bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary care physicians’ awareness and perceptions on adherence to primary cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Halabi Zeina , Osman Mona , Hoteit Reem
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To assess the awareness and have an insight on practice patterns of primary care physicians (PCPs) with respect to several professional primary cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) preventive guidelines.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, questionnaire-based using a non-probability convenience sampling. Data collection occurred at the annual conferences of the Lebanese Societies of General Practice, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine in Lebanon. 104 PCPs were recruited.

Main Outcome Measures

Awareness and practices of CVDs preventive guidelines.

Results

The response rate was 37%. Awareness of the various CVD preventive guidelines was high among PCPs (>81%). Around 69% of PCPs reported that they always calculate the total cardiovascular risk assessment score. Gaps in managing patients according to guidelines’ recommendations were higher in statin initiation compared to antihypertensive initiation. There is over prescription of statin in low risk patients and underutilization in high risk patients. Around 20% of PCPs would initiate aspirin for a low risk patient. Around 17% of physicians do not perform abdominal aortic aneurysm screening.

Discussion

Although PCPs demonstrated high level of awareness regarding CVD preventive guidelines, gaps remain present in managing patients according to guidelines’ recommendations. Less adherence to guidelines will increase mortality and affect patient care.
Chiari I malformation: Case report of a postnatal diagnosis and literature review
Authors: Pikovsky Margaret , Yu Christina
Published: December 2020

Mode of delivery and intrapartum analgesia for women with Chiari I malformation pose a challenge to the obstetrician and anaesthetist. Clinicians often advocate caesarean section delivery under general anaesthetic to prevent an uncontrolled rise in intracranial pressure or a fall in cerebrospinal fluid pressure during labour that may result in neurological complications, or rarely, brainstem herniation. This case report discusses a woman with hitherto undiagnosed Chiari I malformation who delivered by CS due to obstetric concerns, but remained asymptomatic throughout the preceding labour and in spite of multiple epidural insertion attempts. We discuss considerations for future pregnancies, and review the literature to challenge the view that women with Chiari I need planned caesarean or must avoid epidural/spinal analgesia; instead presenting evidence to support the safety and suitability of vaginal delivery and neuroaxial block in labouring parturients with this condition.
OPEX-risk as a source of CAPEX-bias in monopoly regulation
Authors: Brunekreeft Gert , Rammerstorfer Margarethe
Published: December 2020

This paper shows with a formal model that under monopoly regulation, OPEX-risk can be a source for a CAPEX-bias. If OPEX and CAPEX are substitutes, the regulated firm can reduce the risk of the firm and thereby reduce the true cost of capital by rebalancing OPEX and CAPEX. If the regulated rate-of-return on capital is not influenced by the firm’s actions, this creates a margin between the regulated rate-of-return and the true cost of capital; this causes a CAPEX-bias. We examine the so-called fixed-OPEX-CAPEX-share (FOCS), which is a variation of TOTEX-regulation, as a promising remedy to address the CAPEX-bias. We argue that FOCS is effective to address the CAPEX-bias, while it can easily be implemented.
Informatics and machine learning methods for health applications
Authors: Shen Li , Shi Xinghua , Zhao Zhongming , Wang Kai
Published: December 2020

The 2020 International Conference on Intelligent Biology and Medicine (ICIBM 2020) provided a multidisciplinary forum for computational scientists and experimental biologists to share recent advances on all aspects of intelligent computing, informatics and data science in biology and medicine. ICIBM 2020 was held as a virtual conference on August 9–10, 2020, including four live sessions with forty-one oral presentations over video conferencing. In this special issue, ten high-quality manuscripts were selected after peer-review from seventy-five submissions to represent the medical informatics and decision making aspect of the conference. In this editorial, we briefly summarize these ten selected manuscripts.
German Culex pipiens biotype molestus and Culex torrentium are vector-competent for Usutu virus
Authors: Holicki Cora M. , Scheuch Dorothee E. , Ziegler Ute , Lettow Julia , Kampen Helge , Werner Doreen , Groschup Martin H.
Published: December 2020

Background

Usutu virus (USUV) is a rapidly spreading zoonotic arbovirus (arthropod-borne virus) and a considerable threat to the global avifauna and in isolated cases to human health. It is maintained in an enzootic cycle involving ornithophilic mosquitoes as vectors and birds as reservoir hosts. Despite massive die-offs in wild bird populations and the detection of severe neurological symptoms in infected humans, little is known about which mosquito species are involved in the propagation of USUV.

Methods

In the present study, the vector competence of a German (i.e. “Central European”) and a Serbian (i.e. “Southern European”) Culex pipiens biotype molestus laboratory colony was experimentally evaluated. For comparative purposes, Culex torrentium, a frequent species in Northern Europe, and Aedes aegypti, a primarily tropical species, were also tested. Adult female mosquitoes were exposed to bovine blood spiked with USUV Africa 2 and subsequently incubated at 25 °C. After 2 to 3 weeks saliva was collected from each individual mosquito to assess the ability of a mosquito species to transmit USUV.

Results

Culex pipiens biotype molestus mosquitoes originating from Germany and the Republic of Serbia and Cx. torrentium mosquitoes from Germany proved competent for USUV, as indicated by harboring viable virus in their saliva 21 days post infection. By contrast, Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were relatively refractory to an USUV infection, exhibiting low infection rates and lacking virus in their saliva.

Conclusions

Consistent with the high prevalences and abundances of Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and Cx. torrentium in Central and Northern Europe, these two species have most likely played a historic role in the spread, maintenance, and introduction of USUV into Germany. Identification of the key USUV vectors enables the establishment and implementation of rigorous entomological surveillance programs and the development of effective, evidence-based vector control interventions.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical characteristics of brain tumor-related epilepsy and factors influencing the identification of epilepsy-associated tumors
Authors: Zhang Xianwen , Zheng Liaoyuan , Duan Jingfeng , Li Zongping , Tang Yufeng
Published: December 2020

Background

To analyze the clinical features of brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) and explore the factors influencing the identification of epilepsy-associated tumor (EAT), in order to advance the clinical understanding of BTRE and EAT.

Methods

Intracranial tumor origin and location as well as the type of epilepsy were retrospectively reviewed in 153 BTRE patients. The patients were further divided into the EAT and non-EAT groups, and comparisons were made for age, sex, tumor origin and location, and epilepsy type between the two groups.

Results

The 153 BTRE patients were divided into 78 cases with primary intracranial tumor and 75 cases with tumor originating from extracranial metastasis, according to the origin of tumor. According to the location of tumor, 116 cases had tumor lesions located in the brain parenchyma, and 37 cases had tumor lesions located in the meninges. Further, in the group with a brain parenchyma location, 77 cases had single lobular involvement, and 39 cases had multiple-lobular involvement; 84 cases had tumor lesions located in one hemisphere and 32 cases in both hemispheres. According to the type of epilepsy, 92 cases had generalized seizures, and 61 cases had focal seizures. The type of epilepsy did not significantly correlate with the origin of intracranial tumor, the location of tumor lesions (in brain parenchyma or meninges) (P > 0.05), or the hemispherical location (in one or two hemispheres) of lesions (P > 0.05), but was significantly related with the lobular localization of lesions (P < 0.05). The 153 cases of BTRE consisted of 87 EAT and 66 non-EAT, with significant differences in the origin, location and type (being glioma/non-glioma) of tumor. Logistic regression analysis showed that the type of tumor (i.e. whether being glioma) served as an independent factor for EAT identification; the lower the World Health Organization grade of glioma, the more likely the EAT is to be diagnosed (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The majority of BTRE patients in this study had tumors located in the brain parenchyma. In addition, the patients with generalized seizures outnumbered those with focal seizures, and the type of epilepsy was correlated with the lobular location of tumor lesions. The EATs are mostly low-grade gliomas.
Foundation News: The SEG Foundation welcomes new directors
Authors: Burk Katie
Published: December 2020

The SEG Foundation Board of Directors welcomes six new members including Hendratta Ali, Allyson Anderson Book, John Bradford, Morgan Gilmore, Xiaojun Huang, and Tony Lupo. In addition to these new directors, David Bartel, Arthur Cheng, Michael Loudin, and Zhaobo Meng were reappointed for terms. The Foundation would like to express its deepest appreciation to Pete Cramer, Michael Forrest, Gretchen Gillis, Julie Hardie, and Anna Shaughnessy, who completed their terms of service on the Board in 2020.
Seismic Soundoff
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: December 2020

SEG President-elect Anna Shaughnessy joins the podcast to highlight her 2020 Honorary Lecture tour, “Developing a successful career in geophysics today.” In this timely discussion, Anna shares her insights on choosing a career field, preparing for a successful career, navigating a career in a transitional industry, and staying relevant no matter the discipline. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/10202 .
Vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms: meta-analysis of studies .
Authors: Wilczyński Krzysztof , Chęcińska Katarzyna , Kulczyk Krzysztof , Janas-Kozik Małgorzata
Published: December 2020

Cel

Celem prezentowanego badania była identyfikacja i podsumowanie badań analizujących związek pomiędzy stężeniem witaminy D a ryzykiem i nasileniem objawów depresji, opublikowanych pomiędzy styczniem 2008 a styczniem 2019 r.

Materiał i metody

Przeprowadzono systematyczny przegląd literatury opublikowanej w okresie ostatnich 10 lat i dostępnej w ramach bazy PubMed. Przegląd wykonywany był przez każdego z autorów osobno w oparciu o wcześniej założone kryteria.

Wyniki

Z 823 badań zakwalifikowanych do wstępnej analizy abstraktów, 24 zostały włączone do analizy pełnotekstowej a 18 do meta-analizy. Uzyskano istotne statystycznie ilorazy szans dla wysokiego ryzyka depresji w przebiegu niedoboru witaminy D równe OR=1,51; 95%CI: 1,4-1,62; p<0.01).

Wnioski

Zaprezentowana analiza literatury wydaje się wskazywać na związek pomiędzy ryzykiem zaburzeń depresyjnych a niedoborem witaminy D. Jednakże, dostępne badania nie pozwalają na szczegółowe wyjaśnienie mechanizmu i kierunku tej zależności.
Sterol and Mineral Profiles of the Common Sea Snail Hinia Reticulata and the Long Sea Snail Nassarius Mutabilis (Gastropods) Collected from the Middle Adriatic Sea
Authors: Fiordelmondo Elisa , Roncarati Alessandra , Vincenzetti Silvia , Pinzaru Simona Cinta , Felici Alberto
Published: December 2020

Sea snails represent a common food in the world as a source of sterols, such as cholesterol and phytosterol, and minerals. Sterols play important roles in body functions and also minerals are important for human health, so the intake of these nutrients into human diets should be known. The aim of this study was to examine the sterol and mineral profiles of the long (Hinia reticulata) and the common (Nassarius mutabilis) sea snails. Samples of both species were collected at different catch times from November 2019 to March 2020 and transported to the University of Camerino (UNICAM) for the evaluation of their sterol and mineral profiles, including toxic elements (Cd, Cr, Pb). The results of the study showed that the average content of total lipid were 57 mg/100 g, 38 mg/100 g for cholesterol and 19 mg/100 g for phytosterol in the long sea snail, and the values were respectively 68, 48, and 20 mg/100 g in the common sea snail, without significant differences in the two examined sea snails. Additionally, the result of the mineral analysis showed that both species were significant sources of minerals, with negligible levels of toxic metals and metalloids. Therefore, the Long and the Common sea snail are suitable and safety sea products for human nutrition.
Total Antioxidants Activity and Proximate Analysis of Selected Fruits and Vegetables in Jashore Region, Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdaus Md. Jannatul , Ferdous Zannatul , Sara Rubyat Jahan , Mahin Md. Golam , Faruque Md. Omar
Published: December 2020

Antioxidant plays essential roles in the maintaining of good health. Fruits and vegetables are the primary sources of antioxidants. Antioxidant contents in fruits and vegetables could vary in geographical distribution and also in the same soil for different time intervals. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the total antioxidant status and proximate analysis of some selected locally available fruits and vegetables and they were Mangiferaindica, Musa acuminate, Psidium guajava, Carcia papaya, Lagenariasiceraria, Trichosanthesdioica, Momordica charantia, Basella alba, and Amaranthus gangeticus from three villages. In this analysis, total antioxidant status was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and proximate analysis of moisture, ash, fat (Soxhlet extraction method), and protein (Kjeldahl method with N × 6.25) were determined as the method outlined in AOAC (2005). Among the four fruits sample, Papaya hadthe highest moisture content (88.08%)but was lower in ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents. Among the vegetables, Bottle gourd had the highest moisture content (94.14%).Regarding all samples, Red amaranth showed the highest ash (1.59%) and protein (4.32%) content. However, both Mango and Papaya showed the lowest protein content (0.70%). Fat content was low in Papaya and Bottle gourdwith 0.10% and 0.15% respectively. For the carbohydrates, Banana was the greatest source with 22.62%. Furthermore, among the fruits Guava had the highest total antioxidants activity of 70.90% and among vegetables, Bitter gourd had 45.47% which was the highest compared to other studiedvegetables. Whereas, Indian spinachhad the lowest antioxidants activity and the value was 28.60%. The above results indicate that the selected fruits contents higher levels of antioxidant activity compared to selected vegetables samples.
Quality Improvement of the Chicken Sausage with Pepper Seed (Capsicum Annuum L.)
Authors: Kim Yoo Kyeong
Published: December 2020

The chicken sausages were manufactured replacing part (8%) of chicken skin with powder (1%) and oil (7%) of pepper seed (Capsicum annuum L.). The replacement of chicken skin with pepper seed lowered the content of total fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sodium in chicken sausages than that of the control by reducing 13.4%, 75.0%, 42.2%, 22.6%, respectively (p<0.05). In addition, the pepper seed retarded lipid oxidation in chicken sausages represented by lower TBARS value than that of the control in 14 days of storage at 4 °C (p < 0.05). Even though pepper seed hardly changed textural properties of chicken sausages except decreasing hardness, it favorably affected sensory attributes such as appearance, flavor, and overall acceptability. In conclusion, the application of pepper seed in manufacturing chicken sausages improved nutritional value and sensory properties of the products, which could be a good alternative for the people in favor of low fat and healthy products.
Physicochemical, Functional and Antioxidant properties of Pigmented Rice
Authors: Pradipta Sandy , Ubaidillah Mohammad , Siswoyo Tri Agus
Published: December 2020

Pigmented rice has hight antioxidant nature, and its properties contribute to the successful formulation of nutraceutical food products. Based on this background, this research was aimed at determining the physicochemical, functional and antioxidant properties of ten pigmented Indonesian rice varieties - Merah Saleman, Mota, Beureum Taleus, Anak Doro M, Cempo Salamet, Ketan Putri, Ketan Hitam I, Ketan Hitam II, Gogo Niti II, and Care Hitam. The physic properties and proximate analysis of pigmented rice were showed a significant difference at p<0.05, except for crude fiber. The sample with the lowest amylose showed the highest peak, trough, and final viscosities, but with low pasting temperature. The gelatinization enthalpy ranged from 0.82 - 1.33 J/g, and the sample with the highest amylose had the lowest gelatinization peak. The functional properties of the water absorption index ranged from 4.22 - 7.63 g/g, the water solubility index was between 3.62 - 7.40%, the oil absorption index varied from 0.88 - 1.36 g/g, while the swelling power was between 5.31 - 8.42 g/g. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of the samples measured in terms of the phenolic content ranged from 2.17 - 10.60 mg GAE/g, the flavonoids varied from 0.43 - 2.31 mg QE/g and their activity used the stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals. The total flavonoid in the phenolic component was positively correlated with the antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the ten pigmented rice showed a wide range of physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant properties, making the samples useful for the formulations of various products with health benefits.
Formulation and Quality Evaluation of Antioxidant Rich Bars Enriched with Chia seed, Whole Mango, Apple and Guava
Authors: Jethwani Poonam , Kochhar Anita , Javed Mohammed
Published: December 2020

An insalubrious diet regime and lack of physical exercise are the root causes for the causation of metabolic diseases. Thus, need for food choices that are nutritious, rich in antioxidants and are ready to eat has grown to a great extent. Accordingly, the present study was planned to develop an antioxidant rich bar with puffed wheat, Chia seed, mango (Leather+peel powder), apple (whole fruit Leather), guava (whole fruit Leather), peanut and honey in different proportions using standard bar moulds. Therefore, three types of bars were prepared, namely mango Chia seed bar, apple Chia seed bar and guava Chia seed bar. Formulated mango Chiaseed bar of 55g showed the highest overall acceptability with 2g mango peel powder and 8g mango leather. Apple Chiaseed bar and guava Chia seed bar were found acceptable on incorporation of 5g leather of apple and guava respectively. The fatty acid profile of the selected bars showed significant increase (p<0.01) in PUFA content. A significant increase (p<0.01) was found in vitamin C and β-carotene content, both of which act as a good natural antioxidants. The bioactive component and antioxidants such as total phenols, flavonoids, tannins showing DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and RPA activity elevated to significant (p<0.01) levels with the highest content in mango chia seed bar. The bar prepared was acceptable and nutrient-dense, therefore can be consumed by the general population to prevent and cure lifestyle diseases by increasing antioxidant content in their diet.
Restructuring emergency eye services during COVID-19 in a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Moussa George , Mushtaq Fizza , Mandal Priyanka , Mathews Namita , Royal Ben , Manjunatha Nonavinakere , Lee Rynn
Published: December 2020

Background/aims

Maintaining emergency eye services is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article describes the introduction of a new restructured referral pathway to reduce the burden on healthcare providers and create a safe environment.

Methods

During January and February 2020 (group 1), all appointments were face-to-face with a walk-in eye casualty. The first audit cycle comprised all patients in group 1. The primary audit criteria were discharge rates, referral to subspeciality and reattendance. In April 2020, a remodelled system was implemented in which walk-in attendance ceased and was replaced with telephone triage coupled with digital imaging via NHS email for remote clinical review. Patients requiring further assessment following this triage were invited in for face-to-face appointments. A reaudit was conducted during April–July 2020 (group 2) following implementation of these COVID-19 protocol changes.

Results

In group 1, 2868 appointments (100.0%) were face-to-face and in group 2 4870 (100.0%) appointments were telephone consults that resulted in 2639 (54.2%) face-to-face appointments. The rate of discharge in the first cycle and second cycle were 55.3% and 76.9% respectively (P<0.0001). Furthermore 2298 (47.2%) patients were able to be discharged following telephone consultation in group 2.

Conclusions

Using this telephone and digital imaging review triage system, the authors have demonstrated a significant reduction in the need for face-to-face reviews. The reduction in avoidable patient face-to-face reviews allows the system to move from saturated to sustainable while increasing accessibility to services for patients who may not be able to present for face-to-face review. This complete audit cycle successfully charts interventions that maximise accessibility, reduce unnecessary hospital visits and deliver safe and prompt management during the pandemic.
Assessment, diagnosis and management of the dizzy patient
Authors: Mullin Nova , Mcphee Olivia , Morrow Cathie , Youssef Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Dizziness and balance disorders are very common problems. Having a structured approach, including adequate history taking and clinical examination, in a multidisciplinary environment allows for effective management of patients with these complex symptoms. Hearing assessment is an integral part of the assessment of patients with dizziness, along with the occasional need for further testing. Identifying red flags, along with the ability to involve different medical specialties, are prerequisites for safe management and a successful outcome. While surgical intervention has a small role in the management of balance disorders, vestibular rehabilitation remains the cornerstone of treatment, along with different supportive measures. This article outlines the approach used in the authors' centre to manage patients with dizziness and balance disorders.
Complex mental health needs in older people living with frailty
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Stubbs Brendon , Das-Munshi Jayati
Published: December 2020

Frailty describes a state of health whereby people develop multiple or cumulative deficits in physiological systems over the life course, leading to vulnerability and being less able to respond to acute and/or physiological stressors, which at times may be relatively minor. Mental health should be an important consideration in the assessment and management of frailty in older people. This article provides an overview and clinical perspective on the evidence relating to frailty and mental health assessment and management.
Acute asthma exacerbations: tips from the shop floor
Authors: Lombard E , Gates J , Ruickbie S
Published: December 2020

Asthma places a significant burden on acute and non-acute services and is frequently encountered in the emergency department and the medical take. The UK has one of the highest asthma mortality rates in Europe. The National Review of Asthma Deaths has identified multiple factors that have contributed to preventable asthma deaths and solutions to these factors, including a better understanding and implementation of asthma guidelines. The British Thoracic Society and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network have recently updated their guidance on the management of asthma.

This article outlines the guidelines for junior doctors managing patients with acute exacerbations of asthma. It highlights key areas of the initial assessment, establishing severity and initiating and escalating treatment. Furthermore, the discharge process from discharge criteria to promoting patient safety, education and ongoing self-management is discussed. This process, in particular education and personalised asthma action plans, can make a significant difference to the patient's outcomes and day-to-day burden of symptoms.
Histological aberrations and mode of damage of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) by Colletotrichum destructivum
Authors: Enyiukwu David Nwazuo , AMADIOHA ANDERSON CHIDI , ONONUJU CHARLES CHIMEZIE
Published: December 2020

Abstract. Enyiukwu DN, Amadioha AC, Ononuju CC. 2020. Histological aberrations and mode of damage of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) by Colletotrichum destructivum. Nusantara Bioscience 13: 16-23. Leaf and stem of healthy 2-week old cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) seedlings were inoculated with spore suspension of the Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara. Sections of the infection courts were prepared and examined under digital microscope. The results showed that the infection process began 12 hours after inoculation (hai) with the germination of spores of the fungus. Large multi-lobed primary hypha (somewhat spherical in shape) developed from the infection peg and remained inside a single epithelial cell for about 3 days. Towards the end of this time, the primary hyphae developed thin filamentous tentacles that punctured and branched into adjoining cells, initiating necrotrophic phase of the disease. During this period, typical anthracnose symptoms began to develop on the infected organs of the crop. The entire infection process lasted a maximum of 96 h, at the end of which acervulus that bore a single seta emerged on infected crop lesions. The mechanism of damage of the pathogen involved intra-cellular and inter-cellular colonization of the host tissues early and late in the disease cycle. The integrity of the affected tissues' cells was compromised by passage and colonization of Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara evidenced by lack of clear-cut middle lamella and cell boundaries. Anthracnose affected cells dispossessed of vital nutrients became turbid, devoid of turgidity and vigor. Thus, these results have strong implications for plant health management in that effective environment-compliant control of the fungus should be initiated on or before the third day following arrival of the conidia of the pathogen on the crop. Seeds are major agents of introduction of Colletotrichum spp. to disease-free locations. Findings from this study also support that strong trans-border control of seeds of the crop should be maintained since the pathogen is known to be seed-borne and demonstrates sufficient cross-infection of crop plants.

Key words: Hemibiotrophy,  Colletotrichum destructivum, Anthracnose, Cowpea,  Hyphal colonization
Cerebellar Golgi cell models predict dendritic processing and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity
Authors: Masoli Stefano , Ottaviani Alessandra , Casali Stefano , D’Angelo Egidio
Published: December 2020

The Golgi cells are the main inhibitory interneurons of the cerebellar granular layer. Although recent works have highlighted the complexity of their dendritic organization and synaptic inputs, the mechanisms through which these neurons integrate complex input patterns remained unknown. Here we have used 8 detailed morphological reconstructions to develop multicompartmental models of Golgi cells, in which Na, Ca, and K channels were distributed along dendrites, soma, axonal initial segment and axon. The models faithfully reproduced a rich pattern of electrophysiological and pharmacological properties and predicted the operating mechanisms of these neurons. Basal dendrites turned out to be more tightly electrically coupled to the axon initial segment than apical dendrites. During synaptic transmission, parallel fibers caused slow Ca-dependent depolarizations in apical dendrites that boosted the axon initial segment encoder and Na-spike backpropagation into basal dendrites, while inhibitory synapses effectively shunted backpropagating currents. This oriented dendritic processing set up a coincidence detector controlling voltage-dependent NMDA receptor unblock in basal dendrites, which, by regulating local calcium influx, may provide the basis for spike-timing dependent plasticity anticipated by theory.
A genetic screen in Drosophila reveals an unexpected role for the KIP1 ubiquitination-promoting complex in male fertility
Authors: Li Weizhe , Liang Jinqing , Outeda Patricia , Turner Stacey , Wakimoto Barbara T. , Watnick Terry
Published: December 2020

A unifying feature of polycystin-2 channels is their localization to both primary and motile cilia/flagella. InDrosophila melanogaster, the fly polycystin-2 homologue, Amo, is an ER protein early in sperm development but the protein must ultimately cluster at the flagellar tip in mature sperm to be fully functional. Male flies lacking appropriate Amo localization are sterile due to abnormal sperm motility and failure of sperm storage. We performed a forward genetic screen to identify additional proteins that mediate ciliary trafficking of Amo. Here we report that Drosophila homologues of KPC1 and KPC2, which comprise the mammalian KIP1 ubiquitination-promoting complex (KPC), form a conserved unit that is required for the sperm tail tip localization of Amo. Male flies lacking either KPC1 or KPC2 phenocopyamomutants and are sterile due to a failure of sperm storage. KPC is a heterodimer composed of KPC1, an E3 ligase, and KPC2 (or UBAC1), an adaptor protein. Like their mammalian counterparts Drosophila KPC1 and KPC2 physically interact and they stabilize one another at the protein level. In flies, KPC2 is monoubiquitinated and phosphorylated and this modified form of the protein is located in mature sperm. Neither KPC1 nor KPC2 directly interact with Amo but they are detected in proximity to Amo at the tip of the sperm flagellum. In summary we have identified a new complex that is involved in male fertility inDrosophila melanogaster.
Remote testing of vitamin D levels across the UK MS population—A case control study
Authors: Vickaryous Nicola , Jitlal Mark , Jacobs Benjamin Meir , Middleton Rod , Chandran Siddharthan , MacDougall Niall John James , Giovannoni Gavin , Dobson Ruth
Published: December 2020

Objective

The association between vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis (MS) is well described. We set out to use remote sampling to ascertain vitamin D status and vitamin D supplementation in a cross-sectional study of people with MS across the UK.

Methods

People with MS and matched controls were recruited from across the UK. 1768 people with MS enrolled in the study; remote sampling kits were distributed to a subgroup. Dried blood spots (DBS) were used to assess serum 25(OH)D in people with MS and controls.

Results

1768 MS participants completed the questionnaire; 388 MS participants and 309 controls provided biological samples. Serum 25(OH)D was higher in MS than controls (median 71nmol/L vs 49nmol/L). A higher proportion of MS participants than controls supplemented (72% vs 26%, p<0.001); people with MS supplemented at higher vD doses than controls (median 1600 vs 600 IU/day, p<0.001). People with MS who did not supplement had lower serum 25(OH)D levels than non-supplementing controls (median 38 nmol/L vs 44 nmol/L). Participants engaged well with remote sampling.

Conclusions

The UK MS population have higher serum 25(OH)D than controls, mainly as a result of vitamin D supplementation. Remote sampling is a feasible way of carrying out large studies.
Five-year post-disaster mental changes: Mothers and children living in low-dose contaminated Fukushima regions
Authors: Tsutsui Yuji , Ujiie Tatsuo , Takaya Rieko , Tominaga Misako
Published: December 2020

It has been almost 10 years since the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc.’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011. This study elucidates changes in the mental states of mothers and children residing in low-dose radiation contaminated regions within Fukushima Prefecture over a five-year period after the Fukushima Daiichi accident. From 2011 to 2015, questionnaire surveys assessing psychological symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder-related responses, depressive responses, and stress responses, and radiation protection behaviors were conducted with 18,741 mothers of children aged four, 18, and 42 months. Mothers’ and children’s psychological symptoms and mothers’ radiation protection behaviors were highest in 2011, immediately following the nuclear accident, but decreased over time. However, even in 2015, psychological symptoms and radiation protection behaviors were higher for children and mothers within Fukushima Prefecture than for those in a control group living in regions outside the area, which were minimally affected by the accident. The results suggest that the psychological effects in mothers and children living in low-dose radiation contaminated areas continued for at least five years after the accident. Furthermore, psychological effects in children born after the incident were likely to have been triggered by the parental behavior of mothers who were negatively affected by anxiety and stress. This finding raises concerns regarding the accident’s long-lasting psychological effects in mothers and children living in low-contamination regions.
Development and application of high-throughput screens for the discovery of compounds that disrupt ErbB4 signaling: Candidate cancer therapeutics
Authors: Cullum Richard L. , Lucas Lauren M. , Senfeld Jared I. , Piazza John T. , Neel Logan T. , Whig Kanupriya , Zhai Ling , Harris Mackenzie H. , Rael Cristina C. , Taylor Darby C. , Cook Laura J. , Kaufmann David P. , Mill Christopher P. , Jacobi Megan A. , Smith Forrest T. , Suto Mark , Bostwick Robert , Gupta Ram B. , David Allan E. , Riese, II David J.
Published: December 2020

Whereas recent clinical studies report metastatic melanoma survival rates high as 30–50%, many tumors remain nonresponsive or become resistant to current therapeutic strategies. Analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) data set suggests that a significant fraction of melanomas potentially harbor gain-of-function mutations in the gene that encodes for the ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase. In this work, a drug discovery strategy was developed that is based on the observation that the Q43L mutant of the naturally occurring ErbB4 agonist Neuregulin-2beta (NRG2β) functions as a partial agonist at ErbB4. NRG2β/Q43L stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation, fails to stimulate ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation, and inhibits agonist-induced ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation. Compounds that exhibit these characteristics likely function as ErbB4 partial agonists, and as such hold promise as therapies for ErbB4-dependent melanomas. Consequently, three highly sensitive and reproducible (Z’ > 0.5) screening assays were developed and deployed for the identification of small-molecule ErbB4 partial agonists. Six compounds were identified that stimulate ErbB4 phosphorylation, fail to stimulate ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation, and appear to selectively inhibit ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation. Whereas further characterization is needed to evaluate the full therapeutic potential of these molecules, this drug discovery platform establishes reliable and scalable approaches for the discovery of ErbB4 inhibitors.
A study on interannual change features of soil salinity of cotton field with drip irrigation under mulch in Southern Xinjiang
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhu Yongjun , Yao Baolin
Published: December 2020

The drip irrigation under mulch has become one of significant supporting technologies for cotton industry development in Xinjiang, and has shown the good economic and ecological benefits. With the rapid development of society and economy in Southern Xinjiang, the conventional mode of large-quota winter and spring irrigation, salt leaching and alkali decreasing is difficult to support sustainable development of land and water resources in Southern Xinjiang. This study tries to adjust soil moisture and salt content regulation mode of massive water salt leaching and drip irrigation under mulch in the non-growing period of cotton field in Southern Xinjiang, explores interannual soil salinity change features of drip irrigation cotton field without winter and spring irrigation, and provides experimental basis for drip irrigation technology under mulch which can reduce and exempt cotton irrigation in winter and spring. According to ET0, the dual-factor complete combination experiment involving 3 irrigating water quotas (I1, I2, I3) and 2 irrigation times (T12, T16) was designed, and 6 treatments were involved in total(I1T12,I2T12,I3T12,I1T16,I2T16 and I3T16). The investigation results of four-year (2012–2015) field positioning experiment showed that, under the condition of “germination under drip irrigation” without winter and spring irrigation, increasing irrigation quota and irrigation times could lower 0-100cm soil salinity accumulation, but the soil salinity accumulation degree was 40-100cm, and less than 0-30cm. In the seedling stage, bud stage, blossom and boll-forming stage, and boll opening stage, the average salinity of 0-100cm soil increased by 39.81%, 31.91%, 26.85% and 29.47%, respectively. Increasing irrigation quota and irrigation times could ease interannual soil salinity accumulation degree of cotton field with drip irrigation under mulch, without winter and spring irrigation. 0-100cm soil salinity before sowing was related to the irrigation quota of cotton in the growing stage of the last year. The larger the irrigation quota was, the smaller the soil salinity before sowing would be. The accumulation amount of soil salinity at the end of growing stage under different treatments was lower than that before sowing. The drip irrigation of cotton under mulch in the growing stage could effectively regulate soil salinity distribution and space-time migration process in the growing stage of cotton. Compared with the beginning of 2012, 0-100cm average soil salinity under 3 irrigation quotas (I1, I2, I3) was 33.66%, 5.60% and 1.24%, respectively. Salt accumulating rates under 12 irrigations and 16 irrigations were 20.66% and 6.33%, respectively. The soil had the risk of salinization when the “germination under drip irrigation” without winter and spring irrigation was used. Such results can provide the reference for prevention and treatment of soil moisture and salt content of cotton field with drip irrigation under mulch in the arid region.
Selecting home care quality indicators based on the Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC) for Switzerland: A public health and healthcare providers' perspective
Authors: Wagner Aylin , Zúñiga Franziska , Rüesch Peter , Schaffert René , Dratva Julia ,   on behalf of the HCD Research Group
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite an increasing importance of home care, quality assurance in this healthcare sector in Switzerland is hardly established. In 2010, Swiss home care quality indicators (QIs) based on the Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC) were developed. However, these QIs have not been revised since, although internationally new RAI-HC QIs have emerged. The objective of this study was to assess the appropriateness of RAI-HC QIs to measure quality of home care in Switzerland from a public health and healthcare providers’ perspective.

Methods

First, the appropriateness of RAI-HC QIs, identified in a recent systematic review, was assessed by a multidisciplinary expert panel based on the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method taking into account indicators’ public health relevance, potential of influence, and comprehensibility. Second, the QIs selected by the experts were afterwards rated regarding their relevance, potential of influence, and practicability from a healthcare providers’ perspective in focus groups with home care nurses based on the Nominal-Group-Technique. Data were analyzed using median scores and the Disagreement Index.

Results

18 of 43 RAI-HC QIs were rated appropriate by the experts from a public health perspective. The 18 QIs cover clinical, psychosocial, functional and service use aspects. Seven of the 18 QIs were subsequently rated appropriate by home care nurses from a healthcare providers’ perspective. The focus of these QIs is narrow, because three of seven QIs are pain-related. From both perspectives, the majority of RAI-HC QIs were rated inappropriate because of insufficient potential of influence, with healthcare providers rating them more critically.

Conclusions

The study shows that the appropriateness of RAI-HC QIs differs according to the stakeholder perspective and the intended use of QIs. The findings of this study can guide policy-makers and home care organizations on selecting QIs and to critically reflect on their appropriate use.
Towards designing reactive glasses for alkali activation: Understanding the origins of alkaline reactivity of Na-Mg aluminosilicate glasses
Authors: Sreenivasan Harisankar , Cao Wei , Hu Yongfeng , Xiao Qunfeng , Shakouri Mohsen , Huttula Marko , Provis John L. , Illikainen Mirja , Kinnunen Paivo
Published: December 2020

Alkali-activated materials (AAMs), sometimes called geopolymers, are eco-friendly cementitious materials with reduced carbon emissions when compared to ordinary Portland cement. However, the availability of most precursors used for AAM production may decline in the future because of changes in industrial sectors. Thus, new precursors must be developed. Recently there has been increased interest in synthetic glass precursors. One major concern with using synthetic glasses is ensuring that they react sufficiently under alkaline conditions. Reactivity is a necessary, although not sufficient, requirement for a suitable precursor for AAMs. This work involves the synthesis, characterization, and estimation of alkaline reactivity of Na-Mg aluminosilicate glasses. Structural characterization showed that replacing Na with Mg led to more depolymerization. Alkaline reactivity studies indicated that, as Mg replaced Na, reactivity of glasses increased at first, reached an optimal value, and then declined. This trend in reactivity could not be explained by the conventional parameters used for estimating glass reactivity: the non-bridging oxygen fraction (which predicts similar reactivity for all glasses) and optical basicity (which predicts a decrease in reactivity with an increase in Mg replacement). The reactivity of the studied glasses was found to depend on two main factors: depolymerization (as indicated by structural characterization) and optical basicity. Depolymerization dominated initially, which led to an increase in reactivity, while the effect of optical basicity dominated later, leading to a decrease in reactivity. Hence, while designing reactive synthetic glasses for alkali activation, structural study of glasses should be given due consideration in addition to the conventional factors.
Risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease in patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for prostate cancer: A nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Shim Myungsun , Bang Woo Jin , Oh Cheol Young , Lee Yong Seong , Jeon Seong Soo , Ahn Hanjong , Ju Young-Su , Cho Jin Seon
Published: December 2020

Recent studies reported conflicting results on the association of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with dementia and Parkinson’s disease in patients with prostate cancer (Pca). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) increases the risk of both diseases. A nationwide population cohort study was conducted involving newly diagnosed patients with Pca %who started ADT with GnRHa (GnRHa users, n = 3,201) and control (nonusers, n = 4,123) between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, using data from the National Health Insurance Service. To validate the result, a hospital cohort of patients with Pca consisting of GnRHa users (n = 205) and nonusers (n = 479) in a tertiary referral center from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016, were also analyzed. Traditional and propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effects of ADT on the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease. In univariable analysis, risk of dementia was associated with GnRHa use in both nationwide and hospital validation cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 1.696; 95% CI, 1.425–2.019, and HR, 1.352; 95% CI, 1.089–1.987, respectively). In a nationwide cohort, ADT was not associated with dementia in both traditional and propensity score-matched multivariable analysis, whereas in a hospital validation cohort, ADT was associated with dementia only in unmatched analysis (HR, 1.203; 95% CI, 1.021–1.859) but not in propensity score-matched analysis. ADT was not associated with Parkinson’s disease in either nationwide and validation cohorts. This population-based study suggests that the association between GnRHa use as ADT and increased risk of dementia or Parkinson’s disease is not clear, which was also verified in a hospital validation cohort.
The airways microbiome of individuals with asthma treated with high and low doses of inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Martin Matthew J. , Zain Nur Masirah M. , Hearson Glenn , Rivett Damian W. , Koller Garrit , Wooldridge David J. , Rose Graham , Gharbia Saheer E. , Forbes Ben , Bruce Kenneth D. , Harrison Tim W.
Published: December 2020

Background

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the mainstay of asthma treatment, but evidence suggests a link between ICS usage and increased rates of respiratory infections. We assessed the composition of the asthmatic airways microbiome in asthma patients taking low and high dose ICS and the stability of the microbiome over a 2 week period.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 55 individuals with asthma. Of these, 22 were on low-dose ICS and 33 on high-dose ICS (16 on budesonide, 17 on fluticasone propionate). Sputum from each subject underwent DNA extraction, amplification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the bacterial component of the microbiome. 19 subjects returned for further sputum induction after 24 h and 2 weeks.

Results

A total of 5,615,037 sequencing reads revealed 167 bacterial taxa in the asthmatic airway samples, with the most abundant beingStreptococcusspp. No significant differences in sputum bacterial load or overall community composition were seen between the low- and high-dose ICS groups. However,Streptococcusspp. showed significantly higher relative abundance in subjects taking low-dose ICS (p = 0.002).Haemophilus parainfluenzaewas significantly more abundant in subjects on high-dose fluticasone propionate than those on high-dose budesonide (p = 0.047). There were no statistically significant changes in microbiota composition over a 2-week period.

Discussion

Whilst no significant differences were observed between the low- and high-dose ICS groups, increased abundance of the potential pathogenH.parainfluenzaewas observed in patients taking high-dose fluticasone propionate compared to those taking high-dose budesonide. The microbiota were stable over fourteen days, providing novel evidence of the established community of bacteria in the asthmatic airways.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02671773