bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in plasma aldosterone level after weight loss by bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients
Authors: Suwannasrisuk Preaw , Boonchaya-anant Patchaya , Houngngam Natnicha , Udomsawaengsup Suthep , Sunthornyothin Sarat
Published: April 2020

Background

Overactivation of renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system (RAS) is part of the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hypertension. Evidences have shown that weight loss can result in reduction in blood pressure and RAS. This study was aim to investigate changes of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) after bariatric surgery.

Methods

A prospective study was done in 14 morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients who were taking medications that can interfere with PAC and renin levels were excluded. Collection of blood samples were done at baseline and at 3 and 6-month post-bariatric surgery.

Results

Four out of 14 patients had hypertension at baseline. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 56.7 ± 13.5 kg/m2. PAC were significantly decreased at 3-and 6-month post-bariatric surgery from 14.3 ± 8.0 to 7.5 ± 5.5 [reduction of 36% from baseline (P < 0.01)] and 8.0 ± 6.6 ng/dl [reduction of 32% from baseline (P < 0.05)] respectively. The reduction of PAC at 3-month post-surgery was correlated with the reduction of body weight (r = 0.46, P < 0.05), waist circumference (r = 0.73, P < 0.05) and percent of body fat (r = 0.58, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Maximal reduction of PAC in obese patients underwent bariatric surgery occurred during the first 3 months after bariatric surgery. The reduction of PAC was associated with the reduction of body weight, waist circumference and percent of body fat suggesting the link between RAS and obesity-mediated hypertension.
Trauma to Transformation: the lived experience of bereaved parents of children with chronic life-threatening illnesses in Singapore
Authors: Dutta Oindrila , Tan-Ho Geraldine , Choo Ping Ying , Low Xinyi Casuarine , Chong Poh Heng , Ng Carolyn , Ganapathy Sashikumar , Ho Andy Hau Yan
Published: April 2020

Background

In 2016, over 6.6 million children died globally, and 245 children died in Singapore. Chronic illnesses are prevalent causes of child mortality around the world. Despite growing research that examines the lived experience of parents bereaved by their child’s chronic life-threatening illness, there is no such study within the Asian context.

Methods

To bridge this knowledge gap, meaning-oriented, strength-focused interviews were conducted with 25 parental units (i.e. 6 couples, 13 lone mothers, 4 lone fathers, and 2 primary parental figures) who lost their child to chronic life-threatening illness in Singapore (N = 31), including those of Chinese (n = 17), Malay (n = 10) and Indian ethnicities (n = 4), between August 2017 and April 2018.

Results

Data analysis adhering to the grounded theory approach revealed 7 themes and 25 sub-themes that were organized into a Trauma-to-Transformation Model of Parental Bereavement. This model shows the major milestones in participants’ lived experience of their child’s chronic life-threatening illness and death, starting from the diagnosis of their child’s chronic life-threatening illness and the subsequent emotional turmoil (Theme 1), the mourning of their child’s death and the losses which accompanied the death (Theme 3) and participants’ experience of posttraumatic growth through reflection of their journey of caregiving and child loss (Theme 5). The model further describes the deliberate behaviors or ‘rituals’ that helped participants to regain power over their lives (Theme 2), sustain an intimate bond with their child beyond death (Theme 4), and transcend their loss by deriving positive outcomes from their experience (Theme 6). Finally, the model denotes that the lived experiences and well-being of participants were embedded within the health-and-social-care ecosystem, and in turn impacted by it (Theme 7).

Conclusion

These themes and their corresponding sub-themes are discussed, with recommendations for enhancing culturally sensitive support services for grieving Asian parents around the globe.
Determining the feasibility and effectiveness of brief online mindfulness training for rural medical students: a pilot study
Authors: Moore Sarah , Barbour Rita , Ngo Hanh , Sinclair Craig , Chambers Richard , Auret Kirsten , Hassed Craig , Playford Denese
Published: April 2020

Background

We sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness training program, delivered online to medical students at a Rural Clinical School.

Methods

An 8-week online training program was delivered to penultimate-year medical students at an Australian Rural Clinical School during 2016. Using a mixed methods approach, we measured the frequency and duration of participants’ mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion and compassion levels, as well as personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.

Results

Forty-seven participants were recruited to the study. 50% of participants were practising mindfulness meditation at least weekly by the end of the 8-week program, and 32% reported practising at least weekly 4 months following completion of the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction in participants’ perceived stress levels and a significant increase in self-compassion at 4-month follow-up. Participants reported insights about the personal and professional impact of mindfulness meditation training as well as barriers to practice.

Conclusions

The results provide preliminary evidence that online training in mindfulness meditation can be associated with reduced stress and increased self-compassion in rural medical students. More rigorous research is required to establish concrete measures of feasibility of a mindfulness meditation program.
The influence of job satisfaction, resilience and work engagement on turnover intention among village doctors in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xuewen , Bian Liyan , Bai Xue , Kong Dezhong , Liu Li , Chen Qing , Li Ningxiu
Published: April 2020

Background

As the gatekeepers of rural residents’ health, teams of village doctors play a vital role in improving rural residents’ health. However, the high turnover of village doctors, both individually and collectively, threaten the stability of village medical teams. This research evaluated the influence of job satisfaction, resilience, and work engagement on the village doctors’ turnover intention, and explored the mediating role of work engagement and resilience between job satisfaction and the turnover intention of village doctors in China.

Methods

A quantitative study using a self-administered questionnaire containing mostly structured items was conducted among village doctors with a sample size of 2693 from 1345 rural clinics in Shandong province, China, during May and June 2019. All variables including demographic characteristics, job satisfaction, resilience, work engagement and turnover intention were based on available literature, and measured on a 5- or 6-point Likert scale. Such statistical methods as one-way ANOVA, bivariate correlation, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used.

Results

Up to 46.9% of the subjects had a higher turnover intention and more than 26.3% of them had a medium turnover intention. The job satisfaction of village doctors could not only have a direct negative effect on turnover intention (β = − 0.37,p < 0.001), but also have an indirect effect through work engagement (β = − 0.04,=< 0.001). Meanwhile, work engagement also had a direct negative impact on turnover intention (β = − 0.13,p < 0.001), and resilience had an indirect negative impact on turnover intention through work engagement (β = − 0.09,p < 0.001). The above results of this study strongly confirmed that job satisfaction, resilience, and work engagement were early, powerful predicators of village doctors’ turnover intention.

Conclusion

According to the results, the following should be taken seriously to improve job satisfaction: reasonable and fair income, effective promotion mechanism, fair social old-age security, reasonable workload, and strong psychological coping mechanisms for work stress. The turnover intention of village doctors could be reduced through improving job satisfaction, resilience and work engagement.
E. coli diversity: low in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tang Le , Zhou Yu-Jie , Zhu Songling , Liang Gong-Da , Zhuang He , Zhao Man-Fei , Chang Xiao-Yun , Li Hai-Ning , Liu Zheng , Guo Zhi-Rong , Liu Wei-Qiao , He Xiaoyan , Wang Chun-Xiao , Zhao Dan-Dan , Li Jia-Jing , Mu Xiao-Qin , Yao Bing-Qing , Li Xia , Li Yong-Guo , Duo Li-Bo , Wang Li , Johnston Randal N. , Zhou Jin , Zhao Jing-Bo , Liu Gui-Rong , Liu Shu-Lin
Published: April 2020

Background

Escherichia coli are mostly commensals but also contain pathogenic lineages. It is largely unclear whether the commensal E. coli as the potential origins of pathogenic lineages may consist of monophyletic or polyphyletic populations, elucidation of which is expected to lead to novel insights into the associations of E. coli diversity with human health and diseases.

Methods

Using genomic sequencing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) techniques, we analyzed E. coli from the intestinal microbiota of three groups of healthy individuals, including preschool children, university students, and seniors of a longevity village, as well as colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, to probe the commensal E. coli populations for their diversity.

Results

We delineated the 2280 fresh E. coli isolates from 185 subjects into distinct genome types (genotypes) by PFGE. The genomic diversity of the sampled E. coli populations was so high that a given subject may have multiple genotypes of E. coli, with the general diversity within a host going up from preschool children through university students to seniors. Compared to the healthy subjects, the CRC patients had the lowest diversity level among their E. coli isolates. Notably, E. coli isolates from CRC patients could suppress the growth of E. coli bacteria isolated from healthy controls under nutrient-limited culture conditions.

Conclusions

The coexistence of multiple E. coli lineages in a host may help create and maintain a microbial environment that is beneficial to the host. As such, the low diversity of E. coli bacteria may be associated with unhealthy microenvironment in the intestine and hence facilitate the pathogenesis of diseases such as CRC.
PRENACEL partner - use of short message service (SMS) to encourage male involvement in prenatal care: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Bonifácio Lívia Pimenta , Franzon Ana Carolina Arruda , Zaratini Fabiani Spessoto , Vicentine Fernanda Bergamini , Barbosa-Júnior Francisco , Braga Giordana Campos , Sanchez Jazmin Andrea Cifuentes , Oliveira-Ciabati Lívia , Andrade Magna Santos , Fernandes Mariana , Fabio Suzi Volpato , Duarte Geraldo , Pileggi Vicky Nogueira , Souza João Paulo , Vieira Elisabeth Meloni
Published: April 2020

Background

The partner has an important role when he participates of the prenatal care as showed in the positive results relate to the mother and the child health. For this reason it is an important strategy to bring future fathers closer to health services and to improve their link with paternity.

Aim

To evaluate whether the implementation of SMS technology, through the PRENACEL program for the partner as a health education program, is a useful supplement to the standard prenatal monitoring.

Methods

A parallel cluster randomized trial was carried out, with the clusters representing primary care health units. The 20 health units with the largest number of pregnant women in 2013 were selected for the study. There was a balance of the health units according to the size of the affiliated population and the vulnerability situation and these were allocated in intervention and control health units by the randomization. The partners of the pregnant women who started prenatal care prior to the 20th week of gestation were the study population of the intervention group. The participants received periodic short text messages via mobile phone with information about the pregnancy and birth. In the control group units the partners, together with the women, received the standard prenatal care.

Results

One hundred eighty-six partners were interviewed, 62 from the PRENACEL group, 73 from the intervention group that did not opt ​​for PRENACEL and 51 from the control group. A profile with a mean age of 30 years was found and the majority of respondents (51.3%) declared themselves as brown race/color. The interviewees presented a mean of 9.3 years of study. The majority of the men (95.2%) cohabited with their partner and 63.7% were classified as socioeconomic class C. The adherence to the PRENACEL program was 53.4%. In relation to the individual results, there was a greater participation of the PRENACEL partners in the prenatal consultations, as well as a greater presence of them accompanying the woman at the moment of the childbirth when compared to the other groups.

Conclusion

The study showed that a health education strategy using communication technology seems to be a useful prenatal care supplement; the intervention had a good acceptability and has a promising role in men’s involvement in prenatal, labour and postpartum care of their partners.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registry: RBR-54zf73, U1111–1163-7761.
A primary health care model for managing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in low- and middle- income countries
Authors: Warren Charlotte E. , Hossain Sharif Mohammed Ismail , Ishaku Salisu , Armbruster Deborah , Hillman Emily
Published: April 2020

Background

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, specifically pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E), are the second biggest killer of pregnant women globally and remains the least understood and most challenging maternal morbidity to manage. Although great strides were made in reducing maternal and newborn mortality between 1990 and 2015, this was clearly not enough to achieve the global health goals. To reduce maternal deaths: 1) early detection of PE needs to be improved; 2) effective management of PE/E needs to occur at lower health system levels and should encourage timely care-seeking; and 3) prioritizing the scale up of a comprehensive package of services near to where women live.

Findings

This commentary describes a pragmatic approach to test scalable and sustainable strategies for expanding access to quality under-utilized maternal health commodities, interventions and services. We present a primary health care (PHC) PE/E Model based on implementation research on identified gaps in care in several countries, accepted global best practice and built on the basic premise that PHC providers can take on additional skills with adequate capacity building, coaching and supervision, and community members desire control over their own health. The PHC PE/E model displays the linkages and opportunities to prevent and treat PE/E in a simplified way; however, there are numerous interlinking factors, angles, and critical points to consider including leadership, policies and protocols; relevant medicines and commodities, ongoing capacity building strategies at lower levels and understanding what women and their communities want for safe pregnancies.

Conclusion

The PHC model described here uses PE/E as an entry to improve the quality of ANC and by extension the pregnancy continuum. Bringing preventive and treatment services nearer to where pregnant women live makes sense.
In-silico detection of aneuploidy and chromosomal deletions in wheat using genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Singh Narinder , Raupp John , Koo Dal-Hoe , Friebe Bernd , Gill Bikram , Poland Jesse
Published: April 2020

Background

Short read sequencing technologies, such as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), have been utilized in genetic mapping, marker development, and population genomic studies. High-throughput and multiplexing capability coupled with low cost make GBS an appropriate tool for molecular research. Here, we present the application of GBS to characterize wheat aneuploid stocks and detect chromosomal aberrations including aneuploidy and chromosomal deletions. These aneuploids are an important resource that have been used in wheat genetics and genomics studies to localize genes, determine physical positions, and develop chromosome bin maps.

Results

Using GBS, we mapped sequence reads and quantified read coverage across chromosome bins. Using this approach, we confirmed known deletions and aneuploid stocks. In addition, we were also able to fully characterize these stocks and to identify several novel deletions and aneuploids. With this knowledge and a quick detection tool at our disposal, we can easily isolate these deletions and aneuploids into distinct lines.

Conclusion

We envision this tool to replace the intensive cytogenetics techniques, such as C-banding, and fluorescent- and genomic-in situ hybridization to accurately detect chromosome dosage and segmental deletions in wheat genetic stocks as well as other crop species.
Blood Cd levels and carotid intima-media thickness in young adults living in Padang, Indonesia
Authors: Ilmiawati Cimi , Reza Mohamad , Yanni Mefri , Rusjdi Dina Arfiani
Published: April 2020

Objective

Cd exposure is a non-traditional risk factor of cardiovascular disease and mortality by promoting the development of atherosclerosis. The development of atherosclerosis can be monitored non-invasively by measuring carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). This study aimed to measure the level of blood Cd and other factors known to be associated with CIMT, measured at the segment of common carotid artery (CCA) and of internal carotid artery (ICA), in young adults from Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia, and we analyzed whether blood Cd is a predictor of CIMT.

Results

We recruited 156 subjects. Median blood Cd level was 0.61 μg/L (range 0.01–5.96 μg/L), with no difference in male compared to female subjects (Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.60). Multiple regression analysis showed that sex is the predictor of CCA IMT (adjusted R2 = 0.219; β = −0.438 [95% CI − 0.662, − 0.214]; p < 0.001) and ICA IMT (adjusted R2 = 0.165; β = − 0.529 [95% CI − 0.761, − 0.297]; p < 0.001). Blood Cd was not a predictor of CCA IMT (adjusted R2 = 0.219; β = − 0.101 [95% CI − 0.257, 0.055]; p = 0.203) and ICA IMT (adjusted R2 = 0.165; β = − 0.055 [95% CI − 0.217, 0.107]; p = 0.503) in young adults from Padang, Indonesia.
Multiplicity and existence of solutions for generalized quasilinear Schrödinger equations with sign-changing potentials
Authors: Huang Chen
Published: April 2020

We consider a class of generalized quasilinear Schrödinger equations $$ -\operatorname{div}\bigl(l^{2}(u)\nabla u\bigr)+l(u)l'(u) \vert \nabla u \vert ^{2}+V(x)u= f(u),\quad x\in \mathbb{R}^{N}, $$−div(l2(u)∇u)+l(u)l′(u)|∇u|2+V(x)u=f(u),x∈RN, where $l(t): \mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}^{+}$l(t):R→R+ is a nondecreasing function with respect to $|t|$|t|, the potential function V is allowed to be sign-changing so that the Schrödinger operator $-\Delta+V$−Δ+V possesses a finite-dimensional negative space. We obtain existence and multiplicity results for the problem via the Symmetric Mountain Pass Theorem and Morse theory.
The influence of education on health: an empirical assessment of OECD countries for the period 1995–2015
Authors: Raghupathi Viju , Raghupathi Wullianallur
Published: April 2020

Background

A clear understanding of the macro-level contexts in which education impacts health is integral to improving national health administration and policy. In this research, we use a visual analytic approach to explore the association between education and health over a 20-year period for countries around the world.

Method

Using empirical data from the OECD and the World Bank for 26 OECD countries for the years 1995–2015, we identify patterns/associations between education and health indicators. By incorporating pre- and post-educational attainment indicators, we highlight the dual role of education as both a driver of opportunity as well as of inequality.

Results

Adults with higher educational attainment have better health and lifespans compared to their less-educated peers. We highlight that tertiary education, particularly, is critical in influencing infant mortality, life expectancy, child vaccination, and enrollment rates. In addition, an economy needs to consider potential years of life lost (premature mortality) as a measure of health quality.

Conclusions

We bring to light the health disparities across countries and suggest implications for governments to target educational interventions that can reduce inequalities and improve health. Our country-level findings on NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) rates offer implications for economies to address a broad array of vulnerabilities ranging from unemployment, school life expectancy, and labor market discouragement. The health effects of education are at the grass roots-creating better overall self-awareness on personal health and making healthcare more accessible.
Correction to: An exploration of Prevotella-rich microbiomes in HIV and men who have sex with men
Authors: Armstrong Abigail J. S. , Shaffer Michael , Nusbacher Nichole M. , Griesmer Christine , Fiorillo Suzanne , Schneider Jennifer M. , Neff C. Preston , Li Sam X. , Fontenot Andrew P. , Campbell Thomas , Palmer Brent E. , Lozupone Catherine A.
Published: April 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported an error in Fig. 2. The original Fig. 2 has been incorrectly replaced with the Supplementary Fig. 2. The correct Fig. 2 is presented here.
A diagnostic tool for assessing the conservation condition of cellulose nitrate and acetate in heritage collections: quantifying the degree of substitution by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Nunes Sofia , Ramacciotti Francesca , Neves Artur , Angelin Eva Marisole , Ramos Ana Maria , Roldão Élia , Wallaszkovits Nadja , Armijo Alfonso Alejo , Melo Maria João
Published: April 2020

Cellulose nitrate and acetate are materials at risk in heritage collections because it is not possible to predict the evolution of their conservation state over time. Knowing that the degree of substitution (DS) of these materials correlates with their state of conservation because the fundamental degradation mechanism is hydrolysis, in this work, DS was measured in historical objects and artworks. Infrared spectra were used to develop and optimize calibration curves for cellulose nitrate and acetate references that were next applied to calculate DS values of heritage objects. The extent of hydrolysis measured, with this tool, correlated well with the physical deterioration assessed through the sample hardness (Shore A) which was measured with a Durometer. Calibration curves were optimized in reference materials by Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR-FTIR) and Micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR). The DS values of the AC reference materials was previously calculated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The calibration curves were obtained plotting DS as a function of the ratio between a reference peak (which does not suffer relevant changes during degradation) and selected peaks that monitor the degradation for cellulose acetate and nitrate polymers (avoiding the interference of plasticizers). The reference peak for both was the COC stretching mode (νCOC). The probe peak was, for cellulose nitrate, the NO2 asymmetric stretching (νaNO2) and, for cellulose acetate, the OH stretching mode (νOH). This ratio was then applied to calculate DS values of historical materials, in good and poor conservation condition; in situ by ATR, and in micro-samples collected from artworks by μFTIR. This selection comprises cinematographic and photographic films dated from the 1890s to the 1960s, and contemporary works of art made with cellulose acetate sheets by Portuguese artist José Escada dated from the 1960s. Finally, by comparison with the original estimated DS values, we show how this tool permits to define the state of degradation of these complex polymer matrixes. Thus, establishing the quantification of the DS as a novel tool to monitor the degradation of cellulose ester plastics, contributing in this way for a sustainable preservation of an irreplaceable heritage.
Environmental rehabilitation of damaged land
Authors: Mentis Mike
Published: April 2020

Background

Much land is subject to damage by construction, development and exploitation with consequent loss of environmental function and services. How might the loss be recovered?

Results

This article develops principles of environmental rehabilitation. Key issues include the following. Rehabilitation means restoring the previous condition. Whether or not to restore is not a technical but a value judgement. It is subject to adopting the sustainability ethic. If the ethic is followed under rule of law then rehabilitation must be done always to ‘the high standard’ which means handing down unimpaired environmental function and no extra land management. The elements of the former condition that it is intended to restore must be specified. Restoring these in any given case is the purpose of that rehabilitation project. The specified restoration elements must be easily measurable with a few simple powerful metrics. Some land damage is not fixable so restraint must be exercised in what construction, development and exploitation are permitted. If sustainability is adopted then cost benefit analysis is not a valid form of project appraisal because trading off present benefits against future losses relies on subjectively decided discount rates, and because natural capital is hard to price, indispensable, irreplaceable and non-substitutable. Elements often to be restored include agricultural land capability, landscape form and environmental function. Land capability is a widely used convention and, with landscape form, encapsulate many key land factors, and are easily measurable. Restoring soil and thereby environmental function provides the necessary base for an ecological pyramid.

Conclusions

The need for rehabilitation is not to be justified by cost-benefit or scientific and technological proof, but rests on a value judgement to sustain natural capital for present and future generations. Decision on what activities and projects to permit should be based on what is physically and financially fixable on current knowledge. Business and government must be proactive, develop rehabilitation standards, work out how to meet the standards, design simple powerful metrics to measure performance against the standards, embark on continuous improvement, and report.
Transdermal delivery systems in cosmetics
Authors: Kim Byel , Cho Hang-Eui , Moon Sun He , Ahn Hyun-Jung , Bae Seunghee , Cho Hyun-Dae , An Sungkwan
Published: April 2020

Transdermal delivery systems have been intensively studied over the past 2 decades, with the focus on overcoming the skin barrier for more effective application of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Although the cosmeceutical industry has made a substantial progress in the development and incorporation of new and effective actives in their products, the barrier function of the skin remains a limiting factor in the penetration and absorption of these actives. Enhancement via modification of the stratum corneum by hydration, acting of chemical enhancers on the structure of stratum corneum lipids, and partitioning and solubility effects are described. This review summarizes the advances in the development and mechanisms of action of chemical components that act as permeation enhancers, as well as the advances in appropriate vehicles, such as gels, emulsions, and vesicular delivery systems, that can be used for effective transdermal delivery.
Biological assessment of the headwater rivers of Opa Reservoir, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, using ecological methods
Authors: Aliu Olanrewaju O. , Akindele Emmanuel O. , Adeniyi Israel F.
Published: April 2020

Background

Headwater streams and small rivers within a catchment basin contribute greatly to the overall physico-chemical and biological quality of downstream larger freshwater systems; hence, there is a need to continually assess the water quality of such smaller systems. In this study, the three major tributaries (Obudu, Opa, and Esinmirin rivers) of a tropical reservoir were assessed for their water quality using some selected water and sediment parameters, as well as their macroinvertebrate faunae.

Results

All the measured water parameters were found to be within the recommended standards for freshwater life in the three rivers, except for PO43− and dissolved oxygen in Opa River which was possibly due to anthropogenic factors. The bottom sediment of the rivers was predominantly sandy and generally low in chemical characteristics. A total of 17 species of macroinvertebrates were recorded in this study: 14 species in Obudu River, 12 species in Esinmirin River, and 11 species in Opa River. Diversity (Margalef and Shannon-Wiener) and Pielou’s evenness indices were all low and indicative of an impaired freshwater system, with the lowest indices recorded in the Esinmirin River. Some macrobenthic environmental indicators of poor water quality (e.g., Tubifex sp., Tipula sp., Chironomus sp., Bulinus globosus, and Eristalis sp.) were exclusively recorded in the Esinmirin and/or Obudu River.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the reservoir’s headwaters were moderately polluted and had a tendency to become severely polluted by anthropogenic activities along the rivers. Measures should be put in place to reduce environmental impact on the quality of the headwaters and by implication, the reservoir.
Protocol for a multicenter observational prospective study of functional recovery from stroke beyond inpatient rehabilitation - The Interdisciplinary Platform for Rehabilitation Research and Innovative Care of Stroke Patients (IMPROVE)
Authors: Birke Gunnar , Wolf Silke , Ingwersen Thies , Bartling Christian , Bender Gabriele , Meyer Alfons , Nolte Achim , Ottes Katharina , Pade Oliver , Peller Martin , Steinmetz Jochen , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Stroke and its long-term consequences pose major challenges for the lives of those affected and healthcare systems. Neurological rehabilitation therefore primarily attempts to improve function in order to increase independence in activities of daily living, and to enable social participation. There is only scarce data on dynamics of functional recovery after patients discharge from inpatient neurological rehabilitation. Even less is known about the patient’s perspective on long-term recovery from stroke. The Interdisciplinary Platform for Rehabilitation Research and Innovative Care of Stroke Patients (IMPROVE) aims to address this knowledge gap by providing new insights into the dynamics and extent of functional recovery from stroke beyond inpatient rehabilitation treatment.

Methods

We provide the protocol for an observational, longitudinal, multicenter study conducted in an Universitary Stroke Center in cooperation with five Neurological Rehabilitation Centers in Northern Germany. Patients who suffered from ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke will be enrolled by the end of inpatient rehabilitation and followed up to 1 year. In addition, a group of chronic stroke patients and a group of craniocerebral trauma patients will be enrolled as a comparison group. Data on stroke characteristics, vascular risk factors, co-morbidities, social support, and demographics will be recorded. Comprehensive clinical evaluation will be performed at baseline, three, six, and twelve months after enrollment. The assessments and scores used reflect the three components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), some of them are tests regularly used in rehabilitation settings. Tests of motor function, cognition, and mood are included, as are tests of self-reported health-related quality of life. Primary outcome measure is a hand motor score, built by the sum of the hand items of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment as an objective measurement of hand function at 12 months after enrollment. Predictors of the primary outcome will be analyzed using linear regression analysis.

Perspective

The results of IMPROVE will inform about the long-term dynamics of functional stroke recovery after patients’ discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and will provide insights into the association of clinical and demographic factors with recovery of function.

Trial registration

The protocol is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04119479).
Model systems for regeneration: Drosophila
Authors: Fox Donald T. , Cohen Erez , Smith-Bolton Rachel
Published: April 2020

Drosophila melanogaster has historically been a workhorse model organism for studying developmental biology. In addition, Drosophila is an excellent model for studying how damaged tissues and organs can regenerate. Recently, new precision approaches that enable both highly targeted injury and genetic manipulation have accelerated progress in this field. Here, we highlight these techniques and review examples of recently discovered mechanisms that regulate regeneration in Drosophila larval and adult tissues. We also discuss how, by applying these powerful approaches, studies of Drosophila can continue to guide the future of regeneration research.
Cleft lip and cleft palate (CL/P) in Esrp1 KO mice is associated with alterations in epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk
Authors: Lee SungKyoung , Sears Matthew J. , Zhang Zijun , Li Hong , Salhab Imad , Krebs Philippe , Xing Yi , Nah Hyun-Duck , Williams Trevor , Carstens Russ P.
Published: April 2020

Cleft lip is one of the most common human birth defects. However, there remain a limited number of mouse models of cleft lip that can be leveraged to characterize genes and mechanisms that cause this disorder. While crosstalk between epithelial and mesenchymal cells underlies formation of the face and palate, the basic molecular events mediating this crosstalk remain poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that mice lacking epithelial-specific splicing factor Esrp1 have fully penetrant bilateral CL/P. In this study we further investigated the mechanisms leading to cleft lip as well as cleft palate in both existing and new Esrp1 mutant mouse models. These studies included a detailed transcriptomic analysis of changes in ectoderm and mesenchyme in Esrp1−/- embryos during face formation. We identified altered expression of genes previously implicated in cleft lip and/or palate, including components of multiple signaling pathways. These findings provide the foundation for detailed investigations using Esrp1 mutant disease models to examine gene regulatory networks and pathways that are essential for normal face and palate development and whose disruption leads to orofacial clefting in human patients.
Features of the Development of Modern Educational Space in a High-Tech Society
Authors: Shishov Sergey , Kal'ney V. , Ryahimova E.
Published: April 2020

The article summarizes the features of the development of modern educational space in a high-tech society based on the analysis of domestic and foreign studies. It is shown that the explosive development of digital technologies, mobile Internet, and VR / AR technologies dramatically make digital skills in demand; the boundaries that existed between personal space and the space that was previously called "work space" are being erased. The responsibilities of each employee and their area of responsibility are being seriously expanded into related areas. Routine work is transferred to robots, many new professions are created, and conditions are created to reveal the inner potential of each employee. The structure of the global educational market, which is characterized by high competition, is developing. It is concluded that the key vector in the development of educational technologies is determined by the need to Supplement the existing formats of educational products for teaching digital skills with new approaches based on mobile learning and the use of artificial intelligence. Evaluating the cost of improving the effectiveness of digital skills training identifies a separate problem in terms of ensuring the effectiveness of the training impact. Learning in a digital distance environment requires significantly higher density and fractional evaluation.
Advising Hajj and Umrah travellers in general practice
Authors: Gawthrop Mary
Published: April 2020

Hajj and Umrah are important events for our Muslim travellers. Mary Gawthrop provides an overview of the key considerations when providing travel advice to this group

Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), is one of the largest global gatherings of its kind, and this year it is expected to take place between 28 July and 2 August 2020. Umrah is a smaller pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year. Both of these events pose specific risks for travellers. Crowded conditions increase the risk of exposure to infections and viruses, including meningitis, TB and, potentially, COVID-19. Travellers also need to consider food and water hygiene, and their physical fitness. Practice nurses giving travel advice need to stay up to date with the latest developments and regulations from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Phase defect detection of large-aperture optics with static multiplanar coherent diffraction imaging
Authors: Wang Hongchang , Li You , Jiao Zhaoyang , Zhang Junyong , Sun Mingying , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: April 2020

Phase defect detection with micrometer scale on large aperture optical elements is one of the challenges in precision optical systems. An efficient scheme is proposed to detect phase defects. First, the defects are positioned in a large aperture by dark-field imaging based on large aperture photon sieves to improve the detection efficiency with a relatively low cost. Second, static multiplanar coherent diffraction imaging is used to retrieve the phase of the positioned defects in a small field of view. Here, a spatial light modulator is used as a multifocal negative lens to eliminate the mechanical errors in multiplanar imaging. The use of a negative lens instead of a positive lens has the advantage of a larger imaging space for the system configuration. Compared to the traditional interferometry system, this diffraction detection system has a simpler optical path and doesn’t require sparse distribution of the defects. Experiment results demonstrate the success of the proposed scheme with a detection resolution better than 50 µm. We believe this work provides an effective method to rapidly detect phase defects on large aperture optics with high accuracy and high resolution.
Improving thermo-optic properties of smart windows via coupling to radiative coolers: publisher’s note
Authors: Zhang Erjun , Cao Yang , Caloz Christoph , Skorobogatiy Maksim
Published: April 2020

This publisher’s note amends several equations and one formula
in Appl.
Opt. 59, D210
(2020).APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.382050
Long-distance transmission of quantum key distribution coexisting with classical optical communication over a weakly-coupled few-mode fiber
Authors: Wang Bi-Xiao , Mao Yingqiu , Shen Lei , Zhang Lei , Lan Xiao-Bo , Ge Dawei , Gao Yuyang , Li Juhao , Tang Yan-Lin , Tang Shi-Biao , Zhang Jun , Chen Teng-Yun , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: April 2020

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is one of the most practical applications in quantum information processing, which can generate information-theoretical secure keys between remote parties. With the help of the wavelength-division multiplexing technique, QKD has been integrated with the classical optical communication networks. The wavelength-division multiplexing can be further improved by the mode-wavelength dual multiplexing technique with few-mode fiber (FMF), which has additional modal isolation and large effective core area of mode, and particularly is practical in fabrication and splicing technology compared with the multi-core fiber. Here, we present for the first time a QKD implementation coexisting with classical optical communication over weakly-coupled FMF using all-fiber mode-selective couplers. The co-propagation of QKD with one 100 Gbps classical data channel at -2.60 dBm launched power is achieved over 86 km FMF with 1.3 kbps real-time secure key generation. Compared with single-mode fiber using wavelength-division multiplexing, given the same fiber-input power, the Raman noise in FMF using the mode-wavelength dual multiplexing is reduced by 86% in average. Our work implements an important approach to the integration between QKD and classical optical communication and previews the compatibility of quantum communications with the next-generation mode division multiplexing networks.
Force measurement in squeezed dissipative optomechanics in the presence of laser phase noise
Authors: Gu Wen-ju , Wang Yue-yuan , Yi Zhen , Yang Wen-Xing , Sun Li-hui
Published: April 2020

We investigate the force measurement sensitivity in a squeezed dissipative optomechanics within the free-mass regime under the influence of shot noise (SN) from the photon number fluctuations, laser phase noise from the pump laser, thermal noise from the environment, and optical losses from outcoupling and detection inefficiencies. Generally, squeezed light could generate a reduced SN on the squeezed quadrature and an enlarged quantum backaction noise (QBA) due to the antisqueezed conjugate quadrature. With an appropriate choice of phase angle in homodyne detection, QBA is cancellable, leading to an exponentially improved measurement sensitivity for the SN-dominated regime. By now, the effects of laser phase noise that is proportional to laser power emerge. The balance between squeezed SN and phase noise can lead to an sub-SQL sensitivity at an exponentially lower input power. However, the improvement by squeezing is limited by optical losses because high sensitivity is delicate and easily destroyed by optical losses.
Senolytic Activity of Selected NRF2-Interacting Natural Compounds
Authors: Salekeen Rahagir , Ashraf Ayesha , Habib Ahsan
Published: April 2020

Cellular senescence is a process that results in irreversible cell-cycle arrest acting as an autonomous tumor-suppressor mechanism. During senescence, cells develop distinctive metabolic and signaling features, together referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). The SASPs are implicated in several aging related pathologies, including various disorders and malignancies. Senolytics are rejuvenative compounds that eliminate harmful SASPs, which accumulate by evading immunosurveillance and activate inflammatory pathways. Several senolytic compounds, especially dietary plant metabolites that activate the cytoprotective NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-related factor 2) pathway, which is involved in complex cytoprotective responses, have been shown to target senescent cells that escape immunosurveillance. In this study, we have performed a systematic review of in vitro and in vivo effects of selected NRF2-interacting phytocompounds: quercetin, fisetin, hesperidin, epicatechin, metformin and resveratrol on senescent cells and evaluated their prospective utilization in gerotherapeutics.
A Study on Redox Potential of Phytochemicals and their Impact on DNA
Authors: Singh Nitika , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Doharey Pawan K. , Srivastava Neeharika , Kumar Abhishek , Sharma Bechan
Published: April 2020

The phytochemicals are endowed with antioxidant activities because of the presence of plentiful polyphenols and many other phytochemicals. However, some recent reports have suggested that phytochemicals from certain plant species exhibit DNA damaging properties mainly due to presence of alkaloids. In the present study, pBR322, Salmonella typhi DNA, insect DNA and human DNA were treated with hexanolic extract of Argemone mexicana and Thevesia peruviana leaves to assess their DNA damaging abilities. Another set of experiments was carried out using the methanolic extracts of Citrus lemon leaves to assess their DNA protecting abilities from damage of DNA by extracts of A. mexicana and T. peruviana at 150000 ppm for all DNAs used. The results indicated that the leaves extract of A. mexicanaand T. peruviana demonstrated significant DNA damaging potential at higher concentrations. In contrast, the extracts from C. limonat 15000 ppm showed maximum DNA protective properties for all DNAs used.
Multiparametric MR Is a Valuable Modality for Evaluating Disease Severity of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Lee Young-Sun , Yoo Yang Jae , Jung Young Kul , Kim Ji Hoon , Seo Yeon Seok , Yim Hyung Joon , Kim In Hee , Lee Soo Yeon , Kim Baek-Hui , Kim Jeong Woo , Lee Chang Hee , Yeon Jong Eun , Kwon So Young , Um Soon Ho , Byun Kwan Soo
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Because nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a leading cause of chronic liver disease, noninvasive evaluations of its severity are immediately needed. This prospective cross-sectional study evaluated the effectiveness of noninvasive assessments of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and steatohepatitis.

METHODS:

Patients underwent laboratory tests, liver biopsy, transient elastography, and MRI. Multiparametric MR was used to measure MRI proton density fat fraction, MR spectroscopy, T1 mapping, and MR elastography (MRE).

RESULTS:

We enrolled 130 patients between October 2016 and July 2019. For the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe steatosis (grade ≥ 2), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was lower in controlled attenuation parameter (0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60–0.76) than MRI proton density fat fraction (0.82; 95% CI, 0.75–0.89; P = 0.008) and MR spectroscopy (0.83; 95% CI, 0.75–0.89; P = 0.006). For the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis (stage ≥ 3), the AUROC of MRE (0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.94) was superior compared with those of the Fibrosis-4 index (0.77; 95% CI, 0.69–0.84; P = 0.010), NAFLD fibrosis score (0.81; 95% CI, 0.73–0.87; P = 0.043), and transient elastography (0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.88; P = 0.062). For detecting advanced fibrosis or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the AUROC of MRE (0.86; 95% CI, 0.79–0.91) was higher than that of TE (0.76; 95% CI, 0.68–0.83) with statistical significance (P = 0.018).

DISCUSSION:

Multiparametric MR accurately identified a severe form of NAFLD. Multiparametric MR can be a valuable noninvasive method for evaluating the severity of NAFLD.
Odontometria eletrônica em Endodontia: quando e como fazer o melhor uso dos localizadores eletrônicos foraminais
Authors: Vasconcelos Bruno , Frota Luciana , Bernardes Ricardo
Published: April 2020

Novas tecnologias vêm sendo incorporadas aos protocolos endodônticos com o intuito de facilitar ou tornar mais eficiente a atuação dos profissionais que os executam. Nessa perspectiva, os localizadores eletrônicos fora- minais (LEFs) apresentam-se como ferramentas quase indis- pensáveis para uma correta determinação do comprimento real dos condutos. Por sua vez, essa etapa reveste-se de vital importância para que os procedimentos endodônticos sejam mais precisos e limitem-se às extensões desejadas pelo endodontista, sem delegá-las ao acaso ou a variações anatômicas na relação entre os forames apicais (FA) e os vértices radio- gráficos. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente artigo é discorrer sobre os protocolos de emprego dos LEFs e a influência que algumas condições clínicas podem exercer na precisão desses dispositivos. Resultados: Tomando por base a evidência científica disponível, aspectos como o ajuste do instrumento e a relação desse com o preparo cervical, o limite apical de penetração e a sequência de emprego do LEF, assim como a condição foraminal, parecem interferir significativamente nos valores de precisão observados. Conclusões: Torna-se evidente que o conhecimento do funcionamento dos localizadores e sua relação com as diversas situações clínicas per- mite utilizá-los de maneira mais efetiva, incrementando sua precisão e extraindo do equipamento, qualquer que seja, um melhor resultado, favorecendo a correta obtenção do comprimento do canal radicular, assim colaborando para a realização de uma Endodontia mais previsível e de qualidade.