bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hand hygiene knowledge and attitude of medical students in western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bakarman Marwan A. , Baig Mukhtiar , Malik Ahmad A. , Gazzaz Zohair J. , Mostafa Mostafa M. , Zayed Mohamed A. , Balubaid Abdulaziz S. , Alzahrani Ahmed K.
Published: April 2019

Background

The practice of hand hygiene (HH) has prime importance among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) and non-compliance could cause adverse consequences. By keeping the importance of HH in mind, this study aims at investigating the knowledge and attitudes towards HH among medical students and interns at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA).

Methods

The study includes 453 medical students and interns (189 males & 264 females). This study was completed in three months; from September to November 2017. The World Health Organization (WHO) HH questionnaire was used and data were analyzed on SPSS-21.

Results

Two-third of the participants 292 (64.2%) had formal training in HH in the last three years. Almost half of the participants 254 (56.1%) had correct knowledge regarding the major course of transmission of potentially detrimental microbes among patients in the healthcare premises. Just 124 (27.4%) of the respondents had the correct knowledge about the most common basis of germs accountable for healthcare-related infections. Females had significantly better knowledge than males regarding the type of HH technique needed before palpation of the abdomen (177(54%) Vs. 151(46%); P < 0.002), before an injection (175(54.5%) Vs. 146(45.5%); P < 0.007), after emptying a bedpan (207(64.7%) Vs. 113(35.3%); P < 0.001), following discarding examination gloves (256(60.4% Vs. 168(39.6%); P < 0.001] and after exposure to blood (200(64.1%) Vs. 112(35.%); P < 0.001). Female participants had better knowledge than males regarding the type of HH actions. Females also had a significantly better attitude towards the importance of HH than males (240(62.5%) Vs. 144(37.5%); P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The majority of the participants’ knowledge regarding HH was not up to the mark; however, female students had better knowledge compared to male students. The medical students and interns’ knowledge and positive attitude towards HH can play a pivotal role in preventing HCPs associated infections and it would overall decrease the infection-related burden on the hospital and governmental budgets. It is suggested that multi-dimensional plans are required to change this low compliance to a higher rate.
Bibliometric analysis of scientific publications in rheumatology journals from China and other top-ranking countries between 2007 and 2017
Authors: Zhang Chen , Feng Xinzhe , Wang Chen , Liu Denghui , He Chongru , Xu Weidong
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Rheumatology-related diseases remain a significant burden worldwide. However, little is known about the comparative status of rheumatology research between Mainland China (MC) and the world’s leading countries. The aim of this study is to compare the quantity and quality of research output in the field of rheumatology that were written by researchers from MC, the USA, the UK, the Netherlands and France.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2017, all articles published in 30 rheumatology journals were identified via Science Citation Index Expanded database. The number of total and annual articles, article types (randomized controlled trials (RCTs), reviews, case reports, clinical trials and meta-analysis), impact factor (IF), citations, h-index and articles in the high-impact journals were collected for quantity and quality comparisons. The correlation of socioeconomic factors and annual publications was also analyzed.

Results

From 2007 to 2017, there were 53,439 articles published in rheumatology journals, of which researchers from the USA published 13,391 articles, followed by the UK, the Netherlands, France and MC with 6,179, 4,310, 4,066 and 2,898 articles, respectively. Publications from MC represented the ninth, but the number is growing rapidly. For total and average citations, MC still lags behind the other four countries in the study. Similar trends were observed in average IF, h-index and articles in the high-impact journals. In terms of article types, the USA occupies the dominant place, except for meta-analysis. The annual numbers of articles from MC and the USA were positively correlated with gross domestic product (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The USA has played predominant role in rheumatology research for the last 11 years. The annual number of published articles from MC has increased notably from 2007 to 2017. Although MC has made progress in the number of published articles over the past decade, it still lags far behind the highly developed countries in most bibliometric indicators. Thus, the general quality of publications from MC needs further improvement.
Effect of Bacillus subtilis on Meloidogyne javanica and on Tomato Growth Promotion
Authors: Lopes Elisete Pedreira , Ribeiro Regina Cássia Ferreira , Xavier Adelica Aparecida , Alves Renato Martins , Castro Marcelly Thais de , Martins Maria Josiane , Almeida Lorena Gracielly de , Mizobutsi Edson Hiydu , Santos Neto José Augusto dos
Published: April 2019

Objective: To evaluate under controlled conditions the effect of alternative liquid Bacillus subtilis isolate 34 formulation on Meloidogyne javanica and tomato growth promotion.

Statistical Design: The design was completely randomized block with five treatments and eight replicates. The results were submitted to the analysis of variance and the averages compared by the Tukey test with 5% error probability. The statistical package used in the analysis of the data was the program "Sisvar"

Location and Duration of the Experiment: The experiment was set up during the period from February 13, 2018 to April 20, 2018 in greenhouse located at the State University of Montes Claros, municipality of Janaúba, MG, Brazil.

Methods: Treatments consisted of different times of application of bacteria in tomato seedlings: application of bacteria in the tube at eight and fifteen days after emergence; application of bacteria in the tube at eight and fifteen days after emergence and in pots at 25 and 35 days after transplanting; application of bacteria at 25 and 35 days after transplantation in the pot; Onix® commercial product (Bacillus methylotrophicus-UFPEDA20) and control. After 60 days of transplanting, the number of egg masses, number of galls, number of eggs, number of second-stage juveniles (J2) and reproduction factor, height, fresh and dry shoot mass and fresh root mass of tomato plants were evaluated.

Results: There was a reduction in the number of J2, eggs pre root, and eggs per gram of root when the bacteria formulation was applied in the tube + pot and in pot only. The application of the bacteria in the tube + pot and in only pot only presents the highest increase of fresh and dry shoot mass and fresh root mass.

Conclusion: The application of the liquid B. subtilis isolated 34 formulation to the soil in the pot and tube + pot reduced the reproduction of M. javanica and promoted greater tomato development.
Kokosnussöl [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2019]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2019

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated coconut oil [
8001‐31‐8
] to derive a maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value), considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications are described in detail. There are no inhalation studies with coconut oil available. Since coconut oil is a viscous liquid that is also used in metalworking fluids, exposure to a coconut oil aerosol is possible at these workplaces. As with white mineral oil, inhalation of the hardly water‐soluble coconut oil could result in overload in the lung, inflammatory reactions and microgranulomas. To prevent this overload, a MAK value of 5 mg/m
3
is derived for the respirable fraction by analogy with white mineral oil and Peak Limitation Category II as well as an excursion factor of 4 are set. There are no developmental toxicity studies with coconut oil. The inhalative uptake by exposure at the MAK value is far lower than the recommended consumption of total fat for women. The degradation products, the saturated fatty acids capric, lauric, myristic and palmitic acid, as well as the unsaturated oleic and linoleic acid, are not expected to be teratogenic. Secondary effects on the foetus by hypoxia, which can be induced by the overload effect in the lung, could be excluded at the level of the MAK value by the data on other lubricant oils. Therefore, damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is not exceeded and coconut oil is classified in Pregnancy Risk Group C. Coconut oil is not genotoxic in bacteria. From limited carcinogenicity studies, a carcinogenic potential of coconut oil is not expected. There are no indications of a contact sensitizing potential of coconut oil. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity.
Testing allostatic load factor structures among adolescents: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: King Amanda L. , Garnier‐Villarreal Mauricio , Simanek Amanda M. , Johnson Norah L.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Allostatic load (AL) represents cumulative biological “wear and tear” that results from chronic stress exposure over time, ultimately increasing risk for chronic disease. A consensus is lacking regarding the best operationalization of AL, particularly for younger, less studied populations. The purpose of this study was to test multiple hypothesized factor structures for AL to determine the best measurement approach for adolescents.

Methods

We analyzed biologic data for 1900 adolescents aged 12‐18 from four waves (2003‐2010) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. AL indicator variables included cardiovascular (systolic BP, creatinine), metabolic (HDL, LDL, triglycerides, insulin, fasting glucose, HA1C, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference), and immune (albumin, CRP, WBC, EBV) biomarkers. Structural equation modeling was used to test the fit of five hypothesized AL factor structures.

Results

The data best supported a unidimensional factor structure, where the AL construct directly influenced each of the indicator variables. All but two of the indicators (HDL and albumin) had positive factor loadings, thus, as AL increases the values for those indicators also increase. The best indicators for AL were those measuring metabolic dysregulation, with BMI and waist circumference having the highest factor loadings (0.95 and 0.982, respectively).

Conclusions

BMI and waist circumference may be some of the earliest clinical signs of elevated AL that manifest among adolescents. Future research should aim to include neuroendocrine biomarkers in their AL measures to have a more robust estimation of AL in younger populations.
Differences between ecological niches in northern and southern populations of Angolan black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis palliatusandColobus angolensis sharpei) throughout Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: McDonald Monica M. , Johnson Scott M. , Henry Edward R. , Cunneyworth Pamela M. K.
Published: April 2019

Ecological niche models can be useful for clarifying relationships between environmental factors and a species’ geographic distribution. In this study, we use presence‐only data and environmental layers to create an ecological niche model to better understand the distribution of the East African Angolan black and white colobus monkey,Colobus angolensis palliatus, and to assess whether the model supports considering the population as two separate subspecies,Colobus angolensis sharpeiandC. a. palliatus. We found the range of the predicted distribution for suitable habitat ofC. a. palliatusas currently classified to be only 12.4% of that shown in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List range map and to be fragmented. AsC. angolensisis considered a “Least Concern” species, this difference suggests that generalized maps may lead to understating the species’ extinction risk. When presence points were divided into two previously proposed subspecies —C. a. palliatus(Kenya and Northern Tanzania) andC. a. sharpei(Southern Tanzania)—we found significant environmental differences between the distributions. The most important ecological variable forC. a. palliatuswas predominantly precipitation of the driest month (69.1%) whereas forC. a. sharpeiannual precipitation (44.8%) and land cover (normalized difference vegetation index, 16.4%) were the most important. When comparing suitable ranges for the separate distributions, we found only a 1.2% geographical overlap. These differences are consistent with previous subspecies delineations ofC. a. palliatusandC. a. sharpeibased upon morphology, pelage, and genetics. Our study suggests that extirpation ofC. a. palliatusin suitable habitat areas and occurrence of this subspecies in anthropogenic environments, warrant further consideration for conservation actions.
Long‐range dipole–dipole energy transfer enhancement via addition of SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite in PFO/MEH‐PPV hybrid thin films
Authors: Al‐Asbahi Bandar Ali , Qaid Saif M. H. , Hj. Jumali Mohammad Hafizuddin , AlSalhi Mohamad Saleh , Aldwayyan Abdullah S.
Published: April 2019

Different weight ratios of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl) (PFO)/poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH‐PPV) hybrid thin films, with and without a SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite (NC), were successfully prepared using a solution blending method. All samples were deposited onto glass substrates by a spin coating technique to produce homogeneous thin films. The effect of the SiO2/TiO2 NC on the enhancement of the energy transfer mechanism in the PFO/MEH‐PPV hybrids was investigated. The energy transfer parameters were calculated on the basis of the absorption and emission measurements. The long‐range dipole–dipole energy transfer (Förster type) between the acceptor and donor molecules was enhanced in the presence of the SiO2/TiO2 NC in the hybrid thin films. The addition of the SiO2/TiO2 NC in the PFO/MEH‐PPV hybrids reduced the distance between the donor and acceptor molecules more than the individual addition of SiO2 or TiO2 nanoparticles. Moreover, the direct relationships between the acceptor contents and energy transfer parameters, such as the energy transfer radius (RDA), energy transfer efficiency (η), and energy transfer probability (PDA), were estimated using theoretical fittings. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47845.
Environmental usefulness of PLA/PEG blends for controlled‐release systems of soil‐applied herbicides
Authors: Rychter Piotr , Lewicka Kamila , Rogacz Diana
Published: April 2019

Blends consisting of biodegradable polylactide (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were investigated for their usefulness as an environmentally friendly herbicide formulation with prolonged activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the release rate of selected soil‐applied herbicides from the PLA/PEG blend containing PEG of various molecular weights and to assess the phytotoxicity of the PEGs according to OECD 208 guidelines. The release rate of immobilized herbicides was correlated with degradation of the blends used. The progress of PLA/PEG blend degradation in water, soil, and activated sludge was estimated by sample weight loss, changes in blend composition, and microscopic observations of the blend surfaces during the experiment. The proposed formulation of the immobilized herbicide in a blend consisting of slowly biodegradable PLA and water‐soluble PEG provides the possibility to release the herbicides for a relatively long time, for approximately six months, which is a demand of weed management. The effect of PEGs on plant growth and development was dependent on both their concentration and molecular weight. With a higher concentration in soil and a higher molecular weight of PEG, a more harmful effect on plants was noticed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47856.
Stimulating Intrinsic Motivation in Millennial Students: A New Generation, a New Approach
Authors: Chaudhuri Joydeep Dutta
Published: April 2019

There has been a fundamental change in health care pedagogy to address the demands and challenges posed by the present generation of millennial students. There is also a growing recognition of the role of intrinsic motivation as a catalyst in a positive learning experience. The term intrinsic motivation refers to energizing behavior that comes from within an individual and develops due to an inherent interest in the activity at hand. However, stimulating intrinsic motivation in the present generation of millennial health care students is a daunting task, considering their diverse and disparate nature. In addition, the inherent generational differences between educators and students, and an increasing emphasis on technological tools have resulted in a dichotomy in the educational environment leading to the development of a greater incidence of burnouts among students. Hence, numerous innovative techniques have been introduced in health care education to enhance the levels of intrinsic motivation in these students. Unfortunately, most of these approaches have only been moderately successful due to their limited ability to address the unique educational expectations of millennial students. The cumulative evidence suggests that specific approaches to stimulate intrinsic motivation should aim at nurturing the learning efforts of students, bridging the generational barriers between educators and students, and ameliorating the stress associated with health care education. Hence, the specific aim of this narrative review is to suggest empirically proven curricular strategies and institutional reforms to enhance intrinsic motivation in health care students belonging to the Millennial Generation.
Selected acculturation factors and birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Hoyt Adrienne T. , Shumate Charlie J. , Canfield Mark A. , Le Mimi , Ramadhani Tunu , Scheuerle Angela E. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: April 2019

Background

Acculturation has been examined with respect to various pregnancy adverse outcomes, including birth defects. Given the mixed and limited findings on the association between nativity and birth defects, we sought to further explore parental nativity and years lived in the U.S. across a range of defects.

Methods

Data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study were used for this analysis. Infants with one of 46 major isolated birth defects (30 noncardiac/16 cardiac conditions) and infants without birth defects (controls) born during 1997–2011 were included. We examined parental nativity (foreign‐born mothers, fathers, and both parents combined compared to a referent of both U.S.‐born parents) and the number of years lived in the U.S. (≤5/6+ years). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate crude/adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Compared to U.S.‐born mothers, foreign‐born mothers tended to be older (25+ years), of Hispanic or Other race/ethnicity and were less likely to have reported drinking, smoking, illicit drug use, or having taken folic acid. In the adjusted analysis, seven findings among both parents reporting a foreign‐birth were significant, including an increased association with spina bifida, anotia/microtia, and diaphragmatic hernia (aORs range: 1.3–1.7), and a reduced association with craniosynostosis and gastroschisis (aORs = 0.7). A generally protective effect was observed among foreign‐born subjects living in the U.S. ≤5 years.

Conclusions

We found that nativity was associated with some selected isolated defects, although the direction of effect varied by phenotype and by a number of years residing in the U.S.
Network meta‐analysis of multicomponent interventions
Authors: Rücker Gerta , Petropoulou Maria , Schwarzer Guido
Published: April 2019

In network meta‐analysis (NMA), treatments can be complex interventions, for example, some treatments may be combinations of others or of common components. In standard NMA, all existing (single or combined) treatments are different nodes in the network. However, sometimes an alternative model is of interest that utilizes the information that some treatments are combinations of common components, called component network meta‐analysis (CNMA) model. The additive CNMA model assumes that the effect of a treatment combined of two components A and B is the sum of the effects of A and B, which is easily extended to treatments composed of more than two components. This implies that in comparisons equal components cancel out. Interaction CNMA models also allow interactions between the components. Bayesian analyses have been suggested. We report an implementation of CNMA models in the frequentist R package netmeta. All parameters are estimated using weighted least squares regression. We illustrate the application of CNMA models using an NMA of treatments for depression in primary care. Moreover, we show that these models can even be applied to disconnected networks, if the composite treatments in the subnetworks contain common components.
Association between surgeon special interest and mortality after emergency laparotomy
Authors: Boyd-Carson H , Doleman B , Herrod P J J , Anderson I D , Williams J P , Lund J N , Tierney G M , Murray D , Hare S , Lockwood S , Oliver C M , Spurling L J , Poulton T , Johnston C , Cromwell D , Kuryba A , Martin P , Lourtie J , Goodwin J , Mooesinghe R , Eugene N , Catrin-Cook S , Anderson I
Published: April 2019

Background

Approximately 30 000 emergency laparotomies are performed each year in England and Wales. Patients with pathology of the gastrointestinal tract requiring emergency laparotomy are managed by general surgeons with an elective special interest focused on either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the impact of special interest on mortality after emergency laparotomy.

Methods

Adult patients having emergency laparotomy with either colorectal or gastroduodenal pathology were identified from the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit database and grouped according to operative procedure. Outcomes included all-cause 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay and return to theatre. Logistic and Poisson regression were used to analyse the association between consultant special interest and the three outcomes.

Results

A total of 33 819 patients (28 546 colorectal, 5273 upper gastrointestinal (UGI)) were included. Patients who had colorectal procedures performed by a consultant without a special interest in colorectal surgery had an increased adjusted 30-day mortality risk (odds ratio (OR) 1·23, 95 per cent c.i. 1·13 to 1·33). Return to theatre also increased in this group (OR 1·13, 1·05 to 1·20). UGI procedures performed by non-UGI special interest surgeons carried an increased adjusted risk of 30-day mortality (OR 1·24, 1·02 to 1·53). The risk of return to theatre was not increased (OR 0·89, 0·70 to 1·12).

Conclusion

Emergency laparotomy performed by a surgeon whose special interest is not in the area of the pathology carries an increased risk of death at 30 days. This finding potentially has significant implications for emergency service configuration, training and workforce provision, and should stimulate discussion among all stakeholders.
Intra‐aortic balloon pump counterpulsation in extensive myocardial infarction with persistent ischemia: The SEMPER FI pilot study
Authors: van Nunen Lokien X. , van ’t Veer Marcel , Zimmermann Frederik M. , Wijnbergen Inge , Brueren Guus R. G. , Tonino Pim A. L. , Aarnoudse Wilbert A. , Pijls Nico H. J.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to prospectively investigate intra‐aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP) support in large myocardial infarction complicated by persistent ischemia after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

Use of IABP is suggested to be effective by increasing diastolic aortic pressure, thereby improving coronary blood flow. This can only be expected with exhausted coronary autoregulation, typical in acute myocardial infarction complicated by persistent ischemia. In this situation, augmented diastolic pressure is expected to increase myocardial oxygenation.

Methods

One hundred patients with large STEMI complicated by persistent ischemia after primary PCI were randomized to treatment with or without IABP therapy on top of standard care. IABP support was initiated following primary PCI, immediately after inclusion. Primary end point was all‐cause mortality, need for (additional) mechanical hemodynamic support, or readmission for heart failure within 6 months.

Results

Mean age was 63 ± 10 years, 76% were male. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 120 ± 25 mmHg and 73 ± 17 mmHg. Mean heart rate was 75 ± 18 mmHg. Before PCI, mean summed ST‐deviation was 21 ± 8 mm with only minimal ST‐resolution after PCI. One patient in the IABP group reached the primary end point versus four patients in the control group (2% vs. 8%; p = 0.16). After primary PCI, resolution of ST‐deviation was significantly more pronounced in the IABP group (73 ± 17%) compared to the control group (56 ± 26%; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, in patients with large STEMI and persistent ischemia after primary PCI, use of IABP showed a nonsignificant decrease in mortality, necessity for (additional) mechanical hemodynamic support or readmission for heart failure at 6 months, and resulted in more rapid ST‐resolution.
How Mixing and Light Heterogeneity Impact the Overall Growth Rate in Photobioreactors
Authors: Gernigon Vincent , Chekroun Mohammed A. , Cockx Arnaud , Guiraud Pascal , Morchain Jérôme
Published: April 2019

The microalgae growth rate in photobioreactors responds with inertia to light stimuli. Here, light variations experienced by the algae are accessed through a coupling of an irradiance field calculation and a Lagrangian particle tracking. The response of algae to fluctuating light is then described by a relaxation model involving a single time constant, the value of which is identified from published data. The overall growth rate is calculated as the sum of individual growth rates of all particles. Instantaneous adaptation and full integration asymptotic behaviors are recovered whilst a finite time constant reveals that the overall growth rate is dependent both on mixing and light distribution. This methodology thus quantitatively relates the design parameters to the photobioreactor performance.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Halovinylbenziodoxoles by Hydro‐ and Iodochlorination of Ethynylbenziodoxoles
Authors: Wu Junliang , Deng Xiaozhou , Yoshikai Naohiko
Published: April 2019

We report herein the synthesis of highly substituted and stereochemically well‐defined vinylbenziodoxole (VBX) derivatives through hydrochlorination and iodochlorination of ethynylbenziodoxoles. The hydrochlorination is achieved using pyridine hydrochloride as an HCl source in an anti‐fashion under mild, open‐air conditions to afford a 2‐chlorinated VBX product, which serves as a useful building block for the stereoselective synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes. Meanwhile, iodochlorination with iodine monochloride proceeds in an unusual syn‐pathway, stereoselectively affording a tetrasubstituted VBX derivative.
Energy‐Efficient Gas‐Phase Electrolysis of Hydrogen Chloride
Authors: Bechtel Simon , Vidaković‐Koch Tanja , Sundmacher Kai
Published: April 2019

Hydrogen chloride is a by‐product in important processes like the polyurethane production. The currently most efficient electrochemical process for recycling it to chlorine is based on a liquid‐phase reactor, utilizing aqueous hydrochloric acid as a feedstock. Recent investigations showed that employing a gas‐phase reactor and according novel strategies for product purification leads to significant exergetic savings. This article aims to discuss the efficient electrolysis of gaseous HCl on the reactor level but also on the overall process level in comparison to the current state of the art.
Immunohistochemical analysis of the mouse celiac ganglion: An integrative relay station of the peripheral nervous system
Authors: Kaestner Charlotte L. , Smith Elizabeth H. , Peirce Stanley G. , Hoover Donald B.
Published: April 2019

Celiac ganglia are important sites of signal integration and transduction. Their complex neurochemical anatomy has been studied extensively in guinea pigs but not in mice. The goal of this study was to provide detailed neurochemical characterization of mouse celiac ganglia and noradrenergic nerves in two target tissues, spleen and stomach. A vast majority of mouse celiac neurons express a noradrenergic phenotype, which includes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vesicular monoamine transporter 2, and the norepinephrine transporter. Over 80% of these neuron also express neuropeptide Y (NPY), and this coexpression is maintained by dissociated neurons in culture. Likewise, TH and NPY were colocalized in noradrenergic nerves throughout the spleen and in stomach blood vessels. Somatostatin was not detected in principal neurons but did occur in small, TH‐negative cells presumed to be interneurons and in a few varicose nerve fibers. Cholinergic nerves provided the most abundant input to the ganglia, and small percentages of these also contained nitric oxide synthase or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. A low‐to‐moderate density of nerves also stained separately for the latter markers. Additionally, nerve bundles and varicose nerve fibers containing the sensory neuropeptides, calcitonin gene‐related polypeptide, and substance P, occurred at variable density throughout the ganglia. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that principal neurons of mouse celiac ganglia have less neurochemical diversity than reported for guinea pig and other species but receive input from nerves expressing an array of neurochemical markers. This profile suggests celiac neurons integrate input from many sources to influence target tissues by releasing primarily norepinephrine and NPY.
Rapid Fabrication of Ni/NiO@CoFe Layered Double Hydroxide Hierarchical Nanostructures by Femtosecond Laser Ablation and Electrodeposition for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wu Haofei , Yin Kai , Qi Weihong , Zhou Xinfeng , He Jieting , Li Jinming , Liu Yanyu , He Jun , Gong Shen , Li Yejun
Published: April 2019

The development of simple and effective methods for the rapid preparation of electrocatalysts for overall water splitting from earth‐abundant elements is an important and challenging task. A facile and ultrafast two‐step method was developed to prepare a Ni/NiO@CoFe layered double hydroxide hierarchical nanostructure (NCF) within a few minutes by femtosecond laser ablation and electrodeposition. In 1 m KOH solution, the optimized NCF catalysts show a low overpotential of 230 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a low Tafel slope of 34.3 mV dec−1, indicating fast and efficient OER kinetics. Owing to the synergistic effect between NiO and CoFe layered double hydroxide, the hydrogen evolution reaction performance of the NCF was also improved. The synthesized electrocatalysts were further utilized in overall water splitting with a potential of only 1.56 V at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and excellent durability, better than that of the commercial RuO2(+)//Pt/C(−) system. The present work provides new insights on the rapid and facile preparation of efficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting on a large scale.
Place‐based management can reduce human impacts on coral reefs in a changing climate
Authors: Delevaux Jade M. S. , Stamoulis Kostantinos A. , Whittier Robert , Jupiter Stacy D. , Bremer Leah L. , Friedlander Alan , Kurashima Natalie , Giddens Jonatha , Winter Kawika B. , Blaich‐Vaughan Mehana , Burnett Kimberly M. , Geslani Cheryl , Ticktin Tamara
Published: April 2019

Declining natural resources have contributed to a cultural renaissance across the Pacific that seeks to revive customary ridge‐to‐reef management approaches to protect freshwater and restore abundant coral reef fisheries. We applied a linked land–sea modeling framework based on remote sensing and empirical data, which couples groundwater nutrient export and coral reef models at fine spatial resolution. This spatially explicit (60 × 60 m) framework simultaneously tracks changes in multiple benthic and fish indicators as a function of community‐led marine closures, land‐use and climate change scenarios. We applied this framework in Hā‘ena and Ka‘ūpūlehu, located at opposite ends of the Hawaiian Archipelago to investigate the effects of coastal development and marine closures on coral reefs in the face of climate change. Our results indicated that projected coastal development and bleaching can result in a significant decrease in benthic habitat quality and community‐led marine closures can result in a significant increase in fish biomass. In general, Ka‘ūpūlehu is more vulnerable to land‐based nutrients and coral bleaching than Hā‘ena due to high coral cover and limited dilution and mixing from low rainfall and wave power, except for the shallow and wave‐sheltered back‐reef areas of Hā‘ena, which support high coral cover and act as nursery habitat for fishes. By coupling spatially explicit land–sea models with scenario planning, we identified priority areas on land where upgrading cesspools can reduce human impacts on coral reefs in the face of projected climate change impacts.
Forest structure and climate mediate drought‐induced tree mortality in forests of the Sierra Nevada,USA
Authors: Restaino Christina , Young Derek J. N. , Estes Becky , Gross Shana , Wuenschel Amarina , Meyer Marc , Safford Hugh
Published: April 2019

Extreme drought stress and associated bark beetle population growth contributed to an extensive tree mortality event in California,USA, resulting in more than 129 million trees dying between 2012 and 2016. Although drought is an important driver of this mortality event, past and ongoing fire suppression and the consequent densification of forests may have contributed. In some areas, land management agencies have worked to reduce stand density through mechanical treatments and prescribed fire to restore forests to less dense, more open conditions that are presumably more resilient to disturbance and changing climate. Here, we evaluate if stand structural conditions associated with treated (e.g., thinned and prescribed burned) forests in the Sierra Nevada of California conferred more resistance to the bark beetle epidemic and drought event of 2012–2016. We found that, compared to untreated units, treated units had lower stand densities, larger average tree diameters, and greater dominance of pines (Pinus), the historically dominant trees. For all tree species studied, mortality was substantially greater in climatically drier areas (i.e., lower elevations and latitudes). Both pine species studied (ponderosa pine [Pinus ponderosa] and sugar pine [Pinus lambertiana]) had greater mortality in areas where their diameters were larger, suggesting a size preference for their insect mortality agents. For ponderosa pine, the tree species experiencing greatest mortality, individual‐tree mortality probability (for a given tree diameter) was significantly lower in treated stands. Ponderosa pine mortality was also positively related to density of medium‐ to large‐sized conspecific trees, especially in areas with lower precipitation, suggesting that abundance of nearby host trees for insect mortality agents was an important determinant of pine mortality. Mortality of incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) and white fir (Abies concolor) was positively associated with basal area, suggesting sensitivity to competition during drought, but overall mortality was lower, likely because the most prevalent and effective mortality agents (the bark beetlesDendroctonus brevicomisandD. ponderosae) are associated specifically with pine species within our study region. Our findings suggest that forest thinning treatments are effective in reducing drought‐related tree mortality in forests, and they underscore the important interaction between water and forest density in mediating bark beetle‐caused mortality.
Effects of nutrient supply and nutrient ratio on diversity–productivity relationships of phytoplankton in the Cau Hai lagoon, Vietnam
Authors: Nhu Y Dang Thi , Hoang Nguyen Tien , Lieu Pham Khac , Harada Hidenori , Brion Natacha , Hieu Duong Van , Hop Nguyen Van , Olde Venterink Harry
Published: April 2019

Diversity and productivity of primary producers are known to be influenced simultaneously by resource availability and resource ratio, but the relative importance of these two factors differed among studies and so far only entire phytoplankton communities were investigated which might ignore specific nutrient requirements and stoichiometric plasticity of different functional groups. We measured nutrient availability (DIN, total N [TN], total P [TP]), nutrient imbalance (TN:TP, DIN:TP, N:Pseston), species richness, and abundance of the whole phytoplankton community, as well as those specific for cyanobacteria, diatoms, and dinoflagellates in Cau Hai lagoon in Vietnam. We determined the correlation among these variables, using structural equation modeling. The models applied to the whole phytoplankton community indicated that the nutrient availability (particularly TP and DIN) drove variation in phytoplankton abundance and richness, and that abundance also depended on species richness. The models applied to different functional groups differed considerably from the entire community and among each other, and only a part of the models was significant. The relationship between nutrient availability (mainly TP) and abundance was driven by cyanobacteria, and the relationship between nutrient imbalance (only with N:Pseston) and species richness was driven by diatoms. Remarkably, the positive relationship between species richness and abundance, as consistently observed for the whole phytoplankton community, was only observed for one of the three functional groups (diatoms), indicating that resource complementarity occurs particularly among species of different functional groups. Our results emphasized that nutrient availability (TP and to a lesser extent DIN) as well as nutrient imbalance (albeit only with N:Pseston as proxy) were driving factors for the phytoplankton community in the Cau Hai lagoon and hence alterations in both of these factors leading to a shift in phytoplankton species composition and productivity.
Clinical profiles in acute heart failure: an urgent need for a new approach
Authors: Chapman Brittany , DeVore Adam D. , Mentz Robert J. , Metra Marco
Published: April 2019

Acute heart failure (HF) is a major public health concern, responsible for >26 million hospitalizations per year worldwide. Many trials have investigated new therapeutic options for acute HF, with most revealing equivocal results. Successful innovations in therapy for acute HF have remained limited, and standard of care has remained largely unchanged over the past decade, suggesting the need for a new approach for therapeutic decision making and clinical trial design in acute HF. This manuscript focuses on one approach that could prove useful in the development and application of novel therapies: classification of patients based on clinical profiles. While previous attempts at developing clinical profiles were successful in stratifying patients based on clinical and laboratory variables, they have not been utilized for personalized treatment strategies that improve patient outcomes. We suggest a new approach to the creation of clinical profiles that could stratify patients based on their underlying aetiology and their response to novel interventions. We also investigate novel analytic approaches to the creation of new clinical profiles that both investigators and clinicians alike could utilize to inform clinical trial design and the application of new therapies. Despite a large number of clinical trials for new therapeutic options, the treatment of acute HF has seen few advances over the past decades. Innovative approaches to patient selection through the use of clinical profiles could help to identify patients most likely to benefit from novel interventions and lead to the discovery of new therapeutic options.
The influence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Reis Angela Adamski da Silva , de Alcântara Keila Correia , de Farias Danielle Leão Cordeiro , dos Anjos Laura Raniere Borges , Rodrigues Débora Acyole , Pedrino Gustavo Rodrigues , Santos Rodrigo da Silva
Published: April 2019

Some factors have been associated with the etiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), among them the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in CLL. A case‐control study was conducted with 219 individuals from Brazilian central population. MTHFR C677T polymorphism was determined through PCR‐RFLP followed by PAGE. The T allele frequence was higher in patients diagnosed with CLL than healthy subjects. However, when stratified by gender, the TT genotype was exclusively found in men diagnosed with CLL (p < 0.05). Adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age was significantly linked to CLL predisposition (odds ratio = 1.08; p < 0.001). Studies evaluating the influence of genetic factors may provide insights on susceptibility for CLL.
A study on the co‐movement and influencing factors of stock markets between China and the other G20 members
Authors: Wang Sen , Guo Zhixiu
Published: April 2019

China A‐shares was formally included in the MSCI Emerging Market Index in June 2018, which indicates that China has taken an important step in the internationalization of the capital market. As the world's second largest economy, stock market co‐movement between China and other of G20 members have become an important part of the world's economic analysis. This paper selects the representative stock index returns rate of G20 members; uses the DCC‐MGARCH model to study the stock market volatility co‐movement of China and other G20 members between January 1, 2015, and March 31, 2018; and uses the two‐way fixed effects model to study on the influencing factors of stock market co‐movement mechanism including economic linkages between China and other G20 members, various aspects of China's domestic fundamentals, and stock market development. It shows that the performance and influencing factors of co‐movement between China and other G20 members are time‐varying. Combined with empirical results, this paper also makes recommendations from the perspectives of investors, policy makers, stock market reform, and macroeconomic transformation.
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis before 28 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the incidence of preterm labor
Authors: Rebouças Karinne F. , Jr. José Eleutério , Peixoto Raquel C. , Costa Ana Paula F. , Cobucci Ricardo N. , Gonçalves Ana K.
Published: April 2019

Background

Controversy exists regarding the benefits of treating bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy to reduce the incidence of preterm labor (PTL).

Objectives

To evaluate whether treatment of BV with vaginal clindamycin or oral metronidazole before 28 weeks of pregnancy reduces PTL incidence.

Search strategy

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, CENTRAL, and SciELO databases were searched until December 30, 2017. Search terms included “bacterial vaginosis” and “preterm labor.” No language restrictions were applied.

Selection criteria

Randomized clinical trials that evaluated treatment of BV with clindamycin or metronidazole to reduce PTL incidence.

Data collection and analysis

The risk of PTL was evaluated by the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Dichotomous data from each study were combined for meta‐analysis using the Mantel‐Haenszel model.

Main results

Nine reports were included in the systematic review, with eight reports included in the meta‐analysis. No reduction in the incidence of PTL was found for either metronidazole (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.71–1.25) or clindamycin (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.75–1.36).

Conclusions

Use of oral metronidazole or vaginal clindamycin to treat BV before 28 weeks of pregnancy did not reduce the incidence of PTL.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42018086173.
The effects of vitamins and selenium mixture against brain tissue induced byd‐galactosamine
Authors: Tunali Sevim , Catal Tunc , Bolkent Sehnaz , Yanardag Refiye
Published: April 2019

Brain damage is a major complication of fulminant hepatic failure.d‐Galactosamine (d‐GalN)‐induced liver toxicity causes damage to brain. The effects of vitamins and selenium mixture againstd‐GalN stimulated brain injury were investigated in this study. Sprague‐Dawley female rats aged 2.0‐2.5 months were used for the study. The rats were divided into four categories. A 0.9% NaCl solution was intraperitoneally given to the experimental rats in the first group. Using gavage technique, the second group of animals were subjected to a formulation consisting of 100 mg·kg−1·day−1vitamin C, 15 mg·kg−1·day−1of β‐carotene, 100 mg·kg−1·day−1of α‐tocopherol in addition to 0.2 mg·kg−1·day−1of sodium selenate for 3 days. The third group was given a single dose ofd‐GalN hydrochloride at the concentration of 500 mg·kg−1through a saline injection. The final group was given similar concentrations of both the antioxidant combination andd‐GalN. Tissue samples were collected under ether anesthesia. The rats treated withd‐GalN showed brain damage; increased myeloperoxidase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase activities; and decreased glutathione levels. Treatment with vitamins and selenium combination resulted in alleviation of these alterations in the rats. These findings suggest that administration of the vitamins and selenium combination suppresses oxidative stress and protects brain cells from injury induced byd‐GalN.
Isolation and culture of rat aortic endothelial cells in vitro: A novel approach without collagenase digestion
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Xiao , Miao Xin‐Yu , Gong Yan‐Ping , Fu Bo , Li Chun‐Lin
Published: April 2019

To study cardiovascular diseases, the isolation and culture of functional endothelial cells are very important. This study uncovered a novel approach to isolate and culture endothelial cells. The thoracic aorta was collected from Wistar rats with the attached tissue clearly removed. These aorta segments were seeded onto a six‐welled plate with the endothelium facing down and removed 2 days after endothelial sprouting started. The endothelial cells were harvested until 80% uneven confluence and cultured for another two passages for use in the following assays: immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays for endothelial marker expression (CD31 and von Willebrand factor [vWF]), the Dil‐labeled acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (Dil‐Ac‐LDL) uptake assay, the tube formation assay, the Hoechst staining apoptosis assay, the β‐galactosidase staining assay for cell senescence, and the Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay for cell viability. Morphologically, the endothelial cells started to migrate away from the aorta after 50 to 72 hours of culture, showing a cobblestone‐like structure. The cultured cells expressed high levels of CD31 and vWF, 94.65% of the cells were positive for CD31, and most of the cells showed low‐density lipoprotein uptake. They were able to form tube‐like structures in vitro and were negatively stained for β‐galactosidase or Hoechst staining. Importantly, the cells at passages 3 and 10 showed similar levels of CCK‐8, β‐galactosidase, Hoechst staining, uptake of Dil‐Ac‐LDL, and capillary tube formation. This novel technique is useful to isolate and culture rat aortic endothelial cells for future studies of endothelial functions and biology. In addition, primary vascular endothelial cells at passages 3 to 10 are suitable for experiments.