bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet recovery correlates parenchymal volume recovery after liver resection
Authors: Yamazaki Shintaro , Takayama Tadatoshi , Mitsuka Yusuke , Aoki Masaru , Midorikawa Yutaka , Moriguchi Masamichi , Higaki Tokio
Published: January 2020

Aim

Platelet count seems to assess liver function and predict liver regeneration, but factors associated with liver regeneration remain unclear. This study analyzed the relationship between platelet recovery and postresection liver regeneration.

Methods

Data from 343 candidates from 1245 consecutive patients with liver resection of more than Couinaud's segments were analyzed. Patients were divided into a low‐platelet‐recovery rate (LPRR) group (lowest 25%) or a control group on the basis of the platelet recovery rate on postoperative day (POD)7. Data were matched before analysis to adjust for operation scale. Trends in liver functional recovery were assessed, and liver volume recovery and remnant ischemic area was calculated using computed tomography volumetry. Factors predicting liver regeneration were analyzed.

Results

In 78 matched‐pair patients, the all‐complications rate (42.3% vs. 26.9%, P = 0.002) and infectious complications rate (21.8% vs. 9.0%, P = 0.027) were significantly higher in the LPRR group than in controls. Trends in liver functional recovery did not differ significantly, whereas significant differences remained for platelet recovery. Parenchyma volume recovery was delayed in the LPRR group from POD7 (84.5% vs. 78.1, P < 0.01) to POD30 (92.5% vs. 85.6, P < 0.01). Platelet recovery rate on POD7 correlated negatively with ischemic liver volume as evaluated on POD2 by computed tomography (r = 0.691). Postoperative ischemic volume on POD2 (5.41 [1.98–11.21], P < 0.001), infectious complications (3.48 [1.44–7.37], P < 0.001), and multiple resection (1.67 [1.10–4.11], P = 0.011) predicted delayed platelet recovery rate on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Platelet recovery correlated with liver volume recovery and occurrence of complications. Large ischemic area might negatively impact regeneration after liver resection.
External auditors' evaluation of a management's expert's credibility: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Agrawal Prerana , Tarca Ann , Woodliff David
Published: January 2020

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has concerns that auditors are not adequately evaluating the reliability of the work of management's experts (MEs). We interviewed nine experienced auditors to understand how auditors evaluate MEs. We observe that some factors specified by auditing standards, such as an ME's competency in accounting standards, geographical location of the subject matter or the ME, and the sourcing of an ME play a minor role in an auditor's evaluation of an ME's credibility. In contrast, the reputation of an ME's firm is a key determinant. Auditors corroborate information from multiple sources, but verify only the ME's professional qualification. We identify three potential reasons for the ASIC's concerns: “Experts are considered cognitive authorities,” “Documentation is the key,” and “Move from a risk‐based approach to a checklist approach.”
Change of fatty acid esters of MCPD and glycidol during restaurant deep frying of fish nuggets and their correlations with total polar compounds
Authors: Xu Lirong , Zhang Yuanbo , Gong Mengyue , Huang Jianhua , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xiaosan , Wang Xingguo
Published: January 2020

This study examined the fatty acid esters of 2‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (2‐MCPD), 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD) and glycidyl esters (GEs) in frying oils during fish nuggets deep frying. The 3‐MCPD esters significantly increased in the first 12 h and then decreased, whereas 2‐MCPD esters increased to a maximum at 24 h (0.69–0.81 mg kg−1) and then decreased. The GEs decreased with frying time and degraded to approximately 0.05 mg kg−1 after 36 h in all frying oils. The correlation results showed that the 3‐MCPD esters had a positive correlation with 2‐MCPD esters (R = 0.910), so 3‐MCPD esters could be an indicator of the presence of MCPD esters in frying oils. Strong correlations were found between MCPD esters and the peroxide values and p‐anisidine values, indicating that changes in MCPD esters may be related to oil oxidation. These results may improve our understanding of MCPD esters and GEs in frying oils and find ways to control them during frying.
Influence of hydrocolloid type on structural breakdown of vegetable purees during in vitro digestion
Authors: Salvador Ana , Sanz Teresa
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of hydrocolloids on the reformulation of pureed zucchini to obtain a healthy food. Changes in the rheological properties after in vitro digestion and in the sensory acceptability of purees were studied. After saliva addition, the carrageenan puree was the sample that kept its structure more stable with similar G′ and G″ values, whereas the guar gum and HPMC purees exhibited a very small decrease in the viscoelastic functions after mixing with saliva and the starch puree was completely degraded due to the effect of amylase. Regarding sensory properties, the scores of the carrageenan puree were the ones that were closest to the starch puree, so carrageenan puree is a good option for preparing a healthy food without any significant modification in its structure after digestion and in the sensory acceptability properties of a traditional puree.
The Indonesian version of the Medical Outcome Survey ‐ Short Form 12 version 2 among patients with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wicaksana Anggi Lukman , Maharani Erika , Hertanti Nuzul Sri
Published: January 2020

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine psychometric properties of the Indonesian version of Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 12 version 2 (SF12v2).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in three primary healthcare units in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Patients with cardiovascular diseases who were able to respond to questionnaires and provide their consent were invited. The validity test included face, content, discriminant, and construct validity. The internal consistency was used as the reliability indicator.

Results

The item and subscale of content validity index were 0.97 and 0.83, respectively. The instrument had 100% for equivalence and clarity outcomes, whereas the readability outcome was 91.7%. More than 80% of participants agreed and considered SF12v2 understandable. The correlations among physical and mental subscales were substantial, supporting discriminant validity. The Bartlett test of sphericity was significant with the Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin test of 0.74. The principal component analysis resulted in eight components, explaining 88.4% of total variance. α coefficients for subscale were ranging from.58 to.81, whereas the physical and mental component summaries were.77 and.67, respectively.

Conclusions

The Indonesian version of SF12v2 indicated a reliable and valid instrument. The SF12v2, available in a Bahasa Indonesia version, is an applicable instrument to assess quality of life on patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Effects of nano‐grain structures and surface defects on fracture of micro‐scaled polysilicon components
Authors: Xu Ran , Hu Xiaozhi
Published: January 2020

This study examines a simple fracture model for microscopically heterogeneous polysilicon components when Griffith theory applicable only to homogeneous materials fails. The strength‐limiting micro/nano‐ surface defect a0 is linked to the nano‐scaled grain size G of polysilicon and bulk fracture properties. Here the a0/G ratio is not large enough for polysilicon to be considered as homogeneous. Two polysilicon materials, with laminated grain structures (G = 125 nm) and columnar grain structures (G = 285 nm), have been analyzed. The simple fracture model together with a normal distribution methodology can be used to predict both the mean and 96% reliability fracture curves for the micro/nano‐crack range bridging the classic Griffith theory and the non‐linear fracture model.
Primary Prevention Statins in Older Adults: Personalized Care for a Heterogeneous Population
Authors: O'Neill Deirdre , Stone Neil J. , Forman Daniel E.
Published: January 2020

The 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines on the management of cholesterol acknowledge a lack of robust randomized clinical trial data to support routine use of statin therapy for primary prevention in adults older than 75 years. Shared decision making is emphasized because potential recommendations should reflect limitations of the current data, as well as heterogeneity of the older adult population, spanning the robust to the most frail. Although the National Institute on Aging recently funded PRagmatic EValuation of EvENTs And Benefits of Lipid‐Lowering in OldEr Adults (PREVENTABLE), a trial to study benefits of statins in very old adults, data are not anticipated for 5 years. Thus interim guidance is essential. Furthermore, even when PREVENTABLE is completed, individual idiosyncrasies among older adults suggest that decisions for each patient will still need to be personalized, relative to their unique clinical situation. In this article, we present three case studies to highlight dynamics that commonly impact choices regarding statins in older adults. Details underlying shared decision making are also described including the evolving application of coronary artery calcium to inform this practice. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:467–473, 2020
Occupational Sex Composition and Marriage: The Romantic Cost of Gender‐Atypical Jobs
Authors: McClintock Elizabeth Aura
Published: January 2020

The author considers the mechanisms by which occupational sex composition (the proportion of women and men in an occupation) might be associated with romantic transitions in the United States. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 to 2014, the author estimates the odds of marriage during a period of 35 years as a function of occupational and personal characteristics. Men's odds of marriage are decreased by working in predominately female occupations (75%–100% female) when compared with working in predominately male occupations (0%–25% female) or integrated (26%–74% female) occupations. Also, working in a predominately female occupation increases the odds that men have never married by ages 30 and 40. Women's odds of marriage are unrelated to occupational sex composition. Although the author focuses on marriage, the results are robust to including cohabitation as a competing risk. The author uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health 1994 to 2008 to replicate these findings in a more recent cohort with additional control variables. The romantic penalty for men's occupational gender atypicality demonstrates the continued devaluation of female activities and attributes and the resulting rigidity of expectations for men's gendered behavior, which may reinforce occupational segregation.
Adaptive management of an iconic invasive goat Capra hircus population
Authors: Cowan Dave P. , van der Waal Zelda , Pidcock Sally , Gomm Matthew , Stephens Nathalie , Brash Matthew , White Piran C.L. , Mair Louise , Mill Aileen C.
Published: January 2020

We describe the first use of fertility control to manage a free‐living mammal population in Europe. An immunocontraceptive vaccine (GonaCon) was used to reduce female fertility in an invasive feral goat Capra hircus population. Adaptive management was implemented to assess the feasibility of fertility control and to allow prediction of the required level of vaccination to limit goat numbers. The individual probability of breeding success decreased for two years following treatment. Understanding the population demographics alongside modelling of the individual and population‐level responses to the vaccine is important for future management.
Quantifying breast milk intake by term and preterm infants for input into paediatric physiologically based pharmacokinetic models
Authors: Yeung Cindy H.T. , Fong Simon , Malik Paul R.V. , Edginton Andrea N.
Published: January 2020

Despite the many benefits of breast milk, mothers taking medication are often uncertain about the risks of drug exposure to their infants and decide not to breastfeed. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models can contribute to drug‐in‐milk safety assessments by predicting the infant exposure and subsequently, risk for toxic effects that would result from continuous breastfeeding. This review aimed to quantify breast milk intake feeding parameters in term and preterm infants using literature data for input into paediatric physiologically based pharmacokinetic models designed for drug‐in‐milk risk assessment. Ovid MEDLINE and Embase were searched up to July 2, 2019. Key study reference lists and grey literature were reviewed. Title, abstract and full text were screened in nonduplicate. Daily weight‐normalized human milk intake (WHMI) and feeding frequency by age were extracted. The review process retrieved 52 studies. A nonlinear regression equation was constructed to describe the WHMI of exclusively breastfed term infants from birth to 1 year of age. In all cases, preterm infants fed with similar feeding parameters to term infants on a weight‐normalized basis. Maximum WHMI was 152.6 ml/kg/day at 19.7 days, and weighted mean feeding frequency was 7.7 feeds/day. Existing methods for approximating breast milk intake were refined by using a comprehensive set of literature data to describe WHMI and feeding frequency. Milk feeding parameters were quantified for preterm infants, a vulnerable population at risk for high drug exposure and toxic effects. A high‐risk period of exposure at 2–4 weeks of age was identified and can inform future drug‐in‐milk risk assessments.
Development of mouse models for the study of chloropicrin and hydrogen fluoride ocular injury
Authors: Causey Robert D. , Koenig Jeffrey A. , Autrey Jeffrey J. , McGowan Kevin J. , Gomez Amber M. , Lehman John G. , Ruff Albert L.
Published: January 2020

The possibility of chemical terrorism within the United States is a rising concern, with the eye being one of the most sensitive tissues to toxicant exposure. We sought to develop mouse models of toxicant‐induced ocular injury for the purpose of evaluating potential therapeutics. Chloropicrin (CP) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) were selected for the study owing to their reportedly high potential to induce ocular injury. Eyes of female BALB/c mice were exposed to CP or HF vapor in order to produce a moderate injury, as defined by acute corneal epithelial loss followed by progressive corneal pathology with the absence of injury to deeper eye structures. Clinical injury progression was evaluated up to 12 weeks postexposure, where a significant dose‐dependent induction of corneal neovascularization was measured. Histopathology noted epithelial necrosis and stromal edema as early as 24 h after exposure but was resolved by 12 weeks. A significant increase in inflammatory cytokine concentrations was measured in the cornea 24 h after exposure and returned to baseline by day 14. The ocular injury models we developed here for CP and HF exposure should serve as a valuable tool for the future evaluation of novel therapeutics and the molecular mechanisms of injury.
More Royalist Than the King? Immigration Policy Attitudes Among Naturalized Citizens
Authors: Politi Emanuele , Chipeaux Marion , Lorenzi‐Cioldi Fabio , Staerklé Christian
Published: January 2020

Social psychological research has analyzed immigration attitudes mostly from the perspective of natives without an immigrant background. Nevertheless, an increasing number of migrants obtain national citizenship and take a stance towards immigration policies. By studying immigration policy attitudes reported by naturalized citizens, this article develops a dual‐pathway model of immigrant political incorporation featuring pathways of either absorption or transformation. Based on a unique sample of immigrants who just accomplished the naturalization procedure (N = 566), we investigate participants' preferences for permissive or restrictive immigration policies as a function of their naturalization motives and expectations about how immigrants should acculturate in the receiving society (i.e., acculturation orientations). Our findings provide evidence for both processes of political absorption and transformation. On the one hand, belongingness motives underlying naturalization were connected to orientations towards host culture adoption, which in turn predicted support for restrictive immigration policies. On the other hand, instrumental motives were connected to orientations towards heritage culture maintenance, which in turn predicted support for permissive immigration policies. To conclude, we discuss the social psychological dynamics involved in the transition from national outsiders to national insiders and highlight the effects of naturalization on power relations between national majority and immigrant minority groups.
Peer observation to develop resident teaching
Authors: Ricotta Daniel N , Hale Andrew J , Freed Jason A , Taylor Jessica L , Smith Christopher C
Published: January 2020

Background

Developing teaching skills is a fundamental part of physician postgraduate training. Although resident‐as‐teacher curricula are proliferating, there is no clear consensus on how best to train resident physicians as clinical teachers. Peer observation has been shown to be effective in other settings, including faculty development, and could be adopted for resident teaching skill development.

Methods

The authors developed a 5‐day resident‐as‐teacher training programme, founded on three principles: (i) focused seminars; (ii) authentic teaching experiences; and (iii) peer observation. To provide genuine teaching experiences, course participants taught regularly scheduled curricular sessions. Residents were partnered with a peer; each delivered two teaching sessions and provided two peer observations.

Results

Evaluations revealed the course had a ‘major impact’ on participants’ teaching. Significant improvements were observed in self‐reported comfort and confidence with teaching and in providing feedback. Peer observation was cited as the most effective component of the course. Nearly all residents were both comfortable receiving and providing peer‐observed feedback. A majority of residents reported that they were more likely to seek feedback as a result of the course. The faculty member time required was limited to 1–2 hours per individual.

Discussion

Peer observation can be used effectively to engage residents and advance clinical teaching skills. Residents were generally comfortable giving and receiving feedback in peer‐observer dyads. Employing peer observation also reduced the amount of faculty member time needed to deliver resident‐as‐teacher programming, thereby facilitating the scalability of the programme. Allowing participants to teach during regular conference time allowed for smooth integration into the pre‐existing schedule for the training programme.
El concepto teológico de “estilo” como clave de lectura de Laudato si’ y Gaudete et exsultate: una manera de encontrar a Dios en la acción transformadora del mundo
Authors: Jiménez, S. J. Luis Orlando
Published: January 2020

Este artículo comienza presentando la noción teológica de “estilo”, desarrollada por Christoph Theobald, como modo de proceder inspirado en el Evangelio. Luego esboza tres niveles semánticos del concepto “estilo” que posibilitan relacionar de manera novedosa la fe cristiana y la acción humana, la espiritualidad y la transformación del mundo. Por medio de esta categoría se interpreta la propuesta del papa Francisco de cambio de estilo de vida en la Laudato si’ y en la Gaudete et exsultate. Dicha propuesta se inspira en el estilo de Jesús: la encarnación como manera de Dios de salir libremente de sí para habitar en el mundo.
A reconfiguração do movimento ecumênico e a busca de uma teologia ecumênica na América Latina
Authors: Wolff Elias
Published: January 2020

O movimento ecumênico é uma realidade dinâmica e em contínua transformação a partir dos novos tempos, novos contextos e novos sujeitos que se integram no diálogo sobre a oikoumene, como as culturas e as religiões. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar como esse fato implica em uma reconfiguração do universo semântico do conceito “ecumenismo” em nossos tempos. E procede analisando os desafios e as contribuições que os novos atores culturais e religiosos apresentam para o diálogo ecumênico na região. Conclui que emergem daí significativos elementos para a elaboração de uma teologia ecumênica latino-americana.
Exergy Analysis of Heat Recovery Steam Generator: Effects of Supplementary Firing and Desuperheater
Authors: Param Hanieh Khalili , Jianu Ofelia A.
Published: January 2020

Comprehensive exergy analysis of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) with two levels of delivered pressure is presented. The effects of supplementary firing as well as desuperheater set-point are considered to evaluate the exergy destruction of HRSG components. Burner firing rate is limited to a value that corresponds to the maximum allowable temperature of tube metal of high-pressure (HP) superheater. According to the exergy analysis performed in the current study, the exergy efficiency of HRSG is about 80% which means 20% of flue gas exergy (entering HRSG) is dissipated by HRSG destruction (∼14%) and stack exergy loss (∼6%). The stack exergy loss drops continuously as supplementary firing raises. It has also been determined that increasing the rate of supplementary firing boosts the exergy efficiency in the absence of water spray and reduces it when desuperheater is working. In addition, the exergy delivered to steam turbine shows a linear growth with burner heat while it is hardly affected by the set-point of desuperheater. Also, it is found that exergy loss through the stack is not sensitive to desuperheater set-point while it is on the decrease as burner duty raises. HP steam flow will raise with increasing the firing and/or decreasing the desuperheater set-point. HP evaporator has the most contribution in exergy destruction among HRSG components (∼40%), whereas HP superheater and desuperheater are components with a maximum sensitivity of exergy destruction to the amount of water spray.
Estimating on-Board Power Generation by Solar Photo-Voltaic Array Integrated Lighter-Than-Air Platform Under Variable Pitching Conditions
Authors: Ghosh Kuntal , Pawar Shriya Vijay , Banerjee Ayan Kumar , Guha Anirban , Duttagupta Siddhartha P.
Published: January 2020

Sustainable power generation on solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules integrated lighter-than-air platforms (LTAPs) is a daunting task since they are exposed to variable environmental factors such as wind, ambient air pressure, and incident solar insolation. Among these factors, the wind plays a significant role in destabilizing the system from its equilibrium position and affects the power generation. In this paper, we proposed a methodology for estimating the dynamics of power generation due to the destabilized pitching under different wind vectors. An alternative to the conventional fluid–structure interaction, a semi-analytical methodology has been formulated, utilizing commercial ansys fluent software, to estimate the pitching characteristics of lighter-than-air platform (LTAP). This pitching characteristic has been mapped to the body inertial frame for investigating the incident solar insolation followed by determining the corresponding power generation. The consequences of the envelope contour function (ECF) are also incorporated while characterizing the power generation. Furthermore, this study also provides scope for the placement of the solar PV array on LTAP in order to minimize losses in generated onboard power under variable pitching conditions.
Operator-Based Uncertainty Quantification of Stochastic Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Kharazmi Ehsan , Zayernouri Mohsen
Published: January 2020

Fractional calculus provides a rigorous mathematical framework to describe anomalous stochastic processes by generalizing the notion of classical differential equations to their fractional-order counterparts. By introducing the fractional orders as uncertain variables, we develop an operator-based uncertainty quantification framework in the context of stochastic fractional partial differential equations (SFPDEs), subject to additive random noise. We characterize different sources of uncertainty and then, propagate their associated randomness to the system response by employing a probabilistic collocation method (PCM). We develop a fast, stable, and convergent Petrov–Galerkin spectral method in the physical domain in order to formulate the forward solver in simulating each realization of random variables in the sampling procedure.
3 THE SCENES OF THE PFORTE DER EINWEIHUNG
3 A: Prelude

3B: Scene One

3C: Scene Two

3D: Scene Three

3E: Scene Four

3F: Scene Five

3G: Scene Six

3H: Scene Seven

3I: Interlude

3J: Scene Eight

3K: Scene Nine

3L: Scene Ten

3M: Scene Eleven

Authors: -- --
Published: January 2020

Anthroposophy (Steiner)
Acute O
2
sensing through HIF2α-dependent expression of atypical cytochrome oxidase subunits in arterial chemoreceptors
Authors: Moreno-Domínguez Alejandro , Ortega-Sáenz Patricia , Gao Lin , Colinas Olalla , García-Flores Paula , Bonilla-Henao Victoria , Aragonés Julián , Hüttemann Maik , Grossman Lawrence I. , Weissmann Norbert , Sommer Natascha , López-Barneo José
Published: January 2020

HIF2α-mediated gene expression enables the carotid body to respond to acute hypoxia.
Lead Optimization of Dehydroemetine for Repositioned Use in Malaria
Authors: Panwar Priyanka , Burusco Kepa K. , Abubaker Muna , Matthews Holly , Gutnov Andrey , Fernández-Álvaro Elena , Bryce Richard A. , Wilkinson James , Nirmalan Niroshini
Published: January 2020

Drug repositioning offers an effective alternative to
de novo
drug design to tackle the urgent need for novel antimalarial treatments. The antiamoebic compound emetine dihydrochloride has been identified as a potent
in vitro
inhibitor of the multidrug-resistant strain K1 of
Plasmodium falciparum
(50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
], 47 nM ± 2.1 nM [mean ± standard deviation]). Dehydroemetine, a synthetic analogue of emetine dihydrochloride, has been reported to have less-cardiotoxic effects than emetine.
Population Pharmacokinetic Study of the Suitability of Standard Dosing Regimens of Amikacin in Critically Ill Patients with Open-Abdomen and Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy
Authors: Carrié Cédric , Delzor Faustine , Roure Stéphanie , Dubuisson Vincent , Petit Laurent , Molimard Mathieu , Breilh Dominique , Biais Matthieu
Published: January 2020

The aim was to assess the appropriateness of recommended regimens for empirical MIC coverage in critically ill patients with open-abdomen and negative-pressure therapy (OA/NPT). Over a 5-year period, every critically ill patient who received amikacin and who underwent therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) while being treated by OA/NPT was retrospectively included. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling was performed considering the effect of 10 covariates (age, sex, total body weight [TBW], adapted body weight [ABW], body surface area [BSA], modified sepsis-related organ failure assessment [SOFA] score, vasopressor use, creatinine clearance [CL
CR
], fluid balance, and amount of fluids collected by the NPT over the sampling day) in patients who underwent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) or did not receive CRRT.
Peripheral Merozoite Surface Proteins Are Targets of Naturally Acquired Immunity against Malaria in both India and Ghana
Authors: Garcia-Senosiain Asier , Kana Ikhlaq Hussain , Singh Susheel Kumar , Chourasia Bishwanath Kumar , Das Manoj Kumar , Dodoo Daniel , Singh Subhash , Adu Bright , Theisen Michael
Published: January 2020

Development of a successful blood-stage vaccine against
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria remains a high priority. Immune-epidemiological studies are effective tools for the identification of antigenic targets of naturally acquired immunity (NAI) against malaria. However, differences in study design and methodology may compromise interstudy comparisons.
Structure of a Core Promoter in Bifidobacterium longum NCC2705
Authors: Kozakai Tomoya , Izumi Ayako , Horigome Ayako , Odamaki Toshitaka , Xiao Jin-zhong , Nomura Izumi , Suzuki Tohru
Published: January 2020

The structures of sigma factors vary among bacterial strains, indicating that recognition rules may also vary. Therefore, we investigated the promoter structure of
Bifidobacterium longum
NCC2705 using a bioinformatics approach and wet analyses. The most frequent and optimal motifs were similar to other bacterial consensus motifs. The optimal spacer length between the two boxes was reported to be 17 bp. It is widely applied to a bioinformatics approach for other bacteria. Unexpectedly, conserved spacer lengths were 11 bp as well as 17 bp in the genus
Bifidobacterium
. Moreover, the sigma factor of the genus
Bifidobacterium
has a characteristic domain in the N terminus which may contribute to the additional functions. Hence, it would be valuable to reevaluate the promoter in other organisms.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection Induces the Expression of Neuroendocrine Genes in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Valiya Veettil Mohanan , Krishna Gayathri , Roy Arunava , Ghosh Anandita , Dutta Dipanjan , Kumar Binod , Chakraborty Sayan , Anju Thoppil Raveendran , Sharma-Walia Neelam , Chandran Bala
Published: January 2020

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) manipulates several cellular pathways for its survival advantage during its latency in the infected human host. Here, we demonstrate that KSHV infection upregulates the expression of genes related to neuronal and neuroendocrine (NE) functions that are characteristic of NE tumors, both
in vitro
and in KS patient tissues and the heterogeneity of neuroendocrine receptors having opposing roles in KSHV-infected cell proliferation. Induction of NE genes by KSHV could also provide a potential survival advantage, as the expression of proteins at immunologically privileged sites such as neurons on endothelial cells may be an avenue to escape host immune surveillance functions. The NE gene products identified here could serve as markers for KSHV-infected cells and could potentially serve as therapeutic targets to combat KSHV-associated KS.
Draft Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Arthromitus” UMNCA01, a Suspected Commensal Isolated from the Gut Microbiome of Commercial Turkey
Authors: Hedblom Grant A. , Dev Kamal , Bowden Steven D. , Weber Bonnie , Noll Sally , Baumler David J. , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: January 2020

“
Candidatus
Arthromitus” UMNCA01 was recovered from ileal samples of commercial turkey poults and may have probiotic capabilities. The complete genome was determined using the Illumina MiSeq and HiSeq sequencing platforms. The complete genome consists of 1,631,326 bp and has a G+C content of 26.14%, 1,540 coding sequences (CDS), and 37 RNA coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Mesorhizobium
sp. Strain SARCC-RB16n, an Effective Nodulating and Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiont of Rooibos [Aspalathus linearis (Burm. f.)] in South Africa
Authors: Hassen Ahmed Idris , Swanevelder Z. H. , Bopape Francina L. , Lamprecht Sandra C.
Published: January 2020

The draft genome sequence of
Mesorhizobium
sp. strain SARCC-RB16n reveals the presence of major symbiotic (
nod
and
nif
) and additional plant growth-promoting (PGPR) genes associated with enhanced growth of
Aspalathus linearis
(Burm. f.) in South Africa. The genome sequence provides vital information for the development of a commercial inoculant for rooibos cultivation.
Complete Coding Sequence of a Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Strain Isolated during the 2016 Outbreak in Kazakhstan
Authors: Mathijs Elisabeth , Vandenbussche Frank , Saduakassova Meruyert , Kabduldanov Tursyn , Haegeman Andy , Aerts Laetitia , Kyzaibayev Taskyn , Sultanov Akhmetzhan , Van Borm Steven , De Clercq Kris
Published: January 2020

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) causes an economically important disease in cattle. Here, we report the complete coding sequence of the LSDV isolate Kubash/KAZ/16, detected in a clinical sample from an infected cow from the outbreak reported on 7 July 2016 in Kazakhstan (Atyrau Region).
Draft Genome Sequence of an Isolate of Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Nepal
Authors: Gautam Sanjay S. , Leong Kelvin W. C. , Pradhan Manoj , Singh Y. Ibotomba , Rajbhandari Sagar K. , Ghimire Gokarna R. , Adhikari Krishna , Shrestha Uma , Chaudhary Raina , Ghimire Gyanendra , Khadka Sundar , O’Toole Ronan F.
Published: January 2020

Extensively drug-resistant (XDR)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
has become a challenge to the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in several countries, including Nepal. Here, we report for the first time the draft genome sequence of an isolate of XDR-TB collected in Nepal and describe single-nucleotide variations associated with its extensively drug-resistant phenotype.
Childhood socioeconomic conditions are associated with increased chronic low-grade inflammation over adolescence: findings from the EPITeen cohort study
Authors: Fraga Sílvia , Severo Milton , Ramos Elisabete , Kelly-Irving Michelle , Silva Susana , Ribeiro Ana Isabel , Petrovic Dusan , Barros Henrique , Stringhini Silvia
Published: January 2020

Objective

Early life adversity has been associated with increased risk of inflammation and inflammation-related diseases in adulthood. This study aimed to examine the association of childhood socioeconomic conditions with chronic low-grade inflammation over adolescence.

Methods

We used information on 2942 members (1507 girls and 1435 boys) of the EPITeen (Epidemiological Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto) cohort that was established in 2003 in Porto, Portugal, and included 13-year-old adolescents were further evaluated at 17 and 21 years. Mother’ and father’s education and occupation were used as indicators of childhood socioeconomic conditions. High-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured at three points in time (13, 17 and 21 years). hs-CRP levels were categorised in tertiles separately for each wave; chronic low-grade inflammation in adolescence was defined as having hs-CRP levels in the highest tertile in at least two waves and never in the lowest tertile.

Results

Prevalence of chronic low-grade inflammation during adolescence was significantly higher among participants with low parental socioeconomic position. Low parental socioeconomic position was associated with chronic low-grade inflammation in adolescence, after adjustment for sex, perinatal and physical environment factors, health-related behaviours and health status in adolescence OR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4 for lowest versus highest mother’s education and OR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.3 for lowest versus highest father’s occupation.

Conclusion

Low childhood socioeconomic conditions are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation during adolescence. Our results suggest that the early life socioeconomic environment has an impact on inflammatory processes over adolescence.
Primary renal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in an adult patient
Authors: Connor Jessica , Tsui Johnson F , He Wenlei , Munver Ravi
Published: January 2020

Adult renal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare and aggressive entity with a paucity of data and reports in the literature. As a result, treatment guidelines for this malignancy are not well-established. Herein, we present the diagnosis, management and clinical course of a 39-year-old patient diagnosed with primary renal embryonal RMS (ERMS) following radical nephrectomy. We also review the existing literature on primary renal ERMS.
‘Tax-otsubo’: stress cardiomyopathy following an encounter with the Inland Revenue
Authors: Roach Myles William , Currie Peter
Published: January 2020

An 89-year-old man developed chest pain and palpitations shortly after finishing a stressful 40 min phone call to HM Revenue and Customs. After admission to the emergency department, he had a cardiovascular collapse followed soon after by a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (VF). The troponin T was elevated and his ECG showed extensive deep T wave inversion with prolongation of the QT interval. A portable hand-held ultrasound device (VScan; GE Healthcare) was used to demonstrate classical apical ballooning of the left ventricular apex indicating a diagnosis of takotsubo stress cardiomyopathy. Shortly following admission to the cardiac care unit, he had a further episode of VF, which was successfully defibrillated. A coronary angiogram was performed, which was normal. He was treated with a short course of benzodiazepines. He was discharged after 8 days without any neurological deficit. His echocardiogram subsequently showed complete resolution of the abnormalities of the left ventricular function.
Varicella-zoster meningitis in an immunocompetent young man presenting with a painless erythematous rash
Authors: Imani Sahand , Palavra Natalie C , Oboudiyat Carly , Ip Jerome
Published: January 2020

A 32-year-old man presented with a 7-day history of generalised headache, intermittent fever, emesis and diarrhoea. Four days after symptom onset, he developed a vesicular rash on his medial left thigh, without associated pain, paraesthesia or pruritus. He had no significant past medical history, and no HIV risk factors. He was presumed to have enteroviral meningitis and was commenced on supportive therapy. Lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis. While awaiting CSF serology, the formation of a new vesicle was noted at the site of the rash and was swabbed. Results for both the CSF and vesicle swab returned positive for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) confirming concurrent VZV meningitis with atypical painless herpes zoster in a young immunocompetent patient. He was initiated on intravenous acyclovir and made a full recovery after 2 weeks of treatment.
Contact — but not foul play — dominates injury mechanisms in men’s professional handball: a video match analysis of 580 injuries
Authors: Luig Patrick , Krutsch Werner , Henke Thomas , Klein Christian , Bloch Hendrik , Platen Petra , Achenbach Leonard
Published: January 2020

Aim

We aimed to identify patterns and mechanisms of injury situations in men’s professional handball by means of video match analysis.

Methods

Moderate and severe injuries (absence of >7 days) sustained in competition in one of six seasons (2010 to 2013 and 2014 to 2017) in men’s professional handball were prospectively analysed with a newly developed standardised observation form. Season 2013 to 2014 was excluded because of missing video material.

Results

580 injuries were identified: 298 (51.4%) contact injuries, 151 (26.0%) indirect contact injuries and 131 (22.6%) non-contact injuries. Head (87.5%), hand (83.8%), shoulder (70.2%) and ankle (62.9%) injuries were mainly sustained during direct contact. Typical contact injuries included collision with an opponent’s upper extremity or torso, and ankle injuries mainly consisted of foot-to-foot collisions. A large proportion (41.7%) of knee injuries were caused by indirect contact, whereas thigh injuries mainly occurred (56.4%) through non-contact mechanism. Wing (56.9%) and pivot (58.4%) players had the highest proportion of contact injuries, whereas backcourt players had a high proportion of indirect contact injuries (31.5%) and goalkeepers of non-contact injuries (48.9%). The injury proportion of foul play was 28.4%. Most injuries occurred in the central zone between the 6-metre and 9-metre lines (26.1%) and during the last 10 min of each match half (OR 1.71, p=0.016).

Conclusions

In men’s professional handball in a league setting, contact — but not foul play — was the most common mechanism associated with moderate and severe injuries. Head, hand, shoulder and ankle injury were mainly sustained during direct contact.
‘Good health means being mentally, socially, emotionally and physically fit’: women’s understanding of health and ill health during and after pregnancy in India and Pakistan: a qualitative study
Authors: McCauley Mary , Avais Ayesha Rasheeda , Agrawal Ritu , Saleem Shumaila , Zafar Shamsa , van den Broek Nynke
Published: January 2020

Objective

To explore what women consider health and ill health to be, in general, and during and after pregnancy. Women’s views on how to approach screening for mental ill health and social morbidities were also explored.

Settings

Public hospitals in New Delhi, India and Islamabad, Pakistan.

Participants

130 women attending for routine antenatal or postnatal care at the study healthcare facilities.

Interventions

Data collection was conducted using focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Transcribed interviews were coded by topic and grouped into categories. Thematic framework analysis identified emerging themes.

Results

Women are aware that maternal health is multidimensional and linked to the health of the baby. Concepts of good health included: nutritious diet, ideal weight, absence of disease and a supportive family environment. Ill health consisted of physical symptoms and medical disease, stress/tension, domestic violence and alcohol abuse in the family. Reported barriers to routine enquiry regarding mental and social ill health included a small number of women’s perceptions that these issues are ‘personal’, that healthcare providers do not have the time and/or cannot provide further care, even if mental or social ill health is disclosed.

Conclusions

Women have a good understanding of the comprehensive nature of health and ill health during and after pregnancy. Women report that enquiry regarding mental and social ill health is not part of routine maternity care, but most welcome such an assessment. Healthcare providers have a duty of care to deliver respectful care that meets the health needs of women in a comprehensive, integrated, holistic manner, including mental and social care. There is a need for further research to understand how to support healthcare providers to screen for all aspects of maternal morbidity (physical, mental and social); and for healthcare providers to be enabled to provide support and evidence-based care and/or referral for women if any ill health is disclosed.
Tinnitus healthcare: a survey revealing extensive variation in opinion and practices across Europe
Authors: Cima Rilana F F , Kikidis Dimitris , Mazurek Birgit , Haider Haúla , Cederroth Chistopher R , Norena Arnaud , Lapira Alec , Bibas Athanasios , Hoare Derek J
Published: January 2020

Tinnitus remains a scientific and clinical problem whereby, in spite of increasing knowledge on effective treatment and management for tinnitus, very little impact on clinical practice has been observed. There is evidence that prolonged, obscure and indirect referral trajectories persist in usual tinnitus care.

Objective

It is widely acknowledged that efforts to change professional practice are more successful if barriers are identified and implementation activities are systematically tailored to the specific determinants of practice. The aim of this study was to administer a health service evaluation survey to scope current practice and knowledge of standards in tinnitus care across Europe. The purpose of this survey was to specifically inform the development process of a European clinical guideline that would be implementable in all European countries.

Design

A health service evaluation survey was carried out.

Setting

The survey was carried out online across Europe.

Participants

Clinical experts, researchers and policy-makers involved in national tinnitus healthcare and decision-making.

Outcome measures

A survey was developed by the study steering group, piloted on clinicians from the TINNET network and underwent two iterations before being finalised. The survey was then administered to clinicians and policy-makers from 24 European countries.

Results

Data collected from 625 respondents revealed significant differences in national healthcare structures, use of tinnitus definitions, opinions on characteristics of patients with tinnitus, assessment procedures and particularly in available treatment options. Differences between northern and eastern European countries were most notable.

Conclusions

Most European countries do not have national clinical guidelines for the management of tinnitus. Reflective of this, clinical practices in tinnitus healthcare vary dramatically across countries. This equates to inequities of care for people with tinnitus across Europe and an opportunity to introduce standards in the form of a European clinical guideline. This survey has highlighted important barriers and facilitators to the implementation of such a guideline.
What are patients’ preferences for revision surgery after periprosthetic joint infection? A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Carroll Fran E , Gooberman-Hill Rachael , Strange Simon , Blom Ashley W , Moore Andrew J
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Understanding patients’ preferences for treatment is crucial to provision of good care and shared decisions, especially when more than one treatment option exists for a given condition. One such condition is infection of the area around the prosthesis after hip replacement, which affects between 0.4% and 3% of patients. There is more than one treatment option for this major complication, and our study aimed to assess the value that patients place on aspects of revision surgery for periprosthetic hip infection.

Design

We identified four attributes of revision surgery for periprosthetic hip infection. Using a discrete choice experiment (DCE), we measured the value placed on each attribute by 57 people who had undergone either one-stage or two-stage revision surgery for infection.

Setting

The DCE was conducted with participants from nine National Health Service hospitals in the UK.

Participants

Adults who had undergone revision surgery for periprosthetic hip infection (N=57).

Results

Overall, the strongest preference was for a surgical option that resulted in no restrictions on engaging in valued activities after a new hip is fitted (β=0.7). Less valued but still important attributes included a shorter time taken from the start of treatment to return to normal activities (6 months; β=0.3), few or no side effects from antibiotics (β=0.2), and having only one operation (β=0.2).

Conclusions

The results highlight that people who have had revision surgery for periprosthetic hip infection most value aspects of care that affect their ability to engage in normal everyday activities. These were the most important characteristics in decisions about revision surgery.