bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Virtual Reality Dance Training Program on Kyphosis Angle and Respiratory Parameters in Young Women With Postural Hyperkyphosis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Taslimipour Sahba , Rojhani-Shirazi Zahra , Hemmati Ladan , Rezaei Iman
Published: May 2020

Context: Thoracic hyperkyphosis, one of the most common spinal deformities, may lead to undesirable pulmonary outcomes. Objective: To study, the efficacy of virtual reality exercise training on thoracic hyperkyphosis and respiratory parameters in young women. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Laboratory setting. Participants and Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two 4-week exercise training groups: regular training (RT), which involved stretch and strength training, or virtual reality with RT (VRRT), which involved dance training with the Xbox 360 Kinect® game in addition to the exercises, which the RT group received. Main Outcome Measures: The authors measured kyphosis angle with a Flexicurve ruler and recorded respiratory parameters (forced vital capacity [FVC] and forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]) with a spirometer in each participant at baseline and postintervention. Separate 2 × 2 repeated-measure analysis of variances were used to analyze differences between means for kyphosis angle, FEV1, and FVC. Based on the significant interactions between time and group, the paired t test was used to compare the results at baseline and postintervention, and the independent sample t test was used to compare the differences in changes between groups. Level of significance was considered at P < .05 except for paired t test that was adjusted to P < .025 for each variable in 2 groups. Results: The results showed statistically significant interactions between time and group for kyphosis angle, FEV1, and FVC. Postintervention thoracic kyphosis angle decreased and FVC increased significantly in both groups and FEV1 improved significantly in virtual reality with RT group. The improvements in thoracic kyphosis, FVC, and FEV1 in the virtual reality with RT group were significantly greater (P < .001) than in the RT group. Conclusion: Dance training with the Xbox 360 Kinect game was an effective therapy in improving thoracic kyphosis angle, FVC, and FEV1 in young women with thoracic hyperkyphosis.
Pathological processes in aqueous humor due to iris atrophy predispose to early corneal graft failure in humans and mice
Authors: Yamaguchi Takefumi , Higa Kazunari , Yagi-Yaguchi Yukari , Ueda Koji , Noma Hisashi , Shibata Shinsuke , Nagai Toshihiro , Tomida Daisuke , Yasu-Mimura Ririko , Ibrahim Osama , Matoba Ryo , Tsubota Kazuo , Hamrah Pedram , Yamada Jun , Kanekura Kohsuke , Shimazaki Jun
Published: May 2020

Pathological aqueous humor associated with iris atrophy leads to loss of corneal endothelial cells and corneal graft failure.
Dioxygen dissociation over man-made system at room temperature to form the active α-oxygen for methane oxidation
Authors: Tabor Edyta , Dedecek Jiri , Mlekodaj Kinga , Sobalik Zdenek , Andrikopoulos Prokopis C. , Sklenak Stepan
Published: May 2020

Highly active and stable inorganic material for dissociation of dioxygen and methane oxidation to methanol was developed.
Antigen-stimulated PBMC transcriptional protective signatures for malaria immunization
Authors: Moncunill Gemma , Scholzen Anja , Mpina Maximillian , Nhabomba Augusto , Hounkpatin Aurore Bouyoukou , Osaba Lourdes , Valls Raquel , Campo Joseph J. , Sanz Hèctor , Jairoce Chenjerai , Williams Nana Aba , Pasini Erica M. , Arteta David , Maynou Joan , Palacios Lourdes , Duran-Frigola Miquel , Aponte John J. , Kocken Clemens H. M. , Agnandji Selidji Todagbe , Mas José Manuel , Mordmüller Benjamin , Daubenberger Claudia , Sauerwein Robert , Dobaño Carlota
Published: May 2020

Transcriptomic signatures before and after immunization predict protection against malaria induced by sporozoite and RTS,S/AS01E immunization.
Single-cell transcriptional landscapes reveal HIV-1–driven aberrant host gene transcription as a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Liu Runxia , Yeh Yang-Hui Jimmy , Varabyou Ales , Collora Jack A. , Sherrill-Mix Scott , Talbot C. Conover , Mehta Sameet , Albrecht Kristen , Hao Haiping , Zhang Hao , Pollack Ross A. , Beg Subul A. , Calvi Rachela M. , Hu Jianfei , Durand Christine M. , Ambinder Richard F. , Hoh Rebecca , Deeks Steven G. , Chiarella Jennifer , Spudich Serena , Douek Daniel C. , Bushman Frederic D. , Pertea Mihaela , Ho Ya-Chi
Published: May 2020

Single-cell transcriptome analysis by HIV-1 SortSeq identifies HIV-1–driven aberrant host gene transcription as a mechanism of HIV-1 persistence.
COVID-19 and cancer: The bad and the ugly
Authors: Ileana-Dumbrava Ecaterina
Published: May 2020

Patients with cancer are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection with higher risk of severe symptoms and death.
ABC Transporter DerAB of Lactobacillus casei Mediates Resistance against Insect-Derived Defensins
Authors: Revilla-Guarinos Ainhoa , Zhang Qian , Loderer Christoph , Alcántara Cristina , Müller Ariane , Rahnamaeian Mohammad , Vilcinskas Andreas , Gebhard Susanne , Zúñiga Manuel , Mascher Thorsten
Published: May 2020

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role in suppressing the growth of microorganisms. They can be produced by bacteria themselves—to inhibit competitors—but are also widely distributed in higher eukaryotes, including insects and mammals, where they form an important component of innate immunity. In low-GC-content Gram-positive bacteria, BceAB-like transporters play a crucial role in AMP resistance but have so far been primarily associated with interbacterial competition. Here, we show that the orphan transporter DerAB from the lactic acid bacterium
Lactobacillus casei
is crucial for high-level resistance against insect-derived AMPs. It therefore represents an important mechanism for interkingdom defense. Furthermore, our results support a signaling interference from DerAB on the PsdRSAB module that might prevent the activation of a full nisin response. The Bce modules from
L. casei
BL23 illustrate a biological paradox in which the intrinsic nisin detoxification potential only arises in the absence of a defensin-specific ABC transporter.
Therapeutic Efficacy and Resistance Selection of a Lipopeptide Fusion Inhibitor in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Yu Danwei , Xue Jing , Wei Huamian , Cong Zhe , Chen Ting , Zhu Yuanmei , Chong Huihui , Wei Qiang , Qin Chuan , He Yuxian
Published: May 2020

The anti-HIV peptide drug T20 (enfuvirtide) is the only membrane fusion inhibitor available for treatment of viral infection; however, it exhibits relatively weak antiviral activity, short half-life, and a low genetic barrier to inducing drug resistance. Design of lipopeptide-based fusion inhibitors with extremely potent and broad antiviral activities against divergent HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV isolates have provided drug candidates for clinical development. Here, we have verified a high therapeutic efficacy for the lipopeptide LP-52 in SIVmac239-infected rhesus monkeys. The resistance mutations selected
in vivo
have also been characterized, providing insights into the mechanism of action of newly designed fusion inhibitors with a membrane-anchoring property. For the first time, the data show that HIV-1 and SIV can share a similar genetic pathway to develop resistance, and that a lipopeptide fusion inhibitor could have a same resistance profile as its template peptide.
Complete Genome Sequences of Six Lactobacillus iners Strains Isolated from the Human Vagina
Authors: France Michael T. , Rutt Lindsay , Narina Shilpa , Arbaugh Sarah , McComb Elias , Humphrys Mike S. , Ma Bing , Hayward Matthew R. , Costello Elizabeth K. , Relman David A. , Kwon Douglas S. , Ravel Jacques
Published: May 2020

Lactobacillus iners
is a common member of the human vaginal microbiota, with a genome size smaller than that of other lactobacilli. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of six
L. iners
strains isolated from different vaginal swab specimens. Three strains were found to harbor ∼100-kbp plasmids, which were not known previously.
Draft Genome Sequence of Antibiotic-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Strain UMB0843, Isolated from the Female Urinary Tract
Authors: Purta Natalia , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Voukadinova Adelina , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

Here, we introduce the 2.8-Mbp draft genome of
Enterococcus faecalis
strain UMB0843, isolated from the female urinary tract.
E. faecalis
is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, and many strains are often resistant to multiple antibiotics. We focus our genome analysis on the multiple genes involved in antibiotic resistance in this strain.
Acute kidney injury following intravenous acyclovir in children
Authors: Sandery Blake J , Erlich Jonathan H , Kennedy Sean E
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children receiving intravenous acyclovir and determine risk factors that may be associated with it.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study, conducted by chart review.

Setting

The study was conducted across two paediatric hospitals.

Patients

All inpatients that received intravenous acyclovir in records from January 2015 to December 2015 were reviewed. Only patients with creatinine measurements taken before and after starting acyclovir were included in the study.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measure was the development of AKI following intravenous acyclovir administration, with AKI defined according to change in serum creatinine.

Results

150 patients were included in the analysis. Patients’ ages ranged from 2 days to 18.6 years. 27 children (18%) developed at least stage 1 AKI. Children receiving cancer treatment developed AKI more frequently than children with other diagnoses; 29.3% vs 10.9% (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.5 to 8.2, p=0.008). The baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was higher in those children who developed AKI. 34% of children had an eGFR >120 mL/min/1.73 m2 prior to acyclovir use. 31% of these children developed AKI compared with only 11% of those with a normal baseline eGFR (OR 3.6, 95 CI 1.3 to 10.1, p=0.02). Baseline eGFR was a significant predictor of AKI in a multivariable analysis that included cumulative dose and treatment duration (OR 1.02, p=0.013).

Conclusion

AKI following intravenous acyclovir exposure is common in children. This study raises the possibility that glomerular hyperfiltration is a previously unrecognised risk factor for acyclovir-induced AKI.
Umbilical cord interleukin-6 predicts outcome in very low birthweight infants in a high HIV-burden setting: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mackay Cheryl Anne , Smit James Stephanus , Khan Farhaad , Dessai Fazana , Connolly Catherine , Masekela Refiloe
Published: May 2020

Objectives

South Africa has a double burden of high neonatal mortality and maternal HIV prevalence. Common to both is a proinflammatory in utero and perinatal milieu. The aim of this study was to determine cytokine profiles in HIV exposed (HE) and HIV unexposed (HU) very low birthweight (VLBW) infants and to determine whether these were associated with predischarge outcomes.

Design

Single-centre, prospective cohort study conducted from 1 June 2017 to 31 January 2019.

Patients

Inborn infants with birth weight of <1500 g were enrolled and cord blood was collected for interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) assays. Participants provided informed consent and ethics approval was obtained.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was umbilical cord cytokine levels according to maternal HIV status. Secondary outcomes included death and/or serious neonatal infection, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leucomalacia, chronic lung disease and haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus before discharge.

Results

A total of 279 cases were included with 269 cytokine assays performed on 122 HEs and 147 HUs. Median IL-6 levels were 53.0 pg/mL in HEs and 21.0 pg/mL in HUs (p=0.07). Median TNF-α levels were 7.2 pg/mL in HEs and 6.5 pg/mL in HUs (p=0.6). There was significantly more late-onset sepsis in the HE group compared with the HU group (41.2% vs 27.9%) (p=0.03). IL-6 levels were significantly higher for those with any adverse outcome (p=0.006) and death and/or any adverse outcome (p=0.0001). TNF-α levels did not differ according to predischarge outcomes.

Conclusion

There is no significant difference in IL-6 and TNF-α levels in cord blood of HE compared with HU VLBWs. However, IL-6 levels are significantly higher in VLBWs with adverse predischarge outcomes, and VLBW HEs are at increased risk of adverse predischarge outcomes compared with HUs, particularly late-onset sepsis.
Optimal management of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with invasive fungal infections being treated with liposomal amphotericin B
Authors: Armstrong-James Darius , Koh Mickey , Ostermann Marlies , Cockwell Paul
Published: May 2020

Critically ill patients are at risk of developing both acute kidney injury (AKI) and invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Prompt and efficient treatment of the IFI is essential for the survival of the patient. This article examines three distinct clinical situations where liposomal amphotericin B, a broad-spectrum antifungal agent, was successfully used in the setting of AKI. The first wasAspergillusinfection in a 63-year-old man with bleeding oesophageal varices related to advanced liver disease. The second was gastrointestinal mucormycosis in a 74-year-old man who developed a small bowel obstruction following an autologous stem cell transplant for mantle cell lymphoma. The third was aFusariuminfection in a 32-year-old woman on immunosuppression for a bilateral lung transplant for cystic fibrosis. In all three cases, liposomal amphotericin B was required for urgent management of the patient’s IFI. We discuss the rationale for treatment with a potentially nephrotoxic agent in this setting.
Novel p.G1344E mutation in FBN1 is associated with ectopia lentis
Authors: Yang Yuan , Zhou Ya-li , Yao Teng-teng , Pan Hui , Gu Ping , Wang Zhao-yang
Published: May 2020

Background

Ectopia lentis refers to dislocation or subluxation of the crystalline lens. Fibrillin-1, encoded by FBN1, is an important microfibrillar structural component that is specifically required for the suspensory ligament of the lens. FBN1 mutations may cause abnormal structure of microfibrils and has been associated with a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes. In this study, we characterised a Chinese dominant family with late-onset isolated ectopia lentis caused by a novel missense FBN1 mutation.

Methods

Eight family members, including four patients with suspected isolated ectopia lentis, were recruited from Shanghai. Clinical data and family history of the proband and other affected family members were collected. Ophthalmic examination, systemic examination and echocardiography were performed. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to detect potential pathogenic variants.

Results

A novel heterozygous missense mutation c.4031 G>A/p.Gly1344Glu in exon 33 of FBN1 was identified. This mutation was detected in all affected family members and led to specific ocular system phenotypes (ectopia lentis, microspherophakia and secondary glaucoma) with minor skeletal involvement (hallux valgus).

Conclusion

The novel c.4031G>A mutation in FBN1 is a likely pathogenic mutation for isolated ectopia lentis. Our study expands the spectrum of FBN1 mutations and contributes to better comprehension of genotype-phenotype correlations of ectopia lentis disease.
Progression to type 2 diabetes in women with a known history of gestational diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vounzoulaki Elpida , Khunti Kamlesh , Abner Sophia C , Tan Bee K , Davies Melanie J , Gillies Clare L
Published: May 2020

Objective

To estimate and compare progression rates to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy controls.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Medline and Embase between January 2000 and December 2019, studies published in English and conducted on humans.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Observational studies investigating progression to T2DM. Inclusion criteria were postpartum follow-up for at least 12 months, incident physician based diagnosis of diabetes, T2DM reported as a separate outcome rather than combined with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, and studies with both a group of patients with GDM and a control group.

Results

This meta-analysis of 20 studies assessed a total of 1 332 373 individuals (67 956 women with GDM and 1 264 417 controls). Data were pooled by random effects meta-analysis models, and heterogeneity was assessed by use of the I2 statistic. The pooled relative risk for the incidence of T2DM between participants with GDM and controls was estimated. Reasons for heterogeneity between studies were investigated by prespecified subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and, overall, studies were deemed to have a low risk of bias (P=0.58 and P=0.90). The overall relative risk for T2DM was almost 10 times higher in women with previous GDM than in healthy controls (9.51, 95% confidence interval 7.14 to 12.67, P<0.001). In populations of women with previous GDM, the cumulative incidence of T2DM was 16.46% (95% confidence interval 16.16% to 16.77%) in women of mixed ethnicity, 15.58% (13.30% to 17.86%) in a predominantly non-white population, and 9.91% (9.39% to 10.42%) in a white population. These differences were not statistically significant between subgroups (white v mixed populations, P=0.26; white v non-white populations, P=0.54). Meta-regression analyses showed that the study effect size was not significantly associated with mean study age, body mass index, publication year, and length of follow-up.

Conclusions

Women with a history of GDM appear to have a nearly 10-fold higher risk of developing T2DM than those with a normoglycaemic pregnancy. The magnitude of this risk highlights the importance of intervening to prevent the onset of T2DM, particularly in the early years after pregnancy.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019123079.
Effect of high-salt diet on blood pressure and body fluid composition in patients with type 1 diabetes: randomized controlled intervention trial
Authors: Wenstedt Eliane F E , Rorije Nienke M G , Olde Engberink Rik H G , van der Molen Kim M , Chahid Youssef , Danser A H Jan , van den Born Bert-Jan H , Vogt Liffert
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Patients with type 1 diabetes are susceptible to hypertension, possibly resulting from increased salt sensitivity and accompanied changes in body fluid composition. We examined the effect of a high-salt diet (HSD) in type 1 diabetes on hemodynamics, including blood pressure (BP) and body fluid composition.

Research design and methods

We studied eight male patients with type 1 diabetes and 12 matched healthy controls with normal BP, body mass index, and renal function. All subjects adhered to a low-salt diet and HSD for eight days in randomized order. On day 8 of each diet, extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) and plasma volume were calculated with the use of iohexol and125I-albumin distribution. Hemodynamic measurements included BP, cardiac output (CO), and systemic vascular resistance.

Results

After HSD, patients with type 1 diabetes showed a BP increase (mean arterial pressure: 85 (5) mm Hg vs 80 (3) mm Hg; p<0.05), while BP in controls did not rise (78 (5) mm Hg vs 78 (5) mm Hg). Plasma volume increased after HSD in patients with type 1 diabetes (p<0.05) and not in controls (p=0.23). There was no significant difference in ECFV between diets, while HSD significantly increased CO, heart rate (HR) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in type 1 diabetes but not in controls. There were no significant differences in systemic vascular resistance, although there was a trend towards an HSD-induced decrease in controls (p=0.09).

Conclusions

In the present study, patients with type 1 diabetes show a salt-sensitive BP rise to HSD, which is accompanied by significant increases in plasma volume, CO, HR, and NT-proBNP. Underlying mechanisms for these responses need further research in order to unravel the increased susceptibility to hypertension and cardiovascular disease in diabetes.

Trial registration numbers

NTR4095 and NTR4788.
FeBRILe3 Project: protocol for a prospective pragmatic, multisite observational study and safety evaluation assessing Fever, Blood cultures and Readiness for discharge in Infants Less than 3 months old
Authors: Mace Ariel Olivia , Martin Andrew C , Ramsay Jessica , Totterdell James , Marsh Julie A , Snelling Tom
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this observational study is to assess the safety and impact of the introduction of a clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommending early discharge of infants with fever without source who are at low risk of serious bacterial infection (SBI). We hypothesise that implementation of this guideline will be associated with a rate of unplanned readmission to hospital (within 7 days of discharge) which is similar (ie, non-inferior) to that observed under previous standard practice.

Methods and analysis

This observational study is a prospective pragmatic, multisite safety assessment and impact project. It will evaluate the safety of a CPG which allows febrile infants fulfilling low-risk criteria to be discharged early from hospital if their blood cultures demonstrate no growth at 24 hours (compared with previous minimum 48 hours admission). This guideline has been implemented at two Western Australian metropolitan hospitals. Infants aged <3 months (chronological or corrected for premature birth before 37 weeks gestation) presenting with fever without source will be included. The primary outcome is readmission to hospital due to clinical deterioration/caregiver concern within 7 days of discharge, identified through review of electronic admission details and study-specific caregiver surveys. Secondary outcomes include rates of SBI, hospital lengths of stay compared with previous practice, clinician guideline adherence and caregiver satisfaction with the discharge process. Analysis will be within a sequential Bayesian safety monitoring framework, which incorporates new information and updates the evidence for guideline safety relative to previous practice (historical control) at prespecified interim analyses. Demographic and clinical information will be summarised.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval and waiver of consent for data collection has been granted by the Child and Adolescent Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (RGS0000001415). Caregivers will have the option to opt out of survey follow-up. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001010189).
Updated framework on quality and safety in emergency medicine
Authors: Hansen Kim , Boyle Adrian , Holroyd Brian , Phillips Georgina , Benger Jonathan , Chartier Lucas B , Lecky Fiona , Vaillancourt Samuel , Cameron Peter , Waligora Grzegorz , Kurland Lisa , Truesdale Melinda
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Quality and safety of emergency care is critical. Patients rely on emergency medicine (EM) for accessible, timely and high-quality care in addition to providing a ‘safety-net’ function. Demand is increasing, creating resource challenges in all settings. Where EM is well established, this is recognised through the implementation of quality standards and staff training for patient safety. In settings where EM is developing, immense system and patient pressures exist, thereby necessitating the availability of tiered standards appropriate to the local context.

Methods

The original quality framework arose from expert consensus at the International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM) Symposium for Quality and Safety in Emergency Care (UK, 2011). The IFEM Quality and Safety Special Interest Group members have subsequently refined it to achieve a consensus in 2018.

Results

Patients should expect EDs to provide effective acute care. To do this, trained emergency personnel should make patient-centred, timely and expert decisions to provide care, supported by systems, processes, diagnostics, appropriate equipment and facilities. Enablers to high-quality care include appropriate staff, access to care (including financial), coordinated emergency care through the whole patient journey and monitoring of outcomes. Crowding directly impacts on patient quality of care, morbidity and mortality. Quality indicators should be pragmatic, measurable and prioritised as components of an improvement strategy which should be developed, tailored and implemented in each setting.

Conclusion

EDs globally have a remit to deliver the best care possible. IFEM has defined and updated an international consensus framework for quality and safety.
High methionyl–tRNA synthetase expression predicts poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Jin Qin , Liu Gang , Wang Biao , Li Shubin , Ni Kan , Wang Chunyu , Ren Jingyu , Zhang Shu , Dai Yanfeng
Published: May 2020

Aims

Methionyl–tRNA synthetase (MARS) is known to play a critical role in initiating translation and protection against cellular damages in vivo. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of MARS in breast cancer (BC) progression.

Methods

The expressions ofMARSmessenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in human BC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The prognostic potential of MARS in patients with BC was assessed by univariate and multivariate survival analyses. The association between the MARS expression and BC progression was further evaluated by the bioinformatics database of UALCAN, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Gene Expression Database of Normal and Tumor Tissues (GENT). The role of MARS in the proliferation, migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cells) was investigated after siRNA transfection.

Results

The expression level ofMARSmRNA in the fresh BC tissues was significantly higher than that in the adjacent tissues. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression level of MARS was closely associated with the clinicopathologial parameters of patients with BC, including the HER-2 status, Ki-67 status, molecular classification, tumour grade, N stage and tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, and this finding was further confirmed by UALCAN database. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high MARS expression and TNM stage were predictors of poor prognosis of patients with BC. The proliferation, migration and EMT capabilities of MCF-7 cells were significantly suppressed afterMARSknockdown. An overview of UALCAN, GEPIA and GENT results suggested thatMARSmay be an oncogene of BC, as well as a potential therapeutic target of this malignant tumour.

Conclusions

High expression level of MARS in the human BC tissues was significantly associated with the unfavourable prognosis of patients with BC, suggesting that MARS may serve as a potential prognostic marker for the clinical diagnosis and prognostic prediction of BC.
Towards effective diagnostic assays for COVID-19: a review
Authors: Venter Marietjie , Richter Karin
Published: May 2020

Countries globally are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly two million cases and 120 000 deaths occurring within 4 months of the discovery of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in December 2019 in China. Accurate diagnoses of cases is key in managing the pandemic by identification, isolation and treatment of patients and defining the epidemiology of the virus. By mid-January 2020, a scientist from China published the full genome of the virus, which facilitated the development of accurate molecular diagnostic assays. By the end of January 2020, the WHO, in collaboration with laboratories in Asia, Europe and the USA, published several real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rtRT-PCR) protocols that allowed identification of cases and development of commercial assays. Clinical investigations facilitated development of accurate case definition and guidance for laboratories on the optimum specimens and procedures for diagnoses. Currently, laboratory-based rtRT-PCR is the recommended test for diagnoses of acute cases to ensure patients can be identified and isolated and to facilitate the public health response. However, due to delays in diagnoses, severe shortage of tests and laboratory capacity, point-of-care molecular or antigen tests are becoming more attractive. Although serological tests are not suitable for diagnoses of acute cases, they are important to define epidemiological questions, including attack rate in the population, and to identify immune individuals. This review aimed to summarise the current available information for diagnoses of cases and to aid laboratories and healthcare workers to select the best assays and procedures.
High physical work demands and working life expectancy in Denmark
Authors: Pedersen Jacob , Schultz Bastian Bygvraa , Madsen Ida E H , Solovieva Svetlana , Andersen Lars L
Published: May 2020

Objective

In most European countries, political reforms gradually increase the statutory retirement age to counter the economic costs of a growing elderly population. However, working to a high age may be difficult for people with hard physical labour. We aim to study the impact of high physical work demands on working life expectancy (WLE).

Methods

We combined physical work demands assessed by job exposure matrix (JEM) and longitudinal high-quality national registers (outcome) in 1.6 million Danish workers to estimate WLE and years of sickness absence, unemployment and disability pension. The JEM value for physical work demand is a summarised score of eight ergonomic exposures for 317 occupations groups, sex and age. The WLE was estimated using a multistate proportional hazards model in a 4-year follow-up period.

Results

Individuals with high physical work demands had a significantly lower WLE, than those with low physical work demands, with largest differences seen among women. At age 30 years, women with high physical work demands can expect 3.1 years less working, 11 months more of sickness absence and 16 months more of unemployment than low-exposed women. For 30-year-old men, the corresponding results were 2.0 years, 12 months and 8 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings show that high physical work demands are a marked risk factor for a shortened working life and increased years of sickness absence and unemployment. The results are important when selecting high-risk occupations, and expand the knowledge base for informed political decision making concerning statutory retirement age.
Coronary heart disease and stroke in the Sami and non-Sami populations in rural Northern and Mid Norway—the SAMINOR Study
Authors: Siri Susanna R A , Eliassen Bent M , Broderstad Ann R , Melhus Marita , Michalsen Vilde L , Jacobsen Bjarne K , Burchill Luke J , Braaten Tonje
Published: May 2020

Background

Previous studies have suggested that Sami have a similar risk of myocardial infarction and a possible higher risk of stroke compared with non-Sami living in the same geographical area.

Design

Participants in the SAMINOR 1 Survey (2003–2004) aged 30 and 36–79 years were followed to the 31 December 2016 for observation of fatal or non-fatal events of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), coronary heart disease (CHD), ischaemic stroke (IS), stroke and a composite endpoint (fatal or non-fatal AMI or stroke).

Aim

Compare the risk of AMI, CHD, IS, stroke and the composite endpoint in Sami and non-Sami populations, and identify intermediate factors if ethnic differences in risks are observed.

Methods

Cox regression models.

Results

The sex-adjusted and age-adjusted risks of AMI (HR for Sami versus non-Sami 0.99, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.17), CHD (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.15) and of the composite endpoint (HR 1.09, 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.24) were similar in Sami and non-Sami populations. Sami ethnicity was, however, associated with increased risk of IS (HR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.68) and stroke (HR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.58). Height explained more of the excess risk observed in Sami than conventional risk factors.

Conclusions

The risk of IS and stroke were higher in Sami and height was identified as an important intermediate factor as it explained a considerable proportion of the ethnic differences in IS and stroke. The risk of AMI, CHD and the composite endpoint was similar in Sami and non-Sami populations.
To pool or not to pool? Screening of
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
in female sex workers: pooled versus single-site testing
Authors: Verougstraete Nick , Verbeke Vanessa , De Cannière Anne-Sophie , Simons Caroline , Padalko Elizaveta , Coorevits Liselotte
Published: May 2020

Objectives

As
Chlamydia trachomatis
(CT) and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(NG) are the most commonly reported STIs in Belgium and the majority of women infected are asymptomatic, targeted screening of patients in specified risk groups is indicated. To prevent long-term complications and interrupt transmission, extragenital samples should be included. As this comes with a substantial extra cost, analysis of a pooled sample from vaginal and extragenital sites could be a solution. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of molecular testing for CT and NG in pooled versus single-site samples in a large cohort of female sex workers.

Methods

Women were sampled from three anatomical sites: a pharyngeal, a vaginal and a rectal swab. Each sample was vortexed, and 400 µL of transport medium from each sample site was pooled into an empty tube. NAAT was performed using the Abbott RealTime CT/NG assay on the m2000sp/rt system.

Results

We included 489 patients: 5.1% were positive for CT; 2.0% were positive for NG and 1.4% were coinfected, resulting in an overall prevalence of 6.5% (95% CI 4.5% to 9.1%) for CT and 3.5% (95% CI 2.0% to 5.5%) for NG. From the 42 patients positive on at least one non-pooled sample, only 5 gave a negative result on the pooled sample, resulting in a sensitivity of 94% (95% CI 79% to 99%) for CT and 82% (95% CI 57% to 96%) for NG. The missed pooled samples were all derived from single-site infections with low bacterial loads. The possibility of inadequate self-sampling as a cause of false negativity was excluded, as 4/5 were collected by the physician. Testing only vaginal samples would have led to missing 40% of CT infections and 60% of NG infections.

Conclusions

Pooling of samples is a cost-saving strategy for the detection of CT and NG in women, with minimal decrease in sensitivity. By reducing costs, more patients and more extragenital samples can be tested, resulting in higher detection rates.
Impact of flavors and humectants on waterpipe tobacco smoking topography, subjective effects, toxicant exposure and intentions for continued use
Authors: Wagener Theodore L , Leavens Eleanor L S , Mehta Toral , Hale Jessica , Shihadeh Alan , Eissenberg Thomas , Halquist Matthew , Brinkman Marielle C , Johnson Amanda L , Floyd Evan L , Ding Kai , El Hage Rachel , Salman Rola
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The present study examined how the lack of characterising flavours and low levels of humectants may affect users’ waterpipe tobacco (WT) smoking topography, subjective effects, toxicant exposure and intentions for continued use.

Methods

89 WT smokers completed four ad libitum smoking sessions (characterising flavor/high humectant (+F+H); characterising flavor/low humectant (+F-H); no characterising flavor/high humectant (-F+H); no characterising flavor/low humectant (-F-H)) in a randomised cross-over design. WT was commercially available; same brand but nicotine levels were not held constant. A subsample (n=50) completed a standardised, 10-puff session preceding ad libitum smoking. Participants completed questionnaires, exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) testing and provided blood samples for plasma nicotine. Smoking topography was measured throughout the session. Post hoc analyses showed that -F+H and -F-H did not differ significantly in humectant levels. Therefore, these groups were collapsed in analyses (-F-H).

Results

WT smokers reported significantly greater satisfaction, liking, enjoyment and greater intentions for continued use when smoking +F+H compared with other WT products, with -F-H receiving the lowest ratings. Significant differences in topography were observed during standardised and ad libitum sessions, with the -F-H preparation leading to greater total inhaled volume and eCO boost, but lower nicotine boost compared with +F+H (all p<0.05).

Discussion

The findings demonstrate the importance of flavours and humectants on improving WT smoking experience and increasing the likelihood that users will want to initiate and continue smoking. Moreover, it demonstrates that flavours and humectants influence smoking behaviour and toxicant exposure in some unexpected ways that are important for regulatory efforts.
Maximizing the potential of trauma registries in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Rosenkrantz Leah , Schuurman Nadine , Arenas Claudia , Nicol Andrew , Hameed Morad S.
Published: May 2020

Injury is a major global health issue, resulting in millions of deaths every year. For decades, trauma registries have been used in wealthier countries for injury surveillance and clinical governance, but their adoption has lagged in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Paradoxically, LMICs face a disproportionately high burden of injury with few resources available to address this pandemic. Despite these resource constraints, several hospitals and regions in LMICs have managed to develop trauma registries to collect information related to the injury event, process of care, and outcome of the injured patient. While the implementation of these trauma registries is a positive step forward in addressing the injury burden in LMICs, numerous challenges still stand in the way of maximizing the potential of trauma registries to inform injury prevention, mitigation, and improve quality of trauma care. This paper outlines several of these challenges and identifies potential solutions that can be adopted to improve the functionality of trauma registries in resource-poor contexts. Increased recognition and support for trauma registry development and improvement in LMICs is critical to reducing the burden of injury in these settings.
Computational study on the mechanisms and kinetics of the CH2CCl + O2 reaction
Authors: Zhang Yunju , He Bing , Sun Yuxi
Published: May 2020

The potential energy surface for the CH2CCl + O2 reaction has been investigated by using the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method. Two type reaction mechanisms have been located. The H-abstraction of CH2CCl by O2 generates CHCCl + HO2 surmounting a 20.86 kcal/mol barrier. The addition between O2 and CH2CCl proceeds to an intermediate CH2CClO2 (IM1t and IM1c) without a barrier, which can further dissociate or isomerize to various products with the complicated processes. The temperature and pressure dependence rate constants for the CH2CCl + O2 reaction were computed by means of multi-channel RRKM-TST theory. Moreover, TDDFT calculations imply that IM1t, IM1c, IM2, IM4, IM5t, and IM5c will photolyze under the sunlight.
Private-equity commercial real estate, timberland, and farmland: market integration and information transition dynamics
Authors: Mei Bin , Wu Wenbo , Yao Wenjing
Published: May 2020

Using data from the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF), we examine market integration of commercial real estate and timberland–farmland assets via the Fama–MacBeth two-step approach under the intertemporal capital asset pricing framework. In addition, we study the information transition dynamics between those markets via the vector error correction model (VECM). We find evidence of market segregation and one-way information flow from the timberland–farmland market to the commercial real estate market. We conclude that commercial real estate and timberland–farmland assets are driven by different market fundamentals and that lagged timberland–farmland returns can help predict current commercial real estate returns. The only exception is during market downturns when commercial real estate and timberland–farmland markets are somewhat integrated and driven by some factors that are not specified in this study.
Optimizing continuous cover and rotation forestry in mixed-species boreal forests
Authors: Parkatti Vesa-Pekka , Tahvonen Olli
Published: May 2020

We study the management of mixed-species boreal forests and tree species composition in a stand-level economic–ecological, size-structured model. The model includes ecological tree species interaction, a detailed harvesting cost module, optimal harvest timing, and optimization between continuous cover and rotation forestry. Optimization is solved by applying a trilevel structure in which the optimal rotation is the highest-level problem, harvest timing is the mid-level problem, and thinning intensity is the lowest-level problem. Given realistic regeneration costs and a 3% interest rate, continuous cover forestry is optimal and may include up to a 40% fraction of broadleaves. A low interest rate and low regeneration cost together with the presence of light-demanding Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) favours rotation forestry. Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.) decreases the bare-land value but is optimal to fell without utilization only when it has no commercial value. Overyielding in terms of cubic metre output does not reveal the economically preferable species combination. Managing single-species stands by removing other species that are naturally regenerated decreases the economic outcome by 35%–44%. Felling noncommercial trees without utilization shows that the economically optimal solution avoids high-grading. Maintaining the number of large-diameter trees beyond the level that maximizes profitability implies only minor losses. Omitting thinning decreases the bare-land value up to 73%.
The effect of temperature on strong-coupling magnetopolaron in an asymmetrical Gaussian potential quantum well
Authors: Miao Xiu-Juan , Sun Yong , Xiao Jing-Lin
Published: May 2020

The influences of temperature and cyclotron frequency of a magnetic field on the ground state energy and mean number of phonons (MNP) of strong-coupling magnetopolarons in an asymmetric Gaussian potential quantum well(AGPQW) are researched by employing the linear-combination operator method and the unitary transformation. It was demonstrated through the numerical calculations that the ground state energy and the MNP increase with higher magnetic field cyclotron frequencies and temperature. In addition, increasing of the barrier of asymmetric Gaussian potential (AGP) causes the ground state energy to decrease while increasing the MNP of magnetopolarons.
Investigation of turbulence-induced quadrupole source acoustic characteristics of a three-dimensional hydrofoil
Authors: Li Rennian , Liang Wenna , Han Wei , Quan Hui , Guo Rong , Tian Pi Long , Peng Guoyi
Published: May 2020

In order to investigate the turbulence-induced acoustic characteristics of hydrofoils, the flow and sound field for a model NH-15-18-1 asymmetric hydrofoil were calculated based on the mixed method of large eddy simulation (LES) with Lighthill analogy theory. Unsteady fluid turbulent stress source around the hydrofoil were selected as the inducements of quadrupole sound. The average velocity along the mainstream direction was calculated for different Reynolds numbers [Formula: see text]. Compared to experimental measurements, good agreement was seen over a range of [Formula: see text]. The results showed that the larger the [Formula: see text], the larger the vortex intensity, the shorter the vortex initial shedding position to the leading edge of the hydrofoil, and the higher the vortex shedding frequency [Formula: see text]. The maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of the hydrofoil was located at the trailing edge and wake of the hydrofoil, which coincided with the velocity curl [Formula: see text] distribution of the flow field. The maximum SPL of the sound field was consistent with the location of the vortex shedding. There were quadratic positive correlations between the total sound pressure level (TSPL) and the maximum value of the vortex intensity [Formula: see text] and velocity curl, which verified that shedding and diffusion of vortices are the fundamental cause of the generation of the quadrupole source noise.
Time-dependent coupled harmonic oscillators: Classical and quantum solutions
Authors: Ramos-Prieto I. , Récamier J. , Moya-Cessa H. M.
Published: May 2020

Macedo and Guedes have shown how to solve a system of coupled harmonic oscillators with time-dependent parameters [Int. J. Mod. Phys. 23 (2014) 1450048]. We show that the first transformation they did is not correct. We show how to solve the coupled harmonic oscillators for the cases they treat in their paper, namely, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
HEART AUTONOMIC CONTROL DURING STATIC SUBMAXIMAL CONTRACTIONS: INFLUENCE OF TASK FEATURES
Authors: Passos Rafael S. , Cerqueira Mikhail S. , Oliveira Alinne A. , Rocha José A. S. , Andrade Helder B. , Pirôpo Uanderson S. , Borges Lucio S. , Costa Silvania Moraes , Pithon Karla R. , Pereira Rafael
Published: May 2020

Background: Isometric exercise is important to cardiac rehabilitation, but understanding how different tasks can interfere with the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) still needs some clarification. Objective: To compare the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) behavior during submaximal isometric tasks involving different muscle groups. Methods: Six healthy males ([Formula: see text] years old) performed two submaximal isometric tasks (30%) of knee extension and handgrip, sustained for 3[Formula: see text]min each, using visual feedback to maintain force levels. Successive RR intervals were recorded along the task, as well as for 5[Formula: see text]min before the task. Linear and nonlinear methods were used to obtain HRV parameters from successive RR intervals. Student [Formula: see text] test was used to compare the data with significant level set as [Formula: see text]. Results: Time domain parameters as well as the nonlinear parameters were significantly higher during the handgrip task. Conclusions: Submaximal isometric handgrip task is associated with a lower vagal withdrawal, when compared to submaximal isometric knee extension, suggesting that handgrip task promotes greater cardioprotection during exercise, while the isometric knee extension task could induce better adaptations to training.
Recap of the 27th Annual Conference on Pacific Basin Finance, Economics, Accounting, and Management
Authors: Lee Cheng-Few , Lin Ming-Jen
Published: May 2020

The 27th Annual Conference on Pacific Basin Finance, Economics, Accounting, and Management was held at National Taiwan University, Taiwan on June 15th and 16th, 2019. The first conference was held at Rutgers University in 1993. Since then, the conference has been held in Hong Kong (1994, 1998), Taipei (1995, 1999. 2003, 2006, 2011, 2016), Bangkok (2000, 2004, 2009), Rutgers (1996, 2001, 2005, 2012, 2018), Singapore (1997, 2002, 2017), Vietnam (2007, 2015), Australia (2008, 2013), China (2010), and Japan (2014). The program co-directors of the conference were Cheng-Few Lee, Rutgers University, USA, and Ming-Jen Lin, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.