bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of empirical studies examining mechanisms of implementation in health
Authors: Lewis Cara C. , Boyd Meredith R. , Walsh-Bailey Callie , Lyon Aaron R. , Beidas Rinad , Mittman Brian , Aarons Gregory A. , Weiner Bryan J. , Chambers David A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Understanding the mechanisms of implementation strategies (i.e., the processes by which strategies produce desired effects) is important for research to understand why a strategy did or did not achieve its intended effect, and it is important for practice to ensure strategies are designed and selected to directly target determinants or barriers. This study is a systematic review to characterize how mechanisms are conceptualized and measured, how they are studied and evaluated, and how much evidence exists for specific mechanisms.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed and CINAHL Plus for implementation studies published between January 1990 and August 2018 that included the terms “mechanism,” “mediator,” or “moderator.” Two authors independently reviewed title and abstracts and then full texts for fit with our inclusion criteria of empirical studies of implementation in health care contexts. Authors extracted data regarding general study information, methods, results, and study design and mechanisms-specific information. Authors used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool to assess study quality.

Results

Search strategies produced 2277 articles, of which 183 were included for full text review. From these we included for data extraction 39 articles plus an additional seven articles were hand-entered from only other review of implementation mechanisms (total = 46 included articles). Most included studies employed quantitative methods (73.9%), while 10.9% were qualitative and 15.2% were mixed methods. Nine unique versions of models testing mechanisms emerged. Fifty-three percent of the studies met half or fewer of the quality indicators. The majority of studies (84.8%) only met three or fewer of the seven criteria stipulated for establishing mechanisms.

Conclusions

Researchers have undertaken a multitude of approaches to pursue mechanistic implementation research, but our review revealed substantive conceptual, methodological, and measurement issues that must be addressed in order to advance this critical research agenda. To move the field forward, there is need for greater precision to achieve conceptual clarity, attempts to generate testable hypotheses about how and why variables are related, and use of concrete behavioral indicators of proximal outcomes in the case of quantitative research and more directed inquiry in the case of qualitative research.
Non-parametric and semi-parametric support estimation using SEquential RESampling random walks on biomolecular sequences
Authors: Wang Wei , Smith Jack , Hejase Hussein A. , Liu Kevin J.
Published: April 2020

Non-parametric and semi-parametric resampling procedures are widely used to perform support estimation in computational biology and bioinformatics. Among the most widely used methods in this class is the standard bootstrap method, which consists of random sampling with replacement. While not requiring assumptions about any particular parametric model for resampling purposes, the bootstrap and related techniques assume that sites are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.). The i.i.d. assumption can be an over-simplification for many problems in computational biology and bioinformatics. In particular, sequential dependence within biomolecular sequences is often an essential biological feature due to biochemical function, evolutionary processes such as recombination, and other factors. To relax the simplifying i.i.d. assumption, we propose a new non-parametric/semi-parametric sequential resampling technique that generalizes “Heads-or-Tails” mirrored inputs, a simple but clever technique due to Landan and Graur. The generalized procedure takes the form of random walks along either aligned or unaligned biomolecular sequences. We refer to our new method as the SERES (or “SEquential RESampling”) method. To demonstrate the performance of the new technique, we apply SERES to estimate support for the multiple sequence alignment problem. Using simulated and empirical data, we show that SERES-based support estimation yields comparable or typically better performance compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Forensic psychiatry in Finland: an overview of past, present and future
Authors: Seppänen Allan , Joelsson Petteri , Ahlgren-Rimpiläinen Aulikki , Repo-Tiihonen Eila
Published: April 2020

Despite a recent contrary trend, Finland has been for decades one of the most violent countries in Western Europe. Also, Finland has had one of the highest number of psychiatric beds per capita in Europe, although this, too, has seen a sharp decline. Against this background, among other national idiosyncrasies, Finland has developed its forensic psychiatric services. Here, we describe the legal, organizational and clinical structure of these services, and outline the historical and current issues that have shaped them. Finally, we consider future challenges facing the Finnish forensic service system, as part of wider European and global trends.
Significance of incident reports by medical doctors for organizational transparency and driving forces for patient safety
Authors: Fukami Tatsuya , Uemura Masakazu , Nagao Yoshimasa
Published: April 2020

Background

Incident reporting is an effective strategy used to enhance patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare. An incident is an event that could eventually result in harm to a patient. The aim of this study is to re-evaluate the importance of reporting by medical doctors to improve quality in healthcare and patient safety.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the reported incidents registered in our institutional database from April 1st 2015 to March 31st 2019, classified according to eight variables proposed by the National University Hospital Council of Japan, to determine the type of incidents and their potential harm to patients.

Results

Registered reports totalled 43,775, approximately 8% of which arise annually from medical doctors in clinical departments. Incidents with higher impact on patients have significantly increased the rate of reporting by medical doctors. The most frequent types of report overall concerned medication incidents, followed by infusion lines, drainage-tube devices, cure, examination, and treatment outside the operating room. The most frequent reports by medical doctors involved operation-related incidents, followed by cure, examination, treatment outside the operation room, and medications.

Conclusion

Reporting by medical doctors reflects the organizational transparency and the driving forces behind patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare. Efforts toward seamless improvement in patient safety and quality at our hospital continue apace.
Comparison of cardiac output and cardiac index values measured by critical care echocardiography with the values measured by pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) in the pediatric intensive care unit:a preliminary study
Authors: Aslan Nagehan , Yildizdas Dincer , Horoz Ozden Ozgur , Coban Yasemin , Demir Fadli , Erdem Sevcan , Sertdemir Yasar
Published: April 2020

Background

Planning optimal fluid and inotrope-vasopressor-inodilator therapy is essential in critically ill children. Pulse index Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO) monitoring is an invasive, hemodynamic monitor that provides parameter measurements such as cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI). Use of ultrasonography and critical care echocardiography by the pediatric intensivists has increased in recent years. In the hands of an experienced pediatric intensivist, critical echocardiography can accurately measure both CO and CI. Our objective in this study is to compare the CO and CI values measured by pediatric intensivist using critical care echocardiography to the values measured by PiCCO monitor in critically ill pediatric patients.

Methods

A prospective observational study from a tertiary university hospital PICU. A total of 15 patients who required advanced hemodynamic monitoring and applied PiCCO monitoring were included the study. The diagnosis of patients were septic shock, cardiogenic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary edema. Forty nine echocardiographic measurements were performed and from 15 patients. All echocardiographic measurements were performed by a pediatric intensive care fellow experienced in cardiac ultrasound. The distance of left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) in the parasternal long axis and LVOT-Velocity Time Integral (LVOT-VTI) measurement was performed in the apical five chamber image. Cardiac output_echocardiography (CO_echo) and CI_echocardiography (CI_echo) were calculated using these two measurements. PiCCO (PiCCO, Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany) monitoring was performed. Cardiac output (CO_picco) and CI (CI_picco) were simultaneously measured by PiCCO monitor and echocardiography. We performed a correlation analysis with this 49 echocardiographic measurements and PiCCO measurements.

Results

We detected a strong positive correlation between CO_echo and CO_picco measurements (p < 0.001, r = 0.985) and a strong positive correlation between CI_echo and CI_picco measurements (p < 0.001, r = 0.943).

Conclusions

Our study results suggest that critical care echocardiography measurement of CO and CI performed by an experienced pediatric intensivist are comparable to PiCCO measurements. The critical care echocardiography measurement can be used to guide fluid and vasoactive-inotropic management of critically ill pediatric patients.
Novel insights into salinity-induced lipogenesis and carotenogenesis in the oleaginous astaxanthin-producing alga Chromochloris zofingiensis: a multi-omics study
Authors: Mao Xuemei , Zhang Yu , Wang Xiaofei , Liu Jin
Published: April 2020

Background

Chromochloris zofingiensis, a freshwater alga capable of synthesizing both triacylglycerol (TAG) and astaxanthin, has been receiving increasing attention as a leading candidate producer. While the mechanism of oleaginousness and/or carotenogenesis has been studied under such induction conditions as nitrogen deprivation, high light and glucose feeding, it remains to be elucidated in response to salt stress, a condition critical for reducing freshwater footprint during algal production processes.

Results

Firstly, the effect of salt concentrations on growth, lipids and carotenoids was examined forC. zofingiensis, and 0.2 M NaCl demonstrated to be the optimal salt concentration for maximizing both TAG and astaxanthin production. Then, the time-resolved lipid and carotenoid profiles and comparative transcriptomes and metabolomes were generated in response to the optimized salt concentration for congruent analysis. A global response was triggered inC. zofingiensisallowing acclimation to salt stress, including photosynthesis impairment, ROS build-up, protein turnover, starch degradation, and TAG and astaxanthin accumulation. The lipid metabolism involved a set of stimulated biological pathways that contributed to carbon precursors, energy and reductant molecules, pushing and pulling power, and storage sink for TAG accumulation. On the other hand, salt stress suppressed lutein biosynthesis, stimulated astaxanthin biosynthesis (mainly via ketolation), yet had little effect on total carotenoid flux, leading to astaxanthin accumulation at the expense of lutein. Astaxanthin was predominantly esterified and accumulated in a well-coordinated manner with TAG, pointing to the presence of common regulators and potential communication for the two compounds. Furthermore, the comparison between salt stress and nitrogen deprivation conditions revealed distinctions in TAG and astaxanthin biosynthesis as well as critical genes with engineering potential.

Conclusions

Our multi-omics data and integrated analysis shed light on the salt acclimation ofC. zofingiensisand underlying mechanisms of TAG and astaxanthin biosynthesis, provide engineering implications into future trait improvements, and will benefit the development of this alga for production uses under saline environment, thus reducing the footprint of freshwater.
The relationship between severity of liver steatosis and metabolic parameters in a sample of Iranian adults
Authors: Tutunchi Helda , Saghafi-Asl Maryam , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the relationship between severity of liver steatosis and metabolic parameters in a sample of Iranian adults. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 95 subjects aged > 20 years newly diagnosed with NAFLD were recruited. NAFLD was diagnosed using ultrasonography by a single expert radiologist in a fasting state.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 49.27 (SD 9.7) years, with 53.68% males and 46.32% females. Most patients had grade I NAFLD (72.63%), 25.26% were grade II, and 2.11% were grade III on ultrasonography. With increasing severity of liver steatosis, there were statistically significant increases in mean body mass index (P = 0.001), serum triglycerides (P = 0.026), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.001), and fasting blood sugar (P = 0.041), and there was a statistically significant decrease in mean serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.011). However, no association was found between severity of liver steatosis and serum total cholesterol (P = 0.271), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.341), and alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.234). In conclusion, the severity of ultrasonographic liver steatosis was significantly associated with abnormal metabolic parameters.
A numerical investigation of Caputo time fractional Allen–Cahn equation using redefined cubic B-spline functions
Authors: Khalid Nauman , Abbas Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Kashif , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: April 2020

We present a collocation approach based on redefined cubic B-spline (RCBS) functions and finite difference formulation to study the approximate solution of time fractional Allen–Cahn equation (ACE). We discretize the time fractional derivative of order $\alpha\in(0,1]$α∈(0,1] by using finite forward difference formula and bring RCBS functions into action for spatial discretization. We find that the numerical scheme is of order $O(h^{2}+\Delta t^{2-\alpha})$O(h2+Δt2−α) and unconditionally stable. We test the computational efficiency of the proposed method through some numerical examples subject to homogeneous/nonhomogeneous boundary constraints. The simulation results show a superior agreement with the exact solution as compared to those found in the literature.
On fractional hybrid and non-hybrid multi-term integro-differential inclusions with three-point integral hybrid boundary conditions
Authors: Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram , Samei Mohammad Esmael
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we investigate the existence of solutions for two nonlinear fractional multi-term integro-differential inclusions in two hybrid and non-hybrid versions. The boundary value conditions are in the form of three-point integral hybrid conditions. In this way, we define a new operator based on the integral solution of the given boundary value inclusion problem and then we use assumptions of a Dhage’s fixed point result for this fractional operator in the hybrid case. Also, the approximate endpoint property is applied for the corresponding set-valued maps in the non-hybrid case. Finally, we provide two examples to illustrate our main results.
Changes in smoking patterns after HIV diagnosis or antiretroviral treatment initiation: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nansseu Jobert Richie , Tounouga Dalhia Noelle , Noubiap Jean Jacques , Bigna Jean Joel
Published: April 2020

Background

Tobacco consumption is more life-threatening in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than within the general population; therefore, people living with HIV (PLWH) should be highly motivated to take action towards quitting smoking at or after HIV diagnosis. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate changes in smoking habits among PLWH over time.

Main text

We considered prospective and retrospective cohort studies including PLWH aged 15 years and above, which have measured the prevalence of tobacco smoking (current, former or never) at study initiation and completion, and published between January 1, 2000 and April 15, 2018 without language or geographical restriction. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Africa Journal Online, and Global Index Medicus. We used a random-effects model to pool data. Nine studies were included. The proportion of current and former smokers decreased slightly over time, around 2.5 and 3.8%, respectively. However, the proportion of never smokers decreased sharply by 22.5%, and there were 2.1 and 1.5% PLWH who shifted from never and former smoking to current smoking, respectively. On the other hand, 10.5% PLWH shifted from current to former smoking, 7.1% tried to quit tobacco consumption but failed, and 10.1% stayed in the “never smoking” category over time.

Conclusions

PLWH seem not to change positively their smoking habits towards quitting tobacco consumption. There is urgent need to increase actions aimed at helping this vulnerable population to quit tobacco consumption, including individually tailored therapeutic education, psychosocial and pharmacologic supports.
Evaluating the exchange rate and commodity price nexus in Malaysia: evidence from the threshold cointegration approach
Authors: Butt Shamaila , Ramakrishnan Suresh , Loganathan Nanthakumar , Chohan Muhammad Ali
Published: April 2020

This paper examines the long- and short-run dynamics of asymmetric adjustment between the nominal exchange rate and commodity prices, namely oil, palm oil, rubber, and natural gas prices, in Malaysia using monthly data from January 1994 to December 2017. The relationship between exchange rate and each commodity price is examined in terms of Engle-Granger and threshold cointegrations. The estimated results provide evidence of long-run threshold cointegration and show that the adjustments towards the long-run equilibrium position are asymmetric in the short run. Furthermore, this study finds evidence of a unidirectional causal relationship running from the nominal exchange rate to oil price in the long and short run using a spectral frequency domain causality application. There is also empirical evidence of bidirectional causality between the nominal exchange rate and palm oil price, rubber price, and natural gas price in the long and short run. Overall, the findings have significant implications for the current debate on the future of primary commodities in Malaysia.
Investigation of the gene co-expression network and hub genes associated with acute mountain sickness
Authors: Chang Yue , He Jiange , Tang Jiqiang , Chen Kai , Wang Zhenguo , Xia Qun , Li Hai
Published: April 2020

Background

Acute mountain sickness has become a heavily researched topic in recent years. However, the genetic mechanism and effects have not been elucidated. Our goal is to construct a gene co-expression network to identify the key modules and hub genes associated with high altitude hypoxia.

Results

The GSE46480 dataset of rapidly transported healthy adults with acute mountain sickness was selected and analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to construct a co-expression network. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the data set were carried out using Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), and the hub genes were selected. We found that the turquoise module was most significantly correlated with acute mountain sickness. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the turquoise module was related to the apoptotic process, protein transport, and translation processes. The metabolic pathway analysis identified hsa03010:ribosome and hsa04144:endocytosis as the most important pathways in the turquoise module. Ten top 10 hub genes (MRPL3, PSMC6, AIMP1, HAT1, DPY30, ATP5L, COX7B, UQCRB, DPM1, and COMMD6) for acute mountain sickness were identified.

Conclusion

One module and 10 hub genes were identified, which were related to acute mountain sickness. The reference provided by this module may help to elucidate the mechanism of acute mountain sickness. In addition, the hub genes may be used in the future as a biomarker and therapeutic target for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A hemodialysis patient with Mycobacterium avium complex pericarditis in which remarkable presepsin elevation was not accompanied by procalcitonin elevation
Authors: Shiota Jun
Published: April 2020

Background

The application of presepsin for diagnosing infections in hemodialysis (HD) patients has not been confirmed yet. In addition, whether presepsin can detect atypical mycobacterial infection or not remains unknown.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 66-year-old male HD patient with pericardial tamponade. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) was identified from a culture of pericardial effusion. The patient showed a clinical improvement after approximately 1 year without the administration of antibiotics. Remarkably, high plasma presepsin values were observed without an increase in serum procalcitonin values. The patient’s presepsin values decreased after the treatment of MAC induced pericarditis.

Conclusions

We found a HD patient with mycobacterium avium complex pericarditis with remarkable presepsin elevation unaccompanied by PCT elevation.
Tracked Foley catheter for motion compensation during fusion image-guided prostate procedures: a phantom study
Authors: Hale Graham R. , Pesapane Filippo , Xu Sheng , Bakhutashvili Ivane , Glossop Neil , Turkbey Baris , Pinto Peter A. , Wood Bradford J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Uncorrected patient or prostate motion may impair targeting prostate areas during fusion image-guided procedures. We evaluated if a prototype “tracked Foley catheter” (TFC) could maintain fusion image alignment after simulated organ motion.

Methods

A pelvic phantom model underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the prostate was segmented. The TFC was placed in the phantom. MRI/ultrasound (US) fusion was performed. Four trials were performed varying motion and TFC presence/absence: (1) TFC/no-motion, (2) TFC/motion, (3) no-TFC/no-motion, and (4) no-TFC/motion. To quantify image alignment, screen captures generated Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and offset distances (ODs) (maximal US-to-MRI distance between edges on fusion images). Three anatomical targets were identified for placement of a needle under fusion guidance. A computed tomography scan was used to measure system error (SE), i.e., the distance from needle tip to intended target.

Results

The TFC presence improved MRI/US alignment by DSC 0.88, 0.88, 0.74, and 0.61 in trials 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Both OD (trial 2 versus trial 4, 4.85 ± 1.60 versus 25.29 ± 6.50 mm, p < 0.001) and SE (trial 2 versus trial 4, 6.35 ± 1.31 versus 32.16 ± 6.50 mm, p < 0.005) were significantly lower when the TFC was present after artificial motion, and significantly smaller OD when static (trial 1 versus trial 3, 4.29 ± 1.24 versus 6.42 ± 2.29 mm, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

TFC provided better image alignment with or without simulated motion. This may overcome system limitations, allowing for more accurate fusion image alignment during fusion-guided biopsy, ablation, or robotic prostatectomy.
Long-Term Follow-Up Results of Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Induction Therapy and Risk-Adapted Maintenance Approach in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Joseph Nisha S. , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Hofmeister Craig C. , Almaula Dhwani K. , Heffner Leonard T. , Gupta Vikas A. , Boise Lawrence H. , Lonial Sagar , Nooka Ajay K.
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

The combination of lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVD) is a highly effective and convenient induction regimen for both transplantation-eligible and -ineligible patients with myeloma. Here, we present the largest cohort of patients consecutively treated with RVD induction therapy followed by risk-adapted maintenance therapy with the longest follow-up and important information on long-term outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We describe 1,000 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed myeloma treated with RVD induction therapy from January 2007 until August 2016. Demographic and clinical characteristics and outcomes data were obtained from our institutional review board–approved myeloma database. Responses and progression were evaluated per International Myeloma Working Group Uniform Response Criteria.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 97.1% after induction therapy and 98.5% after transplantation, with 89.9% of patients achieving a very good partial response (VGPR) or better and 33.3% achieving stringent complete response after transplantation at a median follow-up time of 67 months. The estimated median progression-free survival time was 65 months (95% CI, 58.7 to 71.3 months) for the entire cohort, 40.3 months (95% CI, 33.5 to 47 months) for high-risk patients, and 76.5 months (95% CI, 66.9 to 86.2 months) for standard-risk patients. The median overall survival (OS) time for the entire cohort was 126.6 months (95% CI, 113.3 to 139.8 months). The median OS for high-risk patients was 78.2 months (95% CI, 62.2 to 94.2 months), whereas it has not been reached for standard-risk patients. Five-year OS rates for high-risk and standard-risk patients were 57% and 81%, respectively, and the 10-year OS rates were 29% and 58%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

RVD is an induction regimen that delivers high response rates (VGPR or better) in close to 90% of patients after transplantation, and risk-adapted maintenance can deliver unprecedented long-term outcomes. This study includes the largest cohort of patients treated with RVD reported to date with long follow-up and demonstrates the ability of 3-drug induction regimens in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma to result in a substantial survival benefit.
Characterization of Gut Microbiota Composition in Hemodialysis Patients With Normal Weight Obesity
Authors: Lin Ting-Yun , Wu Ping-Hsun , Lin Yi-Ting , Hung Szu-Chun
Published: April 2020

Background

Normal weight obesity (NWO), defined by a normal body mass index (BMI) but increased body fat percentage (BF%), is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. NWO is characterized by inflammation and muscle wasting in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Gut microbiota has been implicated in the regulation of host metabolism and may play important roles in the development of NWO in CKD.

Methods

In this case-control study, we examined the gut microbial diversity and taxonomy in 96 hemodialysis patients with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2 and BF% ≤ 25% for men or ≤ 35% for women; n = 32), NWO (BMI < 25 kg/m2 and BF% > 25% for men or > 35% for women; n = 32), and overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; n = 32), matched for age, gender, and diabetes. BF% was measured using bioimpedance spectroscopy device. Gut microbiota was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

We found that α-diversity was significantly different among the 3 adiposity phenotypes, with NWO being the least diverse. α-diversity was positively correlated with BMI, subjective global assessment score, and physical activity, but negatively correlated with interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Patients with or without NWO were distinguished with respect to principal coordinate analysis of β-diversity. Notably, the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Coprococcus, was markedly reduced in patients with NWO.

Conclusion

Our findings support associations between gut dysbiosis and a proinflammatory and catabolic state in hemodialysis patients with NWO.
A genetic interaction map centered on cohesin reveals auxiliary factors in sister chromatid cohesion
Authors: Sun Su Ming , Batté Amandine , Tittel-Elmer Mireille , van der Horst Sophie , van Welsem Tibor , Bean Gordon , Ideker Trey , van Leeuwen Fred , van Attikum Haico
Published: April 2020

Eukaryotic chromosomes are replicated in interphase and the two newly duplicated sister chromatids are held together by the cohesin complex and several cohesin auxiliary factors. Sister chromatid cohesion is essential for accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis, yet has also been implicated in other processes, including DNA damage repair, transcription and DNA replication. To assess how cohesin and associated factors functionally interconnect and coordinate with other cellular processes, we systematically mapped genetic interactions of 17 cohesin genes centered on quantitative growth measurements of >52,000 gene pairs in budding yeast. Integration of synthetic genetic interactions unveiled a cohesin functional map that constitutes 373 genetic interactions, revealing novel functional connections with post-replication repair, microtubule organization and protein folding. Accordingly, we show that the microtubule-associated protein Irc15 and the prefoldin complex members Gim3, Gim4 and Yke2 are new factors involved in sister chromatid cohesion. Our genetic interaction map thus provides a unique resource for further identification and functional interrogation of cohesin proteins. Since mutations in cohesin proteins have been associated with cohesinopathies and cancer, it may also identify cohesin interactions relevant in disease etiology.
Maturation and phenotype of pathophysiological neuronal excitability of human cells in tau-related dementia
Authors: Kopach Olga , Esteras Noemí , Wray Selina , Rusakov Dmitri A. , Abramov Andrey Y.
Published: April 2020

Frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism (FTDP-17) caused by the 10+16 splice-site mutation in the gene encoding microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) provides an established platform to model tau-related dementia in vitro. Neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been shown to recapitulate the neurodevelopmental profile of tau pathology during in vitro corticogenesis, as in the adult human brain. However, the neurophysiological phenotype of these cells has remained unknown, leaving unanswered questions regarding the functional relevance and the gnostic power of this disease model. In this study, we used electrophysiology to explore the membrane properties and intrinsic excitability of the generated neurons and found that human cells mature by ∼150 days of neurogenesis to become compatible with matured cortical neurons. In earlier FTDP-17, however, neurons exhibited a depolarized resting membrane potential associated with increased resistance and reduced voltage-gated Na+- and K+-channel-mediated conductance. Expression of the Nav1.6 protein was reduced in FTDP-17. These effects led to reduced cell capability of induced firing and changed the action potential waveform in FTDP-17. The revealed neuropathology might thus contribute to the clinicopathological profile of the disease. This sheds new light on the significance of human in vitro models of dementia.
The effects of elevated temperature and PCO2 on the energetics and haemolymph pH homeostasis of juveniles of the European lobster, Homarus gammarus
Authors: Small Daniel P. , Calosi Piero , Rastrick Samuel P. S. , Turner Lucy M. , Widdicombe Stephen , Spicer John I.
Published: April 2020

Regulation of extracellular acid–base balance, while maintaining energy metabolism, is recognised as an important aspect when defining an organism's sensitivity to environmental changes. This study investigated the haemolymph buffering capacity and energy metabolism (oxygen consumption, haemolymph [l-lactate] and [protein]) in early benthic juveniles (carapace length <40 mm) of the European lobster, Homarus gammarus, exposed to elevated temperature and PCO2. At 13°C, H. gammarus juveniles were able to fully compensate for acid–base disturbances caused by the exposure to elevated seawater PCO2 at levels associated with ocean acidification and carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) leakage scenarios, via haemolymph [HCO3−] regulation. However, metabolic rate remained constant and food consumption decreased under elevated PCO2, indicating reduced energy availability. Juveniles at 17°C showed no ability to actively compensate haemolymph pH, resulting in decreased haemolymph pH particularly under CCS conditions. Early benthic juvenile lobsters at 17°C were not able to increase energy intake to offset increased energy demand and therefore appear to be unable to respond to acid–base disturbances due to increased PCO2 at elevated temperature. Analysis of haemolymph metabolites suggests that, even under control conditions, juveniles were energetically limited. They exhibited high haemolymph [l-lactate], indicating recourse to anaerobic metabolism. Low haemolymph [protein] was linked to minimal non-bicarbonate buffering and reduced oxygen transport capacity. We discuss these results in the context of potential impacts of ongoing ocean change and CCS leakage scenarios on the development of juvenile H. gammarus and future lobster populations and stocks.
Review of High-Intensity Interval Training for Cognitive and Mental Health in Youth
Authors: LEAHY ANGUS A. , MAVILIDI MYRTO F. , SMITH JORDAN J. , HILLMAN CHARLES H. , EATHER NARELLE , BARKER DANIEL , LUBANS DAVID R.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient strategy to improve children’s and adolescents’ health-related fitness in comparison to traditional training methods. However, little is known regarding the effects on cognitive function and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of HIIT on cognitive function (basic information processing, executive function) and mental health (well-being, ill-being) outcomes for children and adolescents.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted, and studies were eligible if they 1) included a HIIT protocol, 2) examined cognitive function or mental health outcomes, and 3) examined children or adolescents (5–18 yr). Separate meta-analyses were conducted for acute and chronic studies, with potential moderators (i.e., study duration, risk of bias, participant age, cognitive demand, and study population) also explored.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included in the review. In acute studies, small to moderate effects were found for executive function (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.98; P = 0.038) and affect (SMD, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.05–0.62; P = 0.020), respectively. For chronic studies, small significant effects were found for executive function (SMD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15–0.76, P < 0.001), well-being (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.02–0.41; P = 0.029), and ill-being (SMD, −0.35; 95% CI, −0.68 to −0.03; P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Our review provides preliminary review evidence suggesting that participation in HIIT can improve cognitive function and mental health in children and adolescents. Because of the small number of studies and large heterogeneity, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings.
Medical students’ readiness and perceptions about Interprofessional Education: A cross sectional study
Authors: Alzamil Hana , Meo Sultan Ayoub
Published: April 2020

Objectives: Interprofessional Education (IPE) provides an environment where learners demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitude required to manage the complex clinical scenarios in a collaborative and interprofessional manner. The actual sphere of influence of Interprofessional Education in many medical schools has been limited. Therefore, the present study aim was to evaluate the medical students’ readiness and perception of Interprofessional Education in a medical college in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This questionnaire based cross sectional study was executed in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University during the period September 2016 to December 2017, using the 19-item Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) with four subscales teamwork and collaboration, negative professional identity, positive professional identity and roles and responsibilities. The questionnaire was e-mailed to 1411 medical students and responses were analyzed using 5-point Likert scale.

Results: A total of 158 medical students and trainees responded to the survey, 69 (43.6%) were males and 89 (56.4%) were females. The majority of participants 122-148 (77-94%) acknowledged the positive impact of IPE on teamwork and collaboration, more than two thirds 105 (64.45%) disagreed with negative attitude and 110-126 (70-80%) showed positive professional identity.

Conclusions: Medical students showed a positive perception and ready to adopt the Interprofessional Educational allied activities in medical schools. The shared academic events would improve in clarifying the roles and responsibilities of medical students in health care professions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2214

How to cite this:Alzamil H, Meo SA. Medical students’ readiness and perceptions about Interprofessional Education: A cross sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):693-698. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2214

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Neopterin and Soluble Urokinase Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor as Biomarkers in Dogs with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: BASBUG O. , AYDOGDU U. , AGAOGLU Z. T,
Published: April 2020

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a common cause of mortality in dogs. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of markers C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and neopterin in dogs with SIRS. The materials of the study consist of 30 dogs with SIRS and 15 healthy dogs that show no clinical symptom, 45 dogs in total. CRP, suPAR and neopterin levels of the serum samples were determined by ELISA using commercial kits. In the study, it was found that CRP, suPAR and neopterin levels of dogs with SIRS were significantly higher (P < 0.001, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively) than those in the healthy group. The cut-off values for the healthy dogs and dogs with SIRS for CRP, suPAR and neopterin were determined to be 11.20 mg/L, 223.68 ng/L and 3.23 nmol/mL, respectively. At these cut-off values, sensitivity levels were determined as high (92.90%) for CRP, moderate (63.30%) for neopterin, and low (53.30%) for suPAR, and high specificities (93.30%) were determined for all. In conclusion, it was determined that CRP showed the best performance for the detection of systemic inflammatory response in dogs and neopterin and suPAR could be used as an alternative to CRP. It was also argued that further studies were necessary in order to determine diagnosis and prognosis of diseases.
Studies on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Hatcheries and Chicken
Authors: ERAKY R. D. , ABD EL-GHANY W. A. , SOLIMAN K. M.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this work was to spot light on the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) strains in hatcheries and dead in shell embryos. A total of 406 samples representing 200 and 206 swabs from hatcheries environment and yolk sacs of dead in shell embryos were collected from Damietta governorate, Egypt. P. aeruginosa was isolated and identified. Some virulent genes (toxA, psIA and fliC) of P. aeruginosa were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The antimicrobial susceptibility of P. aeruginosa was tested in vitro. Day and 11 days old broiler chicks were challenged with P. aeruginosa to determine the pathogenicity of the isolated strains. The results showed that P. aeruginosa was recovered from 16 (8%) out of 200 hatcheries and from 17 (8.25%) out of 206 chicken embryos samples. Isolated strains of P. aeruginosa showed presence of toxA, psIA and fliC virulent genes. P. aeruginosa strains were sensitive (100%) to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and gentamycin but resistant (100%) to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, doxycycline and erythromycin. The pathogenicity test of day and 11 days old chicks revealed that P. aeruginosa was highly pathogenic induced mortality rates of 72 and 40%, respectively. Septicaemia of internal organs, unabsorbed yolk sacs, pneumonia, greenish exudates in the abdominal cavity, liver necrosis and enteritis were the predominant lesions. Histopathological changes supported the previous lesions. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa is of great importance pathogen of embryos and newly hatched chicks based on presence of virulent genes as well as in vivo pathogenicity study; respectively.
Effects of Safranal on Tissue Oxidative Stress in Sub-Chronic Thinner-Addicted Rats
Authors: DÜZ M. , FIDAN A. F.
Published: April 2020

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of sub-chronic thinner addiction on the oxidant-antioxidant balance and oxidative stress on certain tissues and the possible protective effect of safranal against thinner toxication in rats. Adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 animals each as follows: control (C), safranal (S), thinner (T) and thinner+safranal (T+S). The control group received 1cc saline by gastric gavage. Safranal was administered to S and T+S groups by using gastric gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day and volume of 0.1 mL/kg/day. Thinner inhalation was applied to T and T+S groups in a container with NaOH tablets twice a day. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NOx) metabolites, total antioxidant capacity (TAS) and total oxidant capacity (TOS) were determined in liver, lung, brain, kidney and testis tissues of the rats. In the T+S group, it was observed that the MDA levels significantly decreased in all tissues, except the kidney, in comparison to the thinner inhalation group (p = 0.000). When the NOx levels of the T+S group were compared with the levels of the T group, it was concluded that there existed a statistically significant decrease in the NOx levels in alltissues (p = 0.000). In T+S group, it was observed that safranal either eliminated or mitigated oxidative stress that developed in tissues through decreasing MDA and TOS levels and increasing GSH and TAS levels and caused significant decreases in NOX levels in all tissues. As a result, it was determined that safranal, although not uniform for all tissue types, had a protective potential against the damaging effects of oxidative stress caused by sub-chronic thinner inhalation.
Effect of nebulized formoterol, ipratropium bromide, and furosemide in combination with fluticasone propionate on arterial blood gases of premature calves with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: OK M. , YILDIZ R. , TRAŞ B. , BAŞPINAR N. , AKAR A.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effect of nebulized formoterol (FM), ipratropium bromide (IB) and furosemide (FS) combined with fluticasone propionate (FP) on l ung function in premature calves with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Thirty-six premature calves with RDS were randomly assigned to six different treatment groups (D1 to D6). All groups received the standard treatment, including oxygen and support treatment. Calves in D1 received only the standard treatment. The following combinations of nebulized drugs were used for the other groups: D2: FP, D3: FP+FM; D4: FP+IB; D5: FP+FS and D6: FP+IB+FM+FS. The treatment period (72 h) involved the application of FM (15 μg totally/12 h), IB (2 μg/kg/12 h), FS (1 mg/kg/12 h) and FP (15 μg/kg/12 h) for five minutes. A significant increase over time in blood pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), oxygen saturation (SatO2) and a decrease in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and lactate were detected in all groups that received nebulized treatment; while in the D1, a significant change was observed only for PaCO2. Calves in D6 had the highest PaO2 and lowest PaCO2 values amongst all groups at the end of treatment. No statistical difference was observed between the Nebulization Groups (NG). Nebulized FM, IB and FS with FP combination in premature calves with RDS, in addition to the standard treatment showed a significant curative effect on lung function.
Effect of ghrelin peripheral administration on growth performance, carcass quality, and selected serum parameters in broiler chickens
Authors: AGHDAM SHAHRYAR H. , LOTFI A.
Published: April 2020

The aim of present study was to investigate the short-term and long-term effect of the peripheral administration of ghrelin on the growth performance (feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio), carcass quality, and selected serum biochemical (glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and total protein) and hormonal (T3, T4, and corticostrone) indices in broiler chickens. 240 one-day-old broiler chickens were selected, and allocated into three treatment groups (control and two experimental groups). On day-21 of the rearing period, ghrelin was peripherally administrated to three experimental groups. The control group contained birds without any administration of peptide or solution, groups G50 and G100; included birds with Ip-injection of 50 and 100 (ng/100g BW) ghrelin peptide, respectively. The peripheral administration of exogenous ghrelin did not affect feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. In short-term samples taken 12h after ghrelin infusion, the glucose level was increased in ghrelin-treated groups (162 and 151 mg/dl in G50 and G100 compared with 117 mg/dl in control; P< 0.01) and there were significant declines for TC, triglyceride, and TP in the ghrelin-treated groups (G50 and G100) compared with the control. In addition, long-term glucose level has a greater value in G50 and G100 (182 and 200.66 mg/dl) compared with control (133.60 mg/dl) group (P< 0.01). A significant decline was also observed for TC and triglyceride content in the ghrelin-treated groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference among groups for TP in short-term and long-term samples. There was a significant increase for T4 in ghrelin-treated groups (G50 and G100) compared with the control (4.55 and 4.57 ng/ml vs 4.20 ng/ml respectively; P< 0.05) in long-term samples. In conclusion, the peripheral administration of ghrelin in broiler chickens, during the commercial rearing period did not affect the overall growth performance, carcass quality and feed conversion ratio. The infusion of exogenous ghrelin may increase the levels of serum glucose, decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride, and T4 levels are increased in the long-term (and not in the short-term or 12h after administration).