bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards developing a model for the evaluation of hospital disaster resilience: a systematic review
Authors: Fallah-Aliabadi Saeed , Ostadtaghizadeh Abbas , Ardalan Ali , Fatemi Farin , Khazai Bijan , Mirjalili Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2020

Background

Hospitals play a vital role in disaster stricken regions. The resilient hospitals will be able to provide essential services to affected people and it can mitigate the risk of injuries during and after disasters. This study aimed to obtain the indicators required for the evaluation of hospital resilience.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in 2018. Through this systematic review, international electronic databases were investigated for the research studies published in English. The exclusion and inclusion criteria were determined to extract the hospital resilience indicators. These indicators will be used in order to develop a model to keep the system performance at an acceptable level during disasters.

Results

Out of 1794 research studies published until September 2018, 89 articles and guidelines with full text were surveyed. Thirty-two articles and guidelines were then selected and analyzed to collect the indicators related to hospital disaster resilience (HDR). The domains and the indicators were extracted from these selected research studies. The authors collected and categorized them into three domains and twenty seven subdomains. The three domains included constructive, infrastructural, and administrative resilience. The relevant indicators were designed for each subdomain to assess HDR.

Conclusion

Since diverse indicators affect hospital resilience, other studies should be conducted to propose some models or tools to quantify the hospital resilience in different countries and scopes with an all hazards approach.
Correction to: Chitotriosidase: a biomarker of activity and severity in patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Bennett David , Cameli Paolo , Lanzarone Nicola , Carobene Loredana , Bianchi Nicola , Fui Annalisa , Rizzi Luigi , Bergantini Laura , Cillis Giuseppe , d’Alessandro Miriana , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Refini Rosa Metella , Sestini Piersante , Bargagli Elena , Rottoli Paola
Published: January 2020

After publication of our article [1] the authors have notified us that one of the names has been incorrectly tagged.
Identification of a potentially functional circRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network for investigating pathogenesis and providing possible biomarkers of bladder cancer
Authors: Lu Hong-cheng , Yao Jia-qi , Yang Xiao , Han Jie , Wang Jing-zi , Xu Kun , Zhou Rui , Yu Hao , Lv Qiang , Gu Min
Published: January 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have received considerable attention in human cancer research. However, many circRNAs remain to be detected. In our study, we determined novel circRNAs and investigated their effects on bladder cancer (BCa).

Methods

Microarray dataset GSE92675 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Then, we combined computational biology with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to select related circRNAs in BCa. The selected circRNA–microRNA (miRNA)–messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory subnetwork was determined by Gene Oncology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses.

Results

The regulatory network constructed from the microarray dataset (GSE92675) contained 49 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). GO and KEGG analyses showed that the MAPK and PI3K–AKT signaling pathways were statistically significant. On the basis of qRT-PCR and the degree value calculated by the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape, hsa_circ_0011385 was finally confirmed. The subnetwork around hsa_circ_0011385 was constructed. In addition, we created a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network composed of 67 nodes and 274 edges after removing independent nodes. GO and KEGG analyses showed that hubgenes were involved in cell cycle activities. Moreover, they could be regulated by miRNAs and play an eventful role in BCa pathogenesis.

Conclusions

We proposed a novel circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network related to BCa pathogenesis. This network might be a new molecular biomarker and could be used to develop potential treatment strategies for BCa.
Salt consumption and the risk of chronic diseases among Chinese adults in Ningbo city
Authors: Lin Yi , Mei Qiuhong , Qian Xujun , He Tianfeng
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic diseases have become one of essential public health concerns, leading causes of mortality in China. It is related to the changes in dietary pattern and dietary behavior. The objectives are to assess daily salt intake in Chinese people living in Ningbo and to examine its relationship with health outcomes.

Methods

Our study used data from health and nutrition survey in 2017. This study included 2811 adults aged 18–79 years (48% males) from urban and rural areas in Ningbo. A food frequency questionnaire together with demographic, physical and medical questionnaires was used to collect dietary intake, demographic, lifestyle and medical information. Ordinal logistic regression was used in the statistical analysis.

Results

The mean daily salt intake (13.0 g/day) of the participants was higher than the Chinese dietary reference intake (DRI, 6 g/d), which was related to higher risk of pre-hypertension and hypertension. Stratified by gender, education and lifestyle factors, daily salt intake was only significant in the blood pressure category (male: P = 0.048; less education: P = 0.003; urban: P = 0.006; no regular physical activity: P = 0.005, no regular smoking: P = 0.006). Ordinal logistic regression model shows that daily salt intake was significantly associated with higher odds of developing hypertension.

Conclusion

The daily salt intake of the majority of citizens living in Ningbo exceeded Chinese DRI and may increase the risk of hypertension. Moreover, public health intervention of salt restriction is necessarily needed for the prevention and control the ongoing epidemic of chronic diseases.
Trends in tap and bottled water consumption among children and adults in the United States: analyses of NHANES 2011–16 data
Authors: Vieux Florent , Maillot Matthieu , Rehm Colin D. , Barrios Pamela , Drewnowski Adam
Published: January 2020

Background

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–20 recommend choosing water in place of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). This study examined water consumption patterns and trends among children and adults in the US.

Methods

Dietary intake data for 7453 children (4-18y) and 15,263 adults (>19y) came from two 24 h dietary recalls in three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011–2016). Water was categorized as tap or bottled (plain). Other beverages were assigned to 15 categories. Water and other beverage intakes (in mL/d) were analyzed by sociodemographic variables and sourcing location. Consumption time trends from 2011 to 2016 were also examined. Total water intakes from water, other beverages and moisture from foods (mL/d) were compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for water.

Results

Total dietary water (2718 mL/d) came from water (1066 mL/d), other beverages (1036 mL/d) and from food moisture (618 mL/d). Whereas total water intakes remained stable, a significant decline in SSB from 2011 to 2016 was fully offset by an increase in the consumption of plain water. The main sources of water were tap at home (288 mL/d), tap away from home (301 mL/d), and bottled water from stores (339 mL/d). Water and other beverage consumption patterns varied with age, incomes and race/ethnicity. Higher tap water consumption was associated with higher incomes, but bottled water was not. Non-Hispanic whites consumed most tap water (781 mL/d) whereas Mexican Americans consumed most bottled water (605 mL/d). Only about 40% of the NHANES sample on average followed US recommendations for adequate water intakes.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that while total water intakes among children and adults have stayed constant, drinking water, tap and bottled, has been replacing SSB in the US diet.
The inter-relationship of diversity principles for the enhanced participation of older people in their care: a qualitative study
Authors: Ogrin Rajna , Meyer Claudia , Appannah Arti , McMillan Sally , Browning Colette
Published: January 2020

Background

The health and aged care workforce must understand and support the diverse needs of older people to enhance their care experience. We previously identified five principles of diversity training for this workforce: awareness of unconscious bias and prejudice; promotion of inclusion; access and equity; appropriate engagement; and intersectionality. This study aims to explore how these principles are considered from the perspectives of older Australians.

Methods

Older people (≥65 years) receiving home care and nursing services based in Victoria, Australia were invited to participate in a home-based semi-structured interview about their experience of, or with, diversity. Interviews were thematically analysed using a priori categories based on our previous work on principles of diversity training, and themes were interpreted and expanded upon based on the participants’ experiences and understanding of diversity concepts and their care needs.

Results

Fifteen older people (seven female, eight male), mean age 76 years (range 71–85 years), were interviewed. Five themes were drawn from the data. It was found that human connection through building (1)trust and rapportwas highly valued as an approach by older people, crucial as a first step to understanding what is important to the older person. Identifying with (2)intersectionality, that is, the different intersecting aspects of who they are and their experiences was understood by the participants as an important framework to meet their needs. The participants were aware of (3)unconscious bias and prejudiceby health professionals and its impact on their care. Participants also noted that (4)promotion of inclusion through languagewas important to for a positive relationship with the healthcare worker. The participants understood that to facilitate human connection, these four principles of human interaction were critical, underpinned by (5)access and equityof the system. A model articulating these relationships was developed.

Conclusion

Health and aged care training should incorporate the five diversity principles to support older people to participate in their own care.
The burden of chronic diseases across Europe: what policies and programs to address diabetes? A SWOT analysis
Authors: Giusti Angela , Maggini Marina , Colaceci Sofia
Published: January 2020

Background

Promoting the well-being at all ages and reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a major target of the Sustainable Development Goals. In the frame of the JA-CHRODIS, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted to provide different countries’ insights on what makes a policy/programme addressing NCDs applicable, sustainable and effective, with a focus on diabetes.

Methods

A qualitative study has been performed using a SWOT analysis on policies/programmes at the national/federal or subnational level.

Results

By March 2016, 14 SWOTs were conducted involving 11 European countries and 57 stakeholders and Ministries of Health, reporting and analysing a total of 44 policies. The main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats have been outlined as well as and the main areas for governance improvement. A binding trans-sectoral approach is necessary to tackle the underlying risk factors of inequalities. The culture of disease prevention and health promotion is still low while the biomedical paradigm prevails. A systematic gender perspective is still missing. Sharing and exchange of best practices, as sponsored by the European Commission, is acting as a motivator.

Conclusion

The SWOT analyses draw an overall picture of the complexity of designing and implementing good policies and programmes that are tailored to local needs. These results may apply to any context and can be used by decision-makers, managers, professionals and other stakeholders to focus on key issues, recognising areas for attention.
Spatio-temporal expression profile of NGF and the two-receptor system, TrkA and p75NTR, in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Delivanoglou Nickoleta , Boziki Marina , Theotokis Paschalis , Kesidou Evangelia , Touloumi Olga , Dafi Nikolina , Nousiopoulou Evangelia , Lagoudaki Roza , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Simeonidou Constantina
Published: January 2020

Background

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and pan-neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR), are known to play bidirectional roles between the immune and nervous system. There are only few studies with inconclusive results concerning the expression pattern and role of NGF, TrkA, and p75NTR (NGF system) under the neuroinflammatory conditions in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its mouse model, the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal expression in different cell types of NGF system in the central nervous system (CNS) during the EAE course.

Methods

EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice 6–8 weeks old. CNS tissue samples were collected on specific time points: day 10 (D10), days 20–22 (acute phase), and day 50 (chronic phase), compared to controls. Real-time PCR, Western Blot, histochemistry, and immunofluorescence were performed throughout the disease course for the detection of the spatio-temporal expression of the NGF system.

Results

Our findings suggest that both NGF and its receptors, TrkA and p75NTR, are upregulated during acute and chronic phase of the EAE model in the inflammatory lesions in the spinal cord. NGF and its receptors were co-localized with NeuN+cells, GAP-43+axons, GFAP+cells, Arginase1+cells, and Mac3+cells. Furthermore, TrkA and p75NTR were sparsely detected on CNPase+cells within the inflammatory lesion. Of high importance is our observation that despite EAE being a T-mediated disease, only NGF and p75NTR were shown to be expressed by B lymphocytes (B220+cells) and no expression on T lymphocytes was noticed.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the components of the NGF system are subjected to differential regulation during the EAE disease course. The expression pattern of NGF, TrkA, and p75NTR is described in detail, suggesting possible functional roles in neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and remyelination by direct and indirect effects on the components of the immune system.
Male partners’ involvement in pregnancy related care among married men in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Falade-Fatila Olayinka , Adebayo Ayodeji Matthew
Published: January 2020

Background

Maternal death remains a public health burden in the developing countries including Nigeria and the major causes are pregnancy related. Lack of male involvement in pregnancy related care is one of the contributing factors. Previous studies on male involvement focused on family planning services and were majorly targeted at women. This study, therefore, was carried out to assess the knowledge, perception and involvement of male partners in pregnancy related care among married men in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted using a four-stage sampling technique to select 367 married men in an urban community in Ibadan. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the knowledge, perception and involvement of respondents regarding pregnancy related care. Responses to questions on knowledge of pregnancy related care were converted to a 33-point scale. Scores greater than or equal to the mean knowledge score (26.2) were categorized as good knowledge of pregnancy related care. Similarly, responses to involvement in pregnancy related care questions were converted to a 24-point scale with scores greater than or equal to the mean (15.1) classified as good involvement in pregnancy related care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and association between qualitative variables was established using Chi-square test at p < 0.05.

Results

Sixty-three percent had good knowledge of pregnancy related care. Majority believed that they had roles to play in their partners’ care during pregnancy (89.9%), labor and delivery (92.9%), and in newborn care (97.5%). Overall, 56.9% had good involvement in pregnancy related care. About 20% followed their partners to antenatal care (19.6%) and postnatal (19.9%) clinics. A significantly higher proportion of respondents with good knowledge accompanied their partners for antenatal care (p = 0.008) and postnatal care clinic (p = 0.014); participated in birth preparedness (p < 0.001) and assisted with newborn care (p < 0.001). Job demands, social stigma and long waiting time at the health facilities were reasons highlighted for non-involvement in pregnancy related care.

Conclusions

The study revealed gaps in knowledge and involvement in pregnancy related care. There is a need for reproductive health policy review to strongly emphasize the need for involvement of male partners in reproductive health issues including pregnancy related care.
Knowledge about birth preparedness and complication readiness and associated factors among primigravida women in Addis Ababa governmental health facilities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2015
Authors: Mulugeta Ayelech Kidanemariam , Giru Berhanu Wordofa , Berhanu Balcha , Demelew Tefera Mulugeta
Published: January 2020

Background

Globally, every minute, at least one woman dies from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. The situation is more serious for women in Sub-Saharan Africa which also include Ethiopia. Birth preparedness is a strategy to promote the timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal care, especially during childbirth. Based on the theory, preparing for childbirth reduces delays in obtaining this care. In adequate preparation for rapid action in the event of obstetric complications are well documented factors contributing to delay in receiving skilled obstetric care. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness and its associated factors among primigravida in Addis Ababa Governmental Health Facilities.

Methods

A quantitative facility based cross-sectional study design and client exit interview questionnaire were used. Simple random and census sampling was used to select the health care facilities and study participants, accordingly. The data were entered using Epidata version3.1 and analysed by window statistical package for social science version 20 software. Logistic regression model was used to assess the knowledge by predictor’s variables.

Result

From 442 respondents the response rate was 422 (95.5%). Based on finding, the respondents were knowledgeable on danger signs in pregnancy, labour, postnatal and new born neonate 113(26.8%), 47(11.1%), 60(14.2%) and 46(10.9%), respectively. According to birth preparedness, 64 (15.2%) of primigravida women were knowledgeable. In this study, factors associated with knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness were found to be being married [AOR = 0.110, 95%CI (0.026, 0.461);], house hold monthly income of 1000–3000 [AOR = 3.362(1.203,9.393);], knowledgeable for key danger signs of labour with [AOR = 3.685, 95%CI (1.157, 11.737);] and knowledgeable for key danger signs of post-partum period with [AOR =5.117, 95%CI (1.388, 18.863);].

Conclusion

The knowledge of primigravida women for birth preparedness and its complication readiness was low. Information given about danger sign and birth preparedness during ANC follow up was not comprehensive. Therefore, family health care providers, health facility, other partners, program level managers and policy makers take their responsibility and work together to improve the health education service and increase knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness through easily accessible health education strategies.
Inhalation of printer-emitted particles impairs cardiac conduction, hemodynamics, and autonomic regulation and induces arrhythmia and electrical remodeling in rats
Authors: Carll Alex P. , Salatini Renata , Pirela Sandra V. , Wang Yun , Xie Zhengzhi , Lorkiewicz Pawel , Naeem Nazratan , Qian Yong , Castranova Vincent , Godleski John J. , Demokritou Philip
Published: January 2020

Background

Using engineered nanomaterial-based toners, laser printers generate aerosols with alarming levels of nanoparticles that bear high bioactivity and potential health risks. Yet, the cardiac impacts of printer-emitted particles (PEPs) are unknown. Inhalation of particulate matter (PM) promotes cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and ultra-fine particulates (< 0.1 μm aerodynamic diameter) may bear toxicity unique from larger particles. Toxicological studies suggest that PM impairs left ventricular (LV) performance; however, such investigations have heretofore required animal restraint, anesthesia, or ex vivo preparations that can confound physiologic endpoints and/or prohibit LV mechanical assessments during exposure. To assess the acute and chronic effects of PEPs on cardiac physiology, male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to PEPs (21 days, 5 h/day) while monitoring LV pressure (LVP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) via conscious telemetry, analyzing LVP and heart rate variability (HRV) in four-day increments from exposure days 1 to 21, as well as ECG and baroreflex sensitivity. At 2, 35, and 70 days after PEPs exposure ceased, rats received stress tests.

Results

On day 21 of exposure, PEPs significantly (P < 0.05 vs. Air) increased LV end systolic pressure (LVESP, + 18 mmHg) and rate-pressure-product (+ 19%), and decreased HRV indicating sympathetic dominance (root means squared of successive differences [RMSSD], − 21%). Overall, PEPs decreased LV ejection time (− 9%), relaxation time (− 3%), tau (− 5%), RMSSD (− 21%), and P-wave duration (− 9%). PEPs increased QTc interval (+ 5%) and low:high frequency HRV (+ 24%; all P < 0.05 vs. Air), while tending to decrease baroreflex sensitivity and contractility index (− 15% and − 3%, P < 0.10 vs. Air). Relative to Air, at both 2 and 35 days after PEPs, ventricular arrhythmias increased, and at 70 days post-exposure LVESP increased. PEPs impaired ventricular repolarization at 2 and 35 days post-exposure, but only during stress tests. At 72 days post-exposure, PEPs increased urinary dopamine 5-fold and protein expression of ventricular repolarizing channels, Kv1.5, Kv4.2, and Kv7.1, by 50%. Conclusions: Our findings suggest exposure to PEPs increases cardiovascular risk by augmenting sympathetic influence, impairing ventricular performance and repolarization, and inducing hypertension and arrhythmia. PEPs may present significant health risks through adverse cardiovascular effects, especially in occupational settings, among susceptible individuals, and with long-term exposure.
LiCoO2 particles used in Li-ion batteries induce primary mutagenicity in lung cells via their capacity to generate hydroxyl radicals
Authors: Sironval Violaine , Scagliarini Vittoria , Murugadoss Sivakumar , Tomatis Maura , Yakoub Yousof , Turci Francesco , Hoet Peter , Lison Dominique , van den Brule Sybille
Published: January 2020

Background

Li-ion batteries (LIB) are used in most portable electronics. Among a wide variety of materials, LiCoO2 (LCO) is one of the most used for the cathode of LIB. LCO particles induce oxidative stress in mouse lungs due to their Co content, and have a strong inflammatory potential. In this study, we assessed the mutagenic potential of LCO particles in lung cells in comparison to another particulate material used in LIB, LTO (Li4Ti5O12), which has a low inflammatory potential compared to LCO particles.

Results

We assessed the mutagenic potential of LCO and LTO particles in vitro by performing a cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) assay with rat lung epithelial cells (RLE), as well as in vivo in alveolar type II epithelial (AT-II) cells. LCO particles induced MN in vitro at non-cytotoxic concentrations and in vivo at non-inflammatory doses, indicating a primary genotoxic mechanism. LTO particles did not induce MN. Electron paramagnetic resonance and terephthalate assays showed that LCO particles produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Catalase inhibits this •OH production. In an alkaline comet assay with the oxidative DNA damage repair enzyme human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1, LCO particles induced DNA strand breaks and oxidative lesions. The addition of catalase reduced the frequency of MN induced by LCO particles in vitro.

Conclusions

We report the mutagenic activity of LCO particles used in LIB in vitro and in vivo. Our data support the role of Co(II) ions released from these particles in their primary genotoxic activity which includes the formation of •OH by a Fenton-like reaction, oxidative DNA lesions and strand breaks, thus leading to chromosomal breaks and the formation of MN. Documenting the genotoxic potential of the other LIB particles, especially those containing Co and/or Ni, is therefore needed to guarantee a safe and sustainable development of LIB.
11-year experience with Chest Wall resection and reconstruction for primary Chest Wall sarcomas
Authors: Wald Ori , Islam Idais , Amit Korach , Ehud Rudis , Eldad Erez , Omer Or , Aviad Zik , Moshe Shapira Oz. , Uzi Izhar
Published: January 2020

Background & Objectives

Primary chest wall sarcomas are rare and therapeutically challenging tumors. Herein we report the outcomes of a surgery-based multimodality therapy for these pathologies over an 11-year period. In addition, we present a case that illustrates the surgical challenges that extensive chest wall resection may pose.

Methods

Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons general thoracic surgery database, we have prospectively collected data in our institute on all patients undergoing chest wall resection and reconstruction for primary chest wall sarcomas between June 2008–October 2019.

Results

We performed 28 surgical procedures on 25 patients aged 5 to 91 years (median age 33). Eleven tumors were bone- and cartilage-derived and 14 tumors originated from soft tissue elements. Seven patients (7/25, 28%) received neo-adjuvant therapy and 14 patients (14/25, 56%) received adjuvant therapy. The median number of ribs that were resected was 2.5 (range 0 to 6). In 18/28 (64%) of surgeries, additional skeletal or visceral organs were removed, including: diaphragm [1], scapula [2], sternum [2], lung [2], vertebra [1], clavicle [1] and colon [1]. Chest wall reconstruction was deemed necessary in 16/28 (57%) of cases, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Gore-Tex patches was used in 13/28 (46%) of cases and biological flaps where used in 4/28 (14%) of cases. R0, R1 and R2 resection margins were achieved in 19/28 (68%), 9/28 (32%) and 0/28 (0%) of cases, respectively. The median follow up time was 33 months (range 2 to 138). During the study period, disease recurred in 8/25 (32%) of patients. Of these, 3 were re-operated on and are free of disease. At date of last follow up, 5/25 (20%) of patients have died due to their disease and in contrast, 20/25 (80%) were alive with no evidence of disease.

Conclusions

Surgery-based multimodality therapy is an effective treatment approach for primary chest wall sarcomas. Resection of additional skeletal or visceral organs and reconstruction with synthetic and/or biological flaps is often required in order to obtain R0 resection margins. Ultimately, long-term survival in this clinical scenario is an achievable goal.
Challenges in the design, planning and implementation of trials evaluating group interventions
Authors: Biggs Katie , Hind Daniel , Gossage-Worrall Rebecca , Sprange Kirsty , White David , Wright Jessica , Chatters Robin , Berry Katherine , Papaioannou Diana , Bradburn Mike , Walters Stephen J. , Cooper Cindy
Published: January 2020

Background

Group interventions are interventions delivered to groups of people rather than to individuals and are used in healthcare for mental health recovery, behaviour change, peer support, self-management and/or health education. Evaluating group interventions in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) presents trialists with a set of practical problems, which are not present in RCTs of one-to-one interventions and which may not be immediately obvious.

Methods

Case-based approach summarising Sheffield trials unit’s experience in the design and implementation of five group interventions. We reviewed participant recruitment and attrition, facilitator training and attrition, attendance at the group sessions, group size and fidelity aspects across five RCTs.

Results

Median recruitment across the five trials was 3.2 (range 1.7–21.0) participants per site per month. Group intervention trials involve a delay in starting the intervention for some participants, until sufficient numbers are available to start a group. There was no evidence that the timing of consent, relative to randomisation, affected post-randomisation attrition which was a matter of concern for all trial teams. Group facilitator attrition was common in studies where facilitators were employed by the health system rather than the by the grant holder and led to the early closure of one trial; research sites responded by training ‘back-up’ and new facilitators. Trials specified that participants had to attend a median of 62.5% (range 16.7%–80%) of sessions, in order to receive a ‘therapeutic dose’; a median of 76.7% (range 42.9%–97.8%) received a therapeutic dose. Across the five trials, 75.3% of all sessions went ahead without the pre-specified ideal group size. A variety of methods were used to assess the fidelity of group interventions at a group and individual level across the five trials.

Conclusion

This is the first paper to provide an empirical basis for planning group intervention trials. Investigators should expect delays/difficulties in recruiting groups of the optimal size, plan for both facilitator and participant attrition, and consider how group attendance and group size affects treatment fidelity.

Trial registration

ISRCTN17993825 registered on 11/10/2016, ISRCTN28645428 registered on 11/04/2012, ISRCTN61215213 registered on 11/05/2011, ISRCTN67209155 registered on 22/03/2012, ISRCTN19447796 registered on 20/03/2014.
Fowlerstefin, a cysteine protease inhibitor of Naegleria fowleri, induces inflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells in vitro
Authors: Thái Thị Lam , Kang Jung-Mi , Lê Hương Giang , Lee Jinyoung , Yoo Won Gi , Shin Ho-Joon , Sohn Woon-Mok , Na Byoung-Kuk
Published: January 2020

Background

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that causes an opportunistic fatal infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Cysteine proteases produced by the amoeba may play critical roles in the pathogenesis of infection. In this study, a novel cysteine protease inhibitor of N. fowleri (fowlerstefin) was characterized to elucidate its biological function as an endogenous cysteine protease inhibitor of the parasite as well as a pathogenic molecule that induces immune responses in microglial cells.

Methods

Recombinant fowlerstefin was expressed in Escherichia coli. The inhibitory activity of fowlerstefin against several cysteine proteases, including human cathepsins B and L, papain and NfCPB-L, was analyzed. Fowlerstefin-induced pro-inflammatory response in BV-2 microglial cells was anayzed by cytokine array assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Fowlerstefin is a cysteine protease inhibitor with a monomeric structure, and belongs to the stefin family. Recombinant fowlerstefin effectively inhibited diverse cysteine proteases including cathepsin B-like cysteine proteases of N. fowleri (NfCPB-L), human cathepsins B and L, and papain. Expression of fowlerstefin in the amoeba was optimal during the trophozoite stage and gradually decreased in cysts. Fowlerstefin induced an inflammatory response in BV-2 microglial cells. Fowlerstefin induced the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including IL-6 and TNF in BV-2 microglial cells. Fowlerstefin-induced expression of IL-6 and TNF in BV-2 microglial cells was regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs). The inflammatory response induced by fowlerstefin in BV-2 microglial cells was downregulated via inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1.

Conclusions

Fowlerstefin is a pathogenic molecule that stimulates BV-2 microglial cells to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines through NF-κB- and AP-1-dependent MAPK signaling pathways. Fowlerstefin-induced inflammatory cytokines exacerbate the inflammatory response in N. fowleri-infected areas and contribute to the pathogenesis of PAM.
Impact of yeast and lactic acid bacteria on mastitis and milk microbiota composition of dairy cows
Authors: Gao Jing , Liu Yu-Chen , Wang Yu , Li Han , Wang Xiang-Ming , Wu Yan , Zhang Ding-Ran , Gao Si , Qi Zhi-li
Published: January 2020

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on mastitis and milk microbiota composition of dairy cows. Thirty lactating Holstein cows with similar parity, days in milk were randomly assigned to five treatments, including: (1) Health cows with milk SCC < 500,000 cells/mL, no clinical signs of mastitis were found, fed basal total mixed ration (TMR) without supplementation (H); (2) Mastitis cows with milk SCC > 500,000 cells/mL, fed basal TMR without supplementation (M); (3) Mastitis cows fed basal TMR supplemented with 8 g day−1 yeast (M + Y); (4) Mastitis cows fed basal TMR supplemented with 8 g day−1 LAB (M + L); (5) Mastitis cows (milk SCC > 500,000 cells/mL) fed basal TMR supplemented with 4 g day−1 yeast and 4 g day−1 LAB (M + Y + L). Blood and milk sample were collected at day 0, day 20 and day 40. The results showed efficacy of probiotic: On day 20 and day 40, milk SCC in H, M + Y, M + L, M + Y + L was significantly lower than that of M (P < 0.05). Milk concentration of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in M + Y + L were significantly reduced compared with that of M on day 40 (P < 0.05). Milk Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-Acetyl-β-d-Glucosaminidase (NAG) activity of M + Y, M + L, M + L + Y were lower than that of M on day 40 (P < 0.05). At genus level, Staphylococcus, Chryseobacterium and Lactococcus were dominant. Supplementation of LAB decreased abundance of Enterococcus and Streptococcus, identified as mastitis-causing pathogen. The results suggested the potential of LAB to prevent mastitis by relieving mammary gland inflammation and regulating milk microorganisms.
An Unsupervised LLR Estimation with unknown Noise Distribution
Authors: Mestrah Yasser , Savard Anne , Goupil Alban , Gellé Guillaume , Clavier Laurent
Published: January 2020

Many decoding schemes rely on the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) whose derivation depends on the knowledge of the noise distribution. In dense and heterogeneous network settings, this knowledge can be difficult to obtain from channel outputs. Besides, when interference exhibits an impulsive behavior, the LLR becomes highly non-linear and, consequently, computationally prohibitive. In this paper, we directly estimate the LLR, without relying on the interference plus noise knowledge. We propose to select the LLR in a parametric family of functions, flexible enough to be able to represent many different communication contexts. It allows limiting the number of parameters to be estimated. Furthermore, we propose an unsupervised estimation approach, avoiding the need of a training sequence. Our estimation method is shown to be efficient in large variety of noises and the receiver exhibits a near-optimal performance.
Band Steering Technology Based on QoE-Oriented Optimization in Wireless Network
Authors: Han Zhifeng , Liao Jianxin , Qi Qi , Sun Haifeng , Wang Jingyu
Published: January 2020

In mobile crowd-sensing (MCS) network, it is necessary to reduce the cost of sensing data transformation from mobile devices to the MCS platform in the core of the network. With the widespread deployment of access point (AP), explosive data traffic of the mobile devices is offloaded from cellular base stations to Wi-Fi networks. The congestion of the 2.4 GHz band in dual-band wireless area network makes the lower quality of experience (QoE) of users. To ease the load of 2.4 GHz band, the band-steering technology has been widely used by equipment manufacturers. However, the fixed threshold configuration strategy in band steering technology makes it easy to be exploited by setting up a great number of connection requirements in a short time, which may prevent a normal connection requirement of a user, making it difficult to satisfy the dynamic resource requirements of different services. Moreover, if the threshold is configured too high, it may result in QoE imbalance in dual bands. Besides, when the band (such as 2.4 GHz) resources cannot meet the terminal requirement, the terminal cannot autonomously switch to another band (such as 5 GHz), and this may result in a very poor QoE of users. In this paper, a secure QoE-oriented wireless network optimization framework is proposed to improve the QoE of users in dual-band network. Firstly, to ensure the overall QoE of network and balancing the QoE between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the framework dynamically adjusts the load threshold of the frequency band based on QoE information during the association of a terminal. Secondly, to meet the basic QoE requirement of each user, the framework preferentially switches the terminals with poor QoE to the idle band after users join the network. The experimental results show that the proposed framework can improve the QoE both before and after the terminal accesses the network. Additionally, it enables the better QoE balance in dual bands.
Bifurcation analysis of a discrete SIR epidemic model with constant recovery
Authors: Cao Hui , Wu Huan , Wang Xiaoqin
Published: January 2020

We state and study a discrete SIR epidemic model with bilinear incidence rate and constant recovery. We obtain conditions for the existence of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibria. Theoretic analysis shows that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number is less than unity, and the numerical simulations illustrate that it is asymptotically stable when the number is greater than unity. We also obtain conditions for the stability of the endemic equilibria. More attention is paid to the existence of the saddle-node bifurcation, the flip bifurcation, the $1:1$1:1 resonance, and the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. We obtain sufficient conditions for those bifurcations. Our numerical simulations demonstrate our theoretical results and the complexity of the model.
EGFR‐vIII downregulated H2AZK4/7AC though the PI3K/AKT‐HDAC2 axis to regulate cell cycle progression
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Wang Yunfei , Yang Chao , Zhou Junhu , Wang Lin , Yi Kaikai , Li Yansheng , wang Qixue , Shi Jin , Kang Chunsheng , Zeng Liang
Published: January 2020

Background

The EGFR‐vIII mutation is the most common malignant event in GBM. Epigenetic reprogramming in EGFR‐activated GBM has recently been suggested to downregulate the expression of tumour suppressor genes. Histone acetylation is important for chromatin structure and function. However, the role and biological function of H2AZK4/7AC in tumours have not yet been clarified.

Results

In our study, we found that EGFR‐vIII negatively regulated H2AZK4/7AC expression though the PI3K/AKT‐HDAC2 axis. Because HDAC1 and HDAC2 are highly homologous enzymes that usually form multi‐protein complexes for transcriptional regulation and epigenetic landscaping, we simultaneously knocked out HDAC1 and HDAC2 and found that H2AZK4/7AC and H3K27AC were upregulated, which partially released EGFR‐vIII‐mediated inhibition of USP11, negative regulator of cell cycle. In addition, we demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that FK228 induced G1/S transition arrest in GBM with EGFR‐vIII mutation. FK228 could enhance anti‐tumour activity by upregulating expression of the tumour suppressor USP11 in GBM cells.

Conclusions

EGFR‐vIII mutation downregulates H2AZK4/7AC and H3K27AC, inhibiting USP11 expression though the PI3K/AKT‐HDAC1/2 axis. FK228 is an effective and promising treatment for GBM with EGFR‐vIII mutation.
The Persian version of the revised dyadic adjustment scale (RDAS): a validation study in infertile patients
Authors: Maroufizadeh Saman , Omani-Samani Reza , Hosseini Mostafa , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Amini Payam
Published: January 2020

Background

Infertility can have a powerful impact on marital quality. The Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) is a widely used measure of marital quality. This scale has not been validated in infertile patients. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the RDAS in a sample of infertile patients.

Methods

The sample of this methodological study consisted of 254 infertile patients referring to a referral infertility clinic in Tehran, Iran. A battery of questionnaires was administered to the participants, including a demographic/fertility questionnaire, the RDAS, the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS), the Couples Satisfaction Index- 4 Item (CSI-4), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Perceived Stress Scale-4 Item (PSS-4). Internal consistency of the scale was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha, construct validity was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and convergent validity was examined by correlating the RDAS with RAS, KMSS, CSI-4, HADS, and PSS-4 instruments.

Results

The mean total RDAS score was 49.26 ± 9.34, and 100 patients (39.4%) had marital distress based on the cut-off value of < 48. The second-order three-factor model of the RDAS exhibited an excellent fit to the data, as indicated by χ2/df = 2.26; CFI = 0.96; GFI = 0.91; NFI = 0.93; IFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.071 and SRMR = 0.050. The RDAS and its subscales revealed satisfactory internal consistency that ranged from 0.664 to 0.847. Convergent validity was confirmed by strong correlations between RDAS scores and scores on the RAS, KMSS, and CSI-4. These correlations also tended to be larger than correlations with measures of HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression, and PSS-4. Among demographic/fertility variables, only infertility duration was found to be correlated to the RDAS.

Conclusion

The RDAS is a reliable and valid inventory for measuring marital quality in infertile patients. Further validation studies are needed to generalize the underlying structure of the scale in various populations.
Analysis of neurodegenerative disease-causing genes in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Orme Tatiana , Hernandez Dena , Ross Owen A. , Kun-Rodrigues Celia , Darwent Lee , Shepherd Claire E. , Parkkinen Laura , Ansorge Olaf , Clark Lorraine , Honig Lawrence S. , Marder Karen , Lemstra Afina , Rogaeva Ekaterina , St. George-Hyslop Peter , Londos Elisabet , Zetterberg Henrik , Morgan Kevin , Troakes Claire , Al-Sarraj Safa , Lashley Tammaryn , Holton Janice , Compta Yaroslau , Van Deerlin Vivianna , Trojanowski John Q. , Serrano Geidy E. , Beach Thomas G. , Lesage Suzanne , Galasko Douglas , Masliah Eliezer , Santana Isabel , Pastor Pau , Tienari Pentti J. , Myllykangas Liisa , Oinas Minna , Revesz Tamas , Lees Andrew , Boeve Brad F. , Petersen Ronald C. , Ferman Tanis J. , Escott-Price Valentina , Graff-Radford Neill , Cairns Nigel J. , Morris John C. , Pickering-Brown Stuart , Mann David , Halliday Glenda , Stone David J. , Dickson Dennis W. , Hardy John , Singleton Andrew , Guerreiro Rita , Bras Jose
Published: January 2020

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with a substantial burden on healthcare. Despite this, the genetic basis of the disorder is not well defined and its boundaries with other neurodegenerative diseases are unclear. Here, we performed whole exome sequencing of a cohort of 1118 Caucasian DLB patients, and focused on genes causative of monogenic neurodegenerative diseases. We analyzed variants in 60 genes implicated in DLB, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and atypical parkinsonian or dementia disorders, in order to determine their frequency in DLB. We focused on variants that have previously been reported as pathogenic, and also describe variants reported as pathogenic which remain of unknown clinical significance, as well as variants associated with strong risk. Rare missense variants of unknown significance were found in APP, CHCHD2, DCTN1, GRN, MAPT, NOTCH3, SQSTM1, TBK1 and TIA1. Additionally, we identified a pathogenic GRN p.Arg493* mutation, potentially adding to the diversity of phenotypes associated with this mutation. The rarity of previously reported pathogenic mutations in this cohort suggests that the genetic overlap of other neurodegenerative diseases with DLB is not substantial. Since it is now clear that genetics plays a role in DLB, these data suggest that other genetic loci play a role in this disease.
Ancient mural restoration based on a modified generative adversarial network
Authors: Cao Jianfang , Zhang Zibang , Zhao Aidi , Cui Hongyan , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2020

How to effectively protect ancient murals has become an urgent and important problem. Digital image processing developments have made it possible to repair damaged murals to a certain extent. This study proposes a consistency-enhanced generative adversarial network (GAN) model to repair missing mural areas. First, the convolutional layer from a fully convolutional network (FCN) is used to extract deep image features; then, through deconvolution, the features are mapped to the size of the original image and the repaired image is output, thereby completing the regenerative network. Next, global and local discriminant networks are applied to determine whether the repaired mural image is “authentic” in terms of both the modified and unmodified areas. In adversarial learning, the generative and discriminant network models are optimized to better complete the mural repair. The network introduces a dilated convolution that increases the convolution kernel’s receptive field. Each network convolutional layer joins in the batch standardization (BN) process to accelerate network convergence and increase the number of network layers and adopts a residual module to avoid the vanishing gradient problem and further optimizing the network. Compared with existing mural restoration algorithms, the proposed algorithm increases the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) by an average of 6–8 dB and increases the structural similarity (SSIM) index by 0.08–0.12. From a visual perspective, this algorithm successfully complements mural images with complex textures and large missing areas; thus, it may contribute to digital restorations of ancient murals.