bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentrations of canine prostate specific esterase, CPSE, at baseline are associated with the relative size of the prostate at three-year follow-up
Authors: Holst Bodil S. , Carlin Sofia , Fouriez-Lablée Virginie , Hanås Sofia , Ödling Sofie , Langborg Liss-Marie , Ubhayasekera S. J. Kumari A. , Bergquist Jonas , Rydén Jesper , Holmroos Elin , Hansson Kerstin
Published: April 2021

Background

Enlargement of the prostate is associated with prostatic diseases in dogs, and an estimation of prostatic size is a central part in the diagnostic workup. Ultrasonography is often the method of choice, but biomarkers constitute an alternative. Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) shares many characteristics with human prostate specific antigen (PSA) and is related to prostate size. In men with clinical symptoms of prostatic disease, PSA concentrations are related to prostate growth. The aims of the present follow-up study were to evaluate if the concentration of CPSE is associated with future growth of the prostate, and if analysis of a panel of 16 steroids gives further information on prostatic growth. Owners of dogs included in a previous study were 3 years later contacted for a follow-up study that included an interview and a clinical examination. The prostate was examined by ultrasonography. Serum concentrations of CPSE were measured, as was a panel of steroids.

Results

Of the 79 dogs included at baseline, owners of 77 dogs (97%) were reached for an interview, and 22 were available for a follow-up examination. Six of the 79 dogs had clinical signs of prostatic disease at baseline, and eight of the remaining 73 dogs (11%) developed clinical signs between baseline and follow-up, information was lacking for two dogs. Development of clinical signs was significantly more common in dogs with a relative prostate size of ≥2.5 at baseline (n = 20) than in dogs with smaller prostates (n = 51). Serum concentrations of CPSE at baseline were not associated with the change in prostatic size between baseline and follow-up. Serum concentrations of CPSE at baseline and at follow-up were positively associated with the relative prostatic size (Srel) at follow-up. Concentrations of corticosterone (P = 0.024), and the class corticosteroids (P = 0.0035) were positively associated with the difference in Srel between baseline and follow-up.

Conclusions

The results support the use of CPSE for estimating present and future prostatic size in dogs ≥4 years, and the clinical usefulness of prostatic size for predicting development of clinical signs of prostatic disease in the dog. The association between corticosteroids and prostate growth warrants further investigation.
Morphological changes in bitches endometrium affected by cystic endometrial hyperplasia - pyometra complex – the value of histopathological examination
Authors: Woźna-Wysocka Magdalena , Rybska Marta , Błaszak Beata , Jaśkowski Bartłomiej M. , Kulus Magdalena , Jaśkowski Jędrzej M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH-P) is one of the most common uteropathies in bitches. In diseases with mild or obscure clinical signs and normal uterine size, a diagnosis based on a clinical assessment might be incorrect.

The main aim of the research was to determine the morphological variables accompanying uterine diseases in bitches in microscopic evaluation. Consequently, the obtained results can be used to create a new classification system for uterine pathological changes during the development of the CEH-P, diagnosed by microscopic examination in bitches. Material for the study consisted of the uteri of 120 female dogs, aged 1–16 years, obtained during routine ovariohysterectomies. Macroscopic observation after a longitudinal incision of the uterine horns, allowed a preliminary classification of the uteri into research groups: control group (physiological uteri), and groups GI-III uteri collected form bitches with varying degrees of endometrial pathology. These preliminary classifications were then verified by histological analysis (H&E stain).

Results

The obtained results made it possible to determine and describe the prevalence (%) of pathological changes characteristic of the analyzed uterine diseases in the examined bitches. Histopathological analyses that were conducted have confirmed preliminary macroscopic evaluation for the control group, group GII (CEH), and group GIII (pyometra). In the uteri of the GI group, a severe congestion of the endometrium has been observed – this is typical of inflammation – which was not confirmed during histopathological examinations. However, these examinations revealed acute endometrial haemorrhage of varying severity.

Conclusions

Early reproduction disorders in bitches are, in general, not confirmed by clinical signs in the examined animals. The results show that during classification of typical morphological changes in the endometrium over the development of the CEH-P complex in bitches microscopic examinations are required. The obtained results indicate a frequent lack of consistency in the macroscopic assessment and histological analysis of the endometrium, observed in the analyzed uterine diseases, which in most cases is not followed by clinical symptoms. The presented classification of uterine diseases may be useful as a diagnostic tool in reproductive disorders in bitches and in examination in the field of basic research.
Practical application and validation of the 2018 ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT and Fleischner Society guidelines for the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Shih Angela R. , Nitiwarangkul Chayanin , Little Brent P. , Roop Benjamin W. , Nandy Sreyankar , Szabari Margit V. , Mercaldo Nathaniel , Mercaldo Sarah , Montesi Sydney B. , Muniappan Ashok , Berigei Sarita R. , Lynch David A. , Sharma Amita , Hariri Lida P.
Published: April 2021

Background

Accurate diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is essential to inform prognosis and treatment. In 2018, the ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT and Fleischner Society released new diagnostic guidelines for usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP)/IPF, adding Probable UIP as a CT category based on prior studies demonstrating this category had relatively high positive predictive value (PPV) for histopathologic UIP/Probable UIP. This study applies the 2018 ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT and Fleischner Society guidelines to determine test characteristics of CT categories in academic clinical practice.

Methods

CT and histopathology were evaluated by three thoracic radiologists and two thoracic pathologists. Comparison of consensus categorization by the 2018 ATS and Fleischner Society guidelines by CT and histopathology was performed.

Results

Of patients with CT UIP, 87% (PPV, 95% CI: 60–98%) had histopathologic UIP with 97% (CI: 90–100%) specificity. Of patients with CT Probable UIP, 38% (PPV, CI: 14–68%) had histopathologic UIP and 46% (PPV, CI: 19–75%) had either histopathologic UIP or Probable UIP, with 88% (CI: 77–95%) specificity. Patients with CT Indeterminate and Alternative Diagnosis had histopathologic UIP in 27% (PPV, CI: 6–61%) and 21% (PPV, CI: 11–33%) of cases with specificities of 90% (CI: 80–96%) and 25% (CI: 16–37%). Interobserver variability (kappa) between radiologists ranged 0.32–0.81.

Conclusions

CT UIP and Probable UIP have high specificity for histopathologic UIP, and CT UIP has high PPV for histopathologic UIP. PPV of CT Probable UIP was 46% for combined histopathologic UIP/Probable UIP. Our results indicate that additional studies are needed to further assess and refine the guideline criteria to improve classification performance.
Portable NIV for patients with moderate to severe COPD: two randomized crossover trials
Authors: Majorski Daniel Sebastian , Magnet Friederike Sophie , Thilemann Saadia , Schmoor Claudia , Windisch Wolfram , Schwarz Sarah Bettina
Published: April 2021

Background

Long-term non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is as an established treatment option for chronic hypercapnic COPD patients. Beneficial effects have also been shown during exercise, but this is restricted to rehabilitation programs. New portable NIV (pNIV) devices may now enable NIV application during walking at home.

Study design and methods

In two randomized crossover trials, the impact of pNIV on dyspnea and endurance capacity was investigated in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Participants performed a standardized 6-min walking test, with and without pNIV, using a pre-set inspiratory/expiratory positive airway pressure of 18/8 cmH2O. The first study was performed in NIV-naïve patients (Study I), while the second study was performed in those already established on long-term NIV (Study II).

Results

38 patients (66.9 ± 7.4 years, mean FEV1: 30.3 ± 8%pred) and 23 patients (67.6 ± 8.7 years, mean FEV1: 29.8 ± 10.4%pred) participated in Study I and II, respectively. In Study I, the mean difference in the Borg Dyspnea Scale (BDS, primary outcome) score following walking was 3.2 (IQR 2–4) without pNIV, compared to 2.6 (IQR 1–4) with pNIV (ΔBDS 0.65, P = 0.04), while walking distance increased from 311.8 m (95%CI 276.9–346.6 m) to 326.3 m (95%CI 291.5–361.2 m) (P = 0.044) when pNIV was used. Accordingly, in Study II, the mean difference in BDS was 4.4 (IQR 3–6) without pNIV, compared to 4.5 (IQR 3–6) with pNIV (ΔBDS 0.09, P = 0.54), while walking distance decreased from 291.5 m (95%CI 246.1–336.9 m) to 258.4 m (95%CI 213–303.8 m) (P ≤ 0.001).

Interpretation

The use of a pNIV device during walking can improve dyspnea and walking distance in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Patients who do not already receive long-term NIV therapy are more likely to benefit compared to those undergoing long-term NIV. Careful patient selection is mandatory.

Clinical Trial Register: DRKS00013203; DRKS00012913 registered October 20th 2017 and October 16th 2017; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/
The role of RNA m6A methylation in the regulation of postnatal hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Xu Xuefeng , Zhang Ziming , Yan Lingling , Zhang Liyan , Du Lizhong
Published: April 2021

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex pulmonary vascular disease characterized by an imbalance in vasoconstrictor/vasodilator signaling within the pulmonary vasculature. Recent evidence suggests that exposure to hypoxia early in life can cause alterations in the pulmonary vasculature and lead to the development of PH. However, the long-term impact of postnatal hypoxia on lung development and pulmonary function remains unknown. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulates gene expression and governs many important biological processes. However, the function of m6A in the development of PH remains poorly characterized. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to test the two-fold hypothesis that (1) postnatal exposure to hypoxia would alter lung development leading to PH in adult rats, and (2) m6A modification would change in rats exposed to hypoxia, suggesting it plays a role in the development of PH.

Methods

Twenty-four male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to a hypoxic environment (FiO2: 12%) within 24 h after birth for 2 weeks. PH was defined as an increased right ventricular pressure (RVP) and pathologic changes of pulmonary vasculature measured by α-SMA immunohistochemical staining. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) was performed to analyze m6A modification changes in lung tissue in 2- and 9-week-old rats that were exposed to postnatal hypoxia.

Results

Mean pulmonary arterial pressure, lung/body weight ratio, and the Fulton index was significantly greater in rats exposed to hypoxia when compared to control and the difference persisted into adulthood. m6A methyltransferase and demethylase proteins were significantly downregulated in postnatal hypoxia-induced PH. Distinct m6A modification peak-related genes differed between the two groups, and these genes were associated with lung development.

Conclusions

Our results indicate postnatal hypoxia can cause PH, which can persist into adulthood. The development and persistence of PH may be because of the continuous low expression of methyltransferase like 3 affecting the m6A level of PH-related genes. Our findings provide new insights into the impact of postnatal hypoxia and the role of m6A in the development of pulmonary vascular pathophysiology.
The VIM-AS1/miR-655/ZEB1 axis modulates bladder cancer cell metastasis by regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Xiong Yaoyao , Zu Xiongbing , Wang Long , Li Yuan , Chen Minfeng , He Wei , Qi Lin
Published: April 2021

Background

Invasive bladder tumors cause a worse prognosis in patients and remain a clinical challenge. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with bladder cancer metastasis. In the present research, we attempted to demonstrate a novel mechanism by which a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-miRNA-mRNA axis regulates EMT and metastasis in bladder cancer.

Methods

Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was used to detect Vimentin expression. The protein expression of ZEB1, Vimentin, E-cadherin, and Snail was investigated by using immunoblotting assays. Transwell assays were performed to detect the invasive capacity of bladder cancer cells. A wound healing assay was used to measure the migratory capacity of bladder cancer cells.

Results

Herein, we identified lncRNA VIM-AS1 as a highly- expressed lncRNA in bladder cancer, especially in metastatic bladder cancer tissues and high-metastatic bladder cancer cell lines. By acting as a ceRNA for miR-655, VIM-AS1 competed with ZEB1 for miR-655 binding, therefore eliminating the miR-655-mediated suppression of ZEB1, finally promoting EMT in both high- and low-metastatic bladder cancer cells and enhancing cancer cell metastasis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the VIM-AS1/miR-655/ZEB1 axis might be a promising target for improving bladder cancer metastasis via an EMT-related mechanism.
LINC01783 facilitates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting miR-432-5p to activate the notch pathway
Authors: Deng Yanchao , Zhang Liwei , Luo Ruiying
Published: April 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common malignancy around the globe. Increasing long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been confirmed to be associated with the progression of cancers, including NSCLC. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1783 (LINC01783) is a novel lncRNA and its regulatory function as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) has not been studied in NSCLC.

Methods

RT-qPCR measured the expression level of LINC01783 in NSCLC cells. CCK-8, EdU, transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to detect cell proliferation, migration and invasion in NSCLC. The relationship between miR-432-5p and LINC01783 along with delta like 1 (DLL-1) was illustrated by RNA pull down, RIP and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

LINC01783 was found remarkably increased in NSCLC cell lines, and down-regulation of LINC01783 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Then, we discovered Notch pathway was related to the progression of NSCLC, and DLL-1 expression was reduced by LINC01783 knockdown. Furthermore, DLL-1 overexpression could counteract the suppressive effects of LINC01783 down-regulation on the growth of NSCLC cells. MiR-432-5p was observed to be the mutual miRNA that could bind with both LINC01783 and DLL-1. Overexpression of miR-432-5p inhibited DLL-1 expression. In the rescue assays, miR-432-5p depletion offset the impacts of LINC01783 knockdown, and then DLL-1 silence recovered the influence of miR-432-5p down-regulation on NSCLC cell growth.

Conclusion

LINC01783 aggravates NSCLC cell growth by regulating Notch pathway and sponging miR-432-5p, being a potential target in the treatment for NSCLC.
Minocycline attenuation of rat corpus callosum abnormality mediated by low-dose lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia activation
Authors: Zhang Jingdong , Boska Michael , Zheng Ya , Liu Jianuo , Fox Howard S. , Xiong Huangui
Published: April 2021

Background

Microglia are resident innate immune cells in the brain, and activation of these myeloid cells results in secretion of a variety of pro-inflammatory molecules, leading to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a widely used experimental stimulant in microglia activation. We have previously shown that LPS produced microglia activation and evoked detectable functional abnormalities in rat corpus callosum (CC) in vitro. Here, we further validated the effects of low-dose LPS-induced microglia activation and resultant white matter abnormality in the CC in an animal model and examined its attenuation by an anti-inflammatory agent minocycline.

Methods

Twenty-four SD rats were divided randomly into three groups and intra-peritoneally injected daily with saline, LPS, and LPS + minocycline, respectively. All animals were subject to MRI tests 6 days post-injection. The animals were then sacrificed to harvest the CC tissues for electrophysiology, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-test of all pair of columns was employed statistical analyses.

Results

Systemic administration of LPS produced microglial activation in the CC as illustrated by Iba-1 immunofluorescent staining. We observed that a large number of Iba-1-positive microglial cells were hyper-ramified with hypertrophic somata or even amoeba like in the LPS-treated animals, and such changes were significantly reduced by co-administration of minocycline. Electrophysiological recordings of axonal compound action potential (CAP) in the brain slices contained the CC revealed an impairment on the CC functionality as detected by a reduction in CAP magnitude. Such an impairment was supported by a reduction of fast axonal transportation evidenced by β-amyloid precursor protein accumulation. These alterations were attenuated by minocycline, demonstrating minocycline reduction of microglia-mediated interruption of white matter integrity and function in the CC.

Conclusions

Systemic administration of LPS produced microglia activation in the CC and resultant functional abnormalities that were attenuated by an anti-inflammatory agent minocycline.
Impact of strategic use of antiretroviral therapy intervention to the HIV continuum of care in 13 cities in Indonesia: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Tarigan Yane N. , Woodman Richard J. , Miller Emma R. , Wisaksana Rudi , Ward Paul R.
Published: April 2021

Background

In 2013 the Indonesian government introduced the strategic use of antiretroviral therapy (SUFA) initiative of expanding access to HIV test and treatment, to help achieve the UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets. However, there has been no comprehensive evaluation of the impact of this intervention in Indonesia. We conducted an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis across 6-years to assess its immediate and medium-term impact.

Methods

Monthly aggregated HIV data from all HIV care clinics for persons aged ≥ 15 years were collected from 13 pilot cities. The data period encompassed 3-years prior to SUFA (26 Dec 2010–25 Dec 2013) and 3-years post-SUFA (26 Dec 2013–25 Dec 2016). The ITS was performed using a multilevel negative binomial regression model to assess the immediate and trend changes in each stage of the HIV continuum of care.

Results

In the pre-SUFA period, the overall coverage in the respective risk populations for HIV tests, cases, enrolments, eligible cases and ARV initiation were 1.0%, 8.6%, 98.9%, 76.9% and 75.8% respectively. In the post-SUFA period coverage was 3%, 3.8%, 98.6%, 90.3% and 81.2% respectively—with a significant increase in the median number of HIV tests, HIV cases, those eligible for ARV treatment and treatment initiation (p < 0.05 for each). The ITS analysis demonstrated immediate increases in HIV tests (IRR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.25, 1.59; p < 0.001) and an immediate decrease in detected HIV cases per person tested (IRR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.69–0.86; p < 0.001) in the month following commencement of SUFA. There was also a 3% decline in the monthly trend for HIV tests performed (IRR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.97–0.98, p < 0.001), a 1% increase for detected cases (IRR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.0–1.02, p < 0.001), and a 1% decline for treatment initiation (IRR = 0.99,95% CI 0.99–1.0 p < 0.05).

Conclusions

SUFA was associated with an immediate and sustained increase in the absolute number of HIV tests performed, detected HIV cases, and close to complete coverage of detected cases that were enrolled to care and defined as eligible for treatment. However, treatment initiation remained sub-optimal. The findings of this study provide valuable information on the real-world effect of accelerating ARV utilizing Treatment as Prevention for the full HIV continuum of care in limited resource countries.
Functional morphology of immature mating in a widow spider
Authors: Sentenská Lenka , Neumann Aileen , Lubin Yael , Uhl Gabriele
Published: April 2021

Background

Mating generally occurs after individuals reach adulthood. In many arthropods including spiders, the adult stage is marked by a final moult after which the genitalia are fully developed and functional. In several widow spider species (genus Latrodectus), however, immature females may mate a few days before they moult to adulthood, i.e. in their late-subadult stage. While the “adult” mating typically results in cannibalism, males survive the “immature” mating. During both “immature” and “adult” matings, males leave parts of their paired copulatory organs within female genitalia, which may act as mating plugs. To study potential costs and benefits of the two mating tactics, we investigated female genital morphology of the brown widow spider, L. geometricus. Light microscopy, histology and micro-computed tomography of early-subadult, late-subadult and adult females were conducted to determine the overall pattern of genital maturation. We compared genitalia of mated late-subadult and adult females to reveal potential differences in the genitalic details that might indicate differential success in sperm transfer and different environments for sperm storage and sperm competition.

Results

We found that the paired sperm storage organs (spermathecae) and copulatory ducts are developed already in late-subadult females and host sperm after immature mating. However, the thickness of the spermathecal cuticle and the staining of the secretions inside differ significantly between the late-subadult and adult females. In late-subadult females mating plugs were found with higher probability in both spermathecae compared to adult females.

Conclusions

Sperm transfer in matings with late-subadult females follows the same route as in matings with adult females. The observed differences in the secretions inside the spermathecae of adult and late-subadult females likely reflect different storage conditions for the transferred sperm which may lead to a disadvantage under sperm competition if the subadult female later re-mates with another male. However, since males mating with late-subadult females typically transfer sperm to both spermathecae they might benefit from numerical sperm competition as well as from monopolizing access to the female sperm storage organs. The assessment of re-mating probability and relative paternity will clarify the costs and benefits of the two mating tactics in light of these findings.
Development of the caudal-fin skeleton reveals multiple convergent fusions within Atherinomorpha
Authors: Thieme Philipp , Warth Peter , Moritz Timo
Published: April 2021

Background

The caudal fin of teleosts is a highly diverse morphological structure and a valuable source of information for comparative analyses. Within the Atherinomorpha a high variation of conditions of the caudal-fin skeleton can be found. These range from complex but basal configurations to simple yet derived configurations. When comparing atherinomorph taxa, it is often difficult to decide on the homology of skeletal elements if only considering adult specimens. However, observing the development of caudal-fin skeletons allows one to evaluate complex structures, reveal homologies and developmental patterns, and even reconstruct the grundplan of the examined taxa.

Results

We studied the development of the caudal-fin skeleton in different atheriniform, beloniform and cyprinodontiform species using cleared and stained specimens. Subsequently we compared the development to find similarities and differences in terms of 1) which structures are formed and 2) which structures fuse during ontogeny. For many structures, i.e., the parhypural, the epural(s), the haemal and neural spines of the preural centra and the uroneural, there were either no or only minor differences visible between the three taxa. However, the development of the hypurals revealed a high variation of fusions within different taxa that partly occurred independently in atheriniforms, beloniforms and cyprinodontiforms. Moreover, comparing the development of the ural centra exposed two ways of formation of the compound centrum: 1) in atheriniforms and the beloniformsOryziasandHyporhamphus limbatustwo ural centra develop and fuse during ontogeny while 2) in cyprinodontiforms and Exocoetidae (Beloniformes) only a single ural centrum is formed during ontogeny.

Conclusions

We were able to reconstruct the grundplan of the developmental pattern of the caudal-fin skeleton of the Atheriniformes, Beloniformes and Cyprinodontiformes as well as their last common ancestors. We found two developmental modes of the compound centrum within the Atherinomorpha, i.e., the fusion of two developing ural centra in atheriniforms and beloniforms and the development of only one ural centrum in cyprinodontiforms. Further differences and similarities for the examined taxa are discussed, resulting in the hypothesis that the caudal-fin development of a last common ancestor to all atherinomorphs is very much similar to that of extant atheriniforms.
Analyzing efforts to synergize the global health agenda of universal health coverage, health security and health promotion: a case-study from Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Amare Worku , Gurmu Kassu Ketema , Kebede Selamawit Tesfaye , Habtemariam Mahlet Kifle
Published: April 2021

Background

Evidence exists about synergies among universal health coverage, health security and health promotion. Uniting these three global agendas has brought success to the country’s health sector. This study aimed to document the efforts Ethiopia has made to apply nationally synergistic approaches uniting these three global health agendas. Our study is part of the Lancet Commission on synergies between these global agendas.

Methods

We employed a case study design to describe the synergistic process in the Ethiopian health system based on a review of national strategies and policy documents, and key informant interviews with current and former policymakers, and academics. We analyzed the “hardware” (using the World Health Organization’s building blocks) and the “software” (ideas, interests, and power relations) of the Ethiopian health system according to the aforementioned three global agendas.

Results

Fragmentation of health system primarily manifested as inequities in access to health services, low health workforce and limited capacity to implementation guidelines. Donor driven vertical programs, multiple modalities of health financing, and inadequate multisectoral collaborations were also found to be key features of fragmentation. Several approaches were found to be instrumental in fostering synergies within the global health agenda. These included strong political and technical leadership within the government, transparent coordination, and engagement of stakeholders in the process of priority setting and annual resource mapping. Furthermore, harmonization and alignment of the national strategic plan with international commitments, joint financial arrangements with stakeholders and standing partnership platforms facilitated efforts for synergy.

Conclusions

Ethiopia has implemented multiple approaches to overcome fragmentation. Such synergistic efforts of the primary global health agendas have made significant contributions to the improvement of the country’s health indicators and may promote sustained functionality of the health system.
HANDY: a device for assessing resistance to mechanical crushing of maize kernel
Authors: Su Yuan , Xu Yang , Cui Tao , Gao Xiaojun , Xia Guoyi , Li Yibo , Qiao Mengmeng , Yu Yingbo
Published: April 2021

Background

How to control the physical damage during maize kernel harvesting is a major problem for both mechanical designers and plant breeders. A limitation of addressing this problem is lacking a reliable method for assessing the relation between kernel damage susceptibility and threshing quality. The design, construction, and testing of a portable tool called “HANDY”, which can assess the resistance to mechanical crushing in maize kernel. HANDY can impact the kernel with a special accelerator at a given rotating speed and then cause measurable damage to the kernel. These factors are varied to determine the ideal parameters for operating the HANDY.

Results

Breakage index (BI, target index of HANDY), decreased as the moisture content of kernel increased or the rotating speed decreased within the tested range. Furthermore, the HANDY exhibited a greater sensitivity in testing kernels at higher moisture level influence on the susceptibility of damage kernel than that in Breakage Susceptibility tests, particularly when the centrifugation speed is about 1800 r/min and the centrifugal disc type is curved. Considering that the mechanical properties of kernels vary greatly as the moisture content changes, a subsection linear (average goodness of fit is 0.9) to predict the threshing quality is built by piecewise function analysis, which is divided by kernel moisture. Specifically, threshing quality is regarded as a function of the measured result of the HANDY. Five maize cultivars are identified with higher damage resistance among 21 tested candidate varieties.

Conclusions

The HANDY provides a quantitative assessment of the mechanical crushing resistance of maize kernel. The BI is demonstrated to be a more robust index than breakage susceptibility (BS) when evaluating threshing quality in harvesting in terms of both reliability and accuracy. This study also offers a new perspective for evaluating the mechanical crushing resistance of grains and provides technical support for breeding and screening maize varieties that are suitable for mechanical harvesting.
PredCRG: A computational method for recognition of plant circadian genes by employing support vector machine with Laplace kernel
Authors: Meher Prabina Kumar , Mohapatra Ansuman , Satpathy Subhrajit , Sharma Anuj , Saini Isha , Pradhan Sukanta Kumar , Rai Anil
Published: April 2021

Background

Circadian rhythms regulate several physiological and developmental processes of plants. Hence, the identification of genes with the underlying circadian rhythmic features is pivotal. Though computational methods have been developed for the identification of circadian genes, all these methods are based on gene expression datasets. In other words, we failed to search any sequence-based model, and that motivated us to deploy the present computational method to identify the proteins encoded by the circadian genes.

Results

Support vector machine (SVM) with seven kernels, i.e., linear, polynomial, radial, sigmoid, hyperbolic, Bessel and Laplace was utilized for prediction by employing compositional, transitional and physico-chemical features. Higher accuracy of 62.48% was achieved with the Laplace kernel, following the fivefold cross- validation approach. The developed model further secured 62.96% accuracy with an independent dataset. The SVM also outperformed other state-of-art machine learning algorithms, i.e., Random Forest, Bagging, AdaBoost, XGBoost and LASSO. We also performed proteome-wide identification of circadian proteins in two cereal crops namely,Oryza sativaandSorghum bicolor, followed by the functional annotation of the predicted circadian proteins with Gene Ontology (GO) terms.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first computational method to identify the circadian genes with the sequence data. Based on the proposed method, we have developed an R-package PredCRG (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/PredCRG/index.html) for the scientific community for proteome-wide identification of circadian genes. The present study supplements the existing computational methods as well as wet-lab experiments for the recognition of circadian genes.
Drug dealing and drug use prevention – a qualitative interview study of authorities’ perspectives on two open drug scenes in Stockholm
Authors: Feltmann Kristin , Gripenberg Johanna , Strandberg Anna K. , Elgán Tobias H. , Kvillemo Pia
Published: April 2021

Background

The use of illicit substances causes various health and social problems globally. Moreover, open drug use and dealing in urban areas, i.e., open drug scenes, can cause public order problems, lead to the recruitment of marginalized and young people for drug use or sale, and induce feelings of insecurity in the general public. Although some international studies have described various ways to manage open drug scenes, such as law enforcement and social interventions, there is limited knowledge about the facilitators and barriers promoting or impeding the implementation of such interventions. The aim of the current study was to explore how different authorities describe the nature of two open drug scenes in Stockholm and to derive authorities’ perspective on facilitators and barriers to implementing interventions to reduce open drug dealing, drug use, and related problems at these locations.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with police officers, security staff, social workers, and municipality officials (n = 21) in the municipality of Stockholm were conducted and analyzed by qualitative content analysis.

Results

The analysis of the interviews generated the following categories: Problems, Interventions, Organizational factors, and External factors, revealing information about the strategic and daily counteracting work occurring at the open drug scenes as well as authorities’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers to implementing interventions to reduce open drug dealing, drug use, and related problems. Facilitators included motivated and skilled professionals and organized collaboration between key actors. Prominent barriers were a lack of resources to maintain personnel continuity at the scenes, policies that impede information sharing and put security staff in danger, and people who use or sell drugs without having residence permits.

Conclusions

To increase the possibility of successful implementation of interventions to counteract open drug dealing, politicians and authorities should pay attention to collaboration between key actors, sufficient resource allocation, possible modification of policy governing professional duties, and remedies to the vulnerability of individuals without residence permits.
Results of the CHlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing implementation intervention to improve evidence-based nursing practices for prevention of central line associated bloodstream infections Study (CHanGing BathS): a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Reynolds Staci S. , Woltz Patricia , Keating Edward , Neff Janice , Elliott Jennifer , Hatch Daniel , Yang Qing , Granger Bradi B.
Published: April 2021

Background

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in approximately 28,000 deaths and approximately $2.3 billion in added costs to the U.S. healthcare system each year, and yet, many of these infections are preventable. At two large health systems in the southeast United States, CLABSIs continue to be an area of opportunity. Despite strong evidence for interventions to prevent CLABSI and reduce associated patient harm, such as use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing, the adoption of these interventions in practice is poor.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of a tailored, multifaceted implementation program on nursing staff’s compliance with the CHG bathing process and electronic health record (EHR) documentation in critically ill patients. The secondary objectives were to examine the (1) moderating effect of unit characteristics and cultural context, (2) intervention effect on nursing staff’s knowledge and perceptions of CHG bathing, and (3) intervention effect on CLABSI rates.

Methods

A stepped wedged cluster-randomized design was used with units clustered into 4 sequences; each sequence consecutively began the intervention over the course of 4 months. The Grol and Wensing Model of Implementation helped guide selection of the implementation strategies, which included educational outreach visits and audit and feedback. Compliance with the appropriate CHG bathing process and daily CHG bathing documentation were assessed. Outcomes were assessed 12 months after the intervention to assess for sustainability.

Results

Among the 14 clinical units participating, 8 were in a university hospital setting and 6 were in community hospital settings. CHG bathing process compliance and nursing staff’s knowledge and perceptions of CHG bathing significantly improved after the intervention (p = .009, p = .002, and p = .01, respectively). CHG bathing documentation compliance and CLABSI rates did not significantly improve; however, there was a clinically significant 27.4% decrease in CLABSI rates.

Conclusions

Using educational outreach visits and audit and feedback implementation strategies can improve adoption of evidence-based CHG bathing practices.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03898115, Registered 28 March 2019.
5335 days of Implementation Science: using natural language processing to examine publication trends and topics
Authors: Scaccia Jonathan P. , Scott Victoria C.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Moving evidence-based practices into the hands of practitioners requires the synthesis and translation of research literature. However, the growing pace of scientific publications across disciplines makes it increasingly difficult to stay abreast of research literature. Natural language processing (NLP) methods are emerging as a valuable strategy for conducting content analyses of academic literature. We sought to apply NLP to identify publication trends in the journal Implementation Science, including key topic clusters and the distribution of topics over time. A parallel study objective was to demonstrate how NLP can be used in research synthesis.

Methods

We examined 1711 Implementation Science abstracts published from February 22, 2006, to October 1, 2020. We retrieved the study data using PubMed’s Application Programming Interface (API) to assemble a database. Following standard preprocessing steps, we use topic modeling with Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) to cluster the abstracts following a minimization algorithm.

Results

We examined 30 topics and computed topic model statistics of quality. Analyses revealed that published articles largely reflect (i) characteristics of research, or (ii) domains of practice. Emergent topic clusters encompassed key terms both salient and common to implementation science. HIV and stroke represent the most commonly published clinical areas. Systematic reviews have grown in topic prominence and coherence, whereas articles pertaining to knowledge translation (KT) have dropped in prominence since 2013. Articles on HIV and implementation effectiveness have increased in topic exclusivity over time.

Discussion

We demonstrated how NLP can be used as a synthesis and translation method to identify trends and topics across a large number of (over 1700) articles. With applicability to a variety of research domains, NLP is a promising approach to accelerate the dissemination and uptake of research literature. For future research in implementation science, we encourage the inclusion of more equity-focused studies to expand the impact of implementation science on disadvantaged communities.
Overweight in Swedish show dogs–prevalence and association with performance in competition
Authors: Lindåse Sanna , Feltenmark Tilda , Krantz Malin , Söder Josefin
Published: April 2021

Background

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in companion dogs, but little is known of these conditions in show dogs. This study assessed body condition score (BCS) of show dogs of six selected popular breeds at a major Swedish dog show event and examined the association between BCS and performance in competition.

Results

At one of Sweden’s largest dog shows, BCS of 120 dogs of six different breeds was assessed by trained animal healthcare personnel, using a 9-point BCS scale with conditional cut-off for overweight set to BCS ≥ 6. Prevalence of overweight in the cohort was 32% but all overweight dogs except one displayed only slight overweight (BCS 6) and no dog was assessed as obese (BCS 8–9). Prevalence of overweight differed significantly between breeds (P < 0.0001) with Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers and French bulldogs showing the highest mean BCS (5.6–5.7) and highest prevalence of overweight (50–67%). Lean and overweight dogs received awards and higher show awards (certificates) to the same extent, and no significant association between slight overweight and performance in competition was found.

Conclusions

Prevalence of overweight in Swedish show dogs was relatively high and in the same range as in the Swedish dog population as a whole. Dog owners, breeders and judges should be made aware of canine obesity problems and trained in BCS assessment, to better prevent canine overweight and associated health risks. This is particularly important for retriever and brachycephalic breeds, which showed high prevalence of slight overweight and have breed-specific health problems exacerbated by overweight. Owners and breeders of traditionally sturdy dog breeds should be informed that overweight dogs do not outperform lean dogs in competition.
Investigating the effects of substrate morphology and experimental conditions on the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass through modeling
Authors: Rohrbach Jessica C. , Luterbacher Jeremy S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Understanding how the digestibility of lignocellulosic biomass is affected by its morphology is essential to design efficient processes for biomass deconstruction. In this study, we used a model based on a set of partial differential equations describing the evolution of the substrate morphology to investigate the interplay between experimental conditions and the physical characteristics of biomass particles as the reaction proceeds. Our model carefully considers the overall quantity of cellulase present in the hydrolysis mixture and explores its interplay with the available accessible cellulose surface.

Results

Exploring the effect of various experimental and structural parameters highlighted the significant role of internal mass transfer as the substrate size increases and/or the enzyme loading decreases. In such cases, diffusion of cellulases to the available cellulose surface limits the rate of glucose release. We notably see that increasing biomass loading, while keeping enzyme loading constant should be favored for both small- (R < 300 $$\mu m$$

μ
m

) and middle-ranged (300 < R < 1000 $$\mu m$$

μ
m

) substrates to enhance enzyme diffusion while minimizing the use of enzymes. In such cases, working at enzyme loadings exceeding the full coverage of the cellulose surface (i.e. eI>1) does not bring a significant benefit. For larger particles (R > 1000 $$\mu m$$

μ
m

), increases in biomass loading do not offset the significant internal mass transfer limitations, but high enzyme loadings improve enzyme penetration by maintaining a high concentration gradient within the particle. We also confirm the well-known importance of cellulose accessibility, which increases with pretreatment.

Conclusions

Based on the developed model, we are able to propose several design criteria for deconstruction process. Importantly, we highlight the crucial role of adjusting the enzyme and biomass loading to the wood particle size and accessible cellulose surface to maintain a strong concentration gradient, while avoiding unnecessary excess in cellulase loading. Theory-based approaches that explicitly consider the entire lignocellulose particle structure can be used to clearly identify the relative importance of bottlenecks during the biomass deconstruction process, and serve as a framework to build on more detailed cellulase mechanisms.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes correlates with the presence of atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease
Authors: Gao Lu , Zhao Wei , Yang Jin-Kui , Qin Ming-Zhao
Published: April 2021

Background

Atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As most diabetic patients with ASCVD are asymptomatic, it is most neglected in clinical practice. For this reason, identifying high-risk ASCVD population with intensified treatment is very important. In recent years, the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and ASCVD has caused much academic concern, but the results are inconsistent. Moreover, whether all grades of DR increase the risk of ASCVD remains controversial. Most importantly, very few data can be found in China.

Objective

Our aim is to discuss whether all grades of DR increase the risk of ASCVD after adjustment for the traditional cardiovascular risk factors and to assess the independent contribution of DR to cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM, hoping to provide more evidence for early identification of ASCVD.

Research design and methods

A total of 425 T2DM patients with complete physical and biochemical data were included in the study. The grade of DR was assessed with two 45 color digital retinal images. Based on the presence of history of ASCVD, 425 T2DM patients were divided into 2 groups: ASCVD group and non-ASCVD group.

Results

ASCVD patients were older and had a significantly higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and proportion of history of ASCVD. At the same time, they were more likely to be females, and had lower level of alcohol and calculated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than non-ASCVD patients. Their trend to develop DR with ASCVD was significantly higher than patients with non-ASCVD (χ2 = 5.805, P  = 0.016). DR was an independent statistical indicator of the presence of ASCVD [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 2.321 (1.152–4.678), P = 0.018]. Furthermore, when DR was divided into non-proliferative retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative retinopathy (PDR) according to its severity, only PDR was significantly associated with incident ASCVD [OR (95% CI): 8.333 (1.813–38.304), P = 0.006]. After adjusting for traditional ASCVD risk factors, such an association still existed [OR (95% CI): 7.466 (1.355–41.137), P = 0.021].

Conclusion

DR associates strongly with ASCVD in the Chinese population with T2DM. With the increasing severity of DR, the risk of ASCVD also increases. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, PDR is still an independent risk marker for ASCVD.