bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Sackin's original proposal: The variance of the leaves' depths as a phylogenetic balance index
Authors: Coronado Tomás Martínez , Mir Arnau , Rossello Francesc , Rotger Lucía
Published: December 2019

Background: The Sackin index S of a rooted phylogenetic tree, defined as the sum of its leaves' depths, is one of the most popular balance indices in phylogenetics, and Sackin's 1972 paper is usually cited as the source for this index. However, what Sackin actually proposed in his paper as a measure of the imbalance of a rooted tree was not the sum of its leaves' depths, but their "variation". This proposal was later implemented as the variance of the leaves' depths by Kirkpatrick and Slatkin, where moreover they posed the problem of finding a closed formula for its expected value under the Yule model. Nowadays, Sackin's original proposal seems to have passed into oblivion in the phylogenetics literature, replaced by the index bearing his name, which, in fact, was introduced a decade later by Sokal.Results: In this paper we study the properties of the variance of the leaves' depths, V, as a balance index. Firstly, we prove that the rooted trees with n leaves and maximum V value are exactly the combs with n leaves. But although V achieves its minimum value on every space BT_n of bifurcating rooted phylogenetic trees with n< 184 leaves at the so-called "maximally balanced trees" with n leaves, this property fails for almost every n>= 184. We provide then an algorithm that finds in O(n) time the trees in BT_n with minimum V value. Secondly, we obtain closed formulas for the expected V value of a bifurcating rooted tree with any number n of leaves under the Yule and the uniform models and, as a by-product of the computations leading to these formulas, we also obtain closed formulas for the variance of the Sackin index and the total cophenetic indexof a bifurcating rooted tree, as well as of their covariance, under the uniform model, thus filling this gap in the literature.Conclusions: The phylogenetics crowd has been wise in preferring as a balance index the sum S(T) of the leaves’ depths of a phylogenetic tree T over their variance V (T), because the latter does not seem to capture correctly the notion of balance of large bifurcating rooted trees. But for bifurcating trees up to 183 leaves, V is a valid and useful balance index.
Antibiotic treatment for bone infection after debridement: 2 weeks or 6 weeks?
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Fang Li , Wang Shulin , Ma Huan , Zhao Hongwen , Xie Zhao
Published: December 2019

Purpose: Our aim was to investigate the clinical efficacy and complications of antibiotics treatment duration for the patients of bone infection. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the patients with bone infection admitted to our hospital between March 2013 and October 2018. The surgical debridement was performed and the patients were divided into three groups: IV group (Intravenous antibiotics for 2 weeks); Oral group (Intravenous antibiotics for 2 weeks followed by oral antibiotics for 4 weeks); Rifampicin group (Intravenous antibiotics for 2 weeks followed by oral antibiotics plus rifampicin for 4 weeks). The infection control rate and complications were compared. Results ： A total of 902 patients were enrolled, the infection sites included 509 tibias, 228 femurs, 32 humeri, 23 radii and ulnae, 40 calcanei, 23 multiple-site infections and the other sites 47 cases. After at least 6 months of follow-up, 148 (16.4%) patients had recurrence of infection. The recurrence rate of IV group was 17.9%, which was no significant higher than that of Oral group (10.1%) or Rifampicin group (10.5%). The abnormal rate of Glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(ALT) in IV group was 15.1%, which was lower than that of Oral group (18.0%) and Rifampicin group (27.4%), P=0.026. The positive rates of proteinuria in the three groups were 3.2%, 4.5%, and 9.3%, respectively, P=0.020. Conclusion: After debridement of bone infection, the additional oral antibiotic treatment may increase the damage of liver and kidney, and can not significantly reduce the infection recurrence rate. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt short-term systemic antibiotic treatment after debridement.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Slovenian version of the Core Outcome Measures Index for Low back pain
Authors: Topolovec Matevž , Vozlič David , Plohl Nejc , Vengust Rok , Vodičar Miha , Mannion Anne Frances
Published: December 2019

Background: To conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) in the Slovenian language, for use in patients with low back pain. Methods: The English version of COMI was translated into Slovene following established guidelines. 353 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited from the Orthopaedic clinic department of a tertiary care teaching institution. Data quality, construct validity, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability of the COMI were assessed. Results: The questionnaire was generally well accepted with no missing values. The majority of items exhibited only mild floor and ceiling effects. Correlations with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were high (ρ = 0.76 between overall COMI and ODI scores), suggesting that the Slovene version of COMI had high construct validity. Additionally, the Slovene version of COMI successfully captured surgical patients’ improvement in their low back problem (indicator of responsiveness) and showed acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.86). Conclusions: The Slovene version of COMI showed good psychometric properties, comparable to those of previously tested language versions. It represents a valuable instrument for the use in future domestic and multicenter clinical studies.
Increasing soil pH enhances the network interactions among bacterial and archaeal microbiota in alpine grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Beibei , Luo Shuaiwei , Ma Beibei , Qi Wei , Cao Changdong , Zhao Zhigang , Jiao Shuo , Du Guozhen , Ma Xiaojun
Published: December 2019

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Examining correlations between opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations in Canada, 2007 - 2016
Authors: Jones Wayne , Kurdyak Paul , Fischer Benedikt
Published: December 2019

Background: High levels of opioid-related mortality, as well as morbidity, contribute to the excessive opioid-related disease burden in North America, induced by high availability of opioids. While correlations between opioid dispensing levels and mortality outcomes are well-established, fewer evidence exists on correlations with morbidity (e.g., hospitalizations). Methods: We examined possible overtime correlations between medical opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations in Canada, by province, 2007 – 2016. For dispensing, we examined annual volumes of medical opioid dispensing from a representative, stratified sample of retail pharmacies across Canada. Raw dispensing information for ‘strong opioids’ was converted into Defined Daily Doses (DDD)/per 1,000 population/year. Opioid-related hospitalization rates referred to opioid poisoning-related admissions by province, for fiscal years 2007-08 to 2016-17, drawn from the national Hospital Morbidity Database. We assessed possible correlations between opioid dispensing and hospitalizations by province using the Pearson product moment correlation; correlation values (r) and confidence intervals were reported. Results: Significant correlations for overtime correlations between population-levels of opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations were observed for three provinces: Quebec (r=0.87, CI: 0.49–0.97; p=0.002); New Brunswick (r=0.85;CI: 0.43–0.97; p=0.004) and Nova Scotia (r=0.78; CI:0.25–0.95; p=0.012), with Saskatchewan (r=0.073; CI:-0.07–0.91;p=0.073) featuring borderline significance. Conclusions: The correlations observed further contribute to evidence on opioid dispensing levels as a systemic driver of population-level harms. Notably, correlations were not identified principally in provinces with reported high contribution levels (>50%) of illicit opioids to mortality, which are not captured by dispensing data and so may have distorted potential effects due to contamination.
Autophagy suppression of trophoblast cells induces pregnancy loss by activating decidual NK cytotoxicity and inhibiting trophoblast invasion
Authors: Tan¹ Haixia , Yang¹ Shangliang , Wang¹´⁴ haiyan , Li¹´³´⁴ Mingqing
Published: December 2019

Background: The crosstalk between trophoblast cells and decidual NK cells plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Recent studies have reported autophagy can induce immune tolerance at the maternal fetal interface, but the mechanism is largely unclear. Methods: Autophagy levels in the villi of normal and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients were detected by transmission electron microscopy. In vivo and in vitro, the expression of killer molecules in NK cells was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). And the invasiveness of trophoblasts was tested by Cell invasion assay. Results: Compared with normal abortion patients, the level of autophagy in the villi of RSA patients was significantly decreased. In vitro experiments indicated that co-culture with autophagy suppression of trophoblasts (3-MA-pretreated trophoblasts) increased cytotoxicity of NK cell, which was mediated by the upregulation of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2). Meanwhile, autophagy suppression of trophoblasts led to a low level of Paternally Expressed Gene 10 (PEG10), leading to impaired cell invasion. In addition, NK cells educated by autophagy-inhibited trophoblasts further decreased the proliferation and invasiveness of trophoblasts. Injection with 3-MA in vivo , the cytotoxicity of uterine NK cells in pregnant mice and the embryo absorption rate were significantly increased. Conclusion: Autophagy suppression of trophoblasts should increase the cytotoxicity of NK cells and damage the trophoblasts invasion possibly by targeting IGF-2 and PEG10, respectively, which ultimately leads to miscarriage.
Relationship between internet addiction and sleep disturbance in high school students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tokiya Mikiko , Itani Osamu , Otsuka Yuichiro , Kaneita Yoshitaka
Published: December 2019

Background: As the number of Internet users around the world increases, so does the dependency on the Internet. In adolescents this dependence interferes with sleep, which is important for the development of their psychophysiological capabilities. However, few large-scale surveys have examined the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and sleep disturbance in detail using standardized questionnaires. This study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep disturbance in adolescents and IA according to the categories of the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) through a complete survey of one prefecture in Japan. Methods: In 2016, a self-administered questionnaire was used to survey high school students (n=10,405) in all 54 daytime high schools in one prefecture. In this study, “sleep disturbance” was defined as achieving over 5.5 points on the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. IA was evaluated using the YDQ: “IA,” when 5 of the 8 YDQ items were applied; “at-risk,” when either 3 or 4 YDQ items were applied; and “non-IA,” when less than 2 YDQ items were applied. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, with sleep disturbance as the dependent variable, IA as the explanatory variable, and adjustments made for 8 items, including the frequency of skipped meals. Results: High YDQ scores were associated with high prevalence rates of sleep disturbance in both male and female participants; the higher the score, higher was the rate. On multiple logistic regression analysis for both male and female participants, higher YDQ scores showed higher adjusted odds ratios for sleep disturbances. Conclusions: For high school students within one prefecture in Japan, higher YDQ scores, which indicate internet dependency, were significantly related to sleep disturbance, suggesting that the likelihood of sleep disturbance increases with YDQ scores.
Risk Factors of Malnutrition in Chinese Children with Congenital Heart Defect
Authors: Zhang Mingjie , Wang Liping , Huang Rui , Sun Chongrui , Xu Zhuoming
Published: December 2019

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the risk factors of malnutrition in children with congenital heart defect (CHD) in China. MethodsThis cohort study was performed at the biggest pediatric heart center in China; 3252 patients with CHD who underwent cardiac surgeries in 2014 were included. Anthropometric measurements included weight for age Z score (WAZ), weight for height Z score (WHZ), and height for age Z score (HAZ). The patients were classified as normal nutritional status and malnutrition, based on a cut-off Z score of <-2. Factors associated with malnutrition were determined using logistic regression analysis. ResultsThe prevalence of preoperative WAZ <-2 (underweight), HAZ <-2 (stunting), and WHZ<-2 (wasting) was 23.3%, 23.3%, and 14.3%, respectively. The multivariable analysis of preoperative malnutrition showed that hospitalization, age at surgery, risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery-1 >3, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary hypertension, and acyanotic heart disease were associated with underweight. Parents’ height, single ventricle, and cyanotic heart disease were associated with stunting. Hospitalization and pulmonary hypertension were associated with wasting. After surgery, the patients presented a significant improvement in growth within the first year in all three parameters and grew to the normal range of WAZ (-0.3±0.9, P<0.001), HAZ (0.2±0.8, P=0.001), and WHZ (0.03±0.6, P<0.001) at two years after surgery. The prevalence of underweight, stunted, and wasting declined to 3.2%, 2.7%, and 1.9% three years after surgery. Malnutrition after surgery was associated with cardiac residual cardiac abnormalities (OR=35.3, p<0.0001), high Ross classiﬁcation of heart function (OR=27.1, p<0.0001), and long-term taking oral diuretics (OR=20.5, P=0.001).ConclusionsMalnutrition is still a problem in children with CHD in China, especially before the surgery. There is need to strengthen the nutrition support for children with CHD before surgery. Hemodynamic factors were found to be the risk factors associated with malnutrition after operation.
Stable isotope analysis spills the beans about spatial variance in trophic structure in a fish host – parasite system from the Vaal River System, South Africa
Authors: Gilbert Beric M. , Nachev Milen , Jochmann Maik A. , Schmidt Torsten C. , Köster Daniel , Sures Bernd , Avenant-Oldewage Annemarie
Published: December 2019

BackgroundStable isotope analysis offers a unique tool for comparing trophic interactions and food web architecture in ecosystems. This approach is based on analysis of the stable isotope ratios of carbon (13 C/ 12 C) and nitrogen (15 N/ 14 N) in organisms. Studies comparing stable isotope enrichment in hosts and parasites have shown that parasites are variably enriched in stable isotopes relative to the host.MethodsSharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were collected from six sites along the Vaal River, South Africa and were assessed for ectoparasites and endoparasites. Lamproglena clariae (Copepoda), Tetracampus ciliotheca and Proteocephalus glanduligerus (Cestoda), and larval Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) were collected from the gills, intestine and mesenteries, respectively. Signatures of δ 13 C and δ 15 N were analysed in host muscle tissue and parasites using bulk stable isotope analysis.ResultsStable isotope enrichment was variable between parasites and the host fish, with L. clariae and the host sharing similar δ 15 N signatures and the endoparasites being depleted in both δ 13 C and δ 15 N relative to the host. Spatial differences in enrichment of stable isotopes were also identified. Fish and parasites collected from below the Vaal River Barrage were more enriched in the 15 N isotope than hosts and parasites collected from other sites. The opposite was identified for 13 C isotope fractionation.ConclusionDifferences in stable isotope enrichment in parasites infecting C. gariepinus could be related to the feeding strategy of each parasite species collected. Enrichment of δ 15 N in L. clariae would relate to the micropredatory nature of this parasite, which feeds on whole blood of the host fish. Depleted isotope levels in endoparasites could relate to their absorptive feeding strategy on metabolic by-products of the host. Spatial differences in both host and parasite tissues identified likely resulted from differences in the diet of the host and related with availability of prey items for the host fish.
De novo transcriptome sequencing of Rhododendron molle and identification of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites
Authors: Zhou Guolin , Zhu Ping
Published: December 2019

Background Rhododendron molle (Ericaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, its flower and root have been widely used to treat rheumatism and relieve pain for thousands of years in China. Chemical studies have revealed that R. molle contains abundant secondary metabolites such as terpenoinds, flavonoids and lignans, some of which have exhibited various bioactivities including analgesia and hypotension. In despite of immense pharmaceutical importance, the mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites remains unknown and the genomic information is unavailable.Results To gain molecular insight into the R. molle , we conducted deep transcriptome sequencing for R. molle flower and root using the Illumina Hiseq platform. In total, 100,603 unigenes were generated through de novo assembly with mean length of 778 bp, 57.1% of these unigenes were annotated in public databases and 17,906 of those unigenes showed significant match in the KEGG database. Unigenes involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were annotated. Moreover, 3,376 transcription factors and 10,828 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were also identified. Additionally, we further performed differential gene expression (DEG) analysis of the flower and root transcriptome libraries and identified numerous genes that were specifically expressed or up-regulated in flower.Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to generate and thoroughly analyze the transcriptome data of both R. molle flower and root. This study provided an important genetic resource which will shed light on elucidating various secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways in R. molle , especially for those with medicinal value and allow for drug development in this herb.
Haemosporidioses in wild Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (T. philomelos): an in situ hybridization study with emphasis on exo-erythrocytic parasite burden
Authors: Himmel Tanja , Harl Josef , Pfanner Simone , Nedorost Nora , Nowotny Norbert , Weissenböck Herbert
Published: December 2019

Background Passerine birds are frequently infected with diverse haemosporidian parasites. While infections are traditionally considered benign in wild birds, recent studies demonstrated mortalities of passerine species due to exo-erythrocytic development of the parasites, which can damage organs in affected hosts. However, exo-erythrocytic development remains insufficiently investigated for most haemosporidian species and thus little is known about the virulence of tissue stages in wild passerine birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural haemosporidian infections in deceased Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (T. philomelos) and to determine parasite burden and associated histological effects.Methods For molecular analysis, blood and tissue samples from 306 thrushes were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites by nested PCR. For the detection of parasite stages in organ samples, tissue sections were subjected to chromogenic in situ hybridization using genus- and species-specific probes targeting the rRNAs of parasites. Exo-erythrocytic parasite load was semi-quantitatively assessed and histological lesions were evaluated in haematoxylin-eosin-stained sections.Results 179 of 277 Eurasian blackbirds and 15 of 29 song thrushes were positive for haemosporidians. Parasites of all three genera were detected, with Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 and P. vaughani SYAT05 showing the highest prevalences. CISH revealed significant differences in exo-erythrocytic parasite burden between lineages in Eurasian blackbirds, with P. matutinum LINN1 frequently causing high parasite loads in various organs that were associated with histological alterations. Song thrushes infected with P. matutinum LINN1 and birds infected with other haemosporidian lineages showed mostly low parasite burdens. Two Eurasian blackbirds infected with Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 showed megalomeronts in various organs that were associated with inflammatory reactions and necroses.Conclusion This study suggests that P. matutinum LINN1, a common lineage among native thrushes, regularly causes high exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens in Eurasian blackbirds, which may result in disease and mortalities, indicating its high pathogenic potential. The findings further illustrate that the same parasite lineage may show different levels of virulence in related bird species which should be considered when assessing the pathogenicity of haemosporidian parasite species. Finally, the study provides evidence of virulent Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 infections in two Eurasian blackbirds caused by megalomeront formation.
Biological Potential Alterations of Migratory Chondrogenic Progenitor Cells during Knee Osteoarthritic Progression
Authors: Wang Yu-Xing , Zhao Zhi-Dong , Wang Qian , Li Zhong-Li , Huang Ya , Zhao Sen , Hu Wei , Liang Jia-Wu , Li Pei-Lin , Wang Hua , Mao Ning , Wu Chu-Tse , Zhu Heng
Published: December 2019

Background: Although studies have demonstrated that chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) remain present in human osteoarthritic cartilage, the heterogeneity of CPCs subpopulations, the biological alterations of CPCs, and their contributions to the progression of osteoarthritis remain to be investigated. Methods: CPCs were isolated from paired grade 1-2 and grade 3-4 osteoarthritic cartilage by virtue of cell migratory capacities. The cell morphology, immunophenotype, self-renewal, multidifferentiation, and cell migration of these CPCs were evaluated. Additionally, the distributions of CPCs in articular cartilage were determined by immuno-histochemical staining. Furthermore, a high-through mRNA sequencing was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: Migratory CPCs (mCPCs) robustly outgrew from collagenases-digested osteoarthritic cartilages for 2 weeks after the initial culture. The mCPCs from grade 3-4 cartilages (mCPCs, grade 3-4) harbored morphological characteristics, cell proliferation and colony formation capacity that were similar to those of the mCPCs from the grade 1-2 cartilages (mCPCs, grade 1-2). However, the mCPCs (grade 3-4) highly expressed CD271. In addition, the mCPCs (grade 3-4) showed enhanced osteo-adipogenic activities and decreased chondrogenic capacity. Furthermore, the mCPCs (grade 3-4) exhibited stronger cell migration in response to osteoarthritis synovial fluids. More CD105+ cells resided in grade 3-4 superficial articular cartilages. Moreover, the results of mRNA sequencing showed that mCPCs (grade 3-4) expressed higher migratory molecules. Conclusions: Our data suggest that more mCPCs (grade 3-4) migrate to injured articular cartilages but with decreased cartilage-repairing capacity, which might accelerate cartilage degradation. Thus, these dysfunctional mCPCs might be a novel cell target to alleviate cartilage lesions.
“You can be blind because of loving them so much”: The impact on owners in the United Kingdom of living with a dog with osteoarthritis
Authors: Belshaw Zoe , Asher Lucy , Dean Rachel
Published: December 2019

Background There is a growing awareness that caring for a chronically ill pet may have a detrimental impact on their owner’s quality of life. Companion animal orthopaedic disease has received little research interest in this context. Canine osteoarthritis is known to negatively affect the welfare of many dogs in the United Kingdom, but its consequences for their owners has not previously been described. The aim of this study was to use a qualitative methodology to explore the impacts on a dog owner that occur following their dog’s diagnosis with osteoarthritis. Owners of osteoarthritic dogs based in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices to participate in semi-structured interview about life with their dog. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. This publication describes the theme that focused on the impact(s) that the dog’s condition had had on the life of their owner.Results Forty owners of 35 dogs of a range of breeds and ages were interviewed. A wide range of negative impacts on the physical, mental and financial health of owners were described. Owners detailed increasing worry over time about their pet’s condition, frequently combined with a growing need to physically assist their dog, as osteoarthritis severity increased. Their dog’s reduced mobility and need for medications progressively limited their own lifestyles and ability to have time away from their pet. Owners typically described a strong bond with their dog as a motivator to provide ongoing care.Conclusions The impacts on owners of caring for an osteoarthritic dog appear multi-faceted and may be sustained over multiple years. Veterinary surgeons may be unaware of the challenges faced these owners. The negative consequences for owners of arthritic dogs may be buffered by access to quality information about their pet’s condition, and improved support from both veterinary surgeons and other owners, enabling them to provide the best possible care.
Escherichia coli σ70 promoters allow expression rate control at the cellular level in genome-integrated expression systems
Authors: Schuller Artur , Cserjan-Puschmann Monika , Tauer Christopher , Jarmer Johanna , Wagenknecht Martin , Reinisch Daniela , Grabherr Reingard , Striedner Gerald
Published: December 2019

Background The genome-integrated T7 expression system offers significant advantages, in terms of productivity and product quality, even when expressing the gene of interest (GOI) from a single copy of. Compared to plasmid-based expression systems, this system does not incur a plasmid-mediated metabolic load, and it does not vary the dosage of the GOI during the production process. However, long-term production with T7 expression system leads to a rapidly growing non-producing population, because the T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) is prone to mutations. The present study aimed to investigate whether two σ 70 promoters, which were recognized by the Escherichia coli host RNAP, might be suitable in genome-integrated expression systems. We applied a promoter engineering strategy that allowed control of expressing the model protein, GFP, by introducing lac operators ( lacO ) into the constitutive T5 and A1 promoter sequences.Results We showed that, in genome-integrated E. coli expression systems that used σ 70 promoters, the number of lacO sites must be well balanced. Promoters containing three and two lacO sites exhibited low basal expression, but resulted in a complete stop in recombinant protein production in partially induced cultures. In contrast, expression systems regulated by a single lacO site and the lac repressor element, lacI Q , on the same chromosome caused very low basal expression, were highly efficient in recombinant protein production, and enables fine-tuning of gene expression levels on a cellular level.Conclusions Based on our results, we hypothesized that this phenomenon was associated with the autoregulation of the lac repressor protein, LacI. We reasoned that the affinity of LacI for the lacO sites of the GOI must be lower than the affinity of LacI to the lacO sites of the endogenous lac operon; otherwise, LacI autoregulation could not take place, and the lack of LacI autoregulation would lead to a disturbance in lac repressor-mediated regulation of transcription. By exploiting the mechanism of LacI autoregulation, we created a novel E. coli expression system for use in recombinant protein production, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering applications.
Role of verbal and non-verbal communication of health care providers in general satisfaction with birth care: A cross-sectional study in government health settings of Erbil City, Iraq
Authors: Ahmed Hamdia Mirkhan
Published: December 2019

Background Effective communication by maternity care staff can help a woman during labor and birth have a positive birth experience. Nothing is known about this topic in Iraqi Kurdistan, therefore, this study assessed: 1) The level of women’s satisfaction regarding verbal and non-verbal communication of midwives and physicians in the delivery room and 2) the association between this satisfaction level and socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics of the women and their general satisfaction with care during labor and delivery.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenient sample of 1196 women recruited between January and March 2019 from Erbil city, Iraq, who gave birth in the last year. Data were collected from women through direct interview. A questionnaire which included sociodemographic, obstetrical information and 28 items related to verbal and non-verbal communication of physicians and midwives in the delivery room was used. Chi-square tests were used to find the association between dependent and independent variables.Results Although 58.4% of the women were generally satisfied with communication of midwives and physicians in the delivery room, a large percentage (41.6%) were not satisfied. Only 14.6% and 27.3% of the women were completely satisfied with verbal and non-verbal communication of health care providers, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between women’s satisfaction with care during labor and their satisfaction with health care providers’ communication; 70.4% of women who were satisfied with care during birth were also satisfied with the communication of delivery room staff. There were statistically significant associations between the satisfaction of women with the communication of midwives and physicians and their level of education, parity, having stillbirth or neonatal death, and the setting of the last delivery.Conclusions Women’s satisfaction with verbal and nonverbal communication of health care providers in the delivery room is associated with their satisfaction with birth care. Improving communication skills of health care providers can be a considerable part of improving care in delivery room.
Anti-tumor efficacy of CKD-516 in combination with radiation in xenograft lung cancer mouse model
Authors: Kim Min-Young , Shin Jung-Young , Kim Jeong-Oh , Son Kyoung-Hwa , Jung Chan-Kwon , Kang Jin-Hyoung
Published: December 2019

Background: To evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of CKD-516 in combined with irradiation (IR) and examine tumor necrosis, delayed tumor growth, and expression of molecules involved in hypoxia and angiogenesis. Methods : A xenograft mouse model of lung cancer was established. The tumor was exposed to irradiation (IR) for 5 days per week. CKD-516 was administered with ​​two treatment schedules (day 1 or days 1 and 5) at one hour after IR. After the administration, tumor tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and pimonidazole. HIF1 , Glut-1, VEGF, CD31 and Ki-67 expression were evaluated by Immunohistochemical staining. Results: With short-term administration, IR and CKD-516+IR (d1) significantly reduced tumor size ( p = 0.0062 and p = 0.0051, respectively). CKD-516+IR groups were remarkably reduced blood vessels ( p < 0.005). In particular, CKD-516+IR (d1) resulted in the most extensive tumor necrosis, which was significantly increased with large hypoxic area ( p = 0.02) and decreased HIF1 , Glut-1, VEGF, and Ki-67 expressions. Long-term administration of CKD-516+IR reduced tumor size and delayed tumor growth. This combination also greatly reduced the number of blood vessels ( p = 0.0006) and significantly enhanced tumor necrosis ( p = 0.004). CKD-516+IR notably increased HIF1 expression ( p = 0.0047), but significantly diminished VEGF expression ( p = 0.0046). Conclusion: Taken together, our results demonstrate that CKD-516 in combination with IR can significantly enhance the anti-tumor efficacy compared to CKD-516 or IR alone in lung cancer xenograft mice. Keywords: Irradiation, Tumor necrosis, Hypoxia, Squamous cell carcinoma of lung, Xenograft mice
Malapposition of Graft-host Interface after Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) and Deep Anterior lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): an optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Zhao Yujin , Zhuang Hong , Hong Jiaxu , Tian Lijia , Xu Jianjiang
Published: December 2019

Backgroud: Previous studies of internal graft-host malappositions have not dealt with the precise ways in which each malapposition affected post-penetrating keratoplasty (post-PK) visual outcomes. In this study, we reviewed our post-PK and post-deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (post-DALK) keratoconic patients and used anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to evaluate the associations between graft-host interface (GHI) characteristics and visual outcomes. Methods: Novel GHI metrics included: mean graft-host touch (GHT), total prevalence of malapposition proportion (Pm), frequency of apposition (F), size of malapposition (Sm), junctional graft thickness (Tg),junctional host thickness (Th) and the absolute value of difference between Tg and Th (|Tg-Th|). We connected the external and internal junction points of GHI (GHT) and drew a straight line through the central point, perpendicular to both sides of the cornea. Tg and Th were the thicknesses at cross-points 1 mm away from the meeting point on the external side of the graft and host, respectively. Linear regression analysis was used to describe associations between GHI metrics and postsurgical visual outcomes [ logarithm of minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA), spherical equivalent diopter (SE), diopter of spherical power (DS), diopter of cylindrical power (DC) and keratometric astigmatism (Astig value)]. Results: We enrolled 22 post-PK and 23 post-DALK keratoconic patients. Compared with the regular-apposition results, GHT was decreased in step and gape patterns, and increased in hill and tag patterns. SE increased averagely by 6.851, 5.428 and 5.164 diopter per 1% increase in: F (step) [β=6.851; 95% Confidence interval (CI)=2.975-10.727; P=0.001]; F (graft step) [β=5.428; 95% CI=1.685-9.171; P=0.005]; and Pm [β=5.164; 95%CI=0.913-9.146; P=0.018], respectively. SE increased averagely by 0.31 diopter per 10-μm increment in |Tg-Th| [β=0.031; 95% CI=0.009-0.054; P=0.007]. LogMAR BCVA increased (on average) by 0.01 per 10-μm increment in both GHT [β=0.001; 95% CI=0-0.002; P=0.030]. and Tg [β=0.001; 95% CI=0.001-0.002; P=0.001]. Astig value increased on average by 0.17 diopter per 10-μm increment in Sm [β=0.017; 95% CI=0-0.033; P=0.047]. Conclusion: This investigation of GHI characteristics suggests explanations for varied ametropia in keratoconic eyes and has potential significance as a reference for promoting pre-surgical planning and technology for corneal transplantation.
Virtual Reality Social Prediction Improvement and Rehabilitation Intensive Training (VR-SPIRIT) for paediatric patients with congenital cerebellar diseases: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Butti Niccolò , Biffi Emilia , Genova Chiara , Romaniello Romina , Redaelli Davide Felice , Reni Gianluigi , Borgatti Renato , Urgesi Cosimo
Published: December 2019

Background: Patients with cerebellar malformations exhibit not only movement problems, but also important deficits in social cognition. Thus, rehabilitation approaches should not only involve the recovery of motor function but also of higher-order abilities, such as processing of social stimuli. In keeping with the general role of the cerebellum in anticipating and predicting events, we used a VR-based rehabilitation system to implement a social cognition intensive training specifically tailored to improve predictive abilities in social scenarios (VR-Spirit).Methods: The study is an interventional randomized controlled trial that aims to recruit 42 children, adolescents and young adults with congenital cerebellar malformations, randomly allocated to the experimental or active control group. The experimental group is administered the VR-Spirit, requiring the participants to compete with different avatars in the reaching of recreational equipment and implicitly prompting them to form expectations about their playing preference. The active control group participates to a VR-training with standard games currently adopted for motor rehabilitation. Both trainings are composed by 8 45-minute sessions and are administered in the GRAIL VR-Lab (Motekforce Link, NL), an integrated platform that allows patients to move in natural and attractive VR environments. An evaluation session in VR with the same paradigm used in the VR-Spirit but implemented in a different scenario is administered at the beginning (T0) of the two trainings (T1) and at the end (T2). Moreover, a battery of neurocognitive tests spanning different domains are administered to all participants at T0, T2 and in a follow-up session after two months from the end of the two trainings (T3).Discussion: This study offers a novel approach for rehabilitation based on specific neural mechanisms of the cerebellum. We aim to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a new intensive social cognition training in a sample of Italian patients aged 7-25 years with congenital cerebellar malformations. We expect that VR-Spirit could enhance social prediction ability and indirectly improve cognitive performance in diverse domains. Moreover, through the comparison with a VR-active control training we aim to verify the specificity of VR-Spirit in improving social perception skills.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN 22332873. Retrospectively registered on 12 March 2018. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN22332873Keywords: Virtual reality; Social cognition training; Cerebellum; Paediatric patients; Rehabilitation; Grail.
Analysis of World Research on Grafting in Horticultural Plants
Authors: Belmonte-Ureña Luis J. , Garrido-Cardenas Jose A. , Camacho-Ferre Francisco
Published: December 2019

The research on grafting in horticultural plants has increased in recent years due to the benefits of grafting on disease control, productivity, and fruit quality. This study analyzes the scientific production on grafting in horticultural plants, using bibliometric techniques with the objective of obtaining a vision of the characteristics of the work carried out in the world on this subject. The worldwide evolution of research in this field was analyzed from 1979 to 2018 using a bibliometric analysis of 1376 articles. The analysis provided evidence of scientific production of authors, institutions, and countries. The results showed a growing interest on grafting in horticultural plants, mainly in the past decade when 73% of the total analyzed articles were published. The most productive subject area was Agricultural and Biological. The most productive journal was Scientia Horticulturae, and the one that obtained highest number of citations was Plant Physiology. The most cited authors per article were Colla, Roupahel, and Cardarelli. The most prolific institution was Agricultural Research Organization of Israel. China, United States, and Spain were the countries that published the most articles. The countries with the highest percentage of international collaboration were Germany and United Kingdom.
GENERAL LINEAR MODEL: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR ANALYSIS OF CLAIM SEVERITY IN MOTOR THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE
Authors: Šoltés Erik , Zelinová Silvia , Bilíková Mária
Published: December 2019

The paper focuses on the analysis of claim severity in motor third party liability insurance under the general linear model. The general linear model combines the analyses of variance and regression and makes it possible to measure the influence of categorical factors as well as the numerical explanatory variables on the target variable. In the paper, simple, main and interaction effects of relevant factors have been quantified using estimated regression coefficients and least squares means. Statistical inferences about least-squares means are essential in creating tariff classes and uncovering the impact of categorical factors, so the authors used the LSMEANS, CONTRAST and ESTIMATE statements in the GLM procedure of the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). The study was based on a set of anonymised data of an insurance company operating in Slovakia; however, because each insurance company has its own portfolio subject to changes over time, the results of this research will not apply to all insurance companies. In this context, the authors feel that what is most valuable in their work, is the demonstration of practical applications that could be used by actuaries to estimate both the claim severity and the claim frequency, and, consequently, to determine net premiums for motor insurance (regardless of whether for motor third party liability insurance or casco insurance
Forensic veterinary evaluation of gunshot wounds to a dog’s head based on traditional examination methods and modern imaging techniques
Authors: PANASIUK-FLAK KINGA , GRELA MAŁGORZATA , LISTOS PIOTR , GRYZIŃSKA MAGDALENA , BUSZEWICZ GRZEGORZ , CHAGOWSKI WOJCIECH , TERESIŃSKI GRZEGORZ
Published: December 2019

At present, the most common method of analysis of gunshot wounds is necropsy, but modern imaging methods, such as X-ray (RTG) and computed tomography (CT), are gaining in popularity. We conducted an experiment involving shooting at test material from various distances (0 m, 1.5 m, 15 m) with bullets of various calibres in order to obtain characteristic gunshot wounds and compare the utility of the traditional autopsy method and modern imaging methods for forensic veterinary purposes. Then, a digital X-ray and computed tomography scan as well as a necropsy, were performed. The analysis of the results of the experiment with ammunition of different calibres showed that damage caused by a shot from a firearm is correlated with the calibre, initial velocity and kinetic energy of the projectile, as well as the distance from the barrel end to the object being shot. In the 12 cases analysed, 80% of the bullets fired from different distances had sufficient kinetic energy to exit the test material after passing through the tissue. A macroscopic necropsy supplemented by modern imaging methods is the most accurate means of forensic veterinary analysis of gunshot wounds in animals.
Succession pattern of invertebrates on an unburied corpse of a cat suffering from cancer: A case study
Authors: CZEPIEL-MIL KATARZYNA , STRYJECKI ROBERT , LISTOS PIOTR , KOWALCZYK-PECKA DANUTA , WYDRA KAMIL , SUDAK JUSTYNA
Published: December 2019

Forensic entomology frequently assists forensic medicine in legal investigations. It makes it possible to estimate the time of death when a cadaver is recovered at a relatively advanced stage of decomposition. In criminalistics practice, unburied bodies are found the most commonly, and therefore the fauna of these cadavers is the best investigated. The aim of this study was to collect a succession of insects and other invertebrates occurring on an unburied corpse. The experiment was conducted on the carcass of a cat euthanized due to an advanced cancer process. The carcass was colonized by three phyla of animals: Annelidae, Mollusca, and Arthropoda. They belonged to 7 classes and 10 orders. The most diverse were Arthropoda. They were classified into 5 classes: Insecta, Diplopoda, Malacostraca, Entognata, and Arachnida, and into 8 orders: Julida, Isopoda, Collembola, Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Araneae, and Acari. The fly species Calliphora vicina from the family Calliphoridae is of particular interest among the insects collected because it is one of the fundamental indicator species whose life cycle makes it possible to determine an approximate time of death. During the study it was noted that arthropods occurred in a certain pattern of succession, predictable in forensic entomology. The first group was Calliphora vicina (Calliphoridae, Diptera), which laid eggs. The next (second) group consisted of first-instar C. vicina larvae and insects feeding on these larvae, such as Philonthus tenuicornis (Staphylinidae, Coleoptera). The first stage of succession was the appearance of eggs of C. vicina. The second phase was the appearance of adult flies other than Calliphoridae and of accidental species, as well as beetles (e.g. Philonthus tenuicornis, Staphylinidae, Coleoptera) feeding on larvae of C. vicina. The third phase of succession was the appearance of all larvae stages of C. vicina that continued and finished their life cycle.
ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DO MODELO DE ATENÇÃO FARMACÊUTICA ENTRE BRASIL E CANADÁ
Authors: Da Rocha Junqueira Caroline , Portella Amanda Felipe , Deuschle Viviane Cecilia Kessler Nunes , Bortolotto Josiane Woutheres , Bonfanti Azzolin Gabriela
Published: December 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a metodologia de atenção farmacêutica canadense, e comparar com a metodologia brasileira, visando o aperfeiçoamento da atenção farmacêutica no Brasil. Métodos: Foram utilizados artigos já publicados disponíveis no Scielo, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Medline-Pubmed, bem como relatórios e materiais disponíveis nos sites dos órgãos reguladores da profissão farmacêutica de ambos os países. Resultados e discussão: O profissional farmacêutico brasileiro, quando comparado ao profissional canadense, não encontra uma legislação precisa que o oriente quanto a execução das atividades de atenção farmacêutica, não possui uma metodologia específica ou ainda uma estratégias de ação para a aplicação dessa atividade, e também   carece de educação de qualidade para a execução da atenção farmacêutica. Conclusão: Para que haja um melhoramento na atenção farmacêutica do Brasil é necessária que haja a criação de uma legislação fortificada e metodologias de atenção farmacêutica voltadas a realidade do país.
A születési kohorszvizsgálatok pszichológiai kérdései
Authors: Pohárnok Melinda Lábadi Beatrix,
Published: December 2019

Az utóbbi évtizedekben az epidemiológiai fókuszú születési kohorszvizsgálatok mellett egyre nagyobb szerepet kapnak az összetett biopszichológiai-ökológiai szemléletű kutatások. Tanulmányunk kettős céllal született. Egyrészt bemutatunk egy olyan komplex értelmezési keretet, melyben a fejlődési változások több szinten, disztális és proximális tényezők függvényében értelmezhetők. Másrészt áttekintjük a kohorszvizsgálatokban hangsúlyos pszichológiai változók köré csoportosítható kérdéseket, amelyekkel kapcsolatban a nemzetközi születési kohorszvizsgálatok az elmúlt évtizedekben fontos új eredményeket hoztak. A pszichológiai fejlődés szemponjából két fő kutatási kérdést kiemelve elemezzük a kohorszkutatásokat: 1. hogyan jön létre az adaptív/maladaptív fejlődés a kockázati és védőtényezők mentén, és 2. milyen közvetlen és közvetett hatások alakítják a reziliens fejlődést. Tanulmányunkban a disztális változóktól a proximális felé haladva, kiemelt társadalmi és családi változókon keresztül mutatjuk be a nemzeti kohorszkutatásokat és az azok eredményeit kiegésztő kisebb volumenű longitudinális vizsgálatok tanulságait.