bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of odontocete echolocation clicks using convolutional neural network
Authors: Yang Wuyi , Luo Wenyu , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2020

A method based on a convolutional neural network for the automatic classification of odontocete echolocation clicks is presented. The proposed convolutional neural network comprises six layers: three one-dimensional convolutional layers, two fully connected layers, and a softmax classification layer. Rectified linear units were chosen as the activation function for each convolutional layer. The input to the first convolutional layer is the raw time signal of an echolocation click. Species prediction was performed for groups of m clicks, and two strategies for species label prediction were explored: the majority vote and maximum posterior. Two datasets were used to evaluate the classification performance of the proposed algorithm. Experiments showed that the convolutional neural network can model odontocete species from the raw time signal of echolocation clicks. With the increase in m, the classification accuracy of the proposed method improved. The proposed method can be employed in passive acoustic monitoring to classify different delphinid species and facilitate future studies on odontocetes.
A Computer Modelling Approach To Evaluate the Accuracy of Microsatellite Markers for Classification of Recurrent Infections during Routine Monitoring of Antimalarial Drug Efficacy
Authors: Jones Sam , Plucinski Mateusz , Kay Katherine , Hodel Eva Maria , Hastings Ian M.
Published: January 2020

Antimalarial drugs have long half-lives, so clinical trials to monitor their efficacy require long periods of follow-up to capture drug failure that may become patent only weeks after treatment. Reinfections often occur during follow-up, so robust methods of distinguishing drug failures (recrudescence) from emerging new infections are needed to produce accurate failure rate estimates. Molecular correction aims to achieve this by comparing the genotype of a patient’s pretreatment (initial) blood sample with that of any infection that occurs during follow-up, with matching genotypes indicating drug failure.
The CtrA Regulon of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Favors Adaptation to a Particular Lifestyle
Authors: Hernández-Valle José , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Poggio Sebastian , Dreyfus Georges , Camarena Laura
Published: January 2020

Cell motility in
Alphaproteobacteria
is frequently controlled by the CckA, ChpT, and CtrA two-component system. Under the growth conditions commonly used in the laboratory,
ctrA
is transcriptionally inactive in
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
, and motility depends on the Fla1 flagellar system that was acquired by a horizontal transfer event. Likely, the incorporation of this flagellar system released CtrA from the strong selective pressure of being the main motility regulator, allowing this two-component system to specialize and respond to some specific conditions. Identifying the genes that are directly regulated by CtrA could help us understand the conditions in which the products of this regulon are required. Massive parallel transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that CtrA orchestrates an adaptive response that contributes to the colonization of a particular environmental niche.
Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Antibodies Are Induced in an Age- and Subtype-Dependent Manner after Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Wong Sook-San , Waite Ben , Ralston Jacqui , Wood Tim , Reynolds G. Edwin , Seeds Ruth , Newbern E. Claire , Thompson Mark G. , Huang Q. Sue , Webby Richard J.
Published: January 2020

Data on the immunologic responses to neuraminidase (NA) is lacking compared to what is available on hemagglutinin (HA) responses, despite growing evidence that NA immunity can be protective and broadly cross-reactive. Understanding these NA responses during natural infection is key to exploiting these properties for improving influenza vaccines. Using two community-acquired influenza cohorts, we showed that the induction of both HA and NA antibodies after infection is influenced by age and subtypes. Such response dynamics suggest the influence of immunological memory, and understanding how this process is regulated will be critical to any vaccine effort targeting NA immunity.
Life with Bacterial Mechanosensitive Channels, from Discovery to Physiology to Pharmacological Target
Authors: Blount Paul , Iscla Irene
Published: January 2020

General principles in biology have often been elucidated from the study of bacteria. This is true for the bacterial mechanosensitive channel of large conductance, MscL, the channel highlighted in this review. This channel functions as a last-ditch emergency release valve discharging cytoplasmic solutes upon decreases in osmotic environment.
Dominance of Gas-Eating, Biofilm-Forming
Methylobacterium
Species in the Evaporator Cores of Automobile Air-Conditioning Systems
Authors: Park Chulwoo , Jung Hye Su , Park Soyoon , Jeon Che Ok , Park Woojun
Published: January 2020

Air-conditioning systems (ACS) are indispensable for human daily life; however, microbial community analysis in automobile ACS has yet to be comprehensively investigated. A bacterial community analysis of 24 heat exchanger fins from five countries (South Korea, China, the United States, India, and the United Arab Emirates [UAE]) revealed that
Methylobacterium
species are some of the dominant bacteria in automobile ACS. Furthermore, we suggested that the predominance of
Methylobacterium
species in automobile ACS is due to the utilization of mixed volatile organic compounds and their great ability for aggregation and biofilm formation.
Toxoplasma gondii Parasitophorous Vacuole Membrane-Associated Dense Granule Proteins Regulate Maturation of the Cyst Wall
Authors: Guevara Rebekah B. , Fox Barbara A. , Bzik David J.
Published: January 2020

Toxoplasma gondii
establishes chronic infection in humans by forming thick-walled cysts that persist in the brain. Once host immunity wanes, cysts reactivate to cause severe, and often lethal, toxoplasmic encephalitis. There is no available therapy to eliminate cysts or to prevent their reactivation. Furthermore, how the cyst membrane and cyst wall structures develop is poorly understood. Here, we visualized and tracked the localization of
Toxoplasma
parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) dense granules (GRA) proteins during cyst development
in vitro.
PVM-localized GRA5 and GRA7 were found at the cyst membrane and cyst wall region throughout cyst development, suggesting that the PVM remains intact and develops into the cyst membrane. In addition, our results show that genetic deletion of PVM GRAs reduced the rate of accumulation of cyst wall cargo at the cyst periphery and suggest that PVM-localized GRAs mediate the development and maturation of the cyst wall and cyst membrane.
mSphere of Influence: It’s Not Me, It’s You—How Donor Factors Influence Kidney Transplant Outcomes
Authors: Pastrana Diana Valeria
Published: January 2020

Diana V. Pastrana works in the field of DNA tumor virus biology. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the two papers “Donor origin of BKV replication after kidney transplantation” (C. Schmitt, L. Raggub, S. Linnenweber-Held, O. Adams, et al., J Clin Virol 59:120–125, 2014,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2013.11.009
) and “Neutralizing antibody-mediated response and risk of BK virus-associated nephropathy” (M. Solis, A. Velay, R. Porcher, P. Domingo-Calap, et al., J Am Soc Nephrol 29:326–334, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2017050532
) reminded her of the importance of allowing data, and not adherence to dogma, to drive her research.
Anaesthetic management of a parturient with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and pulmonary haemorrhage requiring urgent caesarean section
Authors: Mac Sweeney Claire , Connolly Paula , Brady Adrian B , Cafferkey Áine
Published: January 2020

A 25-year-old gravida 3 para 3 with a history of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and embolised pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) was admitted at 36 weeks gestation with haemoptysis, epistaxis and CT evidence of recent alveolar haemorrhage. An urgent caesarean section was planned. Both previous pregnancies had been delivered by elective lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) under subarachnoid block (SAB) at term. Preanaesthetic planning involved consultation with our tertiary maternity referral centre, the national HHT centre and our tertiary adult referral centre, which has interventional radiology and cardiothoracic capabilities. A whole spine MRI was carried out to rule out vascular malformation. Following multidisciplinary discussion, the decision was made to proceed with caesarean section in our hospital under SAB. Wide bore intravenous access was sited and blood product availability was ensured in case of acute pulmonary haemorrhage. The LSCS was uneventful. Postoperatively following discharge from the hospital, the patient experienced recurrent episodes of small volume haemoptysis, and had further PAVM embolisation in the national HHT centre. This report highlights the difficulties in managing complex parturients in a non-tertiary referral centre and underlines the importance of communication and multidisciplinary team discussion to determine the most appropriate management.
Severe rhinophyma treated by shave excision and electrocautery
Authors: Gupta Manish , Singh Gurchand , Gupta Monica
Published: January 2020

Rhinophyma is a rare disease, causing disfiguring soft-tissue hypertrophy of the nose. Various medical and surgical treatment modalities have been tried, with limited success. We report a case of a 76-year-old man, where shave excision of the rhinophymatous tissue was done with satisfactory cosmetic outcome.
Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of common lower extremity muscle injuries in sport – grading the evidence: a statement paper commissioned by the Danish Society of Sports Physical Therapy (DSSF)
Authors: Ishøi Lasse , Krommes Kasper , Husted Rasmus Skov , Juhl Carsten B , Thorborg Kristian
Published: January 2020

This statement summarises and appraises the evidence on diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the most common lower extremity muscle injuries in sport. We systematically searched electronic databases, and included studies based on the highest available evidence. Subsequently, we evaluated the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework, grading the quality of evidence from high to very low. Most clinical tests showed very low to low diagnostic effectiveness. For hamstring injury prevention, programmes that included the Nordic hamstring exercise resulted in a hamstring injury risk reduction when compared with usual care (medium to large effect size; moderate to high quality of evidence). For prevention of groin injuries, both the FIFA 11+programme and the Copenhagen adductor strengthening programme resulted in a groin injury risk reduction compared with usual care (medium effect size; low to moderate quality of evidence). For the treatment of hamstring injuries, lengthening hamstring exercises showed the fastest return to play with a lower reinjury rate compared with conventional hamstring exercises (large effect size; very low to low quality of evidence). Platelet-rich plasma had no effect on time to return-to-play and reinjury risk (trivial effect size; moderate quality of evidence) after a hamstring injury compared with placebo or rehabilitation. At this point, most outcomes for diagnosis, prevention and treatment were graded as very low to moderate quality of evidence, indicating that further high-quality research is likely to have an important impact on the confidence in the effect estimates.
Wearable devices for remote vital signs monitoring in the outpatient setting: an overview of the field
Authors: Soon Stephanie , Svavarsdottir Hafdis , Downey Candice , Jayne David George
Published: January 2020

Early detection of physiological deterioration has been shown to improve patient outcomes. Due to recent improvements in technology, comprehensive outpatient vital signs monitoring is now possible. This is the first review to collate information on all wearable devices on the market for outpatient physiological monitoring.

A scoping review was undertaken. The monitors reviewed were limited to those that can function in the outpatient setting with minimal restrictions on the patient’s normal lifestyle, while measuring any or all of the vital signs: heart rate, ECG, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, blood pressure and temperature.

A total of 270 papers were included in the review. Thirty wearable monitors were examined: 6 patches, 3 clothing-based monitors, 4 chest straps, 2 upper arm bands and 15 wristbands. The monitoring of vital signs in the outpatient setting is a developing field with differing levels of evidence for each monitor. The most common clinical application was heart rate monitoring. Blood pressure and oxygen saturation measurements were the least common applications. There is a need for clinical validation studies in the outpatient setting to prove the potential of many of the monitors identified.

Research in this area is in its infancy. Future research should look at aggregating the results of validity and reliability and patient outcome studies for each monitor and between different devices. This would provide a more holistic overview of the potential for the clinical use of each device.
A repeated cross-sectional survey assessing changes in diet and nutrient quality of English primary school children’s packed lunches between 2006 and 2016
Authors: Evans Charlotte Elizabeth Louise , Melia Kathryn Elizabeth , Rippin Holly L , Hancock Neil , Cade Janet
Published: January 2020

Objective

Mandatory school meal standards were introduced in 2006 in England; however, no legislation exists for packed lunches. This study analyses provision of foods and nutrients in packed lunches in 2016 to highlight differences in diet and nutrient quality since 2006.

Design

Two cross-sectional surveys of children’s packed lunches were conducted in 2006 and 2016. Data were analysed using multilevel regression models taking into account the clustering of children within primary schools.

Setting

Data were collected from 1148 children who attended 76 schools across England in 2006 and from 323 children attending 18 schools across England in 2016.

Participants

Children were included if they regularly ate a packed lunch prepared at home (approximately half of children take a packed lunch to school) and were aged 8–9 years (in year 4), for both surveys.

Outcome measures

Data collected in both years included provision of weight and type of food, nutrients and proportion of lunches meeting individual and combined school meal standards.

Results

Frequency of provision and portion size of some food types changed substantially between surveys. Frequency of provision of confectionery in lunches reduced by 9.9% (95% CI −20.0 to 0.2%), sweetened drinks reduced by 14.4% (95% CI −24.8 to −4.0%), and cakes and biscuits not containing chocolate increased by 9.6% (95% CI 3.0 to 16.3%). Vegetable provision in lunches remained low. Substantial changes were seen in the percentage of lunches meeting some nutrient standards: non-milk extrinsic sugars (19%, 95% CI 10 to 29%), vitamin A (−8%, 95% CI −12 to −4%), vitamin C (−35%, 95% CI −42 to −28%) and zinc (−8%, 95% CI −14 to −1%).

Conclusions

Packed lunches remain low quality with few meeting standards set for school meals. Provision of sugars has reduced due to reductions in provision and portion size of sugary drinks and packaged sweet foods; however, provision of some nutrients has worsened.
Equal health at work? Protocol for an observational study of work organisation, workload and musculoskeletal complaints among women and men in grocery retail
Authors: Mathiassen Svend Erik , Bolin Malin , Olofsdotter Gunilla , Johansson Elin
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Women generally report more work-related musculoskeletal complaints than men and have higher rates of sickness absence, even within occupations. One likely reason is that work tasks within the occupation are gendered, that is, women and men have different tasks, even when sharing the same job title. Retail is an appealing sector for studying working conditions and work environment in a gender context. The prevalence of work-related complaints is high, physical loads may differ considerably between tasks and the distribution of tasks is likely gendered. The overall aim of this study in retail is to examine factors at the organisational and individual level that may, in a gender perspective, explain working conditions, work tasks, workloads and musculoskeletal health.

Methods and analyses

Data will be collected in two grocery stores, each with 50–70 workers, at two occasions interspersed by about 1 year. In each of these four waves, data collection will include a web-based questionnaire to all workers addressing, for example, work tasks, psychosocial factors, fatigue and pain; semistructured interviews with managers and approximately 10 workers addressing, for example, competences and decision levels; and technical measurements of postures, movements and heart rate in about 30 workers. The study is novel in combining an organisational gender perspective addressed through qualitative methods with a quantitative analysis of tasks, workload and health. The design allows an examination of both how genders may differ, and why they may differ, as well as analyses of the extent to which gendered working conditions change over time in the two participating stores.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval of the study by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (reference number 2017/404) has been obtained. This work will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals, presentations at scientific conferences and in meetings with representatives from Swedish retail, including unions and employers’ organisations.
Cost-utility analysis of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in non-treatment-resistant depression: the DISCO randomised controlled study protocol
Authors: Sauvaget Anne , Lagalice Lydie , Schirr-Bonnans Solène , Volteau Christelle , Péré Morgane , Dert Cécile , Rivalland Annabelle , Tessier Fabienne , Lepage Adeline , Tostivint Agathe , Deschamps Thibault , Thomas-Ollivier Véronique , Robin Alison , Pineau Noémie , Cabelguen Clémence , Bukowski Nicolas , Guitteny Marie , Beslot Auxane , Simons Luc , Network HUGOPSY , Vanelle Jean-Marie , D'Urso Giordano , Bulteau Samuel , Riche Valéry-Pierre
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Depression is among the most widespread psychiatric disorders in France. Psychiatric disorders are associated with considerable social costs, amounting to €22.6 billion for treatment and psychotropic medication in 2011. Treatment as usual (TAU), mainly consisting of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, is effective for only a third of patients and in most cases fails to prevent treatment resistance and chronicity. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) consists in a non-invasive and painless application of low-intensity electric current to the cerebral cortex through the scalp. Having proved effective in depressed patients, it could be used in combination with TAU to great advantage. The objective is to compare, for the first time ever, the cost-utility of tDCS-TAU and of TAU alone for the treatment of a depressive episode that has been refractory to one or two drug treatments.

Methods and analysis

This paper, based on the DISCO study protocol, focuses on the design of a prospective, randomised, controlled, open-label multicentre economic study to be conducted in France. It will include 214 patients with unipolar or bipolar depression, assigning them to two parallel arms: group A (tDCS-TAU) and group B (TAU alone). The primary outcome is the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, that is, the ratio of the difference in cost between each strategy to the difference in their effects. Their effects will be expressed as numbers of quality-adjusted life-years, determined through administration of the EuroQol Five-Dimension questionnaire over a 12-month period to patients (EQ-5D-5L). Expected benefits are the reduction of treatment resistance and suicidal ideation as well as social and professional costs of depression. Should depression-related costs fall significantly, tDCS might be considered an efficient treatment for depression.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by a French ethics committee, the CPP-–Est IV (Comité de Protection des Personnes–Strasbourg). Data are to be published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Trial registration number

RCB 2018-A00474-51;NCT03758105
Impact of loss-to-follow-up on cancer survival estimates for small populations: a simulation study using Hospital-Based Cancer Registries in Japan
Authors: Okuyama Ayako , Barclay Matthew , Chen Cong , Higashi Takahiro
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The accuracy of the ascertainment of vital status impacts the validity of cancer survival. This study assesses the potential impact of loss-to-follow-up on survival in Japan, both nationally and in the samples seen at individual hospitals.

Design

Simulation study

Setting and participants

Data of patients diagnosed in 2007, provided by the Hospital-Based Cancer Registries of 177 hospitals throughout Japan.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We performed simulations for each cancer site, for sample sizes of 100, 1000 and 8000 patients, and for loss-to-follow-up ranging from 1% to 5%. We estimated the average bias and the variation in bias in survival due to loss-to-follow-up.

Results

The expected bias was not associated with the sample size (with 5% loss-to-follow-up, about 2.1% for the cohort including all cancers), but a smaller sample size led to more variable bias. Sample sizes of around 100 patients, as may be seen at individual hospitals, had very variable bias: with 5% loss-to-follow-up for all cancers, 25% of samples had a bias of <1.02% and 25% of samples had a bias of > 3.06%.

Conclusion

Survival should be interpreted with caution when loss-to-follow-up is a concern, especially for poor-prognosis cancers and for small-area estimates.
Oncolytic adenovirus shapes the ovarian tumor microenvironment for potent tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte tumor reactivity
Authors: Santos João Manuel , Heiniö Camilla , Cervera-Carrascon Victor , Quixabeira Dafne C A , Siurala Mikko , Havunen Riikka , Butzow Ralf , Zafar Sadia , de Gruijl Tanja , Lassus Heini , Kanerva Anna , Hemminki Akseli
Published: January 2020

Background

Ovarian cancers often contain significant numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that can be readily harnessed for adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT). However, the immunosuppressive ovarian tumor microenvironment and lack of tumor reactivity in TILs can limit the effectiveness of the therapy. We hypothesized that by using an oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2; TILT-123) to deliver tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), we could counteract immunosuppression, and enhance antitumor TIL responses in ovarian cancer (OVCA).

Methods

We established ex vivo tumor cultures freshly derived from patients with advanced OVCA and evaluated the effects of Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 or Ad5/3-E2F-D24 (the control virus without TNFa and IL-2) on TILs, cytokine response and tumor viability. Tumor reactivity was assessed by determining interferon gamma (IFNg) response of clinically relevant TILs towards autologous T-cell-depleted ex vivo tumor cultures pretreated with or without the aforementioned oncolytic adenoviruses.

Results

Treatment of ex vivo tumor cultures with Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 caused a substantial rise in proinflammatory signals: increased secretion of IFNg, CXCL10, TNFa and IL-2, and concomitant activation of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs. Potent tumor reactivity was seen, as clinically relevant TIL secreted high levels of IFNg in response to autologous T-cell-depleted ovarian ex vivo tumor cultures treated with Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2. This phenomenon was independent of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, a factor that determined the variability of IFNg responses seen in different patient samples.

Conclusions

Overall, oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 was able to rewire the ovarian tumor microenvironment to accommodate heightened antitumor TIL reactivity. Such effects may improve the clinical effectiveness of ACT with TILs in patients with advanced OVCA.
Republished: Intracranial pellet embolization: an endovascular endeavor
Authors: Hassan Ameer E , Rabah Rani Ramsey , Tekle Wondwossen
Published: January 2020

A 44-year-old man was referred to the neurointerventionalist 6 hours after sustaining a shotgun wound to the left chest, shoulder, and neck from 4 feet away. Physical examination of the chest showed a 5 cm × 5 cm gunshot entry wound on the anterior-superior aspect of the chest involving the supraclavicular and infraclavicular region, with multiple gunshot pellet entry sites riddled in the surrounding vicinity. The patient was taken for a CT scan of the brain without contrast and CT angiography, which showed no sign of stroke or intracranial hemorrhage but revealed a single 'buckshot' pellet embolizing the basilar artery tip, occluding the origin of the left posterior cerebral artery. Using A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique (ADAPT), the neurointerventinalist was able to endovascularly remove the embolized pellet and the patient was discharged 8 days later with no focal neurological deficit.
Republished: Intracranial vessel occlusion preceding the development of mycotic aneurysms in patients with endocarditis
Authors: Goldschmidt Ezequiel , Faraji Amir H , Salvetti David , Zussman Benjamin M , Jadhav Ashutosh
Published: January 2020

Mycotic aneurysms (MA) are an uncommon complication of infectious endocarditis. Septic emboli are thought to be the precipitating event in their development, but the evidence for this is sparse. We present three cases in which septic embolic occlusion preceded MA development at the occlusion site, suggesting that documented angiographic emboli in patients with infectious endocarditis and bacteremia constitute a risk factor for MA formation. Two adult patients with a history of intravenous drug use and one child with congenital heart disease are described. They were all diagnosed with infectious endocarditis and developed neurological symptoms during their hospital course. Initial catheter-based cerebral angiograms demonstrated vascular occlusions, which were followed by the development of MA at the same sites within 1 month. Septic emboli, documented on cerebral angiogram, in patients with infectious endocarditis may precede the appearance of MA. Patients with angiographic occlusions in the setting of endocarditis warrant close follow-up.
Tandem occlusions in acute ischemic stroke – impact of antithrombotic medication and complementary heparin on clinical outcome and stent patency
Authors: Neuberger Ulf , Moteva Konstantina , Vollherbst Dominik F , Schönenberger Silvia , Reiff Tilman , Ringleb Peter Arthur , Bendszus Martin , Pfaff Johannes Alex Rolf , Möhlenbruch Markus
Published: January 2020

Background and purpose

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and acute carotid stenting (ACS) of patients with acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusions (TO) of the anterior circulation was proven to be safe and effective, but the implications of periprocedural antithrombotic medications are only known to a limited extent.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 162 consecutive patients who presented with TO and were treated with MT and ACS in our center. Patients initially either received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) or tirofiban periprocedurally. Some patients were also treated with unfractionated heparin. The frequency of intracranial hemorrhages (ICH), as well as the impact on clinical outcome and stent patency of different medical regimes, were evaluated using univariate tests and adjusted multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

Patients who received supportive treatment with heparin had significantly higher occurrences of any (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.15 to 5.28) and symptomatic ICH (OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.18 to 14.95). Additionally, these patients were less likely to have a moderate clinical outcome after 90 days (modified Rankin scale 0–3; OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.72), but were more likely to have a fatal outcome after 90 days (OR, 2.84; 95% CI 1.10 to 7.31). These findings persisted in patients who received both DAT and heparin, but not for patients who received both tirofiban and heparin.

Conclusion

Supportive administration of heparin in patients with TO and treatment with MT and ACS should be carefully considered, especially in patients who primarily receive DAT.
What characterises work and workplaces that retain their employees following acquired brain injury? Systematic review
Authors: Alves Daniele Evelin , Nilsen Wendy , Fure Silje Christine Reistad , Enehaug Heidi , Howe Emilie Isager , Løvstad Marianne , Fink Louisa , Andelic Nada , Spjelkavik Øystein
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review assessing workplace factors related to work retention (or return to work) in employees with acquired brain injury (ABI). Additionally, we aimed to synthesise the evidence and state of knowledge on this subject.

Methods

A database search was performed in nine relevant electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were quantitative peer-reviewed publications empirically investigating the relationship between work/workplace factors and work retention in employees following ABI. The methodological quality was determined by Effective Public Health Practice Project scoring, and evidence was synthesised narratively.

Results

Thirteen studies were included. We found moderate evidence for a negative relationship between manual work and work retention. We also found limited evidence for a U-shaped relationship between workload and complete work retention at 6 months and no relationship at 12 months; a positive relationship between managers, compared with non-managers, and faster work retention; a positive relationship between large enterprise size defined as ≥250 employees, and no relationship between large enterprise size, defined as ≥1000 employees, and work retention.

Conclusion

Relative to individual factors, there is little evidence on specific workplace factors’ relationship to work retention among employees with ABI. For most workplace factors, there were too few high-quality studies to designate evidence as more than limited or insufficient. Future studies should replicate rigorous studies of well-defined modifiable workplace factors related to work retention.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018082201.
Importing rescue dogs into the UK: reasons, methods and welfare considerations
Authors: Norman Charlotte , Stavisky Jenny , Westgarth Carri
Published: January 2020

Background

Rescuing dogs from overseas is increasing in popularity but has associated risks. This study is the first to investigate the reasons why people bring rescue dogs into the UK from overseas, the importation process, and potential welfare problems associated with this practice.

Methods

An online questionnaire was advertised on social media in 2017 and received 3080 responses.

Results

Participants primarily chose to adopt from abroad based on a desire for a particular dog they had seen advertised and on concern for its situation. However, some were motivated by previously having been refused dogs from UK rescues. Adopters reported that the EU Pet Travel Scheme was used to import 89 per cent of dogs, with only 1.2 per cent reportedly under the more stringent (and correct) Balai Directive. 14.8 per cent (79/533) of dogs reportedly tested for Leishmania infantum had positive results. Although sometimes severe, the prevalence of behavioural problems appeared comparable to that of other rescue dogs.

Conclusion

It is important that vets consider testing for exotic diseases, and the provision of behavioural support, when seeing imported patients. Our findings emphasise the importance of clear guidelines on travel laws, and stricter checks on animals imported as rescues, to ensure protection against the importation of diseases that pose a risk to animal and human health in the UK.
The effects of high-intensity interval training and saffron aqueous extract supplementation on alterations of body weight and apoptotic indices in skeletal muscle of 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice with cachexia
Authors: Ahmadabadi Fereshteh , Saghebjoo Marziyeh , Huang Chun-Jung , Saffari Iman , Zardast Mahmoud
Published: January 2020

Exercise training and antioxidant supplementation may improve unintentional weight loss and programmed cell death associated with cancer cachexia. The aim of this study was to examine the alterations of body weight and apoptotic indices in skeletal muscle of 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice with cachexia following 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and saffron aqueous extract (SAE) supplementation. Female BALB/c mice following induction of breast cancer were divided into (i) controls, (ii) HIIT, (iii) SAE, (iv) HIIT+SAE, and (v) sham groups. Mice were euthanized and gastrocnemius muscle was collected after intervention. The control group elicited a significant weight reduction during third and fourth weeks of tumor injection, while other treatments such as HIIT and SAE, but not HIIT+SAE, showed that they counteracted this adverse event. Furthermore, HIIT and SAE treatments (not HIIT+SAE) demonstrated reduced caspase-3 and Bax levels compared with the control group. The level of Bcl-2 was elevated following both HIIT and SAE treatments compared with the control group. Finally, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was significantly higher in both HIIT and SAE groups, but was lower in HIIT+SAE group compared with sham group. It is likely that either HIIT or SAE intervention alone (not HIIT+SAE) represents a readily applicable approach in the regulation of muscle wasting and apoptosis in cancer cachexia.

Novelty HIIT is associated with a reduced risk of cancer-related muscle wasting. SAE enhances the improvement of muscle loss and apoptotic indices. Combination of HIIT and SAE does not improve cancer-related loss of muscle mass and mediate apoptotic activation.
Oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation markers in patients with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis
Authors: Valle Flores José A. , Fariño Cortéz Juan E. , Mayner Tresol Gabriel A. , Perozo Romero Juan , Blasco Carlos Miquel , Nestares Teresa
Published: January 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly common public health problem that increases the risk of death because of cardiovascular complications by 2–3 times compared with the general population. This research concerns a prospective, randomized, double-blind study in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. The participants were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the study group (group A; 46 patients) received 4 capsules (2.4 g) of omega-3 fatty acids daily during the 12-week intervention, while patients in the control group (group B; 47 patients) received 4 capsules of paraffin oil. The patients’ general characteristics, nutritional indicators, renal disease markers and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) were evaluated. No differences were found between the general characteristics of the patients (P < 0.05), and no differences were shown in the nutritional indicators and markers of kidney disease (P < 0.05). Patients in group A showed significant decreases in levels of C-reactive protein, IL-6, TNF-α, and the IL-10/IL-6 ratio after 12 weeks of supplementation (P < 0.05). Patients in group B did not show any significant changes in concentrations of inflammatory markers during the intervention (P < 0.05). In conclusion, oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids produces a significant decrease in the concentrations of inflammation markers in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.

Novelty Oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids produced significant decreases in the concentrations of inflammation markers. This supplementation could be given to patients with uremic syndrome and coronary heart disease to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Dietary Salvia hispanica L. reduces cardiac oxidative stress of dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats
Authors: Creus Agustina , Chicco Adriana , Álvarez Silvina M. , Giménez María S. , de Lombardo Yolanda Bolzón
Published: January 2020

Salvia hispanica L., commonly known as chia seed, has beneficial effects upon some signs of metabolic syndrome (MS), such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. However, its action on cardiac oxidative stress associated with MS remains unknown. The goal of this study was to analyze the possible beneficial effects of chia seed (variety Salba) upon the oxidative stress of left ventricle heart muscle (LV) of a well-established dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rat model induced by feeding them a sucrose-rich diet (SRD). Male Wistar rats received an SRD for 3 months. After that, for 3 additional months, half of the animals continued with the SRD, while the other half received the SRD containing chia as the source of dietary fat instead corn oil (SRD+chia). In the LV of SRD-fed rats, chia seed improved/reverted the depleted activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase, and ameliorated manganese superoxide dismutase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels increasing the expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Improved the glutathione redox estate, reactive oxygen species, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances contents normalizing the p47NOX subunit mRNA level. Furthermore, chia normalized hypertension and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers. The findings show that chia seed intake impacts positively upon oxidative imbalance of LV of dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats.

Novelty Healthy effects of chia seed involve an improvement of cardiac antioxidant defenses through Nrf2 induction. Chia seed intake reduces cardiac oxidative stress markers of dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats. Dietary chia seed restores cardiac unbalanced redox state of dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats.
Examining lifestyle behaviours and weight status of primary schoolchildren: using Mozambique to explore the data gaps in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Manyanga Taru
Published: January 2020

The emergency of malnutrition and physical inactivity among children as serious public health challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is concerning and requires urgent attention. The main objective of this dissertation was to examine relationships between lifestyle behaviours and weight status among schoolchildren in Mozambique and use findings to highlight important data gaps that exist in LMICs. Narrative literature searches conducted identified data gaps and research needs. A published protocol was used for this dissertation (n = 683) to facilitate data comparability. Anthropometric and accelerometry data were objectively measured while data about lifestyle behaviours and environmental factors were collected using context-adapted questionnaires. As part of this dissertation, 6 manuscripts were developed and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Results showed a dearth of information and that overweight/obesity is an emerging public health concern, especially among urban children. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), active transport, and maternal body mass index (BMI) were important modifiable correlates of weight status for Mozambican children. Distinct differences in prevalences of lifestyle behaviours were observed between urban and rural children in Mozambique. Compared with children from 12 other countries, children from Mozambique had lower BMI, higher daily MVPA, lower daily sedentary time, and comparable sleep duration. Linear distributions of study site-specific BMI, minutes of daily MVPA, and daily sedentary time by country human development index were observed. Findings revealed important differences between urban and rural children, supporting the need to include both in study samples and especially in LMICs where most people live in rural areas.
Clustering energy calculation in light alpha-conjugated nuclei
Authors: Roshanbakht Nafiseh , Shojaei Mohammadreza
Published: January 2020

In this paper, clustering energy was investigated in light alpha-conjugate nuclei considering cluster–cluster interaction instead of nucleon–nucleon interaction and using the phenomenological non-microscopic method. The observed energy levels were calculated from the rotational band of 8Be, 12C, and 16O isotopes. The results showed that these isotopes, in their cluster state, have a non-spherical structure.
Meclizine ameliorates memory deficits in streptozotocin-induced experimental dementia in mice: role of nuclear pregnane X receptors
Authors: Singh Harmandeep , Sodhi Rupinder Kaur , Chahal Simerjeet Kaur , Madan Jitender
Published: January 2020

Pregnane X receptors (PXRs) regulate the expression of ATP-binding cassette proteins transporters and organic anion transporting polypeptides responsible for influx/efflux of xenobiotics across the brain. Ligand activation of PXR augments the expression of P-gp and promotes amyloid-β clearance across the blood–brain barrier. Dementia was induced in mice by intacerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (STZ) followed by treatment with meclizine, a PXR agonist, and subsequently exposed to the Morris water maze test and biochemical and histopathological analysis to evaluate the effect on cognition. STZ-treated mice exhibited significant enhancement in brain thiobarbituric acid reactive species, interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase, and acetylcholinestrase activity in addition to diminution in glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity in comparison to untreated mice. Administration of meclizine to STZ mice recuperated cognition and biochemical alterations. Concomitant administration of ketoconazole, a PXR antagonist, with meclizine prevented the protective effects. The upshots of our study proclaim that meclizine protects cognitive deficits by virtue of its antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antiinflammatory properties. Results also signify the potential of PXR in neuroprotective actions of meclizine in dementia.
Anisotropic massive Brans–Dicke gravity extension of the standard $$\Lambda $$CDM model
Authors: Akarsu Özgür , Katırcı Nihan , Özdemir Neşe , Vázquez J. Alberto
Published: January 2020

We present an explicit detailed theoretical and observational investigation of an anisotropic massive Brans–Dicke (BD) gravity extension of the standard $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM model, wherein the extension is characterized by two additional degrees of freedom; the BD parameter, $$\omega $$ω, and the present day density parameter corresponding to the shear scalar, $$\Omega _{\sigma ^2,0}$$Ωσ2,0. The BD parameter, determining the deviation from general relativity (GR), by alone characterizes both the dynamics of the effective dark energy (DE) and the redshift dependence of the shear scalar. These two affect each other depending on $$\omega $$ω, namely, the shear scalar contributes to the dynamics of the effective DE, and its anisotropic stress – which does not exist in scalar field models of DE within GR – controls the dynamics of the shear scalar deviating from the usual $$\propto (1+z)^6$$∝(1+z)6 form in GR. We mainly confine the current work to non-negative $$\omega $$ω values as it is the right sign – theoretically and observationally – for investigating the model as a correction to the $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM. By considering the current cosmological observations, we find that $$\omega \gtrsim 250$$ω≳250, $$\Omega _{\sigma ^2,0}\lesssim 10^{-23}$$Ωσ2,0≲10-23 and the contribution of the anisotropy of the effective DE to this value is insignificant. We conclude that the simplest anisotropic massive BD gravity extension of the standard $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM model exhibits no significant deviations from it all the way to the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. We also point out the interesting features of the model in the case of negative $$\omega $$ω values; for instance, the constraints on $$\Omega _{\sigma ^2,0}$$Ωσ2,0 could be relaxed considerably, the values of $$\omega \sim -1$$ω∼-1 (relevant to string theories) predict dramatically different dynamics for the expansion anisotropy.
Edge-based SEIR dynamics with recovery rate in latent period on complex networks
Authors: Zhou Rong , Wu Qingchu
Published: January 2020

Disease and information spreading on social and information networks have often been described by ordinary differential equations. A recent research by the authors [Y. Wang et al., Commun. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simulat. 45, 35 (2017).] presented an analysis of susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) model with and without infectious force in latent period. We present a full analysis in the more general scenario where the exposed nodes can get vaccinated or recovered. The basic reproduction number and the final epidemic size are theoretically derived. Compared to the standard SEIR model without recovery rate in latent period, our results reveal that both the recovery rate in latent period and the length of latent period can increase the epidemic threshold and inhibit the epidemic outbreak. In addition, the model predictions agree well with the continuous-time stochastic simulations in Erdős–Rényi random graphs and scale-free configuration networks.
Explicit solutions of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Hirota–Maccari system arising in nonlinear optics
Authors: Raza Nauman , Jhangeer Adil , Rezazadeh Hadi , Bekir Ahmet
Published: January 2020

In this paper, new exact traveling wave solutions of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Hirota–Maccari system arising in nonlinear optics are successfully obtained by using two methods, namely, Improved [Formula: see text]-expansion method and general projective Riccati equation method. The considered methods have been successfully implemented to find exact traveling wave solutions for nonlinear evaluation equations (NLEE) coming for describing nonlinear optics. The results obtained by these methods are straightforward and concise mathematical tool to set up the exact solutions of NLEE.
Mechanoluminescence of a composite based on polymethylmethacrylate and fine-disperse powder of phosphor excited by short acoustic pulses and dynamic action of the stylus
Authors: Banishev A. F. , Banishev A. A.
Published: January 2020

A composite mechanoluminescent layer has been produced on the surface of polymethylmethacrylate by liquid-phase embedding of [Formula: see text] phosphor microparticles into the polymethylmethacrylate surface layer. The photoluminescence and mechanoluminescence of the obtained layer have been investigated. The mechanoluminescence was excited by the short acoustic pulses and by the dynamic pressure of the stylus sliding over the mechanoluminescent layer surface. A possible mechanism of mechanoluminescence excitation is under discussion. The produced composite layer is shown to exhibit high efficiency of “mechano-optical” transformation.
AVERAGE DISTANCES OF A FAMILY OF NON-P.C.F. SELF-SIMILAR NETWORKS
Authors: ZHAO BING , GU JIANGWEN , XI LIFENG
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we discuss a family of non-p.c.f. self-similar networks. Although the boundary of each fractal piece is not a finite set, we obtain the finite geometric patterns for the integral of geodesic distance on the self-similar measure, and then calculate its average distance.