bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of autophagy improves vascular function in the mesenteric arteries of type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Choi Soo‐Kyoung , Kwon Youngin , Byeon Seonhee , Lee Young‐Ho 
Published: November 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
What is the role of autophagy in vascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Autophagy is decreased in the mesenteric arteries of type 2 diabetic mice, and stimulation of autophagy using rapamycin and trehalose improves vascular function, which is associated with normalization of myogenic response and endothelium‐dependent relaxation.

AbstractVascular dysfunction is a major complication in type 2 diabetes (T2D). It has been suggested that dysregulation of autophagy is associated with various cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between autophagy and vascular dysfunction in T2D remains unclear. Thus, we examined whether reduced autophagy is involved in vascular dysfunction and whether stimulation of autophagy could improve vascular function in diabetes. Ten‐ to twelve‐week‐old male type 2 diabetic (db−/db−) mice and their control (db−/db+) mice were treated with rapamycin or trehalose. Mesenteric arteries (MAs) were mounted for arteriography and their diameter was measured. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were assessed. Myogenic response (MR) was significantly increased, whereas endothelium‐dependent relaxation (EDR) was significantly attenuated in the MAs of diabetic mice. These results were associated with increased expression of LC3II, p62 and beclin‐1 in diabetic mice. Treatment with autophagy stimulators significantly reduced the potentiation of MR and improved EDR in the diabetic mice. Furthermore, autophagy stimulation normalized expression of LC3II, p62 and beclin‐1 in the diabetic mice. In addition, phosphorylation level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase was decreased in diabetic mice and was restored by rapamycin and trehalose. T2D impairs vascular function by dysregulated autophagy. Therefore, autophagy could be a potential target for overcoming diabetic microvascular complications.
Current Evidence and Practical Applications of Flywheel Eccentric Overload Exercises as Postactivation Potentiation Protocols: A Brief Review
Authors: Beato Marco , McErlain-Naylor Stuart A. , Halperin Israel , Dello Iacono Antonio 
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To summarize the evidence on postactivation potentiation (PAP) protocols using flywheel eccentric overload (EOL) exercises. Methods: Studies were searched using the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Institute for Scientific Information Web of Knowledge. Results: In total, 7 eligible studies were identified based on the following results: First, practitioners can use different inertia intensities (eg, 0.03–0.11 kg·m2), based on the exercise selected, to enhance sport-specific performance. Second, the PAP time window following EOL exercise seems to be consistent with traditional PAP literature, where acute fatigue is dominant in the early part of the recovery period (eg, 30 s), and PAP is dominant in the second part (eg, 3 and 6 min). Third, as EOL exercises require large force and power outputs, a volume of 3 sets with the conditioning activity (eg, half-squat or lunge) seems to be a sensible approach. This could reduce the transitory muscle fatigue and thereby allow for a stronger potentiation effect compared with larger exercise volumes. Fourth, athletes should gain experience by performing EOL exercises before using the tool as part of a PAP protocol (3 or 4 sessions of familiarization). Finally, the dimensions of common flywheel devices offer useful and practical solutions to induce PAP effects outside of normal training environments and prior to competitions. Conclusions: EOL exercise can be used to stimulate PAP responses to obtain performance advantages in various sports. However, future research is needed to determine which EOL exercise modalities among intensity, volume, and rest intervals optimally induce the PAP phenomenon and facilitate transfer effects on athletic performances.
Is computer-assisted instruction more effective than other educational methods in achieving ECG competence amongst medical students and residents? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Viljoen Charle André , Scott Millar Rob , Engel Mark E , Shelton Mary , Burch Vanessa 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesIt remains unclear whether computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is more effective than other teaching methods in acquiring and retaining ECG competence among medical students and residents.DesignThis systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Data sourcesElectronic literature searches of PubMed, databases via EBSCOhost, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and grey literature were conducted on 28 November 2017. We subsequently reviewed the citation indexes for articles identified by the search.Eligibility criteriaStudies were included if a comparative research design was used to evaluate the efficacy of CAI versus other methods of ECG instruction, as determined by the acquisition and/or retention of ECG competence of medical students and/or residents.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently extracted data from all eligible studies and assessed the risk of bias. After duplicates were removed, 559 papers were screened. Thirteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Eight studies reported sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis.ResultsIn all studies, CAI was compared with face-to-face ECG instruction. There was a wide range of computer-assisted and face-to-face teaching methods. Overall, the meta-analysis found no significant difference in acquired ECG competence between those who received computer-assisted or face-to-face instruction. However, subanalyses showed that CAI in a blended learning context was better than face-to-face teaching alone, especially if trainees had unlimited access to teaching materials and/or deliberate practice with feedback. There was no conclusive evidence that CAI was better than face-to-face teaching for longer-term retention of ECG competence.ConclusionCAI was not better than face-to-face ECG teaching. However, this meta-analysis was constrained by significant heterogeneity amongst studies. Nevertheless, the finding that blended learning is more effective than face-to-face ECG teaching is important in the era of increased implementation of e-learning.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017067054.
Association between procrastination, white-collar work and obesity in Japanese male workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Narisada Akihiko , Suzuki Kohta 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations among procrastination (time inconsistency), work environment and obesity-related factors in Japanese male workers.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingData were collected at two work sites of Japanese electronics manufacturing company in 2015.Participants795 full-time male workers in a Japanese electric company, aged 35–64 years, who underwent health checkups in 2015.Main outcome measuresBody mass index (BMI), adult weight change, obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), adult weight gain over 10 kg (AWG10) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of procrastination assessed by using a one-item questionnaire and white-collar and blue-collar work with obesity-related factors.ResultsWhite-collar workers with high procrastination levels showed positive associations with BMI (B: 0.75, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.44) and adult weight change (B: 1.77, 95% CI 0.26 to 3.29), and had increased odds of AWG10 (OR: 1.85, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.29) and MetS (OR: 2.29 95% CI 1.18 to 4.44) after adjustment for age, education, work-related factors and lifestyle factors. However, such positive associations were not observed among blue-collar workers.ConclusionsProcrastination and white-collar work might have a joint effect on weight gain during adulthood and consequential obesity.
Systematic review of the relationship between comorbidity and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes
Authors: Majewski David , Ball Stephen , Finn Judith 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo assess the current evidence on the effect pre-arrest comorbidity has on survival and neurological outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).DesignSystematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.Data sourcesMEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and MedNar were searched from inception to 31 December 2018.Eligibility criteriaStudies included if they examined the association between prearrest comorbidity and OHCA survival and neurological outcomes in adult or paediatric populations.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted from individual studies but not pooled due to heterogeneity. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.ResultsThis review included 29 observational studies. There were high levels of clinical heterogeneity between studies with regards to patient recruitment, inclusion criteria, outcome measures and statistical methods used which ultimately resulted in a high risk of bias. Comorbidities reported across the studies were diverse, with some studies reporting individual comorbidities while others reported comorbidity burden using tools like the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Generally, prearrest comorbidity was associated with both reduced survival and poorer neurological outcomes following OHCA with 79% (74/94) of all reported adjusted results across 23 studies showing effect estimates suggesting lower survival with 42% (40/94) of these being statistically significant. OHCA survival was particularly reduced in patients with a prior history of diabetes (four out of six studies). However, a prearrest history of myocardial infarction appeared to be associated with increased survival in one of four studies.ConclusionsPrearrest comorbidity is generally associated with unfavourable OHCA outcomes, however differences between individual studies makes comparisons difficult. Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity across the studies, no meta-analysis was conducted. Future studies should follow a more standardised approach to investigating the impact of comorbidity on OHCA outcomes.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018087578
Molecular types, virulence profiles and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli causing bovine mastitis
Authors: Nüesch‐Inderbinen Magdalena , Käppeli Nadine , Morach Marina , Eicher Corinne , Corti Sabrina , Stephan Roger 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundEscherichia coli is an important aetiological agent of bovine mastitis worldwide.MethodsIn this study, 82 E. coli from bovine mastitis milk samples from 49 farms were analysed for their genetic diversity using phylogenetic grouping and multilocus sequence typing. The isolates were examined by PCR for a selection of virulence factors (VFs). Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were assessed using the disk diffusion method.ResultsThe most prevalent phylogroups were group B1 (41.5 per cent of the isolates) and group A (30.5 per cent). A variety of 35 different sequence types (STs) were identified, including ST1125 (11 per cent), ST58 (9.8 per cent), ST10 (8.5 per cent) and ST88 (7.3 per cent). Aggregate VF scores (the number of unique VFs detected for each isolate) ranged from 1 to 3 for 63.4 per cent of the isolates and were at least 4 for 12.2 per cent. For 24.4 per cent of the isolates, the score was 0. The three most frequent VFs were traT, fyuA and iutA. The majority (72 per cent) of the isolates harboured traT. The majority (68.3 per cent) of the isolates were fully susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, with 22 per cent resistant to ampicillin and 14.6 per cent to tetracycline. Resistance rates were low for gentamicin (3.7 per cent), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (2.4 per cent) and ceftiofur (1.2 per cent), respectively.ConclusionAmong the study's sample population, E. coli strains were genotypically diverse, even in cows from the same farm, although some STs occurred more frequently than others. Susceptibility to clinically relevant compounds remained high.
Neutrino mass models: new classification and model-independent upper limits on their scale
Authors: Herrero-García Juan , Schmidt Michael A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe propose a model-independent framework to classify and study neutrino mass models and their phenomenology. The idea is to introduce one particle beyond the Standard Model which couples to leptons and carries lepton number together with an operator which violates lepton number by two units and contains this particle. This allows to study processes which do not violate lepton number, while still working with an effective field theory. The contribution to neutrino masses translates to a robust upper bound on the mass of the new particle. We compare it to the stronger but less robust upper bound from Higgs naturalness and discuss several lower bounds. Our framework allows to classify neutrino mass models in just 20 categories, further reduced to 14 once nucleon decay limits are taken into account, and possibly to 9 if also Higgs naturalness considerations and direct searches are considered.
Associated production of SM Higgs with a photon in type-II seesaw models at the ILC
Authors: Rahili L. , Arhrib A. , Benbrik R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe consider the production of a single Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson ($$h^0$$h0) in association with a photon at the future Linear collider (LC) in the context of a type-II seesaw model. The type-II seesaw model extends the SM particle content by adding one triple Higgs where its Higgs coupling is a key parameter of the scalar potential triggering the electroweak symmetry-breaking mechanism in the SM. It is a well motivated model since it provides neutrino masses and mixing. The LC presents a particularly interesting possibility to probe Higgs couplings due to the clean beams in the initial state. We study the one loop processes $$e^+e^- \rightarrow h^0\gamma $$e+e-→h0γ and $$e^-\gamma \rightarrow e^- h^0$$e-γ→e-h0, we show that it is possible to correlate the total cross section predictions with the couplings $$h^0\gamma \gamma $$h0γγ and $$h^0\gamma Z$$h0γZ which are sensitive to the presence of singly and doubly charged Higgs. For parameter points allowed by the current experimental constraints, our numerical results show that the effect of $$H^\pm $$H± and $$H^{\pm \pm }$$H±± can be as large as ± 25% with respect to the SM predictions. For both processes, we also present differential cross section for different center of mass energy.
Reaction rate of p14N →15Oγ capture to all bound states in potential cluster model
Authors: Dubovichenko Sergey , Burkova Nataliya , Dzhazairov-Kakhramanov Albert , Beysenov Bekmurza 
Published: November 2019

Review of calculation results for astrophysical [Formula: see text]-factor of the [Formula: see text]N[Formula: see text]O capture reaction in the [Formula: see text]N channel of [Formula: see text]O was presented. It was carried out in the frame of the modified potential cluster model (MPCM) taking into account resonances in the [Formula: see text]O spectrum up to 3.2[Formula: see text]MeV at energy of incident protons varying of 30[Formula: see text]keV to 5[Formula: see text]MeV. It is possible to describe experimental data for the astrophysical [Formula: see text]-factors of the radiative proton capture on [Formula: see text]N to five excited states of [Formula: see text]O at excitation energies of 5.18[Formula: see text]MeV to 6.86[Formula: see text]MeV, only under assumption, that all five resonances are [Formula: see text] scattering waves. Quality new physical interpretation of the capture mechanism is discussed in this channel to the ground state of [Formula: see text]O. We assumed that the ground state of [Formula: see text]O is determined by the [Formula: see text]N[Formula: see text] channel with excited [Formula: see text]N[Formula: see text] cluster, which immediately allowed us to correctly describe order of values of the experimental [Formula: see text]-factor for capture to this state. Taking into account these results, the total [Formula: see text]-factor of the proton capture on [Formula: see text]N and the reaction rates to the ground and five excited states of [Formula: see text]O were determined at temperatures of 0.01[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] to 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. The parametrization of the total reaction rate with a simple form is performed, which allows as to obtain [Formula: see text] equal to 0.06 with 5% errors of the calculated rate.
Convergence of Markovian stochastic approximation for Markov random fields with hidden variables
Authors: Qi Anna , Yang Lihua , Huang Chao 
Published: November 2019

This paper studies the convergence of the stochastic algorithm of the modified Robbins–Monro form for a Markov random field (MRF), in which some of the nodes are clamped to be observed variables while the others are hidden ones. Based on the theory of stochastic approximation, we propose proper assumptions to guarantee the Hölder regularity of both the update function and the solution of the Poisson equation. Under these assumptions, it is proved that the control parameter sequence is almost surely bounded and accordingly the algorithm converges to the stable point of the log-likelihood function with probability [Formula: see text].
Mobile Banking Impacting the Performance of Microfinance Institutions: A Case Study from Rwanda
Authors: Uwamariya Marthe , Loebbecke Claudia , Cremer Stefan 
Published: November 2019

Globally, high costs and loan defaults are the biggest threats to microfinance profitability and sustainability. This explorative study investigates how and to what extent mobile banking can foster the performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs). It expands the traditional dimensions of Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) by adding a loan default aspect. The study offers an explorative case study on “Urwego Opportunity Bank” (UOB) — Rwanda’s first commercial mobile service. Based on qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews from the bank’s staff and its customers, the case shows how mobile banking allows for reducing transaction costs and loan defaults and thereby increases efficiency of MFIs. Further, it identifies high agent visibility, and sufficient savings to drive the usage of mobile banking — which, in turn, promotes the deployment of financial services to still unbanked parts of the population in emerging economies.
Shoksha quartzite, a heritage stone of international importance from Russia
Authors: Bulakh Andrey , Touret Jacques 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Shoksha quartzite is a heritage stone of international importance. This stone, a hematitic quartzite composed predominantly of quartz with subordinate amounts of chalcedony and sericite, is Jatulian (2.3–2.0 Ga) in age. The sarcophagus of Napoleon I, Emperor of France, inside the
Dôme des Invalides
in Paris was cut from Shoksha quartzite quarried by Lake Onega, Russia. The details of the sarcophagus were cut and polished in Paris using steam machinery, an early use of this method. A monument to Russian Emperor, Nicholas I, in St Petersburg is also made in part of this quartzite. This stone also has been utilized in the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and the monument to Heroic Cities near the Kremlin in Moscow, as well as for other uses.
Changing roles of State Geological Surveys in the USA: experiences from Illinois
Authors: Stumpf Andrew J. , Berg Richard C. , Curry B. Brandon 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
State Geological Surveys (SGSs) in the USA play vitally important roles, providing sound, unbiased scientific information to each state and the nation. Although implementation of each survey's scientific programme has evolved differently, these organizations are often the principal drivers of economic development, and they consult on policies for protecting land and water, mitigating geologic hazards and promoting sustainable development. The SGSs are represented by the American Association of State Geologists. For more than 110 years, they have partnered with the federal government on important geoscience issues concerning topographic and geologic mapping, water, mineral and energy resources, and geologic hazards. These collaborations continue to develop and expand across multiple specialties, providing critical support to the SGSs. The future role of SGSs will depend on legislative decisions, contributions to research and development and scientific advancement, and ability to leverage support from existing and new collaborations with academia and with federal, state, county and municipal agencies. The Illinois State Geological Survey, one of the largest SGSs, has continually pursued relationships across geoscience sectors to develop a strong multidisciplinary scientific programme. Going forward, all SGSs will be challenged to develop an effective data stewardship programme to communicate with a diverse clientele.
Capecitabine and Temozolomide versus FOLFIRI in RAS-Mutated, MGMT-Methylated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Pietrantonio Filippo , Lobefaro Riccardo , Antista Maria , Lonardi Sara , Raimondi Alessandra , Morano Federica , Mosconi Stefania , Rimassa Lorenza , Murgioni Sabina , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Tomasello Gianluca , Longarini Raffaella , Farina Gabriella , Petrelli Fausto , Gori Stefania , Randon Giovanni , Corallo Salvatore , Pagani Filippo , Guarini Vincenzo , Palermo Federica , Martinetti Antonia , Macagno Marco , Barault Ludovic , Perrone Federica , Tamborini Elena , Milione Massimo , Di Nicolantonio Federica , Di Maio Massimo , Fucà Giovanni , Di Bartolomeo Maria , de Braud Filippo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
To determine whether second-line therapy with capecitabine and temozolomide was superior to irinotecan, leucovorin, and fluorouracil (FOLFIRI) in patients with RAS-mutated, methyl-guanine methyltransferase (MGMT)-methylated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Patients and Methods:
In this randomized, phase II trial, we enrolled patients with RAS-mutated, MGMT-methylated mCRC after failure of oxaliplatin-based regimen. Patients with centrally confirmed MGMT methylation were stratified by first-line progression-free survival (PFS) and prior bevacizumab and randomized to either capecitabine plus temozolomide (arm A, CAPTEM) or FOLFIRI (arm B). The primary endpoint was PFS analyzed on intention-to-treat basis, with 90% power and one-sided significance level of 0.05 to detect an increase of median time from 2 months in arm B to 4 months in arm A.

Results:
Between November 2014 and May 2019, 86 patients were randomly assigned to arm A (n = 43) or arm B (n = 43). After a median follow-up of 30.5 months (interquartile range, 12.2–36.3), 79 disease progression or death events occurred. Superiority of arm A was not demonstrated (one-sided P = 0.223). Progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.5 (2.0–5.0) and 9.5 (8.2–25.8) in arm A versus 3.5 (2.3–6.1) and 10.6 (8.5–20.8) in arm B [HR = 1.19 (0.82–1.72) and HR = 0.97 (0.58–1.61)], respectively. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events had higher incidence in arm B versus A (47.6% vs 16.3%), and quality of life was significantly worse in arm B. Patients with positive MGMT expression by IHC did not benefit from CAPTEM.

Conclusions:
Temozolomide-based therapy warrants further investigation in molecularly hyperselected subgroups.