bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a self‐management application for patients with gout
Authors: Kang Seung Gum , Lee Eun Nam
Published: October 2019

Aim

The present study aimed to develop a self‐management application for patients with gout and determine the clinical feasibility of the application.

Methods

A self‐management application (GoutCare) was developed from July 1, 2016, to October 30, 2016, by reflecting on the key elements of Fisher & Fisher's information‐motivation‐behavioral skills model. In order to determine the clinical feasibility of the application, a non‐equivalent, control group, pre‐test‐posttest study was conducted among patients with gout who visited a university hospital from January to April 2017. Twenty‐seven subjects in the experimental group used the smartphone allocation for 8 weeks, and 29 subjects in the control group were provided a leaflet with information on gout self‐management. Knowledge of gout, self‐management attitude, perceived social support, self‐efficacy, self‐management performance, and health‐related quality of life before and after the intervention were measured using a structured questionnaire.

Results

The self‐management application (GoutCare) developed for patients with gout was found to be effective in improving the knowledge of gout, self‐management attitude, perceived social support, self‐efficacy, self‐management performance, and physical health‐related quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the application contributed to improving the self‐management performance and health‐related quality of life in the patients with gout. Therefore, this application can be used as a nursing intervention program for promoting self‐management in patients with gout.
TAXATION OF ECONOMIC RENTS
Authors: Schwerhoff Gregor , Edenhofer Ottmar , Fleurbaey Marc
Published: October 2019

Economic rents have long been identified as an efficient tax base. In addition, the recent literature documents that rent income is highly concentrated and that rents are quickly increasing. Rent taxation thus seems attractive for reasons of both efficiency and equity. Nevertheless, rent taxation remains a marginal topic in research and policy making. In a systematic review of the neoclassical literature on different rent types, we find that some types of rents reflect inefficiencies and should thus be minimized, while others reward investments and should be supported in line with social welfare. What remains for taxation are land rents, one of the few true scarcity rents. Land rents have significant potential to improve the efficiency of the tax system. We then begin to develop a comprehensive theory of land rent taxation by identifying relevant efficiency and equity effects. The interaction of many of these effects remains unexplored, which might explain policymakers' hesitation in using land taxes to date.
Are electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs) helping cigarette smokers quit?—Current evidence
Authors: Patil Shankargouda , Arakeri Gururaj , Patil Shekar , Ali Baeshen Hosam , Raj Thirumal , Sarode Sachin C. , Sarode Gargi S. , Awan Kamran H. , Gomez Ricardo , Brennan Peter A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) and other electronic vaping devices are commonly used as a method to help tobacco smoking cessation. However, the data on their safety and efficacy are currently scarce. The aim of this review was to explore the role of e‐cigarettes in tobacco cessation among tobacco users.

Types of Studies Reviewed

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature from January 1990 were searched up to and including September 2018. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection according to eligibility criteria.

Results

A total of 13 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. The majority of studies were done in the USA, and all studies were longitudinal cohort studies. The odds of increased smoking cessation in association with e‐cigarette use ranged from onefold to sixfolds. No significant increase in smoking cessation was found among e‐cigarette users compared with non–e‐cigarette users. Pattern of e‐cigarette had positive influence on smoking cessation among users.

Conclusions and Practical Implications

E‐cigarette use was not significantly associated with increased smoking cessation among cigarette smokers. We also found that pattern of e‐cigarette may have significant effect on smoking cessation capability of e‐cigarettes. Well‐designed randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to assess the clinical efficacy of e‐cigarettes in comparison with approved smoking cessation therapies.
Awareness, Understanding and Treatment Practices when Managing Cachexia in End‐Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Mckeaveney Clare , Noble Helen , de Barbieri Ilaria , Strini Veronica , Maxwell Alexander P. , Reid Joanne
Published: October 2019

Background

Cachexia is a wasting syndrome found within a range of chronic illnesses/life‐limiting conditions, however awareness and understanding of cachexia amongst renal Health Care Professionals has not been investigated.

Objectives

To ascertain the awareness, understanding and treatment practices of Health Care Professionals who provide care for people with cachexia and end‐stage renal disease.

Methods

Health Care Professionals were recruited via the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association in September 2018. This was an exploratory study using a mixed‐methods approach with those who provide care for patients with end‐stage renal disease and cachexia. An online survey and two focus groups were conducted. Descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis were used to explore current knowledge and practices in renal cachexia.

Results

A total of 93 participants from 30 countries completed the online survey. Twelve Health Care Professionals agreed to participate in the focus groups. Reduced appetite, weight loss and muscle loss in relation to cachexia were accurately described, but the percentage of weight loss was unknown. The importance of multi‐professional collaboration was recognised, however, the current management of cachexia was wide‐ranging. Quality of life, patient‐clinician communication and specialist support for carers were regarded as vital.

Conclusion

Timely identification and management of cachexia are needed to improve the quality of life for patients and appropriately support families. In order for these goals to be achieved, there is a need to increase awareness and understanding of cachexia amongst renal nurses.
Effects of Paracentrotus lividus (Lamark, 1816) harvesting on benthic assemblages. An experimental approach
Authors: Torres Ana Catarina , Rubal Marcos , Sousa‐Pinto Isabel , Veiga Puri
Published: October 2019

The effect of harvesting on the diversity and structure of benthic assemblages is nowadays a relevant component of fishery management. Invertebrate harvesting is increasing worldwide and sea urchins are one of the main invertebrate target species. However, current knowledge about the effects of sea urchin harvesting on benthic assemblages is still poor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of Paracentrotus lividus (Lamark, 1816) harvesting on tide pool assemblages from intertidal rocky shores. To achieve this objective, a field removal experiment was done for 10 months. Results of univariate and multivariate analyses showed that P. lividus harvesting had a significant effect on the number of taxa and structure of the benthic assemblage. Assemblages from pools where P. lividus were removed showed significant differences against controls; namely, where P. lividus were eliminated, pools showed higher number of taxa than control pools. This result contrasts with previous studies assessing effects of invertebrate harvesting that generally have found a biodiversity reduction in the exploited habitat. Despite this apparently positive effect of P. lividus harvesting, we should be cautious because effects of P. lividus harvesting on higher trophic levels or during long periods of time remain unexplored.
Occlusive versus neurotoxic agents for topical treatment of head lice infestation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Flores‐Genuino Rowena Natividad S. , Gnilo Charissa Mia S. , Dofitas Belen L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Topical occlusive agents, such as petroleum jelly and silicone oils, kill head lice by coating and blocking its excretory system and are unlikely to induce treatment resistance. Although a popular alternative to neurotoxic pediculicides, their efficacy and safety remain unclear.

Methods

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, HERDIN (from inception to October 31, 2017), and other relevant sources for randomized controlled trials that compared topical occlusive agents with neurotoxic pediculicides to treat patients with head lice infestation. Using Cochrane collaboration methods, we selected studies, assessed risk of bias, and pooled similar studies. We assessed certainty of evidence using GRADEPro.

Results

Seventeen trials (N = 2005) testing occlusive agents met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was moderate across trials, mainly from lack of blinding of participants and personnel. As a class, occlusive agents may be more pediculicidal than neurotoxic agents (final cure rate, RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02, 1.41; 16 RCTs, N = 1779; I2 = 88%; low certainty of evidence). Post hoc subgroup analysis suggests that this benefit may be limited to synthetic combination occlusive products. Adverse effects, such as skin and eye irritation, are similar between groups (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.36, 1.17; 15 RCTs, N = 1790; I2 = 28%; low certainty of evidence).

Conclusions

In treating head louse infestation, evidence suggests occlusive agents may be superior to or equally efficacious as neurotoxic pediculicides. Adverse effects are few and minor. Future trials should use appropriate comparators and consider effects of confounders such as neurotoxin resistance. Additionally, optimal occlusive formulation and dosing regimen need to be determined.
Long non‐coding RNA EPB41L4A‐AS2 suppresses progression of ovarian cancer by sequestering microRNA‐103a to upregulate transcription factor RUNX1T1
Authors: Sun Tao , Yang Peng , Gao Yunbin
Published: October 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the specific mechanism by which EPB41L4A‐AS2 exerts a regulatory role in ovarian cancer?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Overexpressed EPB41L4A‐AS2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in ovarian cancer by upregulating RUNX1T1 through downregulation of miR‐103a. This study provides new insight into the role of EPB41L4A‐AS2 in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a malignant tumour with a poor prognosis. Emerging evidence has shown that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulators that can be used for prognosis, diagnosis and targeted therapy of cancers. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the possible regulatory role of the lncRNA EPB41L4A‐AS2 in the progression of OC. Initially, EPB41L4A‐AS2 expression was determined in OC tissues and matched paracancerous tissues. Then the RNA crosstalk among EPB41L4A‐AS2, miR‐103a and RUNX1T1 was determined. Subsequently, the expression of EPB41L4A‐AS2, miR‐103a and RUNX1T1 was up‐ or downregulated by exogenous transfection in SK‐OV‐3 cells to investigate their roles in the proliferation, migration, colony formation and invasion of OC cells. Further, the tumour formation ability of nude mice was tested in vivo. EPB41L4A‐AS2 was poorly expressed in OC tissues and cells, and microarray data revealed upregulation of miR‐103a and downregulation of RUNX1T1 in OC. RUNX1T1 was a target gene of miR‐103a and EPB41L4A‐AS2 bound to miR‐103a. Moreover, EPB41L4A‐AS2 increased RUNX1T1 expression by decreasing miR‐103a expression. EPB41L4A‐AS2‐overexpressing SK‐OV‐3 cells exhibited inhibited proliferation, migration, colony formation and invasion, which was rescued by overexpression of miR‐103a or silencing of RUNX1T1. Besides, overexpressed EPB41L4A‐AS2 repressed tumour formation in vivo. Altogether, the current study demonstrates that overexpressed EPB41L4A‐AS2 can potentially bind to miR‐103a to promote the expression of RUNX1T1, thereby inhibiting OC, highlighting the potential of EPB41L4A‐AS2 as a target for OC.
Estimating the material parameters of an inhomogeneous poroelastic plate from ultrasonic measurements in water
Authors: Niskanen Matti , Duclos Aroune , Dazel Olivier , Groby Jean-Philippe , Kaipio Jari , Lähivaara Timo
Published: October 2019

The estimation of poroelastic material parameters based on ultrasound measurements is considered. The acoustical characterisation of poroelastic materials based on various measurements is typically carried out by minimising a cost functional of model residuals, such as the least squares functional. With a limited number of unknown parameters, least squares type approaches can provide both reliable parameter and error estimates. With an increasing number of parameters, both the least squares parameter estimates and, in particular, the error estimates often become unreliable. In this paper, the estimation of the material parameters of an inhomogeneous poroelastic (Biot) plate in the Bayesian framework for inverse problems is considered. Reflection and transmission measurements are performed and 11 poroelastic parameters, as well as 4 measurement setup-related nuisance parameters, are estimated. A Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is employed for the computational inference to assess the actual uncertainty of the estimated parameters. The results suggest that the proposed approach for poroelastic material characterisation can reveal the heterogeneities in the object, and yield reliable parameter and uncertainty estimates.
Energy trapping of circumferential resonant modes at a thin-walled groove in a hollow cylinder
Authors: Hayashi Takahiro
Published: October 2019

Energy trapping of circumferential resonant modes at a thin-walled groove in a hollow cylinder is discussed using theoretical dispersion curves of guided waves, semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) calculations, and experiments. The analysis of the dispersion curves predicts the energy trapping at a thin-walled groove using the analogy of energy trapping of Lamb waves in a stepped plate. The energy trapping frequencies and displacement distributions at these frequencies were independently obtained with SAFE calculations and experiments. They agreed well with each other and proved that the energy trapping modes exist at the thin-walled groove in the hollow cylinder.
Antagonizing prions
Authors: Haigh Cathryn
Published: October 2019

Combination therapy may offer a way to slow the progression of prion diseases.
Ingestible macromolecule injectors
Authors: Montero Joan
Published: October 2019

A next-generation ingestible device uses microneedles for macromolecule administration in the small intestine to avoid subcutaneous injections.
A New Role for Capsid Assembly Modulators To Target Mature Hepatitis B Virus Capsids and Prevent Virus Infection
Authors: Ko Chunkyu , Bester Romina , Zhou Xue , Xu Zhiheng , Blossey Christoph , Sacherl Julia , Vondran Florian W. R. , Gao Lu , Protzer Ulrike
Published: October 2019

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major human pathogen, killing an estimated 887,000 people per year. Therefore, potentially curative therapies are of high importance. Following infection, HBV deposits a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected cells that serves as a transcription template and is not affected by current therapies. HBV core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) prevent correct capsid assembly but may also affect early stages of HBV infection.
A Population Pharmacokinetic Model-Guided Evaluation of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Dosing in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Sime Fekade B. , Lassig-Smith Melissa , Starr Therese , Stuart Janine , Pandey Saurabh , Parker Suzanne L. , Wallis Steven C. , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A.
Published: October 2019

The aim of this work was to describe optimized dosing regimens of ceftolozane-tazobactam for critically ill patients receiving continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). We conducted a prospective observational pharmacokinetic study in adult critically ill patients with clinical indications for ceftolozane-tazobactam and CVVHDF. Unbound drug concentrations were measured from serial prefilter blood, postfilter blood, and ultrafiltrate samples by a chromatographic assay.
Efficacy of Humanized Cefiderocol Exposure Is Unaltered by Host Iron Overload in the Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Kidd James M. , Abdelraouf Kamilia , Nicolau David P.
Published: October 2019

Cefiderocol is a siderophore-cephalosporin conjugate with greater
in vitro
potency under iron-depleted conditions. During infection, iron is scarce in host tissue; however, it is not known whether iron overload in the host, such as in cases of hereditary hemochromatosis, alters the efficacy of cefiderocol. We compared cefiderocol efficacy between iron-overloaded and standard murine thigh infection models.
The Jekyll and Hyde Symbiont: Could
Wolbachia
Be a Nutritional Mutualist?
Authors: Newton Irene L. G. , Rice Danny W.
Published: October 2019

The most common intracellular symbiont on the planet—
Wolbachia pipientis
—is infamous largely for the reproductive manipulations induced in its host. However, more recent evidence suggests that this bacterium may also serve as a nutritional mutualist in certain host backgrounds and for certain metabolites. We performed a large-scale analysis of conserved gene content across all sequenced
Wolbachia
genomes to infer potential nutrients made by these symbionts.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Filamentous Cyanobacterial Strains, Dolichospermum planctonicum NIES-80, Planktothrix agardhii NIES-905, and Sphaerospermopsis reniformis NIES-1949
Authors: Suzuki Shigekatsu , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Kawachi Masanobu
Published: October 2019

Three freshwater planktonic filamentous cyanobacterial strains,
Dolichospermum planctonicum
NIES-80,
Planktothrix agardhii
NIES-905, and
Sphaerospermopsis reniformis
NIES-1949, were sequenced. The genome sizes of NIES-80, NIES-905, and NIES-1949 were 4,571,002 bp, 5,512,454 bp, and 6,025,023 bp, and the number of protein-coding genes in each genome was 4,009, 4,925, and 5,408, respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of Freshwater-Derived
Streptomyces
sp. Strain BPSDS2, Isolated from Damte Stream, Northeast India
Authors: Zothanpuia  , Passari Ajit Kumar , Deka Purbajyoti , Rajput Vinay , Priya Lakshmi P. M. , Dharne Mahesh , Dastager Syed , Mathew Oommen K. , Hashem Abeer , Abd_ Allah Elsayed Fathi , Singh Bhim Pratap
Published: October 2019

We report the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain BPSDS2, isolated from freshwater sediments in Northeast India. The draft genome has a size of 8.27 Mb and 7,559 protein-coding sequences.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of a Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Carrying the
eae
Gene
Authors: Valiatti Tiago Barcelos , Santos Fernanda Fernandes , Santos Ana Carolina de Mello , Silva Rosa Maria , Carvalho Eneas , Gomes Tânia Aparecida Tardelli
Published: October 2019

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) strains are responsible for most cases of urinary tract infections worldwide. We present the draft whole-genome sequence of the UPEC 252 strain, which carries the
eae
gene that encodes the intimin adhesin. Intimin promotes intimate adherence of enteropathogenic
E. coli
and enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
to intestinal cells.
Metagenomes from Late Pleistocene Ice Complex Sediments of the Siberian Arctic
Authors: Vishnivetskaya Tatiana , Spirina Elena , Shmakova Lyubov , Tutukina Maria , Li Zhou , Wu Xiaofen , Rivkina Elizaveta
Published: October 2019

The late Pleistocene Ice Complex (also known as Yedoma) encompasses ice-rich permafrost formed when alluvial and/or aeolian sediments accumulated under cold climatic conditions. Three metagenomes obtained from Yedoma deposits continually frozen for periods up to 60,000 years are reported here.
Successful sofosbuvir lead-in monotherapy for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a pregnant woman living with HIV
Authors: Mandimika Charisse , Ogbuagu Onyema
Published: October 2019

A 30-year-old woman living with HIV was diagnosed with genotype 2b hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during the second trimester of her pregnancy. She had achieved virologic suppression on an HIV protease inhibitor-based regimen and had recurrent genital herpes simplex virus infection managed with antivirals. Given the risk of perinatal transmission of HCV and to avoid performing a caesarean section, after multidisciplinary consultations and consideration of the limited data on safety on HCV direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in pregnancy, she consented to and was successfully treated with a 6-week lead-in course of sofosbuvir (SOF) alone followed by a 6-week course of SOF and velpatasvir postpartum. This resulted in cure of her HCV infection. The neonate tested negative for HCV at birth and was healthy without birth defects 2 years postdelivery. Our case highlights a successful HCV treatment approach in a pregnant woman with newer DAAs.
HTLV-positive adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma with Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis B coinfection
Authors: Munir Ayesha , Raval Mihir , Zuo Chunlai , Subik M Kristina
Published: October 2019

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a human oncoretrovirus known to cause adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Coinfection of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) results in enhanced expression of the HTLV virus and leads to aggressive organ involvement from T-cell malignancy. It has also been observed that the prevalence of hepatitis B infection has been higher in patients with HTLV ATLL as compared with the general population in certain countries. We describe a case of a 34-year-old man who initially presented with leucocytosis, fatigue and conjunctival erythema. His radiological images revealed significant generalised adenopathy, and his flow cytometry analysis came back positive for CD4-positive T-cell lymphoma. He was subsequently diagnosed with HTLV-positive ATLL. Ultimately the patient was also diagnosed with acute hepatitis B and EBV. We describe a unique case of ATLL with coinfection with two other viruses, the association of which can be of potential prognostic value in guiding the treatment strategies for ATLL.
Social media use and adolescent sleep patterns: cross-sectional findings from the UK millennium cohort study
Authors: Scott Holly , Biello Stephany M , Woods Heather Cleland
Published: October 2019

Objectives

This study examines associations between social media use and multiple sleep parameters in a large representative adolescent sample, controlling for a wide range of covariates.

Design

The authors used cross-sectional data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a large nationally representative UK birth cohort study.

Participants

Data from 11 872 adolescents (aged 13–15 years) were used in analyses.

Methods

Six self-reported sleep parameters captured sleep timing and quality: sleep onset and wake times (on school days and free days), sleep onset latency (time taken to fall asleep) and trouble falling back asleep after nighttime awakening. Binomial logistic regressions investigated associations between daily social media use and each sleep parameter, controlling for a range of relevant covariates.

Results

Average social media use was 1 to <3 hours per day (31.6%, n=3720). 33.7% were classed as low users (<1 hour; n=3986); 13.9% were high users (3 to <5 hours; n=1602) and 20.8% were very high users (5+ hours; n=2203). Girls reported spending more time on social media than boys. Overall, heavier social media use was associated with poorer sleep patterns, controlling for covariates. For example, very high social media users were more likely than comparable average users to report late sleep onset (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.83 to 2.50) and wake times (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.93) on school days and trouble falling back asleep after nighttime awakening (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.66).

Conclusions

This study provides a normative profile of UK adolescent social media use and sleep. Results indicate statistically and practically significant associations between social media use and sleep patterns, particularly late sleep onset. Sleep education and interventions can focus on supporting young people to balance online interactions with an appropriate sleep schedule that allows sufficient sleep on school nights.
Changes in antioxidant enzymes in postmortem muscle and effects on meat quality from three duck breeds during cold storage
Authors: Zheng Nenzhu , Zhang Linli , Xin Qingwu , Miao Zhongwei , Zhu Zhiming , Li Li , Huang Yifan
Published: October 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate changes to antioxidant systems in the postmortem muscle of three duck breeds and to analyze their relationship with meat quality. Pekin ducks, Muscovy ducks, and Mulard ducks were euthanized at the age of 70 d. The antioxidant enzyme activities and related gene expressions as well as meat quality in muscle tissues were examined. The breed of the duck had a significant effect on the antioxidant capacity of muscle tissues (P < 0.05), with the exceptions of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 96 h as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) at 120 h. The SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx/GSH-Px), and T-AOC activities from highest to lowest were Muscovy duck > Mulard duck > Pekin duck, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration followed the opposite pattern. During cold storage (0–120 h), a decrease in the GPx, SOD, and T-AOC activities was noted, although MDA concentration increased gradually. The GPx1 and Cu/Zn-SOD gene expression levels in Muscovy duck muscle tissues were significantly higher than those in other breeds at both 0 and 24 h. Correlation analysis showed that higher antioxidant enzyme activity in duck muscle tissues was associated with higher water-holding capacity (WHC) and more stable meat color. Higher antioxidant enzyme activity in duck meat similarly resulted in higher pH values, higher WHC, and more stable meat color. These data indicate that antioxidant enzymes may inhibit lipid oxidation and participate in the regulation of meat quality.
Effects of dietary supplement sources on the rate and extent of in vitro ruminal degradation of alfalfa-based diets for cattle
Authors: Trotta Ronald J. , Swanson Kendall C.
Published: October 2019

Two ruminally cannulated steers [928 ± 25.5 kg body weight (BW)] were fed alfalfa hay at 2.0% of BW and served as donors of rumen fluid. Treatments were early-bud alfalfa (CON) or a combination [dry matter (DM) basis] of 80% early-bud alfalfa with 20% of corn silage (CS), brome grass hay (BGH), soybean hulls (SBH), beet pulp (BP), corn grain (CORN), dried corn distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS), or wheat middlings (MIDD). Tubes were incubated at multiple time points over a 72 h period and assessed for rate and extent of digestion. Samples were run in duplicate and replicated over 3 d. The potential extent of DM and organic matter (OM) degradation increased (P < 0.001) with CS, SBH, BP, CORN, and DDGS supplementation compared with CON. All supplements except MIDD decreased (P < 0.001) the fractional rates of DM and OM degradation compared with CON, with BGH, SBH, and DDGS having the lowest rates. Supplementation of SBH had the lowest (P < 0.001) initial rate of DM and OM degradation. These data indicate that SBH increases the extent of digestion while reducing the initial rate of degradation, suggesting that SBH has potential to reduce the incidence of frothy legume bloat.
Arctic Archaeology and Climate Change
Authors: Desjardins Sean P.A. , Jordan Peter D.
Published: October 2019

An enduring debate in the field of Arctic archaeology has been the extent to which climate change impacted cultural developments in the past. Long-term culture change across the circumpolar Arctic was often highly dynamic, with episodes of rapid migration, regional abandonment, and—in some cases—the disappearance or wholesale replacement of entire cultural traditions. By the 1960s, researchers were exploring the possibility that warming episodes had positive effects on cold-adapted premodern peoples in the Arctic by ( a) reducing the extent of sea ice, ( b) expanding the size and range of marine mammal populations, and ( c) opening new waterways and hunting areas for marine-adapted human groups. Although monocausal climatic arguments for change are now regarded as overly simplistic, the growing threat of contemporary Arctic warming to Indigenous livelihoods has given wider relevance to research into long-term culture–climate interactions. With their capacity to examine deeper cultural responses to climate change, archaeologists are in a unique position to generate human-scale climate adaptation insights that may inform future planning and mitigation efforts. The exceptionally well-preserved cultural and paleo-ecological sequences of the Arctic make it one of the best-suited regions on Earth to address such problems. Ironically, while archaeologists employ an exciting and highly promising new generation of methods and approaches to examine long-term fragility and resilience in Arctic social-ecological systems, many of these frozen paleo-societal archives are fast disappearing due to anthropogenic warming.
Impaired hypotensive effects of centrally acting oxytocin in SHR and WKY rats exposed to chronic mild stress
Authors: Wsol A. , Wojno O. , Puchalska L. , Wrzesien R. , Szczepanska-Sadowska E. , Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A.
Published: October 2019

The present study was designed to determine the role of centrally acting oxytocin (OT) in the regulation of blood pressure during chronic mild stress (CMS) in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR; n = 36) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY; n = 38) rats. The rats were implanted with osmotic minipumps for intracerebroventricular infusions of 0.9% NaCl, OT, and oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTANT) and divided into two groups: SHR and WKY 1) exposed to 4-wk CMS and 2) not exposed to stress (controls). After 4 wk, hemodynamic parameters were recorded at rest and after an application of acute stressor [air-jet stress (AJS)]. Resting mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was significantly lower in CMS-exposed SHR and WKY infused with OT than in the corresponding groups receiving saline. Exposure to CMS exaggerated the AJS-dependent pressor response in WKY receiving saline but not in the corresponding group of SHR. OT infusion reduced the AJS-dependent pressor response in both CMS-exposed and not exposed SHR and in CMS-exposed WKY. Intracerebroventricular infusion of OTANT potentiated the AJS-dependent pressor response in both stressed and not stressed WKY rats but not in SHR. The results show that centrally delivered OT decreases resting MAP during CMS in both SHR and WKY rats and that in SHR it reduces pressor responses to AJS under control and CMS conditions, whereas in WKY this effect is significant only after CMS exposure. The study indicates that endogenous centrally acting OT may play an essential role in buffering pressor responses to AJS in CMS-exposed and not exposed WKY rats and that this function is significantly impaired in SHR.
Glutamate receptor subtypes differentially contribute to optogenetically activated swimming in spinally transected zebrafish larvae
Authors: Wahlstrom-Helgren Sarah , Montgomery Jacob E. , Vanpelt Kayce T. , Biltz Samantha L. , Peck Jack H. , Masino Mark A.
Published: October 2019

The spinal cord (SC) contains neural networks that are capable of producing organized locomotor activity autonomously from the brain. Locomotor activity can be induced in spinally transected (spinalized) animals by adding a source of tonic excitation to activate spinal networks. This is commonly accomplished by activating N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors through bath application of NMDA. More recently, optogenetic approaches have enabled both activation and inactivation of neuronal cell populations to control the activity of locomotor networks. Larval zebrafish are exceptionally amenable to optogenetic techniques due to their transparency, which permits noninvasive light delivery. In this study, we induced locomotor activity in spinalized transgenic zebrafish larvae that expressed channelrhodopsin-2 in all subtypes of spinal vesicular glutamate transporter 2a ( vglut2a)-expressing neurons by applying 10 s of constant blue light to the preparations. The resultant locomotor activity possessed all of the characteristics of swimming: bilateral alternation, rostrocaudal progression, and organization into discrete swimming episodes. Spatially restricted light application revealed that illumination of the rostral SC produced more robust activity than illumination of the caudal SC. Moreover, illumination of only three body segments was sufficient to produce fictive swimming. Intriguingly, organized swimming activity persisted during NMDA receptor antagonism but was disrupted by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonism. Hence, AMPA receptor signaling is required for episodically-organized swimming, whereas NMDA receptor signaling is not necessary.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spinal locomotor networks have the intrinsic capacity to transform unpatterned excitatory input into patterned output. Conventionally, spinally mediated fictive locomotor activity is experimentally elicited by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) application to bias the network toward activation. We present a novel experimental paradigm that permits spatially and temporally controllable activation of spinal vesicular glutamate transporter 2a-expressing neurons in larval zebrafish, eliciting patterned locomotor activity that is not dependent on NMDA receptor signaling.
Yu Ping Feng San Exert Anti-Angiogenesis Effects through the Inhibition of TSLP-STAT3 Signaling Pathways in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Qin , Yao Fei , Zhou Liang , Liang Guoqiang , Song Xiudao , Jiang Guorong , Zhou Man , Zhang Lurong
Published: October 2019

Background. Clinically, Yu ping feng san (YPFS) has been extensively used as a medication for treating immune deficiency, and YPFS is combined with chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Previous research has shown that YPFS has a therapeutic effect on HCC by improving the immunosuppressive state of the liver cancer microenvironment. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of YPFS on angiogenesis of HCC. Methods. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to certify the composition of YPFS. An orthotopic transplanted model of murine HCC was entrenched. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the changes of the microvessel density (MVD). The MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability. ELISA was performed to analyze the expression of related factors. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression. Tube formation assay was used to analyze the anti-angiogenic efficiency. Results. YPFS significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight, thus exerted the growth inhibitory effect. The level of MVD and VEGF was obviously decreased in YPFS-treated HCC-bearing mice, and the YPFS treatment also reduced the VEGF level in Hepa1-6 cells. Further study revealed that the expression of TSLP/TSLPR and p-STAT3/STAT3 was decreased by YPFS. The level of MVD and VEGF and the expression of TSLP/TSLPR and p-STAT3/STAT3 in tumor tissue and Hepa1-6 cells were suppressed by incubation with the anti-TSLP antibody, whereas treatment with the anti-TSLP antibody in YPFS-treated cells did not cause further significant inhibition compared with the cells treated only with YPFS. More importantly, YPFS inhibited proliferation, expression of p-STAT3/STAT3, and tube formation of HUVECs induced by TSLP. Conclusions. These results indicated that YPFS attenuated the activation of the TSLP-STAT3 signaling pathway by inhibiting the immune-related factor-TSLP, thereby inhibiting the formation of hepatic microvessels and exerting an anti-HCC effect.
Current Trends of Nanobiosensors for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Authors: Noah Naumih M. , Ndangili Peter M.
Published: October 2019

In order to provide better-quality health care, it is very important that high standards of health care management are achieved by making timely decisions based on rapid diagnostics, smart data analysis, and informatics analysis. Point-of-care testing ensures fast detection of analytes near to the patients facilitating a better disease diagnosis, monitoring, and management. It also enables quick medical decisions since the diseases can be diagnosed at an early stage which leads to improved health outcomes for the patients enabling them to start early treatment. In the recent past, various potential point-of-care devices have been developed and they are paving the way to next-generation point-of-care testing. Biosensors are very critical components of point-of-care devices since they are directly responsible for the bioanalytical performance of an essay. As such, they have been explored for their prospective point-of-care applications necessary for personalized health care management since they usually estimate the levels of biological markers or any chemical reaction by producing signals mainly associated with the concentration of an analyte and hence can detect disease causing markers such as body fluids. Their high selectivity and sensitivity have allowed for early diagnosis and management of targeted diseases; hence, facilitating timely therapy decisions and combination with nanotechnology can improve assessment of the disease onset and its progression and help to plan for treatment of many diseases. In this review, we explore how nanotechnology has been utilized in the development of nanosensors and the current trends of these nanosensors for point-of-care diagnosis of various diseases.
Study on the Effect of Extra Pole Support on Seismic Resistance for Low‐Rise RC Structures
Authors: Lu Pengjie , Wang Guoxin
Published: October 2019

There is a common way to enhance the collapse safety of residential houses using extra tilted poles supporting poor structures from the outside before and/or after earthquakes in seismic regions, especially in rural areas. But, almost all of these supporting measures are still weak and lack of scientific design and evaluation. This study takes a poorly designed two‐bay and three‐story RC frame building as an object to explore the effect of this kind of support measures on structural seismic resistance by comparing with a standard‐designed RC frame structure model as a contrastive case. The results obtained by performance‐based methods indicate that extra poles can improve the seismic collapse safety and reduce structural seismic damage of the poorly designed structure (PDS) effectively. The median collapse capacity parameter θ increases from 1.31 g to the range of 1.92∼2.39 g, and Sa(T1; 10%) (spectral acceleration at the first‐mode period which causes 10% probability of structural collapse) also increases from 0.57 g to the range of 0.75∼1.08 g. Study of dynamic structural damage shows a great damage reduction of PDS under seismic loads, especially Sa(T1) = 0.2 g. This study proves that this simple measure can improve the seismic resistance of PDS into an acceptable level by taking our suggested practical and efficient supporting schemes.
Global Dynamics of SIRS Model with No Full Immunity on Semidirected Networks
Authors: Huo Jiawei , Li Yimin , Hua Jing
Published: October 2019

In this paper, an epidemic model with no full immunity is analyzed on semidirected networks. Directed networks led into previous scale‐free networks, and we consider that some infectious diseases do not have full immunity. So we use strong self‐protection instead of immunity and establish a semidirected network infectious disease model without full immunity. The basic reproduction number R0 is calculated. If R0 < 1, the disease‐free equilibrium E0 is locally and globally asymptotically stable. And the endemic equilibrium E∗ is globally asymptotically stable in some condition. A large number of simulation results in this paper verify the correctness of the above conclusions and provide a solution for controlling disease transmission in the future.
Parameter Sensitivity and Inversion Analysis for a Concrete Face Rockfill Dam Based on CS‐BPNN
Authors: Chen Yue , Gu Chongshi , Shao Chenfei , Qin Xiangnan
Published: October 2019

The deformation behavior of rockfill is significant to the normal operation of concrete face rockfill dam. Considering both the nonlinear mechanical behavior and long‐term rheological deformation, the E‐ν model and modified Burgers model are coupled to describe the deformation behavior of the rockfill materials. The coupled E‐ν and Burgers model contains numerous parameters with complex relationship, and an efficient and accurate inversion analysis is in demand. The sensitivity of the parameters in the coupled E‐ν and modified Burgers is analyzed using the modified Morris method initially. Then, a new approach of parameter back analysis is proposed by combining back‐propagation neutral network (BPNN) and Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm. The numerical example shows that parameters K, Rf, and φ0 as well as G are more sensitive to the deformation of the rockfill body. The inversion analysis for these four parameters and η2, E2, and A as well as B in modified Burgers model is performed by the CS‐BPNN algorithm. The numerical results demonstrate that the parameters obtained with the proposed method are reasonable and its feasibility is validated.
A Gene Expression–based Model to Predict Metabolic Response After Two Courses of ABVD in Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Luminari Stefano , Donati Benedetta , Casali Massimiliano , Valli Riccardo , Santi Raffaella , Puccini Benedetta , Kovalchuk Sofya , Ruffini Alessia , Fama Angelo , Berti Valentina , Fragliasso Valentina , Zanelli Magda , Vergoni Federica , Versari Annibale , Rigacci Luigi , Merli Francesco , Ciarrocchi Alessia
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

Early response to ABVD, assessed with interim FDG-PET (iPET), is prognostic for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and supports the use of response adapted therapy. The aim of this study was to identify a gene-expression profile on diagnostic biopsy to predict iPET positivity (iPET+).

Experimental Design:

Consecutive untreated patients with stage I–IV cHL who underwent iPET after two cycles of ABVD were identified. Expression of 770 immune-related genes was analyzed by digital expression profiling (NanoString Technology). iPET was centrally reviewed according to the five-point Deauville scale (DS 1-5). An iPET+ predictive model was derived by multivariate regression analysis and assessed in a validation set identified using the same inclusion criteria.

Results:

A training set of 121 and a validation set of 117 patients were identified, with 23 iPET+ cases in each group. Sixty-three (52.1%), 19 (15.7%), and 39 (32.2%) patients had stage I–II, III, and IV, respectively. Diagnostic biopsy of iPET+ cHLs showed transcriptional profile distinct from iPET−. Thirteen genes were stringently associated with iPET+. This signature comprises two functionally stromal-related nodes. Lymphocytes/monocytes ratio (LMR) was also associated to iPET+. In the training cohort a 5-gene/LMR integrated score predicted iPET+ [AUC, 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.80–0.96]. The score achieved a 100% sensitivity to identify DS5 cases. Model performance was confirmed in the validation set (AUC, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52–0.84). Finally, iPET score was higher in patients with event versus those without.

Conclusions:

In cHL, iPET is associated with a genetic signature and can be predicted by applying an integrated gene-based model on the diagnostic biopsy.
Influence of Cochlear Implantation on Postural Control and Risk of Falls
Authors: Louza Julia , Rösel Christopher , Gürkov Robert , Krause Eike , Ihler Friedrich
Published: October 2019

Background: Cochlear implantation is an important method of hearing rehabilitation. Earlier studies have shown the influence of implantation on the vestibular system. However, until now, the effect of hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants (CI) on postural control and body stability has not been sufficiently studied. Objective: To analyse the effect of hearing rehabilitation with activated CI and different sound inputs (music, speech text, and white noise) on postural control and risk of falls after implantation. Methods: This was a prospective clinical trial that included 33 adult patients with at least 6 months’ use of a CI (mean time after implantation = 23 months). All patients underwent a standard or geriatric (for patients >60 years) balancing deficit test protocol with a mobile posturography system (VertiGuard®) in different situations (CI deactivated/activated and different sound inputs). As the main outcome measure, the risk of falls (%) after each protocol was calculated by evaluating body sway both forward to backward and side to side (°/s). Results: With the CI deactivated, the mean risk of falls was 45.5%. After activation of the CI, there was a small decrease in the mean risk of falls, but it was statistically significant. With an additional sound input (music or speech text) this decrease was more pronounced: 42.0 and 42.4%, respectively. This effect seems to be more pronounced in older patients. Regarding the individual patients, 72% had an improvement in the risk of falls with an activated CI, and 28% had a slight deterioration. An activated CI accompanied by sound input (music) further improved the individual risk of falls. Conclusions: Compared with prior research, this study found that the risk of falls after implantation decreased over a longer time period. Furthermore, the use of a CI and different sound inputs had a positive effect on postural control. These findings support the need for optimal hearing rehabilitation, especially in elderly patients. Although this effect is relatively small, it is important to consider for further studies that rehabilitation with CI may reduce the risk of falls. While the auditory system supposedly contributes to postural control only to a small degree and the mechanism is still poorly understood, further studies with bigger samples are warranted to clarify these effects.
Three Cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease with Visual Disturbances as Initial Manifestation
Authors: Sakuma Toshiro , Watanabe Satoshi , Ouchi Ayumi , Sakanishi Yoshihito , Mizota Atsushi , Ebihara Nobuyuki
Published: October 2019

We report our findings in 3 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) with visual disturbances as the initial manifestations. These cases were found to have the Heidenhain variant of CJD. Two cases initially presented with progressively blurred vision and homonymous hemianopia. The other case initially presented with blurred vision and a decrease in the central sensitivity in both eyes. These 3 cases developed neurological symptoms about 4 weeks after the onset of visual symptoms. All were diagnosed with the Heidenhain variant of CJD based on the clinical course and confirmed by positive assays of the cerebrospinal fluid for the 14-3-3 protein and tau protein. In addition, the diagnosis was confirmed by the findings of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography. Patients can present with isolated visual symptoms which precede a decline in cognition by weeks due to the predominantly occipital lobe disease. The 3 patients were referred to the neurology department within 1 month of onset. The early diagnosis was necessary to avoid spread of the infection. In cases of suspected CJD, it is important to consult a neurologist quickly to make a definitive diagnosis of CJD. Ophthalmologists should be aware that visual impairments may be the first indication of CJD.