bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Joint External Evaluation process in Cameroon: Assessing the country’s capacity for health security
Authors: Fossouo Viviane Ndoungue Viviane , Mouiche Mohamed Moctar Mouliom , Tiwoda Christie , Gnigninanjouena Oumarou , Sadeuh-Mba Serge alain , Kimbi Roland WANGO , Ngapana Arouna Njayou
Published: February 2020

Objectives: The objective of this study was to present the JEE process in Cameroon’s as well as the country capacities to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats in accordance with the IHR (2005). Data for the 48 indicators within the 19 technical areas of the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool was examined. Results: Cameroon's overall median score was 2 (Min =1, Max=4) and 34/48 indicators (71%) had scores less than 2 on a 1 to 5 scale. The weakest technical areas in the “Prevent” category were antimicrobial resistance, biosafety and biosecurity, and National legislation, policy and financing. In the “Detect” category, the median score was 2. Technical areas with the lowest median scores were Reporting and National Laboratory System. Emergency Response Operations, Preparedness, Medical Countermeasures and Personnel Deployment had the lowest scores in the “Respond” category. Chemical Events and Points of Entry had the lowest score in “Other IHR-related hazards and Point of Entry” category. Recommendations from the JEE to address the gaps will be aligned in a costed National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) and implemented using national resources, external donors and multilateral agencies. Key words: International Health Regulation, Joint External Evaluation, Health security, Cameroon.
Optimized vs. Standard Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Regimens (OptiStAR): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bergling Karin , de Arteaga Javier , Ledesma Fabián , Öberg Carl Mikael
Published: February 2020

Background: It has been estimated that automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is currently the fastest growing renal replacement therapy in the world. However, in light of the growing number of diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), the unwanted glucose absorption during APD remains problematic. Recent results, using an extended 3-pore model of APD, indicated that large reductions in glucose absorption are possible by using optimized bi-modal treatment regimens, having “UF cycles” using a higher glucose concentration and “Clearance cycles” using a low concentration or, preferentially, no glucose. The present study is designed to test the theoretical prediction of a lower glucose absorption using these novel regimes. Methods: This study is a randomized single-center, open-label, prospective study. Prevalent PD patients between 18 to 75 years old without known catheter problems or recent peritonitis are eligible for inclusion. Patients are allocated to a first treatment session of either Standard APD (6 × 2 L 1.36% over 9 hours) or Optimized APD (7 × 2 L 2.27% + 5 × 2 L 0.1% over 8 hours). A second treatment session using the other treatment will be performed in a crossover fashion. Samples of the dialysis fluid will be taken before and after the treatment and the volume of the dialysate before and after the treatment will be carefully assessed. The primary endpoint is difference in glucose absorption between the Optimized and Standard treatment. Secondary endpoints are ultrafiltration, sodium removal, Kt/V urea and Kt/V Creatinine. The study will be closed when a total of 20 patients have successfully completed the interventions or terminated according to interim analysis. A Monte Carlo power analysis shows that the study has 80% power to detect a difference of 10 g (in line with that of theoretical results) in glucose absorption between the two treatments in 10 patients. Discussion: The present study is the first clinical investigation of optimized bi-modal treatments proposed by recent theoretical studies.
Expression of mitochondrial protein genes encoded by nuclear and mitochondrial genomes correlate with energy metabolism in dairy cattle
Authors: Dorji Jigme , Jagt Christy J. Vander , Garner Josie B. , Marett Leah C. , Mason Brett , Reich Coralie M. , Xiang Ruidong , Clark Emily L. , Cocks Benjamin J. , Chamberlain Amanda J. , MacLeod Iona M. , Daetwyler Hans D.
Published: February 2020

Background Mutations in the mitochondrial genome have been implicated in mitochondrial disease, often characterised by impaired cellular energy metabolism. Cellular energy metabolism in mitochondria involves mitochondrial proteins (MPs) from both the nuclear ( Nu MP) and mitochondrial ( Mt MP) genomes. The expression of MP genes in tissues may be tissue specific to meet varying specific energy demands across the tissues. Currently, the characteristics of MP gene expression in tissues of dairy cattle are not well understood. In this study, we profile the expression of MP genes in 29 adult and six foetal tissues in dairy cattle using RNA sequencing and gene expression analyses: particularly differential gene expression and co-expression network analyses. Results MP genes were differentially expressed (DE; over-expressed or under-expressed) across tissues in cattle. All 29 tissues showed DE Nu MP genes in varying proportions of over-expression and under-expression. On the other hand, DE of Mt MP genes was observed in <50% of tissues and notably Mt MP genes within a tissue was either all over-expressed or all under-expressed . A high proportion of Nu MP (up to 60%) and Mt MP (up to 100%) genes were over-expressed in tissues with expected high metabolic demand; heart, skeletal muscles and tongue, and under-expressed (up to 45% of Nu MP, 77% of Mt MP genes) in tissues with expected low metabolic rates; leukocytes, thymus, and lymph nodes. These tissues also invariably had the expression of all Mt MP genes in the direction of dominant Nu MP genes expression. The Nu MP and Mt MP genes were highly co-expressed across tissues and co-expression of genes in a cluster were non-random and functionally enriched for energy generation pathways. The differential gene expression and co-expression patterns were validated in independent cow and sheep datasets. Conclusions This study demonstrated the biological interaction of MP genes from the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes and their over-expression in tissues with high energy demand. This highlights the importance of considering MP genes from both genomes in future studies related to mitochondrial functions and traits related to energy metabolism.
Strain-level analysis of microbial community and detection of mutually exclusive relationships uncover complexity of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Shin Sunguk , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: February 2020

Background

Despite intraspecies variation in ecological interaction and cellular function, most analytical methods for microbial communities that use the 16S rRNA gene are employed at the taxonomic level. Further, methods that detect positive or negative relationships between microbes such as Pearson correlation coefficient are generally applicable for linear correlations.

Results

We present METATEA for the analysis of community members with identical 16S rDNA sequences to define intraspecies groups, and for the calculation of exclusive correlation coefficient (ECC) to detect mutually exclusive relationships. Proportional variation of identical sequence groups in each disease subtype was revealed using a 16S rDNA data set of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) samples.

Conclusions

Results at the identical sequence level complied with and outperformed those at the species or genus levels. Intraspecies variation was prevalent within Faecalibacterium prausnitzii , suggesting that some strains might be associated with diseases although it is known to be abundant in the human gut microbiota of healthy adults. IBD samples were categorized into two groups based on the ratios of certain Bacteroides vulgatus -like sequences. ECC identified strains antagonistic to disease-associated bacteria, thus proving their potential as probiotics in precision medicine. Klebsiella pneumoniae showed exclusive relationships with various bacteria, and its proportion was associated with bacterial diversity and Crohn’s disease. We expect METATEA to allow high resolution analysis of microbial communities and easy identification of pathogen-antagonistic probiotic microbes.
The pleiotropic effects of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides on the aging gut
Authors: Arnold Jason W , Roach Jeffery , Fabela Salvador , Moorfield Emily , Ding Shengli , Blue Eric , Dagher Suzanne , Magness Scott , Tamayo Rita , Bruno-Barcena Jose , Azcarate-Peril M. Andrea
Published: February 2020

Background: Prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) have an extensively demonstrated beneficial impact on intestinal health. In this study, we determined the mechanistic impact of GOS diets on hallmarks of gut aging: microbiome dysbiosis, inflammation, and intestinal barrier defects (“leaky gut”). We also evaluated if short-term GOS feeding influenced how the aging gut responded to antibiotic challenges, since these interventions are common and relevant in older adults. Finally, we assessed the ability of colonic organoids to reproduce in vivo responses to GOS.Results: Old animals had a distinct microbiome characterized by lower diversity, increased ratios of non-saccharolytic versus saccharolytic bacteria and lower abundance of O-Glycosyl hydrolases . GOS treatment increased abundance of non-saccharolytic ( Akkermansia muciniphila ) and saccharolytic bacteria (species of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus ), and increased the abundance of β-galactosidases and β-glucosidases in young and old animals . Clyndamicin treatment reduced the abundance of beneficial bacteria including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus , while increasing Akkermansia, Clostridium, Coprococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Bacteroides, and Paenibacillus . Prebiotics impacted the effects of the antibiotics decreasing the abundance of Akkermansia in the GOS-antibiotic groups compared to the control-antibiotics groups. GOS reduced the age-associated increased intestinal permeability via increased MUC2 expression and mucus biosynthesis. T ranscriptomics analysis of colon from old animals fed GOS diets showed increased expression of genes involved in small molecule metabolic processes and specifically the respirasome, which could indicate an increased oxidative metabolism and energetic efficiency. In young mice, GOS induced expression of binding-related genes and the galectin gene Lgals1 , a β-galactosyl-binding lectin that bridges molecules by their sugar moieties, forming a signaling and adhesion network. Further analysis showed higher expression levels of genes in focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt and ECM-receptor interaction pathways. GOS reduced the expression of TNF  in old animals, and altered serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers IL-6, IL-17, IP-10 and Eotaxin. Stools from young mice exhibiting variable bifidogenic response to GOS, injected into colon organoids in the presence of prebiotics, reproduced the response and non-response phenotypes.Conclusions: GOS modulation of intestinal homeostasis likely occurs through direct GOS-host interactions via modulation of host gene expression and mucus production, as well as through interactions mediated by the gut microbiota that result in increased or restored saccharolytic potential.
Isolation frequency of medically important fungi and fluconazole resistant of Candida sp from hospital cockroaches.
Authors: Mloka Doreen Anna , Bwire George M , Mwambete Kenndy
Published: February 2020

BackgroundCockroaches are common pests in homes and hospitals. They are known to cause allergic reactions in certain individuals and have found to be potential vectors for various bacterial and parasitic pathogens. This study assessed the potential of hospital cockroaches to act as vectors of medically important fungal pathogens on their external surfaces.MethodsCockroaches were captured from the main Intensive care unit (ICU), burn unit, adult surgical wards , pediatric oncology wards, intern hostel kitchen and the central kitchen of a national referral teaching hospital in Tanzania. Normal saline washings from the external surface of cockroaches were cultured on standard mycological media to facilitate isolation and identification of medically important molds and yeasts. Susceptibility of Candida sp isolates to fluconazole was tested using the CLSI M27-A3 microdilution method.ResultsAt total of 72 cockroaches were captured from various sites of the hospital between February and March 2015. All cockroaches captured were shown to carry medically importance fungi. A total of 956 medically important fungi were isolated, 57.9 % were Candida sp., 23.2%, Aspergillus sp. , 3.1% Cladosporium sp., 1.8% Rhizopus sp., 1.2 % Geotrichum sp., 0.9 % Pencillum sp. , 0.7% Alternaria sp, 0.6 % Fusarium sp , 0.3% Mucor sp and 10.1% others. Aspergillus fumigatus (50.0%) was the most commonly isolated followed by Aspergillus niger ( 15.8%) among the Aspergillus isolates.Over 16.3 % of the Candida isolates not intrinsically resistant to fluconazole showed resistance to this drug.mResistance was most frequently found in Candidapseudotropicalis (23.8%) and Candida glabarata (20.0%) and least in isolates of Candida albicans ( 6.3%). ConclusionThe external surfaces of cockroaches from this hospital may act as reservoirs of medically important opportunistic fungi exhibiting resistance to fluconazole.
Low serum betaine levels as a potential biomarker for type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Guo Fei , Qiu Xueting , Zhu Yuanting , Tan Zhirong , Ouyang Dongsheng , Li Zhenyu
Published: February 2020

Background Dietary betaine intake was reported to associate with improved metabolic profile in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the role of circulating betaine in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with T2D is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of serum betaine as a potential biomarker for T2D risk in CAD patients. Methods Total 307 subjects were enrolled with 165 CAD patients (57 with T2D and 108 without) and 142 age and sex matched controls (CON). Fasting serum betaine were detected using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results Serum betaine were lower in simple CAD patients compared with healthy controls, and were further decreased in CAD patients with T2D. Betaine was inversely associated with fasting glucose. Subjects in the highest betaine tertile group had lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein as well was lower percentage of CAD and T2D. Increased betaine in CAD was independently associated with low risk of T2D. Furthermore, betaine was a potential diagnostic marker in distinguishing simple CAD from CAD with T2D. Conclusion Low levels of betaine are associated with increased risk of CAD and T2D in CAD, and could be a biomarker for predicting T2D in CAD.
Prion protein-mediated calcium level alteration governs neuronal cell damage through AMPK-autophagy flux
Authors: Moon Ji-Hong , Park Sang-Youel
Published: February 2020

Background The distinctive molecular structure of the prion protein, PrPsc, is established only in mammals with infectious prion diseases. Prion protein characterizes either the transmissible pathogen itself or a primary constituent of the disease. Our report suggested that prion-mediated neuronal cell death is triggered by the autophagy flux. However, the alteration of intracellular calcium levels, AMPK activity in prion models has not been described. This study is focused on the effect of the changes in intracellular calcium levels on AMPK/autophagy flux pathway and PrP (106–126)-induced neurotoxicity. Methods Western blot and Immunocytochemistry was used to detect AMPK and autophagy-related protein expression. Flow cytometry and a TdT-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay were used to detect the percentage of apoptotic cells. Calcium measurement was employed using fluo-4 by confocal microscope. Results We examined the effect of calcium homeostasis alterations induced by human prion protein on the autophagy flux in neuronal cells. Treatment with human prion protein increased the intracellular calcium concentration and induced cell death in primary neurons as well as in a neuronal cell line. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we showed that the L-type calcium channel is involved in the cellular entry of calcium ions. Inhibition of calcium uptake prevented autophagic cell death and reduction in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity induced by human prion protein. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that prion protein-mediated calcium inflow plays a pivotal role in prion protein-induced autophagic cell death, and reduction in AMPK activity in neurons. Altogether, our results suggest that calcium influx might play a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases, including prion diseases.
Chemosensitization of doxorubicin against lung cancer by nature borneol, involvement of TRPM8-regulated calcium mobilization
Authors: Lai Haoqiang , Liu Chang , Lin Wenwei , Chen tf , Hong An
Published: February 2020

Background Lung cancer possesses high mortality rate and tolerances to multiple chemotherapeutics. Natural Borneol (NB) is a monoterpenoid compound that found to facilitate the bioavailability of drugs. In this study, we attempted to investigate effects of NB on the chemosensitivity in A549 cells and try to elucidate its therapeutic target. Methods The effects of NB on chemosensitivity in A549 cells was examined by MTT assay. The mechanism studies were evaluated by flow cytometry and western blotting assay. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and LC-MS combined analysis (MS-SPRi) was performed to elucidate the candidate target of NB contributes to this synergism. The chemosensitizing capacity of NB in vivo was conducted in nude mice bearing A549 tumors. Results NB pretreatment sensitizes A549 cells to low dosage of DOX, leading to a 15.7% to 41.5% increase in apoptosis, which is corelated with ERK and AKT inactivation but activation of phosphor-p38MAPK, -JNK and p53. Furthermore, this synergism depends on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The MS-SPRi analysis reveals that the transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) is the interaction target of NB in potentiating DOX killing potency. Genetically knock down of TRPM8 significantly suppress the chemosensitizing effects of NB with the involvement of inhibiting ROS generation through restraining calcium mobilization. Moreover, pretreatment of NB synergistically enhanced the anticancer effects of DOX to delay tumor progression in vivo. Conclusions These results suggest that TRPM8 may be a valid therapeutic target in the potential application of NB serves as a chemosensitizer for lung cancer treatment.
Circular RNA MTO1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells through the miR-182-5p/KLF15 axis
Authors: Wang Ning , Cao Qin-Xue , Tian Jun , Ren Lu , Cheng Hai-Ling , Yang Shao-Qin
Published: February 2020

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of endogenous noncoding RNAs and have been shown to play important roles in a variety of physiological processes. Recently, dysregulation of circRNAs has been identified in many types of cancers. In this study, we analyzed the expression profile and biological functions of circMTO1 in ovarian cancer. Materials and methods: Cell proliferation and invasion were assessed by CCK-8 and transwell assay, respectively. The RT-qPCR analysis was performed to measure mRNA levels of circMTO1 and miR-182-5p. The western blot was used to detect KLF15 protein levels. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine the interaction between LINC00958 and miR-204-3p and the interaction between miR-204-3p and KIF2A. Results: We demonstrated that circMTO1 was down-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. Up-regulation of circMTO1 inhibited proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells while down-regulation of circMTO1 promoted these processes. Mechanistically, we showed that circMTO1 sponged miR-182-5p to support KLF15 expression, eventually leading to inhibition of ovarian cancer progression. Conclusions: Our study suggested circMTO1 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment.
SIRT1 promotes EMT, migration and invasion by regulating mTORC1/4E-BP1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Peifeng , Chen Xiaojing , Qin Shaolan , Zhou Yan , Yu Bo , Luo Yang , Xie Yuexia , Liu Hongmei , Zhong Ming , Kong Xianming
Published: February 2020

Background Metastasis, rather than primary tumors, was accounted for the most cases of cancer death in colorectal cancer(CRC). The understanding of the underlying mechanism associated with tumor metastasis would improve the patient’s miserable fate. SIRT1 has been identified to play a role in tumorigenesis and progression of malignant tumors, especially in keeping the characteristics of cancer stem cells(CSCs) in CRC. This study was conducted to investigate the role of SIRT1 in the regulation of metastasis and the underlying mechanism in colorectal cancer. Methods We detected the expression of SIRT1 in 42 metastatic CRC patients. The relationship between SIRT1 and time to metastasis was also analyzed. Then the SIRT1 activity was regulated to investigate the liver metastasis in BALB/c mice. SIRT1 was knocked down to evaluate the effect on migration and invasion. Besides, exogenetic SIRT1 to assess the motile ability by wound healing assay and transwell assay. We then further explored the underlying mechanism. Results SIRT1 was overexpressed in 67% CRC metastatic patients and associated with reduced time to metastasis. High SIRT1 activity by resveratrol was companied with more liver metastasis in vivo. SIRT1 deficiency increased E-cadherin, while reduced Vimentin and Snail, attenuated migration and invasion significantly in CT26 and SW620 cells. Meanwhile, the exogenetic SIRT1 induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and elevated the migratory ability in SW480 cells. Further studies demonstrated that mTORC1 related genes were elevated while 4E-BP1 decayed by SIRT1 overexpression. The promotion of metastasis induced by SIRT1 overexpression could be abolished by mTOR inhibition, while the stemness of cells was not changed. Conclusions Collectively, our findings illustrated that SIRT1 was a functional regulator in the promotion of metastasis in CRC via mTORC1-4E-BP1 axis. SIRT1 was a potential independent prognostic factor of CRC metastatic patients after tumor resection, which provided a promising treatment target in CRC.
Mannitol and renal graft injury in patients undergoing deceased donor renal transplantation – A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Reiterer Christian , Hu Karin , Sljivic Samir , von Sonnenburg Markus Falkner , Fleischmann Edith , Kainz Alexander , Kabon Barbara
Published: February 2020

BackgroundIschaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with renal tissue damage during deceased donor renal transplantation. Evidence is weak regarding the effect of mannitol attenuating I/R injury during graft reperfusion in renal transplant recipients. We tested the effect of mannitol to reduce renal graft injury represented by 16 serum biomarkers, which are involved in different relevant pathophysiological pathways. Our primary outcome were differences in biomarker concentrations between the mannitol and the placebo group 24 hours after graft reperfusion. Additionally, to account for biomarker concentrations before transplantation, a linear mixed model was applied.Methods4 patients undergoing deceased donor renal transplantation were randomly assigned at the Medical University of Vienna to receive either 20% mannitol or 0.9% NaCl placebo solution before and after graft reperfusion. 16 serum biomarkers (MMP1, CHI3L1, CCL2, MMP8, HGF, GH, FGF23, Tie2, VCAM1, TNFR1, IGFBP7, IL18, NGAL, Endostatin, CystC, KIM1) were measured preoperatively and 24 hours after graft reperfusion using Luminex assays and ELISA.Results16 patients in each group were analysed. Tie2 differed 24 hours after graft reperfusion between both groups (p = 0.011). Change of log2 transformed concentration levels over time differed significantly in four biomarkers (VCAM1,Endostatin, KIM1, GH; p=0.007; p = 0.013; p = 0.004; p = 0.033; respectively) out of 16 between both groups.ConclusionOur study showed insufficient effects of mannitol on I/R injury in patients undergoing deceased renal transplantation. Thus, we do not support the routinely use of mannitol to attenuate I/R injury.
Post Caesarean Wound sepsis and associated factors among patients attending a rural regional referral hospital in Western Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Muhumuza Ismael , Lavingia Abdulrahman Zeinul , Tayebwa Bekson , Ahmed Ahmed Abdulhussein , Koriow Farhiya Mohammed , Tetty Victor Otieno , Nzabandora Emmanuel , Almenares Ubarnel , Fonseca Ivan Bonet , Kyobutungi Victo , Turyagumanawe John , Atuheire Collins , Ssebuwufu Robinson
Published: February 2020

Background : Post-caesarean wound sepsis is among the most common problem for patients who undergo caesarean section. It remains a common and widespread problem contributing to morbidity and mortality; this could be due to an increase in antimicrobial resistance. Determining the burden of wound sepsis and common bacterial pathogens can provide solution to prevent incidence and establish microbiological mapping. Aim: To determine prevalence, identify factors, common bacterial pathogens from post-caesarean wounds and antibacterial susceptibility pattern at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted among post-caesarean mothers attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Consecutive enrolment of 303 participants who consented to participate was done. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on associated factors and wound swabs were done prior to bacterial culture. Antibacterial susceptibility pattern of isolated bacterial pathogens was determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Data was analyzed using Stata 14.2. Results : The wound sepsis rate was 16.8%. Being educated, multiple vaginal examination, hygiene, previous caesarean sections and HIV seropositivity were all significantly and positively associated with post-caesarean wound sepsis (p<0.05). The most implicated bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus and was most susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Resistance was most exhibited against ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, ceftriaxone and cotrimoxazole especially by coliforms. Conclusions. The rate of caesarean wound sepsis is high at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital . Being educated, multiple vaginal examination, hygiene, previous caesarean sections and HIV seropositivity are possible risk factors for the condition. Staphylococcus aureus is the commonest organism isolated from exudates of septic wounds after caesarean section. Awareness amongst health workers and patients about these major factors is necessary so that management can be directed. Rational use of antibiotics by health workers is paramount to combat resistance in this setting.
Development of a rapid detection method for Trichomonas vaginalis based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification targeting adhesion protein 65
Authors: Li Yuhua , Li Haoran , Song Xiaoxiao , Zhang Hao , Duan Yujuan , Luo Chengyang , Wang Bingli , Ji Sifan , Wang Shuai , Xie Qing , Zhang Zhenchao
Published: February 2020

Background: Trichomoniasis resulting from Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) has been considered as a commonly seen disease with the transmission way of sex. At present, the detection methods of T. vaginalis mainly include wet mount microscopy, culture, PCR, immunofluorescence and ELISA. However, all of these detection methods exist shortcomings.Methods: In this study, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that targeted the species-specific sequence of adhesion protein 65 (AP65) gene had been conducted to detect T. vaginalis. The optimum reaction system and conditions were optimized in this rapid detection method.Results: The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the LAMP assay targeting the AP65 gene was 1000 times more sensitive than the nested PCR targeting the actin gene commonly used for detection of T. vaginalis, and the detecting limitation of the former was 10 trichomonad. Moreover, the amplification of the target gene AP65 by LAMP assay exhibited high specificity and the product was exclusively from T. vaginalis. The detection technique of LAMP did not exhibit cross-reactivity with the common pathogens of Trichinella spiralis, Toxoplasma gondii, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus.Conclusions: According to the present study, the LAMP assay with the target of AP65 gene, was suitable for the early diagnosis of T. vaginalis infections. Consequently, the LAMP assay was proposed by the current study as a point-of-care examination and an alternative molecular tool which exhibited the potential value in the treatment, control and prevention of trichomoniasis transmission and relevant complication.
Zoonotic leishmaniasis and heartworm disease in Italy: changing epidemiological scenarios and future perspectives
Authors: Mendoza-Roldan Jairo , Benelli Giovanni , Panarese Rossella , Iatta Roberta , Furlanello Tommaso , Beugnet Frederic , Zatelli Andrea , Otranto Domenico
Published: February 2020

Background: For long time, canine leishmaniosis (CanL) was considered endemic in the southern, central, and insular regions of Italy, whereas heartworm disease (HW) by Dirofilaria immitis in the northern region and in the swampy Po valley. Following the reports of new foci of both diseases, in this study we update the distribution patterns and occurrence of new foci of CanL and HW discussing the main drivers for the changes in the epidemiology of these two important zoonotic canine vector-borne diseases.Methods: Based on the statistical analyses of serological assays (n=90,633) on CanL and HW performed by reference diagnostic centres in Italy over a ten-year period (2009–2019), the distribution patterns of both diseases were herein presented along with the occurrence of new foci.Results: Results highlighted the changing distribution patterns of CanL vs HW disease in Italy. CanL is now also endemic in the northern regions and HW has endemic foci in central and southern regions and islands. Significant differences in CanL and HW prevalence among the study macroareas were detected. The overall prevalence of CanL was 28.2% in Southern Italy and Islands, 29.6% in Central Italy and 21.6% in Northern Italy and that of HW of 2.83% in northern Italy, 7.75% in central Italy and 4.97% in southern Italy and islands. HW prevalence significantly varied over years (χ2=108.401, d.f.=10, p<0.0001), gradually increasing from 0.77% in 2009 to values ranging from 5.19-8.47% in 2016-2017.Conclusions: The new epidemiological scenarios have been discussed according to a range of factors (e.g. environmental modifications, occurrence of competent insect vectors, transportation of infected animals to non-endemic areas, chemoprophylaxis or vector preventative measures), which may affect the current distribution. Overall, results advocate for epidemiological surveillance programs, more focussed preventative and control measures even in areas where few or none cases of both diseases have been diagnosed.
An observational study of recess quality and physical activity in urban primary schools
Authors: Massey William Vincent , Stellino Megan B , Geldhof John
Published: February 2020

Background To date, there is scant literature that examines the recess context concurrent with, but separate from, levels of physical activity. The primary purpose of the current study was to examine how recess quality impacted physical activity levels, and how this was moderated by gender. A secondary purpose was to examine if differences in children’s engagement in activities occurred between recess sessions scored as low- or high- quality. Methods This was an observational study of children at 13 urban elementary schools in the U.S. Across the 13 schools, data were collected at 55 recess sessions, with 3,419 child-level observations ( n= 1,696 boys; n= 1,723 girls). Physical activity data were collected using Fitbit accelerometers, recess quality data were collected using the Great Recess Framework – Observational Tool (GRF-OT), recess engagement data were collected using the Observation of Playground Play (OPP), and basic psychological need satisfaction (BPNS) data were collected using a modified version of the BPNS for recess physical activity survey. Primary analyses were conducted using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) with children nested within recess sessions. Results Gender moderated the relationship between adult engagement and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (b= .012; 95% CI .001, .024), student behavior and MVPA (b= -.014; 95% CI -.021, -.007), and student behaviors and light physical activity (b= .009, 95% CI .003, .015). Both boys and girls engaged in more play during recess sessions scored as high quality on the GRF-OT. Children reported higher levels of basic psychological need satisfaction at recesses sessions scored as high quality on the GRF-OT. Conclusions Results of the current study showed that the quality of the recess environment, and the interactions of both adults and students in that environment, need to be taken into consideration in future school-based recess studies.
Derivation of relativistic Yakubovsky equations under Poincaré invariance
Authors: Hiroyuki Kamada
Published: February 2020

Relativistic Faddeev-Yakubovsky four-nucleon scattering equations are derived including a
3-body force. We present these equations in the momentum space representation.
The quadratic integral equations using the iteration method, in order to obtain boosted potentials and 3-body force, are demonstrated.
Impact of uncertainties of unbound 10Li on the ground state of two-neutron halo 11Li
Authors: Singh Jagit , Horiuchi Wataru
Published: February 2020

Recently, the energy spectrum of \boldsymbol{^{10}}10Li
was measured upto \boldsymbol{4.6}4.6 MeV,
via one-neutron transfer reaction \boldsymbol{d(^{9}\textrm{Li},~p)^{10}\textrm{Li}}𝐝(9Li,𝐩)10Li.
Considering the ambiguities on the \boldsymbol{^{10}}10Li
continuum spectrum with reference to new data, we report the
configuration mixing in the ground state of the two-neutron halo nucleus
\boldsymbol{^{11}}11Li
for two different choices of the \boldsymbol{^{9}{\textrm{Li}}+n}9Li+𝐧
potential. For the present study, we employ a three-body
(\boldsymbol{\textrm{core}+n+n}core+𝐧+𝐧)
structure model developed for describing the two-neutron halo system by
explicit coupling of unbound continuum states of the subsystem
(\boldsymbol{\textrm{core}+n}core+𝐧),
and discuss the two-neutron correlations in the ground state of
\boldsymbol{^{11}}11Li.
Theoretical study of deeply virtual Compton scattering off $^4$He
Authors: Fucini Sara , Scopetta Sergio , Viviani Michele
Published: February 2020

An interesting breakthrough in understanding the elusive inner
content of nuclear systems in terms of partonic degrees of freedom is
represented by deeply virtual Compton scattering processes. In such a
way, tomographic view of nuclei and bound nucleons in coordinate space
could be achieved for the first time. Moreover, nowadays experimental
results for such a process considering ^44He
targets recently released at Jefferson Lab are available. In this talk,
the recent results of our rigorous Impulse Approximation for DVCS off
^44He,
in terms of state-of-the-art models of the nuclear spectral function and
of the parton structure of the bound proton, able to explain present
data, has been shown.
Interruption—Intervention: On the interval between literature and music in Jean Luc Nancy's "Myth Interrupted"
Authors: Villegas Vélez Daniel
Published: February 2020

This paper focuses on the role of mimesis and more specifically, the role of musical performance in creating communities by examining the oscillations between muthos and logos that inform contemporary thinking around community and institutions.The starting point is Jean-Luc Nancy’s (1991) intervention—or interruption— into the totalitarian or “immanentist” tendency of myth, a tendency that is especially at play in European modernity’s image of itself as a myth-less community as well as in contemporary or “(new) fascism” (Lawtoo 2019). For Nancy, the notion of myth must not be rejected but “interrupted,” so that “there is a voice of community articulated in the interruption, and even out of the interruption itself” (1991). What replaces myth in his account is “literature” a notion that arguably informs the contemporary movement of performance philosophy (Corby 2015). Why literature and not musical performance? In posing this question, this paper turns back to ancient Greek mousikē as a sonorous performance that interrupts the interruption, giving rise to the interval. Countering the myth of myth, I develop an account of mousikē that mobilizes rhythm, spacing, and iterability to suggest a notion of community that exchanges communion for performative communication, producing an intervened institution interrupted from within: an in— stitution.
Understanding Anti-performance: The performative division of experience and the standpoint of the non-performer
Authors: Feinberg Joseph Grim
Published: February 2020

Performance theorists have long been drawn to the potential of performance to subvert established institutions. The results of performance are never fully determined in advance; performances subject established images to reinterpretation; they take place before an audience that can criticize and intervene. But performative principles also play a role in maintaining established institutions and ways of being. Performance demands that participants take on roles and perform them more or less effectively. Performance also establishes a separation between the relatively active people who have the authority to perform publicly important roles and relatively passive audiences who observe those institutionalized performances. In this paper I argue for a balanced view of the subversive potential of performance, taking seriously the tradition of anti-theatricality, in order to determine the role of performance both in undermining and in upholding established institutions, and I call attention to the potentially subversive (but often contradictory) role of what I call anti-performance, the attempt (which is just as contradictory as performance itself) to move beyond the performativity that is imposed by established institutions, in order to achieve new forms of being that are experienced not only as “played” but as “real.”
Toxic Climates: Earth, people, movement, media
Authors: Haldrup Michael , Samson Kristine , McGowan Madeleine Kate
Published: February 2020

Planet Earth is toxic. Its atmosphere unbreathable. Its environments deadly intoxicated by the dehumanizing forces of xenophobia, environmental degradation and violence. As its peoples are increasingly on the move to make a worthy living exclusion, borders and conflict is a norm rather than an exception. And – as toxic substances dissipate and spreads through media and circulating representations they clouds the sight to the human beings in front of us. In the face of the intoxicating and dehumanizing forces at play,  we need remedies for sobering up rather than intoxication. Remedies for living with contamination and hybridity rather than altering these states. Partly inspired by Levinas and his ethics of the “nakedness of a face, the absolute defenseless face, without covering, clothing or mask” (1998: 21) and partly by Anna Tsings’ more recent call for “contamination” as a catalyst from which future ”world-making projects, mutual projects and new directions – may emerge” (2015: 27) we propose a radical humanizing intervention in - and beyond - institutions. A contamination of academic institutions and media with testimony from people living the change. A contamination of thought with action. A contamination of activism with thinking. In a cooperation between academic performance researchers and media activist collective Other Story we explore media activism as ways of expressing and enacting citizenships. Conceiving of thinking as a practice that “interrupts all ordering activities and is interrupted by them” (Arendt 1971: 197) we think through and with embodied others and their material lives rather than about them. Hence, the presentation will address interventions and evidence of staging a “radical softness” in the meeting with people who live through current planetary change and explore potentials for emerging shared sensibilities affecting our own embodied citizenships in the encounter with others in these toxic climates.
A 'What If' Exercise: On the institution of the art school
Authors: Bottiroli Silvia
Published: February 2020

We are increasingly experiencing an antagonistic polarization within the art schools. This seems to reflect the contemporary socio-political atmosphere, ruled by inequalities and injustices, fuelled by a narrative of scarcity and competition and by a very broadly spread mistrust, when not aggression, towards the very idea of the institution. As a matter of fact, schools are one of the few institutions in the theatre field providing a space for such polarizing relationships: they provide a space for friction, for conflict even.This paper approaches the theatre school as an institution and a thinking entity, in the attempt to explore the forms of agonism that it makes possible, and how they can support positive forms of polarization. It assumes the perspective that “we are the institution” and, by acknowledging the agency that each of us has within artistic institutions, suggests some ways of thinking and practicing theatre school otherwise.
Understanding transactional analysis of managers: an empirical study in India
Authors: Ur Rahiman Habeeb , Kodikal Rashmi
Published: February 2020

Management is the process of accomplishing the activities efficiently and effectively with the help of human capital. The manpower in any sector is made to sail through a saga of productivity and profitability under the efficient captainship of the managers. This research paper gives insight into the implications of transactional analysis and ego states of the managers rendering the services in the companies of the IT sector in the Coastal Karnataka. To accomplish the objectives of the study, Transactional Style Inventory-Manager (TSI-M) is administered to the respondents, and scoring is done considering the Operating Effectiveness Quotient (OEQ). The research paper highlights that the demographic variables have a major influence on the interpersonal skills of the managers. It is found out that various ego states are predominant among managers, and the lowest state is the creative child ego state. The research concludes that by conducting transactional analysis-based leadership training, the productivity of employees can be enhanced in the future.
E-Health Communication System with Multiservice Data Traffic Evaluation Based on a G/G/1 Analysis Method
Authors: Attar Hani , Khosravi Mohammad R. , Igorovich Shmatkov Sergiy , Georgievan Kuchuk Nina , Alhihi Mohammad
Published: February 2020

Background:

Multi-Service Streams Network (MSSN) has become such a popular technique
in modern applications including, medical fields for E-health applications, such as medical
systems and patient monitoring network systems. Recent E-health researches intend to compare
MSSN data communications with traditional methods such as the internet.

Methods:

Based on the above-mentioned fact, the proposed work in this paper is directed to obtain a
detailed analysis of the MSSN applied over E-health, using the G/G/1 analysis method, including
traffic probabilistic-time characteristics to establish its self-similar processes. Moreover, the paper
proposes the purpose of estimating the queue service efficiency and overload management by the
essential criterion, which takes into account the time delay, time jitter, and the packet loss probability
expected in the E-health applications. Based on the necessary standard for the proposed uses, the
results of queue operations and also relevant buffer space algorithms are evaluated. Moreover, the
estimated qualitative measurement of the network development for the proposed model is obtained
and compared with the most common techniques adapted in E-health applications.

Results:

The collected results show that MSSN is an applicable technique to be applied over the Ehealth
applications mainly on its excellent time delay, jitter, packet losses probability, and others.

Conclusions:

The main aim of this paper is to obtain a fully detailed analysis of the MSSN that is
applied over E-health applications, using the mass service capacity for the mathematical model class
G/G/1 in the most general case of a single-channel system.
Realistic Analysis of Reactive Routing Protocols of VANETs for Rajiv Chowk [NCR] Flyover
Authors: Mahajan Aparna N. , Poonia Ramesh C. , Sharma Sunaina
Published: February 2020

Background:

Although research has been done in the areas of VANET routing protocol
performance focusing on highway scenarios, no research has been observed for highway flyovers.
This research paper is an effort in this direction to find out the solution for flyover scenario
where line of sight is one of the major challenges.

Objective:

The main objectives of the proposed research paper is to analyze the feasibility of vehicular
ad-hoc networks for highway flyover (NCR) Scenario. Further to Compare the performance
of an on-demand routing protocols for vehicular ad-hoc networks using VanetMobiSim 2.0
and NS-2 .34 to find out the best one that may be used as the most reliable and efficient ondemand
routing protocol.

Methods:

The prime focus of this paper is to explore the feasibility of VANETs for Highway traffic
management over flyovers (NCR) and to analyze & compare possibility of reactive routing
protocols AODV, DSR and TORA for VANETs under study. The feasibility of vehicular ad-hoc
networks based on live data for Rajiv Chowk on NH- 8 Scenario has been analyzed. The performance
of On-demand routing protocols for vehicular Ad-hoc network is compared using
VANETMobiSim 2.0 and NS -2.34.

Results:

The simulation is done for four performance matrices for mentioned reactive routing protocols
using VanetMobisim 2.0and NS 2.34. The graphs are plotted for all three protocols to find
out the most feasible protocol.

Conclusion:

It is observed that DSR is most feasible reactive protocols for proposed research on
flyover.
Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Biodiesel from Vegetable Oils in the Diesel Engine: A Review
Authors: Shojae Kianoosh , Mahdavian Majid
Published: February 2020

Background:

Vegetable oil of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) that is obtained by triglycerides
of transesterification in the presence of methanol, recently, has been highly regarded by
scholars for use in diesel engines. These oils can be used as biodiesels in diesel engines and have various
benefits (these fuels are renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic).

Objective:

In this work, many studies are reviewed in the field of using vegetable oils as biodiesel in
diesel engines. Moreover, a simulation study is conducted to compare oxygen and peak pressure of a
diesel engine fueled by three different biodiesels in comparison to diesel fuel. We have examined the
chemical ignition delay time and kinetic viscosity of biodiesel in the combustion process of diesel engine
and the effects of these factors are evaluated on air–fuel mixing and subsequent combustion.