bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caring behavior and associated factors among nurses working in Jimma University specialized hospital, Oromia, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Oluma Adugna , Abadiga Muktar
Published: March 2020

Background

Nursing care behavior and nurse’s perception of effective care behavior is an act, conduct, and mannerism enacted by professional nurses that convey concern, safety, and attention to the patient. Behavior associated with caring has a paramount role in linking nursing interaction to the client in experiences but, the concept is ambiguous and elusive toward different scholars to reach on common understanding. Only a few studies have been done on the caring behavior and associated factors globally, and no study was done in this study area. Therefore; the purpose of this study was to assess caring behavior and its associated factors among nurses working in Jimma University specialized hospital, southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on a sample of 224 nurses working in Jimma university specialized hospital from March 20–April 20, 2019. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency table, mean, standard deviation and percentage were employed. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analysis was used with regression coefficient (β), coefficient of the determinant (R2), CI 95% and p < 0.05 were used for statistical significance.

Results

The overall proportion of nurses caring behavior was 80.3% which was mostly measured in terms of professional –technical (82.9%) and psychosocial (81.3%) dimension. Job satisfaction as personal satisfaction (beta = 1.12, p = 0.00), professional satisfaction, (beta = 1.07, p = 0.00), joint participation in caring process (beta = 0.58, p = 0.00,) satisfaction with nurse management (beta = 0.85, p = 00) were significantly associated with caring behavior.

Conclusion

The proportion of nurses who had a high perception of caring behavior was found to be lower. Thus, all predictors have their own effect on enhancing job satisfaction, improving and creating conducive management and working environment to increase caring behavior. Further comparative studies involving multidisciplinary and patient point of view were recommended.
Socio-demographic, clinical and psychological predictors of healthcare utilization among patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Budtz Cecilie Rud , Mose Søren , Christiansen David Høyrup
Published: March 2020

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders are common in the general population and a leading cause for care seeking. Despite the large number of patients with musculoskeletal disorders seeking care, little is known of the clinical course, pathways and predictors of healthcare utilization among these patients. The purposes of the study were to 1) describe the clinical course and related healthcare utilization in primary care physiotherapy and secondary healthcare among patients with neck, shoulder and low-back pain treated in physiotherapy practice, and 2) identify independent clinical, socio-demographic, psychological and general health predictors of healthcare utilization.

Methods

The study was a prospective cohort study of patients seeking physiotherapy treatment for neck, shoulder, or low-back pain in physiotherapy practices across Denmark. A total of 759 physiotherapy patients completed questionnaires containing information on clinical course and potential predictors of healthcare utilization. Healthcare utilization was obtained from the Danish National Health Service Register and National Patient Register. Associations between potential predictors and low/high primary care physiotherapy utilization and hospital contacts in relation to specific neck, shoulder or low-back disorders were analysed using binomial regression analyses and adjusted for age, sex, duration of pain and comorbidity.

Results

During 6 months follow-up, patients experienced clinically relevant improvements in pain, fear avoidance and psychological wellbeing. Patients with higher baseline pain and disability and who were on sickness leave were more likely to have high primary care physiotherapy utilization. Hospital contacts were predicted by higher levels of pain, disability and low psychological wellbeing.

Conclusions

Clinical factors and sickness leave seems to be the main predictors of primary care physiotherapy utilization, whereas for secondary care contacts, psychological factors may also be of importance. The study contributes to the on-going research into clinical pathways and may identify future target areas to reduce healthcare utilization in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
Clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular findings in a patient with ring chromosome 4: case report and literature review
Authors: Paz-y-Miño César , Proaño Ana , Verdezoto Stella D. , García Juan Luis , Hernández-Rivas Jesús María , Leone Paola E.
Published: March 2020

Background

Since 1969, 49 cases have been presented on ring chromosome 4. All of these cases have been characterized for the loss of genetic material. The genes located in these chromosomal regions are related to the phenotype.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old Ecuadorian Mestizo girl with ring chromosome 4 was clinically, cytogenetically and molecularly analysed. Clinical examination revealed congenital anomalies, including microcephaly, prominent nose, micrognathia, low set ears, bilateral clinodactyly of the fifth finger, small sacrococcygeal dimple, short stature and mental retardation. Cytogenetic studies showed a mosaic karyotype, mos 46,XX,r(4)(p16.3q35.2)/46,XX, with a ring chromosome 4 from 75 to 79% in three studies conducted over ten years. These results were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Loss of 1.7 Mb and gain of 342 kb in 4p16.3 and loss of 3 Mb in 4q35.2 were identified by high-resolution mapping array.

Conclusion

Most cases with ring chromosome 4 have deletion of genetic material in terminal regions; however, our case has inv dup del rearrangement in the ring chromosome formation. Heterogeneous clinical features in all cases reviewed are related to the amount of genetic material lost or gained. The application of several techniques can increase our knowledge of ring chromosome 4 and its deviations from typical “ring syndrome.”
FTX contributes to cell proliferation and migration in lung adenocarcinoma via targeting miR-335-5p/NUCB2 axis
Authors: Huo Xiaodong , Wang Huixing , Huo Bin , Wang Lei , Yang Kuo , Wang Jinhuan , Wang Lili , Wang Haitao
Published: March 2020

Background

Extensive studies revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could act as a regulator in tumors, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). LncRNA FTX transcript, XIST regulator (FTX) has been reported to regulate the biological behaviors of some cancers. Nevertheless, its functional role and molecular mechanism remain obscure in LUAD. Our current study concentrates on exploring the biological function of FTX in LUAD.

Methods

RT-qPCR was used to test the expression of FTX, miR-335-5p or NUCB2 in LUAD cells. The effect of FTX on LUAD progression was investigated by colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, TUNEL, transwell and western blot assays. The interaction between microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) and FTX or nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay.

Results

RT-qPCR showed that FTX expression was up-regulated in LUAD cell lines. Loss-of-function assay indicated that FTX accelerated cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while inhibited cell apoptosis in LUAD. Besides, miR-335-5p, lowly expressed in LUAD cells, was discovered to be sponged by FTX. Subsequently, NUCB2 was identified as a target gene of miR-335-5p. Additionally, it was confirmed that NUCB2 functioned as an oncogene in LUAD. Rescue assays indicated that LUAD progression inhibited by FTX knockdown could be restored by NUCB2 up-regulation.

Conclusion

FTX played an oncogenic role in LUAD and contributed to cancer development via targeting miR-335-5p/NUCB2 axis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Inhibition of ZEB1-AS1 confers cisplatin sensitivity in breast cancer by promoting microRNA-129-5p-dependent ZEB1 downregulation
Authors: Gao Jin , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Lili , Yu Shaorong , Lu Jianwei , Feng Jifeng , Hu Sainan
Published: March 2020

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are of critical importance in tumor drug resistance. Herein, this study aims to determine the roles of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 in drug resistance of breast cancer involving microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p) and ZEB1.

Methods

Microarray-based gene expression profiling of breast cancer was conducted to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs. ZEB1 expression was measured in adjacent and cancerous tissues. Next, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with a series of inhibitor, mimic or siRNA to clarify the roles of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 and miR-129-5p in drug resistance of breast cancer. Then the target relationship of miR-129-5p with lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 and ZEB1 was verified. The expression patterns of miR-129-5p, lncRNA ZEB1-AS1,Bcl-2,MDR-1, ZEB1 and corresponding proteins were evaluated. Moreover, the apoptosis and drug resistance of MCF-7 cell were detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry respectively.

Results

LncRNA ZEB1-AS1 was observed to be an upregulated lncRNA in breast cancer, and ZEB1 overexpression was noted in breast cancerous tissues. MiR-129-5p was revealed to specifically bind to both ZEB1 and lncRNA ZEB1-AS1. Moreover, the expression levels of ZEB1-AS1, ZEB1,Bcl-2,MDR-1, and corresponding proteins were decreased, but the expression of miR-129-5p was increased with transfection of miR-129-5p mimic and lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 siRNA. Besides, drug resistance to cisplatin was inhibited, and cell apoptosis was promoted in breast cancer after transfection of miR-129-5p mimic, lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 siRNA, and ZEB1 siRNA.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study provides evidence that lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 silencing protects against drug resistance in breast cancer by promoting miR-129-5p-dependent ZEB1 downregulation. It may serve as a novel therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment.
The impact of food fortification on stunting in Zimbabwe: does gender of the household head matter?
Authors: Kairiza Terrence , Kembo George , Pallegedara Asankha , Macheka Lesley
Published: March 2020

Background

High prevalence of stunting in children under 5 years poses a major threat to child development in developing countries. It is associated with micronutrient deficiency arising from poor diets fed to children under 5 years. Food fortification is amongst the interventions focused at reducing the incidence of stunting in children under 5 years.

Methods

Using a large-scale household data from Zimbabwe, we investigated the gender-based importance of household adoption of food fortification on the proportion of stunted children in the household. We employed propensity score matching to mitigate self-selection bias associated with household adoption of food fortification.

Results

We offer three major findings. Firstly, we find statistically weak evidence that female headed households are more likely to adopt food fortification than their male counterparts. Secondly, food fortification reduces the proportion of stunted children in the household. Finally, in comparison to non-adopters, female headed households that adopt food fortification are more able to reduce the proportion of stunted children in their households than their male counterparts.

Conclusion

The results highlight the need for policy makers to actively promote food fortification, as such interventions are likely to contribute to the reduction of stunting and to involve men in fortification interventions to improve on their knowledge and appreciation of fortified foods and the associated benefits.
Tumor necrosis factor inhibition attenuates white matter gliosis after systemic inflammation in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Galinsky Robert , Dhillon Simerdeep K. , Dean Justin M. , Davidson Joanne O. , Lear Christopher A. , Wassink Guido , Nott Fraser , Kelly Sharmony B. , Fraser Mhoyra , Yuill Caroline , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair Jan
Published: March 2020

Background

Increased circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are associated with greater risk of impaired neurodevelopment after preterm birth. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that systemic TNF inhibition, using the soluble TNF receptor Etanercept, would attenuate neuroinflammation in preterm fetal sheep exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

Chronically instrumented preterm fetal sheep at 0.7 of gestation were randomly assigned to receive saline (control; n = 7), LPS infusion (100 ng/kg i.v. over 24 h then 250 ng/kg/24 h for 96 h plus 1 μg LPS boluses at 48, 72, and 96 h, to induce inflammation; n = 8) or LPS plus two i.v. infusions of Etanercept (2 doses, 5 mg/kg infused over 30 min, 48 h apart) started immediately before LPS-exposure (n = 8). Sheep were killed 10 days after starting infusions, for histology.

Results

LPS boluses were associated with increased circulating TNF, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, electroencephalogram (EEG) suppression, hypotension, tachycardia, and increased carotid artery perfusion (P < 0.05 vs. control). In the periventricular and intragyral white matter, LPS exposure increased gliosis, TNF-positive cells, total oligodendrocytes, and cell proliferation (P < 0.05 vs control), but did not affect myelin expression or numbers of neurons in the cortex and subcortical regions. Etanercept delayed the rise in circulating IL-6, prolonged the increase in IL-10 (P < 0.05 vs. LPS), and attenuated EEG suppression, hypotension, and tachycardia after LPS boluses. Histologically, Etanercept normalized LPS-induced gliosis, and increase in TNF-positive cells, proliferation, and total oligodendrocytes.

Conclusion

TNF inhibition markedly attenuated white matter gliosis but did not affect mature oligodendrocytes after prolonged systemic inflammation in preterm fetal sheep. Further studies of long-term brain maturation are now needed.
History of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in ancient China: a narrative review
Authors: Yu Yang , Liu Xiaojie , Wang Li Juan , Wang Sudena , Ao Hushan
Published: March 2020

Modern cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprises an open airway, artificial ventilation, chest compressions and, if necessary, defibrillation. CPR has been intensively studied and tested to perfect an integrated and effective resuscitation system in the West. However, CPR efforts in China has been understudied and underreported. CPR has been performed for more than 2000 years in China. As early as the third century BC, a Chinese doctor named Zhongjing Zhang presented a detailed program to save patients from suicide by hanging in the book entitled “Synopsis of the Golden Chamber”. Dr. Zhang proposed “not only to save the body, but also to save the spirit”, which remains a guiding principle in modern resuscitation: to not only ensure cardiopulmonary recovery but also preserve the brain function. We aim to review and summarize efforts of CPR in China from a historic point of view.
Tandem CTCF sites function as insulators to balance spatial chromatin contacts and topological enhancer-promoter selection
Authors: Jia Zhilian , Li Jingwei , Ge Xiao , Wu Yonghu , Guo Ya , Wu Qiang
Published: March 2020

Background

CTCF is a key insulator-binding protein, and mammalian genomes contain numerous CTCF sites, many of which are organized in tandem.

Results

Using CRISPR DNA-fragment editing, in conjunction with chromosome conformation capture, we find that CTCF sites, if located between enhancers and promoters in the protocadherin (Pcdh) andβ-globinclusters, function as an enhancer-blocking insulator by forming distinct directional chromatin loops, regardless whether enhancers contain CTCF sites or not. Moreover, computational simulation in silico and genetic deletions in vivo as well as dCas9 blocking in vitro revealed balanced promoter usage in cell populations and stochastic monoallelic expression in single cells by large arrays of tandem CTCF sites in thePcdhand immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) clusters. Furthermore, CTCF insulators promote, counter-intuitively, long-range chromatin interactions with distal directional CTCF sites, consistent with the cohesin “loop extrusion” model. Finally, gene expression levels are negatively correlated with CTCF insulators located between enhancers and promoters on a genome-wide scale. Thus, single CTCF insulators ensure proper enhancer insulation and promoter activation while tandem CTCF topological insulators determine balanced spatial contacts and promoter choice.

Conclusions

These findings have interesting implications on the role of topological chromatin insulators in 3D genome folding and developmental gene regulation.
Using human pluripotent stem cell models to study autism in the era of big data
Authors: Nehme Ralda , Barrett Lindy E.
Published: March 2020

Advances in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) biology coupled with protocols to generate diverse brain cell types in vitro have provided neuroscientists with opportunities to dissect basic and disease mechanisms in increasingly relevant cellular substrates. At the same time, large data collections and analyses have facilitated unprecedented insights into autism genetics, normal human genetic variation, and the molecular landscape of the developing human brain. While such insights have enabled the investigation of key mechanistic questions in autism, they also highlight important limitations associated with the use of existing hPSC models. In this review, we discuss four such issues which influence the efficacy of hPSC models for studying autism, including (i) sources of variance, (ii) scale and format of study design, (iii) divergence from the human brain in vivo, and (iv) regulatory policies and compliance governing the use of hPSCs. Moreover, we advocate for a set of immediate and long-term priorities to address these issues and to accelerate the generation and reproducibility of data in order to facilitate future fundamental as well as therapeutic discoveries.
Spinal cord hypermetabolism extends to skeletal muscle in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a computational approach to [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT images
Authors: Bauckneht Matteo , Lai Rita , Miceli Alberto , Schenone Daniela , Cossu Vanessa , Donegani Maria Isabella , Raffa Stefano , Borra Anna , Marra Stefano , Campi Cristina , Orengo Annamaria , Massone Anna Maria , Tagliafico Alberto , Caponnetto Claudia , Cabona Corrado , Cistaro Angelina , Chiò Adriano , Morbelli Silvia , Nobili Flavio , Sambuceti Gianmario , Piana Michele , Marini Cecilia
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to neuromuscular palsy and death. We propose a computational approach to [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT images to analyze the structure and metabolic pattern of skeletal muscle in ALS and its relationship with disease aggressiveness.

Materials and methods

A computational 3D method was used to extract whole psoas muscle’s volumes and average attenuation coefficient (AAC) from CT images obtained by FDG PET/CT performed in 62 ALS patients and healthy controls. Psoas average standardized uptake value (normalized on the liver, N-SUV) and its distribution heterogeneity (defined as N-SUV variation coefficient, VC-SUV) were also extracted. Spinal cord and brain motor cortex FDG uptake were also estimated.

Results

As previously described, FDG uptake was significantly higher in the spinal cord and lower in the brain motor cortex, in ALS compared to controls. While psoas AAC was similar in patients and controls, in ALS a significant reduction in psoas volume (3.6 ± 1.02 vs 4.12 ± 1.33 mL/kg; p < 0.01) and increase in psoas N-SUV (0.45 ± 0.19 vs 0.29 ± 0.09; p < 0.001) were observed. Higher heterogeneity of psoas FDG uptake was also documented in ALS (VC-SUV 8 ± 4%, vs 5 ± 2%, respectively, p < 0.001) and significantly predicted overall survival at Kaplan–Meier analysis. VC-SUV prognostic power was confirmed by univariate analysis, while the multivariate Cox regression model identified the spinal cord metabolic activation as the only independent prognostic biomarker.

Conclusion

The present data suggest the existence of a common mechanism contributing to disease progression through the metabolic impairment of both second motor neuron and its effector.
PIWI-interacting RNAs: new biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Maleki Dana Parisa , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Mirhashemi Seyyed Mehdi
Published: March 2020

Cancer is one of the most important reasons of mortality in the world. However, there are several therapeutic platforms to treat patients who suffering from cancer common treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and etc. The current therapeutic approaches are related to some limitations. Hence, more understanding about molecular mechanisms that involved in cancer particularly in breast cancer pathogenesis, could contribute to provide better therapeutic platforms. Recently, non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs have attracted researchers’ attention in the field of cancer due to their functions in gene expression’s regulation and functional interactions with other molecules. Interestingly, great advances in next-generation sequencing lead to considering other roles for another non-coding RNAs subgroup called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in addition to their functions in the germline. Novel studies investigated the role of piRNAs in several cancers including lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, multiple myeloma and colorectal cancer. Hopefully, based on new findings, piRNAs may be a potential biomarker which can be used as a tool to diagnose or treat breast cancer. Thus, this review aimed to discuss the role of piRNAs in breast cancer progression and metastasis as well as its molecular mechanisms.
Set-valued Leader type contractions, periodic point and endpoint theorems, quasi-triangular spaces, Bellman and Volterra equations
Authors: Włodarczyk Kazimierz
Published: March 2020

Set-valued contractions of Leader type in quasi-triangular spaces are constructed, conditions guaranteeing the existence of nonempty sets of periodic points, fixed points and endpoints of such contractions are established, convergence of dynamic processes of these contractions are studied, uniqueness properties are derived, and single-valued cases are considered. Investigated dynamic systems are not necessarily continuous and spaces are not necessarily sequentially complete or Hausdorff. Obtained results suggest, in particular, strategies to new studies of functional Bellman equations and variable discounted Bellman equations in metric spaces and integral Volterra equations in locally convex spaces. Results in this direction are also presented in this paper. More precisely, without continuity of Bellman and Volterra appropriate operators, the sets of solutions of these equations (which are periodic points of these operators) are studied and new and general convergence, existence and uniqueness theorems concerning such equations are proved.
Soil moisture controls the spatio-temporal pattern of soil respiration under different land use systems in a semi-arid ecosystem of Delhi, India
Authors: Meena Archana , Hanief M. , Dinakaran J. , Rao K. S.
Published: March 2020

Background

Soil respiration (SR) is a critical process for understanding the impact of climatic conditions and land degradation on the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. We measured the SRand soil environmental factors over 1 year in four land uses with varying levels of disturbance and different vegetation types viz., mixed forest cover (MFC),Prosopis juliflora(Sw.) forest cover (PFC), agricultural field (AF), and vegetable field (VF), in a semi-arid area of Delhi, India. Our primary aim was to assess the effects of soil moisture (SM), soil temperature (ST), and soil microbial activity (SMA) on the SR.

Methods

The SRwas measured monthly using an LI-6400 with an infrared gas analyser and a soil chamber. The SMwas measured using the gravimetric method. The ST(10 cm) was measured with a probe attached to the LI-6400. The SMAwas determined by fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis.

Results

The SRshowed seasonal variations, with the mean annual SRranging from 3.22 to 5.78 μmol m−2s−1and higher SRrates of ~ 15–55% in the cultivated fields (AF, VF) than in the forest sites (MFC, PFC). The VF had significantly higher SR(P< 0.05) than the other land uses (AF, PFC, MFC), which did not vary significantly from one another in SR(P< 0.05). The repeated measures ANOVA evaluated the significant differences (P< 0.05) in the SRfor high precipitation months (July, August, September, February). The SMas a single factor showed a strong significant relationship in all the land uses (R2= 0.67–0.91,P< 0.001). The effect of the STon the SRwas found to be weak and non-significant in the PFC, MFC, and AF (R2= 0.14–0.31;P> 0.05). Contrasting results were observed in the VF, which showed high SRduring summer (May; 11.21 μmol m−2s−1) and a significant exponential relationship with the ST(R2= 0.52;P< 0.05). The SRwas positively related to the SMA(R2= 0.44–0.5;P< 0.001). The interactive equations based on the independent variables SM, ST, and SMAexplained 91–95% of the seasonal variation in SRwith better model performance in the cultivated land use sites (AF, VF).

Conclusion

SMwas the key determining factor of the SRin semi-arid ecosystems and explained ~ 90% of the variation. Precipitation increased SRby optimizing the SMand microbial activity. The SMA, along with the other soil factors SMand ST, improved the correlation with SR. Furthermore, the degraded land uses will be more susceptible to temporal variations in SRunder changing climatic scenarios, which may influence the carbon balance of these ecosystems.
Salmonella Typhimurium infection disrupts but continuous feeding of Bacillus based probiotic restores gut microbiota in infected hens
Authors: Khan Samiullah , Chousalkar Kapil K.
Published: March 2020

Background

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the colonisation resistance and invasion of pathogens. Salmonella Typhimurium has the potential to establish a niche by displacing the microbiota in the chicken gut causing continuous faecal shedding that can result in contaminated eggs or egg products. In the current study, we investigated the dynamics of gut microbiota in laying chickens during Salmonella Typhimurium infection. The optimisation of the use of an infeed probiotic supplement for restoration of gut microbial balance and reduction of Salmonella Typhimurium load was also investigated.

Results

Salmonella infection caused dysbiosis by decreasing (FDR < 0.05) the abundance of microbial genera, such as Blautia, Enorma, Faecalibacterium, Shuttleworthia, Sellimonas, Intestinimonas and Subdoligranulum and increasing the abundance of genera such as Butyricicoccus, Erysipelatoclostridium, Oscillibacter and Flavonifractor. The higher Salmonella Typhimurium load resulted in lower (P < 0.05) abundance of genera such as Lactobacillus, Alistipes, Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, Faecalibacterium and Romboutsia suggesting Salmonella driven gut microbiota dysbiosis. Higher Salmonella load led to increased abundance of genera such as Caproiciproducens, Acetanaerobacterium, Akkermansia, Erysipelatoclostridium, Eisenbergiella, EscherichiaShigella and Flavonifractor suggesting a positive interaction of these genera with Salmonella in the displaced gut microbiota. Probiotic supplementation improved the gut microbiota by balancing the abundance of most of the genera displaced by the Salmonella challenge with clearer effects observed with continuous supplementation of the probiotic. The levels of acetate and butyrate in the faeces were not affected (P > 0.05) by Salmonella challenge and the butyrate level was increased by the continuous feeding of the probiotic. Probiotic supplementation in Salmonella challenged chickens resulted in higher level of propionate. Continuous probiotic supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the overall mean load of Salmonella in faeces and had a significant effect on Salmonella load reduction in internal organs.

Conclusions

Salmonella challenge negatively impacts the diversity and abundance of many gut microbial genera involved in important functions such as organic acid and vitamin production. Strategic feeding of a Bacillus based probiotic helps in restoring many of the microbial genera displaced by Salmonella Typhimurium challenge.
The chemotactic properties of various topical brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic preparations
Authors: Alonso Ruiz Simonato , Solari Helena Parente , de França Damasceno Eduardo , Burnier Miguel Noel Nascentes , Ventura Marcelo Palis
Published: March 2020

Background

The study aimed to evaluate and compare the leukocyte chemotactic activities of various brimonidine tartrate (BT) eye drop formulations.

Methods

A 96-well dot-blot platet using a Boyden-style well was used to study the chemotactic effects of BT ophthalmic preparations. A modification was made to create blind wells where the tested agents were placed. Leukocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. As positive controls, we used diluted drugs, benzalkonium chloride solution (BAK), zymosan-activated serum, and formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine peptides. The negative control in our study was a phosphate-buffered saline solution. For each experimental condition, we measured leukocyte migration through a Millipore membrane. The differences in the mean migration distance between groups were compared using the analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The measured migration distances (in μm ± SD) were 62.14 ± 3.71 for BT 0.2% with BAK (Alcon Laboratories Inc.); 63.61 ± 3.81 for BT 0.2% with BAK (Allergan Inc); 40.36 ± 3.17 for BT 0.15% without BAK; and 41.02 ± 2.17 for BAK alone. The negative controls showed no chemotactic activity, while the positive controls showed the highest neutrophil migration of all experimental conditions. The differences between BT 0.15% without BAK and the other commercial formulations were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Commercial ophthalmic preparations of BT 0.2% with BAK 0.005% had higher chemotactic properties than the alternative of a lower concentration of BT and without the preservative BAK. Therefore, the latter should be considered for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension in order to minimize iatrogenic ocular inflammation.
Development of an intensified fed-batch production platform with doubled titers using N-1 perfusion seed for cell culture manufacturing
Authors: Xu Jianlin , Rehmann Matthew S. , Xu Mengmeng , Zheng Shun , Hill Charles , He Qin , Borys Michael C. , Li Zheng Jian
Published: March 2020

The goal of cell culture process intensification is to increase volumetric productivity, generally by increasing viable cell density (VCD), cell specific productivity or production bioreactor utilization in manufacturing. In our previous study, process intensification in fed-batch production with higher titer or shorter duration was demonstrated by increasing the inoculation seeding density (SD) from ~ 0.6 (Process A) to 3–6 × 106 cells/mL (Process B) in combination with media enrichment. In this study, we further increased SD to 10–20 × 106 cells/mL (Process C) using perfusion N-1 seed cultures, which increased titers already at industrially relevant levels by 100% in 10–14 day bioreactor durations for four different mAb-expressing CHO cell lines. Redesigned basal and feed media were critical for maintaining higher VCD and cell specific productivity during the entire production duration, while medium enrichment, feeding strategies and temperature shift optimization to accommodate high VCDs were also important. The intensified Process C was successfully scaled up in 500-L bioreactors for 3 of the 4 mAbs, and quality attributes were similar to the corresponding Process A or Process B at 1000-L scale. The fed-batch process intensification strategies developed in this study could be applied for manufacturing of other mAbs using CHO and other host cells.
Newly designed multi-stacked circular tray solid-state bioreactor: analysis of a distributed parameter gas balance during solid-state fermentation with influence of variable initial moisture content arrangements
Authors: Manan Musaalbakri Abdul , Webb Colin
Published: March 2020

Background

The growth ofAspergillus awamoriandAspergillus oryzaein a self-designed, multi-stacked circular tray solid-state bioreactor (SSB), operating in solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions at a laboratory scale, was studied. The bioreactor was divided into six layers by six circular perforated trays. Wheat bran was used as both a carrier of bound mycelia and nutrient medium for the growth ofA. awamoriandA. oryzae. The new tray SSB is equipped with instrumentation (an oxygen (O2)/carbon dioxide (CO2) gas analyser and a thermocouple) to continuously monitor O2consumption and CO2and heat evolved, which can directly be used to monitor the fungal biomass. The integrated Gompertz model was used to describe the accumulated evolution of CO2.

Results

The results from the models strongly suggest that the evolved and accumulated CO2can be used to excellently describe fungal growth. Another important parameter that can be determined by the gas balance method is the respiratory quotient (RQ). This is the ratio of the CO2evolution rate (CER) to the O2uptake rate (OUR). The use of CER and OUR confirmed that correlated measurements of microbial activity are available, and the determination of RQ may propose an explanation for differences from expected levels. The kinetic behaviour of the fungal culture, using raw CO2, which represents an accumulation term, was integrated with respect to time and fitted to a Gompertz model, a log-like equation. The model can be used to generate parameter values that may be used to verify the experimental data, and also to simulate and optimise the process.

Conclusion

Overall,A. awamoriandA. oryzaehave their own ability to degrade and utilise the complex compositions contained in the solid substrate, and fermentation conditions may lead to possible comparisons. In addition, multi-stacked circular tray SSB systems demonstrated an excellent system for further investigations of mass transfer and possibly for large-scale operation, though considerable optimisation work remains to be done; for example, the height/diameter ratio and total number of trays should be optimised.
Extending harmonized national forest inventory herb layer vegetation cover observations to derive comprehensive biomass estimates
Authors: Didion Markus
Published: March 2020

Background

National forest inventories (NFI) have a long history providing data to obtain nationally representative and accurate estimates of growing stock. Today, in most NFIs additional data are collected to provide information on a range of forest ecosystem functions such as biodiversity, habitat, nutrient and carbon dynamics. An important driver of nutrient and C cycling is decomposing biomass produced by forest vegetation. Several studies have demonstrated that understory vegetation, particularly annual plant litter of the herb layer can contribute significantly to nutrient and C cycling in forests. A methodology to obtain comprehensive, consistent and nationally representative estimates of herb layer biomass on NFI plots could provide added value to NFIs by complementing the existing strong basis of biomass estimates of the tree and tall shrub layer. The study was based on data from the Swiss NFI since it covers a large environmental gradient, which extends its applicability to other NFIs.

Results

Based on data from 405 measurements in nine forest strata, a parsimonious model formulation was identified to predict total and non-ligneous herb layer biomass. Besides herb layer cover, elevation was the main statistically significant explanatory variable for biomass. The regression models accurately predicted biomass based on absolute percentage cover (for total biomass: R2 = 0.65, p = 0; for non-ligneous biomass: R2 = 0.76; p = 0) as well as on cover classes (R2 = 0.83; p = 0; and R2 = 0.79, p = 0), which are typically used in NFIs. The good performance was supported by the verification with data from repeated samples. For the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Swiss NFI estimates of non-ligneous above-ground herb layer biomass 586.6 ± 7.7, 575.2 ± 7.6, and 586.7 ± 7.9 kg·ha− 1, respectively.

Conclusions

The study presents a methodology to obtain herb layer biomass estimates based on a harmonized and standardized attribute available in many NFIs. The result of this study was a parsimonious model requiring only elevation data of sample plots in addition to NFI cover estimates to provide unbiased estimates at the national scale. These qualities are particularly important as they ensure accurate, consistent, and comparable results.
Using an algorithmic approach for grouping roles and sub-units
Authors: Worren Nicolay , Christiansen Tore , Soldal Kim Verner
Published: March 2020

A key task in organization design is to group elements (e.g., roles) into sub-units (e.g., teams or departments). This task is computationally challenging as one must take into consideration a potentially large number of interdependencies between the elements. It also requires data about work processes in the organization, which are rarely present. We have initiated a research program that aims at developing a tool—Reconfig—to improve grouping decisions. It first collects data from employees about their working relationships (i.e., interdependencies) and then uses a computer algorithm to cluster the data in the most optimal manner. The clustered solution represents the formal structure that minimizes coordination costs by grouping the most highly interdependent elements together. We describe the tool, report on two pilot applications, and discuss both the future potential and limitations of the approach.
Global distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema and Heterorhabditis
Authors: Bhat Aashaq Hussain , Chaubey Ashok Kumar , Askary Tarique Hassan
Published: March 2020

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the families’ Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae are obligate insect parasites. Their easy multiplication, broad host range, compatibility with chemical pesticides, and ease in application has grabbed interest among research practitioners to work on these beneficial microorganisms. Till date, around 100 valid species ofSteinernemaand 21 species ofHeterorhabditishave been identified from different countries of the world. Extensive surveys have been conducted across the globe to isolate locally adapted EPN species and exploit them to suppress soil-dwelling and foliar insect pests in agricultural fields. Most of the new species have been described from Asia, whereas research in some Asian countries are still at infancy. Some new species have been recorded from Australia but very few surveys have been conducted in New Zealand. Likewise, less information about these tiny creatures is from Central America; however, in North America many new species have been described, some of which have been commercialized for insect pest control, whereas in South America, several native nematode species have been described and exploited as biological control agents. European countries have also been explored for EPN diversity and new species have been reported, exploited under field condition, and commercialized. Many new species and other previously described species have been reported from Africa. Despite frequent surveys in different continents of the world, number of sites touched are low and, therefore, further surveys are still needed to explore untouched geographic areas and climatic conditions, both in plantations and indigenous forests with an aim to identify and exploit additional EPN species.
Patterns and correlates of cannabis use by cumulative lifetime violence severity as target and/or perpetrator in a community sample of eastern Canadian men
Authors: O’Donnell Sue , Scott-Storey Kelly , Wuest Judith , Malcolm Jeannie , Taylor Petrea , Vincent Charlene D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Recent Canadian legalization of cannabis for non-medical use underscores the need to understand patterns and correlates of cannabis use among men who may be more likely than women to become problematic cannabis users. Evidence supporting an association between substance use and violence is accumulating. Current knowledge of relationships among patterns of cannabis use, violence, gender and health is limited by dichotomous measurement of cannabis use and a focus on individual types of violence rather than lifetime cumulative violence.

Methods

We collected online survey data between April 2016 and Septermber 2017 from a community convenience sample of 589 Eastern Canadian men ages 19 to 65 years and explored how socio-demographic characteristics, gender, and health varied by past-year patterns of cannabis use (i.e., daily, sometimes, never) in the total sample and by higher and lower cumulative lifetime violence severity (CLVS) measured by a 64-item CLVS scale score (1 to 4).

Results

Overall prevalence of cannabis use was 46.6% and differed significantly between lower (38.1%) and higher (55.3%) CLVS groups (χ2 (1) = 17.42, p = .000). Daily cannabis use was more likely in the higher (25.1%) than the lower group (11.9%, χ2 (2) = 31.53, p < .001). In the total sample, daily use was significantly associated with being single, less education, lower income, some gender norms, health problems, and use of other substances. Significant associations were found for sometimes cannabis use with age group 19 to 24 years, being single, some gender norms, and hazardous and binge drinking. Never use was associated with being married, more education, higher income, being older, not using other substances, and not having mental health problems. Associations between cannabis use patterns and many variables were found in both CLVS groups but effect sizes were frequently larger in the higher group.

Conclusions

These results add substantively to knowledge of relationships among lifetime cumulative violence, patterns of cannabis use, gender, socio-demographic indicators and health problems and may inform theoretical models for future testing. Additionally, findings provide critical information for the design of health promotion strategies targeted towards those most at risk in the current climate of cannabis legalization.
Managing nematodes in Egyptian citrus orchards
Authors: Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M.
Published: March 2020

Backed by its Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, cheap labor, and geographic location, Egypt ranks high among citrus producer countries. These factors can collectively offer early fruiting and long harvest season, good quality, low production costs, and closeness of export markets. However, citrus trees are attacked by many plant-parasitic nematode species in Egypt and abroad; all but one, the citrus nematodeTylenchulus semipenetrans, of which are of limited distribution.Tylenchulus semipenetransimpacts the size and quality of citrus yields differently under various conditions, but guidelines have been published to help interpret soil sample results. Other species such as migratory endoparasites (lesion nematodes), sedentary endoparasites (root-knot nematodes), and several species of ectoparasitic nematodes (spiral and stunt nematodes) can damage citrus in Egypt. Yet, due to their limited distribution and very low population densities in citrus orchards, their damaging level is uncertain or not believed to cause significant damage of citrus yield. Clearly,T.semipenetransinteracts differently with other plant pathogens often found in citrus rhizosphere. While its infection to citrus seedlings can reduce subsequent infection of roots byPhytophthora nicotianae, it can increase the virulence ofFusarium solani. Therefore, issues closely connected with citrus yield losses are presented herein. Perspectives for management of nematodes associated with citrus in Egypt were discussed in the light of their economic importance, sampling accuracy, phytosanitary measures, ecology, and biology. Cultural practices should tackle other citrus problems before managing these nematodes.
Quaternions as a solution to determining the angular kinematics of human movement
Authors: Challis John H.
Published: March 2020

The three-dimensional description of rigid body kinematics is a key step in many studies in biomechanics. There are several options for describing rigid body orientation including Cardan angles, Euler angles, and quaternions; the utility of quaternions will be reviewed and elaborated.

The orientation of a rigid body or a joint between rigid bodies can be described by a quaternion which consists of four variables compared with Cardan or Euler angles (which require three variables). A quaternion, q = (q0, q1, q2, q3), can be considered a rotation (Ω = 2 cos−1(q0)), about an axis defined by a unit direction vector $$ \left({q}_1/\sin \left(\frac{\Omega}{2}\right),{q}_2/\sin \left(\frac{\Omega}{2}\right),{q}_3/\sin \left(\frac{\Omega}{2}\right)\right) $$q1/sinΩ2q2/sinΩ2q3/sinΩ2. The quaternion, compared with Cardan and Euler angles, does not suffer from singularities or Codman’s paradox. Three-dimensional angular kinematics are defined on the surface of a unit hypersphere which means numerical procedures for orientation averaging and interpolation must take account of the shape of this surface rather than assuming that Euclidean geometry based procedures are appropriate. Numerical simulations demonstrate the utility of quaternions for averaging three-dimensional orientations. In addition the use of quaternions for the interpolation of three-dimensional orientations, and for determining three-dimensional orientation derivatives is reviewed.

The unambiguous nature of defining rigid body orientation in three-dimensions using a quaternion, and its simple averaging and interpolation gives it great utility for the kinematic analysis of human movement.