bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quels intérêts de la diversité floristique des prairies permanentes pour les ruminants et les produits animaux ?
Authors: FARRUGGIA A. , MARTIN B. , BAUMONT R. , PRACHE S. , DOREAU M. , HOSTE H. , DURAND D.
Published: April 2020

Les prairies permanentes occupent environ un tiers de la surface agricole utile et présentent un grand potentiel de diversité biologique. L’élevage a de ce fait un rôle majeur à jouer dans la préservation de la biodiversité sur le territoire français. L’objectif de cette synthèse est d’aborder la question de la diversité floristique des prairies et de l’élevage en s’interrogeant sur l’intérêt de cette diversité construite par les éleveurs, pour les ruminants et les produits animaux. Une seule composante de la diversité biologique des prairies est prise en compte : la diversité floristique. Il est réalisé dans cette synthèse un état des connaissances pluridisciplinaires des effets de cette diversité sur la valeur nutritive des fourrages, l’ingestion des animaux, les caractéristiques sensorielles et nutritionnelles des produits laitiers et carnés, enfin sur deux aspects de la santé animale, la lutte contre les infestations par les strongles digestifs et la prévention des processus de peroxydation. Dans chacune des thématiques abordées, des effets liés à la composition botanique des prairies ont été mis en évidence, mais sans qu’il puisse être toujours fait la part entre les effets liés à la présence d’un grand nombre d’espèces dans la parcelle, les effets liés à la présence de certaines espèces et les effets liés au stade phénologique. Le rôle probable important des dicotylédones et notamment des légumineuses a été souligné à plusieurs reprises, en particulier du fait de leur plus grande teneur en métabolites secondaires que les graminées. Enfin, l’intérêt de fournir aux animaux des sources d’alimentation diversifiées a également été évoqué en particulier sur les aspects liés à l’ingestion et à la santé animale.
Avant-propos. Filière cunicole française et systèmes d'élevage
Authors: FORTUN-LAMOTHE L. , GIDENNE T.
Published: April 2020

La filière cunicole française a connu des évolutions techniques majeures et une structuration continue au cours des dernières décennies. Elles ont été permises, entre autres, par des efforts de recherche publique en nutrition, génétique, reproduction, éthologie et santé animale. En introduction de ce dossier spécial «Actualités en recherche cunicole» nous présentons de façon très synthétique les systèmes d’élevage et la filière cunicole française en rappelant au préalable les particularités physiologiques du lapin qui ont des conséquences fortes sur son mode d’élevage. Voir l'article complet sur ce lien https://www6.inrae.fr/productions-animales/content/download/3333/33896/version/1/file/Prod_Anim_2008_21_3_01.pdf
COMO OS TRIBUTOS MORREM
Authors: Buffon Marciano , Von Hohendorff Raquel , De Oliveira Barcellos Vinicius
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo tem como problema os motivos que legitimam os tributos no Século XXI e por qual razão eles estão em crise. Para tal fim, analisar-se-á os fundamentos que legitimaram os tributos em outras épocas, para determinar qual o seu fundamento no momento atual, bem como os critérios para averiguação da justiça fiscal e outros motivos que acarretam a não aceitação dos tributos pela sociedade. Para tanto, adotar-se-á o método hermenêutico fenomenológico. Como resultado, estabelece-se como legítimo um sistema tributário baseado no dever fundamental de pagar tributos, como uma consequência da cidadania, relacionado à solidariedade e à dignidade humana. Além disto, a tributação deve ser graduada conforme a capacidade contributiva dos cidadãos e haver gasto público de acordo com os objetivos constitucionais. Por fim, analisa-se os efeitos das crises política e estatal, bem como de fatores comportamentais que influenciam na legitimidade dos tributos. Conclui-se, então, que a falta de legitimidade da tributação brasileira está diretamente relacionada com a forma como ela está instituída atualmente, além da existência de fatores sociais, políticos e comportamentais que impactam no tema.
POVOS INDÍGENAS E MEIO AMBIENTE
Authors: Oliveira Diniz Gonçalves Douglas , Espinoza Fran , Helfemsteller Coelho Dornelles Carla Jeane
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo pretende analisar o argumento estatal de que a efetivação do direito a terra dos povos indígenas encontra-se em conflito com a conservação do meio ambiente, buscando deslindar a utilização desse discurso ambiental como instrumento de precarização do direito a terra dos povos indígenas. Assim, realiza-se a análise do Caso povos Kaliña e Lokono vs. Suriname, para então se propor uma outra visão necessária para a resolução de um aparente conflito entre os direitos. O método aplicado na presente pesquisa é de caráter qualitativo, sendo utilizada bibliografia especializada na temática, além do estudo da sentença prolatada pela Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos. A hipótese sustentada é a de que o Estado se utiliza da proteção do meio ambiente contra, e como justificativa para violar, os direitos coletivos dos povos indígenas, em particular o direito a terra. O que é confirmado na conclusão, tendo em vista que o mesmo engendra uma falsa oposição entre os direitos com o fim de relativizar o direito a terra e sua efetivação.
A PERMANÊNCIA DO TRABALHO ESCRAVO NO SETOR DA PRODUÇÃO DE ROUPAS NO BRASIL NO SÉCULO XXI
Authors: Cunha Bruno César Castro , Romero y Galvaniz Lucas Dario , Alves Jacqueline
Published: April 2020

Considerando-se que a cultura demora anos para sofrer modificações, é possível notar que diversas características permanecem na sociedade, mesmo sendo consideradas de concepções aparentemente já ultrapassadas. Neste sentido, o presente texto reporta a análise dos diferentes aspectos pelos quais o trabalho escravo tem passado ao longo dos anos no Brasil. Foram tecidas relações entre os conceitos moda, trabalho escravo e lei, fazendo-se sucinta análise do formato em que se desenvolvia tal prática na época da colonização e séculos seguintes, para posteriormente ser apresentado o atual formato no qual é observado o trabalho escravo no país, comumente denominado “análogo ao escravo”. Discorreram-se sobre os impactos que as medidas nacionais e internacionais de prevenção e combate a tal prática na sociedade. Na sequência foram apresentados casos julgados recentes no Brasil, os quais culminaram na condenação de grandes marcas dos seguimentos da moda e têxtil. A fim de comparar o teor dos referidos julgados, utilizou-se o recurso world clouds. Concluiu-se que as decisões apresentam similaridades, tanto em relação ao perfil dos envolvidos e à prática do trabalho análogo ao escravo per si, quanto em relação ao fato de que nas três permeiam a negativa de envolvimento das renomadas marcas.
Convalescent Plasma Therapy for Covid-19: State of the Art
Authors: Focosi Daniele , Tang Julian , Anderson Arthur , Tuccori Marco
Published: April 2020

Convalescent blood product therapy has been introduced since early 1900s to treat emerging infectious disease based on the evidence that polyclonal neutralizing antibodies can reduce duration of viremia. Recent large outbreaks of viral diseases for whom effective antivirals or vaccines are still lacking has revamped the interest in convalescent plasma as life-saving treatments. This review summarizes historical settings of application, and surveys current technologies for collection, manufacturing, pathogen inactivation, and banking, with a focus on COVID-19.
Trends in Symbiont-Induced Host Cellular Differentiation
Authors: Russell Shelbi , Ruelas Castillo Jennie
Published: April 2020

Bacteria participate in a wide diversity of symbiotic associations with eukaryotic hosts that require precise interactions for bacterial recognition and persistence. Most commonly, host-associated bacteria interfere with host gene expression to modulate the immune response to the infection. However, many of these bacteria also interfere with host cellular differentiation pathways to create a hospitable niche, resulting in the formation of novel cell types, tissues, and organs. In both of these situations, bacterial symbionts must interact with eukaryotic regulatory pathways. Here, we detail what is known about how bacterial symbionts, from pathogens to mutualists, control host cellular differentiation across the central dogma, from epigenetic chromatin modifications, to transcription and mRNA processing, to translation and protein modifications. We identify four main trends from this survey. First, mechanisms for controlling host gene expression appear to evolve from symbionts co-opting cross-talk between host signalling pathways. Second, symbiont regulatory capacity is constrained by the processes that drive reductive genome evolution in host-associated bacteria. Third, the regulatory mechanisms symbionts exhibit correlate with the cost/benefit nature of the association. And, fourth symbiont mechanisms for interacting with host genetic regulatory elements are not bound by native bacterial capabilities. Using this knowledge, we explore how the ubiquitous intracellular Wolbachia symbiont of arthropods and nematodes may modulate host cellular differentiation to manipulate host reproduction. Our survey of the literature on how infection alters gene expression in Wolbachia and its hosts revealed that, despite their intermediate-sized genomes, different strains appear capable of a wide diversity of regulatory manipulations. Given this and Wolbachia’s diversity of phenotypes and eukaryotic-like proteins, we expect that many symbiont-induced host differentiation mechanisms will be discovered in this system.
COVID 19 Related Social Distancing Effects on Carbon Monoxide Levels in a Populated Southeast Asia City
Authors: adwibowo andrio
Published: April 2020

The social distancing as a response to COVID 19 pandemic has led to the exceptional reductions of daily routine people activities and vehicle uses mainly in city. This same situation was also experienced by several busy, large, and populous cities in Southeast Asia (SA) countries. Correspondingly, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that the social distancing implementation period has increased the air quality in the term of carbon monoxide (CO) emission reduction as drawn from Jakarta city as an example of the one of populated cities in SA region. The CO was measured in parts per billions (ppb) and monitored on the daily basis employing remote sensor platform. The monitor periods were started from January, February, March, and April 2020 with 10 measurement days for each month. The social distancing was implemented from mid of March to the recent April. The CO measurement data were statistically tested to justify the significant effects of social distancing on the CO levels. Based on the CO data analysis, the order of CO mean by months is February > January > March > April. The CO levels for January, February, March, and April were 87.46 ppb (95%CI: 83.54-91.37), 88.20 ppb (95%CI: 81.65-94.74), 86.38 (95%CI: 81.06-91.69), and 78.68 (95%CI: 74.03-83.32) respectively. This study also find significant difference (p<0.05) of CO levels especially in April when social distancing has been implemented. Hence, these findings illustrate the potential air pollutant reduction gained from implementing social distancing as can be seen in April.
Mathematical Model Describing HIV Infection with Time-Delayed CD4 T-Cell Activation
Authors: Toro-Zapata Hernán Darío , Trujillo-Salazar Carlos Andrés , Carranza-Mayorga Edwin Mauricio
Published: April 2020

A mathematical model, composed of two non-linear differential equations that describe the population dynamics of CD4 T cells in the human immune system, as well as viral HIV particles, is proposed. The invariance region is determined, classical equilibria stability analysis is performed using the basic reproduction number, and numerical simulations are carried out, in order to illustrate stability results. Later, the model is modified with a delay term, which describes the time that cells require for immunological activation. This generates a two-dimensional integro-differential system, which is transformed into a system with three ordinary differential equations, via auxiliary variable use. For the new model, equilibrium points are determined, their local stability is examined, and results are studied by way of numerical simulation.
Short-Term Forecasts of COVID-19 Spread Across Indian States Until 1 May 2020
Authors: Azad Sarita , Poonia Neeraj
Published: April 2020

The very first case of corona-virus illness was recorded on 30 January 2020, in India and the number of infected cases, including the death toll, continues to rise. In this paper, we present short-term forecasts of COVID-19 for 28 Indian states and five union territories using real-time data from 30 January to 21 April 2020. Applying Holt’s second-order exponential smoothing method and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, we generate 10-day ahead forecasts of the likely number of infected cases and deaths in India for 22 April to 1 May 2020. Our results show that the number of cumulative cases in India will rise to 36335.63 [PI 95% (30884.56, 42918.87)], concurrently the number of deaths may increase to 1099.38 [PI 95% (959.77, 1553.76)] by 1 May 2020. Further, we have divided the country into severity zones based on the cumulative cases. According to this analysis, Maharashtra is likely to be the most affected states with around 9787.24 [PI 95% (6949.81, 13757.06)] cumulative cases by 1 May 2020. However, Kerala and Karnataka are likely to shift from the red zone (i.e. highly affected) to the lesser affected region. On the other hand, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh will move to the red zone. These results mark the states where lockdown by 3 May 2020, can be loosened.
INELIGIBLE WITNESSES ACCORDING TO CASTILIAN TERRITORIAL LEGISLATION
Authors: Pino Abad Miguel
Published: April 2020

Since the 13th century, there has been a detailed regulation of witness evidence in the legal system. This most certainly arose because of the strong misgivings of the legislator of the time in the light of past experience, when prevailing circumstances forced council authorities to allow all subjective means of evidence to have a greater role. Among these forms of evidence are the testimonies of individuals unconnected to the procedural relationship. What this ultimately demonstrated on many occasions was that their falsehood, a product of a bribe, friendship, enmity, kinship or simple ineptitude, led judges to rule in favour of litigants when in fact they should not have done so.
Prevalencia de enfermedades bucodentales en escolares de 6, 12 y 15 años en Islay (Arequipa, Perú)
Authors: Villagra Valdivia Thais , Ortiz Culca Fernando , Cisneros del Águila Melvin
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de enfermedades bucodentales en niños de 6, 12 y 15 años en Islay, Arequipa. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 360 estudiantes de 6, 12 y 15 años, de ambos sexos, que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. El nivel de confianza se determinó en un 95% y el margen de error en un 5%. Para evaluar las patologías orales, se utilizó los índices de IHO-S, IHOS-M, IPC-M, CPOD, ceod, el de la OMS y el de Dean. Los estudiantes fueron examinados visual y clínicamente. Resultados: Con referencia al IHO-S: buena higiene,72,5% en deciduos, 63,3% en permanentes; regular higiene, 27,5% en deciduos, 35,0% en permanentes; mala higiene, 1,7% en permanentes, existe diferencia significativa en cuanto a la edad. El CPOD fue de 6,71 cariados, 0,14 perdidos, 1,44 obturados y un promedio de 8,29; existe diferencia significativa según la edad. De acuerdo con el IPC-M, el 81,4% padece de gingivitis; el 57,5%, periodontitis; el 4,2%, periodontitis severa, y hay diferencias significativas según la edad. Las maloclusiones: oclusión normal, 38,9%; maloclusión leve, 38,6%, y moderada o severa, 22,5%; el 61,1% padece de maloclusiones. Respecto de la fluorosis, el 34,7% no presentó lesión; fluorosis cuestionable, 15%; fluorosis muy leve, 30,3%; fluorosis leve, 11,7%; fluorosis moderada, 1,1%; la prevalencia fue del 58,1%. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de enfermedades bucodentales es elevada y el riesgo de caries dental es alto. Se observa una regular y mala higiene en la dentición permanente. El porcentaje de gingivitis es alto. Las maloclusiones están en el rango de leve a moderado. La fluorosis dental está en un rango de muy leve.
Frecuencia de aparición de la osteoesclerosis idiopática y osteítis condensante en maxilares inferiores en radiografías panorámicas
Authors: Pflücker Ballón Sylvia , Fiori Chíncaro Gustavo Adolfo
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de la osteoesclerosis idiopática (OI) y la osteítis condensante (OC) en radiografías panorámicas. Metodología: Se estudiaron 1500 radiografías panorámicas de pacientes de ambos sexos, con edades cronológicas entre 20 y 88 años. Se identificó la presencia de condensaciones óseas (CO); la distribución de acuerdo con la edad, el sexo, la localización y la relación con los dientes; y si eran solitarias o múltiples. Resultados: Se observaron 183 CO, con una prevalencia del 12,4%. Del total de casos, 113 correspondieron al sexo femenino (61,7%) y 70 al masculino (38,2%). La OI fue verificada en 127 sujetos (8,5% del total de la muestra), mientras que 56 presentaron OC (3,7%). La OI fue más frecuente entre la tercera y cuarta décadas de vida, mientras que se verificó un mayor número de OC por encima de los 40 años (p = 0,002). Respecto del sexo, ambos tipos de CO fueron más frecuentes en las mujeres, lo que fue estadísticamente significativo (p = 0,005). Las CO se localizaron con mayor frecuencia en la zona molar derecha, molar izquierda y premolar derecha; en cuanto a la relación con los dientes, fueron observadas en un número más alto en apical, separadas y en la zona apical e interradicular. La presentación única de las CO fue más prevalente según el sexo o el grupo etario. Conclusiones: Las características radiográficas de las CO estudiadas permiten distinguirlas de otras patologías. Su alta prevalencia indica que deben ser consideradas en el manejo clínico del paciente para orientar un plan de tratamiento adecuado.
Tratamiento con férula dental en bruxismo inducido por anticonvulsivo: reporte de caso
Authors: Chuquimez Ventura Casimira Valeria , Alfaro Escalante Wendoly Rosalinda
Published: April 2020

Los signos de desgaste y rechinamiento de los dientes están asociados con el bruxismo y se observan comúnmente en los consultorios dentales. En este reporte, las autoras describen un caso de bruxismo probablemente inducido por el medicamento anticonvulsivo Valpromed®, que fue tratado con éxito mediante una férula dental. El paciente llegó a la clínica declarando que deseaba mejorar su estética. En el examen clínico, se observó un desgaste moderado de las superficies oclusales de los molares asociado con antecedentes de rechinamiento nocturno, característico del bruxismo del sueño. Hace aproximadamente 5 meses, el paciente comenzó la terapia con Valpromed® por orden del neurólogo, debido a episodios de migraña. El medicamento se prescribió para evitar el riesgo de convulsiones ya que el paciente había sufrido de neurocisticercosis durante la infancia. Según los consejos del especialista en rehabilitación oral y la literatura revisada, las autoras concluyeron que el bruxismo podía atribuirse a la terapia con el medicamento anticonvulsivo. Para el tratamiento, se escogió una técnica mínimamente invasiva. Aunque el paciente todavía está en controles, la férula dental parece ser un enfoque prometedor para el tratamiento de esta afección.
Successes and Challenges of Using a Peer Mentor Model for Nutrition Education within a Food Pantry: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Oliver Tracy Lynn , McKeever Amy , Shenkman Rebecca , Diewald Lisa K.
Published: April 2020

Background: Delivering nutrition education within an emergency food pantry (EFP) provides an opportunity to reach many food insecure households and underserved populations. However, little is known about using a peer mentor model, “Community Cooks,” as a modality to deliver nutrition education within this setting. This research aimed to identify the successes and challenges of using a peer mentor model within an EFP to better understand the best approaches to deliver nutrition education among community residents.Methods: In spring 2018, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven peer mentors after they delivered a series of nutrition workshops to community members of the EFP. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: All peer mentors were women over 40 years-of-age, were recruited from the EFP community; most were high school graduates and currently received some form of federal nutrition assistance. All peer mentors reported that the “Community Cooks” nutrition education program offered many benefits. Key successes of the program included serving in the role as a peer mentor was an empowering experience which gave them a sense of community, purpose, and camaraderie; 2) the nutrition education was appropriately tailored towards those living with food insecurity; 3) the recipes required minimal cooking skills and included low-cost easily accessible foods available at the EFP. Key challenges of the program were the lack of community member engagement in the nutrition education workshops. Conclusion: Challenges continue to exist when delivering nutrition education within a community EFP setting. While the use of peer mentors to deliver nutrition education messages is promising, more research is needed to quantify the impact of using a peer mentor model in underserved and food insecure communities.
Association of diet-related knowledge, attitude, behaviors and self-rated health among Chinese adults: a population-based study
Authors: Yang Ying , He Di , Wei Liuyi , Wang Shizhen , Chen Lei , Luo Mi , Mao Zongfu
Published: April 2020

Background: Diet and nutrition play an important role in one’s health status. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine knowledge, attitude, and behaviors (KABs) related to diet among a sample of Chinese adults, and (b) assess the association between diet-related KABs and self-rated health.Methods: We analyzed the 2015 CHNS data. Individuals aged 18 years and older were included as study subjects (n = 12,814). Five variables were selected to assess diet-related knowledge, attitude, and behaviors. Comparison of diet-related KABs in urban and rural was conducted using chi-square test. Ordinal logistic regression was conducted to quantify the association between diet-related KABs and self-rated health.Results: The awareness proportion for Chinese diet pagoda/DGCR was 27.1%, and only 34.3% of the subjects were assessed as having adequate dietary knowledge literacy. 24.3% reported positive attitude towards healthy diet. 27.6% and 65.9% reported the behavior of actively looking for nutrition knowledge and eating fruit & vegetables, respectively. Chi-square test indicated that rural residents experienced significant poorer diet-related knowledge, attitude, and behaviors than urban (all p-values < 0.01). Adjusted ORs with 95% CI revealed significant association between diet-related KABs and self-rated health.Conclusions: Chinese adults experienced poor diet-related knowledge, attitude, and behaviors, while rural residents were significantly worse than urban. Better diet-related knowledge, attitude, and behaviors was associated with higher self-rated health.
Two Nucleoporin98 homologous genes jointly participate in the regulation of starch degradation to repress senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xiao Long , Jiang Shanshan , Huang Penghui , Chen Fulu , Wang Xu , Cheng Zhiyuan , Miao Yuchen , Liu Liangyu , Searle Iain , Liu Chunyan , Wu Xiaoxia , Fu Yong-Fu , Chen Qingshan , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: April 2020

Background: Starch is synthesized during the day for temporary storage in leaves and then degraded during the subsequent night to support plant growth and development. Impairment of starch degradation leads to stunted growth, even senescence and death. The nuclear pore complex is involved in many cellular processes, but its relationship with starch degradation is unclear until now. We previously identified two Nucleoporin98 (Nup98) genes (Nup98a and Nup98b) redundantly regulated flowering through CONSTANS (CO) independent pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. The nup98a-1 nup98b-1 double mutant also showed severe senescence phenotypes. Results: We found that Nucleoporin 98 (Nup98) participated in the regulation of sugar metabolism in leaves and in turn is involved in senescence regulation in Arabidopsis. We show that Nup98a and Nup98b redundantly function in the different steps of starch degradation and the nup98a-1 nup98b-1 double mutant accumulates more starch than wild type plants and has a severe early senescence phenotype compared to wild type plants. The expression of marker genes related to starch degradation was impaired in the nup98a-1 nup98b-1 double mutant, and indicator genes of carbon starvation and senescence expressed earlier in the nup98a-1 nup98b-1 double mutant than that in wild type plants, suggesting abnormality of energy metabolism was the cause of senescence of the nup98a-1 nup98b-1 double mutant. Addition of sucrose to the growth medium can rescue early senescence phenotype of the nup98a-1 nup98b-1 mutant. Conclusions: Our results provide a line of evidence on a novel role of the nuclear pore complex in energy metabolism related to growth and development, whereas Nup98 functions in starch degradation conferring growth regulation in Arabidopsis.
Improving the efficiency of reactive case detection for malaria elimination in southern Zambia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bhondoekhan Fiona R.P. , Searle Kelly M. , Hamapumba Harry , Lubinda Mukuma , Matoba Japhet , Musonda Michael , Katowa Ben , Shields Timothy M. , Kobayashi Tamaki , Norris Douglas , Curriero Frank C , Stevenson Jennifer C. , Thuma Philip E. , Moss William J.
Published: April 2020

Background Reactive case detection (RCD) seeks to enhance malaria surveillance and control by identifying and treating parasitaemic individuals residing near index cases. In Zambia, this strategy starts with passive detection of symptomatic incident malaria cases at local health facilities or by community health workers, with subsequent home visits to screen-and-treat residents in the index case and neighbouring (secondary) households within a 140-metre radius using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). However, a small circular radius may not be the most efficient strategy to identify parasitaemic individuals in low-endemic areas with hotspots of malaria transmission. To evaluate if RCD efficiency could be improved by increasing the probability of identifying parasitaemic residents, environmental risk factors were assessed in a region of low malaria endemicity. Methods Between January 12, 2015 and July 26, 2017, 4,170 individuals residing in 158 index and 531 secondary households were enrolled and completed a baseline questionnaire in the catchment area of Macha Hospital in Choma District, Southern Province, Zambia. Plasmodium falciparum prevalence was measured using PfHRP2 RDTs and quantitative PCR (qPCR). A Quickbird™ high-resolution satellite image of the catchment area was used to create environmental risk factors in ArcGIS, and generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate associations between risk factors and secondary households with parasitaemic individuals. Results The parasite prevalence in secondary (non-index case) households was 0.7% by RDT and 1.8% by qPCR. Overall, 8.5% (n = 45) of secondary households had at least one resident with parasitaemia by qPCR or RDT. The risk of a secondary household having a parasitaemic resident was significantly increased in proximity to higher order streams and marginally with increasing distance from index households. The adjusted OR for proximity to third- and fifth-order streams were 2.97 (95% CI: 1.04 – 8.42) and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.04 – 5.09), respectively, and that for distance to index households for each 50 metres was 1.24 (95% CI: 0.98– 1.58). Conclusion Applying proximity to streams as a screening tool, 16% (n = 3) more malaria-positive secondary households were identified compared to using a 140-metre circular screening radius. This analysis highlights the potential use of environmental risk factors as a screening strategy to increase RCD efficiency.
Recombinant PAL/PilE/FlaA DNA vaccine provides protective immunity against Legionella pneumophila in BALB/c mice
Authors: Chen Yingying , Yang Zehui , Dong Ying , Chen Yu
Published: April 2020

Background: Legionella pneumophila (L.pneumophila), a Gram-negative small microorganism, causes hospital-acquired pneumonia especially in immunocompromised patients. Vaccination may be an effective method for preventing L.pneumophila infection. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a better vaccine against this disease. In this study, we developed a recombinant peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (PAL)/type IV pilin (PilE)/lagellin (FlaA) DNA vaccine and evaluated its immunogenicity and efficacy to protect against L.pneumophila infection. Results: According to the results, the expression of PAL, PilE, FlaA proteins and PAL/PilE/FlaA fusion protein in 293 cells was confirmed. Immunization with PAL/PilE/FlaA DNA vaccine resulted in highest IgG titer and strongest cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response. Furthermore, the histopathological changes in lung tissues of mice challenged with a lethal dose of L.pneumophila were alleviated by PAL/PilE/FlaA DNA vaccine immunization. The production of T-helper-1 (Th1) cytokines (IFNγ, TGF-α, and IL-12), and Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were promoted in PAL/PilE/FlaA DNA vaccine group. Finally, immunization with PAL/PilE/FlaA vaccine raised the survival rate of mice to 100% after challenging with a lethal dose of L.pneumophila for 10 consecutive days. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the newly developed PAL/PilE/FlaA DNA vaccine stimulates strong humoral and cellular immune responses and may be a potential intervention on L.pneumophila infection.
NaCl improves reproduction by enhancing starch accumulation in the ovules of the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Du Ming , Lu Chaoxia , Wang Baoshan
Published: April 2020

Background: Halophytes show optimal reproduction under high-salinity conditions. However, the role of NaCl in reproduction and its possible mechanisms in the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa remain to be elucidated. Results: We performed transcript profiling of S. salsa flowers and measured starch accumulation in ovules, sugar contents in flowers, and photosynthetic parameters in the leaves of plants supplied with 0 and 200 mM NaCl. Starch accumulation in ovules, sugar contents in flowers and ovules, and net photosynthetic rate and photochemical efficiency in leaves were significantly higher in NaCl-treated plants vs. the control. We identified 14,348 differentially expressed genes in flowers of NaCl-treated vs. control plants. Many of these genes were predicted to be associated with photosynthesis, carbon utilization, and sugar and starch metabolism. These genes are crucial for maintaining photosystem structure, regulating electron transport, and improving photosynthetic efficiency in NaCl-treated plants. In addition, genes encoding fructokinase and sucrose phosphate synthase were upregulated in flowers of NaCl-treated plants. Conclusions: The higher starch and sugar contents in the ovules and flowers of S. salsa in response to NaCl treatment are likely due to the upregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, which increase photosynthetic efficiency and accumulation of photosynthetic products under these conditions.
The combined effect of socioeconomic status and metabolic syndrome on depression: the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)
Authors: Kim Byungmi , Park Eun Young
Published: April 2020

Background: Depression shows different patterns depending on socioeconomic status (SES) and metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the nature of this association remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine whether the combination of MS and lower SES was associated with the prevalence of depression, based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).Methods: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study of 24,102 adults (>19 years of age) who participated in the KNHANES during 2008–2013 and for whom MS and depression data were available. MS was defined using the diagnostic criteria of the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Measure of depression was ascertained from self-reports of physician diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between depression and MS as well as SES (alone and in combination). Results: Overall, 622 of the 24,102 subjects (2.6%) met the criteria for depression. The prevalence of depression was associated with MS, a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, an elevated triglyceride level, a lower education level, and a lower household income. Participants with MS and a low SES had a higher likelihood of depression than those without MS and a high SES (odds ratio [OR]=4.180 for low education level and OR=3.994 for low household income level). Conclusions: This study suggests that the combination of SES and MS may play an important role in depression, which has implications for healthcare policy and depression management.
The evaluation of Suchana, a large-scale development program to prevent chronic undernutrition in north-eastern Bangladesh
Authors: Choudhury Nuzhat , Raihan Mohammad Jyoti , Ahmed S M Tanvir , Islam Kazi Eliza , Self Vanessa , Rahman Shahed , Schofield Lilly , Hall Andrew , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: April 2020

Evidence of the impact of community-based nutrition programs is uncommon for two main reasons: the lack of untreated controls, and implementation does not account for the evaluation design. Suchana is a large-scale program to prevent malnutrition in children in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh by improving the livelihoods and nutrition knowledge of poor and very poor households. Suchana is being implemented in 157 unions, the smallest administrative unit of government, in two districts of Sylhet. Suchana will deliver a package of interventions to poor people in about 40 randomly selected new unions annually over four years, until all are covered. All beneficiaries will receive the normal government nutrition services. For evaluation purposes the last 40 unions will act as a control for the first 40 intervention unions. The remaining unions will receive the program but will not take part in the evaluation. A baseline survey was conducted in both intervention and control unions; it will be repeated after three years to estimate the impact on the prevalence of stunted children and other indicators.This stepped wedge design has several advantages for both the implementation and evaluation of services, as well as some disadvantages. The units of delivery are randomized, which controls for other influences on outcomes; the program supports government service delivery systems, so it is replicable and scalable; and the program can be improved over time as lessons are learned. The main disadvantages are the difficulty of estimating the impact of each component of the program, and the geographical distribution of unions, which increases program delivery costs. Stepped implementation allows a cluster randomized trial to be achieved within a large-scale poverty alleviation program and phased-in and scaled-up over a period of time. This paper may encourage evaluators to consider how to estimate attributable impact by using stepped implementation, which allows the counterfactual group eventually to be treated.
Risk factors associated with knife-crime in United Kingdom among young people aged 10-24 years: A systematic review.
Authors: Haylock Sara , Boshari Talia , Alexander Emma C , Kumar Ameeta , Manikam Logan , Pinder Richard
Published: April 2020

Background: Since 2013, the number of violent crimes and offences by sharp instruments have increased continually, following a previous decrease, with majority of cases occurring among young people and in London. There is limited understanding surrounding the drivers influencing this change in trends, with mostly American-based research identifying risk factors. Methods The aim of this review is to identify and synthesise evidence from a range of literature to identify risk factors associated with weapon-related crime, for young people (aged 10-24 years) within the UK. A search strategy was generated to conduct a systematic search of published and grey literature within four databases (EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and OpenGrey), identifying papers within a UK-context. Abstracts and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers to assess eligibility for inclusion, namely study focus in line with the objectives of the review. Weight of Evidence approach was utilised to assess paper quality, resulting in inclusion of 16 papers. Thematic analysis was conducted for studies to identity and categorise risk factors according to the WHO ecological model. Results No association was found between gender or ethnicity and youth violence, contrasting current understanding shown within media. Multiple research papers identified adverse childhood experiences and poor mental health as positively associated with youth and gang violence. It was suggested that community and societal risk factors, such as discrimination and economic inequality, were frequently linked to youth violence. A small number of studies were included within the review as this is a growing field of research, which may have led to a constrained number of risk factors identified. Due to heterogeneity of studies, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. As many studies displayed positive results, publication bias may be present. Conclusions Several risk factors were identified, with evidence currently heterogeneous with minimal high-quality studies. However, findings highlight key areas for future research, including the link between poor mental health and knife-crime, and the trajectory into gangs. Risk factors should help identify high-risk individuals, targeting them within mitigation strategies to prevent involvement within crime. This should contribute to efforts aimed at reducing the rising crime rates within UK. Trial Registration Number: CRD42019138545Registered at PROPSERO: 16/08/2019
Periodized resistance training for persistent non-specific low back pain: A mixed methods feasibility study
Authors: Tjøsvoll Svein O. , Mork Paul J. , Iversen Vegard M. , Rise Marit B. , Fimland Marius S.
Published: April 2020

Background: We investigated the feasibility of a 16-week supervised heavy resistance training program with weekly undulating periodization for individuals with persistent non-specific low-back pain (LBP). Methods: Twenty-five adults with persistent non-specific LBP participated in this mixed methods feasibility study. Participants trained a whole-body program consisting of squat, bench press, deadlift and pendlay row two times per week for 16 weeks. We assessed pain intensity, pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy and one-repetition maximum strength at baseline, 8 weeks and 16 weeks. Three focus group interviews were conducted at the end of the program. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes in outcomes, and the qualitative data was assessed using systematic text condensation. Results: We observed clinically meaningful reductions in pain intensity after 8 and 16 weeks of training. The mean difference on the numeric pain rating scale (0-10) in the last two weeks from baseline to 8 weeks was 2.6 (95% CI: 1.8-3.6) and from baseline to 16 weeks 3.4 (95% CI: 2.5-4.4). In addition, there were improvements in pain-related disability (3.9, 95% CI: 2.3-5.5), pain self-efficacy (7.7, 95% CI: 5.4-10.1) and muscle strength. In the focus group interviews, participants talked about challenges regarding technique, the importance of supervision and the advantages of periodizing the training. Perceived benefits were improved pain, daily functioning, energy level and sleep, and changes in views on physical activity.Conclusion: Periodized resistance training with weekly undulating periodization is a feasible training method for this group of individuals with persistent non-specific LBP. A randomized clinical trial should assess the efficacy of such an intervention.
Investigation of thermochemical process of coal particle packed bed reactions for the development of UCG
Authors: Sutardi Tata , Wang Linwei , Karimi Nader , Paul Manosh C
Published: April 2020

In this study, a packed bed reactor is developed to investigate the gasification process of coal particles. The effects of coal particle size and heater temperature of reactor are examined to identify the thermochemical processes through the packed bed. Three different coal samples with varying size, named as A, B, and C, are used, and the experimental results show that the coal packed bed with smaller size has higher temperature, reaching 624 o C, 582 o C, and 569 o C for coal A, B, and C respectively. In the case of CO formation, the smaller particle size has greater products in the unit of mole fraction over the area of generation. However, the variation in the porosity of the coal packed bed due to different particle sizes affects the reactions through the oxygen access. Consequently, the CO formation is least from the coal packed bed formed by the smallest particle size A. A second test with the temperature variations shows that the higher heater temperature promotes the chemical reactions, resulting in the increased gas products. The findings indicate the important role of coal seam porosity in UCG (underground coal gasification) application, as well as temperature to promote the syngas productions.
Novel stable QTLs identification for berry quality traits based on high-density genetic linkage map construction in table grape
Authors: Wang Huiling , Yan Ailing , Sun Lei , Zhang Guojun , Wang Xiaoyue , Ren Jiancheng , Xu Haiying
Published: April 2020

Backgroud: Aroma, berry firmness and berry shape are three main quality traits in table grape production, and also the important target traits in grapevine breeding. However, limited information about their genetic determinants leads to low accuracy and efficiency of quality breeding in grapevine. Mapping and isolation of quantitative trait locus (QTLs) based on the construction of genetic linkage map is a powerful approach to decipher the genetic determinants of complex quantitative traits in grape.Results: In the present work, a final integrated map consisted of 6,436 SLAF markers on 19 linkage groups (LGs) spanning 3,365.41 cM in genome size with an average distance of 0.52 cM between adjacent markers was generated using the specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technique. Total 16 significant QTLs were identified on six linkage groups based on phenotypic data of Muscat flavor, berry firmness and berry shape among the hybrids analyzed over three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. Notably, new QTLs for berry firmness and berry shape were found on LG 8 respectively for the first time, which had the strongest and most stable effects over 2-3 years. Based on biological function and expression profiles of candidate genes in the major QTL regions, 3 genes (VIT_08s0007g00440, VIT_08s0040g02740 and VIT_08s0040g02350) related to berry firmness and 3 genes (VIT_08s0032g01110, VIT_08s0032g01150 and VIT_08s0105g00200) linked to berry shape were highlighted. Overexpression of VIT_08s0032g01110 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants caused the change of pod shape.Conclusions: A new high-density genetic map with total 6634 markers was constructed with SLAF-seq technique, and thus enabled the detection of narrow interval QTLs for relevant traits in grapevine. VIT_08s0007g00440, VIT_08s0040g02740 and VIT_08s0040g02350 were found to be related to berry firmness, and VIT_08s0032g01110, VIT_08s0032g01150 and VIT_08s0105g00200 were linked to berry shape.
Clonazepam versus Lorazepam in the Treatment of Methamphetamine-Poisoned Children: A Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Farnaghi Fariba , Rahmani Razieh , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Zamani Nasim , McDonald Rebecca , Gholami Narges , Gachkar Latif
Published: April 2020

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of oral clonazepam versus oral lorazepam following initial parenteral benzodiazepine administration to control methamphetamine-induced agitation in children. Methods: In a single-center clinical trial, intravenous diazepam (0.2 mg/Kg) was initially administered to all methamphetamine-poisoned pediatric patients to control their agitation, followed by a single dose of oral clonazepam (0.05 mg/Kg; n=15) or oral lorazepam (0.05 mg/Kg; n=15) to prevent relapse of toxicity. Results: The median age [IQR] (range) was 15 [10, 36] (6-144) months. The source of poisoning was methamphetamine exposure from oral ingestion in 23 (76.7%) and passive inhalation in 7 (23.3%) patients. The most common symptoms/signs were agitation (23; 96.7%), mydriatic pupils (26; 86.7%), and tachycardia (20; 66.6%). Four patients (13.3%) needed re-administration of IV diazepam due to persistent agitation. There was no report of benzodiazepine complications in either group.Conclusions: Although both benzodiazepines were effective, considering the similar administered doses of oral clonazepam and lorazepam as well as the higher potency of clonazepam, it seems that lorazepam is a better suited oral benzodiazepine for the maintenance treatment of methamphetamine-induced agitation in children and can be used with minimal complications.Trial registration: IRCT20180610040036N2, April 18th 2020. Retrospectively registered
Quality of Life after Total Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Xu Jia , Zhang ZiL , Zhou DongS , Fu RongZ , Wang YuL
Published: April 2020

Background. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have a decreased quality of life (QoL), which is attributable in part to secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT). Surgery is the definitive treatment of 2HPT. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of total parathyroidectomy with deltoid autotransplantation on the QoL. Methods: A total of 201 ESRD with 2HPT were enrolled . The operation efficacy was evaluated by analyzing preoperative and postoperative values, including levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum phosphorus, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium-phosphorus product. The QoL was evaluated by MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) scores preoperatively and at 6 months postoperation. Results: Compared with the preoperative values, levels of PTH(2033pg/ml vs 62.5 pg/ml), serum phosphorus(2.30mg/dl vs 1.60mg/dl), serum calcium(3.62mg/dl vs 1.84mg/dl), and calcium-phosphorus product were all decreased postoperative. Number variation and anatomic location variation of thyroid glands were found in the patients. Quality of life improved significantly in all 8 individual and 2 component summary scales, with a more significant decrease in the physical health scales. Conclusion: Parathyroidectomy significantly improves quality of life in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.