bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incretin hormones, insulin, glucagon and advanced glycation end products in relation to cognitive function in older people with and without diabetes, a population‐based study
Authors: Dybjer E. , Engström G. , Helmer C. , Nägga K. , Rorsman P. , Nilsson P. M.
Published: February 2020

Aim

The aim of this observational study was to investigate relationships between physiological levels of glucometabolic biomarkers and cognitive test results in a population‐based setting.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were obtained from the Swedish population‐based Malmö Diet and Cancer Study Re‐examination 2007–2012 comprising 3001 older people (mean age 72 years). Through oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), fasting and post‐load levels of serum insulin, plasma glucagon, serum glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) were measured. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity levels were calculated. In 454 participants, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were estimated through skin autofluorescence. Associations between biomarkers and two cognitive tests, the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) respectively, were explored in multiple regression analyses.

Results

Positive associations following adjustments for known prognostic factors were found between MMSE scores and insulin sensitivity (B = 0.822, P = 0.004), 2‐h plasma glucagon (B = 0.596, P = 0.026), 2‐h serum GIP (B = 0.581, P = 0.040) and 2‐h plasma GLP‐1 (B = 0.585, P = 0.038), whereas negative associations were found between MMSE scores and insulin resistance (B = −0.734, P = 0.006), fasting plasma GLP‐1 (B = −0.544, P = 0.033) and AGEs (B = −1.459, P = 0.030) were found.

Conclusions

Higher levels of insulin sensitivity, GIP and GLP‐1 were associated with better cognitive outcomes, but AGEs were associated with worse outcomes, supporting evidence from preclinical studies. Glucagon was linked to better outcomes, which could possibly reflect neuroprotective properties similar to the related biomarker GLP‐1 which has similar intracellular properties. Longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to further evaluate neuromodulating effects of these biomarkers.

Abstract presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2019, Barcelona, Spain
Impact of US market access on local labour markets in Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Trung X. , Nguyen Ha M.
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the impact of US market access on local labour markets in a developing country, Vietnam. Following the implementation of the Vietnam–United States bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in December 2001, manufacturing employment increased in provinces that were more exposed to US tariff cuts. In those provinces, employment also increased in many service sectors, reflecting strong spillovers of job gains. Among three potential channels of local job gain spillovers, namely, demand, production and real estate, the demand channel is the most important. The BTA is also found to reduce employment gaps, especially in manufacturing, between females and males, rural and urban, and poor and rich households.
Rib loading effects on weld root fatigue failure modes at rib‐to‐deck welded joint
Authors: Luo Pengjun , Zhang Qinghua , Bao Yi
Published: February 2020

The service life of orthotropic steel decks is dependent on the fatigue resistance of rib‐to‐deck welded joints, which is often tested using two kinds of experimental models in terms of the rib loading condition. Different weld root fatigue failure modes have been observed in the different models, but the role of rib loading remains unclear. This paper aims to clarify the effect of rib loadings on the weld root fatigue failure modes at rib‐to‐deck welded joints. The loadings are decomposed into the deck loadings and rib loadings according to the principle of superposition. Formulae of the weld root notch stress intensity factors and T‐stress under rib loadings are developed by multiparameter regression analysis and subsequently used for the local stress analysis. The fatigue failure modes determined from the local stress field agree well with the experimental results. The results reveal that the weld root failure modes depend on the rib loadings but are independent of the weld geometries. The averaged strain energy density (SED) that can capture both weld geometry and loading condition effects is used to correlate the fatigue test data of different weld root failure modes. The SED is capable of evaluating the fatigue strength of the rib‐to‐deck welded joint failed by different weld root failure modes with a narrow scatter band.
Antibacterial and antifungal effect of moringa (Moringa oleifera) seedmeal on marinated smoked African mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Jimoh Wasiu A. , Ayeloja Ahmed A. , Badmus Ganiyat O. , Olateju Kaosara O.
Published: February 2020

The study assessed the antibacterial and antifungal effect of Moringa oleifera seed marinade on smoked Clarias gariepinus stored at ambient temperature for 15 days. Sixty C. gariepinus (15 kg) were gutted, washed, and randomly assigned in triplicate to five treatments containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg M. oleifera seedmeal in 3.67 g/kg brine solution for 2 hr and later hot smoked for 24 hr. After smoking, the fishes were allowed to cool and packed separately in a transparent Ziploc polythene bag arranged in a box and kept at room temperature. Microbial load and diversity were conducted in the laboratory at 5 days intervals. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium citrinium, Neurospora crassa, and Rhizopus stolonifer while Enterobacter spp., Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. were the identified bacteria. The optimum effective concentration of moringa seed marinade that acts as anti‐bacteria was found best to be 11.2 g/kg of fish moringa marinade. While 12.08 g/kg exhibited the highest anti‐yeast effect in C. gariepinus and 10.6 g/kg serves as antifungi. Thus, moringa seed marinade is safe to use as a natural edible food preservative that can protect smoked dried catfish from microbial spoilage.
Measurement of fetal conus distance with 3D ultrasonography as a reliable prenatal diagnosis method for tethered cord syndrome
Authors: He Shaozheng , Ruan Junxian , Wang Xiali , Lyu Guorong , Wei Yuting , Huang Tingting , Zeng Piaoyi
Published: February 2020

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate if three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasonography is a reliable diagnosis method for prenatal tethered cord syndrome (TCS) by measuring fetal conus distance (CD) in comparison to two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

This retrospective study included 468 normal fetuses as control group and 14 TCS fetuses as tethered group. CD were measured by 2D, 3D ultrasonography and MRI, and the reliability and repeatability of CD measurement was compared between two experienced ultrasound specialists or among the multiple measurements for each specialist.

Results

The results showed that 3D ultrasonography was superior to 2D ultrasonography in the repeatability of measuring CD. The CD were positively correlated to gestational ages in control group (P < 0.05). The CD of TCS group (−1.342 ± 0.124) was significantly shorter than that of normal control group (0.013 ± 0.965) (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the effectiveness of locating conus medullaris and measuring CD between 3D ultrasonography and MRI.Conclusion

Measurement of fetal CD with 3D ultrasonography can serve as a reliable and cost‐effective prenatal diagnosis method for TCS.
Being obese versus trying to lose weight: Relationship with physical inactivity and soda drinking among high school students
Authors: Heo Moonseong , Wylie‐Rosett Judith
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Among adolescents, physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits are associated with being obese. We know little about how those are associated with trying to lose weight.

METHODS

We analyzed the 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance data (N = 13,583) to examine how obesity and trying to lose weight are associated with: (1) <5 physically active days per week with ≥60 minutes physical activity; (2) playing with video computer games ≥3 hours per day on average; (3) no participation in any sports team in the past year; and (4) drinking soda ≥2 times per day. We applied survey logistic regression adjusting for age and Hispanic ethnicity, stratified by sex.

RESULTS

Both being obese (13.7%) and trying to lose weight (47.7%) are significantly associated with physical inactivity. Soda drinking was associated with being obese (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, p = .003 for boys and OR = 1.36, p = .014 for girls); it was inversely associated trying to lose weight among girls (OR = 0.72, p < .001) but not among boys (OR = 1.13, p = .174).

CONCLUSION

Obesity was associated with physical inactivity and drinking soda in both sexes. Only girls appeared to avoid drinking soda as a strategy for losing weight. Trying to lose weight was associated with a higher likelihood of physically inactive behaviors both sexes. High schools need to develop collaborative strategies for reducing adolescent obesity and supporting students who are trying to lose weight that address physical inactivity and soda intake.
Oral surgery referrals at a UK dental hospital in the context of a managed clinical network: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Sivarajasingam V. , Lewis K. , Athwal J. , Mort J. , Emanuel C. , Morgan M. Z.
Published: February 2020

Background and aims

To inform the first Welsh OS Managed Clinical Network (MCN), a mixed‐methods study investigated existing patterns, quality, suitability and reasons for referral to secondary care at the University Dental Hospital in Wales.

Materials and methods

A random sample of 298 OS referrals were studied over a 6‐month period. Data recording proforma included details on referral practitioner, patient and referral diagnosis. Referrals were categorised by Levels of complexity (Levels 1, 2 and 3) and face‐to‐face, semi‐structured and audio‐recorded interviews were conducted with five frequent referrers.

Results

The age range of patients was between 1 and 92 years, with over 58% (n = 174) women. Majority of referrals (80%) were from general dental practitioners. Top six practices accounted for a fifth (21%) of referrals, with three of these practices were corporate dental chains. Approximately, a third of referrals were categorised as Level 1 (37%), Level 2 (33%) and Level 3 (30%) complexity. 16% provided no medical history, and only 13% included supporting radiographs. Five themes emerged as reasons for oral surgery referrals: contract limitations, perception that new graduates lack OS practical skills, communication, practice resources and risk.

Conclusions

Priorities for the Wales OS MCN are to reduce inappropriate referrals to secondary care and to ensure quality referrals. Introduction of the pan‐Wales electronic Referral Management System in May 2019 is welcome in this context. The newly formed Health Education and Improvement Wales, with lead roles in education, training and shaping the healthcare workforce, will form a vital part in tackling barriers for safe OS in primary care.
Immunodeficiency and disorders of immune dysregulation
Authors: Delmonte Ottavia Maria
Published: February 2020

The spectrum of clinical features associated with primary immune deficiency disorders (PIDs) has broadened due to the recent identification of many novel causative genes. Patients present with increased susceptibility to infections in addition to significant immune dysregulation, often leading to multiple autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and malignancy. Immunosuppressive treatment is often required but has to be weighed against augmented infectious risk. Recently, the improved molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying many loss‐of‐function (LOF) and gain‐of‐function (GOF) genetic defects leading to PIDs has set the ground for the development of mechanism‐based therapeutic strategies that target a specific cell function. This article describes the clinical and laboratory features of selected recently described PIDs associated with immune dysregulation and novel precision medicine strategies aimed to control the disease burden in affected patients.
Development of a telehealth intervention to promote care‐seeking among transgender women of color in Washington, DC
Authors: Magnus Manya , Edwards Elizabeth , Dright Aurnell , Gilliam Leandrea , Brown Angela , Levy Matthew , Sikka Neal , Siegel Marc , Criss Vittoria , Watson Christopher Chauncey , Machtinger Edwards , Kuo Irene
Published: February 2020

Background

Transgender women of color (TWC) are an underserved population who often experience high rates of HIV and barriers to care including stigma, violence, and trauma. Few health information technology interventions are tailored to serve TWC. The purpose of this study was to inform the development of a TWC‐specific telehealth intervention to increase access to care.

Methods

Formative qualitative semi‐structured interviews and focus groups were conducted to develop a customized telehealth intervention for TWC. Participants were TWC ≥ 18 years living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, with at least one structural barrier to care and clinicians ≥18 years who provide care to TWC. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic coding and content analysis; barriers for TWC were categorized into Individual, Organizational, and Environmental levels. Several day‐long meetings with TWC and stakeholders were convened to develop the intervention.

Results

Saturation of theme on barriers to care was reached with 22 interviews. Identified barriers to service receipt included survival, instability, temporal discounting, and prioritizing hormone therapy over care, incongruence between providers and patients, pessimism, and lack of cultural competency. Each was intentionally addressed with the telehealth intervention.

Conclusions

Data informed the development of an innovative and customized telehealth intervention for TWC. Through the integration of technology and peer consultant outreach, we developed a novel approach that can address population‐specific challenges to care. Further development of this model may be able to improve health outcomes among TWC.
Education and employment outcomes in clients of the Nurse–Family Partnership
Authors: Flowers Michael , Sainer Shannon , Stoneburner Ashley , Thorland William
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Nurse–Family Partnership (NFP) is an evidence‐based home visitation program designed for low‐income, first‐time mothers to support pregnancy, child development, and maternal self‐sufficiency. This study examined educational and employment outcomes among NFP clients compared to a reference sample.

Design

Entropy balancing and a difference‐in‐difference design were used to compare the two samples of women from 2007 to 2016.

Sample

There were 127,427 women in the NFP sample, and 787 women in the reference cohort.

Measurements

Educational outcomes included high school completion and employment outcomes consisted of employment status.

Results

Across a one‐year interval, NFP mothers with less than a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED) at baseline showed a 9.5 percentage point increase in diploma or GED attainment compared to the reference mothers [95% CI: 0.015–0.180]. Similarly, mothers enrolled in NFP who were not employed at baseline showed a 7.8 percentage point increase in employment compared to the reference mothers [95% CI: 0.003–0.150].

Conclusions

The findings in this study show positive results for NFP mothers attaining high school completion and employment compared to mothers in the reference group. Such findings are of importance with regard to progression toward economic self‐sufficiency and corresponding reduction of health disparities.
Psychosocial problems of family caregivers of palliative care patients and their spiritual coping styles
Authors: Özdemir Fatima , Doğan Sibel , Timuçin Atayoğlu Ali
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study was to examine the psychosocial problems and spiritual coping styles of the family caregivers related to patients receiving palliative care.

Design and Methods

The research sample consisted of 76 family caregivers related to palliative care patients. The data collection method used were questionnaire forms. The two forms used were Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and Religious Coping Methods Scale.

Findings

The mean anxiety score of the participants was 10.86 ± 4.30, mean depression score was 9.38 ± 3.66, mean positive coping scale score was 25.31 ± 3.85, and mean negative coping scale score was 10.32 ± 3.38.

Practice Implications

Healthcare professionals involved in palliative care are encouraged to evaluate the spiritual experiences of family caregiver to support their wellbeing.
Psychological mindedness as a mediator in the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ping Pang Nicholas Tze , Masiran Ruziana , Tan Kit‐Aun , Kassim Aminah
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Psychological mindedness (PM) can partly explain depressive symptoms in caregivers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This cross‐sectional study examines PM in mediating the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms.

Design and Methods

One hundred fifty‐five adult ASD caregivers completed the Malay version of Brief COPE, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and the Balanced Index of PM.

Findings

Direct paths between dysfunctional coping style and depressive symptoms, between insight and depressive symptoms, and between dysfunctional coping style and all PM variables (insight and interest) were obtained. Multiple regression analyses revealed that insight, but not interest, significantly mediates the relationship between dysfunctional coping and depressive symptoms.

Practical Implications

PM can be enhanced via psychological interventions.
Safety Regulations and the Uncertainty of Work‐Related Road Accident Loss: The Triple Identity of Chinese Local Governments Under Principal–Agent Framework
Authors: Lu Liangdong , Huang Hong , Wei Jiuchang , Xu Jia
Published: February 2020

This study examines how government safety regulations affect the uncertainty of work‐related road accident loss (UWRAL) by considering the multi‐identity of local governments in the relationship among the central government, the local governments, and enterprises. Fixed effects panel models and mediation analyses with bootstrapping were conducted to test the hypotheses using Chinese provincial panel data from 2008 to 2014. Given the complexity and nonlinear characteristics of road safety systems, a new approach based on self‐organized criticality theory is proposed to measure the uncertainty of road accident loss from a complex system perspective. We find that a regional government with detailed safety work planning (SWP), high safety supervision intensity (SSI), and safety information transparency (SIT) can decrease the UWRAL. Furthermore, our findings suggest that SSI and SIT partially mediate the relationship between the SWP of regional governments and the UWRAL, with 19.7% and 23.6% indirect effects, respectively. This study also provides the government with managerial implications by linking the results of risk assessment to decision making for risk management.
Using Cox Regression to Develop Linear Rank Tests with Zero-Inflated Clustered Data
Authors: Lipsitz Stuart R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Sinha Debajyoti , Cole Alexander P. , Meyer Christian P. , Trinh Quoc-Dien
Published: February 2020

Zero-inflated data arise in many fields of study. When comparing zero-inflated data between two groups with independent subjects, a 2 degree-of-freedom test has been developed, which is the sum of a 1 degree-of-freedom Pearson χ2-test for the 2×2 table of group versus dichotomized outcome (0,>0) and a 1 degree-of-freedom Wilcoxon rank sum test for the values of the outcome ‘>0’. Here, we extend this 2 degrees-of-freedom test to clustered data settings. We first propose the use of an estimating equations score statistic from a time-varying weighted Cox regression model under naive independence, with a robust sandwich variance estimator to account for clustering. Since our proposed test statistics can be put in the framework of a Cox model, to gain efficiency over naive independence, we apply a generalized estimating equations Cox model with a non-independence ‘working correlation’ between observations in a cluster. The methods proposed are applied to a General Social Survey study of days with mental health problems in a month, in which 52.3% of subjects report that they have no days with problems: a zero-inflated outcome. A simulation study is used to compare our proposed test statistics with previously proposed zero-inflated test statistics.
Blood safety considerations in the developing world—the problem of social desirability biases
Authors: Clement Michel , Sandner Sabrina
Published: February 2020

See article on page 326–333, in this issue
Characterization of the normal equine conjunctival bacterial community using culture‐independent methods
Authors: LaFrentz Stacey , Abarca Eva , Mohammed Haitham H. , Cuming Rosemary , Arias Covadonga R.
Published: February 2020

Background

The equine conjunctival microbiota has often been reported to be dominated by Gram‐positive species such asStaphylococcussp., Bacillussp., andCorynebacteriumsp. However, traditional culture‐based methods can only recover a fraction of the bacterial species present in the sample.

Objectives

This pilot study aimed at exploring the diversity of the equine conjunctival microbiota using culture‐independent methods.

Study design

Eight horses were included in this study, and only eyes with normal ophthalmic examination (n = 15 eyes) were sampled.

Methods

Conjunctival biopsies (culture‐independent) were collected, and DNA was extracted from the tissues. Bacterial communities in conjunctival biopsies were characterized by next‐generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. Individual reads were ascribed to operational taxonomic units (OTUs) using BLASTn and Greengenes databases. Species richness, evenness, and Good’s coverage were determined for each conjunctiva‐associated microbial community.

Results

Culture‐independent samples produced a total of 329 bacterial OTUs. The main OTUs identified in the study belonged to the Gram‐negative speciesRalstonia mannitolilytica(88.0%),Nicoletella semolina(3.3%), andPseudomonas tolaasii(1.5%).

Conclusions

Contrary to previously published data based on culture‐dependent methods, the horse eye microbial community was dominated by Gram‐negative bacteria of the phylum Proteobacteria.
Long‐term quality of life and cost‐effectiveness of treatment of partial thickness burns: A randomized controlled trial comparing enzyme alginogel vs silver sulfadiazine (FLAM study)
Authors: Rashaan Zjir M. , Krijnen Pieta , Kwa Kelly AA , van Baar Margriet E. , Breederveld Roelf S. , van den Akker‐van Marle M. Elske
Published: February 2020

The clinical effectiveness and scar quality of the randomized controlled trial comparing enzyme alginogel with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) for treatment of partial thickness burns were previously reported. Enzyme alginogel did not lead to faster wound healing (primary outcome) or less scar formation. In the current study, the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), costs, and cost‐effectiveness of enzyme alginogel compared with SSD in the treatment of partial thickness burns were studied. HRQoL was evaluated using the Burn Specific Health Scale‐Brief (BSHS‐B) and the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire 1 week before discharge and at 3, 6, and 12 months postburn. Costs were studied from a societal perspective (health care and nonhealth‐care costs) for a follow‐up period of 1 year. A cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed using cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves and comparing differences in societal costs and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) at 1 year postburn. Forty‐one patients were analyzed in the enzyme alginogel group and 48 patients in the SSD group. None of the domains of BSHS‐B showed a statistically significant difference between the treatment groups. Also, no statistically significant difference in QALYs was found between enzyme alginogel and SSD (difference −0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.09 to 0.03; P = .30). From both the health care and the societal perspective, the difference in costs between enzyme alginogel and SSD was not statistically significant: the difference in health‐care costs was €3210 (95% CI, €‐1247 to €7667; P = .47) and in societal costs was €3377 (95% CI €‐6229 to €12 982; P = .49). The nonsignificant differences in costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years in favor of SSD resulted in a low probability (<25%) that enzyme alginogel is cost‐effective compared to SSD. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in quality of life between both treatment groups. Enzyme alginogel is unlikely to be cost‐effective compared with SSD in the treatment of partial thickness burns.
The Effects of an Intensive Evidence‐Based Practice Educational and Skills Building Program on EBP Competency and Attributes
Authors: Gallagher‐Ford Lynn , Koshy Thomas Bindu , Connor Linda , Sinnott Loraine T. , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek
Published: February 2020

Background and Significance

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is a systematic problem‐solving approach to the delivery of health care that improves quality and population health outcomes as well as reduces costs and empowers clinicians to fully engage in their role, otherwise known as the quadruple aim in health care. The Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence‐based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare at The Ohio State University College of Nursing has been offering 5‐day EBP immersion programs since 2012. The goal of the program is for the participants to acquire EBP competence (e.g., knowledge, skills, and attitude) and sustain it over time.

Purpose and Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the 5‐day EBP immersion (i.e., an education and skills building program) on EBP attributes and competence over time.

Method and Design

A longitudinal pre‐experimental study was conducted that gathered data with an anonymous online survey from 400 program attendees who attended 16 5‐day immersions between September 2014 and May 2016. Participants completed five valid and reliable instruments at four points over 12 months, including EBP beliefs, implementation, competency, knowledge, and perception of organizational readiness and culture.

Results

Findings indicated statistically significant improvements in EBP attributes and competency over time. The results of this study support the hypotheses that EBP competency and attributes can be significantly improved and sustained by attending an intensive 5‐day EBP educational and skills building program such as the one described in this study. This study can help leaders and organizations to mitigate many of the traditional barriers to EBP.

Linking Evidence to Action

The results of this study indicate that EBP attributes and competencies can be improved and sustained by attending an intensive 5‐day EBP immersion, regardless of clinicians’ prior educational preparation.
Correction of z‐motion artefacts to allow population imaging of synaptic activity in behaving mice
Authors: Ryan Thomas Michael , Hinojosa Antonio Jesus , Vroman Rozan , Papasavvas Christoforos , Lagnado Leon
Published: February 2020

Key points

Motion artefacts associated with motor behaviour are an inevitable problem of multiphoton imaging in awake behaving animals, particularly when imaging synapses.

Correction of axial motion artefacts usually requires volumetric imaging resulting in slower rates of acquisition.

We describe a method to correct z‐motion artefacts that is easy to implement and allows population imaging of synaptic activity while scanning a single plane in a standard multiphoton microscope.

The method uses a reference volume acquired in two colour channels – an activity reporter and an anatomical marker of blood vessels. The procedure estimates the z‐displacement in every frame and applies an intensity correction in which the z intensity profile for each synapse is modelled as a Moffat function.

We demonstrate that the method allows synaptic calcium signals to be collected from populations of synaptic boutons in mouse primary visual cortex during locomotion.

Functional imaging of head‐fixed, behaving mice using two‐photon imaging of fluorescent activity reporters has become a powerful tool for studying the function of the brain. Motion artefacts are an inevitable problem during such experiments and are routinely corrected for in x and y dimensions. However, axial (z) shifts of several microns can also occur, leading to intensity fluctuations in structures such as synapses that are small compared to the axial point‐spread function of the microscope. Here we present a simple strategy to correct z‐motion artefacts arising over the course of a time‐series experiment in a single optical plane. Displacement in z was calculated using dye‐filled blood vessels as an anatomical marker, providing high contrast images and accuracy to within ∼0.1 µm. The axial profiles of ROIs corresponding to synapses were described using a Moffat function and this ‘ROI‐spread function’ used to correct activity traces on an ROI‐by‐ROI basis. We demonstrate the accuracy and utility of the procedures in simulation experiments using fluorescent beads and then apply them to correcting measurements of synaptic activity in populations of vasoactive‐intestinal peptide (VIP) interneurons expressing the synaptic reporter SyGCaMP6f. Correction of z‐motion artefacts had a substantial impact on the apparent correlation between synaptic activity and running speed, demonstrating the importance of correcting these when performing imaging experiments in awake mice.
Pyrolysis of Delonix Regia and Characterization of Its Pyrolytic Products: Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature
Authors: Kawale Harshal D. , Kishore Nanda
Published: February 2020

Pyrolysis of a rarely researched biomass feedstock, Delonix regia (DR), at different pyrolysis temperatures carried out in a tubular reactor at an atmospheric pressure of one bar. In addition to the fuel and physical properties of produced bio-oil and bio-char, extensive advanced characterization of these products, viz. Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), GC-MS, proton (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc. is also performed as applicable to different products. The main emphasis of this work is on both quantitative and qualitative analysis of pyrolytic bio-oil and bio-char obtained from DR at 500–700 °C. In this range of temperature, higher heating value (HHV) of bio-oil found to be varying between 20.88 MJ/kg and 25.70 MJ/kg following increasing trend with the temperature. However, HHV of bio-char observed to be almost unaffected by pyrolysis temperature, and it is approximately 36 MJ/kg. The density of bio-oil found to be decreasing from 0.95 g/cc to 0.88 g/cc as the pyrolysis temperature increases from 500 to 700 °C; however, pH is found to be almost unaffected by the pyrolysis temperature changing only slightly from 3.4 to 3.3. Furthermore, the moisture content of bio-oil is also found to be unaffected by the temperature variations. From the GC-MS chromatograms of bio-oils, it is found that benzene is highest area % (with 14.6%) and phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy is the second-highest area % occupying component (with 10.5%) in bio-oil obtained at 600 °C of pyrolysis temperature. This result indicates that the DR feedstock is also an excellent resource for producing value-added green chemicals.
Effects of Seasonal Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Strength, Power, and Body Composition in College Swimmers
Authors: Rockwell Michelle S. , Frisard Madlyn I. , Rankin Janet W. , Zabinsky Jennifer S. , Mcmillan Ryan P. , You Wen , Davy Kevin P. , Hulver Matthew W.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of fall season vitamin D3 supplementation on strength/power, body composition, and anabolic hormones in swimmers with optimal vitamin D status at summer’s end. Male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I swimmers (N = 19) with optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] randomly received 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 (VITD) or placebo (PLA) daily for 12 weeks while participating in swimming and strength and conditioning training (August–November). Before and after the intervention, the participants underwent blood sampling for analysis of serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, total testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and strength/power testing (bench press, squat, dead lift, standing broad jump, vertical jump, and dips and pull-ups). Sex was used as a covariate for analyses. The 25(OH)D was decreased by 44% in PLA (p < .05) and increased by 8% in VITD over the 12 weeks. Fat-free mass increased in VITD (56.4–59.1 kg; p < .05), but not PLA (59.4–59.7 kg; p < .01). Significant Group × Time interaction effects were observed for dead lift (F = 21.577, p < .01) and vertical jump (F = 11.219, p < .01), but no other strength/power tests. Total testosterone decreased similarly in both groups, but free testosterone decreased and sex hormone-binding globulin increased only in PLA (p < .01). There were no group differences or changes in insulin-like growth factor 1 with the intervention. The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation is an efficacious strategy to maintain 25(OH)D during the fall season training and to enhance some aspects of strength/power and fat-free mass in swimmers. Further research on the relationship between vitamin D and anabolic hormones is needed.
Perception of Carbohydrate Availability Augments High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise Capacity Under Sleep-Low, Train-Low Conditions
Authors: Waterworth Sally P. , Spencer Connor C. , Porter Aaron L. , Morton James P.
Published: February 2020

The authors tested the hypothesis that perception of carbohydrate (CHO) availability augments exercise capacity in conditions of reduced CHO availability. Nine males completed a sleep-low train model comprising evening glycogen-depleting cycling followed by an exhaustive cycling protocol the next morning in the fasted state (30 min steady state at 95% lactate threshold followed by 1-min intervals at 80% peak power output until exhaustion). After the evening depletion protocol and prior to sleeping, subjects consumed (a) a known CHO intake of 6 g/kg body mass (TRAIN HIGH) or (b) a perceived comparable CHO intake but 0 g/kg body mass (PERCEPTION) or a known train-low condition of 0 g/kg body mass (TRAIN LOW). The TRAIN HIGH and PERCEPTION trials were conducted double blind. During steady state, average blood glucose and CHO oxidation were significantly higher in TRAIN HIGH (4.01 ± 0.56 mmol/L; 2.17 ± 0.70 g/min) versus both PERCEPTION (3.30 ± 0.57 mmol/L; 1.69 ± 0.64 g/min, p < .05) and TRAIN LOW (3.41 ± 0.74 mmol/L; 1.61 ± 0.59 g/min, p < .05). Exercise capacity was significantly different between all pairwise comparisons (p < .05), where TRAIN LOW (8 ± 8 min) < PERCEPTION (12 ± 6 min) < TRAIN HIGH (22 ± 9 min). Data demonstrate that perception of CHO availability augments high-intensity intermittent exercise capacity under sleep-low, train-low conditions, though this perception does not restore exercise capacity to that of CHO consumption. Such data have methodological implications for future research designs and may also have practical applications for athletes who deliberately practice elements of training in CHO-restricted states.
Insights for Blood Flow Restriction and Hypoxia in Leg Versus Arm Submaximal Exercise
Authors: Willis Sarah J. , Millet Grégoire P. , Borrani Fabio
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To assess tissue oxygenation, along with metabolic and physiological responses during blood flow restriction (BFR, bilateral vascular occlusion) and systemic hypoxia conditions during submaximal leg- versus arm-cycling exercise. Methods: In both legs and arms, 4 randomized sessions were performed (normoxia 400 m, fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] 20.9% and normobaric hypoxia 3800 m, FIO2 13.1% [0.1%]; combined with BFR at 0% and 45% of resting pulse elimination pressure). During each session, a single 6-minute steady-state submaximal exercise was performed to measure physiological changes and oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy) of the muscle tissue in both the vastus lateralis (legs) and biceps brachii (arms). Results: Total hemoglobin concentration ([tHb]) was 65% higher (P < .001) in arms versus legs, suggesting that arms had a greater blood perfusion capacity than legs. Furthermore, there were greater changes in tissue blood volume [tHb] during BFR compared with control conditions (P = .017, F = 5.45). The arms elicited 7% lower tissue saturation (P < .001) and were thus more sensitive to the hypoxia-induced reduction in oxygen supply than legs, no matter the condition. This indicates that legs and arms may elicit different regulatory hemodynamic mechanisms (ie, greater blood flow in arms) for limiting the decreased oxygen delivery during exercise with altered arterial oxygen content. Conclusions: The combination of BFR and/or hypoxia led to increased [tHb] in both limbs likely due to greater vascular resistance; further, arms were more responsive than legs. This possibly influences the maintenance of oxygen delivery and enhances perfusion pressure, suggesting greater vascular reactivity in arms than in legs.
Genomic Differences between Listeria monocytogenes EGDe Isolates Reveal Crucial Roles for SigB and Wall Rhamnosylation in Biofilm Formation
Authors: Hsu Chih-Yu , Cairns Lynne , Hobley Laura , Abbott James , O’Byrne Conor , Stanley-Wall Nicola R.
Published: February 2020

Biofilms are an important mode of growth in many settings. Here, we looked at small differences in the genomes of the bacterium
Listeria monocytogenes
isolate EGDe and used them to find out how biofilms form. This important fundamental information may help new treatments to be developed and also highlights the fact that isolates of the same identity often diverge.
Complete Genome Sequences of Four Isolates of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium with the
vanA
Gene and Two Daptomycin Resistance Mutations, Obtained from Two Inpatients with Prolonged Bacteremia
Authors: Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Wongsurawat Thidathip , Udaondo Zulema , Anderson Courtney , Lopez James , Mohan Meera , Tytarenko Ruslana , Walker Brian , Nookaew Intawat , Ussery David , Kothari Atul , Jun Se-Ran
Published: February 2020

Here, we present complete genome sequences of four
Enterococcus faecium
isolates, obtained from two patients with apparent vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
bacteremia; these isolates also carried two mutations known to be associated with daptomycin resistance. Sequences were obtained using
de novo
and hybrid assembly of Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequence data.
Complete Genome Sequencing of Mycoplasma synoviae Strain HN01, Isolated from Chicken in Henan Province, China
Authors: Xu Bin , Liu Rui , Tao Lihan , Ding Meijuan , Lu Fengying , Zhang Jingfeng , Sun Huawei , Liu Chuanmin , Pan Qunxing , Zhao Sha , Zhang Xiaofei
Published: February 2020

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Mycoplasma synoviae
HN01, a virulent epidemic strain isolated from a sick chicken with synovitis in Henan Province, China. HN01 is the Asian source of an
M. synoviae
strain that is completely sequenced, genome annotated, and published with relevant data.
Three-Dimensional Visualization of APEX2-Tagged Erg11 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Using Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Kerstens Winnie , Kremer Anneke , Holtappels Michelle , Borghgraef Peter , Lippens Saskia , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: February 2020

With this study, we have validated the use of the APEX2 tag to define the localization of proteins in the model yeast
S. cerevisiae
. As such, FIB-SEM can identify the exact 3D location of a protein of interest in the cell with nanometer-scale resolution. Such detailed imaging could provide essential information on the elucidation of various biological processes. APEX2, which adds electron density to a fused protein of interest upon addition of the substrate DAB, originally was used in mammalian studies. With this study, we expand its use to protein localization studies in one of the most important models in molecular biology.
Inequalities in early childhood care and development in low/middle-income countries: 2010–2018
Authors: Lu Chunling , Cuartas Jorge , Fink Günther , McCoy Dana , Liu Kai , Li Zhihui , Daelmans Bernadette , Richter Linda
Published: February 2020

Background

Inequalities in early childhood development (ECD) tend to persist into adulthood and amplify across the life course. To date, little research on inequalities in early childhood care and development in low/middle-income countries has been available to guide governments, donors and civil society in identifying which young children and families should be targeted by policies and programmes to improve nurturing care that could prevent them from being left behind.

Methods

Using data from 135 Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys between 2010 and 2018, we assessed levels and trends of inequalities in exposure to risks of stunting or extreme poverty (under age 5; levels in 85 and trends in 40 countries), early attendance of early care and education programmes (36–59 months; 65 and 17 countries), home stimulation (36–59 months; 62 and 14 countries) and child development according to the Early Childhood Development Index (36–59 months; 60 and 13 countries). Inequalities within countries were measured as the absolute gap in three domains—child gender, household wealth and residential area—and compared across regions and country income groups.

Results

63% of children were not exposed to stunting or extreme poverty; 39% of 3–4-year olds attended early care and education; and 69% received a level of reported home stimulation defined as adequate. Sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest proportion of children not exposed to stunting or extreme poverty (45%), attending early care and education (24%) and receiving adequate home stimulation (47%). Substantial gaps in all indicators were found across country income groups, residential areas and household wealth categories. There were no significant reductions in gaps over time for a subset of countries with available data in two survey rounds.

Conclusions

Available data indicate large inequalities in early experiences and outcomes. Efforts of reducing these inequalities must focus on the poorest families and those living in rural areas in the poorest countries. Improving and applying population-level measurements on ECD in more countries over time are important for ensuring equal opportunities for young children globally.
Development and implementation of a standardised emergency department intershift handover tool to improve physician communication
Authors: Kwok Edmund S H , Clapham Glenda , White Shannon , Austin Michael , Calder Lisa A
Published: February 2020

Background

Structured handover can reduce communication breakdowns and potential medical errors. In our emergency department (ED) we identified a safety risk due to variation in quality and content of overnight handovers between physicians.

Aim

Our goal was to develop and implement a standardised ED-specific handover tool using quality improvement (QI) methodology. We aimed to increase the proportion of patients having adequate handover information conveyed at overnight shift change from a baseline of 50%–75% in 4 months.

Methods

We used published best practices, stakeholder input and local data to develop a tool customised for intershift ED handovers. Implementation methods included education, cognitive aids, policy change and plan-do-study-act cycles informed by end-user feedback. We monitored progress using direct observation convenience sampling.

Measures

Our outcome measure was proportion of adequate patient handovers (defined as >50% of handover components communicated per patient) per overnight handover session. Tool utilisation characteristics were used for process measurement, and time metrics for balancing measures. We report changes using statistical process control charts and descriptive statistics.

Results

We observed 49 overnight handover sessions from 2017 to 2019, evaluating handovers of 850 patients. Our improvement target was met in 10 months (median=76.1%) and proportion of adequate handovers continued to improve to median=83.0% at the postimprovement audit. Written communication of handover information increased from a median of 19.2% to 68.7%. Handover time increased by median=31 s per patient. End-users subjectively reported improved communication quality and value for resident education.

Conclusions

We achieved sustained improvements in the amount of information communicated during physician ED handovers using established QI methodologies. Engaging stakeholders in handover tool customisation for local context was an important success factor. We believe this approach can be easily adopted by any ED.
Checklist for Head Injury Management Evaluation Study (CHIMES): a quality improvement initiative to reduce imaging utilisation for head injuries in the emergency department
Authors: Masood Sameer , Woolner Victoria , Yoon Joo Hyung , Chartier Lucas B
Published: February 2020

Over 90% of patients with head trauma seen in emergency departments (EDs) are diagnosed with minor head injuries. Over-utilisation of CT scans results in unnecessary exposure to radiation and increases healthcare utilisation. Using recommendations from the Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) campaign and quality improvement (QI) methodology, we aimed to reduce the CT scan rate for head injuries by 10% over a 6-month period.

Baseline CT scan rates were determined through a 27-month retrospective cohort review. We used stakeholder engagement and provider surveys to develop our driver diagram and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, which included (1) improving provider knowledge about the CWC campaign recommendations; (2) testing, refining and implementing a modified Canadian CT Head Rule checklist; (3) developing CWC-themed head injury–specific patient handouts; and (4) feedback on CT scan group ordering rates to providers. Our primary outcome measure was the number of CT scans performed for patients with head injuries. Process measures included the number of checklists completed and ED length of stay (LOS). Our balancing measure was return ED visits within 72 hours (with or without admission).

Baseline CT scan rates prior to our interventions was 46.1%. Our QI initiative resulted in a ‘shift’ in the Statistical Process Control chart of the weekly CT scan rates, associated with the first and second PDSA cycles, resulting in a 13.9% reduction in CT rates during the initial 3 months, and a sustained reduction of 8% at 16 months (p<0.05). Mean ED LOS for all patients with head injuries decreased by 1.5 min (p=0.74). 33% of checklists were completed. 72-hour return visits did not change significantly (p=0.68).

Through provider and patient education, and the creation of a user-friendly evidence-based tool, our local QI initiative was successful in achieving long-term reduction in CT rates for patients presenting to EDs with head injuries.