bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social support and well-being among older adult married couples: A dyadic perspective
Authors: Ermer Ashley E. , Proulx Christine M.
Published: November 2019

The present study takes a dyadic approach to examine how social connectedness (i.e., neighborhood support, family and friend support, and social network characteristics) is associated with husbands’ and wives’ well-being during older adulthood. Participants included married couples ( N = 832) from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, a national probability sample of older adults aged 57 and older. Using a series of actor–partner interdependence models, we found that wives’ and husbands’ closeness with their own social network, family support, and neighborhood social ties were all significantly associated with emotional well-being, and closeness to one’s social network was associated with self-rated health. Friend support was associated with emotional well-being only for women, while family support was associated with self-rated health for men only. Four partner effects emerged, with husbands’ friendship support being positively associated with wives’ self-rated health, husbands’ greater talk frequency with his social network being associated with wives’ lower emotional well-being, wives’ greater talk frequency with her social network being associated with husbands’ lower self-rated health, and wives’ closeness to their social network being positively associated with husbands’ self-rated health. The present study has implications for programming and the role of social connectedness beyond marriage.
Peripheral cannulae selection for veno-arterial extracorporeal life support: a paradox
Authors: Ganushchak Yuri M , Kurniawati Eva R , Maessen Jos G , Weerwind Patrick W
Published: November 2019

Explosive penetration of veno-arterial extracorporeal life support in everyday practice has drawn awareness to complications of peripheral cannulation, resulting in recommendations to use smaller size cannulae. However, using smaller cannulae may limit the effectiveness of extracorporeal support and thereby the specific needs of the patient. Selection of proper size cannulae may therefore pose a dilemma, especially since pressure-flow characteristics at different hematocrits are lacking. This study evaluates the precision of cannula pressure drop prediction with increase of fluid viscosity from water flow-pressure charts by M-number, dynamic similarity law, and via fitted parabolic equation. Thirteen commercially available peripheral cannulae were used in this in vitro study. Pressure drop and flow were recorded using water and a water-glycerol solution as a surrogate for blood, at ambient temperature. Subsequently, pressure-flow curves were modeled with increased fluid viscosity (0.0031 N s m−2), and then compared by M-number, dynamic similarity law, and fitted parabolic equation. The agreement of predicted and measured values were significantly higher when the M-number (concordance correlation = 0.948), and the dynamic similarity law method (concordance correlation = 0.947) was used in comparison to the fitted parabolic equation (concordance correlation = 0.898, p < 0.01). The M-number and dynamic similarity based model allow for reliable prediction of peripheral cannula pressure drop with changes of fluid viscosity and could therefore aid in well-thought-out selection of cannulae for extracorporeal life support.
A healthy diet and physical activity are important to promote healthy ageing among older Chinese people
Authors: Feng Zeyun , Cramm Jane Murray , Nieboer Anna Petra
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine the associations between multiple health behaviours and health outcomes among older Chinese adults.

Methods

Data from the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health Wave 1 (2007–2010), collected among the older Chinese population, were included in this study. Smoking, diet, and physical activity were analysed by linear regression for any associations with depressive symptoms, quality of life (QoL), cognitive function, and physical function.

Results

A total of 13 367 participants aged >49 years were included in the analyses. After controlling for key socioeconomic factors, healthy diet was significantly associated with higher QoL (β = 0.099) and better cognitive function (β = 0.023). Physical activity was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms (β = –0.020), higher QoL (β = 0.086), better cognitive function (β = 0.072), and better physical function (β = –0.155 [higher scores = poorer physical function]). No relationship was found between smoking and any health-related outcome included in this study.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the importance of healthy diet and physical activity for health outcomes in the older Chinese population.
Alveolar adenoma with poor imaging: a case report
Authors: Wu Xia , Yuan Bin , Huang Leitao , Yin Xiujie , Liu JiChun
Published: November 2019

Alveolar adenoma is an isolated, well-defined peripheral lung tumor that originates from type II alveolar cells. The tumor consists of a network of simple, low-cubic, epithelium-coated lacunae with varying amounts of fine and inconspicuous-to-thick spindle cells that sometimes contain mucus sample matrix. Few cases of alveolar adenoma have been reported. These tumors are usually detected by imaging examinations where the alveolar adenoma typically presents as a peripheral, solitary cystic nodule in the lung. The presentation may mimic that of other types of lung tumors, consequently leading to difficulties in the differential diagnosis of this condition. Thus, accurate diagnosis of alveolar adenoma is based on a combination of pathological sections and immunohistochemistry. This study describes an alveolar adenoma in a 59-year-old female patient. Chest X-ray imaging and chest computed tomography identified malignant lesions in the right upper lobe. The patient subsequently underwent a thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy. The diagnosis of alveolar adenoma was confirmed after pathological examination of the excised postoperative tissue. The disease course was stable, and there was no recurrence of pulmonary lesions during 3 years of postoperative patient follow-up. Herein, we report the case of a patient with benign alveolar adenoma with poor imaging and pathological results.
Should Jesus Christ Be at the Centre of Introductions to Christian Ethics?
Authors: Townsend Nicholas
Published: November 2019

Prima facie, Christian ethics will be centred on Jesus Christ, but to what extent can and should textbooks for academic study of the field have this focus? Perhaps the two most influential Anglophone Christian ethicists of recent decades are Stanley Hauerwas and Oliver O’Donovan. Their introductory (if demanding) volumes ( The Peaceable Kingdom, 1983, and Resurrection and Moral Order, 1986) were both very Christocentric although in different ways. Yet recent textbooks in the discipline generally do not manifest such a strong focus on Jesus Christ. This generates one criterion by which we might assess such books. This article reviews six textbooks, four by UK and two by US authors. It suggests that other criteria for assessment include whether they give appropriate prominence to the Pauline vision of ‘life by the Spirit’, whether they manifest such pastoral responsibility as Christian ethicists have for students, and whether they are alert to overlapping concerns in Christian ethics and missiology.
Floristic and climatic reconstruction in the Indo-Burma region for the last 13,000 cal. yr: A palynological interpretation from the endangered wetlands of Assam, northeast India
Authors: Tripathi Swati , Thakur Biswajeet , Nautiyal Chandra Mohan , Bera Samir Kumar
Published: November 2019

The present study deals with pollen analyses from two sedimentary sequences (280 and 150 cm deep) cored from wetlands in Deepor (Kamrup district) and Hasila (Goalpara district) in the western Brahmaputra flood plain of Assam. This region is a part of the Indo-Burma region and documents changes in vegetation, climate and alterations in the wetland level as well as of anthropogenic impacts as related to the fluctuating orientation of the southwest monsoon during the past 13,040 cal. yr. The presence of cool taxa, both trees and ferns, Schima, Ilex, Gleichenia dichotoma and Pteris pentaphylla, though present in small amounts, indicate cool and dry climatic conditions from 13,040 to 11,700 cal. BP. This is followed by a shift to warmer and moderately humid climate between about 8390–3450 cal. BP which coincides with the Holocene thermal maximum (8000–7000 yr BP) and could be attributed to an intensified southwest monsoon. A palynozone depicting less warm and humid climate was observed between 3450 and 2250 cal. BP because of the occurrence of low frequencies of Shorea and Terminalia along with marshy taxa. Climatic conditions were again improved from 2250 cal. BP onwards under warm and moderately humid climate owing to the proliferation of Sal and its associates and thereafter, between 1500 and 710 cal. BP, an increased humid climate is indicated by relatively high percentages of Shorea, Syzygium, Impatiens, Onagraceae and Myriophyllum indicating strong monsoonal conditions corresponding to Medieval Warm Period (MWP). Deterioration of the tropical mixed deciduous forest under a warm and relatively dry climatic regime has occurred since 710 cal. BP accompanied by accelerated human settlement, as shown by an abrupt increase in Poaceae > 45 µm along with typical ruderal pollen taxa.
CT appearance of presumptively normal intrathoracic lymph nodes in cats
Authors: Smith Alexander J , Sutton Dawn R , Major Alison C
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Thoracic CT is commonly performed in cats and has been shown to be more sensitive than radiography for the detection of lymphadenopathy. However, no studies to date have reported the normal CT appearance of feline intrathoracic lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution, number, size and attenuation of presumed normal intrathoracic lymph nodes in cats.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the imaging archive in a teaching hospital identified cats that had undergone thoracic CT and were deemed to have no evidence of either intra- or extrathoracic disease that would influence the size of the intrathoracic lymph nodes. Lymph nodes were classified into lymph centres based on anatomical references. Descriptions of the position of each node, number of nodes in each centre, size of each node and attenuation pre- and post-contrast were recorded. Statistical analysis aimed to assess for correlations between these factors and the age, weight and sex of the subjects.

Results

Twenty cats were included in the study. One or more lymph nodes were identified in the sternal (n = 19/20), cranial mediastinal (n = 14/20) and tracheobronchial (n = 15/20) centres, while none were identified in other locations. Size varied between lymph centres and within lymph centres where more than one lymph node was identified. Tracheobronchial and sternal nodes were consistent in location, while mediastinal nodes were variable. All nodes were round to ellipsoid in shape and showed moderate enhancement post-contrast. No significant correlations were found with age, weight or sex.

Conclusions and relevance

This study describes the CT characteristics of presumed normal intrathoracic lymph nodes in cats, and only identified nodes in the sternal, cranial mediastinal and tracheobronchial locations. This study serves as a reference point for CT analysis of feline thoracic lymph nodes.
Exploring Relationships Among Peripheral Amyloid Beta, Tau, Cytokines, Cognitive Function, and Psychosomatic Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Henneghan Ashley , Haley Andreana P. , Kesler Shelli
Published: November 2019

Objective:

Accelerated brain aging has been proposed to explain cancer-related cognitive impairment, but empirical evidence for this relationship is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau, biomarkers of neurodegeneration, in relation to cognition in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). We explored relationships among peripheral concentrations of Aβ42, Aβ-40, tau, and cytokines; cognitive function; and psychosomatic symptoms in a cohort of BCSs post-chemotherapy.

Methods:

This secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study was conducted with 65 BCSs. Serum total Aβ-42, Aβ-40, and tau levels were measured with single molecule array technology. Cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], interferon [IFN]-g, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL1-b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, and IL-8) were simultaneously measured in serum using multiplex assays. Cognitive function was measured with five standardized neuropsychological tests and psychosomatic symptoms (stress, loneliness, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness) with self-report questionnaires. Data analyses included correlations and random forest regression (RFR).

Results:

Significant correlations were identified among hip-to-waste ratio, number of treatment modalities, Aβ-42, Aβ-40, and tau levels ( rs = .27–.35, ps < .05). RFR modeling including Aβ-42, Aβ-40, tau, and cytokines as features explained significant variance in cognitive function ( R 2 = .71, F = 9.01, p < .0001) and psychosomatic symptoms ( R 2 = .74, F = 10.22, p < .0001).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that neurodegenerative biomarkers interact with cytokines to influence cognitive functioning and psychosomatic symptoms in BCSs following chemotherapy, but additional research is needed.
Body image dissatisfaction in adolescents: Comparison with physical activity, teasing and social support
Authors: Gonzaga Isadora , Claumann Gaia Salvador , Scarabelot Karoline Sousa , Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Pelegrini Andreia
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to compare the adolescents’ body dissatisfaction with physical activity, teasing during physical activity and social support. Participants were 938 Brazilian adolescents aged 15–19 years. Study variables were investigated through questionnaires. There was no difference in body dissatisfaction among adolescents who practiced and did not practice physical activity, but among the former, those who had been teased had greater body dissatisfaction. Also, adolescents who had a relative or friend to talk, in addition to giving and receiving affection, more frequently, presented lower body dissatisfaction. Stratifying the sample by gender, the results were similar in females but were not significant in males.
Experimental and numerical analysis of the stress concentration factor for concrete-filled square hollow section Y-joints
Authors: Jiang Lei , Liu Yongjian , Liu Jiang , Liu Bin
Published: November 2019

Previous studies have shown that the stress concentration factors for 90° square hollow section T- and X-joints can be significantly reduced by filling the chord with concrete and stiffening the chord with perfobond ribs. The current study examined stress concentration factors for non-90° (Y-type) joints. A total of 11 Y-joints were tested under axial tension, and the hot spot stresses were measured. The measured results were employed to evaluate the influence of design parameters on the stress concentrations. In addition, the measured results were used to evaluate finite element models. A parametric study was then undertaken using the finite element models to generate an extensive database of stress concentration factors and to develop parametric design equations to estimate the maximum stress concentration factors on the brace and the chord of concrete-filled square hollow section Y-joints with perfobond ribs. It was found that decreases of 13.7%–59.9% in the stress concentration factors occurred in concrete-filled square hollow section Y-joints stiffened by perfobond ribs relative to conventional square hollow section joints for different loading cases.
Re-study on tensegrity footbridges based on ring modules
Authors: Gao Shun , Xu Xian , Luo Yaozhi
Published: November 2019

A new class of tensegrity footbridges based on ring modules has been proposed and studied in the recent years. This article restudies the tensegrity footbridge and puts emphasis on some issues that are questionable or need further clarification in the previous studies. New cross-sectional sizes that satisfy the given internal space requirement are used for the tensegrity ring modules. The integral feasible prestresses of the tensegrity ring modules are determined and a new classification on the groups of members is proposed. A parametric study on the effects of cross-sectional areas of members and the level of prestress on the behavior of the tensegrity footbridge is carried out. The dominated parameters on the behavior of the tensegrity footbridge are identified. An improved structural efficiency index is proposed to evaluate the efficiency of the tensegrity footbridge. The effect of the number of modules on the structural efficiency index of the system is investigated. The reliability of the new index is verified through a comparison with the index proposed by a previous study. This article provides a more comprehensive understanding on the tensegrity footbridges based on ring modules.
Identification of damage stages in bolted metallic joints for different joint geometries and tightening torques using statistical analysis
Authors: Abd-Elhady Amr , Abu-Sinna Ahmed , Atta Mahmoud , Sallam Hossam El-Din M
Published: November 2019

The main parameters controlling the structural behavior of bolted joints are the tightening torque ( T) and the joint geometry such as the edge distance ( e) to the bolt hole diameter ( D) ratio ( e/ D) and the joint width ( W) to the hole diameter ratio ( W/ D). In the first part of this study, the effects of W/ D and T, with a constant value of e/ D ( e/ D = 3), have been studied experimentally. Three values of W/ D (2.25, 3, and 3.75) with six values of T (0, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 N m) have been chosen to construct 18 assemblies. Experimental results highlighted the impact of W/ D, and T, on the different failure stages of bolted double-lap metallic joints. In the second part of this study, analysis of variance has been adopted to analyze the effects of T and W/ D in addition to the effect of e/ D which has been studied previously by the authors. The present experimental results showed that the value of applied load at which the sticking failure occurred increased by increasing the tightening torque up to T = 25 N m for all values of W/ D. However, the other stages of failure were slightly affected by the value of T. The results obtained from the analysis of variance identified that there is no clear effect of W/ D and e/ D on the sticking failure load. However, their effects are markedly clear for other stages of failure.
Help-seeking among lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse: The impacts of cisgendered heteronormativity and invisibility
Authors: Donovan Catherine , Barnes Rebecca
Published: November 2019

Despite growing research into domestic violence and abuse (DVA) in lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans (LGB and/or T) people’s relationships, LGB and/or T people remain largely invisible in DVA policy and practice. Research evidence indicates that they primarily seek help from privatised sources such as counsellors/therapists and friends. The gap in knowledge about LGB and/or T victims/survivors’ help-seeking reflects and reinforces the success of neoliberal trends in privatising social problems by promoting self-care and individual responsibility. Using qualitative data from a mixed-methods UK study, this article offers an ecological analysis of LGB and/or T victims/survivors’ help-seeking decisions and barriers, demonstrating how cisgendered heteronormativity and LGBT invisibility permeate help-seeking at individual, interpersonal and socio-cultural levels. The conclusion argues for LGBT DVA to be recognised as a social problem rather than a private trouble. Recommendations are offered for necessary steps towards better recognising and supporting LGB and/or T victims/survivors.
Design of a Mindfulness Virtual Community: A focus-group analysis
Authors: El Morr Christo , Maule Catherine , Ashfaq Iqra , Ritvo Paul , Ahmad Farah
Published: November 2019

Mental illnesses are on the rise on campuses worldwide. There is a need for a scalable and economically sound innovation to address these mental health challenges. The aim of this study was to explore university students’ needs and concerns in relation to an online mental health virtual community. Eight focus groups ( N = 72, 55.6% female) were conducted with university students aged 18–47 (mean = 23.38, SD = 5.82) years. Participants were asked about their views in relation to online mental health platform. Three major themes and subthemes emerged: (1) perceived concerns: potential loss of personal encounter and relationships, fear of cyber bullying, engagement challenge, and privacy and distraction; (2) perceived advantages: anonymity and privacy, convenience and flexibility, filling a gap, and togetherness; and (3) desired features: user-centered design, practical trustworthy support, and online moderation. The analysis informed design features for a mindfulness virtual community.
Australian long-term care personnel’s knowledge and attitudes regarding palliative care for people with advanced dementia
Authors: Luckett Tim , Luscombe Georgina , Phillips Jane , Beattie Elizabeth , Chenoweth Lynnette , Davidson Patricia M , Goodall Stephen , Pond Dimity , Mitchell Geoffrey , Agar Meera
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to describe Australian long-term care (LTC) personnel’s knowledge and attitudes concerning palliative care for residents with advanced dementia, and explore relationships with LTC facility/personnel characteristics. An analysis was undertaken of baseline data from a cluster randomised controlled trial of facilitated family case conferencing for improving palliative care of LTC residents with advanced dementia (the ‘IDEAL Study’). Participants included any LTC personnel directly involved in residents’ care. Knowledge and attitudes concerning palliative care for people with advanced dementia were measured using the questionnaire on Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia. Univariate and multivariate analyses explored relationships between personnel knowledge/attitudes and facility/personnel characteristics. Of 307 personnel in the IDEAL Study, 290 (94.5%) from 19/20 LTCFs provided sufficient data for inclusion. Participants included 9 (2.8%) nurse managers, 59 (20.5%) registered nurses, 25 (8.7%) enrolled nurses, 187 (64.9%) assistants in nursing/personal care assistants and 9 (3.1%) care service employees. In multivariate analyses, a facility policy not to rotate personnel through dementia units was the only variable associated with more favourable overall personnel knowledge and attitudes. Other variables associated with favourable knowledge were a designation of nursing manager or registered or enrolled nurse, and having a preferred language of English. Other variables associated with favourable attitudes were tertiary level of education and greater experience in dementia care. Like previous international research, this study found Australian LTC personnel knowledge and attitudes regarding palliative care for people with advanced dementia to be associated with both facility and personnel characteristics. Future longitudinal research is needed to better understand the relationships between knowledge and attitudes, as well as between these attributes and quality of care.
Quality of Life and Traditional Outcome Results at 1 Year in Elderly Patients Having Critical Limb Ischemia and the Role of Conservative Treatment
Authors: Steunenberg Stijn L. , de Vries Jolanda , Raats Jelle W. , Verbogt Nathalie , Lodder Paul , van Eijck Geert-Jan , Veen Eelco J. , de Groot Hans G.W. , Ho Gwan H. , der Laan Lijckle van
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Revascularization is the cornerstone of the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI), but the number of elderly frail patients increase. Revascularization is not always possible in these patients and conservative therapy seems to be an option. The goals of this study are to analyze the 1-year quality of life (QoL) results and mortality rates of elderly patients with CLI and to investigate if conservative treatment could be an acceptable treatment option.

Methods:

Patients with CLI ≥70 years old were included in a prospective observational cohort study in 2 hospitals in the Netherlands between 2012 and 2016 and were divided over 3 treatment modalities: endovascular therapy, surgical revascularization, and conservative treatment. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL-Bref) instrument, a generic QoL assessment tool that includes components of physical, psychological, social relationships and environment, was used to evaluate QoL at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results:

In total, 195 patients (56% male, 33% Rutherford 4, mean age of 80) were included. Physical QoL significantly increased after surgical (10.4 vs 14.9, P < .001), endovascular (10.9 vs 13.7, P < .001), and conservative therapy (11.6 vs 13.2, P = .01) at 1 year. One-year mortality was relatively low after surgery (10%) compared to endovascular (40%) and conservative therapy (37%).

Conclusion:

The results of this study could not be used to designate the superior treatment used in elderly patients with CLI. Conservative treatment could be an acceptable treatment option in selected patients with CLI unfit for revascularization. Treatment of choice in elderly patients with CLI is based on multiple factors and should be individualized in a shared decision-making process.
Hybrid Aortic Arch Repair Using a Ministernotomy
Authors: Shah Vishal N. , Orlov Oleg I. , Meisner Robert J. , Plestis Konstadinos A.
Published: November 2019

Hybrid thoracic endovascular aortic repair with surgical arch debranching is an accepted method for total arch reconstruction. Although off-pump arch debranching is increasingly used as a prophylactic adjunct to endovascular arch repair extending into landing zone 0, this technique is seldom performed with a ministernotomy due to a steep learning curve among surgeons. Herein, we report our standard technique for off-pump hybrid total aortic arch repair using a ministernotomy.
Surface parameters measurement for braided composite preform based on gray projection
Authors: Pei Lei , Xiao Zhitao , Geng Lei , Wu Jun , Zhang Fang , Sun Ying
Published: November 2019

In this article, a method based on gray projection is proposed for automatic measurement of surface braiding angle and pitch length of braided composite preforms. The surface braiding angles are measured by rotated gray projection. First, the original image is preprocessed using Lab transform and block-matching and three-dimensional filter. Then, edge map of gray scale is acquired based on phase congruency and non-maximum suppression. Third, edge direction angles are computed by image rotation and gray projection. Finally, the average surface braiding angles are measured from the edge direction angles. The pitch lengths are measured by cropped gray projection. First, the original image is filtered by an artistic edge and corner enhancing filter. Second, block images are cropped based on gray projection. Finally, pitch lengths are measured by block images gray projection. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve the automatic measurement of average surface braiding angle and average pitch length of two-dimensional braided composite preform with high accuracy.
Daytime and nighttime correlates of fatigue and lack of energy in adults living with HIV
Authors: Jong SoSon , Lee Kathryn A , Gay Caryl L
Published: November 2019

Objective

To describe correlates of fatigue and lack of energy symptoms in adults living with HIV.

Methods

Adults living with HIV were recruited if they were ≥45 years old, unemployed, and reported either fatigue or lack of energy in the past week. HIV-associated correlates included CD4 cell count, viral load, and hemoglobin. Daytime correlates included physical activity, daytime sleepiness, napping behavior, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Nighttime correlates included use of sleep medication, sleep duration, and sleep quality. Outcomes included physical and cognitive function.

Results

Most (70%) of the 53 participants were male. The mean age was 56.7 ± 6.7 years and participants had been living with HIV for a mean of 22 ± 6.4 years. Controlling for all other factors, African Americans reported less fatigue and more energy than other racial/ethnic groups. Lack of energy was associated with daytime napping and cognitive function. Fatigue was associated with shorter nighttime sleep duration, anxiety, and both physical and cognitive function.

Discussion

Findings highlight potential differences between lack of energy and fatigue that could influence intervention outcomes. Avoiding daytime naps and encouraging longer nighttime sleep may improve fatigue as well as physical and cognitive function in this chronic illness population.
Pain matrix shift in the rat brain following persistent colonic inflammation revealed by voxel-based statistical analysis
Authors: Huang Tianliang , Okauchi Takashi , Hu Di , Shigeta Mika , Wu Yuping , Wada Yasuhiro , Hayashinaka Emi , Wang Shenglan , Kogure Yoko , Noguchi Koichi , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Dai Yi , Cui Yilong
Published: November 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Approximately 60% of the patients experience abdominal pain during acute IBD episodes, which severely impairs their quality of life. Both peripheral and central mechanisms are thought to be involved in such abdominal pain in IBD. Although much attention has been paid to peripheral mechanisms of abdominal pain in IBD pathophysiology, the involvement of supraspinal mechanisms remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we investigated regional brain activity in response to colorectal distension in normal and IBD model rats using voxel-based statistical analysis of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography imaging. The rat IBD model was generated by colorectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, a chemical compound widely used to generate colitis. Tissue damage and inflammation were induced and dynamically changed with time after 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid injection, while colorectal distension-induced visceromotor response showed corresponding temporal changes. We found that characteristic brain activations were observed in response to visceral innocuous and noxious colorectal distension and supraspinal nociception shared some physiological sensory pathway. Moreover, widespread brain regions were activated, and the functional coupling between the central medial thalamic nucleus and anterior cingulate cortex was enhanced after noxious colorectal distension in IBD model of rats. Increased brain activity in the anterior insular cortex and anterior cingulate cortex was positively correlated with noxious colorectal distension-induced pain severity in normal and IBD rats, respectively. These findings suggest that the pain matrix was shifted following persistent colonic inflammation, and thalamocortical sensitization in the pathway from the central medial thalamic nucleus to anterior cingulate cortex might be a central mechanism of the visceral hyperalgesia in IBD pathophysiology.
Comparative transcriptional analysis of Capsicum flower buds between a sterile flower pool and a restorer flower pool provides insight into the regulation of fertility restoration
Authors: Wei Bingqiang , Wang Lanlan , Bosland Paul W. , Zhang Gaoyuan , Zhang Ru
Published: November 2019

Background

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and its restoration of fertility (Rf) system is an important mechanism to produce F1 hybrid seeds. Understanding the interaction that controls restoration at a molecular level will benefit plant breeders. The CMS is caused by the interaction between mitochondrial and nuclear genes, with the CMS phenotype failing to produce functional anthers, pollen, or male gametes. Thus, understanding the complex processes of anther and pollen development is a prerequisite for understanding the CMS system. Currently it is accepted that the Rf gene in the nucleus restores the fertility of CMS, however the Rf gene has not been cloned. In this study, CMS line 8A and the Rf line R1, as well as a sterile pool (SP) of accessions and a restorer pool (RP) of accessions analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CMS and its fertility restorer using the conjunction of RNA sequencing and bulk segregation analysis.

Results

A total of 2274 genes were up-regulated in R1 as compared to 8A, and 1490 genes were up-regulated in RP as compared to SP. There were 891 genes up-regulated in both restorer accessions, R1 and RP, as compared to both sterile accessions, 8A and SP. Through annotation and expression analysis of co-up-regulated expressed genes, eight genes related to fertility restoration were selected. These genes encode putative fructokinase, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase, pectate lyase, exopolygalacturonase, pectinesterase, cellulose synthase, fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein and phosphoinositide phospholipase C. In addition, a phosphatidylinositol signaling system and an inositol phosphate metabolism related to the fertility restorer of CMS were ranked as the most likely pathway for affecting the restoration of fertility in pepper.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that eight genes were related to the restoration of fertility, which provides new insight into understanding the molecular mechanism of fertility restoration of CMS in Capsicum.
Genome-wide analysis of Homo sapiens, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals novel attributes of tail-anchored membrane proteins
Authors: Brito Glauber Costa , Schormann Wiebke , Gidda Satinder K. , Mullen Robert T. , Andrews David W.
Published: November 2019

Background

Tail-anchored membrane proteins (TAMPs) differ from other integral membrane proteins, because they contain a single transmembrane domain at the extreme carboxyl-terminus and are therefore obliged to target to membranes post-translationally. Although 3–5% of all transmembrane proteins are predicted to be TAMPs only a small number are well characterized.

Results

To identify novel putative TAMPs across different species, we used TAMPfinder software to identify 859, 657 and 119 putative TAMPs in human (Homo sapiens), plant (Arabidopsis thaliana), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), respectively. Bioinformatics analyses of these putative TAMP sequences suggest that the list is highly enriched for authentic TAMPs. To experimentally validate the software predictions several human and plant proteins identified by TAMPfinder that were previously uncharacterized were expressed in cells and visualized at subcellular membranes by fluorescence microscopy and further analyzed by carbonate extraction or by bimolecular fluorescence complementation. With the exception of the pro-apoptotic protein harakiri, which is, peripherally bound to the membrane this subset of novel proteins behave like genuine TAMPs. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the generated TAMP datasets revealed previously unappreciated common and species-specific features such as the unusual size distribution of and the propensity of TAMP proteins to be part of larger complexes. Additionally, novel features of the amino acid sequences that anchor TAMPs to membranes were also revealed.

Conclusions

The findings in this study more than double the number of predicted annotated TAMPs and provide new insights into the common and species-specific features of TAMPs. Furthermore, the list of TAMPs and annotations provide a resource for further investigation.
Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and plasmid profiling of Vibrio spp. isolated from cultured groupers in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Amalina Nor Zulkiply , Santha Silvaraj , Zulperi Dzarifah , Amal Mohammad Noor Azmai , Yusof Mohd Termizi , Zamri-Saad Mohd , Ina-Salwany Md Yasin
Published: November 2019

Background

Numerous prevalence studies ofVibriospp. infection in fish have been extensively reported worldwide, including Malaysia. Unfortunately, information on the prevalence ofVibriospp. in groupers (Epinephelusspp.) is limited. In this study, groupers obtained from nine farms located at different geographical regions in Malaysia were sampled for the presence of pathogenicVibriospp. and their susceptibility profiles against seven antibiotics.

Results

Out of 270 grouper samples, 195 (72%) were detected with the presence ofVibriospp.Vibrio communisshowed highest prevalence in grouper (28%), followed byV. parahaemolyticus(25%),V. alginolyticus(19%),V. vulnificus(14%),V. rotiferianus(3%),Vibriosp. (3%),V. campbellii(2%), V. mytili(2%), V. furnissii(2%), V. harveyi(1%), V. tubiashii(1%), V. fluvialis(0.3%) andV. diabolicus(0.3%).Assessment on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of theVibriospp. revealed that majority of the isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, streptomycin, erythromycin and bacitracin, but resistance to ampicillin, penicillin G and vancomycin. The mean MAR index of theVibrioisolates was 0.51, with 85% of the isolates showed MAR index value of higher than 0.2. Results indicate that theVibriospp. were continuously exposed to antibiotics. Furthermore, the plasmid profiles ofVibriospp. showed that 38.7% of the isolates harbored plasmid with molecular weight of more than 10 kb, while 61.3% were without plasmid. During curing process,Vibriospp. lost their plasmid, but remained resistant to ampicillin, penicillin G, bacitracin and vancomycin while a few isolates remained resistant to erythromycin, streptomycin and tetracycline. The results suggested that the resistance to antibiotics in isolatedVibriospp. might be due to chromosomal and plasmid borne.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the prevalence ofVibriospp. in groupers and the distribution of multidrug resistance strains that could be of concern to the farmers in Malaysia. In addition, data from this study can be further used in fish disease management plan.
Hypoxia preconditioning attenuates lung injury after thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with lung cancer: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Chen Mo , Li Hongbin , Yuan Jia , Li Jingjing , Wu Feixiang , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2019

Background

Hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) may protect multiple organs from various injuries. We hypothesized that HPC would reduce lung injury in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Methods

In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 70 patients undergoing elective thoracoscopic lobectomy were randomly allocated to the HPC group or the control group. Three cycles of 5-min hypoxia and 3-min ventilation applied to the nondependent lung served as the HPC intervention. The primary outcome was the PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pulmonary complications, pulmonary function, and duration of hospital stay.

Results

HPC significantly increased the PaO2/FiO2 ratio compared with the control at 30 min after one-lung ventilation and 7 days after operation. Compared with the control, it also significantly improved postoperative pulmonary function and markedly reduced the postoperative hospital stay duration. No significant differences between groups were observed in the incidence of pulmonary complications or overall postoperative morbidity.

Conclusions

HPC improves postoperative oxygenation, enhances the recovery of pulmonary function, and reduces the duration of hospital stay in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-17011249) on April 27, 2017.
Preprocedural ultrasound versus landmark techniques for spinal anesthesia performed by novice residents in elderly: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rizk Marwan S. , Zeeni Carine A. , Bouez Joanna N. , Bteich Nathalie J. , Sayyid Samia K. , Alfahel Waseem S. , Siddik-Sayyid Sahar M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Spinal anesthesia using the midline approach might be technically difficult in geriatric population. We hypothesized that pre-procedural ultrasound (US)-guided paramedian technique and pre-procedural US-guided midline technique would result in a different spinal anesthesia success rate at first attempt when compared with the conventional landmark-guided midline technique in elderly patients.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, controlled study,one hundred-eighty consenting patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomized into the conventional surface landmark-guided midline technique (group LM), the pre-procedural US-guided paramedian technique (group UP), or the pre-procedural US-guided midline technique (group UM) with 60 patients in each group. All spinal anesthesia were performed by a novice resident.

Results

The successful dural puncture rate on first attempt (primary outcome) was higher in groups LM and UM (77 and 73% respectively) than in group UP (42%;P < 0.001). The median number of attempts was lower in groups LM and UM (1 [1] and 1 [1–1.75] respectively) than in group UP (2 [1, 2];P < 0.001). The median number of passes was lower in groups LM and UM (2 [0.25–3] and 2 [0–4]; respectively) than in group UP (4 [2–7.75];P < 0.001). The time taken to perform the spinal anesthesia was not different between groups LM and UM (87.24 ± 79.51 s and 116.32 ± 98.12 s, respectively) but shorter than in group UP (154.58 ± 91.51 s;P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A pre-procedural US scan did not improve the ease of midline and paramedian spinal anesthesia as compared to the conventional landmark midline technique when performed by junior residents in elderly population.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, registration numberNCT02658058, date of registration: January 18, 2016.
Investigating the physiology of normothermic ex vivo heart perfusion in an isolated slaughterhouse porcine model used for device testing and training
Authors: Kappler Benjamin , Ledezma Carlos A. , van Tuijl Sjoerd , Meijborg Veronique , Boukens Bastiaan J. , Ergin Bülent , Tan P. J. , Stijnen Marco , Ince Can , Díaz-Zuccarini Vanessa , de Mol Bas A. J. M.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background

The PhysioHeart™ is a mature acute platform, based isolated slaughterhouse hearts and able to validate cardiac devices and techniques in working mode. Despite perfusion, myocardial edema and time-dependent function degradation are reported. Therefore, monitoring several variables is necessary to identify which of these should be controlled to preserve the heart function. This study presents biochemical, electrophysiological and hemodynamic changes in the PhysioHeart™ to understand the pitfalls of ex vivo slaughterhouse heart hemoperfusion.

Methods

Seven porcine hearts were harvested, arrested and revived using the PhysioHeart™. Cardiac output, SaO2, glucose and pH were maintained at physiological levels. Blood analyses were performed hourly and unipolar epicardial electrograms (UEG), pressures and flows were recorded to assess the physiological performance.

Results

Normal cardiac performance was attained in terms of mean cardiac output (5.1 ± 1.7 l/min) and pressures but deteriorated over time. Across the experiments, homeostasis was maintained for 171.4 ± 54 min, osmolarity and blood electrolytes increased significantly between 10 and 80%, heart weight increased by 144 ± 41 g, free fatty acids (− 60%), glucose and lactate diminished, ammonia increased by 273 ± 76% and myocardial necrosis and UEG alterations appeared and aggravated. Progressively deteriorating electrophysiological and hemodynamic functions can be explained by reperfusion injury, waste product intoxication (i.e. hyperammonemia), lack of essential nutrients, ion imbalances and cardiac necrosis as a consequence of hepatological and nephrological plasma clearance absence.

Conclusions

The PhysioHeart™ is an acute model, suitable for cardiac device and therapy assessment, which can precede conventional animal studies. However, observations indicate that ex vivo slaughterhouse hearts resemble cardiac physiology of deteriorating hearts in a multi-organ failure situation and signalize the need for plasma clearance during perfusion to attenuate time-dependent function degradation. The presented study therefore provides an in-dept understanding of the sources and reasons causing the cardiac function loss, as a first step for future effort to prolong cardiac perfusion in the PhysioHeart™. These findings could be also of potential interest for other cardiac platforms.
A novel collagen area fraction index to quantitatively assess bowel fibrosis in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Li Xue-hua , Fang Zhuang-nian , Guan Tian-ming , Lin Jin-jiang , Sun Can-hui , Huang Si-yun , Mao Ren , Lu Bao-lan , Cao Qing-hua , Feng Shi-ting , Li Zi-ping
Published: November 2019

Background

A validated histopathological tool to precisely evaluate bowel fibrosis in patients with Crohn’s disease is lacking. We attempted to establish a new index to quantify the severity of bowel fibrosis in patients with Crohn’s disease-associated fibrostenosis.

Methods

We analyzed the histopathological data of 31 patients with Crohn’s disease strictures undergoing surgical resection. The most representative sections of resected strictured segments were stained with Masson trichrome to manifest bowel fibrosis. The collagen area fraction and histological fibrosis score were simultaneously calculated for the same section to evaluate the severity of bowel fibrosis.

Results

Collagen area fraction strongly correlated with histological fibrosis scores (r = 0.733, P < 0.001). It showed a stronger correlation (r = 0.561, P < 0.001) with the degree of bowel strictures than the histological fibrosis score did (r = 0.468, P < 0.001). It was also shown to be more accurate for diagnosing Crohn’s disease strictures (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.815, P < 0.001) compared with the histological fibrosis score (area under the curve = 0.771, P < 0.001). High repeatability was observed for the collagen area fraction, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.915 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Collagen area fraction is a simple and reliable index to quantify the severity of bowel fibrosis in patients with Crohn’s disease-associated fibrostenosis.
Durability of pneumatic dilation monotherapy in treatment-naive achalasia patients
Authors: Javed Abid T. , Batte Kevin , Khalaf Mohamed , Abdul-Hussein Mustafa , Elias Pooja S. , Castell Donald O.
Published: November 2019

Background

Pneumatic dilation (PD) is often billed as a “short term” treatment for achalasia but anecdotally can last years. This study sought to explore how long a single pneumatic dilation may induce symptom remission in a treatment-naïve achalasia patient.

Methods

A single center, retrospective chart review of patients with an ICD-9 or − 10 code of achalasia between 2005 and 2017 was performed. Treatment naïve patients with manometric diagnosis of primary achalasia were included. Outcomes (success or failure); single vs multiple PD; age; and estimated duration of effect were evaluated. Each patient underwent a single PD unless re-intervention was required for relapse.

Results

83 patients (52% female, median 51.6 ± 3.6 years) were included. 43% underwent 2 PD and 13% underwent 3 PD. There was no significant relation between age, gender, and number of PDs. After 1 PD, 87.5% of patients reported > 1 year of symptom remission. 80.5% of relapsed patients reported success after a 2nd dilation. 1 PD was more likely to result in success than multiple PDs (p < 0.001). The measured median duration of remission after 1 PD was 4.23 years, and for 2 PDs, 3.71 years. The median estimated remission time after 1 PD was 8.5 years (CI 7.3–9.7, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

PD is a safe, durable treatment for achalasia. A single PD is likely to last years. A second PD, if required, also has a high likelihood of success.