bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep in Inner Mongolia Province, China
Authors: Yan Xinlei , Han Wenying , Wang Yang , Zhang Hongbo , Gao Zhihui
Published: February 2020

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, and infection may result in many adverse effects on animal husbandry production. Animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia is well developed, but data on T. gondii infection in sheep are lacking. In this study, we determined the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. A total of 1853 serum samples were collected from 29 counties of Xilin Gol League (n = 624), Hohhot City (n = 225), Ordos City (n = 158), Wulanchabu City (n = 144), Bayan Nur City (n = 114) and Hulunbeir City (n = 588). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 15.43%. Risk factor analysis showed that seroprevalence was higher in sheep ≥12 months of age (21.85%) than that in sheep <12 months of age (10.20%) (p < 0.01). Seroprevalence was higher in male sheep (18.76%) than females (12.80%) (p < 0.01). Barn-feeding sheep (23.13%) had higher prevalence than grazing sheep (10.94%) (p < 0.01). The seroprevalence was significantly different in different districts (p < 0.01). This study shows that sheep are exposed to T. gondii in Inner Mongolia, and provides a data reference for public health and disease control.
Sarkopenie: eine Herausforderung im Alter
Authors: Ferrari Uta , Drey Michael
Published: February 2020

Sarkopenie ist ein geriatrisches Syndrom, das durch einen generalisierten Verlust von Muskelmasse und Muskelfunktion gekennzeichnet ist. Damit verbunden ist eine erhöhte Wahrscheinlichkeit von Stürzen, Frakturen, Behinderung und Mortalität. Seit Oktober 2016 gibt es in den USA einen ICD-10-CM-Code (M62.84) für Sarkopenie. In Deutschland kann Sarkopenie seit 2018 im ICD-10-GM (M62.50) codiert werden. Zur Selektion in der Primärversorgung besteht die Möglichkeit mittels eines Sarkopeniefragebogens (SARC-F) gefährdete Patienten zu identifizieren. Diese können dann einer weiterführenden Diagnostik zugeführt werden. Gemäß der aktuellen revidierten Fassung des europäischen Sarkopeniekonsensus ist ein Therapiebeginn und eine weitere Ursachenabklärung bereits bei Vorliegen einer eingeschränkten Muskelkraft möglich. Gegenwärtig besteht die Therapie aus Kraft- und Balancetraining sowie einer Ernährungsberatung mit dem Ziel einer proteinreichen Ernährung. Eine medikamentöse Behandlung der Sarkopenie ist noch nicht verfügbar. Einige Substanzen sind jedoch in der klinischen Prüfung. Am vielversprechendsten scheint die Gruppe der Myostatinantagonisten zu sein.
Omega-3-Fettsäuren und KHK – völlig nutzlos oder evidenzbasiert wirksam?
Authors: Schmiedel Volker
Published: February 2020

Aufgrund der physiologischen Wirkungen von Omega-3-Fettsäuren gab es viele Indizien, dass Omega-3-Fettsäuren wirksam in der Prävention und Therapie von koronaren Herzkrankheiten (KHK) sein könnten. In den letzten Jahren wurden jedoch mehrere „negative“ Studien und Metaanalysen publiziert, die ein breites Echo in den Medien fanden und in der Behauptung einer völligen Wirkungslosigkeit gipfelten. Ganz aktuell hat sich jedoch die Datenlage gedreht: Bei genauerer Betrachtung der „negativen“ Publikationen findet man hier sogar Hinweise auf eine Wirksamkeit. Und neuere Studien und Metaanalysen lassen unmissverständlich keinen Zweifel mehr an der Wirksamkeit von Omega-3-Fettsäuren bei KHK.
Adsorption-enhanced catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of aromatic compounds on ionothermally synthesised copper-doped magnetite magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Xuanlin , Du Wei , Chen Rong , Chen Fengxi
Published: February 2020

Environmental contextAromatic compounds are major organic pollutants that are hard to clean up by either adsorption or biological treatment processes. We synthesised Cu-doped Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles and showed that they efficiently degrade various aromatic compounds with H2O2 under mild conditions. This active and stabile heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst has the potential for various environmental applications.
AbstractMagnetite magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs) have great potential in environmental remediation owing to the intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, which is unfortunately not strong enough to activate H2O2 for practical applications. Herein, Cu-doped Fe3O4 MNPs (Fe2.88Cu0.12O4) were ionothermally synthesised and demonstrated as a highly efficient and stable heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of aromatic compounds with H2O2 at pH ~7 and 25°C. Theoretical calculations found that the interaction between aromatic compounds (e.g. orange G) and Cu2+ through a terminal end-on binding mode with moderate strength was favourable to enhance their adsorption on Fe2.88Cu0.12O4. In addition, copper dopants increased the decomposition rate of H2O2 at 25°C about four-fold (0.584h−1 on Fe2.88Cu0.12O4 versus 0.153h−1 on Fe3O4), which is attributed to efficient redox cycling of iron and copper ions for synergistic activation of H2O2. Copper-enhanced adsorption of aromatic compounds, together with synergistic activation of H2O2 by surface iron and copper active sites, explained the higher catalytic activity of Fe2.88Cu0.12O4. This study provided new insight for improving the catalytic performance of magnetite-based heterogeneous catalysts for various environmental and biomedical applications.
Label‐free identification and chemical characterisation of single extracellular vesicles and lipoproteins by synchronous Rayleigh and Raman scattering
Authors: Enciso‐Martinez Agustin , Van Der Pol Edwin , Hau Chi M. , Nieuwland Rienk , Van Leeuwen Ton G. , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. , Otto Cees
Published: February 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in blood originate from cells of different origins such as red blood cells (RBCs), platelets and leukocytes. In patients with cancer, a small portion of EVs originate from tumour cells and their load is associated with poor clinical outcome. Identification of these tumour‐derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs) is difficult as they are outnumbered by EVs of different tissue of origin as well a large number of lipoproteins (LPs) that are in the same size range. In order to detect tdEVs from the abundant presence of other particles, single‐particle techniques are necessary. Here, synchronous Rayleigh and Raman scattering is used for that purpose. This combination of light scattering techniques identifies optically trapped single particles based on Rayleigh scattering and distinguishes differences in chemical composition of particle populations based on Raman scattering. Here, we show that tdEVs can be distinguished from RBC EVs and LPs in a label‐free manner and directly in suspension.
An easy-to-assemble, robust, and lightweight drive implant for chronic tetrode recordings in freely moving animals
Authors: Voigts Jakob , Newman Jonathan P , Wilson Matthew A , Harnett Mark T
Published: February 2020

Tetrode arrays are a standard method for neuronal recordings in behaving animals, especially for chronic recordings of many neurons in freely-moving animals. Objective. We sought to simplify tetrode drive designs with the aim of enabling building and implanting a 16-tetrode drive in a single day. Approach. Our design makes use of recently developed technologies to reduce the complexity of the drive while maintaining a low weight. Main results. The design presents an improvement over existing implants in terms of robustness, weight, and ease of use. We describe two variants: a 16 tetrode implant weighing ∼2 g for mice, bats, tree shrews and similar animals, and a 64 tetrode implant weighing ∼16 g for rats and similar animals. These designs were co-developed and optimized alongside a new class of drive-mounted feature-rich amplifier boards with ultra-thin radio-frequency tethers, as described in an upcoming paper (Newman, Zhang et al in prep). Significance. This design significantly improves the data yield of chronic electrophysiology experiments.
Chromo-dynamic multi-component lattice Boltzmann equation scheme for axial symmetry
Authors: Spendlove J , Xu X , Schenkel T , Seaton M , Halliday I
Published: February 2020

We validate the chromo-dynamic multi-component lattice Boltzmann equation (MCLBE) simulation for immiscible fluids with a density contrast against analytical results for complex flow geometries, with particular emphasis on the fundamentals of the method, i.e. compliance with inter-facial boundary conditions of continuum hydrodynamics. To achieve the necessary regimes for the chosen validations, we develop, from a three-dimensional, axially-symmetric flow formulation, a novel, two-dimensional, pseudo Cartesian, MCLBE scheme. This requires the inclusion in lattice Boltzmann methodology of a continuously distributed source and a velocity-dependent force density (here, the metric force terms of the cylindrical Navier–Stokes equations). Specifically, we apply our model to the problem of flow past a spherical liquid drop in Re  =  0, Ca

regime and, also, flow past a lightly deformed drop. The resulting simulation data, once corrected for the simulation’s inter-facial micro-current (using a method we also advance herein, based on freezing the phase field) show good agreement with theory over a small range of density contrasts. In particular, our data extend verified compliance with the kinematic condition from flat (Burgin et al 2019 Phys. Rev. E 100 043310) to the case of curved fluid–fluid interfaces. More generally, our results indicate a route to eliminate the influence of the inter-facial micro-current.
The Effect of Pain Catastrophizing on Endogenous Inhibition of Pain and Spinal Nociception in Native Americans: Results From the Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk
Authors: Toledo Tyler A , Kuhn Bethany L , Payne Michael F , Lannon Edward W , Palit Shreela , Sturycz Cassandra A , Hellman Natalie , Güereca Yvette M , Demuth Mara J , Huber Felicitas , Shadlow Joanna O , Rhudy Jamie L
Published: February 2020

Background

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is a task that involves measuring pain in response to a test stimulus before and during a painful conditioning stimulus (CS). The CS pain typically inhibits pain elicited by the test stimulus; thus, this task is used to assess endogenous pain inhibition. Moreover, less efficient CPM-related inhibition is associated with chronic pain risk. Pain catastrophizing is a cognitive-emotional process associated with negative pain sequelae, and some studies have found that catastrophizing reduces CPM efficiency.

Purpose

The current study examined the relationship between catastrophizing (dispositional and situation specific) and CPM-related inhibition of pain and the nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR; a marker of spinal nociception) to determine whether the catastrophizing–CPM relationship might contribute to the higher risk of chronic pain in Native Americans (NAs).

Methods

CPM of pain and NFR was assessed in 124 NAs and 129 non-Hispanic Whites. Dispositional catastrophizing was assessed at the beginning of the test day, whereas situation-specific catastrophizing was assessed in response to the CS, as well as painful electric stimuli.

Results

Situation-specific, but not dispositional, catastrophizing led to less NFR inhibition but more pain inhibition. These effects were not moderated by race, but mediation analyses found that: (a) the NA race was associated with greater situation-specific catastrophizing, which led to less NFR inhibition and more pain inhibition, and (b) situation-specific catastrophizing was associated with greater CS pain, which led to more pain inhibition.

Conclusions

Catastrophizing may contribute to NA pain risk by disrupting descending inhibition.
CJEU confirms registrability as an EUTM of a bottle that takes the shape of an amphora
Authors: Martin Stefan
Published: February 2020

Court of Justice of the European Union, EUIPO v Wajos GmbH, C-783/18 P, EU:C:2019:1073, 12 December 2019

By a judgment rendered on 12 December 2019, the Court of Justice of the European Union dismissed the appeal filed by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) against a judgment of the General Court allowing the registration of a bottle taking the shape of an amphora.
The Development of a Tympanic Membrane Model and Probabilistic Dose-Response Risk Assessment of Rupture Because of Blast
Authors: Iyoho Anthony E , Ho Kevin , Chan Philemon
Published: February 2020

Introduction

There is no dose-response model available for the assessment of the risk of tympanic membrane rupture (TMR), commonly known as eardrum rupture, from exposures to blast from nonlethal flashbangs, which can occur concurrently with temporary threshold shift. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop a fast-running, lumped parameter model of the tympanic membrane (TM) with probabilistic dose-dependent prediction of injury risk.

Materials and Methods

The lumped parameter model was first benchmarked with a finite element model of the middle ear. To develop the dose-response curves, TMR data from a historic cadaver study were utilized. From these data, the binary probability response was constructed and logistic regression was applied to generate the respective dose-response curves at moderate and severe eardrum rupture severity.

Results

Hosmer-Lemeshow statistical and receiver operation characteristic analyses showed that maximum stored TM energy was the overall best dose metric or injury correlate when compared with total work and peak TM pressure.

Conclusions

Dose-response curves are needed for probabilistic risk assessments of unintended effects like TMR. For increased functionality, the lumped parameter model was packaged as a software library that predicts eardrum rupture for a given blast loading condition.
Prototype of a Military Medic Smartphone Medical Graphical User Interface for Use by Medics in Deployed Environments
Authors: Wong Kenneth H , Bayarsaikhan Shijir , Levine Betty A , Mun Seong K
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Prompt and effective combat casualty care is essential for decreasing morbidity and mortality during military operations. Similarly, accurate documentation of injuries and treatments enables quality care, both in the immediate postinjury phase and the longer-term recovery. This article describes efforts to prototype a Military Medic Smartphone (MMS) for use by combat medics and other health care providers who work in austere environments.

Materials and Methods

The MMS design builds on previous electronic health record systems and is based on observations of medic workflows. It provides several functions including a compact yet efficient physiologic monitor, a communications device for telemedicine, a portable reference library, and a recorder of casualty care data from the point of injury rearward to advanced echelons of care. Apps and devices communicate using an open architecture to support different sensors and future expansions.

Results

The prototype MMS was field tested during live exercises to generate qualitative feedback from potential users, which provided significant guidance for future enhancements.

Conclusions

The widespread deployment of this type of device will enable more effective health care, limit the impact of battlefield injuries, and save lives.
The Effects of Continual Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone Treatment on Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts in an In Vitro Wound Repopulation Model
Authors: Gilbert William , Goodin Jeremy L , McPherson James C , Chuang Augustine H
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) play a vital role in periodontal regeneration. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is important in catabolic regulation on osteoclasts; it also has anabolic effects on hard tissue formation. Using an in vitro wound repopulation model, this study investigated the effect of continual intermittent administration of PTH on PDLFs wound repopulation. Methods and Materials: PDLFs were grown in 12-well plates and divided into 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 nM of PTH treatments. A 3-mm wound was created on confluent and synchronized cells. Six PTH treatments were initiated using serum-free medium with supplements. Cell repopulation was measured at four time points: 5, 10, 15, and 20 days.

Results

A 5% increase wound repopulation showed an enhancement on day 10 for all treatment groups as compared to control groups. On days 15 and 20, treatment groups showed a decrease in proliferation and migration compared to controls with significant decreases at concentrations of 40 and 80 nM.

Conclusion

Continual intermittent treatment with PTH has the potential to enhance proliferation and migration of PDLFs for wound repopulation at early time points. A dose-dependent correlation was seen with a positive trend on day 10 while a significant decrease on day 20.
Influenza Vaccination, Self-reported Illness, and Obstacles for Vaccination Among the 2010 ROTC Warrior Forge Cadet Cohort
Authors: Barrett John P , Rosen Irene M , Stout Louis R , Rosen Stephanie E
Published: February 2020

Introduction

This study evaluates a large cohort of college students after the 2009–2010 pandemic H1N1 influenza season. The objective was to assess influenza vaccination status, influenzalike illnesses (ILIs), and other characteristics associated with attaining immunizations.

Methods

This study was conducted during the summer 2010 the Reserve Officer Training Corps Leadership Development and Assessment Course involving 6272 college students. A voluntary, anonymous questionnaire was administered to assess study objectives.

Results

Vaccination rates were 39.9% for pandemic H1N1, 40.6% for seasonal influenza, and 32.6% for receiving both vaccinations. Age less than 25 and having a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship were associated with lower odds of receiving vaccinations, whereas entering the nursing field and simultaneous membership in the Army reserve forces were associated with higher odds of vaccination. There are 11.2% of respondents reported having an ILI, including 4.3% with severe ILI. There were 4184 reasons indicated for not attaining influenza vaccinations, which are listed in categorical groupings.

Conclusions

A historical anchor for vaccination rates and ILI is provided in a large cohort of college students following the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Influenza immunization locations were determined, as was self-reported obstacles to receiving vaccinations. These are important results for public health leaders seeking to increase vaccination rates during future influenza seasons.
Anthropomorphic Blast Test Device for Primary Blast Injury Risk Assessment
Authors: Hsu Yun , Ho Kevin , Chan Philemon
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Blast overpressure health hazard assessment is required prior to fielding of weapon systems that produce blast overpressures that pose risk of auditory and nonauditory blast lung injuries. The anthropomorphic blast test device (ABTD) offers a single device solution for collection of both auditory and nonauditory data from a single blast at anthropometrically correct locations for injury risk assessment. It also allows for better replication of personnel positioning during weapons firings. The ABTD is an update of the blast test device (BTD), the current Army standard for collection of thoracic blast loading data. Validation testing of the ABTD is required to ensure that lung injury model validated using BTD collected test data and sheep subjects is still applicable when the ABTD is used.

Methods

Open field validation blast tests were conducted with BTD and ABTD placed at matching locations. Tests at seven blast strength levels were completed spanning the range of overpressures for occupational testing.

Results

The two devices produced very similar values for lung injury dose over all blast levels and orientations.

Conclusion

The ABTD was validated successfully for open field tests. For occupational blast injury assessments, ABTD can be used in place of the BTD and provide enhanced capabilities.
Nitrate Stabilizes the Rhizospheric Fungal Community to Suppress Fusarium Wilt Disease in Cucumber
Authors: Gu Zechen , Wang Min , Wang Ying , Zhu Linxing , Mur Luis Alejandro Jose , Hu Jun , Guo Shiwei
Published: February 2020

Nitrogen forms can regulate soil-borne Fusarium wilt suppression, but the related mechanisms are largely unknown, especially possible action via the rhizospheric microbial community. Soil analysis, MiSeq high-throughput sequencing analysis, community diversity, and network analysis were used to characterize the impact of different nitrogen forms (nitrate and ammonium) on rhizospheric fungal communities and the contribution of nitrate to the suppression to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum compared with ammonium. Nitrate-grown cucumber showed a lower disease index and F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum abundance in the rhizosphere. In comparisons with ammonium nutrients, nitrate-fed plants maintained a higher soil rhizosphere pH, microbial biomass carbon content, microbial biomass nitrogen content, as well as fungal community richness and diversity following F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum incubation. All these factors were negatively related with disease index. Network analysis showed fewer nodes and edges in the ammonium treatments compared with nitrate treatments. The relative abundance of Pathotroph-Saprotroph, Pathotroph-Saprotroph-Symbiotroph, and Saprotroph fungi explained 82% of the variability of rhizosphere F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum abundance. In conclusion, after pathogen inoculation under nitrate nutrition, the less-affected microbial composition, community diversity, and community internal relations, which resulted from the more diverse and robust microbial population, potentially contributed to greater Fusarium wilt suppression.
Evaluation and Management of Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists' Clinical Practice
Authors: Epps Denise , Kwan Justin Y. , Russell James W. , Thomas Talisa , Diaz-Abad Montserrat
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the evaluation and management of dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients by speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

Methods:

A 15-question web-based survey sent to SLPs in general clinical practice.

Results:

Forty-nine SLPs responded. Although only 8 (17.0%) of the SLPs worked in ALS clinics, 46 (93.9%) had worked with ALS patients. A variety of dysphagia evaluation protocols were used by 43 (97.7%) SLPs. Most SLPs, 40 (88.9%), recommended instrumental assessments, but timing and indication varied greatly: 19 (42.2%) SLPs recommended this at baseline even without bulbar symptoms, whereas others recommended this based on symptoms and/or clinical assessments.

Conclusions:

There is currently no uniform approach as to the indication, timing, and specific methods to use in the evaluation of dysphagia in ALS patients among SLPs. There is need for further research to assist in the development of definitive guideline recommendations for this population.
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICIAN-GRADED SUBRETINAL FIBROSIS IN EYES TREATED FOR NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Authors: Teo Kelvin Yi Chong , Joe Aaron W. , Nguyen Vuong , Invernizzi Alessandro , Arnold Jennifer J. , Barthelmes Daniel , Gillies Mark
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To assess the prevalence and incidence of and risk factors for subretinal fibrosis (SRFi) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) that underwent vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor treatment for up to 10 years.

Methods:

A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis was performed on data from a neovascular age-related macular degeneration registry. The presence and location of SRFi were graded by the treating practitioner. Visual acuity, lesion characteristics (type, morphology, and activity), and treatment administered at each visit was recorded.

Results:

The prevalence of SRFi in 2,914 eyes rose from 20.4% at year interval 0-1 to 40.7% at year interval 9 to 10. The incidence in 1,950 eyes was 14.3% at baseline and 26.3% at 24 months. Independent characteristics associated with SRFi included poorer baseline vision (adjusted odds ratio 5.33 [95% confidence interval 4.66–7.61] for visual acuity ≤35 letters vs. visual acuity ≥70 letters, P < 0.01), baseline lesion size (adjusted odds ratio 1.08 [95% confidence interval 1.08–1.14] per 1000 µm, P = 0.03), lesion type (adjusted odds ratio 1.42 [95% confidence interval 1.17–1.72] for predominantly classic vs. occult lesions, P = 0.02), and proportion of active visits (adjusted odds ratio 1.58 [95% confidence interval 1.25–2.01] for the group with the highest level of activity vs. the lowest level of activity, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Subretinal fibrosis was found in 40% of eyes after 10 years of treatment. High rates of lesion activity, predominantly classic lesions, poor baseline vision, and larger lesion size seem to be independent risk factors for SRFi.
Development of a Simple and Practical Delirium Screening Tool for Use in Surgical Wards
Authors: KUBOTA Keisuke , SUZUKI Akihiro , OHDE Sachiko , YAMADA Ui , FUJITANI Ikumi , KOITABASHI Aya
Published: February 2020

Background

Delirium is an important and common medical condition, particularly in hospitalized patients, that is associated with adverse outcomes. The identification, prevention, and treatment of delirium are increasingly regarded as major public health priorities.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to create a simple-to-use screening tool for delirium in hospitalized patients using clinical manifestations of delirium regularly observed by nurses.

Methods

This study was conducted using data on 2,168 patients who had been admitted to the surgical ward between January 2011 and December 2014. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and a logistic regression model was constructed for the development of a predictive screening tool. After constructing a new screening tool for delirium, a receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, the most appropriate cutoff value was decided, and the area under the curve was obtained. Bootstrapping was used for the internal model validation.

Results

A screening tool for delirium (Subjective Delirium Screening Scale by Nurse) with a total score of 5 points was constructed as follows: 2 points for disorientation and 1 point each for restlessness, somnolence, and hallucination. The area under the curve for the Subjective Delirium Screening Scale by Nurse was 81.9% (95% CI [77.9%, 85.8%]), and the most appropriate cutoff value was determined to be 2 (sensitivity of 61.0% and specificity of 96.7%). Bootstrapped validation beta coefficients of the predictive factors were similar to the original cohort beta coefficients.

Conclusions

We created a screening tool for delirium using factors that were regularly observed and recorded by nurses. This tool is simple and practical and has adequate diagnostic accuracy.
Differences in American Athletes Undergoing Preparticipation Examination by Sex, Participation Level, and Age
Authors: Willard Jared , Jacob Dany , Tang Yuanyuan , Jones Philip , McCoy Marcia , Magalski Anthony
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To describe the preparticipation examination findings among American athletes by sex, participation level, and age.

Design:

Hypothesis-generating retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Saint-Luke's Athletic Heart Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

Participants:

A total of 2954 student athletes.

Interventions:

Athletes underwent preparticipation examination, which included history and physical, electrocardiogram, and 2-D transthoracic echocardiogram.

Main Outcome Measures:

Differences noted on screening preparticipation examination by sex, participation level, and age.

Results:

Female athletes reported more symptoms than male athletes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-1.97; P < 0.0001) but had lower prevalence of abnormal electrocardiogram (OR 0.52; CI, 0.39-0.68; P < 0.0001). College athletes reported fewer symptoms than novice athletes (OR 0.35; CI, 0.29-0.43; P < 0.0001) with no difference in the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiography (ECG) (OR 0.96; CI, 0.73-1.26; P = 0.78). Older athletes reported fewer symptoms than younger athletes (OR 0.61; CI, 0.52-0.71; P < 0.0001) with no difference in the prevalence of abnormal ECG (OR 1.00; CI, 0.81-1.23; P = 0.89). There were 43 athletes with clinically important findings with no difference in prevalence of these findings across sex, participation level, and age.

Conclusions:

Among this American cohort of athletes, male athletes reported fewer symptoms and had higher prevalence of abnormal ECG findings compared with female athletes. College and older athletes reported fewer symptoms and had no difference in prevalence of abnormal ECG findings compared with novice and younger athletes, respectively. Despite these differences between groups, the prevalence of clinically important findings was comparable among groups.
The emerging role of dyslipidemia in diabetic microvascular complications
Authors: Savelieff Masha G. , Callaghan Brian C. , Feldman Eva L.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

To summarize recent advancements in our understanding of the impact of dyslipidemia on microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D), with an emphasis on peripheral neuropathy and nephropathy.

Recent findings

Mounting evidence suggests that rigorous glycemic control only mitigates certain microvascular complications in T2D patients. Particularly, well regulated blood glucose levels only marginally improve peripheral neuropathy in the T2D setting. Dyslipidemia, an abnormal lipid profile, is emerging as a key factor in peripheral neuropathy. Furthermore, although glycemic control may prevent or slow nephropathy, recent developments demonstrate that dyslipidemia can also affect kidney outcomes in normoglycemic patients. Transcriptomic, epigenomic, and lipidomic investigations, as well as integrative approaches, are shedding light on potential pathomechanisms. These molecular studies are identifying possible targets for therapeutic intervention. Complementing molecular research, lifestyle interventions are on-going to assess whether dietary choices and/or exercise, weight-loss, or surgical interventions, such as bariatric surgery, can ameliorate peripheral neuropathy and nephropathy in T2D patients.

Dyslipidemia is an emerging mechanism in microvascular complications in T2D. Elucidating the molecular pathomechanisms may pinpoint potential lipid-centric treatments. Interventional studies of dietary changes, exercise, or weight-loss surgery may also positively impact these highly prevalent and morbid complications.
Increased monocyte and T-cell activation in treated HIV+ Ugandan children: associations with gut alteration and HIV factors
Authors: Dirajlal-Fargo Sahera , Albar Zainab , Bowman Emily , Labbato Danielle , Sattar Abdus , Karungi Christine , Nazzinda Rashida , Funderburg Nicholas , Kityo Cissy , Musiime Victor , McComsey Grace A.
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

The pathophysiology of immune activation and its mechanisms in children living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa has been understudied.

Methods:

We enrolled 101 children living with PHIV and 96 HIV-negative controls (HIV−). All participants were between 10 and 18 years of age with no known active infections. PHIVs were on ART with HIV-1 RNA level 400 copies/ml or less. We measured plasma and cellular markers of monocyte activation, T-cell activation (expression of CD38+ and HLA-DR on CD4+ and CD8+), oxidized lipids, markers of gut integrity and fungal translocation. Spearman correlations and linear regression models were used.

Results:

Overall median (Q1; Q3) age was 13 years (11; 15) and 52% were girls. Groups were similar by age, sex and BMI. Median ART duration was 10 years (8; 11). PHIVs had higher monocyte and T-cell activation; higher sCD14 (P = 0.01) and elevated frequencies of nonclassical monocytes (P < 0.001 for both). Markers of systemic inflammation (hsCRP), fungal translocation (BDG), intestinal permeability (zonulin) and oxidized lipids (ox LDL) correlated with monocyte and T-cell activation in PHIV (≤0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, ART duration, protease inhibitor and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor use, a modest association between BDG and activated CD4+ T cells was observed (β=0.65, P < 0.01). Oxidized LDL was inversely associated with activated T cells, inflammatory and nonclassical monocytes (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Ugandan children with perinatally acquired HIV with viral suppression have evidence of ongoing immune activation. Intestinal barrier dysfunction and fungal translocation may be involved in chronic immune dysfunction.
Age of first infection across a range of parasite taxa in a wild mammalian population
Authors: Combrink Leigh , Glidden Caroline K. , Beechler Bree R. , Charleston Bryan , Koehler Anson V. , Sisson Danielle , Gasser Robin B. , Jabbar Abdul , Jolles Anna E.
Published: February 2020

Newborn mammals have an immature immune system that cannot sufficiently protect them against infectious diseases. However, variation in the effectiveness of maternal immunity against different parasites may couple with temporal trends in parasite exposure to influence disparities in the timing of infection risk. Determining the relationship between age and infection risk is critical in identifying the portion of a host population that contributes to parasite dynamics, as well as the parasites that regulate host recruitment. However, there are no data directly identifying timing of first infection among parasites in wildlife. Here, we took advantage of a longitudinal dataset, tracking infection status by viruses, bacteria, protists and gastro-intestinal worms in a herd of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) to ask: how does age of first infection differ among parasite taxa? We found distinct differences in the age of first infection among parasites that aligned with the mode of transmission and parasite taxonomy. Specifically, we found that tick-borne and environmentally transmitted protists were acquired earlier than directly transmitted bacteria and viruses. These results emphasize the importance of understanding infection risk in juveniles, especially in host species where juveniles are purported to sustain parasite persistence and/or where mortality rates of juveniles influence population dynamics.
Understanding post-disaster population recovery patterns
Authors: Yabe Takahiro , Tsubouchi Kota , Fujiwara Naoya , Sekimoto Yoshihide , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: February 2020

Despite the rising importance of enhancing community resilience to disasters, our understandings on when, how and why communities are able to recover from such extreme events are limited. Here, we study the macroscopic population recovery patterns in disaster affected regions, by observing human mobility trajectories of over 1.9 million mobile phone users across three countries before, during and after five major disasters. We find that, despite the diversity in socio-economic characteristics among the affected regions and the types of hazards, population recovery trends after significant displacement resemble similar patterns after all five disasters. Moreover, the heterogeneity in initial and long-term displacement rates across communities in the three countries were explained by a set of key common factors, including the community’s median income level, population, housing damage rates and the connectedness to other cities. Such insights discovered from large-scale empirical data could assist policymaking in various disciplines for developing community resilience to disasters.
Hidden patterns of codon usage bias across kingdoms
Authors: Deng Yun , de Lima Hedayioglu Fabio , Kalfon Jeremie , Chu Dominique , von der Haar Tobias
Published: February 2020

The genetic code is necessarily degenerate with 64 possible nucleotide triplets being translated into 20 amino acids. Eighteen out of the 20 amino acids are encoded by multiple synonymous codons. While synonymous codons are clearly equivalent in terms of the information they carry, it is now well established that they are used in a biased fashion. There is currently no consensus as to the origin of this bias. Drawing on ideas from stochastic thermodynamics we derive from first principles a mathematical model describing the statistics of codon usage bias. We show that the model accurately describes the distribution of codon usage bias of genomes in the fungal and bacterial kingdoms. Based on it, we derive a new computational measure of codon usage bias—the distance

D

capturing two aspects of codon usage bias: (i) differences in the genome-wide frequency of codons and (ii) apparent non-random distributions of codons across mRNAs. By means of large scale computational analysis of over 900 species across two kingdoms of life, we demonstrate that our measure provides novel biological insights. Specifically, we show that while codon usage bias is clearly based on heritable traits and closely related species show similar degrees of bias, there is considerable variation in the magnitude of

D

within taxonomic classes suggesting that the contribution of sequence-level selection to codon bias varies substantially within relatively confined taxonomic groups. Interestingly, commonly used model organisms are near the median for values of

D

for their taxonomic class, suggesting that they may not be good representative models for species with more extreme

D

, which comprise organisms of medical and agricultural interest. We also demonstrate that amino acid specific patterns of codon usage are themselves quite variable between branches of the tree of life, and that some of this variability correlates with organismal tRNA content.
Hippocampal-dependent appetitive control is impaired by experimental exposure to a Western-style diet
Authors: Stevenson Richard J. , Francis Heather M. , Attuquayefio Tuki , Gupta Dolly , Yeomans Martin R. , Oaten Megan J. , Davidson Terry
Published: February 2020

Animals fed a Western-style diet (WS-diet) demonstrate rapid impairments in hippocampal function and poorer appetitive control. We examined if this also occurs in humans. One-hundred and ten healthy lean adults were randomized to either a one-week WS-diet intervention or a habitual-diet control group. Measures of hippocampal-dependent learning and memory (HDLM) and of appetitive control were obtained pre- and post-intervention. HDLM was retested at three-week follow-up. Relative to controls, HDLM performance declined in the WS-diet group (
d
= 0.43), but was not different at follow-up. Appetitive control also declined in the WS-diet group (
d
= 0.47) and this was strongly correlated with HDLM decline (
d
= 1.01). These findings demonstrate that a WS-diet can rapidly impair appetitive control in humans—an effect that could promote overeating in consumers of a WS-diet. The study also suggests a functional role for the hippocampus in appetitive control and provides new evidence for the adverse neurocognitive effects of a WS-diet.
Pathogen avoidance and prey discrimination in ants
Authors: Pereira Hugo , Detrain Claire
Published: February 2020

Insect societies have developed sanitary strategies, one of which is the avoidance of infectious food resources as a primary line of defence. Using binary choices, we investigated whetherMyrmica rubraants can identify prey that has been artificially infected with the entomopathogenic fungus,Metarhizium brunneum. We compared the ants' foraging behaviour towards infected prey at three different stages of fungus development:(i) prey covered with fungal conidia, (ii) prey freshly killed by the fungus and (iii) sporulating prey. Most foragers retrieved a corpse covered with a high number of spores but they consistently avoided a sporulating prey and collected less prey that had recently died from fungal infection. Furthermore, ant responses were highly variable, with some individuals retrieving the first prey they encountered while others inspected both available prey before making a decision. Workers were not repelled by the simple presence of fungal conidia but nevertheless, they avoided retrieving cadavers at later stages of fungal infection. We discuss how these different avoidance responses could be related to: differences in the ants’ perceptive abilities; physico-chemical cues characterizing fungus-infected prey or in the existence of physiological or behavioural defences that limit sanitary risks associated with potentially contaminated resources.
Non-invasive stress evaluation in domestic horses (
Equus caballus
): impact of housing conditions on sensory laterality and immunoglobulin A
Authors: Marr I. , Preisler V. , Farmer K. , Stefanski V. , Krueger K.
Published: February 2020

The study aimed to evaluate sensory laterality and concentration of faecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) as non-invasive measures of stress in horses by comparing them with the already established measures of motor laterality and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs). Eleven three-year-old horses were exposed to known stressful situations (change of housing, initial training) to assess the two new parameters. Sensory laterality initially shifted significantly to the left and faecal FGMs were significantly increased on the change from group to individual housing and remained high through initial training. Motor laterality shifted significantly to the left after one week of individual stabling. Faecal IgA remained unchanged throughout the experiment. We therefore suggest that sensory laterality may be helpful in assessing acute stress in horses, especially on an individual level, as it proved to be an objective behavioural parameter that is easy to observe. Comparably, motor laterality may be helpful in assessing long-lasting stress. The results indicate that stress changes sensory laterality in horses, but further research is needed on a larger sample to evaluate elevated chronic stress, as it was not clear whether the horses of the present study experienced compromised welfare, which it has been proposed may affect faecal IgA.
Identification of 2019-nCoV related coronaviruses in Malayan pangolins in southern China
Authors: Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Shum Marcus Ho-Hin , Zhu Hua-Chen , Tong Yi-Gang , Ni Xue-Bing , Liao Yun-Shi , Wei Wei , Cheung William Yiu-Man , Li Wen-Juan , Li Lian-Feng , Leung Gabriel M , Holmes Edward C. , Hu Yan-Ling , Guan Yi
Published: February 2020

The ongoing outbreak of viral pneumonia in China and beyond is associated with a novel coronavirus, provisionally termed 2019-nCoV. This outbreak has been tentatively associated with a seafood market in Wuhan, China, where the sale of wild animals may be the source of zoonotic infection. Although bats are likely reservoir hosts for 2019-nCoV, the identity of any intermediate host facilitating transfer to humans is unknown. Here, we report the identification of 2019-nCoV related coronaviruses in pangolins (Manis javanica) seized in anti-smuggling operations in southern China. Metagenomic sequencing identified pangolin associated CoVs that belong to two sub-lineages of 2019-nCoV related coronaviruses, including one very closely related to 2019-nCoV in the receptor-binding domain. The discovery of multiple lineages of pangolin coronavirus and their similarity to 2019-nCoV suggests that pangolins should be considered as possible intermediate hosts for this novel human virus and should be removed from wet markets to prevent zoonotic transmission.
Heterotrophic Carbon Fixation in a Salamander-Alga Symbiosis
Authors: Burns John A. , Kerney Ryan , Duhamel Solange
Published: February 2020

The unique symbiosis between a vertebrate salamander,Ambystoma maculatum, and unicellular green alga,Oophila amblystomatis, involves multiple modes of interaction. These include an ectosymbiotic interaction where the alga colonizes the egg capsule, and an intracellular interaction where the alga enters tissues and cells of the salamander. One common interaction in mutualist photosymbioses is the transfer of photosynthate from the algal symbiont to the host animal. In theA. maculatum-O. amblystomatisinteraction, there is conflicting evidence regarding whether the algae in the egg capsule transfer chemical energy captured during photosynthesis to the developing salamander embryo. In experiments where we took care to separate the carbon fixation contributions of the salamander embryo and algal symbionts, we show that inorganic carbon fixed byA. maculatumembryos reaches 2% of the inorganic carbon fixed byO. amblystomatisalgae within an egg capsule after 2 hours in the light. After 2 hours in the dark, inorganic carbon fixed byA. maculatumembryos is 800% of the carbon fixed byO. amblystomatisalgae within an egg capsule. Using photosynthesis inhibitors we show thatA. maculatumembryos and O.amblystomatisalgae compete for available inorganic carbon within the egg capsule environment. Our results confirm earlier studies suggesting a role of heterotrophic carbon fixation during vertebrate embryonic development. Our results also show that the considerable capacity of developingA. maculatumembryos for inorganic carbon fixation precludes our ability to distinguish any minor role of photosynthetically transferred carbon from algal symbionts to host salamanders using bicarbonate introduced to the egg system as a marker.
Sleep and Diurnal Rest-Activity Rhythm Disturbances in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Filon Mikolaj J. , Wallace Eli , Wright Samantha , Douglas Dylan J. , Steinberg Lauren I. , Verkuilen Carissa L. , Westmark Pamela R. , Maganti Rama K. , Westmark Cara J.
Published: February 2020

Study Objectives

Accumulating evidence suggests a strong association between sleep, amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We sought to determine if: (1) deficits in rest-activity rhythms and sleep are significant phenotypes in J20 AD mice, (2) metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 inhibitors (mGluR5) could rescue deficits in rest-activity rhythms and sleep, and (3) Aβ levels are responsive to treatment with mGluR5inhibitors.

Methods

Diurnal rest-activity levels were measured by actigraphy and sleep-wake patterns by electroencephalography (EEG), while animals were chronically treated with mGluR5inhibitors. Behavioral tests were performed, and Aβ levels measured in brain lysates.

Results

J20 mice exhibited a 4.5 hour delay in the acrophase of activity levels compared to wild-type littermates, and spent less time in REM sleep during the second half of the light period. J20 mice also exhibited decreased NREM delta power but increased NREM sigma power. The mGluR5inhibitor CTEP rescued the REM sleep deficit and improved NREM delta and sigma power but did not correct rest-activity rhythms. No statistically significant differences were observed in Aβ levels, rotarod performance or the passive avoidance task following chronic mGluR5inhibitor treatment.

Conclusions

J20 mice have disruptions in rest-activity rhythms and reduced homeostatic sleep pressure (reduced NREM delta power). NREM delta power was increased following treatment with an mGluR5inhibitor. Drug bioavailability was poor. Further work is necessary to determine if mGluR5is a viable target for treating sleep phenotypes in AD.

Statement of Significance

Sleep disruption is evolving as an important risk factor as well as phenotype of neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. This study is novel in determining alterations in the rest-activity rhythm and sleep-wake pattern of J20 Alzheimer’s disease mice and wild type littermates. Specifically, there is a delay in acrophase with prolonged hyperactivity during the dark cycle, and reduced sleep pressure that was improved by treatment with mGluR5inhibitor. Critical remaining knowledge gaps and future directions include testing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease drugs on rescue of sleep and rest-activity patterns in other Alzheimer’s disease models. These studies are relevant to human Alzheimer’s disease as monitoring sleep phenotypes may predict disease risk, and therapies that normalize sleep patterns may slow progression.