bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 371: Using Defibrillator Bioimpedance Waveforms to Measure Ventilation During Continuous Chest Compression CPR
Authors: Gordon Teresa R , Rueda Enrique , Aramendi Elisabete , Irusta Unai , Owens Pamela , Idris Ahamed H
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
For patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest, prompt return of circulation and ventilation is vitally important for survival. Techniques and devices have been developed to ensure emergency responders are providing high quality chest compression, but there has been little progress in the area of ventilation. Until an advanced airway is placed, there has been no practical way to measure ventilation. The aim of this study is to develop a method to measure ventilation during continuous chest compressions cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that can be used to monitor and improve quality of ventilation during out of hospital CPR.

Hypothesis:
Defibrillator transthoracic bioimpedance can be used to identify ventilation waveforms prior to placement of an advanced airway during continuous chest compressions CPR.

Methods:
We examined 391 patients’ defibrillator files from four Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium sites for the presence of waveforms that met previously developed criteria and were manually annotated. Criteria for an acceptable ventilation waveform were: waveform amplitude ≥0.5 Ohm and waveform duration ≥1 sec. We recorded the number of ventilations, return of spontaneous circulation, initial heart rhythm, and ventilation rates. Following annotation, 333 of the 391 patients’ files had the necessary intubation time recorded and an automated program precisely measured the amplitude and duration of each ventilation. We determined mean (±SD) waveform amplitude and duration of inflation and deflation pre and post airway placement. Significance was determined using Wilcoxon ranked sum test.

Results:
Comparing the pre and post airway measurements did not result in any significant differences, except in duration of inflation, which was 1.06 ± 0.41 sec and 1.11 ± 0.52 sec, respectively, (p <0.001). Ventilation waveforms had significantly lower amplitude and shorter duration during chest compressions than during pauses in compressions.

Conclusion:
Defibrillator transthoracic bioimpedance can be used to identify and monitor ventilations during continuous chest compressions CPR. Ventilation waveforms have lower amplitudes and shorter durations during chest compressions than during pauses in compressions.
Circulating Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 and Incident Heart Failure: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Patel Ravi B. , Colangelo Laura A. , Bielinski Suzette J. , Larson Nicholas B. , Ding Jingzhong , Allen Norrina B. , Michos Erin D. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) are reflective of endothelial activation. Although VCAM‐1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the prospective association of VCAM‐1 with development of clinically overt heart failure (HF) across ejection fraction categories is unclear.

Methods and Results

In MESA (the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), we evaluated the association of VCAM‐1 at examination 2 (2002–2004) with incident HF (HFpEF and HF with reduced ejection fraction) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Incident HF was independently adjudicated as first hospitalization for symptomatic HF. Among 2297 participants (mean age, 63 years; women, 53%), those with higher VCAM‐1 were more likely to be White race, had higher blood pressure, and had lower kidney function. Over a median of 14.4 years, there were 102 HF events (HFpEF=65; HF with reduced ejection fraction=37). After covariate adjustment, each doubling of VCAM‐1 was associated with incident HF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.17–3.23;
P
=0.01). This association appeared stronger among current/former smokers compared with never smokers. On evaluation of HF subtypes, VCAM‐1 was associated with incident HFpEF (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.04–3.72;
P
=0.04) but not with incident HF with reduced ejection fraction, although risk estimates were consistent (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 0.79–4.21;
P
=0.16).

Conclusions

In a multiethnic cohort, VCAM‐1 was significantly associated with incident HF over long‐term follow‐up. These findings suggest a potential role for endothelial activation in driving clinical HF, and specifically HFpEF. Therapies that decrease endothelial activation may prevent the progression from cardiovascular risk factors to clinical HF.
The Paradox of  Thailand's Success in Controlling COVID-19
Authors: Tangkitvanich Poum
Published: November 2020

Thailand has been remarkably successful in containing COVID-19, limiting the number of total cases to only 3,400 and deaths to 59. Since June 2020, Thailand has had only one domestically transmitted case, successfully avoiding a second wave. This paper argues that Thailand's success could be attributed to the high public fear and strict border control at the initial stage, followed by the centralization of leadership, active involvement of health volunteers, the highly cautious phased lockdown lifting, and an effective response to threats of a second wave later. However, Thailand's economy is expected to contract by 8 percent—the largest in Southeast Asia. This appears to be a paradox that could be explained by Thailand's low potential GDP growth rate, high dependence on tourism, and overly strict measures used to contain the virus.
COVID-19:  Malaysia Experience and Key Lessons*
Authors: Khalid Muhammed Abdul
Published: November 2020

Malaysia has been relatively successful in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of deaths and infections lower than neighboring countries and many developed economies. This paper will share Malaysia's experience in fighting the pandemic, particularly the key success factors in managing the health impact during the period of January to August 2020. The speedy preparation and planning by the Health Ministry even before the country registered its first case was instrumental in ensuring that the country was ready to face the pandemic. Lessons learned from previous experience with epidemics such as Nipah, SARS, MERS, and H1N1 were also key to the speedy responses. Effective communication helped to ensure the public's support of measures imposed by the government to reduce the spread of the virus. However, while the country managed the health crisis relatively well, the handling of the economy is rather poor, with the economic impact being much worse than what was experienced during the 1997–98 Asian financial crisis, and the 2008–09 global financial crisis. This paper will end with suggestions of several policy interventions to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Uniformus, a new genus of Dikraneurini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from China, with description of two new species
Authors: JIAO MENG , YANG MAOFA
Published: November 2020

A new typhlocybine leafhopper genus, Uniformus gen. nov. is described and illustrated based on males of two species Uniformus rostellatus sp. nov., Uniformus inclusus sp. nov. from CHINA: Yunnan Province. The genus is placed in the tribe Dikraneurini. It is unique among known Dikraneurini in having a large preatrium, long paramere, and aedeagus shaft with microtrichia. A key to species of Uniformus is provided.
A new species of Euphranta Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae: Trypetinae: Adramini) from India
Authors: DAVID K.J. , HANCOCK D.L. , SANKARARAMAN H. , SACHIN K. , SUDHIR SINGH
Published: November 2020

A new species of Euphranta Loew, E. siruvani David, Hancock & Sankararaman, sp. n. is described from India. Postabdominal structures of E. hyalipennis David & Freidberg and E. haldwanica Hancock & Goodger are illustrated and described. A revised key to Euphranta from India is also provided.
The Circulation Response of a Two-Dimensional Frontogenetic Model to Optimized Moisture Perturbations
Authors: Demirdjian Reuben , Rotunno Richard , Cornuelle Bruce D. , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Doyle James D.
Published: November 2020

An analysis of the influence and sensitivity of moisture in an idealized two-dimensional moist semigeostrophic frontogenesis model is presented. A comparison between a dry (relative humidity RH = 0%) version and a moist (RH = 80%) version of the model demonstrates that the impact of moisture is to increase frontogenesis, strengthen the transverse circulation (uag, w), generate a low-level potential-vorticity anomaly, and develop a low-level jet. The idealized model is compared with a real case simulated with the full-physics three-dimensional Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) model, establishing good agreement and thereby confirming that the idealized model retains the essential physical processes relevant for improving understanding of midlatitude frontogenesis. Optimal perturbations of mixing ratio are calculated to quantify the circulation response of the model through the computation of singular vectors, which determines the fastest-growing modes of a linearized version of the idealized model. The vertical velocity is found to respond strongly to initial-condition mixing-ratio perturbations such that small changes in moisture lead to large changes in the ascent. The progression of physical processes responsible for this nonlinear growth is (in order) jet/front transverse circulation → moisture convergence ahead of the front → latent heating at mid- to low elevations → reduction in static stability ahead of the front → strengthening of the transverse circulation, and the feedback cycle repeats. Together, these physical processes represent a pathway by which small perturbations of moisture can have a strong impact on a forecast involving midlatitude frontogenesis.
The Niño-3.4 Prediction Skill of Empirically Adjusted Wind Power
Authors: Kodama Keri , Burls Natalie J. , Trenary Laurie
Published: November 2020

Wind power, defined as the energy received by the ocean from wind, has been identified as a potentially viable precursor of ENSO. The correlation between tropical Pacific wind power anomalies and eastern equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies can be enhanced over a range of lead times by applying an empirical adjusted framework that accounts for both the underlying climatological state upon which a wind power perturbation acts and the directionality of wind anomalies. Linear regression is used to assess the seasonal prediction skill of adjusted wind power in comparison to unadjusted, as well as the conventional ENSO predictors wind stress and warm water volume. The forecast skill of each regression model is evaluated in a 1800-yr preindustrial climate simulation (CESM-LENS), as well as 23 years of observations. The simulation results show that each predictor’s effectiveness varies considerably with the sample record, providing a measure of the uncertainty involved in evaluating prediction skill based on the short observational record. The influence of climatological biases is however a demonstrable concern for results from the simulated climate system. Despite the short record, the observational analysis indicates that adjusted wind power skill is comparable to the conventional dynamical predictors and notably is significantly more predictable than unadjusted wind power when initialized in the summer. Moreover, the adjusted framework results in a reduction of error when evaluating wind power associated with wind bursts, reinforcing previous findings that the adjusted framework is particularly useful for capturing the ENSO response to westerly wind bursts.
Impact of Altered Breathing Patterns on Interaction of EEG and Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Sinha Meenakshi , Sinha Ramanjan , Ghate Jayshri , Sarnik Gaurav
Published: November 2020

Background:

Altered pattern of respiration has been shown to affect both the cardiac as well as cortical activity, which is the basis of central–autonomic dual interaction concept. On the other hand, effect of this association between altered breathing with slow cortical activity, that is, electroencephalography (EEG) theta waves (associated with learning and relaxed alertness) on the cardiac autonomic balance is largely unclear.

Objective:

The study aims to understand this interaction in response to altered respiratory patterns, for example, voluntary apnea, bradypnea, and tachypnea in terms of EEG and heart rate variability (HRV) correlates in normal healthy subjects.

Methods:

This study was conducted on 32 adult male subjects. EEG from F3, F4, P3, P4, O1 and O2 cortical areas and Lead II electrocardiography for HRV analysis was continuously recorded during aforesaid respiratory interventions. Power spectral analysis of EEG for theta waves and HRV measures, that is, RMSSD, pNN50, HF, LF, and LF/HF was calculated as % change taking resting value as 100%.

Results:

Apnea caused decrease in theta power, whereas an increase in LF/HF was observed in HRV. Bradypnea on the other hand, did not elicit any significant change in power of theta waves. However, decreased RMSSD and pNN50 were observed in HRV. Tachypnea led to increase in theta power with HRV depicting significantly decreased RMSSD and pNN50. Besides, significant correlation between EEG and HRV measures was found during tachypnea, which shifted toward posterior cortical sites as compared to resting condition.

Conclusion:

Various altered respiratory patterns caused either depressed parasympathetic or increased sympathetic output, whereas increased theta power along with posterior shift of correlation between theta power and HRV measures observed during post tachypnea might be due to involvement of global brain areas due to respiration-coupled neuronal activity. Thus, a definite link between cortical activity and autonomic output in relation to altered respiratory patterns may be suggested.
The transition of M-CSF–derived human macrophages to a growth-promoting phenotype
Authors: Hamidzadeh Kajal , Belew Ashton T. , El-Sayed Najib M. , Mosser David M.
Published: November 2020

Stimulated macrophages are potent producers of inflammatory mediators. This activity is highly regulated, in part, by resolving molecules to prevent tissue damage. In this study, we demonstrate that inflammation induced by Toll-like receptor stimulation is followed by the upregulation of receptors for adenosine (Ado) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which help terminate macrophage activation and initiate tissue remodeling and angiogenesis. Macrophages can be hematopoietically derived from monocytes in response to 2 growth factors: macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We examine how exposure to either of these differentiation factors shapes the macrophage response to resolving molecules. We analyzed the transcriptomes of human monocyte-derived macrophages stimulated in the presence of Ado or PGE2 and demonstrated that, in macrophages differentiated in M-CSF, Ado and PGE2 induce a shared transcriptional program involving the downregulation of inflammatory mediators and the upregulation of growth factors. In contrast, macrophages generated in GM-CSF fail to convert to a growth-promoting phenotype, which we attribute to the suppression of receptors for Ado and PGE2 and lower production of these endogenous regulators. These observations indicate that M-CSF macrophages are better prepared to transition to a program of tissue repair, whereas GM-CSF macrophages undergo more profound activation. We implicate the differential sensitivity to pro-resolving mediators as a contributor to these divergent phenotypes. This research highlights a number of molecular targets that can be exploited to regulate the strength and duration of macrophage activation.
Activated platelet-based inhibition of fibrinolysis via thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation system
Authors: Suzuki Yuko , Sano Hideto , Mochizuki Liina , Honkura Naoki , Urano Tetsumei
Published: November 2020

Our previous real-time imaging studies directly demonstrated the spatiotemporal regulation of clot formation and lysis by activated platelets. In addition to their procoagulant functions, platelets enhanced profibrinolytic potential by augmenting the accumulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen, in vivo in a murine microthrombus model, and in vitro in a platelet-containing plasma clot model. To clarify the role of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), which regulates coagulation-dependent anti-fibrinolytic potential, we analyzed tPA-induced clot lysis times in platelet-containing plasma. Platelets prolonged clot lysis times in a concentration-dependent manner, which were successfully abolished by a thrombomodulin-neutralizing antibody or an activated TAFI inhibitor (TAFIaI). The results obtained using TAFI- or factor XIII–deficient plasma suggested that TAFI in plasma, but not in platelets, was essential for this prolongation, though its cross-linkage with fibrin was not necessary. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that fluorescence-labeled plasminogen accumulated on activated platelet surfaces and propagated to the periphery, similar to the propagation of fibrinolysis. Plasminogen accumulation and propagation were both enhanced by TAFIaI, but only accumulation was enhanced by thrombomodulin-neutralizing antibody. Labeled TAFI also accumulated on both fibrin fibers and activated platelet surfaces, which were Lys-binding-site-dependent and Lys-binding-site-independent, respectively. Finally, TAFIaI significantly prolonged the occlusion times of tPA-containing whole blood in a microchip-based flow chamber system, suggesting that TAFI attenuated the tPA-dependent prolongation of clot formation under flow. Thus, activated platelet surfaces are targeted by plasma TAFI, to attenuate plasminogen accumulation and fibrinolysis, which may contribute to thrombogenicity under flow.
Decisional involvement and information preferences of patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Loh Kah Poh , Tsang Mazie , LeBlanc Thomas W. , Back Anthony , Duberstein Paul R. , Mohile Supriya Gupta , Epstein Ronald M. , Klepin Heidi D. , Becker Michael W. , El-Jawahri Areej , Lee Stephanie J.
Published: November 2020

Understanding decisional involvement and information preferences in patients with hematologic malignancies may help to optimize physician-patient communication about treatment decisions and align the decision-making processes with patients’ preferences. We described and examined factors associated with preferences of patients with hematologic malignancies for decisional involvement, information sources, and presentation of information. In a multicenter observational study, we recruited 216 patients with hematologic malignancies of any stage from September 2003 to June 2007. Patients were asked about their decisional involvement preferences (Control Preferences Scale), information sources (including most useful source of information), and preferences for their oncologists’ presentation of treatment success information. We used multivariate logistic regressions to identify factors associated with decisional involvement preferences and usefulness of information sources (physicians vs nonphysicians). Patient-directed, shared, and physician-directed approaches were preferred in 34%, 38%, and 28% of patients, respectively. Physicians and computer/Internet were the most common information sources; 42% perceived physicians as the most useful source. On multivariate analysis, patients with less than a college education (vs postgraduate education) were less likely to perceive their physician as the most useful source (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.21-1.00), whereas patients with acute leukemia (vs other blood cancers) were more likely to perceive their physician as the most useful source (AOR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.07-5.80). In terms of communicating treatment success rates, 70% preferred ≥1 method(s), and 88% preferred presentation in percentages. Our study suggests that decisional involvement and information preferences vary and should be assessed explicitly as part of each decision-making encounter.
Mechanism, Actuation, Perception, and Control of Highly Dynamic Multilegged Robots: A Review
Authors: He Jun , Gao Feng
Published: November 2020

Multilegged robots have the potential to serve as assistants for humans, replacing them in performing dangerous, dull, or unclean tasks. However, they are still far from being sufficiently versatile and robust for many applications. This paper addresses key points that might yield breakthroughs for highly dynamic multilegged robots with the abilities of running (or jumping and hopping) and self-balancing. First, 21 typical multilegged robots from the last five years are surveyed, and the most impressive performances of these robots are presented. Second, current developments regarding key technologies of highly dynamic multilegged robots are reviewed in detail. The latest leg mechanisms with serial-parallel hybrid topologies and rigid–flexible coupling configurations are analyzed. Then, the development trends of three typical actuators, namely hydraulic, quasi-direct drive, and serial elastic actuators, are discussed. After that, the sensors and modeling methods used for perception are surveyed. Furthermore, this paper pays special attention to the review of control approaches since control is a great challenge for highly dynamic multilegged robots. Four dynamics-based control methods and two model-free control methods are described in detail. Third, key open topics of future research concerning the mechanism, actuation, perception, and control of highly dynamic multilegged robots are proposed. This paper reviews the state of the art development for multilegged robots, and discusses the future trend of multilegged robots.
Provincial legislative and regulatory standards for pain assessment and management in long-term care homes: a scoping review and in-depth case analysis
Authors: Gallant Natasha L. , Peckham Allie , Marchildon Gregory , Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Roblin Blair , Stopyn Rhonda J. N.
Published: November 2020

Background

Among Canadian residents living in long-term care (LTC) facilities, and especially among those with limited ability to communicate due to dementia, pain remains underassessed and undermanaged. Although evidence-based clinical guidelines for the assessment and management of pain exist, these clinical guidelines are not widely implemented in LTC facilities. A relatively unexplored avenue for change is the influence that statutes and regulations could exert on pain practices within LTC. This review is therefore aimed at identifying the current landscape of policy levers used across Canada to assess and manage pain among LTC residents and to evaluate the extent to which they are concordant with evidence-based clinical guidelines proposed by an international consensus group consisting of both geriatric pain and public policy experts.

Methods

Using scoping review methodology, a search for peer-reviewed journal articles and government documents pertaining to pain in Canadian LTC facilities was carried out. This scoping review was complemented by an in-depth case analysis of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario statutes and regulations.

Results

Across provinces, pain was highly prevalent and was associated with adverse consequences among LTC residents. The considerable benefits of using a standardized pain assessment protocol, along with the barriers in implementing such a protocol, were identified. For most provinces, pain assessment and management in LTC residents was not specifically addressed in their statutes or regulations. In Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, regulations mandate the use of the interRAI suite of assessment tools for the assessment and reporting of pain.

Conclusion

The prevalence of pain and the benefits of implementing standardized pain assessment protocols has been reported in the research literature. Despite occasional references to pain, however, existing regulations do not recommend assessments of pain at the frequency specified by experts. Insufficient direction on the use of specialized pain assessment tools (especially in the case of those with limited ability to communicate) that minimize reliance on subjective judgements was also identified in current regulations. Existing policies therefore fail to adequately address the underassessment and undermanagement of pain in older adults residing in LTC facilities in ways that are aligned with expert consensus.
Reflections of older people about their experience of fall prevention exercise in the community- a qualitative study exploring evidence-based practice
Authors: Worum Hilde , Lillekroken Daniela , Roaldsen Kirsti Skavberg , Ahlsen Birgitte , Bergland Astrid
Published: November 2020

Background

Evidence-based practice (EBP) ensures that clinicians use effective interventions to achieve desired outcomes, thereby contributing to the best quality of care. The perspective of the participants is fundamental in EBP, as they have their own individual and meaningful rationale for participating in fall prevention. This study aims to explore community-dwelling older people reflections about their reflections about EBP in physiotherapy based on their experiences of a fall prevention exercise program.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 community-dwelling older people (men = 7; women = 9). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed three themes: 1) the tension between knowing and doing, 2) the power of the therapist-participant relationship and the process of putting knowledge into action, and 3) research is interwoven with successful therapy and is an integral component of it. EBP was considered as a collective negotiation and learning process of creating knowledge for clinical practice. The negotiation between different types of knowledge must be performed in a transparent dialogue and through interactive collaboration between the persons involved. The participants appreciated that the research findings indicate that practice gives results.

Conclusions

EBP was understood and utilized as a seal of approval and a “guarantee of high quality” treatment, and its effects varied based on older people’s preferences, needs, and skills. The therapist’s relational competence appeared to be crucial for the negotiation of various sources of knowledge relative to the older people’s preferences.
Saffron for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Ayati Zahra , Yang Guoyan , Ayati Mohammad Hossein , Emami Seyed Ahmad , Chang Dennis
Published: November 2020

Background

Saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus L.) from Iridaceae family is a well-known traditional herbal medicine that has been used for hundreds of years to treat several diseases such as depressive mood, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Recently, anti-dementia property of saffron has been indicated. However, the effects of saffron for the management of dementia remain controversial. The aim of the present study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of saffron in treating mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Methods

An electronic database search of some major English and Chinese databases was conducted until 31st May 2019 to identify relevant randomised clinical trials (RCT). The primary outcome was cognitive function and the secondary outcomes included daily living function, global clinical assessment, quality of life (QoL), psychiatric assessment and safety. Rev-Man 5.3 software was applied to perform the meta-analyses.

Results

A total of four RCTs were included in this review. The analysis revealed that saffron significantly improves cognitive function measured by the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sums of Boxes (CDR-SB), compared to placebo groups. In addition, there was no significant difference between saffron and conventional medicine, as measured by cognitive scales such as ADAS-cog and CDR-SB. Saffron improved daily living function, but the changes were not statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies.

Conclusions

Saffron may have the potential to improve cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, due to limited high-quality studies there is insufficient evidence to make any recommendations for clinical use. Further clinical trials on larger sample sizes are warranted to shed more light on its efficacy and safety.
Complete representation of a tapeworm genome reveals chromosomes capped by centromeres, necessitating a dual role in segregation and protection
Authors: Olson Peter D. , Tracey Alan , Baillie Andrew , James Katherine , Doyle Stephen R. , Buddenborg Sarah K. , Rodgers Faye H. , Holroyd Nancy , Berriman Matt
Published: November 2020

Background

Chromosome-level assemblies are indispensable for accurate gene prediction, synteny assessment, and understanding higher-order genome architecture. Reference and draft genomes of key helminth species have been published, but little is yet known about the biology of their chromosomes. Here, we present the complete genome of the tapeworm Hymenolepis microstoma, providing a reference quality, end-to-end assembly that represents the first fully assembled genome of a spiralian/lophotrochozoan, revealing new insights into chromosome evolution.

Results

Long-read sequencing and optical mapping data were added to previous short-read data enabling complete re-assembly into six chromosomes, consistent with karyology. Small genome size (169 Mb) and lack of haploid variation (1 SNP/3.2 Mb) contributed to exceptionally high contiguity with only 85 gaps remaining in regions of low complexity sequence. Resolution of repeat regions reveals novel gene expansions, micro-exon genes, and spliced leader trans-splicing, and illuminates the landscape of transposable elements, explaining observed length differences in sister chromatids. Syntenic comparison with other parasitic flatworms shows conserved ancestral linkage groups indicating that the H. microstoma karyotype evolved through fusion events. Strikingly, the assembly reveals that the chromosomes terminate in centromeric arrays, indicating that these motifs play a role not only in segregation, but also in protecting the linear integrity and full lengths of chromosomes.

Conclusions

Despite strong conservation of canonical telomeres, our results show that they can be substituted by more complex, species-specific sequences, as represented by centromeres. The assembly provides a robust platform for investigations that require complete genome representation.
Contribution of cystatin C- and creatinine-based definitions of chronic kidney disease to cardiovascular risk assessment in 20 population-based and 3 disease cohorts: the BiomarCaRE project
Authors:   on behalf of the BiomarCaRE consortium, Rothenbacher Dietrich , Rehm Martin , Iacoviello Licia , Costanzo Simona , Tunstall-Pedoe Hugh , Belch Jill J. F. , Söderberg Stefan , Hultdin Johan , Salomaa Veikko , Jousilahti Pekka , Linneberg Allan , Sans Susana , Padró Teresa , Thorand Barbara , Meisinger Christa , Kee Frank , McKnight Amy Jayne , Palosaari Tarja , Kuulasmaa Kari , Waldeyer Christoph , Zeller Tanja , Blankenberg Stefan , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Background

Chronic kidney disease has emerged as a strong cardiovascular risk factor, and in many current guidelines, it is already considered as a coronary heart disease (CHD) equivalent. Routinely, creatinine has been used as the main marker of renal function, but recently, cystatin C emerged as a more promising marker. The aim of this study was to assess the comparative cardiovascular and mortality risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) using cystatin C-based and creatinine-based equations of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in participants of population-based and disease cohorts.

Methods

The present study has been conducted within the BiomarCaRE project, with harmonized data from 20 population-based cohorts (n = 76,954) from 6 European countries and 3 cardiovascular disease (CVD) cohorts (n = 4982) from Germany. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess hazard ratios (HRs) for the various CKD definitions with adverse outcomes and mortality after adjustment for the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) variables and study center. Main outcome measures were cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality.

Results

The overall prevalence of CKD stage 3–5 by creatinine- and cystatin C-based eGFR, respectively, was 3.3% and 7.4% in the population-based cohorts and 13.9% and 14.4% in the disease cohorts. CKD was an important independent risk factor for subsequent CVD events and mortality. For example, in the population-based cohorts, the HR for CVD mortality was 1.72 (95% CI 1.53 to 1.92) with creatinine-based CKD and it was 2.14 (95% CI 1.90 to 2.40) based on cystatin-based CKD compared to participants without CKD. In general, the HRs were higher for cystatin C-based CKD compared to creatinine-based CKD, for all three outcomes and risk increased clearly below the conventional threshold for CKD, also in older adults. Net reclassification indices were larger for a cystatin-C based CKD definition. Differences in HRs (between the two CKD measures) in the disease cohorts were less pronounced than in the population-based cohorts.

Conclusion

CKD is an important risk factor for subsequent CVD events and total mortality. However, point estimates of creatinine- and cystatin C-based CKD differed considerably between low- and high-risk populations. Especially in low-risk settings, the use of cystatin C-based CKD may result in more accurate risk estimates and have better prognostic value.
Mobile primary health care clinics for Indigenous populations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Beks Hannah , Ewing Geraldine , Charles James A. , Mitchell Fiona , Paradies Yin , Clark Robyn A. , Versace Vincent L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Mobile clinics have been used to deliver primary health care to populations that otherwise experience difficulty in accessing services. Indigenous populations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States experience greater health inequities than non-Indigenous populations. There is increasing support for Indigenous-governed and culturally accessible primary health care services which meet the needs of Indigenous populations. There is some support for primary health care mobile clinics implemented specifically for Indigenous populations to improve health service accessibility. The purpose of this review is to scope the literature for evidence of mobile primary health care clinics implemented specifically for Indigenous populations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.

Methods

This review was undertaken using the Joanna Brigg Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology. Review objectives, inclusion criteria and methods were specified in advance and documented in a published protocol. The search included five academic databases and an extensive search of the grey literature.

Results

The search resulted in 1350 unique citations, with 91 of these citations retrieved from the grey literature and targeted organisational websites. Title, abstract and full-text screening was conducted independently by two reviewers, with 123 citations undergoing full text review. Of these, 39 citations discussing 25 mobile clinics, met the inclusion criteria. An additional 14 citations were snowballed from a review of the reference lists of included citations. Of these 25 mobile clinics, the majority were implemented in Australia (n = 14), followed by United States (n = 6) and Canada (n = 5). No primary health mobile clinics specifically for Indigenous people in New Zealand were retrieved. There was a pattern of declining locations serviced by mobile clinics with an increasing population. Furthermore, only 13 mobile clinics had some form of evaluation.

Conclusions

This review identifies geographical gaps in the implementation of primary health care mobile clinics for Indigenous populations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. There is a paucity of evaluations supporting the use of mobile clinics for Indigenous populations and a need for organisations implementing mobile clinics specifically for Indigenous populations to share their experiences. Engaging with the perspectives of Indigenous people accessing mobile clinic services is imperative to future evaluations.

Registration

The protocol for this review has been peer-reviewed and published in JBI Evidence Synthesis (doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-D-19-00057).
SVFX: a machine learning framework to quantify the pathogenicity of structural variants
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Harmanci Arif , Vytheeswaran Jagath , Gerstein Mark B.
Published: November 2020

There is a lack of approaches for identifying pathogenic genomic structural variants (SVs) although they play a crucial role in many diseases. We present a mechanism-agnostic machine learning-based workflow, called SVFX, to assign pathogenicity scores to somatic and germline SVs. In particular, we generate somatic and germline training models, which include genomic, epigenomic, and conservation-based features, for SV call sets in diseased and healthy individuals. We then apply SVFX to SVs in cancer and other diseases; SVFX achieves high accuracy in identifying pathogenic SVs. Predicted pathogenic SVs in cancer cohorts are enriched among known cancer genes and many cancer-related pathways.
Microbial community analysis with a specific statistical approach after a record breaking snowfall in Southern Italy
Authors: Monaco Pamela , Divino Fabio , Naclerio Gino , Bucci Antonio
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Snow and ice ecosystems present unexpectedly high microbial abundance and diversity. Although arctic and alpine snow environments have been intensively investigated from a microbiological point of view, few studies have been conducted in the Apennines. Accordingly, the main purpose of this research was to analyze the microbial communities of the snow collected in two different locations of Capracotta municipality (Southern Italy) after a snowfall record occurred on March 2015 (256 cm of snow in less than 24 h).

Methods

Bacterial communities were analyzed by the Next-Generation Sequencing techniques. Furthermore, a specific statistical approach for taxonomic hierarchy data was introduced, both for the assessment of diversity within microbial communities and the comparison between different microbiotas. In general, diversity and similarity indices are more informative when computed at the lowest level of the taxonomic hierarchy, the species level. This is not the case with microbial data, for which the species level is not necessarily the most informative. Indeed, the possibility to detect a large number of unclassified records at every level of the hierarchy (even at the top) is very realistic due to both the partial knowledge about the cultivable fraction of microbial communities and limitations to taxonomic assignment connected to the quality and completeness of the 16S rRNA gene reference databases. Thus, a global approach considering information from the whole taxonomic hierarchy was adopted in order to obtain a more consistent assessment of the biodiversity.

Result

The main phyla retrieved in the investigated snow samples wereProteobacteria,Actinobacteria,Bacteroidetes, andFirmicutes. Interestingly, DNA from bacteria adapted to thrive at low temperatures, but also from microorganisms normally associated with other habitats, whose presence in the snow could be justified by wind-transport, was found. Biomolecular investigations and statistical data analysis showed relevant differences in terms of biodiversity, composition, and distribution of bacterial species between the studied snow samples.

Conclusion

The relevance of this research lies in the expansion of knowledge about microorganisms associated with cold environments in contexts poorly investigated such as the Italian Apennines, and in the development of a global statistical approach for the assessment of biological diversity and similarity of microbial communities as an additional tool to be usefully combined with the barcoding methods.
Anti-inflammatory effects of 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol isolated from the roots of Aralia continentalis on LPS-induced in RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Eo Hyun Ji , Park Youngki , Hong Seong Su , Park Gwang Hun
Published: November 2020

Aralia continentalis (A. continentalis) is a medicinal plant belonging to Araliaceae, it has been reported to exert anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and anti-oxidative activities. But the potential mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effect of compounds isolated from the roots of A. continentalis is still insufficient. So, we evaluated whether compounds isolated from the roots of A. continentalis exert anti-inflammatory effects and elucidated its potential mechanism in RAW264.7 cells. The concentrated residue was subsequently suspended in H2O and partitioned with n-hexane, methylene chloride (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH). The fractions were subjected to sequential column chromatography over silica-gel, RP-18, MPLC, recycling and preparative HPLC to isolated the novel compound. The novel compound was identified as 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol and confirmed anti-inflammatory activity. The 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol dose-dependently blocked NO production and inhibited iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol inhibited LPS-stimulated degradation of IκB-α and nuclear accumulation of p65, which resulted in the suppression of NF-κB activation in RAW264.7 cells. Also, the 18-nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol attenuated the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that the nor-ent-pimara-9(11),15-diene-4β-ol isolated from the roots of A. continentalis may have grate potential for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.
In situ virtual restoration of artifacts by imaging technology
Authors: Qiao Chengquan , Zhang Wenwen , Gong Decai , Gong Yuxuan
Published: November 2020

The restoration of incomplete artifacts is important for presenting the value of artifacts. Even though the existing methods provide rich solutions for the restoration of artifacts, they may not be the ultimate and perfect methods. The innovation of restoration methods may provide better restoration effects in some aspects or bring people a different visiting experience, which motivates people to explore new restoration methods. In this paper, based on virtual imaging technology, a virtual imaging restoration method for incomplete artifacts were proposed. In order to examine the effects and potential of the virtual imaging restoration, a bronze mirror and a mural were restored through our newly invented virtual imaging restoration device. The effects of the restorations were evaluated through the illumination test and the questionnaire surveys. The results proved that the virtual imaging restoration can visually achieve in situ restoration, and it is completely reversible. Virtual imaging restoration also performed well in terms of visiting experience, authenticity, discernibility, and economy. Limitations of this restoration method are related to the scope of application, the viewing angle, and the imaging effects. Overall, virtual imaging restoration is worth recommending and the potential of this method and its encouraging results may provide a choice or pretest tool for the restoration of some incomplete artifacts in the near future.
Large overjet as a risk factor of traumatic dental injuries: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Schatz Jean-Paul , Ostini Enrico , Hakeberg Magnus , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this longitudinal prospective study was to evaluate if schoolchildren with large overjet experience a greater risk of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) compared to children with normal or small overjet.

Methods

A sample of children aged 6‑13 years was prospectively evaluated after 1 year: from the initial sample, data concerning trauma cases of 1413 children were collected to determine the number and types of injuries, the influence of overjet on the risk of TDI, and the relationships between trauma, age, and gender.

Results

The observed prevalence of trauma was higher for boys, with the largest frequency between the ages of 8 to 12 years: 67.9% of all injuries were hard tissue injuries and 32.1% subluxation and luxation injuries. Children with an overjet of 6 mm or more showed a statistically increased risk of getting trauma [RR = 3.37 with CI (1.81; 6.27)].

Conclusion

In this prospective study, overjet stood out among variables as the most significant risk factor of TDI: an increased overjet of 6 mm or more had a major impact on the risk of trauma, which would speak in favor of early orthodontic correction of an increased overjet to reduce the prevalence of dental trauma
Protective effects of peel extracts of Irvingia wombolu on metabolic disorders in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Matsinkou Rosane Soh , Oumbe Valere Aime Soh , Ngondi Judith Laure , Oben Julius Enyong
Published: November 2020

Background

Diabetes is widely recognized as associated with several structural and functional liver, kidney, and heart abnormalities. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of peel extracts ofIrvingia womboluagainst diabetes complications.

Methods

Diabetes was induced by intravenous administration of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg) through the right jugular vein on rats and animals with blood glucose values of at least 250 mg/dl received orally aqueous extract of peel (AEP), hydroethanolic extract of peel (HEP), tolbutamide and DMSO 10%. Their effects on the concentration of blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in diabetic and normal rats were investigated using standard methods.

Results

Twenty-one days of treatment with AEP and HEP at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly (P < 0,05) reduced the fasting blood glucose to a point of reaching normal value. The antihyperlipidemic assessment of extracts revealed a significant (P < 0,05) decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL levels, and a significant (P < 0,05) increase in HDL level in the plasma of treated diabetic rats. Furthermore, plasma biomarkers of liver and kidney dysfunction were significantly reduced in treated diabetic rats. We also observed increased activities of catalase, SOD, and reduced glutathione in diabetic treated rats.

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that AEP and HEP have a protective effect on liver, kidney, and heart in experimental diabetic rats which can be beneficial in the management of diabetes and its complications.