bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intervention to address homelessness and all-cause and suicide mortality among unstably housed US Veterans, 2012–2016
Authors: Montgomery Ann Elizabeth , Dichter Melissa , Byrne Thomas , Blosnich John
Published: November 2020

Background

People without stable housing—and Veterans specifically—are at increased risk of suicide. This study assessed whether unstably housed Veterans’ participation in homeless services is associated with reduced risk of all-cause and suicide mortality.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used a sample of 169 221 Veterans across the US who self-reported housing instability between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2016. Multivariable Cox regression models assessed the association between Veterans’ utilisation of homeless services and all-cause and suicide mortality, adjusting for sociodemographics and severity of medical comorbidities.

Results

More than one-half of unstably housed Veterans accessed homeless services during the observation period; utilisation of any homeless services was associated with a 6% reduction in hazards for all-cause mortality (adjusted HR[aHR]=0.94, 95% CI[CI]=0.90–0.98). An increasing number of homeless services used was associated with significantly reduced hazards of both all-cause (aHR=0.93, 95% CI=0.91–0.95) and suicide mortality (aHR=0.81, 95% CI=0.73–0.89).

Conclusions

The use of homeless services among Veterans reporting housing instability was significantly associated with reduced hazards of all-cause and suicide mortality. Addressing suicide prevention and homelessness together—and ensuring ‘upstream’ interventions—within the context of the VHA healthcare system holds promise for preventing suicide deaths among Veterans. Mental health treatment is critical for suicide prevention, but future research should investigate if social service programmes, by addressing unmet human needs, may also reduce suicide.
In vitro interaction of fluconazole and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole against Candida auris using ETEST and checkerboard methods
Authors: Davis Heather R , Ashcraft Deborah S , Pankey George A
Published: November 2020

Candida auris was discovered in 2009 and has rapidly emerged as a serious public health threat with cases reported in over 20 countries worldwide. As of May 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of 1122 US cases. C. auris is often multidrug resistant, leaving few options for treatment. Sulfonamides are known to inhibit a bacterial enzyme involved in folate synthesis and may also inhibit yeast organisms by a similar mechanism. The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole is more commonly used than either drug alone. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combination of fluconazole and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole against C. auris. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of fluconazole and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole were determined by ETEST and broth microdilution for 11 C. auris strains. Fluconazole MICs (µg/mL) were 4–>256 by ETEST and 2–>256 by broth microdilution (73% resistant); trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole MICs were >32 by ETEST and 32–>128 by broth microdilution (no interpretive guidelines for C. auris). Using our MIC: MIC ETEST method and a checkerboard method, we investigated the interaction of fluconazole and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole against all isolates. These interactions were analyzed by calculating the summation fractional inhibitory concentration with synergyof ≤0.5, additivity of >0.5–1.0, indifference of >1–4, and antagonism of >4. The combination of fluconazole and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole revealed synergy with three (27%) and additivity with one (9%) isolate. Indifference was found for the remaining seven (64%) isolates. With the checkerboard method, synergy was seen in 1/11 (9%) isolates with fluconazole (½ MIC) plus trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (1/64 MIC); additivity, in 7/11 (64%) isolates with fluconazole (1/8 MIC–1×MIC) plus trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (1/128 MIC–½ MIC); and indifference in 3/11 (27%) isolates. Regardless, in vitro interactions may or may not correlate with clinical outcomes. Synergy testing with additional drug combinations and isolates should be performed.
Prevention in the age of personal responsibility: epigenetic risk-predictive screening for female cancers as a case study
Authors: Bolt Ineke , Bunnik Eline M. , Tromp Krista , Pashayan Nora , Widschwendter Martin , de Beaufort Inez
Published: November 2020

Epigenetic markers could potentially be used for risk assessment in risk-stratified population-based cancer screening programmes. Whereas current screening programmes generally aim to detect existing cancer, epigenetic markers could be used to provide risk estimates for not-yet-existing cancers. Epigenetic risk-predictive tests may thus allow for new opportunities for risk assessment for developing cancer in the future. Since epigenetic changes are presumed to be modifiable, preventive measures, such as lifestyle modification, could be used to reduce the risk of cancer. Moreover, epigenetic markers might be used to monitor the response to risk-reducing interventions. In this article, we address ethical concerns related to personal responsibility raised by epigenetic risk-predictive tests in cancer population screening. Will individuals increasingly be held responsible for their health, that is, will they be held accountable for bad health outcomes? Will they be blamed or subject to moral sanctions? We will illustrate these ethical concerns by means of a Europe-wide research programme that develops an epigenetic risk-predictive test for female cancers. Subsequently, we investigate when we can hold someone responsible for her actions. We argue that the standard conception of personal responsibility does not provide an appropriate framework to address these concerns. A different, prospective account of responsibility meets part of our concerns, that is, concerns about inequality of opportunities, but does not meet all our concerns about personal responsibility. We argue that even if someone is responsible on grounds of a negative and/or prospective account of responsibility, there may be moral and practical reasons to abstain from moral sanctions.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with biologically false-positive reactions with serological syphilis testing in contemporary practice: 10-year experience at a tertiary academic hospital
Authors: Ishihara Yuri , Okamoto Koh , Shimosaka Hironori , Ono Yoshikazu , Kanno Yoshiaki , Ikeda Mahoko , Harada Sohei , Kurano Makoto , Okugawa Shu , Moriya Kyoji , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Biologically false positive (BFP) reactions are well described in early literature. However, only a few recent reports described the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with BFP reactions. We reviewed the serological test results of patients tested for syphilis in our hospital in the past decade and described the clinical characteristics of patients with BFP reactions.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients tested for syphilis in a tertiary academic hospital. All serological results were retrieved from the clinical laboratory database. We calculated the incidence of BFP reactions. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data of patients with BFP reactions were reviewed manually.

Results

Among 94 462 subjects, 588 patients had BFP reactions (0.62%). Most BFP reactions were observed in patients aged over 60 years, with a history of malignancy and autoimmune diseases. Eighty-five per cent of patients had low rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titre (≤1:4), but two patients had extremely high RPR titre (≥1:256). BFP reactions were more likely to persist beyond 6 months among patients with RPR titre of ≥1:8. There was no statistically significant correlation between RPR titre and total protein albumin gap, surrogate of immunoglobulin levels among patients with BFP reactions.

Conclusion

There was a low incidence of BFP reactions in the last decade. A minority of BFP reactions had high non-treponemal antibody titre and persisted longer than 6 months. In the era of re-emergence of syphilis, this information could help clinicians interpret the results of well-established diagnostic tests for syphilis.
Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of the SPL family genes in wheat
Authors: Guo Fuye , Lu Qiuwei , Cang Jing
Published: November 2020

The SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) proteins constitute a family of plant-specific transcription factors that play a vital role in plant development. Wheat (Triticum aestivum, AABBDD) is universally well-known as a cash crop; however, the SPLs of this important crop have not been systematically investigated as yet. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide survey in wheat and found 56 SPL genes belonging to 19 homologous groups. The SPL genes were divided into seven classes using phylogenetic tree analyses. We mapped these genes onto the wheat chromosomes and examined their structures and conserved motifs. Moreover, we performed a synteny analysis on wheat, and summarized the SPL family as well as the evolutionary relationships between SPLs. Thereafter, we compared the expression patterns of wheat SPLs under different conditions, confirming that SPLs play an important role in spike development. To conclude, the SPLs in triplets have analogous structures and similar expression patterns. The three-pair triplet response to jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the SPL gene family in wheat. Our investigation of the wheat SPL gene family provides a starting point for additional functional studies of these significant transcription factors in wheat.
A semi-classical estimate for the q-parameter and decay time with Tsallis entropy of black holes in quantum geometry
Authors: Mejrhit K. , Hajji R.
Published: November 2020

In this letter, using the non-extensive entropy of Tsallis, we study some properties of the Schwarzschild black holes (BHs), based on the loop quantum gravity (LQG), some novel characteristics and results of the Schwarzschild BH can be obtained in Mejrhit and Ennadifi (Phys Lett B 794:45–49, 2019). Here we find that these findings are strikingly identical to ones obtained by Hawking and Page in anti-de Sitter space within the original of the Boltzmann entropy formula. By using the semi-classical estimate analysis on the energy at this minimum $$M_{min}$$

M

min

, an approximate relationship between the q and $$\gamma $$
γ
parameters of BHs can be found, ($$q\approx \frac{\sqrt{3}\gamma }{\pi \ln 2}+1$$

q
≈

3

γ

π
ln
2

+
1

), which is remarkable approaching to q-parameters of cosmic ray spectra and quarks coalescing to hadrons in high energy.
The Potential of Glycyrrhizinate in the Management of COVID-19: A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Glycyrrhizin Preparations in the Treatment of SARS and MERS
Authors: Li Huibo , Hu Yang , Tang Huilin , Li Shanshan , Ding Hong , Zhai Suodi , Zhao Rongsheng
Published: November 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in 2019 highlighted the fact that no specific medications providing effective treatment have been identified and approved. We explored the possibilities for COVID-19 by systematically reviewing evidence on the efficacy and safety of glycyrrhizin preparations for SARS and MERS. Electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to February 2020 for eligible studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of glycyrrhizin preparations for SARS and MERS. A quantitative analysis or descriptive analysis was applied. Five retrospective cohort studies were included, and NOS scores ranged from 5–7 points. The clinical symptoms of dry cough, chest distress and dyspnoea improved quickly, and elevated serum levels of aminotransferase decreased after compound glycyrrhizin treatment. The SARS-CoV antibody appeared earlier in the treated group than in the control group ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]d). Compared to that with conventional medications, the average period from peak to 50% improvement of lesions, in terms of X-ray manifestations, was shorter with compound glycyrrhizin treatment ([Formula: see text]2.1[Formula: see text]d), and treatment reduced the dosage ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/d) and duration of the corticosteroids used, without other serious adverse reactions. Based on the available evidence regarding glycyrrhizin preparations for treating SARS and MERS, we infer that compound glycyrrhizin could be an optional therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially those complicated with liver damage. Further research using well-designed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is warranted to determine the dosage and duration of use of compound glycyrrhizin and to monitor its specific adverse effects.
Flow field simulation and stress analysis of a shell-tube heat exchanger with spiral bend tubes
Authors: Qiu Binbin , Du Bowen , Li Yanna , Yang Qingchuan , Chen Weixiong , Yan Junjie
Published: November 2020

The porous media model was improved to simulate the flow field of a shell-tube heat exchanger with spiral bend tubes. The improved porous medium model can be used to control the fluid flow direction. On the tube side, the streamline was along the spiral bend tubes. The fluid velocities and pressure drops on the tube and shell sides agree well with the experimental values. The fluid flow on the shell side is little affected by the spiral bend structure. The thermal stress of the spiral bend tubes was analyzed. The thermal stress of the spiral bend tubes is much smaller than the thermal stress of the straight tube. The thermal stress at the bend part decreases with the increase of bending angles.
C-Semigroups, subordination principle and the Lévy α-stable distribution on discrete time
Authors: Alvarez Edgardo , Díaz Stiven , Lizama Carlos
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we introduce the notion of Lévy [Formula: see text]-stable distribution within the discrete setting. Using this notion, a subordination principle is proved, which relates a sequence of solution operators — given by a discrete [Formula: see text]-semigroup — for the abstract Cauchy problem of first order in discrete-time, with a sequence of solution operators for the abstract Cauchy problem of fractional order [Formula: see text] in discrete-time. As an application, we establish the explicit solution of the abstract Cauchy problem in discrete-time that involves the Hilfer fractional difference operator and prove that, in some cases, such solution converges to zero. Our findings give new insights on the theory, provide original concepts and extend as well as improve recent results of relevant references on the subject.
Comments on the “Generalized” KJLN Key Exchanger with Arbitrary Resistors: Power, Impedance, Security
Authors: Ferdous Shahriar , Chamon Christiana , Kish Laszlo B.
Published: November 2020

In (Nature) Science Report 5 (2015) 13653, Vadai, Mingesz and Gingl (VMG) introduce a new Kirchhoff-law-Johnson-noise (KLJN) secure key exchanger that operates with 4 arbitrary resistors (instead of 2 arbitrary resistance values forming 2 identical resistor pairs in the original system). They state that in this new, VMG-KLJN, non-equilibrium system with nonzero power flow, the security during the exchange of the two (HL and LH) bit values is as strong as in the original KLJN scheme. Moreover, they claim that, at practical conditions, their VMG-KLJN protocol “supports more robust protection against attacks”. First, we investigate the power flow and thermal equilibrium issues of the VMG-KLJN system with 4 arbitrary resistors. Then we introduce a new KLJN protocol that allows the arbitrary choice of 3 resistors from the 4, while it still operates with zero power flow during the exchange of single bits by utilizing a specific value of the 4th resistor and a binary temperature set for the exchanged (HL and LH) bit values. Then we show that, in general, the KLJN schemes with more than 2 arbitrary resistors (including our new protocol mentioned above) are prone to 4 new passive attacks utilizing the parasitic capacitance and inductance in the cable, while the original KLJN scheme is naturally immune against these new attacks. The core of the security vulnerability exploited by these attacks is the different line resistances in the HL and LH cases. Therefore, on the contrary of the statement and claim cited above, the practical VMG-KLJN system is less secure than the original KLJN scheme. We introduce another 2, modified, non-equilibrium KLJN systems to eliminate the vulnerability against some - but not all - of these attacks. However the price for that is the loss of arbitrariness of the selection of the 4th resistor and the information leak still remains greater than zero.
Linear programming formulation for some generalized domination parameters
Authors: Pandiaraja Duraisamy , Shanmugam Esakkimuthu , Sivakumar Rathinakumar
Published: November 2020

An enormous number of domination parameters have been defined and studied, because of their applications in various fields of science and engineering. From it, we have selected some variation of domination parameters and its generalized form for the study. We have presented a linear programming formulation with linear number of constraints for the selected parameters. MATLAB algorithmic code has been generated to find a minimum dominating set/function and the domination number of the selected parameters. The domination number and its computational time of five generalized domination parameters, [Formula: see text]-domination, [Formula: see text]-domination, efficient [Formula: see text]-domination, factor domination and [Formula: see text]-domination, have been studied under grid graphs and randomly generated graphs. The computational time for efficient [Formula: see text]-domination and [Formula: see text]-domination numbers is less than [Formula: see text] s, which shows the effectiveness of the formulation.
Green AI
Authors: Schwartz Roy , Dodge Jesse , Smith Noah A. , Etzioni Oren
Published: November 2020

Creating efficiency in AI research will decrease its carbon footprint and increase its inclusivity as deep learning study should not require the deepest pockets.
The dark triad and insider threats in cyber security
Authors: Maasberg Michele , Van Slyke Craig , Ellis Selwyn , Beebe Nicole
Published: November 2020

Tracing the relationship between pathological personality traits and insider cyber sabotage.
Pitting computers against each other … in chess
Authors: Newborn Monroe "Monty"
Published: November 2020

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

Guest blogger Monroe Newborn on the 50
th
anniversary of ACM computer chess tournaments.
Walden Three
Authors: Bainbridge William Sims
Published: November 2020

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.

Can humanity take its next step forward by taking a step back?
Removing kode
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: November 2020

Dead functions and dead features.
Electrodeposition of Tin Selenide from Oxalate-Based Aqueous Solution
Authors: De Vos Mélanie , Danine Abdelaadim , Adam Laura , Diliberto Sébastien , Caballero-Calero Olga , Martín-González Marisol , Péter László , Csík Attila , Kálmán Vad , Philippe Laetitia , Osenberg David , Al-Alam Patricia , Pernot Gilles , Lacroix David , Stein Nicolas
Published: November 2020

In this work, we report a study of the electrodeposition of SnSe. Considering the difficulty to stabilize the baths containing Sn(II) and Se(IV) precursors, we investigated the benefits of using sodium oxalate as a complexing agent. Preliminary cyclic voltammetric (CVs) experiments were performed to study the electrochemical behavior of tin and selenium redox systems within this specific electrolyte solution. The study revealed that the oxalate reagent stabilizes the bath chelating Sn(II) and then preventing the precipitation of SnO2. From the CVs, a growth mechanism is proposed and a synthesis potential window is defined, in which the electrodeposition of SnSe films was investigated. Between −0.5 and −0.6 V vs sat. AgCl/Ag, the deposits exhibit typical polycrystalline SnSe needle-like grains. SnSe was shown by Raman spectroscopy and the XRD patterns display an orthorhombic single-phase for this compound. Additional Mössbauer analyses confirm the presence of Sn(II), which is in good agreement with the chemical composition of SnSe films. Moreover, a cross-analysis between the methods shows also the presence of SnSe2 in minor proportion. The depth profile analyses of the samples reveal an in-depth homogeneity as well as the presence of oxygen at the layer surface.
In Situ Stress Measurement of Ni Electrodeposition Using Lateral Shearing Interferometry
Authors: Qiang Jun , Luo Kunjie , Dong Yanzhuo , Jiang Bingyan , Drummer Dietmar , Roth Benedikt
Published: November 2020

In-situ stress measurement has a significant benefit in revealing the deformation and failure mechanism during the deposition process. However, it is difficult to detect an ultrathin deposit and measure deposits of different scales simultaneously. Here, lateral shearing interferometry was used for in situ stress measurement of Ni deposits. we demonstrated that this method showed great stability and sensitivity during in situ process. Additionally, the accuracy of measurement was also been improved in terms of the measurement error (2.96%) and fluctuation (0.00035) of curvature radius. The system was capable of the measuring radius of curvature as large as 250 m. Theoretical calculation and experimental results coherently suggested that the thickness of measurable deposits can be diminished by decreasing the elastic modulus and thickness of the substrate. PMMA substrates can be used to measure the stress evolution of deposits with a thickness of more than 10 nm. Moreover, suitable substrate material and thickness for stress measurement of deposits with different scales can be selected by theoretical calculation before the experiment. This novel method provides valuable insights into the in situ stress towards the ultrathin deposit and paves the way to further understanding on the mechanism of deformation and failure of the deposition process in different states.
Effect of an active learning methodology combined with formative assessments on performance, test anxiety, and stress of university students
Authors: Cardozo Lais Tono , Azevedo Maria Antonia Ramos de , Carvalho Maeline Santos Morais , Costa Rafaela , de Lima Patricia Oliveira , Marcondes Fernanda Klein
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an active methodology combined with a lecture on undergraduate student learning and levels of stress and anxiety. The active learning methodology consisted of a lecture of 50-min duration, study at home with a textbook, an educational game activity, and three formative assessments on the topic of the cardiac cycle. In a following class, the students provided saliva samples to evaluate their levels of stress, received an anxiety test, and then undertook an exam to assess their understanding of the cardiac cycle. The traditional teaching methodology consisted of two lectures (∼2-h duration) on blood pressure control systems, delivered orally. In the third class, the students provided saliva samples, received an anxiety test, and then undertook an exam to assess their understanding of blood pressure control systems. The level of stress was assessed with the concentrations of the stress biomarkers cortisol and alpha-amylase in saliva. Anxiety was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. The students achieved significantly higher average scores in exams when the active learning strategy was applied compared with the use of traditional theoretical classes. The active methodology resulted in significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety, as well as improved student performance, compared with the use of traditional lectures.
GPCRs get fatty: the role of G protein-coupled receptor signaling in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kurtz Ryan , Anderman Meghan F. , Shepard Blythe D.
Published: November 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by the abnormal deposition of lipids within the liver not due to alcohol consumption, is a growing epidemic affecting over 30% of the United States population. Both simple fatty liver and its more severe counterpart, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, represent one of the most common forms of liver disease. Recently, several G protein-coupled receptors have emerged as targets for therapeutic intervention for these disorders. These include those with known hepatic function as well as those involved in global metabolic regulation. In this review, we highlight these emerging therapeutic targets, focusing on several common themes including their activation by microbial metabolites, stimulatory effect on insulin and incretin secretion, and contribution to glucose tolerance. The overlap in ligands, localization, and downstream effects of activation indicate the interdependent nature of these receptors and highlight the importance of this signaling family in the development and prevention of NAFLD.
Case studies in neuroscience: cortical contributions to the frequency-following response depend on subcortical synchrony
Authors: White-Schwoch Travis , Krizman Jennifer , Nicol Trent , Kraus Nina
Published: November 2020

A listener with auditory neuropathy, an absence of subcortical neural synchrony, did not have electrophysiological frequency-following responses synchronized to an octave of musical notes, with fundamental frequencies ranging from 65 to 130 Hz. A control subject had robust responses that phaselocked to each note. Although in healthy listeners, auditory cortex may contribute to the scalp-recorded frequency-following response, our results suggest this phenomenon depends on subcortical neural synchrony.
Na+-K+-ATPase functions in the developing hippocampus: regional differences in CA1 and CA3 neuronal excitability and role in epileptiform network bursting
Authors: Shao Li-Rong , Janicot Remi , Stafstrom Carl E.
Published: November 2020

Despite the extensive literature showing the importance of the Na+-K+ pump in various neuronal functions, its roles in the developing brain are not well understood. This study reveals that the Na+-K+ pump differentially regulates the excitability of CA3 and CA1 neurons in the developing hippocampus, and the pump activity is crucial for maintaining network activity. Compromised Na+-K+ pump activity desynchronizes neuronal firing and transmitter release, leading to cessation of ongoing epileptiform network bursting.
3D‐Printed Patient‐Specific Instrumentation Technique Vs. Conventional Technique in Medial Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Mao Yunhe , Xiong Yang , Li Qi , Chen Gang , Fu Weili , Tang Xin , Yang Luxi , Li Jian
Published: November 2020

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and clinical outcomes of the medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) using a three‐dimensional (3D‐) printed patient‐specific instrumentation (PSI) with that of conventional surgical techniques. Methods. A prospective comparative study which included 18 patients who underwent MOWHTO using 3D‐printed PSI technique (3D‐printed group) and 19 patients with conventional technique was conducted from Jan 2019 to Dec 2019. After the preoperative planning, 3D‐printed PSI (cutting guide model) was used in MOWHTO for 3D‐printed group, while freehand osteotomies were adopted in the conventional group. The accuracy of MOWHTO for each method was compared using the radiological index obtained preoperatively and postoperatively, including mechanical femorotibial angle (mFTA) and medial mechanical proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and correction error. Regular clinical outcomes were also compared between the 2 groups. Results. The correction errors in the 3D‐printed group were significantly lower than the conventional group (mFTA, 0.2° ± 0.6° vs. 1.2° ± 1.4°, P = 0.004) (mMPTA, 0.1° ± 0.4° vs. 2.2° ± 1.8°, P < 0.00001). There was a significantly shorter duration (P < 0.00001) and lower radiation exposures (P < 0.00001) for the osteotomy procedure in the 3D‐printed group than in the conventional group. There were significantly higher subjective IKDC scores (P = 0.009) and Lysholm scores (P = 0.03) in the 3D‐printed group at the 3‐month follow‐up, but not significantly different at other time points. Fewer complications occurred in the 3D‐printed group. Conclusions. With the assistance of the 3D‐printed patient‐specific cutting guide model, a safe and feasible MOWHTO can be conducted with superior accuracy than the conventional technique.
Protective Effects of Quercetin on Livers from Mice Exposed to Long‐Term Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Machado-Junior Pedro A. , Araújo Natália P. S. , Souza Ana B. F. , Castro Thalles F. , Oliveira Michel , Costa Guilherme P. , Matos Natália A. , Vieira Paula M. A. , Talvani André , Bezerra Frank S. , Cangussú Sílvia D.
Published: November 2020

Cigarette smoke is highly toxic, and it can promote increased production of reactive species and inflammatory response and leads to liver diseases. Quercetin is a flavonoid that displays antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities in liver diseases. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of quercetin on livers from mice exposed to long‐term cigarette smoke exposure. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: control (CG), vehicle (VG), quercetin (QG), cigarette smoke (CSG), quercetin, and cigarette smoke (QCSG). CSG and QCSG were exposed to cigarette smoke for sixty consecutive days; at the end of the exposures, all animals were euthanized. Mice that received quercetin daily and were exposed to cigarette smoke showed a reduced influx of inflammatory cells, oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, and histopathological changes in the liver, compared to CSG. These results suggest that quercetin may be an effective adjuvant for treating damage to the liver due to cigarette smoke exposure.
Modelling and Characterizing the Adhesion of Parallel-Grooved Interface between Concrete Lining Structure and Geopolymer by Wedge Splitting Method
Authors: Yang Zhaopeng , Wei Ya , Wang Linbing
Published: November 2020

A new method for increasing the interface resistance between geopolymer coating and concrete lining structure without applying the organic binder was suggested in this study. Parallel grooves with different depths and orientations were milled on the top surface of concrete block, and well-blended geopolymer mixture (Na-PSS type geopolymer: Sodium poly-sialate-siloxo) was coated upon the grooved interface. The wedge splitting (WS) experiments were conducted to compare the interface adhesion capacity of specimens with different groove width/depth ratios and groove orientations. The average energy release rate (ERR) was calculated by integrating the Pv-CMOD diagram to quantify the interfacial fracture toughness. To understand the interface strength mechanisms and the fracture mode at the front crack mouth, franc 3D simulation was carried out to segregate the mixed fracture mode to determine the initial pure stress intensity factorsKI,KII,KIIIat the crack mouth. Both the experiments and simulation results indicated that the highest interface fracture toughness was reached by the double diagonal parallel grooves with 0.375 width/depth ratio. These findings put forward a promising attaching method for efficient and reliable passive fire protection coating, with the aim of decreasing the risk of layer delamination in highway tunnels.
3D Printing Decellularized Extracellular Matrix to Design Biomimetic Scaffolds for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering
Authors: Baiguera Silvia , Del Gaudio Costantino , Di Nardo Paolo , Manzari Vittorio , Carotenuto Felicia , Teodori Laura
Published: November 2020

Functional engineered muscles are still a critical clinical issue to be addressed, although different strategies have been considered so far for the treatment of severe muscular injuries. Indeed, the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle (SM) results inadequate for large‐scale defects, and currently, SM reconstruction remains a complex and unsolved task. For this aim, tissue engineered muscles should provide a proper biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) alternative, characterized by an aligned/microtopographical structure and a myogenic microenvironment, in order to promote muscle regeneration. As a consequence, both materials and fabrication techniques play a key role to plan an effective therapeutic approach. Tissue‐specific decellularized ECM (dECM) seems to be one of the most promising material to support muscle regeneration and repair. 3D printing technologies, on the other side, enable the fabrication of scaffolds with a fine and detailed microarchitecture and patient‐specific implants with high structural complexity. To identify innovative biomimetic solutions to develop engineered muscular constructs for the treatment of SM loss, the more recent (last 5 years) reports focused on SM dECM‐based scaffolds and 3D printing technologies for SM regeneration are herein reviewed. Possible design inputs for 3D printed SM dECM‐based scaffolds for muscular regeneration are also suggested.
PowerPrint: Identifying Smartphones through Power Consumption of the Battery
Authors: Chen Jiong , He Kun , Chen Jing , Fang Yingying , Du Ruiying
Published: November 2020

Device fingerprinting technologies are widely employed in smartphones. However, the features used in existing schemes may bring the privacy disclosure problems because of their fixed and invariable nature (such as IMEI and OS version), or the draconian of their experimental conditions may lead to a large reduction in practicality. Finding a new, secure, and effective smartphone fingerprint is, however, a surprisingly challenging task due to the restrictions on technology and mobile phone manufacturers. To tackle this challenge, we propose a battery-based fingerprinting method, named PowerPrint, which captures the feature of power consumption rather than invariable information of the battery. Furthermore, power consumption information can be easily obtained without strict conditions. We design an unsupervised learning-based algorithm to fingerprint the battery, which is stimulated with different power consumption of tasks to improve the performance. We use 15 smartphones to evaluate the performance of PowerPrint in both laboratory and public conditions. The experimental results indicate that battery fingerprint can be efficiently used to identify smartphones with low overhead. At the same time, it will not bring privacy problems, since the power consumption information is changing in real time.
Synthesis and Appraisal of Natural Drug-Polymer-Based Matrices Relevant to the Application of Drug-Eluting Coronary Stent Coatings
Authors: Ghafoor Bakhtawar , Ali Murtaza Najabat , Riaz Zainab
Published: November 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are becoming a leading cause of death in the world, and attention is being paid to develop natural drug-based treatment to cure heart diseases. Curcumin, ginger, and magnolol are pharmaceutically active in many ways, having properties including anticoagulation, antiproliferation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, and may be used to synthesis coatings for drug-eluting stents to treat cardiovascular diseases. In the present investigation, a degradable polymer with varying molecular weights was used as a drug carrier to control the degradation of polymer; three different natural drugs such as curcumin, magnolol, and ginger were used owing to their reported pharmacological properties. The results of in vitro measurements of all three natural drugs released from drug-loaded polymeric films showed an initial burst release followed by a sustained release for up to 38 days of measurement. On the other hand, different levels of hemocompatibility were observed by varying concentrations of natural drugs in human erythrocytes. As per the ASTM F756 standard, ginger having low concentration showed optimum hemocompatibility with regard to the drug-eluting stent application as compared with magnolol and curcumin concentrations, which showed suboptimal hemocompatibility and fall in the range of mild-to-severe blood toxicity category. The structure of the coating films was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with results suggesting that there was no chemical bonding between the polymer and drug. Thus, according to this study, it can be concluded that after more detailed in vitro testing such as hemocompatibility tests and platelet adhesion testing, ginger can be a better candidate as a drug-coating material for drug-eluting stent applications.
Dehydrocorydaline Accounts the Majority of Anti‐Inflammatory Property of Corydalis Rhizoma in Cultured Macrophage
Authors: Kong Xiangpeng , Chen Zhicong , Xia Yingjie , Liu Etta Y. L. , Ren Haiqin , Wang Cheng , Hu Winnie W. H. , Dong Tina T. X. , Pi Rongbiao , Tsim Karl W. K.
Published: November 2020

Corydalis Rhizoma (CR) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for its potency in activating blood circulation and analgesia. In clinic, CR extracts or components are commonly used in the treatment of myocardial ischemia, rheumatism, and dysmenorrhea with different types of inflammation. However, due to different mechanism of pain and inflammation, the anti‐inflammatory property of CR has not been fully revealed. Here, the major chromatographic peaks of CR extracts in different extracting solvents were identified, and the anti‐inflammatory activities of CR extracts and its major alkaloids were evaluated in LPS‐treated macrophages by determining expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, IκBα and NF‐κB. The most abundant alkaloid in CR extract was dehydrocorydaline, having >50% of total alkaloids. Besides, the anti‐inflammatory activities of dehydrocorydaline and its related analogues were demonstrated. The anti‐inflammatory roles were revealed in LPS‐treated cultured macrophages, including (i) inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines release, for example, TNF‐α, IL‐6; (ii) suppressing mRNA expressions of proinflammatory cytokines; (iii) promoting IκBα expression and suppressing activation of NF‐κB transcriptional element; and (iv) reducing the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. The results supported that dehydrocorydaline was the major alkaloid in CR extract, which, together with its analogous, accounted the anti‐inflammatory property of CR.
Effect of Task-Specific Training on Trunk Control and Balance in Patients with Subacute Stroke
Authors: Khallaf Mohamed E.
Published: November 2020

Objectives. Impairment of static and dynamic posture control is common after stroke. It is found to be a predictor and an essential component for balance, walking ability, and activities of daily living (ADL) outcomes. Studies investigating effect of physical therapy techniques with an aim to improve trunk function after stroke are limited. This study aimed at studying the effect of task-specific training on trunk control and balance in patients with subacute stroke. Methods. In this randomized controlled trail, thirty-four patients were alienated into two equal groups. The study group (n = 17) received task-specific training, and the control group (n = 17) received conventional physical therapy based on the neurodevelopmental technique. Task-specific training was applied through two phases with criteria of progression based on Chedoke–McMaster Stroke Assessment postural control stages. The interventions were applied in a dosage of 60 min per session, three times a week for ten weeks. Static and dynamic balance were measured by the trunk impairment scale (TIS), postural assessment scale (PAS), and functional reach test (FRT). Laser-guided digital goniometer was used to measure the trunk ranges of motions (ROM) as a secondary outcome. Results. Significant differences between the baseline and the follow-up measures including TIS, PAS, FRT, and trunk (ROM) were found in both groups (

P
≤
0.05

). In-between group comparison also showed significant differences between the results of both groups indicating more improvements among patients representing the study group. Conclusion. Task-specific training may be effective in improving the static and dynamic postural control and trunk ranges of motion among subacute stroke patients.
Antibacterial Properties of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles and Their Application in Oral Biology
Authors: Su Chen , Huang Kun , Li Hao-Hong , Lu You-Guang , Zheng Da-Li
Published: November 2020

As bacterial resistance is becoming increasingly serious, the development of antibacterial nanomaterials is an effective method of solving this problem. Gold nanoparticles have good stability and excellent biocompatibility and are easily modified, and their antibacterial properties can be enhanced by changing their structure and size or adding ingredients. Gold nanoparticles are also excellent drug carriers that can improve the antibacterial effects of loaded antibacterial drugs. After being modified and combined with other antibacterial drugs, gold nanoparticles can also play a better antibacterial role for effective antibacterial strategies against some resistant bacteria. Gold nanoparticles have photothermal effects, and modified gold nanoparticles can be a good medium for photothermal treatments to kill bacteria. By adding functionally modified gold nanoparticles, many materials can obtain much needed antibacterial properties. Gold nanoparticles can also be combined with cations, low-temperature plasma, various surface ligands, and other potential antibacterial agents. In short, the antibacterial characteristics of functionalized gold nanoparticles demonstrate that they have considerable practical application value and provide more ideas to solve antibacterial problems. At the same time, the application of gold nanoparticles in oral biology is also increasing.
Effects of REDOX in Regulating and Treatment of Metabolic and Inflammatory Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Wang Kai , Dong Yanhan , Liu Jing , Qian Lili , Wang Tao , Gao Xiangqian , Wang Kun , Zhou Luyu
Published: November 2020

Reduction oxidation (REDOX) reaction is crucial in life activities, and its dynamic balance is regulated by ROS. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with a variety of metabolic diseases involving in multiple cellular signalling in pathologic and physiological signal transduction. ROS are the by-products of numerous enzymatic reactions in various cell compartments, including the cytoplasm, cell membrane, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, and peroxisome. ROS signalling is not only involved in normal physiological processes but also causes metabolic dysfunction and maladaptive responses to inflammatory signals, which depends on the cell type or tissue environment. Excess oxidants are able to alter the normal structure and function of DNA, lipids, and proteins, leading to mutations or oxidative damage. Therefore, excessive oxidative stress is usually regarded as the cause of various pathological conditions, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and kidney diseases. Currently, it has been possible to detect diabetes and other cardiac diseases by detecting derivatives accompanied by oxidative stress in vivo as biomarkers, but there is no effective method to treat these diseases. In consequence, it is essential for us to seek new therapy targeting these diseases through understanding the role of ROS signalling in regulating metabolic activity, inflammatory activation, and cardiac diseases related to metabolic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the current literature on REDOX and its role in the regulation of cardiac metabolism and inflammation, focusing on ROS, local REDOX signalling pathways, and other mechanisms.
Expression of Tight Junction Proteins Is Altered in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Chen Bangbin , Bu Renge , Xu Xuewen
Published: November 2020

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the tumors which occur most frequently in urological system, but less is known about the expression of tight junction proteins and its clinical significance in BC. In this study, expression of claudin-4, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and zonula occludens-1 nucleic acid-binding protein (ZONAB), in BC tissues, adjacent nontumor tissue (ANTT), and BC cell lines was examined by Western blotting, semiquantitative RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry, and then, the clinical significance of these proteins was investigated. The mRNA and protein expression of ZONAB were significantly upregulated, while those of ZO-1 was significantly downregulated in some BC cell lines and tissues in comparison with nontumor urothelial cell lines and ANTT. High expression rate of ZO-1 and ZONAB had negative correlation in BC tissues and was also correlated with muscle-invasive lesions in BC tissues. In conclusion, the expression of tight junction proteins is significantly altered in BC and ZO-1, and ZONAB interaction might be involved in BC development.
Adverse Drug Reaction due to Antidepressants among Patients with Depression in a Private Psychiatric Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Sankhi Sabina , Marasine Nirmal Raj , Sankhi Saroj , Lamichhane Rajendra
Published: November 2020

Background. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are the known cause of morbidity and mortality, resulting in increased hospitalization, healthcare costs, complications, and decreased adherence in patients with depression. This study is aimed at evaluating adverse drug reactions due to antidepressants among patients with depression in the psychiatric hospital of Nepal. Methods. A hospital‐based prospective observational study was conducted among 47 patients using purposive sampling techniques among patients with depression visiting a private psychiatric hospital. The causality, severity, and preventability assessment of reported ADRs was performed using the Naranjo scale, modified Hartwig Siegel’s Severity Assessment Scale, and Schumock and Thornton scale, respectively. The data collected were entered into and analyzed using IBM‐SPSS 20.0. Results. The incidence rate of ADR was found to be 4.54%, with females having a higher incidence rate of 5.56%. A total of 54 ADRs were reported. The majority of them were probable (30, 55.55%), moderate (36, 66.66%) and probably preventable (24, 44.44%). Most of the ADRs were managed either by stopping (19, 35.18%) or substituting (19, 35.18%) the suspected drug and 66.66% of the ADRs were recovered. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with a higher number of ADRs i.e. 34. Conclusion. The findings highlight the need for regular intensive monitoring of ADRs in psychiatric outpatients by clinical pharmacists for early detection and reduction of risk caused by ADRs associated with antidepressants.