bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiome diversity in acute severe colitis is distinct from mild to moderate ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kedia Saurabh , Ghosh Tarini Shankar , Jain Saransh , Desigamani Anbumani , Kumar Ashok , Gupta Vipin , Bopanna Sawan , Yadav Dawesh P , Goyal Sandeep , Makharia Govind , Travis Simon P. L. , Das Bhabatosh , Ahuja Vineet
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

Although the gut microbiome of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has been characterized, no study has characterized the gut microbiome in acute severe colitis (ASC). We compared the gut microbiome of patients with UC, ASC, and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Patients with mild to moderate UC (n = 24), ASC (n = 19 with 21 episodes) and HCs (n = 50) were recruited prospectively. A 16SrDNA amplicon approach was used to explore gut microbial diversity and taxonomic repertoires. UC was diagnosed using European Crohn's and Colitis Organization guidelines, and ASC was diagnosed using Truelove and Witts' criteria.

Results

The normalized alpha diversity was significantly lower in ASC than mild–moderately active UC (P < 0.05) or HC (P < 0.001). The gut microbiome in ASC was highly unstable, as characterized by high intracohort variation (analyzed using J‐divergence measure), which was significantly greater than in UC or HC. On principal coordinate analysis, the microbiome of HC and UC were similar, with the ASC cohort being distinct from both. Comparison of ranked abundances identified four distinct clusters of genera (G1, G2, G3, and G4), with specific trends in their abundance across three groups: G1/G2A clusters had the least, whereas G3 had the highest abundance in the ASC cohort.

Conclusions

Gut microbial diversity is lower in ASC than mild–moderate UC or HCs. Gut microbiome composition is increasingly unstable in ASC, with a distinct abundance of specific genera varying between HCs and ASC. Mild–moderate UC lies within the spectrum.
Male and female immediate fear reaction to white noise in a semi‐natural environment: A detailed behavioural analysis of the role of sex and oestrogen receptors
Authors: Le Moëne Olivia , Ramírez‐Rentería Mayra Liliana , Ågmo Anders
Published: September 2020

In classical rodent anxiety models, females usually display lower anxiety than males, whereas anxiety disorders are more prevalent in women. Perhaps this contradiction is caused by the use of behavioural models with low external validity. Therefore, we analysed immediate reactions to a sudden 90‐dB white noise in a semi‐natural environment. We observed mixed‐sex groups of rats for the 60 seconds preceding noise onset and the first 60 seconds of exposure. White noise elicited fear‐specific behaviours hiding alone and huddling. It also increased exploratory and ambulatory behaviours, although only in the burrow zone farthest from the open area. Thus, in a semi‐natural environment, white noise enhanced motor activity as a product of fear‐induced general arousal. Then, we compared male and female sexual, social, exploratory and anxiety‐related behaviour, and found little sex difference. This absence of behavioural effect, also observed in other studies, might be a result of our study design, a familiar environment with an ecologically relevant social context. Fear and anxiety responses are modulated by oestrogens through the activation of oestrogen receptors α and β. Thus, in a third part of out study, we analysed how treatment with either oil, oestradiol benzoate (EB), an agonist to the oestrogen receptor α (propylpyrazoletriol [PPT]) or β (diarylpropionitrile [DPN]) influenced female behaviour. The effect of treatment was limited, both EB and PPT stimulated motor activity in the open area before white noise, probably because of sexual activity. PPT increased the probability of fleeing from the noise, and decreased the latency to do so, which is consistent with a pattern of anxiogenic properties found in previous studies. Contrary to reports in classical procedures, we failed to detect any effect of DPN on immediate fear reactions in a semi‐natural environment.
Rethinking the political economy of rural struggles in Turkey: Space, structures, and altered agencies
Authors: Kavak Sinem
Published: September 2020

By focusing on recent water struggles in rural Turkey against run‐of‐the‐river hydropower plants (SHPs), the research delves into the societal and economic factors that enable or inhibit the emergence of strong mobilizations through a comparison of four localities of the Eastern Black Sea region. The main aim of the cross comparison is to determine whether there is a relationship between the forms of rural livelihood (and class position) and political mobilization against SHP construction. The article offers a multilayered relational framework to analyse rural mobilizations. Through a comparative spatial analysis of material and immaterial territories, I argue that the spatio‐economic transformation of the localities that unevenly transform rural settings in terms of production and consumption activities have an impact on the patterns, discourses, and agency in contemporary “rural” mobilizations. This is especially observable with regard to upward mobility and the middle‐classization processes embedded in crop system and household accumulation opportunities. The children of upwardly mobile farmers who became city‐based middle‐class actors tend to present an estheticized and carnivalesque framing in their resistance strategies through the re‐invention of traditions and culture, whereas the lower‐class peasants voice their grievances based strictly on material concerns.
Surface Roughness of Milled Lithium Disilicate With and Without Reinforcement After Finishing and Polishing: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Brodine Brian A. , Korioth Tom V. , Morrow Brian , Shafter Mohamed A. , Hollis Wainscott C. , Cagna David R.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of various finishing and polishing techniques on the surface roughness of two computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials, lithium disilicate (IPS e.max), lithium disilicate reinforced with lithium aluminosilicate (Straumann® n!ce™), and a stackable low‐fusing nanofluorapatite glass ceramic (Ceram).

Materials and Methods

Flat specimens (n = 12) per treatment group were fabricated 2 mm thick, 15 mm in length, and 12mm in width. Samples were either glazed or polished. Glazing was accomplished with either Ivoclar IPS e.max CAD crystall glaze spray or IPS e.max Ceram glaze paste, according to manufacturer instructions. Three different polishing systems were tested: Brasseler Dialite HP, Ivoclar OptraFine, and Komet LD/ZR. Polishing was performed using a Kavo adjustable slow speed electric contra‐angle handpiece mounted to an oscillating Toothbrush Dentifrice Assessment Instrument. Surface roughness data was collected using a benchtop stylus profilometer and analyzed for statistical significance using two‐way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Representative scanning electron micrograph images were generated for all samples.

Results

Overall there was no significant difference in Ra when comparing types of ceramic (p = 0.9315, F = 0.071). However, there was a statistically significant difference when comparing groups of finishing treatments (p < 0.001, F = 113.5) and also when comparing finishing treatment with ceramic type (p < 0.001, F = 11.13). No significant difference was found with IPS e.max CAD crystall glaze spray on Straumann® n!ce™ versus IPS e.max Ceram glaze paste on IPS e.max Ceram (p = 0.8745) or IPS e.max CAD crystall glaze spray on IPS e.max versus IPS e.max Ceram glaze paste on IPS e.max Ceram (p = 0.3373). Significant differences in Ra of Straumann® n!ce™ were found when comparing Brasseler with Ivoclar (p = 0.0014) and Ivoclar with Komet (p = 0.047). No significant difference was observed between Brasseler and Komet (p = 0.8099).

Conclusions

It appears that the degree of surface roughness depends upon the specific finishing system and ceramic combination used. Straumann® n!ce™ is more efficiently polished using Brasseler Dialite HP or Komet LD/ZR polishing systems. Ivoclar crystal glaze spray was found to be equally as effective on Straumann® n!ce™ and IPS e.max as IPS e.max Ceram glaze paste on IPS e.max Ceram.
Hepatitis B core‐related antigen levels predict recurrence‐free survival in patients with HBV‐associated early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma: results from a Dutch long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Beudeker Boris J. B. , Groothuismink Zwier M. A. , de Man Robert A. , Witjes Caroline D. M. , van der Eijk Annemiek A. , Boonstra Andre , Sonneveld Milan J.
Published: September 2020

Prognosis of hepatitis B (HBV)‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor due to high rates of HCC recurrence and progression of underlying liver disease. We studied whether serum hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) levels could predict HCC recurrence and outcome in HBV associated. Higher HBcrAg levels at HCC diagnosis were independently associated with reduced overall and recurrence‐free survival in patients with early, but not advanced, stage HCC.
Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis in contemporary UK practice: Outcomes of phenotype‐directed management
Authors: Neale Anoushka , Malik Nabiah , Taylor Claire , Sahai Arun , Malde Sachin
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Problem bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is a heterogeneous disorder with variation in management worldwide. Phenotyping aims to personalize therapy and optimize outcomes. The most well‐described phenotype is Hunner lesion disease (HLD). The prevalence of HLD and outcome of phenotype‐directed management in the UK is not well‐studied. We describe the management of a contemporary cohort of patients with BPS/IC in the UK.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all patients with BPS/IC from January 2015‐November 2018. Outcomes of patients who underwent laser ablation to Hunner lesions were collected using the Global Response Assessment tool.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐three patients (mean age of 43 years [20–85]) were included. 78% were female and patients had experienced symptoms for an average 6 years (1–30) prior to specialist assessment. Eighty‐three percent of patients had pelvic imaging (44% ultrasound, 42% magnetic resonance imaging and 14% computed tomography), and a relevant abnormality was found in five (4%). Twenty‐two patients (14%) had HLD (International Society for the Study of BPS [ESSIC] 3), with a mean bladder capacity of 373 mL (175‐650 mL); 77% were ESSIC C on histopathology. All patients with HLD underwent laser ablation, with 55% experiencing a moderate/marked improvement in symptoms, with a mean duration of effect of 10 months (3–36); 27% of patients had a repeat treatment.

Conclusions

The presence of HLD in patients with BPS/IC is not uncommon. Pelvic imaging rarely identifies any cause for pain and so cystoscopy under anesthesia is essential for accurate phenotyping. Phenotype‐directed management with holmium laser ablation to Hunner lesions has good short‐term efficacy in improving pain, but re‐intervention is often required.
Metabolically healthy overweight/obesity are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults, even in the absence of metabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Opio Jacob , Croker Emma , Odongo George S. , Attia John , Wynne Katie , McEvoy Mark
Published: September 2020

This review examined the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults with metabolically healthy overweight/obesity. A systematic review and meta‐analysis using data from Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Cochrane Library searched from inception up to 31st October 2019. We included prospective cohort studies of adults who are metabolically healthy or unhealthy. Outcomes were fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, all‐cause mortality. Pooled relative risk was calculated for each outcome in populations with metabolically healthy overweight and metabolically healthy obesity using metabolically healthy normal weight as reference. A random‐effects model was used for meta‐analysis, and risk of bias assessment tool for nonrandomized studies assessed risk of bias within each study. Twenty‐three prospective cohort studies with 4,492,723 participants were included. Cardiovascular disease risk was increased in metabolically healthy groups with overweight (RR = 1.34, CI: 1.23–1.46, n = 20, I2 = 90.3%) and obesity (RR = 1.58, CI: 1.34–1.85, n = 21, I2 = 92.2) compared with a reference group with metabolically healthy normal weight. Cardiovascular disease risk was similar irrespective of the number of risk factors used to define metabolically healthy and the risk remained in the group with no metabolic risk factors. Cardiovascular disease risk is increased in populations with overweight and obesity classified as metabolically healthy even when there were no metabolic risk factors.
A randomized trial of oral immunotherapy for pediatric cow's milk‐induced anaphylaxis: Heated vs unheated milk
Authors: Nagakura Ken‐ichi , Sato Sakura , Miura Yoko , Nishino Makoto , Takahashi Kyohei , Asaumi Tomoyuki , Ogura Kiyotake , Ebisawa Motohiro , Yanagida Noriyuki
Published: September 2020

Background

Severe reactions may develop during cow's milk (CM) oral immunotherapy (OIT). We investigated the safety and efficacy of low‐dose OIT with heated milk (HM) or unheated milk (UM) in children with anaphylaxis.

Methods

Children with symptom onset after ingestion of 3‐mL HM on a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge were randomly assigned to the HM (n = 17) or UM (n = 16) group. HM group ingested milk powder heated at 125°C for 30 seconds, whereas the UM group used UM. Patients were hospitalized for 5 days; the HM or UM was gradually increased to 3 mL/day; 3‐mL/day ingestion was continued at home. One year later, the patients underwent 2‐day consecutive 3‐ and 25‐mL HM‐oral food challenges (OFCs) after 2‐week avoidance.

Results

At baseline, milk‐ and casein‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were 56.0 and 51.4 kUA/L in the HM group, and 55.2 and 65.6 kUA/L in the UM group, respectively. One year later, 35% and 18% in the HM group and 50% and 31% in UM group passed the 3 and 25 mL OFCs, respectively. Rates of moderate or severe symptoms and respiratory symptoms per home dose were significantly lower in the HM than in the UM group (0.7% and 1.2% vs 1.4% and 2.6%, respectively, P < .001). β‐lactoglobulin‐specific IgG4 levels significantly increased from baseline only in the UM group, whereas casein‐specific IgG4 levels significantly increased from baseline in both groups.

Conclusions

HM‐OIT induced immunological changes more safely than the UM‐OIT. The possibility of lower treatment efficacy with HM‐OIT needs to be evaluated in larger studies.
Minding the gap—Providing quality transplant care for South African children with acute liver failure
Authors: Bruckmann Eduard K. , Beretta Marisa , Demopolous Despina , Brannigan Lliam , Bouter Carolyn , Maher Heather , Etheredge Harriet R. , Fabian June , Haeri Mazanderani Ahmad , Britz Russel , Loveland Jerome , Botha Jean F.
Published: September 2020

Pediatric ALF is rare but life‐threatening and may require urgent transplantation. In low and middle‐income countries, access to transplantation is limited, deceased organ donation rates are low, and data on outcomes scarce. The Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, in Johannesburg, is one of only two centers in South Africa that perform pediatric liver transplant. We describe the etiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of children undergoing liver transplant for ALF at our center over the past 14 years. We performed a retrospective chart review of all children undergoing liver transplantation for ALF from November 2005 to September 2019. Recipient data included demographics, clinical and biochemical characteristics pretransplant, post‐operative complications, and survival. We conducted descriptive data analysis and used the Kaplan‐Meier method for survival analysis. We performed 182 primary pediatric liver transplants. Of these, 27 (15%) were for ALF, mostly from acute hepatitis A infection (11/27;41%). Just over half of the grafts were from living donors (15/27;56%), and five grafts (5/27;19%) were ABO‐incompatible. The most frequent post‐transplant complications were biliary leaks (9/27;33%). There were two cases of hepatic artery thrombosis (2/27;7%), one of whom required re‐transplantation. Unadjusted patient and graft survival at one and 3 years were the same, at 81% (95% CI 61%‐92%) and 78% (95% CI 57%‐89%), respectively. At WDGMC, our outcomes for children who undergo liver transplantation for ALF are excellent. We found workable solutions that effectively addressed our pervasive organ shortages without compromising patient outcomes.
Neighborhood reputations as symbolic and stratifying mechanisms in the urban hierarchy
Authors: Evans Megan , Lee Barrett A.
Published: September 2020

Neighborhood effects research continues to advance sociological understanding of inequality. Here, we consider a complementary but lower profile body of work. Since 2000, scholars have shown increasing interest in neighborhood reputations, socially constructed place identities that reflect the relative position of neighborhoods in the urban status hierarchy. These reputations, which emerge from multiple sources, are correlated most consistently with an area's racial and socioeconomic composition. Evidence suggests that stigmatized neighborhoods and their inhabitants experience a range of negative consequences. Prestigious neighborhood reputations may be aspirational, guiding households' preferences and influencing the residential selection process in a manner that reinforces existing disparities. Although reputations can change, they appear to do so incrementally because of their cumulative nature. A key challenge for future research is to demonstrate that neighborhood reputations are “real” rather than epiphenomenal, having significance beyond the objective characteristics of the places they represent. Resolving this issue will require finer alignment between reputation measurement and conceptualization, and more analysis of the extent of agreement needed among people's neighborhood perceptions for a reputation to exist. Longitudinal data on many neighborhoods, coupled with historical case studies, could illuminate the dynamics of reputations and help us better evaluate their presumed causes and effects.
RH genotyping by nonspecific quantitative next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Stef Marianne , Fennell Katie , Apraiz Izaskun , Arteta David , González Cecilia , Nogués Nuria , Ochoa‐Garay Gorka
Published: September 2020

Background

Conventional sequencing uses gene‐specific primers to determine the location of RH variants and permits a qualitative assessment of zygosity. Whole‐genome and whole‐exome sequencing determine the genetic location of variants and enable a quantitative assessment of zygosity. Nonspecific sequencing uses RH‐consensus primers to detect variants and sequencing‐read ratios to quantify their copy number.

Study Design and Methods

Two hundred seventy eight samples with diverse genotypes were analyzed by next‐generation sequencing with RH‐ consensus primers. Custom‐developed data analysis software was used to detect individual variants and infer the RH genotype. The method was evaluated for its quantitative nature, its ability to discriminate similar genotypes, its accuracy to detect variants, and its accuracy to assign them to RHD or RHCE.

Results

As a measure of balanced amplification of RHD and RHCE sequences, observed ratio medians deviate from expected ratios by 3% or less of the ratio range. As a measure of discriminatory power, contiguous RHCE / [RHD + RHCE] ratio averages are separated by 4 or more standard deviations of the mean. Variants are detected with a sensitivity and specificity greater than 99%, and variants at consensus positions are correctly assigned to RHD vs RHCE with a sensitivity greater than 72% and a specificity greater than 99%. The method is successful in the identification of genotypes with large conversion events and in the detection of copy number variation.

Conclusion

Nonspecific sequencing of homologous gene sets combines detection and quantification of genetic variation in a single assay. Evidence is provided for the quantitative nature of the method, its sensitivity and specificity, and its ability to identify complex RH genotypes.
Advanced practice nursing roles in Arab countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Almukhaini Salma , Martin-Misener Ruth , Weeks Lori E. , Macdonald Marilyn , Hussain Haifaa , Macdonald Danielle , Al-Ismaili Zeyana , Al-Fahdi Noora , Rothfus Melissa A.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The objective of this review is to explore and synthesize evidence regarding the advanced practice nursing roles in Arab countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Introduction:

Many countries have witnessed an increase in the number and types of advanced practice nursing roles. The literature has documented many positive patient outcomes associated with care provided by advanced practice nurses. The International Council of Nurses claims that advanced practice nursing is country-sensitive. Despite the availability of international literature that explores advanced practice nursing roles globally, little attention has been given to advanced practice nursing roles in Arab countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies related to advanced practice nursing roles, such as the historical development, role title, regulations, entry level education, role implementation, and outcomes, in Arab countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Methods:

A comprehensive systematic search will be completed for both published and non-published literature using CINAHL (EBSCO), PubMed (NLM), PsycINFO, Embase (Elsevier), Nursing and Allied Health (ProQuest), Scopus (Elsevier), and websites such as Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, International Council of Nurses’ Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network, World Health Organization regional office for the Eastern Mediterranean, and nursing associations and ministries of health in Arab countries. The search will include literature published in Arabic and English, from the inception of databases to present.
Validez y confiabilidad del cuestionario Orientación ante la Vida de Antonovsky (SC-29 ítems), versión en español
Authors: Esquivel Garzón Natalia , Díaz Heredia Luz Patricia
Published: September 2020

Introducción: El cuestionario Orientación ante la Vida mide el sentido de coherencia, un concepto relacionado con el uso de los recursos de afrontamiento que influyen positivamente en una mejor calidad de vida y bienestar de aquellos adultos con enfermedad cardiovascular. Objetivo: Determinar la validez y confiabilidad del cuestionario Orientación ante la Vida de Antonovsky, en adultos con hipertensión arterial. Método: Estudio de tipo metodológico en el que se realizó la adaptación cultural y se determinó la validez facial, de contenido, de constructo y confiabilidad. En la adaptación cultural se siguió un proceso de traducción, consenso y retrotraducción. La validez facial y de contenido se cumplió mediante el juicio de expertos, utilizando las pruebas estadísticas de coeficiente kappa de Fleiss e índice de Lawshe modificado. En la validez de constructo y prueba de confiabilidad participaron 220 personas. La confiabilidad se calculó mediante la prueba estadística de alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: En la validez facial, el instrumento reportó un índice kappa de Fleiss mayor a 0,41, interpretado como un acuerdo moderado. El índice de validez de contenido fue satisfactorio con 0,87, el análisis factorial exploratorio reportó tres factores con una varianza total explicada del 36,21 %. El alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,82 para la escala total. Conclusiones: La versión en español del ins­trumento Orientación ante la Vida presenta un adecuado índice de validez de contenido y confiabilidad para uso en el contexto local. Es necesario continuar su aplicación en otros grupos y momentos para continuar refinando su validez.
Attenuation of the human skull at broadband frequencies by using a carbon nanotube composite photoacoustic transducer
Authors: Lee Jooho , Paeng Dong-Guk , Ha Kanglyeol
Published: September 2020

The shockwave generated from a focused carbon nanotube (CNT) composite photoacoustic transducer has a wide frequency band that reaches several MHz in a single pulse. The objective of this study was to measure the transmission characteristics of a shockwave generated by a CNT composite photoacoustic transducer through Asian skulls and compare the results with numerical simulation ones. Three Korean cadaver skulls were used, and five sites were measured for each skull. The average densities and sound speeds of the three skulls were calculated from computed tomography images. The sound pressure after skull penetration was about 11% of the one before skull penetration. High-frequency energy was mostly attenuated. The average attenuation coefficients measured at the five sites of the three skulls were 3.59 ± 0.29, 5.99 ± 1.07, and 3.90 ± 0.86 np/cm/MHz. These values were higher than those previously measured at 270, 836, and 1402 kHz from other groups. The attenuation coefficients simulated by Sim4life were slightly smaller than the experimental values, with similar trends at most sites. The attenuation coefficients varied with measurement sites, skull shape, and thickness. These results may provide important data for future applications of shockwaves in noninvasive neurological treatments.
Navigating Subclinical Sport Psychology as a Trainee: A Case Study of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Elite Youth Athletics
Authors: Hartley Chris
Published: September 2020

The current case reports the service delivery experiences of a trainee practitioner working within elite youth athletics, discussing the experiences and challenges associated with encountering clinical issues and appropriate referrals for the first time. Alongside ongoing clinical support, this case warranted ongoing sport psychology service delivery, during which the trainee adopted an acceptance and commitment therapy approach. Interventions were focused toward the promotion of openness to experience and the identification of value-driven behaviors for sport. Service effectiveness was evaluated via a multimodal method including other professionals in a multidisciplinary support team. Reflections on the service delivery highlight the potentially beneficial or detrimental impacts that practitioner beliefs and values may have, as well as issues regarding role clarity, education, and preparedness for sport psychology trainees encountering clinical issues for the first time.
Superior Changes in Jump, Sprint, and Change-of-Direction Performance but Not Maximal Strength Following 6 Weeks of Velocity-Based Training Compared With 1-Repetition-Maximum Percentage-Based Training
Authors: Banyard Harry G. , Tufano James J. , Weakley Jonathon J.S. , Wu Sam , Jukic Ivan , Nosaka Kazunori
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To compare the effects of velocity-based training (VBT) and 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) percentage-based training (PBT) on changes in strength, loaded countermovement jump (CMJ), and sprint performance. Methods: A total of 24 resistance-trained males performed 6 weeks of full-depth free-weight back squats 3 times per week in a daily undulating format, with groups matched for sets and repetitions. The PBT group lifted with fixed relative loads varying from 59% to 85% of preintervention 1RM. The VBT group aimed for a sessional target velocity that was prescribed from pretraining individualized load–velocity profiles. Thus, real-time velocity feedback dictated the VBT set-by-set training load adjustments. Pretraining and posttraining assessments included the 1RM, peak velocity for CMJ at 30%1RM (PV-CMJ), 20-m sprint (including 5 and 10 m), and 505 change-of-direction test (COD). Results: The VBT group maintained faster (effect size [ES] = 1.25) training repetitions with less perceived difficulty (ES = 0.72) compared with the PBT group. The VBT group had likely to very likely improvements in the COD (ES = −1.20 to −1.27), 5-m sprint (ES = −1.17), 10-m sprint (ES = −0.93), 1RM (ES = 0.89), and PV-CMJ (ES = 0.79). The PBT group had almost certain improvements in the 1RM (ES = 1.41) and possibly beneficial improvements in the COD (ES = −0.86). Very likely favorable between-groups effects were observed for VBT compared to PBT in the PV-CMJ (ES = 1.81), 5-m sprint (ES = 1.35), and 20-m sprint (ES = 1.27); likely favorable between-groups effects were observed in the 10-m sprint (ES = 1.24) and nondominant-leg COD (ES = 0.96), whereas the dominant-leg COD (ES = 0.67) was possibly favorable. PBT had small (ES = 0.57), but unclear differences for 1RM improvement compared to VBT. Conclusions: Both training methods improved 1RM and COD times, but PBT may be slightly favorable for stronger individuals focusing on maximal strength, whereas VBT was more beneficial for PV-CMJ, sprint, and COD improvements.
Postexercise Hot-Water Immersion Does Not Further Enhance Heat Adaptation or Performance in Endurance Athletes Training in a Hot Environment
Authors: Stevens Christopher J. , Ross Megan L.R. , Carr Amelia J. , Vallance Brent , Best Russ , Urwin Charles , Périard Julien D. , Burke Louise
Published: September 2020

Purpose: Hot-water immersion (HWI) after training in temperate conditions has been shown to induce thermophysiological adaptations and improve endurance performance in the heat; however, the potential additive effects of HWI and training in hot outdoor conditions remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of repeated postexercise HWI in athletes training in a hot environment. Methods: A total of 13 (9 female) elite/preelite racewalkers completed a 15-day training program in outdoor heat (mean afternoon high temperature = 34.6°C). Athletes were divided into 2 matched groups that completed either HWI (40°C for 30–40 min) or seated rest in 21°C (CON), following 8 training sessions. Pre–post testing included a 30-minute fixed-intensity walk in heat, laboratory incremental walk to exhaustion, and 10,000-m outdoor time trial. Results: Training frequency and volume were similar between groups (P = .54). Core temperature was significantly higher during immersion in HWI (38.5 [0.3]) than CON (37.8°C [0.2°C]; P < .001). There were no differences between groups in resting or exercise rectal temperature or heart rate, skin temperature, sweat rate, or the speed at lactate threshold 2, maximal O2 uptake, or 10,000-m performance (P > .05). There were significant (P < .05) pre–post differences for both groups in submaximal exercising heart rate (∼11 beats·min−1), sweat rate (0.34–0.55 L·h−1) and thermal comfort (1.2–1.5 arbitrary units), and 10,000-m racewalking performance time (∼3 min). Conclusions: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in markers of heat adaptation and performance; however, the addition of HWI did not provide further enhancements. Improvements in adaptation appeared to be maximized by the training program in hot conditions.
14-3-3 binding creates a memory of kinase action by stabilizing the modified state of phospholamban
Authors: Menzel Julia , Kownatzki-Danger Daniel , Tokar Sergiy , Ballone Alice , Unthan-Fechner Kirsten , Kilisch Markus , Lenz Christof , Urlaub Henning , Mori Mattia , Ottmann Christian , Shattock Michael J. , Lehnart Stephan E. , Schwappach Blanche
Published: September 2020

Phosphorylation alters how phospholamban binds to 14-3-3 and affects cardiomyocyte Ca
2+
signaling.
Cigarette Smoke Exposure Promotes Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Induces Resistance to Neutrophil Killing
Authors: Chien Jason , Hwang John H. , Nilaad Sedtavut , Masso-Silva Jorge A. , Jeong Ahn Sae , McEachern Elisa K. , Moshensky Alexander , Byun Min-Kwang , Crotty Alexander Laura E.
Published: September 2020

It is widely known that cigarette smoke damages host defenses and increases susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, a Gram-negative bacterium that commonly colonizes the airways of smokers and patients with chronic lung disease, can cause pneumonia and sepsis and can trigger exacerbations of lung diseases.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
colonizing airways is consistently exposed to inhaled cigarette smoke. Here, we investigated whether cigarette smoke alters the ability of this clinically significant microbe to bypass host defenses and cause invasive disease.
Phenotypic Detection and Differentiation of Carbapenemase Classes Including OXA-48-Like Enzymes in
Enterobacterales
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by a Highly Specialized Micronaut-S Microdilution Assay
Authors: Pfennigwerth Niels , Gatermann Sören G. , Körber-Irrgang Barbara , Hönings Robert
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the Micronaut-S carbapenemase detection microtiter plate assay for the detection of carbapenemases and Ambler class determination. The Micronaut-S carbapenemase detection microtiter plate was tested using a challenging collection of 154 carbapenemase-producing and 150 carbapenemase-negative clinical strains of
Enterobacterales
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. The Micronaut-S carbapenemase detection assay was able to detect 148/154 carbapenemase producers correctly, whereas 5/150 non-carbapenemase-producing isolates tested as false positive.
A Phylogeny-Informed Proteomics Approach for Species Identification within the Burkholderia cepacia Complex
Authors: Wang Honghui , Cissé Ousmane H. , Bolig Thomas , Drake Steven K. , Chen Yong , Strich Jeffrey R. , Youn Jung-Ho , Okoro Uchenna , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Sun Junfeng , LiPuma John J. , Suffredini Anthony F. , Dekker John P.
Published: September 2020

Ancestral genetic exchange between members of many important bacterial pathogen groups has resulted in phylogenetic relationships better described as networks than as bifurcating trees. In certain cases, these reticulated phylogenies have resulted in phenotypic and molecular overlap that challenges the construction of practical approaches for species identification in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc), a betaproteobacteria species group responsible for significant morbidity in persons with cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease, represents one such group where network-structured phylogeny has hampered the development of diagnostic methods for species-level discrimination.
The Course “Microbes and You”: A Concrete Example that Addresses the Urgent Need for Microbiology Literacy in Society
Authors: Trudel Luc , Deveau Hélène , Gagné-Thivierge Cynthia , Charette Steve J.
Published: September 2020

Microbiology literacy is essential for any world citizen, considering the major impacts that microorganisms have on our daily lives and health. Consequently, we have created a complete microbiology course available to the non-microbiology students at our university. This course, entitled "Microbes and You" is fully accessible online (in French only) and helps students advance their knowledge of microorganisms in a fun way. Before the course, most students are only aware of the negative role of microorganisms on our health, and this course teaches them that our relationship with microbes is more complex and possesses many advantages. In this article, we share our experience and the extremely positive response of the students. We hope to encourage other microbiologists to set up basic courses in microbiology for non-scientists, or scientists without basic knowledge in this science.
The Association between Insertion Sequences and Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Authors: Razavi Mohammad , Kristiansson Erik , Flach Carl-Fredrik , Larsson D. G. Joakim
Published: September 2020

The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among pathogens threaten the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections as well as our food production chains. Early knowledge about mobile ARGs that are present in pathogens or that have the potential to become clinically relevant could help mitigate potential negative consequences. Recently, exploring integron gene cassettes was shown to be successful for identifying novel mobilized ARGs, some of which were already circulating in pathogens. Still, only a subset of ARGs is mobilized by integrons, and the contexts of other mobile genetic elements associated with ARGs remain unexplored. This includes insertion sequences (ISs) responsible for the mobilization of many ARGs. Our analyses identified ISs, species, and environments where ARG-IS relationships are particularly strong. This could be a first step to guide the discovery of novel ARGs, while also providing insights into mechanisms involved in the mobilization and transfer of ARGs.
Evolution of Early SARS-CoV-2 and Cross-Coronavirus Immunity
Authors: Loos Carolin , Atyeo Caroline , Fischinger Stephanie , Burke John , Slein Matthew D. , Streeck Hendrik , Lauffenburger Douglas , Ryan Edward T. , Charles Richelle C. , Alter Galit
Published: September 2020

A critical step to ending the spread of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the ability to detect, diagnose, and understand why some individuals develop mild and others develop severe disease. For example, defining the early evolutionary patterns of humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2, and whether prevalent coronaviruses or other common infections influence the evolution of immunity, remains poorly understood but could inform diagnostic and vaccine development. Here, we deeply profiled the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 immunity, and how it is influenced by other coinfections. Our data suggest an early and rapid rise in functional humoral immunity in the first 2 weeks of infection across antigen-specific targets, which is negligibly influenced by cross-reactivity to additional common coronaviruses or common respiratory infections. These data suggest that preexisting receptor binding domain-specific immunity does not influence or bias the evolution of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and should have negligible influence on shaping diagnostic or vaccine-induced immunity.
Supplemental Material: Slip rate determined from cosmogenic nuclides on normal-fault facets
Authors: Tesson Jim , Benedetti Lucilla , al. et
Published: September 2020

Item S1 (additional information on the modeling) and Item S2, (additional information on the sampling, analysis, and obtained dataset).
Effects of carbohydrate quality and amount on plasma lactate: results from the OmniCarb trial
Authors: Hu Jiun-Ruey , Wu Yingfei , Sacks Frank M , Appel Lawrence J , Miller III Edgar R , Young J Hunter , Juraschek Stephen P
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Plasma lactate is a marker of non-oxidative glucose metabolism associated with progression to diabetes. We examined the effect of carbohydrate quality (glycemic index (GI)) and amount (%kcal) on plasma lactate. We hypothesized that low GI (≤45 (g)) versus high (≥65 (G)) and low %kcal from carbohydrate (40% kcal (c)) versus high (58% kcal (C)) each would reduce lactate levels.

Research design and methods

We measured lactate in OmniCarb, a randomized, cross-over trial of four diets in overweight/obese adults without diabetes or cardiovascular disease (N=163). The four diets were high carbohydrate+high GI (CG, reference), high carbohydrate+low GI (Cg), low carbohydrate+high GI (cG), and low carbohydrate+low GI (cg). Participants (N=163) consumed each of the four diets over a 5-week period, separated by 2-week washout periods. Plasma lactate levels were measured at baseline, during which the participants consumed their own diets, and after each 5-week period.

Results

Baseline plasma lactate was 1.2 mmol/L. In the setting of high carbohydrate amount, reducing GI lowered plasma lactate non-significantly by 0.08 mmol/L (Cg vs CG: 95% CI −0.16 to 0.00; p=0.06). In the setting of high GI, reducing carbohydrate amount lowered plasma lactate by 0.10 mmol/L (cG vs CG: 95% CI −0.19 to −0.02; p=0.02). The combined effect of reducing GI and carbohydrate proportion in the diet (cg vs CG) was similar (cg vs CG: −0.08; 95% CI −0.16 to 0.00; p=0.04). All four diets reduced plasma lactate compared with baseline.

Conclusions

Compared with a diet with high GI and high carbohydrate amount, diets with low GI and/or low carbohydrate amount reduced plasma lactate. Whether this change in lactate leads to long-term change in glucose metabolism needs to be examined.

Trial registration number

NCT00608049.
Altered pain processing in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of pain detection thresholds and pain modulation mechanisms
Authors: Sierra-Silvestre Eva , Somerville Mari , Bisset Leanne , Coppieters Michel W
Published: September 2020

The first signs of diabetic neuropathy typically result from small-diameter nerve fiber dysfunction. This review synthesized the evidence for small-diameter nerve fiber neuropathy measured via quantitative sensory testing (QST) in patients with diabetes with and without painful and non-painful neuropathies. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies in patients with diabetes with at least one QST measure reflecting small-diameter nerve fiber function (thermal or electrical pain detection threshold, contact heat-evoked potentials, temporal summation or conditioned pain modulation). Four groups were compared: patients with diabetes (1) without neuropathy, (2) with non-painful diabetic neuropathy, (3) with painful diabetic neuropathy and (4) healthy individuals. Recommended methods were used for article identification, selection, risk of bias assessment, data extraction and analysis. For the meta-analyses, data were pooled using random-effect models. Twenty-seven studies with 2422 participants met selection criteria; 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with diabetes without symptoms of neuropathy already showed loss of nerve function for heat (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.52, p<0.001), cold (SMD: −0.71, p=0.01) and electrical pain thresholds (SMD: 1.26, p=0.01). Patients with non-painful neuropathy had greater loss of function in heat pain threshold (SMD: 0.75, p=0.01) and electrical stimuli (SMD: 0.55, p=0.03) compared with patients with diabetes without neuropathy. Patients with painful diabetic neuropathy exhibited a greater loss of function in heat pain threshold (SMD: 0.55, p=0.005) compared with patients with non-painful diabetic neuropathy. Small-diameter nerve fiber function deteriorates progressively in patients with diabetes. Because the dysfunction is already present before symptoms occur, early detection is possible, which may assist in prevention and effective management of diabetic neuropathy.
Abstracts from international emergency medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: September 2020

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
Hashtags in healthcare: understanding Twitter hashtags and online engagement at the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma 2016–2019 meetings
Authors: Santarone Kristen , Boneva Dessy , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel
Published: September 2020

Background

Social media amplifies the accessibility, reach and impact of medical education and conferences alike. The use of hashtags at medical conferences allows material to be discussed and improved on by the experts via online conversation on Twitter. We aim to investigate the utilization of hashtags at the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) meetings from 2016 to 2019 and its potential role in knowledge dissemination and meeting participations.

Methods

Symplur Signals software was used to analyze hashtags for the AAST meetings by year: #AAST2016, #AAST2017, #AAST2018, #AAST2019.

Results

Number of tweets decreased significantly from 2016 to 2019 (4500 to 4400 to 3600 to 2600, respectively, p<0.05). Retweets also decreased significantly from 2016 to 2019 (3600 to 3300 to 2600 to 1900, respectively, p<0.05). Users decreased from 2016 to 2019 (1600 to 1400 to 937 to 743, respectively, p<0.05). Despite this decrease, impressions were 5.8 million in 2016, increasing to 8.6 million in 2017, then 9.6 million in 2018 and finally peaking in 2019 where impressions reached 10 million (p<0.05). The top influencer for 2016–2019 was the AAST Twitter account.

Conclusion

Twitter #AAST 2016–2019 online engagement and interactions have declined during the last 4 years while impressions have grown steadily indicating potential widespread dissemination of trauma-related knowledge and evidence-based practices, and increased online utilization of conference material to trauma surgeons, residents and fellows, trauma scientists, other physicians and the lay public. #AAST online engagement and impressions did not have influence on meeting attendance rates.
Consistency of interchange outer connection ramps
Authors: Al-Masaeid Hashem R. , Magsi Tareq M. , Almasaeid Hatem H.
Published: September 2020

Interchange ramps need a proper and consistent geometric design to avoid possible traffic accidents. The objective of this study is to develop guidelines for consistent design of outer connection ramps. As such, 47 ramps were selected from 18 different interchanges in Jordan. Free-flow speed measurements, for different vehicle classes, were taken along ramps and at predefined points. Also, traffic accidents, geometric variables, and traffic volumes were obtained. For circular ramps, the analysis indicated that the operating speed reduction is strongly affected by radius and deflection angle of the curve. The radius of the first curve had the greatest impact on speed reduction on curve–straight–curve ramps. For reverse-curve ramps, the ratio of the radii should be 6:4:9 to achieve a good consistent design for cars, provided that the radius of the first curve exceeds 110 m. Further analysis indicated that speed reduction, geometric variables, and traffic volume influenced the occurrence of accidents.
Phases of $$\hbox {QCD}_3$$ with three families of fundamental flavors
Authors: Khalil Abdullah , Tatar Radu
Published: September 2020

We explore the phase diagram for an SU(N) gauge theory in $$2 + 1$$

2
+
1

dimensions with three families of fermions with different masses, all in the fundamental representation. The phase diagram is three dimensional and contains cuboid, planar and linear quantum regions, depending on the values of the fermionic masses. Among other checks, we consider the consistency with boson/fermion dualities and verify the reduction of the phase diagram to the one and two-family diagrams.
Inflation from f(R) theories in gravity’s rainbow
Authors: Waeming Areef , Channuie Phongpichit
Published: September 2020

In this work, we study the f(R) models of inflation in the context of gravity’s rainbow theory. We choose three types of f(R) models: $$f(R)=R+\alpha (R/M)^{n},\,f(R)=R+\alpha R^{2}+\beta R^{2}\log (R/M^{2})$$

f

(
R
)

=
R
+
α

(
R
/
M
)

n

,

f

(
R
)

=
R
+
α

R
2

+
β

R
2

log

(
R
/

M
2

)

and the Einstein–Hu–Sawicki model with $$n,\,\alpha ,\,\beta $$

n
,

α
,

β

being arbitrary real constants. Here R and M are the Ricci scalar and mass scale, respectively. For all models, the rainbow function is written in the power-law form of the Hubble parameter. We present a detailed derivation of the spectral index of curvature perturbation and the tensor-to-scalar ratio and compare the predictions of our results with the latest Planck 2018 data. With the sizeable number of e-foldings and proper choices of parameters, we discover that the predictions of all f(R) models present in this work are in excellent agreement with the Planck analysis.