bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment and Characterization of Canine Mammary Gland Carcinoma Cell Lines with Vasculogenic Mimicry Ability in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lainetti Patricia de Faria , Brandi Andressa , Filho Antonio Fernando Leis , Prado Maria Carolina Mangini , Kobayashi Priscila Emiko , Laufer-Amorim Renée , Fonseca-Alves Carlos Eduardo
Published: December 2019

Mammary neoplasms affect a population of uncastrated and elderly female dogs and most of these neoplasms are malignant. In order to study this disease cell culture presents itself as a promising preclinical model, creating the opportunity to deposit cell lines at a cell bank, allowing a great repetition of the assays and making the validation of the results more reliable. Including, in vitro experiments for vasculogenic mimicry (VM) evaluation. VM is related to cancer cells capable of generate vascular-like structures without endothelial cells, mimicking the vasculogenic process. The aim of this study was to establish and characterize ten cell lines from canine mammary gland tumour according to immunophenotype and tumorigenicity, and with its ability to form vasculogenic mimicry-like structures in vitro. Fifteen samples from canine mammary gland carcinoma were collected and cultured in vitro and ten cell lines were established and characterized. Cells were evaluated for morphology, phenotype, vascular mimicry and tumorigenicity. All cell lines presented spindle shape morphology and expressed concomitant pan-cytokeratin and CK8/18. Four cell lines had vasculogenic mimicry ability and two cell showed in vivo tumorigenic potential. Cell characterization of those lines will help to create a database for more knowledge of mammary gland carcinomas in dogs, including studies of tumor behavior and new therapeutic targets.
Glucose as a Major Antioxidant: When, What for and Why It Fails?
Authors: Cherkas Andriy , Holota Serhii , Mdzinarashvili Tamaz , Gabbianelli Rosita , Zarkovic Neven
Published: December 2019

A human organism depends on stable glucose blood levels in order to maintain the metabolic needs. Glucose is considered as the most important energy source and glycolysis is postulated as a backbone pathway. However, when glucose supply is limited, ketone bodies and amino acids can be used to produce enough ATP. In contrast, for the functioning of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) glucose is essential and cannot be substituted for by other metabolites. PPP generates and maintains levels of NADPH needed for reduction of oxidized glutathione and protein thiols, synthesis of lipids and DNA as well as for xenobiotics detoxification, regulatory redox signaling and counteracting infections. Flux of glucose into a PPP, particularly under extreme oxidative and toxic challenges is critical for survival, whereas the glycolytic pathway is primarily activated when glucose is abundant, and there is lack of NADP+ that is required for activation of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase. An important role of glycogen stores in resistance to oxidative challenges is discussed. Current evidence explains disruptive metabolic effects and detrimental health consequences of chronic nutritional carbohydrate overload and provides new insights into positive metabolic effects of intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, exercise, and ketogenic diet through modulation of redox homeostasis.
Microstructural Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Roman Mortars for their Restoration Case of the Historic site of Volubilis (Morocco)
Authors: Ammari Abdelmalek , Dekayir Abdelilah , Mohamed Amine Bennani
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study is to conduct a mineralogical and chemical characterization of the mortars Roman archaeological site of Volubilis to rebuild spare mortars for restoration. We take samples of mortar, broken tile palate garden, and pavement mosaic Falavius Germanus houses. The analysis by X-ray diffraction reveals the coarse mortar Flavius Germanus is made of quartz and calcite with feldspar and probably, mica and dolomite in small amounts. The binder end is formed calcite and quartz. However, the broken tile mortar is formed by coarse particles, clay base mixed with a binder phase dominated by calcite. These results allowed us to reformulate spare mortars for the restoration of damaged Roman mosaics. The mortars are made up by 63.6% of lime and 36.4% of sand(with 4.19% of large grain, 71, 04% of coarse sand, 24.22%, of fine sand and 0.55% fines parts).The performance of these mortars was tested by mechanical testing.
Reducing the Gap Between the Ambitious Goals and Practical Reality of Animal Welfare Law Enforcement: A Review of the Enforcement Gap in Australia
Authors: Morton Rochelle , Hebart Michelle L. , Whittaker Alexandra L.
Published: December 2019

Enforcement of animal welfare statutes are the primary protection given for the maintenance of animal welfare and prevention of cruelty. It is speculated that animal law enforcement in Australia has a number of weakness in the enforcement model. These weaknesses create a gap between the goals of animal law enforcement and the reality of the animal law justice system. This gap is defined as the ‘enforcement gap’. This paper identifies and investigates the causes of this gap. The hypothesized causes discussed are (1) the impact the public can have on reporting animal cruelty, (2) the reliance on charitable organizations as enforcement bodies, (3) the inconsistencies in animal welfare legislation, and (4) the role of the sentencing courts. Thus, the causes of the enforcement gap are multifactorial; derived from all stages of the enforcement process. Further research is needed to investigate the concepts raised in this paper. However, it is likely that a combination of structural change to enforcement agencies, legislative reform and public education is required to reduce the enforcement gap.
Classifying Superconductivity in an Infinite-Layer Nickelate Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2
Authors: Talantsev Evgueni
Published: December 2019

Recently Li et al (2019 Nature 572 624) discovered a new type of oxide superconductor Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 with Tc = 14 K. To classify superconductivity in this infinite-layer nickelate experimental upper critical field, Bc2(T), and the self-field critical current densities, Jc(sf,T), reported by Li et al (2019 Nature 572 624), are analysed in assumption of s-, d-, and p-wave pairing symmetries and single- and multiple-band superconductivity. Based on deduced the ground-state superconducting energy gap, Δ(0), the London penetration depth, λ(0), the relative jump in electronic specific heat at Tc, ΔC/C, and the ratio of 2Δ(0)/kBTc, we conclude that Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 is type-II high-κ weak-coupled single-band s-wave superconductor.
Trace Operator Inequality for Superquadratic Functions
Authors: Alomari Mohammad
Published: December 2019

In this work, some operator trace inequalities are proved. An extension of Klein's inequality for all Hermitian matrices is proved. A non-commutative version (or Hansen-Pedersen version) of the Jensen trace inequality is provided as well. A generalization of the result for any positive Hilbert space operators acts on a positive unital linear map is established.
Emotional Response Inhibition: A Shared Neurocognitive Deficit in Eating Disorder Symptoms and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Authors: Allen Kenneth J.D. , Sammon M. McLean , Fox Kathryn R. , Stewart Jeremy G.
Published: December 2019

Eating disorder (ED) symptoms often co-occur with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This comorbidity is consistent with evidence that trait negative urgency increases risk for both of these phenomena. We previously found that impaired late-stage negative emotional response inhibition (i.e., negative emotional action termination or NEAT) might represent a neurocognitive mechanism for heightened negative urgency among people with NSSI history. The current study evaluated whether relations between negative urgency and ED symptoms similarly reflect deficits in this neurocognitive process. One hundred and five community adults completed an assessment of ED symptoms, negative urgency, and an emotional response inhibition task. Results indicated that, contrary to predictions, negative urgency and NEAT contributed independent variance to the prediction of ED symptoms, while controlling for demographic covariates and NSSI history. Worse NEAT was also uniquely associated with restrictive eating, after accounting for negative urgency. Our findings suggest that difficulty inhibiting ongoing motor responses triggered by negative emotional reactions (i.e., NEAT) may be a shared neurocognitive characteristic of ED symptoms and NSSI. However, negative urgency and NEAT dysfunction capture separate variance in the prediction of ED-related cognitions and behaviors, distinct from the pattern of results we previously observed in NSSI.
High-Resolution Hologram Calculation Method Based on Light Field Image Rendering
Authors: Yang Xin , Xu FuYang , Zhang HanLe , Zhang HongBo , Huang Kai , Li Yong , Wang Qiong-Hua
Published: December 2019

A fast calculation method for the full parallax high-resolution hologram is proposed based on the elemental light field image (EI) rendering. A 3D object located near the holographic plane is firstly rendered as multiple EIs with a pinhole array. Each EI is interpolated and multiplied by a divergent sphere wave and interfered with a reference wave to form a hogel. Parallel acceleration is used to calculate the high-resolution hologram because calculation of each hogel is independent. A high-resolution hologram with four billion pixels is calculated only within 8 minutes. Full parallax high-resolution 3D displays are realized by optical reconstructions.
Molecular Doping for Hole Transporting Materials in Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Trifiletti Vanira , Degousée Thibault , Manfredi Norberto , Fenwick Oliver , Colella Silvia , Rizzo Aurora
Published: December 2019

Hybrid lead halide perovskites have been revolutionary in the photovoltaic research field, reaching efficiencies comparable with the most established photovoltaic technologies, although they do not yet reach their competitor stability. The search for a stable configuration required the engineering of the charge extraction layers; in this work, molecular doping is used as an efficient method for small molecule and polymer, employed as hole transport materials in planar heterojunction configuration on compact-TiO2. We proved the viability of this approach, obtaining significantly increased performances and reduced hysteresis on compact titania-based devices. We investigated the photovoltaic performance, correlating to the hole transport material structure. We have demonstrated that the molecular doping mechanism is more reliable than the oxidative doping, and verified that molecular doping in polymeric hole transport materials leads to highly efficient perovskite solar cell, with long-term stability.
HASIL TANGKAPAN IKAN TARGET DAN NON TARGET YANG TERTANGKAP DENGAN GILL NET DI MUARA SAMPAI KAWASAN GUDANG ARANG SUNGAI MARO KABUPATEN MERAUKE
Authors: Lantang Bonny , Merly Sendy Lely
Published: December 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui jenis ikan target dan ikan non-target serta untuk mengetahui komposisi spesies, kelimpahan relatif, indeks keanekaragaman dan indeks dominansi yang ditangkap di Muara ke Area Gudang Arang di Sungai Maro, Kabupaten Merauke. Teknik pengambilan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode Purposive Random Sampling. Untuk mengetahui keberadaan spesies, dilakukan studi komposisi spesies ikan, kelimpahan relatif, indeks keanekaragaman dan indeks dominansi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tangkapan ikan target adalah 11 spesies dan non-target sebanyak 6 spesies. Kelimpahan hasil tangkapan relatif pada ikan target tertinggi diperoleh pada ikan Bawal putih (Rhinoprenes Pentanemus) dengan nilai 54,47% sedangkan ikan non-target tertinggi berada di White Baung (Cinetodus crassilabri) dengan nilai 82,75%. Indeks keanekaragaman tangkapan spesies ikan target adalah 1,41 sehingga dikategorikan sebagai keanekaragaman sedang, dalam spesies non-target adalah 0,73 dan rendah. Tidak ada jenis yang mendominasi tangkapan, baik ikan target maupun ikan non-target.
PEMETAAN POLA PERGERAKAN PENANGKAPAN IKAN CAKALANG (Katsuwonus pelamis) DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN DATA SATELIT DAN PURSE SEINE DI SELAT MAKASSAR SELAMA JULI-OKTOBER 2018
Authors: Oktari Ahmad Rezha , Ridwan Muhammad , Zainuddin Mukti , Musbir Musbir
Published: December 2019

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengkaji dan memetakan pola pergerakan ikan Cakalang (Katsuwonus Pelamis) pada bulan Juli – Oktober 2018   dengan fishing base di Kabupaten Pinrang di Selat Makassar. Data yang digunakan yaitu data primer yang dikumpulkan dengan mengikuti operasi penangkapan purse seine dan dikombinasikan dengan data sekunder yaitu citra satelit suhu permukaan laut dan klorofil-a yang diperoleh dari satelit Aqua modis sesuai dengan waktu penelitian. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode survey dimana data sampling dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisis statistic General Additive Model (GAM) yang menganalisis hasil tangkapan dan beberapa parameter oseanografi. Dari hasil tersebut kemudian dilakukan analisis dengan tehnik spasial analisis pada sistem informasi geografis (SIG) menggunakan perangkat lunak ArcGis 10.2 sehingga didapatkan pola pergerakan ikan cakalang di Perairan Selat Makassar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pola pergerakan ikan cakalang pada bulan Juli sampai Oktober secara signifikan dipengaruhi oleh konsentrasi Klorofil-a. Pola pergerakan ikan cakalang di Perairan Selat Makassar yaitu pada bulan Juli – Agustus 2018 berada di Perairan Pare pare – Barru, Sulawesi selatan dan bulan September gerombolan ikan bergerak ke arah barat lepas pantai. Selanjutnya pada bulan Oktober konsentrasi ikan cenderung bergerak terus ke arah barat mendekati perairan pantai Kotabaru, Kalimantan Selatan. Diduga kuat pola pergerakan ikan cakalang terkait dengan pola distribusi makanan ikan / nutrient yang diindikasikan oleh kondisi klorofil-a.
PERAN DIPLOMASI INDONESIA DALAM KONFLIK ISRAEL-PALESTINA
Authors: Mudore Syarif Bahaudin
Published: December 2019

This article examined how Indonesian diplomacy has taken place in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Friction and armed clashes between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli military still occur and can even befall Palestinian civilians. Throught the history of Indonesia's closeness with Palestine, Indonesia is one of the countries actively calling for Palestinian independence with a two-state solution. The scientific relationship between Palestinian scholars and Indonesian students studying in Egypt made Palestine one of the countries that recognized Indonesia's independence with Egypt. Relations between the two countries continue today. This article is described using conflict resolution theory. Furthermore, the authors find the findings of Indonesia's diplomacy in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Indonesia plays an active role through its role as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council. Even Indonesia opposed US President Donald Trump's policy on Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel and moves its embassy to Jerusalem. It is proven that Indonesia plays the role of co-sponsor, facilitator, mediator, participator, initiator, actor, motivator and justifier in helping resolve the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.
ل جون أبدايك "Terrorist" الوسطية فى الاتصال الحواري المترجم من رواية
Authors: Malik Abdul
Published: December 2019

This study aims to describe the contrastive analysis of translational dialogue in the novel "Terrorist" between the results of the English-Indonesian and English-Arabic translations, and to describe the efforts of translators in localizing the values of tawassuth reflected in variations of such dialogue translation. The main data source of the research is the novel "Terrorist" by John Updike along with its translation into Indonesian by Abdul Malik and into Arabic by Ahmed el-Syaimy. The study was designed through descriptive-qualitative methods. Data collection uses purposive sampling where the results were discussed through contrastive analysis methods. The results showed that there were three main causes for the similarity of the tawassuth values localization in the translation results. First, the level of availability of formal and dynamic equivalents. Secondly, translators' efforts in overcoming linguistic insufficiency. Third, translators' appreciation of certain expressions or terms.
Interactive model of magnetic field reconstruction stand for mobile robot navigation algorithms debugging which use magnetometer data
Authors: Goll Stanislaw , Borisov Alexander
Published: December 2019

An important addition to inertial navigation systems is the magnetometer. Areas with magnetic field anomalies serve to determine the reference points. However, magnetometers can be influenced by both the robot’s configuration and its electrical equipment. Compensation for the robot’s self-influence on the readings of the magnetometers is carried out by computer tools. In order to obtain the initial data, live experiments are required in a natural environment. To simplify data acquisition concerning the behaviour of the magnetometric systems of a mobile robot, a special facility that allows for the local compensation of the Earth’s magnetic field is used, and an artificial magnetic field that varies according to a predetermined algorithm is created. Using this facility, we can also simulate the magnetic field that will be present in the intended environment of the application of the robot. The facility features are a working space that is sufficient to place the mobile robot; a coil temperature drift correction; uniformity of the frequency response in operating frequency range; compensation for the power supply interference and similar disturbances; sensitivity equalisation of control channels; compensation for the misalignment of the sensor’s and coil system’s coordinate systems. An interactive Simulink model is designed and evaluated. The automated stand is created as an experimental facility, its parameters proving the proposed model’s adequacy.
Introductory notes for the Acta IMEKO special section on the IMEKO TC17 co-sponsored international conference ISMCR’2019
Authors: Baudoin Yvan , Dubucq Yves , Schneider Frank E. , Van Langenhoven Tim
Published: December 2019

The ELROB'2018 competition brought together teams focusing on applications related to civilian security missions, the detection of improvised explosive devices (terrorist threat) and the evacuation of victims, scenarios favoured by Defence experts gathered in research groups of the Organization 'Science and Technology' of NATO. The aim of these competitions is to promote the best advances in technology and to strengthen cooperation in research. The ELROB event has been doubled this year by the organization of the 21st International Symposium on Robotics (ISMCR’2018) under the auspices of the International Measurement Confederation IMEKO, and more particularly its technical committee (TC17) coordinator of research in robotics, chaired by Japan, of which Belgium is an active member in charge of the organization of this symposium. Here, we provide the readers around the world the opportunity to access the recent advancements in robotics, mobile robotics in particular, especially in dynamic conditions.
The Effects of Log Data on Students’ Performance
Authors: YAVUZ Hatice Cigdem
Published: December 2019

This study
aimed to assess the relationships between response times (RTs), the number of
actions taken to solve a given item, and student performance. In addition, the
interaction between the students’ information and communications technology
(ICT) competency, reading literacy, and log data (time and number of actions)
were examined in order to gain additional insights regarding the relations
between student performance and log data. The sample consisted of 2 348
students who participated in the triennial international large-scale assessment
of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). For the current
study, 18 items in the one cluster of the 91st booklet were chosen. To achieve
the aim of the study, explanatory item response modeling (EIRM) framework based
on generalized linear mixed modeling (GLMM) was used. The results of this study
showed that students who spent more time on items and those that took more
actions on items were more likely to answer the items correctly. However, this
effect did not have variability across items and students. Moreover, the
interaction only with reading and the number of actions was found to have a
positive effect on the students’ overall performance.
Intramedullary Limb-Lengthening
Authors: Iobst Christopher A.
Published: December 2019

» With the use of blocking screws, acute deformity corrections can be combined with intramedullary limb-lengthening.

» Tibial lengthening with an intramedullary nail requires a longer latency period and a gentle rate and rhythm compared with tibial lengthening with an external fixator.

» Preparatory surgery is necessary to stabilize the adjacent joints before performing intramedullary limb-lengthening in patients with congenital limb-length discrepancy.
The Use of a Triplanar Metatarsal Rotational Osteotomy to Correct Hallux Valgus Deformities
Authors: Wagner Pablo , Wagner Emilio
Published: December 2019

Proximal rotational metatarsal osteotomy (PROMO) is a technique that allows the surgeon to correct the varus and pronation of the first metatarsal that is observed in most patients with hallux valgus deformity. Persistent metatarsal pronation is a recognized recurrence factor for operatively treated hallux valgus. The indication for this technique is a mild-moderate hallux valgus deformity (i.e., intermetatarsal angle <18° and hallux valgus angle <40°) in which pronation is present. (Note that according to the literature, 10% to 20% of patients do not have pronation.) The PROMO is performed via a single proximal oblique metatarsal incision. Following completion of the osteotomy, the distal metatarsal segment is supinated (external rotation), correcting pronation and varus deviation, which is achieved as a result of the oblique nature of the osteotomy (i.e., rotation through an oblique plane). Step 1: Preoperative planning: measure the intermetatarsal angle and the metatarsal rotation. For the latter, use the published classification (mild, moderate, severe). With both values, use the table included in the PROMO tray to know which osteotomy angulation should be used. Step 2: medial foot incision. Step 3: drive the guidewire 1 cm distal to the tarsometatarsal joint. Step 4: Under fluoroscopy, ensure that the wire is parallel to the sole of the foot and perpendicular to the metatarsal. Step 5: use the positioning jig to drive a Kirschner wire with the chosen pronation correction. Step 6: slide the osteotomy jig with the previously chosen osteotomy angulation. Step 7: perform the osteotomy. Step 8: use the rotation jig with the desired pronation correction. Step 9: derotate and correct the metatarsal deformity, leaving both wires parallel to each other. Step 10: perform osteotomy transient fixation with 2 Kirschner wires. Step 11: apply a medial locking plate and an interfragmentary screw at the osteotomy site. The expected outcome is complete correction of the first metatarsal varus and pronation.
Prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Chicken Meat in the west of Iran
Authors: zarei omid , Shokoohizadeh Leili , Hossainpour Hadi , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef
Published: December 2019

Objective: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is known as a crucial zoonotic foodborne pathogen. Totally, 257 raw chicken meat were collected from markets in Hamadan, west of Iran. The samples were cultured on selective culture media and the virulence genes of E. coli isolates were analyzed by PCR. The antibiotic resistance patterns were determined by the disk diffusion method. The genetic relatedness of the E. coli O157 isolates was analyzed by ERIC-PCR. Results: Totally, 93 (36%; 95% CI 41.9- 30.1%) isolates were identified as E. coli. Based on microbiological tests, 36 (38.7%; 95% CI 48.6-28.8), 7 (7.5%; 95% CI 12.8-2.2%), and 12 (12.9%; 95% CI 19.7- 6.1%) of the E. coli isolates were characterized as STEC, Enteropathogenic E. coli, and attaching and effacing E. coli (AEEC) strains, respectively. A high level of resistance to nalidixic acid (91.4%; 95% CI 97.1- 85.7%), tetracycline (89.8%; 95% CI 96.2-83.5%), ampicillin (82.8%; 95% CI 90.2-75.1%), and sulfametoxazole-trimotoprime (71%; 95% CI 80.2-61.8%) was detected among the E. coli isolates. The analysis of ERIC-PCR results showed five different ERIC types among the E. coli O157 isolates. Based on findings, control and check-up of poultry meats should be considered as a crucial issue for public health.
Atmiyata, a community-led intervention to address common mental disorders: Study protocol for a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in rural Gujarat, India
Authors: Joag Kaustubh , Kalha Jasmine , Pandit Deepa , Chatterjee Susmita , Krishnamoorthy Sadhvi , Shields-Zeeman Laura , Pathare Soumitra
Published: December 2019

Background: While lay-health worker models for mental health care have proven to be effective in controlled trials, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness and scalability of these models in rural communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Atmiyata is a rural community-led intervention using local community volunteers, called Champions, to identify and provide a package of community-based interventions for mental health, including evidence-based counseling for persons with common mental disorders (CMD). Methods: The impact of the Atmiyata intervention is evaluated through a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial (SW-CRCT) with a nested economic evaluation. The trial is implemented across 10 sub-blocks (645 villages) in Mehsana district in the state of Gujarat, with a catchment area of 1.52 million rural adults. There are 56 primary health centers (PHCs) in Mehsana district and villages covered under these PHCs are equally divided into four groups of clusters of 14 PHCs each. The intervention is rolled out in a staggered manner in these groups of villages at an interval of 5 months. The primary outcome is symptomatic improvement measured through the GHQ-12 at a 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include: quality of life using the EURO-QoL (EQ- 5D), symptom improvement measured by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20), functioning using the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Scale (WHO-DAS-12), depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms using Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), and social participation using the Social Participation Scale (SPS). Generalized linear mixed effects model is employed for binary outcomes and linear mixed effects model for continuous outcomes. A Return on Investment (ROI) analysis of the intervention will be conducted to understand whether the intervention generates any return on financial investments made into the project. Discussion: Stepped wedge designs are increasingly used a design to evaluate the real-life effectiveness of interventions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first SW-CRCT in a low- and middle-income country evaluating the impact of the implementation of a community mental health intervention. The results of this study will contribute to the evidence on scaling-up lay health worker models for mental health interventions and contribute to the SW-CRCT literature in low- and middle-income countries.
Evaluation of the effectiveness and tolerance of tetracosactide in the treatment of post-dural puncture headaches (ESYBRECHE): A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Depaulis Celia , Steer Nadia , Garessus Léa , Chassard Dominique , Aubrun Frederic
Published: December 2019

Background
Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the most common complications of neuraxial anaesthesia. It limits patients’ general activity and increases length of hospital stay and use of care. It is particularly disabling during the postpartum period, when mothers have to take care of their child. Epidural blood patch is the standard treatment for PDPH. However, it is an invasive procedure that may result in rare but serious complications. Recent evidence has suggested that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is effective in the management of PDPH. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of tetracosactide (Synacthen ® ), a synthetic analogue of ACTH, for PDPH treatment in patients who receive neuraxial anaesthesia during labour.
Method
This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial, is performed in two French university hospitals. Eligible patients are those suffering from postpartum PDPH, who are randomised to receive either 1 mg of tetracosactide intravenously over 20 min, or 0.9% saline (placebo). The primary endpoint is the rate of epidural blood patch within a 15-day follow-up period. Headache duration, pain intensity, reduction of general activity, increase in length of hospital stay, adverse events, analgesic use (type and duration), and number of blood patches per patient in each group are recorded.
Discussion
We expect a decrease in the use of epidural blood patch in those receiving tetracosactide, thus indicating a decrease in PDPH symptoms in these patients. This will define the therapeutic success of tetracosactide and the possibility to use this treatment as a non-invasive alternative to blood patch for PDPH treatment.
Retrospective analysis of cases of intraoperative awareness in a large multi-hospital health system reported in the early postoperative period
Authors: Deis Amanda S. , Schnetz Michael P. , Ibinson James W. , Vogt Keith M
Published: December 2019

Background: Awareness with recall under general anesthesia remains a rare but important issue that warrants further study. Methods : We present a series of seven cases of awareness that were identified from provider-reported adverse event data from the electronic anesthesia records of 647,000 general anesthetics. Results : The low number of identified cases suggests an under-reporting bias. Nonetheless, some important themes emerge from this small series that can serve as important reminders to anesthesia providers to ensure delivery of an adequate anesthetic for each patient. Commonalities between a majority of our identified anesthetic awareness cases include: obesity, use of total intravenous anesthesia, use of neuromuscular blockade, and either a lack of processed electroencephalogram ( EEG ) monitoring or documented high depth of consciousness index values. An interesting phenomenon was observed in one case, where adequately-dosed anesthesia was delivered without technical issue, processed EEG monitoring was employed, and the index value suggested an adequate depth of consciousness throughout the case. Conclusions : Provider-reported adverse event data in the immediate post-operative period are likely insensitive for detecting cases of intraoperative awareness. Themes identified in this series of cases of awareness under general anesthesia provide important reminders for anesthesia providers to maintain vigilance in monitoring depth and dose of anesthesia, particularly with total intravenous anesthesia.
The last week of life of nursing home residents with advanced dementia: a retrospective study
Authors: Toscani Franco , Finetti Silvia , Giunco Fabrizio , Basso Ines , Rosa Debora , Pettenati Francesca , Bussotti Alessandro , Villani Daniele , Gentile Simona , Boncinelli Lorenzo , Monti Massimo , Spinsanti Sandro , Piazza Massimo , Charrier Lorena , Giulio Paola Di
Published: December 2019

Background: Barriers to palliative care still exist in long-term care settings for older people, which can mean that people with advanced dementia may not receive of adequate palliative care in the last days of their life; instead, they may be exposed to aggressive and/or inappropriate treatments. The aim of this multicentre study was to assess the clinical interventions and care at end of life in a cohort of nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia in a large Italian region. Methods: This retrospective study included a convenience sample of 29 NHs in the Lombardy Region. Data were collected from the clinical records of 482 residents with advanced dementia, who had resided in the NH for at least 6 months before death, mainly focusing on the seven days before death. Results: Most residents (97.1%) died in the NH. In the seven days before death, 20% were fed and hydrated by mouth, and 13.4% were tube fed. A median of five, often inappropriate, drugs were prescribed. Fifty-seven percent of residents had an acknowledgement of worsening condition recorded in their clinical records, a median of four days before death. Conclusions: Full implementation of palliative care was not achieved in our study, possibly due to insufficient acknowledgement of the appropriateness of some drugs and interventions, and health professionals’ lack of implementation of palliative interventions. Future studies should focus on how to improve care for NH residents.
GC-PROM: Validation of a patient-reported outcomes measure for Chinese patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Hu Xiaojuan , Zhao Fen , Yu Hongmei , Luo Yanhong , Liu Jinchun , Zhang Yanbo
Published: December 2019

Background: There is increasing recognition that PROs are important in the estimation of the burden of long-term survival among patients with gastric cancer. The study aimed to develop a disease-specific instrument to assess patient-reported outcomes for Chinese patients with gastric cancer.
Method: Following the FDA’s draft guidance for patient-reported outcome, conceptual framework and item pool were defined based on relevant existing work. A draft scale was formed after revising some items based on feedback from experts and Chinese patients with gastric cancer. The pre-survey and formal survey were conducted in eight different hospitals in Shanxi Province, and two item-selection process based on classical test theory and item response theory. Finally, the patient-reported outcomes measure for Chinese patients with gastric cancer (GC-PROM) was validated in terms of reliability, validity, and feasibility. The minimal clinically important difference was determined by distribution-based method.
Results: The final GC-PROM consisted of 38 items, 13 subdomains, and 4 domains. Reliability was verified by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for four domains and 13 subdomains respectively. The validity results showed that the multidimensional scale fulfilled expectations. In the formal survey, the completion rate was 96.16%, and the average filling time was less than half an hour. The values of the minimal clinically important difference were 4.14, 3.41, 3.37, and 3.28 in the four domains.
Conclusions: The GC-PROM had good reliability, validity, and feasibility and thus can be considered an effective clinical evaluation instrument for Chinese patients with gastric cancer.
Qualitative exploration of the acceptability of a postnatal pelvic floor muscle training intervention to prevent urinary incontinence
Authors: Grant Aileen , Currie Sinead
Published: December 2019

Background Childbirth is a major risk factor for urinary incontinence (UI). As a result, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is commonly recommended during and after pregnancy to prevent the onset of UI. PFMT is often classed as a physical activity (PA) behaviour, hence PA guidelines for postnatal women encourage PFMT alongside aerobic activities. However, postnatal lifestyle interventions tend to overlook PFMT which can be detrimental to women’s health and future health risks, including urinary incontinence. This study aimed to explore perceptions and acceptability of a postnatal physical activity and PFMT intervention with postnatal women in Scotland.Methods We recruited women who had given birth within the last five years by displaying posters in health centres and community centres in Stirling and through Facebook. Data was gathered via online and face-to-face focus groups, which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analytic themes were initially organised under related concepts derived from the topic guide and thematic analysis conducted. Subsequent analysis was by the Framework technique.Results A total of seven online and face-to-face focus group discussions with 31 women identified there was a clear intention behaviour gap for engagement in PA with both psychological and logistical barriers identified such as motivation and childcare. This was distinct from PFMT where there was a feeling of helplessness around not knowing how to perform a correct PFMT contraction subsequently resulting in women not adhering to PFMT guidance. Women felt there was no accessible PFMT advice available through the NHS. Some participants had received PFMT advice after childbirth and spoke of the Squeezee app being useful in adhering to a PFMT regimen but they did require additional teaching on how to do correct contractions. There was need for clarity and practical support for PFMT in the postnatal period with an approved intervention incorporating an accessible app being suggested by participants.Conclusions Women would like to be trained on postnatal PFMT but face barriers to accessing adequate information and education on how to do a PFMT contraction. An intervention combining PFMT training and an app would be the most useful for their needs and circumstances.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of WRKY gene family in jute(Corchorus capsularis)
Authors: Zhang Lilan , Wan Xuebei , Xu Yi , Niyitanga Sylvain , Qi Jianmin , Zhang Liwu
Published: December 2019

Background WRKY transcription factor is a kind of transcription factor which plays an important role in plant response to biotic, abiotic stress, plant growth and development. However, little information was available about the WRKY genes in jute ( Corchorus capsularis ).Results In the present study, 43 jute WRKY (CcWRKY) genes were identified by using Pfam database domain search and BLAST homology alignment based on the transcriptome data of jute. And the gene structure, phylogeny, conserved domain and three-dimensional structure of protein were also analyzed by GSDS2.0, MEGA7.0, DNAMAN5.0, WebLogo 3 and SWISS-MODEL bioinformatics tools. According to the WRKY conserved domain features and the evolution analysis with Arabidopsis thaliana , 43 members were divided into three classes: I, II and III containing 9, 28, 6 members, respectively. According to the evolutionary relationship, class II further divided into five subclasses: II-a (2), II-b (7), II-c (7), II-d (6) and II-e (6). Genetic structure analysis showed that exon and intron number of CcWRKY genes had high variability (3-11 exons), even within the same subgroup. Most of the CcWRKY genes were expressed in different tissues, but they were mainly expressed in stem bark and stem stick. After GA 3 stress, the expression of most WRKY genes in GA 3 -sensitive variety "Aidianyehuangma" was significantly different from that of normal variety "Huangma 179". These results indicated that CcWRKY genes play an important role in gibberellin biosynthesis pathway and fiber development.Conclusions CcWRKY proteins are highly conserved, the length of the gene sequence and the number of introns varied widely, all WRKY genes showed a variety of expression patterns in different tissues, most of the WRKY genes responded to GA 3 stress, which play an important role in gibberellin biosynthesis pathway and bast fiber development.
The S68G polymorphism is a compensatory mutation associated with the drug resistance mutation K65R in CRF01_AE strains
Authors: Li Shengjia , Ouyang Jinming , Zhao Bin , An Minghui , Wang Lin , Ding Haibo , Zhang Min , Han Xiaoxu , Shang Hong
Published: December 2019

Background

The rate of S68G mutation in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase has increased and is closely related to the K65R mutation among CRF01_AE-infected patients who failed treatment. We aimed to explore the temporal association of S68G and K65R mutations and disclose the role of the former on susceptibility to nucleotide/nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and viral replication with the K65R double mutations among CRF01_AE-infected patients who failed treatment.

Methods

The occurrence of S68G and K65R mutations was evaluated among HIV-1 of various subtypes in the global HIV Drug Resistance Database. The temporal association of S68G and K65R mutations was analyzed through next-generation sequencing in four CRF01_AE-infected patients who failed treatment with tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz. The impact of the S68G mutation on susceptibility to NRTI and replication fitness was analyzed using pseudovirus phenotypic resistance assays and growth competition assays, respectively.

Results

The frequency of the S68G mutation increased by 1.4–9.7% in almost all HIV subtypes and circulating recombinant forms in treatment-experienced patients, except subtype F. The S68G mutation often occurred in conjunction with the K65R mutation among RTI-treated patients, with frequencies ranging 21.1%–61.7% in various subtypes. Next-generation sequencing revealed that the S68G mutation occurred following the K65R mutation in three of the four CRF01_AE-infected patients. In these three patients, there was no significant change detected in the half maximal inhibitory concentration for zidovudine, tenofovir, or lamivudine between the K65R and K65R/S68G mutations, as demonstrated by the phenotypic resistance assays. Virus stocks of the K65R and K65R/S68G mutations were mixed with 4:6, 1:1, and 9:1 and cultured for 13 days, the K65R/S68G mutants outgrew those of the K65R mutants irrespective of the input ratio.

Conclusions

S68G may be a natural polymorphism and compensatory mutation of K65R selected by NRTIs in the CRF01_AE strain of HIV-1. This mutation does not affect susceptibility to NRTI; however, it improves the replication fitness of K65R mutants. This study deciphers the role of the S68G mutation in the HIV reverse transcriptase of the CRF01_AE strain and provides new evidence for the interpretation of drug-resistant mutations in non-B subtypes of HIV-1.
Absence of reproduction-immunity trade-off in male Drosophila melanogaster evolving under differential sexual selection.
Authors: Syed Zeeshan Ali , Gupta Vanika , Arun Manas Geeta , Dhiman Aatashi , Nandy Bodhisatta , Prasad Nagaraj Guru
Published: December 2019

Background: The theory of trade-off suggests that limited resources should lead to trade-off in resource intensive traits such as, immunity related and sexually selected traits in males. Alternatively, sexual exaggerations can also act as an honest indicator of underlying immunocompetence, leading to positive correlations between these traits. Evidences in support of either hypothesis in invertebrates is equivocal. Whereas several studies have addressed this question, few have used naturally occurring pathogens and realized post infection realized immunity (e.g., survivorship) to assay the fitness correlations between these two sets of traits. Results: Adopting an experimental evolution approach, we evolved replicate populations of Drosophila melanogaster under (high and low) sexual selection regimes for over a hundred generations and found the following in virgin and mated males in three separate assays: a. Post infection survivorship against two natural pathogens - Pseudomonas entomophila (Pe) and Staphylococcus succinus (Ss): Mated males survived better against Pe, but were no different than virgins against Ss. b. Bacterial clearance ability against a third natural pathogen Providencia rettgeri (Pr): Mated males had significantly lower CFUs than virgins. However, sexual selection history had no effect on realized immunity of either virgin or mated males. Conclusion: We show that while mating can affect realized immunity in a pathogen specific way, sexual selection did not affect the same. The results highlight that complex polygenic traits such as immunity and reproductive traits not necessarily evolve following a binary trade-off model. We also stress the importance natural pathogens while studying sexual selection-immunity correlations.
If you can’t make it, you're not tough enough to do medicine’: A qualitative study of Sydney-based medical students’ experiences of bullying and harassment in clinical settings
Authors: Colenbrander Laura , Causer Louise , Haire Bridget
Published: December 2019

Background: Media exposés and academic literature reveal high rates of bullying and harassment of medical students, most commonly by consultant physicians and/or surgeons. Recent reports reveal the medical profession to be characterised by hierarchy, with verbal abuse a ‘rite of passage’, as well as sexist and racist behaviours. Methods : Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten current or recently graduated medical students from Sydney-based medical schools. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Results : Hierarchy, and a culture of self-sacrifice, resilience and deference, were identified as problematic elements of the medical profession. In the minds of participants, these factors created barriers to reporting mistreatment, as participants felt reporting led to being labelled a ‘troublemaker’, affecting career progression. Additionally, participants stated that avenues of recourse were unclear and did not guarantee confidentiality or desired outcomes. Conclusions : Mistreatment is continuing in clinical teaching and has negative consequences on medical students’ mental health and learning. Structural change is needed to combat institutionalised mistreatment to ensure the wellbeing of future doctors and high quality patient care.
The propionic acid and butyric acid in serum but not in feces are increased in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Tian zhenyi , zhuang xiaojun , LUO mei , Yin wei , Xiong Lishou
Published: December 2019

Background: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) alteration have been reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the results are conflicting. Our study aims to explore the alteration of SCFAs in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and their potential role in the occurrence and development of IBS. Methods： We recruited patients with IBS-D defined by Rome Ⅳ criteria and age-and-gender matched healthy controls (HCs). A headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (HS-SPME-GC-MS) method was developed for the analysis of acetic, propionic and butyric acid in feces and serum. Results: Compared with HCs, the levels of the serum propionate (2.957 ± 0.157 vs 2.843 ± 0.098 mmol/L, P = 0.012) and butyrate (2.798 ± 0.126 vs 2.697 ± 0.077 mmol/L, P = 0.012) were significantly higher in IBS-D group. No significant differences were found among two groups with regard to the concentration of fecal acetate (4.953 ± 1.065 vs 4.774 ± 1.465 mg/g, P = 0.679), propionate (6.342 ± 1.005 vs 6.282 ± 1.077 mg/g, P = 0.868) and butyrate (2.984 ± 0.512 vs 3.071 ± 0.447 mg/g, P = 0.607). Conclusions ： Metabolites of gut microbiota, the propionic and butyric acid, are increased in patients with IBS-D in serum but not in feces. It suggests that propionic and butyric acid might be associated with the occurrence and development of IBS.