bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared photovoltaic detector based on p-GeTe/n-Si heterojunction
Authors: Zhao Yiqun , Tang Libin , Yang Shengyi , Lau Shu Ping , Teng Kar Seng
Published: June 2020

GeTe is an important narrow bandgap semiconductor material and has found application in the fields of phase change storage as well as spintronics devices. However, it has not been studied for application in the field of infrared photovoltaic detectors working at room temperature. Herein, GeTe nanofilms were grown by magnetron sputtering technique and characterized to investigate its physical, electrical, and optical properties. A high-performance infrared photovoltaic detector based on GeTe/Si heterojunction with the detectivity of 8 × 1011 Jones at 850 nm light irradiation at room temperature was demonstrated.
Nosocomial infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria in cancer patients: a six-year retrospective study of an oncology Center in Western China
Authors: Jiang Ai-Min , Shi Xin , Liu Na , Gao Huan , Ren Meng-Di , Zheng Xiao-Qiang , Fu Xiao , Liang Xuan , Ruan Zhi-Ping , Yao Yu , Tian Tao
Published: June 2020

Background

Bacterial infections are the most frequent complications in patients with malignancy, and the epidemiology of nosocomial infections among cancer patients has changed over time. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics, antibiotic resistance patterns, and prognosis of nosocomial infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in cancer patients.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzed cancer patients with nosocomial infections caused by MDR from August 2013 to May 2019. The extracted clinical data were recorded in a standardized form and compared based on the survival status of the patients after infection and during hospitalization. The data were analyzed using independent samples t-test, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

One thousand eight patients developed nosocomial infections during hospitalization, with MDR strains detected in 257 patients. Urinary tract infection (38.1%), respiratory tract infection (26.8%), and bloodstream infection (BSI) (12.5%) were the most common infection types. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) (72.8%) members were the most frequently isolated MDR strains, followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (11.7%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (6.2%). The results of multivariate regression analysis revealed that smoking history, intrapleural/abdominal infusion history within 30 days, the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter, length of hospitalization, and hemoglobin were independent factors for in-hospital mortality in the study population. The isolated MDR bacteria exhibited high rates of sensitivity to amikacin, meropenem, and imipenem.

Conclusions

The burden of nosocomial infections due to MDR bacteria is considerably high in oncological patients, with ESBL-PE being the most predominant causative pathogen. Our findings suggest that amikacin and carbapenems actively against more than 89.7% of MDR isolates. The precise management of MDR bacterial infections in cancer patients may improve the prognosis of these individuals.
Correction to: Effects of hydrolyzed fish protein and autolyzed yeast as substitutes of fishmeal in the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) diet, on fish intestinal microbiome
Authors: Rimoldi S. , Gini E. , Koch J. F. A. , Iannini F. , Brambilla F. , Terova G.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Caffeine as a tool for investigating the integration of Cdc25 phosphorylation, activity and ubiquitin-dependent degradation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Alao John P. , Sunnerhagen Per
Published: June 2020

The evolutionarily conserved Cdc25 phosphatase is an essential protein that removes inhibitory phosphorylation moieties on the mitotic regulator Cdc2. Together with the Wee1 kinase, a negative regulator of Cdc2 activity, Cdc25 is thus a central regulator of cell cycle progression in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The expression and activity of Cdc25 is dependent on the activity of the Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1). TORC1 inhibition leads to the activation of Cdc25 and repression of Wee1, leading to advanced entry into mitosis. Withdrawal of nitrogen leads to rapid Cdc25 degradation via the ubiquitin- dependent degradation pathway by the Pub1 E3- ligase. Caffeine is believed to mediate the override of DNA damage checkpoint signalling, by inhibiting the activity of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/Rad3 homologues. This model remains controversial, as TORC1 appears to be the preferred target of caffeine in vivo. Recent studies suggest that caffeine induces DNA damage checkpoint override by inducing the nuclear accumulation of Cdc25 in S. pombe. Caffeine may thus modulate Cdc25 activity and stability via inhibition of TORC1. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms by which caffeine stabilises Cdc25, may provide novel insights into how TORC1 and DNA damage signalling is integrated.
Both the presence of a micropapillary component and the micropapillary predominant subtype predict poor prognosis after lung adenocarcinoma resection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Hu Zaoxiu , Zhao Jie , Huang Yunchao , Rao Sunyin , Yang Jichen , Xiao Shouyong , Cao Run , Ye Lianhua
Published: June 2020

Objective

It has been confirmed that the micropapillary (MP) pattern is a poor prognostic factor after resection of lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), but the proportion of the MP component as a prognostic criterion is still controversial. Hence, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether the presence of an MP component has equal prognostic power as the MP predominant subtype.

Methods

Literature retrieval was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until December 23, 2019. Eligible studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The included studies were divided into two subgroups, the MP component subgroup and the MP predominant subgroup, according to the proportion of the MP pattern to analyse the effect of this pattern on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted from each study. Review Manager 5.3 was used for statistical analyses.

Results

Finally, 10 studies, including a total of 4934 lung ADC patients, were included in this meta-analysis. Our results indicated a significantly worse pooled DFS (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.20–2.21) and OS (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.19–1.96) in the subgroup of MP predominant subtype patients. The pooled DFS (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45–2.85) and OS (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.46–3.52) were also poor in the subgroup of patients with the presence of an MP component.

Conclusions

Both the presence of an MP component and the MP predominant subtype are related to poor DFS and OS after lung ADC resection and represent adverse prognostic factor for lung ADC patients. However, there are some limitations in this meta-analysis, and quantitative stratification based on the proportion of the MP component is needed to explore its effect on prognosis of lung ADC patients in the future.
Oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Hemminki Otto , dos Santos João Manuel , Hemminki Akseli
Published: June 2020

In this review, we discuss the use of oncolytic viruses in cancer immunotherapy treatments in general, with a particular focus on adenoviruses. These serve as a model to elucidate how versatile viruses are, and how they can be used to complement other cancer therapies to gain optimal patient benefits. Historical reports from over a hundred years suggest treatment efficacy and safety with adenovirus and other oncolytic viruses. This is confirmed in more contemporary patient series and multiple clinical trials. Yet, while the first viruses have already been granted approval from several regulatory authorities, room for improvement remains.

As good safety and tolerability have been seen, the oncolytic virus field has now moved on to increase efficacy in a wide array of approaches. Adding different immunomodulatory transgenes to the viruses is one strategy gaining momentum. Immunostimulatory molecules can thus be produced at the tumor with reduced systemic side effects. On the other hand, preclinical work suggests additive or synergistic effects with conventional treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, the newly introduced checkpoint inhibitors and other immunomodulatory drugs could make perfect companions to oncolytic viruses. Especially tumors that seem not to be recognized by the immune system can be made immunogenic by oncolytic viruses. Logically, the combination with checkpoint inhibitors is being evaluated in ongoing trials. Another promising avenue is modulating the tumor microenvironment with oncolytic viruses to allow T cell therapies to work in solid tumors.

Oncolytic viruses could be the next remarkable wave in cancer immunotherapy.
Repeatability of plantar pressure assessment during barefoot walking in people with stroke
Authors: Rogers A. , Morrison S. C. , Gorst T. , Paton J. , Freeman J. , Marsden J. , Cramp M. C.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Stroke‐related changes in foot structure and function affect balance and mobility and quantifying foot function following stroke could offer clinically useful information to inform rehabilitation. The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility of undertaking plantar pressure assessment during barefoot walking in people with stroke, and evaluate the repeatability of the assessment protocol and regional footprint analysis as a measure of dynamic foot characteristics.

Materials & methods

Plantar pressure analysis was undertaken using a pressure platform (Tekscan HR Mat) on two test sessions, approximately two weeks apart (mean = 15.64 ± 11.64 days). Peak plantar pressure (kPa) and contact area (cm2) for foot regions were extracted and repeatability analysis undertaken. Descriptive evaluation of field notes and experiences of the participants was undertaken to inform the feasibility of the data collection protocol.

Results

Twenty‐one participants (61.8 ± 9.2 years; 11 male, 10 female; 8 right‐sided, 13 left‐sided stroke) were recruited and 18 returned for retesting. Full data capture was achieved from 14 participants. Peak pressure and contact area demonstrated moderate to good repeatability for at the toes (ICC 0.76 and 0.58 respectively) and good to excellent repeatability for the other foot regions (ICC ≥ 0.82).

Conclusion

The protocol adopted in this study was feasible and yielded good to excellent repeatability for the foot regions, except the toes. The challenges with data collection in our study cohort could help inform future studies adopting similar protocols. This work also has relevance for use of pressure technology in clinical practice for assessing and monitoring foot function following stroke.
Prevalence of short stature and malnutrition among Egyptian primary school children and their coexistence with Anemia
Authors: El-Shafie Ali M. , Kasemy Zeinab A. , Omar Zein A. , Alkalash Safa H. , Salama Amal A. , Mahrous Kerollos S. , Hewedy Shaimaa M. , Kotb Nessreen M. , Abd El-Hady Heba S. , Eladawy Eman S. , Zeid Mohamed A. , Abd El Hamid Manar E. , Hemeda Emad H. , El-shafie Mohamed A. , El-Meligy Esraa A. , Bahbah Wael A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Under nutrition and overweight typically occur during nutritional transition periods in developing countries including Egypt. Short stature and anemia are public health concern due to its strong link with malnutrition which is a preventable risk factor.

Objectives

to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, underweight and short stature and its concurrence with anemia, also to determine the etiological profile of short stature among primary school children in Egypt.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 33,150 Egyptian children aged 6–11 years old from January 2018 to January 2020, allocated in 59 primary schools from diverse geographical districts in Egypt. Complete anthropometric measurements were conducted and applied according to WHO growth charts. Hemoglobin level was measured. Systematic approach to detect the etiology of short stature was applied randomly to a sample of 380 stunted children.

Results

The prevalence of underweight was 8.2%, while obesity and overweight represented 21.8% (9.6 and 12.2% respectively). Overall short stature constituted 17%. The main etiologies of short stature were familial (40.8%) and constitutional (24.2%). Anemia was diagnosed in 26% of children; while concurrent anemia and stunting was reported in 9.9%. Regarding anemia and anemia with stunting were more common among girls (30.0% (OR = 1.50, CI95%: 1.43–1.58) and 11.4% (OR = 1.39, CI95%:1.29–1.49) respectively), who were living in rural areas (33.4% (OR = 1.96, CI 95%:1.87–2.06) &12.7% (OR = 1.72, CI 95%:1.60–1.85)) and those who had low socioeconomic status)34.6% (OR = 2.54, CI 95%:2.29–2.82) & 17.2% (OR = 3.32, CI 95%:2.85–3.88() respectively. Anemia with stunting was significantly higher among children aged ≥9 years old representing 12% (OR = 1.40, CI 95%:1.30–1.51).

Conclusion

Prevalence of short stature, obesity and anemia was high among primary school children in Egypt with a strong concurrence between anemia and stunting. Intensive parental health education and in-depth nutritional assessment are required.
Internet-based psychodynamic versus cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents with depression: study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (the ERiCA study)
Authors: Mechler Jakob , Lindqvist Karin , Carlbring Per , Lilliengren Peter , Falkenström Fredrik , Andersson Gerhard , Topooco Naira , Johansson Robert , Midgley Nick , Edbrooke-Childs Julian , J. Dahl Hanne-Sofie , Sandell Rolf , Thorén Agneta , Ulberg Randi , Lindert Bergsten Katja , Philips Björn
Published: June 2020

Background

Adolescent depression is a common mental health problem and there is an urgent need for effective and accessible treatments. Internet-based interventions solve many obstacles for seeking and receiving treatment, thus increasing access to effective treatments. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) for adolescent depression has demonstrated efficacy in previous trials. In order to broaden the range of evidence-based treatments for young people, we evaluated a newly developed affect-focused Internet-based psychodynamic treatment (IPDT) in a previous study with promising results. The purpose of the planned study is to evaluate the efficacy of IPDT for adolescent depression in a non-inferiority trial, comparing it to ICBT.

Methods

The study will employ a parallel randomized non-inferiority design (ratio 1:1; n = 270). Eligible participants are adolescents 15–19 years suffering from depression. The primary hypothesis is that IPDT will be non-inferior to ICBT in reducing depressive symptoms from pre-treatment to end of treatment. Secondary research questions include comparing outcomes of IPDT and ICBT regarding anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation and self-compassion. Additional data will be collected to evaluate cost-effectiveness as well as investigating predictors, moderators and mediators of outcome. In addition, we will examine long-term outcome up to 1 year after end of treatment. Diagnostic interviews with MINI 7.0 will be used to establish primary diagnosis of depression as well as ruling out any exclusion criteria. Both treatments consist of eight modules over 10 weeks, complemented with therapist support through text messages and weekly chat sessions. Primary outcome measure is the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology in Adolescents Self-Rated (QIDS-A17-SR). Primary outcome will be analysed using data from all participants entering the study using a multilevel growth curve strategy based on the weekly measurements of QIDS-A17-SR. The non-inferiority margin is defined as d = 0.30.

Discussion

This trial will demonstrate whether IPDT is non-inferior to ICBT in the treatment of adolescent depression. The study might therefore broaden the range of evidence-based treatment alternatives for young people struggling with depression. Further analyses of data from this trial may increase our knowledge about “what works for whom” and the pathways of change for two distinct types of interventions.

Trial registration

ISRCTN12552584, Registered on 13 August 2019.
The effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), sham-rESWT, standardised exercise programme or usual care for patients with plantar fasciopathy: study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Heide Marte , Mørk Marianne , Røe Cecilie , Brox Jens Ivar , Fenne Hoksrud Aasne
Published: June 2020

Background

Plantar fasciopathy is a common cause of plantar heel pain, with a reported prevalence of up to 10%. The choice of best practice in these patients is debated. Two randomised studies reported that radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective, but a meta-analysis concluded that due to methodological limitations, the evidence is questionable. There are few studies reporting the effect of exercise programs with high-load strength training, despite widespread use. The objective of this placebo-controlled, observer-blinded and partly patient blinded trial is to compare rESWT, sham-rESWT, standardised exercise programme and usual care for alleviating heel pain at 6 and 12 months follow-up.

Methods/design

A double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial is conducted at a hospital outpatient clinic of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Patients with chronic (> 3 months) pain due to plantar fasciopathy, aged 18 to 70 years old, are eligible for inclusion in the trial. Patients will be randomly allocated in 1:1 ratio to receive rESWT, sham-rESWT, standardised exercises or usual care. The sample size is estimated to 200 patients, 50 in each group. rESWT or sham-rESWT will be given once a week for 3 weeks. A physiotherapist will supervise the exercises, with a total of 8 sessions over 12 weeks. The patients in the usual care group will receive information, advice and foot orthosis only. All patients, regardless of group, will receive the same information and get an individual customised foot orthosis made by an orthopaedic technician. The primary outcome measure is heel pain intensity during activity in the last week, using a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0 to 10) at the 6 months follow-up adjusted for baseline pain intensity. The secondary outcomes are at the 6- and 12-month follow-up and include Foot Functional Index Revised Short Version (FFI-RS), Patient Global Impression of Change Scale (7-point Likert scale), RAND-12 Health Status Inventory (RAND-12), NRS during rest and NRS during activity (12 months). The patients receiving rESWT/sham-rESWT and the outcome assessor will be blinded to the group assignment.

Discussion

This trial is designed in order to provide results important for future clinical practice.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472989. Registered on 14 March 2018
The TOTEM RRMS (Testosterone Treatment on neuroprotection and Myelin Repair in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis) trial: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Metzger-Peter Katline , Kremer Laurent Daniel , Edan Gilles , Loureiro De Sousa Paulo , Lamy Julien , Bagnard Dominique , Mensah-Nyagan Ayikoe-Guy , Tricard Thibault , Mathey Guillaume , Debouverie Marc , Berger Eric , Kerbrat Anne , Meyer Nicolas , De Seze Jérôme , Collongues Nicolas
Published: June 2020

Background

Central nervous system damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) is responsible for serious deficiencies. Current therapies are focused on the treatment of inflammation; however, there is an urgent need for innovative therapies promoting neuroregeneration, particularly myelin repair.

It is demonstrated that testosterone can act through neural androgen receptors and several clinical observations stimulated an interest in the potential protective effects of testosterone treatment for MS. Here, we sought to demonstrate the effects of a testosterone supplementation in testosterone-deficient men with relapsing-remitting MS.

Methods/design

This report presents the rationale and methodology of TOTEM RRMS, a French, phase 2, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind trial, which aims to prevent the progression of MS in men with low testosterone levels by administration of testosterone undecanoate, who were kept under natalizumab (Tysabri®) to overcome the anti-inflammatory effect of testosterone. Forty patients will be randomized into two groups receiving either a testosterone treatment (Nebido®) or a matching placebo. The intervention period for each group will last 66 weeks (treatment will be injected at baseline, week 6, and then every 12 weeks). The main objective is to determine the neuroprotective and remyelinating effects of testosterone using tensor diffusion imaging techniques and thalamic atrophy analyses. As secondary objectives, impacts of the testosterone supplementation will be studied using other conventional and unconventional MRI parameters and with clinical outcomes.

Discussion

The action of testosterone is observed in different experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models and epidemiological studies in humans. However, despite several preclinical data and some small clinical trials in MS, clear evidence for a therapeutic effect of hormone therapy is still missing. Therefore, our goal is to demonstrate the effects of testosterone therapies in MS. As there is no effective treatment currently available on fatigue in MS, careful attention should also be paid to secondary endpoints: fatigue, cognitive functions, and other symptoms that may improve life quality.

Assuming a positive outcome of the trial, this treatment could be considered as a new neuroprotective and remyelinating therapy in relapsing-remitting MS and could be applicable to other demyelinating diseases.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03910738. Registered on 10 April 2019.
Personalized dosing of nicotine replacement therapy versus standard dosing for the treatment of individuals with tobacco dependence: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Zawertailo Laurie , Hendershot Christian S. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Le Foll Bernard , Samokhvalov Andriy V. , Thorpe Kevin E. , Pipe Andrew , Reid Robert D. , Selby Peter
Published: June 2020

Background

Medications for smoking cessation are currently only effective in helping a minority of smokers quit. Drug development is slow and expensive; as such, there is much interest in optimizing the effectiveness of existing treatments and medications. Current standard doses of nicotine replacement therapy are not effective for many smokers, and in many cases, the amount of nicotine provided is much less than when a smoker is smoking their usual number of cigarettes. The proposed study will test if titrating the dose of the nicotine patch (up to 84 mg) will improve quitting success compared to those receiving a 21-mg nicotine patch with increasing doses of placebo patch.

Methods

This is a multicenter, pragmatic, two-arm, placebo-controlled, block randomized controlled trial. We will recruit participants who smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily and are interested in making a quit attempt. After 2 weeks of usual treatment with a 21-mg patch, participants who fail to quit smoking (target n = 400) will be randomized to receive escalating doses of a nicotine patch vs matching placebo patches for an additional 10 weeks or up to a maximum dose of 84 mg per day. Those who stop smoking during the first 2 weeks of usual treatment will continue with 21 mg patch treatment for 10 weeks and will form an additional comparison arm. In addition to the medication, participants will receive brief behavioral counseling at each study visit. The primary outcome will be biochemically confirmed continuous abstinence from smoking during the last 4 weeks of treatment (weeks 9 to 12).

Discussion

Research evidence supporting the effectiveness of personalized doses of nicotine replacement therapy could change current practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Given the evidence that quitting smoking at any age diminishes the risk of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality, even small increases in absolute quit rates can have a substantial population-level impact on reducing smoking-related disease, mortality rates, and associated healthcare costs.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03000387. Registered on 22 December 2016.
Impact of different temperature profiles on simultaneous yeast and bacteria fermentation
Authors: Guzzon Raffaele , Roman Tomas , Larcher Roberto
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The role of fermentation temperature was studied for its impact on the evolution of malolactic fermentation performed by simultaneous inoculum of yeast and bacteria in grape must. Results were discussed considering the different fermentative kinetics and the composition of obtained wines.

Methods

Two strains of bacteria belonging to theO. oeniandL. plantarumspecies were inoculated 24 h after the beginning of the alcoholic fermentation in 2 grape musts having different acidic and sugar profiles. Fermentations were conducted at 3 different temperature profiles (16/22 °C in 3 days, 18/24 °C in 3 days, 22/32 °C in 5 days). Evolution of microbiota was followed by flow cytometry and plate count. Chemical analysis of grape musts and wines were performed by instrumental approaches (FT-IR, enzymatic quantification of malic acid, GC-MS).

Results

L. plantarumresulted more efficient in malic acid consumption in the entire set of tests. These results are unexpected because, generally,Lactobacillushas been reported to be more sensitive to an oenological environment thanO. oeni. In our experiments,O. oeniresulted inhibited by the highest fermentation temperature profile, causing incomplete malic acid degradation. Similarly,S. cerevisiaeshowed a higher sensitivity to environmental limiting factors in respect to what is generally known. Differences in the chemical composition of wines were observed in relation to the bacteria strain and the temperature profile. However, the statistical treatment of data identified temperature as the main variable able to influence the features of wines.

Conclusions

Simultaneous inoculum of yeast and bacteria in grape must is an alternative approach in the management of malolactic fermentation which showed some interesting features. However, it is necessary to consider that the dynamics of the microbial population are different to that observed in traditional winemaking and the environmental variables act against the microorganisms in a peculiar, and in certain cases unexpected, way.
Melatonin-stimulated MSC-derived exosomes improve diabetic wound healing through regulating macrophage M1 and M2 polarization by targeting the PTEN/AKT pathway
Authors: Liu Wei , Yu Muyu , Xie Dong , Wang Longqing , Ye Cheng , Zhu Qi , Liu Fang , Yang Lili
Published: June 2020

Background

After surgery, wound recovery in diabetic patients may be disrupted due to delayed inflammation, which can lead to undesired consequences, and there is currently a lack of effective measures to address this issue. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (Exo) have been proven to be appropriate candidates for diabetic wound healing through the anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated whether melatonin (MT)-pretreated MSCs-derived exosomes (MT-Exo) could exert superior effects on diabetic wound healing, and we attempted to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Methods

For the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of MT-Exo, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. For in vitro research, we detected the secreted levels of inflammation-related factors, such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 via ELISA and the relative gene expression of the IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, Arg-1 and iNOS via qRT-PCR and investigated the expression of PTEN, AKT and p-AKT by Western blotting. For in vivo study, we established air pouch model and streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic wound model, and evaluated the effect of MT-Exo by flow cytometry, optical imaging, H&E staining, Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR (α-SMA, collagen I and III).

Results

MT-Exo significantly suppressed the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α and reduced the relative gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and iNOS, while promoting the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 along with increasing the relative expression of IL-10 and Arg-1, compared with that of the PBS, LPS and the Exo groups in vitro. This effect was mediated by the increased ratio of M2 polarization to M1 polarization through upregulating the expression of PTEN and inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT. Similarly, MT-Exo significantly promoted the healing of diabetic wounds by inhibiting inflammation, thereby further facilitating angiogenesis and collagen synthesis in vivo.

Conclusions

MT-Exo could promote diabetic wound healing by suppressing the inflammatory response, which was achieved by increasing the ratio of M2 polarization to M1 polarization through activating the PTEN/AKT signalling pathway, and the pretreatment of MT was proved to be a promising method for treating diabetic wound healing.

Graphical abstract: MT-Exo promotes diabetic wound healing by regulating M1 and M2 macrophage polarization.
Protective effect of Insect tea primary leaf (Malus sieboldii (Regal) Rehd.) extract on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in human embryonic kidney 293T cells
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Hong , Yi Sha , Guo Zemei , Huang Yue , Li Weifeng , Zhao Xin , Liu Huazhi
Published: June 2020

In this study, Insect tea primary leaf (Malus sieboldii(Regal) Rehd.) was used as the research object to investigate the protective effect of Insect tea primary extract (ITPLE) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in human embryonic kidney 293T cells (HEK 293T cells) and the mechanism of action of the main active components. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)- 2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the toxicity of ITPLE to HEK 293T cells in vitro as well as its protective effect against (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in HEK 293T cells. In addition, various assay kits were used to measure oxidation-related indicators in HEK 293T cells, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of oxidation-related genes in HEK 293T cells. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to characterize active components in ITPLE. The experimental results revealed that the ITPLE had no toxic effect on cells in the range of 0–200 μg/mL, and, in this range, exhibited a concentration-dependent protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HEK 293T cells. It was also found that the ITPLE can reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increase the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT)in oxidative damage HEK 293T cells. The qPCR analysis results also showed that the ITPLE upregulated the mRNA expression levels ofSOD,CAT, GSH and GSH-Px in HEK 293T cells damaged by H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The HPLC analysis identified 7 bioactive components in the ITPLE, including neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, rutin, kaempferin, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A and hesperidin. This study reveals that ITPLE is rich in active compounds and has good antioxidant effect in vitro, thus it has the potential to be developed into a traditional Chinese medicine and functional drinks.
Lateralization of attention in adults with ADHD: Evidence of pseudoneglect
Authors: Helfer Bartosz , Maltezos Stefanos , Liddle Elizabeth , Kuntsi Jonna , Asherson Philip
Published: June 2020

Background.

We investigated whether adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show pseudoneglect—preferential allocation of attention to the left visual field (LVF) and a resulting slowing of mean reaction times (MRTs) in the right visual field (RVF), characteristic of neurotypical (NT) individuals —and whether lateralization of attention is modulated by presentation speed and incentives.

Method.

Fast Task, a four-choice reaction-time task where stimuli were presented in LVF or RVF, was used to investigate differences in MRT and reaction time variability (RTV) in adults with ADHD (n = 43) and NT adults (n = 46) between a slow/no-incentive and fast/incentive condition. In the lateralization analyses, pseudoneglect was assessed based on MRT, which was calculated separately for the LVF and RVF for each condition and each study participant.

Results.

Adults with ADHD had overall slower MRT and increased RTV relative to NT. MRT and RTV improved under the fast/incentive condition. Both groups showed RVF-slowing with no between-group or between-conditions differences in RVF-slowing.

Conclusion.

Adults with ADHD exhibited pseudoneglect, a NT pattern of lateralization of attention, which was not attenuated by presentation speed and incentives.
InterestingFellowor Tough OldBird?
Authors: Franco Karlien , Tagliamonte Sali A.
Published: June 2020

English has many words to refer to an adult man (e.g., man, guy, dude), and these are undergoing change in the Ontario dialects. This article analyzes the distribution of these and related forms using data collected in Ontario, Canada. In total, 6,788 tokens for 17 communities were extracted and analyzed with a comparative sociolinguistics methodology for social and geographic factors. The results demonstrate a substantive language change in progress with two striking patterns. First, male speakers in Ontario were the leaders of this change in the past. However, as guy gained prominence across the twentieth century, women started using it as frequently as men. Second, these developments are complicated by the complexity of the sociolinguistic landscape. There is a clear urban versus peripheral division across Ontario communities that also involves both population size and distance from the large urban center, Toronto. Further, social network type and other local influences are also important. In sum, variation in third-person singular male referents in Ontario dialects provides new insight into the co-occurrence and evolution of sociolinguistic factors in the process of language change.
The Flight of the Dragon
Authors: McCausland Shane
Published: June 2020

After his expulsion from the Forbidden City in 1924, China's “last emperor,” Henry Puyi 溥儀 (1906–1967), settled in Tianjin, where he later presented parting gifts to his former English tutor, Reginald F. Johnston [Zhuang Shidun] 莊士敦 (1874–1938), among them an album by the Nanjing painter Chen Shu 陳舒 (active ca. 1649–ca. 1687) from the ex-Qing (1644–1911) imperial collection and an inscribed folding fan. These are now reunited in the library collection of SOAS University of London, where Johnston taught Chinese after his return to Britain in 1931. Together with Puyi's preface transcribed by courtier-calligrapher Zheng Xiaoxu 鄭孝胥 (1860–1938) for Johnston's memoir, Twilight in the Forbidden City (1934), these artworks pave the way for an investigation of the practice of connoisseurship at Puyi's court-in-exile in China's era of modernism, including Puyi's use of the imperial collection and his selection of these gifts even while he was shaping to become Japan's puppet emperor in Manchuria (r. 1934–1945). The study roams beyond the well-known network of Puyi and his court advisers among the yilao 遺老 (Qing “old guard”) to uncover an unexpected modernist connection with the progressive young artist, publisher, and tastemaker Zheng Wuchang 鄭午昌 (1894–1952), a leading actor in the reform of guohua 國畫 ink painting. This study rediscovers how Zheng Wuchang contributed the painting to an inscribed handscroll, Flight of the Dragon (or, A Storm and a Marvel 風異圖), which commemorated, for the court's inner circle, Puyi's dramatic escape from the Forbidden City amid the realities of a modern, Republican world.
One Painting, Two Emperors, and Their Cultural Agendas
Authors: Wang Cheng-hua
Published: June 2020

This research focuses on one of the most famous paintings made at the court of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)—Qingming shanghe (Up the River during Qingming). Commissioned by the Yongzheng emperor (r. 1723–1735) and completed in the second year of the Qianlong emperor's reign (1736–1795), the painting is a rare example of Qing court art that reveals how Qianlong furthered his father's artistic vision while formulating his own in the first fifteen years of his long tenure as ruler. This vision involved how to reinterpret and reinvent the Chinese painting tradition through time-honored themes. The article is divided into four sections. In the first, it brings attention to the salient and crucial but long neglected stylistic features of the painting—those that emphasize theatricality and spectatorship. These interconnected features link and characterize the paintings commissioned by Yongzheng. The second section shifts to discuss the emerging cultural agenda of Yongzheng as seen through the manner in which court art references the Chinese painting tradition. The most remarkable act regards the reinterpretation of old painting themes that include Qingming shanghe and Baijun tu (One Hundred Horses). The third section analyzes how the paratextual elements of Qingming shanghe, especially Qianlong's poem and inscription, inform us of the emperor's views about the production mechanism of court painting and the political meaning of this work. The last section, based on Qianlong's understanding of the painting, highlights the emperor's cultural agenda associated with the idea of yuanben, which pointed to new versions of old themes made by his painting academy.
Thomas S. Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962)
Authors: Daston Lorraine
Published: June 2020

Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962) is the bestselling and most-cited book ever published in the history and philosophy of science. Yet very few scholars in those fields would now endorse the book’s main claims, and many are critical of its central premise: namely, that major changes in different disciplines and diverse historical contexts conform to a single “structure.” Key Kuhnian concepts such as “paradigm shift” have become part of everyday language but all but disappeared from specialist publications. Nonetheless, the book still galvanizes readers encountering it for the first time—or even scholars who haven’t reread it since their own student days. Kuhn’s description of allencompassing and incommensurable mental worlds inhabited by scientists who practice in different paradigms resonates with the experience of readers who have experienced seismic changes in moral and political intuitions.
The Impact of Information Technology on the Diffusion of New Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Arrow Kenneth J. , Bilir L. Kamran , Sorensen Alan
Published: June 2020

Do information differences across US physicians contribute to treatment disparities? This paper uses a unique new dataset to evaluate how changes in physician access to a decision-relevant drug database affect prescribing decisions. Our results indicate doctors using the reference have a significantly greater propensity to prescribe generic drugs, are faster to begin prescribing new generics, and prescribe a more diverse set of products. These results are consistent with database users responding primarily to the increased accessibility of non-clinical information such as pricing and insurance formulary data, and suggest improvements to physician information access have important implications for aggregate healthcare costs. (JEL D83, I11, I18, L65)
Front-Loading the Unemployment Benefit: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Lindner Attila , Reizer Balázs
Published: June 2020

We estimate the effect of front-loading unemployment benefit payments on nonemployment duration and reemployment wages. Exploiting a sharp change in the path of benefits for those who claimed unemployment benefits after November 1, 2005 in Hungary, we show that nonemployment duration fell by two weeks, while reemployment wages rose by 1.4 percent as a result of front-loading. We show that these behavioral responses were large enough to offset the mechanical cost increase of the unemployment insurance. We argue that our results indicate that benefit front-loading was a Pareto improving policy reform as both unemployed and employed workers were made better off. (JEL D91, J31, J64, J65)
Σύνδρομο Asperger και εκπαιδευτική ρομποτική: Παρέμβαση με χρήση μικρών δομημένων προβλημάτων για τη βελτίωση μαθηματικών δεξιοτήτων
Authors: Νίκου Αντωνία , Φαχαντίδης Νικόλαος
Published: June 2020

Η παρούσα έρευνα επικεντρώνεται στο ρόλο που διαδραματίζει η εκπαιδευτική ρομποτική στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία της ειδικής αγωγής, ως εργαλείο μάθησης μαθηματικών δεξιοτήτων. Η επικρατούσα άποψη αναφορικά με το ρόλο της εκπαιδευτικής ρομποτικής στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία υποστηρίζει ότι η μάθηση μέσω της ρομποτικής, με την κατάλληλη υποστήριξη από τους ενήλικες, είναι μια συνεχής διαδικασία στην οποία μπορούν να συμμετέχουν όλα τα παιδιά. Η παρούσα έρευνα έχει ως στόχο τη διερεύνηση της αποτελεσματικότητας μιας εκπαιδευτικής παρέμβασης, έχοντας ως εργαλείο εκμάθησης επίλυσης μαθηματικών προβλημάτων μία ρομποτική κατασκευή τύπου Lego Mindstorms από έναν μαθητή με σύνδρομο Asperger. Εφαρμόστηκε διδακτική προσέγγιση που συνδυάζει τη μάθηση με το παιχνίδι και υλοποιήθηκε με σενάρια βιωματικών δραστηριοτήτων. Η παρατήρηση και η αξιολόγηση των ενεργειών του μαθητή έδειξαν πως η δράση αυτή βοήθησε να κατανοήσει και να οδηγηθεί στην επίλυση μαθηματικών προβλημάτων, δοκιμάζοντας έναν νέο τρόπο μάθησης ενδυναμώνοντας την αυτοεκτίμηση και την αυτοπεποίθησή του. Επιπλέον από τη συμμετοχή και τις απαντήσεις του μαθητή στα ερωτηματολόγια βγάζουμε το συμπέρασμα ότι διαμόρφωσε θετικές στάσεις έναντι της εκπαιδευτικής ρομποτικής και θα ήθελε να συμμετέχει στο μέλλον σε παρόμοια προγράμματα.
Regime Classification and Stock Loan Valuation
Authors: Cai Ning , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2020

For traditional perpetual American put options under regime-switching models with positive risk-free interest rates, optimal stopping usually can occur in any regime. Nonetheless, if the risk-free interest rates are allowed to equal zero (the interest rate may drop to zero sometimes in reality), there may exist “continuation regimes” within which optimal stopping can never occur, that is, within which stopping is never optimal. A natural problem is “regime classification,” that is, determination of all continuation regimes. In “Regime Classification and Stock Loan Valuation,” Ning Cai and Wei Zhang develop a unified, fixed point approach to solving this regime classification problem under general regime-switching exponential Levy models with any finite numbers of regimes and general Levy types. Applying this result, they also provide a unified framework for the valuation of infinite maturity stock loans under general regime-switching exponential Levy models.
Planning for End-User Substitution in Agribusiness
Authors: Bansal Saurabh , Dyer James S.
Published: June 2020

Saurabh Bansal and James S. Dyer study a common problem in the commercial agribusiness market, where farmers have a preference for a farm input such as a seed based on a fit with their geographical location but are also willing to accept a closely related substitute. Such consumer-driven choices may not be adequately represented by traditional models that maximize the profit of a firm that seeks to make substitutions while maximizing its profit. They use a set of recent results for evaluations of moments over polyhedra to determine the exact inventory levels a firm should keep of substitutable products. Using proprietary data from a large firm in this domain, they highlight the role of geographical and climate-related factors that affect product substitution in the agribusiness industry and identify specific regions in the United States where product substitution is a source of substantial revenue for firms.
TEMPOS E ESPAÇOS PARA SENTIR: UMA CONSTRUÇÃO DAS/COM AS CRIANÇAS
Authors: Marquezan Fernanda Figueira , Lemos Luandra Franco , Loffler Daliana
Published: June 2020

O texto trata do processo de construção do projeto de ateliê para a educação infantil, durante a inserção em campo de estágio no Curso de Pedagogia. Assim, objetiva-se descrever e analisar uma experiência vivida pelas autoras sobre o processo de reestruturação do Ateliê da Escola - Projeto Tempo e Espaço para Sentir. Com o intuito de alcançar o objetivo proposto elegeu-se a metodologia "inspirada" na etnografia com crianças (GRAUE E WALSCH, 2003), para recolha dos dados no intuito de respeitar e acolher as diferentes formas de comunicação das crianças, as ferramentas metodológicas remetem à oralidade, à criatividade em termos de registo escrito ou gráfico e à utilização de recursos multimídia (SOARES, 2006). O referencial teórico fundamentou-se em concepções teorizadas por Malaguzzi (1999), Hoyuelos (2015), Oliveira (2011). A construção do projeto do ateliê permitiu vislumbrar um caminho de possibilidades e reflexão, em que a construção da docência na educação infantil é um processo contínuo que se constrói e se concretiza em ações colaborativas entre equipe gestora e professores e de modo especial as crianças. Assim, compreende-se que a reflexão e a ação pedagógica do professor de educação infantil precisam estar articuladas, de maneira que respeite o tempo da criança, valorizando e potencializando de diversas maneiras a sua criatividade e imaginação, buscando para, e com elas encontros ricos em experiências, qualificando seus processos de desenvolvimento e aprendizagem.
DO PROPOSTO PELOS DOCUMENTOS OFICIAIS QUE REGEM A EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL AO REALIZADO EM UMA ESCOLA PRIVADA DA CIDADE DE SÃO PAULO: ANÁLISE DE SITUAÇÕES DO COTIDIANO
Authors: Vercelli Ligia de Carvalho Abões , Vale Arielly Stephanie Silva
Published: June 2020

Resumo:  Este artigo, excerto de uma pesquisa em andamento, com apoio da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Brasil - Capes - Código de Financiamento 001)  tem por objetivo analisar o que é proposto pela legislação que rege a Educação Infantil a fim de verificar se e como tais propostas foram realizadas no cotidiano de uma escola privada localizada na cidade de São Paulo. Buscamos responder a seguinte pergunta: Qual a postura de uma professora de Educação Infantil diante das crianças de 3 anos de idade? A metodologia, de cunho qualitativo, adotou como procedimento de coleta de dados a observação de situações cotidianas e seus respectivos registros. As observações foram realizadas no decorrer do ano de 2018 por uma aluna que, à época, cursava o sexto semestre do curso de Pedagogia e participava do grupo de iniciação científica. Os resultados apontam que as crianças não têm autonomia de acesso aos materiais, seus corpos ficam inertes aguardando autorização da professora a fim de que o ambiente fique organizado. O período de adaptação foi realizado conforme orientações dos documentos.Palavras-chave: Educação Infantil. Documentos oficiais. Situações cotidianas.
AVALIAÇÃO: PEÇA CENTRAL DA ‘MODERNIDADE ESCOLAR’
Authors: Silveira Luiz Dalmacir da
Published: June 2020

RESENHA do livro Avaliar para aprender: undamentos, práticas e políticas, de Domingos Fernandes, editado, impresso e distribuido pela Editora UNESP, no ano de 2019. O texto trata da relação entre educadores e os processos de avaliação. O autor busca desmistificar o termo avaliação propondo que se repense a respeito do processo avaliativo. Dessa forma, o autor busca apresentar uma nova proposta de avaliação mais formativa e processual, ou seja, resgatando os conceitos produzidos até o momento e propondo uma nova forma de se pensar a avaliação no contexto escolar.