bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological characteristics of bronchial asthma in children
Authors: Razumov Sergey A. , Starosvetova Ekaterina N. , Skuchalina Lubov
Published: June 2021

Bronchial asthma is a common multifactorial disease in children requiring long‐term therapy to achieve control, focuses on the need for anti‐inflammatory therapy, regardless of the severity of clinical manifestations.

Material

47 children have been examined with diagnosis – bronchial asthma during exacerbations (4), the rest ‐ in the period of clinical well‐being. 26 children expressed medium‐heavy course (55.3%), severe ‐ in 21 children (44.7%). The average age of the patients was 5,0±2,4 (30 boys and 17 girls aged from 2 to 14 years), duration of the disease 4,05±3.1. All children had symptoms of the disease all year ‐ round, remission lasted no more than 4‐5 months per year.

Changes of bronchial mucosa have been revealed during the fibrobronchoscopy of children with asthma in all cases. Frequency of atrophic/subatrophic symptoms has been increased and hyperplasia/hypertrophy is decreased with increasing duration of the disease. Symptoms atrophy subatrophy mucous found in 55.3% of cases. Signs of atrophy often determined on the right, sometimes on both sides or on the left. Pathological secretion in the bronchi found in 40 patients (85.1%), and in attack period in all cases and in remission ‐ in 80.8%. A microscopic and microbiological examination of broncho‐alveolar fluid has been conducted. Elevated levels of neutrophils to 12,6±0,07% to 17,5±2,2% and reduced ‐ macrophages with 24,8±1,6% to 20.7±0,8% (p<0.05) have been found with increasing severity of asthma. Morphological analysis of bronchobiopsy in patients with asthma found that the heavy course is characterized with more intense sloughing of the mucosa and thickening of the basement membrane ‐ as a biological marker of disease severity.
Hypoglossal long term facilitation shifts the power spectral density to higher frequencies
Authors: ElMallah Mai , Stanley David , Fuller David
Published: June 2021

The frequency content of electrical activity in respiratory nerves shows distinct bands of increased content (power). Above approximately 75 Hz these bands show coherence across different respiratory nerves suggesting a pre‐synaptic mechanism. Since most evidence indicates that the mechanism(s) of intermittent hypoxia‐induced long‐term facilitation (LTF) are post‐synaptic, we hypothesized that the hypoglossal (XII) spectral content above 75 Hz would remain stable during LTF in urethane anesthetized, vagotomized and ventilated adult 129SVE mice. When arterial O2 saturation (SaO2) was held at >97% the XII power spectrum and burst amplitude were unchanged for 90 min. Three 1‐min hypoxic episodes (SaO2=50±10), however, caused a persistent (>60 min) and very robust (>400%) amplitude increase. 60 min following intermittent hypoxia, spectral analyses revealed decreased power over 20‐50 Hz (P<0.05) and a substantial increase at 150‐200 Hz (P<0.05). Thus, the hypothesis was rejected, and we conclude that LTF in this preparation is associated with increased high frequency content of the XII neurogram.

Funding: Parker B. Francis Fellowship and 1 K08 HD077040‐01A1 (MKE), 2R01HD052682‐06A1 (DDF).
Expression Profile of Claudin Family Members in the Developing Lung
Authors: Lewis J , Jimenez F , Chavarria M , Gassman J , Jergensen T , Schrader T , Millner D , Bodine J , Arroyo J , Reynolds P
Published: June 2021

Claudins are tight junctional proteins that are implicated in cell polarity and in establishing and maintaining epithelial barrier function. Our published research has also revealed that claudin misregulation adversely impacts cell differentiation and proliferation. Impairment of such critical functions related to various claudins has been linked to anomalous barriers in abnormal lung development and diseases such as acute lung injury (ALI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and cancer. The current research evaluated expression of claudins 1‐8 in order to elucidate expression patterns within the developing murine lung. Claudins 1‐8 were selected based on their phylogenetic similarity and published reports of potentially diverse pulmonary expression patterns. Wild type mice from embryonic days 12.5, 14.5, 16.5, 18.5 and post‐natal day 2 were sacrificed and assessed to demonstrate cell‐specific expression via immunohistochemical analysis. Protein and RNA expression was quantitatively confirmed using immunoblotting and qPCR techniques. The results suggest increasing and decreasing patterns of expression that included redundancies and temporal transition between family members. Furthermore, cell‐specific expression of individual claudins implicated a subset as orchestrators of proximal vs. distal lung barrier establishment. These data support the need for further studies using claudin‐specific transgenic mice that knock‐in/out specific claudins so that precise functions in the normal and diseased lung can be determined. This work was supported by a grant from the Flight Attendant's Medical Research Institute (FAMRI, PRR) and a BYU Mentoring Environment Grant (PRR).
Functional state screening evaluation of several major systems of the organism among teenagers
Authors: Slivkina Nataliya
Published: June 2021

Screening evaluation of the cardio‐respiratory system functional state and a complex of pre‐nosological diagnostics among teenagers and youth are worked out in this research.

A total number of 1155 people: 571 youths and 584 senior‐school pupils at the age of 15 ‐ 16 ‐ were examined.

A differentiated study of screen‐testing methods of checking cardio‐vascular and respiratory systems among teenagers and youth revealed low value coronary blood circulation index and low functional testing exponents young men in 68.00±1.95%
and 57.0±2,07% cases accordingly Vitality rate index deterioration is stated in 58.50±2,06%cases.

There were found 68,0±2,69% cases of coronary blood circulation
decline indices among those who were examined and low‐functional testing
exposed in 53.00±2.88% cases, vitality rate index deterioration is revealed
in 47.80±2.88% of selectees.

There was determined a direct interdependence between the cardio‐
respiratory system state and that of psycho‐emotional and immune system
status.

Regular physical training exercises of aerobic trend, as well as health‐
hardening procedures might improve cardio‐respiratory and immune system
indices positive dynamics of psychological state was also noticed.

The computerized program “Semi‐automatic system of health express ‐
monitoring for teenagers and young men” gives a chance to
reveal functional resources deterioration of the organism among young men and duly use purposeful healthcare prevention measures and also to become the first stage in the dispensary system.
Museum‐Based PhUn Week 2014: Reflections from the Third Year
Authors: Poteracki J , Wehrwein E
Published: June 2021

Michigan State University (MSU) Dept of Physiology partnered with Impression 5 Science Center (I5) in Lansing, MI for the APS PhUN week for our third consecutive year. Using many of the same successful 14 activities as previous years, we had an attendance of 813 children and adults at this museum event, with the target audience being K‐5 children. We met this goal, with most of our child attendees (53.3%) between the ages of 5 and 11, with an additional 37.1% under age 5. Every exit survey had positive overall free‐response feedback about the event. Almost every station was specifically mentioned as a favorite on the exit surveys, with some of the top favorites being DNA Extraction (38%, n=29), the Skeleton Puzzle (9.2%, n=7), How Your Brain Works (n=8, 10.5%), and Exploring Histology and Microscopy (n=7, 9.2%). Many of the attendees were walk‐ins (39%, n=28), exemplifying the need for better advertising in future years. Our 82 volunteers were comprised of Physiology graduate and undergraduate students, as well as a few faculty members. Each station used 3‐6 volunteers. Volunteers also counted visitors and handed out surveys at the entrance and exit, respectively. Consistent with last year's event, 2‐3 months of planning time was needed. We received approximately one exit survey per family or group of children (n=67). As with past years, our large‐scale museum event was well attended and received.
How the Translation of a 19th Century Medical Text Enhances the Professional Development of a Senior Undergraduate
Authors: Zniber Siham , Dries Daniel
Published: June 2021

At Juniata College, the first semester of a three‐semester course of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has been redesigned into a problem‐based learning (PBL) format that uses only the primary literature to chart the science and history behind the neurotoxincurare. While evaluating the literature for articles to include in the course, we came across Claude Bernard's 1857 monumental text, “Leçons Sur Les Effets Des Substances Toxiques de Medicamenteuses.” Seeing value in the scientific content, we set about translating the text for an English‐speaking classroom. The endeavor also fortuitously led us through the ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI) of biomedical research. As a senior undergraduate, I reflect upon the ELSI components of the translation; these include the evolution of research ethics, the evolution and application of the scientific method (and Bernard's criticism of his contemporaries for their lack of proper methodology), and the evolution of language (both French and the scientific lexicon). My experience translating was a unique exercise that benefited me greatly, interweaving the relationship between science and language in such a way that I gained a deeper understanding of both
eIF3d Regulates the mTOR Pathway, Cell Growth and Proliferation
Authors: Binder Pablo , Whitmarsh Alan
Published: June 2021

The protein kinase mTOR participates in the response to environmental cues by regulating cell growth and proliferation. As a central regulator of cell metabolism, it has gained attention due to its role in many human diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Thus, great efforts are being made to understand signaling via the mTOR pathway as it represents an interesting pharmacological target. The discovery that one of the two major mTOR‐containing complexes, mTORC2, is a key regulator of the activities of the AGC family kinases Akt, PKC and SGK1, and is involved in cellular processes such as proliferation and cell survival, has stimulated the study of its activation and regulation. Sin1 is a core component of mTORC2 and may act as a scaffold to recruit substrates to the complex. eIF3d, a non‐core component of the eIF3 translational initiation complex, has been identified as a novel Sin1 interacting protein. eIF3d co‐precipitates with Sin1 from cells, however, the biological consequences of this interaction remain unclear. In Hela cells, knockdown of eIF3d expression causes a decrease in the phosphorylation of the mTORC2 targets AKT and PKC on their turn motif sites, but also leads to a significant increase in the phosphorylation and activation of the mTORC1 target S6K. This suggests that eIF3d is a regulator of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling. Reduced expression of eIF3d also leads to an increase in cell size, decreased cell proliferation and impairment of cell cycle progression. Thus eIF3d appears to be a regulator of cell size and proliferation, possibly through the modulation of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways.
Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibition in Sitotroga cerealella Olivier Exposed to Biopesticides
Authors: Adeyemo Adenike , Nwanna Esther , Shodehinde Sidiqat
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) is one of the serious primary pests of grain and its infestation starts in the field. Many spices are known for their medicinal properties and are also used in pest management especially on stored product insect pests to ensuring food security. However, there is dearth of information on the molecular mechanism by which these botanicals killed targeted insects especially on stored products pests.

In this study, extracts of Aframomum melegueta were assessed for inhibition of butrylcholinesterase (BuchE) in S. cerealella. The assessment of butrylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition was carried out by using a colorimetric method based on Ellman's reaction.

Results

For the seed extracts, maximum inhibitory activity was observed in n–hexane at 5% (65.00) % and (60.00) % for the leaf extract. However, for the leaf extracts, minimum inhibition of 58.33 % was obtained in petroleum ether extract while the lowest inhibition of 58.33 % was also observed in petroleum ether extracts of the seeds. These results showed that there could be great potential to search for novel usage of this medicinal plant for butrylcholinesterase compounds.

Conclusion

Knowledge about the inhibitory activities of this biopesticide against S. cerealella should be a vital area of interest important because of its importance in Integrated Pest Management for both scientists and biopesticides manufacturers.
Effects of Avocado Oil on Kidney Mitochondrial Function and Proteinuria in Type II‐Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ortiz‐Avila Omar , Figueroa‐Garcia Maria del Consuelo , Lopez‐Alvarez Arnoldo , Campos‐Garcia Jesus , Saavedra‐Molina Alfredo , Cortes‐Rojo Christian
Published: June 2021

Previously, we have demonstrated that avocado oil (AO) supplementation on diabetic rats prevents the impairment in complex III activity in kidney mitochondria and decrease ROS production. However, the relation between these effects and improvement of both mitochondrial respiration and kidney function remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of AO on proteinuria and mitochondrial function from kidneys of Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats, a model of type‐II diabetes. At 3 months of age, proteinuria increased 55% in GK rats and this effect was prevented by AO; however, at 6 months, AO supplementation did not decreased proteinuria. Regarding to mitochondrial function, respiratory control ratios (RCR) in kidney mitochondria from GK rats was 50% lower at 3 and 6 months. In both cases, AO induced 16% and 182.2% increases in RCR values, respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential decreased 70% in GK rats at 3 months and this effect was not prevented by the treatment with AO, while at 6 months, no differences were observed in this parameter between the different groups. Together, these results suggest that AO delays thedevelopment ofproteinuria in association with improved kidney mitochondrial function.

Acknowledgements: this work was done with the financial support of grants from Programa de Investigación 2015 de la Coordinación de la Investigación Científica de la UMSNH (CIC‐UMSNH) (CCR)
Akt1 and Akt2 Regulate Human Skeletal Myoblast Differentiation
Authors: Matheny Ronald , Abdalla Mary , Leandry Luis , Geddis Alyssa
Published: June 2021

While considerable research to date has examined the roles of Akt isoforms in skeletal muscle development and regeneration in mice, there is surprisingly little data regarding Akt isoforms in human skeletal muscle development. To determine the extent to which observations in mice extend to those in human skeletal muscle tissue, we performed studies using differentiating primary human skeletal myoblasts. Primary human myoblasts were allowed to differentiate for 72 hours following seeding, and RNA was analyzed for transcript abundances of AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. We found that AKT2 transcripts were ~2.5‐ to 3‐fold more abundant than AKT1 and AKT3 transcripts throughout the period of differentiation (P<0.001). There were no differences between expression of AKT1 or AKT3 across time or relative to each other. Myoblasts were next transduced with vectors encoding cDNA for wild‐type Akt1, wild type Akt2, kinase‐dead Akt1 (K179M), kinase‐dead Akt2 (K181M), or vector control. Expression of KD‐Akt2, but not expression of KD‐Akt1, reduced myogenin protein by ~41% after 24 hours differentiation (P<0.05) as determined by Western blot. Following seventy‐two hours of differentiation, myosin heavy chain (MyHC) immunoreactivity was reduced by ~48% in cells expressing kinase‐dead Akt1 (P<0.05), and by ~63% in cells expressing kinase‐dead Akt2 (P<0.01). Cells simultaneously expressing KD‐Akt1 and KD‐Akt2 showed an ~90% reduction in MyHC abundance as compared to control cells, suggesting that contributions of individual Akt isoforms may be additive. Together, these data indicate that both Akt1 and Akt2 regulate differentiation of primary human skeletal myoblasts.
Evaluating Signal Response of Wsc2p and Wsc3p Cell Wall Stress Sensors in Yeast
Authors: Velez Vladimir , Del Rosario Jeanmadi , Martinez Nelson , Vazquez‐Quinonez Luis , Rodriguez‐Medina Jose
Published: June 2021

In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the WSC2 and WSC3 genes encode plasma membrane proteins with structural features of cell wall stress sensors involved in maintenance of cell integrity and recovery from heat shock. These sensors detect changes in environmental conditions and stresses on the cell wall and/or the plasma membrane and activate a downstream PKC1‐dependent cell wall integrity pathway (CWIP) with a central Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinase Slt2/Mpk1 module. The objective of our research is to evaluate which interactor proteins, among those previously identified by an integrated membrane yeast two‐hybrid (iMYTH) assay, are shared between the sensors and if these contribute to CWIP activation. We hypothesize that some signaling functions of Wsc2p and Wsc3p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae require specific interactions with couplers of the PKC1 pathway. A functional interaction network diagram was generated to visualize these interactions. To reinforce our analysis we performed bioinformatic analysis in order to identify orthologous proteins for these interactors in other fungal species. Viability assays were performed on null mutant strains of the interactors under normal culture conditions and during exposure to cell wall stress conditions. Growth constants for all the deletion mutants were calculated and compared to the constants calculated for the wild type. This research was supported in part by the Univ. of Puerto Rico, Univ. of Toronto, Univ. of Kentucky, and NIH awards from RCMI‐G12MD007600, and INBRE 8 P20 GM103475.
Feminist Abolitionist Nursing
Authors: Paynter Martha , Jefferies Keisha , Carrier Leah , Goshin Lorie
Published: June 2021

The converging crises of COVID-19 and racist state violence in 2020 shifted public discourse about marginalization, public health, and racism in unprecedented ways. Nursing responded to the pandemic with heroic commitment and new politicization. But public engagement with systemic racism is forcing a reckoning in nursing. The profession has its own history of racism and of alliance with systems of state control with which to contend. In this article, we argue nursing must adopt an ethics of abolitionism to realize its goals for health and justice. Abolitionism theorizes that policing and prison systems, originating from systems of enslavement and colonial rule, continue to function as originally intended, causing racial oppression and violence. The harms of these systems will not be resolved through their reform but through creation of entirely new approaches to community support. Nursing as a collective can contribute to abolitionist projects through advocacy, practice, and research.
Defining Skin Quality: Clinical Relevance, Terminology, and Assessment
Authors: Humphrey Shannon , Manson Brown Stephanie , Cross Sarah J. , Mehta Rahul
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Flawless skin is one of the most universally desired features, and demand for improvements in skin quality is growing rapidly. Skin quality has been shown to substantially impact emotional health, quality of life, self-perception, and interactions with others. Although skin quality improvements are a common end point in studies of cosmeceuticals, they are rarely assessed in clinical studies of other aesthetic treatments and products. Descriptive terminology for skin quality parameters also varies considerably within the aesthetic field, relying on a range of redundant and occasionally contradictory descriptors. In short, skin quality has not been clearly defined.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this review is to highlight the importance of skin quality to patients and physicians, explore known and unknown factors comprising skin quality, and provide clarity regarding terminology, descriptors, and evaluation tools for assessing skin quality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature on skin quality was performed without limitation on publication date. Relevant articles are presented.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We propose a framework of attributes contributing to skin quality rooted in 3 fundamental categories—visible, mechanical, and topographical—with the aim to provide information to help guide clinicians and inform future clinical studies.
Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction After Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Patients With Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Lee Erica B. , Ford Aubree , Clarey Dillon , Wysong Ashley , Sutton Adam V.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Quality in medicine is increasingly being measured through patient-reported outcome measures. Given the rising incidence and costs for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) treatment, it is imperative to define quality measures specific to dermatologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) together with patient and tumor factors to better define their use in developing treatment strategies and quality measures.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A prospective study was conducted among 226 patients undergoing MMS for treatment of NMSC. Patient demographics, quality of life, functional status, satisfaction, and prognostic factors were gathered. Postoperative outcomes were measured at 1 month and included patient-reported problems and provider-reported complications. Relationships between patient factors and outcomes were evaluated through statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Average patient satisfaction in the domain of general satisfaction of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 was 4.34 of 5. General patient satisfaction did not differ across age, final defect size, sex, or prognostic scores. At 1-month postoperatively, 97 percent of patients expressed willingness to undergo future MMS if indicated.

CONCLUSION

Patients are generally satisfied with MMS for treatment of NMSC. Specific patient factors that may affect satisfaction include smoking status and anticoagulation use.
Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-induced liver injury and genetic polymorphisms of NAT2 and CYP2C9 in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yi-Shin , Tseng Shao-Yu , Chang Tien-En , Perng Chin-Lin , Huang Yi-Hsiang
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP) is one of the most frequently used antibiotics. SMX is metabolized by N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) to nontoxic or toxic intermediates. Little is known about the association between genetic variations of these enzymes and SMX-TMP-induced liver injury (SILI). The aim of this study was to explore the genetic polymorphisms of NAT2 and CYP2C9 and the susceptibility to SILI in a Han Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 158 patients with SILI and 145 controls were recruited in this study. PCR-based genotyping with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight was used to assay the major NAT2 and CYP2C9 genotypes including NAT2 rs1495741, rs1041983, rs1801280, CYP2C9 rs1799853, rs1057910 and rs4918758.

Results

The SILI group had a higher frequency of the NAT2 rs1495741 variant AA genotype and rs1041983 variant TT genotype than the controls (42.4 vs. 25.5%; P = 0.008, and 40.5 vs. 25.5%; P = 0.022, respectively). The SILI group had more slow acetylators than the controls (43.7 vs. 25.5%; P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the genetic variations of CYP2C9 between the SILI and control groups. After adjusting for confounding factors, the NAT2 slow acetylators still had an increased risk of SILI (adjusted OR: 2.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.46–4.24; P = 0.001), especially in those with hepatocellular and mixed type SILI.

Conclusions

NAT2 slow acetylators are associated with a higher risk of SILI in the Han Chinese population. However, CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms are not associated with the susceptibility to SILI.
Pharmacogenetic study in gastric cancer patients treated with adjuvant fluorouracil/leucovorin or epirubicin/cisplatin/fluorouracil before and after chemoradiation on CALGB 80101 (Alliance)
Authors: Patel Jai N. , Jiang Chen , Owzar Kouros , Mulkey Flora , Luzum Jasmine A. , Mamon Harvey J. , Haller Daniel G. , Dragovich Tomislav , Alberts Steven R. , Bjarnason Georg , Willet Christopher G. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Enzinger Peter , Ratain Mark J. , Fuchs Charles , McLeod Howard L.
Published: June 2021

There is a lack of pharmacogenetic predictors of outcome in gastric cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess previously identified candidate genes associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, or epirubicin toxicity or response in a cohort of resected gastric cancer patients treated on CALGB (Alliance) 80101. Gastric or gastroesophageal cancer patients randomized to adjuvant 5-FU/leucovorin or epirubicin/cisplatin/5-FU before and after 5-FU chemoradiation were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GSTP1 (rs1695), ERCC1 (rs11615 and rs3212986), XRCC1 (rs25487), UGT2B7 (rs7439366) and the 28 base-pair tandem repeats in TYMS (rs34743033). Logistic regression and log rank tests were used to assess the association between each SNP and incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia and leukopenia, overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively. Toxicity endpoint analyses were adjusted for the treatment arm, while OS and PFS were also adjusted for performance status, sex, age, lymph node involvement, and primary tumor site and size. Of 281 subjects with successful genotyping results and available clinical (toxicity and efficacy) data, 166 self-reported non-Hispanic White patients were included in the final analysis. There was a lack of evidence of an association among any SNPs tested with grade 3/4 neutropenia and leukopenia or OS and PFS. Age, lymph node involvement, and primary tumor size were significantly associated with OS and PFS. This study failed to confirm results of previous gastric cancer pharmacogenetic studies.
Influence of aging and increased blood pressure on oscillometric cuff pressure waveform characteristics
Authors: Pan Fan , He Peiyu , Pu Xiaobo , Gao Hu , Chen Fei , Feng Junfeng , Zheng Dingchang
Published: June 2021

Background:

The oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement technique estimates BPs from analyzing the envelop of oscillometric cuff pressure waveform. The oscillometric waveform envelope shape is associated with physiological changes and influences BP measurement accuracy. The aim of this study was to comprehensively quantify BP- and age-related changes of oscillometric waveform envelope characteristics.

Method:

Manual systolic and diastolic BPs were measured from 472 patients (219 female, 253 male), and the cuff pressure were digitally recorded during linear cuff deflation that was used to derive oscillometric waveform envelopes. All patients were divided into different categories according to their BP level and age. The envelope width in high-pressure region (above mean arterial pressure, MAP) and low-pressure region (below MAP) were compared between different BP and age categories to qualify their changes with increased BP and aging.

Results:

The envelop widths increased significantly with increased BPs (P < 0.001 between optimal, normotensive and hypertensive groups) and aging (P < 0.001 for >50 years old group in comparison with younger groups). The envelope widths in high-pressure region were significantly larger than in low-pressure region in normal and hypertensive categories (all P < 0.05) and elderly patients aged over 60 years (all P < 0.001), and the envelope width ratios between them increased with increased BP and aging.

Conclusion:

This study has concluded an asymmetrical oscillometric waveform envelope in normotensive and hypertensive categories, as well as in elderly group (aged over 60 years), and their asymmetrical features were significantly more obvious with increased BP and aging.
Rapid Detection of Urinary Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis Isolated from Pregnant Women and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile
Authors: Elkolaly Nagwan M. E. , Amin Ahmed M. , Mohamed Mostafa Z. E. , Abd-Elmonsef Marwa M. E.
Published: June 2021

Background

Urinary tract infection is responsible for serious complications in pregnant women. Among different uropathogens, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis are implicated in several urogenital infections. These organisms are not easily diagnosed by routine cultures and cannot be treated by common safe antibiotics used in pregnancy. This is the first study that aimed to rapidly detect these organisms in “urine of pregnant” women and determine their antibiotic susceptibility.

Methods

A total of 1500 pregnant women were included, 750 symptomatic patients and 750 controls (apparently healthy). Urine samples were taken aseptically from all subjects and analyzed using the Mycoplasma System Plus (MSP) kit. The specimens were further subjected to multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the molecular confirmation.

Results

Of 750 urine specimens of the patients group, 223 specimens showed sterile pyuria suggesting the presence of mycoplasmas, whereas sterile pyuria was found in only 65 specimens of the control group. Of the 223 specimens of the patients group, 32 (14.3%) had U. urealyticum by MSP kit, 21 (9.4%) had M. hominis, 14 (6.3%) showed mixed coinfection, and 156 (70%) were negative. Seven (10.8%) of 65 specimens of the control group detected U. urealyticum.

Conclusions

There was a good agreement between the MSP kit and the multiplex PCR. The MSP kit was an easy and rapid alternative to the complicated conventional culture method for the detection of urinary mycoplasmas. Doxycycline and minocycline had the highest sensitivity rates; however, clindamycin would be the first choice for empirical treatment of pregnant women.
Psychosocial Determinants of Readmission After Surgery
Authors: Graham Laura A. , Hawn Mary T. , Dasinger Elise A. , Baker Samantha J. , Oriel Brad S. , Wahl Tyler S. , Richman Joshua S. , Copeland Laurel A. , Itani Kamal M.F. , Burns Edith A. , Whittle Jeffrey , Morris Melanie S.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Quality of life and psychosocial determinants of health, such as health literacy and social support, are associated with increased health care utilization and adverse outcomes in medical populations. However, the effect on surgical health care utilization is less understood.

Objective:

We sought to examine the effect of patient-reported quality of life and psychosocial determinants of health on unplanned hospital readmissions in a surgical population.

Research Design:

This is a prospective cohort study using patient interviews at the time of hospital discharge from a Veterans Affairs hospital.

Subjects:

We include Veterans undergoing elective inpatient general, vascular, or thoracic surgery (August 1, 2015–June 30, 2017).

Measures:

We assessed unplanned readmission to any medical facility within 30 days of hospital discharge.

Results:

A total of 736 patients completed the 30-day postoperative follow-up, and 16.3% experienced readmission. Lower patient-reported physical and mental health, inadequate health literacy, and discharge home with help after surgery or to a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility were associated with an increased incidence of readmission. Classification regression identified the patient-reported Veterans Short Form 12 (SF12) Mental Component Score <31 as the most important psychosocial determinant of readmission after surgery.

Conclusions:

Mental health concerns, inadequate health literacy, and lower social support after hospital discharge are significant predictors of increased unplanned readmissions after major general, vascular, or thoracic surgery. These elements should be incorporated into routinely collected electronic health record data. Also, discharge plans should accommodate varying levels of health literacy and consider how the patient’s mental health and social support needs will affect recovery.
Ameliorating effects of N-acetyl cysteine against early liver damage of radioiodine in rats
Authors: Koc Gonul , Kuskonmaz Serife Mehlika , Demirel Koray , Koca Gokhan , Akbulut Aylin , Yumusak Nihat , Senes Mehmet , Kirtil Gul , Korkmaz Meliha , Culha Cavit
Published: June 2021

Objective

The present study was aimed to explore the potential ameliorating effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against radioiodine (RAI)-induced early liver damage.

Methods

Thirty Wistar Albino male rats were arbitrarily allocated into three groups each containing 10 rats: the control group (group 1); the RAI group (group 2), oral 111 MBq/kg radioiodine was administered to rats; the RAI + NAC group (group 3), 150 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal NAC treatment was initiated 3 days prior to the RAI administration and continued for 10 days. Liver samples were obtained 24 h after the last dose of NAC therapy for biochemical and histopathologic evaluation.

Results

In the RAI + NAC group, the histopathologic damage was found significantly less than in the RAI group for whole parameters except inflammatory cell infiltration (P < 0.05). Unlike the RAI group which had marked histopathologic damage, the RAI + NAC group had only mild histologic activity index scores with no granuloma formation observed. Oxidative stress parameters were demonstrated that the NAC treatment significantly decreased the tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase levels and increased the total sulfhydryl (total sulfhydryl) levels when compared to the RAI group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The outcomes of the study exhibited that the NAC treatment improved RAI-induced early liver damage. This improving effect considered to be caused by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and likely vasodilator properties of NAC. Having advantages such as inexpensive, easy access, and tolerability, the NAC can be used as a radioprotective agent, especially in patients with liver diseases and requiring RAI treatment.
Update on islet cell transplantation
Authors: Verhoeff Kevin , Marfil-Garza Braulio A. , Shapiro A.M. James
Published: June 2021

Purpose of review

Chronic diabetes-related complications continue to exert a rapidly growing and unsustainable pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. In type 1 diabetes, glycemic control is particularly challenging, as intensive management substantially increase the risk of severe hypoglycemic episodes. Alternative approaches to address this issue are required. Islet cell transplantation offers the best approach to reduce hypoglycemic risks and glycemic lability, while providing optimal glycemic control. Although ongoing efforts have improved clinical outcomes, the constraints in tissue sources and the need for chronic immunosuppression limit the application of islet cell transplantation as a curative therapy for diabetes. This review provides an update on islet cell transplantation, focusing on recent clinical experience, ongoing research, and future challenges.

Recent findings

Current evidence demonstrates advances in terms of long-term glycemic control, improved insulin independence rates, and novel approaches to eliminate chronic immunosuppression requirements after islet cell transplantation. Advances in stem cell-based therapies provide a promising path towards truly personalized regenerative therapies, solving both tissue supply shortage and the need for lifelong immunosuppression, enabling widespread use of this potentially curative treatment. However, as these therapies enter the clinical realm, regional access variability and ethical questions regarding commercialization are becoming increasingly important and require a collaborative solution.

In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss current clinical evidence and discuss key aspects on the present and future of islet cell transplantation.
The Influence of Maternal Cognitions Upon Motor Development in Infants Born Preterm: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jensen-Willett Sandra , Miller Kerry , Jackson Barbara , Harbourne Regina
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

This scoping review summarizes the extent, nature, and type of evidence linking broadly defined maternal cognitions to motor outcomes in infants born preterm. Maternal cognitions are beliefs, perceptions, or psychosocial attributes that inform parenting practices.

Methods:

Arksey and O'Malley's 5-step method was applied. Thirteen articles between 1980 and November 2019 met inclusion criteria.

Results:

Two key themes emerged with infants born preterm: (1) quality of the social and physical caregiving environment influence developmental outcomes with implications for motor development; and (2) complex interactions between environmental factors, prematurity-related biomedical risks, and maternal cognitions contribute to eventual motor outcomes.

Conclusion:

Further research is needed to understand how maternal cognitions either scaffold or constrain early motor opportunities for infants born preterm and at risk for motor delays.

What This Adds to the Evidence:

This review summarizes studies that explore potential links between maternal cognitions and motor development in infants born preterm.
Attributing health benefits to preventing HIV infections versus improving health outcomes among people living with HIV: an analysis in six US cities
Authors: Krebs Emanuel , Enns Eva , Zang Xiao , Mah Cassandra S. , Quan Amanda M. , Behrends Czarina N. , Coljin Caroline , Goedel William , Golden Matthew , Marshall Brandon D.L. , Metsch Lisa R. , Pandya Ankur , Shoptaw Steven , Sullivan Patrick , Tookes Hansel E. , Duarte Horacio A. , Min Jeong E. , Nosyk Bohdan
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Combination strategies generate health benefits through improved health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and prevention of new infections. We aimed to determine health benefits attributable to improved health among PLHIV versus HIV prevention for a set of combination strategies in six US cities.

Design:

A dynamic HIV transmission model.

Methods:

Using a model calibrated for Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City (NYC) and Seattle, we assessed the health benefits of city-specific optimal combinations of evidence-based interventions implemented at publicly documented levels and at ideal (90% coverage) scale-up (2020–2030 implementation, 20-year study period). We calculated the proportion of health benefit gains (measured as quality-adjusted life-years) resulting from averted and delayed HIV infections; improved health outcomes among PLHIV; and improved health outcomes due to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

Results:

The HIV-specific proportion of total benefits ranged from 68.3% (95% credible interval: 55.3–80.0) in Seattle to 98.5% (97.5–99.3) in Miami, with the rest attributable to MOUD. The majority of HIV-specific health benefits in five of six cities were attributable HIV prevention, and ranged from 33.1% (26.1–41.1) in NYC to 83.1% (79.6–86.6) in Atlanta. Scaling up to ideal service levels resulted in three to seven-fold increases in additional health benefits, mostly from MOUD, with HIV-specific health gains primarily driven by HIV prevention.

Conclusion:

Optimal combination strategies generated a larger proportion of health benefits attributable to HIV prevention in five of six cities, underlining the substantial benefits of antiretroviral therapy engagement for the prevention of HIV transmission through viral suppression. Understanding to whom benefits accrue may be important in assessing the equity and impact of HIV investments.
Abusive supervision and knowledge hiding in service organizations: exploring the boundary conditions
Authors: Ayub Arslan , Ajmal Tahira , Iqbal Shahid , Ghazanfar Sidra , Anwaar Mahwish , Ishaq Mustafa
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Despite burgeoning interest in knowledge hiding (KH), there are still significant gaps in the understanding of the boundary conditions under which KH is more or less likely to occur. To address this research gap, the researchers examined abusive supervision as an interpersonal antecedent of KH. In addition, this paper aims to investigate the moderating roles of negative reciprocity beliefs (NRB) and moral disengagement (MD) in the relationship between abusive supervision and KH.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave data using a non-experimental face-to-face method was collected from 257 service employees in Pakistan, which supported the hypothesized model. Considering minimum sample size requirements (i.e.n= 208) in partial least squares structural equation modeling, the researchers analyzed a two-stage approach to test the measurement model and the structural model.

Findings

The study found that abusive supervision was positively related to evasive hiding and playing dumb but not associated with rationalized hiding. Further, the results confirm the moderating roles of NRB and MD. The positive relationships between abusive supervision and evasive hiding and playing dumb are intensified at high levels of NRB and MD.

Originality/value

Given the complicated nature of KH, this is one of the few efforts that outstretch the boundary conditions of KH.
Employer perspectives concerning the self-management support needs of workers with long-term health conditions
Authors: Hemming Sally , McDermott Hilary , Munir Fehmidah , Burton Kim
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Long-term health conditions are a significant occupational and global burden and can undermine people's ability to work. Workplace support for self-management of long-term conditions has the potential to minimise adverse work effects, by enhancing health and work outcomes. No data exist about employers' views concerning supporting workers with long-term conditions to self-manage.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploration of employers' views involved recruiting 15 participants with responsibilities for workplace health, well-being and safety responsibilities, who participated in a semi-structured interview about self-management and support. Data were analysed using a qualitative six-stage thematic analysis technique.

Findings

Self-management support is not purposely provided to workers with long-term conditions. Support in any form rests on workers disclosing a condition and on their relationship with their line-manager. While employers have considerable control over people's ability to self-manage, they consider that workers are responsible for self-management at work. Stigma, work demands and line-manager behaviours are potential obstacles to workers' self-management and support.

Practical implications

Workplace discussions about self-managing long-term conditions at work should be encouraged and opened up, to improve health and work outcomes and aligned with return-to-work and rehabilitation approaches. A wider biopsychosocial culture could help ensure workplaces are regarded as settings in which long-term conditions can be self-managed.

Originality/value

This study highlights that employer self-management support is not provided to workers with long-term conditions in a purposeful way. Workplace support depends on an employer knowing what needs to be supported which, in turn, depends on aspects of disclosure, stigma, work demands and line management.
Widespread shifts in bird migration phenology are decoupled from parallel shifts in morphology
Authors: Zimova Marketa , Willard David E. , Winger Benjamin M. , Weeks Brian C.
Published: June 2021

Advancements in phenology and changes in morphology, including body size reductions, are among the most commonly described responses to globally warming temperatures. Although these dynamics are routinely explored independently, the relationships among them and how their interactions facilitate or constrain adaptation to climate change are poorly understood.

In migratory species, advancing phenology may impose selection on morphological traits to increase migration speed. Advancing spring phenology might also expose species to cooler temperatures during the breeding season, potentially mitigating the effect of a warming global environment on body size.

We use a dataset of birds that died after colliding with buildings in Chicago, IL to test whether changes in migration phenology are related to documented declines in body size and increases in wing length in 52 North American migratory bird species between 1978 and 2016. For each species, we estimate temporal trends in morphology and changes in the timing of migration. We then test for associations between species‐specific rates of phenological and morphological changes while assessing the potential effects of migratory distance and breeding latitude.

We show that spring migration through Chicago has advanced while the timing of fall migration has broadened as a result of early fall migrants advancing their migrations and late migrants delaying their migrations. Within species, we found that longer wing length was linked to earlier spring migration within years. However, we found no evidence that rates of phenological change across years, or migratory distance and breeding latitude, are predictive of rates of concurrent changes in morphological traits.

These findings suggest that biotic responses to climate change are highly multidimensional and the extent to which those responses interact and influence adaptation to climate change requires careful examination.
Surface Geophysical Methods used to Verify the Karst Geological Structure in the Built‐up Area: A Case Study of Specific Engineering‐Geological Conditions
Authors: PUTIŠKA René , MARSCHALKO Marian , YILMAZ Isik , NIEMIEC Dominik , CHENG Xianfeng , DOSTAL Ivan , KUBÁČ Ján
Published: June 2021

This article presents a research study of complex limestone karst engineering‐geological conditions in the municipality Valaská near Banská Bystrica in Slovakia. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the impossibility of spatial identification of cave spaces using surface geophysical methods due to the specific engineering‐geological conditions of a thick surface layer of anthropogenic fill containing highly heterogeneous anthropogenic material. Its maximum thickness is 3 m. Another specificific condition of the study area is its location in the built‐up area, due to which the applicability of geophysical methods was limited. The article contains methodological recommendations to be used in analogous geological conditions with karst structures topped with anthropogenic fill, which complicates the identification of cave spaces. The recommended solution herein is the identification of the cave system using underground mapping of the karst and its projection onto the surface for which surface geophysical methods have been combined.