bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number of children and the prevalence of later-life major depression and insomnia in women and men: findings from a cross-sectional study of 0.5 million Chinese adults
Authors: Wang Hanyu , Chen Minne , Xin Tong , Tang Kun
Published: May 2020

Background

Pregnancy and parenthood have been associated with physical and mental health. Previous literature concerning the impacts of parity on mental health was inconsistent and lack epidemiolocal evidence. China, with growing mental health problems and changing fertility patterns, faces unique challenges. This study aims to examine the relationship between parity and the prevalence of major depression and insomnia among men and women in the Chinese population.

Methods

Baseline data from a Chinese population-based study of 512,891 adults (59.01% women) from 10 areas, aged 30–79 were analyzed. Number of children was based on self-report by the participants. Major depression (MD) was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Inventory. Insomnia symptoms were accessed by a questionnaire comparable to that used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between MD/Insomnia and number of children, after stratifications and adjustments.

Results

For women, each additional child was associated with a 9% decreased odds of MD (OR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.88–0.96), with the associations significant for those who lived in urban areas (OR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.70–0.83), or had a lower education (OR: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.85–0.94), or had lower household income (OR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.85–0.94), or had ever used alcohol (OR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.84–0.93). The association between per additional children and MD was not significant in men (OR: 1.02, 95%CI: 0.97–1.07), but a decreased odd of MD with per additional child was found in men who lived in urban areas (OR: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.71–0.96). For women, each additional child was associated with a 4% decreased odds of insomnia (OR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.95–0.96). Each additional child was also associated with a 2% decreased odds of insomnia in men (OR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.97–1.00).

Conclusions

MD and insomnia were inversely associated with number of children in women while the association was not overall significant in men. The association was mediated by socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Future mental health public health programs should address parity and sex differences when designing interventions.
A comparison of the Indian diet with the EAT-Lancet reference diet
Authors: Sharma Manika , Kishore Avinash , Roy Devesh , Joshi Kuhu
Published: May 2020

Background

The 2019 EAT-Lancet Commission report recommends healthy diets that can feed 10 billion people by 2050 from environmentally sustainable food systems. This study compares food consumption patterns in India, from different income groups, regions and sectors (rural/urban), with the EAT-Lancet reference diet and highlights the deviations.

Methods

The analysis was done using data from the Consumption Expenditure Survey (CES) of a nationally representative sample of 0.102 million households from 7469 villages and 5268 urban blocks of India conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) in 2011–12. This is the most recent nationally representative data on household consumption in India. Calorie consumption (kcal/capita/day) of each food group was calculated using the quantity of consumption from the data and nutritional values of food items provided by NSSO. Diets for rural and urban, poor and rich households across different regions were compared with EAT-Lancet reference diet.

Results

The average daily calorie consumption in India is below the recommended 2503 kcal/capita/day across all groups compared, except for the richest 5% of the population. Calorie share of whole grains is significantly higher than the EAT-Lancet recommendations while those of fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat, fish and eggs are significantly lower. The share of calories from protein sources is only 6–8% in India compared to 29% in the reference diet. The imbalance is highest for the households in the lowest decile of consumption expenditure, but even the richest households in India do not consume adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables and non-cereal proteins in their diets. An average Indian household consumes more calories from processed foods than fruits.

Conclusions

Indian diets, across states and income groups, are unhealthy. Indians also consume excess amounts of cereals and not enough proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Importantly, unlike many countries, excess consumption of animal protein is not a problem in India. Indian policymakers need to accelerate food-system-wide efforts to make healthier and sustainable diets more affordable, accessible and acceptable.
Health-related quality of life associates with change in FEV1 in COPD: results from the COSYCONET cohort
Authors:   for the COSYCONET Study Group, Lutter Johanna I. , Jörres Rudolf A. , Kahnert Kathrin , Schwarzkopf Larissa , Studnicka Michael , Karrasch Stefan , Schulz Holger , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Holle Rolf
Published: May 2020

Background

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) characterizes the pathophysiology of COPD and different trajectories of FEV1decline have been observed in patients with COPD (e.g. gradual or episodic). There is limited information about the development of patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQL) over the full range of the natural history of COPD. We examined the longitudinal association between change in FEV1and change in disease-specific and generic HRQL.

Methods

We analysed data of 1734 patients with COPD participating in the COSYCONET cohort with up to 3 years of follow-up. Patients completed the Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the EQ-5D Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS). Change score models were used to investigate the relationship between HRQL and FEV1and to calculate mean changes in HRQL per FEV1change categories [decrease (≤ − 100 ml), no change, increase (≥ 100 ml)] after 3 years. Applying hierarchical linear models (HLM), we estimated the cross-sectional between-subject difference and the longitudinal within-subject change of HRQL as related to a FEV1difference or change.

Results

We observed a statistically significant deterioration in SGRQ (total score + 1.3 units) after 3 years, which was completely driven by the activity component (+ 4 units). No significant change was found for the generic EQ VAS. Over the same period, 58% of patients experienced a decrease in FEV1, 28% were recorded as no change in FEV1, and 13% experienced an increase. The relationship between HRQL and FEV1was found to be approximately linear with decrease in FEV1being statistically significantly associated with a deterioration in SGRQ (+ 3.20 units). Increase in FEV1was associated with improvements in SGRQ (− 3.81 units). The associations between change in FEV1and the EQ VAS were similar. Results of the HLMs were consistent and highly statistically significant, indicating cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. The largest estimates were found for the association between FEV1and the SGRQ activity domain.

Conclusions

Difference and change in FEV1over time correlate with difference and change in disease-specific and generic HRQL. We conclude, that deterioration of HRQL should induce timely re-examination of physical status and lung function and possibly reassessment of therapeutic regimes.

Trial registration

NCT01245933. Date of registration: 18 November 2010.
Protective effect of Tualang honey against cadmium-induced morphological abnormalities and oxidative stress in the ovary of rats
Authors: Ruslee Siti Suraya , Zaid Siti Sarah Mohamad , Bakrin Ikmal Hisyam , Goh Yong Meng , Mustapha Noordin Mohamed
Published: May 2020

Background

To investigate the protective effects of Tualang honey against the toxicity effects induced by cadmium (Cd) on the ovary.

Methods

A total of 32 female Sprague Dawley rats were taken and randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). Throughout the experimental period of 6 weeks, negative control-NC (vehicle deionized water), positive control-CD (Cd at 5 mg/kg), Tualang honey followed by Cd exposure-TH (Tualang honey at 200 mg/kg and Cd at 5 mg/kg) and Tualang honey control-THC (Tualang honey at 200 mg/kg) groups, were administered orally on a daily basis.

Results

Rats exposed to Cd were significantly higher in ovarian weight, number of antral and atretic follicles as compared to the NC group. The disruptive effects of Cd on ovarian follicles were associated with a disruption in gonadotropin hormones and decreases in follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Moreover, a significant formation of oxidative stress in ovarian Cd-exposed rats has been proven by increasing the level of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde) and decreasing the levels of enzymatic antioxidant (catalase). Interestingly, a daily supplementation of high antioxidant agents such as Tualang honey in these animals, caused significant improvements in the histological changes. Additionally, less atretic follicles were observed, restoring the normal level of LH and FSH (P < 0.001), and normalizing the ovarian malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) and catalase levels in comparison with CD group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Tualang honey has protective effects against Cd-induced ovarian toxicity by reducing morphological abnormalities, restoring the normal levels of gonadotropin hormones and stabilizing equilibrium levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme in ovaries of rats.
The prevalence of social care in US health care settings depends on how and whom you ask
Authors: Cartier Yuri , Gottlieb Laura
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite unprecedented enthusiasm for integrating social risk screening and related interventions into US health care settings, we know relatively little about the extent to which these activities occur. We reviewed results from multiple national surveys that reported on the prevalence of social care activities.

Methods

We used snowball sampling to solicit input from 29 expert informants who were asked to share any knowledge about survey instruments that included questions on the prevalence of social care-related activities conducted in health care settings. We subsequently ran web searches on recommended surveys to identify those fielded with a national sample and conducted between Jan 1, 2007 and May 31, 2019. Finally, we analyzed and compared results across surveys.

Results

We reviewed 23 total survey events (19 individual surveys and 4 that had been re-administered) that included questions on the extent of social care activities across health care disciplines and settings. Samples included a wide range of health care stakeholders (including payers, health care executives, providers, and patients.) Sample sizes ranged across the types of respondents: 95–120 respondents in surveys of payers; 44–757 in surveys of health care delivery leaders; 484–2333 in surveys of clinicians; and 500–7002 in surveys of patients. In eight cases, survey reports did not include response rates; another four reports described response rates under 25%. Fifteen of the 23 surveys incorporated questions on the prevalence of social risk screening; 17 included questions on social care intervention activities. Responses about the prevalence of both screening and interventions varied widely: between 15 and 100% of respondents reported their organization conducts screening for at least one social risk; 18–100% of respondents reported providing social care interventions. Between 3 and 22% of surveyed patients reported being screened or assisted with a social risk. In the four surveys that were administered in different years, we found no significant differences in results between survey administrations.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that caution is warranted in interpreting survey findings from any single survey since existing surveys report a wide range of prevalence estimates for social risk screening and interventions.
Volunteer responsibilities, motivations and challenges in implementation of the community-based health planning and services (CHPS) initiative in Ghana: qualitative evidence from two systems learning districts of the CHPS+ project
Authors: Kweku Margaret , Manu Emmanuel , Amu Hubert , Aku Fortress Yayra , Adjuik Martin , Tarkang Elvis Enowbeyang , Komesuor Joyce , Asalu Geoffery Adebayor , Amuna Norbert N. , Boateng Laud Ampomah , Alornyo Justine Sefakor , Glover Roland , Bawah Ayaga A. , Letsa Timothy , Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Phillips James F. , Gyapong John Owusu
Published: May 2020

Background

Community volunteerism is essential in the implementation of the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) in Ghana. We explored the responsibilities, motivations and challenges of community health management committees (CHMCs) in two CHPS+ Project districts in Ghana.

Methods

We used a qualitative approach to collect data through 4 focus group discussions among a purposive sample of community health volunteers in December 2018 and analysed them thematically.

Results

Community health management committees (CHMCs) were found to provide support in running the CHPS programme through resource mobilisation, monitoring of logistics, assisting the Community Health Officers (CHO) in the planning of CHPS activities, and the resolution of conflicts between CHOs and community members. The value, understanding and protective functions were the key motivations for serving on CHMCs. Financial, logistical and telecommunication challenges, lack of recognition and cooperation from community members, lack of motivation and lack of regular skill development training programmes for CHMC members who serve as traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were major challenges in CHMC volunteerism.

Conclusion

Community health volunteerism needs to be prioritised by the Ghana Health Service and other health sector stakeholders to make it attractive for members to give off their best in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Once-daily single-inhaler versus twice-daily multiple-inhaler triple therapy in patients with COPD: lung function and health status results from two replicate randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ferguson Gary T. , Brown Nicola , Compton Chris , Corbridge Thomas C. , Dorais Kelly , Fogarty Charles , Harvey Catherine , Kaisermann Morrys C. , Lipson David A. , Martin Neil , Sciurba Frank , Stiegler Marjorie , Zhu Chang-Qing , Bernstein David
Published: May 2020

Background

The comparative efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LAMA/LABA) triple therapy administered via single or multiple inhalers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been evaluated comprehensively. We conducted two replicate trials comparing single- with multiple-inhaler ICS/LAMA/LABA combination in COPD.

Methods

207608 and 207609 were Phase IV, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, triple-dummy non-inferiority trials comparing once-daily fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) 100/62.5/25 μg via Ellipta inhaler, with twice-daily budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR) 400/12 μg via metered-dose inhaler plus once-daily tiotropium (TIO) 18 μg via HandiHaler. Patients had symptomatic COPD and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) < 50% predicted, or FEV1 < 80% predicted and ≥ 2 moderate or 1 severe exacerbations in the prior year. The primary endpoint in both trials was weighted mean change from baseline (wmCFB) in 0–24-h FEV1 at Week 12. Secondary endpoints included CFB in trough FEV1 at Day 84 and 85. Other endpoints included serial FEV1 and health status outcomes at Week 12. Safety was evaluated descriptively.

Results

The modified per-protocol population included 720 and 711 patients in studies 207608 and 207609 (intent-to-treat population: 728 and 732). FF/UMEC/VI was non-inferior to BUD/FOR+TIO for wmCFB in 0–24-h FEV1 at Week 12 (Study 207608 treatment difference [95% confidence interval]: 15 mL [− 13, 43]; Study 207609: 11 mL [− 20, 41]). FF/UMEC/VI improved trough FEV1 CFB versus BUD/FOR+TIO at Day 84 and 85 (Day 85 treatment difference: Study 207608: 38 mL [10, 66]; Study 207609: 51 mL [21, 82]) and FEV1 at 12 and 24 h post-morning dose at Week 12 in both studies. No treatment differences were seen in health status outcomes. Safety profiles were similar between treatments; pneumonia occurred in 7 (< 1%) patients with FF/UMEC/VI and 9 (1%) patients with BUD/FOR+TIO, across both studies.

Conclusions

FF/UMEC/VI was non-inferior to BUD/FOR+TIO for wmCFB in 0–24-h FEV1 at Week 12 in patients with COPD. Greater improvements in trough and serial FEV1 measurements at Week 12 with FF/UMEC/VI versus BUD/FOR+TIO, together with similar health status improvements and safety outcomes including the incidence of pneumonia, suggest that once-daily single-inhaler FF/UMEC/VI triple therapy is a viable option for patients looking to simplify their treatment regimen.

Trial registration

GSK (207608/207609; NCT03478683/NCT03478696).
TRIM72 promotes alveolar epithelial cell membrane repair and ameliorates lung fibrosis
Authors: Cong Xiaofei , Nagre Nagaraja , Herrera Jeremy , Pearson Andrew C. , Pepper Ian , Morehouse Robell , Ji Hong-Long , Jiang Dianhua , Hubmayr Rolf D. , Zhao Xiaoli
Published: May 2020

Background

Chronic tissue injury was shown to induce progressive scarring in fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), while an array of repair/regeneration and stress responses come to equilibrium to determine the outcome of injury at the organ level. In the lung, type I alveolar epithelial (ATI) cells constitute the epithelial barrier, while type II alveolar epithelial (ATII) cells play a pivotal role in regenerating the injured distal lungs. It had been demonstrated that eukaryotic cells possess repair machinery that can quickly patch the damaged plasma membrane after injury, and our previous studies discovered the membrane-mending role of Tripartite motif containing 72 (TRIM72) that expresses in a limited number of tissues including the lung. Nevertheless, the role of alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) repair in the pathogenesis of IPF has not been examined yet.

Method

In this study, we tested the specific roles of TRIM72 in the repair of ATII cells and the development of lung fibrosis. The role of membrane repair was accessed by saponin assay on isolated primary ATII cells and rat ATII cell line. The anti-fibrotic potential of TRIM72 was tested with bleomycin-treated transgenic mice.

Results

We showed that TRIM72 was upregulated following various injuries and in human IPF lungs. However, TRIM72 expression in ATII cells of the IPF lungs had aberrant subcellular localization. In vitro studies showed that TRIM72 repairs membrane injury of immortalized and primary ATIIs, leading to inhibition of stress-induced p53 activation and reduction in cell apoptosis. In vivo studies demonstrated that TRIM72 protects the integrity of the alveolar epithelial layer and reduces lung fibrosis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that TRIM72 protects injured lungs and ameliorates fibrosis through promoting post-injury repair of AECs.
FOXC1-induced LINC01123 acts as a mediator in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Purong , Long Qimin , Zeng Shiyan , Wen Min , Lu Qing
Published: May 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) representing a subclass of non-coding RNAs are dynamically expressed and participate in multiple pathological responses, whereas, the expression pattern or function of miRNAs has not been fully addressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Currently we concentrate on dissecting the probable role of microRNA-663a (miR-663a) in TNBC cellular processes.

Methods

qRT-PCR detected the expression of miR-663a in TNBC cells. Besides, we monitored the effects of miR-663a on TNBC proliferation and apoptosis. On the basis of bioinformatics assistance and mechanical validation, we identified the miRNA-sponging role of LINC01123 and downstream target of miR-663a in TNBC was assessed and verified. The transcription activation of was explored via ChIP and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

In comparison to MCF-10A, we certified the downregulation of miR-663a in TNBC cell lines. Augmentation of miR-663a was anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis in TNBC cell lines. LINC01123 protected CMIP against miR-663a suppression through acting as a sponge of miR-663a in TNBC. LINC01123 was transcriptionally induced by FOXC1. Rescue experiment proved that miR-663a suppression or CMIP (c-Maf inducing protein) enhancement could countervail LINC01123 depletion-mediated effects on TNBC cellular processes.

Conclusion

LINC01123, activated by FOXC1, regulated TNBC growth through miR-663a/CMIP signaling, which unveiled a new functional pathway of FOXC1-induced LINC01123/miR-663a/CMIP in TNBC.
A novel sphingosylphosphorylcholine and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 antagonist, KRO-105714, for alleviating atopic dermatitis
Authors: Yoon Sae-Bom , Lee Chang Hoon , Kim Hyun Young , Jeong Daeyoung , Jeon Moon Kook , Cho Sun-A , Kim Kwangmi , Lee Taeho , Yang Jung Yoon , Gong Young-Dae , Cho Heeyeong
Published: May 2020

Background

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a type of inflammation of the skin, which presents with itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin. The high global incidence of atopic dermatitis makes it one of the major skin diseases threatening public health. Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) act as pro-inflammatory mediators, as an angiogenesis factor and a mitogen in skin fibroblasts, respectively, both of which are important biological responses to atopic dermatitis. The SPC level is known to be elevated in atopic dermatitis, resulting from abnormal expression of sphingomyelin (SM) deacylase, accompanied by a deficiency in ceramide. Also, S1P and its receptor, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) are important targets in treating atopic dermatitis.

Results

In this study, we found a novel antagonist of SPC and S1P1, KRO-105714, by screening 10,000 compounds. To screen the compounds, we used an SPC-induced cell proliferation assay based on a high-throughput screening (HTS) system and a human S1P1 protein-based [35S]-GTPγS binding assay. In addition, we confirmed the inhibitory effects of KRO-105714 on atopic dermatitis through related cell-based assays, including a tube formation assay, a cell migration assay, and an ELISA assay on inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we confirmed that KRO-105714 alleviates atopic dermatitis symptoms in a series of mouse models.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data suggest that SPC and S1P1 antagonist KRO-105714 has the potential to alleviate atopic dermatitis.
Accuracy of CEUS-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy in early-stage breast cancer: a study review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Qiuxia , Dai Li , Li Jialu , Xue Jialei
Published: May 2020

Objective

To investigate whether preoperative localization of sentinel lymph node (SLN) by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can further improve the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).

Method

Collect published literatures or conference reports by searching electronic databases. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) evaluation method is used to evaluate the quality of the screened literatures. The pooled risk ratio of cancer metastasis of SLN identified by CEUS (CE-SLN) compared with SLN not identified by CEUS (nonCE-SLN) is calculated, and the pooled diagnostic accuracy of CE-SLN for pathological status of all SLNs is also evaluated.

Result

Through search and screening, a total of 16 studies were included, of which five and seven studies, respectively, entered the meta-analysis of metastatic risk ratio and diagnostic accuracy. The localization rate of preoperative CEUS for sentinel lymph nodes was 70 to 100%. The meta-analysis shows that the risk of metastasis of SLN identified by CEUS is significantly higher than that not identified by CEUS, 26.0% vs 4.6%, and risk ratio (RR) is 6.08 (95% CI 4.17–8.85). In early-stage breast cancer, the pathological status of CE-SLN is a good representative of all SLNs, with a pooled sensitivity of 98% (95% CI 0.94–1.00), pooled specificity of 100% (95% CI 0.99–1.00), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 2153.18 (95% CI 476.53–9729.06), and area under the subject receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve of 0.9968.

Conclusion

In early-stage breast cancer, preoperative localization of SLN by CEUS is expected to further improve the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).
The 2019 PGDIS position statement on transfer of mosaic embryos within a context of new information on PGT-A
Authors:   for the International Do No Harm Group in IVF (IDNHG-IVF), Gleicher N. , Albertini D. F. , Barad D. H. , Homer H. , Modi D. , Murtinger M. , Patrizio P. , Orvieto R. , Takahashi S. , Weghofer A. , Ziebe S. , Noyes N.
Published: May 2020

Background

A recently published Position Statement (PS) by the Preimplantation Genetics Diagnosis International Society (PGDIS) regarding utilization of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in association with in vitro fertilization (IVF) contained inaccuracies and misrepresentations. Because opinions issued by the PGDIS have since 2016 determined worldwide IVF practice, corrections appear of importance.

Methods

The International Do No Harm Group in IVF (IDNHG-IVF) is a spontaneously coalesced body of international investigators, concerned with increasing utilization of add-ons to IVF. It is responsible for the presented consensus statement, which as a final document was reached after review of the pertinent literature and again revised after the recent publication of the STAR trial and related commentaries.

Results

In contrast to the PGDIA-PS, we recommend restrictions to the increasing, and by IVF centers now often even mandated, utilization of PGT-A in IVF cycles. While PGT-A has been proposed as a tool for achieving enhanced singleton livebirth outcomes through embryo selection, continued false-positive rates and increasing evidence for embryonic self-correction downstream from the testing stage, has led IDNHG-IVF to conclude that currently available data are insufficient to impose overreaching recommendations for PGT-A utilization.

Discussion

Here presented consensus offers an alternative to the 2019 PGDIS position statement regarding utilization of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in association with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Mindful of what appears to offer best outcomes for patients, and in full consideration of patient autonomy, here presented opinion is based on best available evidence, with the goal of improving safety and efficacy of IVF and minimizing wastage of embryos with potential for healthy births.

Conclusions

As the PGDIS never suggested restrictions on clinical utilization of PGT-A in IVF, here presented rebuttal represents an act of self-regulation by parts of the IVF community in attempts to control increasing utilization of different unproven recent add-ons to IVF.
The ability of artisanal fishers to recognize the dolphins they cooperate with
Authors: da Rosa Daiane S. X. , Hanazaki Natalia , Cantor Maurício , Simões-Lopes Paulo C. , Daura-Jorge Fábio G.
Published: May 2020

Background

Human-animal interactions with mutual benefits in the wild are rare. Such positive interactions seem to require an intricate knowledge from the human side on the animals’ behavior and their habitat. In southern Brazil, dolphins and human net-casting fishers have specialized in a cooperative foraging, in which fishers report being able to identify and name dolphins. Here, we evaluate the consensus in their ability to recognize the individual dolphins they interact with. By investigating the reliability of this recognition process, we assess the pros and cons of relying on the fishers’ traditional knowledge to further understand the behavior and ecology of dolphins at the individual level. We also assess the potential role of traditional knowledge for the maintenance of this unusual interaction.

Methods

We interviewed 38 fishers using a semi-structured questionnaire. During each interview, we evaluate their recognition ability of dolphins by showing high-quality photos of dorsal fins of different dolphins, asking questions about the dolphins’ behavior and traits, and about how fishers recognize each dolphin. We also evaluated information about the fishers. Different indices were used to measure the fishers’ ability to recognize dolphins via photos, and their consensus on individual identification. These indices were modeled as functions of traits of both dolphins and fishers to investigate which ones influence the recognition process.

Results

We found that fishers can primarily recognize dolphins by natural marks in the dorsal fin but there was little consensus in recognition. Fishers also tend to repeat the name of the most “popular” dolphins for different photos, indicating low reliability in individual recognition. We also found that fishers who learned from relatives (vertical learning) how to interact with dolphins tend to be more accurate and have higher consensus in dolphin recognition than those fishers who learned from friends (horizontal learning) or individually.

Conclusion

Artisanal fishers have a deep understanding of the dolphins and the system they are inserted in. However, the lack of consensus in identifying individual dolphins herein reported indicates that using their traditional knowledge to further understand dolphin behavior and ecology at the individual level requires caution. Our study also suggests that the transmission of this tradition from parents to sons can be crucial to preserve such a unique human-animal positive interaction in its original form.
Appraising efficiency of OpSite as coolant in drilling of bone
Authors: Effatparvar Mohammad Reza , Jamshidi Nima , Mosavar Alireza
Published: May 2020

Background

During drilling of bone, which is common in clinical surgeries, heat generation increases local temperature in the drilling site. Transmission of excessive heat to the surrounding bone tissue can cause thermal osteonecrosis. Consequently, it may lead to failure of implants and fixation screws or delay in healing process. Using cooling is a method for limiting temperature elevation.

Materials and methods

In this study, through comparing three conditions of drilling without cooling, external cooling with normal saline, and external cooling with OpSite spray, the efficiency of OpSite as coolant is studied. In this regard, 2 drill bit diameters, 3 drilling speeds, and 3 drilling feed-rates are considered as drilling variables in the experiments.

Results

For the whole experiments, while cooling with normal saline resulted in lower maximum temperatures than without cooling condition, OpSite had even better results and limited the temperature elevation during drilling of bone efficiently.

Conclusion

OpSite spray, which has lower infection risks than normal saline on one hand and lower maximum temperature rise with all combinations of drilling parameters on the other hand, can be considered in clinical surgeries for cooling applications.
Consumption of anthocyanin-rich beverages affects Nrf2 and Nrf2-dependent gene transcription in peripheral lymphocytes and DNA integrity of healthy volunteers
Authors: Groh Isabel Anna Maria , Bakuradze Tamara , Pahlke Gudrun , Richling Elke , Marko Doris
Published: May 2020

Recently, we demonstrated that the consumption of a bolus of bilberry extract modulates the transcription of Nrf2-regulated genes in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of healthy volunteers, accompanied by decreased DNA-damage. In the present study, we addressed the question whether consumption of consumer-relevant amounts of anthocyanin-rich beverages can achieve similar effects. The impact of three different anthocyanin-rich beverages on Nrf2-dependent gene transcription as well as and the status of DNA-damage in whole blood was investigated. After a polyphenol-reduced diet, five healthy male subjects consumed a bolus (700 mL) of respective test beverages with blood sampling up to 8 h after intake. All beverages affected the transcription of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1, but showed different potencies and persistence of effects. Consumption of red fruit juice significantly reduced total DNA strand breaks (with formamidopyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase-(fpg) treatment) after 8 h in blood samples of the volunteers, suggesting antioxidant and DNA protective effects, albeit transcript levels of Nrf2-dependent genes had reached the basal state. The amount of basic DNA strand breaks (damage without oxidative DNA strand breaks) remained unchanged during the monitoring period. In contrast, a beverage prepared from grape skin extract significantly increased basic and total DNA strand breaks 2 h after intake, underlining the necessity of further investigations regarding composition, safety and consumer´s acceptance of respective products to exclude undesired adverse effects. Consumption of a bolus of anthocyanin-rich beverages affected Nrf2 and Nrf2-dependent gene transcription in human PBL and DNA integrity, which is indicative for systemic effects.
Real-time RT-PCR assay to detect Granada virus and the related Massilia and Arrabida phleboviruses
Authors: Davó Laura , Herrero Laura , Sánchez-Seco Maria Paz , Labiod Nuria , Roiz David , Gómez-Díaz Elena , Hernandez Lourdes , Figuerola Jordi , Vázquez Ana
Published: May 2020

Background

Granada virus belongs to the genus Phlebovirus within the Naples serocomplex and was detected for the first time in sand flies from Spain in 2003. Seroprevalence studies have revealed that Granada virus may infect humans with most cases being asymptomatic. Moreover, recent studies in vector samples revealed that the related Massilia and Arrabida phleboviruses could be also circulating in Spain. The objective of this study was to develop and assess a new sensitive real-time RT-PCR assay for Granada virus diagnosis able to detect the related phleboviruses Massilia and Arrabida.

Methods

Two specific primers and one unique probe to detect Granada, Massilia and Arrabida viruses, without differentiating between them, were designed targeting the conserved L-segment of their genome. Sensitivity was assessed using 10-fold serial dilutions of quantified in vitro DNA samples. Specificity was evaluated by testing different genomic RNA extracted from other representative phleboviruses. The new assay was used for virus detection in sand flies collected in 2012 from the Balearic Archipelago, a touristic hotspot in the Mediterranean.

Results

The real-time RT-PCR assay exhibited a sensitivity per reaction of 19 copies for Granada and Arrabida, and 16 copies for Massilia. No other related phleboviruses were detected. From the 37 pools of sand fly samples studied from four different Balearic Islands, we detected one positive in the island of Cabrera.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, the method described here is the first real-time RT-PCR designed to detect Granada virus and the related Massilia and Arrabida phleboviruses. The study demonstrated that this is a rapid, robust and reliable assay for the accurate diagnosis of human infections as well as for virus surveillance in vectors.
Bacterial community characterization of the rhizobiome of plants belonging to Solanaceae family cultivated in desert soils
Authors: Barraza Aarón , Caamal-Chan María Goretty , Castellanos Thelma , Loera-Muro Abraham
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The plant Solanaceae family is one of the most important for global agriculture and nutrition. Within this plant family, two plant species stand out for their economic importance and for human consumption, which are tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum). Moreover, those plants support diverse and characteristic microbial communities that are uniquely suited to the plant habitat and intimately connected to plant health. The main objective of this work is the bacterial community characterization in the rhizobiome of tomato and chili pepper, cultivated in arid environments.

Methods

Five crop fields located in the south of the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico, were sampled. Total DNA was extracted from rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endophytic root compartment and sequenced by Illumina MiniSeq platform technology applied to 16S rRNA gene V3 region.

Results

We were able to obtain 1,195,426 total reads and 1,725,258 total reads for tomato and chili pepper samples, respectively. The analysis of the bacterial community structures confirmed that the two plant species showed differences in their microbial community structures. Nonetheless, the microbial community structures were directly and equally influenced by the crop field localization of each plant species. Interestingly, we determined that in both plant species, the Proteobacteria was the main phylum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found that several bacterial families are part of the core rhizobiome (28 OTUs) for both tomato and chili pepper, but the most abundant were the Pseudomonadaceae family and the Pseudomonas genus, which most probably play a pivotal role in the microbial ecology to benefit both crop plants.
Camshift tracking method based on correlation probability graph for model pig
Authors: Zhang Xiangnan , Gong Wenwen , He Qifeng , Xiang Haolong , Li Dan , Wang Yawei , Chen Yifei , Liu Yongtao
Published: May 2020

The identification and tracking for model pigs, as a vital research content for studying the habits of model pigs, drawed more and more considerable attention. To fulfill people requirements for the effectiveness of the non-significant model pig tracking in breeding environment, a Camshift tracking approach based on correlation probability graph, i.e., CamTracor−PG, is proposed in this paper, in which the correlation probability graph is introduced to achieve target positioning and tracking. Technically, acquiring images through a vision sensor, according to the circular arrangement of pixels in the inverse probability projection graph, and multiplying the inverse projection probability value of a pixel by its surrounding pixels could obtain the weighted sum. Then, the target projection grayscale graph is established by utilizing the correlation probability value for positioning, identification, and tracking of model pigs. Finally, extensive experiments are conducted to validate reliability and efficiency of our approach.
Sex differences in the association between self-reported sleep duration, insomnia symptoms and cardiometabolic risk factors: cross-sectional findings from Brazilian longitudinal study of adult health
Authors: Silva-Costa Aline , Rotenberg Lucia , Nobre Aline A. , Chor Dora , Aquino Estela M. , Melo Enirtes C. , Barreto Sandhi M. , Schmidt Maria Inês , Griep Rosane H.
Published: May 2020

Background

The U-shaped associations between sleep durations and cardiometabolic risk factors (glycated hemoglobin levels, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and cholesterol levels) are still inconclusive. Moreover, as sleep is comprised of quantitative and qualitative aspects, exploring both insomnia symptoms and sleep duration are relevant when evaluating the potential effects of sleep problems on health. The aim was to evaluate sex-specific associations between sleep problems and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from wave two of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), including 7491 women and 6232 men. Questionnaires were administered to provide information about socioeconomic conditions, lifestyle, and sleep characteristics. A 12-h fasting blood sample was drawn to measure serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin. Blood pressure, weight and height were also measured using standard equipment. Generalized additive models were used to evaluate the curve shape of the relationship between self-reported sleep duration and the outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the magnitude of the associations of self-reported sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and short sleep plus insomnia symptoms with cardiometabolic risk factors.

Results

For women, self-reported sleep duration and insomnia symptoms (either separately or linked to short sleep duration) were associated with obesity, hypertension and glycated hemoglobin after adjusting for the confounders. The magnitudes of the associations between self-reported short sleep duration plus insomnia symptoms and the outcomes were slightly increased, considering sleep duration or insomnia symptoms separately. For men, both long sleep duration and insomnia symptoms were associated with hypertriglyceridemia after adjusted for the confounders.

Conclusion

These findings suggest possible sex-specific patterns, since obesity, hypertension and high glycated hemoglobin were associated with self-reported sleep duration and insomnia symptoms in women, but not in men, and reinforce the importance of considering quantitative and qualitative aspects of sleep for the prevention and management of the outcomes.
The spatiotemporal changes of marshland and the driving forces in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China from 1980 to 2016
Authors: Li Zhen , Liu Miao , Hu Yuanman , Xue Zhenshan , Sui Jinling
Published: May 2020

Background

Wetland loss is a global concern due to its enormous ecosystem services. Marshland, a typical natural wetland, which is concentrated in the Sanjiang Plain, has undergone dramatic loss in the last several decades. The spatiotemporal changes in marshland were studied based on Landsat images of the Sanjiang Plain from 1980 to 2016 with the land use maps in 1980, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2016 using land use dynamic degree and landscape indices. The driving forces of marshland loss, including biophysical factors, socio-economic factors, and land management, were analyzed with boosted regression trees (BRTs) methods.

Results

The area of marshland loss was 7372 km2, which accounted for 65.7% of the area of marshland in 1980; however, the paddy field area was expanded by 22,313 km2. The lost marshland was mainly converted to dry farmland (47.5%) and paddy field (47.2%) during 1980–2016. Both the landscape pattern of the study area and marshland became increasingly fragmented. The relatively important factors responsible for marshland loss were biophysical factors, socio-economic factors, and land management, which accounted for 65.2%, 25.5%, and 8.4%, respectively. The most important driving forces with high “relative influence” were “distance to river,” which accounted for 20.6% of the total variance explained. The “relative influence” of potential crop yield and ditch density reached 20.2% and 8.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Significant land use changes have occurred in the Sanjiang Plain over the past 37 years, with characteristics of rapid paddy field expansion and drastic marshland loss. Meanwhile, marshland fragmentation continued to increase. Reclamation was the main reason for the large-scale marshland loss. Biophysical factors influenced the decisions regarding the locations of marshland loss. Moreover, climate factors (i.e., average annual precipitation and average annual temperature) also played an important role in marshland loss. These results can provide helpful knowledge for understanding the patterns and reasons for marshland loss and protecting and managing strategies for wetlands restoration.
Prognostic value of lymph node ratio in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdeyrim Arikin , He Shizhi , Zhang Yang , Mamtali Gulbostan , Asla Aibadla , Yusup Mirkamil , Liu Jiang
Published: May 2020

Background

Several recent studies have indicated that the lymph node ratio (LNR) is an independent prognostic factor for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LHSCC). The purpose of this paper is to assess the prognostic value of LNR and explore appropriate cutoff values by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase (via Ovid), and Cochrane library were systematically searched for studies on the prognostic value of LNR in LHSCC up to October 31, 2019. Then, Literature review, data extraction, and quality assessment of eligible studies were performed by two independent reviewers back-to-back. Lastly, Stata 14.0 software was hired to conduct a meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 445 articles were retrieved, and 13 studies published in English between 2013 and 2019 were included after the title/abstract and full-text screening. Among the 13 studies contributed to 4197 patients, seven studies were about hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC), four studies about laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and the remaining two studies about LHSCC. The meta-analysis results showed that shorter overall survival (OS) (HR 1.49; 95%CI: 1.18 to 1.88), disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR 1.66; 95%CI: 1.32 to 2.07) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 2.04; 95%CI: 1.54 to 2.71) were significantly correlated with a higher LNR in a random-effect model. The cutoff values of eligible studies were varied from 0.03 to 0.14, and the lowest significant LNR was 0.044.

Conclusion

LNR is a valuable prognostic factor in the survival of LHSCC and may be used to improve the tumor staging systems, which, however, requires the solid support of more high-quality studies.
Unusual presentation of a first Branchial cleft cyst associated with an abnormal bony canal -a case report-
Authors: Fanous A. , Couloigner V. , Gorphe P. , Galmiche L. , Alexandru M. , Garabedian E-N , Coffinet L. , Blanc T. , Leboulanger N. , Denoyelle F.
Published: May 2020

Background

First branchial cleft anomalies are rare, accounting for only 10% of all branchial cleft anomalies. We report an even more rare and unique case of a branchial cleft cyst with features of both first and second arch derivatives.

Case presentation

A 6-year-old boy presented to us with a left conductive hearing loss associated with pre-tympanic keratin debris and an ipsilateral painful cervical mass. He had a past medical history of left ear surgery for presumed cholesteatoma 2 years prior and left neck abscess drainage 6 months prior. CT and MRI revealed a lesion originating in the external auditory canal and extending cervically through a bony canal located medial to the facial nerve and terminating as a parapharyngeal cyst. The complete removal was accomplished in one surgical stage consisting of three distinct steps: robotic assisted transoral resection of the pharyngeal cyst, an endaural approach and a parotidectomy approach.

Conclusion

We believe that our detailed description of this rare first branchial cleft cyst with pharyngeal extension, possibly a hybrid case between a first and second branchial cyst, can serve as a valuable tool to Otolaryngologists – Head and Neck Surgeons who come across a similar unusual presentations.