent of the mode of delivery, should be progressive and individually prescribed where possible, considering disease severity, comorbidities and initial exercise capacity. All patients should aim to accumulate at least 30 min of aerobic activity, at least three times a week, for at least 3 months, ideally in the form of walking exercise to near-maximal claudication pain.
Not belonging where others do: a cross-sectional analysis of multi-level social capital interactions on health and mental well-being in Wales
Authors: Saville Christopher W N
Published: November 2020

Background

Social capital may be a social good in health terms, but it is not necessarily a universal good. Several studies have shown that while there is a positive association between ecological social capital and health in people with high individual-level social capital, this relationship is weaker or even reversed in those with low individual-level social capital. Such studies, however, have used relatively coarse levels of geography for quantifying ecological social capital. The present study looks at this relationship at a more fine-grained spatial scale.

Methods

Data from the National Survey for Wales (n=27 828, weighted mean age=48.4) were linked to previously published small-area estimates (n=410) of ecological social capital for Wales. Mixed effects models were then used to assess whether the relationship between mental well-being and self-reported health on one hand, and ecological social capital (sense of belonging) on the other, was moderated by individual-level social capital.

Results

The models found the same moderation of the relationship that has been demonstrated previously: Although ecological social capital is positively associated with health in respondents with high individual-level social capital, the relationship is negative in those with low individual-level social capital.

Conclusion

This study replicates this association at a spatial scale orders of magnitude more fine-grained than had been shown previously. Ecological social capital is not an unambiguously positive factor for public health, and may be a risk factor for marginalised people.
Prevention, screening, assessing and managing of non-adherent behaviour in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: systematic reviews informing the 2020 EULAR points to consider
Authors: Ritschl Valentin , Stamm Tanja A , Aletaha Daniel , Bijlsma Johannes W J , Böhm Peter , Dragoi Razvan , Dures Emma , Estévez-López Fernando , Gossec Laure , Iagnocco Annamaria , Negrón José B , Nudel Michal , Marques Andréa , Moholt Ellen , Skrubbeltrang Conni , Van den Bemt Bart , Viktil Kirsten , Voshaar Marieke , Carmona Loreto , de Thurah Annette
Published: November 2020

Objective

To analyse how non-adherence to prescribed treatments might be prevented, screened, assessed and managed in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

Methods

An overview of systematic reviews (SR) was performed in four bibliographic databases. Research questions focused on: (1) effective interventions or strategies, (2) associated factors, (3) impact of shared decision making and effective communication, (4) practical things to prevent non-adherence, (5) effect of non-adherence on outcome, (6) screening and assessment tools and (7) responsible healthcare providers. The methodological quality of the reviews was assessed using AMSTAR-2. The qualitative synthesis focused on results and on the level of evidence attained from the studies included in the reviews.

Results

After reviewing 9908 titles, the overview included 38 SR on medication, 29 on non-pharmacological interventions and 28 on assessment. Content and quality of the included SR was very heterogeneous. The number of factors that may influence adherence exceed 700. Among 53 intervention studies, 54.7% showed a small statistically significant effect on adherence, and all three multicomponent interventions, including different modes of patient education and delivered by a variety of healthcare providers, showed a positive result in adherence to medication. No single assessment provided a comprehensive measure of adherence to either medication or exercise.

Conclusions

The results underscore the complexity of non-adherence, its changing pattern and dependence on multi-level factors, the need to involve all stakeholders in all steps, the absence of a gold standard for screening and the requirement of multi-component interventions to manage it.
Luminal Ca2+ regulation of RyR1 Ca2+ channel leak activation and inactivation in sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane vesicles
Authors: Palahniuk C. , Mutawe M. , Gilchrist J.S.C.
Published: November 2020

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the RyR1 Ca2+ channel closure is sensitive to outward trans-SR membrane Ca2+ gradients established by SERCA1 pumping. To perform these studies, we employed stopped-flow rapid-kinetic fluorescence methods to measure and assess how variation in trans-SR membrane Ca2+ distribution affects evolution of RyR1 Ca2+ leaks in RyR1/ CASQ1/SERCA1-rich membrane vesicles. Our studies showed that rapid filling of a Mag-Fura-2-sensitive free Ca2+ pool during SERCA1-mediated Ca2+ sequestration appears to be a crucial condition allowing RyR1 Ca2+ channels to close once reloading of luminal Ca2+ stores is complete. Disruption in the filling of this pool caused activation of Ruthenium Red inhibitable RyR1 Ca2+ leaks, suggesting that SERCA1 pump formation of outward Ca2+ gradients is an important aspect of Ca2+ flux control channel opening and closing. In addition, our observed ryanodine-induced shift in luminal Ca2+ from free to a CTC–Ca+-sensitive, CASQ1-associated bound compartment underscores the complex organization and regulation of SR luminal Ca2+. Our study provides strong evidence that RyR1 functional states directly and indirectly influence the compartmentation of luminal Ca2+. This, in turn, is influenced by the activity of SERCA1 pumps to fill luminal pools while synchronously reducing Ca2+ levels on the cytosolic face of RyR1 channels.
Algorithm 1012
Authors: Chang Tyler H. , Watson Layne T. , Lux Thomas C. H. , Butt Ali R. , Cameron Kirk W. , Hong Yili
Published: November 2020

DELAUNAYSPARSE contains both serial and parallel codes written in Fortran 2003 (with OpenMP) for performing medium- to high-dimensional interpolation via the Delaunay triangulation. To accommodate the exponential growth in the size of the Delaunay triangulation in high dimensions, DELAUNAYSPARSE computes only a sparse subset of the complete Delaunay triangulation, as necessary for performing interpolation at the user specified points. This article includes algorithm and implementation details, complexity and sensitivity analyses, usage information, and a brief performance study.
Motion Control in Magnetic Microrobotics: From Individual and Multiple Robots to Swarms
Authors: Yang Lidong , Zhang Li
Published: November 2020

Magnetic microrobotics has undergone approximately 20 years of development, and the robotics and control communities have contributed significant theoretical and practical results to the motion control aspects of this field. This article introduces fundamental motion principles covering individual, multiagent, and swarm control and critically reviews the state of the art along with representative results. It then describes closed-loop control (an important part of this field), including the system structure, current motion planning and control methods, and current feedback approaches. As the development of motion control in magnetic microrobotics is far from complete, especially for swarm control, its current limitations are discussed. Finally, we conclude with several challenges and future research directions.
Ceramides in Metabolism: Key Lipotoxic Players
Authors: Chaurasia Bhagirath , Summers Scott A.
Published: November 2020

The global prevalence of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, steatohepatitis, myocardial infarction, and stroke has increased dramatically over the past two decades. These obesity-fueled disorders result, in part, from the aberrant accumulation of harmful lipid metabolites in tissues not suited for lipid storage (e.g., the liver, vasculature, heart, and pancreatic beta-cells). Among the numerous lipid subtypes that accumulate, sphingolipids such as ceramides are particularly impactful, as they elicit the selective insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and ultimately cell death that underlie nearly all metabolic disorders. This review summarizes recent findings on the regulatory pathways controlling ceramide production, the molecular mechanisms linking the lipids to these discrete pathogenic events, and exciting attempts to develop therapeutics to reduce ceramide levels to combat metabolic disease.
Brown Adipose Tissue: A Metabolic Regulator in a Hypothalamic Cross Talk?
Authors: Henningsen Jo B. , Scheele Camilla
Published: November 2020

Since the discovery of functionally competent, energy-consuming brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans, much effort has been devoted to exploring this tissue as a means for increasing energy expenditure to counteract obesity. However, despite promising effects on metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity, no convincing evidence for weight-loss effects of cold-activated human BAT exists to date. Indeed, increasing energy expenditure would naturally induce compensatory feedback mechanisms to defend body weight. Interestingly, BAT is regulated by multiple interactions with the hypothalamus from regions overlapping with centers for feeding behavior and metabolic control. Therefore, in the further exploration of BAT as a potential source of novel drug targets, we discuss the hypothalamic orchestration of BAT activity and the relatively unexplored BAT feedback mechanisms on neuronal regulation. With a holistic view on hypothalamic-BAT interactions, we aim to raise ideas and provide a new perspective on this circuit and highlight its clinical relevance.
Clinical Characteristics and Management of Functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Single Institution 20-Year Experience with 286 Patients
Authors: Qu Yuqing , Li Haoming , Wang Xianling , Chen Yulong , Guo Qinghua , Pei Yu , Du Jin , Dou Jingtao , Ba Jianming , Lv Zhaohui , Mu Yiming
Published: November 2020

Background. Functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are very rare disorders but have complex spectrum, including insulinoma, gastrinoma, glucagonoma, somatostatinoma, and VIPoma. Patients with PanNENs usually present with characteristic symptoms caused by corresponding hormone hypersecretion. It has always been challenging in dealing with such rare but complicated disorders. In this report, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of functional PanNENs in a large cohort of Chinese patients and summarized our clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment. Methods. The retrospective analysis was performed in patients with a definite diagnosis of functional PanNENs hospitalized in Chinese PLA General Hospital between 2000 and 2020. The clinical characteristics, surgical information, and pathological findings were extracted from their medical records and were analyzed. Results. Totally, 286 patients (gender: male 103 and female 183; age: 45.55 ± 15.23 years old) were diagnosed with definite functional PanNENs. The most frequent functional PanNENs were insulinoma (266/286) followed by glucagonoma (10/286), somatostatinoma (3/286), adrenocorticotropic hormone- (ACTH-) producing tumor (3/286), gastrinoma (2/286), and VIPoma (2/286). Nine patients were diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) in which all the associated functional PanNENs were insulinomas. The duration from symptoms’ onset to confirmed diagnosis was 3.67 ± 4.28 years. Two hundred and eighty patients with tumor localized in pancreatic or with limited metastasis underwent surgery. The symptoms associated with hormonal oversecretion were improved significantly after surgery. Five patients with unresectable metastases or tumor recurrence after surgery were administrated with systemic chemotherapy or other targeted therapies. With these various therapies, the symptoms were also partially relieved. According to findings in pathological and immunochemical examination, all the functional PanNENs were categorized into NEN-G1 (41.95%), NEN-G2 (54.90%), NEN-G3 (3.15%), and NEC-G3 (0%). Conclusion. Patients with suspected functional PanNENs should have a systematic endocrine examination at diagnosis. Multidisciplinary collaborations are essential for precise diagnosis and tumor localization. A successful surgery or other targeted therapies can improve the prognosis of patients with such rare but complex disorders.
The Function of the Hippocampus in Bridging Functional and Temporal Discontiguity
Authors: Zhang Ze , Niki Kazuhisa , Luo Jing
Published: November 2020

Theoretical assessment of the function of the hippocampus has suggested that given certain physiological constraints at both the neuronal and cortical level, the hippocampus is best suited to associate discontiguous items that occur in different temporal or spatial positions. Conceptually, “discontiguous” refers to events that are to be associated with one another but do not temporally or spatially overlap. However, given that humans can actively maintain information “online” by rehearsing it, even when the information is no longer being presented to the sensory system, the right way to experimentally define “discontiguity” is still a question. Does it refer to a “gap” in the presentation of information (temporal discontiguity) or to an “interruption” of the active maintenance of working memory (WM) information (functional discontiguity)? To assess this, participants were imaged by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) when making judgments on whether two words were semantically related or not. In contrast with recognition memory that can be carried out through perceptual familiarity heuristics, judgments on semantic relatedness can only be accomplished through associative processing. To assess this experimentally, two words are either (1) presented at the same time (Event AB) or (2) one after the other with an unfilled, cross-viewing delay (Event A_B) (the uninterrupted discontiguity) or (3) presented one after the other, between which participants are required to perform a calculation task (Event A#B) (the interrupted discontiguity). Results of event-related fMRI analysis revealed that relative to Event AB, Event A_B was not associated with more hippocampal activity, whereas Event A#B was. The direct contrast of Event A#B relative to Event A_B also revealed significant hippocampal and parahippocampal activity. This result implied that functional discontiguity (the interruption of online maintenance of the inputted information) could be more apt at engaging the function of the hippocampus.
Effect of Light-Dark Cycle Misalignment on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis, Testicular Oxidative Stress, and Expression of Clock Genes in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Moustafa Amira
Published: November 2020

This study investigated the influence of circadian misalignment on the male reproductive system. Adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were exposed to prolonged light (20 h light : 4 h dark) or prolonged darkness (4 h light : 20 h dark) for 12 consecutive weeks. The somatic index of seminal vesicles and prostates increased due to prolonged light exposure. Sperm count and motility were enhanced solely by prolonged light exposure, whereas the percentage of sperm abnormalities was reduced by both prolonged light and darkness. The serum levels of reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and prolactin) were elevated, and the estradiol level was reduced by long-term light and dark exposure. Testicular total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzyme activities were improved, and lipid peroxidation was inhibited following chronic exposure to light or dark. Chronic light exposure increased, but chronic darkness decreased, testicular nitric oxide production. The mRNA expression of the hypothalamic and testicular clock genes including PER1-2, CRY1-2, BMAL1, CLOCK, and Rev-Erbα was altered by circadian disruption. Prolonged light exposure decreased the levels of thyroid hormones and suppressed the mRNA expression of adiponectin receptors 1 and 2. The immunohistochemical expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was decreased only by chronic darkness. The present study thus provides new insights into the physiological changes associated with long-term exposure to light or darkness, in which the expression levels of various clock gene mRNAs are modulated, reproductive hormones are increased, and the antioxidant enzyme system is ameliorated as mechanisms of adaptation to chronic circadian disruption.
Several Asymptotic Bounds on the Balaban Indices of Trees
Authors: Deng Bo , Ye Chengfu , Liang Weilin , Li Yalan , Su Xueli
Published: November 2020

The Balaban index (also called the

J

index) of a connected graph

G

is a distance-based topological index, which has been successfully used in various QSAR and QSPR modeling. Although the index was introduced 30 years ago, there are few results on the asymptotic relations. In this paper, several asymptotic bounds on the Balaban indices of trees with diameters 3 and 4 are shown, respectively.
Study on Dynamic Characteristics of Rubber‐Red Clay Mixtures
Authors: Chen Kaisheng , Wang Qinqin , Luo Dipu , Zhou Bo , Zhang Kun
Published: November 2020

Rubber powder formed from discarded tire rubber is mixed with red clay to form a rubber‐red clay mixture. The dynamic triaxial test was carried out on the mixtures under different conditions. The effects of rubber content, rubber particle size, moisture content of mixed soil, compactness, confining pressure, and vibration frequency on shear strain relation, dynamic shear modulus, and damping ratio of the mixture were investigated. The results show that under the same dynamic strain, the dynamic shear stress‐strain curve of rubber mixed soil decreases with the increase in rubber particle content and moisture content and decrease in rubber particle size. On the other hand, it increases with the increase in compactness, confining pressure, and vibration frequency, and as the dynamic strain increases, the τd‐γd curve becomes more nonlinear. In addition, with the increase in the rubber particle content, the dynamic shear modulus decreased while the damping ratio increased. When the content was 2%, the change was fastest. After continued addition, it gradually became stable, and when the decrease in rubber particle size also shows the same pattern, 2.00 mm rubber‐red clay mixture shows better structure. The water content has great influence on dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio of rubber‐red clay mixtures. With the increase in compactness, confining pressure, and vibration frequency, the interaction between mixed soil particles was enhanced, the dynamic shear modulus increased, and the damping ratio decreased.