bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of diseases and health management in zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton 1822) in research facilities
Authors: Kent M. L. , Sanders J. L. , Spagnoli S. , Al‐Samarrie C. E. , Murray K. N.
Published: April 2020

The use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in biomedical research has expanded at a tremendous rate over the last two decades. Along with increases in laboratories using this model, we are discovering new and important diseases. We review here the important pathogens and diseases based on some 20 years of research and findings from our diagnostic service at the NIH‐funded Zebrafish International Resource Center. Descriptions of the present status of biosecurity programmes and diagnostic and treatment approaches are included. The most common and important diseases and pathogens are two parasites, Pseudoloma neurophilia and Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, and mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium chelonae, M. marinum and M. haemophilum. Less common but deadly diseases are caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri and infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV). Hepatic megalocytosis and egg‐associated inflammation and fibroplasia are common, apparently non‐infectious, in zebrafish laboratories. Water quality diseases include supersaturation and nephrocalcinosis. Common neoplasms are spindle cell sarcomas, ultimobranchial tumours, spermatocytic seminomas and a small‐cell carcinoma that is caused by a transmissible agent. Despite the clear biosecurity risk, researchers continue to use fish from pet stores, and here, we document two novel coccidia associated with significant lesions in zebrafish from one of these stores.
Use of hepatitis B virus core‐related antigen to evaluate natural history of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chan Henry Lik Yuen , Yasuda Satoshi , Wong Grace Lai Hung , Tada Toshifumi , Chan Carmen Ka Man , Kumada Takashi , Tse Yee Kit , Wong Vincent Wai Sun , Toyoda Hidenori
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

Hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) has been shown to correlate with various viral markers in chronic hepatitis B, but its role in defining natural history is not well studied. We aimed to investigate the use of HBcrAg to define different phases of chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

Stored residual serum samples from longitudinal cohorts of chronic hepatitis B patients in Hong Kong and Japan were studied. Viral markers were measured in three serial serum samples for each patient. Patients were divided into six groups for analysis: hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic infection (EPI), HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis (EPH), HBeAg seroconversion (ES), HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis (ENH), HBeAg‐negative chronic infection (ENI), and HBsAg seroclearance (SS).

Results

In total, 166 patients followed up for 100 (76–113) months were included. HBcrAg was correlated with hepatitis B virus DNA and HBsAg levels in both HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients. HBcrAg cut‐off of ≥ 6.0 log U/mL could best differentiate HBeAg‐positive from HBeAg‐negative patients (area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.99, P < 0.001). HBcrAg could not differentiate patients in EPI and EPH phases, but HBcrAg declined dramatically at HBeAg seroconversion. In HBeAg‐negative patients, HBcrAg ≥ 4.0 log U/mL could best differentiate ENH from ENI (area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81; P < 0.001), with high specificity (81.6%) but only moderate sensitivity (65.7%) at baseline. Undetectable HBcrAg was found in 17%, 63%, and 89% patients in ENH, ENI, and SS groups at the last visit, respectively.

Conclusions

HBcrAg provides useful information to stage the natural history of chronic hepatitis B, particularly identifying HBeAg‐positive patients and HBeAg‐negative patients with active disease.
Novel mass spectrometry‐based comprehensive lipidomic analysis of plasma from patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Iwatani Shuko , Iijima Hideki , Otake Yuriko , Amano Takahiro , Tani Mizuki , Yoshihara Takeo , Tashiro Taku , Tsujii Yoshiki , Inoue Takahiro , Hayashi Yoshito , Takeda Kiyoshi , Hayashi Akio , Fujita Setsuko , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

Lipids play important roles in inflammation and may be involved in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we evaluated the characteristics of the plasma lipid profile in patients with IBD.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from 20 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 20 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 10 healthy volunteers (HVs) after overnight fasting. The subjects were men between 20 and 49 years of age with no history of hyperlipidemia. A total of 698 molecular species in 22 lipid classes were analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Lipid classes of lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylserine (LPS), phosphatidylserine (PS), and shingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) were significantly increased in UC patients compared with the HV. The LPS, PS, and S1P levels were significantly increased, while those of lysophosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine were significantly decreased in CD patients compared with HV. Among PS species, the levels of PSacyl (PSa) 40:3, PSa 38:3, and PSa 42:4 were significantly higher in CD patients, both active and remissive stage, than in HV. The LPS 18:0 level was significantly higher in CD and UC patients compared with HV. PSa 40:3 and PSa 38:3 levels positively correlated with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and platelet count and negatively correlated with hemoglobin, hematocrit, and albumin levels in CD patients.

Conclusion

The lipid profile in IBD patients exhibits significant alterations, and PS levels are associated with clinical disease activity in CD patients.
Dental caries treatment completed under general anesthesia among American Indian children in a northern plains tribal community
Authors: Warren John J. , Thrap Steven , Starr Delores
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To assess the occurrence of treatment under general anesthesia (GA) for dental caries among American Indian (AI) children from a Northern Plains tribal community.

Methods

As part of a follow‐up study of ECC, dental records for children age 6–8 years were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were generated, including the number of dental visits, extent of treatment, and whether the treatment was completed under GA.

Results

Data were obtained from 95 dental records. The age of dental visits varied from 15 months to 8 years. Of the 95 children, 79 (83.2%) received dental treatment under GA at least once; 24 (25.2%) did so two or more times. The majority of the treatment involved extractions and placement of stainless steel crowns.

Conclusions

A large number of AI children received dental treatment under GA; many did so multiple times. Given the high cost of this treatment, even modestly effective preventive strategies such as silver diamine fluoride could yield cost savings.
Encapsulation of curcumin into layered double hydroxides improve their anticancer and antiparasitic activity
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Filiberto , Sánchez-Jiménez Cecilia , Rangel-Castañeda Itzia Azucena , Carbajal-Arízaga Gregorio Guadalupe , Macías-Lamas Adriana Macaria , Castillo-Romero Araceli , Parra-Saavedra Karina Jeanette
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Curcumin (CUR) has well-known activity against cancer cells and parasites; however, its applications are limited since this is an unstable molecule, which may suffer degradation by light and temperature, also, the low water solubility reduce its bioavailability. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are well-known materials owing to the excellent anion exchange capacity, good biocompatibility and low toxicity.

Methods

Layered double hydroxides nanoparticles prepared with zinc and magnesium cations were used as a vehicle for CUR in Caco-2, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica cultures. The physicochemical properties of Mg-LDH-CUR and Zn-LDH-CUR were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Additionally, the load efficiency, release profiles and photostability of CUR were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV-Vis spectrometry. Then, Mg-LDH-CUR and Zn-LDH-CUR were tested on Caco-2, G. lamblia and E. histolytica cultures.

Key findings

The experiments demonstrated that Zn-LDH-CUR protects better against photodegradation by UV light, while Mg-LDH-CUR showed increased toxicity against Caco-2 cell, G. lamblia and E. histolytica, in comparison with free CUR.

Conclusions

Layered double hydroxides are good vehicles to improve stability, resistance to degradation of CUR, also they are useful to improve solubility, provide a controlled release and improve the cytotoxic activity. Additionally, it was shown that the composition of the M+2 cation of LDH affects its properties and structure and that this directly influences its biological activity. The findings are important to select the composition of the encapsulation vehicle for a specific activity.
Intraocular cataract lens replacement and light exposure potentially impact procedural learning in older adults
Authors: Chellappa Sarah L. , Bromundt Vivien , Frey Sylvia , Schlote Torsten , Goldblum David , Cajochen Christian , Reichert Carolin F.
Published: April 2020

Procedural learning declines with age and appropriately timed light exposure can improve cognitive performance in older individuals. Because cataract reduces light transmission and is associated with cognitive decline in older adults, we explored whether lens replacement (intraocular blue‐blocking [BB] or UV‐only blocking) in older patients with cataracts enhances the beneficial effects of light on procedural learning. Healthy older participants (n = 16) and older patients with post‐cataract surgery (n = 13 with BB or UV lens replacement) underwent a randomized within‐subject crossover laboratory design with three protocols. In each protocol, 3.5 hr dim–dark adaptation was followed by 2 hr evening blue‐enriched (6,500K) or non‐blue‐enriched light exposure (3,000K or 2,500K), 30 min dim post‐light, ~8 hr sleep and 2 hr morning dim light. Procedural learning was assessed by the alternating serial reaction time task (ASRT), as part of a larger test battery. Here, ASRT performance was indexed by type of trial (random or sequence) and sequence‐specific (high or low probability) measures. During evening light exposure, we observed a significant effect of the interaction of “group” versus “light condition” on the type of trial (p = .04; p = .16; unadjusted and adjusted p‐values, respectively) and sequence‐specific learning (p = .04; p = .16; unadjusted and adjusted p‐values, respectively), whereby patients with UV lens replacement performed better than patients with BB lens or non‐cataract controls, during blue‐enriched light exposure. Lens replacement in patients with cataracts may potentially be associated with beneficial effects of blue light on procedural learning. Thus, optimizing spectral lens transmission in patients with cataracts may help improve specific aspects of cognitive function, such as procedural learning.
Plasma concentrations of itraconazole following a single oral dose in juvenile California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Scott Gregory , Field Cara L. , Papich Mark G. , Harms Craig A.
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to establish a single‐dose pharmacokinetic profile for orally administered itraconazole in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Twenty healthy rehabilitated juvenile California sea lions were included in this study. Itraconazole capsules were administered orally with food at a target dose of 5–10 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected from each animal at 0 hr and at two of the following timepoints: 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr. Quantitative analysis of itraconazole in plasma samples was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. An average maximum concentration of 0.22 µg/ml ± 0.11 was detected 4 hr after administration. The average concentration fell to 0.12 µg/ml ± 0.11 by 6 hr and 0.02 µg/ml ± 0.02 at 12 hr. At no point did concentrations reach 0.5 µg/ml, the concentration commonly accepted for therapeutic efficacy. While this formulation was well tolerated by the sea lions, oral absorption was poor and highly variable among individuals. These data indicate that a single oral dose of itraconazole given as a capsule at 5–10 mg/kg, under the conditions used in this study, does not achieve therapeutic plasma concentrations in California sea lions.
Dispersal syndrome influences the match between seed rain and soil seed bank of woody species in a Neotropical dry forest
Authors: Jara‐Guerrero Andrea , Espinosa Carlos I. , Méndez Marcos , De la Cruz Marcelino , Escudero Adrian
Published: April 2020

Aims

Plant recruitment may occur immediately after seed dispersal from the mother plant, or be delayed through the formation of soil seed banks. These strategies are known to be mediated by adaptations of seed dispersal and reproductive phenology, which if analyzed together can provide valuable information about the regeneration strategies of species. We explored whether dispersal syndrome and/or seed dispersal phenology control the similarity between standing vegetation, seed rain and soil seed bank in a seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) in Southern Ecuador.

Location

Arenillas Ecological Reserve, Southwestern Ecuador, the biogeographic region of Pacific Coastal Ecuador.

Methods

We recorded standing vegetation of woody species in a 9‐ha permanent plot and sampled soil seed bank from 265 cores of 0.06 m2. Additionally, we sampled seed rain from 265 seed traps of 0.64 m2 for one year. We evaluated similarity in species composition, species richness, and abundance between the three components for all species and for each dispersal syndrome.

Results

The community we studied showed a high similarity in species composition between components. The similarity was influenced by dispersal syndrome and the seed dispersal phenology. Similarity between seed rain and standing vegetation was high in species that dispersed in the rainy season, such as zoochorous species, while for autochorous species, compared with the other dispersal syndromes it was higher between seed bank and standing vegetation.

Conclusions

In our SDTF, dispersal phenology seemed to influence whether seeds had direct germination or entered the soil seed bank and influenced the match between seed rain and soil seed bank, suggesting different regeneration strategies related to dispersal ability.
Medical education adaptations during a pandemic: Transitioning to virtual student support
Authors: Hodgson Jessica C. , Hagan Pamela
Published: April 2020

With this issue we begin print publishing the responses received in our call for Medical Education Adaptations: Lessons learned from educators' experiences rapidly transforming practice on account of COVID‐19 related disruption.
Full cheek defect reconstruction using ALTF versus RFF: Comparison of quality of life, clinical results, and donor site morbidity
Authors: Zhou Bin , Liao Juankun , Zhu Chuandong , Yuan Kaifang , Liu Zhixin , Lin Zhaoyu , Huang Zhiquan , Chen Weiliang , Li Jinsong , Wang Youyuan
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the quality of life (QOL) of patients, clinical results of the recipient site, and morbidities of the donor site between the use of free anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTFs) and radial forearm flaps (RFFs) for reconstruction of full cheek defects following tumor resection.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients who underwent reconstruction of full cheek defects using free ALTFs and free RFFs following tumor ablation at our center. The range of mouth opening, speech, swallowing, facial appearance, donor site complications, and subjective symptoms based on the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW‐QOL) questionnaire findings were assessed in the ALTF and RFF groups at 3, 12, and 36 months after surgery.

Results

Quality of life, range of mouth opening, facial appearance, mood and anxiety, donor site appearance, subjective feeling, and functional impairment were better in the ALTF group than in the RFF group based on the physical examination findings and questionnaire scores.

Conclusion

This study found better QOL and better functional results at the recipient site and minor morbidities at the donor site with the use of free ALTFs in the reconstruction of full cheek defects.
Continuous costoclavicular brachial plexus block in a pediatric patient for postfracture rehabilitation
Authors: Regufe Rita , Artilheiro Vanessa , Dias Maria Beatriz , Miranda Ivanete , Cenicante Teresa
Published: April 2020

The costoclavicular approach to the brachial plexus block has been recently described as a technique for anesthesia or postoperative analgesia of distal upper limb. In this article, we describe a case in which a continuous costoclavicular brachial plexus block was performed in a pediatric patient for conservative treatment of a traumatic radial fracture with severe elbow rigidity. Perineural catheter placement is a valuable option for pain control and functional prognosis during rehabilitation.
Pain Catastrophizing Mediates the Association Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress in Chronic Pain Syndrome
Authors: Conti Yael , Vatine Jean‐Jacques , Levy Sigal , Levin Meltz Yulia , Hamdan Sami , Elkana Odelia
Published: April 2020

Aim

Trait mindfulness has been found to be inversely associated with emotional distress such as depression and anxiety among patients suffering from pain. The current study investigated the putative mechanisms underlying these associations by examining whether pain catastrophizing mediates the association between mindfulness and psychological distress and whether this model differs in patients suffering from chronic pain compared to patients experiencing nonchronic pain in a medical rehabilitation setting.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients in their subacute stage of recovery participated in the study. Seventeen participants had a diagnosis of chronic pain. Trait mindfulness was assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, and anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Two mediation models were used, with pain catastrophizing mediating the association between mindfulness and depression and anxiety.

Results

Catastrophizing significantly mediated the association between trait mindfulness and depression (P < 0.05, confidence interval [CI] = −0.35, −0.05). Catastrophizing also mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and anxiety (P < 0.05, CI = −0.34, −0.04). Two moderated mediation models were tested, in which pain catastrophizing fully mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and depression and anxiety, but only in patients with chronic pain.

Conclusions

The negative association between trait mindfulness and psychological distress may thus be partly attributed to pain catastrophizing: individuals high in trait mindfulness engage in less catastrophic thinking and therefore experience less distress. Importantly, this was only observed in the patients with chronic pain. These results further underscore the need to cope with pain catastrophizing and encourage mindfulness among patients with chronic pain.
Effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization and artificial insemination success in farmers flock in sheep under semi‐arid tropical region
Authors: De Kalyan , Kumar Davendra , Balaganur Krishnappa , Naqvi Syed Mohammad Khursheed
Published: April 2020

Environmental cues in the different seasons might influence the estrus and lambing percentages. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination success in sheep.During the period from 2012 to 2017, a total of 1,197 ewes of Kheri and Malpura breeds of 34 farms originating from 10 villages were synchronized for estrus and then fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI) was done. Oestrous synchronization was done by intravaginal progesterone sponges and eCG protocol. Fixed‐time cervical insemination was performed 48 and 56 hr after sponge removal in ewes exhibiting estrus, using liquid chilled semen containing 100 million sperm per dose of Patanwadi/Malpura rams. Mean sunshine hours, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures, temperature amplitude, mean relative humidity (RH), temperature‐humidity index (THI), mean temperature during sponge‐in to sponge‐out—12‐day period, sponge‐out and next day, AI day and AI to next 15 days have been calculated. The estrus response and lambing percentage were higher (p < .05) when ES and FTAI were done during hot‐humid with rainfall season. Successful (p < .05) ES occur when the minimum temperature was higher in cold‐humid season, and the sunshine hour was higher in hot‐humid with scanty rainfall season during sponge‐in to sponge‐out period. The success of the lambing percentage was higher (p < .05) when maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature and THI was higher on the day of AI and the next 15‐day period, irrespective of the season. The success of FTAI indicates the adaptability of the local breed to tolerate the harsh climate of the hot semi‐arid region without much hindrance in lambing percentages.
Wagner’s Law and Fiscal Illusion: An analysis of state government finances in Brazil
Authors: Prado Pedro Henrique Martins , da Silva Cleomar Gomes
Published: April 2020

The aim of this article is to analyze state‐level public finances in Brazil. We examine the dynamics of governmental spending in a panel of 26 Brazilian states in search of evidence of Wagner’s Law and Fiscal Illusion Hypothesis. For the period ranging from 2002 to 2015, three methodologies are applied: dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and pooled mean group (PMG). The main empirical results found indicate that (1) there is strong evidence of Fiscal Illusion caused by public deficit and by central government transfer grants; (2) there are possible Flypaper Effects; (3) there is no evidence in support of Wagner’s Law; (4) there is low publicness degree of local expenditures; (5) due to Fiscal Illusion, less‐developed Brazilian states tend to be stuck in a public expenditure growth mechanism, especially in expenses related to non‐public goods, which tend to benefit private interests and lobby groups.
A theory on intercultural caring in maternity care
Authors: Wikberg Anita Maria
Published: April 2020

Aim

To describe a theory on intercultural caring in maternity care and its development.

Methodology

The theory has been developed qualitatively using hermeneutics.

Material

Previous studies have been interpreted.

Findings

Five meaningful interpretation patterns emerged. These are that the experience of caring is related to power; the family is always present; childbearing and migration – a multiple vulnerability; the intercultural encounter changes the mother and the midwife; and conflicts may cause change. These themes are implicit in the theory. The theory consists of the caring relationship between the midwife and the mother. Intercultural caring has four dimensions: universal, cultural, contextual and unique caring. Intercultural caring relieves suffering and promotes health and well‐being. Outer circumstances on three levels influence the maternity care. The five patterns and the theory are merged together.

Conclusion

The theory can be used in nursing education to awaken awareness in students of cultural aspects and caring in the maternity care of immigrants. Midwives can apply the theory to maternity care to enable a positive experience of childbearing by immigrant and minority mothers, which in turn can influence the well‐being and indirectly the health outcome. The theory connects caring, culture, intercultural and maternity care in a new way, which is important in the care of childbearing immigrant and minority women. It also adds the intercultural and maternity care contexts to the theory of caritative caring.
Nucleation and stabilization of Eocene dolomite in evaporative lacustrine deposits from central Tibetan plateau
Authors: Wen Yixiong , Sánchez‐Román Mónica , Li Yalin , Wang Chengshan , Han Zhongpeng , Zhang Laiming , Gao Yuan
Published: April 2020

In past decades, the formation of dolomite at low temperature has been widely studied in both natural systems and cultured experiments, yet the mechanism(s) involved in the nucleation and precipitation of dolomite remains unresolved. Late Eocene dolomitic deposits from core in the upper Niubao Formation (Lunpola Basin, central Tibetan Plateau, China) are selected as a case study to understand the dolomitization process(es) in the geological record. Dolomite formation in Lunpola Basin can be ascribed to a different mechanism forming the large quantities of replacive dolostones in the geological record; and provides a potential fossil analogue for primary dolomite precipitation at low temperature. This analogue consists of an alternation of laminated dolomitic beds, organic‐rich and siliciclastic layers; formed in response to intense evaporation interpreted to take place in a continental shallow lake environment. Mineralogical, textural and stable isotopic evaluations suggest that the dolomite from those dense‐clotted laminated beds is a primary precipitate. At the nanoscale, these dolomitic beds are composed of Ca–Mg carbonate globular nanocrystals (diameter 80 to 100 nm) embedded in an organic matrix and attached to clay flakes. Micro‐infrared spectroscopy analyses have revealed the presence of aliphatic compounds in the organic matrix. Microscopic and elemental compositional studies suggest that clay surfaces may facilitate the nucleation of dolomite at low temperature in the same way as the organic matrix does. The dolomite laminae show values for δ18OVPDB from −3.2 to −1.76‰ and for δ13CVPDB from −2.62 to −3.78‰. Inferred δ18OSMOW values of the lake water reveal typical evaporitic hydrological conditions. These findings provide a potential link to primary dolomite formation in ancient and modern sedimentary environments; and shed new light on the palaeoenvironmental conditions in central Tibet during the Eocene.
Substantial reduction in child stunting is differentially associated to geographical and socioeconomic disparities in Misiones Province, Argentina
Authors: Nuñez Pablo A. , Fernández María Soledad , Turjanski Pablo , Pérez Adriana , Rivero María Romina , De Angelo Carlos , Salomón Oscar D. , Cueto Gerardo
Published: April 2020

Objective

To estimate trends in the prevalence of child stunting in the population of children under 5 years of age covered by public health programmes, between 2009 and 2014 in Misiones, Argentina.

Methods

Using Bayesian model‐based geostatistics, we evaluated 724 872 anthropometric measurements corresponding to 110 633 children. In order to identify disparities at local scale, we evaluated the hypotheses of a differential reduction of stunting according to the geographical location (at two‐level spatial resolution) and to the socioeconomic level in a rural or urban environment.

Results

The prevalence of stunting had fallen significantly in the province overall. Sex and age defined gender disparities at individual level, and there were regional disparities with higher prevalence values in the north and northeast regions. In these areas, stunting decreased to a greater degree during the studied period, although the spatial pattern remained smoother. Stunting increased in peripheral urban and dispersed rural areas that are socioeconomically vulnerable.

Conclusions

The spatial multi‐level geostatistical estimates of child undernutrition provide a precision public health tool to target public policies to those populations with the greatest need, in order to reduce health disparities.
A randomized controlled trial of a tablet‐based intervention to address predonation fears among high school donors
Authors: France Christopher R. , France Janis L. , Kowalsky Jennifer M. , Conatser Robert , Duffy Louisa , Barnofsky Natalie , Kessler Debra , Shaz Beth
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have shown donation‐related fear to be associated with decreased donor confidence and an increased risk for vasovagal reactions. This study examined the effects of a predonation intervention that provided fearful donors with suggestions for coping.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a tablet‐based application, high school donors (49.4% female) answered a question regarding their fear of having blood drawn. Those who reported fear were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 930) or an intervention (n = 911) group. Donors in the control group rated their confidence in dealing with their fear and then donated as usual. Donors in the intervention group received a brief audiovisual presentation on coping strategies, rated their confidence, and then donated as usual.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of fearful versus nonfearful donors experienced a vasovagal reaction, even after controlling for other demographic and health predictors (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.655‐3.185, p < 0.001). Fearful donors who received the intervention reported greater confidence than controls, but the proportion of vasovagal reactions did not differ significantly between the intervention (6.1%) and control (6.8%) groups.

CONCLUSION

Although the current tablet‐based intervention may have some psychological benefit in that it was associated with greater donor confidence, the observed effect was small and did not translate into a lower risk for vasovagal reactions. However, greater confidence among young donors may lead to an increased willingness to donate again—a potential outcome that we will revisit among these donors as part of a planned 2‐year follow‐up.
Classification of algebraic solutions of irregular Garnier systems
Authors: Diarra Karamoko , Loray Frank
Published: April 2020

We prove that algebraic solutions of Garnier systems in the irregular case are of two types. The classical ones come from isomonodromic deformations of linear equations with diagonal or dihedral differential Galois group; we give a complete list in the rank-2 case (two indeterminates). The pull-back ones come from deformations of coverings over a fixed degenerate hypergeometric equation; we provide a complete list when the differential Galois group is $\text{SL}_{2}(\mathbb{C})$. As a byproduct, we obtain a complete list of algebraic solutions for the rank-2 irregular Garnier systems.
Fin whale acoustic presence and song characteristics in seas to the southwest of Portugal
Authors: Pereira Andreia , Harris Danielle , Tyack Peter , Matias Luis
Published: April 2020

Fin whales were once abundant in the seas to the southwest of Portugal, but whaling activities decreased their numbers considerably. Acoustic data from ocean bottom seismometers provide an opportunity to detect fin whales from their notes, data that would otherwise be logistically challenging and expensive to obtain. Based on inter-note interval and frequency bandwidth, two acoustic patterns produced by fin whales were detected in the study area: pattern 1, described from fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea, and pattern 2, associated with fin whales from the northeast North Atlantic Ocean (NENA). NENA fin whales travel into the western Mediterranean Sea, but the Mediterranean population has not been documented to travel regularly into the NENA. In this study, 11 months of acoustic data recorded southwest of Portugal in the NENA were used to characterize 20-Hz fin whale notes into these patterns. Pattern 2 was the most common and occurred mostly in November–January. Pattern 1 occurred less frequently and mostly in September–December, February and April, which suggested a limited excursion of whales from the Mediterranean Sea. There were also occasions when the two patterns were recorded simultaneously. Results suggest that fin whales from the NENA and Mediterranean Sea might mix in the area during part of the year.
Moderators of Parents’ Perceptions of the Neighborhood Environment and Children’s Physical Activity, Time Outside, and Screen Time
Authors: Hunter Stephen , Carson Valerie , Timperio Anna , Salmon Jo , Carver Alison , Veitch Jenny
Published: April 2020

Background: Increased physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among children are a global health concern. Purpose: Examine associations between parents’ perceived neighborhood environment and children’s physical activity, outside time, and screen time, and whether these associations were moderated by age and socioeconomic position (SEP). Methods: Parents (N = 1212) completed a survey during the Recording and EValuating Activity in a Modified Park study. The neighborhood perceptions (social and physical environment), children’s age, physical activity, outside time, and screen time were parent-reported. The SEP was derived from the Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were performed with age and SEP interactions. Results: Favorable perceptions of opportunities to be active and exercise were associated with a higher likelihood of meeting physical activity guidelines. Favorable perceptions of neighborhood ease for walking and a larger social network were also associated with more outdoor time. Moderation analyses revealed that favorable perceptions of several physical and social neighborhood environment features were associated with a higher likelihood of meeting physical activity guidelines in the high-SEP group and were negatively associated with preschoolers’ weekday screen time. Conclusion: Future neighborhood environment initiatives and interventions aiming to promote active living communities should consider differences in age and SEP.
“I Do Worry That Football Will Become Over-Feminized”: Ambiguities in Fan Reflections on the Gender Order in Men’s Professional Football in the United Kingdom
Authors: Cleland Jamie , Pope Stacey , Williams John
Published: April 2020

This article draws on the responses of 2,347 football fans (male = 83.4%; female = 16.6%) collected via an online survey from September 2015 to January 2016 regarding the position of women (as fans, coaches, referees, journalists, board members, and administrators) in the gender order in men’s professional association football in the United Kingdom. Engaging with the theoretical framework of hegemonic masculinity, the authors addressed two recurring themes emerging from the results: the exclusionary practices of sexism and subordination aimed at women in men’s football and the extent to which women are regarded as “authentic” fans, given the gender inequalities and power imbalances they face in their practice of fandom in men’s football. The article concludes by suggesting that, although there are emerging “progressive” male attitudes toward women in men’s football, hegemonic and complicit masculinities remain a significant feature in the culture of fandom in men’s professional football in the United Kingdom.
“You Always Wanna Be Sore, Because Then You Are Seeing Results”: Exploring Positive Pain in Competitive Swimming
Authors: McNarry Gareth , Allen-Collinson Jacquelyn , Evans Adam B.
Published: April 2020

Pain has long been associated with sports participation, being analyzed variously as a physical phenomenon, as well as a sociocultural construct in sport sociological literature. In this article, the authors employ a sociological–phenomenological approach to generate novel insights into the underresearched domain of “lived” pain in competitive swimming. Analytic attention is paid to specific aspects of pain, including “discomfort” and “good pain,” and how these sensations can be positively experienced and understood by the swimmers, as well as forming an integral part of the everyday routines of competitive swimming. Here, training is seen as “work” in the pursuit of athletic improvement. Discomfort and good pain thus become perceived as by-products of training, providing swimmers with important embodied information on pace, energy levels, and other bodily indicators of performance.
Anthropogenic alteration of nutrient supply increases the global freshwater carbon sink
Authors: Anderson N. J. , Heathcote A. J. , Engstrom D. R. ,   Globocarb data contributors
Published: April 2020

Lake burial of carbon has increased threefold over the last 150 years in response to human disruption of global nutrient cycles.
AI Feynman: A physics-inspired method for symbolic regression
Authors: Udrescu Silviu-Marian , Tegmark Max
Published: April 2020

Our physics-inspired algorithm for symbolic regression is able to discover complex physics equations from mere tables of numbers.
Mutation of
kvrA
Causes OmpK35 and OmpK36 Porin Downregulation and Reduced Meropenem-Vaborbactam Susceptibility in KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Dulyayangkul Punyawee , Wan Nur Ismah Wan Ahmad Kamil , Douglas Edward J. A. , Avison Matthew B.
Published: April 2020

Meropenem-vaborbactam resistance in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates is associated with loss-of-function mutations in the OmpK35 and OmpK36 porins. We identify two previously unknown loss-of-function mutations that confer cefuroxime resistance in
K. pneumoniae
isolates. The proteins lost were NlpD and KvrA; the latter is a transcriptional repressor that controls capsule production. We demonstrate that KvrA loss reduces OmpK35 and OmpK36 porin production, which confers reduced susceptibility to meropenem-vaborbactam in a KPC-3-producing
K. pneumoniae
isolate.
Inferring Transmission Bottleneck Size from Viral Sequence Data Using a Novel Haplotype Reconstruction Method
Authors: Ghafari Mahan , Lumby Casper K. , Weissman Daniel B. , Illingworth Christopher J. R.
Published: April 2020

Viral populations undergo a repeated cycle of within-host growth followed by transmission. Viral evolution is affected by each stage of this cycle. The number of viral particles transmitted from one host to another, known as the transmission bottleneck, is an important factor in determining how the evolutionary dynamics of the population play out, restricting the extent to which the evolved diversity of the population can be passed from one host to another. Previous study of viral sequence data has suggested that the transmission bottleneck size for influenza A transmission between human hosts is small. Reevaluating these data using a novel and improved method, we largely confirm this result, albeit that we infer a slightly higher bottleneck size in some cases, of between 1 and 13 virions. While a tight bottleneck operates in human influenza transmission, it is not extreme in nature; some diversity can be meaningfully retained between hosts.
A Single-Cycle Glycoprotein D Deletion Viral Vaccine Candidate, ΔgD-2, Elicits Polyfunctional Antibodies That Protect against Ocular Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: Ramsey Natalie L. M. , Visciano Maria , Hunte Richard , Loh Lip Nam , Burn Aschner Clare , Jacobs William R. , Herold Betsy C.
Published: April 2020

Herpes simplex virus 1 is the leading cause of infectious corneal blindness in the United States and Europe. Developing vaccines to prevent ocular disease is challenging because the eye is a relatively immune-privileged site. In this study, we compared a single-cycle viral vaccine candidate, which is unique in that it elicits predominantly nonneutralizing antibodies that activate Fc receptors and bind complement, and a glycoprotein D subunit vaccine that elicits neutralizing but not Fc receptor-activating or complement-binding responses. Only the single-cycle vaccine provided both active and passive protection against a lethal ocular challenge. These findings greatly expand our understanding of the types of immune responses needed to protect the eye and will inform future prophylactic and therapeutic strategies.
Inhibition of Respiration of Candida albicans by Small Molecules Increases Phagocytosis Efficacy by Macrophages
Authors: Cui Shuna , Li Minghui , Hassan Rabeay Y. A. , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Wang Junsong , Bilitewski Ursula
Published: April 2020

The yeast
Candida albicans
is one of the major fungal human pathogens, for which new therapeutic approaches are required. We aimed at enhancements of the phagocytosis efficacy of macrophages by targeting the cell wall structure of
C. albicans
, as the coverage of the β-glucan layer by mannans is one of the immune escape mechanisms of the fungus. We unambiguously show that inhibition of the fungal bc
1
complex correlates with increased accessibilities of β-glucans and improved phagocytosis efficiency. Metabolic studies proved not only the known direct effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and fermentative pathways but also the clear downregulation of the ergosterol pathway and upregulation of unsaturated fatty acids. The changed composition of the plasma membrane could also influence the interaction with the overlying cell wall. Thus, our work highlights the far-reaching relevance of energy metabolism, indirectly also for host-pathogen interactions, without affecting viability.
Association between anaemia and adult depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Lee Yong-Jae , Kim Hong-Bae
Published: April 2020

Background

Several observational studies have been conducted to investigate the link between anaemia and adult depression but have shown inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate this association.

Methods

A comprehensive search of four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library) was conducted to identify relevant papers published up to November 2019 for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of selected studies. A random-effects model was used to draw metaestimates of the relationship between anaemia and adult depression.

Results

A total of 9706 papers were retrieved, and 14 observational epidemiological studies (9 case–control studies and 5 prospective cohort studies) comprising 10 764 cases of depression were finally included in this meta-analysis. The mean age of the participants ranged from 38.4 to 75.0 years. A significant association was identified between low haemoglobin levels and adult depression (OR or relative risk 1.43; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.65). Subgroup analyses according to study design, mean age, diagnostic criteria of anaemia, geographical region, number of participants, methodological quality and adjustment for various confounding factors such as education, smoking, comorbid disorders, physical activity, alcohol intake and medication use showed similar results.

Conclusions

The current study showed that anaemia was related to an increased risk of adult depression. One of the important limitations of our study was a moderate degree of heterogeneity due to the variety of assessment tools used to identify depression and the existence of publication bias. Another limitation of this meta-analysis was the lack of prospective cohort studies.
Heart rate variability and recovery following maximal exercise in endurance athletes and physically active individuals
Authors: Bentley Robert F. , Vecchiarelli Emily , Banks Laura , Gonçalves Patric E.O. , Thomas Scott G. , Goodman Jack M.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine potential adverse cardiac effects of chronic endurance training by comparing sympathovagal modulation via heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) in middle-aged endurance athletes (EA) and physically active individuals (PA) following maximal exercise. Thirty-six (age, 53 ± 5 years) EA and 19 (age, 56 ± 5 years) PA were recruited to complete a 2-week exercise diary and graded exercise to exhaustion. Time domain and power spectral HRV analyses were completed on recorded R-R intervals. EA had a greater HRR slope following exercise (95% confidence interval, 0.0134–0.0138 vs. 0.0101–0.0104 beats/s; p < 0.001). While EA had greater HRR at 1–5 min after exercise (all p < 0.01), PA and EA did not differ when expressed as a percentage of baseline heart rate (130 ± 19 vs. 139 ± 19; p = 0.2). Root mean square of successive differences in R-R intervals (rest and immediately after exercise) were elevated in EA (p < 0.05). Low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) spectral components were nonsignificantly elevated after exercise (p = 0.045–0.147) in EA while LF/HF was not different (p = 0.529–0.986). This data suggests greater HRR in EA may arise in part due to a lower resting HR. While nonsignificant elevations in HF and LF in EA produces a LF/HF similar to PA, absolute spectral component modulation differed. These observations require further exploration.

Novelty Acute effects of exercise on HRV in EA compared with a relevant control group, PA, are unknown. EA had greater HRR and nonsignificant elevations in LF and HF compared with PA, yet LF/HF was not different. Future work should explore the implications of this observation.
Millimeter wave free-jet spectrum of acrolein and several isotopologues
Authors: Evangelisti Luca , Maris Assimo , Grieco Francesco , Calabrese Camilla , Melandri Sonia
Published: April 2020

The millimeter-wave absorption spectrum of acrolein has been investigated in the 59.6–120 GHz region with a Free-Jet Absorption MilliMeter Wave spectrometer. New measured rotational transitions belonging to the s-cis conformer and its three 13C isotopologues and those of 13C and 18O isotopologues of the s-trans conformer, observed in natural abundance, are reported.
Which is the Optimal Commercial Mode for a Video Site: Paid, Free, or Hybrid?
Authors: Xu Shengshuo , Ling Liuyi
Published: April 2020

A monopolistic video site provides three commercial modes for viewers: paid, free, and hybrid. In paid mode, the video site provides high-definition video with no advertising (“paid video”), but viewers must pay for watching; in free mode, the video site provides free video with high or standard definition, and viewers have to watch advertisements; in hybrid mode, the video site provides both paid and free video. Our objective is to determine the optimal price, advertising amount, and free video definition to maximize the site’s profits according to viewer characteristics. In doing so, we take into account bandwidth costs, which are correlated with video definition. We study the optimal profit of the video site in different cases and find that in free mode, the video site should provide high-definition free video. Through numerical examples, we find that the system parameters determine whether the optimal profit can be obtained by providing paid, free, or hybrid mode.
Limit Cycles Bifurcating from a Family of Reversible Quadratic Centers via Averaging Theory
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Nabavi Arefeh , Mousavi Marzieh
Published: April 2020

Consider the class of reversible quadratic systems [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. These quadratic polynomial differential systems have a center at the point [Formula: see text] and the circle [Formula: see text] is one of the periodic orbits surrounding this center. These systems can be written into the form [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. For all [Formula: see text] we prove that the averaging theory up to seventh order applied to this last system perturbed inside the whole class of quadratic polynomial differential systems can produce at most two limit cycles bifurcating from the periodic orbits surrounding the center (0,0) of that system. Up to now this result was only known for [Formula: see text] (see Li, 2002; Liu, 2012).