bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal association of changes in diet with changes in body weight and waist circumference in subjects at high cardiovascular risk: the PREDIMED trial
Authors: Konieczna Jadwiga , Romaguera Dora , Pereira Veronica , Fiol Miguel , Razquin Cristina , Estruch Ramón , Asensio Eva M. , Babio Nancy , Fitó Montserrat , Gómez-Gracia Enrique , Ros Emilio , Lapetra José , Arós Fernando , Serra-Majem Lluís , Pintó Xavier , Toledo Estefanía , Sorlí José V. , Bulló Monica , Schröder Helmut , Martínez-González Miguel A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Consumption of certain foods is associated with long-term weight gains and abdominal fat accumulation in healthy, middle-aged and young, non-obese participants. Whether the same foods might be associated with changes in adiposity in elderly population at high cardiovascular risk is less known.

Objective

Using yearly repeated measurements of both food habits and adiposity parameters, we aimed to investigate how changes in the consumption of specific foods were associated with concurrent changes in weight or waist circumference (WC) in the PREDIMED trial.

Design

We followed-up 7009 participants aged 55–70 years at high cardiovascular risk for a median time of 4.8 years. A validated 137-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for dietary assessment with yearly repeated measurements. We longitudinally assessed associations between yearly changes in food consumption (serving/d) and concurrent changes in weight (kg) or WC (cm).

Results

Yearly increments in weight were observed with increased consumption (kg per each additional increase in 1 serving/d) for refined grains (0.32 kg/serving/d), red meat (0.24), potatoes (0.23), alcoholic beverages (0.18), processed meat (0.15), white bread (0.07) and sweets (0.04); whereas inverse associations were detected for increased consumption of low-fat yogurt (− 0.18), and low-fat milk (− 0.06).

Annual WC gain (cm per each additional increase in 1 serving/d) occurred with increased consumption of snacks, fast-foods and pre-prepared dishes (0.28), processed meat (0.18), alcoholic beverages (0.13), and sweets (0.08); whereas increased consumption of vegetables (− 0.23), and nuts (− 0.17), were associated with reductions in WC.

Conclusions

In this assessment conducted in high-risk subjects using yearly repeated measurements of food habits and adiposity, some ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates (including white bread), potatoes, red meats and alcohol were associated with higher weight and WC gain, whereas increases in consumption of low-fat dairy products and plant foods were associated with less gain in weight and WC.

Trial registration

This study was registered at controlled-trials.com with International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 35739639. Registration date: 5 October 2005.
IL-1β induces rod degeneration through the disruption of retinal glutamate homeostasis
Authors: Charles-Messance Hugo , Blot Guillaume , Couturier Aude , Vignaud Lucile , Touhami Sara , Beguier Fanny , Siqueiros Lourdes , Forster Valérie , Barmo Nour , Augustin Sébastien , Picaud Serge , Sahel José-Alain , Rendon Alvaro , Grosche Antje , Tadayoni Ramin , Sennlaub Florian , Guillonneau Xavier
Published: January 2020

Background

Age-related macular degeneration is characterized by the accumulation of subretinal macrophages and the degeneration of cones, but mainly of rods. We have previously shown that Mononuclear Phagocytes-derived IL-1β induces rod photoreceptor cell death during experimental subretinal inflammation and in retinal explants exposed to IL-1β but the mechanism is unknown.

Methods

Retinal explants were culture in the presence of human monocytes or IL-1β and photoreceptor cell survival was analyzed by TUNEL labeling. Glutamate concentration and transcription levels of gene involved in the homeostasis of glutamate were analyzed in cell fractions of explant cultured or not in the presence of IL-1β. Glutamate receptor antagonists were evaluated for their ability to reduce photoreceptor cell death in the presence of IL1-β or monocytes.

Results

We here show that IL-1β does not induce death in isolated photoreceptors, suggesting an indirect effect. We demonstrate that IL-1β leads to glutamate-induced rod photoreceptor cell death as it increases the extracellular glutamate concentrations in the retina through the inhibition of its conversion to glutamine in Müller cells, increased release from Müller cells, and diminished reuptake. The inhibition of non-NMDA receptors completely and efficiently prevented rod apoptosis in retinal explants cultured in the presence of IL-1β or, more importantly, in vivo, in a model of subretinal inflammation.

Conclusions

Our study emphasizes the importance of inflammation in the deregulation of glutamate homeostasis and provides a comprehensive mechanism of action for IL-1β-induced rod degeneration.
Reliability, validity and discriminant ability of a robotic device for finger training in patients with subacute stroke
Authors:   the FDG Robotic Rehabilitation Group, Germanotta Marco , Gower Valerio , Papadopoulou Dionysia , Cruciani Arianna , Pecchioli Cristiano , Mosca Rita , Speranza Gabriele , Falsini Catuscia , Cecchi Francesca , Vannetti Federica , Montesano Angelo , Galeri Silvia , Gramatica Furio , Aprile Irene
Published: January 2020

Background

The majority of stroke survivors experiences significant hand impairments, as weakness and spasticity, with a severe impact on the activity of daily living. To objectively evaluate hand deficits, quantitative measures are needed. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability, the validity and the discriminant ability of the instrumental measures provided by a robotic device for hand rehabilitation, in a sample of patients with subacute stroke.

Material and methods

In this study, 120 patients with stroke and 40 controls were enrolled. Clinical evaluation included finger flexion and extension strength (using the Medical Research Council, MRC), finger spasticity (using the Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS) and motor control and dexterity during ADL performance (by means of the Frenchay Arm Test, FAT). Robotic evaluations included finger flexion and extension strength, muscle tone at rest, and instrumented MAS and Modified Tardieu Scale. Subjects were evaluated twice, one day apart, to assess the test-retest reliability of the robotic measures, using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). To estimate the response stability, the standard errors of measurement and the minimum detectable change (MDC) were also calculated. Validity was assessed by analyzing the correlations between the robotic metrics and the clinical scales, using the Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient (r). Finally, we investigated the ability of the robotic measures to distinguish between patients with stroke and healthy subjects, by means of Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

All the investigated measures were able to discriminate patients with stroke from healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability was found to be excellent for finger strength (in both flexion and extension) and muscle tone, with ICCs higher than 0.9. MDCs were equal to 10.6 N for finger flexion, 3.4 N for finger extension, and 14.3 N for muscle tone. Conversely, test-retest reliability of the spasticity measures was poor. Finally, finger strength (in both flexion and extension) was correlated with the clinical scales (r of about 0.7 with MRC, and about 0.5 with FAT).

Discussion

Finger strength (in both flexion and extension) and muscle tone, as provided by a robotic device for hand rehabilitation, are reliable and sensitive measures. Moreover, finger strength is strongly correlated with clinical scales. Changes higher than the obtained MDC in these robotic measures could be considered as clinically relevant and used to assess the effect of a rehabilitation treatment in patients with subacute stroke.
Is aggregated synthetic amorphous silica toxicologically relevant?
Authors: Murugadoss Sivakumar , van den Brule Sybille , Brassinne Frederic , Sebaihi Noham , Mejia Jorge , Lucas Stéphane , Petry Jasmine , Godderis Lode , Mast Jan , Lison Dominique , Hoet Peter H.
Published: January 2020

Background

The regulatory definition(s) of nanomaterials (NMs) frequently uses the term ‘agglomerates and aggregates’ (AA) despite the paucity of evidence that AA are significantly relevant from a nanotoxicological perspective. This knowledge gap greatly affects the safety assessment and regulation of NMs, such as synthetic amorphous silica (SAS). SAS is used in a large panel of industrial applications. They are primarily produced as nano-sized particles (1–100 nm in diameter) and considered safe as they form large aggregates (> 100 nm) during the production process. So far, it is indeed believed that large aggregates represent a weaker hazard compared to their nano counterpart. Thus, we assessed the impact of SAS aggregation on in vitro cytotoxicity/biological activity to address the toxicological relevance of aggregates of different sizes.

Results

We used a precipitated SAS dispersed by different methods, generating 4 ad-hoc suspensions with different aggregate size distributions. Their effect on cell metabolic activity, cell viability, epithelial barrier integrity, total glutathione content and, IL-8 and IL-6 secretion were investigated after 24 h exposure in human bronchial epithelial (HBE), colon epithelial (Caco2) and monocytic cells (THP-1). We observed that the de-aggregated suspension (DE-AGGR), predominantly composed of nano-sized aggregates, induced stronger effects in all the cell lines than the aggregated suspension (AGGR). We then compared DE-AGGR with 2 suspensions fractionated from AGGR: the precipitated fraction (PREC) and the supernatant fraction (SuperN). Very large aggregates in PREC were found to be the least cytotoxic/biologically active compared to other suspensions. SuperN, which contains aggregates larger in size (> 100 nm) than in DE-AGGR but smaller than PREC, exhibited similar activity as DE-AGGR.

Conclusion

Overall, aggregation resulted in reduced toxicological activity of SAS. However, when comparing aggregates of different sizes, it appeared that aggregates > 100 nm were not necessarily less cytotoxic than their nano-sized counterparts. This study suggests that aggregates of SAS are toxicologically relevant for the definition of NMs.
Trends and predictors of mortality in unstable pelvic ring fracture: a 10-year experience with a multidisciplinary institutional protocol
Authors: Chen Hsien-Te , Wang Yu-Chun , Hsieh Chen-Chou , Su Li-Ting , Wu Shih-Chi , Lo Yuan-Shun , Chang Chien-Chun , Tsai Chun-Hao
Published: December 2019

Background

Pelvic ring fracture is often combined with other injuries and such patients are considered at high risk of mortality and complications. There is controversy regarding the gold standard protocol for the initial treatment of pelvic fracture. The aim of this study was to assess which risk factors could affect the outcome and to analyze survival using our multidisciplinary institutional protocol for traumatic pelvic ring fracture.

Material and methods

This retrospective study reviewed patients who sustained an unstable pelvic ring fracture with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 5. All patients were admitted to the emergency department and registered in the Trauma Registry System of a level I trauma center from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017. The annular mortality rate after the application of our institutional protocol was analyzed. Patients with different systems of injury and treatments were compared, and regression analysis was performed to adjust for factors that could affect the rate of mortality and complications.

Results

During the 10-year study period, there were 825 unstable pelvic ring injuries, with a mean ISS higher than that of other non-pelvic trauma cases. The annual mortality rate declined from 7.8 to 2.4% and the mean length of stay was 18.1 days. A multivariable analysis showed that unstable initial vital signs, such as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg (odds ratio [OR] 2.53; confidence interval [CI] 1.11–5.73), Glasgow Coma Scale < 9 (OR 3.87; CI 1.57–9.58), 24 > ISS > 15 (OR 4.84; CI 0.85–27.65), pulse rate < 50 (OR 11.54; CI 1.21–109.6), and diabetes mellitus (OR 3.18; CI 1.10–9.21) were associated with higher mortality. No other specific system in the high Abbreviated Injury Scale increased the rates of mortality or complications.

Conclusion

Poor initial vital signs and Glasgow Coma Scale score, higher ISS score, and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus affect the mortality rate of patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures. No single system of injury was found to increase mortality in these patients. The mortality rate was reduced through institutional efforts toward the application of guidelines for the initial management of pelvic fracture.
Controlling CO2 emissions for each area in a region: the case of Japan
Authors: Tamaki Tetsuya , Nozawa Wataru , Managi Shunsuke
Published: December 2019

Background

Global warming is the most serious problem we face today. Each country is expected to ensure international cooperation toward minimizing risk. To evaluate the countermeasures, many researchers have developed integrated assessment models (IAMs). Then, how can each country achieve its emission quota? This study proposes models that analyze the economic impact of global warming in a region based on the results obtained by the global model. By using these suggested models, we perform a comparative analysis on three policy cases: a different regulations case, a unified regulation case, and an output redistribution case.

Results

We analyzed Japan as one of the case studies and found that more developed areas should implement stricter regulations in all scenarios. In addition, the case of applying different regulations by area (in a region) is not always preferable to using unified regulations in the region. Alternatively, the output gap between the output redistribution case and the different regulations case is much higher than the gap between the unified regulation case and the different regulations case. In all scenarios, the present values of the output of the output redistribution case are also higher than the other cases.

Conclusions

The different regulations case and the unified regulation case are based on the model without capital transfer between areas, whereas the output redistribution case is based on the model with free capital transfer between areas. Although both models are extreme situations, the regions close to the without capital transfer situation possibly have an incentive to use the different regulations policy, depending on the emission target. The regions close to the situation with free capital transfer would probably prefer unified regulation.
Virtual reality exposure therapy for adolescents with fear of public speaking: a non-randomized feasibility and pilot study
Authors: Kahlon Smiti , Lindner Philip , Nordgreen Tine
Published: December 2019

Background

Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA) is a common anxiety with onset in adolescence and early adulthood. With the advent of consumer virtual reality (VR) technology, VR-delivered exposure therapy is now a scalable and practical treatment option and has previously been shown to be efficacious with adults. In this non-randomized feasibility and pilot trial, we explore the effect of one-session (90 min) VR-delivered exposure therapy for adolescents (aged 13–16) with PSA.

Methods

A total of 27 adolescents were recruited from Norwegian high schools and completed self-report measures of PSA twice prior to treatment, 1 week after treatment, and at 1 and 3 month follow-up. Heart rate was recorded during the treatment session. A low-cost head-mounted VR display with a custom-built VR stimuli material depicting a cultural and age appropriate classroom and audience were used when a series of speech (exposure exercises) were performed.

Results

Linear mixed effects model revealed a significant decrease in PSA symptoms (Cohen’s d = 1.53) pre-post treatment, and improvements were maintained at follow-ups. Physiological data revealed a small increase in heart rate during exposure tasks. Based on feedback from the adolescents, the feasibility of the intervention was increased during the trial.

Conclusions

The results show that low-cost, consumer VR hardware can be used to deliver efficacious treatment for PSA in adolescents, in a feasible one-session format.
Correction to: The association between premorbid beta blocker exposure and mortality in sepsis—a systematic review
Authors: Tan Kaiquan , Harazim Martin , Tang Benjamin , Mclean Anthony , Nalos Marek
Published: January 2020

In the publication of this article [1], there was an error in the cited reference 23 [2] within the Family Name. This has now been updated in the original article.
An adjunctive human-animal interaction intervention for veterans with PTSD: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grubaugh Anouk L. , Myers Ursula S. , Keller Stephanie M. , Wangelin Bethany C. , Lozano Brian E. , Tuerk Peter W.
Published: December 2019

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rarely remits over time, and if left untreated, leads to significant distress, functional impairment, and increased health care costs. Fortunately, effective evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD, such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), exist. Despite their availability and efficacy, a significant number of individuals with PTSD do not initiate treatment when offered or dropout prematurely. One proposed theory suggests that the emotional-numbing symptoms of PTSD (e.g., blunted affect, apathy) can serve as a barrier to engaging in, and successfully completing, treatment; and the broad human-animal interaction (HAI) literature available suggests that HAI can potentially reduce emotional numbing related to PTSD. Accordingly, this manuscript describes an ongoing, federally funded, randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of RESCUE, an HAI intervention, as a viable adjunctive treatment component for PE.

Methods/design

The study will include 70 veterans with PTSD treated at a Southeastern Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). All participants in the trial receive up to 12 sessions of PE. Participants are randomly assigned 1:1 to (1) volunteer at a local animal shelter or (2) volunteer at a community agency of their choice as part of their in-vivo exposure exercises for PE. Outcomes will be examined via standard clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and thematic interviews.

Discussion

It is hypothesized that participants in the HAI condition will report greater decreases in emotional-numbing symptoms and increased treatment compliance and completion rates relative to those in the community volunteer condition. If successful, RESCUE, could be easily incorporated into standard PE and broadly disseminated.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. ID: NCT03504722. Retrospectively registered on 2 May 2017.
Building internal capacity in pragmatic trials: a workshop for program scientists at the US National Cancer Institute
Authors: Norton Wynne E. , Zwarenstein Merrick , Czajkowski Susan , Kato Elisabeth , O’Mara Ann , Shelburne Nonniekaye , Chambers David A. , Loudon Kirsty
Published: December 2019

Background

Building capacity in research funding organizations to support the conduct of pragmatic clinical trials is an essential component of advancing biomedical and public health research. To date, efforts to increase the ability to design and carry out pragmatic trials have largely focused on training researchers. To complement these efforts, we developed an interactive workshop tailored to meet the roles and responsibilities of program scientists at the National Cancer Institute—the leading cancer research funding agency in the USA. The objectives of the workshop were to improve the understanding of pragmatic trials and enhance the capacity to distinguish between elements that make a trial more pragmatic or more explanatory among key programmatic staff. To our knowledge, this is the first reported description of such a workshop.

Main body

The workshop was developed to meet the needs of program scientists as researchers and stewards of research funds, which often includes promoting scientific initiatives, advising prospective applicants, collaborating with grantees, and creating training programs. The workshop consisted of presentations from researchers with expertise in the design and interpretation of trials across the explanatory-pragmatic continuum. Presentations were followed by interactive, small-group exercises to solidify participants’ understanding of the purpose and conduct of these trials, which were tailored to attendees’ areas of expertise across the cancer control continuum and designed to reflect their scope of work as program scientists at NCI. A total of 29 program scientists from the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences and the Division of Cancer Prevention participated; 19 completed a post-workshop evaluation. Attendees were very enthusiastic about the workshop: they reported improved knowledge, significant relevance of the material to their work, and increased interest in pragmatic trials across the cancer control continuum.

Conclusion

Training program scientists at major biomedical research agencies who are responsible for developing funding opportunities and advising grantees is essential for increasing the quality and quantity of pragmatic trials. Together with workshops for other target audiences (e.g., academic researchers), this approach has the potential to shape the future of pragmatic trials and continue to generate more and better actionable evidence to guide decisions that are of critical importance to health care practitioners, policymakers, and patients.
Examining the effects of a high-protein total diet replacement on energy metabolism, metabolic blood markers, and appetite sensations in healthy adults: protocol for two complementary, randomized, controlled, crossover trials
Authors: Oliveira Camila L. P. , Boulé Normand G. , Sharma Arya M. , Elliott Sarah , Siervo Mario , Ghosh Sunita , Berg Aloys , Prado Carla M.
Published: December 2019

Background

High-protein diets and total diet replacements are becoming increasingly popular for weight regulation; however, further research is needed to elucidate their impact on the physiology of body weight regulation. The aim of this inpatient metabolic balance study is to compare the impact of a high-protein total diet replacement versus a control diet (North American) on energy expenditure, macronutrient oxidation rates and balances, metabolic blood markers and appetite sensations in healthy adults.

Methods

Two randomized, controlled, cross-over clinical trials conducted separately in men and women will be conducted. In each trial, participants will be allocated to two isocaloric arms: a) Control diet: 55% carbohydrate, 15% protein, and 30% fat; b) High-protein total diet replacement: 35% of carbohydrate, 40% protein, and 25% fat. They will receive the prescribed diets for 32 h while inside the whole-body calorimetry unit. Diets will be designed to ensure participants are in energy balance. The following physiological changes will be compared between groups: energy expenditure, macronutrient oxidation rates and balances, metabolic blood markers, and appetite sensations. Body composition will be assessed at baseline using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Discussion

This will be the first inpatient metabolic balance study examining the impact of a high-protein total diet replacement on energy metabolism, metabolic blood markers and appetite sensations in healthy young adults (of both sexes) using a whole-body calorimetry unit. Results of this clinical trial can ultimately be used to develop strategies to optimize high-protein diet interventions and weight management.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02811276 (registered on 16 June 2016) and NCT03565510 (registered on 11 June 2018).

Protocol version

NCT02811276: version 10 (2 March 2018); NCT03565510: version 3 (28 September 2018).
Impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection on subsequent cervical cancer screening completion among under-screened US women: MyBodyMyTest-3 protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Spees Lisa P. , Des Marais Andrea C. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Hudgens Michael G. , Doughty Sarah , Brewer Noel T. , Smith Jennifer S.
Published: December 2019

Background

Screening substantially reduces cervical cancer incidence and mortality. More than half of invasive cervical cancers are attributable to infrequent screening or not screening at all. The current study, My Body My Test (MBMT), evaluates the impact of mailed kits for self-collection of samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing on completion of cervical cancer screening in low-income, North Carolina women overdue for cervical cancer screening.

Methods/design

The study will enroll at least 510 US women aged 25–64 years who report no Pap test in the last 4 years and no HPV test in the last 6 years. We will randomize participants to an intervention or control arm. The intervention arm will receive kits to self-collect a sample at home and mail it for HPV testing. In both the intervention and control arms, participants will receive assistance in scheduling an appointment for screening in clinic. Study staff will deliver HPV self-collection results by phone and assist in scheduling participants for screening in clinic. The primary outcome is completion of cervical cancer screening. Specifically, completion of screening will be defined as screening in clinic or receipt of negative HPV self-collection results. Women with HPV-negative self-collection results will be considered screening-complete. All other participants will be considered screening-complete if they obtain co-testing or Pap test screening at a study-affiliated institution or other clinic. We will assess whether the self-collection intervention influences participants’ perceived risk of cervical cancer and whether perceived risk mediates the relationship between HPV self-collection results and subsequent screening in clinic. We also will estimate the incremental cost per woman screened of offering at-home HPV self-collection kits with scheduling assistance as compared to offering scheduling assistance alone.

Discussion

If mailed self-collection of samples for HPV testing is an effective strategy for increasing cervical cancer screening among women overdue for screening, this method has the potential to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality in medically underserved women at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02651883, Registered on 11 January 2016.
A DAF-3 co-Smad molecule functions in Haemonchus contortus development
Authors: Di Wenda , Liu Lu , Zhang Ting , Li Fangfang , He Li , Wang Chunqun , Ahmad Awais Ali , Hassan Mubashar , Fang Rui , Hu Min
Published: December 2019

Background

The Smad proteins function in TGF-β signalling transduction. In the model nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, the co-Smad, DAF-3 mediates R-Smads and performs a central role in DAF-7 signal transduction, regulating dauer formation and reproductive processes. Considering the divergent evolutionary patterns of the DAF-7 signalling pathway in parasitic nematodes, it is meaningful to explore the structure and function of DAF-3 in parasitic nematodes, such asHaemonchus contortus.

Methods

Adaf-3gene (Hc-daf-3) and its predicted product (Hc-DAF-3) were identified fromH. contortusand characterised using integrated genomic and genetic approaches. In addition to immunohistochemistry employed to localiseHc-DAF-3 within adult worm sections, real-time PCR was conducted to assess the transcriptional profiles in different developmental stages ofH. contortusand RNA interference (RNAi) was performedin vitroto assess the functional importance ofHc-daf-3in the development ofH. contortus.

Results

Hc-DAF-3 sequences predicted fromHc-daf-3displayed typical features of the co-Smad subfamily. The nativeHc-DAF-3 was localised to the gonad and cuticle of adult parasites. In addition,Hc-daf-3was transcribed in all developmental stages studied, with a higher level in the third-stage larvae (L3) and adult females. Moreover, silencingHc-daf-3by RNAi retarded L4 development.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study demonstrated an important role ofHc-DAF-3 in the development ofH. contortuslarvae.
Genetic variation of Echinococcus spp. in yaks and sheep in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Ohiolei John Asekhaen , Xia Chen-Yang , Li Li , Liu Jian-Zhi , Tang Wen-Qiang , Wu Yan-Tao , Danqulamu  , Zhu Guo-Qiang , Shi Bin , Fu Bao-Quan , Yin Hong , Yan Hong-Bin , Jia Wan-Zhong
Published: December 2019

Background

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans and livestock is caused byEchinococcus granulosus(sensu lato). In China where CE is endemic, a number of studies have shown thatEchinococcus granulosus(sensu stricto) is majorly responsible for CE. However,E. canadensis(G6) which is the second leading cause of CE is now being detected in most parts of the country. In this study, the species diversity and genetic variation ofEchinococcus granulosus(s.l.) in four counties in Tibet Autonomous Region of China were investigated.

Methods

Infection withEchinococcus granulosus(s.s.) in yaks and sheep was identified using NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 and 5 (nad1 andnad5) mitochondrial genes while the genotype G6 ofE. canadensisinitially diagnosed with NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) was further confirmed by analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome and a phylogenetic network constructed based on thenad2 andnad5 genes.

Results

Out of 85 hydatid cyst samples collected from slaughtered sheep (n = 54) and yaks (n = 31), 83 were identified asE. granulosus(s.s.) G1 (n = 77), G3 (n = 6) and 2 were identified asE. canadensisG6. Analysis of thenad1/nad5 genes revealed 16/17 mutations with 9/14 parsimony informative sites resulting in 15/14 haplotypes, respectively. Haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) ofE. granulosus(s.s.) population were 0.650 and 0.00127 fornad1 and 0.782 and 0.00306 fornad5, respectively, with an overall negative Tajima’sDand Fu’s Fs. A low FSTindicated no genetic difference between isolates from sheep and yaks.

Conclusion

Pockets of infection withE. canadensis(G6, G7, G8 and G10) have been previously reported in sheep, goats, yaks and/or humans in different parts of China. While the G6 genotype has been previously reported in sheep in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the detection in a yak in the present study represents the first to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, we recommend future surveys and control efforts to comprehensively investigate other potential intermediate hosts for the prevalence and genetic diversity of theE. canadensisgroup (G6, G7, G8 and G10) across the country and their inclusion into the existing CE control programme.
Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus in canines in North-Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran, identified using morphology and genetic characterization of mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Sharbatkhori Mitra , Mobedi Iraj , Mirhendi Seyed Hossein , Nikmanesh Bahram , Sharifdini Meysam , Mohebali Mehdi , Zarei Zabihollah , Arzamani Kourosh , Kia Eshrat Beigom
Published: December 2019

Background

Canids are definitive hosts ofEchinococcus multilocularisandEchinococcus granulosus.This study aimed to survey these twoEchinococcusspecies in canids of North-Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran, using morphological criteria and genetic characterization of mitochondrial DNA.

Methods

The carcasses of 106 canids, namely 61 jackals (Canis aureus), 23 foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 19 dogs (Canis familiaris) and three wolves (Canis lupus) were collected from the study area in 2013–2014 and examined forEchinococcusspecies. Morphological features were assessed by microscopy of adult worms. For molecular characterization, DNA was extracted, mostly from the adult worms but also from eggs. DNA fragments of the cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) mitochondrial genes were amplified and sequenced. Sequences were aligned and compared with reference sequences. Intraspecific and interspecific diversity were calculated and phylogenetic analysis was performed.

Results

Overall, 9.4% of the canids (eight jackals and two foxes) were found infected withE. multilocularisby molecular methods, of which seven cases were also confirmed using morphological description of the adult worms.Echinococcus granulosuswas found in 6.6% of the canines (four dogs, two jackals and one wolf) as determined by both molecular methods and adult cestode morphology. AllE. granulosusisolates were identified as the G1 genotype. Comparative sequence analysis indicated 0–0.7% and 0% intraspecific divergence withinE. granulosusisolates and 0% and 0–0.2% withinE. multilocularisisolates forcox1 andnad1, respectively.

Conclusions

This study revealed the presence ofE. multilocularisandE. granulosusin canids of North-Khorasan Province of Iran. Jackals were found infected with bothE. multilocularisandE. granulosus, but infection with the former species was higher.
Antimicrobial activity of a selection of organic acids, their salts and essential oils against swine enteropathogenic bacteria
Authors: Gómez-García Manuel , Sol Cinta , de Nova Pedro J. G. , Puyalto Mónica , Mesas Luis , Puente Héctor , Mencía-Ares Óscar , Miranda Rubén , Argüello Héctor , Rubio Pedro , Carvajal Ana
Published: December 2019

Background

Accurate screening of new alternative antimicrobial compounds is essential for their use to control pathogens in swine production due to the replacement of antibiotics and zinc oxide. Most in vitro studies have separately reported the antimicrobial activity of organic acids and essential oils (EOs) using diverse methods for susceptibility testing. In addition, in vitro outcomes can help in the selection of the suitable antimicrobial compound and effective combinations of these compounds in the control of pathogens of interest in pork production. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determinate the antibacterial activity of six organic acids and six EOs against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium perfringens isolates, some of them multi-resistant to antibiotics, from swine origin. The synergistic effects between the products with higher activity for each bacteria were also calculated.

Results

All products tested showed activity against at least one bacterial species, except for black pepper EO. The results showed that formic acid with the shortest chain length was the most effective against E. coli and Salmonella spp., while the sodium salt of coconut fatty acid distillates with long chain acids was the most effective against C. perfringens. The susceptibility of isolates tested to EOs was similar, a result that demonstrates a similar activity of these products against phylogenetically unrelated pathogens. In addition, an additive effect was shown for carvacrol-oregano EO for E. coli, formic acid-carvacrol and formic acid-thymol for Salmonella spp. and carvacrol-cinamaldehyde for C. perfringens.

Conclusions

The susceptibility of isolates to EOs was similar, a result that demonstrates a similar activity of these products against phylogenetically unrelated pathogens in contrast to organic acids. In addition, an additive effect was shown for several combinations of these compounds.
Risk for Infections During Treatment With Denosumab for Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Diker-Cohen Talia , Rosenberg Dana , Avni Tomer , Shepshelovich Daniel , Tsvetov Gloria , Gafter-Gvili Anat
Published: January 2020

Context

Denosumab inhibits the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-Β ligand, an immune system modulator. Safety endpoints including risk for infections were assessed as secondary outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the drug.

Objective

To assess the risk of serious adverse events of infections (SAEI) in denosumab-treated patients.

Data Sources

PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to May 27, 2019.

Study Selection

All RCTs of denosumab (60 mg every 6 months) versus any comparator were included. We excluded trials in cancer patients for prevention of skeletal-related events.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently applied selection criteria and extracted the data. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a fixed effect model. Sensitivity analysis was based on risk of bias.

Data Synthesis

Thirty-three studies (22 253 patients) were included. There was a higher incidence of SAEI during denosumab treatment versus any comparator (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.40; I2 = 0%), mainly of ear, nose, and throat (RR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.20-5.91) and gastrointestinal origin (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.02-2.01). RR was similar in a sensitivity analysis based on adequate allocation concealment. The RR of any infection (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.06) and infection-related mortality (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.20-1.23) was comparable between groups.

Conclusions

A higher incidence of SAEI is demonstrated during treatment with denosumab in an osteoporosis dose. Nevertheless, the overall risk for any infection or related mortality is similar to comparator groups. These findings merit consideration before therapy initiation.
Daily energy expenditure in white storks is lower after fledging than in the nest
Authors: Flack Andrea , Schaeffer Paul J. , Taylor Jan R. E. , Müller Inge , Wikelski Martin , Fiedler Wolfgang
Published: January 2020

Many juvenile birds turn into long-distance migrants within weeks of fledging. This transition involves upheavals in their energy management as major changes in growth and activity occur. Understanding such ontogenetic transitions in energy allocation has been difficult because collecting continuous data on energy costs in wild developing birds was largely impossible. Here we continuously measured heart rates and fine-scale movements of twenty free-living juvenile white storks (Ciconia ciconia) using on-board bio-loggers to explore individual and environmental factors relating to daily mean heart rates. In addition, we explored which specific energy management strategy storks use during these crucial early life stages. We found that daily mean heart rate increased with overall movement activity, and increasing body temperature, but that it decreased with age. Further, we found that during the nestling period, when growth costs are high activity costs are low, and post-fledging that activity costs are increased while maintenance costs were low, indicating a constraint on overall energy use in both phases. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that individuals invested more energy per unit time while still in the nest than after fledging despite the high costs of flight.
Determinants of Household Food Insecurity and Its Association with Child Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Drammeh Wuyeh , Hamid Noor Aman , Rohana A.J.
Published: December 2019

Food insecurity is a global public health challenge. Household food insecurity is the leading risk factor of malnutrition, claiming approximately 300,000 deaths each year. Whether directly or indirectly, due to inadequate food consumption and poor diet quality, it is also accountable for over half of all deaths among children in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that the prevalence of food-insecure individuals in the area will reach 17 million by the year 2021. Inadequate nutrition may result in low immunity, impaired physical and mental development and reduced productivity among children under five years and throughout the life course. This review article attempts to discuss the various household food insecurity determinants and their association with child malnutrition in a Sub-Saharan Africa context. The purposes of this article are to inform governments, policymakers and service providers regarding the importance of household food security and its determinants on child malnutrition, and to plan strategies to improve the household food security status in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Quantitative Risk Assessment of Acrylamide in Indonesian Deep Fried Fritters as Street Food Products
Authors: Pratama Yoga , Jacxsens Liesbeth
Published: December 2019

Acrylamide, a carcinogenic and neurotoxic compound, is a public health concern in fried food products. This paper demonstrated, for the first time, the exposure assessment and risk characterization of acrylamide through consumption of deep fried fritters, a popular snack of Indonesian population which commonly sold as street food. Acrylamide concentration data were collected from selected monitoring data and laboratory simulated researches, while the consumption data covered 263 respondents (adult, age 16-40). Exposure assessment was conducted with probabilistic approach and followed by Margin of Exposure (MoE) calculation. Estimated mean, median (P50) and P95 acrylamide intake were 14.85, 4.10 and 76.06 µg/kg- bw/week, respectively. Thus, resulted in estimated 17.4% of population exceed the reported tolerable intake value (18.2 µg/kg-bw/week). MoE derived from average exposure was 75, indicating significant risk and need of risk management action. Possible mitigation of 70% acrylamide level reduction was simulated and MoE shifted towards 248. Although the MoE was increased, the value was still lower than 10,000 indicating a public health concern. The risk assessment study can be a valuable input for risk managers such as food safety authorities across Indonesia or neighboring countries consuming fried street foods.
Effect of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on the Storage Stability of Sardine Oil
Authors: Charanyaa Sampath , Belur Prasanna Devarabhat , Regupathi Iyyasami
Published: December 2019

Oil extracted from pelagic fishes, rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) like Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid, have numerous health benefits. The oil also contains impurities like di- and mono glycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, unsaponifiable matter, metal ions and volatile compounds. Most of these impurities are removed by refining process without affecting valuable n-3 PUFA. However, due to the presence of residual impurities, environmental factors and higher degree of unsaturation, the oil exhibit hydrolytic and oxidative instability during storage. This study was aimed to identify the most detrimental factors causing hydrolytic and oxidative instability and deterioration of n-3 PUFA content in sardine oil during five-week storage. The effect of various extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the storage stability was investigated. The hydrolytic and oxidative instability was estimated by free fatty acid (FFA) content and totox value (TV) respectively. Moisture, sunlight, ferric ions and FFA were found to be most detrimental to oil quality and n-3 PUFA content. Although, addition of phosphotidylcholine and phospholipase-A showed high degree of hydrolytic and oxidative instability, n-3 PUFA destruction was minimal. Interestingly, even in the presence of ferric ions and FFA, phosphotidylcholine and phospholipase-A exhibited n-3 PUFA protection. The exact mechanism by which phosphotidylcholine and phospholipase-A offered protection to n-3 PUFA needs further investigation. From this study, it can be concluded that removing ferric ions, moisture and FFA from crude oil during refining is essential. Further, the refined oil must be stored under dark conditions in airtight containers to retard deterioration of oil quality.
Preventing catheter-related problems in community settings
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: December 2019

Linda Nazarko explains how catheters can be managed safely in the home
El mapa internacional de las revistas de Historia de la Educación (1990-2016)
Authors: Hernández Huerta José Luis , Payà Rico Andrés , Sanchidrián Blanco Carmen
Published: December 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN. En este artículo se estudia, a nivel global, el impacto de la internacionalización en los modelos de gestión de las revistas de Historia de la Educación, HE, su evolución durante los últimos veinticinco años y el efecto que hoy tiene sobre estos medios de comunicación científica. MÉTODO. Tras censar las 49 publicaciones vivas especializadas en HE, se detecta que tan sólo 12 (24,49%) están internacionalmente acreditadas –indexadas en Web of Science y/o Scopus–. Estas doce revistas son nuestra población de las que analizamos su evolución durante los últimos veinticinco años y la situación actual de elementos directamente vinculados con la internacionalización como las políticas lingüísticas, lugares de producción y la proporción de estudios comparados, internacionales, transnacionales o globales, entre otros. Se han tomado como muestra todos los artículos de investigación publicados en 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 y 2016. RESULTADOS. Hay un incremento de la producción de artículos, especialmente entre 2001-2006 y 2011-2016, que obtuvieron tasas de crecimiento del 65,95% y el 54,34%. Hay sólo nueve países con una presencia constante en el circuito internacional de estas publicaciones, es decir, autores de esos países han publicado en todos los años estudiados. Hay además un paulatino incremento de la proporción de artículos firmados por dos o más investigadores, 29,22% en 2016, aunque esto no se correlaciona con su dimensión internacional, pues son pocos los artículos fruto de la colaboración entre investigadores de distintos países. DISCUSIÓN. Los datos manejados revelan que podemos hablar más de circulación global de investigadores y de artículos, que de internacionalización de las formas de pensar y hacer la historia de la educación. La ampliación del marco de estudio y la inclusión de otras variables podrá completar la visión global de la situación de la HE.
Entanglement of near-surface optical turbulence to atmospheric boundary layer dynamics and particulate concentration: implications for optical wireless communication systems
Authors: Anand N. , Sunilkumar K. , Satheesh S. K. , Krishna Moorthy K.
Published: January 2020

Localized reduction in optical turbulence due to enhanced atmospheric heating caused by the solar absorption of aerosol black carbon (BC) is reported. Immediate response of atmospheric turbulence to BC-induced atmospheric warming strongly depends on the available solar radiation (time of the day), BC concentration, and atmospheric boundary layer dynamics. Besides the significant climate implications of a reduction in turbulence kinetic energy, a large reduction in the refractive index structure parameter (

C

n
2

) resulting from BC-induced warming would affect the atmospheric propagation of laser beams. Interestingly, aerosols contribute significantly (up to 25%) to the signal deterioration in optical wireless communication systems during convectively stable atmospheric conditions when higher signal-to-noise ratios are expected otherwise due to the reduced thermal convection. Competing effects of the fractional contributions of aerosol extinction and scintillations on beam attenuation are reported; daytime being largely dominated by scintillation effects while the nighttime being dependent on the ambient aerosol concentration as well. We put forward the entanglement of optical turbulence to aerosol concentration, atmospheric boundary layer dynamics, and surface-reaching solar radiation, and discuss the possible implications for optical propagation.