bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavonoids against the Warburg phenotype—concepts of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine to cut the Gordian knot of cancer cell metabolism
Authors: Samec Marek , Liskova Alena , Koklesova Lenka , Samuel Samson Mathews , Zhai Kevin , Buhrmann Constanze , Varghese Elizabeth , Abotaleb Mariam , Qaradakhi Tawar , Zulli Anthony , Kello Martin , Mojzis Jan , Zubor Pavol , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Shakibaei Mehdi , Büsselberg Dietrich , Sarria Gustavo R. , Golubnitschaja Olga , Kubatka Peter
Published: July 2020

The Warburg effect is characterised by increased glucose uptake and lactate secretion in cancer cells resulting from metabolic transformation in tumour tissue. The corresponding molecular pathways switch from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, due to changes in glucose degradation mechanisms known as the ‘Warburg reprogramming’ of cancer cells. Key glycolytic enzymes, glucose transporters and transcription factors involved in the Warburg transformation are frequently dysregulated during carcinogenesis considered as promising diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as treatment targets. Flavonoids are molecules with pleiotropic activities. The metabolism-regulating anticancer effects of flavonoids are broadly demonstrated in preclinical studies. Flavonoids modulate key pathways involved in the Warburg phenotype including but not limited to PKM2, HK2, GLUT1 and HIF-1. The corresponding molecular mechanisms and clinical relevance of ‘anti-Warburg’ effects of flavonoids are discussed in this review article. The most prominent examples are provided for the potential application of targeted ‘anti-Warburg’ measures in cancer management. Individualised profiling and patient stratification are presented as powerful tools for implementing targeted ‘anti-Warburg’ measures in the context of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine.
Geomechanical unit modeling using seismic and well log data in one of the southwestern Iranian oilfields
Authors: Nazari Sarem Mahdi , Riahi Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2020

Geomechanical modeling plays a substantial role in the life cycle of a hydrocarbon reservoir and is a key factor in drilling operation optimization. Formations with low mechanical stability can cause wellbore instability or failure during drilling. The main objective of this paper is to predict the elastic parameters (UCS, Young’s Modulus, and Poisson’s Ratio) at the well and the reservoir volume, using well logs and empirical relationship. The distribution of the elastic parameters in the reservoir is calculated by utilizing geomechanical units (GMUs), which characterize different aspects of the mechanical properties of reservoir and caprocks. The elastic parameters of 30 wells are classified, into five geomechanical units based on the elastic moduli and the mechanical properties of the formations. Each unit is a cluster consisting of Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, bulk, shear modulus, and UCS. Unit 1 is considered suitable for drilling while maintaining stability, because of its higher values of elastic parameters. Unit 5 possesses the lowest values of predicted elastic parameters. In this study, we also obtain a three-dimensional model of geomechanical parameters for the studied reservoir, using the statistical method.
Laparoscopic versus open hemihepatectomy: comprehensive comparison of complications and costs at 90 days using a propensity method
Authors: Riquelme Francisco , Muñoz César , Ausania Fabio , Hessheimer Amelia J. , Torres Ferrán , Calatayud David , Sandomenico Raffaele , García Pérez Rocío , Ferrer Joana , Fuster José , García-Valdecasas Juan Carlos , Fondevila Constantino
Published: July 2020

Laparoscopic hemihepatectomy (LHH) may offer advantages over open hemihepatectomy (OHH) in blood loss, recovery, and hospital stay. The aim of this study is to evaluate our recent experience performing hemihepatectomy and compare complications and costs up to 90 days following laparoscopic versus open procedures. Retrospective evaluation of patients undergoing hemihepatectomy at our center 01/2010–12/2018 was performed. Patient, tumor, and surgical characteristics; 90-day complications; and costs were analyzed. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance covariates. A total of 141 hemihepatectomies were included: 96 OHH and 45 LHH. While operative times were longer for LHH, blood loss and transfusions were less. At 90 days, there were similar rates of liver-specific and surgical complications but fewer medical complications following LHH. Medical complications that arose with greater frequency following OHH were primarily pulmonary complications and urinary and central venous catheter infections. Complications at 90 days were lower following LHH (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III OHH 23%, LHH 11%, p = 0.130; Comprehensive Complication Index OHH 20.0 ± 16.1, LHH 10.9 ± 14.2, p = 0.001). While operating costs were higher, costs for hospital stay and readmissions were lower with LHH. Patients undergoing LHH experience a significant reduction in postoperative medical complications and costs, resulting in 90-day cost equity compared with OHH.
An Empirical Exploration of the Capabilities of People with Disabilities in Coping with Disasters
Authors: Ton Khanh That , Gaillard J C , Adamson Carole , Akgungor Caglar , Ho Ha Thanh
Published: July 2020

While the capability approach is increasingly being adopted for evaluating well-being and social justice in the field of human development, this approach in disaster research has remained scarce. This research thus seeks to address the disaster risk that humans face through a lens of capabilities, with a focus on the lives of people with disabilities. A multi-case study approach was adopted and two rural communes in Vietnam were selected as study contexts. Data were collected using focus group discussions and interviews that involved people with disabilities, parents/caregivers of people with intellectual/psychosocial disabilities, and representatives from related organizations. It was found that people with disabilities are affected by disasters due to the lack of capabilities that they value in coping with disasters. A range of capabilities that people with disabilities value was revealed in the study sites, with many being valued not only in times of disasters but also in daily life. The findings also highlight that, to actualize their valued capabilities, people with disabilities need access not only to resources but also to the factors that enable them to convert the resources to their valued capabilities. In most cases, the limitations to the achievement of capabilities are related to the external environment.
A layered analysis of self-explanation and structured reflection to support clinical reasoning in medical students
Authors: Chamberland Martine , Mamede Silvia , Bergeron Linda , Varpio Lara
Published: July 2020

Self-explanation and structured reflection have been studied independently with results suggesting that both learning interventions can effectively support medical students’ clinical reasoning development. Given this evidence, medical schools may want/begin to implement these interventions in their curricula. Implementing educational interventions requires educators to maintain the core philosophy and principles of the interventions intact while adjusting implementation techniques to the specificities of individual learning contexts. Educational scholars have yet to explicitly articulate the philosophy, principles and techniques of self-explanation and structured reflection. Without such descriptions, educators risk failing to realize self-explanation’s and structured reflection’s effect to support students’ clinical reasoning skill development in their implementations. Relying on the layered analysis approach, we articulate the philosophy, principles and techniques of self-explanation and structured reflection. This description is framed within the context of an actual implementation to illustrate the philosophies underpinning self-explanation and structured reflection, the principles that realize those philosophies, and the techniques that can be used to enact those principles. Building on the similarities between self-explanation and structured reflection, while also harnessing their differences, we identify why and how these interventions can be combined in a single implementation, while preserving their philosophies and principles. The layered analysis of self-explanation and structured reflection offers essential insights into the underpinnings of these interventions. They are articulated in this manuscript in hopes that other scholars will continue to refine these descriptions thereby facilitating effective use of self-explanation and structured reflection for clinical reasoning development.
Generalization of Pólya’s Zero Distribution Theory for Exponential Polynomials, and Sharp Results for Asymptotic Growth
Authors: Heittokangas Janne M. , Wen Zhi-Tao
Published: July 2020

An exponential polynomial of order q is an entire function of the form $$\begin{aligned} f(z)=P_1(z)e^{Q_1(z)}+\cdots +P_k(z)e^{Q_k(z)}, \end{aligned}$$

f

(
z
)

=

P
1

(
z
)

e

Q
1

(
z
)

+
⋯
+

P
k

(
z
)

e

Q
k

(
z
)

,

where the coefficients $$P_j(z),Q_j(z)$$

P
j

(
z
)

,

Q
j

(
z
)

are polynomials in z such that $$\begin{aligned} \max \{\deg (Q_j)\}=q. \end{aligned}$$

max
{
deg

(

Q
j

)

}
=
q
.

In 1977 Steinmetz proved that the zeros of f lying outside of finitely many logarithmic strips around so called critical rays have exponent of convergence $$\le q-1$$

≤
q
-
1

. This result does not say anything about the zero distribution of f in each individual logarithmic strip. Here, it is shown that the asymptotic growth of the non-integrated counting function of zeros of f is asymptotically comparable to $$r^q$$

r
q

in each logarithmic strip. The result generalizes the first order results by Pólya and Schwengeler from the 1920’s, and it shows, among other things, that the critical rays of f are precisely the Borel directions of order q of f. The error terms in the asymptotic equations for T(r, f) and N(r, 1/f) originally due to Steinmetz are also improved.
International large-scale assessments, the Global Alliance to Monitor Learning (GAML) and adult education systems
Authors: Singh Shalini
Published: July 2020

International Large-scale Assessments (ILSAs) have become the quality checklist for education systems globally, especially since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. ILSAs not only claim to measure the quality of education systems but also compare them against one another. With the increasing complexity of adult education systems, information provided by ILSAs may influence stakeholders and influence the flow of resources. This article elaborates on the question: How have ILSAs shaped adult education systems globally? The methodology includes a comparison of four ILSAs and an analysis of their linkages with the Global Alliance to Monitor Learning (GAML), SDGs and global policy changes in the adult education systems based on the method of document analysis. The article views the changes in adult education systems as a part of global policy shift led by the OECD where ILSAs have been some of the effective catalysts.
Correction to: Community detection and unveiling of hierarchy in networks: a density-based clustering approach
Authors: Felfli Zineb , George Roy , Shujaee Khalil , Kerwat Mohamed
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Presenting features of COVID-19 in older people: relationships with frailty, inflammation and mortality
Authors: Knopp Paul , Miles Amy , Webb Thomas E. , Mcloughlin Benjamin C. , Mannan Imran , Raja Nadia , Wan Bettina , Davis Daniel
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To describe the clinical features of COVID-19 in older adults, and relate these to outcomes.

Methods

A cohort study of 217 individuals (median age 80, IQR 74–85 years; 62% men) hospitalised with COVID-19, followed up for all-cause mortality, was conducted. Secondary outcomes included cognitive and physical function at discharge. C-reactive protein and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were used as measures of immune activity.

Results

Cardinal COVID-19 symptoms (fever, dyspnoea, cough) were common but not universal. Inflammation on hospitalisation was lower in frail older adults. Fever, dyspnoea, delirium and inflammation were associated with mortality. Delirium at presentation was an independent risk factor for cognitive decline at discharge.

Conclusions

COVID-19 may present without cardinal symptoms as well as implicate a possible role for age-related changes in immunity in mediating the relationship between frailty and mortality.
Assessment of ventricular dysfunction in Egyptian children with Beta-thalassemia major
Authors: Deraz Salem E. , El Naby Sameh A. Abd , Mahmoud Asmaa A.
Published: July 2020

Objective/Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum cardiac troponin I and serum N-terminal (NT) pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) levels and the utility of tissue Doppler imaging in assessing cardiovascular changes following left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in children with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM). In children with β-TM who depend on regular blood transfusion, cardiac iron toxicity is a common serious complication. The most common cause of death among these patients is congestive heart failure.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study which included 50 patients with β-TM and 50 healthy controls. Tissue Doppler imaging was performed and levels of serum ferritin, cardiac troponin I, and NT pro-BNP were estimated for all included patients.

Results:

Serum NT pro-BNP and cardiac troponin (cTnI) showed a significant increase in patients with β-TM (p < .001). In patients with β-TM, LV dimensions (LV end systolic diameter) and (LV end diastolic diameter) were large (p < .01); LVmass (p < .01), Ewave, and E/A ratio (p < .01) were high (p < .05); and deceleration time was short (p < .05). Besides, transmitral ratio (E/Em) (p < .05) and tricuspid valve velocity were higher (p < .05), and early diastolic velocity (Em)(p < .05) and systolic wave velocity (Sm) were lower in patients with β-TM(p < .05). Asignificant positive correlation was detected between the pro-BNP and Ewave (r = 0.558, p < .001), E/A ratio (r = 0.403, p < .001), E/Em ratio (r = 0.576, p < .001), and ferritin (r = 0.545, p < .001).

Conclusion:

Pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging and NT pro-BNP had a significant role in the estimation of ventricular dysfunction in children with β-TM.
A Qualitative Exploration of Women’s Experiences of Living with Chronic Vulvar Dermatoses
Authors: Sadownik Leslie A. , Koert Emily , Maher Ciana , Smith Kelly B.
Published: July 2020

Background

Many vulvar dermatoses (VDs) are chronic and cannot be “cured,” thus affected women must learn to live with the impact of the disease, and its treatment, on their quality of life.

Aim

To qualitatively investigate the impact of VDs on women’s quality of life through firsthand accounts.

Methods

12 women, 7 with lichen sclerosus and 5 with erosive vulvovaginal lichen planus recruited from a vulvar disease clinic participated in in-depth, exploratory interviews. Scripts were analyzed by applying a thematic network. The following steps were used: (1) coding the text, (2) development of descriptive themes, and (3) generation of thematic networks.

Outcomes

The main outcome explored was the narrative experiences of women living with VDs.

Results

A global theme of suffering emerged. Themes associated with this suffering were organized under the themes of isolation, interference, and grieving. Women felt isolated because they felt unable to talk about their suffering; experienced a lack of external validation and support; and felt different as individuals, women, and sexual beings. Most women expressed negative views of their genitalia. Women spoke of the VDs, and its management, as interfering with thoughts, activities, and sex life. Symptoms were described as all-encompassing. Women spoke about limiting and/or avoiding daily activities and, in particular, sexual activities. Women described diminished sexual pleasure and experienced loss in their intimate relationships. Women described an ongoing grieving process; anger and sadness over the loss of their former healthy self; the burden of ongoing treatment; and attempts to cope and accept their current condition.

Clinical implications

The findings suggest that assessment of women with VDs should include a detailed history of the impact of the VDs on women’s psychological and sexual health.

Strengths and Limitations

A strength of this study is that we openly explored the lived experiences of women who had been clinically diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus and erosive vulvovaginal lichen planus. A limitation is that the findings may not represent the experience of women living with VDs who do not wish to discuss their VDs or who are undiagnosed, untreated, and/or treated by other health-care providers.

Conclusions

Women described profound impact of VDs on psychological and sexual health.
Imaging Developmental and Interventional Plasticity Following Perinatal Stroke
Authors: Craig Brandon T. , Hilderley Alicia , Kirton Adam , Carlson Helen L.
Published: July 2020

Perinatal stroke occurs around the time of birth and leads to lifelong neurological disabilities including hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized our understanding of developmental neuroplasticity following early injury, quantifying volumetric, structural, functional, and metabolic compensatory changes after perinatal stroke. Such techniques can also be used to investigate how the brain responds to treatment (interventional neuroplasticity). Here, we review the current state of knowledge of how established and emerging neuroimaging modalities are informing neuroplasticity models in children with perinatal stroke. Specifically, we review structural imaging characterizing lesion characteristics and volumetrics, diffusion tensor imaging investigating white matter tracts and networks, task-based functional MRI for localizing function, resting state functional imaging for characterizing functional connectomes, and spectroscopy examining neurometabolic changes. Key challenges and exciting avenues for future investigations are also considered.
How to keep patients and staff safe from accidental SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the emergency room: Lessons from South Korea’s explosive COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Kim Yun Jeong , Choe Jae Young , Kwon Ki Tae , Hwang Soyoon , Choi Gyu-Seog , Sohn Jin Ho , Kim Jong Kun , Yeo In Hwan , Cho Yeon Joo , Ham Ji Yeon , Song Kyung Eun , Lee Nan Young
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

We report our experience with an emergency room (ER) shutdown related to an accidental exposure to a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who had not been isolated.

Setting:

A 635-bed, tertiary-care hospital in Daegu, South Korea.

Methods:

To prevent nosocomial transmission of the disease, we subsequently isolated patients with suspected symptoms, relevant radiographic findings, or epidemiology. Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays (RT-PCR) were performed for most patients requiring hospitalization. A universal mask policy and comprehensive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were implemented. We analyzed effects of these interventions.

Results:

From the pre-shutdown period (February 10–25, 2020) to the post-shutdown period (February 28 to March 16, 2020), the mean hourly turnaround time decreased from 23:31 ±6:43 hours to 9:27 ±3:41 hours (P < .001). As a result, the proportion of the patients tested increased from 5.8% (N=1,037) to 64.6% (N=690) (P < .001) and the average number of tests per day increased from 3.8±4.3 to 24.7±5.0 (P < .001). All 23 patients with COVID-19 in the post-shutdown period were isolated in the ER without any problematic accidental exposure or nosocomial transmission. After the shutdown, several metrics increased. The median duration of stay in the ER among hospitalized patients increased from 4:30 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 2:17–9:48) to 14:33 hours (IQR, 6:55–24:50) (P < .001). Rates of intensive care unit admissions increased from 1.4% to 2.9% (P = .023), and mortality increased from 0.9% to 3.0% (P = .001).

Conclusions:

Problematic accidental exposure and nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 can be successfully prevented through active isolation and surveillance policies and comprehensive PPE use despite longer ER stays and the presence of more severely ill patients during a severe COVID-19 outbreak.
The Role of Museums in Creating National Community in Wartime Ukraine
Authors: Olzacka Elżbieta
Published: July 2020

In the aftermath of the violent Revolution of Dignity (2013/2014) and the subsequent war in Donbas (2014–), a heroic story about the new beginning of a “united, Ukrainian nation” began to emerge. Shaping this new narrative are new museum projects devoted to Ukraine’s developing history. This article examines the process of these new institutions’ formation, the content of created exhibitions, and the activities conducted therein. It focuses on the role of the museums in activating, unifying, and integrating both the Ukrainian national community and civil society. This article is based on a qualitative analysis of materials collected during seven research stays in Ukraine, from June 2017 to August 2019, and focuses on four cases–Ukraine’s First ATO Museum in Dnipro; the Museum of the Heavenly Hundred in Ivano-Frankivsk; theUkrainian Eastexhibition in the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War in Kyiv; and a project of the Museum of the Revolution of Dignity in Kyiv. The examined institutions are presented not only as places for gathering artifacts but also as laboratories of civic activism, participation, and dialogue.
Which Identity Frames Boost Support for and Mobilization in the #BlackLivesMatter Movement? An Experimental Test
Authors: BONILLA TABITHA , TILLERY ALVIN B.
Published: July 2020

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has organized hundreds of disruptive protests in American cities since 2013 (Garza 2014; Harris 2015; Taylor 2016). The movement has garnered considerable attention from the U.S. media and is well recognized by the U.S. public (Horowitz and Livingston 2016; Neal 2017). Social movement scholars suggest that such robust mobilizations are typically predicated on clear social movement frames (Benford and Snow 2000; Snow et al. 1986). Tillery (2019b) has identified several distinct message frames within the social media communications of BLM activists. In this paper, we use a survey experiment to test the effect of three of these frames—Black Nationalist, Feminist, and LGBTQ+ Rights—on the mobilization of African Americans. We find that exposure to these frames generates differential effects on respondents’ willingness to support, trust, canvass, and write representatives about the Black Lives Matter movement. These findings raise new questions about the deployment of intersectional messaging strategies within movements for racial justice.
Newly identified Jurassic–Cretaceous migmatites in the Liaodong Peninsula: unravelling a Mesozoic anatectic event related to the lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhang Jian , Yin Chang-Qing , Cheng Chang-Quan , Qian Jia-Hui , Zhao Chen , Chen Ying , Wang Xiao , Hsia Jui-Yen
Published: July 2020

A suite of Jurassic–Cretaceous migmatites was newly identified in the Liaodong Peninsula of the eastern North China Craton (NCC). Anatexis is commonly associated with crustal thickening. However, the newly identified migmatites were formed during strong lithospheric thinning accompanied by voluminous magmatism and intense deformation. Field investigations show that the migmatites are spatially associated with low-angle detachment faults. Numerous leucosomes occur either as isolated lenses or thin layers (dykes), parallel to or cross-cutting the foliation. Peritectic minerals such as titanite and sillimanite are distributed mainly along the boundaries of reactant minerals or are accumulated along the foliation. Most zircons show distinct core–rim structures, and the rims have low Th/U ratios (0.01–0.24). Zircon U–Pb dating results indicate that the protoliths of the migmatites were either the Late Triassic (224–221 Ma) diorites or metasedimentary rocks deposited sometime afterc. 1857 Ma. The zircon overgrowth rims record crystallization ages of 173–161 Ma and 125 Ma, which represent the formation time of leucosomes. These ages are consistent with those reported magmatic events in the Liaodong Peninsula and surrounding areas. The leucosomes indicate a strong anatectic event during the Jurassic–Cretaceous period. Partial melting occurred through the breakdown of muscovite and biotite with the presence of water-rich fluid under a thermal anomaly regime. The possible mechanism that caused the 173–161 Ma and 125 Ma anatectic events was intimately related to the regional crustal extension during the lithospheric thinning of the NCC. Meanwhile, the newly generated melts further weakened the rigidity of the crust and enhanced the extension.
A review of vitamin D and its importance to the health of dairy cattle
Authors: Hodnik Jaka Jakob , Ježek Jožica , Starič Jože
Published: July 2020

This Research Reflection short review will discuss vitamin D metabolism, its role in nutrition, disease prevention, and welfare of dairy cattle, as well as its toxicity. Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble vitamin. However, some researchers regard it as a hormone due to its function in the organism. Its role is not limited just to Ca homoeostasis and bone metabolism but is also associated with immunity. In dairy cattle it is known for preventing milk fever. Cows can acquire vitamin D in many ways for example through feed, parenteral injections or through UVB irradiation from the sun or artificial lighting. The vitamin D in feed can either be plant-/ fungi- based ergocalciferol or animal-based cholecalciferol. There is currently only one registered feed vitamin D supplement for cattle in the European Union and it is cholecalciferol. Animals can also synthesize their own vitamin D when 7-dihydrocholesterol in the skin is irradiated with UVB light resulting in cholecalciferol production. Despite its importance, many cattle are deficient in vitamin D due to inadequate supplementation or insufficient sun exposure. In a study performed at the Veterinary Faculty in Slovenia 12 high producing Holstein Friesian cows at a commercial dairy farm were blood tested for vitamin D status for three succeeding months and all but one were vitamin D insufficient in all testings. The cows were not exposed to direct sunlight and the content of vitamin D3 in feed was <400 IU/kg dry matter, which is less than half of the NRC (2001) recommendation. Deficiency can also occur due to diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, such as paratuberculosis, which lower the absorptive capacity of the gut. Vitamin D can be toxic if cows are over-supplemented or consume large quantities of plants like Trisetum flavescens, which contain an active form of vitamin D-calcitriol or its glycosides, that are activated by digestion in the rumen.
The human−animal relationship in dairy animals
Authors: Napolitano Fabio , Bragaglio Andrea , Sabia Emilio , Serrapica Francesco , Braghieri Ada , De Rosa Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

The present study aims to identify margins for the improvement of dairy animal welfare and production based on the quality of the human−animal relationship (HAR). The main tool proposed to improve the quality of HAR in dairy animals is training of stock-people by targeting their attitude and behaviour. Given that a good quality HAR may benefit the welfare of dairy animals and productivity, new technologies, by monitoring the handling routine on farm, may be more effective in promoting good practices. In particular, the implementation of new technologies may allow identification of specific inappropriate behaviours to be targeted at stockperson level, thus increasing the efficacy of training. However, an issue related to the introduction of new technologies in the farms, particularly in those that follow traditional farming practices, is the resistance to innovation which may be encountered.
Point-of-care tests for bovine clinical mastitis: what do we have and what do we need?
Authors: Malcata Francisco B. , Pepler P. Theo , O'Reilly Emily L. , Brady Nicola , Eckersall P. David , Zadoks Ruth N. , Viora Lorenzo
Published: July 2020

Mastitis, inflammation of the bovine mammary gland, is generally caused by intramammary infection with bacteria, and antimicrobials have long been a corner stone of mastitis control. As societal concern about antimicrobial use in animal agriculture grows, there is pressure to reduce antimicrobial use in dairy farming. Point-of-care tests for on-farm use are increasingly available as tools to support this. In this Research Reflection, we consider available culture-dependent and culture-independent tests in the context of ASSURED criteria for low-resource settings, including convenience criteria, scientific criteria and societal criteria that can be used to evaluate test performance. As tests become more sophisticated and sensitive, we may be generating more data than we need. Special attention is given to the relationship between test outcomes and treatment decisions, including issues of diagnostic refinement, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and detection of viable organisms. In addition, we explore the role of technology, big data and people in improved performance and uptake of point-of-care tests, recognising that societal barriers may limit uptake of available or future tests. Finally, we propose that the 3Rs of reduction, refinement and replacement, which have been used in an animal welfare context for many years, could be applied to antimicrobial use for mastitis control on dairy farms.
Movements of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Gulf of California: integrating satellite telemetry and remotely sensed environmental variables
Authors: Sandoval-Lugo Alejandra G. , Espinosa-Carreón T. Leticia , Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Hart Catherine E. , Ley-Quiñónez César P. , Aguirre A. Alonso , Jones T. Todd , Zavala-Norzagaray Alan A.
Published: July 2020

The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is a circumglobal species and is listed as vulnerable globally. The North Pacific population nests in Japan and migrates to the Central North Pacific and Pacific coast of North America to feed. In the Mexican Pacific, records of loggerhead presence are largely restricted to the Gulf of Ulloa along the Baja California Peninsula, where very high fisheries by-catch mortality has been reported. Records of loggerhead turtles within the Sea of Cortez also known as the Gulf of California (GC) exist; however, their ecology in this region is poorly understood. We used satellite tracking and an environmental variable analysis (chlorophyll-a(Chl-a) and sea surface temperature (SST)) to determine movements and habitat use of five juvenile loggerhead turtles ranging in straight carapace length from 62.7–68.3 cm (mean: 66.7 ± 2.3 cm). Satellite tracking durations ranged from 73–293 days (mean: 149 ± 62.5 days), transmissions per turtle from 14–1006 (mean: 462 ± 379.5 transmissions) and total travel distance from 1237–5222 km (mean: 3118 ± 1490.7 km). We used travel rate analyses to identify five foraging areas in the GC, which occurred mainly in waters from 10–80 m deep, with mean Chl-aconcentrations ranging from 0.28–13.14 mg m−3and SST ranging from 27.8–34.4°C. This is the first study to describe loggerhead movements in the Gulf of California and our data suggest that loggerhead foraging movements are performed in areas with eutrophic levels of Chl-a.
The intestinal milieu influences the immunoproteome of male and femaleHeligmosomoides polygyrus bakeriL4 stage
Authors: Maruszewska-Cheruiyot Marta , Donskow-Łysoniewska Katarzyna , Krawczak Katarzyna , Szewczak Ludmiła , Joachimiak Ewa , Doligalska Maria
Published: July 2020

The gastrointestinal nematodeHeligmosomoides polygyrus bakerishows enhanced survival in mice with colitis. As the antibody response plays an important role in antiparasitic immunity, antibodies against male and female L4H. polygyruswere examined in mice with and without colitis. Levels of specific antibodies in the mucosa and serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunogenic proteins of male and female parasites were identified using 2D electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The function of identified proteins was explored with Blast2Go. Nematodes in mice with colitis induced higher levels of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG1) and IgA, a lower level of IgE in the small intestine and a higher level of IgE in serum against female L4. Infected mice with colitis recognized 12 proteins in male L4 and 10 in female L4. Most of the recognized proteins from male L4 were intermediate filament proteins, whereas the proteins from female L4 were primarily actins and galectins. Nematodes from mice with colitis were immunogenically different from nematodes from control mice. This phenomenon gives new insights into helminth therapy as well as host–parasite interactions.
A systematic review of the literature on mechanisms of 5-nitroimidazole resistance inTrichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Graves Keonte J. , Novak Jan , Secor W. Evan , Kissinger Patricia J. , Schwebke Jane R. , Muzny Christina A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Trichomonas vaginalisis the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection. 5-Nitroimidazoles [metronidazole (MTZ) and tinidazole (TDZ)] are FDA-approved treatments. To better understand treatment failure, we conducted a systematic review on mechanisms of 5-nitroimidazole resistance.

Methods

PubMed, ScienceDirect and EMBASE databases were searched using keywordsTrichomonas vaginalis, trichomoniasis, 5-nitroimidazole, metronidazole, tinidazole and drug resistance. Non-English language articles and articles on other treatments were excluded.

Results

The search yielded 606 articles, of which 550 were excluded, leaving 58 articles.Trichomonas vaginalisresistance varies and is higher with MTZ (2.2–9.6%) than TDZ (0–2%). Resistance can be aerobic or anaerobic and is relative rather than absolute. Differential expression of enzymes involved in trichomonad energy production and antioxidant defenses affects 5-nitroimidazole drug activation; reduced expression of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, ferredoxin, nitroreductase, hydrogenase, thioredoxin reductase and flavin reductase are implicated in drug resistance.Trichomonas vaginalisinfection withMycoplasma hominisorT. vaginalisvirus has also been associated with resistance.Trichomonas vaginalishas two genotypes, with greater resistance seen in type 2 (vstype 1) populations.

Discussion

5-Nitroimidazole resistance results from differential expression of enzymes involved in energy production or antioxidant defenses, along with genetic mutations in theT. vaginalisgenome. Alternative treatments outside of the 5-nitroimidazole class are needed.
Strain-specific disruption of interferon-stimulated N-myc and STAT interactor (NMI) function by Toxoplasma gondii type I ROP18 in human cells
Authors: Xia Jing , Blank Matthew L. , Zhou Li-Juan , Wu Shui-Zhen , Peng Hong-Juan , Boyle Jon P.
Published: July 2020

Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein TgROP18 is a polymorphic virulence effector that targets immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) in rodents. Given that IRGs are uniquely diversified in rodents and not in other T. gondii intermediate hosts, the role of TgROP18 in manipulating non-rodent cells is unclear. Here we show that in human cells TgROP18I interacts with the interferon-gamma-inducible protein N-myc and STAT interactor (NMI) and that this is a property that is unique to the type I TgROP18 allele. Specifically, when expressed ectopically in mammalian cells only TgROP18I co-immunoprecipitates with NMI in IFN-γ-treated cells, while TgROP18II does not. In parasites expressing TgROP18I or TgROP18II, NMI only co-immunoprecipitates with TgROP18I and this is associated with allele-specific immunolocalization of NMI on the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM). We also found that TgROP18I reduces NMI association with IFN-γ-activated sequences (GAS) in the IRF1 gene promoter. Finally, we determined that polymorphisms in the C-terminal kinase domain of TgROP18I are required for allele-specific effects on NMI. Together, these data further define new host pathway targeted by TgROP18I and provide the first function driven by allelic differences in the highly polymorphic ROP18 locus.
Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroangiostrongyliasis: updated recommendations
Authors: Ansdell Vernon , Kramer Kenton J. , McMillan Jourdan K. , Gosnell William L. , Murphy Gerald S. , Meyer B C , Blalock Elizabeth U. , Yates Johnnie , Lteif Louis , Smith Olivia A. , Melish Marian
Published: July 2020

A subcommittee of the Hawaii Governor's Joint Task Force on Rat Lungworm Disease developed preliminary guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroangiostrongyliasis (NAS) in 2018 (Guidelines, 2018). This paper reviews the main points of those guidelines and provides updates in areas where our understanding of the disease has increased. The diagnosis of NAS is described, including confirmation of infection by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTi-PCR) to detect parasite DNA in the central nervous system (CNS). The treatment literature is reviewed with recommendations for the use of corticosteroids and the anthelminthic drug albendazole. Long-term sequelae of NAS are discussed and recommendations for future research are proposed.
Visual speech cues speed processing and reduce effort for children listening in quiet and noise
Authors: Holt Rebecca , Bruggeman Laurence , Demuth Katherine
Published: July 2020

Processing speech can be slow and effortful for children, especially in adverse listening conditions, such as the classroom. This can have detrimental effects on children’s academic achievement. We therefore asked whether primary school children’s speech processing could be made faster and less effortful via the presentation of visual speech cues (speaker’s facial movements), and whether any audio-visual benefit would be modulated by the presence of noise or by characteristics of individual participants. A phoneme monitoring task with concurrent pupillometry was used to measure 7- to 11-year-old children’s speech processing speed and effort, with and without visual cues, in both quiet and noise. Results demonstrated that visual cues to speech can facilitate children’s speech processing, but that these benefits may also be subject to variability according to children’s motivation. Children showed faster processing and reduced effort when visual cues were available, regardless of listening condition. However, examination of individual variability revealed that the reduction in effort was driven by the children who performed better on a measure of phoneme isolation (used to quantify how difficult they found the phoneme monitoring task).
Decision Tree and Logistic Regression Analysis to Explore Factors Contributing to Harbour Tugboat Accidents
Authors: Fiskin Remzi , Cakir Erkan , Sevgili Coşkan
Published: July 2020

As tugboats interact very closely with ships in restricted waters, the possibility of accidents increases in these operations. Despite the high accident possibility, there is a gap in studies on tugboat accidents. This study aims to analyse accidents involving tugboats using data mining. For this purpose, a tugboat accidents dataset consisting of a total of 496 accident records for the period from 2008 to 2019 was collected. Logistic regression and decision tree algorithms were implemented to the dataset. The results revealed that tugboat propulsion type is the most important and influential factor in the severity of tugboat accidents. The inferences drawn from these results could be beneficial for tugboat operators and port authorities in enhancing their awareness of the factors affecting tugboat accidents. In addition, the outputs of this study can be a reference for management units in developing strategies for preventing tugboat accidents and can also be used in effective planning for practicable prevention programmes and practices.
Social, economic and cultural influences on adolescent nutrition and physical activity in Jimma, Ethiopia: perspectives from adolescents and their caregivers
Authors: Abera Mubarek , Hardy-Johnson Polly , Abdissa Alemseged , Workicho Abdulhalik , Ali Rahma , Weller Susie , Fall Caroline , Kehoe Sarah H , Barker Mary , Haileamlak Abraham
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To explore influences on adolescent diet and physical activity, from the perspectives of adolescents and their caregivers, in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Design:

Qualitative design, using focus group discussions (FGD).

Setting:

A low-income setting in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Participants:

Five FGD with adolescents aged 10–12 years and 15–17 years (n 41) and three FGD with parents (n 22) were conducted.

Results:

Adolescents displayed a holistic understanding of health comprising physical, social and psychological well-being. Social and cultural factors were perceived to be the main drivers of adolescent diet and physical activity. All participants indicated that caregivers dictated adolescents’ diet, as families shared food from the same plate. Meals were primarily determined by caregivers, whose choices were driven by food affordability and accessibility. Older adolescents, particularly boys, had opportunities to make independent food choices outside of the home which were driven by taste and appearance, rather than nutritional value. Many felt that adolescent physical activity was heavily influenced by gender. Girls’ activities included domestic work and family responsibilities, whereas boys had more free time to participate in outdoor games. Girls’ safety was reported to be a concern to caregivers, who were fearful of permitting their daughters to share overcrowded outdoor spaces with strangers.

Conclusions:

Adolescents and caregivers spoke a range of social, economic and cultural influences on adolescent diet and physical activity. Adolescents, parents and the wider community need to be involved in the development and delivery of effective interventions that will take into consideration these social, economic and cultural factors.
Using FFF beams to improve the therapeutic ratio of lung SBRT
Authors: Vassiliev Oleg N. , Peterson Christine B. , Chang Joe Y. , Mohan Radhe
Published: July 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment plans can be improved by replacing conventional flattening filter (FF) beams with flattening filter-free (FFF) beams.

Materials and methods:

We selected 15 patients who had received SBRT with conventional 6-MV photon beams for early-stage lung cancer. We imported the patients’ treatment plans into the Eclipse 13·6 treatment planning system, in which we configured the AAA dose calculation model using representative beam data for a TrueBeam accelerator operated in 6-MV FFF mode. We then created new treatment plans by replacing the conventional FF beams in the original plans with FFF beams.

Results:

The FFF plans had better target coverage than the original FF plans did. For the planning target volume, FFF plans significantly improved the D98, D95, D90, homogeneity index and uncomplicated tumour control probability. In most cases, the doses to organs at risk were lower in FFF plans. FFF plans significantly reduced the mean lung dose, V10, V20, V30, and normal tissue complication probability for the total lung and improved the dosimetric indices for the ipsilateral lung. For most patients, FFF beams achieved lower maximum doses to the oesophagus, heart and the spinal cord, and a lower chest wall V30.

Conclusions:

Compared with FF beams, FFF beams achieved lower doses to organs at risk, especially the lung, without compromising tumour coverage; in fact, FFF beams improved coverage in most cases. Thus, replacing FF beams with FFF beams can achieve a better therapeutic ratio.
Individual parental conversations with non-birthing parents
Authors: Larsson Margaretha , Eriksson Irene , Johansson Karin , Stigsson Anna-Karin , Svahn Rebecka , Wetterström Johanna , Wilhsson Marie
Published: July 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to describe Child Health Service (CHS) nurses’ experiences with conducting individual parental conversations (IPCs) with non-birthing parents.

Background:

CHS nurses in Sweden mainly focus on monitoring a child’s physical and mental development and the mothers’ health in order to support their parenthood. The assignment of the CHS includes identifying dysfunctional social relationships in a family and strengthening responsive parenting. An imbalance arises within the family when someone in the family suffers from illness, which could have a negative effect on the whole family’s health and well-being.

Methods:

An inductive, descriptive qualitative study design was used to describe and to gain an understanding of the CHS nurses’ experiences. Data were collected in 13 interviews, and a qualitative content analysis was performed.

Findings:

The analysis of interviews with CHS nurses resulted in two main categories, each with three subcategories. The main categories are: working for equality and applying a family focus, and dealing with challenges in the developing assignment. The IPCs stimulate the CHS nurses to work for more equality and to apply a family focus, which can be a way of strengthening the families’ health and the children’s upbringing. Developing the CHS nurses’ assignment can be a challenge that appears to entail positive outcomes for CHS nurses, while also generating the need for CHS nurses to receive supervision to find ways to improve their approach and practice.
Assessing delirium with nursing care instruments: Evaluation of the cognitive and associated domains
Authors: Bode Leonie , Fuchs Simon , Gehrke Samuel , Ernst Jutta , Schubert Maria , Nuñez David Garcia , von Känel Roland , Boettger Soenke
Published: July 2020

Objective

Nursing instruments have the potential for daily screening of delirium; however, they have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, after assessing the functional domains of the electronic Patient Assessment — Acute Care (ePA-AC), this study evaluates the cognitive and associated domains.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study in the intensive care unit, 277 patients were assessed and 118 patients were delirious. The impacts of delirium on the cognitive domains, consciousness and cognition, communication and interaction, in addition to respiration, pain, and wounds were determined with simple logistic regressions and their respective odds ratios (ORs).

Results

Delirium was associated with substantial impairment throughout the evaluated domains. Delirious patients were somnolent (OR 6), their orientation (OR 8.2–10.6) and ability to acquire knowledge (OR 5.5–11.6) were substantially impaired, they lost the competence to manage daily routines (OR 8.2–22.4), and their attention was compromised (OR 12.8). In addition, these patients received psychotropics (OR 3.8), were visually impaired (OR 1.8), unable to communicate their needs (OR 5.6–7.6), displayed reduced self-initiated activities (OR 6.5–6.9) and challenging behaviors (OR 6.2), as well as sleep–wake disturbances (OR 2.2–5), Furthermore, delirium was associated with mechanical ventilation, abdominal/thoracic injuries or operations (OR 4.2–4.4), and sensory perception impairment (OR 3.9–5.8).

Significance of results

Delirium caused substantial impairment in cognitive and associated domains. In addition to the previously described functional impairments, these findings will aid the implementation of nursing instruments in delirium screening.