bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of allicin administration on reproductive efficiency, immunity and lipid peroxidation of rabbit does under high ambient temperature
Authors: El‐Ratel Ibrahim T. , Abdel‐Khalek Abdel‐Khalek E. , Gabr Sherif A. , Hammad Mohamed E. , El‐Morsy Hanan I.
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the effect of daily oral administration with allicin levels (0, 5 and 10 mg/kg of female body weight), 30 days pre‐insemination, on reproductive performance in vivo and in vitro, immunity, and oxidative stress of rabbit does under high ambient temperature. Niliparous NZW does (n = 105) were randomly divided into three groups (35 in each) treated with 0, 5 and 10 mg allicin dissolved in 2 ml distilled water, respectively, for 30 days pre‐insemination. At the end of treatment (30 days), does were artificially inseminated with fresh diluted semen of 20 fertile NZW bucks. Reproductive performance and ovulatory response parameters were determined. Serum biochemicals, enzyme activity, immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) and antioxidant status were determined on day 30 of treatment. Serum progesterone and prolactin were determined pre‐insemination (30 days of treatment), on 15 days of pregnancy and 7 days post‐partum. Results showed that both allicin levels increased live litter size, and bunny viability rat and litter size at birth and weaning. Allicin levels increased ovulation rate and improved embryo quality. Number of total follicles decreased only with 10 mg allicin. Progesterone increased pre‐insemination, 15 days of pregnancy and 7 days post‐partum progesterone by allicin levels. Prolactin pre‐insemination and on day 7 post‐partum increased with 10 mg allicin. Serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, IgG and IgM increased, while glucose, aspartate and alanine aminotransaminases, and thiobarbituric acid reaction decreased by both allicin levels. In conclusion, the mechanism by which allicin administration 30 days pre‐insemination to improve the reproductive performance of rabbit does is based on that allicin can play an important role, as a natural exogenous antioxidant, increasing immune response and reducing lipid peroxidation.
Coupling of microstructural and macrostructural computational approaches for asphalt pavements under rolling tire load
Authors: Wollny I. , Hartung F. , Kaliske M. , Liu P. , Oeser M. , Wang D. , Canon Falla G. , Leischner S. , Wellner F.
Published: January 2020

To combine the advantages of microstructural finite element (FE) models of asphalt composites and macrostructural FE models of pavement structures subjected to rolling tire load, this article introduces a novel consistent simulation chain. Starting with experimental tests of asphalt mortar, an existing microstructural FE model of a Stone Mastic Asphalt, which contains coarse aggregates, asphalt mortar and air voids, is parameterized and validated. The microstructural model is then applied to identify macroscopic (homogenized) material properties of the asphalt mixture that are used in FE computations of two pavement structures under rolling tire load. The macrostructural pavement computations are evaluated by a new macro–micro‐interface that generates realistic time‐dependent displacement boundary conditions representing the rolling tire loading conditions for the microstructural model. A verification and exemplary microstructural computations at rolling tire load boundary conditions show that the introduced simulation chain allows for the investigation of the processes, stresses, and strains inside the asphalt composite at realistic loading conditions. Results can, for example, be used to improve the experimental tests on the component level as well as to gain a better understanding of the interacting processes in asphalt mixtures under rolling tire load.
Anorectal manometry in children with defecation disorders BSPGHAN Motility Working Group consensus statement
Authors: Athanasakos Eleni , Cleeve Stewart , Thapar Nikhil , Lindley Keith , Perring Steve , Cronin Hannah , Borrelli Osvaldo , Mutalib Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Defecatory disorders in children, including chronic constipation (CC) and fecal incontinence (FI), are common conditions worldwide and have a significant impact on children, their families, and the healthcare system. Anorectal manometry (ARM) and high‐resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) are relatively novel tools for the assessment of anal sphincter function and rectal sensation and have contributed significantly to improving the understanding of the anorectum as a functional unit. ARM has been recognized as the investigation of choice for adults with symptoms of defecation disorders, including fecal incontinence (FI), evacuation difficulties, and constipation. Although it is the gold standard tool in adults, it has yet to be formally accepted as a standardized diagnostic tool in the pediatric age, with limited knowledge regarding indications, protocol, and normal values. ARM/HRAM is slowly becoming recognized among pediatricians, but given that there are currently no agreed guidelines there is a risk that will lead to diversity in practice. The British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN)—Motility Working Group (MWG) therefore has taken the opportunity to provide guidance on the use of ARM/HRAM in children with CC and/or FI.
Population variation in early development can determine ecological resilience in response to environmental change
Authors: Walter Greg M. , Catara Stefania , Bridle Jon R. , Cristaudo Antonia
Published: January 2020

As climate change transforms seasonal patterns of temperature and precipitation, germination success at marginal temperatures will become critical for the long‐term persistence of many plant species and communities. If populations vary in their environmental sensitivity to marginal temperatures across a species’ geographical range, populations that respond better to future environmental extremes are likely to be critical for maintaining ecological resilience of the species.

Using seeds from two to six populations for each of nine species of Mediterranean plants, we characterized patterns of among‐population variation in environmental sensitivity by quantifying genotype‐by‐environment interactions (G × E) for germination success at temperature extremes, and under two light regimes representing conditions below and above the soil surface.

For eight of nine species tested at hot and cold marginal temperatures, we observed substantial among‐population variation in environmental sensitivity for germination success, and this often depended on the light treatment. Importantly, different populations often performed best at different environmental extremes.

Our results demonstrate that ongoing changes in temperature regime will affect the phenology, fitness, and demography of different populations within the same species differently. We show that quantifying patterns of G × E for multiple populations, and understanding how such patterns arise, can test mechanisms that promote ecological resilience.
Comfort positioning during procedures in pediatric dermatology
Authors: Skaljic Meliha , McGinnis Andrea , Streicher Jenna L.
Published: January 2020

Procedures performed in pediatric dermatology can often be painful or distressing for patients and their families. Comfort positioning, which involves sitting the child upright, immobilized and held by a caretaker, is one strategy that may be employed in this setting; this measure has been shown to reduce patient distress, improve cooperation and give caretakers a more active role in the procedure. We demonstrate several positions of comfort for dermatologic procedures involving the arm, cheek, back and leg of a young child.
Higher levels of TNF and IL‐4 cytokines and low miR‐182 expression in visceral leishmaniasis‐HIV co‐infected patients
Authors: Barbosa Júnior Walter Lins , Justo Alda Maria , Aguiar dos Santos Ana Maria , de Lorena Virginia Maria Barros , do Carmo Rodrigo Feliciano , de Melo Fábio Lopes , de Medeiros Zulma Maria , Vasconcelos Luydson Richardson Silva
Published: January 2020

Aims

The aim of the present study was to assess serum cytokine and miRNA expression in visceral leishmaniasis‐HIV (VL‐HIV) co‐infection and HIV mono‐infection.

Methods and results

We analysed 113 serum samples from HIV patients in areas endemic for leishmaniasis. The diagnosis of VL was confirmed in 65 of these 113 samples. The VL‐HIV and HIV groups presented significant differences regarding haemoglobin level (P < .0001), lymphocyte count (P = .0444), white blood cell count (P = .0108), weight loss (P = .0310), HIV load (P < .0001) and CD4+ T‐lymphocytes count (P = .0003). Levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10, IFN‐γ and IL‐6, IFN‐γ and IL‐10, TNF and IL‐2 were positively correlated in VL‐HIV co‐infection, indicating higher serum levels of TNF and IL‐4 (P < .0001). In addition, miR‐182 expression was found to be significantly higher in HIV (P = .009), miR‐210 exhibited no statistically significant difference between groups, and nonexpression of miR‐122 was found in both groups.

Conclusion

Together, TNF, IL‐4 and miR‐182 may represent circulatory biomarkers of VL‐HIV co‐infection.
Unintended Consequences of Automated Vehicles and Pooling for Urban Transportation Systems
Authors: Naumov Sergey , Keith David R. , Fine Charles H.
Published: January 2020

Automated vehicles (AVs) have emerged rapidly in recent years, becoming a focus of high expectations and heated debates. Advocates argue that the arrival of AVs will make driving safer, greener, cheaper, and faster, bringing ubiquitous access to transportation while significantly reducing traffic congestion and environmental impacts. Skeptics, in contrast, suggest that the appeal of AVs will induce additional driving, offsetting or even overwhelming the positive effects of increased automation. Many analysts now believe that the solution lies in ensuring that most vehicle trips are shared to serve the same number of passenger miles with fewer vehicle miles, reducing traffic congestion. However, these analyses fail to recognize that reducing congestion will induce yet more demand for driving and attract riders from other transportation modes including public transit, which is already experiencing falling ridership in many cities. In this study, we explore the impact of AVs and pooling on consumer mode choice and the effect on the performance of both road and public transit systems. We show that the well‐intentioned move to promote pooling may have the unintended consequence of triggering a public transit death spiral, leading to both worse public transit quality and more rather than less traffic congestion. We argue that the deployment of AVs and pooling can be effective at accelerating the transition to sustainable urban mobility, but only when accompanied by policies that make driving less attractive, not more.
Hoarding for stormy days—Test of international reserves adjustment providing financial buffer stock services
Authors: Aizenman Joshua , Jinjarak Yothin
Published: January 2020

This paper outlines a tractable cost‐benefit analysis of the buffer stock financial services provided by international reserves (IR) and applies it to eight of the largest Emerging Markets (BRICS, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey) during 2000–2019. The efficient management of IR generates sizable benefits for countries characterized by hard‐currency external debt. These benefits increase with the volatility of the real exchange rates and sovereign spreads. While the first‐best policy calls for prudential regulations, counter‐cyclical management of hoarding reserves in good times and selling them in bad times provides buffers stock financial services adding up to about 3% of the gross domestic product during our sample period.
Long‐eccentricity regulated climate control on fluvial incision and aggradation in the Palaeocene of north‐eastern Montana (USA)
Authors: Noorbergen Lars J. , Turtu Antonio , Kuiper Klaudia F. , Kasse Cornelis , van Ginneken Sverre , Dekkers Mark J. , Krijgsman Wout , Abels Hemmo A. , Hilgen Frederik J.
Published: January 2020

Aggradation and fluvial incision controlled by downstream base‐level changes at timescales of 10 to 500 kyr is incorporated in classic sequence stratigraphic models. However, upstream climate control on sediment supply and discharge variability causes fluvial incision and aggradation as well. Orbital forcing often regulates climate change at 10 to 500 kyr timescales while tectonic processes such as flexural (un)loading exert a dominant control at timescales longer than 500 kyr. It remains challenging to attribute fluvial incision and aggradation to upstream or downstream processes or disentangle allogenic from autogenic forcing, because time control is mostly limited in fluvial successions. The Palaeocene outcrops of the fluvial Lebo Shale Member in north‐eastern Montana (Williston Basin, USA) constitute an exception. This study uses a distinctive tephra layer and two geomagnetic polarity reversals to create a 15 km long chronostratigraphic framework based on the correlation of twelve sections. Three aggradation–incision sequences are identified with durations of approximately 400 kyr, suggesting a relation with long‐eccentricity. This age control further reveals that incision occurred during the approach of – or during – a 405 kyr long‐eccentricity minimum. A long‐term relaxation of the hydrological cycle related to such an orbital phasing potentially exerts an upstream climate control on river incision. Upstream, an expanding vegetation cover is expected because of an increasingly constant moisture supply to source areas. Entrapping by vegetation led to a significantly reduced sediment supply relative to discharge, especially at times of low evapotranspiration. Hence, high discharges resulted in incision. This study assesses the long‐eccentricity regulated climate control on fluvial aggradation and incision in a new aggradation–incision sequence model.
Does stress transmission in forelands depend on structural style? Distinctive stress magnitudes during Sevier thin‐skinned and Laramide thick‐skinned layer‐parallel shortening in the Bighorn Basin (USA) revealed by stylolite and calcite twinning paleopiezometry
Authors: Beaudoin Nicolas , Lacombe Olivier , David Marie‐Eléonore , Koehn Daniel
Published: January 2020

The Sheep Mountain‐Little Sheep Mountain Anticlines, Bighorn Basin (USA) formed as basement‐cored Laramide structures in the formerly undeformed foreland of the thin‐skinned Sevier orogen. We take advantage of the well‐constrained microstructural network there to reconstruct differential stress magnitudes that prevailed during both Sevier and Laramide layer‐parallel shortening (LPS), before the onset of large‐scale folding. Differential stress magnitudes determined from tectonic stylolites are compared and combined to previous stress estimates from calcite twinning paleopiezometry in the same formations. During stress loading related to LPS, differential stress magnitudes transmitted from the distant Sevier thin‐skinned orogen into the sedimentary cover of the Bighorn basin (11–43 MPa) are higher than the differential stress magnitudes accompanying the early stage of LPS related to the thick‐skinned Laramide deformation (2–19 MPa). This study illustrates that the tectonic style of an orogen affects the transmission of early orogenic stress into the stable continental interior.
Detection of Felis catus papillomavirus type‐2 DNA and viral gene expression suggest active infection in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Altamura Gennaro , Cardeti Giusy , Cersini Antonella , Eleni Claudia , Cocumelli Cristiano , Bartolomé del Pino Leticia Elisa , Razzuoli Elisabetta , Martano Manuela , Maiolino Paola , Borzacchiello Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Papillomavirus (PV) infection is associated with development of epithelial cancer in different species, including domestic cat (Felis catus). Felis catus PV type‐2 (FcaPV‐2) is considered the causative agent of a proportion of feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), through the transforming properties of its E6 and E7 oncogenes. However, the possible role of FcaPVs in the aetiology of feline oral SCC (FOSCC) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and gene expression of FcaPV‐2 in FOSCC samples. We detected FcaPV‐2 DNA in 10/32 (31%) of the analysed FOSCC by the use of PCR methods. Importantly, viral mRNA was detected by RT‐PCR in 7/10 (70%) of DNA positive samples. In particular, FcaPV‐2 L1, E2 and E6E7 genes were found to be expressed in 5/10 (50%), 3/10 (33%) and 5/10 (50%) samples, respectively. Viral DNA was also detected in non neoplastic oral ulcerative lesions (ULs) (4/11, 36%); qPCR suggested a difference in viral load between ULs and FOSCCs, particularly in those expressing E6E7, although it was not statistically significant. These data suggest, but do not definively prove, a possible role of FcaPV‐2 in the development of a proportion of FOSCC. Moreover, L1 and E2 gene expression results indicate that FcaPV‐2 infection associated with these tumours may possibly be productive.
Medicina científica y filosofía natural: Dos aportes de José Celestino Mutis al desarrollo integral de las ciencias en Colombia
Authors: Gómez Gutierrez Alberto , Bernal Villegas Jaime E.
Published: January 2020

Imagen de la medicina
Centro de Simulación Clínica Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Primer centro colombiano de simulación de alta fidelidad
Authors: Amaya Afanador Adalberto
Published: January 2020

Imagen de la medicina
Educación médica actual: un reto conceptual
Authors: Amaya A. Adalberto
Published: January 2020

Editorial
Percepciones de los estudiantes de primer semestre de Medicina de sus actitudes académicas frente al curso de anatomía
Authors: Ruiz Fabio Enrique , Cortés Michelle
Published: January 2020

Introducción. El curso de anatomía de la carrera de Medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana ofrece una metodología basada en el aprendizaje cooperativo. Para valorar las distintas actividades de dedicación personal y estudio de los estudiantes, se diseñó una autoevaluación dirigida de sus percepciones sobre sus propias actitudes con respecto al curso.
Uso de la mamografía de tamizaje en las pacientes con diagnóstico con cáncer de seno en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Centro Javeriano de Oncología
Authors: Angarita Fernando Andrés , Acuña Sergio Andrés , Tawil Mauricio , Ruiz Álvaro J. , Torregosa Liliana
Published: January 2020

Introducción. Actualmente el cáncer de seno ha logrado trascender en la salud de las mujeres colombianas, por ser una enfermedad con alta mortalidad. Hoy por hoy, se ofrece tamizaje de oportunidad con mamografía para mujeres mayores de 50 años, pero aún es escasa la información sobre cómo se están detectando los nuevos casos en Colombia.
El modelo de la complejidad frente a los modelos psicológicos tradicionales de la ansiedad ante la muerte
Authors: Álvarez Leonardo Yovany
Published: January 2020

El tema de la ansiedad ante la muerte ha sido objeto de investigación desde diferentes perspectivas psicológicas, hace parte de muchos cursos de tanatología para estudiantes delárea de la salud y, también, de algunos cursos para operadores encargados de trabajar con pacientes terminales. La ansiedad ante la muerte es un fenómeno complejo que involucra las capacidades de afrontamiento del individuo pero a su vez implica la confrontación de la experiencia vital, la integración de la misma, la resolución de expectativas, el duelo, en un momento que se torna implacable. En la presente revisión sobre la ansiedad ante la muerte, se analizan algunos de los modelos psicológicos individualistas, vinculares y psicosociales. Se discuten los alcances y limitaciones de la perspectiva explicativa unidireccional de laansiedad ante la muerte desde la cual se la aprecia como un evento generador de defensa psicológica y de reacciones de evitación, ya sea mediante la postergación, la atribuciónexterna, la búsqueda de la plenitud en la individuación dejando de lado las contradicciones, ambigüedades, borrosidades y ambivalencias que dicho fenómeno psicológico tiene, lo cual deriva variadas implicaciones para su comprensión e intervención no sólo dentro de la institución sanitaria sino desde el ámbito social y comunitario.
Telemedicina: historia, aplicaciones y nuevas herramientas en el aprendizaje
Authors: Cáceres-Méndez Edward A. , Castro-Díaz Sergio M. , Gómez-Restrepo Carlos , Puyuna Juan Carlos
Published: January 2020

Introducción: En la actualidad las intervenciones en salud ya sean de tipo diagnóstico o terapéutico no son distribuidas equitativamente, por lo cual garantizar la prestación de servicios de salud representa un reto incesante para muchos programas en diferentes países; sin embargo, gracias a los avances tecnológicos en telecomunicación y procesos de imágenes, es ahora posible ofrecer varios servicios de salud a un mayor número de la población a distancia con un buen nivel de calidad; esto se define como telemedicina.Método: A través de una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura médica en las bases de datos: Medline, ieeexplore, Scielo, por medio de las palabras mesh: Medical informatics, technology management, telemedicine, E-health, Latinoamérica, se buscó reconocer los datos relevantes con respecto a la historia, las aplicaciones actuales y futuras de la telemedicina.Desarrollo: Después de seleccionar la mejor evidencia según los objetivos de esta revisión, se procedió a analizar la importancia de la historia, aplicaciones en especialidades de medicina, ventajas y desventajas, barreras que limiten el desarrollo, y experiencias de la telemedicina en Latinoamérica.Conclusión: Actualmente el uso de la telemedicina avanza rápidamente y podría representar una buena alternativa para complementar en términosde costo-efectividad a muchos de los programas de salud que se ven alrededor del mundo, ya que facilita la toma de decisiones terapéuticas y diagnósticas en diferentes escenarios clínicos y complementa la formación académica en las escuelas de medicina; sin embargo, aun existen barreras de infraestructura principalmente los altos costos de inicio e instalación, que deben ser tenidos en cuenta, en especial para los países en desarrollo.
Endarterectomía carotídea en octogenarios: comparación de desenlaces con pacientes menores de 80 años, experiencia en la Fundación Cardio Infantil
Authors: Monroy Melo Fernando , Cepeda Páez Katerine Andrea , Camacho Mackenzie Jaime , Pinzón Flórez Carlos Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Introducción. Dado el incremento de los pacientes con edades superiores a los 80 años que son llevados a cirugía cada año en nuestra institución, consideramos importante conocer el comportamiento en términos de morbilidad y mortalidad tempranas de los pacientes octogenarios sometidos a endarterectomía carotídea.Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados a 30 días de pacientes octogenarios con enfermedad carotídea grave, sintomática y asintomática, sometidos a endarterectomía carotídea, comparados con una cohorte histórica de pacientes de menor edad operados desde 1995 en la Fundación Cardio Infantil. Se registraron como variables dependientes la mortalidad y el accidente cerebrovascular.Resultados. Se registraron 218 endarterectomías carotídeas, 189 (86,6%) en pacientes menores de 80 años y 30 (13,4%) en pacientes octogenarios. En pacientes octogenarios no se presentaron accidentes cerebrovasculares (0%) y la mortalidad fue de 3,3%. En el grupo de pacientes menores de 80 años se presentaron accidentes cerebrovasculares (1,7%) y muerte (1,1%). Conclusiones. Los pacientes octogenarios con adecuada funcionalidad y sin contraindicaciones claras pueden ser sometidos a endarterectomía carotídea de manera segura.
Neurocirugía ablativa estereotáctica en las adicciones
Authors: Castaño Juliana , Díaz María Virginia
Published: January 2020

El tema de la neurocirugía ablativa para las adicciones ha sido objeto de investigación desde diferentes perspectivas, tanto en su aspecto neurofisiológico como psiquiátrico. Los nuevos datos y conocimientos han demostrado la gran importancia de las conexiones entre las diferentes áreas del cerebro, cuya actividad uncional se altera durante el desarrollo del fenómeno adictivo; por eso, es importante vincular el conocimiento anatómico y neurofisiológico del sistema mesolímbico para desarrollar técnicas quirúrgicas como métodos curativos o paliativos para las adicciones.En la presente revisión sobre la neurocirugía ablativa para las adicciones, se analizan la anatomía y la neurofisiología del sistema límbico, particularmente del núcleo accumbens, y se discuten los alcances y las limitaciones de las técnicas quirúrgicas actuales, las cuales deben tenerse en cuenta para futuros avances en el campo neuroquirúrgico.
Air-stable alucone thin films deposited by molecular layer deposition using a 4-mercaptophenol organic reactant
Authors: Baek GeonHo , Lee Seunghwan , Lee Jung-Hoon , Park Jin-Seong
Published: January 2020

Molecular layer deposition (MLD) is a thin film technique to make a pure organic coating or hybrid organic–inorganic film, sequentially dosing organic–organic or organic–inorganic precursors, respectively. In this study, hybrid organic–inorganic alucone films were fabricated via MLD using 4-mercaptophenol and trimethylaluminum as organic and metal precursors, respectively, over the deposition temperature range of 100–200 °C. The fabricated film was very stable without degradation when exposed to the atmosphere, and the characteristic change was confirmed through annealing under vacuum at 300–750 °C. After annealing, the thickness of the alucone films decreased and the bonding of the carbon ring changed, as revealed by the spectroscopic ellipsometer, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. The annealed alucone films showed thermal polymerization, and their carbon ring structures transformed into graphitic carbon flakes. The alucone film annealed at 750 °C showed an electrical resistivity of 0.55 Ω cm. Annealed MLD alucone films, which are hybrid materials, are potential candidates for applications in electronic, capacitor, and thermoelectric devices.
Effect of proton irradiation on the mobility of two-dimensional electron in AlGaN/AlN/GaN high electron mobility transistors at low temperature
Authors: Tang Jinjin , Liu Guipeng , Zhao Guijuan , Xing Shu’an , Malik Salamat Ali
Published: January 2020

The authors simulated the damage caused by proton irradiation to the device and analyzed the effect of proton irradiation on two-dimensional electron mobility taking various scattering mechanisms into account. Proton-irradiation simulation of the AlGaN/AlN/GaN HEMT device was carried out to obtain the irradiation simulation results by using SRIM software. Then, considering various scattering mechanisms, the authors established a model to simulate two-dimensional electron mobility under different proton energy and irradiation doses at low temperature. The theoretical data show that proton irradiation significantly decreased the mobility of a two-dimensional electron in a GaN-based HEMT at low temperature.
Absolute pressure and gas species identification with an optically levitated rotor
Authors: Blakemore Charles P. , Martin Denzal , Fieguth Alexander , Kawasaki Akio , Priel Nadav , Rider Alexander D. , Gratta Giorgio
Published: January 2020

The authors describe a novel variety of spinning-rotor vacuum gauge in which the rotor is a ∼4.7−μm−diameter silica microsphere, optically levitated. A rotating electrostatic field is used to apply torque to the permanent electric dipole moment of the silica microsphere and control its rotational degrees of freedom. When released from a driving field, the microsphere’s angular velocity decays exponentially with a damping time inversely proportional to the residual gas pressure and dependent on gas composition. The gauge is calibrated by measuring the rotor mass with electrostatic co-levitation and assuming a spherical shape, confirmed separately, and uniform density. The gauge is cross-checked against a capacitance manometer by observing the torsional drag due to a number of different gas species. The techniques presented can be used to perform absolute vacuum measurements localized in space, owing to the small dimensions of the microsphere and the ability to translate the optical trap in three dimensions, as well as measurements in magnetic field environments. In addition, the dynamics of the microsphere, paired with a calibrated vacuum gauge, can be used to measure the effective molecular mass of a gas mixture without the need for ionization and at pressures up to approximately 1 mbar.
Strength, Conditioning, and Nutritional Considerations for High-Level Performers
Authors: Kreider Richard B.
Published: January 2020

Strength, conditioning, and nutrition play an important role in preparing athletes to perform to the best of their ability. For this reason, nearly all competitive teams employ strength and conditioning specialists to prepare their athletes for competition, and most teams have sport dietitians and/or nutrition consultants as part of their performance-enhancement team. Academic and professional preparation of strength and conditioning and sport-nutrition specialists in kinesiology programs has opened up a number of career opportunities for students and scholars. In addition, advances in technology have enhanced the ability of strength and conditioning specialists and sport nutritionists to monitor athletes during training and competition. This paper provides an overview of the history, professional preparation, program components, and general principals of strength and conditioning and sport nutrition and the impact they have had on high-level performance, as well as future trends in these fields.
Bacillus subtilis Fur Is a Transcriptional Activator for the PerR-Repressed
pfeT
Gene, Encoding an Iron Efflux Pump
Authors: Pinochet-Barros Azul , Helmann John D.
Published: January 2020

Iron homeostasis plays a key role at the host-pathogen interface during the process of infection. Bacterial growth restriction resulting from host-imposed iron starvation (nutritional immunity) highlights the importance of iron import during pathogenesis. Conversely, bacterial iron efflux pumps function as virulence factors in several systems. The requirement for iron efflux in pathogens such as
Listeria monocytogenes
,
Streptococcus pyogenes
, and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
suggests that both import and efflux are needed for cells to successfully navigate rapidly changing levels of iron availability in the host. Here, we provide insight into how iron efflux genes are controlled, an aspect of bacterial iron homeostasis relevant to infectious disease processes.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus 3A Protein Causes Upregulation of Autophagy-Related Protein LRRC25 To Inhibit the G3BP1-Mediated RIG-Like Helicase-Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Wenping , Li Dan , Ru Yi , Bai Juncui , Ren Jingjing , Zhang Jing , Li Lulu , Liu Xiangtao , Zheng Haixue
Published: January 2020

We show that foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) 3A inhibits retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like helicase signaling by degrading G3BP1 protein. Furthermore, FMDV 3A reduces G3BP1 by upregulating the expression of autophagy-related protein LRRC25. Additionally, other picornavirus 3A proteins, such as Seneca Valley virus (SVV) 3A, enterovirus 71 (EV71) 3A, and encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) 3A, also degrade G3BP1 by upregulating LRRC25 expression. This study will help us improve the design of current vaccines and aid the development of novel control strategies to combat FMD.
Biogeographic Patterns in Members of Globally Distributed and Dominant Taxa Found in Port Microbial Communities
Authors: Ghannam Ryan B. , Schaerer Laura G. , Butler Timothy M. , Techtmann Stephen M.
Published: January 2020

Microbes are ubiquitous throughout the world and are highly diverse. Characterizing the extent of variation in the microbial diversity across large geographic spatial scales is a challenge yet can reveal a lot about what biogeography can tell us about microbial populations and their behavior. Machine learning approaches have been used mostly to examine the human microbiome and, to some extent, microbial communities from the environment. Here, we display how supervised machine learning approaches can be useful to understand microbial biodiversity and biogeography using microbes from globally distributed shipping ports. Our findings indicate that the members of globally dominant phyla are important for differentiating locations, which reduces the reliance on rare taxa to probe geography. Further, this study displays how global biogeographic patterning of aquatic microbial communities (and other systems) can be assessed through populations of the highly abundant and ubiquitous taxa that dominant the system.
Effect of HIV Envelope Vaccination on the Subsequent Antibody Response to HIV Infection
Authors: Ditse Zanele , Mkhize Nonhlanhla N. , Yin Michael , Keefer Michael , Montefiori David C. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Churchyard Gavin , Mayer Kenneth H. , Karuna Shelly , Morgan Cecilia , Bekker Linda-Gail , Mlisana Koleka , Gray Glenda , Moodie Zoe , Gilbert Peter , Moore Penny L. , Williamson Carolyn , Morris Lynn
Published: January 2020

There is a wealth of information on HIV-specific vaccine-induced immune responses among HIV-uninfected participants; however, data on immune responses among participants who acquire HIV after vaccination are limited. Here we show that HIV-specific binding antibody responses in individuals with breakthrough HIV infections were not affected by prior vaccination with HIV envelope-containing immunogens. We also found that these vectored vaccines did not prime tier 2 virus-neutralizing antibody responses, which are thought to be required for prevention against HIV acquisition, or accelerate the development of neutralization breadth. Although this study is limited, such studies can provide insights into whether vaccine-elicited antibody responses are boosted by HIV infection to acquire broader neutralizing activity, which may help to identify antigens relevant to the design of more effective vaccines.
Bifidobacterium longum R0175 Protects Rats against
d
-Galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Wang Kaicen , Lv Longxian , Yan Ren , Wang Qiangqiang , Jiang Huiyong , Wu Wenrui , Li Yating , Ye Jianzhong , Wu Jingjing , Yang Liya , Bian Xiaoyuan , Jiang Xianwan , Lu Yanmeng , Xie Jiaojiao , Wang Qing , Shen Jian , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2020

Our research investigated the protective and preventive roles of
B. longum
R0175 in a rat model of acute liver failure. The results illustrated that this probiotic strain exhibited protective effects in rats with acute liver failure. Thus,
B. longum
R0175 showed clinical application prospects that required further exploration.
Role of Horizontal Gene Transfer in the Development of Multidrug Resistance in Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Hegstad Kristin , Mylvaganam Haima , Janice Jessin , Josefsen Ellen , Sivertsen Audun , Skaare Dagfinn
Published: January 2020

Haemophilus influenzae
colonizes the respiratory tract in humans and causes both invasive and noninvasive infections. As a threat to treatment, resistance against critically important antibiotics is on the rise in
H. influenzae
. Identifying mechanisms for horizontal acquisition of resistance genes is important to understand how multidrug resistance develops. The present study explores the antimicrobial resistance genes and their context in beta-lactam-resistant
H. influenzae
with coresistance to up to four non-beta-lactam groups. The results reveal that this organism is capable of acquiring resistance to a wide range of commonly used antibiotics through conjugative transfer of mobile genetic elements and transformation of chromosomal genes, resulting in mosaic genes with a broader resistance spectrum. Strains with chromosomally mediated resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, co-trimoxazole, and quinolones combined with mobile genetic elements carrying genes mediating resistance to ampicillin, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol have been reported, and further dissemination of such strains represents a particular concern.
Transfer Learning for Toxoplasma gondii Recognition
Authors: Li Sen , Li Aijia , Molina Lara Diego Alejandro , Gómez Marín Jorge Enrique , Juhas Mario , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2020

Toxoplasma gondii
, one of the world’s most common parasites, can infect all types of warm-blooded animals, including one-third of the world’s human population. Artificial intelligence (AI) could provide accurate and rapid diagnosis in fighting
Toxoplasma
. So far, none of the previously reported deep learning methods have attempted to explore the advantages of transfer learning for
Toxoplasma
detection. The knowledge from parasitologists is that the
Toxoplasma
parasite is generally banana or crescent shaped. Based on this, we built connections between microscopic and macroscopic associated objects by embedding the fuzzy C-means cluster algorithm into the cycle generative adversarial network (Cycle GAN). Our approach achieves high accuracy and effectiveness in ×400 and ×1,000
Toxoplasma
microscopic images.
Predictors of neonatal mortality: development and validation of prognostic models using prospective data from rural Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Farhad A , Mullany Luke C , Wu Lee F-S , Ali Hasmot , Shaikh Saijuddin , Alland Kelsey , West Jr Keith P , Labrique Alain B
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the extent to which maternal histories of newborn danger signs independently or combined with birth weight and/or gestational age (GA) can capture and/or predict postsecond day (age>48 hours) neonatal death.

Methods

Data from a cluster-randomised trial conducted in rural Bangladesh were split into development and validation sets. The prompted recall of danger signs and birth weight measurements were collected within 48 hours postchildbirth. Maternally recalled danger signs included cyanosis (any part of the infant’s body was blue at birth), non-cephalic presentation (part other than head came out first at birth), lethargy (weak or no arm/leg movement and/or cry at birth), trouble suckling (infant unable to suckle/feed normally in the 2 days after birth or before death, collected 1-month postpartum or from verbal autopsy). Last menstrual period was collected at maternal enrolment early in pregnancy. Singleton newborns surviving 2 days past childbirth were eligible for analysis. Prognostic multivariable models were developed and internally validated.

Results

Recalling ≥1 sign of lethargy, cyanosis, non-cephalic presentation or trouble suckling identified postsecond day neonatal death with 65.3% sensitivity, 60.8% specificity, 2.1% positive predictive value (PPV) and 99.3% negative predictive value (NPV) in the development set. Requiring either lethargy or weight <2.5 kg identified 89.1% of deaths (at 39.7% specificity, 1.9% PPV and 99.6% NPV) while lethargy or preterm birth (<37 weeks) captured 81.0% of deaths (at 53.6% specificity, 2.3% PPV and 99.5% NPV). A simplified model (birth weight, GA, lethargy, cyanosis, non-cephalic presentation and trouble suckling) predicted death with good discrimination (validation area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC) 0.80, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.87). A further simplified model (GA, non-cephalic presentation, lethargy, trouble suckling) predicted death with moderate discrimination (validation AUC 0.74, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.81).

Conclusion

Maternally recalled danger signs, coupled to either birth weight or GA, can predict and capture postsecond day neonatal death with high discrimination and sensitivity.
Effect of knee extensor fatigue level and sex on bilateral jump-landing
Authors: Noh Byungjoo , Youm Chang Hong , Lee Myeounggon , Park Hwayoung , Son Minji , Kim Jinhee
Published: January 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fatigue level and sex on the range of motions of the lower extremities and impulses during the jump-landing phase after performing bilateral fatiguing tasks.

Methods

In total, 41 healthy young adults volunteered for this study. Participants’ jump-landing trajectories were monitored using nine cameras, and ground reaction forces were measured using a force plate. Participants performed five maximal bilateral countermovement jumps as prefatiguing tasks. The fatiguing tasks consisted of maximal effort contractions of the knee extensor at 60°/s on a dynamometer until task failure, defined as the inability to reach 50% of the peak knee extension torque for three consecutive times. The post-task maximal bilateral jumps were immediately captured after the participants failed the fatiguing task. Participants were asked to perform this cycle again, performing the fatiguing contraction task until failure to reach 30% of the peak knee extension torque.

Results and conclusion

It was found that the knee joint was more extended in the post-30% fatiguing task, which was due to the reduction of the flexion angle of the hip and knee joints in response to fatigue level. The impulses for both sexes were reduced at the severe fatigue level. Fatigability altered jump-landing kinematics, jump heights and impulses in response to fatigue level. The post-30% fatiguing task elicited more fatigue than the post-50% fatiguing task.
Determining the role of sport coaches in promoting athlete mental health: a narrative review and Delphi approach
Authors: Bissett James E. , Kroshus Emily , Hebard Stephen
Published: January 2020

Background

Coaches have the potential to support athlete mental wellness, but many are unsure what to do and concerned they may unintentionally engage in behaviours that negatively impact their athletes. Education has the potential to help coaches engage in primary, secondary and tertiary preventive behaviours related to athlete mental health; however, there exists no empirical or consensus basis for specifying the target behaviours that should be included in such education.

Objective

The aim of this research was to review extant literature about the role of sport coaches in mental health prevention and promotion, and obtain expert consensus about useful, appropriate and feasible coach behaviours.

Design

Modified Delphi methodology with exploration (ie, narrative review) and evaluation phase.

Data sources

Twenty-one articles from PubMed, PsycINFO and ProQuest, and grey literature published by prominent sport organisations.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

All studies were English-language articles that focused on the role of coaches as they relate to (1) culture setting in sport, (2) addressing athlete mental health and (3) providing ongoing support to athletes with mental health concerns. No study design, publication date limits or sport characteristics were applied.

Results

The coach’s role should include fostering team cultures that support athlete mental health, encouraging care-seeking and supporting athletes currently receiving mental healthcare.

Summary/Conclusion

The behaviours specified herein have implications for coach education programme development. This study is the first to use a structured Delphi process to develop specific recommendations about the role coaches can play in supporting athlete mental health.
A retrospective cohort study on the provision and outcomes of pharmacological therapy after revascularisation for peripheral arterial occlusive disease: a study protocol
Authors: Peters Frederik , Kreutzburg Thea , Kuchenbecker Jenny , Debus Sebastian , Marschall Ursula , L'Hoest Helmut , Behrendt Christian-Alexander
Published: January 2020

Background

Symptomatic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) involves highly complex and costly revascularisations for preventing adverse limb events and impaired survival. Contrary to recommendations from valid guidelines, a large group of patients do not receive adequate pharmacological therapy after such interventions. Based on health insurance claims data, our study aims to assess (1) the extent of provision of pharmacological therapy after revascularisation and (2) related long-term outcomes for all patients and subgroups, that is, gender and disease severity.

Methods

A retrospective observational population-based cohort study will be based on data from the second largest statutory health insurance fund in Germany (BARMER) covering about 13% of the insured population (~10 million patients). Study entry is the index revascularisation for symptomatic PAOD. Study variables will be analysed and compared among subgroups using parametric and non-parametric tests, generalised linear regression analysis and survival models.

Discussion

This study will provide a comprehensive insight in the extent and time trends of adequate provision of pharmacological therapy and long-term outcomes for patients with symptomatic PAOD. This may help to identify those patients benefiting most from improved pharmacological therapy for increasing the success of revascularisations in general.

Trial registration

NCT03909022.
Attitudes to ageing, biomarkers of ageing and mortality: the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936
Authors: McLachlan Kyle J J , Cole James H , Harris Sarah E , Marioni Riccardo E , Deary Ian J , Gale Catharine R
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate whether people with more positive attitudes to ageing are biologically younger as defined by leucocyte telomere length, accelerated DNA methylation GrimAge (AgeAccelGrim) and brain-predicted age difference, and whether these biomarkers explain relationships between attitudes to ageing and mortality.

Methods

We used linear regression to examine cross-sectionally attitudes to ageing (measured using the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire) and the three biomarkers in 758 adults, mean age 72.5 years, from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine longitudinally attitudes to ageing and mortality and the role of the biomarkers.

Results

More positive attitude to physical change was associated with younger biological age, as measured by AgeAccelGrim and brain-predicted age difference in age-adjusted and sex-adjusted models: for an SD higher score, AgeAccelGrim was lower by -0.73 (95% CI -1.03 to -0.42) of a year, and brain-predicted age difference was lower by -0.87 (1.51 to 0.23) of a year. Both associations were attenuated by adjustment for covariates and not significant after simultaneous adjustment for all covariates and correction for multiple testing. More positive attitudes to physical change were associated with lower mortality: for an SD higher score the age-adjusted and sex-adjusted HR (95% CI) was 0.66 (0.56 to 0.78). Adjustment for AgeAccelGrim or brain-predicted age difference attenuated this association slightly. It remained significant after adjustment for all covariates.

Conclusion

We found partial evidence that attitudes to ageing are linked with ageing biomarkers but they accounted for only a little of the association between attitudes and mortality.
Impact of banning smoking in cars with children on exposure to second-hand smoke: a natural experiment in England and Scotland
Authors: Laverty Anthony A , Hone Thomas , Vamos Eszter P , Anyanwu Philip E , Taylor-Robinson David , de Vocht Frank , Millett Christopher , Hopkinson Nicholas S
Published: January 2020

England banned smoking in cars carrying children in 2015 and Scotland in 2016. We used survey data from 3 years for both countries (NEngland=3483–6920, NScotland=232–319) to assess effects of the English ban using logistic regression within a difference-in-differences framework. Among children aged 13–15 years, self-reported levels of regular exposure to smoke in cars for Scotland were 3.4% in 2012, 2.2% in 2014 and 1.3% in 2016 and for England 6.3%, 5.9% and 1.6%. The ban in England was associated with a −4.1% (95% CI −4.9% to −3.3%) absolute reduction (72% relative reduction) in exposure to tobacco smoke among children.