bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Downhole Conditions in Sucker Rod Pumped Wells Using Deep Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms (includes associated discussion)
Authors: Abdalla Ramez , El Ela Mahmoud Abu , El-Banbi Ahmed
Published: March 2020

In this paper, deep learning artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used to analyze the features of downhole dynamometer cards and identify the sucker rod pumping system conditions. A description model for the dynamometer cards, using Fourier descriptors, was established for card feature extraction. Then, neural networks were trained to generate failure prediction models to recognize downhole faults of the rod pumping systems. The failure prediction models were validated and tested with a large database of previously interpreted cards.

The proposed model is trained by using 4,467 dynamometer cards—29.2% of these cards represent sucker rod pumping systems of normal conditions, while the rest (70.8%) represent faulty sucker rod pumping systems. Genetic algorithms (GAs) were used to search for the best deep ANN structure that gives highest accuracy for the testing data. Accuracy of the proposed ANN model was measured with 1,915 cards that were not used in developing the ANN. The proposed model identified the sucker rod system failure successfully with very high accuracy (99.69%).
Music to improve sleep quality in adults with depression related insomnia (MUSTAFI): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lund Helle Nystrup , Pedersen Inge Nygaard , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Heymann-Szlachcinska Agnieszka Maria , Tuszewska Maryla , Bizik Gustav , Larsen Jens Ivar , Kulhay Eszter , Larsen Anelia , Grønbech Bettina Ellen , Østermark Helle , Borup Heidi , Valentin Jan Brink , Mainz Jan
Published: March 2020

Background Insomnia is a common sleep disorder for adults with depression with major impact on the quality of life. Previous trials suggest that music listening may be helpful in the treatment of sleep disturbances in healthy populations including students and elderly. In addition, small studies with clinical populations of traumatized refugees, adults with chronic insomnia and adults with depression insomnia add to the evidence base. However, the impact of music listening in the treatment of depression related insomnia is not well documented. Objective To examine the efficacy of music listening on sleep quality, symptoms of depression and quality of life in adults with depression related insomnia. Method A single center randomized controlled trial (RCT) in a two arm parallel group design is conducted and reported according to the Consort guidelines. The trial consists of an experimental group and a standard care control group. Both groups receive standard treatment for depression following Danish guidelines in an outpatient unit in psychiatry. The experimental group listen to music minimum 30 minutes at bedtime in four weeks. Discussion This study will provide information on the efficacy of music intervention as a non-pharmacological intervention in the treatment of depression related insomnia. This study will provide novel knowledge concerning music medicine as an evidence based treatment of depression in psychiatry. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov. ID NCT03676491, registered on 19th of September 2018. Keywords: Music, insomnia, depression, sleep
Characterisation of the gut microbial community of rhesus macaques in high-altitude environments
Authors: Wu Yuhan , Yao Yongfang , Dong Mengmeng , Xia Tianrui , Li Diyan , Xie Meng , Wu Jiayun , Wen Anxiang , Wang Qin , Zhu Guangxiang , Ni Qingyong , Zhang Mingwang , Xu Huailiang
Published: March 2020

Background: The mammal intestinal microbiota is involved in various physiological processes and plays a key role in host environment adaption. However, for non-human primates (NHPs), little is known about their gut microbial community in high-altitude environments and even less about their adaption to such habitats. We characterised the gut microbial community of rhesus macaques from multiple high-altitude environments and compared it to those of low-altitude populations.
Results: We collected faecal samples of rhesus macaques from four high-altitude populations (above 3,000 m) and three low-altitude populations (below 500 m). By calculating the alpha diversity index, we found that high-altitude populations exhibited a higher diversity. Statistical analysis of beta diversity indicated significant differences between high- and low-altitude populations. Significant differences were also detected at the phylum and family levels. At the phylum level, the high-altitude gut microbial community was dominated by Firmicutes (63.42%), while at low altitudes, it was dominated by Bacteroidetes (47.4%). At the family level, the high-altitude population was dominated by Ruminococcaceae (36.2%), while the low-altitude one was dominated by Prevotellaceae (39.6%). Some families, such as Christensenellaceae and Rikenellaceae, were consistently higher abundant in all high-altitude populations. We analysed the overlap of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in high-altitude populations and determined their core OTUs (shared by all four high-altitude populations). However, when compared with the low-altitude core OTUs, only 65% were shared, suggesting a divergence in core OTUs. Function prediction indicated a significant difference in gene copy number of 35 level-2 pathways between high- and low-altitude populations; 29 of them were higher in high altitudes, especially in membrane transport and carbohydrate metabolism.
Conclusions: The gut microbial community of high-altitude rhesus macaques was significantly distinct from that of low-altitude populations in terms of diversity, composition and function. High-altitude populations were dominated by Firmicutes and Ruminococcace, while in low-altitude populations, Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae were dominant. The difference in gut microbiota between these two populations may be caused by differences in host diet, environmental temperature and oxygen pressure. These differentiated gut microbial microorganisms may play a critical role in the adaptive evolution of rhesus macaques to high-altitude environments.
How does a targeted active labour market program impact on the well-being of the unemployed? A Concept Mapping study on Barcelona “Employment in the Neighbourhoods”
Authors: Puig-Barrachina Vanessa , Malmusi Davide , Artazcoz Lucía , Bartoll Xavier , Clotet Eva , Cortés-Franch Imma , Ventura Lorena , Daban Ferran , Díez Èlia , Borrell Carme
Published: March 2020

Background: The “Employment in the neighbourhoods” program is an innovative, tailor-made Active Labour Market Program that has been implemented in 12 neighbourhoods in Barcelona (Spain). Its goal is to get people from deprived, high-unemployment neighbourhoods back to work. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of the program on participants’ quality of life, and identify the mechanisms underlying these effects, according to their own perception and the perception of technical staff who assisted them.
Methods: We used Concept Mapping, a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, to develop a conceptual map of the participants’ and technical staffs’ perceptions about changes in the participants’ quality of life. Data collection occurred within the generation and structuring steps where participants brainstormed answers to a focus question, and then rated and sorted the responses. To create maps, we used Concept Systems Incorporated software, which conducted two main forms of analysis, a multidimensional scaling analysis, and a hierarchical cluster analysis.
Results: Study participants reported several positive effects on mental health and emotional wellbeing, including self-esteem and empowerment, and considered that this was achieved through strengthened social networks, skills acquisition, emotional coaching, and personalized technical assistance. They also described some negative impacts, mainly related to the labour market situation. We observed marked gender differences in the discourses of program participants.
Conclusions: The results obtained have allowed us to identify different perceived effects and mechanisms by which the “Employment in the Neighbourhoods” Active Labour Market Programme can influence quality of life of participants from the most deprived areas of Barcelona.
Keywords
Active labour market programs, unemployment, Barcelona City (Spain), deprived neighbourhoods, gender, quality of life, concept mapping.
Barriers of effective health insurance coverage for rural-to-urban migrant workers in China: A systematic review and policy gap analysis
Authors: Chen Shanquan , Chen Yingyao , Feng Zhanchun , Chen Xi , Wang Zheng , Zhu Jianfeng , Jin Jun , Yao Qiang , Xiang Li , Yao Lan , Sun Ju , Zhao Lu , Fung Hong , Wong Eliza Lai-yi , dong dong
Published: March 2020

Background: More than 90% of the Chinese population was covered by its three basic social health insurances. However, the Chinese rural-to-urban migrant workers (RUMWs), accounting for about one-fifth of China’s total population, seem to be put on a disadvantaged position under the current health insurance schemes. The purpose of this study is to identify the current barriers and to provide policy suggestions to the ineffective health insurance coverage of RUMWs in China.
Methods: A systematic review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The searched databases included PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care Database MIDIRS, the Cochrane Library, WHO Library Database (WHOLIS), WHO Global Health Library, World Bank eLibrary, OpenGrey, CNKI, and Wanfang. In total, 70 articles were reviewed.
Results: (1) Chinese RUMWs have high work mobility and low job stability; (2) Barriers faced by RUMWs in obtaining effective health insurance coverage are primarily due to the reluctance of employers to provide insurance for all employees and the disadvantaged position held by RUMWs when negotiating with their employers; (3) Fissures among existing health insurance schemes leaves no room for RUMWs to meet their primary needs; and (4) Recent efforts in improving the portability and transferability of insurance across borders and schemes are not enough to solve the barriers.
Conclusion: It is argued that the Chinese central government must deal with the fragmentation of healthcare system in China and promote effective coverage by: (1) playing a more active role in coordinating different healthcare and social welfare schemes across the country, (2) increasing the health insurance portability, (3) making the healthcare policies more compatible with RUMW’s characteristics to meet their primary health needs, (4) strengthening supervision of employers, and (5) providing more vocational training and other support to increase RUMW’s job stability.
Laparoscopic orchiopexy of palpable undescended testes_ experience of a single tertiary institution with over 773 cases
Authors: You Jia , Li Gang , Li Shuang , Chen Haitao , Wang Jun
Published: March 2020

Background Discuss the superiority of laparoscopic orchiopexy in the treatment of inguinal palpable undescended testes. Methods Inclusion criteria: Preoperative examination and color Doppler ultrasound examination confirmed that the testes were located in the inguinal canal and could not be pulled into the scrotum, except for retractive and ectopic testes. The surgical steps were depicted as follow. The retroperitoneal wall was carved by ultrasonic scalpels, separates the spermatic vessels closed to the inferior pole of the kidney if necessary, dissects the peritoneum of vas deferens, cuts the testicular gubernaculum, and pulls back the testicle into the abdominal cavity. Besides, protect the vas deferens, and descend the testes to the scrotum and fix them without tension. Results There were 773 patients with 869 inguinal undescended palpable testes, 218 cases on the left side, 459 cases on the right side and 96 cases with bilateral undescended testes, whose age ranged from 6 months to 8 years, with an average of 20 months. All testes were successfully operated, no converted to open surgery. The average operation time was (34.8 ± 5.4) min. There were 692 testes have an ipsilateral patent processus vaginalis (89.5%); In 677 cases of unilateral cryptorchidism, 233 cases (34.4%) have a contralateral patent processus vaginalis, and laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure the hernia sac carry out during the surgery. There was no subcutaneous emphysema during the operation, no vomiting, no abdominal distension, no wound bleeding and obvious pain after surgery, especially wound infection is rarely. Doppler ultrasound was evaluated regularly after surgery. The patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months. All the testes were located in the scrotum without testicular retraction and atrophy. No inguinal hernia or hydrocele was found in follow-up examination. Conclusion Laparoscopic orchiopexy manage inguinal palpable cryptorchidism is safe and effective, and there are obvious minimally invasive advantages. Furthermore, It could discover a contralateral patent processus vaginalis, and treat at the same time, which avoid the occurrence of metachronous inguinal hernia.
Transcriptome Ortholog Alignment Sequence Tools (TOAST) for Phylogenomic Dataset Assembly
Authors: Wcisel Dustin J. , Howard J. Thomas , Yoder Jeffrey A. , dornburg alex
Published: March 2020

Background

Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have reduced the cost of whole transcriptome analyses, allowing characterization of non-model species at unprecedented levels. The rapid pace of transcriptomic sequencing has driven the public accumulation of a wealth of data for phylogenomic analyses, however lack of tools aimed towards phylogeneticists to efficiently identify orthologous sequences currently hinders effective harnessing of this resource.

Results

We introduce TOAST, an open source R software package that can utilize the ortholog searches based on the software Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) to assemble multiple sequence alignments of orthologous loci from transcriptomes for any group of organisms. By streamlining search, query, and alignment, TOAST automates the generation of locus and concatenated alignments, and also presents a series of outputs from which users can not only explore missing data patterns across their alignments, but also reassemble alignments based on user-defined acceptable missing data levels for a given research question.

Conclusions

TOAST provides a comprehensive set of tools for assembly of sequence alignments of orthologs for comparative transcriptomic and phylogenomic studies. This software empowers easy assembly of public and novel sequences for any target database of candidate orthologs, and fills a critically needed niche for tools that enable quantification and testing of the impact of missing data. As open-source software, TOAST is fully customizable for integration into existing or novel custom informatic pipelines for phylogenomic inference.
The Development of a Return to Work Intervention Programme for Stroke Survivor (SReTWIP): A Delphi Survey
Authors: Olaoye Olumide Ayoola , Soeker Shaheed Moghammad , Rhoda Anthea
Published: March 2020

Background : Even though clearly defined pathways for vocational re-entry are well recognized for conditions such as mental health, musculoskeletal dysfunction (MSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), none has been identified for stroke. There has been a lack of consensus regarding such clear pathways to vocational re-entry and the essential contents of return to work (RTW) interventions for stroke survivors. As part of a larger study aimed to design a RTW programme for stroke survivors, this study describes the concluding process through which Stroke Return to Work Intervention Programme (SReTWIP) was developed.
Methods : Experts in the field of neurorehabilitation and vocational rehabilitation (VR) from 6 countries participated in this 3-round Delphi survey via e-mail. Concept mapping was used to triangulate findings from the Delphi with previous phases of the larger study. Content thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data while descriptive statistic was used to analyze quantitative data.
Results : Fifteen experts with a mean age and mean duration of practice of 44.73±9.48 years and 18.26±8.71 years respectively participated in this study. The developed RTW programme (SReTWIP) is a 12 week programme that consisted of four interconnected phases of intervention viz: an assessment phase, clinic-based work and non-work specific intervention phase, a work test placement phase and a client full participation in worker role phase. The experts agreed on a set of implementation strategies that included the use of interdisciplinary team, the tailoring of intervention to meet stroke survivor’s need, as well as the use of case management approach.
Conclusion : The SReTWIP is the first step in developing a VR pathway that can ultimately enhance the RTW rates and quick resumption of the worker role of stroke survivors. The stroke survivor can move along the different phases of the SReTWIP after achieving competency in a preceding phase. Future work will include a feasibility study with other key stakeholders involved in RTW such as employers, informal caregivers and stroke survivors before its implementation.
Comparison of videolaryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy by German paramedics during out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An observational prospective study.
Authors: Risse Joachim , Volberg Christian , Kratz Thomas , Plöger Birgit , Jerrentrup Andreas , Pabst Dirk , Kill Clemens
Published: March 2020

Background: Videolaryngoscopy (VL) has become a popular method of intubation (ETI). Although VL may facilitate ETI in less-experienced rescuers there are limited data available concerning ETI performed by paramedics during CPR. The goal was to evaluate the impact VL compared with DL on intubation success and glottic view during CPR performed by German paramedics. We investigated in an observational prospective study the superiority of VL by paramedics during CPR compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL).
Methods: In a single Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Germanywith in total 32 ambulances paramedics underwent an initial instruction from in endotracheal intubation (ETI) with GlideScope ® (GVL) during resuscitation. The primary endpoint was good visibility of the glottis (Cormack-Lehane grading 1/2), and the secondary endpoint was successful intubation comparing GVL and DL.
Results: In total n = 97 patients were included, n = 69 with DL (n = 85 intubation attempts) and n = 28 VL (n = 37 intubation attempts). Videolaryngoscopy resulted in a significantly improved visualization of the larynx compared with DL. In the group using GVL, 82% rated visualization of the glottis as CL 1&2 versus 55% in the DL group (p = 0.02). Despite better visualization of the larynx, there was no statistically significant difference in successful ETI between GVL and DL (GVL 75% vs. DL 68.1%, p = 0.63).
Conclusions:
We found no difference in Overall and First Pass Success (FPS) between GVL and DL during CPR by German paramedics despite better glottic visualization with GVL. Therefore, we conclude that education in VL should also focus on insertion of the endotracheal tube, considering the different procedures of GVL.
Indoor residual spraying for malaria control in Sub-Saharan Africa 1997 to 2017; an adjusted retrospective analysis
Authors: Tangena Julie-Anne , Hendriks Chantal M.J. , Devine Maria , Tammaro Meghan , Trett Anna E. , Williams Ignatius , DePina Adilson José , Sisay Achamylesh , Herizo Ramandimbiarijaona , Kafy Hmooda Toto , Chizema Elizabeth , Were Allan , Rozier Jennifer , Coleman Michael , Moyes Catherine L.
Published: March 2020

Background: Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is a key tool for controlling and eliminating malaria by targeting vectors. To support the development of effective intervention strategies it is important to understand the impact of vector control tools on malaria incidence and on the spread of insecticide resistance. In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that countries should report on coverage and impact of IRS, yet IRS coverage data are still sparse and unspecific. Here we estimated the subnational coverage of IRS across sub-Saharan Africa for the four main insecticide classes from 1997 to 2017.
Methods: Data on IRS deployment were collated from a variety of sources, including the President’s Malaria Initiative spray reports and National Malaria Control program reports, for all 46 malaria-endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa from 1997 to 2017. The data were mapped to the applicable administrative divisions and the proportion of households sprayed for each of the four main insecticide classes; carbamates, organochlorines, organophosphates and pyrethroids was calculated.
Results: We found that the number of countries implementing IRS increased considerably over time, although the focal nature of deployment means the number of people protected remains low. From 1997 to 2010, DDT and pyrethroids were commonly used, then partly replaced by carbamates from 2011 and by organophosphates from 2013. IRS deployment since the publication of resistance management guidelines has typically avoided overlap between pyrethroid IRS and ITN use. However, annual rotations of insecticide classes with differing modes of action are not routinely used.
Conclusion: This study highlights the gaps between policy and practice, emphasizing the continuing potential of IRS to drive resistance. The data presented here can improve studies on the impact of IRS on malaria incidence and help to guide future malaria control efforts.
Analyzing Big Tobacco’s global youth marketing strategies and factors influencing smoking initiation by Nigeria youths using the theory of triadic influence
Authors: Isip Ukoabasi , Calvert John Robert
Published: March 2020

Background: Major transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) have identified Nigeria, the seventh most populous country in the world, as a market with a significant revenue potential, given its high youth population and growing gross domestic product (GDP). This research analyses tobacco industry-related strategies and activities targeting youth (aged 15 to 24 years) in Nigeria involving existing, but most importantly, future tobacco users. Nigeria is the focus of this study because the tobacco industry has viewed it as a major emerging market since the 1990s. Successful marketing in Nigeria could provide the industry with a template for similar initiatives in other emerging markets in low- and middle-income countries.Methods: The research began with a systematic review of secondary literature to determine how the tobacco industry has targeted youth globally and factors contributing to youth smoking initiation. It then used the theory of triadic influence as a heuristic framework to categorize the various factors influencing youth smoking initiation and industry strategies related to increasing tobacco use among youths. Quotations from internal tobacco industry documents were organized into the three streams of the theory of triadic influence: biology/personality, social and cultural/environmental streams. A total of 12 interviews were conducted with 6 policymakers and governmental officials, 2 civil society organization representatives, a high school principal, a journalist and 2 researchers to investigate how the tobacco industry had targeted youth in Nigeria. Results: The findings indicate that TTCs have actively targeted youth in Nigeria since the 1990s, focusing on changing behaviour through the biology/personality, social and environmental/ cultural streams. Conclusion: The study suggests that Nigeria implement and vigorously enforce its 2015 National Tobacco Control Bill as well as a package of other measures to prevent tobacco companies targeting youth.
Genetic and phenotypic associations between root architecture, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonisation and low phosphate tolerance in strawberry (Fragaria× ananassa)
Authors: Cockerton Helen Maria , Li Bo , Stavridou Eleftheria , Johnson Abigail , Karlström Amanda , Armitage Andrew Douglas , Martinez-Crucis Ana , Arjona Lorena Galiano , Harrison Nicola , Barber-Pérez Nuria , Cobo-Medina Magdalena , Harrison Richard Jonathan
Published: March 2020

Background
Phosphate is an essential plant macronutrient required to achieve maximum crop yield. Roots are able to uptake soil phosphate from the immediate root area, thus creating a nutrient depletion zone. Many plants are able to exploit phosphate from beyond this root nutrient depletion zone through symbiotic association with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). Here we characterise the relationship between root architecture, AMF association and low phosphate tolerance in strawberries. The contrasting root architecture in the parental strawberry cultivars ‘Redgauntlet’ and ‘Hapil’ was studied through a mapping population of 168 progeny. Low phosphate tolerance and AMF association was quantified for each genotype to allow assessment of the phenotypic and genotypic relationships between traits.

Results
A “phosphate scavenging” root phenotype where individuals exhibit a high proportion of surface lateral roots was associated with a reduction in root system size across genotypes. A genetic correlation between “root system size” traits was observed with a network of pleiotropic QTL were found to represent five “root system size” traits. By contrast, average root diameter and the distribution of roots appeared to be under two discrete methods of genetic control. A total of 18 QTL were associated with plant traits, 4 of which were associated with solidity that explained 46 % of the observed variation. Investigations into the relationship between AMF association and root architecture found that a higher root density was associated with greater AMF colonisation across genotypes. However, no phenotypic correlation or genotypic association was found between low phosphate tolerance and the propensity for AMF association, nor root architectural traits when plants are grown under optimal nutrient conditions.

Conclusions
Understanding the genetic relationships underpinning phosphate capture can inform the breeding of strawberry varieties with better nutrient use efficiency. Solid root systems were associated with greater AMF colonisation. However, low P-tolerance was not phenotypically or genotypically associated with root architecture traits in strawberry plants. Furthermore, a trade-off was observed between root system size and root architecture type, highlighting the energetic costs associated with a “phosphate scavenging” root architecture.
Distribution of Parkinson’s disease associated RAB39B in mouse brain tissue
Authors: Gao Yujing , Wilson Gabrielle R. , Stephenson Sarah E.M. , Oulad-Abdelghani Mustapha , Charlet-Berguerand Nicolas , Bozaoglu Kiymet , McLean Catriona A. , Thomas Paul Q. , Finkelstein David I. , Lockhart Paul
Published: March 2020

Pathogenic variants in the gene encoding the small GTPase Ras analogue in Brain 39b (RAB39B) are associated with early-onset parkinsonism. In this study we investigated the expression and localization of RAB39B (RNA and protein) in mouse brain tissue to gain a better understanding of its normal physiological function(s) and role in disease.We developed novel resources, including monoclonal antibodies directed against RAB39B and mice with Rab39b knockout, and performed real-time PCR and western blot analysis on whole brain lysates. To determine the spatial localization of Rab39b RNA and protein, we performed in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on fresh frozen and fixed brain tissue. Our results show that RAB39B is localized throughout the cortex, hippocampus and substantia nigra of mice throughout postnatal life. We found high levels of RAB39B within MAP2 positive cortical and hippocampal neurons, and TH positive dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.Our studies support and extend current knowledge of the localization of RAB39B. We validate RAB39B as a neuron-enriched protein and demonstrate that it is present throughout the mouse cortex and hippocampus. Further, we observe high levels in the substantia nigra pars compacta, the brain region most affected in Parkinson’s disease pathology. The distribution of Rab39b is consistent with human disease associations with parkinsonism and cognitive impairment. We also describe and validate novel resources, including monoclonal antibodies directed against RAB39B and mice with Rab39b knockout, both of which are valuable tools for future studies of the molecular function of RAB39B.
Full-length transcriptome sequencing and comparative transcriptomic analysis to uncover genes involved in early gametogenesis in the gonads of Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii)
Authors: Zhang Xiujuan , Zhou Jiabin , Li Linmiao , Huang Wenzhong , Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Li Huiming , Jiang Haiying , Chen Jinping
Published: March 2020

Background: Sturgeons (Acipenseriformes) are polyploid chondrostean fish that constitute an important model species for studying development and evolution in vertebrates. To better understand the mechanisms of reproduction regulation in sturgeon, this study combined PacBio isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) with Illumina short-read RNA-seq methods to discover full-length genes involved in early gametogenesis of the Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii .
Results: A total of 50.04 G subread bases were generated from two SMRT cells, and herein 164,618 nonredundant full-length transcripts (unigenes) were produced with an average length of 2,782 bp from gonad tissues (three testes and four ovaries) from seven 3-year-old A. schrenckii individuals. The number of ovary-specific expressed unigenes was greater than those of testis (19,716 vs. 3,028), and completely different KEGG pathways were significantly enriched between the ovary-biased and testis-biased DEUs. Importantly, 60 early gametogenesis-related genes (involving 755 unigenes) were successfully identified, and exactly 50 percent (30/60) genes of those showed significantly differential expression in testes and ovaries. Among these, the Amh and Gsdf with testis-biased expression, and the Foxl2 and Cyp19a with ovary-biased expression strongly suggested the important regulatory roles in spermatogenesis and oogenesis of A. schrenckii , respectively. We also found the four novel Sox9 transcript variants, which increase the numbers of regulatory genes and imply function complexity in early gametogenesis. Finally, a total of 236,672 AS events (involving 36,522 unigenes) were detected, and 10,556 putative long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 4,339 predicted transcript factors (TFs) were also respectively identified, which were all significantly associated with the early gametogenesis of A. schrenckii .
Conclusions: Overall, our results provide new genetic resources of full-length transcription data and information as a genomic-level reference for sturgeon. Crucially, we explored the comprehensive genetic characteristics that differ between the testes and ovaries of A. schrenckii in the early gametogenesis stage, which could provide candidate genes and theoretical basis for further the mechanisms of reproduction regulation of sturgeon.
Health inequalities in workers from fifteen countries of Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Silva-Peñaherrera Michael , Lopez-Ruiz María , Merino-Salazar Pamela , Gómez-García Antonio Ramón , Benavides Fernando G.
Published: March 2020

Background: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is the world’s most inequitable region in terms of wealth distribution. The full scale of social inequalities in health has been hidden by the lack of reliable data. This study aimed to measure and compare health inequalities in the working population within and between 15 countries of LAC.
Methods: A sample of 180 163 workers ages 18 years and older was drawn from the most recent national surveys of working conditions or health in 15 LAC countries. Poor self-perceived health (P-SPH) was used as a health indicator, and age, education level, and occupational category as inequality stratifiers. We calculated four measures: absolute and relative population-attributable risks, the Kuznets and weighted Keppel indexes.

Results: P-SPH prevalence ranged from 9% in men from Uruguay to 50% in women from Nicaragua. It was higher in women than in men in most countries. A clear gradient was shown, in which young people in non-manual skilled jobs and high education had the lowest prevalence. Nearly 45% of cases that reported P-SPH among men and 35% among women could be avoided if all the groups received a higher level of education. Also, approximately 42% of P-SPH reported by men and 31% by women could be avoided if they all shared the working and employment conditions of non-manual skilled jobs.
Conclusions: Wide health inequalities were found between occupational and educational groups in LAC. However, country borders appear to be an even more important stratifier in the production of health inequalities. Urgent intervention is needed in countries where prevalence of poor self-perceived health is high. Monitoring of occupational health inequity is essential to inform public policies.
Key words: Health inequalities, occupational health; self-perceived health, inequity
Transplantation of neural stem cells encapsulated in hydrogels improve functional recovery in a cauda equina lesion model
Authors: Fu Zhiyi , Wang Huidong , Wu Yujie , Zhu Tong
Published: March 2020

Background

This study explored the therapeutic effects of transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) encapsulated in hydrogels in a cauda equina lesion model.

Methods

NSCs were isolated from neonatal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and cultured in three-dimensional porous hydrogel scaffolds. Immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, Luxol fast blue staining, TUNEL assay were performed to detect the differentiation capability, ultrastructural and pathological changes, and apoptosis of NSCs. Furthermore, the functional recovery of sensorimotor reflexes was determined using the tail-flick test.

Results

NSCs derived from DRG were able to proliferate to form neurospheres and mainly differentiate into oligodendrocytes in the three-dimensional hydrogel culture system. After transplantation of NSCs encapsulated in hydrogels, NSCs differentiated into oligodendrocytes, neurons or astrocytes in vivo . Moreover, NSCs engrafted on the hydrogels decreased apoptosis and alleviated the ultrastructural and pathological changes of injured cauda equina. Behavioral analysis showed that transplanted hydrogel-encapsulated NSCs decreased the tail-flick latency and showed a neuroprotective role on injured cauda equina.

Conclusions

Our results indicate transplantation of hydrogel-encapsulated NSCs promotes stem cell differentiation into oligodendrocytes, neurons or astrocytes and contributes to the functional recovery of injured cauda equina, suggesting that NSCs encapsulated in hydrogels may be applied for the treatment of cauda equina injury.
Anxiety and Depression in Patients Who Undergo a Cerebrovascular Procedure
Authors: Lombardo Lauren , Shaw Richard , Sayles Kathleen , Altschul Dorothea
Published: March 2020

Background: Observe the relationship of anxiety and depression on quality of life outcomes after open and endovascular cerebrovascular procedures.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 349 patients who underwent a procedure for aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, intraparenchymal hemorrhage, carotid stenosis, acute stroke, and conventional catheter angiogram over three years at a community hospital. We correlated pre-procedural anxiety and depression with Global Physical Health, Global Mental Health, and Modified Rankin Scale scores. We performed univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses adjusting for past medical history and sociodemographic factors.
Results: Anxiety or depression occurred in eighteen percent of patients. Patients with anxiety or depression were more likely to be female (81% vs 60.8%; p=0.002) and younger (54 vs. 59 years old; p=0.025). The groups did not differ in type or urgency of procedure, smoking or history of diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. Patients with anxiety or depression reported lower mental health scores at 30 days (45.1 vs 48.2; p=0.002) post-procedure. In multivariate analyses, anxious or depressed patients had worse mental health scores at 30 days (t=-2.893; p=0.008) than those who did not have a history of anxiety or depression. There was no difference between groups in length of stay, mortality, physical health t-scores, functionality scores, or six month quality of life outcomes.
Conclusions: Patients undergoing cerebrovascular procedures who self-reported anxiety or depression showed a significant difference in mental health outcomes at 30 days, but six month mental health and other medical and functional outcomes measures were similar to patients without these diagnoses.
Is echocardiography mandatory for all Steptococcus gallolyticus bacteremia?
Authors: Nasomsong Worapong , Vasikasin Vasin , Traipattanakul Jantima , Changpradub Dhitiwat
Published: March 2020

Background: Streptococcus gallolyticus, formerly known as one of the Streptococcus bovis group, is frequently associated with endocarditis. Current guidelines recommended diagnostic work-up for endocarditis among patients with S. gallolyticus bacteremia. However, S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus, was found to be associated with neonatal sepsis and liver diseases and is less commonly associated with endocarditis compared with S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus. Our study aimed to identify the risk factors for S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus endocarditis to help select the patients for echocardiography .
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records from all adult patients with S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus isolated from blood cultures at Phramongkutklao Hospital from 2009 to 2015 were reviewed. Patients who had mixed bacteremia or missing records were excluded from the study.
Result: During the study period, S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus were isolated among 106 individuals. Mean age was 66.9±15.6 years. Most patients (61.3%) were male, with cirrhosis as the most common underlying diseases (46.2%), followed by malignancy and chronic kidney disease. Most common manifestations included primary bacteremia (44.3%), followed by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (23.6%). Infective endocarditis was found among 9 patients. No patients with cirrhosis or single blood specimen of bacteremia had endocarditis (RR 0; p-value 0.003, and RR 1.35; p-value 0.079). The common complications associated with endocarditis were acute respiratory failure (RR 4.32; p-value 0.05), whereas acute kidney injury was a protective factor (RR 0; p-value 0.01). Among 76 patients who had records of 2-year follow-up, no new diagnosis of endocarditis or malignancy was observed.
Conclusion: Among patients with S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus bacteremia, echocardiography might not be needed among patients with cirrhosis or transient bacteremia.
Key word: Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus , endocarditis
Cefaclor as a first-line treatment for acute uncomplicated cystitis
Authors: Koguchi Dai , Murakami Yasukiyo , Ikeda Masaomi , Dobashi Masato , Ishii Junichiro
Published: March 2020

Background: Wide-spectrum antibiotics have been favored to treat acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) for a long time, leading to the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria. We hypothesize that narrow-spectrum antibiotics might mitigate the issue and aim to investigate the clinical efficacy of cefaclor in patients with AUC.
Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of female outpatients with AUC treated with cefaclor and evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy. Clinical cure was defined as the elimination of clinical symptom under 4 white blood cells (WBCs) per high power field on microscopy.
Results : Overall, 223 women with AUC were enrolled. Escherichia coli was the dominant pathogen (n=160; 68.6%), followed by Klebsiella species and E. coli -extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) (n=19; 8.1% and n=18; 7.7%). Overall success rate was 94.0% (n=219) and susceptibility rate of cefazolin was 84.1%, which was close to that of levofloxacin (82.9%). Ampicillin showed the lowest rate of 63.7% with a significantly greater resistance rate of 35.3% among all antibiotics (P<0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the success rate in patients with resistance to levofloxacin or cefazolin was 100% (n=24) or 93.3% (n=14). The rate in patients with resistance to both antibiotics was 60.0% (n=9), and the pathogens in the other 40.0% (n=6) of patients with treatment failure were E. coli -ESBL.
Conclusion : Cefaclor showed excellent efficacy in AUC patients, even in those with in vitro resistance to cefazolin or levofloxacin. Cefaclor may be considered as a first-line option in patients with AUC and a second-line option for those with levofloxacin treatment failure.
Highly-selective μ-opioid receptor antagonism does not block L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a rodent model
Authors: Bartlett Mitchell J. , So Lisa Y. , Szabò Lajos , Skinner David P. , Parent Kate L. , Heien Michael L. , Vanderah Todd W. , Polt Robin , Sherman Scott J. , Falk Torsten
Published: March 2020

Objectives
Dopamine-replacement utilizing L-DOPA is still the mainstay treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), but often leads to development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), which can be as debilitating as the motor deficits. There is currently no satisfactory pharmacological adjunct therapy. The endogenous opioid peptides enkephalin and dynorphin are important co-transmitters in the direct and indirect striatofugal pathways and have been implicated in genesis and expression of LID. Opioid receptor antagonists and agonists with different selectivity profiles have been investigated for anti-dyskinetic potential in preclinical models. In this study we investigated effects of the highly-selective μ-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP (>1,200-fold selectivity for μ- over δ-opioid receptors) and a novel glycopeptide congener (gCTAP5) that was glycosylated to increase stability, in the standard rat LID model.
Results
Intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of either 0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg CTAP and gCTAP5 completely blocked morphine’s antinociceptive effect (10 mg/kg; i.p.) in the warm water tail-flick test, showing in vivo activity in rats after systemic injection. Neither treatment with CTAP (10 mg/kg; i.p.), nor gCTAP5 (5 mg/kg; i.p.) had any effect on L-DOPA-induced limb, axial, orolingual, or locomotor abnormal involuntary movements. The data indicate that highly-selective μ-opioid receptor antagonism alone might not be sufficient to be anti-dyskinetic.
Rapid referral for headache management from Emergency Department to Headache Centre: four years data
Authors: Negro Andrea , Spuntarelli Valerio , Sciattella Paolo , Martelletti Paolo
Published: March 2020

Background

Headache is one of the most common reason for medical consultation to emergency department (ED). The inappropriate use of ED for non-emergency conditions is a problem in terms of overcrowding of emergency facilities, unnecessary testing and treatment, increased medical costs, burden on medical service providers and weaker relationships between patient and primary care provider. The aim of this study was to analyze the different stages of ED management of headache to identify those deficiencies that can be overcome by a fast referral to a headache clinic.

Methods

The study is a retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records of patients discharged from an academic ED between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 and referred to the tertiary level headache centre of the same hospital. We analyzed all aspects related to the permanence in ED and also assessed whether there was a match between the diagnosis made in ED and ours.

Results

Among our sample of 244 patients, 76.2% were admitted as “green tag”, 75% underwent a head computed tomography, 19.3% received a neurological consultation, 43% did not receive any pharmacological treatment and 62.7% still had headache at discharge. The length of stay in ED was associated with reportin the first aura ever (p = 0.014) and whether patients received consultations (p < 0.001). The concordance analysis shown a significant moderate agreement only for the diagnosis of migraine and only between triage and headache centre.

Conclusions

Most patients who went to ED complaining of headache received the same treatment regardless of their diagnosis and in many cases the headache had not yet resolved at the time of discharge. Given the many shortcomings in headache management in ED, rapid referral to the headache centre is of paramount importance to help the patient achieve a definiteve diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Proteomic and metabolic profile analysis of low-temperature storage responses in Ipomoea batata Lam. tuberous roots
Authors: Cui Peng , Li Yongxin , Cui Chenke , Huo Yanrong , Lu Guoquan , Yang Huqing
Published: March 2020

Background: Sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the seven major food crops grown worldwide, with 70-75% of production in China.Cold stress often can cause protein expression pattern and substance contents variations for tuberous roots of sweetpotato during low-temperature storage. Recently, we developed proteometabolic profiles of the fresh sweetpotatoes (cv. Xinxiang) in an attempt to discern the cold stress-responsive mechanism of tuberous root crops during post-harvest storage.
Results: For roots stored under 4℃ condition, the activities of SOD, CAT, APX, O 2 .- producing rate, proline and especially soluble sugar contents were significantly increased as compared to sweetpotatoes exposed to room temperature (13℃). Most of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were implicated in pathways related to metabolic pathway (~22%), especially phenylpropanoids (~10%) and followed by starch and sucrose metabolism (~3%). α-amylase, sucrose synthase and fructokinase were significantly up-regulated in starch and sucrose metabolism, while β-glucosidase, glucose-1-phosphate adenylyl-transferase and starch synthase were opposite. Furthermore, metabolome profiling revealed that glucosinolate biosynthesis, tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis as well as protein digestion and absorption played a leading role in metabolic pathways of sweetpotato roots. More importantly, leucine, tryptophan, tyrosine, isoleucine and valine were all significantly up-regulated in glucosinolate biosynthesis.
Conclusions: Our proteomic and metabolic profile analysis of sweetpotato roots stored at low temperature reveal that the antioxidant enzymes activities, proline and especially soluble sugar content were significantly increased. Most of the DEPs were implicated in phenylpropanoids and followed by starch and sucrose metabolism. Glucosinolate biosynthesis played a leading role in metabolic pathways of sweetpotao roots. More importantly, leucine, tryptophan, tyrosine, isoleucine and valine were all significantly up-regulated in glucosinolate biosynthesis.