bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bolus insulin dose depends on previous‐day race intensity during 5 days of professional road‐cycle racing in athletes with type 1 diabetes: A prospective observational study
Authors: Moser Othmar , Dietrich Marlene , McCarthy Olivia , Bracken Richard M. , Eckstein Max L.
Published: May 2020

Aims

To assess insulin therapy, macronutrient intake and glycaemia in professional cyclists with type 1 diabetes (T1D) over a 5‐day Union Cycliste Internationale road‐cycle race.

Material and methods

In this prospective observational study, seven professional cyclists with T1D (age 28 ± 4 years, body mass index 20.9 ± 0.9 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin concentration 56 ± 7 mmol/mol [7.3% ± 0.6%]) were monitored during a five‐stage professional road cycling race. Real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) data, smart insulin pen dose data and macronutrient intake were assessed by means of repeated‐measure one‐way ANOVA and post hoc testing. Associations between exercise physiological markers and rtCGM data, insulin doses and macronutrient intake were assessed via linear regression modelling (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Bolus insulin dose was significantly reduced over the 5‐day period (P = 0.03), while carbohydrate intake (P = 0.24) and basal insulin doses remained unchanged (P = 0.64). A higher mean previous‐day race intensity was associated with a lower mean sensor glucose level (P = 0.03), less time above range level 2 (>13.9 mmol/L [250 mg/dL]; P = 0.05) and lower doses of bolus insulin (P = 0.04) on the subsequent day. No significant associations were found for any other glycaemic range and glycaemic variability (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate the influence of previous‐day race intensity on subsequent bolus insulin dose requirements in professional cyclists with T1D. These data may help inform therapeutic strategies to ensure safe exercise performance.
Multivariate pattern analysis of fMRI data for imaginary and real colours in grapheme–colour synaesthesia
Authors: Ruiz Mathieu J. , Dojat Michel , Hupé Jean‐Michel
Published: May 2020

Grapheme–colour synaesthesia is a subjective phenomenon related to perception and imagination, in which some people involuntarily but systematically associate specific, idiosyncratic colours to achromatic letters or digits. Its investigation is relevant to unravel the neural correlates of colour perception in isolation from low‐level neural processing of spectral components, as well as the neural correlates of imagination by being able to reliably trigger imaginary colour experiences. However, functional MRI studies using univariate analyses failed to provide univocal evidence of the activation of the “colour network” by synaesthesia. Applying multivariate (multivoxel) pattern analysis (MVPA) on 20 synaesthetes and 20 control participants, we tested whether the neural processing of real colours (concentric rings) and synaesthetic colours (black graphemes) shared patterns of activations. Region of interest analyses in retinotopically and anatomically defined visual areas revealed neither evidence of shared circuits for real and synaesthetic colour processing, nor processing difference between synaesthetes and controls. We also found no correlation with individual experiences, characterised by measuring the strength of synaesthetic associations. The whole brain searchlight analysis led to similar results. We conclude that revealing the neural coding of the synaesthetic experience of colours is a hard task which requires the improvement of our current methodology: for example involving more individuals and achieving higher MR signal to noise ratio and spatial resolution. So far, we have not found any evidence of the involvement of the cortical colour network in the subjective experience of synaesthetic colours.
CRY1‐CBS binding regulates circadian clock function and metabolism
Authors: Cal‐Kayitmazbatir Sibel , Kulkoyluoglu‐Cotul Eylem , Growe Jacqueline , Selby Christopher P. , Rhoades Seth D. , Malik Dania , Oner Hasimcan , Asimgil Hande , Francey Lauren J. , Sancar Aziz , Kruger Warren D. , Hogenesch John B. , Weljie Aalim , Anafi Ron C. , Kavakli Ibrahim Halil
Published: May 2020

Circadian disruption influences metabolic health. Metabolism modulates circadian function. However, the mechanisms coupling circadian rhythms and metabolism remain poorly understood. Here, we report that cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS), a central enzyme in one‐carbon metabolism, functionally interacts with the core circadian protein cryptochrome 1 (CRY1). In cells, CBS augments CRY1‐mediated repression of the CLOCK/BMAL1 complex and shortens circadian period. Notably, we find that mutant CBS‐I278T protein, the most common cause of homocystinuria, does not bind CRY1 or regulate its repressor activity. Transgenic CbsZn/Zn mice, while maintaining circadian locomotor activity period, exhibit reduced circadian power and increased expression of E‐BOX outputs. CBS function is reciprocally influenced by CRY1 binding. CRY1 modulates enzymatic activity of the CBS. Liver extracts from Cry1−/− mice show reduced CBS activity that normalizes after the addition of exogenous wild‐type (WT) CRY1. Metabolomic analysis of WT, CbsZn/Zn, Cry1−/−, and Cry2−/− samples highlights the metabolic importance of endogenous CRY1. We observed temporal variation in one‐carbon and transsulfuration pathways attributable to CRY1‐induced CBS activation. CBS‐CRY1 binding provides a post‐translational switch to modulate cellular circadian physiology and metabolic control.
Post‐transcriptional regulation of C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 expression by ribosomal protein L22 during LPS‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Das Anindhya Sundar , Basu Anandita , Kumar Ravi , Borah Pallab Kumar , Bakshi Subhojit , Sharma Manoj , Duary Raj Kumar , Ray Partho Sarothi , Mukhopadhyay Rupak
Published: May 2020

Monocyte infiltration to the site of pathogenic invasion is critical for inflammatory response and host defence. However, this process demands precise regulation as uncontrolled migration of monocytes to the site delays resolution of inflammation and ultimately promotes chronic inflammation. C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) plays a key role in monocyte migration, and hence, its expression should be tightly regulated. Here, we report a post‐transcriptional regulation of CCL2 involving the large ribosomal subunit protein L22 (RPL22) in LPS‐activated, differentiated THP‐1 cells. Early events following LPS treatment include transcriptional upregulation of RPL22 and its nuclear accumulation. The protein binds to the first 20 nt sequence of the 5′UTR of ccl2 mRNA. Simultaneous nuclear translocation of up‐frameshift‐1 protein and its interaction with RPL22 results in cytoplasmic degradation of the ccl2 mRNA at a later stage. Removal of RPL22 from cells results in increased expression of CCL2 in response to LPS causing disproportionate migration of monocytes. We propose that post‐transcriptional regulation of CCL2 by RPL22 fine‐tunes monocyte infiltration during a pathogenic insult and maintains homeostasis of the immune response critical to resolution of inflammation.

Databases

Microarray data are available in NCBI GEO database (Accession No GSE126525).
Goats or wolves? Private sector managers in the public sector
Authors: Lapuente Victor , Suzuki Kohei , Van de Walle Steven
Published: May 2020

Public administration reforms have propagated the use of private sector management skills in the public sector, and an increased openness to managers with a private sector background. This has created a debate between those who think private sector experience improves public institutions by bringing core managerial values such as results orientation, efficiency, or openness to innovation, and those who argue that private sector experience can damage core public sector values, such as impartiality and equity. Despite the abundant anecdotal evidence, broad empirical evidence on the effects of private sector experience on public managers' values remains limited. Using data from a survey among central government top managers in 18 European countries, we show that public managers with private sector experience have, as expected, more core managerial values. Yet, unlike the conventional view, core public values do not suffer.
Effect of triphala mouthrinse on plaque and gingival inflammation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: AlJameel AlBandary Hassan , Almalki Sultan A.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of triphala mouthwash (TRP‐MW) in being equally effective to chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX‐MW) in the treatment of plaque‐induced gingivitis.

Materials and methods

Electronic searches in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL were conducted in databases up to April 2020. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing clinical efficacy of TRP‐MW (test group) in comparison with CHX‐MW in treating plaque‐induced gingivitis were considered. The primary outcome was gingival index (GI), whereas the secondary outcome was plaque index (PI).

Results

Seven RCTs were included. All studies showed that TRP‐MW administration was significantly effective as compared to CHX‐MW in the treatment of plaque‐induced gingivitis. Considering the effects of TRP‐MW on clinical gingival inflammatory parameters, significant heterogeneity for both GI (χ2 = 72.77, P < .0001, I2 = 91.76%) and PI (χ2 = 153.67, P < .0001, I2 = 96.10%) was observed between both TRP‐MW and CHX‐MW groups. The overall mean difference for both GI (WMD = −0.29, 95% CI = −0.40 to −0.17, P < .001) and PI (WMD = −0.43, 95% CI = −0.54 to −0.31, P < .001) was statistically significant between TRP‐MW and CHX‐MW at follow‐up, respectively.

Conclusion

Triphala mouthwash seems to significantly improve the clinical gingival inflammatory parameters in plaque‐induced gingivitis with equal clinical efficacy as CHX‐MW. TRP is a cost‐effective alternative and is easily available with limited side effects on periodontal tissues.
Electrokinetic transport and distribution of antibacterial nanoparticles for endodontic disinfection
Authors: Ionescu A. , Harris D. , Selvaganapathy P. R. , Kishen A.
Published: May 2020

Aim

To assess a novel, noninvasive intervention capable of mobilizing charged antibacterial nanoparticles to the apical portions of the root canal system, utilizing the principles of electrokinetics.

Methods

Experiments were conducted in three stages. Stage‐1: A computer model was generated to predict and visualize the electric field and current density distribution generated by the proposed intervention. Stage‐2: Transport of chitosan nanoparticles (CSnp) was evaluated qualitatively using a transparent microfluidic model with fluorescent‐labelled CSnp. Stage‐3: An ex vivo model was utilized to study the antimicrobial efficacy of the proposed treatment against 3‐week‐old monospecies E. faecalis biofilms. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also utilized in this stage to confirm the deposition of CSnp.

Results

The results of the computer simulations predicted an electric field and current density that reach their maxima at the apical constriction of the root canal. Correspondingly, the microfluidic experiments demonstrated rapid, controlled CSnp transport throughout the simulated root canal anatomy with subsequent distribution and deposition in the apical constriction as well as periapical regions. Infected root canals when subjected to the novel treatment method resulted in a mean bacterial reduction of 2.1 log CFU. SEM analysis revealed electrophoretic deposition of chitosan nanoparticles onto the root canal dentine walls in the apical region.

Conclusion

The findings from this study demonstrate that the combination of cationic antibacterial nanoparticles with a low‐intensity electric field results in particle transportation (electrophoresis) and deposition within the root canal. This results in a synergistic antibiofilm efficacy and has the potential to enhance root canal disinfection.
Electron energy loss spectra from silica glass optical fibers
Authors: Cheng Shangcong , Song Chengyu , Ercius Peter
Published: May 2020

To investigate the possible structural differences between silica glass fibers and bulk silica glasses, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) has been used to study the short‐range and medium‐range structures of both forms of silica glasses. The short‐range structure of silica glass, such as the coordination and symmetry, was investigated by the energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) of Si L2,3‐edges. The ordering structure in the medium‐range was analyzed by the exponential optical absorption edge also known as the Urbach edge of the glasses. The optical absorption data were obtained from the low energy loss spectrum of EELS through Kramers‐Kronig analysis. The results show that silica fiber has the same short‐range structure as the bulk specimen, but is significantly more disordered than the bulk glasses.
Exosomal miRNAs as circulating biomarkers for prediction of development of haematogenous metastasis after surgery for stage II/III gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Xin , Chu Kent‐Man
Published: May 2020

Exosomes secreted by living cancer cells can regulate metastasis. Exosomal miRNAs can reflect pathological conditions of the original cancer cells. Therefore, we aim to identify exosomal miRNAs as circulating biomarkers for haematogenous metastasis of gastric cancer. Pre‐treatment serum samples of eighty‐nine patients with stage II/III gastric cancer were collected. Thirty‐four of them developed haematogenous metastasis after surgery and the other fifty‐five did not. Extraction of exosomes was validated by western blot, transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. MiRNA qPCR array was performed in three matched pairs of samples. Internal control was selected from PCR array and validated in the remaining samples. Expressions of exosomal miRNAs were evaluated in the remaining samples by RT‐qPCR, as well as in gastric cancer tissue samples and cell culture medium. Expression levels of exosomal miRNAs were analysed with clinical characteristics. The results indicated thirteen up‐regulated and six down‐regulated miRNAs were found after normalization. MiR‐379‐5p and miR‐410‐3p were significantly up‐regulated in metastatic patients (P < .01). Higher expression of exosomal miR‐379‐5p or miR‐410‐3p showed shorter progression‐free survival of the patients (P < .05). It was also found that miR‐379‐5p and miR‐410‐3p were down‐regulated in gastric cancer tissue samples, while they were significantly up‐regulated in gastric cancer cell culture medium compared with cancer cells. In conclusion, exosomal miRNAs are promising circulating biomarkers for prediction of development of haematogenous metastasis after surgery for stage II/III gastric cancer.
Down‐regulation of circDMNT3B is conducive to intestinal mucosal permeability dysfunction of rats with sepsis via sponging miR‐20b‐5p
Authors: Liu Jiao , Liu Yongan , Zhang Lidi , Chen Yizhu , Du Hangxiang , Wen Zhenliang , Wang Tao , Chen Dechang
Published: May 2020

Sepsis is a life‐threatening syndrome with a high risk of mortality, which is caused by the dysregulated host response to infection. We examined significant roles of circDMNT3B and miR‐20b‐5p in the intestinal mucosal permeability dysfunction of rats with sepsis. SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 10/group): sham group, sepsis group, si‐negative control group, circDNMT3B‐si1 group, circDNMT3B‐si2 group and circDNMT3B‐si1 + anti‐miR‐20b‐5p group. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 levels were measured through ELISA assay kits. Cell survival rate and cell apoptosis were evaluated by Cell‐Counting Kit‐8 Assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate interactions between miR‐20b‐5p circDMNT3B in HEK‐293T cells. Silencing circDNMT3B can significantly increase the level of d‐lactic acid, FD‐40, MDA, diamine oxidase, IL‐10 and IL‐6, compared with sepsis group, while the SOD activity was lower. Silencing circDNMT3B leads to oxidative damage and influence inflammatory factors level in intestinal tissue. CircDNMT3B was identified as a target gene of miR‐20b‐5p. Silencing circDNMT3B decreased cell survival and induced apoptosis in Caco2 cells treated with LPS, which was reversed by anti‐miR‐20b‐5p. MiR‐20b‐5p inhibitor remarkably down‐regulated mentioned‐above levels, in addition to up‐regulate SOD activity, which may relieve the damage of intestinal mucosal permeability caused by silencing circDNMT3B in sepsis rats. Down‐regulation of circDMNT3B was conducive to the dysfunction of intestinal mucosal permeability via sponging miR‐20b‐5p in sepsis rats, which may provide the novel strategy for sepsis treatment in the future.
Predictive score for hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B e antigen loss in patients treated with entecavir or tenofovir
Authors: Lim Tae Seop , Lee Hyun Woong , Lee Jung Il , Kim In Hee , Lee Chang Hun , Jang Byoung Kuk , Chung Woo Jin , Yim Hyung Joon , Suh Sang Jun , Seo Yeon Seok , Lee Han Ah , Yu Jung Hwan , Lee Jin‐Woo , Kim Sang Gyune , Kim Young Seok , Park Soo Young , Tak Won Young , Kim Soon Sun , Cheong Jae Youn , Jeong Soung Won , Jang Jae Young , Rou Woo Sun , Lee Byung Seok , Kim Seung Up ,   The Korean Transient Elastography Study Group
Published: May 2020

The risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatitis B e antigen seroclearance (ESC) remains unclear. We established and validated a new risk prediction model for HCC development after ESC in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving antiviral therapy (AVT). Between 2006 and 2016, 769 patients (training cohort) and 1,061 patients (validation cohort) with CHB who experienced ESC during AVT using entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were recruited. In the multivariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.092; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.152‐3.800), cirrhosis (HR = 5.141; 95% CI = 2.367‐11.167) and fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) of >3.25 (HR = 2.070; 95% CI = 1.184‐3.620) were the independent risk factors for HCC development (all P < .05). Accordingly, a novel HCC‐ESCAVT model was developed (1x[sex: male = 1, female = 0] + 3x(cirrhosis = 1, noncirrhosis = 0) + 1x(FIB‐4: >3.25 = 1, ≤3.25 = 0). The cumulative risk for HCC development was significantly different among the risk groups based on the HCC‐ESCAVT category (0‐1, 2‐4 and 5 for the low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups, respectively) (overall P < .001, log‐rank test). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting HCC development 3, 5 and 10 years after ESC was 0.791, 0.771 and 0.790, respectively (all P < .05). The predictive value of the HCC‐ESCAVT model was similar in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.802, 0.774 and 0.776 at 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively; all P < .05). Hence, we have developed and validated a new HCC‐ESCAVT model for HCC development, which includes male sex, cirrhosis and FIB‐4 of >3.25 as constituent variables.
A Bayesian Multivariate Factor Analysis Model for Evaluating an Intervention by Using Observational Time Series Data on Multiple Outcomes
Authors: Samartsidis Pantelis , Seaman Shaun R. , Montagna Silvia , Charlett André , Hickman Matthew , Angelis Daniela De
Published: May 2020

A problem that is frequently encountered in many areas of scientific research is that of estimating the effect of a non-randomized binary intervention on an outcome of interest by using time series data on units that received the intervention (‘treated’) and units that did not (‘controls’). One popular estimation method in this setting is based on the factor analysis (FA) model. The FA model is fitted to the preintervention outcome data on treated units and all the outcome data on control units, and the counterfactual treatment-free post-intervention outcomes of the former are predicted from the fitted model. Intervention effects are estimated as the observed outcomes minus these predicted counterfactual outcomes. We propose a model that extends the FA model for estimating intervention effects by jointly modelling the multiple outcomes to exploit shared variability, and assuming an auto-regressive structure on factors to account for temporal correlations in the outcome. Using simulation studies, we show that the method proposed can improve the precision of the intervention effect estimates and achieve better control of the type I error rate (compared with the FA model), especially when either the number of preintervention measurements or the number of control units is small. We apply our method to estimate the effect of stricter alcohol licensing policies on alcohol-related harms.
Although‐constructions in varieties of English
Authors: Schützler Ole
Published: May 2020

Focusing on subordinate clauses of concession introduced byalthough, this paper investigates the systematic variation of clause position by inspecting three language‐internal factors (or constraints) and their stability across different varieties of the language. The three constraints are based on production (with speech making final placement more likely, due to reduced planning load), processing (with a general preference of final position), and semantics (with certain intra‐constructional relations favouring initial placement due to the iconicity principle). The strength and robustness of the constraints outlined above are tested based on spoken and written corpus data from British, Canadian, New Zealand, Nigerian, Indian, and Philippine English.
Research on Cross-Border Marketing and Traditional Brand Image Remodeling——Take the Old Brand "White Rabbit" as an Example
Authors: He Xianglin
Published: May 2020

"White Rabbit" toffee is a traditional Chinese brand with high reputation that bears the good memories of Chinese people. Facing fierce market competition, "White Rabbit" shares user groups with other related or complementary brands through cross-border marketing. Meet the diverse and personalized needs of consumers; use fashion, art, entertainment and other elements to enrich the brand ’s connotation, and increase brand influence and added value; while innovating and changing, finely control the quality and rhythm of brand cross-border marketing and always maintain their brand identity and brand advantage. Through these measures, the "White Rabbit" old-fashioned brand calmly crossed the development bottleneck and gained new life, and the development path explored has brought a lot of inspiration to other old-fashioned brands and brand cross-border marketing strategies.
Demolding improvement for multidirectional nanostructures by nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Liu Ze , Zhang Ran , Fan Yuanyi , Guan Chuanlong , Chu Jinkui
Published: May 2020

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is one of the most promising nanofabrication techniques. Soft NIL has inherent advantages for conformal contact and uneven substrates. The demolding process of soft NIL is critical for obtaining high-fidelity replicas, especially of multidirectional nanostructures. In this paper, a demolding device for soft NIL is proposed to separate the polymer replica from the mold vertically and improve its quality. The finite element method was used to simulate the demolding process and calculate the developed stresses. The results demonstrated that no undesired plastic deformation was generated by the proposed demolding device. Successful fabrication of high-fidelity nanograting patterns verified the ability of the demolding device to improve the demolding quality of high-aspect-ratio and multidirectional structures fabricated by soft NIL.
Effect of Visual Condition on Performance of Balance-Related Tasks in Elite Dance Students
Authors: Coker Elizabeth , Kaminski Terry
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of visual condition (low light, full light, and full light with mirror) on balance control and technical form during two technical dance movements in a group of elite collegiate dance students. Dancers demonstrated higher center of pressure velocity indicating lower control while performing a static dance task (parallel relevé retiré) and a dynamic dance task (fondu relevé en croix) under low light conditions than either lighted condition. Measures of Western ballet technique (pelvic obliquity, knee extension, and ankle plantar flexion) showed no decrement under low light conditions. No effect of concurrent mirror feedback was found on either center of pressure velocity or technical requirements of the dance tasks.
Tunable solidification of cornstarch under impact: How to make someone walking on cornstarch sink
Authors: Niu Ran , Ramaswamy Meera , Ness Christopher , Shetty Abhishek , Cohen Itai
Published: May 2020

An object plunging into a thickening suspension can be made to sink faster by applying orthogonal perturbations.
Disrupting flight increases sleep and identifies a novel sleep-promoting pathway in
Drosophila
Authors: Melnattur K. , Zhang B. , Shaw P. J.
Published: May 2020

We have identified a novel sleep regulatory pathway.
A biomimetic peptide recognizes and traps bacteria in vivo as human defensin-6
Authors: Fan Yu , Li Xiang-Dan , He Ping-Ping , Hu Xiao-Xue , Zhang Kuo , Fan Jia-Qi , Yang Pei-Pei , Zheng Hao-Yan , Tian Wen , Chen Zi-Ming , Ji Lei , Wang Hao , Wang Lei
Published: May 2020

A biomimetic peptide recognizes and traps bacteria in vivo as human defensin-6 for inhibiting the invasion of host cells.
Leveraging elastic instabilities for amplified performance: Spine-inspired high-speed and high-force soft robots
Authors: Tang Yichao , Chi Yinding , Sun Jiefeng , Huang Tzu-Hao , Maghsoudi Omid H. , Spence Andrew , Zhao Jianguo , Su Hao , Yin Jie
Published: May 2020

Bistable spined soft robots enable high-speed cheetah-like galloping and fast-speed swimming, as well as high-force manipulation.
Nanofibrillar networks enable universal assembly of superstructured particle constructs
Authors: Mattos B. D. , Tardy B. L. , Greca L. G. , Kämäräinen T. , Xiang W. , Cusola O. , Magalhães W. L. E. , Rojas O. J.
Published: May 2020

Topological variety of robust networks from nanofibrils enables the formation of strong and tough particle constructs ubiquitously.
Gene therapy for follistatin mitigates systemic metabolic inflammation and post-traumatic arthritis in high-fat diet–induced obesity
Authors: Tang Ruhang , Harasymowicz Natalia S. , Wu Chia-Lung , Collins Kelsey H. , Choi Yun-Rak , Oswald Sara J. , Guilak Farshid
Published: May 2020

Follistatin gene therapy prevents obesity, metabolic disease, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Design of defect-chemical properties and device performance in memristive systems
Authors: Lübben M. , Cüppers F. , Mohr J. , von Witzleben M. , Breuer U. , Waser R. , Neumann C. , Valov I.
Published: May 2020

Impurities and dopants in memristive devices determine their switching kinetics, performance, and neuromorphic functionalities.
Surface-induced flow: A natural microscopic engine using infrared energy as fuel
Authors: Li Zheng , Pollack Gerald H.
Published: May 2020

You don’t always need pressure to propel flow through a tube.
Bioinspired design of a robust
d
3
-methylating agent
Authors: Wang Minyan , Zhao Yunfei , Zhao Yue , Shi Zhuangzhi
Published: May 2020

A robust
d
3
-methylating agent DMTT has been developed, and its selectivity in
d
3
-methylation of complex molecules evaluated.
Carbon recycling efficiency and phosphate turnover by marine nitrifying archaea
Authors: Meador Travis B. , Schoffelen Niels , Ferdelman Timothy G. , Rebello Osmond , Khachikyan Alexander , Könneke Martin
Published: May 2020

Efficient thaumarchaeal chemoautotrophs recycle ~5% of remineralized C and P and release dissolved organics to the ocean.
Magnetic field–driven assembly and reconfiguration of multicomponent supraparticles
Authors: Al Harraq A. , Lee J. G. , Bharti B.
Published: May 2020

We design the magnetic energy landscapes around microparticles and guide their assembly into low-symmetry clusters.
In Vitro
Evaluation of Radiolabeled Amphotericin B for Molecular Imaging of Mold Infections
Authors: Page Lukas , Ullmann Andrew J. , Schadt Fabian , Wurster Sebastian , Samnick Samuel
Published: May 2020

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis are life-threatening complications in immunocompromised patients. A rapid diagnosis followed by early antifungal treatment is essential for patient survival. Given the limited spectrum of biomarkers for invasive mold infections, recent studies have proposed the use of radiolabeled siderophores or antibodies as molecular probes to increase the specificity of radiological findings by nuclear imaging modalities. While holding enormous diagnostic potential, most of the currently available molecular probes are tailored to the detection of
Aspergillus
species, and their cost-intensive and sophisticated implementation restricts their accessibility at less specialized centers.
Splenic injury: a rare complication of lower endoscopy
Authors: Cathala Esberard Beatriz , Mohseni Michael
Published: May 2020

Splenic injury after colonoscopy is a rare (1:100 000) but serious complication after colonoscopy associated with high morbidity. Consequences range from a mild, self-limited splenic haematoma to the catastrophic shattered spleen and haemorrhagic shock. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman reporting to the emergency department with abdominal pain after colonoscopy. Abdominal CT with intravenous contrast showed a grade I splenic laceration with no active bleeding and a small amount of free fluid collected in the pelvis. General Surgery and Hospitalist Service recommended conservative measures. She was discharged 1 day later with normal haemodynamics and adequate pain control. In conclusion, patients with postcolonoscopy complications often seek evaluation in the emergency department; splenic injury must be considered in the differential. The significant morbidity and occasional mortality are reported from spleen injury after colonoscopy; therefore, the treating physician should promptly evaluate and treat this condition (with appropriate specialty consultation) to prevent untoward outcomes.
Limited evidence of benefits of patient operated intelligent primary care triage tools: findings of a literature review
Authors: Gottliebsen Kristian , Petersson Göran
Published: May 2020

Introduction

There is consistent evidence that the workload in general practices is substantially increasing. The digitalisation of healthcare including the use of artificial intelligence has been suggested as a solution to this problem. We wanted to explore the features of intelligent online triage tools in primary care by conducting a literature review.

Method

A systematic literature search strategy was formulated and conducted in the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library. Articles were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results and data were systematically extracted and thematically analysed. 17 articles of that reported large multimethod studies or smaller diagnostic accuracy tests on clinical vignettes were included. Reviews and expert opinions were also considered.

Results

There was limited evidence on the actual effects and performance of triage tools in primary care. Several aspects can guide further development: concepts of system design, system implementation and diagnostic performance. The most important findings were: a need to formulate evaluation guidelines and regulations; their assumed potential has not yet been met; a risk of increased or redistribution of workloads and the available symptom checker systems seem overly risk averse and should be tested in real-life settings.

Conclusion

This review identified several features associated with the design and implementation of intelligent online triage tools in a primary care context, although most of the investigated systems seemed underdeveloped and offered limited benefits. Current online triage systems should not be used by individuals who have reasonable access to traditional healthcare. Systems used should be strictly evaluated and regulated like other medical products.
Heat shock and HSP70 regulate 5-FU-mediated caspase-1 activation in myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor growth in mice
Authors: Pilot Thomas , Fratti Aurélie , Thinselin Chloé , Perrichet Anaïs , Demontoux Lucie , Limagne Emeric , Derangère Valentin , Ilie Alis , Ndiaye Mané , Jacquin Elise , Garrido Carmen , Ghiringhelli François , Chalmin Fanny , Rébé Cédric
Published: May 2020

Background

We have previously shown that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) selectively kills myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and activates NLRP3 (NOD-leucine rich repeat and pyrin containing protein 3) inflammasome. NLRP3 activation leads to caspase-1 activation and production of IL-1β, which in turn favors secondary tumor growth. We decided to explore the effects of either a heat shock (HS) or the deficiency in heat shock protein (HSP) 70, previously shown to respectively inhibit or increase NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages.

Methods

Caspase-1 activation was detected in vitro in MSC-2 cells by western blot and in vivo or ex vivo in tumor and/or splenic MDSCs by flow cytometry. The effects of HS, HSP70 deficiency and anakinra (an IL-1 inhibitor) on tumor growth and mice survival were studied in C57BL/6 WT orHsp70−/−tumor-bearing mice. Finally, Th17 polarization was evaluated by qPCR (Il17a, Rorc) and angiogenic markers by qPCR (Pecam1, Eng) and immunohistochemistry (ERG).

Results

HS inhibits 5-FU-mediated caspase-1 activation in vitro and in vivo without affecting its cytotoxicity on MDSCs. Moreover, it enhances the antitumor effect of 5-FU treatment and favors mice survival. Interestingly, it is associated to a decreased Th17 and angiogenesis markers in tumors. IL-1β injection is able to bypass HS+5-FU antitumor effects. In contrast, inHsp70−/−MDSCs, 5-FU-mediated caspase-1 activation is increased in vivo and in vitro without effect on 5-FU cytotoxicity. InHsp70−/−mice, the antitumor effect of 5-FU was impeded, with an increased Th17 and angiogenesis markers in tumors. Finally, the effects of 5-FU on tumor growth can be restored by inhibiting IL-1β, using anakinra.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence on the role of HSP70 in tuning 5-FU antitumor effect and suggests that HS can be used to improve 5-FU anticancer effect.
O4C.5 Precarious work and precarious lives: an analysis of the association between employment relationships and access to social and health benefits
Authors: Koehoorn Mieke , Macpherson Robert , McLeod Christopher B
Published: May 2020

Background

Precarious employment relationships impact many facets of society, among them health and health inequities for workers and their families. The objective of the current analyses was to investigate the association between precarious employment and access to social and health employment benefits in the Canadian context.

Methods

The General Social Survey (GSS) is an annual and national cross-sectional survey administered by Statistics Canada. The GSS2016 focused on social trends in education, work and home conditions to inform policy issues. The association between employment status (regular versus seasonal, term, casual) and access to employment benefits (pension, sick leave, vacation, disability, workers’ compensation, parental leave, supplemental medical, and other) was investigated using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for socio-demographic (age, sex, education, visible minority, immigrant), occupation and industry, and physical and mental disability characteristics.

Results

Among those employed at the time of the survey (60.4% of 19 609 respondents), the majority had regular (80.8%) versus precarious seasonal (7.0%), casual (6.9%), or term (5.3%) employment. Twenty-eight percent of precarious workers reported no employment benefits compared to 6% of regular workers (ORadj=4.99, 95% CI 3.53, 7.05). By type of benefit, the greatest disparity between precarious employment and no benefits was reported for disability insurance (ORadj=2.45 95% CI 1.81, 3.32) and supplemental medical benefits (ORadj=2.54 95% CI 1.90, 3.38), while the least disparity was reported for workers’ compensation benefits (ORadj=1.46 95% CI 1.11, 1.92).

Discussion

Precarious work may equate to precarious living for a significant number of workers without pension, disability, sick leave, family or medical employment benefits. The impact of the observed disparity in employment benefits for workers with regular versus precarious attachment to the labour market warrants longer-term investigation, but the findings suggest that precarious work could be a significant social determinant of health.
O4D.5 Left sided hearing loss among heavy equipment operators (HEOS) in mining industry
Authors: Janardhanam Vishnumohan , Vishnumohan Akila , Karthic MG
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Open surface mining is utilized to extract limestone for the production of cement. Using heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) and other earthmoving equipment, skilled personnel [HEOs] perform this operation. HEOs are exposed to significant noise (80–90 dBA) emitted by these HMVs for about 8 hours a day. We report the results of pure tone audiometry (PTA) conducted on HEOs as part of a health surveillance programme.

Methods

In this observational study, 108 HEOs working in a large scale mining industry in South India were assessed for noise induced hearing loss {NIHL}. Standard guidelines were followed and PTA was performed using a NIOSH approved audiogram machine. For this analysis, we selected HEOs between the ages of 45 and 57 years, with 10 or more years of service. These results were compared with 106 age matched employees, who were involved in non-mining activity in the same industry with the same amount of noise exposure but from different sources. Results were validated using standard statistical tools.

Result

Results revealed 60% (64/108) of the HEOs suffered NIHL. Of these the impact on the left side was found to be more pronounced for 90% (58/64) versus 10% (6/64) in the right ear. In the comparative group of 106 non-mining employees 55% (59/106) had abnormal audiogram reports but with no specific inclination to the right or left side.

Discussion

NIHL is common in the mining industry. The observed laterality in hearing loss among HEOs is likely multi-factorial and can be attributed to the presence of the engine on the left hand side in the Indian vehicles, the failure to sound proof the operator’s cabin and/or comply with the issued personal protective equipment {PPE}. Our results underscore the importance of the need for compliance with the use of PPEs and vehicular upgrade and maintenance.
O5A.3 Injured at work: factors predictive of further work-related injuries – a prospective study
Authors: Harcombe Helen , Samaranayaka Ari , Wyeth Emma H , Davie Gabrielle , Cameron Ian D , Derrett Sarah
Published: May 2020

Background

Work-related injuries can have a large impact on employees, employers and wider society. Preventing subsequent work-related injuries from occurring among those who have already had a work-related injury has the potential to reduce the burden of work-related injuries. However, predictors of subsequent work injuries must first be understood.

This study investigates New Zealand participants from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS) with a substantial work-related injury (the ‘sentinel’ injury) and examines subsequent work-related injury events occurring during the following 24 months. Objectives are to: 1) describe the nature of sentinel and subsequent work-related injuries, and 2) examine work-related predictors of subsequent work-related injuries.

Methods

Of the 2856 POIS participants, 754 were recruited following a substantial work-related injury. Data were combined from: 1) participant interviews approximately 3 months following their sentinel injury, 2) administrative claims data from New Zealand’s universal no-fault injury insurer (the Accident Compensation Corporation), and 3) hospital discharge data to 24 months. Predictors of subsequent work-related injuries were examined using multivariable analyses.

Results

Work-related sentinel injury events most commonly involved spine dislocations/sprains/strains (25%) with ‘lifting/loading/pulling’ the most common work task involved. One third (34%; n=258) went on to have at least one subsequent work-related injury in the following 24 months. Of those whose sentinel work-related injury was related to ‘lifting/loading/pulling’, 19% had at least one subsequent work-related injury event also related to this type of task. Predictors examined included pre-sentinel injury job strain, social support from colleagues and supervisors, physical work tasks, job security and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of participants with a work-related sentinel injury had further work-related injuries in the following 24 months. The identification of factors that predict those at risk of subsequent work-related injuries could provide a useful focus for those involved in the rehabilitation of people with work-related injuries.
O5A.5 Occupational driving of light vehicle for mail and parcel delivery and risk of musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Radauceanu Anca , Grzebyk Michel , Dziurla Mathieu , Atain-Kouadio Jean-Jacques , Boini Stéphanie
Published: May 2020

Background

Occupational light vehicle driving is becoming increasingly important in the parcel delivery/messaging sector faced with new consumer practices. Our objective was to analyze the effect of driving of light vehicle for the mail/parcel delivery on low back pain (LBP) and upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) taking into account work organization. We also aimed to identify the protective factors from MSDs that could be implemented into this specific workplace.

Methods

The study was carried out in 406 postal workers (306 with driving delivery activity, 100 with foot delivery/manual handling activities). Subjects completed a self-administrated questionnaire about personal characteristics and working conditions assessing occupational driving, physical constraints, psychosocial factors and work organization. Work organization was also assessed at the establishment level. MSDs were assessed by the Nordic Questionnaire, with some additional questions for LBP. For UEMSDs, a medical examination using a standardized clinical methodology of the European consensus was carried out. Statistical analysis was performed separately in men and women by multivariable logistic regression modeling for the UEMSDs and by item response theory approach for LBP.

Results

Driving time and high perceived driving-related physical constraints are associated to LBP in men. Carrying loads>3 Kg, awkward postures and high perceived physical demands related to parcel loading and delivery are associated with MSDs for both sexes. The main psychosocial risk factors are the lack of reward, being mobbed and the necessity of undertaking tasks that the worker disapproves. Protective factors are the use of vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox and taking breaks from work; at establishment level, drive training and use of supplementary staff during peak periods.

Conclusion

The effect of driving of light vehicle on MSDs seems quite limited whereas physical and psychosocial constraints are clearly risk factors. Targeting work organization could protect postal workers with driving delivery activity from MSDs.
O5B.3 Skin health in croatian hairdressing apprentices at the beginning of vocational education: a new cohort study
Authors: Franic Zrinka , Babic Zeljka , Macan Jelena
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Hairdressing apprentices are at high risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis.

Materials and methods

Data on skin health are presented for 352 hairdressing apprentices attending vocational schools in 24 Croatian towns at the beginning of their education, in a screening phase of a prospective cohort study. Apprentices were recruited from September to December 2017. The study protocol included: Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire and International Study on Asthma and Allergy in Children Questionnaire for the evaluation of self-reported skin and atopy symptoms, clinical skin examination interpreted by means of Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI), genotyping filaggrin (FLG) gene polymorphisms 2282del4 and R501X from buccal swabs, skin pH and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements.

Results

In the total sample (n=352, median age 15, 18 males), a history of respiratory and/or skin atopy symptoms was reported by 44.89%, hand/wrist eczema by 11.93%, and a history of dry hands (without eczema) by 34.38% of apprentices. One or more hand/wrist skin changes were found at the clinical examination in 18.18% of apprentices, with the OHSI score ranging from 1 to 6. Washing hands>20 times per day was identified in 12.78% of apprentices. An FLG gene mutation (R501X) was found in only one apprentice. The median (range) for hand TEWL and pH was 13.1 (4.36–62.69) and 5.68 (4.28–7.13), respectively. OHSI score was positively correlated with hand TEWL (Spearman rho 0.16; p=0.0026), and pH (Spearman rho 0.13; p=0.0186).

Conclusion

The results indicate a high prevalence of self-reported atopy (45%) and moderate prevalence of self-reported (12%) and clinically observed skin symptoms (18%) on the hands/wrists of hairdressing apprentices already at the beginning of education, without FLG mutations as a risk factors. This emphasizes the need to ameliorate preventive examinations of children before enrolling to schools for professions with high risk of exposure to skin hazards.
O5B.5 Effectiveness of a skin care program for the prevention of occupational contact dermatitis in healthcare workers
Authors: Molen Henk van der , Kezic Sanja , Soltanipoor Maryam , Rustemeyer Thomas
Published: May 2020

Healthcare workers (HCW) are at risk for developing hand dermatitis (HD) caused by exposure to wet work. Guidelines for the prevention of HD recommend regular use of moisturizers, however in practice their use remains low and their effectiveness is poorly investigated.

The main objective of this randomized control trial was to assess whether an intervention aimed at improving skin care leads to reduction in HD severity. The intervention included provision of cream dispensers with electronic monitoring of use, regularly communicated to the HCW. The primary and secondary outcomes were change from baseline in Hand Eczema Severity Index score (ΔHECSI) and Natural Moisturizing Factor (ΔNMF) levels as a biomarker of early changes in the skin barrier. Nine wards (285 HCW) were allocated to an intervention group (IG) and 10 wards (216 HCW) to the control group (CG).

At baseline, IG and CG had similar exposure to wet work, use of skin care and severity of HD. At follow-up (1 year) the IG showed significantly higher frequency of hand cream use as compared to the CG (self-reported data). Though, electronically collected data in the IG showed that the average frequency of 0.4 cream applications/shift was far below recommended 2 applications/shift. The HECSI reduced significantly in the IG for −6.2 (95%CI −7.7,−4.7) and in the CG −4.2 points (95% CI −6.0,–2.4). There was no difference in ΔHECSI or ΔNMF between IG and CG, however the subgroup showing mild symptoms showed significantly larger improvement in HD symptoms as compared with CG.

The intervention proved overall positive effects on severity of HD symptoms, supporting the benefits of skin care in the workplace. The fact that the intervention showed a larger effect in a subgroup with mild symptoms suggests that this intervention might be of particular importance for primary prevention.