bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Forced Vibration Method and Residual Stress in Die Materials
Authors: Kurose Masashi , Anahara Hiromasa , Tane Takeshi , Kuwabara Yoshihide , Aoshima Kenta , Kaburagi Tetsushi ,   National Institute of Technology, Gunma College 580 Toriba, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8530, Japan,   Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan,   National Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu College, Kitakyushu, Japan,   TechnoCoat Co., Ltd., Fujieda, Japan,   Gunma Industrial Technology Center, Maebashi, Japan
Published: September 2020

During aluminum die-casting, tensile residual stress accumulates on the cavity surface of the die by repeated heating and cooling processes. Recently, to improve productivity, dies with high cycle and longer life have become necessary, and reduction or removal of tensile residual stress can be used to prevent heat cracks that cause mold fracture. Heat treatment is often used for residual stress reduction but a more efficient residual stress reduction method that can be carried out with simpler equipment is required. In this study, the relationship between the residual stress after forced vibration and the amplitude at the time of excitation is investigated by mechanical vibration of the SKD61 die materials and the die-casting mold through the application of forced vibration by an eccentric motor. Residual stress on the surface of each test plate treated by the heat treatment and the surface of mold cavity after excitation is evaluated by the X-ray residual stress measurement. It was found that the residual strain after excitation accumulated in compression as the amplitude of oscillation of the specimen became negative. Residual stress in the excitation direction of the specimens increased in the compression direction due to the excitation, demonstrating the effective stress reduction by the excitation method.
Solid Fraction Examination at Flow Cessation and Flow Cessation Mechanism of Al-Si-Mg Alloy
Authors: Nikawa Makoto , Iba Yu , Yamashita Minoru ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gifu University 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-shi, Gifu 501-1193, Japan,   Graduate School of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study is to experimentally determine the solid fraction at the cessation of the flow of a molten Al-Si-Mg alloy (JIS-AC4CH) ceases. In this study, an experimental apparatus to measure the melt temperature during flow was developed and was used to perform highly accurate temperature measurements. An immersion-type optical-fiber radiation thermometer without emissivity correction was used for the temperature measurement device in this apparatus. The solid fraction was calculated from the area of primary crystals when the molten metal at any temperature was quenched. The melt temperature at flow cessation was higher than the eutectic reaction temperature, and the solid fraction in the melt front was approximately 0.2. However, the maximum solid fraction was found at a position slightly away from the melt front toward the pouring gate, and was approximately 0.3. It was inferred for this Al-Si-Mg alloy, that the flow cessation mechanism was a mixture of skin formation and mushy formation types.
Optimization of a Comprehensive Prehabilitation Program for Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Argunova Yu. A. , Zvereva T. N. , Pomeshkina S. A. , Ivanova A. V. , Polikutina O. M. , Gruzdeva O. V. , Kashtalap V. V. , Barbarash O. L.
Published: September 2020

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive prehabilitation program including the optimization of drug therapy for patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Material and methods. 56 male patients with stable angina referred to elective on-pump CABG were enrolled in a study. All patients were screened for eligibility according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria and then randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients (n=28) underwent preoperative management (prehabilitation) for 14 days, including patient education and physical rehabilitation. Trimetazidine in a dose of 80 mg per day was added to the standard drug therapy. Group 2 patients (n=28) underwent similar preoperative management, but with the standard drug therapy without trimetazidine. In addition to the routine methods of preoperative management, all patients underwent the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to assess exercise tolerance and speckle tracking echocardiography to measure left ventricular (LV) longitudinal deformation. Serum troponin T was measured in all patients. The measurements were performed at admission and after the surgery.

Results. Patients did not differ in the main clinical and demographic data, as well as the main preoperative speckle tracking echocardiography findings. The intraoperative parameters were comparable in both groups. The rate of early postoperative complications was 61% (n=17) in Group 1 and 64% (n=18) in Group 2 (p>0.05). LV ejection fraction significantly decreased postoperatively in both groups (p<0.01) as well as LV longitudinal deformation as compared to the baseline. Patients receiving the standard therapy without trimetazidine reported a significant decrease in the longitudinal strain after CABG compared with the baseline (p=0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in most preoperative and postoperative indicators of longitudinal deformation among patients treated with trimetazidine. Postoperative values of GLPS-LAX and GLPS-Avg were significantly higher in the trimetazidine group than those in the control group (p=0.04). Group 1 patients reported longer distance covered in 6MWT than Group 2 patients while assessing exercise tolerance: 370.0 [260.0;415.0] vs 242.0 [202.0;350.0] m, respectively (p=0.0059).

Conclusion. The addition of trimetazidine in a dose of 80 mg daily in the prehabilitation program for patients undergoing elective CABG demonstrated better postoperative indicators of LV longitudinal deformation and an increase in exercise tolerance. Obtained findings allowed considering this approach to the preoperative management as an additional method of cardiac protection and optimization of the functional status of patients.
Combined Therapy of Arterial Hypertension. The Opinion of a Clinical Pharmacologist
Authors: Zhuravleva M. V. , Luchinina E. V. , Shelekhova T. V. , Serebrova S. Yu. , Belkov S. A. , Dmitriev A. I. , Gorodetskaya G. I.
Published: September 2020

Modern tactics of treatment of arterial hypertension (AH) involves the use of both monotherapy and combination therapy. Monotherapy is recommended primarily for low-risk patients with systolic blood pressure (BP)< 150 mm Hg. Monotherapy should also be preferred in very high risk patients with high normal BP and frail elderly patients. However, combination therapy is recommended for most hypertensive patients as initial therapy. Starting combination therapy is more effective in lowering BP than monotherapy. Even at low doses, it is usually more effective than maximum dose monotherapy. The most commonly prescribed combinations today contain a renin-angiotensin system blocker (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blocker) with a calcium antagonist or diuretic. The combination of lisinopril with amlodipine not only proved its high efficiency in various international and Russian studies, but also turned out to be pharmacoeconomically more profitable. Fixed combinations of lisinopril and amlodipine are the optimal choice in the treatment of hypertensive patients, due to all the advantages of both components: higher efficacy and safety rates compared to monotherapy and better patient adherence to treatment.
Revised Timing of Cenozoic Atlantic Incursions and Changing Hinterland Sediment Sources during Southern Patagonian Orogenesis
Authors: Fosdick Julie C. , VanderLeest R. A. , Bostelmann J. E. , Leonard J. S. , Ugalde R. , Oyarzún J. L. , Griffin Miguel
Published: September 2020

New detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology data from the Cenozoic Magallanes-Austral Basin in Argentina and Chile ~51° S establish a revised chronostratigraphy of Paleocene-Miocene foreland synorogenic strata and document the rise and subsequent isolation of hinterland sources in the Patagonian Andes from the continental margin. The upsection loss of zircons derived from the hinterland Paleozoic and Late Jurassic sources between ca. 60 and 44 Ma documents a major shift in sediment routing due to Paleogene orogenesis in the greater Patagonian-Fuegian Andes. Changes in the proportion of grains from hinterland thrust sheets, comprised of Jurassic volcanics and Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks, provide a trackable signal of long-term shifts in orogenic drainage divide and topographic isolation due to widening of the retroarc fold-thrust belt. The youngest detrital zircon U-Pb ages confirm timing of Maastrichtian-Eocene strata but require substantial age revisions for part of the overlying Cenozoic basinfill during the late Eocene and Oligocene. The upper Río Turbio Formation, previously mapped as middle to late Eocene in the published literature, records a newly recognized latest Eocene-Oligocene (37-27 Ma) marine incursion along the basin margin. We suggest that these deposits could be genetically linked to the distally placed units along the Atlantic coast, including the El Huemul Formation and the younger San Julián Formation, via an eastward deepening within the foreland basin system that culminated in a basin-wide Oligocene marine incursion in the Southern Andes. The overlying Río Guillermo Formation records onset of tectonically generated coarse-grained detritus ca. 24.3 Ma and a transition to the first fully nonmarine conditions on the proximal Patagonian platform since Late Cretaceous time, perhaps signaling a Cordilleran-scale upper plate response to increased plate convergence and tectonic plate reorganization.
Landslide Mapping Using Multiscale LiDAR Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Miandad Javed , Darrow Margaret M. , Hendricks Michael D. , Daanen Ronald P.
Published: September 2020

This study presents a new methodology to identify landslide and landslide-susceptible locations in Interior Alaska using only geomorphic properties from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) derivatives (i.e., slope, profile curvature, and roughness) and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), focusing on the effect of different resolutions of LiDAR images. We developed a semi-automated object-oriented image classification approach in ArcGIS 10.5 and prepared a landslide inventory from visual observation of hillshade images. The multistage work flow included combining derivatives from 1-, 2.5-, and 5-m-resolution LiDAR, image segmentation, image classification using a support vector machine classifier, and image generalization to clean false positives. We assessed classification accuracy by generating confusion matrix tables. Analysis of the results indicated that LiDAR image scale played an important role in the classification, and the use of NDVI generated better results. Overall, the LiDAR 5-m-resolution image with NDVI generated the best results with a kappa value of 0.55 and an overall accuracy of 83 percent. The LiDAR 1-m-resolution image with NDVI generated the highest producer accuracy of 73 percent in identifying landslide locations. We produced a combined overlay map by summing the individual classified maps that was able to delineate landslide objects better than the individual maps. The combined classified map from 1-, 2.5-, and 5-m-resolution LiDAR with NDVI generated producer accuracies of 60, 80, and 86 percent and user accuracies of 39, 51, and 98 percent for landslide, landslide-susceptible, and stable locations, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 84 percent and a kappa value of 0.58. This semi-automated object-oriented image classification approach demonstrated potential as a viable tool with further refinement and/or in combination with additional data sources.
Integrated Analysis of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA Reveals Novel Insights into the Fertility Regulation of Large White Sows
Authors: Hu Huiyan , Jia Qing , Xi Jianzhong , Zhou Bo , Li Zhiqiang
Published: September 2020

Background: Improving sow fertility is extremely important as it can lead to increased reproductive efficiency and thus profitability for swine producers. There are considerable differences in fertility rates among individual animals, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, by using different types of RNA libraries, we investigated the complete transcriptome of ovarian tissue during the luteal (L) and follicular (F) phases of the estrous cycle in Large White pigs with high (H) and low (L) fecundity, and performed a comprehensive analysis of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), mRNAs and micro RNAs (miRNAs) from 16 samples by combining RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) with bioinformatics.Results: In total, 24,447 lncRNAs, 27,370 mRNAs, and 216 known miRNAs were identified in ovarian tissues. The genomic features of lncRNAs, such as length distribution and number of exons, were further analyzed. We selected a threshold of P <0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 1 to obtain the differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs by pairwise comparison (LH vs. LL, FH vs. FL). Bioinformatics analysis of these differentially expressed RNAs revealed multiple significantly enriched pathways (P <0.05) that were closely involved in the reproductive process, such as ovarian steroidogenesis, lysosome, steroid biosynthesis, and the estrogen and GnRH signaling pathways. Moreover, bioinformatics screening of differentially expressed miRNAs that share common miRNA response elements (MREs) with lncRNAs and their downstream mRNA targets were performed. Finally, we constructed lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulation networks. The key genes in these networks were verified by Reverse Transcription Real-time Quantitative PCR (RT-qRCR), which were consistent with the results from RNA-Seq data.Conclusions: These results provide further insights into the fertility of pigs andcan contribute to further experimental investigation of the functions of these genes.
Cytokine profile in the sputum of subjects with post-tuberculosis airflow obstruction and in those with tobacco related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 
Authors: Guiedem Elise , Pefura-Yone Eric Walter , Ikomey George Mondinde , Nkenfou Céline Nguefeu , Mesembe Martha , Mbanyamsig Yivala Mispa , Bih Chendi Hycenta , Graeme Jacobs Brendon , Chegou Novel Njweipi , Okomo Marie Claire Assoumou
Published: September 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that tuberculosis (TB) is a risk factor for chronic airflow limitation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recognized as the result of chronic inflammation, usually related to noxious particles. Post-TB airflow obstruction and tobacco-related COPD have the same functional pathway characterized by persistent airflow limitation. We sought to compare the profile of 29 cytokines in the sputum of subjects with post-TB airflow obstruction and those with COPD related to tobacco. Results: The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (FEV/FVC) ratio were lower in the COPD patients with the history of smoking compared to the post-TB airflow obstruction subgroup. The stages of the disease were more advanced in COPD / tobacco patients.Among the cytokines, IL-1α, IL-1β, MIP-1β, sCD40L and VEGF levels were higher in COPD patients, compared to the controls with p values ​​of 0.003, 0.0001, 0.03, 0.0001 and 0.02 respectively. When the two COPD subgroups were compared, IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-8 levels were higher in the COPD patients with the history of tobacco compared to the COPD patients with the history of TB with p-values ​​of 0.031, 0.05, 0.021 and 0.016, respectively.Conclusion: COPD related to tobacco is more severe than post-TB airflow obstruction. The pathogenesis of post-TB airflow obstruction appears to involve the cytokines IL-1RA, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-17, GRO and sCD40L, while COPD related to tobacco involves more cytokines.
A novel research method for workshops and co-production of interventions: using a secret Facebook group
Authors: Buelo Audrey , Kirk Alison , Jepson Ruth
Published: September 2020

Background: Co-production of interventions is reliant on good communication and consensus between participants and researchers but attending in-person meetings and workshops is hard for time-constrained groups such as new mums, who may be geographically dispersed without reliable transport. Discussions with a lay advisory group resulted in the decision to hold a workshop over a secret Facebook group. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility a secret Facebook group for co-production activities. In the example presented, the population was women with previous gestational diabetes; the topic was physical inactivity; and the purpose was to develop an acceptable physical activity intervention.Methods: The researchers created a secret Facebook group with content similar to an in-person workshop that sequentially progressed to develop a programme theory for an intervention. The researcher posted 1-2 times per day for 14 days and members of the group were invited to comment and discuss the content. Feasibility and acceptability of the group analysed using Facebook analytics and a post-workshop survey.Results: Twenty-one participants took part. In total, 521 comments were provided in response to 18 posts of varying types (average = 28.9 comments per post). The total word count of participant comments was 21,142 words. The workshop was viewed positively, with 20 of 21 participants saying they liked the workshop ‘somewhat’ or ‘a great deal’, and felt the group was a safe and open environment to share opinions. When asked if they would take part in something like this again, 15 of 21 said “Yes”. Participants mentioned the format was convenient; it allowed them to reflect on their experiences and they liked helping research progress. Those who say “maybe” said it was difficult finding time and depended on what else was going on.Conclusion: Using a secret Facebook group as a method of co-production or as a workshop in the research process is a feasible and acceptable method. Social media holds significant potential for co-production and involvement in research for populations who are geographically dispersed or time-constrained; with an uncommon condition; or other circumstances where in-person meetings are either not appropriate or not possible.
Relationship of Breastfeeding Duration with Joint Pain and Knee Osteoarthritis in Middle-aged Korean Women: A Cross-sectional Study using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Min-Young , Kim Hyun-Joong , Noh Je-Heon , Kim Sun-A , Hwang Deok-Sang , Lee Chang-Hoon , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: September 2020

Background The effect of joint health on the quality of life of middle-aged and older women is becoming more widely recognized with the aging of the world’s population. However, the association of long-term breastfeeding with joint pain and knee osteoarthritis has not been fully examined. The aim of this study was to determine the association of prior breastfeeding duration with current joint pain and knee osteoarthritis in middle-aged Korean women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,454 women aged ≥50 years who underwent knee radiography and answered a questionnaire on breastfeeding and joint pain for the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2011). After adjusting for confounding sociodemographic, medical history, and obstetric and gynecologic variables, logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the prevalence of joint pain and knee osteoarthritis according to breastfeeding and its duration. Results Among the 3,454 participants, 298 had not breastfed and 1,042, 815, and 1,299 had breastfed for 1–24, 25–48, and ≥49 months, respectively. Of all participants, 1,731 had joint pain and 739 were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis after radiography.Using the non-breastfeeding group as a reference, the odds ratio (OR) for joint pain among women who breastfed ≥1 month was 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.21). As the breastfeeding duration increased, the OR of joint pain prevalence also increased (p for trend; p=0.002). For knee osteoarthritis, the OR was 2.30 in the 25–48 months group (95% CI 1.09-4.86). The OR of knee osteoarthritis in the ≥49 months group was 2.17 (95% CI 1.01-4.64). Sensitivity analysis after selecting only participants aged ≥60 years showed that the prevalence of joint pain and knee osteoarthritis was more positively correlated with extended breastfeeding duration (joint pain, p for trend; p=0.005) (knee osteoarthritis, p for trend; p=0.012).Conclusions Long-term feeding for more than 25 months was associated with an increased prevalence of joint pain and degenerative arthritis in Korean women aged ≥50 years.
Hepatitis C viraemic and seroprevalence and risk factors for positivity in northwest Cambodia: a household cross-sectional serosurvey
Authors: Lynch Emily , Falq Gregoire , Sun Chhorvy , Bunchhoeung PharmD Tek , Huerga Helena , Loarec Anne , Dousset Jean-Phillipe , Marquardt Tonia , Paih Mickael Le , Maman David
Published: September 2020

Background: Despite a dramatic reduction in HCV drug costs and simplified models of care, many countries lack important information on prevalence and risk factors to structure effective HCV services.Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-stage cluster survey of HCV seroprevalence in adults 18 years and above was conducted, with an oversampling of those 45 years and above. 147 clusters of 25 households were randomly selected in two sets (set 1=24 clusters ≥18; set 2=123 clusters, ≥45). A multi-variable analysis assessed risk factors for sero-positivity among participants ≥45. The study occurred in rural Moung Ruessei Health Operational District, Battambang Province, Western Cambodia.Results: A total of 5,098 individuals and 3,616 households participated in the survey. The overall seroprevalence was 2.6% (CI95% 2.3-3.0) for those ≥18 years, 5.1% (CI95% 4.6-5.7) for adults ≥ 45 years, and 0.6% (CI95% 0.3-0.9) for adults 18-44. Viraemic prevalence was 1.9% (CI95% 1.6-2.1), 3.6% (CI95% 3.2-4.0), and 0.5% (CI95% 0.2 - 0.8), respectively. Men had higher prevalence than women: ≥18 years male seroprevalence was 3.0 (CI95% 2.5 - 3.5) versus 2.3 (CI95% 1.9 - 2.7) for women. Knowledge of HCV was poor: 64.7% of all respondents and 57.0% of seropositive participants reported never having heard of HCV.Risk factor characteristics for the population ≥45 years included: advancing age (p<0.001), low education (higher than secondary school OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.6-0.8]), any dental or gum treatment (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.3-1.9]), historical routine medical care (medical injection after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.6-0.9]; surgery after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI0.5-0.9]), and historical blood donation or transfusion (blood donation after 1980 OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2-0.9]); blood transfusion after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.4-1.1]).Conclusions: This study provides the first large-scale general adult population prevalence data on HCV infection in Cambodia. The results confirm the link between high prevalence and age ≥45 years, lower socio-economic status and past routine medical interventions (particularly those received before 1990 and 1980). This survey suggests high HCV prevalence in certain populations in Cambodia and can be used to guide national and local HCV policy discussion.
Impact of donor lung colonized bacteria detected by next-generation sequencing on early post-transplant outcomes in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Liu Dong , Zhang Ji , Wu Bo , Liu Feng , Ye Shugao , Wang Hongmei , Lv Jian , Weng Xing , Chen Yan , Han Weili , Chen Jingyu
Published: September 2020

Background: The effect of donor lung colonized bacteria on the prognosis of lung transplantation is not clear. We used the technique of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect the colonized bacteria from the lower respiratory tract and analyzed whether the colonized bacteria of donor lung could affect the outcomes of lung transplantation.Methods: 17 patients who underwent lung transplantation from March 2018 to June 2018 at Wuxi People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University were included in this study. Twelve cases of donor lung were obtained, and 17 lung transplants were performed, including 12 single lung transplantation and 5 bilateral lung transplantation. The colonized bacteria in the lower lobe tissue of donor lung were detected by NGS, and the bacteria culture method was used to detect the bacteria in the airway secretion before and after the operation. The information of length of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, mechanical ventilation time, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of fever and length of hospital stay were collected for prognostic analysis.Results: Compared with bacterial culture methods, the positive rate by using NGS in the lungs were higher (52.9% vs 41.2%). Among the patients who had detected bacteria by NGS in donor lungs before surgery, only one patient (1/9) developed the same bacteria after lung transplantation. Based on results of NGS and bacterial culture, there was no association between the colonized bacteria in donor lungs and the patients’ outcomes of immediate posttransplant period. Conclusion: NGS showed more sensitive than bacterial culture for detection of bacteria. The colonized bacteria in different parts of the lung are inconsistent. There is no association between the colonized bacteria in donor lungs and short-term outcome of lung transplantation patients.
Assessment of left atrial function in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by using two- dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Kiatsilapanan Arisara , Surachetpong Sirilak
Published: September 2020

Background: Left atrial (LA) function plays an important role in diastolic dysfunction in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is a technique for assessing LA function. This study aimed to evaluate the LA function in HCM cats compared to normal cats, using 2D-STE.Results: Seventeen client-owned cats affected with HCM and twenty healthy control cats were studied. Conventional echocardiographic and 2D-STE variables were measured and compared between groups (control and HCM groups). Variability of the peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) displayed good reproducibility with 4.7% intra-observer and 14% inter-observer repeatability. The mean value of PALS in the HCM group (13.16 ± 8.64) was lower than that in the control group (28.54 ±10.31) (P < 0.001). PALS was lowest in the LA roof region. The atrial longitudinal strains of septal and lateral regions were significantly lower in the HCM group than in the normal group. The PALS correlated with the percentage of the LA fractional shortening (LA-FS) (r=0.538, P =0.001), the percentage of the LA ejection fraction (LA-EF) (r =0.797, P <0.001), and the LA fractional area change (FAC) (r =0.746, P <0.001). Conclusions: PALS is a feasible and reproducible method to evaluate the LA function in cats affected with HCM.
Reactional Ultrasonic Systems and Microwave Irradiation For Pretreatment Of Agro-Industrial Waste To Increase Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Czapela Fabiane Fernanda , Kubeneck Simone , Preczeski Karina Paula , Dalastra Caroline , Scapini Thamarys , Bonatto Charline , Stefanski Fábio Spitza , Camargo Aline Frumi , Zanivan Jessica , Mossi Altemir José , Fongaro Gislaine , Treichel Helen
Published: September 2020

Pretreatment of keratinous residues using an ultrasonic reaction system provides greater enzymatic production in less time. This is a promising technology for measuring enzyme activity and microwave processes. In the present work, an ultrasonic probe reaction system was used to evaluate the potential of swine hair pretreatment. The pretreated material was submerged with non-pretreated residues for 9 days to obtain the enzyme. Enzyme activity was measured in the extracts obtained using the ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic bath, and microwave. We also used the enzymatic concentration technique with NaCl and acetone. Homemade enzymatic extracts were evaluated for their ability to degrade swine hair and chicken feathers by comparing them with the activities commercial enzymes. Macrobeads gave greater energy dissipation in less time, providing greater enzyme activity (50.8 U/mL over 3 days). In terms of waste degradation, non-pretreated swine hair was more promising. The ultrasonic probe reaction system had the potential to evaluate increased enzyme activity (38.4% relative activity) and the enzyme concentration increased activity by 53.5%. The homemade enzymatic extract showed promise for degradation of keratinous residues.
miRNA-23b as a biomarker of culture-positive neonatal sepsis 
Authors: Fatmi Ahlam , Rebiahi Sid Ahmed , Chabni Nafissa , Zerrouki Hanane , Azzaoui Hafsa , Elhabiri Yamina , Benmassour Souheila , Ibáñez-Cabellos José Santiago , Aribi Mourad , García-Giménez José Luis , Pallardó Federico V
Published: September 2020

Background: Neonatal sepsis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The ability to quickly and accurately diagnose neonatal sepsis based on clinical assessments and laboratory blood tests remains difficult, where haemoculture is the gold standard for detecting bacterial sepsis in blood culture. It is also very difficult to study because neonatal samples are lacking. Methods: Forty-eight newborns suspected of sepsis admitted to the Neonatology Department of the Mother-Child Specialized Hospital of Tlemcen. From each newborn, a minimum of 1-2 ml of blood was drawn by standard sterile procedures for blood culture. The miRNA-23b level in haemoculture was evaluated by RT-qPCR.Results: miR-23b levels increased in premature and full-term newborns in early onset sepsis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005 respectively), but lowered in late onset sepsis in full-term neonates (p < 0.05) compared to the respective negative controls. miR-23b levels also increased in late sepsis in the negative versus early sepsis negative controls (p < 0.05). miR-23b levels significantly lowered in the newborns who died from both sepsis types (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05 respectively). In early sepsis, miR-23b and death strongly and negatively correlated (correlation coefficient = -0.96, p = 0.0019). In late sepsis, miRNA-23b and number of survivors (correlation coefficient = 0.70, p = 0.506) positively correlated.Conclusions: Lowering miR-23b levels is an important factor that favours sepsis development, which would confirm their vital protective role, and strongly suggest that they act as a good marker in molecular diagnosis and patient monitoring.
Boundarylessness and sleep quality among virtual team members – a pilot study from Germany
Authors: Rohwer Elisabeth , Kordsmeyer Ann-Christin , Harth Volker , Mache Stefanie
Published: September 2020

Background: In the course of globalisation and digitalisation, new ways of work are becoming increasingly prevalent. To remain competitive as an organisation, cooperation across time, place, and organisational boundaries is becoming necessary. Virtual teamwork offers these advantages, but can also be both, an opportunity and a burden, for employees. This pilot study aims to gain first insights into job demands and resources in virtual teamwork to provide a basis for further research from which appropriate health promotion and prevention measures can be derived.Methods: In this pilot study, an online questionnaire was used to examine the relationship between boundarylessness as a job demand, psychological detachment as a personal resource, as well as perceived stress and sleep quality as health outcomes among 46 virtual team members from Germany. Data collection lasted from October 2019 to January 2020. Validated scales were used for the questionnaire, except for virtuality. Due to insufficient operationalisation to date, a virtuality scale was developed based on the current state of research. The data were analysed with ordinal logistic regression analyses and median split t-tests.Results: The results indicate that perceived stress impaired sleep quality of virtual team members in this sample. In contrast, successful psychological detachment from work was positively related to sleep quality. A higher degree of virtuality coincided with higher levels of boundarylessness. Virtual team members with leadership responsibility showed higher levels of psychological detachment.Conclusion: The present pilot study breaks ground and provides initial insights into the relationship between virtual teamwork and employee health in the German context. Further research, particularly on job demands in virtual teamwork, is needed to derive concrete health promotion and prevention measures.
Changes of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in dogs with different stages of heart failure
Authors: RUBIO Camila Peres , SARIL Ahmet , KOCATURK Meriç , TANAKA Ryou , KOCH Jorgen , CERON Jose Joaquin , YILMAZ Zeki
Published: September 2020

Background: Heart failure (HF) has been associated with changes in inflammatory and oxidative-stress biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the changes of a panel of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarker in dogs with different stages of HF and its relation with the severity of the disease and the echocardiographic changes. Dogs with HF as a result of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration or dilated cardiomyopathy were included. A total of 29 dogs were classified as stage-A (healthy), B (asymptomatic dogs), C (symptomatic dogs) and D (dogs with end-stage-HF) according to the ACVIM-staging-system. Serum cytokines, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were evaluated.Results: KC-like as an inflammatory cytokine was significantly increased in dogs of stage-C (P<0.01) and -D (P<0.05) compared with stage-A and -B. Stage-D Dogs showed significantly higher serum CRP and Hp (P<0.05) but lower serum anti-oxidant capacity (PON1, TEAC, CUPRAC, and thiol) compared to stage-A and -B (P<0.05). After the treatment, serum levels of CRP, Hp and KC-like decreased but serum anti-oxidant levels increased compared to their pre-treatment values. Left ventricular dimension and LA/Ao ratio correlated positively with CRP, MCP-1, and KC-like but negatively with PON1, GM-CSF, IL-7 and antioxidant biomarkers (P<0.01). Conclusion: our results indicated that dogs with advanced-stages of HF show increases in positive acute-phase proteins and selected inflammatory cytokines (KC-like), and decreases in antioxidant biomarkers, indicating that inflammation and oxidative-stress act as collaborative partners in the pathogenesis of HF. Some of these biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress could be tested as new biomarkers to monitor the severity of the disease and the effect of treatment.
Biomechanical analysis of canine medial patellar luxation with femoral varus deformity using a computer model
Authors: Lee Jiyun , Sim Heedong , Jeong Jaemin , DVM Sun-Young Kim , Yang Seokjo , Jeong SeongMok , Lee Haebeom
Published: September 2020

BackgroundFemoral varus deformities complicating the realignment of the quadriceps muscles are frequently associated with medial patellar luxation (MPL) in dogs. Therefore, distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) is recommended in dogs affected with severe MPL and a distal femoral varus deformity. The presence of an anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) of ≥ 102° has been anecdotally recommended as an indication for performing corrective DFO in large-breed dogs. However, the effect of a femoral varus deformity on MPL has not been scientifically evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the influence of a femoral varus deformity on MPL using a finite element method based computer model. Three-dimensionally reconstructed computed tomographic images of a normal femur from a Beagle dog were deformed using meshing software to create distal varus deformities. A total of thirteen aLDFAs, including 95°, 98° and 100°–110°, were simulated. The patellar positions and reaction force between the patella and trochlear grooves were calculated for all finite element models under constant rectus femoris muscle activation.Results: The patella was displaced medially from the trochlear groove at an aLDFA of ≥103°. With an aLDFA of 103° to 110°, the reaction force was equal to zero and then decreased to negative values during the simulation, while other models with aLDFAs of 95°, 98°, and 100°-102° had positive reaction force values. The patella began to luxate at 24.90 seconds (sec) with an aLDFA of 103°, 19.80 sec with an aLDFA of 104°, 21.40 sec with an aLDFA of 105°, 20.10 sec with an aLDFA of 106°, 18.60 sec with an aLDFA of 107°, 15.30 sec with an aLDFA of 108°, 16.60 sec with an aLDFA of 109°, and 11.90 sec with an aLDFA of 110°.Conclusion: Severe distal femoral varus with an aLDFA of ≥103° caused MPL when other anatomical factors were controlled. This simplified computer model provides complementary information to anecdotal cutoffs for DFO, hence it should be applied to clinical patients with caution.
Microenvironmental changes by placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells restore the ovarian function in ovariectomized rat via activated PI3K-FOXO3 pathway
Authors: Choi Jong Ho , Seok Jin , Lim Seung Mook , Kim Tae Hee , Kim Gi Jin
Published: September 2020

Background: Translational studies have explored the therapeutic potential and feasibility of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in several degenerative diseases; however, the mechanistic studies of the function of these cells have been insufficient. As ovarian failures cause anovulation as well as ovarian steroid hormonal unbalances, the specific aims of this study were to analyze the therapeutic role of placenta derived MSCs (PD-MSCs) in an ovarian-failure ovariectomy (OVX) rat model and evaluate whether PD-MSCs transplantation (Tx) improved folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation in the injured ovary through PI3K/Akt and FOXO signaling. Methods: Blood and ovary tissue were collected and analyzed after various PD-MSCs Tx treatments in the ovariectomized rat model. Changes in the expression of folliculogenesis and ovary regeneration-related genes due to PD-MSCs treatments were analyzed by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and histological analysis. Results: The levels of hormones related to ovary function were significantly increased in the PD-MSCs Tx groups compared with those of the non-transplantation group (NTx). The follicle numbers in the ovarian tissues were increased along with increased expression of genes related to folliculogenesis for PD-MSCs Tx compared with NTx groups. Furthermore, PD-MSCs Tx induced maturation of follicles by increasing the phosphorylation of GSK3 beta and FOXO3 (p<0.05) and shifting the balance of growth and apoptosis in the oocytes. Conclusions: Taken together, PD-MSCs Tx can restore the ovarian function as well as induce ovarian folliculogenesis via the PI3K/Akt and FOXO signaling pathway.
Representativeness of personality and involvement preferences in a web-based survey on healthcare decision-making
Authors: Birkeland Søren , Linkhorst Thea , Haakonsson Anders , Barry Michael John , Möller Sören
Published: September 2020

Background: Obtaining a sample that is representative of the group of interest is of utmost importance in questionnaire studies. In a survey using a state authorized web-portal for citizen communication with authorities, we wanted to investigate the view of adult men on patient involvement in health care decision-making regarding Prostate-Specific Antigen test for prostatic cancer. In this paper, we report on sample characteristics and representativeness of our sample in terms of personality and baseline involvement preferences.Methods: We compared personality profiles (BFI-10) and baseline healthcare decision-making preferences (CPS) in our sample (n=6,756) to internationally available datasets. Pooled data from a) US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (n=1,512), b) Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium (n=1,136), and c) Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark (n=1,313) were used for BFI-10 comparisons. Regarding CPS, we compared our sample with three previous datasets relating to decision-making in cancer (n=425, 387, and 199).Results: Although statistically significant differences particularly appeared in large dataset comparisons, sample BFI-10 and CPS profiles mostly were within the range of those previously reported. Similarity was greatest in BFI-10 comparisons with group a) where no statistically significant difference could be established in factors ‘agreeableness’ and ‘neuroticism’ (p=.095 and .578, respectively). Conclusion: Despite some variation, our sample displays personality and baseline preference profiles that are generally similar to those described in previous international studies. For example, this was the case with the BFI-10 ‘agreeableness’ measure (incl. trust and fault-finding items), an important factor in healthcare decision-making.
Association of Patient-Centered Medical Home Designation and Quality Indicators within HRSA-Funded Community Health Center Delivery Sites
Authors: Bell Nathaniel , Wilkerson Rebecca , Mayfield-Smith Kathy , Fede Ana Lòpez-De
Published: September 2020

Background: Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) adoption is as an important strategy to help improve primary care quality within Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) Community Health Centers (CHC), but evidence of its effect thus far remains mixed. A limitation of previous evaluations has been the inability to account for the proportion of CHC delivery sites that are designated medical homes.Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study using HRSA Uniform Data System (UDS) and certification files from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the Joint Commission (JC). Datasets were linked through geocoding and an approximate string matching algorithm. Predicted probability scores were regressed onto 11 clinical performance measures using 10% increments in site-level designation.using 10% increments in site designation and regressed onto 11 clinical performance measures using beta logistic regression.Results: The geocoding and approximate string matching algorithm identified 2,615 of the 6,851 (41.8%) delivery sites included in the analyses as having been designated through the NCQA and/or JC. In total, 74.7% (n=777) of the 1,039 CHCs that met the inclusion criteria for the analysis managed at least 1 NCQA and/or JC designated site. A proportional increase in site-level designation showed a positive association with adherence scores for the majority of all indicators, but primarily among CHC’s that designated at least 50% of its delivery sites. Once this threshold was achieved, there was a stepwise percentage point increase in adherence scores, ranging from 1.9% to 11.8% improvement, depending on the measureConclusion: Geocoding and approximate string matching techniques offer a more nuanced approach for addressing ongoing limitations in HRSA’s PCMH evaluations. The study methodology proposes new questions to as to whether there is a threshold effect when measuring the association between designation and care quality. The model also offers preliminary evidence of a step-wise increase in quality metrics once half of a CHCs delivery sites become designated medical homes.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Folate Receptor Research
Authors: Didion Cari , Henne Walter
Published: September 2020

Background

The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensible bibliometric analysis of the entire field of folate receptor research.

Methods

A Web of Science search was performed on folate receptor or folate binding protein (1969-to June 28, 2019). The following information was examined: publications per year, overall citations, top 10 authors, top 10 institutions, top 10 cited articles, top 10 countries, cc-author collaborations and key areas of research.

Results

In total, 3248 documents for folate receptor or folate binding protein were retrieved for the study years outlined in the methods section search query. The range was 1 per year in 1969 to 264 for the last full year studied (2018). A total of 123,720 citations for the 3,248 documents retrieved represented a mean citation rate per article of 38.09 and range of 1667 citations (range 0 to 1667). Researchers in 71 countries authored publications analyzed in this study. The US was the leader in publications and had the highest ranking institution. The top 10 articles have been cited 7270 times during the time frame of this study. The top cited article had an average citation rate of 110 citations per year. Network maps revealed considerable co-authorship among several of the top 10 authors.

Conclusion

Our study presents several important insights into the features and impact of folate receptor research. To our knowledge, this is the first bibliometric analysis of folate receptor.
Gut Microbiota Characteristics in Mice with Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Authors: Shao Haoqing , Zhang Chenyang , Xiao Nenqun , Tan Zhoujin
Published: September 2020

Background: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), defined as diarrhea that occurs in association with the administration of antibiotics and without another clear etiology, is one of the most commonly adverse drug events of antibiotics therapy. We established a diarrhea model induced by gentamycin and cefradine to investigate the microbiota characteristics in the intestinal lumen of mice with AAD and provide insights into noteworthy bacteria related to gentamicin and cefradine-associated diarrhea. Results: The number of OTUs in the model group and the normal group was 983 and 2107, respectively, and 872 identical OTUs were shared between two groups. Species richness and species diversity of intestinal microbe were altered by antibiotics administration. PCoA showed a clear separation between AAD and health control. The dominant phyla of AAD mice were Firmicutes (52.63%) and Proteobacteria (46.37%). Among the genus with top 20 abundance, the relative abundance of 7 genera, Ruminococcus, Blautia, Enterococcus, Eubacterium, Clostridium, Coprococcus, and Aerococcus, were enriched in the model group. Based upon the LEfSe analysis, Enterococcus, Eubacterium, Ruminococcus, and Blautia were identified as potential biomarker for AAD. Conclusions: The bacterial diversity of the intestinal lumen was diminished after gentamicin and cefradine administration. The alterations in the abundance and composition of gut microbiota further led to the dysfunction of gut microbiota. More specifically, gentamicin and cefradine significantly increased the abundance of the opportunistic pathogens, of which Enterococcus and Clostridium were the most prominent and most worthy of attention.