bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mismatch of Nutrition and Lifestyle Beliefs and Actions Among Physicians: A Wake-Up Call
Authors: Aggarwal Monica , Singh Ospina Naykky , Kazory Amir , Joseph Islande , Zaidi Zareen , Ataya Ali , Agito Markus , Bubb Michael , Hahn Paulette , Sattari Maryam
Published: November 2019

Background. There is a notable lack of education on nutrition and physical activity guidelines in medical schools and postgraduate training. The purpose of this study is to assess the nutrition and exercise knowledge and personal health behaviors of physicians in the Department of Medicine at a large academic center. Methods. We conducted a survey study in the Department of Medicine at the University of Florida in 2018. The survey instrument included questions on demographics, medical comorbidities, baseline perception of health and fitness, and knowledge of nutrition concepts. The Duke Activity Status Index assessed activity/functional capacity and the validated 14-point Mediterranean Diet Survey evaluated dietary preferences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the χ2 test was used to perform comparisons between groups. Statistical significance was determined at P < .05. Results. Out of 331 eligible physicians, 303 (92%) participated in the study. While all respondents agreed that eating well is important for health, less than a fourth followed facets of a plant-based Mediterranean diet. Only 25% correctly identified the American Heart Association recommended number of fruit and vegetable servings per day and fewer still (20%) were aware of the recommended daily added sugar limit for adults. Forty-six percent knew the American Heart Association physical activity recommendations and 52% reported more than 3 hours of personal weekly exercise. Reported fruit and vegetable consumption correlated with perceived level of importance of nutrition as well as nutrition knowledge. Forty percent of physicians (102/253) who considered nutrition at least somewhat important reported a minimum of 2 vegetable and 3 fruit servings per day, compared with 7% (3/44) of those who considered nutrition less important (“neutral,” “not important,” or “important, but I don’t have the time to focus on it right now”; P < .0001). Conclusions. This study highlights the need for significant improvement in education of physicians about nutrition and physical activity and need for physicians to focus on good personal health behaviors, which may potentially improve with better education.
Study of the energy consumption of the piped vehicle hydraulic transportation
Authors: Li Yongye , Sun Xihuan , Zhang Xuelan
Published: November 2019

The piped vehicle hydraulic transportation is a new energy-saving and environmental-friendly technique for transporting materials. To optimize the technical parameters of the piped vehicle hydraulic transportation, the transporting energy consumption of the technique was studied by a combination of theoretical analysis and experiments. Experiments were conducted at six piped vehicles with the diameter–length ratios of 0.4, 0.6, 0.47, 0.7, 0.53, and 0.8, seven flow Reynolds numbers of 102,140, 132,413, 167,014, 200,534, 234,037, 267,556, and 299,993, two transporting loads of 1200 and 1500 g, and three pipe layout forms of straight pipe, flat bend pipe, and inclined bend pipe. The results showed that the total energy consumption of the piped vehicle hydraulic transportation increased with increasing flow Reynolds numbers and increasing mass of transporting materials. The total transporting energy consumption of a piped vehicle with the diameter–length ratio of 0.53 was the highest, and that of a piped vehicle with the diameter–length ratio of 0.47 was the lowest. The unit transporting energy consumption of a bend pipe was higher than that of a straight pipe. Meanwhile, the total energy consumption of the piped vehicle hydraulic transportation was analyzed by hydrodynamic theory. The calculation formula for the total energy consumption of the piped vehicle hydraulic transportation was obtained and validated experimentally. The maximum relative error did not exceed 8.07%, proving that the total energy consumption calculation formula of the piped vehicle hydraulic transportation was rational. By analyzing the transporting efficiency of piped vehicle hydraulic transportation under different influencing factors, the optimal transporting combination was the piped vehicle with the diameter–length ratio of z = 0.47 and the flow Reynolds number of Re = 200,534. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the technical parameters of the piped vehicle hydraulic transportation.
MRSA colonisation rates on a neonatal and paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Borg Rebecca , Pace David
Published: November 2019

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation is a challenge in healthcare institutions worldwide. In this retrospective nation-wide study, the rates of MRSA colonisation and infection from 2012 to 2015, on the only neonatal and paediatric intensive care unit (NPICU) in the country, were determined. Mean local rates were compared to rates of MRSA colonisation reported in units in North America, Asia and Europe between 2001 and 2010. The average rate of MRSA colonisation on admission to NPICU from 2012 to 2015 was 3.71% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.17–5.25), while the mean rate of acquired colonisation was 14.60% (95% CI 6.16–23.04). Both were significantly higher than in units abroad: 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively ( P = 0.04 and P < 0.001). There were no cases of invasive MRSA infection, while the mean rate of non-invasive infection was 0.77% (95% CI 0.54–1.01). Improved adherence to infection control measures and newer molecular diagnostic techniques are needed to further decrease the acquisition of MRSA.
Utilising artificial intelligence to determine patients at risk of a rare disease: idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kiely David G. , Doyle Orla , Drage Edmund , Jenner Harvey , Salvatelli Valentina , Daniels Flora A. , Rigg John , Schmitt Claude , Samyshkin Yevgeniy , Lawrie Allan , Bergemann Rito
Published: November 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare and life‐shortening condition often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Despite increased awareness, the delay to diagnosis remains unchanged. This study explores whether a predictive model based on healthcare resource utilisation can be used to screen large populations to identify patients at high risk of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Hospital Episode Statistics from the National Health Service in England, providing close to full national coverage, were used as a measure of healthcare resource utilisation. Data for patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension from the National Pulmonary Hypertension Service in Sheffield were linked to pre‐diagnosis Hospital Episode Statistics records. A non‐idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension control cohort was selected from the Hospital Episode Statistics population. Patient history was limited to ≤5 years pre‐diagnosis. Information on demographics, timing/frequency of diagnoses, medical specialities visited and procedures undertaken was captured. For modelling, a bagged gradient boosting trees algorithm was used to discriminate between cohorts. Between 2008 and 2016, 709 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension were identified and compared with a stratified cohort of 2,812,458 patients classified as non‐idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension with ≥1 ICD‐10 coded diagnosis of relevance to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. A predictive model was developed and validated using cross‐validation. The timing and frequency of the clinical speciality seen, secondary diagnoses and age were key variables driving the algorithm’s performance. To identify the 100 patients at highest risk of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, 969 patients would need to be screened with a specificity of 99.99% and sensitivity of 14.10% based on a prevalence of 5.5/million. The positive predictive and negative predictive values were 10.32% and 99.99%, respectively. This study highlights the potential application of artificial intelligence to readily available real‐world data to screen for rare diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. This algorithm could provide low‐cost screening at a population level, facilitating earlier diagnosis, improved diagnostic rates and patient outcomes. Studies to further validate this approach are warranted.
Management of pulmonary toxicity associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Delaunay Myriam , Prévot Grégoire , Collot Samia , Guilleminault Laurent , Didier Alain , Mazières Julien
Published: November 2019

Immunotherapy has become a standard of care in oncology, following the recent approvals of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 and programmed cell death-1 inhibitors in lung cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, bladder, head and neck cancers. Besides their efficacy, these agents also generate specific immune-related adverse events. Due to the increasing prescription of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, the incidence of immune toxicity will continue to rise. The awareness of immune-related adverse events is key to ensuring both diagnosis and management of the possible serious adverse events. Although severe immune-related adverse events remain rare, they can lead to discontinued treatment or to death if they are not forecasted and managed properly. Even if lung toxicity is not the most frequent adverse event, it remains critical as it can be life-threatening. Herein, the main aspects of pulmonary toxicity are reviewed and guidelines are also proposed in order to manage the possible side-effects.
Type Synthesis of 1T2R Parallel Mechanisms Using Structure Coupling-Reducing Method
Authors: Liu Haitao , Xu Ke , Shen Huiping , Shan Xianlei , Yang Tingli
Published: November 2019

Direct kinematics with analytic solutions is critical to the real-time control of parallel mechanisms. Therefore, the type synthesis of a mechanism having explicit form of forward kinematics has become a topic of interest. Based on this purpose, this paper deals with the type synthesis of 1T2R parallel mechanisms by investigating the topological structure coupling-reducing of the 3UPS&UP parallel mechanism. With the aid of the theory of mechanism topology, the analysis of the topological characteristics of the 3UPS&UP parallel mechanism is presented, which shows that there are highly coupled motions and constraints amongst the limbs of the mechanism. Three methods for structure coupling-reducing of the 3UPS&UP parallel mechanism are proposed, resulting in eight new types of 1T2R parallel mechanisms with one or zero coupling degree. One obtained parallel mechanism is taken as an example to demonstrate that a mechanism with zero coupling degree has an explicit form for forward kinematics. The process of type synthesis is in the order of permutation and combination; therefore, there are no omissions. This method is also applicable to other configurations, and novel topological structures having simple forward kinematics can be obtained from an original mechanism via this method.
The clinical features and prognosis of infective endocarditis in the elderly from 2007 to 2016 in a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Wu Zhenzhu , Chen Yi , Xiao Tingting , Niu Tianshui , Shi Qingyi , Xiao Yonghong
Published: November 2019

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) especially in the elderly is a serious disease, with a worse prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 405 patients with definite IE were divided into three groups: 205 patients under 50 years old, 141 patients between 50 and 64 years old and 59 patients over 65 years old.

Results

For older patients, clinical symptoms such as fever, anemia, and heart murmur were as common as the younger patients. IE in old patients had more frequent nosocomial origin (P = 0.007) and tended to be more frequent with bad oral hygiene (p = 0.008). The most frequent isolated pathogens in the old groups was streptococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci. The old patients had a lower operation rate (40.7% vs 58.9% vs 62.4%, P = 0.012) and higher in-hospital mortality (20.3% vs 10.6% vs 8.8%, P = 0.044) compared with the younger patients. Surgical treatment was a significant predictor of one-year mortality even after adjusting for the confounders (HR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.027–10.598, P = 0.009). The one-year survival rate was higher for older patients with surgical intervention than those without (95.8% vs 68.6%, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Older patients with IE presented with more comorbidities, bad oral hygiene, more nosocomial origin and a more severe prognosis than younger patients. Streptococci was the most frequent micro-organisms in this group. Surgery were underused in old patients and those with surgical treatment had better prognosis.
Structure and evaluation of a residency research program in a university hospital
Authors: Tamim Hani , Zeineldine Salah , Tabbara Faysal , Khoury Samia , Akiki Zeina , Khansa Sara , Taher Ali
Published: November 2019

Background

Most academic medical institutions lack a structured program that provides residents with an in-depth research training. The objectives of this paper are to describe a comprehensive residency research program at a university hospital, and to assess the pre- post-self-assessment of research capabilities of resident for the evaluation of the program.

Methods

The residency research program (RRP) was implemented in 2011 as an essential component of the residency program at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Categorical residents are required to carry out a research project and go through all the steps of the research process from identifying a topic to writing a manuscript. As for evaluating the program, data were collected from residents who graduated between 2014 and 2016 using a questionnaire, which included the overall evaluation of the program, self-assessment on research-related tasks pre- and post- joining the program, as well as general recommendations. The mean scores on the five-point Likert scale were transformed into percentages (0–100%). The average was calculated and the difference in the means was reported.

Results

Overall, 103 residents from the different clinical departments were included in this study. Residents’ self-assessment showed a 19.3% improvement in research-related tasks before and after completion of the RRP (P < 0.0001). Most of the residents have either published or are in the process of publishing their projects (34 and 55.3%, respectively). Time management was the most reported challenge. Generally, the program was evaluated positively.

Conclusion

The RRP is a unique, well-structured program, encompassing residents from various clinical departments, which enhances residents’ research capabilities.
Prescribing patterns of encounters in fourteen general practice clinics in rural Beijing: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jin Guanghui , Chen Chao , Liu Yanli , Zhao Yali , Chen Lifen , Du Juan , Lu Xiaoqin , Chen Jianjun
Published: November 2019

Background

General practice clinics are the main primary care institutions providing ambulatory care in the rural areas of Beijing, rational use of medicines is crucial for the rural primary care system. This study investigated the prescribing patterns of general practice clinics in rural Beijing to provide a baseline for monitoring and promoting the rational use of medicines.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study at 14 rural community health service centers in 6 non-central districts of Beijing sampled through a multistage approach, 85 general practitioners were selected from the 14 centers. Total 8500 prescriptions were derived by recording 100 consecutive patients of each the general practitioner. The World Health Organization drug use indicators and an additional indicator were adopted to assess the prescribing patterns.

Results

The median number of medicines per encounter was 2.0 (1.0, 2.0); the percentage of generics and essential medicines prescribed were 97.0 and 58.2%, respectively; the percentage of encounters with antibiotics prescribed was 15.1%; the percentage of encounters with injections prescribed was 3.7%; the percentage of encounters with traditional Chinese patent medicines prescribed was 52.5%; the median duration of consultation time was 6.0 (4.0, 10.0) minutes. The most frequently prescribed medicine was aspirin (low dose, 4.6%). The prescribing indicators were influenced by different patient characteristics, patients with new cooperative rural medical scheme were less likely to be prescribed with ≥3 medicines (OR 0.865), essential medicines (OR 0.812) and traditional Chinese patent medicines (OR 0.631), but were more likely to be prescribed with injections (OR 1.551) in the encounter. Patients with ≥3 problems were more likely to be prescribed with ≥3 medicines (OR 6.753), antibiotics (OR 2.875) and traditional Chinese patent medicines (OR 2.926) in the encounter.

Conclusions

Most indicators in this study showed similar or fair performance in comparison with World Health Organization and domestic reports, except the percentage of medicines prescribed from the essential medicine list. Regular monitoring on the prescription quality of general practice clinics in rural Beijing should be maintained.
Unique patterns of lower respiratory tract microbiota are associated with inflammation and hospital mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Kyo Michihito , Nishioka Keisuke , Nakaya Takaaki , Kida Yoshiko , Tanabe Yuko , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Shime Nobuaki
Published: November 2019

Background

The lung microbiome maintains the homeostasis of the immune system within the lungs. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the lung microbiome is enriched with gut-derived bacteria; however, the specific microbiome associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with ARDS remains unclear. This study investigated the specific patterns of the lung microbiome that are correlated with mortality in ARDS patients.

Methods

We analyzed the lung microbiome from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with ARDS and control subjects. We measured the copy numbers of 16S rRNA and the serum and BALF cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, receptor for advanced glycation end products, and angiopoietin-2).

Results

We analyzed 47 mechanically ventilated patients diagnosed with (n = 40) or without (n = 7; control) ARDS. The alpha diversity was significantly decreased in ARDS patients compared with that of the controls (6.24 vs. 8.07, P = 0.03). The 16S rRNA gene copy numbers tended to be increased in the ARDS group compared with the controls (3.83 × 106 vs. 1.01 × 105 copies/mL, P = 0.06). ARDS patients were subdivided into the hospital survivor (n = 24) and non-survivor groups (n = 16). Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the non-survivors than in the survivors (567 vs. 214 pg/mL, P = 0.027). The 16S rRNA copy number was significantly correlated with serum IL-6 levels in non-survivors (r = 0.615, P < 0.05). The copy numbers and relative abundance of betaproteobacteria were significantly lower in the non-survivors than in the survivors (713 vs. 7812, P = 0.012; 1.22% vs. 0.08%, P = 0.02, respectively). Conversely, the copy numbers of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Enterobacteriaceae were significantly correlated with serum IL-6 levels in the non-survivors (r = 0.579, P < 0.05; r = 0.604, P < 0.05; r = 0.588, P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

The lung bacterial burden tended to be increased, and the alpha diversity was significantly decreased in ARDS patients. The decreased Betaproteobacteria and increased Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Enterobacteriaceae might represent a unique microbial community structure correlated with increased serum IL-6 and hospital mortality.

Trial registration

The institutional review boards of Hiroshima University (Trial registration: E-447-4, registered 16 October 2019) and Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (Trial registration: ERB-C-973, registered 19 October 2017) approved an opt-out method of informed consent.
NHEJ pathway is involved in post-integrational DNA repair due to Ku70 binding to HIV-1 integrase
Authors: Knyazhanskaya Ekaterina , Anisenko Andrey , Shadrina Olga , Kalinina Anastasia , Zatsepin Timofei , Zalevsky Arthur , Mazurov Dmitriy , Gottikh Marina
Published: November 2019

Background

HIV-1 integration results in genomic DNA gaps that are repaired by cellular DNA repair pathways. This step of the lentiviral life cycle remains poorly understood despite its crucial importance for successful replication. We and others reported that Ku70 protein of the non-homologous end joining pathway (NHEJ) directly binds HIV-1 integrase (IN). Here, we studied the importance of this interaction for post-integrational gap repair and the recruitment of NHEJ factors in this process.

Results

We engineered HIV-based pseudovirus with mutant IN defective in Ku70 binding and generated heterozygous Ku70, Ku80 and DNA-PKcs human knockout (KO) cells using CRISPR/Cas9. KO of either of these proteins or inhibition of DNA-PKcs catalytic activity substantially decreased the infectivity of HIV-1 with native IN but not with the mutant one. We used a recently developed qPCR assay for the measurement of gap repair efficiency to show that HIV-1 with mutant IN was defective in DNA post-integrational repair, whereas the wild type virus displayed such a defect only when NHEJ system was disrupted in any way. This effect was present in CRISPR/Cas9 modified 293T cells, in Jurkat and CEM lymphoid lines and in primary human PBMCs.

Conclusions

Our data provide evidence that IN recruits DNA-PK to the site of HIV-1 post-integrational repair due to Ku70 binding—a novel finding that explains the involvement of DNA-PK despite the absence of free double stranded DNA breaks. In addition, our data clearly indicate the importance of interactions between HIV-1 IN and Ku70 in HIV-1 replication at the post-integrational repair step.
Characteristics and experiences of peer counsellors in urban Dhaka: a structured interview study
Authors: Mihrshahi Seema , Tait Hannah , Haider Rukhsana , Ara Gulshan , Kabir Iqbal , Dibley Michael J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Interventions to promote breastfeeding are the cornerstone of efforts to reduce childhood illness and death from undernutrition. Evidence suggests that one of the most effective strategies to increase breastfeeding is through peer counsellors. However, the experiences of peer counsellors has not been studied in depth. This study aimed to collect and report the experiences of peer counsellors participating in an intervention study to improve breastfeeding in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methods

Peer counsellors underwent a 10 day training course in May 2013 which included practical sessions on position and attachment and common difficulties with breastfeeding. Home visits were conducted with new mothers and performance of peer counsellors was monitored by senior breastfeeding counsellors. The number of supervised home visits needed to achieve a satisfactory level of competency was recorded. Demographic data were collected and a structured interview was performed in the first six months of the project (May–September 2013). One structured interview per peer counsellor was conducted by the project manager at the project site office to gain understanding of their experiences in counselling mothers. The interview included some open-ended questions on specific aspects of the training that they found useful, challenges faced, and whether they developed close friendships with the mothers that they were counselling.

Results

Seventeen peer counsellors with an average age of 31 years (SD 6.8) and at least six years of schooling participated in the study. All peer counsellors were satisfied with their role and with the training that they received, and most felt that they were able to deal with common breastfeeding problems. The peer counsellors reported that building a personal rapport and establishing a peer-to-peer relationship was most important in supporting mothers to breastfeed. Common challenges included interruption of sessions by relatives/children, as well as mothers being too busy for the visits.

Conclusion

In future peer counselling for breastfeeding projects, more focus could be placed on the communications aspects of the training, especially in how to deal with non-supportive family members and managing interruptions effectively, as well as how to motivate and engage busy new mothers.
Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine
Authors: Luo Hua , Vong Chi Teng , Chen Hanbin , Gao Yan , Lyu Peng , Qiu Ling , Zhao Mingming , Liu Qiao , Cheng Zehua , Zou Jian , Yao Peifen , Gao Caifang , Wei Jinchao , Ung Carolina Oi Lam , Wang Shengpeng , Zhong Zhangfeng , Wang Yitao
Published: November 2019

Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
Predisposing factors influencing occupational injury among frontline building construction workers in Ghana
Authors: Amissah John , Badu Eric , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Nakua Emmanuel Kweku , Mensah Isaac
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aims to examine the predisposing factors influencing occupational injuries among frontline construction workers in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 634 frontline construction workers in Kumasi metropolis of Ghana using a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted from December 2016 to June 2017 using a household-based approach. The respondents were selected through a two-stage sampling approach. A multivariate logistics regression model was employed to examine the association between risk factors and injury. Data was analyzed employing descriptive and inferential statistics with STATA version 14.

Results

The study found an injury prevalence of 57.91% among the workers. Open Wounds (37.29%) and fractures (6.78%) were the common and least injuries recorded respectively. The proximal factors (age, sex of worker, income) and distal factors (e.g. work structure, trade specialization, working hours, job/task location, and monthly off days) were risk factors for occupational injuries among frontline construction workers. The study recommends that policymakers and occupational health experts should incorporate the proximal and distal factors in the design of injury prevention as well as management strategies.
Barium chloride injures myofibers through calcium-induced proteolysis with fragmentation of motor nerves and microvessels
Authors: Morton Aaron B. , Norton Charles E. , Jacobsen Nicole L. , Fernando Charmain A. , Cornelison D. D. W. , Segal Steven S.
Published: November 2019

Background

Local injection of BaCl2is an established model of acute injury to study the regeneration of skeletal muscle. However, the mechanism by which BaCl2causes muscle injury is unresolved. Because Ba2+inhibits K+channels, we hypothesized that BaCl2induces myofiber depolarization leading to Ca2+overload, proteolysis, and membrane disruption. While BaCl2spares resident satellite cells, its effect on other tissue components integral to contractile function has not been defined. We therefore asked whether motor nerves and microvessels, which control and supply myofibers, are injured by BaCl2treatment.

Methods

The intact extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle was isolated from male mice (aged 3–4 months) and irrigated with physiological salt solution (PSS) at 37 °C. Myofiber membrane potential (Vm) was recorded using sharp microelectrodes while intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was evaluated with Fura 2 dye. Isometric force production of EDL was measured in situ, proteolytic activity was quantified by calpain degradation of αII-spectrin, and membrane disruption was marked by nuclear staining with propidium iodide (PI). To test for effects on motor nerves and microvessels, tibialis anterior or gluteus maximus muscles were injected with 1.2% BaCl2(50–75 μL) in vivo followed by immunostaining to evaluate the integrity of respective tissue elements post injury. Data were analyzed using Studentsttest and analysis of variance withP ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Addition of 1.2% BaCl2to PSS depolarized myofibers from − 79 ± 3 mV to − 17 ± 7 mV with a corresponding rise in [Ca2+]i; isometric force transiently increased from 7.4 ± 0.1 g to 11.1 ± 0.4 g. Following 1 h of BaCl2exposure, 92 ± 3% of myonuclei stained with PI (vs. 8 ± 3% in controls) with enhanced cleavage of αII-spectrin. Eliminating Ca2+from PSS prevented the rise in [Ca2+]iand ameliorated myonuclear staining with PI during BaCl2exposure. Motor axons and capillary networks appeared fragmented within 24 h following injection of 1.2% BaCl2and morphological integrity deteriorated through 72 h.

Conclusions

BaCl2injures myofibers through depolarization of the sarcolemma, causing Ca2+overload with transient contraction, leading to proteolysis and membrane rupture. Motor innervation and capillarity appear disrupted concomitant with myofiber damage, further compromising muscle integrity.
On the asymptotic analysis of bounded solutions to nonlinear differential equations of second order
Authors: Tunç Cemil , Mohammed Sizar Abid
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we consider two different models of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) of second order. We construct two new Lyapunov functions to investigate boundedness of solutions of those nonlinear ODEs of second order. By using the Lyapunov direct or second method and inequality techniques, we prove two new theorems on the boundedness solutions of those ODEs of second order as $t \to \infty $t→∞. When we compare the conditions of the theorems of this paper with those of Meng in (J. Syst. Sci. Math. Sci. 15(1):50–57, 1995) and Sun and Meng in (Ann. Differ. Equ. 18(1):58–64 2002), we can see that our theorems have less restrictive conditions than those in (Meng in J. Syst. Sci. Math. Sci. 15(1):50–57, 1995) and Sun and Meng in (Ann. Differ. Equ. 18(1):58–64 2002) because of the two new suitable Lyapunov functions. Next, in spite of the use of the Lyapunov second method here and in (Meng in J. Syst. Sci. Math. Sci. 15(1):50–57, 1995; Sun and Meng in Ann. Differ. Equ. 18(1):58–64 2002), the proofs of the results of this paper are proceeded in a very different way from that used in the literature for the qualitative analysis of ODEs of second order. Two examples are given to show the applicability of our results. At the end, we can conclude that the results of this paper generalize and improve the results of Meng in (J. Syst. Sci. Math. Sci. 15(1):50–57, 1995), Sun and Meng in (Ann. Differ. Equ. 18(1):58–64 2002), and some other that can be found in the literature, and they have less restrictive conditions than those in these references.
Assessment of land use change and its effect on soil carbon stock using multitemporal satellite data in semiarid region of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Sharma Garima , Sharma L. K. , Sharma K. C.
Published: November 2019

Background

Land use change plays a vital role in global carbon dynamics. Understanding land use change impact on soil carbon stock is crucial for implementing land use management to increase carbon stock and reducing carbon emission. Therefore, the objective of our study was to determine land use change and to assess its effect on soil carbon stock in semi-arid part of Rajasthan, India. Landsat temporal satellite data of Pushkar valley region of Rajasthan acquired on 1993, 2003, and 2014 were analyzed to assess land use change. Internal trading of land use was depicted through matrices. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock was calculated for soil to a depth of 30 cm in each land use type in 2014 using field data collection. The SOC stock for previous years was estimated using stock change factor. The effect of land use change on SOC stock was determined by calculating change in SOC stock (t/ha) by deducting the base-year SOC stock from the final year stock of a particular land use conversion.

Results

The total area under agricultural lands was increased by 32.14% while that under forest was decreased by 23.14% during the time period of 1993–2014. Overall land use change shows that in both the periods (1993–2003 and 2003–2014), 7% of forest area was converted to agricultural land and about 15% changes occurred among agricultural land. In 1993–2003, changes among agricultural land led to maximum loss of soil carbon, i.e., 4.88 Mt C and during 2003–2014, conversion of forest to agricultural land led to loss in 3.16 Mt C.

Conclusion

There was a continuous decrease in forest area and increase in cultivated area in each time period. Land use change led to alteration in carbon equity in soil due to change or loss in vegetation. Overall, we can conclude that the internal trading of land use area during the 10-year period (1993–2003) led to net loss of SOC stock by 8.29 Mt C. Similarly, land use change during 11-year period (2003–2014) caused net loss of SOC by 2.76 Mt C. Efforts should be made to implement proper land use management practices to enhance the SOC content.
Natural occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in meju and soybean paste produced in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Seong Eun , Chung Soo Hyun , Hong Sung-Yong
Published: November 2019

In this study, we investigated the occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in meju and soybean paste produced in South Korea. Samples were collected from three regions divided on the basis of climate in South Korea. A total of 100 meju samples were analyzed over 3 years (2012–2015), and 45 soybean paste samples were analyzed in 2016. Mycotoxins were extracted with an immunoaffinity column method and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. AFs were detected in 10 of meju (10%) and 11 of soybean paste samples (24.4%) with concentrations of 0.2–48.3 μg/kg and 0.88–16.17 μg/kg, respectively. OTA was detected in 50 of meju (50%) and 22 of soybean paste samples (48.9%) with concentrations of 0.1–193.2 μg/kg and 0.88–26.29 μg/kg, respectively. Mycotoxin contamination in meju was more common in the central region than in the southern areas. Thus, more mycotoxins were produced in the central region owing to less fungal competition in meju during fermentation inside households. We also found that about 91% of AFs and 73% of OTA in meju were degraded after the production of soybean paste and soy sauce. Even after degradation of AFs and OTA, the levels of AFB1 and OTA were 0.5 µg/kg and 7.5 µg/kg in soy sauce and 11.9 µg/kg and 190.4 µg/kg in soybean paste, respectively. Thus, our results suggest the need for constant monitoring of meju and soybean paste for AFs and OTA.
Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms of PIK3R1 and DUSP1 genes and their genetic associations with milk production traits in dairy cows
Authors: Han Bo , Yuan Yuwei , Shi Lijun , Li Yanhua , Liu Lin , Sun Dongxiao
Published: November 2019

Background

Previously, phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) and dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) were identified as promising candidate genes for milk production traits due to their being differentially expressed between the dry period and the peak of lactation in livers of dairy cows. Hence, in this study, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PIK3R1 and DUSP1 genes were identified and their genetic associations with milk yield, fat yield, fat percentage, protein yield, and protein percentage, were investigated using 1067 Chinese Holstein cows from 40 sire families.

Results

By re-sequencing the entire coding region and 2000 bp of the 5′ and 3′ flanking regions of the two genes, one SNP in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR), three in the 3′ UTR, and two in the 3′ flanking region of PIK3R1 were identified, and one in the 5′ flanking region, one in the 3′ UTR, and two in the 3′ flanking region of DUSP1 were found. Subsequent single-locus association analyses showed that five SNPs in PIK3R1, rs42590258, rs210389799, rs208819656, rs41255622, rs133655926, and rs211408208, and four SNPs in DUSP1, rs207593520, rs208460068, rs209154772, and rs210000760, were significantly associated with milk, fat and protein yields in the first or second lactation (P values ≤ 0.0001 and 0.0461). In addition, by the Haploview 4.2 software, the six and four SNPs in PIK3R1 and DUSP1 respectively formed one haplotype block, and the haplotype-based association analyses showed significant associations between their haplotype combinations and the milk traits in both two lactations (P values ≤ 0.0001 and 0.0364). One SNP, rs207593520(T/G), was predicted to alter the transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) in the 5′ flanking region of DUSP1. Further, the dual-luciferase assay showed that the transcription activity of allele T in rs207593520 was significantly higher than that of allele G, suggesting the activation of transcriptional activity of DUSP1 gene by allele T of rs207593520. Thus, the rs207593520 SNP was highlighted as a potential causal mutation that should be further verified.

Conclusions

We demonstrated novel and significant genetic effects of the PIK3R1 and DUSP1 genes on milk production traits in dairy cows, and our findings provide information for use in dairy cattle breeding.
The efficacy of a resilience-enhancement program for mothers in Japan based on emotion regulation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tobe Hiromi , Sakka Mariko , Kamibeppu Kiyoko
Published: November 2019

Background

The demands of daily life often cause mothers high levels of distress and other negative emotions. Anger, including harsh verbal discipline, has been linked to child maltreatment, with long-term adverse effects on a child’s well-being. It is critically important to teach mothers stress management and emotion regulation in addition to parenting skills, but this is yet to be conducted in a formalized manner. Strengthening the multiple protective factors that constitute resilience helps reduce distress. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a resilience-enhancement program for mothers.

Methods

We designed a two-arm, parallel, randomized trial with an active control. Mothers and their partners with children between three and six years old will be recruited. Following an online baseline survey, 140 mothers will be randomly allocated to either an intervention or control group. Self-report assessment will be conducted online post-intervention and at a two-month follow-up. The control group will participate in a serious of group discussions. The intervention group will participate in four bi-weekly 120-min sessions of a Cognitive Behavior Therapy-based program designed to enhance resilience, focusing on emotion regulation through cognitive reappraisal. Participants will be encouraged to apply and share the skills they acquire with their partner and children at home. Partners will also be assessed to explore their indirect influence from the mothers. Intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted and the two groups will be compared, applying covariate analysis. The primary outcome of the intervention is improved resilience. Secondary outcomes include improved anger control, self-esteem, cognition of children’s misbehavior, and reduced parental stress.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this study will evaluate the first resilience-enhancement program focused on emotion regulation for mothers in Japan. It will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on building emotional resilience. If the program is found to be effective, it will provide an alternative means to enhance mothers’ resilience against stress and improve their ability to regulate emotion. In so doing, it will offer a way to prevent child maltreatment and protect the mental health of children and families.

Trial registration

UMIN000027232, May 3, 2017.
Multiplex proteomics identifies novel CSF and plasma biomarkers of early Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Whelan Christopher D. , Mattsson Niklas , Nagle Michael W. , Vijayaraghavan Swetha , Hyde Craig , Janelidze Shorena , Stomrud Erik , Lee Julie , Fitz Lori , Samad Tarek A. , Ramaswamy Gayathri , Margolin Richard A. , Malarstig Anders , Hansson Oskar
Published: November 2019

To date, the development of disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has largely focused on the removal of amyloid beta Aβ fragments from the CNS. Proteomic profiling of patient fluids may help identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers associated with AD pathology. Here, we applied the Olink™ ProSeek immunoassay to measure 270 CSF and plasma proteins across 415 Aβ- negative cognitively normal individuals (Aβ- CN), 142 Aβ-positive CN (Aβ+ CN), 50 Aβ- mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, 75 Aβ+ MCI patients, and 161 Aβ+ AD patients from the Swedish BioFINDER study. A validation cohort included 59 Aβ- CN, 23 Aβ- + CN, 44 Aβ- MCI and 53 Aβ+ MCI. To compare protein concentrations in patients versus controls, we applied multiple linear regressions adjusting for age, gender, medications, smoking and mean subject-level protein concentration, and corrected findings for false discovery rate (FDR, q < 0.05). We identified, and replicated, altered levels of ten CSF proteins in Aβ+ individuals, including CHIT1, SMOC2, MMP-10, LDLR, CD200, EIF4EBP1, ALCAM, RGMB, tPA and STAMBP (− 0.14 < d < 1.16; q < 0.05). We also identified and replicated alterations of six plasma proteins in Aβ+ individuals OSM, MMP-9, HAGH, CD200, AXIN1, and uPA (− 0.77 < d < 1.28; q < 0.05). Multiple analytes associated with cognitive performance and cortical thickness (q < 0.05). Plasma biomarkers could distinguish AD dementia (AUC = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.87–0.98) and prodromal AD (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.68–0.87) from CN. These findings reemphasize the contributions of immune markers, phospholipids, angiogenic proteins and other biomarkers downstream of, and potentially orthogonal to, Aβ- and tau in AD, and identify candidate biomarkers for earlier detection of neurodegeneration.
A comprehensive protocol for ventilator weaning and extubation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Nitta Kenichi , Okamoto Kazufumi , Imamura Hiroshi , Mochizuki Katsunori , Takayama Hiroshi , Kamijo Hiroshi , Okada Mayumi , Takeshige Kanako , Kashima Yuichiro , Satou Takahisa
Published: November 2019

Background

Ventilator weaning protocols have been shown to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), intensive care unit length of stay, and resource use. However, weaning protocols have not significantly affected mortality or reintubation rates. The extubation process is a critical component of respiratory care in patients who receive MV. Post-extubation respiratory failure (PERF) is a common event associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that a comprehensive protocol for ventilator weaning and extubation would be effective for preventing PERF and reintubation and reducing mortality in critically ill patients.

Methods

A ventilator weaning and extubation protocol was developed. The protocol consisted of checklists across four evaluations: spontaneous breathing trial, extubation, prophylactic non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), and evaluation after extubation. Observational data were collected after implementing the protocol in patients admitted to the Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center of Shinshu University Hospital. Not only outcomes of patients but also influences of each component of the protocol on the clinical decision-making process were investigated. Further, a comparison between PERF and non-PERF patients was performed.

Results

A total of 464 consecutive patients received MV for more than 48 h, and 248 (77 women; mean age, 65 ± 17 years) were deemed eligible. The overall PERF and reintubation rates were 9.7% and 5.2%, respectively. Overall, 54.1% of patients with PERF received reintubation. Hospital stay and mortality were not significantly different between PERF and non-PERF patients (p = 0.16 and 0.057, respectively). As a result, the 28-day and hospital mortality were 1.2% and 6.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

We found that the rates of PERF, reintubation, and hospital mortality were lower than those in previous reports even with nearly the same degree of severity at extubation. The comprehensive protocol for ventilator weaning and extubation may prevent PERF and reintubation and reduce mortality in critically ill patients.
Influence of bimanual exercise on muscle activation in post-stroke patients
Authors: Itkonen Matti , Costa Álvaro , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Okajima Shotaro , Alnajjar Fady , Kumada Takatsune , Shimoda Shingo
Published: November 2019

Brain damage due to stroke often leaves survivors with lateral functional motor deficits. Bimanual rehabilitation of the paretic arm is an active field of research aimed at restoring normal functionality by making use of the complex neural bindings that exist between the arms. In search of an effective rehabilitation method, we introduced a group of post-stroke rehabilitation patients to a set of bimanual motion tasks with inter-manual coupling and phasing. The surface EMG profiles of the patients were compared in order to understand the effect of the motion conditions. The paretic arms of the patients were more strongly affected by the task conditions compared with the non-paretic arms. These results suggest that in-phase motion may activate neural circuits that trigger recovery. Coupling also had an effect on behavior, but the response of patients was divided between those whom coupling helped or hindered.