bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are early indicators of an upcoming metabolic decline in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors:   Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network, Ng Kok Pin , Pascoal Tharick A. , Mathotaarachchi Sulantha , Chan Yiong Huak , Jiang Lai , Therriault Joseph , Benedet Andrea L. , Shin Monica , Kandiah Nagaendran , Greenwood Celia M. T. , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Gauthier Serge
Published: January 2021

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are increasingly recognized as early non-cognitive manifestations in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum. However, the role of NPS as an early marker of pathophysiological progression in AD remains unclear. Dominantly inherited AD (DIAD) mutation carriers are young individuals who are destined to develop AD in future due to the full penetrance of the genetic mutation. Hence, the study of DIAD mutation carriers enables the evaluation of the associations between pure AD pathophysiology and metabolic correlates of NPS without the confounding effects of co-existing pathologies. In this longitudinal study, we aimed to identify regional brain metabolic dysfunctions associated with NPS in cognitively intact DIAD mutation carriers.

Methods

We stratified 221 cognitively intact participants from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network according to their mutation carrier status. The interactions of NPS measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q), age, and estimated years to symptom onset (EYO) as a function of metabolism measured by [18F]flurodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography, were evaluated by the mixed-effects regression model with family-level random effects in DIAD mutation carriers and non-carriers. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify the neuropsychiatric subsyndromes in DIAD mutation carriers using the NPI-Q sub-components. Then the effects of interactions between specific neuropsychiatric subsyndromes and EYO on metabolism were evaluated with the mixed-effects regression model.

Results

A total of 119 mutation carriers and 102 non-carriers were studied. The interaction of higher NPI-Q and shorter EYO was associated with more rapid declines of global and regional [18F]FDG uptake in the posterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortices, the bilateral parietal lobes and the right insula in DIAD mutation carriers. The neuropsychiatric subsyndromes of agitation, disinhibition, irritability and depression interacted with the EYO to drive the [18F]FDG uptake decline in the DIAD mutation carriers. The interaction of NPI and EYO was not associated with [18F]FDG uptake in DIAD mutation non-carriers.

Conclusions

The NPS in cognitively intact DIAD mutation carriers may be a clinical indicator of subsequent metabolic decline in brain networks vulnerable to AD, which supports the emerging conceptual framework that NPS represent early manifestations of neuronal injury in AD. Further studies using different methodological approaches to identify NPS in preclinical AD are needed to validate our findings.
Two-year prevalence rates of mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses among repeat arrestees
Authors: Magee Lauren A. , Fortenberry J. Dennis , Rosenman Marc , Aalsma Matthew C. , Gharbi Sami , Wiehe Sarah E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Individuals with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders often rapidly cycle through the justice system with multiple arrests. Therefore, is it imperative to examine the prevalence of mental health and substance use diagnoses among arrestees and repeat arrestees to identify opportunities for intervention.

Methods

We linked police arrest and clinical care data at the individual level to conduct a retrospective cohort study of all individuals arrested in 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. We classified arrestees into three levels: 1 arrest, 2 arrests, or 3 or more arrests. We included data on clinical diagnoses between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 and classified mental health diagnoses and substance use disorder (SUD) based on DSM categories using ICD9/10 diagnoses codes.

Results

Of those arrested in 2016, 18,236 (79.5%) were arrested once, 3167 (13.8%) were arrested twice, and 1536 (6.7%) were arrested three or more times. In the 2 years before the arrest, nearly one-third (31.3%) of arrestees had a mental health diagnosis, and over a quarter (27.7%) of arrestees had an SUD diagnosis. Most of those with a mental health or SUD diagnosis had both (22.5% of all arrestees). Arrestees with multiple mental health (OR 2.68, 95% CI 2.23, 3.23), SUD diagnoses (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.38, 1,82), or co-occurring conditions (1.72, 95% CI 1.48, 2.01) in the preceding 2 years had higher odds of repeat arrest.

Conclusions

Our findings show that linked clinical and criminal justice data systems identify individuals at risk of repeat arrest and inform opportunities for interventions aimed at low-level offenders with behavioral health needs.
The effect of sandblasting and acid etching on survival rate of orthodontic miniscrews: a split-mouth randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moghaddam Saeid Foroughi , Mohammadi Amir , Behroozian Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of surface roughening and acid etching on clinical success rate and removal and insertion torque of orthodontic miniscrews.

Materials and methods

Sixty-two orthodontic miniscrews (Jail Medical Corporation, Seoul, Korea) with the same design and dimensions (10-mm length, 2-mm diameter) are divided into two (sandblasted and acid-etched versus control) groups. The sample of the study was 31 patients whose miniscrews were needed for en masse retraction of the upper six anterior teeth. In this split-mouth study, the miniscrews were placed in the attached gingiva between the second premolar and the first molar. The side (left or right) was selected randomly. The miniscrews were loaded 6 weeks after insertion, and the patients were followed up after 3, 6, 10, 14, and 18 weeks and then for 4 weeks interval. Chi-square, correlation, and independent t tests were done using SPSS ver24 to interpret the data.

Results

The survival rate was 90.3% and 83.9% for the sandblasted and acid-etched versus the control group, respectively. The difference in survival rate was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Removal torque was higher for the sandblasted group (p < 0.05). Younger patients showed less survival rate (p < 0.05) in both groups. Insertion side, namely, left or right, was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Although sandblasting increased removal torque, it did not influence the survival rate of orthodontic miniscrews significantly.
Multiclass emotion prediction using heart rate and virtual reality stimuli
Authors: Bulagang Aaron Frederick , Mountstephens James , Teo Jason
Published: January 2021

Background

Emotion prediction is a method that recognizes the human emotion derived from the subject’s psychological data. The problem in question is the limited use of heart rate (HR) as the prediction feature through the use of common classifiers such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Random Forest (RF) in emotion prediction. This paper aims to investigate whether HR signals can be utilized to classify four-class emotions using the emotion model from Russell’s in a virtual reality (VR) environment using machine learning.

Method

An experiment was conducted using the Empatica E4 wristband to acquire the participant’s HR, a VR headset as the display device for participants to view the 360° emotional videos, and the Empatica E4 real-time application was used during the experiment to extract and process the participant's recorded heart rate.

Findings

For intra-subject classification, all three classifiers SVM, KNN, and RF achieved 100% as the highest accuracy while inter-subject classification achieved 46.7% for SVM, 42.9% for KNN and 43.3% for RF.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the potential of SVM, KNN and RF classifiers to classify HR as a feature to be used in emotion prediction in four distinct emotion classes in a virtual reality environment. The potential applications include interactive gaming, affective entertainment, and VR health rehabilitation.
A method for extracting travel patterns using data polishing
Authors: Hosoe Mio , Kuwano Masashi , Moriyama Taku
Published: January 2021

With recent developments in ICT, the interest in using large amounts of accumulated data for traffic policy planning has increased significantly. In recent years, data polishing has been proposed as a new method of big data analysis. Data polishing is a graphical clustering method, which can be used to extract patterns that are similar or related to each other by identifying the cluster structures present in the data. The purpose of this study is to identify the travel patterns of railway passengers by applying data polishing to smart card data collected in the Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. To this end, we consider 9,008,709 data points collected over a period of 15 months, ranging from December 1st, 2013 to February 28th, 2015. This dataset includes various types of information, including trip histories and types of passengers. This study implements data polishing to cluster 4,667,520 combinations of information regarding individual rides in terms of the day of the week, the time of the day, passenger types, and origin and destination stations. Via the analysis, 127 characteristic travel patterns are identified in aggregate.
Pomegranate variety and pomegranate plant part, relevance from bioactive point of view: a review
Authors: Melgarejo-Sánchez Pablo , Núñez-Gómez Dámaris , Martínez-Nicolás Juan J. , Hernández Francisca , Legua Pilar , Melgarejo Pablo
Published: January 2021

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belongs to the Punicaceae plant family. It is an important fruit due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. Pomegranates are widely distributed around the world and, therefore, have a broad genetic diversity, resulting in differences in their phytochemical composition. The scientific community has focused on the positive health effects of pomegranate as a whole, but the different varieties have rarely been compared according to their bioactive compounds and bioactivity. This review aims to provide a holistic overview of the current knowledge on the bioactivity of pomegranate trees, with an emphasis on differentiating both the varieties and the different plant parts. This review intends to provide a general and organized overview of the accumulated knowledge on pomegranates, the identification of the most bioactive varieties, their potential consumption pathways and seeks to provide knowledge on the present gaps to guide future research.
Assessment of cardiac amyloidosis with 99mTc-pyrophosphate (PYP) quantitative SPECT
Authors: Ren Chao , Ren Jingyun , Tian Zhuang , Du Yanrong , Hao Zhixin , Zhang Zongyao , Fang Wei , Li Fang , Zhang Shuyang , Hsu Bailing , Huo Li
Published: January 2021

Background

99mTc-PYP scintigraphy provides differential diagnosis of ATTR cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) from light chain cardiac amyloidosis and other myocardial disorders without biopsy. This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic feasibility and the operator reproducibility of 99mTc-PYP quantitative SPECT.

Method

Thirty-seven consecutive patients who underwent a 99mTc-PYP thorax planar scan followed by SPECT and CT scans to diagnose suspected ATTR-CM were enrolled. For the quantitative SPECT, phantom studies were initially performed to determine the image conversion factor (ICF) and partial volume correction (PVC) factor to recover 99mTc-PYP activity concentration in the myocardium for calculating the standardized uptake value (SUV) (unit: g/ml). SUVmax was compared among groups of ATTR-CM, AL cardiac amyloidosis, and other pathogens (others) and among categories of Perugini visual scores (grades 0–3). The intra- and inter-operator reproducibility of quantitative SPECT was verified, and the corresponded repeatability coefficient (RPC) was calculated.

Results

The ICF was 79,327 Bq/ml to convert count rate in pixel to 99mTc activity concentration. PVC factor as a function of the measured activity concentration ratio in the myocardium and blood-pool was [y = 1.424 × (1 − exp(− 0.759 × x)) + 0.104]. SUVmax of ATTR-CM (7.50 ± 2.68) was significantly higher than those of AL (1.96 ± 0.35) and others (2.00 ± 0.74) (all p < 0.05). SUVmax of grade 3 (8.95 ± 1.89) and grade 2 (4.71 ± 0.23) were also significantly higher than those of grade 1 (1.92 ± 0.31) and grade 0 (1.59 ± 0.39) (all p < 0.05). Correlation coefficient (R2) of SUVmax reached 0.966 to 0.978 with only small systematic difference (intra = − 0.14; inter = − 0.23) between two repeated measurements. Intra- and inter-operator RPCs were 0.688 and 0.877.

Conclusions

99mTc-PYP quantitative SPECT integrated with adjustable PVC factors is feasible to quantitatively and objectively assess the burden of cardiac amyloidosis for diagnosis of ATTR-CM.
Inclusive practice and quality of education and care in the Dutch hybrid early childhood education and care system
Authors: van der Werf W. M. , Slot P. L. , Kenis P. N. , Leseman P. P. M.
Published: January 2021

The present study examined how in the context of the hybrid, privatized and marketized Dutch early education and care system (ECEC), childcare organizations respond to the public task of supporting inclusion and equity in an increasingly diverse society. Applying cluster analysis on the organizational characteristics of a nationally representative sample of 117 centers providing education and care for 0- to 4-year-old children, three types of organizations were identified that differed strongly on cultural inclusion and observed quality in the classroom. Socially engaged (for-profit and not-for-profit) professional organizations served proportionally more children from low-SES and immigrant families, provided higher quality to these children, and were culturally more inclusive than both market-orientated and traditional professional-bureaucratic organizations. The findings are discussed with regard to the question how hybrid ECEC systems can be governed to optimally serve the public goals of inclusion and equity.
Multi-thermal performance optimization of semi-circular heat pipes integrated with various solar collector profiles
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Alsoufi Mohammad S.
Published: January 2021

Solar collector (SC) technology has proved promising applications in heating, desalination, refrigeration of water, etc. Thermal performance (TP) of Heat Pipe (HP) improves by combining the various profiled absorber plate with a flat-plate collector. The objective is to study HP attributes' effect (heat inputs, pipe inclinations, and mass flow rates of water) with various profiles of absorber plates in a flat-plate SC on the TP. Semi-circular HP combining with the flat, V-grooved, and V-troughed absorber plates in a flat-plate collector improved TP. They are heat output, thermal resistance, and overall efficiency explored experimentally by adapting the response surface method's (RSM) central composite design. A major impacting applicant factor was heat input for improving TPs, and correlation models were generated from ANOVA. The optimal input attributes are obtained to minimize thermal resistance and maximize heat output and overall efficiency from RSM and desirability function. Confirmation test was conducted using optimal settings and their corresponding estimated values of the TP attributes to compare with the experimental results shown very close agreement between them established.
Pilot Randomised Evaluation of Singing in Dementia (PRESIDE): protocol for a two-arm, parallel-group randomised controlled feasibility study with waiting-list control
Authors: Dowson Becky , Schneider Justine , Guo Boliang , Bath Philip M. , McDermott Orii , Haywood Lee J. , Orrell Martin
Published: January 2021

Background

As the number of people living with dementia grows, so does the need to provide them with adequate psychosocial support. Many people with dementia live at home with family carers, who also require social and emotional support to cope with their role. Community group singing has received attention for its potential to support people with dementia and their carers. It is postulated that singing can improve cognitive function, strengthen the bonds between care partners and help to establish social support networks. However, there is a lack of rigorous evidence of singing’s benefits for this population. This study aims to test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of community singing in dementia, to pave the way for a larger, conclusive study.

Methods

The PRESIDE study is designed as a two-arm, parallel-group randomised trial with a waiting list control. Dyads consisting of a person with dementia (n = 80) and their carer (n = 80) will be recruited. Each dyad will be randomised either to attend 10 weeks of community group singing sessions straight away or to wait for 3 months before attending the sessions. The singing sessions will be led by experienced professional musicians and will last about 90 min, including time for socialising. The primary outcome of this study is the attainment of feasibility criteria around recruitment, retention and the acceptability of the waiting list control. Secondary outcomes include the quality of life, mood, cognition, and musical engagement of the person with dementia, and quality of life, mood, and experiences/challenges of the carer. These data will be collected during home visits at baseline, and 3 and 6 months post-baseline.

Discussion

Despite growing public interest in the positive effects of singing, and encouraging findings from qualitative and non-randomised quantitative studies, there is a lack of rigorous evidence. This is the first randomised controlled trial of community group singing for people with dementia in Europe, to our knowledge. If the results favour a full trial, conclusively demonstrating the effectiveness of group singing could positively affect the opportunities available to community-dwelling people with dementia and their carers.

Trial registration

Unique identification number in ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN10201482. Date registered: 12 May 2020
Association between cardiometabolic health and objectively-measured, free-living sleep parameters: a pilot study in a rural African setting
Authors: Cook Ian , Mohlabe Matlawa , Makgopa Herbert Mabalane
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between objectively-measured, free-living sleep quantity and quality, and cardiometabolic health, in a rural African setting in 139 adults (≥40 years, female: n = 99, male: n = 40). Wrist-mounted, tri-axial accelerometry data was collected over 9 days. Measures of sleep quantity and quality, and physical activity were extracted from valid minute-by-minute data. Self-reported data included behavioural, health and socio-demographic variables. Biological data included body composition, resting blood pressure and fasting blood glucose, insulin and lipids. Logistic regression models were constructed with insulin resistance (IR) and cardiometabolic (CM) risk, as dependent variables, adjusting for socio-demographic, behavioural and biological factors.

Results

Nocturnal sleep time was longer in females (p = 0.054) and sleep quality was better in males (p ≤ 0.017). Few participants slept > 9 h/night (4–5%), and 46–50% slept < 7 h/night. IR and CM risk was higher in females (p ≤ 0.006). In adjusted models, sleep variables were independently associated with IR (p < 0.05). Sleep quantity was non-linearly associated with CM risk (p ≤ 0.0398), and linearly associated with IR (p ≤ 0.0444). Sleep quality was linearly related with CM risk and IR (p ≤ 0.0201). In several models, sleep quantity and sleep quality measures were concurrently and significantly associated with IR (p ≤ 0.044).
Comparison of ecophysiological and leaf anatomical traits of native and invasive plant species
Authors: Rindyastuti Ridesti , Hapsari Lia , Byun Chaeho
Published: January 2021

Background

To address the lack of evidence supporting invasion by three invasive plant species (Imperata cylindrica, Lantana camara,andChromolaena odorata) in tropical ecosystems, we compared the ecophysiological and leaf anatomical traits of these three invasive alien species with those of species native to Sempu Island, Indonesia. Data on four plant traits were obtained from the TRY Plant Trait Database, and leaf anatomical traits were measured using transverse leaf sections.

Results

Two ecophysiological traits including specific leaf area (SLA) and seed dry weight showed significant association with plant invasion in the Sempu Island Nature Reserve. Invasive species showed higher SLA and lower seed dry weight than non-invasive species. Moreover, invasive species showed superior leaf anatomical traits including sclerenchymatous tissue thickness, vascular bundle area, chlorophyll content, and bundle sheath area. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that leaf anatomical traits strongly influenced with cumulative variances (100% in grass and 88.92% in shrubs), whereI. cylindricaandC. odorataoutperformed non-invasive species in these traits.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the traits studied are important for plant invasiveness since ecophysiological traits influence of light capture, plant growth, and reproduction while leaf anatomical traits affect herbivory, photosynthetic assimilate transport, and photosynthetic activity.
Biological control of bacterial wilt in tomato through the metabolites produced by the biocontrol fungus, Trichoderma harzianum
Authors: Yan Liu , Khan Raja Asad Ali
Published: January 2021

Background

Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt disease in tomato and other crops resulting in huge economic losses worldwide. Several measures have been explored for the control of R. solanacearum, but the desired control level of the disease through sustainable and ecofriendly way is still awaited.

Main body

In this study, fungal metabolites produced by Trichoderma harzianum were investigated in the form of crude extract for the management of R. solanacearum both in vitro and in planta in tomato plants. In in vitro investigation, fungal metabolites were checked for their antibacterial potential at different concentrations (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 mg ml−1) and bacterial cell morphology was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In a greenhouse experiment, different application times (0, 3, and 6 days before transplantation DBT) and doses (0, 3, 6, and 9%) of the fungal metabolites were tested for their effects on soil bacterial population, disease severity and plant growth of tomato plants. The in vitro evaluation showed a strong antibacterial activity of fungal metabolites in concentration dependent manner. The highest concentration 180 mg ml−1 produced maximum inhibition zone (20.2 mm) having non-significant difference with the inhibition zone (20.5 mm) produced by the standard antibiotic streptomycin. The SEM analysis revealed severe morphological destructions of bacterial cells. In case of greenhouse experiment, the highest decrease in soil bacterial population, lowest disease severity, and maximum increase in plant growth parameters were obtained by highest dose (9%) and longest application time (6 DBT).

Conclusion

The fungal metabolites produced by T. harzianum could be used as low-cost, environment-friendly, and sustainable management strategy for the control of R. solanacearum in tomato plants.
Effect of biologically upgraded cocoa pod husk meal on growth, serum and antioxidant properties of two rabbit breeds
Authors: Olugosi O. A. , Ogunribido T. , Agbede J. O. , Ayeni A. O.
Published: January 2021

Background

The study evaluated the growth performance, haemabiochemical and antioxidant profile of two breeds of rabbits fed diets containing varying levels ofRhizopus stoloniferfermented cocoa pod husk meal (FCPHM). Cocoa pod husk meal was taken through solid-state fermentation for a period of 2 weeks usingRhizopus stoloniferas its starter culture. One hundred and eighty, 5-week-old unsexed weaned rabbits 90 New Zealand white (NZW) and 90 Chinchilla (CHL) were randomly allocated into three dietary treatments, Diets I, II and III (0%, 12.5 and 25%FCPHM, respectively), and were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design (2 breeds and 3 diets) of a randomized block design.

Results

The study showed that the breed effect and dietary treatment were significant (p < 0.01) for total weight gain and feed conversion ratio with NZW breed fed 12.5% FCPHM having higher values than CHL breed. Serum total protein concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatment, while alanine aminotransferase, globulin and total protein concentrations were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by the breed effect. The interactive effect of breed and dietary treatment was only significant (p < 0.05) for serum albumin concentration. Malondialdehyde concentration was significantly influenced by both dietary treatments (p < 0.05) and breed (p < 0.001) factors.

Conclusion

It was observed that CHL rabbits were more predisposed to stress than the NZW rabbits as indicated by the lipid peroxidation values, and according to this present finding, 12.5% FCPHM is recommended as active feed ingredient in rabbit diets.
Bioturbation of Thalassinoides from the Lower Cambrian Zhushadong Formation of Dengfeng area, Henan Province, North China
Authors: Fan Yu-Chao , Qi Yong-An , Dai Ming-Yue , Li Da , Liu Bing-Chen , Qing Guo-Shuai
Published: January 2021

Bioturbation plays a critical role in sediment mixing and biogeochemical cycling between sediment and seawater. An abundance of bioturbation structures, dominated byThalassinoides,occurs in carbonate rocks of the Cambrian Series 2 Zhushadong Formation in the Dengfeng area of western Henan Province, North China. Determination of elemental geochemistry can help to establish the influence of burrowing activities on sediment biogeochemical cycling, especially on changes in oxygen concentration and nutrient regeneration. Results show that there is a dramatic difference in the bioturbation intensity between the bioturbated limestone and laminated dolostone of the Zhushadong Formation in terms of productivity proxies (Baex, Cu, Ni, Sr/Ca) and redox proxies (V/Cr, V/Sc, Ni/Co). These changes may be related to the presence ofThalassinoidesbioturbators, which alter the particle size and permeability of sediments, while also increase the oxygen concentration and capacity for nutrient regeneration. Comparison with modern studies shows that the sediment mixing and reworking induced byThalassinoidesbioturbators significantly changed the primary physical and chemical characteristics of the Cambrian sediment, triggering the substrate revolution and promoting biogeochemical cycling between sediment and seawater.
Differential response of digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota to dietary insect meal during the seawater phase of Atlantic salmon
Authors: Li Yanxian , Bruni Leonardo , Jaramillo-Torres Alexander , Gajardo Karina , Kortner Trond M. , Krogdahl Åshild
Published: January 2021

Background

Intestinal digesta is commonly used for studying responses of microbiota to dietary shifts, yet evidence is accumulating that it represents an incomplete view of the intestinal microbiota. The present work aims to investigate the differences between digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and how they may respond differently to dietary perturbations. In a 16-week seawater feeding trial, Atlantic salmon were fed either a commercially-relevant reference diet or an insect meal diet containing ~ 15% black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal. The digesta- and mucosa-associated distal intestinal microbiota were profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Regardless of diet, we observed substantial differences between digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota. Microbial richness and diversity were much higher in the digesta than the mucosa. The insect meal diet altered the distal intestinal microbiota resulting in higher microbial richness and diversity. The diet effect, however, depended on the sample origin. Digesta-associated intestinal microbiota showed more pronounced changes than the mucosa-associated microbiota. Multivariate association analyses identified two mucosa-enriched taxa,Brevinema andersoniiandSpirochaetaceae, associated with the expression of genes related to immune responses and barrier function in the distal intestine, respectively.

Conclusions

Our data show that salmon intestinal digesta and mucosa harbor microbial communities with clear differences. While feeding insects increased microbial richness and diversity in both digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota, mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota seems more resilient to variations in the diet composition. To fully unveil the response of intestinal microbiota to dietary changes, concurrent profiling of digesta- and mucosa-associated intestinal microbiota is recommended whenever feasible. Specific taxa enriched in the intestinal mucosa are associated to gene expression related to immune responses and barrier function. Detailed studies are needed on the ecological and functional significance of taxa associated to intestinal microbiota dwelling on the mucosa.
The CFIR Card Game: a new approach for working with implementation teams to identify challenges and strategies
Authors: Piat Myra , Wainwright Megan , Sofouli Eleni , Albert Hélène , Casey Regina , Rivest Marie-Pier , Briand Catherine , Kasdorf Sarah , Labonté Lise , LeBlanc Sébastien , O’Rourke Joseph J.
Published: January 2021

Background

The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the ERIC compilation of implementation strategies are key resources for identifying implementation barriers and strategies. However, their respective density and complexity make their application to implementation planning outside of academia challenging. We developed the CFIR Card Game as a way of working with multi-stakeholder implementation teams that were implementing mental health recovery into their services, to identify barriers and strategies to overcome them. The aim of this descriptive evaluation is to describe how the game was prepared, played, used and received by teams and researchers and their perception of the clarity of the CFIR constructs.

Methods

We used the new CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool v.1 to design the game. We produced a deck of cards with each of the CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool barrier narratives representing all 39 CFIR constructs. Teams played the game at the pre-implementation stage at a time when they were actively engaged in a planning process for implementing their selected recovery-oriented innovation. The teams placed each card in either the YES or NO column of the board in response to whether they anticipated experiencing this barrier in their setting. Teams were also asked about the clarity of the barrier narratives and were provided with plain language versions if unclear. Researchers completed a reflection form following the game, and participants completed an open-added questionnaire that included questions specific to the CFIR Card Game. We applied a descriptive coding approach to analysis.

Results

Four descriptive themes emerged from this analysis: (1) the CFIR Card Game as a useful and engaging process, (2) difficulties understanding CFIR construct barrier narratives, (3) strengths of the game’s design and structure and room for improvement and (4) mediating factors: facilitator preparation and multi-stakeholder dynamics. Quantitative findings regarding the clarity of the barrier narratives were integrated with qualitative data under theme 2. Only seven of the 39 original barrier narratives were judged to be clear by all teams.

Conclusions

The CFIR Card Game can be used to enhance implementation planning. Plain language versions of CFIR construct barrier narratives are needed. Our plain language versions require further testing and refining.
Geochemical characteristics and source of Chang 8 crude oil in the east part of the Shanbei Slope, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Xiao Zhenglu , Chen Shijia , Yin Xiangdong , Wang Pan , Zhu Jiang , Han Meimei
Published: January 2021

There are three sets of potential source rocks in the Yanchang Formation in the east part of the Shanbei Slope in the Ordos Basin. Based on the experimental results of total organic carbon, vitrinite reflectance, rock organic matter extraction, and saturated hydrocarbon chromatography (GC-MS), we have analyzed the geochemical and biomarker characteristics of the Chang 7, Chang 8, and Chang 9 source rocks, and the Chang 8 reservoir extracts and find that the Chang 7, Chang 8, and Chang 9 source rocks were deposited in the sedimentary environment of weak oxidation and weak reduction. Higher plants contribute more in the parent materials of the Chang 7 and Chang 9 source rocks, whereas lower aquatic organisms contribute more to the Chang 8 source rock. However, the source of the Chang 8 crude oil in the east part of Shanbei Slope does not match the chemical fingerprint of the Chang 8 source rock. To address this problem, we examined samples taken from the Zhidan oilfield, where our results show that the Chang 7, Chang 8, and Chang 9 source rocks all have hydrocarbon-supplying capacity. The relative abundance of regular steranes (C27, C28, C29) and hopane (17α(H), 21β(H)-hopane, 17β(H)-rearranged hopane, 18α(H)-22,29,30-trinorhopane) provides a means to assign the crude oil components to a given. Further analysis of the biomarkers of the three source rocks and those of the Chang 8 crude oil indicate that crude oil in the Chang 8 reservoir was not generated in situ; rather, it was supplied by the underlying Chang 9 source rock.
Chemotherapy Knowledge Base Management in the Era of Precision Oncology
Authors: Rubinstein Samuel M. , Sethi Tarsheen , Venepalli Neeta K. , Gyawali Bishal , Schwartz Candice , Rivera Donna R. , Yang Peter C. , Warner Jeremy L.
Published: January 2021

Cancer medicine has grown increasingly complex in recent years with the advent of precision oncology and wide utilization of multidrug regimens. Representing this increasingly granular knowledge is a significant challenge. As users and managers of a freely available chemotherapy drug and regimen database, we describe the changes we have made to accommodate these challenges. These include the development of a domain ontology and increased granularity in the classification of cancer types on the website.
Excellent Outcomes With Reduced Frequency of Vincristine and Dexamethasone Pulses in Standard-Risk B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Results From Children's Oncology Group AALL0932
Authors: Angiolillo Anne L. , Schore Reuven J. , Kairalla John A. , Devidas Meenakshi , Rabin Karen R. , Zweidler-McKay Patrick , Borowitz Michael J. , Wood Brent , Carroll Andrew J. , Heerema Nyla A. , Relling Mary V. , Hitzler Johann , Lane Ashley R. , Maloney Kelly W. , Wang Cindy , Bassal Mylène , Carroll William L. , Winick Naomi J. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Loh Mignon L. , Hunger Stephen P.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

AALL0932 evaluated two randomized maintenance interventions to optimize disease-free survival (DFS) while reducing the burden of therapy in children with newly diagnosed NCI standard-risk (SR) B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).

Methods:

AALL0932 enrolled 9,229 patients with B-ALL; 2,364 average-risk (AR) patients were randomly assigned (2 × 2 factorial design) at the start of maintenance therapy to vincristine/dexamethasone pulses every 4 (VCR/DEX4) or every 12 (VCR/DEX12) weeks, and a starting dose of weekly oral methotrexate of 20 mg/m2 (MTX20) or 40 mg/m2 (MTX40).

Results:

Five-year event-free survival and overall survival (OS) from enrollment (with 95% CIs), for all eligible and evaluable SR B-ALL patients (n = 9,226), were 92.0% (91.1% and 92.8%) and 96.8% (96.2% and 97.3%), respectively. The 5-year DFS and OS from the start of maintenance for randomly assigned AR patients were 94.6% (93.3% and 95.9%) and 98.5% (97.7% and 99.2%), respectively. The 5-year DFS and OS for patients randomly assigned to receive VCR/DEX4 (n = 1,186) versus VCR/DEX12 (n = 1,178) were 94.1% (92.2% and 96.0%) and 98.3% (97.2% and 99.4%) v 95.1% (93.3% and 96.9%) and 98.6% (97.7% and 99.6%), respectively ( P = .86 and .69). The 5-year DFS and OS for AR patients randomly assigned to receive MTX20 versus MTX40 were 95.1% (93.3% and 96.8%) and 98.8% (97.9% and 99.7%) v 94.2% (92.2% and 96.1%) and 98.1% (97.0% and 99.2%), respectively ( P = .92 and .89).

Conclusions:

The 0NCI-SR AR B-ALL who received VCR/DEX12 had outstanding outcomes despite receiving one third of the vincristine/dexamethasone pulses previously used as standard of care on Children's Oncology Group (COG) trials. The higher starting dose of MTX of 40 mg/m2/week did not improve outcomes when compared with 20 mg/m2/week. The decreased frequency of vincristine/dexamethasone pulses has been incorporated into frontline COG B-ALL trials to decrease the burden of therapy for patients and their families.
Transcription Factor Pit-1 Affects Transcriptional Timing in the Dual-Promoter Human Prolactin Gene
Authors: McNamara Anne V , Awais Raheela , Momiji Hiroshi , Dunham Lee , Featherstone Karen , Harper Claire V , Adamson Antony A , Semprini Sabrina , Jones Nicholas A , Spiller David G , Mullins John J , Finkenstädt Bärbel F , Rand David , White Michael R H , Davis Julian R E
Published: January 2021

Gene transcription occurs in short bursts interspersed with silent periods, and these kinetics can be altered by promoter structure. The effect of alternate promoter architecture on transcription bursting is not known. We studied the human prolactin (hPRL) gene that contains 2 promoters, a pituitary-specific promoter that requires the transcription factor Pit-1 and displays dramatic transcriptional bursting activity and an alternate upstream promoter that is active in nonpituitary tissues. We studied large hPRL genomic fragments with luciferase reporters, and used bacterial artificial chromosome recombineering to manipulate critical promoter regions. Stochastic switch mathematical modelling of single-cell time-lapse luminescence image data revealed that the Pit-1–dependent promoter showed longer, higher-amplitude transcriptional bursts. Knockdown studies confirmed that the presence of Pit-1 stabilized and prolonged periods of active transcription. Pit-1 therefore plays an active role in establishing the timing of transcription cycles, in addition to its cell-specific functions.
NOVAS TENDÊNCIAS NA SEGMENTAÇÃO TURÍSTICA: UM ESTUDO SOBRE MARKETING TERRITORIAL E TURISMO CINEMATOGRÁFICO
Authors: Sousa Bruno Barbosa , Dieguez Teresa , Gomes José Maria
Published: January 2021

O turismo é uma atividade dinâmica e complexa do ponto de vista geográfico, visto que, cada vez mais, ele origina novos (e diferentes) segmentos de mercado com interesses individuais distintos. Esses segmentos são caracterizados pelas motivações que os fazem viajar e, por sua vez, pela diferenciação da oferta existente. Especificamente, o turismo cinematográfico tem-se afirmado, cada vez mais, como uma das atividades mais comuns de lazer e uma das que mais cresce no setor de turismo, por se tratar de um segmento em que os turistas têm maior despesa e, por isso, têm recebido uma maior atenção por parte de líderes empresariais, formuladores de políticas e acadêmicos, em todo o mundo. Paralelamente, a gestão dos territórios proporciona diversas vantagens em nível do desenvolvimento sustentável de um destino turístico, estimulando as exportações e atraindo mais turismo e investimento. Tal como as empresas, também as cidades e os países podem (e devem) desenvolver as suas próprias marcas, tornando-se destinos, cada vez mais, diferenciadores e competitivos. Assim, o presente estudo visa a compreender melhor o papel do marketing aplicado a lugares e a territórios como um benefício para a segmentação turística. Em específico, é proposto um modelo conceitual a testá-lo, empiricamente, em contextos de turismo cinematográfico. Emuma perspetiva interdisciplinar, o presente estudo apresenta inputs na área do marketing e do turismo. No final, serão apresentadas algumas linhas de investigação futura.
Biomechanical effects of osteoporosis on adjacent segments after posterior lumbar interbody fusion: A finite element study
Authors: Zhang Chenchen , Chang Minmin , Zhang Renwen , Tang Shujie
Published: January 2021

Objective: To investigate the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis on adjacent segments after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).

Methods: This study was designed and conducted in the Traumatology and Orthopedics Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, between December 2019 and February 2020. A healthy finite element model of L3-S1 was developed along with one PLIF model and one PLIF with osteoporosis model. Based on a hybrid test method, the inferior surface of S1 was entirely fixed, and a preload of 400N combined with an adjusted moment was imposed on the superior surface of L3 in each model to simulate flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. The intradiscal pressure (IDP), shear stress on annulus fibrosus, and the range of motion (ROM) of L3-L4 and L5-S1 were calculated and compared.

Results: In each direction, the highest value of IDP and shear stress on annulus fibrosus at L3-L4 and L5-S1 was found in the PLIF model, and the lowest value in the healthy model. The largest ROM at L4-L5 appeared in the healthy model, and the smallest value in the PLIF model in each direction. At L3-L4 and L5-S1, the highest ROM in most directions was found in the PLIF model, followed by the PLIF with osteoporosis model, and the lowest value in the healthy model.

Conclusions: Osteoporosis can decrease IDP, shear stress on annulus fibrosus, and ROM at adjacent levels, and slow down the development of ASD after PLIF.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3223

How to cite this:Zhang C, Chang M, Zhang R, Tang S. Biomechanical effects of osteoporosis on adjacent segments after posterior lumbar interbody fusion: A finite element study. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):403-408. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3223

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Necessity of Searching for a New Security Paradigm in the World of Globalisation
Authors: Żółnowska Jolanta
Published: January 2021

Aim: The aim of the paper is to present arguments in favour of the necessity of seeking a new security paradigm in the globalisation era, a world that keeps changing dynamically, entangled in a network of interconnections and at risk. The scale and type of threats that contemporary communities are confronted with continually provide new impulses to revise the security paradigm. Introduction: The globalisation processes are transnational in nature, involve the entire international community and occur simultaneously. These processes are complex, and their impact on the security environment is equally complex. They make people aware and shape the need for security as one of the essential existential needs of societies. Efforts to find a new security paradigm in the contemporary world are part of the attempt to respond to global challenges and threats. The environment of the security entity, which is both man and the nation-state that tend to change as a result of globalisation processes, requires the implementation of in-depth analyses and a broad research perspective, which should take into account both the complexity and variability of the security phenomenon as such, as well as changes taking place in this environment. Methodology: The paper was devised using a problembased method based on a review of literature on the subject. Not only were the achievements of Polish science used, but also the sources presenting the results of research conducted by representatives of academia of various research provenance from Europe and the United States. Conclusions: The new global order is aimed at assuring human security, and needs to be based on a strong cultural foundation, one consisting of common values. The postulate of seeking a new security paradigm in the world of the globalization ear is a response to the challenges of the present times and threats that national societies and the international community must face. The cultural dimension of security and its axiological basis are of increasing importance here. Accordingly the global society may become a security community that shares common values, among which mutual accountability plays a particular role - both global solidarity and solidarity between people. Given the nature of ongoing processes and the changes that are taking place, some researchers support the necessity of adopting an approach to security which should be based on political science, and emphasise the necessity of working out of a paradigm characterised by a holistic approach to this issue.
COVID-19 – and the ‘second health crisis’
Authors: Mosley Michael
Published: January 2021

Dr Michael Mosley on Dry January and how to be mindful of your drinking this New Year
Brighter Smiles in 2021
Authors: Trevelyan Joanne
Published: January 2021

Dental nurse Joanne Trevelyan talks about her work travelling around Cornwall to raise awareness of good oral health
Randomized comparative study between extensile lateral and sinus tarsi approaches for the treatment of Sanders type 2 calcaneal fracture
Authors: Park Chul Hyun , Yan Hongfei , Park Jeongjin
Published: January 2021

Aims

No randomized comparative study has compared the extensile lateral approach (ELA) and sinus tarsi approach (STA) for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. This randomized comparative study was conducted to confirm whether the STA was prone to fewer wound complications than the ELA.

Methods

Between August 2013 and August 2018, 64 patients with Sanders type 2 calcaneus fractures were randomly assigned to receive surgical treatment by the ELA (32 patients) and STA (32 patients). The primary outcome was development of wound complications. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, pain scored of a visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 36-item Short Form health survey, operative duration, subtalar joint range of motion (ROM), Böhler’s angle and calcaneal width, and posterior facet reduction.

Results

Although four patients (12.5%) in the ELA groups and none in the STA group experienced complications, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.113). VAS and AOFAS score were significantly better in the STA group than in the ELA group at six months (p = 0.017 and p = 0.021), but not at 12 months (p = 0.096 and p = 0.200) after surgery. The operation time was significantly shorter in the STA group than in the ELA group (p < 0.001). The subtalar joint ROM was significantly better in the STA group (p = 0.015). Assessment of the amount of postoperative reduction compared with the uninjured limb showed significant restoration of calcaneal width in the ELA group compared with that in the STA group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ELA group showed higher frequency of wound complications than the STA group for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures even though this was not statistically significant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):286–293.