bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing the Need to Broaden Bioengineering Research Exposure and Research Participation in Mechanical Engineering and Its Positive Impacts on Student Recruitment, Diversification, Retention and Graduation: Findings From the UMBC ME S-STEM Scholarship Program
Authors: Zhu Liang , Eggleton Charles , Ma Ronghui , Topoleski L. D. Timmie , Madan Deepa
Published: July 2020

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the current status of exposure to bio-engineering research in community college (CC) students and University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) students, and to estimate relationships between research activities sponsored by the Mechanical Engineering (ME) S-STEM Scholarship Program and improvement in student enrollment/diversification, retention rates, and graduation rates. The analysis drew on data from ME undergraduate academic records at UMBC from 2008 to 2019. A survey was designed to assess the research exposure of CC and UMBC students and their evaluation of the research components included in recruitment and curriculum activities. Results show that exposure to research measured by attending a research seminar was low for the participants, around 37% for CC students and 21% for ME students at UMBC. The survey results indicate the positive impact of the scholarship programs at UMBC on the research exposure and research experience. The impact is more evident in students who originally transferred from a CC. The large increase in recruited female and CC students over the past 10 years indicated that the research-related activities of the ME S-STEM program played an instrumental role in those increases. Because of the research-related activities, the ME S-STEM program achieved retention and graduation rates higher than those in the ME undergraduate program (89% versus 60% for the 6 year graduation rate), as well a higher percentage of students enrolled in graduate school (30% versus 10%). We conclude that there is still a need to implement research-related activities in the ME undergraduate program, starting with student recruitment and continuing through the academic program. Results suggest that there is a positive impact of ME S-STEM research activities on student diversification, retention rates, and percentage of our graduates who are pursuing graduate degree.
Space-time modulation of electric boundary conditions in a one-dimensional piezoelectric phononic crystal
Authors: Croënne Charles , Bou Matar Olivier , Vasseur Jérôme O. , Hladky-Hennion Anne-Christine , Deymier Pierre A. , Dubus Bertrand
Published: July 2020

A phononic crystal constituted by a one-dimensional piezoelectric material with a periodic distribution of electrodes submitted to space and time-dependent electrical boundary conditions is considered in this work. Interaction of an incident elastic pulse propagating with such phononic crystal is studied using a specific Finite Difference Time Domain model. Simulations are conducted in the case of periodic grounded electrodes “moving” at constant subsonic or supersonic speed. Various nonlinear phenomena resulting from this interaction are observed: Brillouin-like acoustic scattering, non-reciprocity of transmission at fundamental frequency, parametric amplification of the incident wave. The dispersion curve of the wave propagating in the phononic crystal with space-time modulated electrical boundary conditions is also deduced from simulation results.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Blair-DeLeon Nancy A. , Struck Christopher J.
Published: July 2020

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To browse the latest copy of our catalog, visit our website at https://acousticalsociety.org/download-catalog/

Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.

This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the national catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are also available via the ASA Standards home page: https://acousticalsociety.org/acoustical-society-standards/.
Mechanisms for addressing and managing the influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice: a scoping review
Authors: Mialon Melissa , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Carriedo-Lutzenkirchen Angela , Bero Lisa , Gomes Fabio , Petticrew Mark , McKee Martin , Stuckler David , Sacks Gary
Published: July 2020

Objective

We identified mechanisms for addressing and/or managing the influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice, as well as examples of where these mechanisms have been adopted from across the globe.

Design

We conducted a scoping review. We conducted searches in five databases on 4 June 2019. Twenty-eight relevant institutions and networks were contacted to identify additional mechanisms and examples. In addition, we identified mechanisms and examples from our collective experience working on the influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice.

Setting

We identified mechanisms at the national, regional and global levels.

Results

Thirty-one documents were included in our review. Eight were peer-reviewed scientific articles. Nine discussed mechanisms to address and/or manage the influence of different types of industries; while other documents targeted specific industries. In total, we identified 49 mechanisms for addressing and/or managing the influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice, and 43 of these were adopted at the national, regional or global level. We identified four main types of mechanisms: transparency; management of interactions with industry and of conflicts of interest; identification, monitoring and education about the practices of corporations and associated risks to public health; prohibition of interactions with industry. Mechanisms for governments (n=17) and academia (n=13) were most frequently identified, with fewer for the media and civil society.

Conclusions

We identified several mechanisms that could help address and/or manage the negative influence of corporations on public health policy, research and practice. If adopted and evaluated more widely, many of the mechanisms described in this manuscript could contribute to efforts to prevent and control non-communicable diseases.

Trial registration details

The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework on 27 May 2019 (https://osf.io/xc2vp).
Prediction models for prostate cancer to be used in the primary care setting: a systematic review
Authors: Aladwani Mohammad , Lophatananon Artitaya , Ollier William , Muir Kenneth
Published: July 2020

Objective

To identify risk prediction models for prostate cancer (PCa) that can be used in the primary care and community health settings.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE and Embase databases combined from inception and up to the end of January 2019.

Eligibility

Studies were included based on satisfying all the following criteria: (i) presenting an evaluation of PCa risk at initial biopsy in patients with no history of PCa, (ii) studies not incorporating an invasive clinical assessment or expensive biomarker/genetic tests, (iii) inclusion of at least two variables with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) being one of them, and (iv) studies reporting a measure of predictive performance. The quality of the studies and risk of bias was assessed by using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST).

Data extraction and synthesis

Relevant information extracted for each model included: the year of publication, source of data, type of model, number of patients, country, age, PSA range, mean/median PSA, other variables included in the model, number of biopsy cores to assess outcomes, study endpoint(s), cancer detection, model validation and model performance.

Results

An initial search yielded 109 potential studies, of which five met the set criteria. Four studies were cohort-based and one was a case-control study. PCa detection rate was between 20.6% and 55.8%. Area under the curve (AUC) was reported in four studies and ranged from 0.65 to 0.75. All models showed significant improvement in predicting PCa compared with being based on PSA alone. The difference in AUC between extended models and PSA alone was between 0.06 and 0.21.

Conclusion

Only a few PCa risk prediction models have the potential to be readily used in the primary healthcare or community health setting. Further studies are needed to investigate other potential variables that could be integrated into models to improve their clinical utility for PCa testing in a community setting.
Quality of advertisements for prescription drugs in family practice medical journals published in Australia, Canada and the USA with different regulatory controls: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Diep Dion , Mosleh-Shirazi Abnoos , Lexchin Joel
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess if different forms of regulation lead to differences in the quality of journal advertisements.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants

Thirty advertisements from family practice journals published from 2013 to 2015 were extracted for three countries with distinct regulatory pharmaceutical promotion systems: Australia, Canada and the USA.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Advertisements under each regulatory system were compared concerning three domains: information included in the advertisement, references to scientific evidence and pictorial appeals and portrayals. An overall ranking for advertisement quality among countries was determined using the first two domains as the information assessed has been associated with more appropriate prescribing.

Results

Advertisements varied significantly for number of claims with quantitative benefit (Australia: 0.0 (0.0–3.0); Canada: 0.0 (0.0–5.0); USA: 1.0 (0.0–6.0); p=0.01); statistical method used in reporting benefit (relative risk reduction, absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat; Australia: 6.7%, n=2; Canada: 10.0%, n=3; USA: 36.6%, n=11; p=0.02); mention of adverse effects, warnings or contraindications (Australia: 13.3%, n=4; Canada: 23.3%, n=7; USA: 53.3%, n=16; p=0.002); equal prominence between safety and benefit information (Australia: 25.0%, n=1; Canada: 28.6%, n=2; USA: 75.0%, n=12; p=0.04); and methodological quality of references score (Australia: 0.4150 (0.25–0.70); Canada: 0.25 (0.00–0.63); USA: 0.25 (0.00–0.75); p<0.001). The USA ranked first, Canada second and Australia third for overall quality of journal advertisements. Significant differences for humour appeals (Australia: 3.3%, n=1; Canada: 13.3%, n=4; USA: 26.7%, n=8; p=0.04), positive emotional appeals (Australia: 26.7%, n=8; Canada: 60.0%, n=18; USA: 50.0%, n=15; p=0.03), social approval portrayals (Australia: 0.0%, n=0; Canada: 0.0%, n=0; USA: 10.0%, n=3; p=0.04) and lifestyle or work portrayals (Australia: 43.3%, n=13; Canada: 50.0%, n=15; USA: 76.7%, n=23; p=0.02) were found among countries.

Conclusions

Different regulatory systems influence journal advertisement quality concerning all measured domains. However, differences may also be attributed to other regulatory, legal, cultural or health system factors unique to each country.
Incremental yield of ECG screening repeated annually over 4 years in an adult Japanese population without prior atrial fibrillation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nagata Yoshiki , Yamagami Takashi , Nutbeam Don , Freedman Ben , Lowres Nicole
Published: July 2020

Objectives

International guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, there is no current data to inform how often to repeat screening. We aimed to investigate the incremental annual yield and stroke risk of new AF cases in individuals screened annually over 4 years.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Hokuriku Health Service Association, Toyama prefecture, Japan.

Participants

Employees and their families receiving annual health examinations from Hokuriku Health Service Association.

Intervention

Each subject received an annual health examination (including 12-lead ECG) from 2014 to 2017. Only subjects with baseline ECGs in 2012 and/or 2013 were included.

Main outcome measures

Rates (cases/100 person-years) of new AF identified each year for 4 consecutive years of screening (stratified according to gender and age groups). Calculated stroke risk of new AF cases using modified CHA2DS2-VASc scores (without heart failure data) (CHA2DS2VASc = C: congestive heart failure [1 point]; H: hypertension [1 point]; A2: age 65-74 years [1 point] or age ≥75 years [2 points]; D: diabetes mellitus [1 point]; S: prior stroke or transient
ischemic attack [2
points]; VA: vascular disease [1 point]; and Sc: sex category [female] [1 point])

Results

In 2014, 88 218 subjects had an ECG (46.8±12.5 years; 64% men): identifying 346 (0.39%) known AF and 69 (0.08%) new AF. The incidence rate of new AF increased with age from 0.01% (<50 years) to 0.98% (≥75 years) and was higher in men (0.1%) than women (0.05%). Repeated annual screening over 4 years identified a consistent new AF yield 0.06%–0.10% per year (0.33%–0.55% ≥65 years). Forty-two per cent of all new AF cases, and 76% of cases aged ≥65 years, had a class-1 oral anticoagulation (OAC) recommendation (modified CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 men, ≥3 women).

Conclusions

Repeated annual ECG screening of the same population provides a consistent yield of new AF each year. The majority of new AF (≥65 years) are eligible for anticoagulation for stroke prevention. Although AF prevalence and incidence are lower in Japan than Western countries, 2318 new cases would be identified in Toyama prefecture each year with annual screening, of whom ~927 would have a high stroke risk with a recommendation for OAC therapy.
Incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in UK primary care: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Pasvol Thomas Joshua , Horsfall Laura , Bloom Stuart , Segal Anthony Walter , Sabin Caroline , Field Nigel , Rait Greta
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We describe temporal trends in the recorded incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in UK primary care patients between 2000 and 2018.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

The IQVIA Medical Research data (IMRD) primary care database.

Participants

All individuals registered with general practices contributing to IMRD during the period 01 January 2000–31 December 2018.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the recorded diagnosis of IBD.

Results

11 325 025 individuals were included and 65 700 IBD cases were identified, of which 22 560 were incident diagnoses made during the study period. Overall, there were 8077 incident cases of Crohn’s disease (CD) and 12 369 incident cases of ulcerative colitis (UC). Crude incidence estimates of ‘IBD overall’, CD and UC were 28.6 (28.2 to 28.9), 10.2 (10.0 to 10.5) and 15.7 (15.4 to 15.9)/100 000 person years, respectively. No change in IBD incidence was observed for adults aged 17–40 years and children aged 0–9 years. However, for adults aged over 40 years, incidence fell from 37.8 (34.5 to 41.4) to 23.6 (21.3 to 26.0)/100 000 person years (average decrease 2.3% (1.9 to 2.7)/year (p<0.0001)). In adolescents aged 10–16 years, incidence rose from 13.1 (8.4 to 19.5) to 25.4 (19.5 to 32.4)/100 000 person years (average increase 3.0% (1.7 to 4.3)/year (p<0.0001)). Point prevalence estimates on 31 December 2018 for IBD overall, CD and UC were 725, 276 and 397 per 100 000 people, respectively.

Conclusions

This is one of the largest studies ever undertaken to investigate trends in IBD epidemiology. Although we observed stable or falling incidence of IBD in adults, our results are consistent with some of the highest reported global incidence and prevalence rates for IBD, with a 94% rise in incidence in adolescents. Further investigation is required to understand the aetiological drivers.
How does the intensity of physical therapy affect the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) total score in children with cerebral palsy? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Rahlin Mary , Duncan Burris , Howe Carol L , Pottinger Heidi L
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Intensive physical therapy (PT) interventions administered to children with cerebral palsy (CP) have received a significant amount of attention in published literature. However, there is considerable variability in therapy intensity among studies and notable lack of information on optimal intervention dosing. This makes it difficult for clinicians to use evidence to inform practice. Many studies use the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) to assess functional progress in children with CP. The purpose of this systematic review will be to identify the GMFM-66 change score reported in published studies, with outcomes based on intervention intensity. Whether the type of PT intervention, child’s age, and Gross Motor Function Classification System level influence the GMFM-66 scores will be also assessed.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol was developed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist. In March 2018, nine databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and REHABDATA) were searched for controlled clinical trials and single-subject design studies of PT interventions of any kind and intensity that used the GMFM-66 as an outcome measure for children with CP, age up to 18 years. Two authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts and arrived at consensus on paper selection for a full-text review. The same process was used for a full-text article screening based on further detailed inclusion criteria, with a final selection made for those suitable for data extraction. Prior to commencement of data extraction, all searches will be updated, and new results re-screened.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will involve a systematic review of published articles and no primary data collection. Therefore, no ethical approval will be necessary. Results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed publication and presented at scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020147669
In situ vaccination at a peripheral tumor site augments response against melanoma brain metastases
Authors: Clark Paul A , Sriramaneni Raghava N , Jin Won Jong , Jagodinsky Justin C , Bates Amber M , Jaquish Abigail A , Anderson Bryce R , Le Trang , Lubin Jonathan A , Chakravarty Ishan , Arthur Ian S , Heinze Clinton M , Guy Emily I , Kler Jasdeep , Klar Kelsey A , Carlson Peter M , Kim Kyung Mann , Kuo John S , Morris Zachary S
Published: July 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) alone is not efficacious for a large number of patients with melanoma brain metastases. We previously established an in situ vaccination (ISV) regimen combining radiation and immunocytokine to enhance response to ICIs. Here, we tested whether ISV inhibits the development of brain metastases in a murine melanoma model.

Methods

B78 (GD2+) melanoma ‘primary’ tumors were engrafted on the right flank of C57BL/6 mice. After 3–4 weeks, primary tumors were treated with ISV (radiation (12 Gy, day 1), α-GD2 immunocytokine (hu14.18-IL2, days 6–10)) and ICI (α-CTLA-4, days 3, 6, 9). Complete response (CR) was defined as no residual tumor observed at treatment day 90. Mice with CR were tested for immune memory by re-engraftment with B78 in the left flank and then the brain. To test ISV efficacy against metastases, tumors were also engrafted in the left flank and brain of previously untreated mice. Tumors were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine assay.

Results

ISV+α-CTLA-4 resulted in immune memory and rejection of B78 engraftment in the brain in 11 of 12 mice. When B78 was engrafted in brain prior to treatment, ISV+α-CTLA-4 increased survival compared with ICI alone. ISV+α-CTLA-4 eradicated left flank tumors but did not elicit CR at brain sites when tumor cells were engrafted in brain prior to ISV. ISV+α-CTLA-4 increased CD8+and CD4+T cells in flank and brain tumors compared with untreated mice. Among ISV + α-CTLA-4 treated mice, left flank tumors showed increased CD8+infiltration and CD8+:FOXP3+ratio compared with brain tumors. Flank and brain tumors showed minimal differences in expression of immune checkpoint receptors/ligands orMhc-1. Cytokine productions were similar in left flank and brain tumors in untreated mice. Following ISV+α-CTLA-4, production of immune-stimulatory cytokines was greater in left flank compared with brain tumor grafts.

Conclusion

ISV augmented response to ICIs in murine melanoma at brain and extracranial tumor sites. Although baseline tumor-immune microenvironments were similar at brain and extracranial tumor sites, response to ISV+α-CTLA-4 was divergent with reduced infiltration and activation of immune cells in brain tumors. Additional therapies may be needed for effective antitumor immune response against melanoma brain metastases.
Caster Semenya, athlete classification, and fair equality of opportunity in sport
Authors: Loland Sigmund
Published: July 2020

According to the Differences of Sex Development (DSD) Regulations of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Caster Semenya and other athletes with heightened testosterone levels are considered non-eligible for middle distance running races in the women’s class. Based on an analysis of fair equality of opportunity in sport, I take a critical look at the Semenya case and at IAAF’s DSD Regulations. I distinguish between what I call stable and dynamic inequalities between athletes. Stable inequalities are those that athletes cannot impact or control in any significant way such as inequalities in biological sex, body size and chronological age. Dynamic inequalities, such as inequalities in strength, speed and endurance, or in technical and tactical skills, can be impacted and to a certain extent controlled by athletes. If stable inequalities exert significant and systematic impact on performance, they provide a rationale for classification. If high testosterone level is an inborn, strong and systemic driver of performance development, inequalities in such levels can provide a rationale for classification. As is emphasised by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), this leads to a dilemma of rights: the right of Semenya to compete in sport according to her legal sex and gender identity, and the right of other athletes within the average female testosterone range to compete under fair conditions. I conclude with providing conditional support of the CAS decision in the Semenya case and of IAAF’s DSD Regulations.
Comparison of endoscopic endotracheal intubation and the v‐gel supraglottic airway device for spontaneously ventilating New Zealand white rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Comolli Jessica , Schnellbacher Rodney , Beaufrere Hugues , Blas‐Machado Uriel , Quandt Jane , Mayer Jörg , Divers Stephen J
Published: July 2020

Background

Due to the technical difficulties with endotracheal intubation of rabbits, a prospective, randomised, controlled study was performed to compare a rabbit‐specific supraglottic airway device (SGAD), the v‐gel, with endoscopic endotracheal intubation (EEI) in spontaneously breathing rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Methods

Fourteen adult female New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated to one of two groups based on the method of airway establishment: EEI or v‐gel SGAD. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine and xylazine and maintained using isoflurane in 100 per cent oxygen. Comparisons were made between groups based on placement time of endotracheal tube/SGAD, number of attempts and adjustments, the necessity to increase isoflurane concentrations to maintain a surgical plane of anaesthesia, arterial blood gas values, gross laryngeal evaluation, and laryngotracheal histopathology.

Results

Both techniques resulted in elevated arterial pCO2 levels, but the v‐gel was associated with more elevated pCO2 in comparison with EEI (P=0.045). Airway trauma was histologically present but clinically negligible in both groups, with no statistically significant differences observed between techniques (P>0.05). Placement time of the v‐gel was significantly faster (P=0.003) and required less technical skill than EEI, but was more easily displaced when changing the animal's position (P=0.004).

Conclusion

The v‐gel is a practical alternative to EEI for securing the airway of healthy spontaneously ventilating rabbits, provided a capnograph is utilised to ensure continuous placement. Both airway techniques appear safe and effective with few complications, as long as intermittent positive pressure ventilation can be employed to correct hypercapnia.
Leptin induces a contracting effect on guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle via the Ob-R receptor mechanism: novel evidence
Authors: Magzoub Aamir , Al-Ayed Mohammed , Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed , Habeeb Mohamed Shafiuddin , Al-Shaibary Khalid , Shalayel Mohammed
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential contracting effect of leptin on isolated guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle (TSM), the possible mechanism, and the impact of epithelium denudation or allergen sensitization, respectively. An in vitro experiment investigated the effect of leptin at a concentration of 250–1000 nmol/L on isolated guinea pig TSM with an intact or denuded epithelium. Ovalbumin and IgE were used to test the impact of active and passive sensitization. The isolated TSM strips were incubated in Krebs solution and aerated with carbogen (95% O2 and 5% CO2) via an automated tissue organ bath system (n = 4 for each group). Isometric contractions were recorded digitally using iox2 data acquisition software. The possible mechanism of leptin-induced TSM contraction was examined by preincubation with leptin receptor (Ob-R) antagonist. Leptin had significant concentration-dependent contraction effects on guinea pig TSM (p < 0.05). Epithelium denuding and active or passive sensitization significantly increased the potency of the leptin. Preincubation with a leptin receptor (Ob-R) antagonist significantly reduced the contraction effects, suggesting an Ob-R-mediated mechanism. Leptin had a contracting effect on airway smooth muscles potentiated by either epithelium denuding or sensitization, and the Ob-R mechanism was a possible effect mediator.
Dual mechanism of modulation of NaV1.8 sodium channels by ouabain
Authors: Plakhova Vera B. , Penniyaynen Valentina A. , Rogachevskii Ilia V. , Podzorova Svetlana A. , Khalisov Maksim M. , Ankudinov Alexander V. , Krylov Boris V.
Published: July 2020

In the primary sensory neuron, ouabain activates the dual mechanism that modulates the functional activity of NaV1.8 channels. Ouabain at endogenous concentrations (EO) triggers two different signaling cascades, in which the Na,K-ATPase/Src complex is the EO target and the signal transducer. The fast EO effect is based on modulation of the NaV1.8 channel activation gating device. EO triggers the tangential signaling cascade along the neuron membrane from Na,K-ATPase to the NaV1.8 channel. It evokes a decrease in effective charge transfer of the NaV1.8 channel activation gating device. Intracellular application of PP2, an inhibitor of Src kinase, completely eliminated the effect of EO, thus indicating the absence of direct EO binding to the NaV1.8 channel. The delayed EO effect probably controls the density of NaV1.8 channels in the neuron membrane. EO triggers the downstream signaling cascade to the neuron genome, which should result in a delayed decrease in the NaV1.8 channels’ density. PKC and p38 MAPK are involved in this pathway. Identification of the dual mechanism of the strong EO effect on NaV1.8 channels makes it possible to suggest that application of EO to the primary sensory neuron membrane should result in a potent antinociceptive effect at the organismal level.
Is there a novel Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet theory in four dimensions?
Authors: Gürses Metin , Şişman Tahsin Çağrı , Tekin Bayram
Published: July 2020

No! We show that the field equations of Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet theory defined in generic $$D>4$$D>4 dimensions split into two parts one of which always remains higher dimensional, and hence the theory does not have a non-trivial limit to $$D=4$$D=4. Therefore, the recently introduced four-dimensional, novel, Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet theory does not admit an intrinsically four-dimensional definition, in terms of metric only, as such it does not exist in four dimensions. The solutions (the spacetime, the metric) always remain $$D>4$$D>4 dimensional. As there is no canonical choice of 4 spacetime dimensions out of D dimensions for generic metrics, the theory is not well defined in four dimensions.
Gravitational waves in massive conformal gravity
Authors: Faria F. F.
Published: July 2020

First, we obtain the plane wave solution of the linearized massive conformal gravity field equations. It is shown that the theory has seven physical plane waves. In addition, we investigate the gravitational radiation from binary systems in massive conformal gravity. We find that the theory with large graviton mass can reproduce the orbit of binaries by the emission of gravitational waves.
High-fat diet negatively impacts both metabolic and behavioral health in outbred heterogeneous stock rats
Authors: Deal Aaron W. , Seshie Osborne , Lenzo Anne , Cooper Nicholas , Ozimek Noelle , Solberg Woods Leah C.
Published: July 2020

Obesity is influenced by genetics and diet and has wide ranging comorbidities, including anxiety and depressive disorders. Outbred heterogeneous stock (HS) rats are used for fine-genetic mapping of complex traits and may be useful for understanding gene by diet interactions. In this study, HS rats were fed diets containing 60% kcal from fat (high-fat diet, HFD) or 10% kcal from fat (low-fat diet, LFD) and tested for metabolic ( study 1) and behavioral ( study 2) outcomes. In study 1, we measured glucose tolerance, fasting glucose and insulin, fat pad weights and despair-like behavior in the forced swim test (FST). In study 2, we assessed anxiety-like (elevated plus maze, EPM; open field test, OFT) and despair-like/coping (splash test, SpT; and FST) behaviors. Body weight and food intake were measured weekly in both studies. We found negative effects of HFD on metabolic outcomes, including increased body weight and fat pad weights, decreased glucose tolerance, and increased fasting insulin. We also found negative effects of HFD on despair-like/coping and anxiety-like behaviors. These include increased immobility in the FST, decreased open arm time in the EPM, and increased movement and rest episodes and decreased rearing in the OFT. The diet-induced changes in EPM and OFT were independent of overall locomotion. Additionally, diet-induced changes in OFT behaviors were independent of adiposity, while adiposity was a confounding factor for EPM and FST behavior. This work establishes the HS as a model to study gene by diet interactions affecting metabolic and behavioral health.
Antenatal Care Attendance and Factors Influenced Birth Weight of Babies Born between June 2017 and May 2018 in the Wa East District, Ghana
Authors: Appiah Prince Kubi , Bukari Mohammed , Yiri-Erong Simon Nidoolah , Owusu Kwabena , Atanga George Borogyante , Nimirkpen Stephen , Kuubabongnaa Blaise Bagyliku , Adjuik Martin
Published: July 2020

Background. In sub-Saharan Africa, there is high coverage of the recommended four or more times antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy without complications; notwithstanding this achievement, the negative birth outcomes related to childbirth such as low birth weights and stillbirths are still high despite the increased access to antenatal services. Hence, the study assessed the association between antenatal attendance and birth weight in the Wa East District. Method. The cross-sectional study design was used with a semistructured questionnaire to collect data from mothers who delivered within a one-year period through a review of antenatal and birth records from health facilities where the women delivered and interviewed. The chi-squared test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to establish the association between normal birth weight and ANC services the woman received and other predictor variables, and p value < 0.05 was considered a significant association between dependent and independent variables. Result. The study involved 233 women. About 62.2% attended ANC clinics 4+ times before giving birth, 70.0% did not received the minimum ANC services required for every pregnant woman, 0.9% of pregnancies resulted in stillbirth, and 24.5% of babies born had a birth weight<2.5 kg. Women marital status (legally married) [AOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.33-6.89, p=0.044], religion (Islam) [AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.08-0.39, p=0.013], and educational level (SHS/tertiary) [AOR: 4.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.88, p=0.031] were the background characteristics associated with normal birth weight (2.5-40 kg). Also, women who had their urine tested at the ANC clinics [AOR: 6.59, 95% CI: 8.48–15.07, p<0.001] and women who received a long-lasting insecticide-treated net [AOR: 2.17, 95% CI: 0.03-0.92, p=0.039] from the ANC clinic were associated with normal birth weight. Conclusion. Notwithstanding the benefits of antenatal care services, only 62.2% of pregnant women attended 4 or more ANC visits before giving birth, while 70% did not received the services they need. These might have influence the 24.5% of babies born with a low birth weight. Therefore, there is a need for special attention from all stakeholders to reverse the trend.
An Atypical Case of a Common Pregnancy Issue: Appendicitis-Like Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Authors: Chung Janice , Berryman Ryan P.
Published: July 2020

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe subtype of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) that typically affects women in their first trimester of pregnancy. Because HG is a diagnosis of exclusion, a thorough work-up ruling out organic causes must be performed. Herein, we describe a case of a pregnant woman with HG who presented with intractable pain mimicking appendicitis. While her clinical picture and ultrasound findings were only mildly consistent with appendicitis, the only therapy that provided pain relief was empiric antibiotic treatment that was prescribed due to a mildly elevated procalcitonin of 0.61. Thereby, the detection and treatment of concurrent organic causes is important as it may provide significant symptomatic relief in cases of concurrent HG.
A Novel Adaptive H-Infinity Cubature Kalman Filter Algorithm Based on Sage-Husa Estimator for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Yang Rui , Zhang Aijun , Zhang Lifei , Hu Ye
Published: July 2020

In the navigation of unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), a filtering algorithm suitable for the working conditions is required. Due to the disturbance from the environment and maneuverability, outliers and noise with time-varying statistical properties always exist, which greatly affect the positioning accuracy and stability of the navigation system. In this paper, we present a novel nonlinear state estimation algorithm named AH∞CKF based on the combination of H∞CKF and Sage-Husa estimator. The recently developed H∞CKF provides nonlinear filtering good robustness, and Sage-Husa estimator could timely modify the statistical properties of noise. The novel algorithm is superior to H∞CKF in accuracy by combining Sage-Husa estimator with the H∞CKF while ensuring robustness. The effectiveness of the novel AH∞CKF is verified by lake experiment and simulation.
Protective Effect of Thalidomide on 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid-Induced Experimental Colitis in Rats via the Inhibition of T Helper 17 Cells
Authors: Xie Ying , Li Dandan , Luan Xiaoshuang , Jin Shuang , Yan Bo , Tian Feng
Published: July 2020

Objective. To observe the effects of thalidomide on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid- (TNBS-) induced experimental colitis in rats and to explore the possible mechanism of thalidomide in the treatment of CD.Methods. Forty SD rats were randomly assigned into a healthy control group and TNBS-induced colitis groups, including an untreated TNBS-induced colitis group, a low-dose thalidomide group, and a high-dose thalidomide group, with 10 rats in each. After 7 days, the disease activity index (DAI), colon macroscopic damage index (CMDI), and tissue damage index (TDI) were evaluated. The colonic protein and mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, IL-23, and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma t (RORγt) were determined using immunohistochemistry, western blot, and qRT-PCR.Results. Relative to the untreated TNBS-induced colitis group, the DAI, CMDI, and TDI were all reduced following the administration of thalidomide. Analytical testing (immunohistochemistry, western blot, and qRT-PCR) shows that IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, and RORγt protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly reduced by thalidomide (p<0.05for all) and that these levels were significantly lower in the high-dose thalidomide group than in the low-dose thalidomide group (p<0.05for all).Conclusions. Thalidomide effectively alleviated the symptoms and intestinal inflammatory injury induced by TNBS in rats, the effect of which was dose-dependent. The underlying mechanism may be a reduction in the expression levels of IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, and RORγt in colonic tissue and then subsequent inhibition of the differentiation and function of Th17 cells, thus further alleviating the intestinal inflammatory response.
A Case of Ulcerated Gastric Mass and Anemia due to Strongyloidiasis
Authors: Ahmed Monjur , Singer Kristen , Kelly Cecilia , O’hara Brian , Alloy Curtis
Published: July 2020

Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides, and it is rarely seen in our clinical practice in the United States. Although it remains localized to the gastrointestinal tract most of the time, it can disseminate to other organs when it causes autoinfection in the setting of immunosuppression. The clinical manifestations vary depending on the involved organ. A case of disseminated strongyloidiasis presenting as a case of ulcerated gastric mass and anemia is described here along with a review of the literature on this condition.
Monocyte-Derived Hepatocyte-Like Cell Test: A Novel Tool for in vitro Identification of Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Patients with Herbal or Dietary Supplements
Authors: Weber Sabine , Wong Grace L.H. , Wong Vincent W.S. , Benesic Andreas , Chan Henry L.Y. , Gerbes Alexander L.
Published: July 2020

Background: Drug-induced liver injury caused by herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) has been an increasingly important phenomenon in recent years. Diagnosis is the major challenge. Definite causality assessment, especially in patients with concomitant prescription medicine or other potential causes of liver injury, can be impossible. Objectives: We investigated the usefulness of an in vitro test on the basis of peripheral monocytes of the individual patients in patients with acute liver injury consuming HDS. Method: Patients with acute liver injury who had been prospectively recruited by the University Hospital Munich (LMU, Munich) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and who took at least 1 HDS were selected for this analysis. Diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was based on local expert adjudication, Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) score, and course of the disease and was supported by the monocyte-derived hepatocyte-like (MH) cell test. Results: We identified 47 patients with liver injury and intake of at least 1 HDS: 32 (68%) were diagnosed with DILI. HDS was determined as the causative agent in 28 out of those 32 patients. The MH cell test could correctly identify 29 out of those 32 DILI cases and showed false positive results in only 2 out of the 15 non-DILI patients. The MH cell test therefore reached a sensitivity and specificity of 90.6 and 86.7%, respectively, in patients with acute liver injury and HDS intake. Conclusions: Our data provide evidence that the MH cell test can be a useful tool to identify the role of HDS in causing DILI and therefore support causality assessment in patients consuming HDS.
Occupation and maternal mortality in Brazil
Authors: Feitosa-Assis Ana Isabela , Santana Vilma Sousa
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE: To estimate maternal mortality ratio according to occupation in Brazil. METHODS: This is a mortality study conducted with national data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) in 2015. Maternal mortality ratios were estimated according to the occupation recorded in death certificates, using the Brazilian Classification of Occupation (CBO), version 2002. RESULTS: A total of 1,738 maternal deaths records were found, corresponding to a maternal mortality ratio of 57.6/100,000 live births. It varied among occupational groups, with higher estimates among service and agricultural workers, particularly for domestic workers (123.2/100,000 live births), followed by general agricultural workers (88.3/100,000 live births). Manicurists and nursing technicians also presented high maternal mortality ratio. Maternal occupation was not reported in 17.0% of SIM registers and in 13.2% of SINASC data. Inconsistent records of occupation were found.“Housewife” prevailed in SIM (35.5%) and SINASC (39.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal mortality ratio differs by occupation, suggesting a work contribution, which requires further research focusing occupational risk factors. Socioeconomic factors are closely related to occupation, and their combination with work exposures and the poor access to health services need to be also addressed.
Frontiers of Upstream Stroke Prevention and Reduced Stroke Inequity Through Predicting, Preventing, and Managing Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Bufalino Vincent J. , Bleser William K. , Singletary Elizabeth A. , Granger Bradi B. , O’Brien Emily C. , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Hamilton Lopez Marianne , Saunders Robert S. , McClellan Mark B. , Brown Nancy ,   the American Heart Association Predict & Prevent Learning Collaborative*
Published: July 2020

Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. While age-adjusted stroke mortality was falling, it has leveled off in recent years due in part to advances in medical technology, health care options, and population health interventions. In addition to adverse trends in stroke-related morbidity and mortality across the broader population, there are sociodemographic inequities in stroke risk. These challenges can be addressed by focusing on predicting and preventing modifiable upstream risk factors associated with stroke, but there is a need to develop a practical framework that health care organizations can use to accomplish this task across diverse settings. Accordingly, this article describes the efforts and vision of the multi-stakeholder Predict & Prevent Learning Collaborative of the Value in Healthcare Initiative, a collaboration of the American Heart Association and the Robert J. Margolis, MD, Center for Health Policy at Duke University. This article presents a framework of a potential upstream stroke prevention program with evidence-based implementation strategies for predicting, preventing, and managing stroke risk factors. It is meant to complement existing primary stroke prevention guidelines by identifying frontier strategies that can address gaps in knowledge or implementation. After considering a variety of upstream medical or behavioral risk factors, the group identified 2 risk factors with substantial direct links to stroke for focusing the framework: hypertension and atrial fibrillation. This article also highlights barriers to implementing program components into clinical practice and presents implementation strategies to overcome those barriers. A particular focus was identifying those strategies that could be implemented across many settings, especially lower-resource practices and community-based enterprises representing broad social, economic, and geographic diversity. The practical framework is designed to provide clinicians and health systems with effective upstream stroke prevention strategies that encourage scalability while allowing customization for their local context.
Impact of Acute and Chronic Hypertension on Changes in Pial Collateral Tone In Vivo During Transient Ischemia
Authors: Cipolla Marilyn J. , Chan Siu-Lung
Published: July 2020

We investigated vasoconstrictive responses of pial collaterals in vivo at baseline and during transient middle cerebral artery occlusion during chronic hypertension. A cranial window was used to measure diameter of leptomeningeal anastomoses (pial collaterals) in male Wistar (n=8) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs; n=8) using video dimensional analysis. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced by remote filament for 2 hours with 2 hours reperfusion. Phenylephrine was infused during ischemia as a pressor therapy. Active diameters of pial collaterals were significantly smaller in SHRs versus Wistar (14.1±1.5 versus 21.6±2.8 µm;
P
<0.01); however, passive diameters were similar (25.0±2.9 versus 25.0±2.6 µm;
P
>0.05). Basal tone of pial collaterals before occlusion was 42±5% in SHRs versus 15±4% in Wistar (
P
<0.01). Tone decreased in both Wistar and SHRs during occlusion but remained higher in SHRs (9±2% versus 29±4%;
P
<0.05). Phenylephrine increased blood pressure in both groups but had little effect on leptomeningeal anastomoses diameters. Reperfusion caused vasoconstriction of pial collaterals, increasing tone from 8±1% to 20±5% in Wistar and 29±5% to 44±5% in SHRs (
P
<0.01). Higher tone in pial collaterals from SHRs basally and during occlusion/reperfusion could limit flow to the penumbra and promote evolution of infarction. Sustained elevated tone of pial collaterals from SHRs with phenylephrine suggests pressor therapy may not be appropriate during chronic hypertension.
Epipogium taiwanense, a detail morphological description and additional new record to mainland China

Authors: WU XUN-FENG , LIU QIANG , TANG YING , CHI KUAN-BO , WANG YU-QIAN , PANG XIN , HUANG YAO-HUA , PENG PEI-HAO
Published: July 2020

Epipogium taiwanense, is published in the book of Illustrated Flora of Taiwan in 2018. However, here only the specimen and simply descriptions were existed on which the protologue was based. Plant and flowers characteristics were not described in enough detail in the original description. Fortunately, it was rediscovered from Yunnan and Sichuan Province, China. It is morphological similar to E. aphyllum, but it can be easily distinguished from the latter by having large size flower bract (2.0 × 1.0 cm, significantly longer than pedicel and ovary), epichile of labellum concave with 1 longitudinal ridge on mid-lobe and the spur strongly recurve in the apex connecting with bottom of mid-lobe. A preliminary risk-of-ex­tinction assessment, according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, is given for the newly recorded species.