bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in cerebral perfusion following a 12‐month exercise and diet intervention
Authors: Stillman Chelsea M. , Jakicic John , Rogers Renee , Alfini Alfonso J. , Smith J. Carson , Watt Jennifer , Kang Chaeryon , Erickson Kirk I.
Published: April 2020

Overweight and obesity may damage the cerebrovascular architecture, resulting in a significant reduction in cerebral blood flow. To date, there have been few randomized clinical trials (RCT) examining whether obesity‐related reductions in cerebral blood flow could be modified by weight loss. Further, it is unknown whether the behavioral intervention strategy for weight loss (i.e., diet alone or diet combined with exercise) differentially influences cerebral blood flow in adults with overweight or obesity. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether a 12‐month RCT of exercise and diet increases cerebral blood flow in 125 midlife (Mean age ± SD = 44.63 ± 8.36 years) adults with overweight and obesity. Further, we evaluated whether weight loss via diet combined with aerobic exercise has an added effect on changes in cerebral blood flow compared to weight loss via diet alone and whether there were regionally specific effects of the type of behavioral intervention on cerebral blood flow patterns. Consistent with our predictions, a 12‐month diet and exercise program resulting in 10% weight loss increased cerebral blood flow. These effects were widespread and extended throughout frontal, parietal, and subcortical regions. Further, there was some regional specificity of effects for both diet‐only and diet combined with exercise. Our results demonstrate that weight‐related reductions in cerebral blood flow can be modified by 10% weight loss over the course of 12 months and that interventions involving exercise exposure may provide unique effects on cerebral blood flow compared to interventions involving only diet.
Meet the critics: Analyzing the EU Commission's Regulatory Scrutiny Board through quantitative text analysis
Authors: Senninger Roman , Blom‐Hansen Jens
Published: April 2020

As part of the “better regulation” agenda, the European Commission created a semi‐independent institution, the Regulatory Scrutiny Board, to monitor the preparation of policy proposals. The position of this Board is potentially wide‐ranging. A proposal that is not given the green light by it cannot proceed in the Commission's internal decisionmaking process. But so far, the Board has only received scant scholarly attention. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board on the Commission's policy preparation. Using machine learning techniques and quantitative text analysis, we study 673 Board opinions and compare almost 100 draft and final policy proposals. Our findings show that the Board is an active watchdog that is taken seriously by the Commission's departments. A full understanding of policy preparation in the EU therefore requires more scholarly attention to the Regulatory Scrutiny Board.
Discovery of an HLA‐A*33 variant, HLA‐A*33:200, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: April 2020

One nucleotide substitution in codon 152 of HLA‐A*33:03:01:01 results in a novel allele HLA‐A*33:200.
Images in Mathematics
Authors: Baldwin John T.
Published: April 2020

Mathematical images occur in lectures, books, notes and posters, and on the internet. We extend Kennedy's proposal for classifying these images. In doing so we distinguish three uses of images in mathematics: iconic images; incidental images; and integral images. An iconic image is one that so captures the essence of a concept or proof that it serves for a community of mathematicians as a motto or a meme for an area or a result. A system such as Euclid's can combine such apprehensions with other forms of logical inference and an image that is built into a system of exposition is called an integral image. An incidental image is an image used by a mathematician to reason with a particular concept. In addition to this thematic characterization, we also explore one concept, infinity, in some depth by comparing representations of the infinite by mathematicians and artists.
Toward reference intervals for shellfish: An illustrative case of feeding and respiratory activities in the Pacific cupped oyster, Crassostrea gigas
Authors: François Cyrille , Haure Joël , Billy Jean‐Christophe , Renault Tristan
Published: April 2020

Background

The Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards Committee of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology and the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute provide a framework for establishing reference intervals of physiological parameters in reputedly healthy individuals, humans, and terrestrial animals, respectively. This framework was applied for the first time to the Pacific cupped oyster, Crassostrea gigas. Reference intervals (RIs) would, first, be of interest for research purposes, including pathophysiology studies. RI determination is the first step before considering the use of RIs for field applications by farmers and marine shellfish health services.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to propose reference intervals of feeding and respiration parameters, the clearance rate (CR), and oxygen consumption rate (OCR), in a reference population of hatchery‐reared diploid Pacific oysters.

Methods

A de novo, a priori, and a direct approach were applied. The reference values acquired from 214 healthy diploid C gigas (total wet weight 6.23‐83.64 g, DW 0.06‐1.87 g) were analyzed using a non‐parametric statistical method.

Results

Reference intervals were proposed for CR, 0.7‐4.1 L/h/g dry flesh weight (DW), and OCR, 0.4‐1.3 mg O2/h/g DW in C gigas in a seawater at a temperature of 22℃ and a salinity of 32‰. Animals were fed 30‐40 cells/µL of Isochrysis affinis galbana. The confidence intervals at 90% of the upper limits of the two parameters were found to be higher than those of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations.

Conclusions

Obtaining reference intervals is an important step and must be completed by proposed decision limits to facilitate the early detection of health disorders in C gigas.
Time-Dependent Stresses From Fluid Extraction and Diffusion With Applications to Induced Seismicity
Authors: Lambert Valère , Tsai Victor C.
Published: April 2020

Over recent decades, it has become clear that the extraction of fluids from underground reservoirs can be linked to seismicity and aseismic deformation around producing fields. Using a simple model with uniform fluid extraction from a reservoir, Segall (1989, “Earthquakes Triggered by Fluid Extraction,” Geology, 17(10), pp. 942–946) illustrated how poroelastic stresses resulting from fluid withdrawal may be consistent with earthquake focal mechanisms surrounding some producing fields. Since these stress fields depend on the spatial gradient of the change in pore fluid content within the reservoir, both quantitative and qualitative predictions of the stress changes surrounding a reservoir may be considerably affected by assumptions in the geometry and hydraulic properties of the producing zone. Here, we expand upon the work of Segall (1989, “Earthquakes Triggered by Fluid Extraction,” Geology, 17, pp. 942–946 and 1985, “Stress and Subsidence Resulting From Subsurface Fluid Withdrawal in the Epicentral Region of the 1983 Coalinga Earthquake,” J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth, 90, pp. 6801–6816) to provide a quantitative analysis of the surrounding stresses resulting from fluid extraction and diffusion in a horizontal reservoir. In particular, when considering the diffusion of fluids, the spatial pattern and magnitude of imposed stresses is controlled by the ratio between the volumetric rate of fluid extraction and the reservoir diffusivity. Moreover, the effective reservoir length expands over time along with the diffusion front, predicting a time-dependent rotation of the induced principal stresses from relative tension to compression along the ends of the producing zone. This reversal in perturbed principal stress directions may manifest as a rotation in earthquake focal mechanisms or varied sensitivity to poroelastic triggering, depending upon the criticality of the pre-existing stress state and fault orientations, which may explain inferred rotations in principal stress directions associated with some induced seismicity.
Effect of Driven Sidewalls on Mixed Convection in an Open Trapezoidal Cavity With a Channel
Authors: Ismael Muneer A. , Hussein Ahmed Kadhim , Mebarek-Oudina Fateh , Kolsi Lioua
Published: April 2020

The mixed convection in an open trapezoidal lid-driven cavity connected with a channel is investigated in the present paper. Four different cases were considered depending on the movement of the cavity sidewalls. For case I, the left sidewall moves downward; for case II, the left sidewall moves downward and the right one moves upward; while for case III, only the right sidewall moves upward. A comparative case (case 0) is accounted when both sidewalls are assumed stationary. The base of the cavity is subjected to a localized heat source of constant temperature Th. The effects of Richardson number Ri and Reynolds number ratio Rer on the flow and thermal fields have been investigated. The results indicated that for cases I and II, the average Nusselt number increases with the increase of the Richardson number and Reynolds number ratio. Moreover, it was found that the maximum average Nusselt number occurs with case I. When the lid-driven speed is three times that of the inlet airflow velocity, the augmentations of the average Nusselt number compared with stationary walls are 163%, 158%, and 96% for cases I, II, and III, respectively.
Artificial Neural Networks in Radiation Heat Transfer Analysis
Authors: Yarahmadi Mehran , Robert Mahan J. , McFall Kevin
Published: April 2020

In the Monte Carlo ray-trace (MCRT) method, millions of rays are emitted and traced throughout an enclosure following the laws of geometrical optics. Each ray represents the path of a discrete quantum of energy emitted from surface element i and eventually absorbed by surface element j. The distribution of rays absorbed by the n surface elements making up the enclosure is interpreted in terms of a radiation distribution factor matrix whose elements represent the probability that energy emitted by element i will be absorbed by element j. Once obtained, the distribution factor matrix may be used to compute the net heat flux distribution on the walls of an enclosure corresponding to a specified surface temperature distribution. It is computationally very expensive to obtain high accuracy in the heat transfer calculation when high spatial resolution is required. This is especially true if a manifold of emissivities is to be considered in a parametric study in which each value of surface emissivity requires a new ray-trace to determine the corresponding distribution factor matrix. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) offer an alternative approach whose computational cost is greatly inferior to that of the traditional MCRT method. Significant computational efficiency is realized by eliminating the need to perform a new ray trace for each value of emissivity. The current contribution introduces and demonstrates through case studies estimation of radiation distribution factor matrices using ANNs and their subsequent use in radiation heat transfer calculations.
A Person-Centered Exploration of Athlete Burnout Across a Competitive Season
Authors: DeFreese J.D. , Smith Alan L.
Published: April 2020

Person-centered investigations of athlete burnout have utility to unearth novel information about this developmental experience within the social environment of competitive sport. Guided by extant theory, conceptually proposed developmental patterns of athlete burnout were examined across a season as expressed in profiles of emotional and physical exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, and sport devaluation perceptions. Athlete social perceptions were also explored as predictors of profile membership. Collegiate athletes (N = 129) completed established assessments of study variables at four in-season time points. Latent profile analysis revealed profiles characterized by athletes experiencing the three burnout dimensions similarly at any given time point, with the notable exception of exhaustion being more frequently experienced in some profiles. Social support perceptions predicted profile membership with moderate success. Trends in profile stability provide some support for consideration of exhaustion-driven burnout experiences. Results shed light on the theoretical pathways of burnout development and inform continued longitudinal burnout research efforts.
A Tailspike with Exopolysaccharide Depolymerase Activity from a New Providencia stuartii Phage Makes Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Susceptible to Serum-Mediated Killing
Authors: Oliveira Hugo , Pinto Graça , Mendes Bruna , Dias Oscar , Hendrix Hanne , Akturk Ergun , Noben Jean-Paul , Gawor Jan , Łobocka Małgorzata , Lavigne Rob , Azeredo Joana
Published: April 2020

The pace at which multidrug-resistant strains emerge has been alarming.
P. stuartii
is an infrequent but relevant drug-resistant nosocomial pathogen causing local to systemic life-threatening infections. We propose an alternative approach to fight this bacterium based on the properties of phage tailspikes with depolymerase activity that degrade the surface bacterial polymers, making the bacteria susceptible to the immune system. Unlike antibiotics, phage tailspikes have narrow and specific substrate spectra, and by acting as antivirulent but not bactericidal agents they do not cause the selection of resistant bacteria.
Practical Comparison of the BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel to Routine Diagnostic Methods and Potential Impact on Antimicrobial Stewardship in Adult Hospitalized Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Buchan Blake W. , Windham Sam , Balada-Llasat Joan-Miquel , Leber Amy , Harrington Amanda , Relich Ryan , Murphy Caitlin , Dien Bard Jennifer , Naccache Samia , Ronen Shira , Hopp Amanda , Mahmutoglu Derya , Faron Matthew L. , Ledeboer Nathan A. , Carroll Amanda , Stone Hannah , Akerele Oluseun , Everhart Kathy , Bonwit Andrew , Kwong Christina , Buckner Rebecca , Warren Del , Fowler Randal , Chandrasekaran Sukantha , Huse Holly , Campeau Shelley , Humphries Romney , Graue Corrin , Huang Angela
Published: April 2020

Lower respiratory tract infections, including hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia, are common in hospitalized patient populations. Standard methods frequently fail to identify the infectious etiology due to the polymicrobial nature of respiratory specimens and the necessity of ordering specific tests to identify viral agents. The potential severity of these infections combined with a failure to clearly identify the causative pathogen results in administration of empirical antibiotic agents based on clinical presentation and other risk factors.
Adapting Microarray Gene Expression Signatures for Early Melioidosis Diagnosis
Authors: Sangwichian Ornuma , Whistler Toni , Nithichanon Arnone , Kewcharoenwong Chidchamai , Sein Myint Myint , Arayanuphum Chawitar , Chantratita Narisara , Lertmemongkolchai Ganjana
Published: April 2020

Melioidosis is caused by
Burkholderia pseudomallei
and is predominantly seen in tropical regions. The clinical signs and symptoms of the disease are nonspecific and often result in misdiagnosis, failure of treatment, and poor clinical outcome. Septicemia with septic shock is the most common cause of death, with mortality rates above 40%. Bacterial culture is the gold standard for diagnosis, but it has low sensitivity and takes days to produce definitive results. Early laboratory diagnosis can help guide physicians to provide treatment specific to
B. pseudomallei
.
Antiapoptotic Clone 11-Derived Peptides Induce
In Vitro
Death of CD4
+
T Cells Susceptible to HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Mikhailova Anastassia , Valle-Casuso José Carlos , David Annie , Monceaux Valérie , Volant Stevenn , Passaes Caroline , Elfidha Amal , Müller-Trutwin Michaela , Poyet Jean-Luc , Sáez-Cirión Asier
Published: April 2020

Although antiretroviral treatment efficiently blocks HIV multiplication, it cannot eliminate cells already carrying integrated proviruses. In the search for an HIV cure, the identification of new potential targets to selectively eliminate infected cells is of the outmost importance. We show here that peptides derived from antiapoptotic clone 11 (AAC-11), whose expression levels correlated with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection of CD4
+
T cells, induced cytotoxicity in CD4
+
T cells showing the highest levels of activation and metabolic activity, conditions known to favor HIV-1 infection. Accordingly, CD4
+
T cells that survived the cytotoxic action of the AAC-11 peptides were resistant to HIV-1 replication. Our results identify a new potential molecular pathway to target HIV-1 infection.
Ocular toxoplasmosis: phenotype differences between toxoplasma IgM positive and IgM negative patients in a large cohort
Authors: Ajamil-Rodanes Sofia , Luis Joshua , Bourkiza Rabia , Girling Benedict , Rees Angela , Cosgrove Catherine , Pavesio Carlos , Westcott Mark
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To investigate the differences in demographics and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis according to their IgM status.

Methods

Retrospective case note analysis was carried out on patients who tested positive for serum Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgM antibodies (IgM+) as well as a comparator group who tested negative for serum IgM (IgM-), but positive for serum IgG. Patient demographics and clinical features were compared between the two groups to evaluate for any significant differences.

Results

One hundred and six patients were included in the study between March 2011 and June 2018, consisting of 37 in the IgM +group and 69 in the IgM- group. Patients in the IgM +group were significantly older (51.1 vs 34.1 years, p<0.0001), more likely to present with central macular lesions (32% vs 12%, p=0.012), and more likely to develop rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (11% vs 1%, p=0.049). In contrast, patients in the IgM- group were more likely present with pain (20% vs 3%, 0.017) and exhibit more severe inflammation of the anterior chamber and vitreous (p<0.05). Overall, retinal lesions were more likely to be superotemporal (55%) and superonasal (31%). Furthermore, age was associated with larger (p=0.003) and more peripheral lesions (p=0.007).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated significant differences in clinical characteristics of ocular toxoplasmosis according to serum IgM status. IgM+ patients were older, less likely to report pain, had lower levels of intraocular inflammation, but were more likely to have macular involvement. We also found age to be correlated with larger and more peripheral lesions.
Prevalence of diabetes recorded in mainland China using 2018 diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association: national cross sectional study
Authors: Li Yongze , Teng Di , Shi Xiaoguang , Qin Guijun , Qin Yingfen , Quan Huibiao , Shi Bingyin , Sun Hui , Ba Jianming , Chen Bing , Du Jianling , He Lanjie , Lai Xiaoyang , Li Yanbo , Chi Haiyi , Liao Eryuan , Liu Chao , Liu Libin , Tang Xulei , Tong Nanwei , Wang Guixia , Zhang Jin-an , Wang Youmin , Xue Yuanming , Yan Li , Yang Jing , Yang Lihui , Yao Yongli , Ye Zhen , Zhang Qiao , Zhang Lihui , Zhu Jun , Zhu Mei , Ning Guang , Mu Yiming , Zhao Jiajun , Teng Weiping , Shan Zhongyan
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess the prevalence of diabetes and its risk factors.

Design

Population based, cross sectional study.

Setting

31 provinces in mainland China with nationally representative cross sectional data from 2015 to 2017.

Participants

75 880 participants aged 18 and older—a nationally representative sample of the mainland Chinese population.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of diabetes among adults living in China, and the prevalence by sex, regions, and ethnic groups, estimated by the 2018 American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and history of disease were recorded by participants on a questionnaire. Anthropometric and clinical assessments were made of serum concentrations of fasting plasma glucose (one measurement), two hour plasma glucose, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).

Results

The weighted prevalence of total diabetes (n=9772), self-reported diabetes (n=4464), newly diagnosed diabetes (n=5308), and prediabetes (n=27 230) diagnosed by the ADA criteria were 12.8% (95% confidence interval 12.0% to 13.6%), 6.0% (5.4% to 6.7%), 6.8% (6.1% to 7.4%), and 35.2% (33.5% to 37.0%), respectively, among adults living in China. The weighted prevalence of total diabetes was higher among adults aged 50 and older and among men. The prevalence of total diabetes in 31 provinces ranged from 6.2% in Guizhou to 19.9% in Inner Mongolia. Han ethnicity had the highest prevalence of diabetes (12.8%) and Hui ethnicity had the lowest (6.3%) among five investigated ethnicities. The weighted prevalence of total diabetes (n=8385) using the WHO criteria was 11.2% (95% confidence interval 10.5% to 11.9%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetes has increased slightly from 2007 to 2017 among adults living in China. The findings indicate that diabetes is an important public health problem in China.
Global estimate of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among adults living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Chulei , Goldsamt Lloyd , Meng Jingjing , Xiao Xueling , Zhang Li , Williams Ann Bartley , Wang Honghong
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Although people living with HIV (PLWH) have been disproportionately affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the global prevalence of PTSD among PLWH is unknown. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of PTSD among PLWH worldwide and explore variation in prevalence across sociodemographic and methodological factors.

Design

A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to pool the prevalence estimated from individual studies, and subgroup analyses were used to analyse heterogeneities.

Setting, participants and measures

Observational studies providing PTSD prevalence data in an adult HIV population were searched from January 2000 to November 2019. Measurements were not restricted, although the definition of PTSD had to align with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the International Classification of Diseases diagnostic criteria.

Results

A total of 38 articles were included among 2406 records identified initially. The estimated global prevalence of PTSD in PLWH was 28% (95% CI 24% to 33%). Significant heterogeneity was detected in the proportion of PLWH who reported PTSD across studies, which was partially explained by geographic area, population group, measurement and sampling method (p<0.05).

Conclusion

PTSD among PLWH is common worldwide. This review highlights that PTSD should be routinely screened for and that more effective prevention strategies and treatment packages targeting PTSD are needed in PLWH.
Investigating the effect of clinical pharmacist intervention in transitions of care on drug-related hospital readmissions among the elderly: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kindstedt Jonas , Svahn Sofia , Sjölander Maria , Glader Eva-Lotta , Lövheim Hugo , Gustafsson Maria
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Drug-related problems (DRPs) are a major cause of unplanned hospital admissions among elderly people, and transitions of care have been emphasised as a key area for improving patient safety. We have designed a complex clinical pharmacist intervention that targets people ≥75 years of age undergoing transitions of care from hospital to home and primary care. The main objective is to investigate if the intervention can reduce the risk of unplanned drug-related readmission within the first 180 days after the person is discharged from hospital.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised, controlled, superiority trial with two parallel arms. A total of 700 people ≥75 years will be assigned to either intervention or routine care (control). The intervention, which aims to find and manage DRPs, is initiated within a week of the person being discharged from hospital and combines repeated medical chart reviews, phone interviews and in some cases medication reviews. People in both study arms may have been the subject of a medication review during their ward stay. As the primary outcome, we will measure time until unplanned drug-related readmission within 180 days of leaving hospital and use log rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models to analyse differences between the groups. Further investigations of subgroup effects and adjustments of the regression models will be based on heart failure and cognitive impairment as prognostic factors.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå (registration numbers 2017-69-31M, 2018-83-32M and 2018-254-32M). We intend to publish the results with open access in international peer-reviewed journals and present our findings at international conferences. The trial is expected to result in more than one published article and form part of two PhD theses.

Trial registration number

NCT03671629
Fluorescence‐guided surgery using indocyanine green in dogs with superficial solid tumours
Authors: Favril Sophie , Abma Eline , Stock Emmelie , Devriendt Nausikaa , van Goethem Bart , Blasi Francesco , Brioschi Chiara , Polis Ingeborgh , De Cock Hilde , Miragoli Luigi , Oliva Paolo , Valbusa Giovanni , Vanderperren Katrien , de Rooster Hilde
Published: April 2020

Background

Near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a relatively novel technique that can aid surgeons during intraoperative tumour identification.

Methods

Nine canine oncology patients (five mammary gland tumours, three mast cell tumours and one melanoma) received intravenous indocyanine green (ICG). After 24 hours, tumours were resected and fluorescence intensities of tumours and surroundings were evaluated. Additional wound bed tissue was resected if residual fluorescence was present after tumour resection. Ex vivo, fluorescence‐guided dissection was performed to separate tumour from surrounding tissue.

Results

Intraoperative NIRF‐guided tumour delineation was feasible in four out of nine dogs. Wound bed imaging after tumour removal identified nine additional fluorescent lesions, of which four contained tumour tissue. One of these four true positive in vivo lesions was missed by standard‐of‐care inspection. Ex vivo fluorescence‐guided tumour dissection showed a sensitivity of 72 per cent and a specificity of 80 per cent in discriminating between tumour and surrounding tissue.

Conclusion

The value of ICG for intraoperative tumour delineation seems more limited than originally thought. Although NIRF imaging using ICG did identify remaining tumour tissue in the wound bed, a high false positive rate was also observed.
Are dual‐purpose hens less fearful than conventional layer hybrids?
Authors: Giersberg Mona Franziska , Spindler Birgit , Kemper Nicole
Published: April 2020

Background

Excessive fear in farm animals can lead to chronic stress and thus impair animal welfare. In laying hens, fear responses in several behavioural tests have also been associated with the occurrence of feather pecking. The aim of the present study was to comparatively assess fear‐related responses of conventional layer hybrids (Lohmann Brown plus, LB+) and dual‐purpose hens (Lohmann Dual, LD), which seem to be less prone to injurious pecking.

Methods

A novel object (NO) and an avoidance distance (AD) test were carried out in both hybrids at a group level and at different ages during the laying period in order to measure their fear‐related responses.

Results

On most study days, more LD hens approached the NO and they approached it sooner than the LB+ hens. Similarly, the LD hens retreated at smaller distances from a human being in the AD test.

Conclusion

The results indicate that dual‐purpose hens act less fearful in the performed behavioural tests compared with conventional layer hybrids. Therefore, dual‐purpose hens might experience less stress during daily management routines, which would affect animal welfare positively.
Flume-scale laboratory study of rainfall-runoff responses in Devon silt and capillary barrier profiles
Authors: Abdulnabi Ahlam , Wilson G. Ward
Published: April 2020

The design of soil covers for mine waste reclamation requires comprehensive water balance calculations at the ground surface and the subsurface. To achieve a determinate water balance equation, rainfall-runoff quantities need to be predicted or measured. The parameters that control rainfall runoff were investigated by performing rainfall-runoff experiments on Devon silt and capillary barrier profiles at different saturation stages. A rainfall simulator apparatus was employed to measure water balance components at different rainfall intensities during each test; the apparatus’ design is presented. The rainfall intensity and the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil govern runoff volumes and rates in the saturated profiles. The rainfall intensity and infiltration capacity of the soil govern runoff volumes and rates in the unsaturated profiles. The capillary barrier effects are evaluated and discussed by comparing time-lapse photographs of the wetting front during each test with changes in matric suction and volumetric water content measurements.
Research on the lithofacies and paleogeography of the lower Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation in the northern Tarim Basin, northwestern China
Authors: Ji Tianyu , Yang Wei , Pu Renhai , Wu Xueqiong
Published: April 2020

Based on the study of cores, thin sections, and outcrops, the sedimentary facies of the lower Cambrian carbonate rocks in the northern Tarim Basin can be divided into four types: restricted platform, open platform, ramp, and basin. Based on the lithologic analysis of thin sections, two-dimensional seismic data interpretation, and an isopach map of the lower Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation in the study area, seven sedimentary facies of carbonate rocks were identified, including inner platform depression, shoal, intershoal sea, platform margin, gypsum salt lake, ramp, and basin. The depositional model of the lower Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation in the northern Tarim Basin is constructed based on this integrated research. The topset, foreset, and bottomset of oblique progradational reflections are interpreted as the platform margin beach, ramp, and basin environments, respectively. The thicker area with micritic dolomite as the dominant lithology is interpreted as a platform depression. The low-amplitude hummocky reflections are interpreted as shoals that consist of a variety of granular dolomite and algal dolomite. The thinner uplifted area with gypsum and dolomite present in cores is interpreted as a restricted platform with a gypsiferous dolomite tidal flat or lake environment. Well LT1, which was drilled recently in the platform margin and ramp region, as indicated by seismic progradational clinoform reflections, has produced high yields of oil and gas. Supported by the above research results, the map of the lithofacies and paleogeography of the Xiaoerbulake Formation in the northern Tarim Basin was recompiled.
Real-time monitoring of deadwood moisture in forests: lessons learned from an intensive case study
Authors: Woodall C.W. , Evans D.M. , Fraver S. , Green M.B. , Lutz D.A. , D’Amato A.W.
Published: April 2020

Attributes of deadwood in forests, including quantity, landscape position, and state of decay, influence numerous ecosystem processes such as wildfire behavior, tree regeneration, and nutrient cycling. Attributes of deadwood that vary over subdiurnal time steps, including moisture, have not been routinely measured despite the profound effects they have on ecosystem processes. To improve our understanding of forest deadwood subdiurnal moisture dynamics, we installed an intensive time-domain reflectometry (TDR) sensor network in a log and surrounding soil within a northern hardwood forest in New England, United States. Intensive monitoring during a partial growing season indicated that deadwood moisture was dynamic but similar to that of surrounding soils at 15-min intervals, especially during wetting and drying events. Field results and bench analysis of the sample log revealed numerous challenges when attempting to monitor deadwood moisture with TDR such as heterogeneous and (or) advanced decay confounding TDR moisture measurements in logs. An efficient, high-frequency TDR sensor network was demonstrated to record deadwood and soil moisture fluctuations, which provides an opportunity to refine our understanding of deadwood dynamics in the context of global change such as changing precipitation regimes.
Endothelin-1, endothelin receptor antagonists, and vein graft occlusion in coronary artery bypass surgery: 20 years on and still no journey from bench to bedside
Authors: Dashwood Michael R. , Loesch Andrzej
Published: April 2020

The saphenous vein is the most commonly used bypass graft in patients with coronary artery disease. During routine coronary artery bypass, grafting the vascular damage inflicted on the vein is likely to stimulate the release of endothelin-1, a potent endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor that also possesses cell proliferation and inflammatory properties, conditions associated with vein graft failure. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, endothelin receptor antagonists reduce neointimal thickening. The mechanisms underlying these observations are multifactorial and include an effect on cell proliferation and cell/tissue damage. Much of the data supporting the beneficial action of endothelin-1 receptor antagonism at reducing intimal thickening and occlusion in experimental vein grafts were published over 20 years ago. The theme of the recent ET-16 conference in Kobe was “Visiting Old and Learning New”. This short review article provides an overview of studies showing the potential of endothelin receptor antagonists to offer an adjuvant therapeutic approach for reducing saphenous vein graft failure and poses the question why this important area of research has not been translated from bench to bedside given the potential benefit for coronary artery bypass patients.
A 3D Network Based on Poly(ε-caprolactone) Macromonomers as Polymer Electrolyte for Solid State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Jalbert Pierre-Michel , Commarieu Basile , Daigle Jean-Christophe , Claverie Jerome P. , Zaghib Karim
Published: April 2020

A commercial low molecular weight poly(ε-caprolactone) was chain-extended with acrylate moieties to create a macromonomer, which was then polymerized by radical reaction in the presence of different amounts of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, LiTFSI, to obtain a 3D network Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE). The SPE with the largest ionic conductivity (24 μS cm−1 at 50 °C) had a high transference number of 0.78 and could form a self-standing film. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)/SPE/Li cells made with this SPE attained a specific capacity of 120 mA.h.g−1. At 50 °C, the initial capacity declined by less than 15% after 150 cycles at 0.2 C. No evidence of degradation and dendrite growth was observed, indicating that the 3D network was stable. Thus, caprolactone-based 3D networks are promising materials for the fabrication of all solid-state batteries with high stability and cyclability, at near room temperature.
Psychosocial Adjustment of In-Home Caregivers of Family Members with Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lopes Dos Santos María Cristina , Navarta-Sánchez María Victoria , Moler José Antonio , García-Lautre Ignacio , Anaut-Bravo Sagrario , Portillo Mari Carmen
Published: April 2020

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia are highly prevalent worldwide. People who suffer from these disorders often receive in-home care and assistance from family members, who must dedicate a considerable amount of time to the care recipient. The study of family caregivers’ psychosocial adjustment to the degenerative processes of both conditions is of interest due to the implications for the quality of life of both the care receiver and the caregiver, as well as other family members. This study compares the psychosocial adjustment of family members who care for people with dementia and Parkinson’s disease and identifies the main sociodemographic variables that affect the processes of adjustment to both conditions. To this end, the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS-SR) and a sociodemographic form were administered to 157 family caregivers in Navarre, Spain. The results show that adjustment to the disease in family caregivers of people with Parkinson’s disease and dementia is, in general, satisfactory and related to variables such as place of residence, income, and employment status. The illness itself (Parkinson’s or dementia), however, is found to be the most influential variable in the level of psychosocial adjustment.
CD40 is Positively Correlated with the Expression of Nucleophosmin in Cisplatin-Resistant Bladder Cancer
Authors: Luo Chenshuo , Lei Ting , Zhao Man , Meng Qian , Zhang Man
Published: April 2020

Objective. To verify and evaluate the value of CD40 as a noninvasive biomarker of cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer, we studied the expression of CD40 and the correlation between nucleophosmin (NPM1) and CD40 in cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer. Methods. Three cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cell lines (T24/0.8DDP, BIU87/0.3DDP, and PUMC-91/0.6DDP) were studied, and lentivirus was used to silence NPM1 expression. The expression of CD40 and NPM1 in three NPM1 silencing bladder cancer cell lines were detected by fluorescence microscopy and Western Blot. The effects and proteomic bioinformatics of NPM1 gene knockout on cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cells were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gene ontology analysis (GO analysis). Results. The NPM1 gene was successfully silenced in three drug-resistant bladder cancer cell lines by lentivirus infection. The knockdown efficiency was 70%. After NPM1 gene knockout, 492 differential proteins were detected by LC-MS, whose fold change was more than 1.5 p<0.05. A total of 57022 peptides, 54347 unique peptides, and 6686 protein groups were identified in all proteins of the tested cells (FDR < 0.01). Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis showed that 264 functional proteins were downregulated and 228 functional proteins were upregulated in the gene silencing group compared with those of the negative controls. By GO analysis, the proteins affected by NPM1 cover a large number of proteins with biological functions, which may play an important role in the development of tumor in 492 differential proteins. The CD40 was the most significantly downregulated protein after NPM1 silencing, with a difference of 2.6-fold change in abundance. Conclusions. There is a positive correlation between CD40 protein and NPM1 protein in drug-resistant bladder cancer. Because NPM1 can reflect the characteristics of bladder cancer, CD40 may be a more sensitive marker for monitoring the prognosis of bladder cancer.
Nonhormonal Hot Flash Management for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Jian , Nie Guangning , Li Yang , Wen Zehuai , Lu Liming , Xie Li , Cao Dongdong , Lai Yafang , Yang Hongyan
Published: April 2020

Aim of the Study. Hot flashes impair the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Nonhormonal management is an important consideration. The objective of this network meta‐analysis (NMA) is to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of nonhormonal hot flash treatments for breast cancer survivors. Materials and Methods. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, and VIP up to May 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting nonhormonal hot flash treatments for breast cancer survivors were included. Primary outcome measurements were hot flash frequency and hot flash score of posttreatment. The methodological quality of each study was assessed with Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. Results. 16 RCTs involving 2,349 participants were included. The nonhormonal therapies used in the included studies were classified as follows: lifestyle changes, mind‐body techniques, dietary/supplements, SSRIs/SNRIs, other medications, and other therapies. Pairwise meta‐analysis showed that the general effect of nonhormonal management was statistically more effective than no treatment/placebo/sham in reducing hot flash frequency (SMD = −0.60, 95% CI [−1.13, −0.06]; P = 0.03)) and hot flash score (SMD = −0.38, 95% CI [−0.68, −0.08]). For hot flash frequency, results from the NMA showed that there was no statistically significant difference between any two of the nonhormonal treatments. Another NMA result indicated that acupuncture (other therapies) was 16.05 points more effective in reducing hot flash scores than no treatment/waitlist (SMD = −16.05, 95% CI [−30.2, −1.99]). These results were statistically significant. Acupuncture was also ranked the optimal nonhormonal therapy for both hot flash frequency and hot flash score. The safety analysis showed that there were few related adverse events during acupuncture and that drug related adverse reactions could have also occurred in studies using drug interventions Conclusions. This network meta‐analysis comparing nonhormonal treatments suggested that acupuncture might be more effective in improving hot flashes for breast cancer survivors. A pronounced placebo response was found during hot flash treatments. The evidence of safety for nonhormonal therapies was also insufficient. Therefore, at present, we cannot make confirmative recommendations of nonhormonal hot flash management for breast cancer survivors. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018082008).
Factors Affecting Choice of Childbirth Place among Childbearing Age Women in Western Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bekuma Tariku Tesfaye , Firrisa Belaynesh , Negero Melese Girmaye , Kejela Gemechu , Bikila Haile
Published: April 2020

Background. Access to proper medical attention and hygienic conditions during delivery can reduce the risk of complications and infections that may lead to serious illness or death or for the mother, baby, or both. In Ethiopia, the high maternal mortality rate with delivery by unskilled birth attendants shows low utilization of maternal health services. Objective. This study was aimed at assessing factors determining the choice of childbirth place among women of childbearing age in Jimma Arjo District. Method. A cross-sectional design was conducted in Jimma Arjo District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia, from March 20 to April 20, 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a total sample of 506 participants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to interview women of childbearing age with two trained data collectors. Data was entered into Epi Info and exported to SPSS software version 20 for analysis. Data was checked for its completeness, cleaned, entered, and analyzed accordingly. Bivariate and multivariable data analyses were used to examine factors affecting choice of childbirth place. Results. A total of 506 women participated in this study, giving a response rate of 97.8%. The study investigated that home delivery was found to be 200 (39.5%)in the study area. Factors found to be statistically associated with choice of institutional delivery at p<0.05 were history of obstetric difficulties (AOR=6, 95%CI=2.08,17.60), woman educational status (AOR=4.4, 95%CI=1.47,13.42), husband educational status (AOR=4, 95%CI=1.43,11.60), two or more ANC visits (AOR=4, 95%CI=1.95,8.52), and accessibility to vehicle transportation (AOR=2.8, 95%CI=1.23,6.46). Conclusion. Preferring health facility as the birthplace in this study seems relatively better compared to other studies. It is shown that both mothers and their husbands attending secondary and greater educational level, history of obstetric difficulties, two or more ANC visits, and physical accessibility to health care facility have influenced mothers to prefer a health institution as the childbirth place. Therefore, any programs aimed at increasing the choice of institutional delivery should work on increasing ANC attendance and transportation facilities in the study area.
Exosomes as Mediators of Cell-to-Cell Communication in Thyroid Disease
Authors: Wang Yi , Xu Feng , Zhong Jia-Yu , Lin Xiao , Shan Su-Kang , Guo Bei , Zheng Ming-Hui , Yuan Ling-Qing
Published: April 2020

Exosomes are a type of extracellular vehicle, formed by budding cell membranes, containing proteins, DNA, and RNA. Concentrated cargoes from parent cells are enveloped in exosomes, which are cell specific and may have functions in the recipient cell, reflecting a novel physiological and pathological mechanism in disease development. As a transmitter, exosomes shuttle to different cells or tissues and mediate communications among these organelles. To date, several studies have demonstrated that exosomes play crucial roles in disease pathogenesis and development, such as breast and prostate cancer. However, studies investigating connections between exosomes and thyroid disease are limited. In this review, recent research advances on exosomes in thyroid cancer and Graves’ disease are reviewed. These studies suggest that exosomes are involved in thyroid disease and appear as impressive potentials in thyroid therapeutic areas.
Methotrexate-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder Developed Ectopically in the Maxillary Gingiva and Bilateral Lungs
Authors: Obata Kyoichi , Okui Tatsuo , Kishimoto Koji , Ibaragi Soichiro , Sasaki Akira
Published: April 2020

A 58-year-old Japanese woman complained of a painful right maxillary premolar gingiva and ulcer. The patient had RA and had been treated with several immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate. Head and neck CT indicated no obvious bone destruction with maxillary. However, chest CT indicated the presence of nodular mass of the bilateral lungs. FDG-PET/CT indicated the presence of increased uptake in both lesions. On immunohistochemistry, atypical large-sized lymphocytes were positive for CD20 and EBER-ISH and negative for CD3, CD5, and CD10; the Ki-67 labeling index was high, the histopathological diagnosis was EBV-positive DLBCL, and the clinical diagnosis was MTX-LPD. The patient’s treatment with MTX was then discontinued; we removed the alveolar bone which necrosed after 5 weeks. The lesion and the nodular mass at the bilateral lungs had completely disappeared after 7 weeks.