bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood adherence to a potentially healthy and sustainable Nordic diet and later overweight: The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa)
Authors: Agnihotri Neha , Øverby Nina Cecilie , Bere Elling , Wills Andrew Keith , Brantsæter Anne Lise , Hillesund Elisabet Rudjord
Published: October 2020

The New Nordic Diet (NND) is a potentially healthy and sustainable dietary pattern represented by locally available and traditionally consumed foods in the Northern countries. The diet has been commonly examined in adult populations, but less is known regarding its potential associations with overweight/obesity in children. We have previously developed child diet scores measuring compliance to the NND at child age 6 and 18 months and 3 and 7 years. In this study, we aimed to describe child and maternal characteristics and assess potential associations between the age‐specific diet scores and child overweight at 8 years. This study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), including 14,989 mother–child pairs and uses data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN). The scores measured NND compliance as a total score and categorized into low, medium and high NND compliance at each age point. Using logistic regression models, we investigated the association between each age‐specific score and the odds of overweight at 8 years. In crude analyses, adherence to the NND at 6 months was inversely associated with odds of overweight at 8 years in the continuous score (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% CI [0.91, 0.98]) and when comparing high versus low NND adherence (odds ratio = 0.81, 95% CI [0.70, 0.94]). The association was almost entirely attenuated in the adjusted models. In conclusion, child NND adherence up to 7 years of age was not associated with odds of overweight at 8 years in adjusted analyses.
The contribution of extrachromosomal DNA to genome plasticity in malaria parasites
Authors: Zhang Xu , Deitsch Kirk W. , Kirkman Laura A.
Published: October 2020

Malaria caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum continues to impose significant morbidity and mortality, despite substantial investment into drug and vaccine development and deployment. Underlying the resilience of this parasite is its remarkable ability to undergo genome modifications, thus, providing parasite populations with extensive genetic variability that accelerates selection of drug resistance and limits the efficacy of most vaccines. This genome plasticity is rooted in the mechanisms of DNA repair that parasites employ to maintain genome integrity, a process skewed toward homologous recombination through the evolutionary loss of classical nonhomologous end joining. Repair of DNA double‐strand breaks have been shown to enable “shuffling” of antigen‐encoding gene sequences to vastly increase antigen diversity and to enable copy number expansion of genes that contribute to drug resistance. The latter phenomenon has been proposed to be a major contributor to the rise of resistance to several classes of antimalarial drugs. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, McDaniels and colleagues add yet another mechanism that malaria parasites use to reduce drug susceptibility by demonstrating that P. falciparum can maintain expanded arrays of drug resistance cassettes as stably replicating, circular, extrachromosomal DNAs, thus, expanding genome plasticity beyond the parasite’s 14 nuclear chromosomes.
Development and lifespan of Culicoides obsoletus s.s. (Meigen) and other livestock‐associated species reared at different temperatures under laboratory conditions
Authors: Barceló C. , Miranda M. A.
Published: October 2020

Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) transmit arboviruses affecting wild and domestic ruminants such as bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV). The sub‐adult development and lifespan of Culicoides obsoletus s.s. (Meigen), Culicoides circumscriptus Kieffer and Culicoides paolae Boorman were examined at three different temperatures under laboratory conditions. Insects were collected from field between spring and autumn 2015 in two livestock farms located in Majorca (Spain). Gravid females were held individually at 18, 25 or 30 °C. Low temperatures increased the adult lifespan, time to oviposit and rate of development, whereas high temperatures increased the number of eggs, successful pupation and adult emergence as well as the larvae growth rate. The results showed that C. obsoletus s.s. have optimum development at 18 °C, whereas the optimal rearing temperature for C. circumscriptus and C. paolae was under warmer conditions of 25–30 °C. Variations in temperature/humidity and assays with different materials and substrates for oviposition should be considered in future studies. Understanding the requirements of the different species of Culicoides optimizing the results should be of special interest for predicting environmental change effects on these species, in addition to determining the rearing conditions for candidate Culicoides vectors.
The impact of adult behavioural weight management interventions on mental health: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jones Rebecca A. , Lawlor Emma R. , Birch Jack M. , Patel Manal I. , Werneck André O. , Hoare Erin , Griffin Simon J. , van Sluijs Esther M.F. , Sharp Stephen J. , Ahern Amy L.
Published: October 2020

There is good evidence that behavioural weight management interventions improve physical health; however, the impact on mental health remains unclear. We evaluated the impact of behavioural weight management interventions on mental health‐related outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity at intervention‐end and 12 months from baseline. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cluster RCTs of adult behavioural weight loss interventions reporting affect, anxiety, binge eating, body image, depression, emotional eating, quality of life, self‐esteem and stress. We searched seven databases from inception to 7 May 2019 and included 43 articles reporting 42 RCTs. Eighteen studies were deemed to be at high risk of bias. We conducted random‐effects meta‐analyses, stratified analyses and meta‐regression using Stata. Interventions generated greater improvements than comparators for depression, mental health‐related quality of life and self‐efficacy at intervention‐end and 12 months from baseline. There was no difference between groups for anxiety, overall quality of life, self‐esteem or stress at intervention‐end. There was insufficient evidence to assess the impact on anxiety, binge eating, body image, emotional eating, affect, life satisfaction, self‐esteem or stress at intervention‐end and/or 12 months from baseline. Although evidence suggests that interventions benefit some aspects of mental health, high‐quality, transparently reported RCTs measuring a range of mental health outcomes over longer durations are required to strengthen the evidence base.
Enrolled nurses' perceptions of providing nutritional care to hospitalised older people in Singapore's acute care setting: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Neo Yi Ling , Hong Leting Isabella , Chan Ee Yuee
Published: October 2020

Background

Malnutrition is a growing challenge in health care as its prevalence among hospitalised older people is expected to intensify alongside the rapidly ageing world's population. Singapore's nursing framework adopts enrolled nurses as the main providers to nutritional care, where nutritional care is a process of screening, assessment, intervention, continuous monitoring and documentation. This is the first Asian study conducted on enrolled nurses' perceptions of nutritional care.

Objective

To explore enrolled nurses' perceptions of providing nutritional care to hospitalised older people in Singapore's acute care setting.

Methods

This is a qualitative descriptive study. Individual face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews using an interview guide were conducted with 15 enrolled nurses from September 2017 to January 2018. The collected data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Four main categories were identified as follows: (1) The role of enrolled nurses in the provision of nutritional care, (2) Perceived enablers in nutritional care, (3) Perceived challenges in nutritional care and (4) Proposed strategies to improve nutritional care.

Conclusion

This study provided insights to the perceived roles of enrolled nurses in nutritional care. It also outlined the enablers and challenges faced by the enrolled nurses and their suggestions to improve nutritional care provision. One critical finding was the need to better engage families and domestic helpers in nutritional care of older people.

Implications for practice

To optimise nutritional care delivery, healthcare institutions should explore ways to engage and involve families and domestic helpers during older patients' mealtimes. Nurses could also educate older people, their families and domestic helpers on the importance of nutritional care during hospitalisation.
A natural diversity screen in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals determinants for HopZ1a recognition in the ZAR1‐ZED1 immune complex
Authors: Baudin Maël , Martin Eliza C. , Sass Chodon , Hassan Jana A. , Bendix Claire , Sauceda Rolin , Diplock Nathan , Specht Chelsea D. , Petrescu Andrei J. , Lewis Jennifer D.
Published: October 2020

Pathogen pressure on hosts can lead to the evolution of genes regulating the innate immune response. By characterizing naturally occurring polymorphisms in immune receptors, we can better understand the molecular determinants of pathogen recognition. ZAR1 is an ancient Arabidopsis thaliana NLR (Nucleotide‐binding [NB] Leucine‐rich‐repeat [LRR] Receptor) that recognizes multiple secreted effector proteins from the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas campestris through its interaction with receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs). ZAR1 was first identified for its role in recognizing P. syringae effector HopZ1a, through its interaction with the RLCK ZED1. To identify additional determinants of HopZ1a recognition, we performed a computational screen for ecotypes from the 1001 Genomes project that were likely to lack HopZ1a recognition, and tested ~300 ecotypes. We identified ecotypes containing polymorphisms in ZAR1 and ZED1. Using our previously established Nicotiana benthamiana transient assay and Arabidopsis ecotypes, we tested for the effect of naturally occurring polymorphisms on ZAR1 interactions and the immune response. We identified key residues in the NB or LRR domain of ZAR1 that impact the interaction with ZED1. We demonstrate that natural diversity combined with functional assays can help define the molecular determinants and interactions necessary to regulate immune induction in response to pathogens.
Root exudates drive soil‐microbe‐nutrient feedbacks in response to plant growth
Authors: Zhao Mengli , Zhao Jun , Yuan Jun , Hale Lauren , Wen Tao , Huang Qiwei , Vivanco Jorge M. , Zhou Jizhong , Kowalchuk George A. , Shen Qirong
Published: October 2020

Although interactions between plants and microbes at the plant–soil interface are known to be important for plant nutrient acquisition, relatively little is known about how root exudates contribute to nutrient exchange over the course of plant development. In this study, root exudates from slow‐ and fast‐growing stages of Arabidopsis thaliana plants were collected, chemically analysed and then applied to a sandy nutrient‐depleted soil. We then tracked the impacts of these exudates on soil bacterial communities, soil nutrients (ammonium, nitrate, available phosphorus and potassium) and plant growth. Both pools of exudates shifted bacterial community structure. GeoChip analyses revealed increases in the functional gene potential of both exudate‐treated soils, with similar responses observed for slow‐growing and fast‐growing plant exudate treatments. The fast‐growing stage root exudates induced higher nutrient mineralization and enhanced plant growth as compared to treatments with slow‐growing stage exudates and the control. These results suggest that plants may adjust their exudation patterns over the course of their different growth phases to help tailor microbial recruitment to meet increased nutrient demands during periods demanding faster growth.
Substance use and abuse in pediatric transplant recipients: What the transplant provider needs to know
Authors: Hayde Nicole
Published: October 2020

Substance abuse is infrequently addressed during pre‐ and post‐transplant care. However, the significant increase in the use of nicotine‐ and marijuana‐containing products in the general and transplant adolescent population is concerning. In addition, alcohol use/abuse remains prevalent in the US population as it is highly accessible. Pediatric transplant providers should be prepared to screen for the use of any of these substances (eg, alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines) and to counsel them about the dangers of substance use and abuse including the unique dangers of the substances as a transplant recipient. Formal screening tools (in children as young as 9 years) should always be used as casual assessment of substance abuse has a high failure rate. This review summarizes the substances most commonly used in adolescent transplant recipients and the approach that transplant providers should take in order to prevent, decrease, or halt use in this patient population.
Family functioning in pediatric heart transplantation: Variables associated with poor outcomes
Authors: Tadros Hanna J. , Rawlinson Alana R. , Martin Emily , Pietra Biagio A. , Fricker Fredrick J. , Gupta Dipankar
Published: October 2020

Family functioning is integral in a child’s life and is linked to quality of life in health as well as disease. This has been scarcely studied in pediatric orthotopic heart transplantation (pOHT). In this study, we evaluate demographic and clinical factors associated with family functioning in this patient population. Pediatric post‐transplant families were recruited in an outpatient setting (n = 71). The PedsQL Family Impact Module was administered, along with the Parent and Adolescent Medication Barriers Scales (PMBS; AMBS) and the McArthur socioeconomic scale. Associations between clinical and demographic variables and scaled scores were evaluated. In our sample, patients with congenital heart disease, developmental delay, and enteral feeding had lower total impact (P = .026; P = .011; P = .008) and parent self‐reported HRQL scores (P = .018; P = .012; P = .005). Patients with developmental delay and enteral feeding also had lower family functioning summary scores (P = .025; P = .031). Higher parent educational status was associated with lower total impact scores (P = .043). Higher PMBS scores demonstrated negative correlation with total impact (P < .001), parent self‐reported HRQL (P < .001), and family functioning summary scores (P = .003). Multiple linear regression analysis identified developmental delay, parental education, and PMBS as independent variables associated with family functioning. Our study highlights important factors impacting family functioning in pOHT. Developmental delay, higher parental education, and PMBS were associated with poorer family functioning. Our findings emphasize the need for a multi‐disciplinary approach including serial psychological assessment and interventions in the management of pOHT patients in order to optimize family functioning.
Persistent myocardial atrophy despite LV reverse remodeling in Duchenne cardiomyopathy treated by LVAD
Authors: Cantarutti Nicoletta , Adorisio Rachele , Baban Anwar , Di Molfetta Arianna , Amodeo Antonio , Drago Fabrizio
Published: October 2020

DCM is the leading cause of death in Duchenne patients. LVADs are considered as therapeutic options as DT in advanced HF. The aim of our study was to evaluate LV remodeling of Duchenne after LVADs and chronic therapy. Demographic and echocardiographic data of 8 Duchenne patients implanted with LVADs were reviewed and analyzed. All measures were collected before LVAD implantation, after 1 month and 1 year. All patients were affected by end‐stage DCM, and mean age at implantation was 16.9 ± 2.9 years. Patients were treated with maximal medical therapy. One‐year post‐implantation HR decreased from a mean of 110 ± 19 bpm to 82 ± 2 bpm (P = .002), and a significant decrease in LV volumes and diameters LVEDD P = .03, LVESD P = .02, EDV P = .01, and ESV P = .02) was noticed together with a significant increase in EF (P = .0036). However, RWT did not change over time, showing an eccentric remodeling pattern pre‐ and post‐LVADs. Our data showed that cardiac atrophy is persistent in Duchenne cardiomyopathy despite the improvement of LV function secondary to a significant ventricular unloading due to LVADs coupled with chronic therapy.
A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis– A study of Association of Community/Public Health Nursing Educators members
Authors: Kuchler Elizabeth , Garner Linda , Whitten LaDonna , DeBlieck Conni , Farra Sharon , Davis Rebecca , Eardley Debra , Stalter Ann
Published: October 2020

Objective

Aims of this study were to identify the Association of Community/Public Health Nursing Educators members' demographics, educational preparation, and research competencies; and, to complete a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis.

Methods

A descriptive‐correlational design was employed. Primary data collection was via electronic survey. Authors developed a survey focusing on demographics and aligning Benner's theory with research skills/experience. SWOT and gap analyses were performed.

Results

A 27.2% response rate (N = 352) revealed a lack of diversity among 70% doctorally prepared membership, perceived competence with interprofessional collaboration (80%), and applying research to practice (80%). Doctorally prepared members reported experience using longitudinal designs (p = .05). PhD‐prepared members reported experience using psychometrics and evaluations (p = .05). SWOT revealed a lack of service engagement. Gap analysis offered solutions to execute strategic goals.

Conclusions

Association of Community/Public Health Nursing Educators may enhance future direction by advancing member diversity, professional development, collaborative scholarship, and mentoring.
The potential roles of sponges in integrated mariculture
Authors: Gökalp Mert , Mes Daan , Nederlof Marit , Zhao Hongwei , Merijn de Goeij Jasper , Osinga Ronald
Published: October 2020

This mini‐review evaluates the use of marine sponges in integrated culture systems, two decades after the idea was first proposed. It was predicted that the concept would provide a double benefit: sponges would grow faster under higher organic loadings, and filtration by sponges would improve water quality. It is promising that the growth of some commercially interesting sponges is indeed faster in organically enriched areas. The applicability of sponges as filters for undesired microorganisms has been confirmed in laboratory studies. However, upscaled farming studies need to be done to demonstrate the value of sponges for in situ bioremediation of sewage discharge or waste produced by fish cages. In addition, a new idea is presented – the use of sponges as an engine to convert dissolved organic matter (DOM) into particulate organic matter (POM) that can be consumed by deposit feeders through a chain of processes termed the sponge loop. A theoretical design of an integrated culture with seaweeds (Gracilaria sp.), sponges (Halisarca caerulea) and sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonica) shows that 37% of the part of the primary production that is excreted by the seaweeds as DOM can be directly recovered in sponge biomass and a subsequent 12% in sea cucumber biomass after mediation (conversion of DOM to POM) by sponges. Hence, the total recovery of DOM into (sponge and sea cucumber) biomass within this IMTA is 49%.
Impact of Hydrometeorological Events for the Selection of Parametric Models for Protozoan Pathogens in Drinking‐Water Sources
Authors: Sylvestre Émile , Burnet Jean‐Baptiste , Dorner Sarah , Smeets Patrick , Medema Gertjan , Villion Manuela , Hachad Mounia , Prévost Michèle
Published: October 2020

Temporal variations in concentrations of pathogenic microorganisms in surface waters are well known to be influenced by hydrometeorological events. Reasonable methods for accounting for microbial peaks in the quantification of drinking water treatment requirements need to be addressed. Here, we applied a novel method for data collection and model validation to explicitly account for weather events (rainfall, snowmelt) when concentrations of pathogens are estimated in source water. Online in situ β‐d‐glucuronidase activity measurements were used to trigger sequential grab sampling of source water to quantify Cryptosporidium and Giardia concentrations during rainfall and snowmelt events at an urban and an agricultural drinking water treatment plant in Quebec, Canada. We then evaluate if mixed Poisson distributions fitted to monthly sampling data ( = 30 samples) could accurately predict daily mean concentrations during these events. We found that using the gamma distribution underestimated high Cryptosporidium and Giardia concentrations measured with routine or event‐based monitoring. However, the log‐normal distribution accurately predicted these high concentrations. The selection of a log‐normal distribution in preference to a gamma distribution increased the annual mean concentration by less than 0.1‐log but increased the upper bound of the 95% credibility interval on the annual mean by about 0.5‐log. Therefore, considering parametric uncertainty in an exposure assessment is essential to account for microbial peaks in risk assessment.
Human dignity research in clinical practice – a systematic literature review
Authors: Lindwall Lillemor , Lohne Vibeke
Published: October 2020

Background

This literature study describes caring science research on human dignity in different clinical practice. We already know a good deal about human dignity in nursing care but how do patients, nurses, healthcare professionals and next of kin experience human dignity in clinical practice?

Aim

To summarise studies on human dignity to gain a deeper understanding of how it can be achieved in caring science research and to gain a broader understanding of the differences and similarities across caring contexts. The aim was also to gain a broader understanding of the differences and similarities of human dignity across different clinical practice.

Method

The literature review re‐analysed 28 empirical studies on human dignity are experienced from acute, psychiatric, elderly and rehabilitation care. The data analysis strategy was conducted in a systematic and critical way and consisted of a five‐step method.

Result

Maintaining dignity was described when caregivers had the time and the will to see and listen to patient and had the courage to see what they did not want to see, allowing their inner powers to act with the purpose of doing good. In elderly care, it was important that elderly persons are involved as members of society and experience respect, confidence, security and charity. Indignity was described when caregivers did not allow patients to have their will and when they had unethical attitudes, ignoring patients and creating powerlessness. The feeling of being abandoned and not being taken seriously are also described in elderly care.

Conclusion

Findings show how caregivers fulfil their ethical responsibility by seeing, listening and being a part of the time and place. The will to do good includes the courage to preserve dignity and human value rests on being created as a human being. More research is needed about ethical and moral responsibility in clinical practice.
Discovery of the HLA‐DRB1*14:227 allele, a variant of HLA‐DRB1*14, in a Taiwanese bone marrow donor
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: October 2020

One nucleotide substitution at nucleotide 594 of HLA‐DRB1*14:54:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DRB1*14:227.
Loose programming of GIS workflows with geo‐analytical concepts
Authors: Kruiger Johannes F. , Kasalica Vedran , Meerlo Rogier , Lamprecht Anna‐Lena , Nyamsuren Enkhbold , Scheider Simon
Published: October 2020

Loose programming enables analysts to program with concepts instead of procedural code. Data transformations are left underspecified, leaving out procedural details and exploiting knowledge about the applicability of functions to data types. To synthesize workflows of high quality for a geo‐analytical task, the semantic type system needs to reflect knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) at a level that is deep enough to capture geo‐analytical concepts and intentions, yet shallow enough to generalize over GIS implementations. Recently, core concepts of spatial information and related geo‐analytical concepts were proposed as a way to add the required abstraction level to current geodata models. The core concept data types (CCD) ontology is a semantic type system that can be used to constrain GIS functions for workflow synthesis. However, to date, it is unknown what gain in precision and workflow quality can be expected. In this article we synthesize workflows by annotating GIS tools with these types, specifying a range of common analytical tasks taken from an urban livability scenario. We measure the quality of automatically synthesized workflows against a benchmark generated from common data types. Results show that CCD concepts significantly improve the precision of workflow synthesis.
The relationship of membrane stiffness, cytoskeleton structure and storage time of pRBCs
Authors: Sherstyukova Ekaterina , Chernysh Aleksandr , Moroz Viktor , Kozlova Elena , Sergunova Viktoria , Gudkova Olga
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

In clinical practice, it has been shown that transfusion of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) with late shelf life increases the risk of post‐transfusion complications. Objective: To study relationship of membrane stiffness, cytoskeleton structure and storage time of pRBCs.

Materials and methods

pRBCs were processed and stored according to blood bank procedure, for 42 days, at +4°C; pRBC samples were taken on days 3, 12, 19, 21, 24, 28, 35 and 42. Cytoskeleton images and membrane stiffness were studied using atomic force microscope.

Results

In the course of the pRBC storage, the cytoskeleton network configuration underwent structural changes. Simultaneously, pRBC membrane stiffness was increasing, with the correlation coefficient 0·88. Until 19 days, the stiffness grew slowly, in 19–24 days there occurred a transition period, after which its growth rate was three times higher than the initial. A chain of pathological processes developed in pRBC during long storage: pH reduction (linked to increased oxidative stress), then cytoskeletal destruction and an associated increase in pRBC membrane stiffness.

Conclusion

During prolonged storage of pRBCs and their acidification, there is a progression of pRBC cytoskeletal changes and associated increase of membrane stiffness, observed to increase in rate after days 19–24. Mutual measurements of cytoskeletal integrity and membrane stiffness may be useful quality assessment tool to study the molecular mechanisms of RBC structural degradation during storage.
Study of Creeping Flow of Jeffrey Fluid Through a Narrow Permeable Slit With Uniform Reabsorption
Authors: Mehboob Hira , Maqbool K. , Siddiqui A. M. , Ullah Hameed
Published: October 2020

This research explores the creeping flow of a Jeffrey fluid through a narrow permeable slit with an application of blood flow through a planer hemodialyzer. The fluid motion of Jeffrey fluid in a two-dimensional conduit with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions due to constant reabsorption on the wall is a complicated problem. The viscous effect of Jeffrey fluid in a cross-sectional area of a narrow slit is computed with the help of continuity and momentum equation. The stress component, velocity profile, stream function, and pressure gradient show the behavior of creeping flow of Jeffrey fluid in a narrow slit. To find the explicit expression of velocity, pressure, stream function, and flux, recursive (Langlois) approach is adopted. Maximum velocity, shear stress, leakage flux, and fractional absorption on the wall are also calculated in this research. The mathematical results of this research are very helpful to study the blood flow through planer hemodialyzer; therefore, this theoretical model has significant importance in the field of renal physiology.
A Marine Turbocharger Retrofitting Platform
Authors: Ntonas Konstantinos , Aretakis Nikolaos , Roumeliotis Ioannis , Mathioudakis Konstantinos
Published: October 2020

A turbocharger retrofitting platform utilizing one-dimensional (1D) models for calculating turbomachinery components map and a fully coupled process for integration with the turbomachinery components and the diesel engine, is presented. The platform has been developed with two modes of operation, allowing the retrofitting process to become fully automatic. In the first mode, available turbocomponents are examined, in order to select the one that best matches the entire engine system, aiming to retain or improve the diesel engine efficiency. In the second mode, an optimization procedure is employed, in order to redesign the compressor to match the entire system in an optimum way. Dimensionless parameters are used as optimization variables, for a given compressor mass flow and power. A retrofitting case study is presented, where three retrofitting options are analyzed (compressor retrofit, turbocharger retrofit, and compressor redesign). In the first and second option, turbocharger retrofitting is carried out, using available turbocomponents. It is shown that initial performance cannot be reconstituted using off-the-self-solutions. In the third option, compressor designing is performed, using the optimization mode, in order to provide an improved retrofitting solution, aiming to at least reconstituting the original diesel engine performance. Finally, a CFD analysis is carried out, in order to validate the compressor optimization tool capability to capture the performance trends, based on geometry variation.
Acoustic signal characterization based on hidden Markov models with applications to geoacoustic inversions
Authors: Smaragdakis Costas , Taroudakis Michael I.
Published: October 2020

A probabilistic characterization scheme for acoustic signals with applications in acoustical oceanography is presented. This scheme aims at the definition of a set of stochastic observables that could characterize the signal. To this end, the signal is decomposed into several levels using the stationary wavelet packet transform. The extracted wavelet coefficients are then modeled by a hidden Markov model (HMM) with Gaussian emission distributions. The association of a signal with a representative HMM is performed utilizing the expectation-maximization algorithm. Eventually, the signal is characterized by the set of parameters that describe the HMM. The Kullback-Leibler divergence is employed as the similarity measure of two signals, comparing their corresponding HMMs. To validate the performance of the proposed characterization scheme, which is denoted as the probabilistic signal characterization scheme (PSCS), a simulated and a real experiment have been considered. The measured signal is characterized by the proposed PSCS method, and the model parameters of the seabed are estimated by means of an inversion procedure employing a genetic algorithm. The inversion results confirmed the reliability and efficiency of the proposed method when applied with typical signals used in applications of acoustical oceanography.
Promoting Physical Activity Education Through General Education: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Authors: Cardinal Bradley J.
Published: October 2020

Concerns about college and university student health date back to at least the mid-19th century. These concerns were addressed through the development and implementation of required, service-based physical activity education programs. In the 1920s–1930s, 97% of American colleges and universities offered such programs. Today less than 40% do. However, student health issues persist. This essay asserts that kinesiology departments are best suited to address these needs by delivering physical activity education courses through their institution’s general education curriculum. General education courses are those that every student must take in order to develop the competencies necessary for living a full and complete life and contributing to society. Given the growing costs of higher education, any such requirement must be justifiable. Therefore, implementing and sustaining a physical activity education general education requirement is not for the faint of heart; it requires effort, resources, support, and time. This essay explores these issues.
Cyanobacteria and Algae in Clouds and Rain in the Area of puy de Dôme, Central France
Authors: Dillon Kevin P. , Correa Florence , Judon Celine , Sancelme Martine , Fennell Donna E. , Delort Anne-Marie , Amato Pierre
Published: October 2020

Information regarding the diversity and abundance of oxygenic photoautotrophs in the atmosphere is limited. More information from diverse locations is needed. These airborne organisms could have important impacts upon atmospheric processes and on the ecosystems they enter after deposition. Oxygenic photoautotrophic microbes are integral to ecosystem functioning, and some have the potential to affect human health. A better understanding of the diversity and the movements of these aeolian dispersed organisms is needed to understand their ecology, as well as how they could affect ecosystems and human health.
Termites Are Associated with External Species-Specific Bacterial Communities
Authors: Soukup Patrik , Větrovský Tomáš , Stiblik Petr , Votýpková Kateřina , Chakraborty Amrita , Sillam-Dussès David , Kolařík Miroslav , Odriozola Iñaki , Lo Nathan , Baldrian Petr , Šobotník Jan , Bourguignon Thomas
Published: October 2020

As is the case for all ecosystem engineers, termites impact their habitat by their activities, potentially affecting bacterial communities. Here, we studied three wood-feeding termite species and found that they influence the composition of the bacterial communities in their surrounding environment. Termite activities have positive effects on
Rhizobiales
and
Actinobacteria
abundance and negative effects on the abundance of several ubiquitous genera, such as
Bacillus
,
Clostridium
,
Corynebacterium
, and
Staphylococcus
. Our results demonstrate that termite galleries harbor unique bacterial communities.
Uncovering Roles of Streptococcus gordonii SrtA-Processed Proteins in the Biofilm Lifestyle
Authors: Nairn Brittany L. , Lee Grace T. , Chumber Ashwani K. , Steck Patrick R. , Mire Mahmoud O. , Lima Bruno P. , Herzberg Mark C.
Published: October 2020

S. gordonii
interactions with its environment depend on the complement of cell wall proteins. A subset of these cell wall proteins requires processing by the enzyme sortase A (SrtA). The identification of SrtA-processed proteins and their functional characterization will help the community to better understand how
S. gordonii
engages with its surroundings, including other microbes, integrates into the plaque community, adheres to the tooth surface, and hematogenously disseminates to cause blood-borne infections. This study identified 26 putative SrtA-processed proteins through creation of a markerless deletion mutant library. The library was subject to functional screens that were chosen to better understand key aspects of
S. gordonii
physiology and pathogenesis.
Control of Archetype BK Polyomavirus MicroRNA Expression
Authors: Zou Wei , Vue Gau Shoua , Assetta Benedetta , Manza Heather , Atwood Walter J. , Imperiale Michael J.
Published: October 2020

The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) miRNA plays an important role in regulating viral large-T-antigen expression and limiting the replication of archetype BKPyV, suggesting that the miRNA regulates BKPyV persistence. However, how miRNA expression is regulated is poorly understood. Here, we present evidence that the miRNA is expressed from an intron that is generated by RNA polymerase II transcribing the circular viral genome more than once. We identified splice junctions that could be generated only from primary transcripts that contain tandemly repeated copies of the viral genome. The results indicate another way in which viruses optimize expression of their genes using limited coding capacity.
Viral Subpopulation Screening Guides in Designing a High Interferon-Inducing Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine by Targeting Rare Mutations in NS1 and PB2 Proteins
Authors: Ghorbani Amir , Abundo Michael C. , Ji Hana , Taylor Kara J. M. , Ngunjiri John M. , Lee Chang-Won
Published: October 2020

Effectiveness of NS1-truncated live attenuated influenza vaccines relies heavily on their ability to induce elevated interferon responses in vaccinated hosts. Influenza viruses contain diverse particle subpopulations with distinct phenotypes. We show that live influenza vaccines can contain underappreciated subpopulations with enhanced interferon-inducing phenotypes. The genomic traits of such virus subpopulations can be used to further improve the efficacy of the current live vaccines.
FusB Energizes Import across the Outer Membrane through Direct Interaction with Its Ferredoxin Substrate
Authors: Wojnowska Marta , Walker Daniel
Published: October 2020

The ability to acquire iron is key to the ability of bacteria to cause infection. Plant-pathogenic
Pectobacterium
spp. are able to acquire iron from plants by transporting the iron-containing protein ferredoxin into the cell from proteolytic processing. In this work, we show that the TonB-like protein FusB plays a key role in transporting ferredoxin across the bacterial outer membrane by directly energizing its transport into the cell. The direct interaction of the TonB-like protein with substrate is unprecedented and explains the requirement for the system-specific TonB homologue in the ferredoxin uptake system. Since multiple genes encoding TonB-like proteins are commonly found in the genomes of Gram-negative bacteria, this may be a common mechanism for the uptake of atypical substrates via TonB-dependent receptors.
Plegia to walking: AHSCBMT in severe NMOSD relapse
Authors: Carlisle Nicola , Hari Parameswaran , Brod Staley
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Neuromyelitis optica is a devastating, relapsing, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder characterised in large part by attacks of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis causing blindness and plegia in many patients. Eighty-three per cent of patients with transverse myelitic attacks and 67% of patients with optic neuritis attacks have no or a partial recovery.

Methods

Results from The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Autoimmune Diseases Working Party imply failure of autologous haematopoietic stem cell bone marrow transplantation.

Results and conclusion

We present a case that despite eventual relapse, made a remarkable functional recovery after bone marrow transplantation which may justify bone marrow transplantation in severe cases.
Effect of dapagliflozin on cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Magavern Emma , Khong Teck K
Published: October 2020

Commentary on: Wiviott SD, Raz I, Bonaca MP, et al. Dapagliflozin and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med 2019;380:347–57.

Commentary by: Dr Emma Magavern and Dr Teck Khong Clinical Pharmacology, St George's, University of London, UK

Series Editor: Dr Teck Khong, DTB Associate Editor Clinical Pharmacology, St George's, University of London, UK
Management of iron deficiency anaemia in secondary care across England between 2012 and 2018: a real-world analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics
Authors: Brookes Matthew James , Farr Angela , Phillips Ceri J , Trudgill Nigel John
Published: October 2020

Objective

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) occurs in 2%–5% of men and postmenopausal women in the developed world and, if left untreated, can significantly impair quality of life or decompensate chronic illnesses. Approximately 10% of men and postmenopausal women with IDA have underlying gastrointestinal malignancy. This study identifies trends in the management of IDA in secondary care in England.

Design/method

The Hospital Episode Statistics database was used to analyse IDA-related hospital and outpatient admissions (elective and non-elective) in National Health Service England between April 2012 and March 2018. Outcome measures included rates of readmission, length of stay (LOS) and cost per admission.

Results

Between 2012/2013 and 2017/2018, there was a 72% increase in hospital admissions for patients with a primary diagnosis of IDA and a 68% increase in hospital spells, with the number of cases being managed non-electively increasing by 58%. Non-electively managed patients had a longer LOS (3.10 vs 0.04 days, respectively) and increased rate of readmissions within 30 days (24.1% vs 6.6%) versus patients managed electively. Average day-case cost was £449 versus £1676 for non-elective admission. Across the 195 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England, non-elective spells per 100 000 population demonstrated extensive and widening variability, ranging from 18 to 118 in 2017/2018 compared with 11–55 in 2012/2013.

Conclusion

The current analysis highlights several opportunities to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. There is an opportunity to improve day-case services by looking at the difference between CCGs and the variability in care and to reduce the number of non-elective admissions.
Bioinformatic analysis of RHO family of GTPases identifies RAC1 pharmacological inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bayo Juan , Fiore Esteban J , Dominguez Luciana María , Cantero María Jose , Ciarlantini Matias S , Malvicini Mariana , Atorrasagasti Catalina , Garcia Mariana Gabriela , Rossi Mario , Cavasotto Claudio , Martinez Elisabeth , Comin Julieta , Mazzolini Guillermo D
Published: October 2020

Objective

The RHO family of GTPases, particularly RAC1, has been linked with hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting that their inhibition might be a rational therapeutic approach. We aimed to identify and target deregulated RHO family members in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Design

We studied expression deregulation, clinical prognosis and transcription programmes relevant to HCC using public datasets. The therapeutic potential of RAC1 inhibitors in HCC was study in vitro and in vivo. RNA-Seq analysis and their correlation with the three different HCC datasets were used to characterise the underlying mechanism on RAC1 inhibition. The therapeutic effect of RAC1 inhibition on liver fibrosis was evaluated.

Results

Among the RHO family of GTPases we observed that RAC1 is upregulated, correlates with poor patient survival, and is strongly linked with a prooncogenic transcriptional programme. From a panel of novel RAC1 inhibitors studied, 1D-142 was able to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCC cells, displaying a stronger effect in highly proliferative cells. Partial rescue of the RAC1-related oncogenic transcriptional programme was obtained on RAC1 inhibition by 1D-142 in HCC. Most importantly, the RAC1 inhibitor 1D-142 strongly reduce tumour growth and intrahepatic metastasis in HCC mice models. Additionally, 1D-142 decreases hepatic stellate cell activation and exerts an anti-fibrotic effect in vivo.

Conclusions

The bioinformatics analysis of the HCC datasets, allows identifying RAC1 as a new therapeutic target for HCC. The targeted inhibition of RAC1 by 1D-142 resulted in a potent antitumoural effect in highly proliferative HCC established in fibrotic livers.
Motor unit changes in children with symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen
Authors: Kariyawasam Didu , D'Silva Arlene , Howells James , Herbert Karen , Geelan-Small Peter , Lin Cindy Shin-Yi , Farrar Michelle Anne
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To elucidate the motor unit response to intrathecal nusinersen in children with symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using a novel motor unit number estimation technique.

Methods

MScanFit MUNE studies were sequentially undertaken from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle after stimulation of the median nerve in a prospective cohort of symptomatic children with SMA, undergoing intrathecal treatment with nusinersen at a single neuromuscular centre from June 2017 to August 2019. Electrophysiological measures included compound muscle action potential (CMAP), motor unit number estimation (MUNE), motor unit number contributing to 50%–100% of CMAP (N50) and measures of collateral reinnervation including largest single motor unit potential (LSMUP) and amplitude of the smallest unit contributing to N50 (A50).

Results

Twenty children (median age 99 months, range 4–193) were followed for a median of 13.8 (4–33.5) months. Therapeutic intervention was an independent and significant contributor to an increase in CMAP (p = 0.005), MUNE (p = 0.001) and N50 (p = 0.04). The magnitude of this electrophysiological response was increased in children with shorter disease durations (p<0.05). Electrophysiological changes delineated children who were functionally stable from those who attained clinically significant gains in motor function.

Interpretation

Nusinersen therapy facilitated functional innervation in SMA through recovery of smaller motor units. Delineation of biomechanisms of therapeutic response may be the first step in identifying potential novel targets for disease modification in this and other motor neuropathies. MScanFit MUNE techniques may have a broader role in establishing biomarkers of therapeutic response in similar adult-onset diseases.
US direct-to-consumer medical service advertisements fail to provide adequate information on quality and cost of care
Authors: Park Sung-Yeon , Yun Gi Woong , Friedman Sarah , Hill Kylie , Ryu So Young , Schwenk Thomas L , Coppes Max J
Published: October 2020

Background

In the 1970s, the Federal Trade Commission declared that allowing medical providers to advertise directly to consumers would be “providing the public with truthful information about the price, quality or other aspects of their service.” However, our understanding of the advertising content is highly limited.

Objective

To assess whether direct-to-consumer medical service advertisements provide relevant information on access, quality and cost of care, a content analysis was conducted.

Method

Television and online advertisements for medical services directly targeting consumers were collected in two major urban centres in Nevada, USA, identifying 313 television advertisements and 200 non-duplicate online advertisements.

Results

Both television and online advertisements reliably conveyed information about the services provided and how to make an appointment. At the same time, less than half of the advertisements featured insurance information and hours of operation and less than a quarter of them contained information regarding the quality and price of care. The claims of quality were substantiated in even fewer advertisements. The scarcity of quality and cost information was more severe in television advertisements.

Conclusion

There is little evidence that medical service advertising, in its current form, would contribute to lower prices or improved quality of care by providing valuable information to consumers.